The 2013 New York Symposium will be traveling to London! (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Louis Badolato
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Obee
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Rob,
sound good, but what about the sites in UK as well?
Maybe a visit to the Imperial War Museum, Army Museum AND Gunfire at Woolwich which are all within striking distance for a day trip. Then there is Bovington for the Tankers and what about aircraft ???? (Bentley Priory ??)
I'd love to visit the WW1 Battlefields again, done that a couple of times and in particular the actions where the AIF was engaged. ( I don't know all that much about WW2 except Calais / Dunkirk where my wife's father was captured in 1940)
I think that you guys in UK, being the locals, will have to most of the ground work, but I'm sure that with some sort of agenda, this will be a great time to visit London.
Can any visits or specail meetings be arranged with any makers? Tradition? Alexanders Toy Soldiers? Asset? Dorset? Steadfast / RP Wold Models? Irregular? Tommy Atkins? Yeomanry??????????????
That would be really good to see and converse with those people who produce the miniature we love to collect.
WhAt about visiting anyone's collection? Where is the BMSS collection now? I saw it at Hatfield Hall in 2010, but its been moved/sold off now?
There is 15 months to go...... AND my wife has said YES, she'd love to go 'back to Blighty' next year too (so I have my 'leave pass' signed already)
John
Rob
Four Star General
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Rob,
sound good, but what about the sites in UK as well?
Maybe a visit to the Imperial War Museum, Army Museum AND Gunfire at Woolwich which are all within striking distance for a day trip. Then there is Bovington for the Tankers and what about aircraft ???? (Bentley Priory ??)
I'd love to visit the WW1 Battlefields again, done that a couple of times and in particular the actions where the AIF was engaged. ( I don't know all that much about WW2 except Calais / Dunkirk where my wife's father was captured in 1940)
I think that you guys in UK, being the locals, will have to most of the ground work, but I'm sure that with some sort of agenda, this will be a great time to visit London.
Can any visits or specail meetings be arranged with any makers? Tradition? Alexanders Toy Soldiers? Asset? Dorset? Steadfast / RP Wold Models? Irregular? Tommy Atkins? Yeomanry??????????????
That would be really good to see and converse with those people who produce the miniature we love to collect.
WhAt about visiting anyone's collection? Where is the BMSS collection now? I saw it at Hatfield Hall in 2010, but its been moved/sold off now?
There is 15 months to go...... AND my wife has said YES, she'd love to go 'back to Blighty' next year too (so I have my 'leave pass' signed already)
John
Hey John,
Well I expect Bovington will be a must see for many as its just so good there, the Imperial War Museum closes 1st Jan for six months, so if its all running to schedule it may be open a couple of days after the show but won't know until much nearer the time. But there's also Duxford,HMS Belfast,Cabinet War rooms and lots of other places to visit. As for Toy Soldier makers I guess that is probably going to be down to individuals and how much time they want to spend sightseeing and how much time they want to spend on TS's? Great to hear you'll be there too John, and how about this one, I understand the new Museum will be open at Bentley Priory in the spring 2013, so thats got to be up there on the wish list too
Cheers
Rob
Well Guys,
Looks like we have a lot of interest and there will definitely be plenty to do.
Also looks like I'll be establishing Grey Goose Travel Agency soon.
Although we have 15 months to develop the programme, happy to receive thoughts and once I have a basic outline I'll build out an agenda.
A lot will dictate on the length of stay for individuals but I'll try and cater for as broad an appetite as possible.
At some point on the agenda there will be an opportunity to see a camel or two!!
Rather than fill the inbox here anyone's welcome to email at "greygoose@spa.eclipse.co.uk" with ideas.
Some clever wag at the weekend suggested we have a 4th July celebration but being a Brit I'm not sure what all that is about!!:smile2:
Regards
Clive
Looks like we have a lot of interest and there will definitely be plenty to do.
Also looks like I'll be establishing Grey Goose Travel Agency soon.
Although we have 15 months to develop the programme, happy to receive thoughts and once I have a basic outline I'll build out an agenda.
A lot will dictate on the length of stay for individuals but I'll try and cater for as broad an appetite as possible.
At some point on the agenda there will be an opportunity to see a camel or two!!
Rather than fill the inbox here anyone's welcome to email at "greygoose@spa.eclipse.co.uk" with ideas.
Some clever wag at the weekend suggested we have a 4th July celebration but being a Brit I'm not sure what all that is about!!:smile2:
Regards
Clive
tdubel
Major
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Clive,
That would be me............you agreed to a barbeque...............!!!
I will be in touch via email tonight on other stuff.
TD
Beaufighter
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Attention Symposium bound Squadron members,
Something to fire you gents up especially Air Commodore Lo and a favorite place of mine to visit. Turn up the volume and enjoy!
http://player.vimeo.com/video/37599899
Tally Ho,
Marc
Louis Badolato
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Just from the discussions we had at this year's symposium, some of the things we wanted to organize are:
1. A trip across the channel to the Normandy beaches.
2. Visits to the major military museums (Bovington, the Imperial War Museum, Bently Priory, etc.).
On a personal note, I want to organize a side trip to the RAF/USAF airfield at Snetterton Heath, which is still a museum, because that is where my Uncle Joe flew from.
Obviously, we will also have to organize dinners and luncheons (I am still in to sponsor some of these) and arrange to have both local manufacturers and manufacturers from around the world, like Andy Neilson from K&C, Richard Walker from Britains, John Jenkins, and Rick Wang from Figarti, make presentations. Clive can reach out to Rick Wang, I will reach out to Andy, Richard and John, but those of you who know and are friends with some of the past and present local manufacturers (like Tony and Adele from Heco Tinplate Models (get on it Clive), the gentlemen from Yeomanry Miniatures, the sculptor from Toy Army Workshop, or Len from Trophy (Martyn, this is your job)) should PM me or Clive and put us in touch with them if they are interested.
1. A trip across the channel to the Normandy beaches.
2. Visits to the major military museums (Bovington, the Imperial War Museum, Bently Priory, etc.).
On a personal note, I want to organize a side trip to the RAF/USAF airfield at Snetterton Heath, which is still a museum, because that is where my Uncle Joe flew from.
Obviously, we will also have to organize dinners and luncheons (I am still in to sponsor some of these) and arrange to have both local manufacturers and manufacturers from around the world, like Andy Neilson from K&C, Richard Walker from Britains, John Jenkins, and Rick Wang from Figarti, make presentations. Clive can reach out to Rick Wang, I will reach out to Andy, Richard and John, but those of you who know and are friends with some of the past and present local manufacturers (like Tony and Adele from Heco Tinplate Models (get on it Clive), the gentlemen from Yeomanry Miniatures, the sculptor from Toy Army Workshop, or Len from Trophy (Martyn, this is your job)) should PM me or Clive and put us in touch with them if they are interested.
Rob
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All sounds very good Louis. Just a note for your plans here, the Imperial War Museum will be closed from January 1st for its major refurbishment and renewal.It will reopen at the start of July. Now all this obviously depends on construction work progress so we will have to wait until much nearer the date to find out exactly what date it will reopen, I really hope it will be open again in time and will of course be very happy to take all you guys on a tour of the museum if its open again in time.
Bentley Priory is due to open Spring next year so that should be fine.
Cheers
Rob
Whoa,
We've got 15 months to organise this and we can't do it via committee.
I'm gonna use my good old project management skills to ensure we can cater for as much as possible but there will be logistical issues for many as well as diversity of what people want to do.
I've just voted myself as Chairman of the planning committee and would ask that we filter lall requests through my previous email address or I'll never get my hands around it.
Preparation, planning ,execution. (Hopefully)
Regards
Clive
We've got 15 months to organise this and we can't do it via committee.
I'm gonna use my good old project management skills to ensure we can cater for as much as possible but there will be logistical issues for many as well as diversity of what people want to do.
I've just voted myself as Chairman of the planning committee and would ask that we filter lall requests through my previous email address or I'll never get my hands around it.
Preparation, planning ,execution. (Hopefully)
Regards
Clive
Rob
Four Star General
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Nice one Clive, (check my above post mate) I think this could be the biggest symposium yet.
Rob
Rob
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Louis Badolato
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I defer to you Clive, as you have boots on the ground. Let me know what if any assistance you would like and I will get right on it. Having organized, planned and executed 7 of these get togethers to date, I am happy to help whenever you require.
tdubel
Major
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Quick update from the Maryland contingent. Playing with dates, it appears we will probably try to do near 2 weeks in jolly old England. Going to try to add in side trips to Castles in Wales, the Victory in Portsmouth and Normandy! My brood has now grown to include my parents, so there will be at least 5 Marylanders coming to visit our Civil War allies............!
Side note it wil be during my son's 9th Birthday as well as I turn the big 40 that Summer, so I have warned my wife that she needs to bring extra coin for birthday purchases.
Clive, I am counting on you to keep hold of my boxes and ship them on to me......................The last thing I need to hear for the rest of the trip is......you bought what on Saturday?????
Looking forward to it!
TD
Side note it wil be during my son's 9th Birthday as well as I turn the big 40 that Summer, so I have warned my wife that she needs to bring extra coin for birthday purchases.
Clive, I am counting on you to keep hold of my boxes and ship them on to me......................The last thing I need to hear for the rest of the trip is......you bought what on Saturday?????
Looking forward to it!
TD
MCKENNA77
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This is an excellent idea, you dudes will have a great time in London. Just a couple of my two cent ideas:
1. Make sure you land at London Heathrow as you can take the Underground for about 7 pounds into Central London. An Express train ticket costs around 20 pound one way and a taxi ride to the Russel Square area is around 70pounds. Underground ride takes about an hour fyi. You can't take the Underground from Gatewick to my knowledge.
2. In my opinion, for history minded collectors: The Tower of London, RAF Museum in Hendon(25 min tube ride and 15 min walk), The Churchill War Rooms and the Imperial War Museum will be your best and most easily accessed sites. Also, the British Museum is a 10 minute walk from the Royal National and it rules. Me and KGB went there again for the March show and the exhibit on the Hajj might be the best museum exhibit I've ever seen. Its one of those places you could spend 3 days at if you had the time. St Pauls Cathedral is also awesome as well as the Tate Modern and the National Gallery. Everyone is different though and enjoys different sites, pick what you want and just go dude. Another very interesting tour is a Jack the Ripper walking history tour in East London. Very informative, you get to see a different part of London in East London. There are numerous tour groups that do this now, its best to book tickets and make a reservation on line as they have become somewhat popular to do.
3. Be advised that the Royal National is a bit of a dive to stay at. You can find a comparable priced hotel nearby or at a Premium Inn(there is one on Euston that is a 10 minute walk away- Duke Road is the address). The Royal National gets jammed packed with students and European Visitors. Not that thats all bad but when they come tromping around your room like a herd of f*&&* cattle at 2am it gets really annoying.
Other than that, make sure you look both ways before you cross the street(no I'm not kidding, its very easy to get run over there because you're use to expecting traffic in a certain direction) and make sure you stay 1' back from the curb as the double decker bus mirrors could take your head clean off.
Keep it silly
1. Make sure you land at London Heathrow as you can take the Underground for about 7 pounds into Central London. An Express train ticket costs around 20 pound one way and a taxi ride to the Russel Square area is around 70pounds. Underground ride takes about an hour fyi. You can't take the Underground from Gatewick to my knowledge.
2. In my opinion, for history minded collectors: The Tower of London, RAF Museum in Hendon(25 min tube ride and 15 min walk), The Churchill War Rooms and the Imperial War Museum will be your best and most easily accessed sites. Also, the British Museum is a 10 minute walk from the Royal National and it rules. Me and KGB went there again for the March show and the exhibit on the Hajj might be the best museum exhibit I've ever seen. Its one of those places you could spend 3 days at if you had the time. St Pauls Cathedral is also awesome as well as the Tate Modern and the National Gallery. Everyone is different though and enjoys different sites, pick what you want and just go dude. Another very interesting tour is a Jack the Ripper walking history tour in East London. Very informative, you get to see a different part of London in East London. There are numerous tour groups that do this now, its best to book tickets and make a reservation on line as they have become somewhat popular to do.
3. Be advised that the Royal National is a bit of a dive to stay at. You can find a comparable priced hotel nearby or at a Premium Inn(there is one on Euston that is a 10 minute walk away- Duke Road is the address). The Royal National gets jammed packed with students and European Visitors. Not that thats all bad but when they come tromping around your room like a herd of f*&&* cattle at 2am it gets really annoying.
Other than that, make sure you look both ways before you cross the street(no I'm not kidding, its very easy to get run over there because you're use to expecting traffic in a certain direction) and make sure you stay 1' back from the curb as the double decker bus mirrors could take your head clean off.
Keep it silly
Rob
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Excellent post Dude couldn't agree more. Hendon,The Tower, IWM , Cabinet War rooms are all great days out . If I may also add HMS Belfast is also great for those with a nautical bent. Also by the time of the symposium the new Battle of Britain museum at Bentley Priory(Battle of Britain HQ at Stanmore North of London) should be up and running and that also promises to be very good . Further afield there is of course Duxford Airfield in Cambridgeshire which was recently described as one of the best War museums in the world and Bovington Tank museum the world renowned AFV centre.
Chris also makes a very good point about Buses in London, they do roar past very close on occasion and its worth as he says keeping back from the curb. The same must also be said of the London Underground, there are some real weirdos down there so always keep away from the edge. As for the Royal National once again the man is spot on, I would never stay there unless there wasn't another room in London to be had. (pm me if you want reasons why!)
Great to see you in London Chris, thanks again for the leaflets you brought over for me and enjoy New Zealand mate.
Rob
AIDMAN
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Hey Guys....This sounds like a terrific idea!!. it would be great to meet some of you International Collectors. A lot can happen in 15 months
but all being well count me in!!...They had better reserve the WHOLE BAR for the Treefroggers..and oh yeah! EXTRA BARMAIDS*****.
Steve
but all being well count me in!!...They had better reserve the WHOLE BAR for the Treefroggers..and oh yeah! EXTRA BARMAIDS*****.
Steve
Those are all great ideas. I would strongly recommend a day trip by train to Windsor Castle. It is still one of the hightlights of my visit. The town of Windsor is gorgeous.
I would love to go back there some day.
Walt