Birmingham meet up....

If you could see their tails, were they short and furry (water voles) or long and naked (rats) ? Were their ears small and laid-back (water voles) or large and sticky-up (rats)

If they were water voles you were very lucky to see some shy animals who have become much rarer than they used to be, mostly thanks to mink (who are slim enough to follow them into their burrows and take out the whole family) but also to the way stream-side vegetation is cleared back so much more these days.

Long tails, didn't notice the ears. Pretty sure they were rats.

Teetime, waiting to hear from gj but she seems not to have been on GN lately.

Yes I sent her an e-mail too but not answered yet. I think she may be in her Highland bolt hole.

For those with an interest in Birmingham

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYb55WhG_oA of course I think they should have included a dancer!

Just thought I should bump this up every now and again....are we still on course?

I am!

Me too!

I am too - just a little unsure re where we're meeting! There have been several suggestions since I posted that we'd meet at BMAG! Still plenty of time however and by then someone is sure to know what Grand Central has to offer!

I think it's down to John Lewis or BMAG but awaiting a brave intrepid explorer to check out the former....not sure if I'm spending just the day or a couple of days in Brum....the days and weeks seem to be running away with themselves and I'll be away with no internet access the week before; however nothing is happening from 18th onwards so I can slot in with any change of plan, even if another date is chosen. [other than Friday 23rd when I've got the children].

Well someone had to do it! Went to Grand Central yesterday and liked it. The restaurant/coffee shop in John Lewis is on the top floor. It is quite big so I would suggest we meet in the section totally opposite to where the food is served. You will know you are in the right place if you can see a blue bull on the wall made of plates. What time?

11 still good?

Yes Elrel, 11 is fine for me.

11 is good for me too.

Thanks everyone! See you at 11 at Grand Central I guess, thanks for pioneering work, Nonnie!

I fear this may just be sour grapes (!) as I don't think I can be there, but are you seriously all going to Birmingham and not leaving Grand Central/New Street Station?

Alea I will not be arriving by train so will be in other parts of Brum before and after!

Alea Having been to Grand Central twice this week - believe me there may be no reason to leave Grand Central - there are loads of shops and eateries. It's wonderful (in this Brummie's opinion).

It reminds me of a story my Dad once told me of an old shepherd from up the top of the Ettrick valley who had never been out of the valley except for the ram sales in Kelso once a year. Anyway one day he announced he was going to go to Edinburgh on the train!
Off he went on this great adventure and after his return was asked what he thought of it.
He was enraptured! " Oh, it's unca big, but awfy braw" he replied" ye ken, it dis nae matter if it's fine or rainin', the whole city has a great big roof over it!"
He had not been out of Waverley station!

Alea: love the shepherd story!
KatyK: I've been to Grand Central twice but only arrived by train and went up to the main atrium (?) with the lovely glass roof. Both times I had to ask where to find the exit I wanted! Looking forward to exploring properly when I'm not in a hurry.
I found Birmingham a bit sad today without the colour and interest of the Big Hoot Owls, no little knots of smiling people chatting and taking photos. Someone had dressed the Floozie in the Jacuzzi aka Flirt in the Dirt in a bright pink frilly top but I did miss the owls.

Elrel Oh I didn't know the owls had gone. What a shame. I loved those owls, they had them in other places too such as Sutton Coldfield. The only upside to them going is that they are going to be auctioned off for Birmingham Children's Hospital I think. The weekend before last was fantastic in Birmingham City Centre. It was what they called 'Festival Weekend'. The council hadn't advertised it and we just went in to see Grand Central but there were dancers in the streets and live bands and musicians and the sun was shining!

Is the meeting still on and is it the 29th at 11am. I am planning to come but its mission critical to get a dress etc for GS wedding so can I meet you for coffee only - where will you be please?

Without reading the posts where I am sure all the details must be, I have it in my diary as 1100 in John Lewis restaurant, back room with blue bull on the wall on 22 October. I am sure someone will say if this is wrong.

Oh fiddle..... just made a foray into GN and found this! Sis and BiL arrive for a stay on the 22nd. Will be with you in spirit x

Yes of course 22nd silly me. See you then.