Birmingham meet up....

Pleased to hear that you got there in time! Had a lovely journey back on the train chatting to a guy who worked for social services. Time went so quickly that he had to tell me I was at my station...I thought we were only at Burton![bet he was glad to see the back of me]. It seems to be my new hobby; chatting to men on trains . Just watched The Last Kingdom which seems to have been about Bamburgh; strange thing is that everything is filmed at Bamburgh on the beach but this, which was about Bamburgh looked [to me at least] as if fit had been filmed elsewhere . Now for a bit of Simon Shamas[sp] programme about portraits [I've only just latched onto the series]

Great to see you again, Tegan and Nonnie! Enjoying the company so much that only just made it to the theatre! Enjoyed Priscilla, costumes awesomely fabulous!

Oops - I mean today of course. How did it get to that time?

Teetime - sorry to hear about your MiL, a very sad time for you all.

Tegan and Nonnie, see you tomorrow with anyone else able to join us.

I'm still going! Have to buy something to wear for DS's graduation!

Thought I'd better bump this up [in case I forget to go ]....

Oh how sad; thinking of you both .

Thank you.

Sorry to hear that Teatime I hope her end stage is peaceful.

Sadly I am now unable to join you as my MIL has been admitted to hospital for the end stage of her life and naturally DH needs us to visit for the next few days. I hope you have a good day and I hope to meet with you all in the near future. xx

Just to clarify this was my suggestion: 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.

I think the important part is the section totally opposite to where the food is served

It is the smallest area which is why I thought it would be easiest for us.

Keep me posted*Tegan * xx

Having finally visited The Place to Eat at the top of John Lewis I couldn't see the Blue Bull where we are intending to meet. This is because it is in a small section leading off the main restaurant. I actually had to ask where it was! Very interesting bull too!

Finally back on line; going away for a week but will see what's what when I get back. Not sure if I'm coming to Brum for the day or if I'm going to stay over to do more family research for a day or so. OGM; hoping that our little meet ups will continue on a regular basis so watch this space .

KatyK - yes the Arts Festival Weekend was great. Huge piles of detailed A4 programmes were being distributed - inside the Rep on the Saturday. No one seemed to have had one earlier. They should have been out in libraries etc. a couple of weeks earlier so that people actually knew about the festival and could plan their time there. Very poor PR.

Tomorrow the Birmingham Literature Festival starts, on until 17th October. Many events are free. Brochures are in libraries but again a lot of people seem unaware of the events.

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

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

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.

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?

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!

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.

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 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).

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

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?