[Chalky] Can't you find these numbers free-of-charge on the web? Sometimes typing the name of the venue (quoted) into Google comes up trumps. Then there's the BT, Yellow Pages and Thomson Local Directories too...

I've just watched a video of atoms bouncing up and down on videotape. I wanted to ask the Prof why he's stuck in the 1980's and doesn't use DVD instead :)

I was about to suggest the Hotel Portmeirion, but have just checked the prices and am still shaking and sweating.

Is there something to be said for having the affair somewhere within reach of public transport, as for those of us who don't drive, taxis can really add a bit of a premium. Possibly (and aptly) on a branch line someplace?

Thanks all - and yes, rab, I did just that.
OK - already there's a possibility - Brownsover Hall, Rugby [where the M1 & M6 meet] which is a gothic mansion! Nice people. They can accommodate us on May 15 or May 29 [unfortunately they have a very large wedding on May 22] for a group rate of £35 per head which includes full English breakfast. Also a bonus - NO single room supplements for those that would rather snore privately. There's a choice of two private rooms we can use as well, both near the bar [Boddingtons, Flowers - dunno if they're crap beers or not]. There IS a smallish wedding on the 15th, so we shouldn't be too conspicuous by our jollity. No deposit needed - just a written confirmation from me.

Cor, sounds great. I'm in for any of those dates.

Bread] I prefer the phone co-op because it is owned and controlled by its customers. I've had more problems with both 118118 and 188888 than 118 114, and it is cheaper than both.

Hope I've got this right.
[PJ] It's 2 miles from the station - I'm sure someone will pick you up :-)

[Chalky] Looks like a good venue, eminently walkable from the station (so Projoy won't have to splash out on taxis). Transport links look good to.

Chalky] That was my first choice! Are you good at price negotiation? They did not include breakfast when I asked. I agree, it is a great potential venue.

[rab] How dare you. I've never splashed out in a taxi! That's just a rumour!

[Btd] I thought the name sounded familiar, but couldn't put my finger on it.

Well I've got to disappear for a while. Can everyone who is interested confirm which of the two dates - 15th or Busy Bank Holiday 29th? .. and [Bob] you have a list of potential players, yes? Just need to know how many singles and how many doubles to book, if we eventually decide on the venue. Blimey - I've turned into a right bossy boots ...

I can do either date. So there! :)

Me too, I think. [Thos] Look at you!

As far as I'm aware, either date is good for me as well. Hurrah! Where's MCiOS gone (*me goes to look on orange*)?

(Oh, it's back now. Odd)

I actually couldn't do the 22nd anyway - I'm off seeing Bill Bailey that night. Whee!

The list so far is:
Chalky (!)-
Lib* -
Boolbar* - (possibly - he has not yet responded to my email - his work is monitoring internet use)
Merlyn
Projoy* - One of the 'Humphs'
I’m not John* -
LotUS* -
Herr Bratche* -
Blamelewis* (Recording the event)–
Martha Farqua* (? - recommended as a 'Humph' has already written a wonderful script.)-
Unkle Korky* -
Nik -
JLE - (Piano)
Thos -
ZK (Possibly now the date has changed)
st dog* (Unlikely, but I think it would be good if he agreed to be one of the 'Humphs'.)
* I have their email address. If you are interested and not listed, mailme. ISP and Dunx have agreed to contibute towards scripts.

and rab? and you, Bob?
*slight panic* and more girls please? pen? and the snorg?

[Chalky] I'm a girl. I'll check out the dates.(Angus...not a word now) What exactly's involved at such a gathering? My wit is a much-deliberated thing, it's not quite as spontaneous among strangers...*example* ZK opens mouth: blather bleeble eep...fnar...

[ZK] Part of the point of this gathering is that the opportunities for wit are more deliberative, since players will have some idea of the games ahead of time.

Unfortunatly as yet I can't commit either weekend. At the moment both are free, but I have my brother's fiancee's hen night to factor in (and work). Am trying to get a date decided for the hen night, but am between the rock and hard place till then.

Question also - what kind of age is everyone else? without wanting to be too personal about it all. you can answer within the 10-year bracket of course (20s, 50s....)

Yes - ZK, I knew you were a girl :-)
I'm also pretty dumbstruck when faced with new people and situations, but then I'm only 16.

Well I haven't had a holiday in years, and would love to come meet you all and have you laugh at my accent. It isn't hugely likely, but there's a possibility - more for the 29th than the 15th I think - although I do seem to recall Britain being even more expensive than most places.

[Chalky] Are you being sarcastic? I never can tell.

They let 16 year-olds drink that much brandy?

[Toby] ... particularly with the exchange rate as it is. Can't say I'm looking forward to the phenomenal cost as and when I get back to Blighty. Not that I know when that might be, of course.

Ooops, yes and rab and me. Lib - I do hope you can come! Pen wrote to me to say she will probably be at race meetings throughout May.

Going back to format (ZK + all) - ISIHAC in real life is semi-scripted. The game introductions are scripted and players are warned weeks beforehand of the games they are to play. So - if I there is to be a game of 'late arrivals at the proctologists ball' players are warned in advance and have time to put down some amusing answers to read out.

[chalky] Teachers are getting younger and younger, aren't they? Personally I'm about 65, at least on the inside.

I'm a yes.

[ZK] Sorry, sarcasm or irony doesn't really transfer onto the screen. Although I'm fairly confident with strangers in my areas of expertise [!], meeting in a social context is a different matter, so yes, I tend to blush and stammer. I've never quite grown out of it. Regarding age, I'm relatively new to the Crescent, so can only assume that most of the regulars here are between the ages of 23 and 45, with the hardcore 'originals' in their thirties. But having said that, I know that Rosie and Duj and possibly Software, are older. Conversely, quite a few undergraduates post in here. Perhaps someone who has been around for more than 5 years can correct me on that? As Breadmaster indicated, the wrapping is meaningless - it's what's inside that links us together.

ZK] You can be The Lovely Samantha. That does not require any wit, though if a player is late you may have to sit on his seat until he comes.

I'm 27, and have been playing MC over the net for about seven years now.