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Hi Fellow Rootschatters
Following phone calls from both our beloved leaders (Trystan & Sarah), I have been asked to arrange a Rootschat meet here in Historical Hastings. (Battle of Hastings, 1066 and all that)
The date of the proposed meet is Saturday 30th September 2006.
More details of possible activities will follow as they are arranged or confirmed, but at the present moment the itinarary is as follows:-
Saturday 30th September 2006
Proposed Itinarary
Prior to 10.30
Depart London (Charring Cross)at 8.15 – Arrive Battle at 9.42
8.45 – 10.05 (Shortest Time)
9.15 - 10.42
Arrive at Battle Station and walk a couple of hundred yards to Battle Abbey where we will have tea/coffee on the Abbey Green and hopefully wait for other rootschatters to join us.
10.30 – 1.00
Tour of Battle Abbey and the Battlefield www.castles-abbeys.co.uk/Battle-Abbey.html (admission charge payable - £4 per adult, possibly cheaper as a group rate – Free to all English Heritage and Cadwr members) - for those not wanting to go in the Abbey Grounds, a walk up Battle High Street and the old shops is a must or possibly a visit to Bentleys Yesterday World, just across the road and opposite the Abbey. www.yesterdaysworld.co.uk/
(Depart Battle Station at 13.05 – arrive Hastings at 13.18)
1.20
Arrive in Hastings (by car and train) for a typical Fish & Chip meal on the sea front, and, depending on the weather, time for a quick paddle in the sea..
2.30
Take the railway up the cliffs www.hows.org.uk/personal/rail/hast.htm to Hastings Castle and enter (small charge for both unfortunately, Castle £3.20 and Railway ?) www.visithastings.com/attractions/default_castle.asp
4.00
Walk from Castle via the Ladies Parlour (Jousting Ground) down the West Hill in to the Old Town and its Twittens with background commentary by a Local Historian.
4.30
Visit the Famous Fishermens Museum located in the Fishermans Church and have a guided tour around same followed by viewing the unique Hastings Net Huts owned by Britains largest Beach based Fishing Fleet. www.hastingsfish.co.uk/museum.htm
6.00
Evening meal in an “Old Towne” Eating House
7.30 onwards
Liquid refreshments in a local hostillery
If anyone wishes to stay in Hastings on either the Friday or the Saturday evening, then I will forward details of some accommodation.
Keep your eyes on this thread for further updates as and when they happen
Chris in 1066
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Tentatively puts hand up.... ;D
Well done Chris.
Steph.
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I would love to attend but will have to check the old diary... so I am tentatively putting my hand up too! :D
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AND ME ...AND ME...please
Steve
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Oh I'll be there, Hastings I can do, and I will have car.
Kerry
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Hi
Thats great
phew !!!, I was beginning to get a bit worried, 75 views and no replies.
But thankyou Passionplay, Cal241, Stevenson and KerryB for showing interest
I will try to make it a memorable day for everyone with some surprises thrown in
Chris in 1066
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Not too surprising please Chris, if it's still this hot then, I won't be able to take it!!!!
Kerry
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Oh me too - and I volunteer to pick people on the way if they can cope with my car - a citroen ax (not particulary stylish!) and my driving! I'm safe honest!!
I'll be coming from just west of Worthing....
Legs
xxxx
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Looking forward to meeting you Legs!
I tell my friends and family to be off the road that day then ;) ;) ;) ;)
(Only joking, mind you if I'm the road too!!)
Kerry ;D ;D
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Hi
If I can make it (can't think any futher thn my hols at the moment .... Spain here we come on Sunday) I will be driving I could take a couple of folk....... coming from Manchester
Cal 8)
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A tentative yes......will have to check travel from Dorset.
Nanny Jan
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Excellent Kerry!
Looking forward to meeting you too, and I'll tell my family to stay at home too!! Both of us on the road simultaneously could be interesting!!!
Legs
xxxx
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Kerryb and allegs
The roads in sussex have been there since before 1066, so should be room for both of you ;D
Or are we going to have 'Battle of Hastings 2006' to see who is king of the Road?
Better make sure the RAC and AA are on standby for emergency treatment.
Only joking :-[
Chris in 1066
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Cal
Hi
If I can make it (can't think any futher thn my hols at the moment .... Spain here we come on Sunday) I will be driving I could take a couple of folk....... coming from Manchester
That would be fantastic, I am sure there are a couple up your way who would love to come down to the birthplace of English History
Look forward to meeting you all
Chris in 1066
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Thanks Chris
I'll have you know my family have apparently been burning up the roads of East Sussex probably since 1066!!! ;) ;)
Can you do a burn up in a Cart?
Seriously though, I will have car and could pick people up at station. I think Battle station is on the line from London Bridge. If people want to come from London Victoria I could pick people from Polegate station just before end of the line at Eastbourne. But I've only got a Peugeot 106!
Kerry :)
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Hi
Can you do a burn up in a Cart?
It all depends on how hard the wasp stung the horses bum :o
Chris
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Hi Chris, please put me down as a maybe. I should be able to make it but will have to wait until nearer the time until I can say definitely.
The itinarary sound great ;D 8) :)
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Hi Chris
Sorry I won't be able to make this one - it'll be the first one I've missed. :'( I am doing the Great North Run the following morning in Newcastle so I would be struggling to make the 600 mile round trip and still be fresh enough to get round the course!
I hope it goes well for all those who can make it.
Best wishes
Ticker
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Good Luck on the Great North Run Ticker.
Chris, your Itinerary looks very efficient compared to the meet in Belfast. Sorry I will not be able to get to Hastings. What's going on though? The Belfast Meet has not yet taken place, you are having a Meet and two people have suggested having another in Belfast before they have attended the first one.
I hope everyone attending the Meet in Hastings has a great time.
Best Wishes, Christopher
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Christopher
Thanks for those warm wishes - I also hope your meet on the 29th July goes well.
Unfortunately Belfast is a bit far for us to travel, and as yet we do not have any Irish Connections - but the whole family would love to come over to Ireland sometime in the future with our Folding Camper and have a holiday there. I personally would love to get behind a Horse and Caravan for a leisurely amble around the Island.
The Itinerary for Hastings is coming together nicely, just now trying to fit in one or two little extras / surprises like being met and welcomed by the Town Crier in his full regalia etc.
Oh Yeah, Oh Yeah, Welcome to Rootschatters
Could be a memorable day for us all
Chris in 1066
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How about having a Roots meet here in sunny Colchester?? After all it is the oldest recorded town in Britain! There is plenty to see, The magic roundabout (and no that doesn't involve talking dogs, rabbits or the like) It is infact your worst nightmare Legs!! - but it is great fun to watch petrified learner drivers trying to negotiate all 5 mini roundabouts as well as the large one in the middle! If you are a fan of roads then you will love the A12 and its colourful collection of orange cones! Or perhaps take in a local dig? (no not the archaeological ones, although they do do these but like to fill them in pretty quick) We have a fine array of new builds in and around the centre of town! To make the trip more enjoyable why not come on a Saturday? (leave the car at home, you won't park it or if you do it might cost you the price of an arm or a leg....instead why not rely on a train? you will only be an hour late, if you are lucky!
Hee hee
Penninah
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I will try to make it a memorable day for everyone with some surprises thrown in
Chris
Two questions re possible surprises:
(a) do the pier slot machines still run on old money, ie "d" not "p"?
(b) is the nudist beach still in Fairlight Cove?
JULIAN
(Hastings resident 1979-1981)
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Oh Chris,
Not too many surprises please, the day is adding up cost wise - the petrol alone will almost break my bank - being a student money is very tight!!! Not sure I'll be able to afford to do all the activities but would still love to meet everyone.
Love
Legs
xxxx
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Hi, very interested to see this gathering. Unfortunately as I'm in Belgium you'll have to put me down as a most probably won't be. As the actual battle was on the 14th October (my late mother in law's birthday), I'm wondering why you are meeting 14 days early..... Anyway, as I did all this for the first time in 1966 with the scouts and then again in the 90's with my wife and children, I wish you all who can make it the lovliest of days.
falcybe
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Well done Chris! The itinerary looks great and I shall definitely be working on the logistics of getting there!
Jill
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Yes, well done Chris in organising this! Sorry I won't be able to indulge, though, as that's the day I'm off on my jollies. I am sure a good time will be had by all. And if anyone wants to borrow my beret for the day... :)
cheers
Paul
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Paul
Would love to borrow the beret, but I don't think the look could be achieved ......
I don't have the beard!!!
Kerry ;) ;)
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Kerry, is that pic to help us recognise you on the day ;D ;D
Steph.
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
You'll be looking all day if you look for that sweet little thing!!!!
Kerry
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Hi Julian,
Sadly the Pier has just closed down yet again with structural problems. It could be the end of the road for the Pier. As far as I know the nudist beach is still there. You'll find plenty of slot machines still in the Old Town.
Brig
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Sounds great.
Put me down as a maybe, too.
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I've just found this thread. How did I miss it.
Put me on the list please. Lesanne.
PS. Legs, I'm near Steyning.
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Hi Lesanne,
Fancy sharing a lift then? I'm in Ferring!
Love
Legs
xxxxx
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Hi
I have only just found this thread. Chris please can you send me details of accomodation? As I am venturing south from sunny Nottingham I will probably stay Friday and Saturday. My next job is to look on multimap as I don't know where Hastings is.
Jane
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Hi Jane
I know that Chris is currently on holiday so I thought I would pass on two useful websites that you could use to find some accommodation.
Firstly I work for the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and we have accommodation in our area.
http://www.highweald.org/sites.asp?PageId=39
You will find a map on that page that might give you some idea of where Hastings is.
Also there is the Visit South East England website that also has an accommodation page.
http://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/productsearch/accommodation/accomsearchform.aspx
Hope this helps
Kerry
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Hi Kerry
Thanks for the information. I now know where Hastings is. The closest I have been to is Brighton.
Jane
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Well Jane, I shall probably offend someone but I think Hastings is much much nicer than Brighton, so you are in for a treat!!
Kerry
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;D ooooo Kerry. ;D ;D ;D
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Hi
I can't wait. I love Rootschat meets. This will be my 3rd. I just love meeting the real people. Putting a face to their name and having a brief glimpse of what they are like. Trouble is they see the real me!
Jane
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Jane
This will be my first and I feel much the same. Can't wait to put a faces to the names. ;D
Kerry
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Please take me off the "possibles" list; the travel logistics from Dorset not good.
Nanny Jan
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Nanny Jan
That's a shame and we will miss you, but maybe there will be a next time!
Kerry
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Kerry,
Do hope so but car and I could not face the drive and looking at the trains......well it looked like train to London, across, then out again......ridiculous! The other offer was along the south cost with changes and long waits inbetween.
Nanny Jan
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Amazingly despite Prescott wanting to make the South East the city of his dreams, travel is still several centuries behind the rest of the world!!!!!!!
Oh you can get to London from the coast ok, going across though is nigh on impossible! :o :o :o :o
Kerry
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Hi
I am mortified. I cannot come to the meet in Hastings after all! I have a work commitment I cannot get out of.
Have a fantastic time and I will be thinking of you all. I hope to see lots of pictures of what you get up to and see the faces I will now miss.
Love from up north, (well its the midlands really, Nottingham)
Jane
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We shall miss you Jane but maybe next time!
Kerry
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Argh - I'm not sure I'll be able to make it now either.... I was supposed to have my tonsils removed last week buy the op was cancelled, they've re-scheduled me for September 21st (providing they don't cancel me once again!), it is supposed to take 2-3 weeks to recover...I guess I'll just have to see how I feel....
Sorry guys
Love
Legs
xxxxx
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I'm another one to drop out I'm afraid! A long way to drive and I would need to take out a mortgage for the train fare, not to mention a couple of nights in hotels!
Hopefully next time...!
Jill
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eeeeK! Sorry I have to too. Really really wanted to come down to Hastings. :'( :'(
Logistically it is will be a nightmare due to work & Child commitments that have come up the week leading up to the Saturday!
Hope to meet up with you all at another meeting
Have a great time and look forward to the photos
Cal :(
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Awww what a shame :'( :'(
We are going to miss you. Really looking forward to Hastings, not long to go..
Sarah
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:) As I shall be coming across from West Sussex, I could always pick up at Worthing, Shoreham and Brighton.
If you fly to Gatwick, the Express goes straight into Brighton.
Give me a shout. ;)
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Bugger Chris you could have done this for the 16th Sept. Will be down then for my daughters birthday and I could have bored you all with my arguments for why the Battle ground as stated by English Heritage isn't the battle ground. Best Fish and Chips in Hastings can be got from the dolphin up the old town. You should also add into the trip up there a look around the Shipwreck centre where they have many items of archaeological importance including finds from the Amsterdam which was an East India trading ship which went down off the coast of Bulverthythe. Its an amazing little museum and as good if not better than the Fishermans museum which after all is one room with one boat in it. I agree the net huts are a great sight and there are the fish stalls there as well. If your going up to the ladies parlour keep your eyes downward as every time I have been up there I have come away with a hand full of worked flint which dates back to the Neolithic and a few peices of Mesolithic. Shame there would not be time for a tour of the caves which are amazing or even the castle itself.
Anyways if I can afford a trip down the weekend after I get back from Prague I will meet you all at Battle but don't pencil me in as coming
Rob
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Hi
I have only just found this thread. Chris please can you send me details of accomodation? As I am venturing south from sunny Nottingham I will probably stay Friday and Saturday. My next job is to look on multimap as I don't know where Hastings is.
Jane
Jane travelling from Nottingham get on the M1 and head south. Then join the M25 and head clockwise signposted dartford and stanstead. Go over the bridge and continue on to Junction 5. Mid way between 4 and 5 get into the middle lane and stay there. At Junction 5 dont bear to the left but continue straight on joining the A21. This road is a nightmare although the last 3 trips I have missed all the accidents. Continue on the A21 passing through Flimwell and Hurst Green along the way. After passing hurst green you will drop down Silver hill which is a steep twisting road. Cross the roundabout and drive for approx 2 miles. Watch the speed camera as you get to the pub. After the pub turn right on the new roundabout and follow this road for a couple of miles. At the next roundabout turn left. This is battle. 1/2 mile down there is the abbey. Good luck parking :) now that was assuming you was driving.
If going by train take the train from Nottingham to St Pancras then using the Northern Line go to Charring Cross. From there take the train to Hastings ( it usually leaves platform 5 or 6. After alighting at Battle station cross the bridge and turn left. Walk to the top of Station road and turn right. As soon as possible cross the road and walk up the hill. Follow the path around and keep walking this will bring you to the abbey green which is in fact not green but tarmac :) Used to be a car park but they took that away.
I would guess Chris is planning on the Olde Tea Rooms as the drinking spot. This used to be the monks accomodation and according to records was also the place where the monks would receive their blooding each year. ( deliberately cut to bleed the impurities from within them) how true it is though is anyones guess. One interest for those who like buildings. Walking from the abbey to the railway station you have a line of terraced houses on the right ( you will need to cross the road to see it) but where as today we would have stepped roofs to match the slope of the hill these properties do not. The room follows the slope. As you get to the mini roundabout look at the hill on the left and the view. That is my argumented site of the battle as it fits better the historical evidence and the logical route from Hastings using known roman and saxon roads.
Anyway I will shut up because I could go on forever about the village and town I adopted and fell in love with
Rob
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Rob
I have a friend who states the same place as you for the real site of the battle. Not getting into that argument here but who knows!!!!
I will be at the meet that day and am looking forward to it. I worked in Battle for 2 years and it is one of my favourite towns in Sussex. Hastings of course is a gem amongst seaside towns!!!
Kerry
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Kerry,
Thanks for that and I am glad I am not the only one to think that caldwell hill is the site of the battle. I know a few years ago a guy was ridiculed for saying the Station car park was the site of the battle. I have had many arguments with the surator of the Abbey over this also. One day I will get around to publishing my views
Rob
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Well done with all this, Chris,
An excellent itinerary...And to balance out that recent sequence of Rootschatters having to drop out, I think I'm able to chuck my hat in the ring for the 30th, and say I'd love to come for the day. The train will take the strain, hopefully...
keith
p.s. last time I was in Hastings was 20 years ago, when a friend of mine was working as caretaker of Hastings library. It was a terrible old dusty place then, but I expect it's been re-housed...
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If there are any Pink Floyd fans coming, this might persuade you to come the night before (or put you off lol!)... Think Floyd are performing at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings on 29th. I saw them earlier this year and they were fab - better than the usual run-of-the-mill tribute band!
I'm desperate to confirm my attendance on 30th but my Mother is booked for a hysterectomy on the 20th so I'm reluctant to say I'll definitely be there until I know how it goes.
Steph.
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Steph,
How remarkable! The Pink Floyd, apart from being a Cambridge group were/still are my alltime favourite rock group. Seen them at The Albert Hall and The Lads Club Norwich in the early days. Thought they stole the show at Live8 last year (was it?).
Thinking about restructuring my whole weekend, perhaps. Don't suppose there are any tickets left though...
keith
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Keith, you can check them out here http://www.thinkfloyd.net/ and there are soundclips too - Floyd are also one of my all time favourite bands so I honestly wouldn't rate a tribute act if they were not the biz!
Phone number for the White Rock is 08701 690108.
Steph.
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Steph,
I've realised now, in my initial excitement, that I completely misread "Think Floyd" as "Pink Floyd"! And I agree, tribute bands are often a disappointment by comparison...
Anyway, the Rootschat meet is the main event, and that Friday evening happening would only be a supporting act...
keith
p.s. having just listened to a clip of their music on that website you gave, they're really pretty good, though...
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Note for anyone travelling by train.
When I look at train times for London to Battle for 30 Sept
( www.thetrainline.com )
it tells me I have to change at Robertsbridge and take a bus service for the final stage to Battle. This might mean there are rail engineering works planned that day so you might need to allow a bit more time.
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I'm a half hour drive from Abergavenny (that's in Wales, for the benefit of non UK RootsChatters !)
This is what the trainline web-site suggests as my best journey .....
:( :( :(
Abergavenny dep 07:12 Arriva Trains Wales Train
Newport Gwent arr 07:42
Newport Gwent dep 08:09 First Great Western Train
London Paddington arr 10:00
(note not a minute allowed to get to the tube, get a ticket, find the train ...)
London Paddington dep 10:00 Tube
London Charing Cross arr 10:18
London Charing Cross dep 10:45 Southeastern Train
Robertsbridge arr 11:59
Robertsbridge dep 12:10 Bus
Battle arr 12:23
So YES, I'd like to come, but NO, the journey is just impossible ! (And am getting home from Greece the evening before via Bristol, so its not as if I could stay over in London !)
SOLUTION:- Do the next Roots get-together day somewhere this side of the country please, for the benefit of those who live in the wild west ??? ::) ::) ::)
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Skb,
I must admit that when I tried to put in an itinerary request for the train from Cambridge to Battle, it gave me one where I had to change 4 times, including at Robertsbridge (which is a place I really enjoyed visiting re my SHERWOOD ancestry 3 years or so ago - had a pint in the George Inn or Hotel, that Hilaire Belloc made famous), so I think this journey might be a bit of an adventure, even if I do miss the vital moments in the Battle of Hastings mid-morning...
keith
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Travelling can be a nightmare....Trystan and I are planning to travel down a few days before hand but if it helps we can always swap mobiles numbers before hand so we can all keep intouch with the group incase any of us are running late.
If anyone needs accomodation please shout as we will be staying for the Saturday evening.
Sarah
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Skb,
I must admit that when I tried to put in an itinerary request for the train from Cambridge to Battle, it gave me one where I had to change 4 times, including at Robertsbridge (which is a place I really enjoyed visiting re my SHERWOOD ancestry 3 years or so ago - had a pint in the George Inn or Hotel, that Hilaire Belloc made famous), so I think this journey might be a bit of an adventure, even if I do miss the vital moments in the Battle of Hastings mid-morning...
keith
Keith,
Was in robertsbridge last weekend and the George Hotel is for sale. I can't see it being a pub much longer myself. As for Hillaire Belloc making it famous there is indeed contention that this is the original george that he stayed at. Won't bore you with the details but I have seen documents that suggest the George was elsewhere.
For those travelling and who get to Robertsbridge and find a bus in place take heart its only 10 minutes max to Battle from Robertsbridge.. Will be there tomorrow night as well
Rob
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Rob,
All very interesting - when I visited the George not long ago it was in a sorry state then, had in fact just been taken over by a new landlord with plans. It obviously didn't work out for him...
In his book, "The Four Men", the start of his first chapter, entitled: "The Twenty-Ninth of October 1902" Hilaire Belloc begins:
Nine years ago, as I was sitting in the "George" at Robertsbridge, drinking that port of theirs and staring at the fire..."
That's all I was going on, it's a small work of fiction, but is about a journey made by four individuals across Sussex.
Do hope there'll be more than just four of us meeting up on 30th Sept. 2006 just down the road from Robertsbridge at Battle!
keith
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Really sorry that I can't make it on that day. Hope you all have a super time.
Andrea
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Went past the George tonight and it as scaffolding around it and the garden is now closed off and looks like a building site so I wonder if a developer as got his hand on it. Shame really and yes I have seen that piece on the George Wall as well :) Miss the old village.
Rob
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Rob
I drive through Robertsbridge village 6 times a week on my way to and from work. Lovely village and a brilliant butcher's shop!
Kerry
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...And I seem to remember almost falling down a small but unexpected flight of steps into quite a good second-hand book-shop in Robertsbridge. I wonder if that is still there...
Also came across an advertisement in a local publication for someone who had the same forename and surname as me - contacted him, but discovered our ancestry didn't quite match up.
keith
p.s. But I'm only going to get a few minutes to gaze from the Railway Station up towards the village before I jump on that bus connection to Battle on the 30th...
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:D :D :D
Wish I was coming - Boo-hoo :'( :'( :'( :'(
Love the area, had many lovely holidays down there - Chichester, Battle, Rye, Bosham, Birdham, Selsea, Arundel etc. etc.
Hope you all have a really great time, and that the weather stays fine.
8) 8) 8)
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I jsut realised I've made a boo boo :'( :'( :'(
I've booked a weeks holiday on the Isle of Wight for the first week of October, however the first week of October starts on Saturday 30 September.
I'm really really sorry and very disappointed :'( :'( but I won't be able to come to Hastings. :( :( :(
Kerry
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Kerry,
Yes the butchers is old school. Friendly service and all you would expect from a family run firm :) Now who in their right mind would drive through Roberstbridge when the A21 bypasses it :)
As for the book shop alas it has gone. Not enough business for him I fear. Was right opposite where I and a few other archaeologists believe the original Roberstbridge Abbey to have been. Hope if they are building on the land at the back of the pub they do some serious archaeology first. When they dug the road three years ago I was fortunate enough to see in situ the old brick work of the now missing buildings :(
Rob
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I'm finding all this about Robertsbridge very interesting, like some kind of modern day Canterbury Tales in the adjoining county. When I visited the place I had mixed up an individual called George William SHERWOOD, my gt-grandfather's name, with someone with the same name and age and occupation - brickmaker - who lived there. And I afterwards studied an old map to locate the brickworks that lay behind the row of cottages in the road that leads to the railway station(that I'd discovered he lived in at the time of the 1881 Census), where I imagined my ancestor must have worked.
Wrong person in the end, but did think that the village had a particularly interesting feel to it those 4 or 5 years ago. Pity that some things are changing now...
keith
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Keith,
Those cottages are the old gas work cottages. The village 5 years ago had somewhat of a community feel but as with all small villages everyone knew what you were doing a week before you did it. Unfortunately the older members of the village are moving out and the new people are not interested. For example I had the good fortune to walk around one particular house and was shown the deeds which dated back to the 17th century that the then owner had in his possession. I tried to buy them when he decided to sell but he said he wanted to keep them as he believed they would become more valuable. He did agree to me transcribing them but before I could get started he had sold up and moved on. Never met the new owners and therefore I have no idea what became of them.
I have in my possession a book about the village written in 1914 by an old resident of the village. I believe he was one of a long line of this family in the village. The anecdotes for the village and parish in general are an amazing read. I am sure if you scroll through the for sale thread you will find my notice of its availability.
Rob
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Rob,
In case it might be seen as pausing like the Pilgrims on the way to Hastings, and chewing over some more fascinating details about a very interesting old village in Robertsbridge, could you possibly PM me with details of that book on the village you mention - couldn't find a reference to it on the "For Sale" section just now, but then I'm not very good at seeing the wood for the trees sometimes.
Hopefully some more Rootschatters will add their names on this thread to this 30th Sept. meet-up...
keith
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:-\ Typical, got to get a wedding away in the morning. Could someone PM me a mobile number, so I can find you.
Fanx, Lesanne.
Are we making the Badges to the same format as Manchester? ;D 8)
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Hi Lesanne,
Looking forward to meeting up, we will look out for the lass with a carnation ;D ;D
I have PM'd you a number to get intouch with us.
Sarah
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Rootschat Meet No 4
Hastings Countdown
10
days to go
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I guess we should make a list of those who are going so we can keep an eye out for each other :)
If you think you may be late or may join us during the day we can swap numbers with each other.
Sarah
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Where's Hastings? :-[
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Zeb
Hastings is in the South East of England in the county of Sussex.
Chris in 1066
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Rootschat Meet No 4
Hastings Countdown
9
days to go
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Hi Everyone
At the moment, the list of attendees to Meet No 4 in Hastings is as follows:-
Chris in 1066
Trystan
Sarah
Passion Play
Stevenson
Wheeldon
Skb
Lesanne
Keith Sherwood
If I have missed anyone, please send me a PM so that I can add you to the list
Chris in 1066
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Rootschat Meet No 4
Hastings Countdown
8
days to go
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Rootschat Meet No 4
Hastings Countdown
7
days to go
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Awwwww I am so miffed :'( I can't make it .
I will be there is spirit though, have great time and I hope you have some sunshine like today ;D
Cal 8)
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Just a thought to organiser of next years meet-up ...
... consider the Monmouth area ? We have a wealth of archaeology and history ... an on-going (medieval) dig at Trellech 5 miles S of Monmouth, recently featured on the BBC TV and radio (The Boy Who Bought a Field ... he cringed at the title they gave it !); castles at Raglan and Goodrich, as well as others in more ruined states; Henry V was born here; beautiful old churches .... and lots more ...
... and if necessary, we could even offer a bed for the night to 2 or 3 ? Train services to Abergavenny (Beeching de-trained Monmouth itself), 15 miles from old Severn Bridge to the south and about 15 miles from lower end of M50 ... J
ust a thought ...
Lydart
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I'm so sorry but it doesn't look like I will be attending.
My own fault as I hadn't been following this thread and have only just realized that the big day is allmost upon us :-[
I'm looking at train tickets now as we speak but so far there are too many changes for my liking - I don't have that much confidence in our rail systems.
I'll let you know if I come up with anything.
Apologies
Fiona :-[ :'(
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Rootschat Meet No 4
Hastings Countdown
6
days to go
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Enjoy Hastings everyone and its a shame this didnt happen a fortnight ago when I was down there :(
Rob
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Rootschat Meet No 4
Hastings Countdown
5
days to go
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Chris,
Is the start time still as in your original post?
My train times are showing arrivals at 9.53am or 10.23am, so do I go for the early train just to be safe, or the late train and the extra half hour in bed?
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My tentative is now a definite - hurrah! I'll even volunteer to take the photos ;D
I'll be coming along the A259 from Dymchurch/New Romney if it helps anyone.
Chris - do we park at Battle Abbey or the station or elsewhere? Edit - just checked out your link and answered my own question!
Steph.
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Have a brilliant time everyone and enjoy. I am so sorry I won't be with you but I will be off to the Isle of Wight for a week which does have its compensations!!!!
Kerry
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Skb
Yes, start times are as listed, although we are very flexible
Go for the early train, Arrive at 9.53, it will give you time to sit and have a cup of coffee on Battle Abbey Green
Chris in 1066
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Hope everyone has a fabulous time on Saturday - looking forward to seeing the piccies!
Paul
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Rootschat Meet No 4
Hastings Countdown
4
days to go
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We're here already! Looking forward to meeting everybody on Saturday :) :)
Trystan & Sarah
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Trust Trys to plan a 4 day reccie of watering holes! ;D
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;D ;D ;D
It's not fair, I wan't to go as well - boo-hoo !! I'm not playing anymore, so there !!
:P :P :P
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Well, Mobo looks sad ! I wouldn't want to go on holiday where she went !
Just hope for you guys it wasn't Hastings !
Anyway, enjoy ...
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:'( :'( :'( gutted I can't join in :'( :'( :'(
Only have boring work commitments that can not be changed and delivering teenager to party of the year to look forward too!!!!
But there are the photos to follow that may recompense!!
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I WANNA COME...Brighton is where my rels are from...can anybody swing by Brisbane Australia and pick me up..please...pretty please ;)
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;D
hope you all have a great time, lots of pics please ;D
Jane ;)
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A bit belated due to being at Leicester University all day with Number one daughter, but,
Rootschat Meet No 4
Hastings Countdown
3
days to go
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Have a great time everyone in Hastings. It will always be home to me even though I don't live there at the moment. You can't beat a lovely healthy walk along the prom finished off with a bag of Lifeboat chips!
I'll tell my family to look out for you all.
Best wishes
Brigcs
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I'll tell my family to look out for you all.
More like 'watch out'!!!! ;D Hastings won't know what's hit it!
Paul
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Rootschat Meet No 4
Hastings Countdown
1
day to go
Yippee, :) :) its tomorrow ;D ;D ;D
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I hope you all have a wonderful time and I'm sorry I won't be there with you. Have the local hostelries been warned?
Jill
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Have a great time; sorry I can't join you.
Nanny Jan
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Hi
Hope you all have a good time and I do hope the weather stays fine.
Joe (the imposter LOL)
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The local hosteleries will cope very well!!
Brig
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Take your umbrella's and galoshes ... weather forecast isn't good !
Have a great day, anyway. And post the pictures for us who live too far away ...
Lydart
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Hope the weather isn't too bad for you.
It would be a shame to get up to the castle and not see the view - especially of the Marine Court flats in St Leonards that were built to look like the superstructure of an ocean liner.
Still if it's misty and murky, then wandering round the old town you may get the feeling that the press gang will jump out of a passageway and take you off to sea!
Hope you all have a great day in a really interesting area
JULIAN
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;D ;D ;D
Here's wishing you all have a great day tomorrow - I hope the weather stays fine so you can take lots of photos to show us on your return.
8) 8) 8)
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8) It's been tipping down over here, Brighton way.
Hope it clears by tomorrow or pic's will be of wellies, rain coats and brollies. :(
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Hi
Thanks for all your good wishes :D
We have had mostly sunshine today, with the odd shower, plus the forecast for tomorrow is the same.
Heres hoping ;D ;D
Off to have a pint with Trystan and Sarah now 8)
Chris in 1066
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Chris
Have a great day tomorrow, sorry I can't be with you but I'm looking forward to the Isle of Wight!!
Kerry :)
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It's a shame you are not coming Kerry, but the Isle of Wight is fab, especially now when most of the tourists have gone back home :P
Steph.
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Steph
That's the plan! I quite enjoy holidays out of season.
Let's hope the rain holds off for all of us :) :)
Kerry
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:D Looks like I'm first home. :-\
Had to leave the others to carry on and finish off a really great day.
Thanks Chris for all your work in organizing a very interesting tour of Battle and Hastings. The Abbey and Battlegrounds, Fishermans Museum, Cliff top talk.
The freshest fish and Chips. Paddle in the sea (well some of us).
Lovely day. Thank you.
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:D Some more.
and if you can read French, what does the plaque say?
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Lovely photos Lesanne and it looks as if the weather was kind to you. Wish I could have been there!
Any chance of some names to go with the faces - I only recognise Trystan & Sarah?
Jill
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Great photos Lesanne thank you for posting them so quickly ;D
What a glorious sunny day you had
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Ooh...those fish and chips in the fresh air.....lovely!
Can't read the plaque, definition goes when I enlarge photo.
Sounds like a good day.
Nanny Jan
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;) Chris, Keith, Steph, SKB.
I'll try to post bigger image of plaque.
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The plaque says:
On the historic field of Senlac (?) where brave Harold the Saxon fell 837 years after the battle which brought Norman rule/law to Great Britain.
The Norman Memory who came from the banks of the Seine proclaimed joyfully the Peavce of the Normandy Sisters.
1066-1903
It then gives the names of the president, founder and vice president of this group/society
I think Le Souvenir Normand some sort of society - I don't feel that I have their name correctly translated, but it conveys the meaning.
Diex Aie! is a motto used by William the Conqueror and means May God help us - modern French - Que Dieu nous aide!
Looks like you had a lovely day - sorry I couldn't be there.
Nell
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Hi Nell,
I won't say our translations caused "raucous" laughter, but it wasn't far off.
;D ;D School days,etc....
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Thanks from me too, Chris, for such an interesting day
My feet are killing me.
Will try to put some pics up tomorrow.
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Well I recognised Sarah, Trystan and Keith but strangley enough I was looking for a little old bald man swatting away with a quill when looking for Chris.......LOL.
He looks totally different to how I imagined him....I suppose after seeing someones profile picture year in year out you really do think they look like that ;D ;D
Joe
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Thanks Joe
Sorry to dissapoint you, but yes, I do have a bit more hair than my 'little scribe' suggests.
Thanks to all who came, it was a very enjoyable day - am now trying to sort out the various pictures so that I can post a few here.
watch this space
chris in 1066
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On the historic field of Senlac (?)
Senlac is correct - Senlac Hill (Battle) is reputedly the site of the Battle of Hastings.
Glad they had good weather (for the RootsChat meet, as opposed to the Battle 940 years ago); great pictures too. Look forward to seeing more pics and hearing more accounts.
JULIAN
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And the competition for this month is
What is Trystan doing against the wall of Battle Abbey?
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Two more pictures from Hastings
1. Lesanne and Keith Sherwood enjoying the chips - and they were freshly cooked so were very hot
2. In the carriage of the little railway that took us up the West Hill to the Castle
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Maybe Sarah couldnt get to the loo on time and he is keeping watch ;D 8)
Joe
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And these pictures are
3. The Old Town from the top of the West Hill taken from the Ladies Parlour (The Old Jousting ground) at the side of the castle Look at the colour of that sky. 8)
4. Lesanne having a paddle near the Harbour Arm and in front of the fishing fleet
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And finally for tonight
Time to sit and relax at the end of the day and enjoy those last few rays of the sun
(Trystan, Sarah, Keith Sherwood, Passion Play and Skb)
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SO VERY GLAD you had good weather ... I Googled the weather forecast for the SE earlier today, and it wasnt looking good ...but then, who believes the weather forecasters ??
Remember Michael Fish and his 'hurricane' in 1987 ??
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Hi again, Everyone,
Didn't arrive back home in Cambridge until the wee small hours, and have only just surfaced...
Well done to Chris for organising a really excellent day in Hastings - the weather gods smiled on us, as you can see from the photos.
Great to talk face to face with other Rootschatters, and had a good long chat with Trystan about how he set this whole amazing website up.
Though I must say I would like to hope that many MORE of you come to the next Rootschat Meet wherever and whenever that might be...
keith
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Lovely photos Lesanne and it looks as if the weather was kind to you. Wish I could have been there! Any chance of some names to go with the faces - I only recognise Trystan & Sarah?
Jill
:o :o :o
Hear hear !! names to face pleeeeeeese !
Glad you all had such a lovely time.
8) 8) 8)
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And the competition for this month is
What is Trystan doing against the wall of Battle Abbey?
Clearly he is searching for his Norman and Saxon roots.
PS Great pictures!
JULIAN
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And the competition for this month is
What is Trystan doing against the wall of Battle Abbey?
I would have thought Trystan had a fairly strong stomach! Maybe not!
Jill
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Hi all
After joining us for Sunday Dinner, Trystan and Sarah have just left Hastings on their way back up north via the A21, M25 and the M6.
It has been a great weekend, and I know that they both enjoyed their short stay here down south
Listermint, (err indoors) myself and our children now wish them a safe journey home
Chris in 1066
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I love seeing all these pictures .... I'm so envious ...... I'm so far away !! ::) ::) ::)
Lesanne .... I'm soooo proud of you .......... the pictures are great and we can SEE them ;) ;)
you've made Bob a very proud man I'm sure !! :D
Lovely to see all my friends ..... glad you had a wonderful time !!
Annie :) :) :) :) :)
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Think I can recognise my hand, bottom left of that last photo. Notice that the pint glass it's clutching is already just about empty - thirsty work on Saturday...
keith
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Keith
Yes, you are correct
It is virtually empty
I wonder whose round it was? ;D ;D
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My round indeed, which is what I managed to get in, I'm pleased to say, before I dashed to the train station. Made it with 10 minutes to spare...
Nice drop of London Pride that was, too. And the cod and chips was particularly tasty earlier in the day.
keith
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Well you all look to be having a good time ;D glad it went well for you all, nice to put pics to names ;)
When I met Gjil and Alllegs in September I felt that I had known them for ages, its great to meet fellow chatters etc
Jane
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Yes we had a fantastic day even though some of us were late for lunch :P some more pix for you here:
http://www.steffonline.co.uk/Hastings/historicalhastings.htm
Thanks for organising everything Chris, it was a really interesting day and great to meet everyone - I really felt amongst friends :-* :-*
Hope it's not too long until the next one.
Steph.
ps - I obviously haven't got the hang of this slide show malarkey, the first pic should be the finale!
Edit - a couple of shots with names!
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Steph
Fab photos thank you so much posting them, alot more beach than there was at Manchester ;D ;D
Where there non of you ??
Cal 8)
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some more pix for you here:
http://www.steffonline.co.uk/Hastings/historicalhastings.htm
ps - I obviously haven't got the hang of this slide show malarkey, the first pic should be the finale!
Great stuff - works fine
JULIAN
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Stephanie,
What a great series of photographs! And I expect there'll be some pictures of you once Trystan gets back and on here - he snapped so many views that his batteries were beginning to fade...
keith
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:D :D :D
What smashing piccies Steph - thanks for posting them. You obviously all had a great time, and will have returned home with many happy memories.
8) 8) 8)
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Steph
Fab photos thank you so much posting them, alot more beach than there was at Manchester ;D ;D
Where there non of you ??
Cal 8)
Yes Chris caught me earlier next to Keith outside the pub. And there will be some from Trystan I'm sure, he had a cute little widget that worked his camera by remote control so we should all appear together at some point.
I'm not daft enough to take my own ;D ;D
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Hi steph
Great pictures, apart from the grey haired old fool doing all the talkin
Glad you had a nice day
Heres to the next time
Chris in 1066
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Looks like you all had a Great Day - the sun always shines on Rootschat meetings - was sunny (for Manchester!) when we had ours up here! ;D
Looking forward to Trystan's photos as well
Now - where is the next one?
Keith
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Keith
In answer to your question
Now - where is the next one?
I did hear a rumour that Cambridge would make a good one
Dont know where I heard it though
Chris in 1066
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Cambridge ??? :'( :'(
That's still a 5 hour drive for us in the wet and windy west ....
and about 5 days by train !!!
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Lydart
As I said, it was only a rumour
Chris in 1066
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still ... its nearer for us Poms than for the members down under !!!
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These were taken in the Fishing District.
Our historical guide (what was his name? Chris was it :)?) expained that at one time, if someone was caught smuggling, his boat would be cut in half. These half boats were often used as homes.
So spot the half boats
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......and 2 more on the beach
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Blimey, my hair needs a good cut :o :o ::)
Those half boats were so tiny - you wouldn't want to be in there for long, especially if you were much over 5ft tall.
Steph ;D
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So at Battle our journey began...
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More of Battle abbey, and Chris showing round a big map expaining how the Battle of Hastings was won by William...
(Chris had a very handy brolly with him)
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Group photo of us infront of where the Battle of Hastings was fought,
photo of Chris with his quivering quill making notes next to the great knight.
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After lunch, heading up the cliff railway and to above hastings castle (where the views were spectacular)
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...where we were given the full guided tour, complete with illustrations and delightful commentary...
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The buildings were steeped in history, with Hastings split into the old town and new town.
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Passionplay (giving us the latest from the audio guide around Battle Abbey) & Lesanne (basking in the sunj)
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SKB deep in thought on the beach wondering about that birth certificate and the census record not quite tying up.... and Keith having a giggle throwing stones into the sea...
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And of course, a shot of Hastings would not be complete without the sight of the crashing waves of the sea, or a big fishing boat that makes sure Chris gets his fish fresh on a Friday....
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Oh... and one more, a big anchor with crustations of some sort and one of those half-boat buildings again... another cliff lift is in the background....
We had a GREAT TIME :) :) Thank you Chris for being such a wonderful host, and for the wonderfully animated and interesting tour of 1066 land.
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Trystan,
Well done with those photos!..Was it really just about a week ago already that we were basking in that East Sussex sun?
keith (with the central heating on in Cambridge this evening)
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Central heating :o :o it's still sunny down here on the coast 8) but sadly no plans for a beer in the great outdoors today :'(
Great pix Trystan! A good variety of shots between us all I think.
Steph.
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Well I have enjoyed looking at all your photos. Looks like you had an interesting day and I'm sorry I missed it.
May be next time.....
Kerry
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:D :D :D
Smashing piccies Trystan - you obviously all had a great time. It's so good to be able to 'put names to faces' at last.
8) 8) 8)
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Trystan & Sarah
Thank you for coming to Hastings together with other Rootschatters.
I thoroughly enjoyed taking you around and trying to pass on some of the local knowledge aquired since I moved here some 20 years ago.
I really enjoyed looking at the pictures you posted and they brought back some happy memories of the day.
Thank you
Chris in 1066
PS - Snowy and Minty send their love ;D
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Great photos, everyone - looks like everyone had a great time - and those fish and chips looked tempting!
cheers
Paul
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Just been looking at all those pics of Battle Abbey and Hastings and my oh my did it bring back the memories to me of when I was a nipper. Battle Abbey was alway our first stop on the way to our caravan at 'Combe Haven' caravan site, and the pics of the old and new town of Hastings, along with the Fishermen's Museum, the view from West Hill, the pebbly peach and ..................... I could just go on and on.
Who would have thought that 40 years on or so I would be chasing after ancestors from Hastings.
Really glad you had a nice time and the weather was kind to you, thank you for posting the pictures for us to see.
All the best
Ewan
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Good to see you all went to where English Heritage say the battle was fought. It is a pity though the historical nor the archaeological evidence don't support English Heritages view :) I will one day get to finishing my long paper on where I and a few others believe the true site is from documentary evidence and archaeological evidence.
Rob
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Lovely photos everyone and I'm so pleased you all had a great day in true RootsChat form, and that the sun shone for you. Here's to the next one!
Jill
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Without trying to get into any further debate about the precise location of the Battle of Hastings, I've just seen a photo in my daily paper of Senlac Hill full of Harold's and William's men taking each other on again.
Did anyone local get to see the action replay over the weekend...?
keith
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My husband went. Had a lovely day and said it was very impressive.
Andrea
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Sorry Keith, we didnt go
The family do not like huge crowds and looking at the state of the ground and car parks as we passed it on the way to Lewes this morning, they must have had a fantastic crowd.
In one corner of the field we counted over 100 portable toilets all lined up - it looked rather funny actually.
Chris in 1066
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Chris,
...and I don't suppose they managed to change the course of history by declaring a different result this time.
When we looked down on those fields from the Abbey on the 30th Sept. I tried very hard to imagine the mayhem that must have been happening on that October day in 1066; perhaps those who turned up over this last weekend might now have a better idea.
keith
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I saw a clip at the weekend on our local news, looked like a lot of fun. At one point they seemed to have a huge group of children all firing arrows down the field. Looked like fun!!!!
Kerry
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Hi
I have heard this morning that they could not cope with the crowds over the weekend and they had to close the gates because they were full.
The figure mentioned was that there were over 30,000 people in the ground.
So. as you suggest keith, it could have been Mayhem all over again
Chris in 1066
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30,000 people divided into 100 portaloo's = 300 people per loo .... hmm, dont envy the men who had to clear that lot up !! The one we hired for my daughters wedding last year was honking with only 150 people here ... and it was a 'men only' loo ... the females used the house !
Lydart
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and I thought we were discussing the Battle of Hastings, not the Battle of Portaloo...(1815, was it, or perhaps 2006?)
keith
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Lydart & Keith
No, the odds were less than that as we also observed a great long line of them on the south side of the field, but didnt have time to quickly count them. as we drove past the fields down Powder Mill Lane.
It looked as though it was a very busy site all weekend.
Chris
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It was all part of Hastings Week, some clips of the battle re-enactment on Southern Counties Radio Station here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/southerncounties/content/articles/2006/10/09/hastings_week_feature.shtml
There is a link to the Fishermans Museum on the site as well.
I'm sorry I could not make the Rootschat Meet too :(, everyone seems to have had such a great day.
Suey
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Just wanted to add that it looks like you had a fabulous time.
I'm sorry I missed it but from the photos it will definitely be on my list of places to visit :)