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General => The Common Room => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: Ann Baker on Saturday 07 January 12 18:53 GMT (UK)
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We are thinking of organising a meet in Edinburgh in Sept/Oct. The reason for posting this early in the year is that most of the main attractions such as the Castle and Holyrood Palace have an entry fee which with the price of accommodation may make it a save up for occasion. There is no doubt that Edinburgh is a wonderful city to visit but unfortunately it does come with a price tag which as rootschatters know we try and avoid as much as possible for meets.
If anyone is interested please post and meanwhile I'll do some further research into things to see, potential costs and potential discounts for groups etc.
Bob - would be grateful if this could be stickied please and added to the Meets thread
Thanks
Ann :D
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Depending on when, I'd most likely be interested - October would be good for me, as I normally take time off work then. Will watch with anticipation. :D
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Hi Ann
Sounds good to me
Anni
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"Money Permitting!" you'll have had your tea?
Skoosh.
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As an Edinburgh resident, I'll probably manage the bus fare up town!
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I could come along if the date is right, but I'm thinking of going to New Zealand leaving in mid to late September.
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If there is not too much walking ::) I could make this one. It is only an hour on the train!
Kooky
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Hi
Will be great to see everyone and hopefully we can get a date that suits the majority. I've been doing a bit of nosing into things we could do which I will post soon.
If anyone who would like to come has particular problems with mobility or things like being underground (a couple of the things I've looked at involve underground vaults) , please pm me as it is important that we do things at a pace and in places everyone is comfy.
As an outline I thought we could focus the Saturday on the Old Town - Castle, Royal Mile, St Giles etc as once you're up the hill from Waverely you're up. (The very thought of walking up and down the Mound several times leaves me breathless! Tho I probably could do with the exercise! :D)
Sunday - a wander around the New Town which is level.
I'll post soon with some suggestions :)
Ann
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I may be able to afford the train fare from Uphall to Waverley ....... failing that I could hitchhike :p xx
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I would be interested in this as my Mum was born in Edinburgh.
Please could you keep me posted.
Thank you.
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I'd be interested as long as it doesn't clash with my Clan Gathering:-)
Just up the road for me... my 3 x g grandfather spent a couple of years on Old Town, so def. worth a look.
Gen in NBL England
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i would be more than happy to come along, the bus fare shouldnt be too much of a challenge
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Me and my hubby would love to make this one, my Dad was born in a street at the foot of the castle and my great gran lived in Milnes Court just off the Royal Mile. Dads old school is now the whisky heritage centre :)
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Hi All
Been a wee while since I posted - far too much going on!
However I'm proposing the last weekend in October for the meet. Can folks let me know if that would suit.
Best Wishes
Ann :D
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Last weekend in October looks good for me, at the moment.
Kooky
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That's fine with me
Anne
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So far last weekend in October looks good to me too (that's if i've worked my saturday n/shift out correctly) ::)
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That's fine with me. :)
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However I'm proposing the last weekend in October for the meet. Can folks let me know if that would suit.
No good for me, but I'm sure you'll manage without me.
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Thanks to everyone who's responded. Trying to avoid school holidays at that time of year is a nightmare!
Sorry won't get to meet you Forfarian - would have been smashing to put a face to a name I know very well from the Scottish boards.
Ok so confirmed as last weekend in October.
Will start looking more in depth into things to keep us amused!
Ann ;)
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Good idea :)
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Sounds a great idea. For those,like myself , where costs can be an issue, can I suggest that those thinking about traveling by train register with their service provider e.g east Coast, Cross Country, Virgin etc,
I use EC mainline quite a lot between Yorkshire and Edinburgh and I am able to register to get an email when the tickets are released usually 12 weeks before hand, and you can then buy cheaper tickets. Having a senior rail card also helps!
I use the facilities at Register House periodically and they are great.
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I am keen to try for this... but will have to seriously think about the travelling, its a way up there from Norfolk. But I may be able to combine with a trip to visit a newly found Cousin... fingers crossed.
xin
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Hi all
Thought best to get on with a few details!
Confirmed date is Saturday 27th October.
What to do?
Am posting some options for folks to consider and then I'll do another post with some voting buttons (once I've worked out how!)
1. Edinburgh Castle - Can't be many Scots who've not been (even if the last time you were there was on a school trip). Is worth seeing even if you have been before!
http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/
2. St Giles Cathedral - http://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/
3. Holyrood Palace - http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/palaceofholyroodhouse
4. Scottish Parliament - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/
6. Mary King's Close - http://www.realmarykingsclose.com/
The above are all Old Town. Also situated near the castle is the Scottish genealogy centre which is open on a Saturday - http://www.scotsgenealogy.com/Library.aspx (A good place to pick up books etc)
But for anyone wanting to see the New Town am still looking at options for the Sunday.
Anyone wanting to combine the trip with a visit to the National Archives Scotland (NAS) or Scotland's People Centre should note neither are open on weekends!
For the adventurous myself and Caz are looking into a ghost walk on the Saturday night
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186525-d523114-Reviews-City_of_the_Dead_Tours-Edinburgh_Scotland.html
So if anyone wants to be spooked, please let me know as we'll need to book this one in advance.
More to come soon!
Ann :D
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Have we any thoughts on a venue for an overnight stay on the Sat? Or for dinner?
Kooky
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Hi kooky
Have still to post - am consulting Caz cos she's local especially about places to eat but around the Royal Mile is a Premier Inn and a Travel Lodge that I know of.
Also if you don't mind a walk up the hill on the Saturday morning there is the New Parliament Hotel which is near the records office. I've stayed there (Oct 2010 when I was at SP centre for the week) and is good.
Ann :D
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But a small selection meantime......
http://www.booking.com/landmark/gb/royal-mile-edinburgh.en.html?aid=314919;label=royal-mile-edinburgh-r2FvfvLgF7YEa5WlJQWDZQS10869847034:pl:ta:p1:p2:ac:ap1t1:neg;ws=&gclid=CMDPk8PPybACFcUmtAodaC8OVg
Ann :D
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I will have to start saving! :o
Kooky
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We'll prob be at Premier or Travel Inn as some of these places prices make to feel faint!
Ann :D
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Good! Me too! :o
Kooky
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I come up to Edinburgh frequently.
There is a Travelodge at Cameron Toll, which is about 15 min bus ride from centre of town offering rooms from £39.50 per night at the moment but might be more as it is a half term break . There are lots of buses throughout the day and a night bus service. Being a bit away from the centre is less likely to suffer from stag and hen parties as there are no clubs in the immediate vicinity.
Currently bus fares are £1.40 single - any distance even 1 stop! or £3.50 for unlimited days travel on Lothian buses. So if anyone wantst to sigsht see, they can do it cheaper than the open top your buses
There is a large prezzo and a large Pizza express both on North Bridge, as well as a Bella Pasta on the corner of the Royal MIle.
I have had a number of really nice meals at the Hadrian's Brasserie at the Balmoral Hotel. 2 courses table d'ote for about £19 dinner but is lovely modern Scottish food. Beware of the wine list though!
The museum of Scotland and Royal Academy and National Portrait Gallery worth a visit. National Library of Scotland is open on Saturdays.
Mavals
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Hi Mavals
Many thanks for your post - really really helpful! :D
Ann ;)
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There's also the Travel Lodge, half way down St. Mary's Street ........ not sure how much it is per night though, but it's well within stomping distance although on a slight incline (anyone interested in that area google for Worlds End pub as it's on the corner of the Royal Mile and St. Mary's Street).
Also as Ann stated, considering City of the Dead Tour, which needs to be prebooked, and takes in Greyfriars Kirkyard and Covenanters Prison (this is the only tour in Edinburgh which has access to the prison). Having been on this one on a few occasions, it's definitely one I'd recommend. Anyone interested, let Ann know and we'll sort out the booking (i'll see if we can get discount for a group booking ........ can see I'm scottish eh?)
Caz xx
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Ooops
Regarding food etc ......... there are rather a lot of eating places, but when daughter and I go into Edinburgh, we tend to hit The Filling Station in the Royal Mile, reasonable prices and the food is good. There are others in the immediate vicinity but again it depends on what you like and what you want -
http://www.bookatable.com/uk/170706/the-filling-station-edinburgh-high-street - may give a rough idea if it works lol
Caz
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Why was this thread moved ?????????????????????????
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Has it been moved? been stickied on here pretty well since I posted it.
This is usual board for meets????
Ann ???
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too far for me been a 'southerner' lol now. have a great meet all x
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Sorry...clicked on it in the Scottish General section and simply got a link to this page.
I therefor (wrongly) thought that the page had been moved.
:-[ :-X
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Ah!
I asked for it to be stickied and locked on Scotland General with a link to here so was visible on Scottish boards but replies all in one place.
Ann :D
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Pub at the Haymarket Station, Guinness £4 a pint. Pub at Queen Street Station, Guinness £2.40.
Watch your prices folks.
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cant make it we are in scotland on holiday with family then and doing research on clermiston house poorhouses and newspapers looking forthe piece where the duke of sutherland requested information on his grandson my great grandfather john laidlaw.
perhaps you couldmake the next meeting in italy, and you can stay with me. ;Dbut dont tell my husband :P 8)
marcie
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oooh roots in the sun - I can do that cos been not a lot of it about here!
Webbed feet in development
Ann :D
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ATTENTION ALL MEET ATTENDEES OR THOSE WHO'RE NOT DECIDED
A friend who is a member of the Scottish Genealogy Society who i've been confeering with about the meet has sais the following :
Hi Ann l have spoken to the Genealogy Society and they are willing to allow a party in on saturday the 27th Oct, there are 3 options for you, ...... 1. you can all go in individually and search the records (pre 1855) they charge £4.00 each for this,.... 2. go in as a group and take the tour as well as a talk on Genealogy called My in Folk (cost £2.00) or.... 3. do both but you can arrange that on the day. They are quite flexible when it comes to time spent in there so you could spend the morning in the Society. What l need to know is how many are coming, they will assist anybody who needs help in their research and you will get access to their private records which are not available on SP. l need to verify the date and number so if you can get back to me ASAP........Thanks
Having been to the premises - they;re not huge so they need an idea of numbers. So those who definitely are coming and would like to do this please let me know by 31 July please latest.. If is a no-no and you really would prefer to do something else then also let me know by same date.
Ta
Ann :D
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Also as Ann stated, considering City of the Dead Tour, which needs to be prebooked, and takes in Greyfriars Kirkyard and Covenanters Prison (this is the only tour in Edinburgh which has access to the prison). Having been on this one on a few occasions, it's definitely one I'd recommend. Anyone interested, let Ann know and we'll sort out the booking (i'll see if we can get discount for a group booking ........ can see I'm scottish eh?)
Caz xx
Ooh I'm in Edinburgh in a couple of weeks Caz,how far ahead do I have to book.
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You can book City of Dead Tour online ........... just let me find the link lol
http://www.blackhart.uk.com/graveyard.html
hope it works, if it doesn't just google City of Dead Tour or type blackhart etc in browser :)
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Cheers Caz,I fancy that tour,you never know one of my ancestors might show up ;D
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My daughter who was student at Edinburgh did the tour and says it is really really scary
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I've done it several times, and it still scares the life out of me, tho saying that got some super pics with loads of Orbs in them from that tour
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Excellent fellow chatters up for a good scary trip!
:o :o :o
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ATTENTION ALL MEET ATTENDEES OR THOSE WHO'RE NOT DECIDED
A friend who is a member of the Scottish Genealogy Society who i've been confeering with about the meet has sais the following :
Hi Ann l have spoken to the Genealogy Society and they are willing to allow a party in on saturday the 27th Oct, there are 3 options for you, ...... 1. you can all go in individually and search the records (pre 1855) they charge £4.00 each for this,.... 2. go in as a group and take the tour as well as a talk on Genealogy called My in Folk (cost £2.00) or.... 3. do both but you can arrange that on the day. They are quite flexible when it comes to time spent in there so you could spend the morning in the Society. What l need to know is how many are coming, they will assist anybody who needs help in their research and you will get access to their private records which are not available on SP. l need to verify the date and number so if you can get back to me ASAP........Thanks
Having been to the premises - they;re not huge so they need an idea of numbers. So those who definitely are coming and would like to do this please let me know by 31 July please latest.. If is a no-no and you really would prefer to do something else then also let me know by same date.
Ta
Ann :D
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The Genealogy Society sounds good to me!
Where are they?
Kooky
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Hi kooky
They're in the OLD Town. Not that far from the castle
Ann ;)
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15 Victoria Terrace.
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Hi Ann,
As you know i'll be n/shift on 26th so chances are I won't make anything at all morning wise, but I shall be dragging my weary wee body in at some point during the afternoon, so don't include me in the Geneaology Society numbers *sigh*
Caz xxx
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Lol Caz
I need you to be awake when we're being scared to tip wink at appropriate point!
The Scottish genie offering is from our wee mate Douglas - who might even be joining us
Ann xx :D
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cool beans
well can we find out asap who is wanting to go on city of dead tour and whether it the saturday or sunday so I can book if possible xxx
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me me me plus two - Saturday?
Ann :o :o :o
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Saturday is good for me
So that's 3 plus me so far makes it 4 lol
*is keeping a note* ;D ;D
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i cant make it we go on holiday on the 15thseptwith my mother, my aunt and her husband, one of the things i wanted to do was to go to new registry house, but too far away from where we are staying so a seperate trip is going to be organised for another time, but we can do a meet in iitaly next year if anyone is interested.?
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Hi Marcie
We can't do the New register House at weekends as it's not open at weekends sadly. Italy sounds marvellous have to say so worth posting if you want to organise a meet there.
Ann :D
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Have we had any further thoughts on accommodation?
As New Register House is not open at weekends I thought I might travel up on the Friday morning and visit then. I am only an hour away so could be in Edinburgh mid morning. I may as well stay Fri. night as well as Sat.
I need to make the most of my dog free state.
Kooky
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Still 4 for the Covenanters Graveyard Tour .......... any advance on this or are others too scared ;D ;D
Caz :D
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Hi
Holidays over :-[so time to focus on other fun things!
1. So need to know who will def be coming, so can folks let me know by 14th Sept please
2. Caz also needs to know who is up for being scared as she is organising the ghostie tour as we need to book and pay for that one in advance.
3. No hotel booked yet for us but am thinking premier or travellodge looks good!
Ann 8)
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is thinking we may have to put a deadline on the ghostie scary thing but needs to consult with Mrs. Baker first lol
Caz xxx
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Okay ladies and germs,
After consultation with Ann Baker we have decided on the following:
1. All those attending the meet can they let Anne know for definite by 14th September
2. Anyone wishing to go on City of Dead Tour (which takes in Covenanters Graveyard/Greyfriars Kirkyard) please also say by then. If undecided I will need to know for certain by 8th October so I can book it and pay for it at the time if payment is needed (I'll trust you to pay me back on the night lol)
3. Nearly forgot ....... those wishing to go to Geneology Centre, can they let Ann know ASAP as she needs to let the gentleman who has kindly offered this know.
Caz (in consult with Ann) :-*
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Thanks Caz
Me, J& H are def up for the ghostie tour. May have 3 more - am following that up!
Ann :D
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Hi,
Managed to sort things out so I can combine my trip with a visit to the Scottish Local History Forum Conference in Perth on Friday 26th.
I am staying with family on the south side of the city so will not require an hotel room, and I would like to do the City of the Dead tour. I would also like to go the Soc of Genealogists - I am a member, but there is always something new to learn.
Are we all going to be wearing red carnations to recognise each other? ;D ;D
Sylvia
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Ok that's 5 for getting the life scared out of them lol ........ and I'm leaving it up to Ann to decide how to identify each other ;D ;D
Caz xx
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Lol I will have a sign about my person of some description . I might have to dig out the bright red coat! But we will for sure find each other!
Ann ;)
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As I already know what Ann looks like (series of mutterings in scotlands people over two days for my sins lol) I'm fine ....... but I know have a mental image of Ann with a sandwich board saying I'M ANN BAKER on it lol
And on that note, time for me to head to bed :p
Caz xxx
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Hotel booked! Premier Inn Lauriston Place will be Baker HQ. After much umming and ahhing about car or no car we decided no car and life suddenly became a lot easier!
Now to design my sandwich board!
Ann ;)
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Thanks Ann! Was not sure where to book. I know now!
Kooky
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Time is wearing on and so far we have 5 wanting to do City of the Dead Tour .... I will be booking this sometime around week of 8th October, so any other takers need to let me know as soon as possible. Just checked the time of the Tour for 27th and it is at 10.30pm, starts from just opposite City Chambers, and there is some walking involved, so sensible footwear is a must lol.
Caz xx
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No room at the inn at Lauriston place :'(
Booked in at the Haymarket Premier Inn for Fri and Sat.
Could you give me some idea of where and when we will be meeting?
My minor back op was OK, and I can walk, but not TOO fast!
Hope all is well.
Kooky
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Hi Kooky,
Ann will let everyone know where to meet during the day as I probably won't be in till late on the Saturday (I'm nightshift on the Friday night). The City of Dead Tour leaves from just beside St. Giles, just over from City Chambers, and it's a walk from there to Greyfriars Kirkyard. Think the last time I went on it, they just walked along from the crossroads at Royal Mile to where Bobbies statue is, but other times they take you a slightly different route, which is all downhill :D
Caz xx
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Hi kooky
really good to hear your op went well!
I promise we'll not do lots of walking and we'll stroll when we are!
I just need to finalise the details with the Scottish Genie Centre but I think if we meet up at their premises - I'll post a map later - about 10.15ish that should be just right.
Ann :D
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Thankyou Ann!
That sounds good.
Kooky
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The Scottish Genie Society is at 15 Victoria Terrace
I've attached a google map with a pic of what it looks like (you can switch between the two). The genie society is on the upper level you can see in the pic.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&q=Map+victoria+terrace+edinburgh&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x4887c79aeebfa6d5:0x91f968d417b96762,Victoria+Terrace,+Edinburgh,+Midlothian+EH1+2JL&gl=uk&sa=X&ei=eJpxUOXWG6qu0QWkloDQBQ&ved=0CCIQ8gEwAA
Second link is the map itself. The big red A is Victora Terrace
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&q=Map+victoria+terrace+edinburgh&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x4887c79aeebfa6d5:0x91f968d417b96762,Victoria+Terrace,+Edinburgh,+Midlothian+EH1+2JL&gl=uk&sa=X&ei=eJpxUOXWG6qu0QWkloDQBQ&ved=0CCIQ8gEwAA
Ann :D
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I am so envious of you all. I have been hoping to get up to Edinburgh this year..but not sure I can.
So please let us know how it all goes. and Thoroughly enjoy.
xin
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Hi Everyone
Just wondering...have you finalised the weeked for the meet?
Monica :)
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Hi Monica
yes it's Saturday 27th october - further back in the thread
Ann :D
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Sorry, missed the date :P How exciting and how envious I am!
Monica
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Boooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!
Last call for City of the Dead Tour :o
I shall be booking this at some point this week, so need final head count of ALL who want to be included in getting their lives scared out of them lol
Caz xxx
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3 please! :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
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3 plus me ........ that's 4 ......... any advance?
Will leave it until Thursday or Friday incase anyone is still undecided lol
Caz xxx
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As previously posted, yes please. What are we planning for afternoon?
Sylvia
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Hi Sylvia
We have a choice. Depends on how long we want to spend in the genie centre. Do you have a preference? Need to keep the walking down but lots around there.
Ann :D
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Ok that's 5 lol *i have a list but just wanted to double check*
As I said I'll hang off till Thursday or Friday, just incase any latecomers want to go as well
Caz xxx
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Something at national library as it near to soc of Gen?
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If we need the reading room not open Saturday afternoon :(
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Ok, City of Dead Tour now booked ....... £10.00 per person, time of tour 10.30pm or 22.30 for those who work on 24hr clock lol, 27th October.
There are now 6 of us as my daughter is tagging along :D
Caz xxx
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Caz,
Thanks for doing this. Do we have "an agenda" for the weekend now?
Sylvia
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Any thoughts on dinner?
[Just getting my priorities in order! 8)]
Kooky
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Not sure re agenda or dinner. Best to speak to Ann about those two as I won't be appearing until the evening - nightshift on the Friday night so need sleep and takes me ages to get going once I'm up. Plus need to organise the puppy so hubby can get a rest during day as he watches her after his night shifts so I can sleep xx
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Hope the Edinburgh Meet has gone well! Let us know how it all went!
Monica :)
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Hi
Good day at the Scottish Genealogy Centre and many thanks to the society for looking after us so well! Also thanks to Douglas M for organising it . Think we all managed to find something - I'm quite pleased I got back to late 1600s on my McKellars and got to see an out of print book from their library which i thought would never see! We had very knowledgeable volunteers helping us on a one to one basis two of which are 80 years young. If anyone is ever in Edinburgh, do go and visit them as they are extremely helpful.
Was great to meet new faces as always!
Also thanks to Caz for organising a scary end to the day! Tho it was raining didn't stop us! First time I've been in a graveyard at midnight in the dark and it was very spooky indeed. The Black Mausoleum was I think fair to say an experience!
Ann :D
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Glad you enjoyed the experience Ann ........ it's one I think my daughter will not be repeating even though she's done that tour several times now, last night was one of the worst reactions (for want of a better word) I've seen in her ....... they must have liked me last night, as they left me alone!
A dark, spooky, soggy graveyard at midnight, no better end to the day ;D
Caz :-* :-*
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Enjoyed the time in the Genie centre. My guide had a specific interest in glassmaking and found lots of info for me.
Many thanks to Ann for arrangements.
Good to meet Ann, husband, and Holly, and Sylvia .
Glad to be home!
Kooky
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Great to meet everyone. Found a few new things at Scottish Genealogy Centre , so now off to National Records of Scotland tomorrow to follow up on the Eskdale Militia. The guys at SoG were brilliant
Glad you all enjoyed the spooky tour.
Mavals