Christmas Meet in Kent ?

[crockett]

just wondering if there would be one this year ? enjoyed the last two years.usually day or two after crimbo day.

[Pied Piper]

It's normally at my pub. Last year was over subscribed with people just turning up, causing chaos in the local roads. 360 cars turned up even though we stopped the list at 250 If it wasn't for the volunteers who helped on the day it would have been a disaster.

Unfortunately due to PH success we are unable to cope with the numbers, and the police will have to be present if we do another event, and I'm guessing that will cost a fortune.

It's a shame because we have all enjoyed doing it, mind you it would be nice to go to one on someone elses turf.

Edited by Pied Piper on Tuesday 9th November 13:55

[Gizmo!]

Real shame that the meet isn't happening - last year's was brilliant but I understand why it can't be held again.

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So - come on PHists, heads together... where can we all go this year?

Needs:
Breakfast
Lots of space
>50 miles from London (to allow some taking the 'scenic' route)

Likes:
Seaside/nice countryside
A postcode for sat-navs

[greengreenwood7]

How about somewhere like Brands? if they'd host it parking space wouldnt be an issue - still a sensible distance from London.....
with Xmas falling on a weekend when would everyone be looking at date wise?

[8MRFQ340]

There is a American diner not too far from Sevenoaks, on Poll Hill. They have parking for about 50 cars.

Or Bewl water, on the A21 to Hastings. There are some lovely roads nearby.

[Pied Piper]

8MRFQ340 said:

There is a American diner not too far from Sevenoaks, on Poll Hill. They have parking for about 50 cars.

Or Bewl water, on the A21 to Hastings. There are some lovely roads nearby.

50 cars, that's about 600 short of what you'll need, you've only got to look at the Sunday service meets to see how over subscribed they are.

We tried to stop the list at 250 but still ended up with 360, if it was not for the generosity of the farm next door we would have been in real trouble.

Edited by Pied Piper on Wednesday 10th November 00:33

[Gizmo!]

greengreenwood7 said:

How about somewhere like Brands? if they'd host it parking space wouldnt be an issue - still a sensible distance from London.....
with Xmas falling on a weekend when would everyone be looking at date wise?

That's one option. I was thinking the Monday (27th) bank holiday is probably the best date.

[greengreenwood7]

the date might be a tough one to get right for some folks.....i'd imagine that for some the 27th is still 'family mode '? and after that a few hardy souls may be back at work?

[ncs]

Forget 7 Diner at Poll Hill, great place but they couldnt even manage breakfast for eight of us the other day, let alone several hundred.

Brands will have all sorts of public liability issues & charge, if I recall its been looked into & was a non starter for that kind of meet.

We've looked into other venues after a few very popular meets at The Manor Farm Barn, but Terry, the staff & us marshalls just cant manage the numbers & he has other issues to consider as he said....such a shame.

Nick (top picture, handsome fella in hi-vis on the right of the Lambo, do you like my hat?)

[Pied Piper]

ncs said:

Forget 7 Diner at Poll Hill, great place but they couldnt even manage breakfast for eight of us the other day, let alone several hundred.

Still haven't got my orange juice.

[8MRFQ340]

Bewl resorvoir(sp?) then? Near some decent roads, lots of parking and a cafe on site.

[The Dirty Bubble]

Went to a classic car show at Bewl a while ago, they had no problem dealing with hundreds of cars. The only problem is that they charge non members to enter during the summer, not sure if this would be the same during the winter? Dad was a member there for years, might be able to get a friendly contact name if someone wants it?

[Cotty]

ncs said:

Forget 7 Diner at Poll Hill, great place but they couldnt even manage breakfast for eight of us the other day, let alone several hundred.

Hi Nick. What about the garden center http://www.polhill.co.uk/sevenoaks.html I understand they have hosted classic car events in the past so a car event would not be completly left field. They have a huge car park and a resturant that does breakfast (not sure they could handle 600 bacon sanwiches but a bit of notice they might be able to put on some extra staff)

[ncs]

Cotty said:

ncs said:

Forget 7 Diner at Poll Hill, great place but they couldnt even manage breakfast for eight of us the other day, let alone several hundred.

Hi Nick. What about the garden center http://www.polhill.co.uk/sevenoaks.html I understand they have hosted classic car events in the past so a car event would not be completly left field. They have a huge car park and a resturant that does breakfast (not sure they could handle 600 bacon sanwiches but a bit of notice they might be able to put on some extra staff)

Hello mate

You're not the first person to suggest that as I've had a couple of private mails about Polhill.

You arrange it...I'll come along

Nick

[Rochester TVR]

Another one here that would like to see a Christmas meet. A couple of options that might be worth considering...

Bluewater shopping center: Endless amounts of spaces and the option to move the meeting place into one of the under cover car parks if the weather is not on our side... could easily arrange a few burger vans to be there to provide hot drinks / breakfast etc. Although lacking in being a 'nice' venue it ticks all the boxes and is only one of a few places guarenteed not to be affected by weather.

Or how about Wadhurst Train Station; back to where it all started...

Edited by Rochester TVR on Thursday 11th November 23:24

[Gizmo!]

Rochester TVR said:

Another one here that would like to see a Christmas meet. A couple of options that might be worth considering...

Bluewater shopping center: Endless amounts of spaces and the option to move the meeting place into one of the under cover car parks if the weather is not on our side... could easily arrange a few burger vans to be there to provide hot drinks / breakfast etc. Although lacking in being a 'nice' venue it ticks all the boxes and is only one of a few places guarenteed not to be affected by weather.

Or how about Wadhurst Train Station; back to where it all started...

Edited by Rochester TVR on Thursday 11th November 23:24

I thought they started at VW?

[greengreenwood7]

talked to polhill, waiting a definite response, but feeling is highly unlikely that they'd agree as its a daytime meet and they'd be concerned about losing that many parking spacers for the normal shoppers.

[3200gt]

Brands Hatch is the obvious choice!



(plus it's only 3 mins from me!)

[greengreenwood7]

Brands is a no no as i talked with them yesterday and they are closed that week......
so, so far Bewl is the only viable suggestion - but given that its a little way out it may not appeal so much to those from North London + beyond.....

anyone else got a suggestion?

[michaelw3628]

How about Buckmore Park go kart track? According to Google maps it appears there's plenty of space next door for parking. Only closed Christmas Day,Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Perhaps try getting a cheap deal on some racing also. Teams of 4,5 or 6 random people?