Countdown in London - Vote on a date here!

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Mon Feb 08, 2010 11:42 pm

Please read all of this post before voting!
Edit: If you can do both dates, but can't do may, please say so! (I meant to add this as an option, but for some reason decided not to, sorry.)

A rather alarming amount of progress has been made.

Thanks to a tip-off from Phil Collinge, I have visited a Mystery Pub in London (easily reachable from King's Cross station). They have a function room upstairs, which they seem happy for us to occupy for a Saturday. All that remains is for me to pick a date, which is where I thought I'd do some more market research.

As you can see, the options are 24 April, or 20 March. The series 62 finals are scheduled for 27/28 April - this is subject to change, but this is the main reason I've offered the earlier date as well. Of course, the problem with the March date is that it may be too short notice for people, and so there are some other, more vague options. (Obviously the options aren't meant to be exclusive, so feel free to comment with thoughts.)

Please only vote if you're fairly confident you'd want to come - I'm not asking for definite yes/no yet, but I can give the following details to help you decide if this one isn't for you:

- Due to the pub not opening until 12, we'll be aiming to kick off at 1pm, and finish by around 6pm. This might seem like a short period of time, but because we won't need a long lunch break, I'm pretty confident we can get a good amount of Countdowning done (cf. CoLin 2009 where the 'main' rounds started at 12.40 and finished at 5.10). I anticipate having some sort of exhibition or warm up games from 12.30 for the people who turn up early.
- The format will most likely be 'CoLin' style. 9 rounders with 3 to a table, 2 playing 1 hosting.
- I haven't decided precisely what the entry fee will be, but it will probably be about £5.
- Children: The pub said under-18s are fine as long as they are accompanied by a parent/guardian. If you've got any questions about this feel free to drop me a PM.
- Food: I would hope the timetabling makes this a non-issue. Starting at 1 means people can eat lunch before they arrive, and we'll be finished by dinnertime. There are also the usual pub snacks to tide you over. (The pub doesn't serve 'proper' meals on a Saturday, for some reason.).

Please try and give me your thoughts on this over the next couple of days, I'll need to call the pub to confirm the dates are still available.

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Mon Feb 08, 2010 11:49 pm

I definitely can't do April 24, due to other commitments, but I would love to come down on March 20. Sounds like it could be absolutely good fun.

Although, I don't mind May either.

Phil Collinge · Post by **Phil Collinge** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 12:26 am

Speaking for both myself and Supee, we definitely cannot attend 20th March.

24th April is possible but potentially awkward due to work, but any Saturday after 1st May would not be a problem at all.

I have, therefore, voted option (d) in the poll.

Jon O'Neill · Post by **Jon O'Neill** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 1:04 pm

I am definitely up for this but not on the 20th March. Any other day I'm in.

Ben Wilson · Post by **Ben Wilson** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 2:12 pm

20th March doesn't work for me due to Scrabbly commitments but otherwise I'll be there.

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:14 pm

I could do March 20th or May (depending on dates). Sounds promising, I'll watch developments with interest!

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Wed Feb 10, 2010 6:38 pm

'sup dudes. I'm bumping this because I would like a bit more feedback if possible, before I finally commit to a date and start trying to make people give me money.

Jeff Clayton · Post by **Jeff Clayton** » Wed Feb 10, 2010 8:57 pm

Would be very happy to attend - whatever date you decide on!

Jeff

Julie T · Post by **Julie T** » Thu Feb 11, 2010 3:26 pm

I've put that I could attend on either date.
However, IMHO May would be better, to spread out these events, and mean that those attending Scrabbly things and the series finals would hopefully be able to attend.

Paul Howe · Post by **Paul Howe** » Thu Feb 11, 2010 4:21 pm

I can make 20th Mar, but not 24th Apr. Any time from May onwards should also be fine.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Thu Feb 11, 2010 4:33 pm

Paul Howe wrote:I can make 20th Mar, but not 24th Apr. Any time from May onwards should also be fine.

24th April it is then, sorted.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Thu Feb 11, 2010 4:52 pm

Oh yeah, did I mention the venue has 2 dart boards?

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Thu Feb 11, 2010 5:06 pm

Michael Wallace wrote:Oh yeah, did I mention the venue has 2 dart boards?

cimping...

Martin Bishop · Post by **Martin Bishop** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 7:07 pm

I'd love to attend, whatever date you choose.

Martin Bishop · Post by **Martin Bishop** » Sat Feb 13, 2010 3:35 pm

Ah, crap. I've just been reminded that I'm busy on April 24th. It's either March 20th or May for me. I need to get a diary.

Kai Laddiman · Post by **Kai Laddiman** » Sat Feb 13, 2010 7:59 pm

Martin Bishop wrote:I'd love to attend, whatever date you choose.

IAWTP

Naomi Laddiman · Post by **Naomi Laddiman** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 10:57 pm

If you opt for April 24th, the London marathon is on April 25th, so most of the hotels will have been booked up for the evening of 24th - (I'm running it and have tried to book a cheap hotel without success), should anyone be planning to stay over. I don't know if this would cause problems or not, but thought it was worth a mention.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 11:07 pm

Thanks for all the input guys, given that no-one has come along and said "oh I can't do May", and you've all come up with good reasons for the two proposed dates being bad, I'm going to pick a Saturday in May and hopefully go from there. Watch this space...

Jimmy Gough · Post by **Jimmy Gough** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 12:11 am

oh I can't do May

(srsly if it's the half-term week, I can't)

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 12:14 am

I can't do 1st May.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 12:16 am

Kirk Bevins wrote:I can't do 1st May.

It wouldn't be the 1st, bank holiday weekends are a pretty big no-no.

Jimmy Gough wrote:oh I can't do May

(srsly if it's the half-term week, I can't)

When's that?

Hugh Binnie · Post by **Hugh Binnie** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 8:07 am

Michael Wallace wrote:
Jimmy Gough wrote:oh I can't do May

(srsly if it's the half-term week, I can't)
When's that?

Very end of the month, i.e. 29th May (and 5th June, but June isn't in May).

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 12:25 pm

Hugh Binnie wrote:Very end of the month, i.e. 29th May (and 5th June, but June isn't in May).

Cheers (Jimmy told me on MSN anyway, but I still appreciate the fact someone took the time to reply).

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 12:39 pm

CoLon should be the ultimate showdown: THEM v US. Come on, you know who you are. LET'S FUCKING HAVE IT.

Marc Meakin · Post by **Marc Meakin** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 12:45 pm

Jon Corby wrote:CoLon should be the ultimate showdown: THEM v US. Come on, you know who you are. LET'S FUCKING HAVE IT.

Would that be north v south, men v women or media friendly v Countdown robots.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 12:51 pm

Marc Meakin wrote:media friendly v Countdown robots.

I really hope this is the plot of Terminator 5.

Anna Woodward · Post by **Anna Woodward** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:55 pm

I can't really do May. pretty much anytime in April would be great. Or can do July if that gives people more time to sort things out? Will come if I can, don't forget exam period is May/June for us studenty people.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:59 pm

Anna Woodward wrote:I can't really do May. pretty much anytime in April would be great. Or can do July if that gives people more time to sort things out? Will come if I can, don't forget exam period is May/June for us studenty people.

Yeah, I was concerned about May myself, but it seems very few of the interested parties are sufficiently studenty types for it to matter, and there are enough problems with the other options that it seems to be the least bad option.

I'll be making a post soonish with a confirmed date, more details of the event, etc.

Ian Dent · Post by **Ian Dent** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:06 pm

I can't do May. Unless it is a weekday.

Jimmy Gough · Post by **Jimmy Gough** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 9:13 pm

Would be lulz if there was someone on the forum called May.

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Thu Mar 18, 2010 2:40 pm

Jimmy Gough wrote:Would be lulz if there was someone on the forum called May.

Haha, I only just paid attention to this. And thoroughly enjoyed it.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Thu Mar 18, 2010 2:41 pm

Speaking of this thread, almost everything is set up. Keep an eye out for a special announcement next week (hopefully Tuesday).

Andy Wilson · Post by **Andy Wilson** » Fri Mar 19, 2010 11:01 am

Cool. Fair play Michael. Looking forward to finding out the date. Have interest, will travel.

Julie T · Post by **Julie T** » Sat Mar 20, 2010 12:34 am

Michael Wallace wrote:Speaking of this thread, almost everything is set up. Keep an eye out for a special announcement next week (hopefully Tuesday).

Neil Zussman · Post by **Neil Zussman** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:44 pm

Michael Wallace wrote:Speaking of this thread, almost everything is set up. Keep an eye out for a special announcement next week (hopefully Tuesday).

Maybe not Tuesday after all then?

Still a few hours left though.
This looks like being a good event, I hope you choose a date when I can go. Not sure May would be the best month for me, but it seems I'm in a minority. Oh well. I await with baited breath the date announcement.

Michael Wallace · Post by **Michael Wallace** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:58 pm

Neil Zussman wrote:
Michael Wallace wrote:Speaking of this thread, almost everything is set up. Keep an eye out for a special announcement next week (hopefully Tuesday).
Maybe not Tuesday after all then? Still a few hours left though.
This looks like being a good event, I hope you choose a date when I can go. Not sure May would be the best month for me, but it seems I'm in a minority. Oh well. I await with baited breath the date announcement.

Yeah, technical problems have been occurring...

However, I can exclusively reveal that the date for Co:Lon will be May 22nd so people should put that date in their diaries. I'll hopefully have the website up with all the details ASAP.

Ralph Gillions · Post by **Ralph Gillions** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 9:52 pm

Nice to see you around again Neil.

Richard Priest · Post by **Richard Priest** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 11:12 pm

My attendance will probably depend on whether I can combine it with a visit to friends in London or Brighton.Will see what I can do....

tomrowell · Post by **tomrowell** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:23 am

If Leicester get to the play off final, i will be at wembley. If we don't I will be at CoLon. Either way I will be in our grand nation's capital

Julie T · Post by **Julie T** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 2:13 am

Michael Wallace wrote: I can exclusively reveal that the date for Co:Lon will be May 22nd

Looking forward to it already!

Thanks for taking on the task of organising this.

Niall Seymour · Post by **Niall Seymour** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 1:57 pm

I might be interested in this as living in Bristol, London is much easier to get to than the various other places these events are held at. My brother also lives in London and I have several friends at UCL and Imperial so could probably make a long weekend of it.

However I'm currently out of the country and will be until early-mid May and am only on the forum after booking some computer time and finding that Facebook and BBC didn't work so don't reserve me a place if there is likely to be more interest than places.

Andy Wilson · Post by **Andy Wilson** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 2:29 pm

If your current choice of venue doesn't work out you could try this place http://www.thehideawaybar.co.uk/

Neil Zussman · Post by **Neil Zussman** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:30 pm

Michael Wallace wrote:
Neil Zussman wrote:
Michael Wallace wrote:Speaking of this thread, almost everything is set up. Keep an eye out for a special announcement next week (hopefully Tuesday).
Maybe not Tuesday after all then? Still a few hours left though.
This looks like being a good event, I hope you choose a date when I can go. Not sure May would be the best month for me, but it seems I'm in a minority. Oh well. I await with baited breath the date announcement.
Yeah, technical problems have been occurring...

However, I can exclusively reveal that the date for Co:Lon will be May 22nd so people should put that date in their diaries. I'll hopefully have the website up with all the details ASAP.

Good stuff, I might actually be available on that date. I hope these Co events are as fun as you guys make them out to be! I'm sure it'll live up to the hype.

Ralph Gillions wrote:Nice to see you around again Neil.

Thanks Ralph.

I'm supposed to be revising, so I thought to myself, what better time to procrastinate on the countdown forums again!

Matt Morrison · Post by **Matt Morrison** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 1:43 am

Me and Badcock are going to Co:Lon (if she gets some more votes on the hot contestant poll)

James Robinson · Post by **James Robinson** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 5:45 pm

Michael Wallace wrote:
Neil Zussman wrote:
Michael Wallace wrote:Speaking of this thread, almost everything is set up. Keep an eye out for a special announcement next week (hopefully Tuesday).
Maybe not Tuesday after all then? Still a few hours left though.
This looks like being a good event, I hope you choose a date when I can go. Not sure May would be the best month for me, but it seems I'm in a minority. Oh well. I await with baited breath the date announcement.
Yeah, technical problems have been occurring...

However, I can exclusively reveal that the date for Co:Lon will be May 22nd so people should put that date in their diaries. I'll hopefully have the website up with all the details ASAP.

It's been nearly 5 days, Michael. Are we any closer to finalising the whole thing

CoLon 2010 Dates