Potential venues for BKCC meets additional/alternate to Queen Square Sundays

[Facial Hair Optional]

Rather than string out the "Queen's Square Sunday morning meet 13th December" topic posts I thought I would start a new thread on this subject as it has taken on a life of it's own lately.

I have just returned from a Sunday morning recce looking at the potential venue of Parry's Lane up on the Downs in Bristol. The weather was great for once but I got back in the nick of time 'cos it is now peeing it down here!!!

Left my place at 8.55am and I arrived at 9.15am, the roads on the way there were pretty much dead despite the Xmas season. Decided that there was no point in going too early as I was certain that if it was quiet and plenty of room at 9 ish then it would be even quieter at 8 should it be decided that 8am was a good time to be there.

Personally I think the only reason people get to Queen Square so early is because it gets full so quickly, not a problem I envisage us having if it just a BKCC meet. It is also worth considering the fact that maybe more people might attend if it were not so early? Being as it is a Sunday and many people have children to think of, it is the only day for a lie in for many working people also.

After seeing 3 or 4 potential venues this morning I think the first thing we need to discuss is what we want to achive from having a new meeting. Will it be just a meet and catch up/chat? Do we need food and drink available? Are we going for a drive as well or staying put? Do we need loos? Do we need shelter to get inside of, ie pub, cafe or ??!??

The part of Parry's Lane being considered is one way which means lower risk from traffic, it is very wide consisting of two wide lanes though most people seem to drive down the middle. It is easily as wide as 6 or even 7 cars parked side by side! There were a few cars there, most empty (joggers and dog walkers) and most on the left hand side. The few vehicles on the right hand side were camper vans and one mobile advertising wagon, all parked overnight I suspect. There are no yellow lines and no visible parking restrictions. Not that this seems to be an issue at Queens which is actually pay and display! Potentially those wardens could book everyone for not displaying a ticket and also parking in reserved bays. No doubt they may well use that in the future if they want rid of the ADC car issue. I did not actually check the Sunday pay and display details at the square but based on the fact that I saw people buying a ticket I would say that you are supposed to pay and display there on a Sunday.

Parry's Lane today at about 9.20am.....

The entrance to the road...



Forward view in driving direction...



Rearward view, against the flow of traffic...




That bit of road can easily hold about 80 cars I would say, if no other vehicles were there. There would be more than enough room for a BKCC meeting. As we all know getting people to attend is more the issue that having enough room!! If we were inundated there is another 400 metres of unrestricted parking at the end of the road if you just turn left.

My own feeling is that this venue is ok but not that great, but then comparing it to Queen Square, what will be? I think maybe a pub venue like the Thursday evening meets but maybe on a Sunday mid-morning would be a better option (more on that in a minute).

Parrys Lane was ok, a bit open and barren though. No chuck wagon either but it's a short drive to the Cafe Retreat by the water tower where I had breakfast or you can walk across the grass. When I got to the cafe there was one blokey inside but by the time I got my free range poached eggs on wholemeal toast (with rocket!!) and pot of tea it was near enough full of jogger types. See pics.

Cafe Retreat at about 9.30am......

Outside...



Inside...



Counter and feature roof beams...



Menu (part of)...




After brekky and feeling a bit flat about Parry's Lane (though it would be somewhere to start at least?) I decided to go see good old Queen Square to see what it was like on a Sunday when the ADC meeting is not on, needless to say no comparison really. It was very empty and very beautiful. The part where we usually park had maybe 4 or 5 cars and the other 3 sides of the square were near as makes no difference completely empty despite it being Xmas!! There were a few cars around the perimeter but then it is Xmas and I doubt they will be there at other times of the year somehow.

I was thinking we could even use it?! Just on a different Sunday as long as we are quiet no one would be any the wiser I feel. The cafes were open as usual which surprised me as I did wonder if they only opened on a Sunday because of the ADC meet. Not so it seems.

After today it has become even more apparent to me that we are VERY unlikely to find another place like Queen Square. That place is a one-off in this region I feel.

Queen Square today, Sunday 20th December......



Ghost town...




I left Queen Square and headed home, I can tell you driving around Bristol at 20 flippin mph is no fun even in a tin top - GRRRR.

On the way home I was looking around and trying to think of other places that may be suitable to take in on the way. I thought of the Golden Heart at Winterbourne Down and turned off to check it out. It may sound like it is in the middle of nowhere and if you were sat in it's garden you would be forgiven for still thinking that! In fact it is literally less than 2 mins from the A4174 ring road and 5 from the M32 junction 1 so is very easy to get to and to find.

See map.....

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Golden+Hart,+Down+Rd,+Coalpit+Heath,+Bristol,+South+Gloucestershire+BS36+1AU/@51.5103315,-2.4861726,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x48719a977b4cf00b:0x8c2669bb2c68a73

As I was there taking some snaps the chef came out so I collared him and had a chat. They open at 11am and food is available from 11.30am - another good reason not to have too early a start maybe? I asked him how he thought the landlord would feel about us descending on them once in a while, using the car park for our meeting and then maybe buying drinks and grub from the pub, he said it should be no problem and good for the pub. I can investigate further if the powers that be instruct me to do so!! 

There is ample parking in marked bays, enough for at least 35 of us I would say! There is an overflow car park if we should ever need it. They have a nice beer garden with plenty of seating, tables and brollies too I seem to remember from my past visits here and I know the food and drink is excellent.

Pics of Golden Heart.....








I am sure there are loads and loads of places like this we could use, but on reflection I personally am now not so convinced that moving any future meeting venue around from month to month is such a good idea. Having a regular spot (like the Thursday eve meets) ensures everyone knows when and where it is and stops confusion, it also enables us to get rapport with the venue owners and bring them and us business and bring stability to the club. On the other hand variety is the spice of life so we are told!!   

Whatever we do I think we should be aiming to grow the clubs membership base, particulary with people that contribute and attend events if at all possible and also maybe broaden our base of car types that belond to the club, ie classics, sports cars, specialist vehicles etc. I particularly like the name the South Wales club has chosen to use - The South Wales Kit & Specialist Car Club, it kinda says it all to me and invites a much bigger range of cars to join us. Just my personal view!

I saw two TVRs as I filled up with LPG at the Shell station by the Willly Wicket pub, could have done with some fliers/leaflets to hand out!!!! Promotion is the way to go guys!!! Guerilla marketing!!!

I also popped into Brunswick Square in Bristol, small, grubby, pay and display, bit rough but there is a cafe I think. I didn't get a good vibe from it tbh.

Well guys that is my report for my recce trip today. Any views/feedback is more than welcome. Please bear in mind this is just MY report, the decision on what happens and where is not up to me, that will be decided by the big boys!!! 

[Gary RH7]

Good write up mate

Although I have never done Queens Square I totaly agree with a regular spot and not moving it around. I would probably start attending especially if it were a little more East Also it MUST have somewhere to buy a coffee at least.

There were some ideas posted some time ago so its probably worth reviewing those.

[Facial Hair Optional]

Good write up mate

Although I have never done Queens Square I totaly agree with a regular spot and not moving it around. I would probably start attending especially if it were a little more East Also it MUST have somewhere to buy a coffee at least.

There were some ideas posted some time ago so its probably worth reviewing those.

Cheers Gary. I didnt realise you had not been to Queens!! You must come mate just in case they do close it down. I have only managed to get to maybe 3 or 4 so far but they have all been very good.

Do you happen to know which thread those other ideas were posted on by any chance mate? I'd like to review them and maybe add those thoughts to this one if poss. I think I may have posted on that thread so I may be able to track it down that way.

[Gary RH7]

Good write up mate

Although I have never done Queens Square I totaly agree with a regular spot and not moving it around. I would probably start attending especially if it were a little more East Also it MUST have somewhere to buy a coffee at least.

There were some ideas posted some time ago so its probably worth reviewing those.

Cheers Gary. I didnt realise you had not been to Queens!! You must come mate just in case they do close it down. I have only managed to get to maybe 3 or 4 so far but they have all been very good.

Do you happen to know which thread those other ideas were posted on by any chance mate? I'd like to review them and maybe add those thoughts to this one if poss. I think I may have posted on that thread so I may be able to track it down that way.

I cant find it but it was about the time of this one.
http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/index.php?topic=3997.msg42222#msg42222

Ian came up with a bunch of pubs which looked good.

[paintman]

Brekkie a bit "OTT".!!

Just had 2 megabreakfasts for £9.00 in Cheddar.....that's ridiculous!!

[Facial Hair Optional]

Brekkie a bit "OTT".!!

Just had 2 megabreakfasts for £9.00 in Cheddar.....that's ridiculous!!

Yeah, it's Clifton! I must admit the quality is very high though. Two mega brekkies for £9 is mad cheap by anywhere's standard though. Are you sure it was fit for human consumption?? 

[Iancider]

Excellent report FHO.  You are now our official touring Ambassador.

I quite like the idea of moving this show around and to give some of our outer ring members a chance to show up.  If you start thinking in terms of Sunday brekkie with parking or maybe Brunch - a bunch of options appear.  In fact much as I like QS it is in the centre and that is nearly a car no-go area.

I like the Golden Lion and I think it is important wherever we go to let the venue know - they don't keep infinite stock in or maybe a full staff - so it is in our interests to book.  The Willy Wicket is a possible and the Hunters rest for East of Bristol.  The old favourite at Cheddar gorge is one but you need to leave a sentry on duty if you go down the gorge for breakfast.  As I mentioned the Village club at Redhill is excellent by appointment.  The Queen Victoria at Priddy (near to the Gorge is excellent).  Allington Farm Chippenham is another. 

Alternatives on a Saturday (closed Sunday) Oakham Treasures http://www.oakhamtreasures.co.uk/ - just of J19 M5

Meeting with a club like the South Wales Kit Car club would be good too.  Maybe the car park of the Celtic Manor Hotel and Golf Club (posh breakfast) or an Premier Inn or Travelodge that is always co-located with Breakfast joint.

Or a new thought:  A rolling convoy - it stays on the move very slowly and has way-points to re-assemble and pick-up or drop-off our convoy partners. Join it or leave it like a Rover ticket on the buses.

Regards
Ian

[paintman]

[quote author=Facial Hair Optional link=topic=4412.msg47970#msg47970 date=145064248
Yeah, it's Clifton! I must admit the quality is very high though. Two mega brekkies for £9 is mad cheap by anywhere's standard though. Are you sure it was fit for human consumption?? 
[/quote]

As you obviously don't believe me ask Dixie.....it was in a very nice pub, in their conservatory-restaurant, all the tables
were laid up and it was tastefully decorated for Xmas.

The meals were excellent in quality and size!

Why pay for snobbery....."its in Cliffton"!....to quote.

[benchmark51]

I have to agree, even £7.50 for an 'english' is a bit pricey. £9, I can easily do 2 Sunday roast dinners with dessert for that. I'm not that interested in breakfast anyway, if I was I would knock one up before I leave home. I usually make do with yogurt, toast and coffee. Besides, plates of cholesterol isn't in keeping with a lithe, athletic body!

[Facial Hair Optional]

[quote author=Facial Hair Optional link=topic=4412.msg47970#msg47970 date=145064248
Yeah, it's Clifton! I must admit the quality is very high though. Two mega brekkies for £9 is mad cheap by anywhere's standard though. Are you sure it was fit for human consumption?? 

As you obviously don't believe me ask Dixie.....it was in a very nice pub, in their conservatory-restaurant, all the tables
were laid up and it was tastefully decorated for Xmas.

The meals were excellent in quality and size!

Why pay for snobbery....."its in Cliffton"!....to quote.
[/quote]

I do believe you Tony, in fact I don't recall saying anywhere that I didn't believe you? As I made clear at the end, this is just my report, the prices are the prices, nothing to do with me, I don't own the place! I wouldn't particularly want to pay £7.50 either but I think there are more important considerations re a meeting than the price of the brekkie. We could always take a packed lunch and a flask if it is that much of is an issue for people, I am more than happy to do that myself.

In fact that is an idea to be considered, it means we could meet anywhere. Have a pic-a-nic boo-boo! Tog Hill has tables and a great view. And loos. If they haven't shut them down yet that is. I know Colin often plans ahead and takes his own grub and drink to Combe etc. A very good idea when you think about it!

[Facial Hair Optional]

I have to agree, even £7.50 for an 'english' is a bit pricey. £9, I can easily do 2 Sunday roast dinners with dessert for that. I'm not that interested in breakfast anyway, if I was I would knock one up before I leave home. I usually make do with yogurt, toast and coffee. Besides, plates of cholesterol isn't in keeping with a lithe, athletic body!

Errr-hum.....

http://postimg.org/image/6qij70h3z/

[Facial Hair Optional]

Excellent report FHO.  You are now our official touring Ambassador.

I quite like the idea of moving this show around and to give some of our outer ring members a chance to show up.  If you start thinking in terms of Sunday brekkie with parking or maybe Brunch - a bunch of options appear.  In fact much as I like QS it is in the centre and that is nearly a car no-go area.

I like the Golden Lion and I think it is important wherever we go to let the venue know - they don't keep infinite stock in or maybe a full staff - so it is in our interests to book.  The Willy Wicket is a possible and the Hunters rest for East of Bristol.  The old favourite at Cheddar gorge is one but you need to leave a sentry on duty if you go down the gorge for breakfast.  As I mentioned the Village club at Redhill is excellent by appointment.  The Queen Victoria at Priddy (near to the Gorge is excellent).  Allington Farm Chippenham is another. 

Alternatives on a Saturday (closed Sunday) Oakham Treasures http://www.oakhamtreasures.co.uk/ - just of J19 M5

Meeting with a club like the South Wales Kit Car club would be good too.  Maybe the car park of the Celtic Manor Hotel and Golf Club (posh breakfast) or an Premier Inn or Travelodge that is always co-located with Breakfast joint.

Or a new thought:  A rolling convoy - it stays on the move very slowly and has way-points to re-assemble and pick-up or drop-off our convoy partners. Join it or leave it like a Rover ticket on the buses.

Regards
Ian

Thank you Ian, all great ideas, not sure I want that job though thanks!! I may open a snack wagon though selling good coffee and cheap full english breakfasts, there seems to be a lot of interest in that! 

Did you mean the Golden Lion, or Golden Heart?

[sanzomat]

I think the golden lion ate the golden hart for breakfast...

Good write up though. I think there need to be a few more recce trips to exhaust every possibility for car parking with breakfast. As soon as the car is back together I'll be using this as an excuse to go out for lots of Sunday morning drives.

[benchmark51]

The karting place at Hullavington have parking and a diner. Got plenty of karts too, should anyone feel the urge! Well placed for loads of people to get to as well.

[Bulldog Bri]

The Golden Heart gets my vote as well. Easy to get to and do a run somewhere from.

[Facial Hair Optional]

I think the golden lion ate the golden hart for breakfast...

Good write up though. I think there need to be a few more recce trips to exhaust every possibility for car parking with breakfast. As soon as the car is back together I'll be using this as an excuse to go out for lots of Sunday morning drives.

Good man!! (and thanks) Merry Xmas mate

[Facial Hair Optional]

Ian, Colin, Phil and other moderators... do we have a map showing the geographical locations of all members by any chance??

This might help in planning future meeting locations maybe?

Out of interest how many members does the club have now? I suspect the % activity rate is fairly low judging by those who post on here and those who attend meetings?

[benchmark51]

There is a members map on the forum page, just need click it. There is also a member list at the top of the page. However half of them have never posted.

[Gary RH7]

Ian, Colin, Phil and other moderators... do we have a map showing the geographical locations of all members by any chance??

This might help in planning future meeting locations maybe?

Out of interest how many members does the club have now? I suspect the % activity rate is fairly low judging by those who post on here and those who attend meetings?

Try this
https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=150693


Just added myself

[Facial Hair Optional]

There is a members map on the forum page, just need click it. There is also a member list at the top of the page. However half of them have never posted.

Yeah I have seen that map Dave but I'm pretty sure it is not very comprehensive. Just thought the mods might have access to a 'special' one!

[Facial Hair Optional]

Ian, Colin, Phil and other moderators... do we have a map showing the geographical locations of all members by any chance??

This might help in planning future meeting locations maybe?

Out of interest how many members does the club have now? I suspect the % activity rate is fairly low judging by those who post on here and those who attend meetings?

Try this
https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=150693


Just added myself

Yeah seen it ta Gary, there are way more members than appear on it and that is the issue, you have to add yourself and how many have actually done so?

I have kept a note of those who have posted and who I have a 1st name for, in all the time I have been on here it comes to the grand total of 37, and that includes myself! I would be surprised if that is even 10% of the membership base?

[Moleman]

Thanks for the report mate it was very interesting. We also have to consider there are a lot of sports activities that go on there in the summer. 

I'm happy to do different places if people are up for that & yes I would like more people to post what they think as it would help mate. 

['The Gaffer']

There is a members map on the forum page, just need click it. There is also a member list at the top of the page. However half of them have never posted.

Yeah I have seen that map Dave but I'm pretty sure it is not very comprehensive. Just thought the mods might have access to a 'special' one!

I set the Zeemaps map up many years ago and at the time when there were about 100 members it was pretty comprehensive. I guess since the other 400+ have joined it has not been so active. Maybe I should move it to the forum page that I know many people read.

Oh, and great report by the way

[Facial Hair Optional]

Thanks for the report mate it was very interesting. We also have to consider there are a lot of sports activities that go on there in the summer. 

I'm happy to do different places if people are up for that & yes I would like more people to post what they think as it would help mate. 

Yes it did occur to me yesterday Colin that even without sports etc there would be more cars and people there in the warmer spring and summer weather, walkers, joggers, sunbathers, doggers etc!

Actually, maybe we should go there in the summer after all!!! 

[Facial Hair Optional]

There is a members map on the forum page, just need click it. There is also a member list at the top of the page. However half of them have never posted.

Yeah I have seen that map Dave but I'm pretty sure it is not very comprehensive. Just thought the mods might have access to a 'special' one!

I set the Zeemaps map up many years ago and at the time when there were about 100 members it was pretty comprehensive. I guess since the other 400+ have joined it has not been so active. Maybe I should move it to the forum page that I know many people read.

Oh, and great report by the way

Good idea and thanks Phil