Which Winter '08/09 weekender? Blush or Eclipse?

[frodo]

Actually, the "coach trip" option sounds like an interesting possibility for JA to explore - Ceroc have explicitly rejected it, I read as much in one of the FAQs.

Lots of work to organise, of course...

I don't know if Camber Sands has a direct coach service from London.

I believe Butlins Skegness has a direct National Express coach Fridays/Mondays all year around from London (other UK cities such as Birmingham/Liverpool/Newcastle etc. have direct services in the summer).

[Sugarfoot]

Is it just me that thinks the Ceroc ad entitled "Weekender Warning" at the bottom of this page is in very bad taste in light of the current situation.

[ducasi]

Is it just me that thinks the Ceroc ad entitled "Weekender Warning" at the bottom of this page is in very bad taste in light of the current situation.

Google picks the adverts based on the content of the page.

[Agente Secreto]

Just added myself to the Eclipse list at my local venue so Skeggie for me in Feb now. It's far closer to me and a lot of my dance 'chums' will be there - and the thought of having a chalet which is cleaner and more modern is not to be underestimated.

Can't afford 2 weekenders in Q1 otherwise I might just go to Blush too and live with the Pontins accommodation challenges.

[ducasi]

I've just booked to go to Blush @ Southport.

I figured if I wanted to go there, I'd want a Club apartment, so it'd be better to book it now to make sure to get one.

Still thinking about Eclipse, but as all the accommodation seems quite good, there's no rush to book now.

[David Bailey]

Can't afford 2 weekenders in Q1 otherwise I might just go to Blush too and live with the Pontins accommodation challenges.

It'd be interesting to hear from any people who go to both; hopefully (ho ho) in a non-controversial way.

I'd be vaguely interested in going to somewhere in June, so some informed opinions might be helpful.

[fletch]

I don't know if Camber Sands has a direct coach service from London.

I believe Butlins Skegness has a direct National Express coach Fridays/Mondays all year around from London (other UK cities such as Birmingham/Liverpool/Newcastle etc. have direct services in the summer).

I was talking to BoardRider on Saturday, were thinking of sorting somthing from Stafford to Skeggy

[David Bailey]

I was talking to BoardRider on Saturday, were thinking of sorting somthing from Stafford to Skeggy

Actually, yes - the more I think about it, the more I think it'd be a good idea.

Even better would be a party bus, with floor to dance on during the journey

[Paul F]

Actually, yes - the more I think about it, the more I think it'd be a good idea.

I would love to join others on an organised coach. It reminds me of the days when I used to travel down to Wembley from the wilds up north.
I will never forget the sound of opening beer cans just after the driver announces "now you are not allowed to open beer cans on a coach"


The only possible issue would be pick up points. From the South Coast I would suggest a point that is a focal place that people can easily get to and that has good road links. Somewhere like, erm, Gatwick airport for example.

[David Bailey]

The only possible issue would be pick up points. From the South Coast I would suggest a point that is a focal place that people can easily get to and that has good road links. Somewhere like, erm, Gatwick airport for example.

Yes, it's a logistics / organisational problem, basically.

Out of interest, I asked for a quick quote from Brighton to Skegness from this random company, the cost was just over £1,000 for a return trip, for a 25-50 seater coach.

Even if you got a couple of dozen people, that'd work out at around £40 per person - not unreasonable, and certainly competitive.

With some work and haggling, I'm sure you could reduce this - maybe to £20 per person, which would be completely reasonable.

It's not impossible, it just needs a few people in the relevant areas to act as "Transport Directors" (good call, Andy ).

[ducasi]

I'd certainly be more interested in going to Skegness if there was a good-sized coach from Glasgow to take me.

[Cruella]

Yes, it's a logistics / organisational problem, basically.

Out of interest, I asked for a quick quote from Brighton to Skegness from this random company, the cost was just over £1,000 for a return trip, for a 25-50 seater coach.

Even if you got a couple of dozen people, that'd work out at around £40 per person - not unreasonable, and certainly competitive.

With some work and haggling, I'm sure you could reduce this - maybe to £20 per person, which would be completely reasonable.

It's not impossible, it just needs a few people in the relevant areas to act as "Transport Directors" (good call, Andy ).

But as it's going there on a Friday and coming back on the Monday does that mean you would have to pay £40 each way? As the Coach would be making a return trip back to it's depot on each day, even though it would be empty for one half of each journey. (I'm sure I could have explained that a bit less complicated )


I think a minibus would be a cheaper option with one (or more) of the dancers driving.

[David Bailey]

But as it's going there on a Friday and coming back on the Monday does that mean you would have to pay £40 each way?

No, as I said, the quote is a return one - I entered the dates specifically.

I think a minibus would be a cheaper option with one (or more) of the dancers driving.

Sure - you could hire a minibus for a weekend for £100 no problem - but a coach is nicer I think, and if done right is better value.

But no-one says it has to be either / or - for big clumps of dancers, you get a coach, for smaller groups, a minibus.

So are you volunteering to be the Midlands Transport Director then?

[Cruella]

So are you volunteering to be the Midlands Transport Director then?

Nope, I'd prefer to get there early in the afternoon than to wait til everyone has finished work and get on a coach/minibus. Being as I have the luxury of Friday afternoons off work

[robd]

I'd certainly be more interested in going to Skegness if there was a good-sized coach from Glasgow to take me.

Too much Xmas pudding for you was there Ducasi?