A suggestion: Storrington Kilts Weekend

**sjrapid** · 23rd February 07, 12:50 PM

Just one char-à-banc? DWG and his 69 clones will need their own coach *and* their own hotel!

I'd start with yell.co.uk to find local coach-hire firms - here's a link with the search terms populated - quite a few matches.

Best regards

**The Wizard of BC** · 23rd February 07, 01:32 PM

Char-a-Banc??? Now that's one you'll have to define for me.

**sjrapid** · 23rd February 07, 01:55 PM

It's from the french - char à bancs: “wagon with benches”, originally a long, four-wheeled carriage with several rows of forward-facing seats, originated in France in the early 19th century. It was horse-drawn and was used by private owners to convey guests on excursions.

The term was also later applied to motor charabancs - large usually open-top vehicles based on large car or light commercial chassis, again, used for excursions rather than for stopping routes (for which you'd use a motor-bus)

See here for a picture.

Best regards,

**dwg** · 23rd February 07, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by sjrapid

Just one char-à-banc? DWG and his 69 clones will need their own coach *and* their own hotel!

I'd start with yell.co.uk to find local coach-hire firms - here's a link with the search terms populated - quite a few matches.

Best regards

Thanks for that "char-à-banc" not heard that since I was a small child

:beer:

**McClef** · 23rd February 07, 04:07 PM

It was a popular phrase when I was young and of course it was abbreviated to "sharra"

Nowadays everyone says "coach" or "bus" instead.

**Dave W.** · 27th February 07, 01:14 PM

We would love to be there and may be able to accomodate some people in our timber lodge - I'll tak to Pauline.

CU soon.

**morrison** · 27th February 07, 01:54 PM

Here am I on the NW Left Coast, salivating at the opportunity to get the passport in order and make the voyage. hmmmm. Wonder, what should I wear that day?

**Hamish** · 27th February 07, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by morrison

..........................hmmmm. Wonder, what should I wear that day?

I know, Morrison! I get many a day when I find myself in a similar situation!!

**Hamish** · 27th February 07, 06:44 PM

Right then, fellow adventurers! I am taking the plunge and am announcing formally that the Storrington Gathering will take place on (and maybe around) the weekend of June 14th/15th, 2008.

I am well aware that we are a long way off from that date, but people do need to make plans and the longer they have, the better. Nothing will be formally arranged for a while yet except the date, which is now set in stone.

In a few weeks time, I will put together a list of B&Bs and small hotels within a reasonable radius of here, so that those who wish to ensure accommodation can get it booked well in advance. This is a popular area for walkers and I know that the limited available accommodation gets snapped up early. I am afraid I personally am not going to get involved in making bookings of behalf of others, but I will provide some links.

By the way, for those who have not yet sussed out the location: Storrington is in the southern England county of West Sussex. It is almost due south of London, is about ten miles inland from the coast at Worthing, and is almost equidistant from Brighton and Chichester. London Gatwick Airport is to the north of Storrington and is approximately 45 minutes drive away. The nearest rail station is Pulborough, seven miles away, from where London (Victoria) can be reached in 75 minutes. There is no public transport to speak of in Storrington (maybe 2 buses a day, neither going where you might want to go!) Enough for now.

Mark the date!