Ashbourne Highland Gathering

**dwg** · 25th July 08, 12:46 PM

Very nice to see Martin I wish I could have been with you

Derek

**McClef** · 25th July 08, 02:46 PM

Nice pictures Martin - from the pictures you have shared the scale doesn't make it look any bigger than Harpenden though.

**Hamish** · 25th July 08, 05:04 PM

Many thanks for sharing those images with us Martin, I was thinking much the same as Trefor: the Ashbourne Gathering does not appear to be as large as I was expecting.

Your video clip was interesting too, and shows how difficult it can be to dance on grass, especially after a shower of rain. I could see that the poor dancers were unable to execute precise footwork for fear of slipping, and I know how scary that can be when giving a demonstration!

Did you meet up with any other X Markers whilst there?

Take care,
Ham.

**Martin** · 26th July 08, 04:55 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

Many thanks for sharing those images with us Martin, I was thinking much the same as Trefor: the Ashbourne Gathering does not appear to be as large as I was expecting.

Did you meet up with any other X Markers whilst there?

Take care,
Ham.

Well Ham and Trefor, perhaps I oversold the scale of the event. However,. the grounds are larger, the main arena is larger and there are more stalls/sideshows etc. It is a slightly bigger event I can assure you, though not hugely. Of course, you could always come and see for yourself next year!!

For the record, I prefer the Harpenden gathering, a much prettier and more intimate setting.

No Hamish, sadly I didn't meet any other X Markers there. maybe next time.

**McClef** · 26th July 08, 12:19 PM

I guess that larger grounds would require an exponential level of attendance to give the right sense of scale.

Maybe next year I can stay with my Mum in Cheshire, Ashbourne isn't too far from Macclesfield!

**Martin** · 1st August 08, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by McClef

I guess that larger grounds would require an exponential level of attendance to give the right sense of scale.

Maybe next year I can stay with my Mum in Cheshire, Ashbourne isn't too far from Macclesfield!

I hope to see you there Trefor.

I do believe I owe you a coffee !!

**Tetley** · 5th August 08, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Martin

For the record, I prefer the Harpenden gathering, a much prettier and more intimate setting.

Isn't it strange how things work out. I live in Warwick and my parents live in Harpenden. Small world.

What/when is the Harpenden Gathering you are referring to, please?

**Hamish** · 5th August 08, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by Tetley

Isn't it strange how things work out. I live in Warwick and my parents live in Harpenden. Small world.

What/when is the Harpenden Gathering you are referring to, please?

The Harpenden Highland Gathering usually takes place on the second Sunday in July - it is on 12th July in 2009 - in Rothamsted Park.

Here is a link to the thread featuring photos of this year's event:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/h...108/index.html

Perhaps you should meet up with Martin and travel over together next July!

Take care,
Ham.

**londonpiper** · 6th August 08, 01:30 AM

Martin, Freddie and Tetley, I am sometimes in the Banbury area which would make four of us in roughly the same part of the UK. Hows about a kilt night/meet somewhen?

**Tetley** · 7th August 08, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

The Harpenden Highland Gathering usually takes place on the second Sunday in July - it is on 12th July in 2009 - in Rothamsted Park.

Here is a link to the thread featuring photos of this year's event:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/h...108/index.html

Perhaps you should meet up with Martin and travel over together next July!

Take care,
Ham.

I recognised Rothamsted Park from the photos. Strange, I lived as a teenager in Harpenden for nearly 10 years and only now hear of a Highland Gathering there. Maybe it wasn't running then as that was over 30 years ago.