Brum Meet

[Kaz]

Definitely

[Ally]

As I started this post, I suppose I will have yo put 15th July in my diary.

Sane time and place?

You don't have to put the date in your diary regardless of starting the post or not if you don't want to.

[meriad]

how odd, I had replied to this earlier this morning; but obviously something went wrong

As things stand right now, I can do the 15th. My caveat would be the ability to take leave as I'll hopefully be in a new job by then; but that would go for whatever date is decided.
Jo - how exciting about the new pup; admittedly it probably is easier to wait until after holidays, but then if the right dog comes along then you know you'll make it work. And I think the OC is actually dog friendly (just saying 'cause I love dog cuddles)

[Workingman]

Ria, sod caveats, just tell your new employer that you have a meeting with connections and friends from overseas. They will be impressed and understand.

Jo, a dog is for life not just a Brum meet. Bring him / her and you just know that they will be spoiled, cuddled and fussed over by all of us.

[Workingman]

Burger!

Megabus looks to have died in England. Shame. I need an alternative.

Trainline is currently offering me a return of £149 with changes both ways at Derby. National Express varies between £18 to about £40 direct but the journey is fixed - I can't turn up for an earlier or later coach as I can with the train. Travel times are similar at about three hours.

The best I have found thus far is to arrive at 11AM and leave at 6PM. That should work. We'll be well fed and watered by then I should think.

[Kaz]

That sounds about right

[JoM]

Frank, what’s this Flixbus I keep seeing as we go up and down the M6?

https://www.flixbus.co.uk/

[Workingman]

Jo, it looks to have picked up some routes from Megabus but unfortunately the Leeds / Birmingham timetable is not as comprehensive. The first coach does not leave Leeds till 09:35 and arrives at 13:10 and the last bus back is at 15:55 so it's not really an option, but thanks for the heads up.

[JoM]

That’s a shame. Didn’t realise until you said that I haven’t seen a Megabus for a while. Just had a look and it looks like they’re offering a very limited service now

[Workingman]

Well now, the best I have got it down to is £24.40 return with National Express - coach station to coach station. It is an amendable ticket up to 24 hours before departure so it will probably be the one to go for.

It is much less hassle than driving down, and cheaper, what with petrol, parking, low emissions charges and so on. I can also use my OAP bus pass at both ends if needs be. That saves me a fortune over using taxis.