Hi people!

OK, as some (or most?) of you may know, Mr. X and I will be gracing the great country that is England from 12 October - 19 November. So how about a Voxgate? I'm not scary, I promise! I'm trying to organise this well in advance because I don't want me and Mr. X to be the only ones showing up! Anyway, so I was thinking 21 October...erm...somewhere. I had a few ideas of places to go (not necessarily pubs yet - that'll come later). How about...

Stevenage (where we'll be anyway)
St. Albans
Barking, Essex (we know a good pub there)

Any other suggestions? Please let me know your thoughts/feelings/suggestions/criticisms. Thanks!

Mrs. X

There's some nice pubs around Stevenage where we could all go - failing that a meet in central London might be the best thing to do. There's some great bars around Leicester Square / Covent Garden which might do the trick.

However, I'll go with the flow.

That sounds good, Paul. Maybe somewhere in Central London would be best, as I would like to be able to have us go somewhere past 11 p.m. if people are up for it!

Let's see what the public has to say...

Mrs. X

St Albans has some great real ale pubs and the last train into London leaves at gone midnight. Does that help? I've no idea, I just thought I'd add me three ha'p'orth.

P.S. I've just re-read the title of this thread: is it really that wise to bring a bear with you? It'll make airport customs awfully tricky, plus I'm led to believe that they have a habit of removing people's backs, which might get you thrown out of the pub.

Some where more central (ie London) might be more accessible for more people.

Nice pub in Barking ? When was the last time you were there ????

Ö2: Bears are reasonably harmless, unless you show fear. They will sense this and attack. Same if you try to attack them first. Or if they're hungry. But no, I wouldn't be bringing a real bear with me. Maybe a stuffed one? (And no, I'm not talking about taxidermy!!)

Thomas: We were in Barking the last time we were in the UK, four years ago. Mr. X used to work around there, and frequented a pub called The Barking Dog. Not a bad place, really...unless you want to count the big, scary looking guy who approached me asking if he looked like someone who'd been done for ABH...

Mrs. X

I remember The Spotted Dog in Barking (no joke); is that the same one - just down from the station ?

Thomas

Just thought I would mention London tends to shut down past 11.30pm! Unless its a club you are going too!

jc

They're next to each other - the Spotted Dog and the Barking Dog.

Mrs. X

Yes, I'm aware of that. If the party/meet-up/shindig/whatever goes later, we'll have to find a cool club to go to or someone's house...

Mrs. X

Just thought I would warn you in case you werent aware (went to a Styx gig in London a couple of months ago and met up with some very nice people from overseas who thought they could "go for a coffee" after the show at Hammersmith! My sister and I had to very politely tell them no chance!
Well if Iam able to go to one I would like to try.. It would be my first Voxgate though! So not sure how they go!

This is my first one too, and I'm organising it!! I'm really hoping I can pull this off! And, yes, I'm quite aware that practically the entire country shuts down at 11 p.m. Not something I'm used to, but I can adapt. I have before!

Mrs. X

Sorry didnt mean to just invite myself along like that. Good on ya for organising one though!

And apologies if you already knew that London goes to sleep rather earlier than most realise. Just thought I would mention it in case you werent aware. It's a shame really but hey that's us Londoners for ya!

You can come if you want! Anyone can! I don't mind! I never understood why that is, but it's the law, isn't it? Or something? I mean, if you could be out past 11, would you?

(Sorry, I'm going off-topic on my own thread! )

Mrs. X

It is kinda of the law, ie v soon pubs etc (that hav applied and got special licence) can stay open but I am more into music than boozing myself. Would really like to make the Monument gig but a)had made other arrangements before I knew about it b) would be bit reluctant to go to it on my own espcially outside of London anyway. But hope they plan a gig in the Capital at some point. Have mentioned it to a few people and they would be interested too. I'm not sure what kinda of Ultravox fan I am (see my explanation in the new bit of the forum) which may explain a bit better. All I do know is the songs I like I really like. And are basically v underated. And lets face it the boys looked rather cute in the vids too (Passing Strangers, Vienna and Hyme!!)

Hmmm...well, outside of pubs and clubbing, I wasn't sure what else to do for a Voxgate. I just thought something like that would be a good opportunity for everyone who shows up to chat, get to know each other, etc. etc., so on and so forth. I'm up for anything(!), anywhere, as long as it's not mega-expensive. (Yeah, I know the UK is expensive, but...you know...)

I'll have to re-read your welcome post, but this forum isn't just for die-hard Ultravox disciples! Casual fans are welcome...anyone...as long as you like them - that's the main thing! And...er...yeah...they did look good in their videos.

Mrs. X

Well good luck with the Voxgate. Only mentioned the vids coz I finally got them on dvd (had them on vhs but lent them to someone a couple of years ago - friend of the ex who I havent seen since our split. Not too bad though as I still have mutual friends Midge Ure compliation!

JC - Please try and come to the gig if you can - you'll find us Forum regulars a pretty nice bunch and we'll make you and any of your friends feel welcome. Cheshunt is very easy to get to from Liverpool Street Station.

Sorry, Mrs X, I've hi-jacked your thread!!

Paul. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="cool.gif" />

Hun, if you want to drink past 11 o'clock you had better come up to Scotland, it amazes me, during the festival I dont think the pubs shut at all, maybe for a couple of hours to restock but that is about it

Tara, try and arrange something for the end of october as me and ma wee boy are in sunny Cyprus from 14th to 25th of that month

The 21st was a suggested date. It may or may not change in the future. It just depends what the majority who want to come want. I know I can't please everybody, but if I can pick a date where a lot of people can make it, I'll be very happy. Anyone who can't make it...well, I'd be willing to go for a drink or two another day! We're there for five weeks!!

Mrs. X

Going past 11pm is not difficult it just requires some forethought.

Something you might be up for is the Electric Dreams 80s club night somewhere in Camden (Purple Turtle ?). It's usually on the last Friday of the month + apparently plays UV, Numan, Kraftwerk etc as well as current stuff.

Have been meaning to go along for a while + hear it's a reet good night.

Thomas

Then that would be the 28th. I'd be willing to move the date to go there, if other people are up for that, too! Sounds like fun!

Mrs. X

I will investigate further + report back. It may be worth pencilling a back up date in case it all goes Pete Tong - we wouldn't want your slaves across the pond to miss out on an audience with Mistress X <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="cool.gif" />

Hi Guys,
I would dearly love to make the gig on the 26th Aug and the possible Voxgate on the 28th but I cant make that either. A friends Birthday bash this weekend then a Genesis tribute band on the 28th Oct! I am determind to make a show/voxgate at some point. You all seem nice people too!
But it may take me some time....and luck with the god of diary schedules! Hey ho.

But have fun ! But of course you all will

My brother-in-law was asked to manage a Genesis tribute band earlier this year.

I love the PG Genesis stuff - Foxtrot is just genius

Hmmmmmmm...now that you mention it, Thomas, might you know of any good S&M clubs that we could go to après pub? That might be more fun than an 80's night. <img border="0" alt="[Suave]" title="" src="graemlins/suave.gif" />

Mrs. X

Tara - that's just you + me and the venue is a secret

So secret you can't even tell me??? <img border="0" alt="[Suave]" title="" src="graemlins/suave.gif" />

Mrs. X

Tara

At this rate we're going to need our own thread

Oh dear! Heaven forbid! I don't think this forum could handle it. <img border="0" alt="[Suave]" title="" src="graemlins/suave.gif" />

Mrs. X

Anyway, I thought you liked being blindfolded ??

Who told you that? I like doing the blindfolding, honey...

Mrs. X

Have you got broadband ????

(ducks for cover ...)

*cracks whip* That was bad!!!

But...yes...yes I do... <img border="0" alt="[Suave]" title="" src="graemlins/suave.gif" />

Mrs. X

Hello Mistress X,

unfortunately, for me, it will be absolutely impossible to travel any more this year. Unless I win at the lottery and have some rest, of course... but until then, I will have to refill the gap in my bank account of the past 2 months...

However, I am sure that a great number of nice fellows from this forum will join you and Sea Of Sin and that you will have an excellent time - blindfolded/-ing or not.

And if Sleepy and Sassy can make it, you have entertainment galore...



Love
LAVA

So you don't deny it ?

Achtung, Mrs. X! This could be an attempt to sell you something... (oh come on, AK - you still get a commission from them, dontcha!?)

Lava

I was talking bandwidth

Deny what? That I have broadband? Nope! It's as broad as you want it to be, baby! (Wait a minute...you should be telling me that!!!)

Izzy: I was wondering how long it would take for you to get to this thread! Your timing couldn't be more perfect. Sorry to hear that you won't be able to make it though. I would have loved to meet you.

Mrs. X

Oooh, I just did a reply that got lost in the ether.

All I was going to say was 'never mind the quality, feel the width'

Mmmm...oh yes, the width of your band is very impressive indeed!! <img border="0" alt="[Suave]" title="" src="graemlins/suave.gif" /> If you shared it, though, would it slow down?

Mrs. X

If Mr X is reading this then my width is banned

Don't worry... He's not.

Mrs. X

LOL

Well... surprise, surprise: I have not been too much in the mood for " <img border="0" alt="[Suave]" title="" src="graemlins/suave.gif" /> " topics...

Yes, it would have been great to meet you, too. Work goes first now...

Hope you recovered OK from hospital.

OH! I thought you'd left that all behind...?

I had a friend who - temporarily - had to work in... telesales here... And they were selling brooooaaaaadband for BT ( ), hence the allusion...

Actually, come to think of it I did temp for BT back in '88 - dealing with complaints addressed to the Chairman. Bloody hard work !!!

So this is what happens when I go for supper. The thread goes off-topic!! *cracks whip* I thought we were talking about...er..."clubs" to go to...or something... <img border="0" alt="[Suave]" title="" src="graemlins/suave.gif" />

Mrs. X

And certainly very interesting, too... you learn a lot there... Well, I learnt that it is always better to address complaints directly to the CEO or Chairman. I hate to waste time with an incompetent sales or service department, especially when you have paid for something...

Back on topic: Mrs. X is asking about dirty clubs in London. Do you know any? Cos that would be revealing, wouldn't it?