Feel free to use this page for informal questions, discussions, etc related to social matters. Some possible headings have been set up - but feel free to add others.

Travel

If you would like to make travel arrangements with others from your region, give details here.

Q: What is the best set of trains to take to get from London Heathrow to York?
A: The train goes from London King's Cross to York, and takes about two hours. See http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ for times. To get from London Heathrow to King's Cross you can take the Piccadilly line tube which goes directly to King's Cross. (Brian Kelly)

Q: Arriving at Manchester airport, how do I get to York?
A: The train from Manchester Piccadilly to York takes about 1.5 hours. See http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ for times. There is a local train from the airport to Piccadilly station which takes 15 minutes (again see http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ for times). (Brian Kelly)
You should also be able to get a direct train from Manchester Airport to York as well, i.e. without having to change trains at Manchester Piccadilly.
The national rail website should give you those options too. (Monica Duke)

Early Arrivals

If you are planning on arriving at York on Sunday 15 July and would like to meet up with others, feel free to add details here.

Brian Kelly, UKOLN, is planning on arriving on Sunday. I'll be with my colleagues and we'll have last minute things to sort out. But I'd like to go to a real ale pub in the evening. Anyone with local knowledge who can suggest a suitable venue is welcome to include in in the section on Pubs.

Phil Wilson, Uni of Bath will be getting there on Sunday to decorate the halls with anti-gremlin devices.

Jeremy Speller, UCL will be arriving on Sunday also though has no plans for decorations...

Chris Limb, University of Sussex, also arriving some time this evening.

Pubs

Info on pubs which delegates might like to visit.

• Brigantes - not far from the Railway Museum, on Micklegate, serves a range of belgian beers including Frambozen on tap. Also has lots of space so good for larger groups.
• The Olde Starre Inn - worth a visit, but quite small and tends to be crowded, so won't accommodate a large group. Serves food.
• Lendal Cellars - managed by a chain, but still retains character, and large enough so could take a group. Serves Food
• Maltings - if you are near the station with a half hour to spare it is just through the wall by North Street
  

There are two pubs in Heslington Village, the Charles XII and the Deramore. Both do reasonable pub food and the Derry serves real ale. A nicer option for those who don't mind walking 15 mins for their ale is the Rook and Gaskgill on Lawrence Street, opposite Walmgate Bar (http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/39/3924/Rook_and_Gaskill/York)

Restaurants

Info on pubs which delegates might like to visit (and see the comments section for more info).

• The Blue Bicycle - not a cheap option but has a good reputation.
• Cafe Concerto - close to the Minster. Booking recommended.
• Orgasmic - interesting menu, with unusual pizzas. Attracts a young crowd so can get noisy.

Family
I may be bringing my 17 year old son with me to York. He loves modern and classical music. Recommendations for some interesting things for him to see and to do would be great -- Jeff Barr.

• Check out what concerts are on at York Minster - see http://www.yorkminster.org/calendar/ Worthwhile for the surroundings alone. Monica Duke
• A train ride away in Leeds: free Opera in the park and Party in the park events on Sat 14th July and Sun 15th July. Need to use bus/taxi transport once in Leeds to get to the location of the event (Temple Newsam). Also the free tickets need to be obtained beforehand. See the city council page for more information. http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Leisure_and_culture/Arts_and_entertainment/Entertainment/page.aspx