Forumites Meet Up in August?

[Moonraker]

If I/we are able to attend, we are happy to go with the flow (not in the Thames, I hasten to add) like Eddie.

[Courtenay]

I also don't mind what we do if I can attend, though a boat trip does sound lovely. I shan't know if I can make it, though, until probably a couple of weeks before the date, when I know what my work schedule is like.

[Katharine]

I'd prefer the walk at Cookham, but only because I've never been there before, whereas I went on a river trip at Marlow a couple of years ago. However, as I'm doubtful about being able to attend, I don't expect my thoughts to have much influence.

I've just been looking at train times, and it's a good 3 hour trip each way to either Cookham or Marlow from here, so I'm not sure if I'd be glad of a walk to stretch my legs in between so much travelling, or whether I'll be exhausted from an early start and grateful to just sit drift along the river.

[Lucky Star]

I too will go along with the majority vote.

[Sally]

Thanks for your initial responses. I will do more research into pubs in Marlow and Maidenhead, given the support for the boat trip option. If anyone else wants to look at this as well, please go ahead. I am just keen to help get a really lovely day arranged for us all, whoever arranges it.

[Francis]

Thank you Sally, we are very grateful for the work and organisation you have so kindly taken on. A boat trip does sound lovely but as others have said I would be happy whatever you decide.

[Julie2owlsdene]

We'll go along with whatever the vote is, river or walk. My only stipulation is a dog friendly pub, as I don't want to leave Rosie in the car in summer

[Francis]

I'll say 'woof' to that! We all want to see her!

[Sally]

Just spoken to the Chequers at Marlow and also Salters Steamers at Marlow and all very promising.

The Chequers in the High Street has a bar area as well as a restaurant and also a private bar area - we can order food at the bar and arrive from 1200. Also dog-friendly Julie - dogs welcome in the bar. Looks a nice pub and has a varied menu.

Salters Steams run boat trips from Marlow on 2 July every hour (£6.50 each) - their smaller boat takes 50 and the larger 100. They usually have about 12-15 on each boat on a regular basis and so would welcome our party which I have suggested may be about 15, and there shouldn't therefore be a problem with us all getting on the boat together. We can walk from the High Street and Marlow Bridge along the pathway to Higginson Park - arriving about 15 minutes before the boat is due to leave. The 40 minute trip goes to Temple Lock (opposite direction from Bourne End) - about a mile a half and back and is apparently a very pretty run. The boat is covered and will still travel in wet weather, but I was advised to call two days before to check no technical hitches and to ensure the boat is running. If it isn't we may need to then revert to a walk, but this is unlikely!

Suggest we aim for the 2.00 p.m. boat which would then leave time for a further walk along the river bank for those who want it or a spot of shopping in Marlow High Street!

If others have any other ideas, please do say. Cookham is lovely and lunch in the High Street/a walk/Stanley Spencer Gallery is another good option.

Plenty of time to decide of course!

[Daisy]

That sounds lovely Sally. Thank you for all your research.. I'm looking forward to meeting up again.

[Julie2owlsdene]

Thanks for that, Sally, all sounds good to me.

Marlow is lovely, with some fantastic big houses along the river.

[John Pickup]

Many thanks, Sally. That all sounds very promising.

[Eddie Muir]

Sounds just great, Sally. Many thanks.

[Francis]

Sounds wonderful, Sally. Many thanks for finding out and organising - it is very much appreciated. We are both really looking forward to seeing you and all other friends in Marlow.

[Lucky Star]

That all sounds wonderful Sally. Many thanks for doing all the research for us. Count me in for all of that.