In August 2015, around 20 strangers gathered together outside the British Library and met for the first time. That was the inaugural Bloggers Bash, and it led to the creation of friendships and, more importantly, a support network among bloggers. I was lucky enough to be one of those first few and some of the relationships that came from that meeting have made a big difference to my life.
Over the following two years, the Bash has grown, becoming more than a simple social gathering, and the plans for the event in 2018 are already well under way. Do keep an eye on the Bloggers Bash Facebook page for announcements which are coming soon.
Different people have got different things from coming along. There have been those who revelled in the kudos of winning awards, while others have gained more from the presentations made by other bloggers. For me personally, the greatest part was getting to meet in person the people I’d only otherwise had contact with online. Some of those people are exactly how you expect them to be, others less so – it’s easy to hide behind a persona on the Net. Regardless of expectations, having removed the screens, I’ve met and enjoyed the company of some fascinating individuals.
But it occurred to me a while ago that meeting up only once a year isn’t really enough. So I’ve finally got around to setting a date for a very informal get together. This isn’t a Bash-related event, just a random gathering. No presentations, no awards, no plans – just an opportunity to meet up in a bar, have a few drinks, a bite to eat if you want to, but mainly to chat.
As a change from London, I’ve picked Birmingham as the location. It has good rail and road links, so shouldn’t be too hard to get to for a lot of people.
There are already a handful of others joining me, names that’ll be familiar to many of you. So, if you’d like to come along, please let me know by emailing me and I’ll provide you with details of where we plan to meet. The date is 4th November, the start time midday – no late nights for me, not at my age! It would be good to meet up again with old friends, but also to make new ones, so if you blog at all you’re more than welcome.
Looking forward to it! 🙂
Oh I would’ve so loved to have come, but can’t make that date. Will share anyway.
Thanks for sharing it. Maybe another time – and as I live on the South Yorkshire border, I’m not averse to arranging a future meet a little further north.
Ooh yes excellent idea! I feel Leeds may be beckoning ?
What? Not Doncaster or Barnsley?!
Haha…maybe not this time
What a lovely idea Graeme I was thinking this myself! Glad you decided to arrange would love to come, shall drop you an email. 🙂
I’ll look forward to it, Marje. And there’s nothing to stop any of us just organising a date, time and meeting point and getting together for drinks.
Great, will definitely love to join in. 🙂
I hate that I’m so far away from all of you! Have a drink for me.
I may have several drinks, Elena, but I’ll make sure one has your name on it! Thanks for commenting
Wow, this is such a great idea, Graeme! Really!!! AWESOME! To me too, the motivation is meeting fellow blogger friends or new bloggers to connect with. Since I couldn’t join the Bash this year and due to the new date in May I cannot join the next one either. I cannot say yet, if I can come to Birmingham so short-noticed but it is a great opportunity I will keep in mind. I have never been to Birmingham before either. So, I would really love to come! I am also glad about “no late nights”… I have never been that typ of person…. lol!
I’ve seen your email and will respond, but it may be tomorrow.
No need to rush, Graeme! I won’t book next week… lol! I have the date and that’s the most important part for now. But whether I am coming or not, I thank you for your engagement!!
All right, but if I don’t deal with it, I’ll forget about it!
I hope that many will join in. I am always thankful when fellow bloggers take action for a gathering! We are such a wonderful family here!!
We definitely are! And gatherings are my thing
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ravens-Gathering-Graeme-Cumming-ebook/dp/B00AGIDQA2/
Obviously and thank God!!
Hi Greame I now giving this some serious thought ?
If you’re able to come along, Willow, it’ll be good to see you again. I don’t think we really spoke much at the Bloggers Bash, so it would be a good opportunity to talk some more.
It would be a good chance ?
Email me if you want to come, Willow. I can give you details of the venue then.
Hi Greame I will do have you had many saying they are interested ?
More than I expected, to be honest, Willow. I’m not expecting it to be a big event, though. If we get into double figures, I’ll be delighted, more than 20 might defeat the object of having the chance to just chat and mingle.
Indeed it could be difficult fingers crossed it works out though ?
I remember meeting you that day, you and Marjorie were among the first to arrive and we all stood there, wondering if we were in the right place for the event. Such a fun day, and the Bash has come such a long way 🙂 Like you, it’s the relationships I’ve formed due to meeting bloggers that has been the biggest benefit. Such a good idea to have another informal get together, will check the diary and be in touch x
It’ll be good to see you again if you can. As you may have gathered from my comments at last week’s BB meeting, Suzie and Shelley will be there as well, and I think there’ll be one or two other familiar faces too.
Thanks, Graeme, I hope I can make it – just have to check the family arrangements. Will let you know x
As you’ll see below, Sue and Stu are also hoping to make it, and Geoff’s even talking about changing his arrangements. Erika’s even hoping to come over – which is a serious commitment! That said, it’ll be good if you can make it, but I’ll understand if you can’t.
Well, I just have to check family stuff but, all being well, I would love to be there too. Will keep you posted 🙂
You know already that we’ll be there if we can… talking to people is the oe thing there is never enough time for 🙂
Be good to see you there if you can make it, Sue. Always a pleasure to see you and Stu
Thanks, Graeme… we will be there if we can 🙂
Brilliant idea; I may even move stuff around if I can! I may be a last minute participant so if you can let me know the venue…
If you can, that’ll be great, Geoff. I’ve emailed you separately with details.