[HLUG] Proposed new meeting venue found

[Malcolm Herbert]

Julian, 

Thanks for the detailed email on venues etc and I think its worth giving
it a go; I really enjoyed the March meeting, but know my work schedule
may preclude the next couple of meetings (hope not)

didn't know this place was there....

Malc

On Wed, 2010-03-31 at 23:29 +0100, Julian Robbins wrote:
> Hi
> 
> I have found a place that I think could work as our new meeting venue 
> and want to know people's views on it.
> 
> Its at 'The Point 4' in Hereford, right opposite the College for the 
> Blind, in fact is part of their campus but also open to the public. 
> Built only just last year.
> 
> The Point 4 - http://www.thepoint4.co.uk/socialise.html (apart from 
> having a silly name), is a state of the art venue which fashions itself 
> as ....
> 
> /'Herefordshire's newest sport and leisure club and conference venue is 
> now open to the general public, sports groups, voluntary organisations 
> and businesses./
> 
> / So what's on offer...?/
> 
>     * / Sport and Leisure Facilities/
>     * /Health and Relaxation Suite./
>     * /Personal Trainer and Sports Masseurs/
>     * /Social venue - Licensed Bistro and roof top terrace/
>     * /Conferencing Facilities'/
> 
> It's actually rather nice, and has almost everything we need. The actual 
> small conference room, is total about £20 per hour which is just too 
> pricey for the group. I spoke to the helpful lady on reception who 
> suggested that we could instead use the bistro/terrace area (for free) 
> as its still very quiet in the evenings. She said that usually they only 
> get one or two people who come in after going to the gym downstairs.
> 
> Even if it gets busier, which it certainly wasn't when I went on 
> Saturday lunchtime, (we were the only people there), we can use the 
> lovely terrace area where the wifi still works fine.
> 
> Advantages
> 
>     * It's free (assuming we buy drinks and possibly food)
>     * It's spacious & comfortable with space inside, nice sofas, and
>       tables and outdoors on the terrace see
>       http://www.thepoint4.co.uk/socialise.html
>     * Free Wifi (probably a good speed too as quite centrally located
>       and part of the College)
>     * Seems quite laidback
>     * Food / drinks are available
>     * It's licenced
>     * Centrally located in Hereford and in the county
>     * Easy to find - easily accessible
>     * Lots of free car parking only just a few yards away
>     * Within walking distance of bus and train stations
>     * Open till 10pm
> 
> Disadvantages
> 
>     * Not our own room
>     * Can't (unless we ask nicely), use power sockets ..
>     * Can't guarantee there is a large group in one night .. but it
>       seems unlikely.
> 
> 
> I get the feeling that due to its status as a National College, that 
> rightly the Blind college have this lovely venue, that doesn't seem to 
> get used as much as they were hoping to. Because of this, they seem to 
> be more than happy to let non members come in, as long as they sell a 
> few coffees or beers/food
> 
> The links give you a bit of an idea. It doesn't show that the terrace is 
> quite high up, and so on the far side you are quite on your own with no 
> access from below, or to the side, so we wouldn't be disturbed. You can 
> only access the terrace from the bar.
> 
> What do you think? Worth a try for next meeting ?  I've had no other 
> suggestions ..
> 
> Julian


-- 
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Dr Malcolm Herbert
Director, EMEA Strategy & Solutions Office
t: +44 7720 079845
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