ABUG South 18 to 20 March 2022 - PLEASE COMMENT (DATES CONFIRMED)

[JudgeBeeb]

I am planning to organise a physical ABUG in Q1 2022. Before going ahead, I need to gauge your enthusiasm for returning to physical events and what, if any, arrangements we need to make to address concerns about COVID.

For those who have never been to an ABUG event (or are unfamiliar with our venue for ABUG South) have a look at this thread that gives all the details of the last physical event.

So the questions that we need to address are as follows:

• Are you likely to attend an ABUG in Q1 2022?
• When should the event be held? Usually we hold an event in January. Is this too soon? Would you prefer February or March?
• What, if any, social distancing arrangements would you like to see in place?

In relation to these questions, I am not looking for a debate about vaccine efficacy, variant mutations and R numbers. Such a discussion can rapidly get out of hand and may lead to people feeling that they have to disclose details about their own health. What matters is what arrangements would make you feel comfortable (regardless of reasons). Because if folk don't feel comfortable, they won't come or, if they do, they won't enjoy themselves.

A few observations:

• We are only discussing what will happen in the main function room. Insofar as the bar, restaurant and hotel areas are concerned, that will be down to the rules imposed by the venue.
• Government guidance/legislation will, of course, always prevail.
• Should people be required to wear masks at all times in the function room, only when 'huddled together' around a particular machine or project or not at all?
• Should we limit the number of people who can group together in close proximity?
• Should we have the usual collection of food and drinks for sharing? (Most of these items are, of course, individually packaged crisps and cans of drink etc?)

My own personal view is that we should not impose any rules at all. People should feel free to choose whether or not to wear masks and how close they choose to get to other people. Everyone's preferences should be respected, but not enforced. I have various reasons for taking this view. Most notably, and only slightly selfishly, if we impose rules, it is likely to fall on me to enforce them and that is not likely to make for a particularly pleasant weekend for me.

So please can everyone post their thoughts so that we can start considering how to plan for our first, post-COVID, ABUG.

[BigEd]

For me
- 60% likely to attend
- later in Q1 rather than sooner
- no hard rules but lots of respect sounds good
- snacks and drinks fine
- perhaps we could put one or two big squirty hand sanitiser things by the door and the food
- perhaps we could say we will be propping open the doors so bring a scarf and don't close them

[1024MAK]

My thoughts:

• I would love to attend another in person ABug event. Although it has to be over at least two days unless it is local to me. A short one day event is significantly less appealing for me.
• I would prefer slightly later in the year rather than sooner. So there is a big gap between the Christmas and New year celebrations and an ABug meet-up. February onwards is fine. But see the other point later on.
• For the main function room, my suggestion on social distancing arrangements is simple. All we do is just vary our existing system: control the number of attendees like normal. Limit it to only one person per table (no table sharing unless they are family members). Maybe leave a bit more space between rows of tables so that it’s easier to get through without having to squeeze by other people. Yes, this will reduce capacity a bit. But I suspect that there will be slightly less attendees compared to pre-COVID19 anyway.
• I think the wearing of face coverings should be as per the current government guidelines. Which in England is currently optional. To reduce the amount of potential virus in the room, it’s worthwhile asking the venue if they can arrange suitable enhanced ventilation (even better if there is forced ventilation like window extraction fans). This is easier if the weather is warmer, hence another reason for holding it more towards spring. That also gives people the option of chatting outside.
• We are all sensible adults, and generally respect others, so I don’t see a need to try to have any enforcement system.
• I don’t see a problem with having drinks and snacks similar to how we normally do it. As long as a bit of thought is put into it.
• Definitely a good idea to have some hand sanitisers, both next to the drinks and snacks and by the entrance/exit doors.
• We could also suggest attendees also bring their own hand sanitiser for their own use.
• We definitely need proper rubbish and recycling bins. Maybe the venue can help with this?

Mark

[daveejhitchins]

As Mark ^^^ said - and I too would like to see any meeting later in the year, perhaps in the 2nd quarter!

I'm not sure social distancing would work! But believe sanitising, on entry, exit and often should be encouraged.

On the contentious, verboten, subject: Now being classed as "vulnerable" I would prefer all to have been vaccinated, however, It's only a wish and don't need or expect any further information, on the subject, from anyone.

And, yes to, at least, a two day event . . .

Dave H.

[BigEd]

(Indeed, I was assuming the usual weekend event, to make it worthwhile for me, even though I'm not travelling terribly far.)

[tricky]

We would like to attend for a full/usual weekend, more so now that we live further away.
I agree that trying to enforce rules would spoil at least one person's weekend.
Less tables sounds good, as does sanitizers. We are really looking forward to meeting up again if in a little more subdued way.

[Dave Footitt]

I'm game yeah, could do with something to look forward to! January is fine with me, but I'll take any other month too

In terms of rules I'd agree with just sticking to the current guidelines (as others have suggested), but it's important to respect others.

We could also suggest people lateral flow before attending? Not a massive deal to do that...

Cheers,
Dave

[sbadger]

Thank you for your perseverance Robert!

Yes with pretty much the same sentiment as others. Would likely attend and I don't mind so much where in Q1.
Happy to wear a mask etc. Controlling numbers would also be sound and Dave's Lateral Flow idea seems like a prudent move too.

Thanks

[kieranhj]

Agree with all the comments above. I’d be delighted to attend from January onwards. It doesn’t seem fair to ask you to try to enforce additional rules in person beyond government guidelines. Knowing the venue, social distancing would be hard but increased ventilation would be appreciated given the number of bodies & thermals of old hardware!

Just to note that as a private event it would theoretically be possible to request proof of vaccine status as a condition of entry, but I imagine that could potentially cause unnecessary conflict within our otherwise very genial little community.

As noted previously, as a local I’d be happy to assist with any organisation duties, particularly on the Friday, if useful.

[dudleysoft71]

I would love to attend if I can, I'd have to look at timing and accommodation. Any time in the new year is fine with me.

Looking at it it's about 2hrs from me on the train, obviously I wouldn't be able to bring any hardware with me like that, except maybe an SD card with my latest builds of my ports.

As for restrictions, I agree that we probably needn't go beyond government guidelines, personally I wouldn't have an issue proving my vaccination status if required, I understand that this group are getting on a bit now (I turned 50 this year), but don't think we should go out of our way. I believe it's upto the individual to decide if they feel comfortable attending an event like this, if we start putting too many restrictions on then we may end up having the reverse effect and discouraging people from attending.

[BigEd]

Perhaps we could mention the idea of taking a lateral flow test ahead of the meeting - without insisting on it?

[roland]

Although I have the intention of visiting one ABUG in 2022 I think Q1 is to early for me. There are too much uncertainties about travelling to and from the UK so I'll wait till later when travelling is unrestricted and we don't need tests to get home etc.

[JudgeBeeb]

Given that there seems to be a preference from the next ABUG to be later rather than sooner and because I have time off that week in any event, I am going to tentatively suggest 18 to 20 March 2022 as the date to work towards.

As for the other points, I am hoping that there are going to be further comments from other people whoo may attend.

[anightin]

Happy to attend such an event.

Kind Regards

Andy

[Prime]

Hi all,

18th to 20th march would suit me as I'm off the week after (birthday week ), so could just book th 18th as an extra days holiday.

Cheers.

Phill.

[markoceans]

Hi, I've never been to an ABUG but would be interested in attending on the dates suggested. I would be happy with following just government guidelines and general common sense.
Mark

[JudgeBeeb]

Hi, I've never been to an ABUG but would be interested in attending on the dates suggested. I would be happy with following just government guidelines and general common sense.
Mark

Excellent! New attendees are very much encouraged. You will have a very enjoyable weekend.

[mattyj]

I would definitely be interested in attending the event which ever date is booked.

I do think being fully vaccinated or testing each day, and having a lateral flow test prior to attending should be a requirement. It worked very well for a recent theatre production that my partner Emma took part in.

Following government guidelines is essential.

[SimonSideburns]

If we were talking about an event this month, I'd be going with my gut and saying I wouldn't be attending, as Covid infection numbers are still on the increase.

Four months from now, or so, it's going to be anyone's guess what will be happening.

Tentatively, I'd say that I would be happy attending if things have settled down by then, and I'd be happy to follow guidelines regarding distancing and mask wearing, if appropriate for the weekend.

However, if things continue as they currently are or were to worsen, I would have to give up my place.

[colinhoad]

Hi, I've never been to an ABUG but would be interested in attending on the dates suggested. I would be happy with following just government guidelines and general common sense.
Mark

Same as Mark - not been to an ABUG before (in person, at least) but definitely interested in attending! Government guidelines are more than enough for me, but happy to comply with whatever makes the largest number of people comfortable. 18th to 20th March sounds good

[flibble]

I've pencilled the date in my diary, would be great to have a physical meet up again.

[helpful]

18-20th February would be better for me, but can do 18-20th March too

[danielj]

I would, but I can't do that weekend unfortunately (either side is fine).

[sunkzero]

Never been to an ABUG before (and this is my first ever post to stardot!) but:

• would love to attend my first ever ABUG - what could I expect as a newbie? What will I do and enjoy from the day? My only Acorn computing now is on an emulator and I moved away from Acorn after my BBC Master 128
• The proposed dates seem good although have another commitment on 19th March - if you could only attend one day (the Friday or Sunday) which would you attend?
• Masks should be a personal choice including respecting another attendee's wishes for you to wear a mask when close to them
• Ditto for the decision to sit or huddle around a table/social distancing - if everyone is comfortable great, if not that should be respected

[1024MAK]

…what could I expect as a newbie?

Well, you will have to survive an ‘initiation’. I can’t go into the full details, as that’s a secret, but suffice to say, it involves old used Rifa capacitors, 240V mains voltages and a ceremony presided over by BeebMaster… Oh, and do watch out for the moderators, especially the Promulgators…
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More seriously, have a browse through the topics on past events here, most of which have lots of photos showing the events, including the room(s), people and of course the gear

What will I do and enjoy from the day?

Depends on what interests you. But it’s seriously likely that you will ‘have fun’ . Some people tinker with real hardware, 8 bit Beebs, Atoms and Elks, as well as the various Archimedes machines. Some tinker with software. Some play games. Most of us chat. And we talk shop, socialise, drink and eat.

The proposed dates seem good although have another commitment on 19th March - if you could only attend one day (the Friday or Sunday) which would you attend?

The Saturday is the longer and most busy day. Friday afternoon can be a bit quiet, apart from people arriving and ‘setting up’. As the evening heads towards night, it gets more busy. Sunday morning is busy (but only after breakfast), and often continues to be busy until lunchtime. Then the number of people packing up increases and it becomes increasingly quiet. So it depends on if you can make it there on Sunday morning. Or on Friday evening/night.

Mark

[JudgeBeeb]

The venue has now booked us in for 18 to 20 March 2022.

So, please do put these dates in the diary.

I will open a booking thread in the new year when, hopefully, the COVID landscape may look a little clearer.

Also, if anyone comes across any discount codes for booking bedrooms at the venue, please do post them. (@sbadger?)

[JudgeBeeb]

So if you use the code WIN21SALE when booking and book for both nights, you can get a room for single occupancy, inclusive of breakfast, for £35 per night. For double occupancy, this rises to £50 per night.

I would, however, advise against booking at present. Firstly, payment under this offer is non-refundable. Secondly, we have seen better offers with this venue in the past.

I will endeavour to keep an eye on offers and room availability and will post updates if the position changes.

[sixxdog_uk]

100% Count me and Mrs Wilson in. (THE NEW ONE CLEARLY)

2 days yep sounds great as always

Santizer to be used when entering or leaving the function room.

Some form of social distancing.

Double vaccinated ??? I'd agree to that but might be hard to control.

Nibbles etc as usual just using common sense.

Masks to be a personal choice.


Just a few idea, but dammit take my money and count me in

[ChrisB]

I'd be interested in coming along on Saturday - just to attend/meet rather than to "exhibit". I don't have any particular issue with mask wearing or similar.