The 24-7 Feast 2008

This week I have been hunting for venue options and accommodation for the Feast 2008. I have a wish-list of locations but currently I'm struggling to make any of them work perfectly. Being a British resident and getting paid in Sterling is pretty sweet when you're heading abroad. It makes you realise how wealthy we are. Trying to make things affordable the other way round with people entering our nation and gulping at our prices is proving rather tricky...

I'm determined there must be a way welcome people to our green and lovely land, so I am persevering looking in many weird and wonderful directions. The main challenge is affordable accommodation. The average price of a bed in Chichester is £50. I balk at paying that! Think about a poor American! That's like $100 or €75 or 2500 Russian Rubles!

Fear not 24-7ers I will not be suggesting you pay that kind of money. I'm working on a three pronged approach: nice but reasonable rooms for those who can afford it, cheaper more basic University accommodation for those of us who feel the pinch and a mixture of Church Hall floors and host families for those who exhaust funds just getting there. I will prevail!

Feel free to pray, some Devine direction would be much appreciated and if any of you UKers have any affordable suggestions for a meeting venue with a 500 person capacity with SUPER cheap accommodation near by, drop me a line :)

Comments

[Alana]

Would moving the feast to before university starts be an option? That way you could have it close to a university and they usually rent out the dorms for reasonable rates.

[Carla Harding]

You've read my mind ;) I'm currently looking in to it but it's not confirmed yet :)

[jude]

Hi lovely.. Worcester and Luton unis do good deals... Luton near the airport.. could maybe swing my ole church: seats 500..

[jonny n]

Loughborough Uni is another option - all contained on a lovely campus. And with many different venue options - everything from more academic type buildings to the students' union. Plus there's East Midlands airport just a few mins away.

[Gary Z]

Hi Carla,

My only recommendation is to not underestimate the turnout next year. As one of the “newcomers” who had a fantastic time in Seville and couldn’t believe it was over so soon(!), I believe as the word gets out you are going to get a lot of first-timers who will want to come in 2008. We will be there! God willing. ;-)

I just made the mistake of discovering your wonderful blogsite while at work, and trying not get all caught up in all the great photos and articles (the one on Charlotte’s wedding brought tears). Carol and I (the Lithuania-bound couple) had such a good time, and enjoyed meeting you so much! We miss you already.

With a big TransAtlantic HUG from San Diego!!!

Love,
~Gary and Carol

[Simon]

I know Leicester Uni rent their premises out over the holidays, as my brother's a sub warden there. Whereever you want to go, get in contact fast - most places book their summers up pretty quick.

I'd volunteer our school but there's no way you'd sleep 500 in the dorms!

[Carla Harding]

Hi Gary! Thanks for the advice, we're definitely looking to include more people. It's lovely to hear from you! Lots of love to you and Carol.

[Neal Taylor]

Ahhh why not come to Australia where your pound is almost worth double Aussie dollars! (ok I am selfish - I want to come and this seemed like a good way!).

If you're down this way come to Forge Festival in April 08 - advert coming - festival08.forge.org.au!

My prayers are with you Carla and the team!

[tim hewitt]

i've use Luton uni before. they were really good and helpful.......and as everyone knows (now with Eurostar at kings cross) it's the centre of the universe.

[linda]

Maybe us Antipodeans need to have an Oceanic feast!