Monthly steampunk parties/gatherings? Nottingham UK

[sebastian Inkerman]

Can I just mention that they are being billed as parties? While I agree that a trader presence is nice and no-one loves the opportunity to shop more than the wife, the trading shouldn't be the be all and end all of the gatherings. That said, I think people are becoming a little hung up on the logistics even before a venue is announced. There may only be room for a couple of traders per event which would make the discussion moot anyway.

My twopenneth is that traders enhance a gathering, they don't make the blessed thing. The company is the thing to bear in mind and if one has to trade off on participant numbers because traders want tables to display their wares in a pub/club setting then the event will suffer as a result.

Please don't think I am trying to alienate any traders by this post. I used to trade rather a lot myself and was thinking about taking it up again at some point. Possibly smaller scale stuff at events such as the ones being planned at the moment. I just don't want to see the events becoming trader oriented rather than steampunk oriented.

[TimeTinker]

This topic may be a little confusing since we have deviated from specifically a single venue and monthly events to generalised conversation about trading and a traders association. Perhaps this will make things clear. 

In relation to the former - monthly events in Nottingham.

Monthly gatherings in Nottingham.........Monthly gatherings in Nottingham........Monthly gatherings in Nottingham........
Why Nottingham:  It is a relatively easy travel from Leicester, Derby, Sheffield etc thus has a largish catchment area.

We do have a potential venue but would welcome suggestions from people of alternatives.

We would not be promoting any nights prior to The Asylum but will look at events kicking off in the Autumn.

As a model we would be happy to consider other locations too.  (We are investigating possibilities in London right now).

A "bring and buy" feature as we do at The Asylum may be applicable to events large and small.


These comments are in relation to the latter:

Steampunk Traders Association..........Steampunk Traders Association..........Steampunk Traders Association..........
The VSS will be inviting some traders to become members of the Steampunk Traders Association at The Asylum.  Membership will be offered people who meet all of the following requirements:
1. Steampunks who are active in the British steampunk community.
2. Traders who have a good reputation within the community for the quality of their products, customer service etc.
3. Traders who (at least in part) produce individual handmade pieces which are not available from other sources.

As ever the Members of the VSS will be the ultimate arbiters of who will and who will not be offered membership.  

Wherever the VSS runs events and there is an opportunity for trading then places will be offered on the following basis:
1. A proportion of places will be offered to Steampunk Traders Association members exclusively.  Usually these will be at a subsidised rate or where possible free.
2. Places may be offered to traders who are not members of the STA but who are interested in becoming members as an opportunity to showcase their business.  This may be at subsidised rates or at commercial rates as decided by the VSS at the time.
3. Any remaining places will be offered to other traders at a commercial rate.

Since the primary qualification for membership of the STA will be that an individual is first and foremost a steampunk and is active within the UK community then it should be evident that people will have to be known as steampunks before they attempt to join the STA.  We are well enough established now as a community for this to be clear.

This system should allow for:

a) Preference for STA members.
b) Reassurance for customers that STA members are of a certain quality.
c) Opportunities for other traders to attempt to find a place in the steampunk market.
d) Space for non steampunk traders who may be offering goods of interest to steampunks.





More to follow.  Comments and views warmly welcomed.

[sebastian Inkerman]

Thanks for the clarification Tinker.

In terms of a trader's association, I've already voiced my opinions (positive) and would ask (purely selfishly you understand) if there is the possibility for occasional traders to be considered too in light of the latter part of my previous message.

[Lady Abigail]

As a model we would be happy to consider other locations too.

I don't suppose you'd consider moving a bit further to the south-east?

[TimeTinker]

As a model we would be happy to consider other locations too.

I don't suppose you'd consider moving a bit further to the south-east?

See if you can find a venue for us and we will see what we can do.  In an ideal world it would be great to have "regular steampunk nights" in a number of locations allowing for people to move around, supporting a stable of bands etc as well as larger events.  This would be good for steampunks and good for the community as a whole.

Mr Inkermann Sir I think I should redraft the second section thus:

Wherever the VSS runs events and there is an opportunity for trading then places will be offered on the following basis:
1. A proportion of places will be offered to Steampunk Traders Association members exclusively.  Usually these will be at a subsidised rate or where possible free.
2. Places may be offered to traders who are not members of the STA but who are interested in becoming members or are irregular traders thus offering an opportunity to showcase their business.  This may be at subsidised rates or at commercial rates as decided by the VSS at the time.
3. Any remaining places will be offered to other traders at a commercial rate.

[lady joanna]

Yes thank you for the clarification, Tinker. My apologies for getting a little carried away with the trader talk! I was just trying to clarify my earlier point (and subsequently in agreement with Mr. Inkerman) that these are social parties. My initial concern was regarding the inviting of large traders to such a considerably small event. I assure you I have nothing against them, I just felt that the presence of the smaller trader would be more appreciated within a smaller venue.

Now let's get back to talking about party stuff! I had a dream about the New Years Eve party last night  looking forward to looking forward to more parties 

[Auntie Ludmilla]

I would definately love to attend some steampunk gatherings in Nottingham, it's pretty local for me. I'm also very interested in the traders association, so I'm glad I stumbled across this thread!

[Mrs Van Horne]

Tinker I'm very interested in this concept of the Steampunk Traders Association.

I am hoping to host/curate/co-ordinate a Steampunk Maker's Fayre at some stage within the next 6 months or so (all being well), I've had a significant delay with this project due to personal circumstances. This would probably take place in Worcester, though I'm open to suggestions for alternatives. The fayre would have the aim of promoting makers of all kind of steampunk paraphanaelia, with the aim of not simply limiting it to fashion (though vintage sellers may possibly also be invited to sell in amongst the makers). I would be most keen for a wide variety of steampunk work whether it be for sale or simply display only.

[TimeTinker]

The STA is going to be formed at The Asylum.  See the page on the VSS website for more information:

http://thevss.yolasite.com

[Mrs Van Horne]

Thanks for the info, I do think it's an excellent concept.

[Tajhan]

Unfortunately it seems there'll be no way for me to get to asylum this year but I'd be interested to know if the nottingham gatherings are discussed. Also been asking around and I think Malt Cross (http://www.maltcross.com/) would be worth a try, while one friend asked if they hosted events and was told no I mentioned it to some friends who were looking to hold an event somewhere in nottingham and apparently they will deal with groups. I'd recommend anyone in Nottingham dropping in, its a lovely place, beautiful old building with a relaxed atmosphere, they also host live music and have a gallery in the back and its very central just off the Old Market Square.

[Trinitytrashuk]

Not exactly a pub, but Cafe Scientifique hold their monthly events at Edin's 15 Broad St, Nottingham NG1 3AJ.  It is a coffee shop and due to the fact they host CS, I would assume they are open minded and supportive of this kind of activity.

Not sure size is perfect, but might work?!

[AGB]

The Malt Cross do put up with a monthly (and weekly during November) meeting of a group of lunatic writers (discussions generally involve anything except writing), though that's usually between about 8 and 20 people on a Saturday morning/afternoon.

The do *wonderful* hot chocolate, and burgers large enough they have to be held together with skewers (the alternative theory is that the burgers are actually made from vampires, and thus need to be staked)

[ladyelsie]

There is an event in Nottingham on 25th Sept. Organised by Pauline, the Asylum ball dancer with her troop. The Castle of Delights will be fab. the Major , von Rickens , Lady Raygun and I will be there in the evening. Do join us. and check out the event site, Links from the thread. This is not just belly dance but a full prrograme of steamy acts.
Lady E.

[ArmintaFresche]

Hellooo (again) at the geographical/locational thingy on the Sunday at the Asylum, we talked about a Nottingham meet up. Malt Cross was one idea, The Salutation and pubs on Mansfield Road were also suggested. As time flies without you knowing it.. why don't we go with Dr Zimbardo's suggestion of a meet up on Friday at the Beer Festival? http://www.nottinghamcamra.org/NottFest/web%20site/festivalindex.html

[Tajhan]

I'd be up for meeting up at the Beer Festival as I didn't get to Asylum this year. Will be good to meet people and I'd be happy to help in any way I can to get this off the ground.

[Mimsy Beaucoup]

I would love for this to really get going- monthly meets in Notts would be grand

I am sure there are many suitable places for us to meet- I must keep more of an eye on this thread so I don't miss out!

[ArmintaFresche]

OK so far in Nottingham we have:
- a meet-up on the Friday night of 15th October at the Beer Festival: http://www.nottinghamcamra.org/NottFest/web%20site/festivalindex.html Specific details have not been sorted yet - ACTION please ladies and gentlemen

-My Wallace and Gromit Great British Steampunk Teaparty at 3pm on Sunday 12th December at the Jamcafe in Hockley - ACTION: cakes and bring and buy items please. There's room for a few craft tables too (will confirm).

So... that leaves November if we want something then..

EVERYONE is welcome to come to these - the more the merrier - especially for the Teaparty fundraiser, but I know it is a PAIN to get to Nottingham whether by train or road.. If anyone needs specific advice please let me know and I'll advise. If anyone needs to stay over, I'm sure we can arrange something amongst us here.

Over to you Major

[Abraham Cog]

Geographically Nottingham sounds perfect.  Please count us in for whatever is arranged for these regular meets.

Abraham Cog

[Elisheva Cog]

As Mr. Cog states,  geographically this appears to be an ideal area.  We are at your disposal for whatever you may require of us.   It would be delightful to join in with regular meets.   



Elisheva Cog

[Auntie Ludmilla]

The teaparty at Jamcafe sounds wonderful. I would be interested in bringing my stall if you have space. What are you raising funds for? Is there a thread for that event elsewhere on BG?

[ArmintaFresche]

The teaparty at Jamcafe sounds wonderful. I would be interested in bringing my stall if you have space. What are you raising funds for? Is there a thread for that event elsewhere on BG?

Yep, under Wallace and Gromit Steampunk Teaparty[/color][/color][/b] http://brassgoggles.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,26666.0.html