2011 Convention In The U.K.

[Howard Brown]

The big guy, Colin Cobb, has already made the pitch for a Convention to be held in Belfast.

This thread will or should be used for presenting all your thoughts and ideas on the location of the next U.K. event.

I'll transfer Colin's original post over here in a moment.

Thanks !

[Howard Brown]

From Colin Cobb....

Hello to all

Its Colin Cobb and yes this is my first post on JTR Forums.

I hope it will inspire all to consider Belfast as a viable destination for the 2011 Jack the Ripper conference.

As MC for the conference for the last two years I have been welcomed into the world of ripperdom and now consider many of you personal friends. I have thoroughly enjoyed this rare privilege as it came about through Jeremy Beadles sad passing.

My first conference was Wolverhampton and it was an excellent example of the conference on tour, exciting ,different and fresh.

This is were Belfast comes in, yes my place of birth and steeped in maritime history and culture. Despite media reports of troubles over the last 40 years Belfast has risen above this and has moved on to a new future and is now to most people the undiscovered country.

One of our proudest achievements is Titanic Quarter, a 185 acre site formerly the site of Harland and Wolff Shipyard, the worlds biggest in Titanic’s Day.
Titanic quarter is being completely redeveloped and one main highlight is Titanic’s Dock and Pump-House.

Titanic’s Dock is the last place Titanic ever rested on dry ground, her physical footprint in history.
The Dry Dock can hold 23 million gallons of water, all pumped out in just 1 hour and 40mins, by the Pump-House.

My company Titanic walking tours and our catering company whitestar catering are the operators of the dock and pump-house café, visitor centre and the tours of the site.
This is where I propose the 2011 Jack the Ripper conference should be held.

The Beautiful Victorian Pump-house was opened by none other than Prince Albert Victor in May 1889.
The pump-house is one of the last remaining buildings left with a direct link to Titanic and its history. Housing three massive pumping engines, tool shops ,a visitor centre and conference facilitys make it idea and unique for our conference.

We can provide :
A Historical and Unique Venue
Audio/Visual Facilities
7 acres site
Secure access
3 venues inside the pump-house
Full catering provided by our own company.
Our own pontoon for our planned boat trip by our partners the Lagan Boat Company.

Two ripper connections in Belfast.

Conference and Delegate discount on hotels provided kindly by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Full Access to all key Titanic Locations not opened to the public.
Free Wi-Fi

Irish Entertainment provided by our local band.
Bus provided for transport to and from your hotel by our partners Belfast CitySightseeing.

All we need is your support and backing for what will the most exciting ripper conference to date.
Here are the websites to view our venue and space.

www.titanicsdock.com (http://www.titanicsdock.com/)

To view inside the rooms at

http://www.nisp.co.uk/pump-house-events.aspx (http://www.nisp.co.uk/pump-house-events.aspx)

We have all the infrastructure in place and ready to go.
Most will find that it is cheaper to fly to Belfast or Dublin than travel on the main land.
If booked early enough some flights can be as little as £20 each return.

I look forward to your comments and this is my bid for Belfast 2011

Many thanks

Colin Cobb

[Howard Brown]

Some have already expressed their views in the following link.

http://www.jtrforums.com/showthread.php?p=118381#post118381

[Raven]

Sadly, it would be beyond me in both price and distance, but huge luck to all organizing and attending, it sounds great! I hope a ball is had by all! :grouphug:

[Mike Covell]

Is this the same 2011 Conference or a different 2011 Conference? :spit:

[Colin Cobb]

Just to help with concerns over costs to belfast for the ripper conference:

We own the catering company and this will be done at cost.
We are the licensed Operator for the Venue and site and there is minimal charge for this.

The only extra costs is the flights, if booked in advance will be low cost.

We will offset all flights costs by no charges for venue hire and catering done at cost.
This will dramatically reduce prices.
This will bring the price in line with any mainland event.

regards
colin cobb

[SirRobertAnderson]

Why do I sense a great schism developing?

The Whitechapel Society can announce that news of the official NATIONAL JACK THE RIPPER CONFERENCE 2011 will appear here shortly.

We feel sure that the event which Adam Wood has worked so hard to develop will be safe in our hands and plans are under way to make the first Whitechapel Society National Conference a big success!

We feel sure that our membership will be delighted with this news and will give us the support that this event deserves.

[Jennifer Shelden]

Hi Robert,

not sure what you mean? I just assumed the above from Frogg meant they were working with the Cobbs? Surely? But maybe I am reading things wrong.

Jenni

[Howard Brown]

As it stands, The Forums is very much interested in the proposition offered by Colin Cobb.

I must say that I find it in bad form as does Nina ( I can sense that people are waiting for someone to say something here...so I will ) for anyone to assume that they can override the intentions of Mr. Cobb or frankly anyone else who had been working towards a solution to the void left to fill by Adam Wood on this issue in the manner displayed.

Adam hasn't assented to the WS taking the reins of the proposed Convention and neither should anyone else.

No one needs to be reminded how hard Adam Wood worked on the last Convention or any prior to 2010.

Mr. Cobb...you have the floor on the Forums.

[Howard Brown]

Bob:

As far as any schism developing on The Forums, I'm putting some spackle on the crack right here and now and removing any mention of any other organization ( not individual ) attempting to take the reins without contacting Colin Cobb and those who have been working towards a solution openly prior to today.

[Big Jon]

Colin:

Any help you need in any of the organising please let me know. And just for good measure, I'm also going to nominate Trevor for the same!

[Colin Cobb]

Hello to all

I am very pleased at the overwhelming response by many people for the conference to be held in belfast and it would an absolute honor to host this event.
Regarding the post left by the Whitechapel Society, may i say that i have the utmost respect for Mr Frogg Moody and his associates of who i have no difference.
In saying that to my understanding is that there is no Official Conference Organiser as yet.
I have contacted the whitechapel society to see if we can work together as a team on this and i look forward to their response.
From my point of view we are offering not just a viable conference venue but a venue that could take the conference now never mind next year.

It is all in place and i am confident it will be the most exciting ripper conference to date ,including a history tour you will never forget.

By next year we could be :
Walking along the Top of Harland & wolffs two massive yellow cranes

Walking along the bottom of the awesome Titanic Dry Dock

Touring SS Nomadic, the tender ship that took all the passengers out to

Titanic, (the only white star line vessel left in existance)

Getting on Board HMS Caroline the last remaining world war 1 ship from 1914 and still commission by the royal navy.

Getting a Hard Hat Tour of the Worlds biggest Titanic Visitor Attraction.

Be Inspired by Titanic's Drawing Offices now 125 yrs old.

All Centred around the Victorian Pump-House opened by prince albert victor in may 1889 , whose plaque still remains on the walls of the pump-house marking his visit.

To see and to experience it , all i need is your support.

Thanks to all

colin cobb

[Trevor Bond]

Sounds excellent Colin, although if the wife comes along then there's no way you'll get her walking along a crane - she doesn't even like stairs with gaps in them!

On this occasion Jon, I am happy to be volunteered!

Here's hoping this all comes to a friendly conclusion, and equally importantly one that delivers a top notch conference.

[Andrew Firth]

Just to say, Belfast sounds like a very interesting place to hold the next conference, and I for one am happy to endorse the Belfast bid for the official Jack the Ripper Conference 2011.

The facilities that are on offer sound superb too! :thumb:

All the best

Andrew

[SirRobertAnderson]

Regarding the post left by the Whitechapel Society, may i say that i have the utmost respect for Mr Frogg Moody and his associates of who i have no difference.
In saying that to my understanding is that there is no Official Conference Organiser as yet.
I have contacted the whitechapel society to see if we can work together as a team on this and i look forward to their response.

The best case scenario - sitting here in NYC on my lonesome - would be for you to take care of the physical hosting (and Titanic related talks/walks/touring) and the WS to organize the presentations and speakers.

And because this would be so logical and so right, it bears a snowball's chance in Hell.

I think you are going to encounter a "keep Jack for the English" mentality that seems to have a small but influential core. (And I am not counting Mr. Moody in that group in any way shape or fashion.) Anyone with an alert ear at the recent conference will know to which I refer.

I hope I am proven wrong and an old fool who only thought I knew....

Onward to Belfast. :clap2:

[George Hutchinson]

The best case scenario - sitting here in NYC on my lonesome - would be for you to take care of the physical hosting (and Titanic related talks/walks/touring) and the WS to organize the presentations and speakers.

And because this would be so logical and so right, it bears a snowball's chance in Hell.

Abso-f-ing-lutely, Robert. Colin hosting the event and the WS1888 organising the Ripper side of it would be damn close to perfect. If only I could see it happening.

PHILIP

[Bob Hinton]

I don't understand why we are taking the expensive option. Five people can fit in my car and will travel for the same cost as one, not so with flights.

The most successful conferences are those that allow you to travel to them by car.

Many of us, myself included, used to bring along books etc to sell, which was another attraction of the conference, without a car this is impossible. I feel rather annoyed at being excluded from the conferences in this way.

I attended the very first conference and every one until it became impossible by holding them in London etc.

Why don't you hold it in Cardiff? You have excellent road, rail and air connections, lots of venues, and even a MJK connection.

Why are people so adverse to bringing it to Wales?

[Liza H]

Due to the number of Welsh hunks who attended the last conference - I vote for WALES.
Logistically, even though I'd love to go to Belfast, I think the 'take up' may not be that big 'cos of time spent travelling, cost etc.......
But I still want Colin!
Can't wait for next year now!
Liza

[Nemo]

Don't know if it's any help but I've done the Holyhead to Belfast route on a car ferry before which is easy from any Welsh location

Londoners might prefer to fly

[Andrew Firth]

There are also very affordable ferries from Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast, for any softies (like me) who prefer not to fly. This of course is in addition to the other options like Holyhead and Stranraer.

All the best
Andrew

[Mike Covell]

Never been on a plane, never want to, so the ferry would be my chosen method of transport too. :bolt:

[Colin Roberts]

I think you are going to encounter a "keep Jack for the English" mentality that seems to have a small but influential core. (And I am not counting Mr. Moody in that group in any way shape or fashion.) Anyone with an alert ear at the recent conference will know to which I refer.

So, the "Official" conference is for the 'informed'; i.e. those 'Ripperologists' that embrace Mei Trow's assertion that Robert Mann was, in fact, 'Jack the Ripper', as being contributory to our knowledge of this, our field of interest.

While all other conferences are for the "ill informed", "wastrel imbecilic hordes" that have their doubts.
:laugh:

[Colin Roberts]

So, the "Official" conference is for the 'informed'; ...

While all other conferences are for the "ill informed", "wastrel imbecilic hordes" ...

And, of course, any non-"Official" conference, would be, by definition, ... a "tiresome corollary of research"!
:laugh:

[Nathen Amin]

Being Welsh ideally I'd love the Conference to be within touching distance of me and also as someone proud of his country to a fault I would love to introduce some of Wales' charms to the Ripperologist world. Additionally I dont have the experience of Whitechapel/East End that many on here seem to have which is why I would always accept and enjoy any conference held in the atmospheric area of the murders. That being said, so far the Cobbs seem to be on the ball and it has to be accepted they are the people who hold the aces. If they organise it, they will come so to speak. I'll support Belfast. whether I can make it across the Irish Sea money wise when its only £15 return to London and Back on National Express is a different matter

[Nathen Amin]

Don't know if it's any help but I've done the Holyhead to Belfast route on a car ferry before which is easy from any Welsh location

Londoners might prefer to fly

From South Wales, it certainly isnt easy from any Welsh location and all the "welsh hunks" ive come across seem to be from South Wales...what a picturesque but disastrous drive it is from South Wales to Holyhead.

[ferret]

Is this the same 2011 Conference or a different 2011 Conference? :spit:

I see the WS1888 are doing something too aaaaagh confusion!!!:confused: but can't be doing with :plane: sorry Colin x

[ferret]

OK what's the latest?:confused::help::confused:

Is this the OFFICIAL site here for finding out WTF's happening?

Hope so.........

[Big Jon]

Suzi:

I think all the parties who were interested in organising are now discussing and pooling their resources. So guess we all just have to stay tuned for more news!

[ferret]

Blimey Jon
Reckon you're right!............bit hectic though isn't it!- the cat doesn't do disturbance! LOL Keep me informed!
Suz x

[String]

In these days would it be possible for a web cast to be organised for the many people who can't make it or even can't afford to make it. I know these things don't come for free and I think there are DVDs made but a web cast for possibly subscribers would open the ripper conference to a far wider audience.

[ferret]

Like your idea there String- Just hope who ever can sort it can sort it soon 'eh:rofl::attention::rofl: Don't 'do' confusion on these matters like to know when and where and start plans....and save up!

[Bob Hinton]

I've just done a quick search on ferry fares from Liverpool to Belfast return, and yes I know you can get cheaper but this gives you an idea. It's a massive £420. And that is not even taking into account the cost of getting from Carmarthen to Liverpool and back.

I would be spending the thick end of £600 just on travelling!

Cardiff is easily accessible from anywhere in the UK, by road or rail, or by using the airport anywhere in the world. I wouldn't mind betting you could fly to New York and back to Cardiff for about £600.

If you want people to attend these conferences you must make them accessible to ordinary people with ordinary jobs and ordinary budgets.

[Caroline Morris]

Getting on Board HMS Caroline...

I don't mind, Colin, but could any takers be asked to form an orderly line please?

Love,

HMS Caroline
X

I'm up for this as long as hubby doesn't think I'm taking the p, expecting him to finance my jetting off to Belfast (probably from Luton on queasyjey - great train service to Luton Airport from East Croydon, are you up for it, Mr Clack?? And does anyone remember the Luton Airport Campari ads? hic).

Just not sure how many would have to sign up to make it viable, and how many will sign up. And I don't want to p anyone off if Colin C and the WS are not putting their heads together for this one. I have no beef with either. (And for Colin Roberts' benefit, Adrian Morris is not a spokesman for all of us, and I don't believe he even attended the last two conferences, so please could any further unpleasantness be kept from this thread, as it makes us all look like a bunch of po-faces.)

XXX

[Big Jon]

I believe the relevant parties are in discussion on the matter.

Colin Cobb knows that if the Belfast conference is to be viable then he has to prove that the travel costs can be kept to a minimum. Out of curiosity Bob, how far in advance were you searching for ferry tickets?

[ferret]

Ooooh yes! I remember the Campari ads! LOL......Yep hope all parties can come to a decision where everyone's happy...........and not bankrupt!;)

[Big Jon]

I've just looked at prices for booking the Norfolk line - Liverpool to Belfast. £142 return. Not sure where you got such a massive figure from Bob! Unless you were doing the flexible fare where they always rip you off!

[Caroline Morris]

Now I have the Overground direct from West Croydon to Whitechapel in 35 minutes for the princely sum of £1.30 one way, it has rather spoiled me for going hundreds of miles by air away from the centre of operations, so to speak!

Love,

Old Po Face
XXX

[ferret]

Yep £32.00 weekend return from Fareham to Aldgate East is bearable too.........just sure I wouldn't manage to get the Belfast mega bucks past hubby.....or the bespoke hip flasks past security!!!.......(more to the point!)

Po Face (Not so much of the Old!) xx

[Bob Hinton]

I believe the relevant parties are in discussion on the matter.

Colin Cobb knows that if the Belfast conference is to be viable then he has to prove that the travel costs can be kept to a minimum. Out of curiosity Bob, how far in advance were you searching for ferry tickets?

Like I say I just punched in a request for ticket prices and like I also said I'm quite sure you can get them cheaper, but it's still going to be in the hundreds and not tens.

[Trevor Bond]

If you're prepared to fly Bob, Opodo has weekend (out friday, back sunday) returns from Cardiff to Belfast for £84. They don't have dates as far forward as september available yet, but that is for a school holidays weekend too so can't see the price being much different. I am sure you know about the...joys...of the X40 bus from Carmarthen to Cardiff for a fiver or so, cheaper than airport parking I would imagine. So you could probably get from Kidwelly to Belfast for £90 or so, not too bad, but like I say you have to be prepared to fly which isn't everyone's kettle of fish!

[Bob Hinton]

I've just looked at prices for booking the Norfolk line - Liverpool to Belfast. £142 return. Not sure where you got such a massive figure from Bob! Unless you were doing the flexible fare where they always rip you off!
What dates is that for and what is it for? Mine was for a car and five adult passengers.

[Trevor Bond]

Does that mean you will already have four others travelling with you Bob, or are you looking at suggesting some kind of car share? Because we have yourself, Nathen Amin, Jon Rees, Gareth Williams and myself all travelling from roughly the same direction. Worth a thought, perhaps.

[Bob Hinton]

If you're prepared to fly Bob, Opodo has weekend (out friday, back sunday) returns from Cardiff to Belfast for £84. They don't have dates as far forward as september available yet, but that is for a school holidays weekend too so can't see the price being much different. I am sure you know about the...joys...of the X40 bus from Carmarthen to Cardiff for a fiver or so, cheaper than airport parking I would imagine. So you could probably get from Kidwelly to Belfast for £90 or so, not too bad, but like I say you have to be prepared to fly which isn't everyone's kettle of fish!

No I don't mind flying ( bit of a bugger if I did since I served in an Airborne Squadron) but as I say I can get five people in my car so multiplying your £90 by five isn't far off what I was quoting.

Besides as I said originally I like to take books to the conferences to sell, it's part of what we go there for and offsets the expense!

I just cannot see why we are all rushing to go overseas when there are so many excellent venues in Britain, and no one has yet said why Cardiff wouldn't do!

[Nathen Amin]

I've just done a quick search on ferry fares from Liverpool to Belfast return, and yes I know you can get cheaper but this gives you an idea. It's a massive £420. And that is not even taking into account the cost of getting from Carmarthen to Liverpool and back.

I would be spending the thick end of £600 just on travelling!

Cardiff is easily accessible from anywhere in the UK, by road or rail, or by using the airport anywhere in the world. I wouldn't mind betting you could fly to New York and back to Cardiff for about £600.

If you want people to attend these conferences you must make them accessible to ordinary people with ordinary jobs and ordinary budgets.


I'm from Ammanford so i'm in the same boat as u Mr Cydwelli. Or rather same Plane

[Claire Pullon]

I like the idea of Belfast well enough. But, even setting aside the travel costs, it's not going to be a one-night in a hotel trip, is it? And with the present economic situation, doesn't it make sense to make it as affordable as possible at the moment? I'm absolutely positive the Cobbs would put on a fantastic show, but that's not really the only criterion in these stern times (!), is it?

All the best from the impoverished heartlands of South Wales
;)

[ferret]

Hi Claire

Exactly it's going to be a two night job at least- and the price it seems will be anything less than cheap- not wishing to get into this but at least when it's on the mainland I can be home at some point on the Sunday...to be back at work on Monday!

Suzi

[Phil Carter]

Hello all,

I have spent a good, long while thinking about this.

I went to the Conference 2010 with absolutely no expectations. I came away with, just as Neil did twice before, a very very positive feeling of the time I experienced. The overriding thing, for me, was unity.

People from all walks of life, people with Easy End roots, people with immense knowledge yes, but all surpassed by the feeling of unity, born out of a combined passion for the subject we all use so much time upon. That passion was everywhere at the Conference. Relaxed, friendly fun and at the same time, people meeting their like.

Neil's words, on the other thread, are as stated before by others, bang on. His words lead to one very important point or two in all of this.....

A short while before Stewart Evans and his good lady wife Rosie, organised the very first Conference, he wrote to me, apologising for hurrying his reply to a few questions I had sent him, but he was trying to get things right for the Conference. The first Conference. The first bringing together of the collective minds and amateur dedication from all around. I really wanted to be there, but sadly, was unable to attend.

That, in my humble opinion, is the true meaning of setting up a Conference on the subject coined as Ripperology, or the study of Jack the Ripper and the Whitechapel murders.

Everyone was welcome if they could manage to attend, and it was under a collective banner, with no individual titled group organising it.

The Conference of 2010, under the organisation of Adam Wood, who had done it all before a few times, wasn't sponsored by "Budweiser" "Fosters" "Theakstons" or even "Coca Cola" or "Pepsi". It would have easy to get some sort of sponsorship for such an event, East London based perhaps... who knows... but, it wasn't. It was kept on a strictly amateur basis.

Likewise, no single website nor society was promoted nor bought to the fore as chief nor even part organisers.. I didn't see a banner saying "The Casebook JTR Conference 2010" not "The JTR Forums JTR Conference 2010". The first inside page introduction from Adam Wood had the opening words..

"Welcome to the 2010 Jack the Ripper Conference".

I will state clearly here that I have no personal beef with any society or grouping. However, when I see the announcement on posting No. 7 on the other thread, under...

"The Whitechapel Society can announce that news of the official NATIONAL JACK THE RIPPER CONFERENCE 2011 will appear here shortly.

We feel sure that the event which Adam Wood has worked so hard to develop will be safe in our hands and plans are under way to make the first Whitechapel Society National Conference a big success!

We feel sure that our membership will be delighted with this news and will give us the support that this event deserves. "

...I honestly feel that something here is askew.

1) The wording "Official" makes it sound as if the previous ones were unofficial, which can be seen as a slight towards all those, especially Adam Wood, who have contributed in organising the event many times previously.

2) The wording "National" makes it sound as if it is British. Well. I am a Brit, but I live in Norway. That makes me International. I thought, as Neil so correctly pointed out before, that it was INDEED an International Conference, NOT a National one. A hell of a lot of Ripperologists live OUTSIDE the UK. It is a worldwide phenomenon. It is NOT a National one, one of the the victims was Swedish for the sake of Riley! How many of the C5 were actually born in WHITECHAPEL?... you know the answer....

3) The wording "Whitechapel Society National Conference" tells me that this is an effort to put the WS on the larger map of Ripperology. It looks like, I am sorry to say, a promotion excercise based on one group. or part of one group, taking over the Conference in future... not OFFERING to host it. There is one heck of a difference, in my mind.

I spoke with Colin and Adam amongst many others at the 2010 Conference.
Adam asked me, quite openly, if we could organise, (well, if I would organise) a Conference in Norway. I laughed and said.. "it would be way too expensive for too many" (which it would).. Colin and I spoke briefly. That man has passion. Real passion, and puts his all into whatever he does. We have seen the result in his offer to host the Conference in Belfast.

I didn't see "The Titanic Museum and Catering Co. Ltd Jack the Ripper Conference 2010" or suchlike in his presentation. It is just as Adam Wood wrote--2011 Jack the Ripper Conference. A natural extension.

I have nothing against Wales, nor Cardiff. I would love it to be held there as well. Likewise Hull, likewise London again, same venue.. no problem.
I have nothing against The Whitechapel Society either, as I have been asked to attend as a guest on various occasions by more than one member, should I be in London. Most kind I thought. So I have no beef.

What I DO object to is the underlying inferance that any Conference NOT organised by the Whitechapel Society would be unofficial. I object to the underlying inferance that it is an "English" organised National Conference,
which I would find frankly appallingly ignorant, whether meant or not. Finally, I object that ANY single group ASSUME control of the Conference and announce it in a matter of a few days!

It was an amateur thing done for the love of the subject by dedicated amateurs. I class myself a Ripperologist as are all members of the Whitechapel Society. I pay much more to attend a Conference, (more than they would I might add, because of distance), and I am TOLD, suddenly, that "we" are organising the conference, after a few days of previously friendly and good discussion between the WORLD of Ripperologists, whatever "group" they pertain to.

I started off by referring to Neil Bell's excellent posting on the other thread. On yet another thread Neil encouraged me to "say it how it is". On this occasion Neil, I raise my opinion in a loud and direct manner. It isn't personal towards any one individual...

This "takeover", and I use that wording as respectfully as I possibly can, goes against the very meaning of what the atmosphere of the 2010 Conference created. It is causing a split, long before it starts. It has nothing to do with unity. It has nothing to do with the true meaning of WHY we all spend so much time and dedicate our free time with this abiding interest. It isn't a friendly get-together. It is, in my opinion, taking it a step in the WRONG direction.

Howard, I apologise for raising hackles. This subject is something that needs to be said. I will get pilloried in certain quarters, but I stand ready for that. As you know, I dislike confrontation. But there is something about this that I distinctly do not like. I abhore ideas that promote groups ahead of others when the whole thing is run on an amateur basis that welcomes all, internationally.

Colin, I have the utmost respect for your offer. For it IS an offer, as opposed to the Whitechapel Society's announcement that offered no details, yours did. The organisation is all ready and in place. Your enthusiasm and drive, connected to the way you have shown all attendees of a Conference under your guidance, shows enormous potential.

Frogg, I wish you and your Society well. Genuinely. But I have to say that in my honest opinion this has been presented hastily, in the wrong manner, and I suspect WITHOUT the whole of the membership of the Whitechapel Society having a say. Were letters or emails sent out to all members to ask their opinions, or was this an "executive" decision by a small group of people on everyone's behalf?

Then again, as all know, I am a suspicious fellow. I hope to high heaven I am wrong.

best wishes

Phil

[Chris G.]

Hi Phil

As a part of Casebook Productions, Inc., which mounted the first U.S. Ripper conferences in 2000 and 2002, let me express the view that if an organization or group of individuals or a single individual offers to put on a Ripper convention this bothers me less than if there might be developing competing major UK Ripper conventions in 2011 which I am not certain the field can sustain. After all, when we did the first Stateside Ripper convention in Park Ridge, New Jersey, in April 2000, we originated the idea and no one else was doing it. Putting on a convention takes a tremendous amount of work so I would not criticize the organizers for whatever name they use... they deserve the credit. I would urge Colin and the Whitechapel Society to cooperate on a 2011 UK convention rather than to try to mount competing efforts.

All the best

Chris

[SirRobertAnderson]

Dear Lord, but that is a fine post, Phil. :hail:

Belfast represents a unique opportunity. Conferences can always be held in London. We'll never go to Belfast if we reject the Cobbs now.

Colin has offered a great many services at cost. Yes, transportation may be more expensive to some, but the overall package may wind up cheaper after food and housing are factored in. Plus we have two brothers that are passionate about putting together the "Ultimate Ripper" conference. Instead of profuse thanks I think we've slapped them in the face for their efforts.

Ultimately this is a British decision, not because it is clear that some parties believe "Jack is ours". (If a mutilating killer of the downtrodden is so precious to you, you can have him.) But the majority of attendees are British, and so it is their decision as to where to go. I'll be flying over wherever it is.

Personally, I think the two sides should use Adam Wood as adjudicator and abide by his decision.

[Big Jon]

Phil:

A fantastic post my friend, and I agree with you. Trevor and myself suggested the idea of Cardiff but stepped aside when we saw how eager and passionate Colin was for Belfast. I hope that all sides can come to a mutual agreement.

[Andrew Firth]

I have to echo the sentiments above. That post Phil was excellent. You've really summed up the current situation.

I myself am happy for the conference to be held anywhere, but it needs to be voted on by all who are interested in attending. The majority vote wins. This is not something that should be decided by just one or two people.

This years conference was my first. I certainly don't intend it to be my last, as the whole social side of Ripperology and the friends I've met through it, are worth a great deal more than the current petty arguments that are taking place.

Let's nip this in the bud now.

Andrew

[ferret]

Exactly!!!!

Great post Phil- but I agree with Andrew- and a lot I reckon of others- Lets put this to an all round vote- 'cos come on .........we don't need all this bad :fencing:feeling to be honest do we:tea::yield::tea:

Suzi x

[Howard Brown]

Howard, I apologise for raising hackles. This subject is something that needs to be said

Dear Phil...you are spot on sir. It did need to be stated. I'm happy that you said it.

Just as Andrew Firth's remark

"This is not something that should be decided by just one or two people.
"
.....needed to be said.

Now bear with me, Phil, as I say something that needs to be mentioned.

How would it be if I went to the WS1888 message board and without even contacting their management ( Maybe Morris & Beadle feel they're too good to stoop to talk to Forums personnel )...put up a post right in the middle of a thread on the same issue and left it at that as if they would accept it ? I don't think they would appreciate that...do you ?

I could say more, but I'll leave it at that. I hope that the issue is resolved and that the WS1888 realizes, after all is said and done, that they are merely a part, not the self-designated representatives, of the Ripper community.

Thank you.

[Mansun]

The Whitechapel Society is a society that deals with the history of the East End, Ripperology is only a part of it. In fact we are an historical society with Ripperologists in as opposed to a Ripperological society. Therefore we have a wider world to attend to.

It is administered by a democratically elected committee whose positions come up for election every two years. It is not run by Bill Beadle - who has published a vast number of worthy books that makes him one of the most trust and respected of authors around - or Adrian Morris (who is the editor of the Whitechapel Society Journal.

We are active in the modern-day East End with our membership of the Bancroft Library Steering group. This is a vital East End archive we were part of a campaign to save for future generations.

We were recently consulted by the local Tower Hamlets council on the redevelopment of Limehouse (as mentioned in a recent edition of theWhitechapel Society Journal.

At a recent fundraiser for the late Jeremy Beadle we raised almost £2,500 for the charity Children with Leukaemia. We raise £2,700 last year.

Frogg (Jeremy) Moody, our Development Director recently negotiated the very difficult housing of an old war damaged memorial to the fallen soldiers of an East End parish who died during the Great War into the Bishopsgate Institute after the owner had been rejected by other local institutions. The Whitechapel Society helped give this monument back to the East End.

We are linked with a number of local East End history and community groups including the Jewish East End Celebration Society.(JEECS).

So if it's respect we are talking about, how about throwing some of it our way.

[Scott Nelson]

Stop taking it so seriously. The only reason people meet annually or semi-annually is because some dumb f--k cut up a group of women in Whitechapel over a hundred years ago. Hardly worth getting worked up about or trying to bond with other nutjobs during these pilgrimages for naught.

but of course I've never been to any, so...uh, sort of never mind

[Howard Brown]

So if it's respect we are talking about, how about throwing some of it our way ?

Adrian:
Who has ever slighted the WS1888 on this site prior to this current problem? The WS, by the way, occasionally slights the two message boards, not the other way around.

Who can deny that the WS1888 has done positive things in the time its been in operation ? Certainly not us and you and Frogg of all people should know how we have been supportive of the WS's efforts. Thats a no brainer.

You folks automatically assumed that the WS1888 could waltz in on Casebook and JTRForums and state, rather undemocratically by the way, that you were holding the convention.

Many, if not most, Forums & Casebook members are not WS1888 members. John Malcolm,myself,Bob Anderson, and a few others from this site are. You didn't contact us...to ask our views.

My specific objection is that no one from the WS asked me or any other Forums management personnel if you could waltz in and plop a message on the thread that was set up for a democratic vote on where the UK Convention should be held.

I don't care if its held in a cave in Scotland, but I'll be damned if anyone, from Casebook,the WS1888, or even God himself, A.P. Wolf, will walk in on our site and make any sort of declaration without consulting us first.

Capece ?

[Mansun]

Quite right.

In fact, the point I'm trying to make is that we deal with more than just the Whitechapel murderer, although, I think the charity, Children with Leukaemia might see our fund raising in a less jovial way!!!

[Howard Brown]

Adrian:

A lot of people could easily rest on their laurels in this field ( SPE,Mr. Begg,etc...) and expect to have things done to their satisfaction.

The point is, is that they don't and they don't use their achievements as some sort of leverage to "get their way".

And neither should you.

[Mansun]

How,

We never criticised the JTRForums, only the Casebook because of a rather nasty set of posts about a year ago. Although, I fully acknowledge they were free comments. (Edmund Burke)

Anyway, this criticism was aimed toward the posters. I would like to see where I have criticised the JTRForums in print anyway.

Besides it is an open forum and as long as we are not libellous it IS an open forum. I didn't know it was so heavily policed! If you look at both sites over the past year there have been little or no posts anyway concerning the WS1888 - which suits us.

As mentioned, the Whitechapel Society is a democratic organisation and it is governed by a democratically elected committee who work for the good of the member/subscribers. It is governed by a constitutiuon and if any member felt aggrieved they can raise it at a future AGM with a no confidence vote, or even, a challenge for the posts on the committee.

We try and help impart knowledge to our members, as I tried to impart knowledge to you Mr. Brown when I passed on that audio tape of Andy Aliffe's talk on D'Onston a few years ago.

All I can say is, if we are going to be negative with each other here over this issue, and the full facts have not yet come out and negotiations are still ongoing, we might be doing more harm than good long after the event.

Can we just cool it a bit and let things ease down?

[Mansun]

How,

Far from resting on our laurels we are in fact moving onwards and upwards.

Although I would hardly say being proud of our achievements in the past few years, which shows we are more than just a Jack the Ripper society, is not something distasteful. It is something wondrous.

[Howard Brown]

Adrian:

We certainly can cool down...I'm not heated up in the least... but some of the comments you made in the last post should have been stated before without the self evident achievements of the WS1888 being mentioned.

But,Adrian, that's not the issue or any issue.


Colin did not come on the site, nor did anyone else, and declare that it would be held in any specific locale. You guys did.


Thank you.

[Mansun]

Thank you Howard.

The 'laurels' bit was just to defuse any idea that we were trouble makers and to let non members know, who might assume otherwise, that there is more to us.

We posted on your site, and the Casebook, our intentions. What is wrong with that?

If an author has a book to sell, does he/she need permission?

[Howard Brown]

Adrian:

Of course no one needs permission to post Ripper related news or even personal matters for the rest of the community.

But, lets face it...that's a different animal altogether than what we saw transpire on this thread....and on Facebook.

You didn't make a pitch for any specific location.
You declared that it was a done deal.

There's a lot of difference between making a pitch and informing people that the next convention would be wherever you determined it would be.

Colin didn't tell anyone it was going to be held in Belfast. He's pitching the idea....just like the folks pitching an idea for Wales...

[SirRobertAnderson]

negotiations are still ongoing

Best news I've had all day. I have said repeatedly that IMHO the Cobbs should host the event, and the WS1888 organize the speakers. I can see a truly memorable Conference coming out of that.

Have you considered this schedule ?

Belfast - 2011
Cardiff - 2013
London - 2015


As presently planned you'd have had three Conferences in a row in London.

I would like to see where I have criticised the JTRForums in print anyway.

I would hope that would extend to the cyber world as well as private conversation.

[Scott Nelson]

So if it's respect we are talking about, how about throwing some of it our way ?

If I were at one of those events, I would throw chairs and heave beer all over the place. Pinch women's butts and squeeze their tits. You know, get into the subject at hand.

[SirRobertAnderson]

If I were at one of those events, I would throw chairs and heave beer all over the place. Pinch women's butts and squeeze their tits. You know, get into the subject at hand.

Yeah, I find British women REALLY appreciate that. So funny how cultures have different attitudes that way.

:doh:

You haven't met Liza, have you?

[Mike Covell]

You haven't met Liza, have you?

Did someone mention Liza? :hug:

[Bob Hinton]

Best news I've had all day. I have said repeatedly that IMHO the Cobbs should host the event, and the WS1888 organize the speakers. I can see a truly memorable Conference coming out of that.

Have you considered this schedule ?

Belfast - 2011
Cardiff - 2013
London - 2015


As presently planned you'd have had three Conferences in a row in London.

.

London is not an ideal place to hold a conference. There is far too much trouble getting into London with a car let alone trying to park it somewhere. That is why I haven't bothered to attend any of the last conferences that were held in London. Look at the places we have held conferences:

Ipswich, Kings Lynn, Brighton, Bournemouth, Liverpool and every one has been an absolute rattler of a conference.

You need somewhere you can get to by car relatively easily and park the thing nearby.

You also need good access by rail and air for those who choose to travel that way.

What you don't need is a travel itinery that would make Scott of the Antarctic blanch and a bill that would clear the national debt.

I still have not heard any reason why Cardiff cannot be at least considered.

[Nemo]

...or Hull

This announcement hasn't come out of the blue has it?

It appears to me that some organising was taking place behind the scenes which required a sudden announcement due to the unexpected (diplomatic) discussion and suggestions for a future venue

It's a bit late now but the WS might have informed everybody that they had the task in hand a while ago

[Howard Brown]

It's a bit late now but the WS might have informed everybody that they had the task in hand a while ago --Nemo

Nemo...I doubt that, buddy. No American WS1888 member was informed of any such discussion.

[Nemo]

So someone from the WS has just stuck their oar in and commandeered any discussion of the convention before it has been discussed or decided upon in reaction to the open discussions of a venue?

Put a claim in so to speak...

I was wondering why their venue hasn't been announced

[Caroline Morris]

Hang on just a cotton-picking minute, guys. I must have missed where anyone said this was a done deal, with London being decided on. I thought that it was mentioned at the recent conference (by the lovely Bill Beadle?) that the WS committee would willingly consider taking on the job Adam did and organise next year's speaker/karaokefest and it was agreed that they would discuss this at their October meeting - which it seems they did. I heard no objections at the time from any attendees and I have seen nothing since to suggest that any decision about the venue would be taken without consulting as many interested parties as poss (just as Adam used to do) or to suggest that they were not going to consider Colin Cobb's Belfast ideas and very generous offer. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong.

Are we not jumping the gun a bit by assuming there is a rift here, or that the WS committee members ever intended to go their own sweet way and ignore Colin and everyone else's wishes? They'd end up with about six people if they did that! Give Bill Beadle and his team a bit of credit, please.

As it is, one of my posts has been mistaken for a personal attack on someone at the WS, for politely reminding a forums poster that what is written in the WS journal does not necessarily reflect the views of every WS member. I said it to try and nip in the bud this 'them and us' mentality, because the criticism began to take the form of "everyone at the WS is at fault for not taking active issue with the critical words of x (one of the speakers) and y (the reviewer)". As several of us have now said, I have no beef with anyone at the WS or at the forums, and am a very happy and satisfied member of both. Individuals cause rifts, not whole societies or groups, and it's usually down to a thoughtless word or action that was never meant to offend but has been taken too personally - or has had the worst possible interpretation put on it.

Could we all chill a little and wait to see what, in fact, has or hasn't been discussed behind the scenes?

Love,

Caz
XXX

[SirRobertAnderson]

I thought that it was mentioned at the recent conference (by the lovely Bill Beadle?) that the WS committee would willingly consider taking on the job Adam did and organise next year's speaker/karaokefest and it was agreed that they would discuss this at their October meeting - which it seems they did.

Mr. Beadle's terse statement, immediately after Colin had made a heartfelt pitch for Belfast, came across more as a declaration that they had things in hand and would be making future announcements.

I guess it was the tone and the timing that caused puzzlement amongst some participants.

Now that Adrian has posted here that negotiations are ongoing, I'm just going to wish him and Colin the best of luck in setting up a great conference.

[Mike Covell]

Regardless of who has it, and who hosts it, and where it's at, I just hope the tradition continues of having Ripperologists getting together, meeting each other, and spending some time getting along. :tea:

[SirRobertAnderson]

Regardless of who has it, and who hosts it, and where it's at, I just hope the tradition continues of having Ripperologists getting together, meeting each other, and spending some time getting along. :tea:

We can all agree on that. :clap2: I'm not so sure about the tea thing, though.

[Nemo]

So the location hasn't been finalised yet?

[SirRobertAnderson]

So the location hasn't been finalised yet?

I believe that is what the "negotiations" are about.

Obviously people are welcome to chime in and state their viewpoints; however, I've said how I feel about the subject and think further posting by myself doesn't help a delicate situation. So I am going into read only mode.

[Nathen Amin]

to avoid getting sucked into any potential rifts etc of a situation i am mainly ignorant about due to how new I am to this world, i've decided to place my vote in the only sensible way I can think of...

"Dw I'n Cefnogi Caerdydd yn y gyfarfod y flwyddyn nesaf"


:der::humble::peace:

[ferret]

Great Post Caz!* (x *)
Now let's just all take a deep breath (BREATH Robert!) and hope that the fence we're all sitting on doesn't give way eh!

There MUST be some sense made in a *'contemplative fashion and a tranquil frame of mind'*

Will wait and see........as Asquith said................:nod:

* The Gondoliers.. G & S.......'quiet calm deliberation disentangles every knot'!

[Caroline Morris]

Cheers Suzi. :kiss:

I don't see why any of this need be a 'delicate' situation. Some peeps are getting way too sensitive and imagining great divides where it may be a simple case of needing to discuss and look into the alternatives if Belfast turns out not to be the most popular choice for whatever reason.

Time for a stiff drink I think. So I'll shut up now. :tape2:

Love,

Caz
X

[Mansun]

Chill out children!

Anybody would think we are the Tea Party, the WS1888 is more democratic than that!

Lovely Caz spoke the best wisdom here and that is where it stands at the moment.

Howard, you obviously have decided whose side you're on, so I can't clarify any more.

What the WS1888 does is for the greater benefit of its members, only a fraction of whom post on these sites, so it would be intrinsically wrong to gauge opinion from here. We represent a wider, more diverse community than just Ripperology!

All I can say is; "suck it and see!"

I love you all, each and every one of you!:hippie:

[Mansun]

Just to show there are no hard feelings, and to take your minds off this vexing and tumultuous affair, click on the link below.

http://londonist.com/2010/10/londonist_out_loud_adrian_morris_of.php

http://londonist.com/2010/10/londonist_out_loud_adrian_morris_of.php

[ferret]

Cheers Suzi. :kiss:

I don't see why any of this need be a 'delicate' situation. Some peeps are getting way too sensitive and imagining great divides where it may be a simple case of needing to discuss and look into the alternatives if Belfast turns out not to be the most popular choice for whatever reason.

Time for a stiff drink I think. So I'll shut up now. :tape2:

Love,

Caz
X

*Chink* (or thud in the case of the bespoke model!) Oh I agree:clap:xxx

[SirRobertAnderson]

All I can say is; "suck it and see!"

I should point out before blood is drawn that this expression has different meanings across the Pond than here. Brits use it in the sense of "try it before you judge it" and it originally dealt with sweets.

Here, it might get you a broken nose. I'd certainly be swinging before you finished "se....".

But you obviously meant it in the British sense so no need for umbrage. :thumb:

[Howard Brown]

Adrian:



The Forums wouldn't be a success story if we played favorites in a situation like this. I would like to think our role is simply as a sounding board for all UK members to discuss the matter at hand...and perhaps those from outside the U.K. who might like to add their two cents to the discussion.

When you claim that I have obviously decided whose side I am on, let me simply say that I am on the side of anyone who has presented his or her case like Colin has.

[Mickey Mayhew]

I have to throw my hat in for London, as unpopular as that might be; they're called the Whitechapel murders for a reason, and it'd be nice if during lunchtime us 'old hats' can take the newbies out for a walk and say, 'Yes, you are standing on what was Dorset Street', and so on. It's authenticity, and atmosphere, which seem to me to rank in pretty high regard for all things Ripper. I mean, if I wanted to go to an Anne Boleyn conference I'd expect it to be at Hever Castle or maybe Hampton Court, not in Calsis just 'coz that's where she gave it up for the big guy, if you know what I mean. I want my Ripper conference Ripper related.

[Howard Brown]

Well said, Mickey.:thumb:

That's exactly the way to proceed in this thing, isn't it ? Make your point and let others voice their opinions afterwards.

Thanks for that Mickey.

[Jennifer Shelden]

I hope things can be resolved. No one wants to see any biterness or politics become involved. I hope the discussions that are supposed to taking place with Adam Wood (?) will lead to an outcome worthy of his legacy.

Any unpleasantness is uncalled for in what is supposed to be a fun get together of likeminded people.
As i also said elsewhere, there are plenty of years left for RipperCons. I hope talk of more US Confs does not dry up.
Just MY OWN personal opinion.

Jenni

[Howard Brown]

Another positive post on the issue. Thanks Jenni !

:thumb:

[Chris G.]

I hope things can be resolved. No one wants to see any biterness or politics become involved. I hope the discussions that are supposed to taking place with Adam Wood (?) will lead to an outcome worthy of his legacy.

Any unpleasantness is uncalled for in what is supposed to be a fun get together of likeminded people.
As i also said elsewhere, there are plenty of years left for RipperCons. I hope talk of more US Confs does not dry up.
Just MY OWN personal opinion.

Jenni

Thanks, Jenni. I wrote some thoughts on upcoming U.S. RipperCons on the Topic of the Month thread (http://www.jtrforums.com/showthread.php?p=118916#post118916) in reply to Brad McGinnis who was enquiring about reviving the U.S. events.

Chris

[Frogg Moody]

Hi all,

I am now in a position, after talking with Adam Wood, to give a response on behalf of the Whitechapel Society committee regarding recent the 2011 Conference.

Colin Cobb originally phoned me regarding the Whitechapel Society organising the 2011 conference a few weeks back. He asked if we would consider Belfast as an option and gave me the impression (rightly or wrongly) that, with his blessing, the WS would be taking over the conference. I told Colin that Bill Beadle, the WS committee chairman had indeed approached Adam at the Interim conference and told him that we would be interested in hosting the conference. I also told Colin that the WS committee had decided, out of politeness to Adam Wood, that we would;

A) Like to arrange a meeting face to face with Adam to discuss the matter
further.
B) Like to receive his endorsement after hearing our proposal.
C) Like him to continue within the conference framework in a capacity of
his choice, so that we could learn from his past experiences.

It was unfortunate that all our attempts to contact Adam via email and phone proved unsuccessful. I even emailed Paul Begg for Adam’s details in case he had changed mobile numbers. Sue Parry (society secretary) also tried to contact Adam and I have all the dates of these efforts logged including the phone call from Colin Cobb.

It was unfortunate that Colin Cobb then made his pitch for Belfast before finding out and discussing what had transpired (or what was about to transpire) between Adam Wood and the Whitechapel Society. This left us in a terrible situation because we really wanted to communicate with Adam Wood - we honestly felt this was the right thing to do before any decision or pitch was made. We wanted to build bridges for future conferences and we wanted to do it with Adam’s blessing and input.

I told Colin prior to his announcements that we had some plans already in place but wanted to discuss them with Adam first. Colin knew there were two interested
parties but he still took the decision of announcing his intentions before the
other party had had a chance of consulting with Adam, I found that a little disappointing, especially as I consider Colin a decent chap with a big heart.

I must add that the plans we wanted to discuss with Adam did not just include
the WS, but other organisations intended to bring the conference to
a wider audience and I’m sure I also brought this to Colin’s attention.

I apologise for my announcement on Casebook which was done in haste and should have been worded better – as rightly pointed out in an earlier post.

The way forward is to respect each other no matter what happens. I know Colin has people supporting his Belfast proposal. We have also had support from the people we have contacted or who have contacted us regarding a London or Cardiff conference.

Yesterday, I was able to discuss with Adam, just some of the ideas that the WS have already put in place for a successful conference in 2011. I am sure Adam will also speak with Colin and, after doing so, a happy solution will be found.

[Colin Cobb]

To All

After much discussion with Adam Wood I am pleased to announce Belfast to host the Jack the Ripper Conference 2011.

This has gone from the drawing board to a reality with the help of many contacts in my field of work which is Tourism.

In the last few weeks there has been speculation, criticism and things being perceived as underhanded. Like most things in a public forum it seems things got out of hand and maybe over inflated.

In truth our Belfast proposition actually goes back to 2009 when I first proposed a conference in Belfast when at the Kings Stores in London. I then proposed it again in 2010.

It has received great support and im very proud to host this Conference next sept/oct 2011.

So the blunt end of all of this there will be two conferences next year, one in Belfast and the other in London or Cardiff.

London or Cardiff will be hosted by the Whitechapel Society.

We will host the Belfast Conference.

But who is Official here?

Well the Belfast Conference has received the blessing of Adam Wood and all information and booking for this conference will be on the official conference website at www.ripperconference.com (http://www.ripperconference.com/) in the next week.
I will let you decide whether you think this is Official or not.

Why is there no Vote?

Good Question, the main problem we have is that a very large number of people wanted to go to Belfast for the Conference.
Not everyone of course as it won’t suit all people.

If we voted and we won, the Whitechapel Society will still be holding a Conference regardless.

If we had lost the Vote then the entire supporters of Belfast would only be left with the Whitechapel Society conference and a large number of people did not want the Official Conference being merged into a WS event.

This of course is not what Adam wanted either and after Belfast is finished then the Torch will be handed to someone else of Neutral Stance to host the conference. Of this I will give my full support.

We will make a further announcement when all information is on the website.

I’m once again very proud to be hosting the conference I will promise to put on a good show for you all.

Im hoping Belfast will put the Jack the Ripper conference officially back on the road of different and unique venues around the uk.


It will an adventure for all.

Colin Cobb

[Trevor Bond]

Just to clarify a little here, myself and Jon Rees were the only people to suggest Cardiff as an option, as can be clearly seen at a time when negotiations may or may not have been ongoing with Adam, the WS, Colin etc etc - that is not the point here. I am not trying to further muddy any waters here, and that is part of the reason that myself and Jon did not attempt to proceed any further with any plans for a Welsh conference in 2011, despite not inconsiderable support of our own. Despite this, Jon and myself have considered a regional event - not dissimilar to a 'London Job', probably in Spring, and certainly nothing like a Conference, official or otherwise - in Cardiff for the benefit of those who did suggest that they would like an opportunity to meet up in that area.

It would appear that at some point after that Cardiff was suggested as a venue by one or more of the Whitechapel Society. I then contacted Adrian Morris, enquiring whether they were indeed considering Cardiff, as clearly this would have some major effects on our plans. I was assured by Adrian that the Whitechapel Society had not and never had had any plans for an event in Cardiff.

Therefore I was a little surprised to read Frogg's post below, however I hope this is a simple case of crossed wires. I have contacted Adrian to make sure the situation remains the same.

All being well, plans for the 'Cardiff Job' will be announced in a month or so, once all the Conference hoo-hah has died down. We hadn't intended to make any public reference to it yet, but given the fact that Cardiff still seems to be being bandied around by some quarters of the WS, I had few options.

[Monty]

Cardiff job in spring?

Which clashes with the OFFICIAL London job in.....spring?

Monty....with tongue firmly in cheek.
;)

[SirRobertAnderson]

After much discussion with Adam Wood I am pleased to announce Belfast to host the Jack the Ripper Conference 2011.

Colin and Frogg - is the WS1888 event going to run at the same time or will they be staggered?

One scenario that I can at least see as attractive -to me- would be for them to be on consecutive weekends. Then, as someone coming over from the States I wouldn't have to spring for two international r/t flights.

Best of luck to both of you in hosting successful events.

[Trevor Bond]

Ah, but I know you and Rob wouldn't get into any unpleasantness now, would you Monty me old mucker?

Seriously, 'Spring' is a fairly moveable feast, and was chosen simply so we couldn't be accused of clashing with either Conference. This is one of the many details we haven't yet got cemented, and which is why we would rather not have made any 'announcement' yet. It definitely wont be on the same weekend as the LJ, because I am there for that one and make no mistake!

[Andrew Firth]

http://i908.photobucket.com/albums/ac287/HowieNina/Easter%202011/Layout20120Reduced20Size20V2.jpg

All the best
Andrew

[Big Jon]

Ah, but I know you and Rob wouldn't get into any unpleasantness now, would you Monty me old mucker?

Seriously, 'Spring' is a fairly moveable feast, and was chosen simply so we couldn't be accused of clashing with either Conference. This is one of the many details we haven't yet got cemented, and which is why we would rather not have made any 'announcement' yet. It definitely wont be on the same weekend as the LJ, because I am there for that one and make no mistake!

There's no chance I'm missing it! Especially with the special tour planned!

[Mansun]

If you are thinking of travelling to Belfast next year in the autumn/fall....

I heard some interesting news today.

Ryanair the budget airline has announced that it will no longer be operating to Belfast.

Also, this week the 55% increase in travel taxes on all flights from all UK airports comes into force.

[ferret]

Good point there Mansun
I don't really want to get overly involved here but-
Has anyone considered the volatile security situation in NI ?
In a year's time the dissident Republican elements may well have caused a deterioration in the security situation.
This will tend to deter our 'Over The Pond' friends who we all know are very sensitive over such issues- aren't we all though!
I know the situation in London isn't ideal in that respect but the NI situation adds an extra level of concern maybe.

[Big Jon]

To all members:

As there will now be two conferences, this thread will be locked and a separate thread will be started for each conference. We request that all members please keep discussion of each conference to their relevant thread (posts that are not will be moved/removed) and that each organiser does not take part in, or encourage others to make posts to dissuade others from attending whichever conference they may wish to.

Thanks all!

Jon