13/01/2015: The MN Merton Book/Film Group Now Confirmed! Read On...

[LocalEditorMerton]

Just cut and pasted this from another meet-ups related thread having realised that unless you are systematically reading thro' all the Talk e-cons, you may not come across it.

"...thanks for expressing an interest in the proposed book group. I was hoping for some ideas from you and other local Mumsnetters about venue, preferred day of the week, timing etc...

I think it would work best at a centrally located/easily accessible (for people across the borough) pub/bar but one which isn't going to be over-busy and/or has lots of areas away from the main bar where it's quieter. My initial thoughts (based on rather a limited up-to-date knowledge of local hostelries wink included the Gorringe (which is right next to Tooting Station with direct links to most areas of Merton), All Bar One in Wimbledon, possibly the bar in HMVCurzon (it's central and is quite a chilled ambience) or The Garden Shed (on Haydons Road). Any other ideas would be great as I'm sure that many of you may have equally good if not better recommendations!

Was hoping that we could start in February some time. Possibly towards the end of the month (after the half-term)? Week commencing 23rd?

Possible titles could alternate twixt the Mumsnet Book Club ones (can't find the list at the moment but will get back to you with it) and our own choices? Perhaps first meet-up could be a discussion of our favourite books, putting some suggestions 'on the table' and coming up with a list of titles to carry us forward for six months?

Also would we want to meet monthly?

The other thing to consider is the day of the week we meet on. Ideally it would probably work best not on a Friday/Saturday (unless someone knows of a bijou but very quiet hostelry which somehow seems unlikely at the weekend!). I know some Mumsnetters have stated a preference for drinks meet-ups on weekdays which could possibly link in with the book group. Thinking possibly Thursday or Sunday???

Having excitedly noted that we also have 'Wild' and 'Fifty Shades of Grey' coming soon to a cinema near us, also wondering about possibly alternating book group and cinema meet-ups on a two monthly rotation basis?

Your ideas/suggestions would be most welcome as I'm keen for democratic decision-making to prevail smile!"

Personally, I think alternating book group and cinema meet-ups is genius - and I would also vote for the HMV Curzon as a lovely place to meet.

We could think about comparing the written version of a book with the cinematic interpretation, eg Gone Girl, Testament of Youth, etc.

I also think tying in with Mumsnet Book Club choices makes a lot of sense; then, even if we can't make the local meet-up, we can still discuss the book online with other MNers. And if stumped for ideas about what to say about a book, there will be plenty of discussion on MN to get us going.

Hi

Thanks for your insights, The Commoner!

I've now set up a borough-wide meet-up option which I will be using for these events (once we've got a bit more focus and an initial date for our diaries):

local.mumsnet.com/merton/group-meet-ups/borough-wide

Watch this space!

I think the bar in the Curzon is a great idea - it is usually quiet, is a nice open space and I think it's a nice local asset to support (I keep thinking it's so quiet that it must be close to bankruptcy!!) Also very central and good transport links.

I'd be happy to give the book / cinema thing a go, but I guess there is less social interaction with the cinema as you're in the dark watching a film rather than sitting round a table talking, especially if you're just trying to get to know the people you're with... So I think my vote would be to go for books first.... Monthly sounds good to me, and a week night best. I'd think Monday - Wednesday would be the quietest days in local hostelries...

Hi Spencerette, thanks for adding your comments too!

Yes, you are probably right that it would be good to start with a book group meet-up rather than the cinema, given that people won't necessarily know each other.

Can't do Monday evenings although flexible on the others. What do people feel about meeting on a Wednesday or Thursday? Would either of those work? Time (from 7.30 pm ish)? Twixt film screening times I wouldn't have thought the HMVCurzon would be overrun (we met there during the summer on a Saturday night and it was quietish).

Thinking week starting 23rd February??? Or would you prefer to start at the beginning of March?

Thursday evening would be best for me - I can't do Wednesdays. Week beginning 23 Feb would be fine for me.

There's still a meet-up tomorrow at Wahaca at 2pm, isn't there?

Update - we've now got a date, time, venue and book choice for the first meet-up!!!

If you're interested and able to come along, I've now posted details for the first book/film group here.

Please can you also sign up to this group so that you are kept up-to-date on the meet-ups.

Hello - I shall follow your link! Thanks for the DM :)

Haha! I cannot make that date! But please let me know re the next one.

I love the idea of cinema trips mixed in too. I saw Theory of Everything at HMV Curzon on Saturday with a friend, I love that cinema/bar.

Thanks all

That's a pity, PheasantPlucker, but hopefully you will be able to do the next one in late March.

Would it help if I scheduled dates up until the onset of the summer hols period? Perhaps we should say that the meet-ups are a given for the last Thursday of the month unless the date coincides with a school holiday???

Please do sign up to the 'borough-wide' meet-up page if you are interested in this group, as I intend to post related info/updates/postings about film screenings on there, once we've held the initial gathering.

.

We've got five people signed up so far , but sure there are more of you who have expressed an interest in coming along! Even if you can't make the February one, please do join the meet-up group, so that you're kept up-to-date on plans and receive related notifications!

And remember, our first book to read (but only if you have time!) is Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey. Here's what 'Waterstones' says about it:

"... Elizabeth is Missing... stunning debut novel, introduces a mystery, an unsolved crime and one of the most unforgettable characters since Mark Haddon's Christopher. Meet Maud ...'Elizabeth is missing', reads the note in Maud's pocket in her own handwriting. Lately, Maud's been getting forgetful. She keeps buying peach slices when she has a cupboard full, forgets to drink the cups of tea she's made and writes notes to remind herself of things. But Maud is determined to discover what has happened to her friend, Elizabeth, and what it has to do with the unsolved disappearance of her sister Sukey, years back, just after the war. A fast-paced mystery with a wonderful leading character: Maud will make you laugh and cry, but she certainly won't be forgotten..."

Enjoy !

Just to say that if you're planning on coming along next month and are currently reading (or about to start) Elizabeth is Missing, you may be interested in the Mumsnet webchat with author, Emma Healey tonight (9.00 pm - 10.00 pm).

I'll be there, I think. Can't find my phone to check my calendar right now, but I'm sure it will be fine.
I have a NY resolution to read 26 books this year, so this will count as 1/26!

Ooh exciting, not sure I can make this week but do keep me in the loop. Gorringe would be good for me and I'm reading Elizabeth is missing at the mo!