So. I am finally compiling the details for the Lone Parent Camping/Festival trip next summer. Any last stragglers want to join us?

[PillockOfTheCommunity]

original thread

ooo finally got the website to open - then checked the trains - reckons 4 1/2hrs there (from here) and 5 1/2hrs back (if I came back on the Sunday - could be quicker on the Monday - would depend on which week the holiday club is...

hello all, hopefully i'll still come (althou will prob have beau at home assuming that's ok for me to come still)

dorset is OK for me to get to.

but like FAQ i'll also need to do my sums.

I've emailed you-would love to come and can hopefully give one grown up and kiddy a lift, although our car is the size of a matchbox so hope they don't mind a squeeze!

hi all and sorry for the confusion with me and FAQ!

I am happy for people to come who aren't lone parents but I personally would prefer it if they didn't come with their partners - I hope this doesn't sound rude or selfish but the only reason I'm feeling happy to come on this trip is that usually I socialise with couples with children, and it makes me feel (probably wrongly) really uncomfortable being the single one.

It would be like a breath of fresh air to meet up with others in a similar situation and not feel like a freak!

What does everyone else think?

I would like to come along - not strictly a lone parent, but DH is away with the Navy, so feel like it most of the time! Can I come?

Have just realised it's on the weekend of my 30th birthday!

Having read the blurb on the website, you have to carry your stuff from the carpark to the camping field... not sure I could do this with two kids!

oh definatly beau would be at home - we don't live together anyhow! lol.

am assuming we'll still be an 'us' by this time next year as well.

FourArms - don't know how old your children are - but I recently went on Holiday with another single mum - between us we had

4 children (aged 14 months, 21 months, 4yrs and 7yrs)
2 pushchairs
1 suitcase
1 large rucksack
1 large cooler bag
1 medium sized bag (over shoulder sports type thing)
2 tiny rucksacks (carried by the older DC)
2 changing bags

We took the train, about 5hrs travelling, 4 changes - you'll be able to do it (and if you do struggle I'm sure one of the rest of us will be able to help

I feel the same as FA - as along as it's just one parent and kids (so in other words if it's a single dad I'm happy for them to come too - of course ) I don't mind if they actually have a DP/DH back home.

Although I am not sure really why we are having a lone parents trip if it is for everyone anyway?

I will go and read original thread to establish philosophy and criteria!

thing is though it could get tricky couldn't it?

I mean any one of us could be living with someone by the time the trup comes around - and therefore may not be lone parents at the time of the trip...

see when I signed up I wasn't with beau (or it was v v early days as in literally days) but it's been 3 months or so now.

I'm a lone parent, and will remain such until he (or a different man) moves into my house - then I won't be a lone parent any more. if that makes sense?

I do also think that those who have DP/DH's that work away (forces etc) should be welcome with open arms. OK they get the help and support when their DP's are back home - but the rest of the time all socialising, trips with the children are on their own.

Yes I think it depends if the person sees themselves as a single parent - Spandex I think you qualify imo!!

FAQ I agree.

It is about comradeship I think and mutual support, with those who understand how it feels. (And won't judge or have unrealistic expectations!)

I agree one is a single parent if they live on their own whether they have a dp or not.

What do people think to the Big Chill? It is pretty central so would be more of an equal distance to those coming from north and south?

No no no!! I would love to meet you!

Sorry if I sounded off before.

Pillock I have just forwarded the email I had originally sent to you as at first I sent it to .com, so can send me the email, thanks muchly.

LOL @ Curry

As far as im concerned Im not bothered what or who anyone has at home as long as only one parent and their children comes, I was married for ten years but may have well been a single parent during that time and would have loved to come to something like this as I was very isolated (not saying you are, just my experience) I find it hard to mix with couples now and am scared of going camping on my own with dd, but I would love to actually meet some people so am looking forward to this

Lol! Yes you are deffo one of us

You sum it up really well Neverforget.

Have also emailed you again at the .co.uk version of your email. Did it get through as it didn't bounce... yet!

off to check the emails now

Ok
I think we say that it is one parent and children only, but so long as you're not going to spend all weekend being a smug married then we don't mind if you've got a grumpy git partner at home

How do you mark the map?