2012 abcd Convention Day 1

This year's Convention is at Leeds Metropolitan University and promises some good sessions.

My journey was interesting. Left home at 11.55 am to drive 8 miles to Newark for the 12.30 train. Normally a 15 minute journey. It took 40 minutes. There was an awful lot of traffic on the A617. My ticket was train specific and I missed it. I joined the queue at the ticket office with the intention of discussing my dilemma. The woman in front was buying a whole year of shopping trips. As the time for the next northbound train approached I decided to take a risk, left the queue, went to the platform and joined the train. For twenty minutes I stood in a lobby staring out the window or checking my train app following the progress of the train I was scheduled to connect with at Doncaster. The ticket inspector never came near. A race developed. The train (Train A) was on was scheduled to arrive in Doncaster at 13.10. The train (Train B) that I was booked on was due to leave at 13.12. Train A left Newark 5 minutes late. Train B was on time. The driver of Train A put his foot down and made up two minutes. Train B lost two minutes. How far away would the platforms be? We drew to a halt at 13.13, where is platform 8? - right next door - no waiting train - has it departed? - no, it hasn't arrived - phew. Waited two minutes, Train B arrived, got on, found my seat and relaxed. The rest of the day would be a doddle.

Once in Leeds I had a bit of a wander and found some lunch. It took me a while to find an appropriate stop to catch a bus up the Otley Road to the University. Checked in ready for the fun to begin. No tea making facilities at the accomodation. Run out of hot water at the exhibition, had to drink coffee.

The opening session was by Paul Mealor. He took us through about half a dozen of his pieces in a very informal and entertaining manner before rushing off to hear a premier in Edinburgh.

Dinner was accompanied by singing of carols in the Yorkshire style and a glimpse of Vocado.