Informal Group Meetings

From Chris Bolton on the mailing list, 6 Aug 2026 09:52 UTC

Hi Folks,

I've compiled this short questionnaire ( https://forms.gle/ktNCFq4fEHGLAQni6 ) to gauge interest in an informal monthly meeting where members can present and discuss projects over light refreshments.

The location and venue is TBD based on the location of those interested in joining in.

I also wonder if anyone might be interested in supporting an "NTDC Open Day" where members showcase their projects and techniques to a wider audience?

Best Regards

Chris

From Thomas on the mailing list, 6 Aug 2026 10:14 UTC

I do think this would be a good idea because as far as I am aware we don't have anything like this in the area.

From fixit9660 on the mailing list, 6 Aug 2026 10:15 UTC

Seconded!

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From Chris Bolton on the mailing list, 17 Aug 2026 08:38 UTC

Many thanks for all of your responses which are all very encouraging!

Taking into account your locations and travel time, Great Torrington appears as a reasonable compromise in terms of location with some good options for potential venues.

To kick things off I was thinking that the Puffing Billy Café ( https://www.puffingbilly.co.uk/ ) on the Tarka Trail might be a good place to meet initially.  It's accessible, with free parking and has a good amount of indoor and covered outside space.  The questionnaire indicated a 50/50 split between those who are free at anytime and those who are free in the evenings. So, how do people feel about meeting up for an hour or two at weekends?  Do let me know your thoughts.

PS  I also have a seed of an idea for an ideal hacker space that is very close to the Café...

Best Regards

Chris

From fixit9660 on the mailing list, 17 Aug 2026 08:49 UTC

Hi Chris,

Thanks for organising this. I’m one of the “free at any time” members and the Puffing Billy is convenient for me.

My only reservation is that the Puffing Billy can get very busy at times, especially Summer weekends, so you’d need to pick your proposed time carefully. Could we get an area Reserved?

Apart from that no problem.

Keep up the good work!

Andrew.

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From Neil on the mailing list, 17 Aug 2026 08:58 UTC

Another +1 vote for Puffing Billy, only about 10 mins from me.

I agree with Andrew's comment about being busy at weekends as it's a very popular with Tarka Trail walkers and bikers. Even so, a good choice and if they do have somewhere we could reserve that would be even better.

Looking forward to our first meet.  Neil

From Nicholas Booth on the mailing list, 17 Aug 2026 16:21 UTC

Hi Chris
PB handy for me. Will try to get along whenever you choose
73
Nicholas

From Samantha Lavender on the mailing list, 18 Aug 2026 10:24 UTC

I've been quiet in this group so far, but I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. I've seen it when I've taken the bus to Exeter, and on a nice day, I could also walk back to Bideford. Sam

From Andrew Brook on the mailing list, 18 Aug 2026 12:27 UTC

Weekends are good, but the puffing billy at the weekends during the summer may not work , it’s normally very busy / noisy with people off the trail 

Regards Drew

From Patrick Lidstone on the mailing list, 18 Aug 2026 12:39 UTC

I don't know how many people are expected, but you can seat, say, 6-8
around a table. I think the conversation is going to be very fractured in a
cafe environment... but well up for any meet up, wherever and pretty much
whenever

Patrick