+PopUpPirate Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 By all conservative estimates, we've now broken the 499 target and gone Mega... how did that happen?! www.piratemania.org.uk Still time to get booked in - and full welcome packs will be getting emailed out in the next couple of days, sent to all those with a bonafide Will Attend log. YARRRR!!!!! Thanks - you made it happen!!!!! Quote Link to comment
+Jaz666 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 A huge congratulations to Mark, Liane and all the Grog Crew for growing a truly Mega Event over the last 4 years! So, two Mega events this summer, and it's looking like three next year???? Quote Link to comment
+mollyjak Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Fantastic news and looking forward to setting sail next week and being a part of it Quote Link to comment
+sonatellas Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Well done! We are very pleased to see it get mega status. Well done to Mark and Liane for all your hard work. :) Quote Link to comment
+NattyBooshka Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 (edited) Congratulations! 2 mega events at the same time in 2012?! We can't do this one... But we'll be seeking treasure all over the land until the next one, and trying not to double book! The Jolly Roger will be flying above our vessel until then. Edited July 17, 2011 by NattyBooshka Quote Link to comment
+maxkim Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 It always clashes with Scout Camp (which we run) Sorry to miss it but huge congrats on going MEGA... Cheers MaxKim :D Quote Link to comment
+Von-Horst Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Congratulations on going Meg-yaaaaarr! Quote Link to comment
+Gushoneybun Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 It always clashes with Scout Camp (which we run) Sorry to miss it but huge congrats on going MEGA... Cheers MaxKim :D Despite living 12 miles from its now permenant home we also have something on the same weekend every year so not sure if we will ever get there. But a huge well done. Quote Link to comment
+Dazstan Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Congratulations on your MEGA status. Cannot wait to get there it was great fun last year and this year looks to be even better. Quote Link to comment
+PopUpPirate Posted July 18, 2011 Author Share Posted July 18, 2011 The event programme is free to download from http://www.piratemania.org.uk/pirateprog.pdf Right click and Save As... it's quite a big file, there's a lot of mayhem to fit in there!!! Quote Link to comment
+Simply Paul Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Is the Mega status official? I ask because the listing still shows as a standard event and I'll need to update Geolympix.com to 'the UK's sixth Mega' (status TBC) rather than fifth if Groundspeak have confirmed Mega status for this year's 'PirateMegia'. Thanks. Quote Link to comment
+PopUpPirate Posted July 20, 2011 Author Share Posted July 20, 2011 (edited) Or maybe seventh / eigth / ninth / tenth... or maybe not at all... we decided not to be so presumptious until we got the numbers Good luck with that though Anyway... back on topic... We've only got limited portions of Satan's Ashes (renamed Blackbeard's Ashes) so see me on arrival if you are brave enough to earn the doubloons that go with eating the world's hottest curry Edited July 20, 2011 by PopUpPirate Quote Link to comment
+The Cache Hoppers Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 (edited) Mark and I have been absolutely gobsmacked by the amount of support we have received for Piratemania this year, from regular attendees, new attendees, UK reviewers, mega event committee members, even from people who are not able to join us this year but wish they could. Piratemania has grown from year to year ... it was abundantly clear to us at the first Piratemania that we needed a bigger campsite; we got that for the second year but figured we needed a campsite with better facilities and with less mud (and a bit more luck with the weather) and the third year we found ourselves, by invitation, at the location where we are at this year. Last year, they did us proud. They welcomed us with open arms, they went out of their way to make sure that everything was just as we needed it, and this year we have experienced the same welcome. Nothing is too much trouble and even the silliest of requests have been met. We love geocaching! We love geocachers! We love PIRATEMANIA! We are so looking forward to this weekend! Piratemania is all about people with a common hobby G.E.O.C.A.C.H.I.N.G getting together, having some good fun, going out caching on the existing trails and the new one we have put out for you all this year, flying our flags on the rally field, getting really giddy .... the emphasis being on FUN! After all, that is what geocaching is all about for most of us. At the time of typing, we have over 550 567 people who have logged a Will Attend, the campsite have taken bookings for 166 pitches, and there are still more who have yet to book. Extra toilet facilities have been drafted in, and an overflow field has been opened up just in case! If you haven't logged a Will Attend, there is still time! We would love to see you there! Yarrrrrrrrrrrrr! (Just a bit about mega status .... we have not been at all presumptuous in this. We are applying for mega status in retrospect and hope that we have everything in place for this to be met with a favourable decision. We have been staggered by the response for Piratemania IV .... but it is what it is because of GEOCACHERS! Thanks to everyone for your support - here's to a cracking weekend!) Liane Edited July 20, 2011 by The Cache Hoppers Quote Link to comment
+clotguy Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Tis always a delight, each year it gets bigger and better and its all down to you THANK YOU! Quote Link to comment
+Simply Paul Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Is the Mega status official? I ask because the listing still shows as a standard event and I'll need to update Geolympix.com to 'the UK's sixth Mega' (status TBC) rather than fifth if Groundspeak have confirmed Mega status for this year's 'PirateMegia'. Thanks. Or maybe seventh / eigth / ninth / tenth... or maybe not at all... we decided not to be so presumptious until we got the numbers Good luck with that though Thank you for that answer. We'll leave it as fifth until we're informed otherwise. Good luck with it. Sincerely. Quote Link to comment
+The Cache Hoppers Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 (edited) Thank you Paul for your good wishes. I do wonder though .... as Piratemania is so big this year, I believe it puts us in a very good position for gaining mega status next year. As you are planning on holding your event, and likewise we wish you luck with it, on the same weekend as Piratemania V, I am not entirely sure how it can be 5th, 6th, or whatever, I am losing count. There is of course always a possibility that another regular event before then may evolve into attracting over 500 attendees. Who knows what other people have planned? Edited July 20, 2011 by The Cache Hoppers Quote Link to comment
+Stuey Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 As you are planning on holding your event on the same weekend as Piratemania V Ouch, that could hurt! Quote Link to comment
+NattyBooshka Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 lmao... it seems that in my underground years even the events have gotten competitive! Quote Link to comment
+Mad H@ter Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Thank you Paul for your good wishes. I do wonder though .... as Piratemania is so big this year, I believe it puts us in a very good position for gaining mega status next year. As you are planning on holding your event, and likewise we wish you luck with it, on the same weekend as Piratemania V, I am not entirely sure how it can be 5th, 6th, or whatever, I am losing count. There is of course always a possibility that another regular event before then may evolve into attracting over 500 attendees. Who knows what other people have planned? Blimey, four Mega's in a year Quote Link to comment
+Stuey Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Thank you Paul for your good wishes. I do wonder though .... as Piratemania is so big this year, I believe it puts us in a very good position for gaining mega status next year. As you are planning on holding your event, and likewise we wish you luck with it, on the same weekend as Piratemania V, I am not entirely sure how it can be 5th, 6th, or whatever, I am losing count. There is of course always a possibility that another regular event before then may evolve into attracting over 500 attendees. Who knows what other people have planned? Blimey, four Mega's in a year Four? I can think of one, and two further contenders.... but four? Quote Link to comment
+Simply Paul Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 The date of the Geolympix has been out there since August 2009, but even then a Mega Piratemania was being talked about, and the date and location of it seem pretty fixed. I wasn't having a pop about the status, I just wanted clarity for the reason I stated. I now understand the situation better - thank you Liane. As it stands, there will have been four Megas in the UK ahead of the Geolympix. This will become five if Piratemania is one this year. As the NW Mega is after the Geolympix, that's not a factor. There's still a possibility the Geolympix won't be a Mega but we're promoting it as such because, thus far, that's been the feedback from Groundspeak. Back on topic, I'm sure you've all the checks and balances processes in place to ensure you're able to get the status retrospectively, as well as enough attendees. I know Groundspeak are keen to see the physical evidence as well as online longs. A big pirate map for everyone to sign, perhaps? Just a thought. Quote Link to comment
+Grizzly Pair Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 "Extra toilet facilities have been drafted in, and an overflow field has been opened up just in case" Blimey , I knew that Piratemania could get a bit wild, but please excercise some control. Best Wishes for the event. Quote Link to comment
+Jaz666 Posted July 23, 2011 Share Posted July 23, 2011 502 people registered in the registration book at 14.40, and that's before the bulk of the day visitors arrive for the ' open to all' aspect of the event at the BBQ this evening. Quote Link to comment
+Simply Paul Posted July 23, 2011 Share Posted July 23, 2011 Congratulations to all involved in Piratemania. Why are they so popular? They just Arrrrrrr! Quote Link to comment
+mollyjak Posted July 23, 2011 Share Posted July 23, 2011 546 signed in to MegaPirateMania 41 dogs 3 cats 2 parrots and a snake All signed in today by us and will be annotated in red and copies sent to Groundspeak for verification as stated in their instructions. A great day Lilian & Tony - Mollyjak Congratulations to Mark and Liane and thank you for all your hard work Quote Link to comment
+keehotee Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 By all conservative estimates, we've now broken the 499 target and gone Mega... how did that happen?! Well done Mark and Liane for your usual outstanding efforts and eventsmanship Had a great time Quote Link to comment
+smstext Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 it was a great event, so well done to mark and liane and also a big well done for the MEGApirateMania status Quote Link to comment
+Matrix Posted July 25, 2011 Share Posted July 25, 2011 I hate the lot of you .................. because I couldn't go Quote Link to comment
+Pedagog Posted July 25, 2011 Share Posted July 25, 2011 Wasn't able to get there due to children. Quote Link to comment
+mollyjak Posted July 25, 2011 Share Posted July 25, 2011 I hate the lot of you .................. because I couldn't go Next year Mike I won't tell you how I had a fantastic time with lots of friends, made a lot more and chatted lots and STILL not over as we are still there 'cos if i do you will ban me :-) Quote Link to comment
+Madyokel Posted July 25, 2011 Share Posted July 25, 2011 Well done once again. Super event And I managed to escape getting too wet this year Hope to be back for our 5th Piratemania next year.. Aaaarrrrrrrrrr Quote Link to comment
+enola05 Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 I had a great time, thank you. Well done to everyone involved for organising a fantastic weekend. I have posted some of my photos in a Flickr group here. Please feel free to add your own to the group. It turns out most of my photos were travel bug codes from flags & cars etc so I only have a few I can show. I must remember next year, more pirate photos lol Quote Link to comment
+clotguy Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 under normal circumstances I'd say it was a memorable weekend, however, due to the grog there are a few hours that are missing Quote Link to comment
+andygail Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 Thank you so much for all the hard work you guys put it in. My family really enjoyed the weekend. We only started caching last year (missed the 2010 as work had sent me to UAE for 4 months) - We are already looking forward to 2012!! ARRR!!! Quote Link to comment
+Jaz666 Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 Jeremy himself has just made a brand new mega icon appear the listing Quote Link to comment
+Delta68 Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 The new icon looks GREAT!! Well done! Quote Link to comment
+PopUpPirate Posted July 31, 2011 Author Share Posted July 31, 2011 Thanks all for the great comments, it really makes it all worthwhile... without you, we'd be nothing! Massive thanks to the team captains, in scoring order, The Flying Boots (The Crimson Corsairs) for absurd levels of skullduggery and doubloon thievery that won the day, re-wristbanding rebels and shanghai'ing them into their crew. Lollybob for being the (not so) evil team (Black Barbaries) and putting signs up around camp telling tales of disqualifications and treason. TheOtherStu and Autumn Tiger (The Purple Plunderers) for a fab gazebo central and lots of load arrrring louder than the megaphone. Delta68 (The Bronze Buccaneers) for being the bravest navvies on the high seas, for pitching next to Scurvy Square and having first sight of all the goings on. Peak Gateway were fantastic as ever, in particular Ian (Studlyone) for constantly having a smile on his face... nothing is too much trouble, extra loos were put on just for us, a marquee was erected, tables and chairs were laid out, flags were put around the site. Many sites go round dictating rules, this was the polar opposite, nothing was a problem, everything was doable, little requests were met with a "Not a problem give me five minutes" and everything was sorted. Kathy and Loueze were lovely as ever and provided some extra-special Piratey tags for the event, and printed free maps of the new caches. Bob on camp was only spoke to fleetingly but was already asking what more could they do for us next time... fabulous. And last of those taking a direct part in proceedings - but certainly not least - go to team Mollyjak for handling the registration process with aplomb, ensuring that there were no chinks in the mega armour and that everything was done to a tee. A full days solid graft which really took the pressure off us, and ensured that the event got its newfound status with ease. Thanks to the reviewers who have been nothing but helpful - special thanks to Geohatter for support and encouragement at the event itself, and latterly to Deceangi also who has been ace. Jeremy was a star too, after meeting him at the Mollyjak event he spoke to us, Mollyjak and Geohatter then went to his hotel room that night and awarded Mega status himself - cheers!!! It's also been confirmed now that as an established event and proven Mega, we can get instant Mega status on publishing the event... so the pressure is well and truly on us to provide an even BIGGER and BETTER event next year Quote Link to comment
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