Sunday 13 July 2008

Continuum 2008 Frequently Asked Questions

 So I have finished the Continuum 2008 FAQ and posted it up on various websites and forums.

You can find it here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Continuum2008/files/CONTINUUM2008%20FAQ-04.pdf

I have also posted it to the Tavern forum here:
http://gamingtavern.eu/tav/viewtopic.php?t=2338

to UK Role Players forum here:
http://www.ukroleplayers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=3972

and on Yog-Sothoth here:
http://www.yog-sothoth.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=13264

CONTINUUM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Some general rules for getting the most out of Continuum...
1. Study the programme - note what events are happening and when; decide what panels you want to attend.
Plan your weekend!
2. Study the sign-up boards for games that interest you - note any clashes with panels or other events: don't sign-up to a game that you know, or think, you'll drop out of at the last minute!
3. Don't deliberately sign-up for multiple games that overlap or clash just to secure a place. This is frustrating for GMs and other players who will commit to playing but find all the spaces gone.
4. Please be aware of your behaviour. Everyone wants to have fun at Continuum, but we will not tolerate abusive or aggressive behaviour, whether from the sober or the drink-inspired. Remember that there are families and youngsters here - and that the convention is in a residential area, too. Continuum reserves the right to ask anyone behaving in an unacceptable manner to leave the convention (and we really, really don't want to be placed in that position!).
5. If you're stuck for something to do, find a Mentor. They'll be wearing big colourful badges and are both friendly and approachable - don't hesitate to make use of them!
6. Come and see us at Continuum Control if you're still unsure - the committee will do its utmost to get you into something we think you'll enjoy.

  
Where is it being held?
It is being held at John Foster Hall at the University of Leicester.
University of Leicester,
John Foster Hall,
Manor Road,
Oadby,
Leicester,
LE2 2LG

What are the running times?
1pm Friday 1st August 2008 until 11am Monday 4th August 2008.

Do you charge an entry fee?
A day pass without accommodation costs £18.00 per day for either Friday [this is half a day so £9.00], Saturday or Sunday.
Membership to the convention will only cost £35.00 for the whole weekend.
Single room accommodation with shared washroom facilities costs £30 per night with breakfast for all three nights or £35.00 if only staying for one or two nights.
Single room accommodation with en-suite washroom facilities costs £35 per night with breakfast for all three nights or £40.00 if only staying for one or two nights.
We did have a VERY limited number of twin-rooms available but again they sold out within days of the registration opening.

Can I pay the membership and arrange my own accommodation?
No, although you can pay on the door and obtain a Day Pass (£18 per day). If you simply want to attend for the day, print-off and return the Registration Form, along with a cheque for the appropriate amount. Your Day Passes will be available for collection from either the Registration Desk or Continuum Control at the convention itself.

The price seems a little expensive?
Perhaps, but part of our agreement with Leicester University is to guarantee a certain number of residential guests. If we fail to meet the minimum number, we incur a surcharge, and this means charging more for Continuum Membership and/or more for accommodation, and/or Day Passes or a combination of all three.
Although this is student accommodation and thus fairly basic, it compares quite favourably with local B&B and hotel rates. You're also on-site, so thus no further travel costs or other worries (like how far you have to stagger having hit the bar pretty hard that evening, or a disapproving landlady who insists on locking the front door at 10.30pm).

How many twin rooms are available?
Less than double figures - hence the First Come... rule. It's always worth confirming availability in advance...

Can I be roomed close to my friends/enemies/loved ones?
Of course. Let us know whom you'd like to be close to (or far away from) and we'll try and Make It So.

How is John Foster Hall for disabled access?
Very good. John Foster is fully equipped for the disabled, with adapted rooms and facilities. There are two lifts to the upper floors and every room throughout the building is accessible. Even in the accommodation blocks there are lifts to each floor. The only restricted areas are the upstairs gaming rooms at Ashcroft House and Treroose House.

How many years has Continuum been running?
This is the third role-playing game convention called ‘Continuum’; the first took place in 2004 and the second in 2006. However Continuum follows in the tradition of the great ‘Convulsion’ conventions that have run every two years since 1992 the last one being in 2002.

How do I get there?
There is a comprehensive set of travel advice and directions on the University of Leicester website at:
http://www.le.ac.uk/conference/page_location.html

Photobucket By Car
The following directions are straight from the University Site and are subject to clear roads, road works, correct signs etc.

From M1/M69
• Exit off Junction 21 M1/M60 roundabout on to A5460.
• Filter left on to A563 Leicester South and East (Lubbesthrope Way).
• Continue straight on to A563 Outer Ring Road (Soar Valley Way).
• After 3.5 miles take 2nd exit off roundabout on to A6 South (Leicester Road).
• Follow signs for University Halls and filter left on to Stoughton Drive South.
• Just under a half of a mile on is a crossroads. Turn right into Manor Road.
• Less than 200 metres on the left is Foster Hall (signposted).

From A6 South
• Follow A6 (Leicester Road) towards Leicester.
• At Leicester Racecourse roundabout take 3rd exit towards A6 Market Harborough.
• Follow signs for University Halls and filter left on to Stoughton Drive South.
• Just under a half of a mile on is a crossroads. Turn right into Manor Road.
• Less than 200 metres on the left is Foster Hall (signposted).

From A6 North
• Continue on A6 (Loughborough Road) towards Leicester.
• Follow Central Ring Road A594 towards Market Harborough /Leicester Railway Station.
• Pick up A6 towards Market Harborough.
• Follow signs for University Halls and filter left on to Stoughton Drive South.
• Just under a half of a mile on is a crossroads. Turn right into Manor Road.
• Less than 200 metres on the left is Foster Hall (signposted).

From A47 North
• Follow A47 (Uppingham Road) towards Leicester.
• Turn left on to Spencerfield Lane (becoming Evington Lane).
• At traffic lights turn left towards A6030 Leicester South (Stoughton Drive).
• Take 1st exit at 1st roundabout.
• Take 2nd exit at 2nd roundabout on to Stoughton Drive South and continue.
• About half of a mile on is a crossroads. Turn left into Manor Road.
• Less than 200 metres on the left is Foster Hall (signposted).

There is also a road map of the area at:
http://www.le.ac.uk/maps/leicester.html
Also if you are driving to the venue you could also use a route planner or map finding utility such as:
The AA Route Planner
The RAC Route Planner
http://www.multimap.com
http://www.streetmap.co.uk
Just type in the address and postcode above to get your map or route and remember to print off your return journey also.

By Rail
Leicester Railway station is the closest [and easiest] to get to and as it is a major station there are usually plenty of taxis in the rank outside. Ask for the Halls Of Residence NOT the University of Leicester. The fare to John Foster Hall will cost about £7 or so. If you are travelling with others then this cost could be shared.
Should there not be any taxis outside the station there are some mini-cab phone numbers you may find useful.
ABC Taxis – 0116 255 5111.
City Taxis - 0116 255 5222.
West End - 0116 270 0678.

Is there on-site parking?
Car parking is scattered throughout the accommodation blocks at John Foster Hall so good news for unloading you’re your rooms. There is also an overspill car park at Stamford Hall, a little further down Stoughton Drive. See map.

http://www.le.ac.uk/conference/pdfs/map_oadby.pdf
You can also park in the side streets, but be aware that this is a residential area, so park carefully and don't cause an obstruction to the locals. We'd ask you NOT to park at the front of John Foster Hall. We need access for various traders and others who are bringing lots of goodies as well as deliveries to the Hall. If in doubt, find a committee member, and we'll direct you to a parking spot.
Please, remove all valuables from cars, etc. Continuum will not be held liable for thefts or damage.

What are these Day-Glo orange signs on the lampposts?
On the lampposts near the venue will be posted Day-Glo orange signs pointing the way to the John Foster Hall.
They will be posted on the A6, London Road, Stoughton Drive South, Manor Road, Stoughton Drive, and Knighton Grange Road.
If you see one you’ll know that you are close! The numbers on the signs are a countdown so ‘5’ is still some way off, ‘3’ is getting close and ‘1’ is very close.

How and where do I sign-up to Continuum 2008?
Details will be up on the Continuum website at:
http://www.continuum.uk.net
We can accept Credit Cards via Paypal or the more traditional form of payment by cheque. Cheques made payable to: ‘Continuum’ and sent post-haste to:
Continuum
Langmoor
Symonds Green Road
Stevenage
SG1 2HB

How can I identify staff?
The Continuum committee will introduce themselves, the Guests of Honour and the Friends of Continuum [now know as FoCs] at the opening ceremony. Also their name badges will have ‘committee’ on them in yellow lettering. Also there are mug shots and a brief biography of each in the Programme book. We avoided having ‘STAFF’ emblazoned on the back of the T-shirts ;-)
The university staff will be either be in uniform or will be wearing name badges. Please be respectful to those hard working staff as it is with their help that this convention is such a friendly place and a success.




Any more questions?
If you have any further questions or enquiries that are not covered in the comprehensive list above then please do not hesitate to contact one of the committee.

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