Gathering FAQ’s – Ask Simon

As the Gathering approaches, our concierge ‘Ask Simon’ Williams, has been working hard on questions from Gatherers about a multitude of things.

From where to find the local doctors to various opening times, there isn’t anything (yet) that Simon can’t find an answer to about The Gathering.

Simon has taken all the questions from this year (and previous years) and created a comprehensive list of questions and answers that anyone going to the Gathering should find useful.

Please check out the questions here and we have reproduced them below.

Change of Names of Attendees

We need to change the names of those attending the Gathering from those we originally booked.  Is this important?

Yes the change of name is important so please email your full party details to the MPO who will make the necessary changes.

Is it cold in Prestatyn in January?

Yes it usually is cold in North Wales in January. However, the rooms have heaters, but feel free to bring extra bedding and also a good coat for the LHS walk on the beach!!

Manchester Airport to Prestatyn

There are plenty of taxis available at Manchester airport or you could put a message on The Alarm Facebook page or Twitter as sure there will be others in your situation either coming from the airport or from Manchester. Alternatively there is a train station at the airport that you can get a train to Prestatyn from.

Local Taxis

The main local taxi firm are Roberts Taxis who can be contacted on 01745888444. They can pick up and drop of at Manchester airport or just do a local trip.  Their taxi rank is right next to the train station.

How near is the train station?

There is a taxi rank by the station and it is about a five minute taxi ride to Pontins. Or if you are feeling fit and the sun is shining it will take about fifteen stroll.

Arrival Times

Can you please let me know what time we can get into the chalets on Friday please, and can we find out what accommodation we have been allocated before we arrive?

You can book in from 5.00pm if you are arriving on Thursday night and from 3.00pm on Friday. You will have to wait till you get there to find out what room you are in.

Check-in

Is it obvious where to go when I arrive?

Yes it will be obvious where to go and security will advise people when you report to the gate. We will hopefully be adding a map to the Gathering site before the event and you will be given a map on arrival.

Arriving out-of-hours

Anyone arriving out-of-hours should be able to pick up their welcome pack from the gatehouse.

Check-out

Do we have to check out before a certain time on the Sunday?

It is pretty casual on booking out times on Sunday. As there is the walk on the prom Sunday morning I think most people won’t be leaving early. So at the moment as long as you leave I think the time is pretty flexible. If it changes we will let you know.

Accommodation facilities

All Chalets have been refurbished for this years Gathering. The chalets are for self-catering holidays and comprise of bedrooms with single beds with bed linen and towels. In the living areas there are bed settees, TV, microwave, fridge and tables All Club and Classic apartments are equipped with an ironing board. Irons can be hired from the Service Centre , which will be open over the weekend

Pontins have a public launderette where there are 4 fixed ironing boards with £1 meter card operated irons. The Launderette will open every day.

Food

What food will be available on site?

Food will be available in the newly refurbished restaurant, which will be open throughout the weekend as follows:
Friday             8am-9pm
Saturday        8am-9pm
Sunday          8am-2pm
There will also be a fast food outlet open for late night food after the gigs from 11pm. The chalets are self-catering so you can always rustle something up yourself or there are a number of takeaways and pubs in the town covering all tastes.

Supermarkets

There is a NISA supermarket on the Park which will be open as follows:
Thursday       5pm-7pm
Friday             9am-7pm
Saturday        9am-7pm
Sunday          8am-2pm
Alternatively there is a small convenience store 5 minutes away and in town (15 minutes stroll) there is a large Spar and Iceland frozen foods and an Aldi.

Pub

There is an onsite pub whose opening times will be as follows:
Thursday       5pm-12pm
Friday             4pm-7pm
Saturday        12noon-7.30pm
There are bars inside the venue will be open during the gigs.

Start Time

What time does everything start and what is happening?

The itinerary is always posted on the website just prior to the Gathering but usually starts about 7 – 7.30 on the Friday night.

How do I book the Bus Tour?

Unfortunately, there will be no Bus Tour this year.  So a lie in for everyone on the Saturday morning.

Internet Access

There is wifi via the purchase of vouchers but it is only usable in certain areas. This was the case last year and may have changed by Jan 2013.
I used a “3″ mobile dongle usb and was able to use it in my chalet with no problems. If you haven’t got one then think you can pick them up for about £20

Pool and play facilities

The pool will be open on Saturday from 10.00am-4pm.  There is a childrens play area and an amusement arcade.  For the adults, there is a pub.

Dogs on site

Only guide dogs for the blind are allowed on the site..

Banners

How do I get an Alarm banner/ flag to hang out of the window ?

Most people just make their own on sheets and clever artistic work. You will probably find a company in the yellow pages but that would cost a few pounds. So get those paints out and get messy!

Payphones

There are no public phones on the Pontins site nowadays. They used to but were very rarely used due to everyone now having mobiles. There is a public phone box 400 M from Pontins but I am not sure what method of payments it takes.

Doctors

If you need a Doctors on the Friday then you are able to use Park House on Nant Hall Road.  The number to call is 01745 854496.
For out of hours service and Saturday and Sunday you will need contact  0300 123 55 66.
There is a large hospital in Bodelwyddan, which has an emergency unit.  This is a 20-minute drive from Pontins.
Prestatyn has quite a few Pharmacies should you require general medical products (and hangover cures).

The Local area

If you fancy a trip out off Pontins (if you have time) then come and talk to me.  Maybe you just want find the beach, walk up a hill or go for a scenic drive.  Tell me what you want and I will try and recommend something for you.