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It was with some nervousness I went along to The Goat last night for the Tweet-up.  I left having had a glass or two of wine too many but having spent an excellent evening in a fine put with good company.

Having never been to one (which really put me at a disadvantage for organising one) I wasn’t sure what to expect – or even how many people.  But in the end there was a good crowd that mixed well.

Ingrid Koehler, who works at the Improvement and Development Agency blogged about it this morning, referring to my little spat over surgeries.  (That post was followed by a Lambeth Labour councillor using it as an excuse for a bit of political knocking. Rather disappointingly I responded in kind rather than rising above it.)  I hadn’t particularly thought about it as any type of engagement – although I did end up talking a bit about the council with some of the people there – it was really prompted to have an excuse for a beer and by a bit of jealousy of SW15.

Obviously I’ll take any credit going.  But I think the key thing was that everyone enjoyed themselves – judging by the Tweets afterwards it seems that everyone did.  I certainly hope there will be more to come.  But for the time-being I would like to use this post to say thank-you to Bell Pottinger for their sponsorship, but most of all to the people who came for making it such a great night.

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The time is nearly upon us. The SW11 Tweet-up is tomorrow.

First, the details. It’s taking place at The Goat on Battersea Rise. It seems everyone knows it well, but if you don’t their website has directions. I’ve suggested a 7pm start (but guess it will go on for a while, so come along when you can) and have reserved the upstairs area for the night. I’ve not been able to contact them to confirm, but if there is any change I will post here and Tweet a lot!

Second, the good news, it’s sponsored. Bell Pottinger Public Affairs (who have a few Twittering staff in SW11 and a Twittering chairman with Wandsworth connections) have kindly offered to stand us all a few drinks.

Third, you. Although this started life as an SW11 tweet-up it’s not exclusive – there are lots of people coming from further afield, the chief criteria are that you’re on Twitter and can get to the pub tomorrow night, and feel free to bring a friend if you’re shy. The more the merrier.

(And finally, I just wanted to say thank-you to everyone who has offered help, advice and encouragement while this has been organised.  It is greatly appreciated.)

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After yesterday’s call for venue suggestions I’ve got a long list of potential venues.  However, only one of them was suggested repeatedly… The Goat on Battersea Rise.

I popped along today and had a look around (the last time I was in there it was a rather ghastly chain theme-pub to which I never wanted to return) and I think it will work. There seems to be a good selection of beer and wine – and I’m sure soft drinks, though I didn’t actually think to check them – and the venue seems well suited to a meeting of pseudo-strangers!

Of course, I’ve never organised a tweet-up before.  And I’ve never been to one either. But the very worst that can happen is that we all learn how to make the second SW11tweet a rampaging success.

So now most of the pieces are in place.  We have a time and date: 7pm onwards on Wednesday, 5 August.  We have a venue: The Goat, Battersea Rise.  All that’s left are the people. Are you coming?

RSVP at twtvite.com

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I’ve been a bit slow in following up, but the suggested date is creeping up and now it’s time to choose a venue.

Rather than arbitrarily picking one I’m hoping people will make a few suggestions for me to scout. I don’t want to impose my taste on other people and don’t know exactly where everyone will be travelling to and from.

My inclination is to go for something near to Clapham Junction on the basis that there is plenty of transport there (by train or bus). The twtvite currently has 16 attendees and 6 maybes – a few less than I wanted, but I also know of another half-dozen or so who are coming and haven’t RSVPd on the site.

So, over to you, any ideas for a good venue? Leave me a comment or (and I guess most will go for this option) tweet me.

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Jealousy might be an ugly emotion. But it also can motivate.

When I saw there was a Putney tweet-up organised, I can’t deny that I was jealous (and also a little annoyed that it was on my wedding anniversary). Surely anything SW15 can do SW11 can do better?

So that’s what I’m hoping to do, organise an SW11 tweet-up.

I flagged up the idea on Twitter last night and got a positive response, including from people who don’t follow me, which is a great sign. It was also clear that there was enthusiasm for the idea from further afield – with people from Balham, Tooting and Wandsworth wanting to come.

So here’s the outline.

It’s an SW11plus tweet-up
I started with the idea of SW11 and am sticking with it, mainly because I don’t want to get over-ambitious. But having said that, anyone from Balham, Tooting, Wandsworth – or anywhere else for that matter – is welcome and encouraged to come: we love SW11 and want to share.

It’s simple
Again, I don’t want to be over-ambitious. I was thinking pub, drinks, chat. Any extras might come when we have an idea of numbers and venue, but the key is going to be getting people in the same place and drinking talking rather than tweeting.

It’s your event
I’m a novice at this – and while I know I’m happy with a decent boozer I’m aware that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. So I’d like ideas, tips and suggestions.

And that’s it.

The next steps are to choose a date and venue. The very point where a bright idea starts getting messy, because there’s no way we’ll be able to come up with a date that’s good for everyone – so

I’m going to throw Wednesday 5 August out there as a date. Can you make it? Any good for you? Let me know, either comment or tweet @jamescousins.