Kilts in the South of England

[Alan H]

I may have an opportunity to travel to the south of England this Spring, specifically, Dorset (Wareham and the Valley of the Piddle...yes, that's the name) and also Dartmoor, in Devon. I'll be spending most of my time in small towns, though If I get to go I really want to hear the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, one of the better-known small English chamber orchestras.

Any insights to kilt-wearing 'round these parts beyond the usual thing? it's quite rural, and they may not see kilted lads very often.

[James]

I trabel a few times a year to the South West of the UK and wear a kilt without any problms.

James

[Paul Henry]

I really can't think why you should need to ask?- the natives are friendly
Or are you just announcing travel plans to muster meetings with other kilties?

[Robin]

Well...Hamish is one of the natives there :rolleyes:

The south is beautiful...err...well...most of the UK is.

Have fun and we expect a full report with loads of pictures!

[Freelander Sporrano]

Alan,
If you happen to meet a crazy woman that tells you her brother wears a kilt.....Say hello to her it's my sister.

She lives in the Southampton area on the edge of the New Forest .

If you make it to Bournemouth and have a car I can recommend Lymington as a nice place to vist. Saturdays are v busy with a Market other days quieter.

Poole and the sandbanks are nice too.

Kilting is no problem as Hamish will tell you no one will say much, if anything.
Enjoy yourself

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Alan, I don't know what the response will be, but it can't be any worse than responses here! And I am jealous, have a great time! With luck you will be able to meet Hamish in person.

[Hamish]

Alan, I cannot imagine why Dorset should be any different when it comes to wearing the kilt there. Wareham was my mother's home; I was Christened in a small village nearby, and I still have step-cousins (now quite elderly) who live there and in Corfe Castle. I have 'kilted' there many times in recent years without any reactions at all from the natives. Although they might not see kilts very often, they will certainly know what they are

There are at least two members of "X Marks..." that I know of who live in Dorset who, I'm sure, would be pleased to meet up with you. I now live several hours drive to the east, but might be able to make a day-trip of it. However, I am probably about to begin a course of hospital treatment which will occupy me every day for seven weeks and, to be honest, I am not making any plans at all for the next couple of months because I would almost certainly have to cancel them.

I always said I would retire to Dorset, but I guess it's a bit late for that now!

[Graham]

I still sometimes wonder if there is not a lingering disdain among some of the English for things Scottish, which the kilt certainly represents.

I may be wrong, but I sensed that in reactions when last kilted in England. I say that as an English born person, but one who has lived out of the country for many years, so I would not know as well as those kilted brethren living there.
On my last trip, last July, the furthest south I got was London.

Whether this is true or not, I would proudly wear the kilt anywhere in England and if anyone dislikes it - that's their problem.

Hamish, I pray that your stay in hospital will bring a quick and complete recovery.

[Kilted KT]

Best of Luck Hamish! I hope you'll be re-joining us in kilted revely soon!

[Pleater]

If you walk along the main road in Parkstone, Poole you shouldn't wear a lightweight pale blue kilt or you might get hard looks from a couple of drivers with either slightly dented front and rear, or maybe newly repaired cars.

Other than them you should be just fine.

You might just see a fat old lady in a kilt being glared at - or maybe I am just getting paranoid - after all, cars get shunted every day of the week, but why when I wear my blue kilt and the lace petticoats do I hear the sound of bumper hitting bumper.

Its twice now - I'll just keep working on the heavier kilts.

It's a lovely area to visit - particularly the New Forest when the buds begin to break and the new leaves appear, though walking along the long promenade between Bournemouth and Poole on a fine Spring afternoon is hard to beat.

It's suposed to be a very healthy place - maybe just the place to recouperate -

I hope all goes well, Hamish - X Marks will be the less for your absence, but I am sure there will be a lot of good vibes coming your way over the next couple of months.