Ben, <BR> <BR>When I was in England last August, we found a pub called the Swan in Stockbridge ( I think). Any idea how I could find a website for this place? <BR> <BR>Thanks

Hey, Stacey, if you are only willing to accept help from Mr. Haines, why don't you e-mail him direct - he uses his real e-mail address?

Ben, <BR>If you're reading this, I tried to send you an e-mail months ago and it was returned. I just wanted to thank you for the help you gave me for my trip to Paris in the spring. I had a wonderful time.

Sorry - didn't mean to insult - just read a post by him and wrote impulsively. Happy to accept help from anyone. And I think I remembered the pub is in Stockwell.

Is this the place you are looking for? Swan Stockwell, 215 Clapham Road, SW9: Stockwell tube: 020 7978-9778. No evidence of a website; perhaps you could ring them? <BR>

Hey, Ben may be a fully paid up hero, but he's not the only Brit on this site! Please remember that.

I am also a Brit on this site. However, I think Ben is just a treasure. He is so knowledgeable that I stand back in admiration.No wonder Fodorites ask his advice. I always wonder what he does...and think he is either an academic or a retired travel agent..If it was not impertinent and an intrusion I would ask him if I am right, but I am much too British to enquire.

Fodors <BR> <BR>I do agree with Mr Smith. And if a Fodors header does not say what a query is about many readers who know the answer are likely to miss it. But I still appreciate the compliment: thank you. <BR> <BR>For Ms Speakman, <BR> <BR>Your delicacy would do credit to a Jane Austen heroine. I'm afraid I'm neither an academic nor a retired travel person, but half my paid career was abroad, I enjoyed and enjoy travel, with a copy of the timetable it's easy to answer many questions, and in response people like you are very kind. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR>

Ben, <BR>This is a great thread, you seem to be developing (semi) cult status!... <BR> <BR>But now I am also curious (perhaps read "nosey" here)as to your career half of which was spent abroad. <BR> <BR>I do not though have the delicacy of a Jane Austin heroine...wish I did.

you are right. this man-ben is unreal!he is helpful, knowledgeable,funny. he even asked me for some info. about my travel research so that he could (if needed in the future) share it with others. i think fodors should give him a travel bonus, perhaps a plane ticket to the city of his choice.

BEN HAINES RULES.

Ben Haines is wonderful!!! When my mother in law asked me to put together some information for their upcoming trip to the UK, I printed up some of the relevant threads from this message board. A large percentage of useful, and well presented material came from Mr. Haines. This board is very fortunate to have a group of people from the British Isles who give insightful and informative replies. My personal thanks to all of you across the Atlantic. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Go Ben! I don't want to embarrass the poor man with a profusion of accolades, but he really is the kindest and most helpful person I've encountered in six years online. A year and a half ago, when I was traveling to England with my dad, who's disabled, Mr. Haines (who didn't know me from Eve) checked out many sites in London for their accessibility and reported to me by e-mail, before he finally found the magnificent book Access in London, by Gordon Couch, and gave me all the details so I could track it down on Amazon. <BR> <BR>Talk about a generous guy! Thanks again, Ben.

Tough question: Does Ben Haines rule or does Ben Haines rock? I'd say both. Thanks from us all, Ben.

ben, have you thought of starting your OWN web page? hmmmm??

To the Top for Ben! He has been a big help! I may add Julian, Anniel, Karen, David, Angela to my list of helpful Fodorites from the UK...you all have been very informative...Thanks, Judy