Have just arrived back in Milton Keynes after 'Sea Fever 2002' my very first shanty festival. It was a fantastic weekend, and the harmony singing was wonderful. My aunt Joyce from Willerby was bowled over by how good it was, even though she's not a 'folkie'. I can't imagine how it could have been better. Even the weather was perfect. And the Minerva Hotel room was the perfect singaround venue. To be able to sing sea songs while looking out of the open french doors to watch ships sailing down the estuary was magical.

While on the subject of singarounds, I feel I should quickly apologise to the Baggyrinkles for my inadvertently singing 'New york girls' (or is it 'As I walked down the bowry?') at the singaround you were hosting in the Minerva yesterday. I suddenly realised on about line 2 that it was actually part of the Baggyrinkle repertoire, and had already probably been sung just before I turned up...Oops!!! I must learn a few more shanties before August 2003.

Was lovely to meet some catters for the first time (abuwood etc) and re-meet Noreen, Alan, Maggie & Les, Linda. Thanks for the Fri/Sun night cheese and biscuits Les/Linda! :-) Was also good to discover the "Shellback Chorus".

Julie B

P.S. Les from Hull - Went to Streetlife Museum but didn't manage a 'coachride' (too busy). Liked seeing the 41ft 2300 yr old longboat in the museum next door though.