Well I'm feeling very enthusiastic, having just walked down to the two pubs near the furnace and been to check out the Loft again. Both landlords are quite happy to have music going all the time they are open, though one would prefer it not before noon. They have also each got quite a nice little area for the sessions, so a fast session in the Railway and a steadier one in the Woodsman could be good if we have enough people who want to do that.

The Loft is not vaulted like the room below, but Ted and I had a trial sing and the accoustics are really good. It's brick floor, brick walls and non-ceilinged, beamed roof. The only drawback is the large chimney stack running up the middle of the room, but I think we can get round that (If you'll excuse the pun. You actually get into the room via the bridge over the canal, which gives a nice feeling and, as I said before, if the weather is good we could maybe sing on the bridge.

Sorry Hils, I think the Mudgather will have to be in the Loft rather than the pub, but the alcohol won't be too far away!

On the whole, it really is rather a good settign for a folk festival

Love Lynne