Realism: I agree with Geordie Broon that we need to be realistic! Clearly, unless someone can come up with a venue other than a YHA, eg a village large hall for indoor camping next to two wonderful pubs, we will need to look beyond the winter and into the spring.
Alternative: Is there such a hall near the Cock and Bull pubs in Stoney Stratford, The one and only Dai? If so, how about provisionally booking it for early Feb and then seeing how many Mudcatters would be interested?
2003: We should also start thinking about next year now if we are to book a YHA. So which one should it be and when? Personally, I don't mind where it is but I would suggest early Feb, as that would be after the post-Christmas recovery period. How about provisionally booking one Geordie Broon?
May/June: Also, tell us more about the date and venue for the potential gathering at The Jug in May/June Mrs Duck - where is The Jug, for instance, and presumably it will need to give the proposed Euro-gathering in early May a wide berth.

There were five jolly fellows came over the hill together ...
Alan