Miskin at Easter 07 - cancelled

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 16 Mar 07 - 04:45 AM

Battery still NBG despite attempts to deep cycle to knock the sulphates off. I wonder if it's worth a few quid on those magic desulphating pills. Shitty letter written to suppliers of battery (PM me if you want me to email you a copy to adapt for your own use), reply awaited. Source from a cheap replacement leisure battery found, leave it to next week to buy. Fridge showing 3 degrees inside after night on mains at warmest thermostat setting, promising but it was cold out. Sun now out, fridge running on gas at cold thermostat setting, we'll see how well it's doing by lunchtime (9.20am UK time as I type). Water heater successfully ignited (third go, bad contact at fuse to controller first two goes). Gas fire successfully ignited (third go). The piezo doesn't work so it's "match in a deep hole" and then screw sight glass on quickly. First go I let it go out by letting go gas valve too quickly. Second go I had not put gas valve back to the "ignite" setting and produced a real flammenwerfer: that was nearly "Thank you all and good night".

Gas bottles full. Speakers for sub for in-van-hifi ordered. Wiring for hifi needed , but that will only take half an hour. Mount head unit graphic and sub - maybe an hour.

Table clips. I'd like to find somewhere else for the table when not in use, but that's a 3-D jigsaw.

Flapping fibreglass under kitchen - probably half an hour (strip of ally if I can find one, long bolts, No More Nails, penny washers and nuts on from inside....)

I hope the new catches for the front window will arrive today, and while I'm fitting those I'd better try to see how far the water damage has gone in that corner. If, as I think, it is recent, I should be able to seal (new catches) dry (sunshine) and re-glue. But sealing and drying are the urgent bits. Problem may be how much internal trim I have to move to see the extent of the problem. If it is very localised, stanley knife to detach lifted laminate, evostik and replace might be good enough...

Floor-re-injection will have to wait.

Brakes may have to wait, hell a Volvo will stop anything without much help.....

Oh yes, and send the cheque....

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: MBSLynne
Date: 16 Mar 07 - 02:33 AM

Well Hils...she's afraid that if she goes out in the sun with them on and becomes a pink elephant, they will leave a white mark

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 08:18 PM

Could Refresh,but tool box and cravan testers going to Crediton Fest tomorrow ! Andy hope to help Thursday but after this one .I will be benned 8>) !!

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: My guru always said
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 06:36 PM

Morti Dear, you're not supposed to use chocolate to trim an Easter Bonnet!!!

Licker choccies, agitated Port, soothed Port, battery charger & Haynes manuals (!?!*!), freshly laid pedigree Eggs and something kept locked in a caravan - these have the makings of wonderful raffle prizes *grin*

Now Lynne, why isn't your white elephant got any drawers on? *puts on white coat and sympathetic ear*

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Morticia
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 05:17 PM

Do we still need bonnet trimmings, Andy? I brought a couple of bags last year but I think some people eat them.

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Seaking
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 03:55 PM

I'm not intending to agitate my bottle of port, I'll be nice to it all the way there.

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 03:27 PM

Oh, I thought it was a van....

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Fidjit
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 03:23 PM

You tell me Richard. All I know is the temp went up and up.

It's Renault Senic.

Chas

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 03:03 PM

Hmm, don't want to do anything risky like report progress, but, well, the ebay fridge is installed. Gas successfully ignited. 12V seems to draw current - although it nearly gave me a heart attack when I went to connect the igniter and the lights in the van went dim - I was suspecting a nasty short somewhere, but it turned out to be someone had put an extra connector on the 12V switch, and paralleled it up to the igniter presumably so the fridge would run on the internal leisure battery without a running car having to be connected. Both dangerous (because the wiring is too small for the current a fridge on 12V takes) and likely to flatten a good leisure battery in half a day. Running on mains now with the thermostat not too frantic and we'll see what the fridge temperature is in the morning. I found the manual on the Dometic site.

Fidjit, how did you crack the block, and what is the vehicle?

On to music, I've found the words to the Princess Alice, and been able to download a verse and the chorus, so I maybe practising that on you-all at Easter if all goes well....

How does one get port to Miskin without agitating it?

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: MBSLynne
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 02:03 PM

Ooooh! I thought someone else would get this in before me but they didn't! Hils...my white elephant doesn't wear drawers!!!

Shall I get me coat too?

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Cap n' Ella
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 01:29 PM

Just going out to the van now to apply a particularly technical fix to our leaky front window ~ Ah, god bless the man who invented Gaffer tape.

Tony

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Fidjit
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 10:59 AM

Well the news is getting worse!

Engine block cracked! Not the head gasket, os.

New secondhand engine on it's way.

It's only money folks.

Andy, I've had lots of those cars. Some came with a handle to start them with.

Reminds me of the American who was telling an Irishman about the size of his farm.

"When I get in my car it takes me all day to drive around my farm".

To which the Irishman reply's. "Ah to be sure. I used to have a car like that".

Chas

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Hawker
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 08:31 AM

MGAS, The raffle prizes are already packed in the camper (so that me, the kids and the dog wont eat them!)
To contribute to vanwatch, I have spring cleaned ours, the dehumidifier has removed most traces of winter damp, the batteries are charged and we are ready to roll!
Yes, Andy and Jillie, this does mean I am definately coming! Leg is part-time out of plaster, I have a removable one as a temporary measure, I hope to have my moon boot by then, so I'll be going for the 'glamourous look'! Mum is also a lot better too, hopefully things will remain that way!
I will bring the corn, and we'll see how it goes! I also have a bag of goodies for the children, Andy, you can use them as prizes for the pace egging etc., (which may happen if we dont mention it) and to put around the breakfast table on Sunday.
3 weeks to go!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Seaking
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 08:18 AM

MGAS I'll donate the traditional bottle of port. Would a couple of Haynes manuals be appreciated this year too ?

Chris

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 06:08 AM

Hey Richard, please don't mention chainsaws. You know what that does to me noives (shudder).

Seriously tho' you're right about Marion Button. I'd love to hear her in the acoustics of that cottage.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Splott Man
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 05:31 AM

If I'm not tempted by them in the next 3 weeks (Yes that's how soon it is!), I've got a box of chocolate liquers left over from Christmas that you can have.












... and a battery charger...


...runs for cover...

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: My guru always said
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 03:47 AM

Lynne, me Darling, how could YOU possibly upset ANYONE, you're one of the most loveable Miskinites I know!!

C'mon everyone, hope all this self-tinkering on Vans & Homes etc is saving you all lots of dosh, coz you'll need lots of shiny £ coins for your luvly Raffly Tickets - sales start on Saturday if not before, hopefully with Grand Draw Sunday lunchtime after all the festivities - Rules will be posted on the walls and adhered to, ish!!!

And don't forget to turf out those prizes from your White Elephant drawers - titter ye not, you should see some of the items I got at Christmas!! Easter Eggs are all fairly cheap in the Supermarkets just now so pick up an extra one to bring to Miskin. One's own CD's are extremely acceptable and there is a small store of interesting bottles building up :-)

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Splott Man
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 03:44 AM

Well, I've pumped up the front tyre on me bike, but the back tyre needs a new patch near the valve. Have put a new leather washer in the pump. Re-tinged the bell. The front derailer needs a touch of 3-in-1, but there's 7 gears on the back one, so I'm trying to source some 7-in-1.

Is that better, Lynne?

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: MBSLynne
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 02:58 AM

Richard, I'm sorry if I upset you. (It was Snuffy who started it!!!) Ooops, now I'll have to apologise to Snuffy. It's just that for those of us without a mechanical inclination nor a van, it's a bit boring when we come onto the Miskin thread to find that it's all about the workings of vehicles. You just go ahead if it makes you happy and it's traditional.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: MBSLynne
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 02:55 AM

Snow?????? Not sure I can camp in snow! Maybe once, but me old bones you know.......

I didn't mean to accuse you of nepotism Andy! I was just trying to get across the way it is with Miskin. That you don't go booking the big names cos they are big names and to get people to come etc...you know what I mean don't you?

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Mar 07 - 02:18 AM

Oh, Andy, we MUST find a way to drag Marian Button down to let you hear her sing in the cottage. I think tingle factor might well be too slight a description. Don't trust me (well, who'd trust a lawyer anyway) ask any of the Kent contingent.

And I am so looking forward to hearing Tori Lang sing again so even though she is not booked I hope she comes.

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: bubblyrat
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 05:50 PM

Jan"s Van certainly needs watching !

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 05:42 PM

Andy, is Van Domestic-Hotwaterpump and The Central Heating a band!

If they are it's sad that they're packin' up withoot really givin' the folk industry a chance.

Nee stamina these young musicians these days!!

Is there a Seth Lakeman Tribute band yet ? It could be called The Subtraction or summat

Aah'm just bein' silly now aren't aah?? Aah'll quit while aah'm behind

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 05:24 PM

Snuffy .Wanted to finish my last post with looking forward to seeing Mike Nicholson with Capella at Miskin,but as the site was in serious wobble at the time here tiz then! Have you encouraged the BS theme? 8>}

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 05:20 PM

I've just noticed a couple of days ago from Lynne

Just by the way Lizzie, Andy tends to book his friends. People he knows and loves. Don't know if he knows Seth Lakeman personally

This is not strictly true. Several people I have booked have been on first meeting, I go purely by Miskin Tingle factor. Having said that almost everyone I have booked over the years is now a friend! As many of my friends know, being my friend does not get you a booking that would be a bit sickly wouldn't it. Only I know what makes me ask someone along to Miskin and sometimes I am not too sure myself, but so far the instinct works and so I'm sticking to it for a while.
If Seth happens to be in the area I would make sure he gets a hearing, and I shall be in the front row. Or is that row?

Oh by the way my van domestic hot water pump and the central heating have both packed up at the moment so can I join Van watch ?

Andy, (oh God it's getting close now)

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 05:20 PM

Leave the Vanwatch where it is - Aah wish aah'd had access tiv it when aah had me VW Explorer

How aboot a 'camper-owners dance side' Van Morris On!!!

Eh?? Gan on!!! That's class, tharriz!!

Aalreet! Bring uz me coat!!

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 04:06 PM

Ah. Head Gasket. Long drive from Skandiwegia.

To bridge the gap (no pun intended, much) tonight I have been working on the music-making equipment in the van. Trunking for the power to the radio-cassette and the speaker cables has been installed, and the TV cabling has begun.

I am so looking forward to sitting in that little snug bar and sozzling - is it true that snow is forecast? Firewood laid in against such an event or shall I bring the chainsaw too? BIG fire needed in the cottage. Usual suspects in the naughty boys' corner to play hunt-the-harmony?

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 03:24 PM

Its just that every time we see someone has posted we like to look and its about a van. I'm with Lynne. But if its tradition ......:0)

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 02:51 PM

Here is that song TAKE THREE
My Little Austin Seven

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 02:48 PM

Well fudge me here is that song

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 02:47 PM

Van watch is only special now that you got a motor home compared to a camper van that miskin man and i lived in for years and had a jolly good time in as well at festivals.

Scooby.

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 02:47 PM

My old dAustin seven got quite used to running on oil and water mix in the sump, gaskets forever leaking. But they here much lower performance engines in those days. Oh and just to keep the music interest there was a song called " My Little Austin Seven"

Andy

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Eye Lander
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 02:36 PM

AH Hum! Excuse a me!!! Van watch has become a very important part of the prelims to Miskin as has the port and stilton plans. That's what makes Miskin so special.

Jillie

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Fidjit
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 02:24 PM

Yeah well that's what it 's called in Scandinavia.

Guess you'd know it as the top lock gasket or cylinder gasket.
Whatever. Lots of bother. Oil and water mix in the engine.

Chas

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 11:56 AM

What's a toplock packning? Google returns no answers.

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Fidjit
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 11:21 AM

You think you've got problems. My toplock packning just went!! (That's like saying her waters just broke.) Oil and water mix UGH!
Now imobile. Have to have a re-think.

Chas

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 10:55 AM

Hmm, feeling a bit put out about that, it is all about several of us getting successfully to Miskin, and precedent from last year had Vanwatch as part of this thread.

Is there a more general view?

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: MBSLynne
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 09:59 AM

Why not start a Vanwatch thread separate from the Miskin one?

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Snuffy
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 08:34 AM

Any chance of moving the Vanwatch thread down to BS and leaving above the line for music related chatter?

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 08:57 PM

After 56 hours on slow charge I now discover the green bubble! Plates not destroyed by Sulfates then! Last one lasted four years on total neglect, will see how this one does after TLC then!

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 07:57 PM

PS, oh sod, red light for battery on again. Time to sue those idiots at Camping International.

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 07:55 PM

Kevin the Shirt Murderer aka Melodeonboy has a cautionary tale about RRs. Now what I REALLY fancy is an Overfinch....

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Cap n' Ella
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 12:44 PM

Linda the last time I asked someone to recommend a good port they said Dover!

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Cap n' Ella
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 12:27 PM

Richard: Who david James? He's an expert on LPG 4x4s and he books aristes for Alcester?? I'm confused but never mind, point us in his direction and we'll try and weedle our way into his affections.

Phot: It's a P38, the best one so far in my opinion a bit more sophisticated than the classic but not a poncy footballers car like the new one - It doesn't mind gettin' down and dirty!! (consciously invites smutty responses) :-)

John: Yep it's a world away from the Toyota in the towing stakes e.g. Detling hill - Toyota + caravan = 25mph tops - Range rover + caravan = sh..! I hope that's not the speed I was doing just a minute ago when I passed that speed camera! Re: fuel stops I've purchased a little book entitled 'the 2007 guide to LPG filling stations' not as stimulating as many of the modern classics I'll grant you but it does show that you are never further than 20 miles from a LPG filling station and if it did run out it automatically switches back to petrol although with LPG currently at less than half the price of petrol I would certainly begrudge running on the stuff!

Tony

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Seaking
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 11:33 AM

...or battery Hinny ?

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 09:48 AM

Well, my battery was charged most of yesterday and all of last night, had a cool rest this morning, and has now gone back into the van and I've left one little over-bunk reading light on (it's all I usually use) and we'll see how long the tell-tale stays green.

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: The Barden of England
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 09:16 AM

Linda - you're such a temptress with this brandishing of the brandy. I doubt I'll have much time for the singing and playing with all the drinking I'm going to have to do - but somebody has to do it!!!
John Barden

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Essex Girl
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 08:50 AM

I've been following Vanwatch avidly, and I am now going to do as you suggest Richard, and take the battery out and recharge it in the garage (when my daughter returns my charger) Spent some time on Sunday cleaning the outside so it's looking a little better now. I'm also on the lookout for some good port for the workshop.May bring some brandy as well(nothing goes down better on a cool evening than a drop of brandy & port)

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: bubblyrat
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 06:37 AM

I suppose ,if you were to combine some of the latest offerings, you would come up with -----Battery Hens ??

Subject: RE: Miskin at Easter 07
From: Fidjit
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 04:23 AM

Ooooh and 400 !


Chas