UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002

Subject: eek!
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 04:42 AM

OK, thanks for the support on the other thread. By virtue of Stony having a handy building where we can eat, drink and be merry while making a joyful noise, I will attempt *ahem* to organise the gathering in February!

People have already expressed approval for the weekend of the 8th/9th/10th, and York House appears to be free that weekend. I'll therefore go ahead and book it.

I'll be approaching the lovely Bron for any and all wisdom she is able to dispense, given the success of Llanstock. I would welcome all of your thoughts on how to make this a great event, though!

York House is an ex boarding school, and has two floors available for use. There are kitchens appointed for catering on a moderate scale, and an area which is usually fitted out as a bar for weddings etc. The downstairs has been knocked into a large function room. There is a large paddock to the rear which is available for camping of any sort, although indoor camping is also OK. There are a number of hotels and guest houses in Stony as well, and I am willing to accommodate the particulary fastidious ;-)

Stony Stratford website with addresses, numbers and photos.

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 04:49 AM

Hmmm. R&B at the Fox and Hounds and Jazz at the Cock. Must make a note next time we're visiting Ma-in-law in Winslsow.
RtS (you wouldn't want me there in Feb, I'd offend too many people's pet peeves!)

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Julie B
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 05:56 AM

Count me in. Fingers crossed, I'll have moved to Milton Keynes by then anyway.

Julie B

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 06:02 AM

Spent a few years doing missionary work 'dawn souwf' and have many happy memories of Stony. I used to run the Hogsty Folk Club at Aspley Guise near Woburn Sands and Aylebury Folk Club over 20 years ago !!! Could be interested in coming down. Keep me informed.

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: mooman
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 06:03 AM

I'll try and make it across from La Belgique but might need some assistance travelling up from London or from the nearest handy rail station.

Hats off to you Dai for taking up the challenge!

mooman

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 06:14 AM

Well done Dai! this is really something to look forward to in February. From the previous thread Click Here it does look as if a good few people are interested, and hopefully the Mudcat Republic of Yorkshire will send a few representatives!

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 06:25 AM

Well Mr Edwards I am sure that I can drag some of these Yorkshire types southward. Obviously vaccinations and disinfectant dip will be required but I shall round up a posse and head south!!!!

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Morticia
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 08:07 AM

Count us in....and if you need any help, let me know!

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: John Routledge
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 01:11 PM

Please put me down for indoor camping please Dai. Should be able to give a hand from early Fri afternoon. Cheers John

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Gareth
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 02:40 PM

To cold for the sheep in the Paddock - Please include me in the "indoor camping"

Gareth

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: MudGuard
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 03:45 PM

Not yet sure whether I will be able to make it, but I definitely want to. Put me in as "hopefully yes" under "indoor camping".

Liz, if you are coming (and I as well), may I book the passenger seat of your car?

Gareth, be aware that the sheep will probably not be allowed indoors...

MudGuard/Andy

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 04:47 PM

What sort of cost will camping etc be there Dai? Since it looks as if we are not now going to Brussels we are hoping we can get the grandparents to family/house sit and we could come unfettered.

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 05:36 PM

Mudguard - you'll be welcome, you might get to meet Manitas for longer than 20 minutes and have a different companion on the pee breaks.

Please note, the Squeakmobile is now FULL if Manitas comes too.....

LTS

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Lanfranc
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 06:13 PM

Now I know where it is, (only about 40 miles away from me)I'll be there, all being well!

looking forward to it

Alan

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Morticia
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 07:31 PM

that still leaves the Addams-mobile with 2/3 seats...book early to avoid disappointment!

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 01:44 AM

Actually, can I come with you Morty.... Me and Mudguard and Lady P in the same car might not be a good idea.....

LTS

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Diva
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 03:46 AM

Damm I was just going to ask for a space........

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 04:10 AM

Just to reassure you I haven't done a moonlight flit.

I'm still waiting for the T's&C's from Bob Adams (they guy, you know?). As I said, the cost will be negotiated based on the fact that it's a non-profit event and it's for the whole weekend.

Bob tells me that the rate for weddings and other single evening events is GBP 8 per hour for the building and services. He will reduce this (a lot) for the reasons I've said above, and because he's a folky too (cue for the old Mudcat handshake thread here)

I'll get advice on a bar, certainly we've got a local brewery (well, Northampton) who's very accommodating as well. Similarly, the kitchens are available for our use, so I anticipate being able to throw together some uneatable slop to persuade people into the excellent local hostelries ;-)

Keep the thoughts coming, folks! The more the merrier!

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Noreen
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 04:36 AM

What's the maximum-ish that that can be accomodated, d'you think, Dai? 18" apiece for the indoor camping? :0) And is there plenty of parking space?

Sounds good. Do we want a scratch ceili band for a ceili?

Noreen

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 04:41 AM

Give Mr Adams my regards Dai tell him a little Fat Scottish Bastard called Jim McDonald is still waiting for a booking for 'Folk on the Green' if it's still going on !!

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 11:17 AM

I'll have a 'quiet word', Jim... do you know Matt Armour?

As for a name for this gathering... how about CockAndBullStock? Any takers??

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 11:23 AM

I know Matt from my time down there. At one point there were three Folk Clubs run by Scots. Me at Aspley Guise, Matt at Stoney Stratford and Drummond Davison at Whittlebury. Hamish Imlach dubbed us the 'Scotia Nostra'

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 11:38 AM

I might be able to make this one too, but will have to contact the few near me to see if they want to share... ooooH! I get to meet real people soon...

Ella

Keeping fingers crossed

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Noreen
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 11:39 AM

CockAndBullStock... chicken and beef oxo.... you were wondering what to cook for the gathering...! :0)

Will complement ChickenStock taking place in Scotland nicely...

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 02:33 PM

OK, give me an idea of the cost and this ex-southerner-(You lot are still norht of the Thmaes!) might get there, and hopefully many other Yorkshire folk too.

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 02:40 PM

Stony Stratford -is that where Stony Shakespeare was born?

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: lady penelope
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 06:14 AM

How about "Stock Stock" ( cock and bull that's a lot of stock).

And what's wrong with you, me and Mudguard in the car? Eh, Liz?

TTFN M'Lady P. President of the Society for the Terminally Bemused.

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Dead Horse
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 08:27 AM

Nah. LockStock & Two Empty Barrels! And whats this about too many people's pet peeves! AND sheep!!! Do we have to bring animals, only my pet peeve is away to be doctored that weekend. If the "Folkmobile" is back up & running the wife & myself would love to be there. If the floor is wooden she won't have to bring her stepboard. If banjo players abound, I won't have to sing Appalachian sea shanties;-)

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Noreen
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 09:13 AM

Roger, please come! All are welcome whatever they play/sing/listen to/drive/dance/drink/sniff ( I was thinking of snuff here btw). No-one is peevish at a gathering, the peevish ones tend not to bother making the effort to travel. You're not peevish of others' foibles, are you? :0)

Looking forward to meeting you.

Noreen

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: mooman
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 09:59 AM

Can anyone help with a lift from a suitable station if I can get over from Belgium? I'd probably first come to London then up to the Gathering.

Many thanks in advance

mooman

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Cllr
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 09:59 AM

I should be free for that weekend.

Cllr

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 10:46 AM

NOW THAT'S A FIRST! A TORY SAYING SOMETHING IS FREE!!! (Apologies Councillor I AM only teasing, but I couldn't resist that, you can get your own back at a later stage)

Hey Gareth-a dead horse, how about nechrophilia with the neigh-bors?

Can we have some time for a session? or Somewhere for a session or tunes to be played?

And Ickle, Shakespere went there to get stoned!!!! (hence he wroted)-"Verily is Stratford,Stoney. For there livest the best and most wonderous of plants, a herb of such glory that one can partake in and dream, perchance to dream".

ONCE AGAIN< HOW MUCH?

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 10:52 AM

Am I being paranoid or is it a coincidence that since I said I was interested, it has moved further away?? I'm still interested, so there!! How about calling it Carbuncle 2002, it is after all a gathering, and if enough people arrive it will be a squeeze. Where have you been all the day, Billy boil Billy boil.

Jock

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 11:06 AM

I will probubly go.Can I take my hamster?

john

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: MudGuard
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 11:23 AM

yes, John, you may bring your hamster. Just guard it so Erik and Gareth do not get at it...

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 11:25 AM

Thanks Andy.

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Micca
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 11:57 AM

I am definately up for this and am negotiating transport as we speak!!!!

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 12:54 PM

Andy-you dirty sod! trying to keep a hamster for yourself! What about me and Gareth? It's not fair!!(Watch him John-if he says "I'll take care of it while you're having a beer"!!)Then you'll know.

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: John Routledge
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 01:05 PM

Dai - Eric raises an important point - Ideally we need two spaces preferably apart so that music and song can go on simultaneously (if required).One space could of course be in a Pub :0)

A ceilidh is a great idea if we have sufficient numbers. Even with a small turnout a ceilidh can work if everyone attends for say hour and a half and sings plays drinks sleeps etc before and after the ceilidh.

Looking good so far. Cheers John

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: John Routledge
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 01:06 PM

And a space for the hamster poor soul!!

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Diva
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 01:37 PM

does it sing????

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Gareth
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 01:56 PM

What about that old favourite. "Two lips and Hamster Jam"

Gareth

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: lady penelope
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 02:17 PM

Just don't let Phoebe see the hamster, you may not get to go home with it!

Are you sure you want to introduce it to this mob though?

TTFN M'Lady P.

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 02:21 PM

Eric, I think your onto something -Wasn't it in Romeo and Juliet
'A spliff by any other name would smell as sweet' By the way how are we doing the hamster -fried or boiled?

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: MudGuard
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 02:41 PM

Erik, at least I left all the bigger things (sheep, cows, ...) for Gareth and you...

Is it worth boiling or frying a hamster? After taking the hide off and removing all the intestines, there is not much left, and from that you have to consider bones and head, so one hamster is about one bite.

Perhaps if we can get a male and a female hamster, we might have enough meat to feed all participants at Stony Stratford gathering 2003 ...

Lady Penelope, does your comment about Phoebe have anything to do with a noisy scene in and in front of a pet shop in Welshpool? ;-)

MudGuard/Andy

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Dead Horse
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 09:50 PM

Necrophilia. Did someone mention necrophilia? I,m buggered if I'll have anything to do with that! That aside, I'm up for Boney Catford or whatever. See you all there. I'll be the one thats not all there, so to speak.

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 04 Nov 01 - 04:52 AM

John/Geordie Broon, hadaway, there be an upstairs and a downstairs in York House. There also be many hostelries for small gatherings (SIGs you might say). On Sunday Lunchtimes there's an open session in the Vaults Bar for those who fancy it. Floors are wooden...

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: John Routledge
Date: 04 Nov 01 - 05:38 AM

Cheers Dai - Gets better by the minute. A veritable musicians delight. We singers of course have a preciousness to uphold :0) John

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 04 Nov 01 - 08:29 AM

Erik t'Vike - I'll post full and explicit (oo-er) details of costs when I get the blurb from Mr. Adams, AKA He Who Must Be Plied With Beer.

For anybody pondering the real Shakespeare connection, Stony Stratford makes a cameo appearance in Richard III... sadly the pub where the shenanigans took place (i.e. where Edward V was captured by his loving uncle, Dick the Shit of Gloucester, and carted off to the Tower) is now a private house with a plaque on the outside.

Subject: RE: UK GATHERING, STONY STRATFORD 2002
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 04 Nov 01 - 08:33 AM

SO.... Now we know that Andy (that fine example of clean living human being) is into VOYEURISM!

We could serve Hamster Soup in a basket !