BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September

Subject: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 01:55 PM

Well I've been a bit of a stranger to Mudcat in the last few months. I've been spending more time on Facebook making new friends and getting to know some old ones a lot better.

I hope I haven't been away from here so long that you will all be saying 'Jenny who?'

Life has taken some interesting twists and turns in the last few months, and I am now planning a trip to the UK and France - in the UK from the 10th to the 29th September and France (at my brother's place in Paris) after that till the 10th October.

A friend and I will be at Bromyard Folk Festival on the weekend of the 12th - 14th, and wondered if any 'Catters will be there. There might also be a chance to catch up with people in London right at the beginning or on the last few days of September.

Now I have a big favour to ask. I was going to bring my fiddle, but the airline has told me that it is classed as a dangerous weapon and will have to travel as luggage, and therefore count as part of the already meagre weight allowance, so I was wondering if there was anybody who has a spare one they could lend me during the UK part of my trip. I promise I would care for it lovingly.

If anyone would like to know more, I am going to try to mend my ways and spend more time here, so I'll be checking this thread and PMs. A couple of you might get PMs from me, in fact. I'm really looking forward to this trip!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 02:00 PM

JennyO-

Best of luck piecing this trip to the UK together.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: SussexCarole
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 03:52 PM

Great that you're coming over here Jenny! Would be great to meet up again...we'll see what we can do.

Carole & Andrew x

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: My guru always said
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 04:01 PM

Hope that we can get to meet you at a Gather in London while you're over Jenny, or perhaps you could stopover with us for a night or two (Leatherhead) if our diaries coincide! Not sure that we'll be going to Bromyard this year though we normally do. Hope someone will be able to help out with a Fiddle, unfortunately we cant as we only sing. Good luck with your planning!!!
Hil

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 04:25 PM

Jenny - we have a spare fiddle that you may borrow - Limpit is too busy with piano to play it.

We're in east London, and can offer you a bed for a night or two if you need it. We're within fairly easy public transport from Gatwick or Heathrow Airports, but both are some distance away from us. Let me know in a PM and we'll arrange something.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Tig
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 07:11 PM

I've never really thought of a fiddle being a dangerous weapon before - now banjos .........

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 12:32 AM

Wow, thanks Liz! That would be so great! I'll get to meet you too, after all these years of seeing you on Mudcat! On the 10th and 11th I'll be staying in a B and B at Hounslow, which is right near Heathrow, so it should be possible - particularly on the 10th. I'll send you a PM later today and we can hopefully work something out.

MGAS, it would be great to meet you too! I'm also hoping that the last few days in September we'll be back around the London area. Hope you come to Bromyard! I'm just looking at Google maps to see where Leatherhead is. I'm afraid my geography isn't very good.

I don't know when Herga folk club is on, but it would be great to get there if it fits in. If there are any other folk sessions or gatherings towards the end of September, that wsuld be great to hear about.

Carole and Andrew, I'll be sending you a PM soon, but I have to go out now. Ooh, this is getting exciting!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Anne Lister
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 05:32 AM

If you're coming west to meet Carole and Andrew, think of us too - we're midway between Bromyard and Carole and Andrew (well, approximately) and we have guest rooms a-plenty.

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 02:22 PM

Leatherhead is about midway between Heathrow & Gatwick & if we're not away at a festival we'd be happy to assist in any way. Am working through most of September covering for people's holiday so probably won't get to Bromyard I'm afraid.

Last weekend in September is a Song & Ale you might be interested in. If you're not already sorted for that weekend please PM me & I'll give you details. It's camping but we can lend tent & airbed etc. Am certain that you'd love it!

Hil

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:34 PM

Sounds like a lot of fun and Welcome Back, JennyO!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Leadfingers
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 04:19 PM

PM sent !!!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 03:28 PM

I've just sent PMs to a few people, and I have a few to send out yet. Some of you will know more about my trip now, I'll send a few more out tomorrow.

Meanwhile I'm really looking forward to this trip!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: GUEST,Nessie
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 05:13 PM

Hi JennyO, we'd love to see you at Herga if you can make NW London on a Monday, come and stay too if you can.
Vanessa

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 10:26 PM

Oh goodie, two more of my favourite people! Hi Nessie I'd love to see you and George if it's at all possible. I'll send you a PM soon!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 12:27 AM

Just bringing this to the top for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. I still have some PMs to send out. Thank you to everyone who has responded with helpful info and encouragement. Less than a month to go now, and I can't wait!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: SussexCarole
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 02:48 AM

We're hoping to meet up wih you at Bromyard Jenny

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 08:39 AM

That's great, Carole. We'll be there with bells on - maybe even Morris bells ;-) Getting there on Friday night and staying at a nearby B&B.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: bubblyrat
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 11:11 AM

I think Karen has already contacted you ,Jenny.---obviously, we will try and get to see you if we can, if only for a game of REAL Scrabble ( no time for you to look those fiendish words up !! )   Roger.....XX

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 11:54 AM

I can lend you several sets of morris bells too if you like.... :D

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 12:47 PM

You mean you actually have a REAL scrabble board, Roger? You guys have some pretty fiendish words too! And no chance for you to start 12 games and play all of them at the same time, either :-)

Yes, Karen has contacted me, and I've replied to her a couple of times now. The best chance to see you would be towards the end of the UK part of the trip - when we'll be back in or near London for a few days till the 29th September.

We'll stay in contact and see what we can work out.

Love and Wombats,

Jenny

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 12:50 PM

I can lend you several sets of morris bells too if you like.... :D

I'm sure you can, Liz ;-) On the other hand, you never know......

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 06:10 AM

Are you likely to be around Lincolnshire Jenny? Would be good to see you at Faldingworth Live.
http://www.faldingworthlive.co.uk/

Les Worrall

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 06:33 AM

I see Nessie got there first again (said he proudly). Our hovel at your disposal, Jenny. I will be away on the 13th September (gig in the North) but Vanessa will be home. And on the 22nd we will have Dan McKinnon staying with us. But there's pleanty of room now that our daughter's room has been turned into a guest room also. Just let Nessie know.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Morticia
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 08:20 AM

Plenty of room here if you are in the Bath area at any point

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: MBSLynne
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 08:24 AM

JennyO come to our session in Leicestershire on Sept 18th! We've had other visiting Catters in the past and it would be great to add another to the list.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 11:38 AM

Lynne, I'm not sure where we'll be on some of those dates, but I do know that on the 18th and for a few days after, we'll be up in Aberdeen - just not sure how many days before we start to work our way back towards London.

George and Nessie, I'll send you a PM soon.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 12:01 AM

Refresh! it's getting closer! I'd like to get some contact details from the people we're hoping to meet.

Still haven't sent out all the PMs I meant to. I need a Round Tuit :-)

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: quantock
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 12:20 AM

Well, in case any of you were wondering, I am the mysterious "friend" who will be spending two and a half weeks travelling around the UK with JennyO. Jenny and I have been in constant communication for the best part of a year now via Skype, IM and Facebook and can't wait to actually meet each other in person. As well as going to Bromyard, we will be travelling to the Isle of Man where my daughter lives and North to Aberdeen to visit my sister and my mum. Looking forward to meeting as many Mudcatters as possible on our travels too.

I'll be bringing my new Castagnari Mory melodeon to show off, even though I can't play much on it yet.

Best wishes,
Rob Williams

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 06:32 PM

Do they give you an audition to ascertain whether your fiddle is dangerous or not?

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 10:11 PM

Hello lox, long time no see! No audition for the fiddle - they just seemed to know ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: SussexCarole
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 03:23 AM

Great news Rob - we look forward to seeing you both at Bromyard

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 08:08 AM

Don't worry, I can confirm that either of our working fiddles is just as dangerous as any you might have brought with you... and the not-working ones are even worse!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Hrothgar
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 06:21 PM

Want someone to carry your bag, Jen?

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Joybell
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 08:16 PM

Have a wonderful time, Jenny. Just wanted to send my best wishes and happiest thoughts.
With and from Joy

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 10:42 PM

Thank you for your well wishes and thoughts, Joy. It will be nice to have some friendly Oz vibes with me.

What a thoughtful offer, Roger ;-) Unfortunately for you I already have a bag carrier. Couldn't even let you stow away in one - 20kg weight limit you know.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Rasener
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 03:15 PM

Don't bring your scrabble board. please please please :-)

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 04:40 PM

I might be able to lend you a Travel Scrabble set, if Limpit ever tidys that corner of the room...

:D

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Rasener
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 04:44 PM

Keep scrabble boards away from Jenny :-)

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 12:45 AM

i doubt if I'll have a lot of time for scrabble on this trip. It's shaping up to be pretty busy. So you can breathe easy (probably).

Liz, I need to work out when we are going to meet. My brother, who is bringing me over to the UK has been in Montenegro for the last couple of weeks and is due back today. I need to talk to him first before I can say a definite time and place. It would be handy to have your contact details for a start.

If anyone else we might meet would like to send me their contact details, that would be great. Phone numbers when we're there would be very useful. I'm not sure what our phone numbers will be yet as we might have different ones from the usual. Last time I was there I got an Orange card - it was cheaper than International Roaming.

I feel very disorganised as the date gets rapidly closer. Meanwhile, Rob is making a spreadsheet of all the info we'll need. At least one of us is somewhat organised!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 21 Aug 08 - 12:41 AM

Bringing this one to the top again. It's slowly coming together - still a few gaps here and there in the spreadsheet, and I keep thinking of things I still have to do.

One thing that is a real nuisance is the new rules about carrying liquids on the plane - can't even carry more than 100 mls of things like shampoo! I was going to bring some duty free wine anyway, but I was also hoping, like last time, to bring a few of my favourite local wines that I can't get from the duty free range. I suppose that is out now :-(. Maybe I can send some on ahead if it's not too late. We do have some awfully good Aussie wines!

Thanks to those of you who've sent me contact details - we'll try to get to see as many of you as possible.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 21 Aug 08 - 10:24 PM

Up she goes - it's all coming along nicely - got my International Driver Permit today. The list of Things To Do is starting to whittle down to manageable proportions, and I'm just relaxing for a while before I head into the city to order some duty-free wine and swap over the memory cards I got for my camera which are not compatible, it turns out. Apparently it's too old (3 years) and won't support 4GB SDHC cards. So I'll have to settle for 2GB. As somebody once quoted from their mother "There's always something..."

Anybody else want to give me some contact details? Phone numbers are very handy when things are still being worked out at the last minute. Or does anybody else need more contact details from us? The spreadsheet is spreading!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Aug 08 - 01:30 PM

Sounds like great fun!

We want a full report.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: SussexCarole
Date: 22 Aug 08 - 04:14 PM

If it's as hard to get goodies out of Oz as it is to bring them in you've got a job on your hands Jenny.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 23 Aug 08 - 01:46 AM

It seems to be proving really difficult to get wine out anyway. No duty free shops left anywhere except at the airport and their range is limited and expensive. Any other wine I want to bring would have to go in my luggage, and would add to the already small weight allowance, and there is also the risk of breakage. All I wanted to do was take a couple of Oz wines for my brother for his birthday and for Rob to try (I'd be assisting of course ;-)). It doesn't seem like too much to ask, but it's proving well-nigh impossible. GRRRRR!

Still haven't been able to get hold of my brother either. He must have got lost somewhere in Montenegro :-(

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 23 Aug 08 - 01:49 AM

BTW, Charlie, you will get a full report - with the possible exception of a few little details I might decide to leave out ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Eye Lander
Date: 23 Aug 08 - 06:17 AM

great expectations!!! Yay

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 24 Aug 08 - 02:03 PM

Great expectations indeed! Not long now at all. Still some pieces of the puzzle not together yet, but we're getting there slowly - and time is flying by. In one sense, I can't wait, and in another, I'm running out of time.

If there's anyone out there who still hasn't given me contact details (especially phone numbers) feel free to send me a PM. I'm sending PMs to Liz (who I know is away) and Carole and Andrew.

There are so many people we'd like to catch up with, we're thinking of trying to get a few together at once in a couple of places - some time on the 26th in the Somerset/Dorset border area, and maybe Saturday 27 somewhere in London, for the London catters. Anyone got any ideas - a good pub for a session or something?

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 25 Aug 08 - 12:53 AM

Refreshing. Counting down the days!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 25 Aug 08 - 10:41 PM

Re-refresh! One day less!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Rowan
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 12:31 AM

Bon voyage Jenny. Have a bloody great time!

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 09:44 AM

I certainly plan too, Rowan.

Another piece of the puzzle falls into place. We're staying in Dorset on the 25th and 26th of September, in Lydlinch, which is near Sturminster Newton (I just booked the B&B). I believe there's the possibility of a session in a pub in Kings Stag, not far away, on the Friday night. Anybody close enough to come - or meet up in that area?

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 10:57 AM

Lydlinch - subject of a poem by William Barnes who was born and/or lived nearby. Lydlinch Bells is the title.

Kings Stag is a very pretty village too.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Joybell
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 06:11 PM

Hurray. Safe travelling, Jenny.
Joy

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 03:48 PM

Jenny, Rob - Tim Frost of Herga Folk Club/ Mummers / Morris has arranged a Saturday Night Special of Comedy and Music on Saturday 27 September, with Keith Donnelly, Dan McKinnon and Chris Flegg, in Amersham, in aid of the Michael Sobell Hospice. I gather that tickets (£9) are still available, if you're interested, and don't get a better offer of a session. If anyone else is interested, please PM me for more info.

Kitty

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 12:38 AM

Thanks Kitty. At the moment though, my feeling is that something more like a session would be better for meeting the London Mudcatters we haven't met yet - it will be our last opportunity before we leave the UK, and also would be an opportunity to return Liz's fiddle. Nobody has responded yet about that, so who knows?

Anyone in London up for meeting somewhere on the night of Saturday 27th September?

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 03:12 AM

Guess we could have a house session here that day.... this could be come a monthly trend - we've got one on the 25th October too!!

A Michaelmas Session at ours? Anyone?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:11 AM

Sounds good to me Liz. All we need now are some people to come!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:18 AM

Don't worry,I can get our local sessioneers out if no one else.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Leadfingers
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 09:09 AM

BUGGER ! 27th of September Ii will be in Virginia !!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 09:32 AM

So that's a yes then?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 30 Aug 08 - 03:48 AM

Just over a week now till I get on the plane! Can't wait!

So now we've arranged a session to happen in Dorset, near Sturminster Newton on the 26th September, at The Halsey Arms pub in Pulham - see this thread Session in Dorset September 26 evening! . We're hoping that anyone who is not too far away will be able to make it there - especially anyone who can't come to Liz's session on the following night.

Liz, I'll send you a PM.

Jenny

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 10:15 AM

Refresh - where is everybody?

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Anne Lister
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 05:22 PM

A bit too far from Sturminster Newton to be of any use, I fear! But hoping we'll get to see you anyway.... what are you doing immediately after Bromyard?

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: GUEST,Oakville
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 06:42 PM

Back from gig on the 23rd September, should be about that weekend.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 09:41 PM

Sending you a message Anne - we are thinking of doing what you suggested and dropping in on you the day after Bromyard - Monday the 15th, if that's okay.

Meanwhile, anyone else for Sturnminster Newton on Friday 26th or London on Saturday 27th?

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: My guru always said
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 06:17 PM

Alas we can't get along to Sturminster or London that weekend, so looks like we'll just have to send virtual hugs *sigh* Safe journeys & have a Fab Time!
Hil

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 09:25 PM

We will be glued to this thread!

Will England ever be the same?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 06:24 AM

Probably won't be, Charlie. But I've been to England before, so I probably ruined it years ago already.

Sorry you can't make it Hil. There may be other opportunities though, some time in the future - if certain things work out the way I hope they will.

I should be able to post here occasionally, as Rob will have his laptop with him, but I'm not sure if I remember my password to log in now - I haven't needed it as long as I've been on the one computer. If I can't log in, I may not get PMs. Maybe if I sent a message to Joe, he might send me my password in time before I go.

Only 3 days till I get on the plane - still having trouble believing this is really happening!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 06:30 AM

Ha - looks like I do remember my password after all. I just logged out and logged back in again. I deleted the password that was automatically in there and retyped it - the one I hoped it would be - and it worked. So that's sorted.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Mr Red
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 01:36 PM

Have a look at cresby.com for possible venues and webmail me if you are thinking of certain venues - I have a few organisers' e-mail addresses.

This post looks to need several attempts to get it to stick.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 09:20 AM

Less than 48 hours now till I get on the plane! Bags are packed, I'm sorta right on the weight limit - hope my scales are right - or that the airline can be a little lenient if it needs to be.

What a lot of stupid palaver about the carrying liquids issue! I'm juggling little bottles to put in the clear plastic ziplock bag - the rest have to go in the luggage, which makes it harder to keep the weight down. GRRRR! Liquid explosives in lip balm for goodness sake. The world has gone mad!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 03:57 AM

Have a very good journey Jenny and I hopeyou have a brilliant time her in the UK.
Les

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: SussexCarole
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 04:25 AM

Safe journey Jenny - see you soon

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 06:14 AM

Thanks guys. Wow! This time tomorrow I'll be on the plane. Still can't believe it.

I think I'm about as packed as I'll ever be now - at least I hope so, because I can't think of anything else. Got the usual nagging feeling that I've overlooked something important. Oh well........

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 06:42 AM

Just for you Jenny, just to make you realise its real :-)

Jenny's signature tune

And a big welcome to you Jenny when you get here
Welcome to England Click on the play button

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 07:31 AM

Thanks Les. I haven't heard that particular recording of 'Leaving on a Jet Plane" before. The harmonies with John Denver worked really well, although it was kind of eerie seeing him singing it, considering what happened to him.

Loved that second song. I think it would make a good National Anthem!

Yes, it's gradually getting more real....

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 08:47 AM

Safe journey Jenny, hope you can beat any jet-lag & enjoy every minute! See you another time,
Hil

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: quantock
Date: 07 Sep 08 - 10:15 PM

Jenny is well on the way to Paris now. She'll be there for a couple of days visiting her brother before crossing the Channel to dear old England. I'll be flying over from Chicago on Wednesday night and will arrive at Heathrow Thursday morning.

Hopefully, we'll see a good many of you either at Bromyard or at one of the Jam sessions on 25th and 26th Sept (see Jam Session Invitation thread in the non-BS section).

We're both pretty excited about this. We've been chatting on the internet for about a year now, first via Facebook messages, then by IM,then by Skype. At last we are going to meet in person!

Thanks for all the good wishes and encouragement.

Cheers,
Rob Williams

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Hawker
Date: 08 Sep 08 - 10:11 AM

Hope you both have a great time! Doesn't look like we'll be able to make the Sturminster Newton do, sadly! another time, maybe!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 08 Sep 08 - 12:12 PM

Sessions are on the 26th and 27th of September actually :-) Dorset on the 26th and Liz the Squeak's on the 27th.

Yes, I've landed now. Just trying to come to grips with the strange French keyboard and all the instructions being in French. I don't think I'll be able to spend the amount of time on the computer here as I do at home, because it's my brother's computer, but at least I've done some logging in and set up my Yahoo and Skype accounts here on his old steam driven computer!

I'm quite tired, but I'll stick it out for a few hours and go to bed at what passes for a normal time here (it's 6.10pm here now) and try to reset my body clock.

It's gorgeous weather here in Paris today - much nicer than the weather I left behind in Sydney. Hope we get some good weather over there in the UK!

Getting VERY excited now!!!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 04:28 PM

Liz the Sqeak and I met Jenny this afternoon , so I CAN report that she is safely in England now !

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 05:26 AM

And safely handed over the fiddle - which caused great curiousity at work - they now think I'm a secret concert violinist!

Well I did take lessons... and it was used in a couple of orchestras.... just not with me at the helm!

She's a hoot and I just hope the rest of the country knows what's coming!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Micca
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 06:16 AM

Liz, you took it to work? does that make it some kind of Tax Fiddle?

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:27 PM

Jees Micca, even Leadfingers passed on that one!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: freda underhill
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 09:39 AM

now Liz has loaned it to jennyo it's a second fiddle...

fu

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: SussexCarole
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 07:51 PM

We met up with Jenny & Rob at Tabster & Steve's in Pontypool this afternoon. Piccy Here
Great to meet Jenny in Old South Wales rather than New South Wales for a change! What wonderful afternoon! Jenny lost Rob to a concertina discussion for a while......but now they're off to Morecombe and then a trip to the Isle of Man.
Carole & Andrew

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Anne Lister
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 04:02 AM

It was such a pleasure to have Jenny and Rob with us, and then to be joined by Carole and Andrew just added to the day.
Hope the drive to Morecambe went OK, Jenny and Rob - at least you'll have missed the worst of the traffic on the M5/M6!

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 04:51 AM

How was she finding the fiddle? It's not been played for ages so it needed a good bow-out....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Mo the caller
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 09:13 AM

Nice meeting you in the nice, dry, clean, not-at-all-muddy, B&B and learning something new about Australian plants

Liz, I saw the fiddle. Couldn't quite hear it, as they were at they other end of the Falcon bar in Flos Headford's splendid session on Sunday.

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Rowan
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 07:03 PM

Lilly Pillies are definitely worth knowing.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Eye Lander
Date: 17 Sep 08 - 03:38 PM

Oh Bugger!  Jenny and Rob were in South Wales and we are on the Isle of Wight, would you believe it!

Jillie

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Anne Lister
Date: 17 Sep 08 - 05:38 PM

In fairness, they were only in South Wales for about five hours, so don't give yourself a hard time about it!

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: quantock
Date: 20 Sep 08 - 01:31 PM

Thank you Anne and Steve for a lovely afternoon in your beautiful home and to Carole and Andrew for driving up from Swansea to see us. We made it to Morecambe OK and had a great time with my daughter, Hazel on the Isle of Man. We are now in Aberdeen staying with my sister Rosemary and we visited my Mum in her nursing home this afternoon. We did a mini concert there which was fun and it seemed like the residents enjoyed it.

We hope to see some of you at the jam sessions we have planned in Dorset and at Liz's house in Plaistow before we return to our respective countries for the time being.

I would also like to thank all the Mudcatters who were in the Hop Pole at Bromyard last Friday night. It was one of the best singing sessions I can remember being in for many years and made me realise just how much I miss living in the UK and going to folk clubs and events on a regular basis.

Best wishes to all,
Rob.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JennyO
Date: 20 Sep 08 - 01:53 PM

Here I am in Aberdeen looking at this gorgeous view. Weather has been really good too. I believe it is actually nicer here now than in Oz at the moment. When I left it was cold and raining, and it's fine and sunny here!

It's been (and still is) a wonderful trip - everything I hoped it would be. Anyone we miss out on seeing this time, I think there will be more opportunities in the not too distant future.

We've stayed at a huge variety of B&Bs, some absolutely marvellous, and some that were so awful that all we could do was laugh. Morecambe comes to mind. Then there was the day of the Great Bus Chase, where we chased the Morecambe and Wise bus all over town just to get a photo of the side of it.

Tomorrow we are going back to the nursing home where we are going to try and pull out some vaguely Scottish songs from our repertoire. The fiddle will probably get an outing too. Off to practise a few of them now.

See some of you soon, we hope.

Love, Jenny

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Rasener
Date: 20 Sep 08 - 02:08 PM

Don't bear your bum to the air, otherwise the midges will attack :-)

>>Tomorrow we are going back to the nursing home where we are going to try and pull <<

Glad you added the extra comment after that LOL :-)

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 08:40 PM

Just checking in quickly - I'm at George and Vanessa's place. They have been lovely and welcoming, and tonight they took me to Herga. Sadly, Rob had to fly out today, so he couldn't go. But we have PLANS!!! More about that later :-)

Been to some good sessions. The one in Dorset was fantastic, with a lot of Rob's old friends from the Dorset Knobs and Knockers turning up to surprise him. Then there was the session at Liz's place on Saturday (my birthday), and now Herga tonight. I have so many photos but haven't the means to post any right now.

Anyway, on Wednesday the UK part of my trip will be over, but I will still have a few days in France with my brother before I fly back to Oz. It has been the most amazing trip - all that I hoped for and more! Things will never be the same again - and I'm not complaining!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: Micca
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 03:23 AM

It was such a pleasure to meet Jenny and Rob at LtSs on Saturday, an evening of singing and music to be savoured in excellent company, It was great. Many thanks to the Squeak and Manitas for hosting such a pleasent evening

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: JulieF
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 05:08 AM

It was lovely to meet everyone on Saturday night. It was a fun evening and many thanks for LtS and Manitas for the bed.

J

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 06:06 AM

No worries mate!

And don't forget - the same sort of thing will happen in the same place next month - 25th to be exact, for the visiting Americans!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 06:13 AM

100!!!

YAy!! Haven't had a hundred for ages!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: quantock
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 03:18 PM

I'm back in the States now. What a wonderful visit it was! A huge thank you to everyone that Jenny and I saw and especially to those who went out of their way to set up sessions and other events where we could see friends and share music, songs and reminiscences.

Sorry to those who we were not able to see this time.

As Jenny mentioned, we are making plans to be together permanently in the UK, hopefully sometime next year.

Best wishes to all,
Rob.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 05:55 AM

Heading off for Paris on the Eurostar in a couple of hours. Really sad to be leaving this place. We've made some wonderful memories here - and we'll be making some more next year. I can't wait!

When I get home finally I can start sorting all the photos and videos and maybe get a flickr account or something so I can post some. Some of you might be getting photos we took as well, if you are in them, from me or Rob. Rob has most of the photos on his computer already. He also recorded some of the sessions with his nifty little digital recorder, tho we forgot to record the great Friday night session at the Hop Pole unfortunately. If anyone else did, we'd love to have a copy!

Thankyou everyone who made us feel so welcome. It's been the trip of a lifetime!!!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: freda underhill
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 06:17 AM

guest jennyo, any chance of logging in for a mudchat?

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: My guru always said
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 08:27 AM

Glad to see that your journeys have been going well for both of you. Also good to see that we may still get to meet if your plans work out, good luck with your arrangements. Safe journey home Jenny!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: freda underhill
Date: 12 Oct 08 - 07:45 AM

is she baack?

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: GUEST,Nessie
Date: 13 Oct 08 - 04:13 AM

She ought to be Freda U, I thought she was only in Paris a few days...

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: freda underhill
Date: 13 Oct 08 - 06:29 AM

thanks Nessie, yes, she's back! and tho very jetlagged, is back at work!

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: GUEST,Nessie
Date: 13 Oct 08 - 08:46 AM

Glad to hear she didn't get too plastered in Paris or shanghaied in Seoul, please give her our regards when you next talk.

Subject: RE: BS: JennyO visiting the UK in September
From: freda underhill
Date: 14 Oct 08 - 06:53 AM

aahh.. gives a new slant to the jet lag story.. :-D