Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: oombanjo
Date: 13 May 03 - 02:59 PM

May be a bit late with this ,But I side with John on the last bank hol of the month, Cleathorps has gone backwards after the alterations to the front of the Winter gardens We tryed to play in there last year and the sound was totally dead.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 13 May 03 - 03:46 PM

It's where it's at. If we choose another date, someone else will start moaning. It's been that date for 3 years, it will be that date for year 4. They won't change Whitby for me because I can't make it, nor any of the other things that happen.Sorry, I don't mean offence. Portaferry worked out just right for me this year. It might not next year, if the dates change it could or could not work out. It's just how it is. No offence to anyone.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 13 May 03 - 04:46 PM

Hope its another great gathering. I haven't been able to make a EuroGathering yet due to other committments and sadly I am busy that weekend (as we are every year). Maybe another year.......

Make sure lots of photos get posted!!!

Khatt

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Letty
Date: 13 May 03 - 04:49 PM

catsPhiddle, have you checked out the pics from this year's meeting?

They're here.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: MMario
Date: 13 May 03 - 04:49 PM

I think Helen is correct - you really should be moree explicit about how many North Americans need to be saved and in particular of what variety. Canadians should be worth more, because there are less of them. Do Mexican's count? That's North America according to some maps, though other maps place it as Central America.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 13 May 03 - 04:54 PM

Great Piccies Letty!

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: mooman
Date: 13 May 03 - 05:57 PM

That weekend hasn't prevented a brill last three EuroGathers and any weekend from the beginning of May on will clash with something. So stick with it Greg and count us both in as definites! This the the Mudcat EuroGather....there are literally dozens of other festivals to choose from in the UK over the summer.

The McMoos

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Helen
Date: 13 May 03 - 06:57 PM

MMario,

I'm starting to worry that this is one of those scams we hear so much about.

Maybe it works this way: I send in all the North Americans I can collect and they tell me it's not enough and I should have read the fine print, or they tell me that I am disqualified because according to the fine print Mexicans aren't considered to be North Americans.

Helen

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: smallpiper
Date: 13 May 03 - 08:37 PM

My argument for changing the date is that a lot (and I mean a lot) of the local catters will not be here and since we have one of the highest if not the highest concentration of catters in the world then perhaps it should be considered.

If not then fair enough. But think about it don't just dismiss it.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From:
Date: 14 May 03 - 03:38 AM

John, always 2 weeks after the Eurogathering is the Yorkshire gathering,if we move it a week either way, then we would spoil the Yorkshire gathering that Mrs Duck works hard at.

MMario. Sorry Skipjack is a slack git. You need; 1 ex president, to replace our prime minister. 2 Texan oil tycoons, 1 famous female film star of dubious age,made up to look 19. 1 burnt out clown who sells beef burgers.6 ordinary citizens, but no mexicans. Hispaniolics can count, and a genuine native American can be included, only a genuine mexican bandito could be included if you can't find a worthy ex president. If you get the set, you can stay for the whole weekend.

Richard, thanks for your support.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: MudGuard
Date: 14 May 03 - 04:35 AM

Greg, don't move it.

Whatever different date would be chosen, some people will find reasons against it.

So for tradition, keep the date!

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: mooman
Date: 14 May 03 - 04:53 AM

As I have mentioned elsewhere, this is a EuroGathering and the proposed dates are particularly good for most mainland European visitors as they coincide with public holidays in mainland Europe. Moving the dates because they happen to clash with a couple of the many dozens of UK festivals, all attended by many different UK 'Catters, will inevitably mean far few mainland European attendees. Any alternative date will clash with something

So please, Greg, stick with the dates suggested as there was sound reasoning behind choosing them!

All the best,

moo

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Les from Hull
Date: 14 May 03 - 09:46 AM

I too am not so sure about May Day Bank Holiday, because I've always gone to Moor and Coast. As 'pliers says it may cut down on the rooms available to Hotel Mudcat. But I suppose we could see who is coming and who not and make arrangements nearer the time.

In answer to earlier remarks, as far as I know Green Ginger Morris dance at the Black Mill (it's a former windmill, not a pub) on Beverley Westwood at dawn on May Day. That's bloody early I can tell you! Maggie and I went once. Just once. We might be daft but we're not stupid.

In the event of us going to Whitby anyway next year, we may be convinced to leave our front door keys behind.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From:
Date: 14 May 03 - 10:23 AM

Thankyou Les for your understanding.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 14 May 03 - 10:29 AM

and people can see the big fish deep see museum in hull as well, its the best one in the werld, look here=www.thedeep.com

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: smallpiper
Date: 14 May 03 - 11:23 AM

Well I've had my say and shall say no more on the subject

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 14 May 03 - 05:28 PM

Sorry to say but choice of weekend will clash with just about everything else.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 14 May 03 - 07:25 PM

Helen, you have exposed my scam to add more colonials to my collection, but you do count, so I am prepared to redeem Australians at the Oz Dollar rate on the day.

Thank you to the more considered corespondents for your input, and Smallpliers, it pains me most that you will be absent, but the erudite Moo, and the plain rude Viking have succinctly stated the case that this is a Eurogathering that happens to be in Blighty, not a permutation to achieve a world record gathering of Catters. That will be in the States/Canada in 2006, and I hope the many contributors here will make as much effort to be there.

I doubt my poor village could accomodate the numbers that the mythical 'good' weekend would attract, and in the young tradition of these gatherings, we enjoy the songs and tunes of our visitors, rather than impose our already well known musical genres on them. I mention this to illustrate the need to keep a good balance of guests and hosts.

Thanks for your keys, Les. Is it OK if Oakley and a heifer move in?

Greg

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 May 03 - 08:17 PM

IF I can save the money to get over, I will be going to Hastings and the Yorks Gather, but I plan to stay a bit, maybe 3 weeks, so maybe I can get to Hull if not for the Gather there.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 14 May 03 - 08:48 PM

Look it's late 01.50, I'm tired-I've typing for hours since 18.50hrs (reports)

The date is the bloody date. If anyone cares to explore the history of eurogatherings and look back through all the threads, you'll find out that;

It's been that date for 3 years now

Never before have people got so screwed up about the date.

Never before have so many people expressed an interst in the "Eurogathering", you've had 3 years knowing that it takes place when it does, you've never come to it, so why start now because it's on your doorstep? We arn't asking you to come, we arn't asking you to stay away, it's your own choice!You'll be very welcome, if you don't come, you wont get slagged off or critised.

We have had the most excellent fun and good times possible.

You could have come to Germany, Belgium and Holland, You can go to the next one the year after next (but I doubt you'll bother as it clashes with something else.

Jane how would you like it to be May 16th? Or clash with the Yorkshire gathering?

The date is not ill considered-it's the date it happens, same as Cambridge, Cleckheaton, Upton, Moor and Coast, Whitby, Fylde, Broadstairs, Cropredy and the hundreds of others that take place over the different weekends. etc.

I have the choice of going to what I want to. If I didn't want to go to any of them, then that's my choice.

You have the same choice. Didn't see many people moaning about the date for Portaferry, or Stony Stratford, or Llangstock.

if you can and want to make it, please do so.

I can only say that on behalf of my self and Greg, to all the wonderful europeans that I've met and enjoyed the company of over the last three years. Thankyou-I'll see you next year I hope.

This is a EUROGATHERING,-europe, not a Brits mudcat meet, it's for anyone! USA, NZ, Canada,The Congo, the moon!!(Except the Welsh!-Sorry Gareth, only joking)

Now then Greg-do I have to get ruder?

I'm not posting on this subject again,(The date that is) unless I have to-I don't like getting wound up with people. I know many of you and have a high regard for you.

Come or don't, your choice!

Good morning............

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 14 May 03 - 09:30 PM

I might go, if i'm not doing nowt.john

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: stevetheORC
Date: 15 May 03 - 02:46 AM

'Viking' what is it exactly that you are trying to get across to us here???? :-))))))

De Orc

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 15 May 03 - 03:37 AM

Sorcha.....Grand!!!......however the EuroGathering clashes with Hastings!

You have a room to stay in here!

Khatt

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From:
Date: 15 May 03 - 03:39 AM

Good morning,less stressed,had some sleep.Worked 17 hours yeaterday. Mr ORC I am trying to get over to everyone, that the date for the Eurogathering, which is open to all,is and has been extremely friendly and cordial, is staying at the date it is, whatever the convenience or inconvenience it is to anyone. That there are always other things to which people have a choice of activities and involvement. That to change the date, would maybe hinder many of the European mudcatters in their attempst to attend, and those who already plan to. Since the Eurogathering takes place within Europe (of which Britain, like it or not is part) It rotates around the countries from which Mudcatters come from and are kind enough to offer to put the gathering on each year. This year it is Skipjack who has offered.

Setting up a Eurogathering is not without expence, so it really is an alturistic gesture. There has been so much critisism of the date that it seems unfair. Agreed Skip and I know many of the mudcatters who have told us the date is wrong for them.(Many think the "Historic" date is ok) But truthfully, many have gone to all the other activities over the years and not the Eurogathering, I see little reason for them to change unless they wish to, but they like all of us have to choose.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Helen
Date: 15 May 03 - 07:37 AM

Well, MMario, EtV@work   & Skipjack have cleared that up. Now where am I going to find all those North Americans?

Helen

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Letty
Date: 15 May 03 - 07:53 AM

If you're hesitating between attending Moor & Coast or the EuroGathering, because you might miss the Clog Dance Workshop in Whitby on the Saturday morning,
I, as an official Dutch citizen, can probably be persuaded to give my very own, authentic clog workshop. Bring your own clogs (and I will borrow Ruth's)!
Oh, and I won't ask you 2 quid for it either. Just by me a drink (not more than 2 whiskeys, mind).

:-)

Letty

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 15 May 03 - 08:18 AM

I don't think it is that!

The Euro Gathering hasn't been well attended by large quantities of UK catters, average number 6. If people are going to travel a long distance wouldn't it be nice for them to meet alot of the UK catters. Yorkshire has masses of catters who just cant make it Mayday weekend due to prior commitments. Im all for tradition which is why we cant make it that weekend. Why not combine the Euro Gathering with the Yorkshire Gathering (If Mrs Duck doesn't mind) People join forces.....lending lots of catter hands. There is a venue and its a weekend that the Majority not the minority can attend.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: stevetheORC
Date: 15 May 03 - 08:56 AM

I agree totaly with Cat,It unfortunatly clashes with Hastings and the dreaded Morris Dancers. So combining it with the Yorkshire gathering would make a lot of sense.
Mr Viking Sir I was joking please dont take my comments tooooooo seriously :-)

De Orc

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: mooman
Date: 15 May 03 - 12:42 PM

I already made my points above and won't repeat them.

I have myself organized and hosted a EuroGathering as have Wolfgang and Letty and, as Skipjack has very kindly offered to organize the next one, I do feel it should be his call and should also take particular account of the needs and travelling availability of European and other non-UK visitors for whom often it is the only Mudcat Gathering they can attend.

All the best

moo

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 16 May 03 - 06:29 AM

Well roared, moo! You are absolutely right.
Or is there a commandment I don't know: "Thou shalt not gather in May (June, July etc.) if there are other gatherings"?
So listen, Skipjack: The first weekend in May it was, and the first weekend in May it shall be. So the Lord wills, we shall live and do this and that, e.g. come to the Eurogathering in May.

Wilfried

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: alison
Date: 23 May 03 - 02:04 AM

there is a strong possibility I may be home in August / September next year....... so if there are any around then let me know.....

when are you coming to Sydney Amergin?

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: GUEST
Date: 23 May 03 - 02:30 AM

Mayday weekend is the one when I usually have at least 2 craft fairs (3 this year) BUT this means I might actually be able to get over in the evening, as it is near enough! I just have to make sure that I have got myself well stocked up in advance.

The only time I ever got to Moor & Coast was when one fair at Selby Abbey, on the Monday, got cancelled suddenly due to a pinnacle from the central tower dropping through the roof the previous week!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From:
Date: 23 May 03 - 03:26 AM

Glad you'll be able to make it Andrea,(And Ruth and Ian-if he's awake) perhaps. You might bring some of your dough figures and flog em to the tourists!

Cheers

Eric

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: selby
Date: 23 May 03 - 01:47 PM

If you want to go to Moor and Coast or Upton or Hastings GO

If you want to go to the Euro Gathering that has always been on that date GO.

If you want to go to the Yorkshire Gathering GO.

They are all seperate events and the individual orginisers work hard in set peramiters to achive success, if you cant attend give support and encouragment, don't try and change the date just because it clashes with something you want to do.

Best of luck skip in your planning
Keith

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Oaklet
Date: 23 May 03 - 02:11 PM

Skip, could you consider having it in September instead? Or have you forgotten the Tripe Festival in Barton.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 23 May 03 - 04:53 PM

Thanks, Kieth.

But Oakley,don't you want visitors from foreign shores to witness the "Barton beer barrel emptying contest"? Anyway, you could organise another "Son of Euro" in September, and link it to the "Barton Beer Barrel emtying contest". I'm sure Skipjack will enter twice!! or thrice if given the choice or weekly. Anyway it'll be in time for the heavy rock version of "2nd of May" !! (only joking - such a beautiful tune)

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Terry K
Date: 24 May 03 - 03:36 AM

Here's a suggestion - why don't all the people who don't like the date start a new thread and complain about it there, instead of trying to put a downer on the whole thing. I think its been made quite clear and I'm going to do my best to be there - thanks, Greg & Eric.

cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 24 May 03 - 01:56 PM

Sorry if my comment earlier suggested I wanted the Eurogathering date to change - I merely stated that it clashed with a lot of things and, as others said, many of the local mudcatters will be away elsewhere. I would not wish the Eurogathering to be combined with the Yorkshire gathering as I agree it stands on its own and Yes it has always been on the May day weekend. If it attracts a different set of people so be it!

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 24 May 03 - 03:55 PM

Any gathering or festival will clash with something. If anyone is going to a gathering or festival at anytime PLEASE let us know all about it and post lots of piccies!!!!! It would be great if we could be in 2 or 3 places at the same time but alas modern technology hasn't advance to those stages as yet.

Good luck in your organising Greg...if I can make it even for a day I will try.......remember pictures so we can put faces to names!

Cat

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: mouldy
Date: 25 May 03 - 03:07 AM

Got the cookie reset!

Eric - I'd feel like a spiv flogging stuff out of the boot of me motor (which stays packed that weekend between fairs anyway)! Hopefully I will be able to get Ruth to come. She'll need a break from A level revision.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 30 May 03 - 03:59 PM

Hi Terry K, haven't heard from you in a long time. Are you keeping well?

Andrea-we could have the eurogathering "car boot sale"

Cat, why ask for piccies? The reports will contain numerous lies and exagerations as usual! 'Specially if them Americins come visiting !

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 30 May 03 - 05:17 PM

I like piccies Eric.....besides if I can only be there in spirit I want to see what I am missing!!!!

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 04 Jun 03 - 06:02 PM

feresh

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 05 Jun 03 - 10:26 AM

Well, apart from moving the date to the last Saturday in October, the Venue to Manchester and the name to Swinton Folk Festival, I wouldn't do a thing with it. I think it's perfick...

I'll try to get there (Couldn't do Europe this year. All to do with a 30th wedding anniversary. Or was it a bucket of whelks and a rubber hose...?)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 09 Aug 03 - 01:34 AM

I might go to this gathering, if i can be arsed and i'm not doing nowt.When is it?

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Pat Cooksey
Date: 09 Aug 03 - 06:56 AM

I should be in the U.K. around this time, I'll maybe come up to
Hull for a couple of day's.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Oaklet
Date: 09 Aug 03 - 10:29 AM

My husband is away at the moment, so what do think about re-arranging the thing for November 2005?

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Oaklet
Date: 09 Aug 03 - 10:48 AM

And having it in central Wales or Nepal. And re-naming the thread. I have just made a bit of a mess on the carpet.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 19 Aug 03 - 09:19 AM

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: greg stephens
Date: 19 Aug 03 - 09:28 AM

Any American Mudcatters coming over for this feel free to get in touch if youre going to be around England fo a bit. As has been pointed out many times on this thread, the date selected is the one weekend of the year when you can more or less guarantee that english folkies won't be able to come, but that doesnt mean we wont be glad to meet people before or after the actual event.