Dear Mudcat Friends,

This is an early alert thread for those who may be interested in coming to next year's Mudcat EuroGathering.

As has become the tradition for the EuroGatherings, the next one will also take place on the first weekend in May as this is a common bank holiday period for many European countries. More specifically, it will be from Friday 29 April to Sunday 1 May 2005 (with possibly some straggling into Monday 2 May. Apologies in advance to those who may wish to attend other events on at the same time...it is always difficult to choose a date that doesn't conflict with various festivals and this one allows the best possibility for 'Catters in different European countries to attend which is the overall aim of the weekend.

As some may know from the Barrow/Hull9 EuroGathering this year, we had some discussion about having the next one in France and so it shall be. Some good friends of mine have offered the use of their nice country farmhouse (this will be a truly rural MudGathering!) which is based in the Marais Poitevin-Venise Verte region of Western France (Vendee). The nearest large town is Niort which has a fast TGV link to Paris and the area is also easily reachable by road (the actual local environs will necessitate me posting a rather detailed map and directions!) with a motorway passing near by. I'll post further travel details later.

The closest small towns and villages are Damvix which has a small and inexpensive hotel, and Le Mazeau and St Sigismond which have B&B and gite accomodation. Coulon is also not far away.

The farmhouse itself has plenty of space for camping and an outdoor open but roofed barn with electricity that will make a fine performing and jamming area. Some limited indoor camping space will also be possible. An outdoor barbeque will be available to all. The neighbouring farmhouse dwellers are alerted and sound as if they are keen to join the festivities. I'll post details concerning the nearby accomodation separately.

I'll be looking into the possibility also of hiring a local hall or space for a "concert evening" as per Brussels and Barrow if people want it.

The "cultural tour" that has become a regular EuroGathering feature will most likely be a couple of hours punt trip on the famous "Venise Verte" canals (see here for an example but bigger "barques" are available for jolly singing 'Catters!) provided that the weather permits. Failing that we might arrange a trip to the rather nice and famous city of La Rochelle.

For those who are interested, mark the dates in your diaries! I'll be posting up further information in due course.

Peace and all best wishes,

moo