I have some good news and some bad news.

The bad news is that the venue I had hoped to get is not available as a higher priority booking has taken it for that weekend.

The good news is that I have an alternative.

The new venue does not have as good facilities as the first one. There are no showers, I'm afraid, but there are toilets and a kitchen. Whereas the kitchen at the first site could be used to prepare meals for groups of around 40 people, this kitchen is fairly basic. It has a small cooker, fridge, microwave oven and sink but is normally used to make tea and coffee. There are, however, shops and a selection of different types of take-away food outlets just across the road.

Although there is not as much room as at the campsite, there is a garden where tents can be put up and a car park and additional hard standing for camper vans and the like. A public car park is available a short distance away for any overspill from day visitors who may care to join us.

As before, there are no beds but indoor floor space is available. There are 3 rooms available separate from the main hall for those who like their privacy or who want to sleep while others sit up talking late into the night.

There are neighbouring residential properties so we would have to limit the noise late at night.

If you think that this new venue would be suitable, then the weekend is on.

My first thoughts on a programme are:

Friday evening:
Get-to-know-you informal sing around/session at the venue

Saturday afternoon:        
Cook-it-yourself barbecue (I'll provide the fires – you provide and cook your own food)

Saturday Evening
Mixed tunes/songs session at a local pub, if I can persuade a friendly landlord

Sunday
Cultural visit – depending on transport:
      Lincoln is about an hour's drive away – the cathedral and castle are both well worth a visit.
      Grimsby has a fishing heritage centre.

Sunday evening
Open mic at the venue

Monday
Whatever the survivors want to do


All of the above are open to suggestions and improvements, which may be ignored, and are subject to change right up to the moment they actually happen.

I would propose inviting other, non-MudCatter, local musicians to join us.

DC