"Bill Huot is my best contact in Victoria, coordinating the Victoria Song Circle at the Bent Mast Pub; I do hope they have a larger room than the one I was in five years ago."

Mmm, nope. Both song circles use the same room as on your 2005 visit.

One of the nicest venues the VNSC had was use of the ROBERTSON IIs foredeck, summer Saturdays, 1999-2001. However, the Bent Mast Restaurant space is gratis, they have the best cost on good beer in town, minors are allowed, it's not too public for newcomers yet isn't something hidden away in a hoose with the associated invitations and decisions surrounding whether to publish addresses and the like. Also, if we are downstairs, usually with the Morris, there aren't any #*&^@! TVs to contend with and they let us sing.

The Bent Mast has some new brews on tap since then and some hardy favourites. Several local (Phillips -- try the Longboat Double Choc. Porter, Lighthouse -- their Race Rocks is our Morris sides default and the Keeper Stout is VG) and some "Imported" ales (from the Lower Mainland, including Howe Sound s -- nut brown Rail Ale. Mm.) Right, also Merridale cider.

Too bad re the timing. The VSC evening alternates with the VNSC (both every two weeks). As Q mentioned the Sea Shanty Camp was last weekend as well, however we've passed the word of your visit.

For CFS or other try Alan Sibley, program director at the MMBC. 250.385.4222, #106 for Programs.

Welcome, good luck with the research and connections. Hope to see you, at least at the Victoria Folk Music Soc. on Sunday.

John (aka 'JD')