Dear Sian,

Well ...two separate bears, one each, during an informal one and only brief meeting actually (and not in Hull9)! (I feel it important to clarify such matters in case one should cause concern or worry!). In fact I have never ever visited the fair city of Hull9, so am not affected too drastically in any particular way...(as almost all Mudcatters are from Hull9 this should make it easy for you to identify me!)

Oh yes...and several well-known 'Catters have slept in my bed on separate occasions (I was not in it myself on any of those times I hasten to add in order to avoid giving the wrong impression!). And I have successfully intervened and arbitrated in small dispute between two Mudcatters over the ownership and use of a goatskin jockstrap!

What else? One of my best instruments was purchased from another Mudcatter, I myself have introduced several new members to the 'Cat and a Mudcatter I am sure is known to you has promised to kick a well-known guitar virtuoso "up the bottom" for me as a special favour!

What other clues can I provide? Wood! Ah yes....wood! I do frequently get carried away with wood...! And I recall physically hugging at least seven 'Catters of whom three are female and of whom one is from Hull (but not jOhn9) (and all done in the best possible taste and with the correct sense of decorum of course!).

A Mudcat musical highlight? There are very many, but hearing Barry Finn sing the fine song he composed for his son in Boston one evening must rank as a notable one... Another was having several Mudcatters present to help me celebrate an important anniversary with music and song.

Ah yes...and Alison is expecting something special from me but not until the cooler Australian winter (please do not tell Big Mick!).

This must surely now unlock the mystery dear Sian. By the way I have sometimes passed through your fair land of West Wales with fondest memories...

Your secret Celtic Santa