well I have just returned from Cleckythump festival where Ray 'little legs Padgett' has agreed to be umpire/ referee or second depending on what role is required -he's actually been banned by work from going on mudcat so I could say anything about him here and he wouldnt know!!!

Having looked at the programme for Saddleworth Festival in two weeks there may be a window of opportunity Saturday Afternoon - we just have to find a venue - The Wagon is usually a good place if they dont throw us out because they are serving food to those wimps who do solids at folk festivals

Guest Noddy -is there a rival group of songs to Burns versus Shanties ?- can you have a three legged duel? I thought duel was for two contestants but if you want to appear and challenge you will need a second - so far MCFAT has Bulstrode and Geoff might have Geoff or Padge. If this event is to go ahead I feel there should be a prize - since I am no longer the prize I feel that I should perhaps provide it - cant be a guitar in hunting tartan but I do have a glass tankard I could engrave for the winner!!