Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004

Subject: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 06 May 03 - 07:37 PM

I'm still all played out after Groningen; that Letty throws one mother of a party. It is now apparently in the public domain that she has passed the baton to me, and the European Mudgathering for 2004 will be in, for want of a couple of miles across the river, Hull9.

Yes, Americans, your chance to personally berate the drivelmeisters of PTH threads galore. Meet jOhn from Hull's hamster. Theorize on the exact whearabouts of Twillingsgate. Polish the wheel of Oakley's icebreaker as he milks his beloved Friesians. Taste the legendary phall (?) curry from Mustafa's takeaway, delivered by jOhn 9it's a big rip-off).

Or if you prefer simpler pleasures, attend the mother of all sessions, where Oakley's splendid Cara have kindly agreed to do a couple of sets, attend sessions in the Sloop (with added frisson of a PEL raid) and the Sun in Beverley, enjoy the now-traditional cultural tour, this time being Hull, with a few other sideshows and musical happenings.

So you have a year to finally do that trip to the UK you have promised yourself. Just worry about the airfare, as your accommodation will be sorted out via the Mudcat Hotel, which works so well for many of us who have availed of it.

It will be the first weekend in May 2004, starting on the Friday night, Saturday daytime and night, Sunday afternoon and night, departing Monday (which is a public holiday in the UK). No excuses, now. Just scrape ten bucks a week together, and get yourself over here.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Bassic
Date: 06 May 03 - 09:03 PM

And from anywhere else in the world 2!! Greg, Can I come on the brewery sponsership fact findin9 trip with you?

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: alanww
Date: 06 May 03 - 09:05 PM

Just love the concept Skip, but from my own perspective I hate the weekend chosen of Friday 30 April to Monday 3 May 2004.

It will clash with Upton-upon-Severn and Moor and Coast (Whitby) Folk Festivals, the Sweeps Festival (Rochester) and the Jack in the Green Festival (Hastings) in the UK. This year I was at Upton, along with lots of other Mudcatters. I was sad that I had to choose between singing with the Shellback Chorus and dancing with Tarka Morris Men at Upton or going to Groningen with the Mudcat ... :o(

In addition, the weekend would include Mayday, when some Mudcatters will have other commitments, eg many morris sides go out early on Mayday and, as it will be on a Saturday, there will no doubt be many extra events organised. And then there are the pagan/beltaine ceremonies to celebrate the coming of spring ... :o(

Also, would the flights from the USA and Europe be more expensive, given it would be a holiday weekend? :o(

Very sorry to pour cold water on it, as I agree that the earlier it can be planned the more chance of us all being able to keep it clear in our diaries. Anyway I'm sure that it will be a great weekend, however many Mudcatters are able to attend - just as Groningen was by all reports. Bravo for volunteering to organise it! :o)

"Then to the maypole haste away ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Midchuck
Date: 06 May 03 - 09:38 PM

Would be an awful lot simpler if it were during US school vacation - Late June thru Mid-August.

I could seriously consider it, then. I'd love to go back to the UK and take Kris.

P.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar
Date: 07 May 03 - 09:58 AM

Will there be any opportunity to punch some h9orses?

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: MMario
Date: 07 May 03 - 10:13 AM

oh sure! Tempt me. tease me.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Noreen
Date: 07 May 03 - 10:14 AM

Brill, Skippy! Count me in.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Tinker
Date: 07 May 03 - 10:15 AM

Hmmm, if I start telling everyone now that I won't be around, and I consider it a Mother's Day present and ..... Oh, this one is very tempting....

Kathy

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Noreen
Date: 07 May 03 - 10:16 AM

Whatever you say, MMario....

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From:
Date: 07 May 03 - 11:40 AM

You silver tongued devil you, I guess I'll be there!!

There are a few bits of very important information that need posting;

1) The sheep around that area are very pretty, so if you Americin's come first, you'll get the pretty ones!

2)There is no charge as yet in the UK for air, and as such is still free, Americans and other off shore dwellers, except Europeans can buy bottled/canned air at exorbitant prices from the Hull9 Freshair company (Contact John9 of Hull)

THE DATES ARE; April (Fri 30) 1st-3rd of May.

Airports are; Leeds/Bradford, Manchester,Sheffield and Humberside, so there's a good choice. Humberside the nearest. Leeds/Bradford might get a Viking taxi if convenient. Ferry from Zeebrugge (Belgium) or Rotterdam (Netherlands) arrrive in Hull at about 08.30 and leave at 19.00 hours and 21.00 hrs respectively.Busses to The area from North, south East and West, so from London, Wales, Cornwall, Scotland and in between are possible. Trains run into Hull from York, Leeds, Doncaster etc, all connect with the whole UK. Maps will be posted, links will be posted etc all in good time.

ADD THREAD TO YOUR TRACER

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 07 May 03 - 01:03 PM

Should sheep not be your thing (because things are bigger in America), Oakley hires out young pretty cows for a nominal fee. (only joking, he's quite expensive really)

So start saving !

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Letty
Date: 07 May 03 - 01:11 PM

Yep, I'm coming (depending on cash-flow and dog-sitter availability)!
Don't care about the sheep though.
About clashing folk festivals: I can see where you're coming from, Alan, but as I was planning Groningen, it turned out there would be folk festivals all over the UK in every weekend in May...

Love, Letty


Eric: don't worry, you didn't frighten Max away entirely, as he's MSNing me regularly now!
Wheee! (this doesn't mean the wedding's off though)

Quote from Willem the Moose: "Letty? Cool? Hm, let's see, she likes folk music and hangs around on computer forums."

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Peg
Date: 07 May 03 - 01:18 PM

It sounds great but I agree that the May 1st weekend is really not the most opportune time. It's not just that there are music festivals, but specifically festive and pagan events for May Day/Beltane taking place...both in the UK and in the USA. I know Micca for example attends a May Day thing with the giants every year...

If all else is equal in terms of other May weekends haviung music conflicts, then why can't another weekend be chosen?

It's hard to schedule things and please everyone!

Good luck anyway...

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 07 May 03 - 01:21 PM

It's also still in the middle of the school year for those of us chained to the US public education system. July/August would be much better!

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: smallpiper
Date: 07 May 03 - 01:22 PM

Darrza idea skip but shit weekend to hold it. I would prefer the last bank holiday weekend in May as it clashes with Cleathorpes festival which is prety poo anyway (as opposed to he first bank holiday weekend which clashes with Moor and Coast which is brill). That gives us the same amount of time and the yanks and other worlders a couple of weeks more saving time. What d'ya think eh go on you know I'm right.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 May 03 - 01:28 PM

So .......... I wouldn't have to bring Bossy the stump trained cow then? This might be affordable. But I have to agree that the weekend doesn't work very well.

Mick

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: MMario
Date: 07 May 03 - 01:34 PM

now the *LAST* weekend in May, 2004 will be a three day weekend for those of Us in the US.

though during school breaks would be better yet.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 07 May 03 - 03:01 PM

I think it's become something of a traddition (well 3 years anyway and next makes 4)Any weekend will always have someting better or worse to do, just depends on which you think is better. I know what I'll be doing. It's a school holiday on the first weekend in May, so it's the only time I can get to get three days in a row. We've travelled to Germany, Belgium and Holland, not always easy, staying up overnight in an airport, taking long train rides, rushing like hell to get ferries etc, but I think the mad dash and full weekend is great.Loads made Ireland and that was only a weekend.Oh well, off to a session now. Cheers

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 07 May 03 - 04:31 PM

Thank you for your many responses. It is a tough call, but I would like to give the casting vote to tradition, and that's the weekend we have the Eurogathering. As several have commented, any weekend will be bad for some or many reasons, and I would also suggest that the higher airfares those avaricious airlines screw out of us during school holidays may even deter more international visitors.

Sure, it's a bad weekend for May Pole manufacturers, anarchists, even unrecontructed socialists (the un-New), and I acknowledge the other festivals around the place, but what we are doing with this particular festival is continuing our own tradition, however young, and hoping to attract both veteran Eurogatherers and other curious Mudcatters, rather than empty Upton on Severn or Whitby. Thus the invitation to Americans, Canucks, Argentinians, Icelanders, Japanese and Australian Mudcatters (forgive me if I have not listed your non-European country). The other festivals are not Mudcat gatherings, so this one should not interfere with their adherents.

As my good friend (and awful bedmate) the Viking has poetically stated, we have made certain well worthwhile sacrifices to attend these gatherings, and if we are as relatively few in number as some Mudgathers, I can only dream that we will be as strong in spirit.

Greg

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: smallpiper
Date: 07 May 03 - 07:13 PM

Oh well then it may be that this branch of the mudcat hotel is closed that weekend along with quiet a few other Hull branches that always attend Moor and coast.

Come on Skipper get yer head on the last weekend coincides with a US holiday as well (as has already been stated) and it would be much better if it didn't clash with one of the anual exodus' of Hull catters to Whitby.

Just my thoughts on the subject.... erm?

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Oaklet
Date: 07 May 03 - 07:23 PM

And what about the 3rd International Barton Tripe Festival that occurs on the same weekend? Do you think that Mr Benson will take this lying down?

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: smallpiper
Date: 07 May 03 - 07:27 PM

Rubbish you've got your dates wrong again Oakers and any way by then it'll be the 4th International Barton Tripe festival and you will win again!

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 May 03 - 01:28 AM

I would certainly understand keeping it where it is. If I can pull it off, I will.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: GUEST
Date: 08 May 03 - 02:17 AM

Wales would be a much better location and lets move the date to just before the start of school in August.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From:
Date: 08 May 03 - 03:38 AM

Hey guest, start yer own-we'll come. Then someone willsay it classhes with fylde F F.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 08 May 03 - 03:50 AM

Who was it said trying to organise Mudcatters is like herding cats?

RtS
(apart from me that is....)

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Jeri
Date: 08 May 03 - 07:05 AM

I rarely have enough disposable income to spend on CDs, let alone trans-Atlantic jaunts, plus my ears don't do well on airplanes. I haven't ruled this out though.

Why doesn't someone win the lottery and charter an airplane? Or better: we 1) find a schooner, 2) sign on as crew, and 3) sing shanties all the way over there.

Roger, regarding 'herding', the best method I've seen so far involves putting out the food and drink for the 'herd' in a nice, comfy place, and the individual long-lost critters of the Mudcritter-fold just sort of all come a-gathrin' in on their own. (ref to 'Master of the Sheepfold')

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: GUEST,vectis
Date: 08 May 03 - 07:22 PM

What a brilliant idea! :-)
Wrong weekend. :-(
I'm already booked for Mayday weekend 2004 as are huge numbers of Mudcatters. Looks like you'll have the place to yourselves.
Not the best of planning chaps and chapesses :-((

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Gareth
Date: 09 May 03 - 07:26 AM

Gareth - Pretending to be Anon Guest.

Hmmm ! "Over here, over expensed, and over our sheep !!!"

Gareth

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From:
Date: 09 May 03 - 10:38 AM

Dunno how anyone can say we've chosen the wrong weekend.(The date for this year, 2003, has been public/thread knowledge for a year) This will be the fourth Eurogathering taking place on the weekend that includes the UK Mayday Monday bank holiday.There is no reason to change it,if we do then someone else won't be able to get there. There are many weekends that I can't get to, if I can't I can't. I don't criticise the organisers of them, I just say tough luck that's how it is.

Anyway, enough defending the date. If you can make it, do so, you'll be made most welcome. If you can't then (for future referance)2005 Eurogathering will take place over the Mayday bank holiday.You now have 358 days to get organised or 723 days for 2005.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: JudeL
Date: 09 May 03 - 01:43 PM

Sorry , much as I would like to meet catters from across the pond, as has been said the reason many of us haven't gone to the groningen one is because it has been organised for mayday bank holiday weekend. Oh well maybe I'll get to meet them at another gathering such as Portaferry if it happens again next year.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Letty
Date: 09 May 03 - 03:48 PM

As I recall, the main reason for choosing the May holiday weekend originally was to give us poor continental 'catters a chance to come...
You Brits are just spoilt for choice! :-)
Festival here, festival there, there's never a bleeding festival 'round here (well, once a year, but not in May, and it's a boring one)


Anyway, being a waste-of-space-student-plus-part-time-lecturer,
I'll probably show up any time!

Letty

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Mr Red
Date: 09 May 03 - 04:10 PM

May BH - Upton upon 7 - the river is narrower, the bridge sways a lot less and I can get there in 40 minutes with caravan. No contest really.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Snuffy
Date: 10 May 03 - 01:02 PM

But next year it's not just the May Bank Holiday weekend, it's also May 1st as well. There are many people who would be normally be free that weekend but have commitments at sunrise on May 1st anyway.

WassaiL! V

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: kendall
Date: 10 May 03 - 02:19 PM

I'm as loose as ashes, so, doesn't matter when it is. So, if I'm still above ground, I'll be there.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 May 03 - 02:42 PM

If Mick is pulling something off, I will be there as well.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 10 May 03 - 04:25 PM

Mick/Kendall/Sinsull, Bloody great, you be exceedingly welcome, just give us the info and we'll sort things out. Accomodation etc.

Snuffy-then you'll be up on time to get over to the eurogathering.

Letty, my bride to be, unless Max gets on with it! The Eurogathering was first over the May weekend and gave us Brits time to get over and back to Germany with Wolfgang. It seems only fitting and right that we do the same.

The stalwarts will be there still (all being well)

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 10 May 03 - 04:31 PM

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=59455&messages=37

Should this thread be renamed

Mudcat eurogathering 2004 ? with a link?

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Letty
Date: 10 May 03 - 04:38 PM

Eric, will we continentals have a chance to spot Englishmen in strange outfits on 1 May?

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: smallpiper
Date: 11 May 03 - 04:44 AM

Answering on EtV's behalf I think the answer could be yes The Green Ginger Morris usually cavort a bit on May 1st somewhere around Hull.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 11 May 03 - 02:37 PM

You've seen me in my "babe magnet" pyjamas, what else do ye want girl!!!

I dunno never satisfied some folks!

Worse than that was Skippy in his towel trying to do a Roman Toga impersination ! !

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Letty
Date: 11 May 03 - 03:03 PM

Eric, I guess there's just no pleasing some people...


Letty

*must...resist...making...jokes about maypole"s*

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 11 May 03 - 06:17 PM

Well, I guess lolly stick was more to Skipjacks condition......

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 May 03 - 09:06 PM

Let's see. I need a passport, a Visa, a sheep and a llama, bourbon balls, Pepto Bismol...am I forgetting anything?

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: mg
Date: 12 May 03 - 01:17 AM

I'm going to try and make it too...have a hankering to go to Hull...mg

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 03 - 02:14 AM

I'm glad to see we have settled on Wales in August, the final point is the weekend and town. I suggest Cardiff on the first weekend.

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From:
Date: 12 May 03 - 03:23 AM

Sinsull....Lubrication (for the sheep, what else?)

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: GUEST,amergin
Date: 12 May 03 - 05:22 AM

not i...will be going to sydney next year...

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Helen
Date: 12 May 03 - 06:50 AM

Okay, I have to know so that I can start saving now: How many North Americans do I have to collect for a free ticket to MudUK2004? The title says "Start saving North Americans" but I can't find the fine print which tells me how many and when the deadline is.

I'm seriously tempted to come over, but it doesn't fit in with my teaching commitments which go from Feb through to June and July through to November, here in Oz.

Helen

Subject: RE: Start saving, North Americans; MudUK2004
From: Tig
Date: 12 May 03 - 06:25 PM

Sorry to say it but the choice of weekend is ill considered.

Badger and I would love to attend ANY gathering we could possibly afford but we are out with the stall that weekend and having had to forgo promises to be there this year due to Badger's heart attack we must go next year to keep up commitments.

Shame as I had heard it was going to be in the UK next year and was looking forward to being able to go.