Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010

Subject: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 03:49 AM

It's definite, his flights are booked!!!!

*************************************
Posted By: Max 23-Jun-10 - 09:09 PM

The flight is booked! August 19 through Sept 5.

A million zillion thanks to all involved, and especially SINSULL, jacqui_c, Susan of DT, dick greenhaus and (extra special thanks to) My Guru always said for putting up with me through this process, I can be a bit hard to get a hold of sometimes (single-parenthood you know).

Got ma and pa to watch the kids and Penn State has agreed not to fire me while I'm gone.

My guru always said is officially in charge of my itinerary, so communicate with her if you'd like to participate in this traveling circus. We'll post details as they are firmed.

I am very excited to finally meet many of you, and find no coincidence to the timing of this trip at this time of my life.

THANK YOU ALL.
*************************************

So, fellow Catters - we have the bones of a good tour in place, but nothing's set in stone yet except:

Flying in to Manchester early on Friday 19th August
Flying out from Heathrow on Sunday 5th September

So, the plan is to get Max to Whitby Folk Week from Manchester where he'll do some 'couch-surfing' with Dick & Susan. We need someone to meet Max at the airport & set him on his way. A lift to Whitby would be brilliant!!

Richard & I are planning to come up to Whitby (I've never done the week) after Moira Furnace Folk Festival to join the fun. I know the Regatta is on the first weekend, so I'm hoping that a MudGather would be planned for Monday or Tuesday?

Now, we could rescue Max from Whitby and take him down South on the Wednesday or Thursday, but maybe there'll be a better offer?

Sadly I don't think that we can get Max across to Ireland during this trip, but until the jigsaw puzzle of offers is done we're open to suggestions.

What I'm sure we could do, from the discussions that have already taken place, is to try to get Max to South Wales, London & Kent to meet as many Catters as possible.

If Max is anywhere near me on Sunday 29th August we could take him for a day trip to the Barn at Towersey, so he wouldn't miss out on that!

As he'll be flying from Heathrow on Sunday 5th, we'd like to look after him at Old Keepers before he leaves. I'm hoping he'll play some blues at Lewes Saturday Folk Club on Saturday 4th as I've a gig there that night.

So, he'll start at Whitby and end up at Lewes, the tour inbetween is up to you guys! I'll be PM'ing everyone who has already shown an interest asap to see what we can do. Please PM me with any offers of transport or hospitality or if you wish to make further donations, I'll gladly accept them on Max's behalf.

Lastly, I'd like to add my thanks to Max's for all the help and contributions that have already been made. You're all Stars!!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 04:27 AM

We'd be delighted to welcome Max to the Lewes Saturday Folk Club with Hils on 4th. September. By the way, we run every Saturday in August as well.

I'm sure we can find accommodation for him in Lewes, too.

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Will Fly
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 06:34 AM

A bed and a meal always awaits in West Sussex, and transport if necessary. Max may not be in the area before the last Sunday in August but, if he is, there's the usual eclectic and excellent session - trad folk, rags, reels, airs, jazz and blues at the Bull in Ditchling on the 29th.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 07:08 AM

MGAS, tell me when he plans to be in London and I'll arrange another session at the Black Lion specifically for him. If I can and there's time, I'll make it a long one (afternoon through to evening) so we can have a good chat - one thing I realised about Steve and Anne's visit, it was lovely hearing them sing, but there wasn't enough time to chat to them and their partners.

I can't offer accommodation but I can probably do picking up from various places and driving home.

I'd PM you but I can't log in from work.

LTS

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 07:12 AM

Maggie and I are running the Monday to Friday evening sessions in the Endeavour during Folk Week, and look forward to welcoming Max and any others.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 07:12 AM

Hello,

We'd be delighted to see Max in Suffolk on the way past! PM me for sessions etc. in the area.

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 07:57 AM

Liz, a Black Lion session would be fabulous (thanks for the thought), but the only weekend Max has free now is the Towersey weekend & I guess everyone will be going to that.... Would a Thursday evening session be possible?

Thanks Will, will bear that in mind! There may be an opportunity to meet Max in Seaford on Friday 3rd September but I won't state anything definitely till the jigsaw puzzle is done!

Les, I've PM'd 'Soldier Boy' regarding setting up a MudGather (he'd offered to look after that side of things), do you know him? Would a MudGather be possible at one of your sessions?

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 08:18 AM

Manchester England England
Across the Atlantic Sea
And I'm a genious genious
Cause I believe in God
And I believe that God
Believes in Claude
That's me. That's me

Now that I've dropped out
Why is life weary weary?
Answer my weary query
Timothy Leary, dearie.


Enjoy your trip, Max

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 08:52 AM

That's a yes and a yes, we're available 8 to 11 and probably earlier and later.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 09:55 AM

Sounds good Les, can you & Soldier Boy liaise? I think he'll be putting up another thread for the Gather *grin* My vote goes to Monday or Tuesday if Richard & I are coming up....

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Morticia
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 01:22 PM

I have space to, or from, Wales and possibly lifts dependent on when as I work. Any chance of coming to Wareham for a day as I'm not going to Towersey?

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Soldier boy
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 09:38 PM

The sessions run by Les and Maggie in The Endeavour (8-11pm Monday to Friday during The Whitby Folk Week) would be a great venue for a Mudgather with Max and I would definately endorse that because I believe that quite a few Mudcatters would be there anyway.

But because of the occasional difficulty with 'background noise' from the rest of the pub's punters I would also recommend that we seek a quieter, more intimate, venue where folk can have a proper chance to sit down with Max and have a chat and really get to know the man and perhaps for Max to sing/play and entertain us without competing with such a busy environment.

I would therefore recommend more than just one Mudgather session in Whitby to have the opportunity to meet Max (why not 2 or even 4 Gatherings depending on how long he will be in Whitby?) . Perhaps a more sedate session in the afternoon somewhere and Max to be a 'special guest' at The Friendship/Rowing Club gathering or on-board The Grand Turk sailing ship session etc.

What do you think? Any suggestions?

Let's all work very hard to make Max's 'escapade' to the UK a truly memorable visit which us grateful Mudcatters will ensure he never forgets!

Chris

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 04:02 AM

Chris - don't forget that Max may want to do other things as well at Whitby. Over the years I've heard rumours that there may be one or two Concerts or Dances in the town while we are in pubs having our Folk Week...
Quack!
Geoff.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 05:39 AM

Excellent suggestions Soldier Boy, good luck with your planning!! Perhaps you could start up a new thread for Max's Whitby MudGathers??

Having just sent PM's out to lots of interested parties I've realised that I neglected to mention that we're going away at lunchtime to the Howth, Dublin for a singing weekend & I won't be back till Monday evening. I'll be off-line & won't be able to reply till then I'm afraid.

Have a nice weekend everyone (don't get burnt), maybe you'll have it all sorted out by the time I get back *grin*

Keep up the good work!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 05:41 AM

As a steward I am already at Towersey on the Thursday... but how does the Thursday 2nd Sept at the Black Lion sound? See PM for further info. It would be convenient for me and give him a few days to sight see/present buy/wash his pants out.

If he'd like to pop into the Wail, I can take him down on the Friday and put him on a train back to London on Saturday afternoon?

LTS

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 02:35 PM

There's a Festival at Ash, near Sandwich, in Kent, on Sat 28th August, at which it's likely all the usual suspects from my area will be performing, imbibing, etc.

Noon till 11pm.

If Max were to stop over with me in Snodland, near Maidstone, on the nights of 27th and 28th, he could spend the day there, and I'm sure most of the Catters in Kent would come to meet him.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: GUEST,Willa
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 02:48 PM

Hi Soldier boy Alas, the Grand Turk has been sold and is no longer in Whitby

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Les from Hull
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 03:31 PM

Perhaps Max might like an afternoon with Whitby Scratch Morris, which has quite a few Mudcatters among their number. We do spend more time in pubs, drinking, singing and playing than we do dancing. We usually end up in the Board Inn for extensive drinking, talking, singing and playing. So that would be Monday or Wednesday afternoon, meet up at 1pm in Plough Yard, or catch us up later (East Side Market or Shambles).

'Summer's here and the time is right
For dancing in the street'

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 10:43 AM

Hey yeah Don...

TSO and I will be at Ash. I believe Barden of England, No Worries, Tone Deaf Leopard, Rmablin Stu and fair few others will be at Ash.   

We'd offer to take in Max but for several reasons:

1. No much going on in our part of Essex especially in summer
2. TSO is back at work week prior to Ash
3. We are pretty much booked solid with activities and responsibilities between Sidmouth and end of August.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Anne Lister
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 12:19 PM

Have sent an email to MGAS ...we can offer accommodation in South Wales and evening entertainment/company/sightseeing, as well as a possible mini Mudgather with friends from Newport, Llantrisant and the Gower. Can't offer transport to and from us as things are as we're probably both occupied in working hours (at least, I hope I will be, as I need the money!).

Anne

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 05:50 PM

Might I humbly suggest that it might be good to offer Max a day off at some point, just to chill out and do nothing? just an idea... I know if it was me, that would be essential to my enjoyment of the trip...

Best
Sue

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 06:53 PM

Please don't forget cameras for stills and videos! We'd all love a chance to join in vicariously, even after the fact. If there's a chance of a live podcast *hint hint* wouldn't that be LOVELY!?!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Soldier boy
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 08:51 PM

You are quite right Geoff the Duck and Suegorgeous, I think that Max will need to build in a couple of days off during his visit to the UK so he can catch his breath and not feel overwhelmed with the intensity of the UK folk scene and the demands placed upon him.

Les from Hull, I agree with you that a session on Monday or Wednesday afternoon in the Board Inn with the Whitby Scratch Morris after they have finished dancing and with other Mudcatters would be an excellent idea. What sort of time would that be?
It's a good venue where you can have a good session without lots of background noise or interruptions and where folk can sit down with Max and have a chat and get to know him and where Max can do his own thing to entertain us all.

So, Les, can you please arrange this if that is OK and also PM "My guru always said" to confirm date/time and that you can add it to Max's itinery.

Many thanks bud.

Chris

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Anne Lister
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 05:09 PM

Time with us may well be breathing space (assuming Max gets as far as us!) as we'll be busy during the working day. But yes, it's important to build in some quiet time!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Barb'ry
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 05:35 PM

This has probably been noticed, but 19th August is a Thursday - is Max arriving Thursday or is his plane leaving the US on Thursday? Either way, no matter, but I may be able to pick him up from the airport depending on the day and then take him up to Whitby on Saturday morning if you haven't had any better offers :-)

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Soldier boy
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 08:32 PM

Nice one Barb'ry!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Soldier boy
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 09:12 PM

P.S Barb'ry :

Max is flying into Manchester airport at about 9.00am on Friday 20 August and is planning to head straight to Whitby from there. How does that fit in with you? Would you still be able to take Max up to Whitby on that day?

I understand that Max is intending to leave Whitby and travel south on 26 August and will be staying with Dick and Susan whilst in Whitby.

Max is departing the UK at lunchtime from Heathrow on Sunday 5 September so those are the dates we all need to work on - 20 August to 5 September 2010.

Do you have any more suggestions /invites /ideas for Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010?

Chris

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 01:19 AM

I have offered a couple of days in London between Towersey and the Wareham Wail (31st Aug - 3rd Sept) with something at the Black Lion, possibly on the 2nd Sept, so he can have a couple of days in London chilling/sight-seeing if he wants to. I believe there is a Robert Johnson CD in the house should he start to feel homesick for the Blues...

LTS

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Splott Man
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 03:53 AM

I can help if he gets to south Wales. Anne L's (and Steve's) is a good starting point for the area. I'll research the blues venues to see if there's anything worthwhile for Max. Llantrisant have Cloudstreet on the 25th (may not be his thing). I can do a bit of running around the area for sight-seeing if required - Heritage CFoast, Gower, Big Pit Mining Museum (it's free) and St Fagans Museum of Welsh Life (if he wants culture - again it's free).

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 05:51 AM

If he is coming south on the 26th, allowing for a stopover en route,

We can accommodate him over the weekend, let him choose whether to have a quiet day on Friday, or we can organise a gather in the evening, take in Ash on the 28th as suggested, and liaise with his next hosts, to either deliver him or meet and handover half way on the Sunday.

Win and I are both retired, so have no time constraints.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: GUEST,SussexCarole
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 07:46 AM

Looks like our diary is clear around that time so if Max is here in South Wales he is welcome here on Gower. We're both retired so able to offer transport anytime and accommodation/sightseeing etc. Hopefully all of us South Wales contingent can get to meet up together during this time. Let us know what fits into the grand plan

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: GUEST,Tig
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 11:08 AM

Whilst in Whitby he might like to join up with the Fundraising for Runswick Bay Lifeboat - a trip on the Esk Belle to Staithes, stop for whatever and back again.

Contact Raggytash or see the thread for details. Always great fun (includes singing!)

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Barb'ry
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 01:17 PM

Unfortunately, we aren't able to go up to Whitby until Saturday morning as Andy is working on Friday. I would be really happy to take Max up then and he could stay Friday night with us, but imagine he would like to get up there straight away. Let me know if that would be any use.
b

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Susan of DT
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 01:24 PM

We do not have the cottage at Whitby until Saturday. We stay with Bill Sables the Friday night before.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Barb'ry
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 05:15 PM

OK, so it looks as though it could work with me picking Max up and taking him to our place for the night - maybe a little excursion to the delights of Blackpool... Let me know.
b

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 06:32 PM

I took a New York lass to Blackpool; Shw was knocked out with the Illumniations AND the Pleasure Beach ! Said it was a LOT better than Coney Island !

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Susan of DT
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 08:37 PM

Terry - How old was the New York lass? Coney Island has deteriorated seriously in the last 50 years.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Michael
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 04:24 AM

You've seen old photo's then Susan?

Mike

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Susan of DT
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 06:36 AM

Mike - I lived a mile or two from Coney Island and I started going there more than 50 years ago, possibly 60, but would not remember details before 1950... Dick also lived in Brooklyn and can probably remember Coney Island in the 1930s...

(sorry to be off topic)

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Girl Friday
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 11:22 AM

Don - if you want to bring Max, (providing he's up for it ) to Friday Folk on 26th August, it'd be nice to meet him prior to Ash.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Les from Hull
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 12:40 PM

Either Monday or Wednesday would be fine for a Mudgather in the Board if Max wants. He can make a choice when he's seen a programme as there may be something else he would like to do on one of those days, like the excellent 'half a day at the Bay'.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 06:49 PM

Back from Dublin & trying desperately to catch up with stuff, if anyone hasn't heard from me yet, you will soon. There have been some wonderful offers & good suggestions, both here & PM'd to me. Thanks to all participants!!! The plan is shaping up nicely but nothing's set in stone yet so keep those ideas coming in!!

I agree Les, there will be loads of stuff going on that Max might want to do. Will there be an advance program on the webpage?? Would it be worth him getting a season ticket, or just pay for individual events? It sounds like Whitby will definitely be my cup of tea as a Trad Folkie, but will it be Max's? Perhaps there'll be some time for sightseeing, there's a steam train nearby isn't there?

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 02:40 AM

Steam trains run from Whitby station to Pickering, timetable http://www.nymr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/timetable-2010.pdf - it'll be operating on the gold timetable during folk week.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 02:42 AM

Oops, that link was meant to be a clicky!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 01:14 PM

Thanks for that Kitty!!

We're hoping that there's room for our van at Moor & Coast, sending booking form off later today. All being well we'll be at Whitby from Monday afternoon to Thursday morning so should be fine to meet you all at the Gather!!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 05:24 AM

We're away for the weekend (6th of 8 weekends on the trot), I'll check back on Sunday evening for more ideas & offers!

Have a good weekend everyone & don't get too hot.....

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 05:30 AM

We're away for the weekend (6th of 8 weekends on the trot)

And?

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 07:10 AM

And I'm getting a little weary *grin*

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 07:25 AM

And I'm getting a little weary

That's fair enough! For what it's worth, I think that you're doing a splendid job.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:05 AM

Many thanks Guest, have a good weekend....