EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003

Subject: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 05:27 AM

Hi there!
I realize it is a bit early to start talking about the May 2003 Mudcat meeting in Groningen, Netherlands.
However: Groningen is a university town (about 25 percent of the total population consists of students!), and there are many many parties every night, which is why I have to reserve a room for our session quite early. At the moment, I've got a reservation (not binding yet) for a lovely, newly renovated bar of a student society (like an American fraternity, but less elitist and without silly rituals) right in the city centre, which will seat up to 99 people (although we have to consider renting two floors if there is to be any dancing). We will have permission to make music full blast until one AM (and acoustic afterwards shouldn't be a problem), and use of the bar.

So, the point of this message is:
how about the weekend of 2,3 and 4 May (Friday to Saturday)?

I'm looking forward to it already! I will be adding links and information gradually...

Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Fossil
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 05:50 AM

Sounds good! Count us in. We met lots of lovely musicians on our trip around the Frisian Islands this summer and I'll pass on the info to them as well. Groningen is a lovely place and well worth a visit.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 06:19 AM

Good on yer, missus. The Viking has been pulling monster fish out of your rivers all summer, and met the bloke who put the bar into an Irish joint in the town square in Groanagain. Your juke-joint sounds great, specially if we can go on a bit. The weekend is good, as we Poms get the Monday off work as a bank holiday to recover, lucky old us.

Skipjack

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: smallpiper
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 06:23 AM

Isn't that the same weekend as The Moor and Coast festival in Whitby?

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: mooman
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 06:28 AM

Dear Letty,

Count us in for sure on those dates. Really looking forward to it! Let me know sometime ahead of time if you want me to bring PA gear (if there isn't any available on site or if it has to be hired).

Have you worked out a participating role for your egg yet? Will Andreas have to wait as long for his food do you think?

Greg: Are you sure it wasn't the bloke who "put the joint into an Irish bar in the town square"?

All my very best,

Richard

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 06:30 AM

Yes, John, that's what kept the hoi polloi away from Brussels this year!

Skipjack

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 06:31 AM

Skipjack,
Irish bar in the town square? Probably one of the two fake-Irish bars then. But there is a real (Irish-owned) Irish pub too: O Ceallaigh's. They have a nice open session on Sundays, but the place is tiny: I'll have to warn poor Peter O'Kelly if we are coming 'round!

Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: mooman
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 06:32 AM

Dear Letty,

Da Doo Ron Ron and Glen also confirmed to me that they will be coming!

Peace

Richard

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Wolfgang
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 07:23 AM

count me as coming

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: smallpiper
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 10:13 AM

Calling me hoi polloi now are we skipjack! ;-)

well I'd love to come but Whitby is closer and cheeper so I'm afraid Whitby wins this time. I'll stick it out with the rest of the Hoi Polloi - if thats not being too elitist!

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Llanfair
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 12:06 PM

Count me in, and Jim, too, possibly.

Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 12:15 PM

I looked a a map and Whitby is a fraction nearer for us in the South of England, but there's not much in it.

Keep us posted here about options for camping, outdoor or indoor.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: bill\sables
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 01:15 PM

Count me in Letty. Didn't Big Mick say he was hoping to attend the next Euro? Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 01:45 PM

Letty, this weekend sounds good. First of May being public holiday in Germany. And afair first monday in May is public holiday in Great Britain...

If you can find some 2 square meters of floor space for me to lay down my weary bones...

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 03:31 PM

Firstly-Hello Letty-I have not been idle in your absence. I have been checking out flights left right and centre. From the UK we can get to Schipol for about £80.00 each and then train to Gronnigen, will arrive about 01.00hrs. or still checking for "Easy jet" to get there cheaper.(But flights not up yet) That is flying from Manchester/Liverpool/Stanstead/East midlands is out on friday evening. Or ferry to Europort+ Car-a bit more expensive, but then the long drive up. So flights and train. (Unless my friends in Leiden will pick us up-but pobably not as it's your freedom day.

As for the Irish bar. The man worked for a local company that specializes in fake and replicas. They put the place together a few years ago. I have been in the one on the town square (The Irish) pub.

I didn't get no joints, not even in Amsterdam,(WE even cycled through "dance valley" while it was happening!!) But I got some bloody good fishing all over. We cycled about 800Km this summer.

I presume, Skip, me, Bill and Sam? Maybe Jez, etc are coming together-I have to keep an eye on Skip-don't forget! I can do what I like with the other eye!!

I also met a lady from grown-a-gin, who is into folk music, and might know your family(knew some of the vetenary surgeons in the area). She said she'd watch out for the happening. I met her on Texel when we'd cycled up there a few weeks ago.

So it's down to us Brits, to organise our transport. I'm happy to keep on with that, Skip, Bill, Sam etc. Anyone else? What do we do? Fly on Friday/Saturday or boat and drive on the Saturday?-but if we boat, we'll have to return Sunday night-I'd prefer to fly to get more time in.We'll need directions from the station to where it's all happening.( I have very good maps of the Netherlands)What about if we arrive as late as that, will that be a problem? Better to get there on Friday, than Saturday, but will neeed to leave on Monday morning for the retuurn home.

Richard, are you bringing your mandolla?
That concludes the latest news from the loony fringe!!!!
Bye for now

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 07:31 PM

Letty, you're great! Count me in - this time I'll make absolutely sure I get there!!!! Looking forward to seeing you all again - Bron, Bill, Eric, Andreas, Wolfgang - where's Noreen got to???

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: GUEST,Gridlock
Date: 02 Sep 02 - 10:46 PM

No joints Eric? I just checked with Google, and there are no fewer than nine (pot) coffeeships in Groningen.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Noreen
Date: 03 Sep 02 - 06:45 AM

*wave* Hi Susanne, and all the usual suspects...

Been busy festivalling, now catching up with Mudcat. Definitely count me in, please! It all sounds great, Letty, thanks for doing this :0)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 03 Sep 02 - 02:31 PM

(Thanks-Joe?)

Hi Noreen, glad you're coming. What about you Patrish? You have contacts in Holland, and ought to come with us.I think despite the risk to instruments, Easy jet will prove cheapest, if we can get a suitable flight from L/pool or Manchester. Leeds Bradford-to expensive, Humberside flights are incredible price at the moment.

Skip, Bill what say ee?

I can't get away from school until 15.30, so that starts the rush on the Friday, but we managed both Euro gatherings before.

Letty where will the world be accommodated?( I know my friend Skip, has has words with you, but the hundreds that are going to gather will need some info. The Netherlands tourist office is a good place, most camp sites will be just opening, if they are not far-Trekkershuts!!!! (I can tell you all about them) Oh well, roll on Summertime!!!!

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: alanww
Date: 04 Sep 02 - 08:25 AM

Hi y'all! Good on yer to take on the organisation, Letty. Count me in too! Even though it clashes with some good festivals in the UK and I'm supposed to be singing with the Shellbacks at Upton-on-Severn, UK festivals are two-a-penny and Euro Gatherings are a one off (except I know that this isn't the first!) It will be great to see all the Brussels crowd again.

What's the accommodation plan? As I'm not tied by work restrictions like several other people, it might be nice to come a little before the bank holiday rush (Thursday pm or Friday am?) and go a little bit after the going home rush (Tuesday?). Quite apart from the greater chance to relax & do some sightseeing, experience suggests that the flights will be cheeper.

For I be free to go abroad, or take again my homeward road ...
Alan

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: mooman
Date: 04 Sep 02 - 08:38 AM

Dear Eric,

Yes the mandola will be bringing me with it!

Richard

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 04 Sep 02 - 02:14 PM

Hi, Letty,

Grand idea! It's never to soon to announce such a meeting. It gives a lot of time for the anual time table.
I'm interested very much but still cannot say whether my health will let me come, but I intend to join.
Will rubber mattreess and sleeping bag do?

Wilfried

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 05 Sep 02 - 06:55 AM

Hello again,
Well, it looks like there's plenty of people who can make it, so I think we'll stick to this weekend. As Andy already pointed out, 1 May is already a holiday for me and I'm pretty sure I can take an extra day off (or two).

Accommodation:
for the happy campers among you, there is a camping in Groningen city. I have never seen it, but they are definitely open in May (I checked). It would be a good idea though to either rent a bike (the preferred mode of transport in Groningen, as parking is expensive) or a car if you are on the camping, since it's a long walk to the city centre.
Hotels: there are some cheap and lots of expensive hotels in Groningen. I will provide links shortly. B&Bs I'm not too sure about, but I'll ask.
Hostel: there is one youth hostel (but not out of bounds for the not-so-young), which is both cheap and near 'my' place (not too far from the centre either).
Other: since my brother's place is not very big, we can only accommodate a few (read 4 or 5) people. I will try to mobilize some friends, but they are students too, so space is going to be a problem (and perhaps hygiene :-)
So far, Eric, Skipjack, Wilfried and Mudguard have reserved floor space, so perhaps one more person (first come!).

Travel:
Flying: for those of you near London, try the Ryanair flight to Eindhoven. It is usually dead cheap. Otherwise, Easyjet is probably cheapest.
Ferry: book through the internet, it's cheaper. Bringing your car is expensive, so if you can go by public transport that's the best option. Do keep in mind however that Groningen is considered to be the 'outback' of Holland, and so there are no train connections after 0.30 or so. The same goes for early flights back from Schiphol: do check if there is a train from Groningen at the time you have to leave (www.ns.nl).
The tunnel: I used it this summer and was really happy about it: quick, no queues, no fuss. Can be a little expensive, and remember you'll have to drive a long way through Belgium and Holland (about 4 to 5 hours).
Driving: for those of you on the continent, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out the way! I'll post a route shortly before the meeting anyway. For Germans with an itchy right foot: the speed limit is 120km! Not 130 as my poor friend Mascha thought. Yes, even for 10km you'll get a speeding ticket.

Well, that's all for now. I'll check again soon!
Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 05 Sep 02 - 07:15 AM

Letty, thanks for organizising! Sounds really good!

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Noreen
Date: 05 Sep 02 - 07:33 AM

Letty, I'd like to book floor space for myself & 1 other, if possible... (we don't take up that much room...) Otherwise the youth(!) hostel sounds a good idea.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Sep 02 - 02:07 PM

I found this site for Groningen Stadspark Camping - but I couldn't make out from the map how far it is from the centre of Groningen. I mean, if it's one or two miles walking is no great hassle, but... I seem to remember from years back that the Dutch authorities do get a bit bourgeous about camping away from an official site, even in back gardens.

What about scout huts or church halls or so forth for indoor camping?

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 05 Sep 02 - 02:14 PM

Oh gawd! you're not going to be nuptualising with me and skipjack watching are you?-Only jesting. If it's a question of hygeine-better send Skip to the mucky places, as he gets sweaty trainers when he's had his early morning run to Assen and back!! Bill will most probably like to doss down with me, n skip if it's possible.

Eindhoven to Groningen by train-how long? about 3 hours? No problem with fares- I can check that and train times out easily. I've looked at the flights from Stanstead, and will recheck the Ryanair flight and prices. Who says we go for it and I get booking whilst it's cheap?

Looking forward the this again-the winter will soon fly by (not likely with all the work I have to do for school) But it will be good to get off somewhere again.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 05 Sep 02 - 02:37 PM

No flight to and from Eindhoven on the fri and Sunday-soory chaps-have to fly from Liverpool or Manchester.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Noreen
Date: 05 Sep 02 - 09:27 PM

Sounds good to me :0)

(psst, Eric, don't be talking about what you & Skip might be watching- Letty doesn't know about such things, the young innocent that she is...)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: mooman
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 03:03 AM

I agree Noreen....it could have a traumatic effect on her egg...

mooman

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 07:06 AM

OK, so my floorspace is now most definitely fully booked (Eric, Skipjack, Mudguard, Wilfried, Noreen and Co, plus me and my brother)! I'm really sorry I cannot promise more floorspace to people yet, but as said: I'll have to ask some friends, and that's going to take some time. It might just be possible (if I ask them kindly) for a few people to stay at my parents' place in Assen, which is a twenty minute drive from Groningen (and twenty minutes by train too, but the last one leaves Groningen at 0.30, so if it's a late night, you're stuck).

About the Ryanair flight: if people are taking it and arrive on Thursday (leaving on Monday): this is no problem for me, I'll be there.

If anyone needs help booking in Holland, I'll be more than happy to assist. However, most people who work in tourism speak English anyway, so don't be shy.

List of people coming so far (possibles included):
Fossil & co
Skipjack
Eric the Viking
Mooman & Lady McMoo
Ron & Glen
Wolfgang
Bron & Jim
McGrath
Bill Sables
Susanne (skw)
Noreen & co
Alanww
Wilfried Schaum

I've also invited some local folk fans, but they will probably only attend the session. As for a programme: lots to see in Groningen, so I'll leave the Saturday open, but I'll investigate if we can get a guided tour (in English of course) on the Sunday. Groningen is full of 'hidden' beauty spots, such as the former almshouses.
That's all for now: links will be there when I have more time (i.e. when I'm not at work, like right now...).

Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 07:11 AM

Oh BTW: I've confirmed the booking for the Saturday night session! We're even allowed to cook there, so we can have an early start (and Mudguard can jump the queue to get his dinner first!).

For the Friday night, I think I'll try and reserve a restaurant that tolerates music (sort of like the one in Brussels). The only one I can think of right now is the fake-Irish Sally O'Brien's, but their food's horrible. Hm. Maybe the Four Roses TexMex, but we'd have to play some Cajun then! Well, there's lots of time left.

Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 07:36 AM

And a third message from me... I've checked out group accommodation.

One possibility is the afore-mentioned youth hostel. It's possible to reserve an entire dorm.

Another one is to rent a scouting hut (sorry, no trekkershutten in Groningen I'm afraid, Eric). The disadvantage is that these are quite far from the citycentre, and that it takes a lot of people to make this a cheap option (one of the huts was 100 Euro a night, in the middle of nowhere (read: near the crematorium), and use during the day costs extra).

Another possibility is to rent one of the huge scouting tents and set it up on the camping. Cosy!

McGrath, sorry, but as a third generation atheist I'm not really familiar with rent-a-church possibilities. There is a Wallon church however, so maybe Mooman has connections :-)

Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 09:56 AM

Ok, so I get floorspace although I do not come? ;-) ;-) ;-)
Or how should I interprete the list of people coming? ;-)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Fossil
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 10:02 AM

The last few times we have been through Groningen by water. This might just offer an accommodation option as there are many boat moorings in the centre of town and it might be possible to charter a passenger-carrying "Jutter" (Sailing barge) or some other type of vessel which would have plenty of room and be an authentic venue for singing sea chanteys. I'll see what my local contacts can do. Hammocks optional!

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 02:34 PM

Oh good Fossil, we can maroon the shanty singers on board while they sing the 107 verses about the sinking of the Golden ball etc. (Only joking)

Lety, I know there's no Treckkershutten nearby, about 16Km I think.(Anyway I have reserved floor space-thankyou, (Watching the nuptialising with skip and your egg or whatever)

Still awaiting "Easy jet" prices.

Bye 4 now.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 04:46 PM

In Enggland most churches have halls as well as churches. Tell 'em you're a third generation atheist, and you'd like to rent a hall for the night and they'd probably fall over themselves to give you a good rate, I reckon.

Schools or Community Centres might be the other option, they likely would be in England, but I've no idea how things like that work in the Netherlands. There might be laws against it or something.

Youth hostels in my experience tend to have rules about the time people come back at night. That would neeed to be checked. Otherwise it sounds a good option.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 04:56 PM

The NJHC homepage (http://www.njhc.org/) does NOT list a hostel for Groningen town. Scheemda seems to be the nearest (25km from Groningen)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 06:25 PM

I found this through Google:

Groningen

Simplon Youth Hostel
Boterdiep 73-2 LL
Groningen 9712

Tel: +31 (0)50 - 3135221
Fax: +31 (0)50 - 3133027
Price: f17,50

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 06:31 PM

Oh - could be an "independant" youth hostel.

But this info must be quite old - since this year the Euro is the only currency...

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 06:33 PM

1 NLG = 0.45 Euro, so 17.50 should be 7.94 Euro, allowing for inflation it should be around 8.50 Euro...

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 06:46 PM

Someone on the ground will check it out I have no doubt. (I know that in Ireland, for example, there are more unofficial hostels than official ones, and they often tend to be better places to stay in. Sometimes not.)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 05:57 PM

Letty, is there any chance of a parking space near you where nobody would object to my sleeping in the car? I wouldn't like to be arrested at four in the morning! (Or else I could park near the camping grounds or wherever else other Mudcatters are staying and give some of them a lift back and forth. Not Greg, though - he's probably faster running than my car!)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 05:27 AM

Ok, I will talk to the policemen in Groningen, so they will come to arrest you at three thirty, not at four in the morning ;-)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 09:43 AM

Simplon Youth Hostel is the one I was talking about, and the only one in Groningen. Click here . It's open all night, you can come in any time, and check in 'till 2 AM. The website also has prices in Euros, especially for Mudguard (I still prefer guilders...).
Mudguard: I just listed everyone who's interested in coming, even though they may not be able to come.
Susanne: I don't know if camping in your car is allowed strictly speaking, but it shouldn't be a problem. Where I live, it's paid parking until Saturday night, but just across the road in the next block it's free. You should be able to park and sleep there.
McGrath: I'll check out possibilities to rent schools or church halls next weekend, when I'm back in Groningen. Maybe if we agree to put on a performance, the students' cultural society will let us sleep there...:-)

Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 10:06 AM

Sorry for the bold letters last post...
Here are some more links:

the camping, where you can also rent out bungalowtents for 8-10 people. This is by far the cheapest option I've found so far, but the Netherlands can be chilly in May.

The tourist centre in Groningen, with lots of information.

Hotels in Groningen.

I cannot find prices for Easjet flights, since the May 2003 flights aren't online yet.
Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 09 Sep 02 - 10:27 AM

I'm afraid I'll have to groan again.

30th anniv. of nuptuals to lovely Mrs G. on the 5th. 'Do' at Heaton Park, Manchester, on the 3rd. Hawkwind, amongst others, playing at the 'War of the Worlds' show. Do you think I could join them on concertina?

Enjoys yourselves anyway

Miserable bunch of mutter mutter mutter...

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 09 Sep 02 - 04:20 PM

Dave, enjoy your 30th anniversary, and loads of good wishes! This is once in a lifetime - whereas I'm sure this won't be the last Mudgathering. See you 2004!

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 10:30 AM

Will do on both counts (hopefully!)

Thanks Susanne

DtG

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 01:58 PM

Can I just ask? Is Bill listed on your floor space Letty, as we three often come as a package-well have done so far? I think he was one of the original requestees(NEW word!)with skip and myself-he's relatively clean living, and fairly well behaved as you know!