EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 13 Sep 02 - 04:32 AM

Letty,

thanks for the accomodation. I'm eager to come; didn't write before because I had an unexpected stay at the local hospital for removing a not so vital part of my body. Playing the recorder not affected.

Greetings Wilfried

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 13 Sep 02 - 05:14 AM

Hello Wilfried,

hope you will be well again soon!

Was it the appendix? Or your left leg?

Andreas/MudGuard

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 14 Sep 02 - 05:48 AM

Hi Mudguard,

cholezystectomy = gall bladder remoted. Stopped boozing and eating fat sausages, so I'm recovering well.
I think we should consider a German meeting in one of the next years. What do you think?

Wilfried.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 14 Sep 02 - 10:25 AM

The first Euro-Gathering (May 2000) was in Münster...
But there were less Germans than non-Germans...

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 14 Sep 02 - 05:20 PM

We might still try again in 2004. Gives us time to acquaint a few more Germans with the Mudcat. (If we found a Mudcatter in Frankfurt prepared to organise the bash the Britsh contingent could fly in cheaply on Ryanair. If not, I'd suggest Munich!)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 17 Sep 02 - 05:16 AM

I think there were plans to get us continentals to go to beautiful Lincolnshire in 2004. But anything is still possible of course. Hey, I might even organise another meeting in Bochum (Germany), where I live! On floor space issues: Eric, I'm sorry, the floor is more than fully booked now, but I'm working on extra space at other places. Problem is, most of my friends are students and have little floor space, plus they don't plan as far ahead as May next year, so it will take some time. Bear with me! I'm trying my best, and would love to have everyone stay at my place, but then we'd have to take turns sleeping.
Last weekend, I've asked around for school/church rental possibilities. Turns out that most churches are very commercial: I've tried 3, and all of them are even more expensive than the bar I've already booked for the Saturday night. So, this would only be a possibility if we were willing to fork out a lot of money. Nobody seems to know about schools, and I haven't phoned any yet. However, the scouting hut, which is next to the camping site (which, by the way, is very nice: I've inspected it now), would still be available for rent.
Well, I'll just mull over it some more!

Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 17 Sep 02 - 05:24 AM

Oh, and I've taken the liberty of inviting a few Dutch musicians to our session! They're no mudcatters, but they play folk.
We plan to start a ceili band together, so I'll FINALLY be able to play and sing folk with other people. Just what I needed. Maybe they'll even let me play the fiddle :-)
I've been trying hard to find a session here in Bochum, and even gone as far as to put an ad in the local paper, but no luck so far.

Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 17 Sep 02 - 08:15 PM

If anyone knew where to borrow a big scout tent (usually sleeps 16 or so) we might put it up at the camping site (though I don't know what they're charging).

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 07:18 AM

Susanne - Maybe the Royal Duth Army could help with a pavilio, ore the local fire department.

Wilfried

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 07:31 AM

Susanne - scout tents can be rented from the scouting hut next to the camping. Not very comfy though.

Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 06:55 PM

Just a thought - and anyway, I've got my car ... :-)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 04:00 PM

There was a rumour at last nights session-Joh9n from Hull was going to venture abroard!

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 24 Sep 02 - 10:30 AM

Letty, might it be possible to stay on til Monday morning?

I am thinking about combining the Groningen-Weekend with the following weekend where an aunt has her 60th and celebrates near Koblenz. I intend to ride from Groningen to Koblenz on my bike...

(of course I offer to help with cleaning/whatever after the other folks have left...)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Noreen
Date: 24 Sep 02 - 05:08 PM

You could make a special MudGuard chocolate cake in return for the extra day... (but don't use Letty's egg)

:0)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 25 Sep 02 - 02:07 AM

IIRC I gave you the recipe, so instead of giving extra work to other people, you could do it yourself... ;-)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: alanww
Date: 25 Sep 02 - 06:07 AM

But I don't like chocolate cakes ... *boo hoo - feeling left out*. How about a nice green and blue coloured lemon cake aswell - yummy!

"The poor cook he caught the fits
And he ate all of my grits ...!"
(He must have had Letty's egg in it!)
Alan

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Noreen
Date: 25 Sep 02 - 06:18 AM

ooooOOOOoooo!!

Yes indeed, I have made your cake several times, once with a layer of marzipan cooked in the middle as a Simnel Cake for Easter. Thanks for reminding me :0)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 25 Sep 02 - 06:22 AM

Good idea, Alan, just bring it! ;-)

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: alanww
Date: 25 Sep 02 - 06:46 AM

... but please no marzipan ... what a fussy eater I am!

Some folks like radishes, some curly Kale
But give I boiled parsnips and a gurt dish of taters
And a lump of fatty bacon and a pint of good ale!
Alan

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 25 Sep 02 - 06:56 AM

Ofcourse you can stay, Mudguard!
I like chocolate, but like Alan, I don't like marzipan.
Cheesecakes are my personal favourite. But you don't need to bring anything, Andy, you're very welcome anyway.

BTW, working on a scouting hut now. I'll keep you posted.
Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 01 Nov 02 - 05:18 PM

I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm coming.........

Sorry been computerless for months and totally out of contact with everyone.

I miss you all.

Bill/Eric/Skippy....can I travel with you as we discussed a bit about 4 months ago????

Emma

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 10:20 AM

I've been thinking about accommodation again. The best idea to me
seems to reserve a dorm in the youth hostel. It is conveniently situated near the city centre (walking distance) and near my place (so you can leave valuables there), it is not very expensive, and you can come and go all night/day.

I can draw up a list of people who want to do this and reserve for them! If you're up for a more luxurious place to stay, I will give you a list of hotels.

Love, Letty

For those of you who are staying the weekend, Sunday 4 May is Remembrance Day, so possibly a bit quiet, but 5 May, Liberation Day, there should be loads to do.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 03:11 PM

Still looking into flights, but looking forward to it!!!!!!

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 03:46 PM

Ahha! Not forgotten about. Me n Skip have practically booked(should have by saturday).

Arrive 21.00 hrs about on friday, train from Schipol to Gron, then leave on Monday for return flight @21.00hrs.

Dunno about this Ireland trip yet

But we's on our way

See you May

Cheers

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Llanfair
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 05:16 PM

Letty, could you recommend a B&B or hotel for me and my sister. We are planning to go by train via Brussels.

I presume we can travel to Groningen by train?

Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Noreen
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 05:24 PM

Where you flying from, Eric?

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 06:47 PM

Just starting to get my brain into gear again. Any advice on the easiest/cheapest way of getting there by train and ferry? And hostel or indoor camping options? Or even outdoor camping.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 09:51 AM

Letty - A happy new year to you, and thanks for the organizing.
Does the offer still stand for a place (180 x 80 cm) to roll out my mat?
I still have not looked up the timetable for my trains; if it's a long distance I might arrive in the evening hours of May 1, if it isn't inconvenient.
I think I will bring my bycicle with me, because the Netherlands are so wonderfully flat.
Unfortunately there is no plan of Groningen in the official website. Is there anyone elsewhere in the net?

Wilfried

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 10:37 AM

here is what map24.com offers

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 01:31 PM

We shall be travelling from Leeds/Bradofrd airport @ 18.20 on the Friday evening, returning @ 21.30 on the Monday Noreen.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 09:20 PM

Something to look forward to in 2003 ... Happy New Year to you all!

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 10:30 AM

MudGuard - Thanks a lot

Wilfried

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 10:45 AM

Bron: What price class are you thinking of? There are hotels ranging from 40 to over a 100 euros per night (for a double).
Of course you can take a train from Brussels. This will take about 5 hours and 20 minutes, assuming you take the Thalys to Rotterdam. In Rotterdam, you'll have to change trains. Check out this site .

Wilfried: yes, counting on you!

All: I have confirmed the booking for Saturday night. I will start booking the youth hostel for those who would like to stay there, but I need a list of people first! Or we could opt for the scouting hut, but I suspect the hostel is comfier and more convenient (city centre).
I'm making a website, but it's not finished yet. You will find it at this site .

Love, Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 11:28 AM

Although we don't really have a B&B culture here, I have managed
to find some B&Bs, prices ranging from 17-20 euros. Please shout if interested (there is one on a boat in the canals of Groningen)!!!


For a map of Groningen, I personally like this site .

The address for the Saturday night venue is at the Kleine Pelsterstraat 5a.


Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 11:51 AM

Still working out this - but what sort of time/date should people aim to get there, and what time/date should they envisage setting off back home again?

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 12:08 PM

As stated in the top message, the weekend chosen is 2,3 and 4 May (Fri-Sun).

For Friday, I'll try to get a restaurant where we can play too.
On Saturday, I can organize a guide tour through Groningen. The big session is planned for Saturday night.

Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 05:02 PM

So presumably what's envisaged is people turn up Friday afternoon, and depart Sunday morning? Or turn up Thursday evening so as to take it a bit eaiser with the travelling and that?

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 06:28 PM

McGrath, you could arrive on Wednesday and do a bit of quiet sightseeing, then you could relieve Letty of preparing the guided tour on Saturday on top of everything else she's doing! :-) Looking forward to meeting you!

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 02:45 PM

Hello Letty. Me and Skip have booked our flights. We arrive @Schipol on friday @ 20.35. Should give us time to get the last train into Groningen arrive 23.0000 ish. We leave from Schipol @ 21.15 on the Monday. Are we still Ok for the bed space?See you soon.

You don't fancy the Ireland gathering then?

And a happy new year.

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 03:01 PM

The idea is indeed that people arrive Friday and leave Sunday/Monday.
Although of course you can come earlier. As for me, I'll probably be in Groningen from Thursday night until Monday night.
People staying in my brother's house are kindly requested to leave on Monday, because my brother has to use his house again by then :-)

I've just had word from the youth hostel:

they have dorms with 16, 18 or 20 beds which we can book (but if we want the whole dorm we pay for all the beds), and smaller rooms for 2, 3 and 4 people. The youth hostel has lockers for your instruments, is close to the city centre, open all night and inexpensive.
I think I should be brave now and make a decision: instead of camping, let's try the hostel. Could I have names ASAP please?
I'll then make a reservation within the next two weeks. I could also recommend hotels and b&b's, but let's get those reservations going!

Letty

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Letty
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 03:18 PM

Find the new thread here

Subject: RE: EuroGathering: GRONINGEN 2003
From: Will Bakker
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 03:24 AM

I'll be there! All the way from Voorthuizen!