Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Max
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 09:17 AM

Loving everything I'm seeing. Rest? Surely there is no time for that.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 07:07 PM

Max - IF you try to keep EVERYONE happy there will be no time for Sleep , let alone rest Time ! LOL

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Soldier boy
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 05:52 PM

Glad you are happy Max. Things look to be knitting together nicely - thanks very much to the sterling efforts of My guru always said.

Chris

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 05:53 PM

Plans are still afoot & almost settled for Max's escapade, I'll post details when we're sorted. I'm taking into account the fact that Max is a young man, full of energy & ready for anything with no need of rest. We're not going to be able to spread Max thinly enough to meet as many Catters as we'd like, but his feet may not touch the ground *grin*

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 06:11 PM

Max's feet, I'd guess, haven't touched the ground in several years.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 02:50 AM

We're off later today for a long weekend on the Isle of Wight at Folkstation Festival

I'll be buttoning up details of our plan for Max next week so if anyone has any more suggestions to keep him entertained, please post them here!!

Meanwhile have a Fab weekend...

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Soldier boy
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:05 PM

Pace yourself My Guru always said or your feet might not touch the ground either!
Busy time coming up.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Dame Pattie Smith EPNS
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 06:46 PM

Looks like you, Sussex Carole, Crane Driver and Splott Man are coming to tea with me on Wed 1st Sept Max. Then you are joining us at Llantrisant Folk Club. This was all arranged at the Isle of Wight Fest. It'll be great to meet you. Are you veggie, vegan or carnivore? You might even be tempted to join the Spoons Orchestra!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 11:28 PM

Max is a young man, full of energy & ready for anything with no need of rest

What does that say about the rest of us, MGAS???

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 08:47 AM

I am confused.
What else is new?
Where is Max now? Has the Great Journey begun? Schedule?
Will there be a daily journal ala the previous Great Adventure?
SINS

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 10:21 AM

SINS - He flies in 19th August and flies out 5th Sept ! Looks as though I will be taking him to Heathrow for the flight home

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 06:16 PM

Ok, so here's the plan so far:

Max flies on 19th, arrives on Friday 20th August, Barb'ry meeting at Manchester airport.

Saturday 21st August, Barb'ry & Andy take Max to Whitby and install him with Dick & Susan.

Fun & Games at Whitby (Gathers, scratch morris, concerts, boat trip, whatever Max wants) till Thursday 26th August, Max goes down South with MGAS & Richard, long boring trip with caravan in tow.

Friday 27th & Saturday 28th, Max to Kent for Fun & Games and Ash Festival. Hosting & transport not finalised yet but I'll catch up with people soon, promise!!!

Max back to MGAS & Richard by Saturday night or Sunday morning (bright-eyed & bushy-tailed) for day trip to Towersey Barn on Sunday 29th August, quite possibly with Micca.

Sunday tea-time, probably train from Reading to South Wales to meet with Anne Lister & stay over a couple of days.

Tuesday 31st August, probably Mudgather at Anne Lister's, then Max uplifted by Carole & Andrew for some time on the Gower peninsula.

Wednesday 1st September, possible visit to Dame Patti Smith EPNS for tea, followed by Llantrisant Folk Club.

Thursday 2nd September, Carole & Andrew will drop Max at Oxford coach for onward transport to London, being met by Micca. Sightseeing, followed by session at the Black Lion hosted by LtS.

Friday 3rd September, LtS (morning) & Micca (afternoon), probably Max train to Leatherhead to MGAS & Richard overnight.

Saturday 4th September, all off to Lewes Folk Club (with Leadfingers) sightseeing on the way, back to Old Keepers overnight.

Sunday 5th September, Leadfingers takes Max to Heathrow hopefully in time for his flight home.

It would have been fabulous if we could have arranged a side-trip over to Ireland but really, there was no time available for that. I know lots of Catters will be disappointed and I'm really sorry I couldn't squeeze in more. But I think we've got a fairly action-packed itinery sorted for him which I hope he'll enjoy. His remit was to meet as many Catters as possible and I'm wondering if we should set him up with a 'visitors book' to travel around with. That would make a good souvenir I think!!

We'll make sure he has a UK mobile phone & all the hosts will be given his contact details. I'll be in touch with everyone involved in the next week or so to gather their phone numbers etc. for his itinery sheet. We'll also try to have some back-up plans in place, just in case.

Huge thanks to all the UK Catters who have been involved in this Escapade, whether by donations, ideas & suggestions or hosting & transport offers. With your help this'll be a favbulous trip for Max!!

Love & Hugs,
Hil x

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Les from Hull
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 06:36 PM

Well done Hil! The 'visitor's book' sounds like a good idea. I'm even prepared to learn how to write my own name!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Soldier boy
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 10:03 PM

I agree with Les Hil, the 'Visitors Book' sounds like a good idea and a great momento and souvenir of his magical trip to the UK which should include email addresses and telephone numbers of all 'contacts' made during his tour. This could be a really valuable and usefull reference in the future when (hopefully) Max comes to the Uk again and could save you tons of time and effort second time around.

It would also be fantastic if Max could manage to do a " Max's diary of my UK Tour" thread on a daily basis here on Mudcat that we could all follow with great interest and get a real feel about Max and how he reacts to all the events laid on for him and his personal perspective on those events and who he has met and the impact they and the occasion made on him- a kind of bedtime review!

I really think that this could make a big difference to the 'Human Interest' of this story and make a big and lasting impact on all us UK Mudcatters who owe Max so much.
Just an idea.

And on behalf of all us UK Mudcatters Hil I just want to say what a fantastic job you are doing. Very well done chuck.

Chris

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 09:15 AM

How about you people who sign the visitors book putting a wee photo in too?

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Surreysinger
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 03:44 PM

Re all the Whitby suggestions, it looks very much as though all of those (or at least most of them)are for fringe events, which is fine as many Mudcatters inhabit these. However, for instance, I know Dick and Susan certainly frequent some of the the official ones when they come over ... for instance the ballad sessions which are on every afternoon ... but there are other delights such as the evening events "In the Tradition" at the football club ... or even the talks and films at the Museum. I hope somebody will be pointing Max in their direction as well? And some Mudcatters will, I'm sure, be on the festival official bill as well. In previous years Flying Cat certainly has been with Saro ... and so on! Hope the trip goes well - it sounds like a mammoth task to have organised it MGAS!!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: nutty
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 03:53 PM

Have arrangements been made for a "Whitby Mudgather"? If so, it would be worth having info put into the Whitby Wailer - the official vehicle for information about festival (and other) happenings.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Susan of DT
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 07:50 PM

We always have full tickets and go to regular events all day/nite (always including the ballad sessions.). The fringe events always seemed too jammed to get in and certainly too jammed to get a seat.

Will all mudcatters at Whitby be on the boat ride? Would tha tbe a good mudgather or does it "belong" to the other organization?

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Soldier boy
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 09:40 PM

The boat ride is open to everyone, with a very healthy collection of Mudcatters I would think and Max would love the experience.

Susan of DT, please don't rule out all the "fringe" events. This is where you will find the true heart of the UK folk scene in the UK and where Max will be most welcomed and made at home.

Chris

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 03:55 AM

I agree about the Fringe, Soldier Boy! I doubt very much whether Richard and I will go to any programmed events while we're there, we're definitely 'Fringers' when I'm not booked. We very rarely go to events at any festival, though we usually get tickets to support the festivals.

But as many have mentioned, Max will need to check the programme to see if there are events he'd like to attend. He's going to have such a good time!!!

Glad the 'visitors book' idea has gone down well, it was a sudden thought while I was typing & the idea has grown on me *grin*

Susan, the boat ride is a fundraiser and we shouldn't really detract attention from that. Besides, there probably won't be much chance to 'meet', there'll be singing & music all the way. Also, it's limited tickets and a Gather should be inclusive. Soldier Boy will sort the 'official' MudGather and nutty's idea about the Whitby Wailer sounds like a good one!!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 04:35 AM

Susan - the boat trip will have a lot of singers/musicians on it. Some of them will be Mudcatters, others not. If Max was interested in going on a boat trip, it would possibly be the best one to combine music, song and sea. If he wanted to go fishing, quietly, one of the regular rod and line early morning boats would be a better bet.
As for fringe events. Many regular sessions or sings happen in pubs with limited space, or just not enough room for the number of people trying to get in. This you already know from past visits.
In some of them, its might be possible to ask the person who is running it to reserve enough space one session for some US Visitors, otherwise getting there early (before it kicks off) may work. Sometimes people move on elsewhere, and a space opens up if you are quick enough to get it before someone else spots it.
The advantage of a standalone Mudgather is that it can be organised at a time and location unlikely to be swamped by the regular fringe stuff. Of course, this year the Regatta and Folk Week clash, so in the early part of the week, the pubs are likely to be so full that there might not be room anywhere.

Les suggests spending some time with Whitby Scratch Morris. As he says, there are a few 'Catters in the scratch. I have found some Youtube clips of us, so you can be forewarned of what to expect.
Whitby Scratch - Handkies
Whitby Scratch - Sticks
Whitby Scratch - rapper
Somehow I seem to have avoided dancing in anything filmed, although I can be seen wandering randomly.
Quack!
Geoff.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 07:28 AM

Just a Thought !

Max may well have his own ideas about what to do in any particular situation ! DONT lay down too rigid a plan until you KNOW what Max wants to do - other than meet as many Catters as he can !

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Zen
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 08:35 AM

Terry is right... Max has his own musical directions so might want to check things in those areas as well as meeting as many UK 'Catters as possible. I'm sorry he won't be able to loop via Scotland on his visit as I won't be down in England or Wales over that period as far as I can see and would have loved to have met him.

Have an excellent trip Max!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:46 AM

Quite right Terry & Richard, apart from the Gather/s at Whitby, Max will need to check the program to see what he wants to do. He might want a trip on the Steam railway, I know I would!!

Yes, it's such a shame we didn't have more time to play with to get Max to Scotland and Ireland. I'm hoping that this Escapade will persuade Max to come across the pond again & go to places he'll miss on this trip!

I can't remember if I mentioned this before but Max won't be bringing a guitar over with him, but he'll be very happy if people are able to lend him one in sessions. I've got one I could lend for after Whitby but it's a very basic Epiphone & isn't trained to the standard Max would probably need *grin* Splott Man has kindly offered one for Max to use during his trip to South Wales!! Anyway, if you're in a session with Max & you see his fingers a-twitching, maybe you could pass him something to play with, I'm sure he'd be really grateful!

Looks like Max will be staying with Don (Wysiwyg)T and John Barden will be helping out with transport too. A side trip to Orpington Friday Folk is being planned aswell as Ash Festival!!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Dame Pattie Smith EPNS
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 08:49 PM

1st Sept is now definitely on at my house. Is Max a vege, vegan or carnivore? It makes no difference as long as I know what to cook. Really looking forward to meeting Max.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 02:16 AM

Good question Patti! I emailed him a few days ago asking about that (and pet allergies) but I don't expect a reply for a week or so as I know he's busy elsewhere at the moment. Hopefully he'll be able to post here when he has some time! Maybe some of our Cats across the pond know more about his likes/dislikes....

The trip to Orpington Friday Folk is planned in to Max's itinery now & hopefully Girl Friday will be able to persuade Max to do a decent spot there too!

Still open for ideas & suggestions!!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 07:38 PM

I too need to know about his food requirements.

As to an instrument, Max will have access to my rare Framus at Orpington Friday Folk, and at Ash on the Saturday.

I will be honoured to have him play my guitar, considering what he has done for all of us. With luck, some of his blues skills may rub off on me.

What we need now, is to ensure that as many London and Essex Catters as possible make it to Orpington, and as many Kentish members (plus of course any who can of the above), make it to Ash.

Let's show Max how much we appreciate his efforts on our behalf.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 05:58 AM

Thanks to the generosity of Adrian O, who organises the Ash Festival, a guest spot for Max has been allocated. I don't yet know what time that will be, but it's a great incentive to make the trip to hear someone we've never heard in live performance.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Girl Friday
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 08:08 AM

If you can't make Ash...Max will be playing at Orpington Friday Folk on August 27th
Orpington Friday Folk

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 08:47 AM

As I said in my last post GF

DT

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Girl Friday
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 11:49 AM

So you did, so you did.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 02:46 PM

Many thanks to Don & Sue who are helping to make Max's trip so special!!!

We're hoping to get along to Ash Festival at the Chequers Inn for the Saturday evening to join the fun & take Max back to Old Keepers when it finishes. Tried to look at the photos of last years folk festival but it was taking ages to download so I gave up. Anyone know what will be happening during the evening? And what beer do they have??

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: The Barden of England
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 03:06 PM

I have the odd spare guitar too Don (which can be put into standard tuning) which I'll take with me (I'm thinking the Dreadnought that used to belong to Enda McCabe before me). I'll pick up Max from MGAS and bring him to Orpington in the evening and then hand him over to you if that's alright by you. Guitar will then be on board for Ash.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 04:46 PM

Thanks John, I'm sure that you & Don will get Max sorted out between you!! Let me know if you need my home details again........

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 07:06 PM

""I'll pick up Max from MGAS and bring him to Orpington in the evening and then hand him over to you if that's alright by you. Guitar will then be on board for Ash.""

That'll be fine John. it'll save me a trip out to Leatherhead, so I'll come straight to Orpington FF, and take over Max's transport and accommodation from there.

Cheers mate.
Don T

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 05:04 AM

Going back to what katlaughing mentioned earlier in this thread regarding photos, videos & a possible podcast. Can I make a request that if anyone puts piccies up on Facebook, could they make them available 'publicly'? I don't do Facebook myself & I'd really like to see them too....

And will anyone be able to do a 'podcast' from anywhere on Max's route? I haven't got a clue what this would entail but it sounds pretty technical to me *grin* It would be fabulous if our Worldwide Friends could be included in this trip!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 12:58 AM

Haven't had much luck finding a decent small 'visitors book' in my local shops. Nearest I can get to it is an autograph book, so I think it'll end up being a plain small blank page hard-cover unless anyone has any bright ideas....

Does anyone along Max's route have decent handwriting or do calligraphy? I was thinking of leaving the first page blank so that someone can write something 'prettily' in it.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Girl Friday
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 05:40 PM

You can still get Letraset type stuff in W H Smith's. They do some nice copperplate transfers. They have a stationery sale on at the moment.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Jack Campin
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 07:01 PM

Having spent some time reading the Whitby programme over the last couple of days - there isn't any blues in it, so no obvious place for Max to do his thing. Is there any in the fringe?

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 03:56 AM

Thanks Sue, I hadn't thought of that, I'll take a look!

I'm not surprised that there won't be any Blues at Whitby Jack, but there will be plenty of opportunties for Max during the rest of his trip! As far as I know he'll have opportunities at:

Orpington Friday Folk on Friday 27th August

Ash Folk Festival on Saturday 28th August

Llantrisant Folk Club on Wednesday 1st September

Lewes Saturday Folk Club on Saturday 4th September (probably with Leadfingers)

Not to mention the Mudgather's at Steve & Anne's in South Wales on Tuesday 31st August and the session at the Black Lion, Plaistow on Thursday 2nd September.

And he'll have the loan of some very fine guitars, coutesty of Splott Man, The Barden of England and Don(Wysiwyg)T

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 03:59 AM

Managed to send the last post without checking it *sigh* (hope the links work) but I meant to also say that Whitby was always going to be more about meeting & greeting than anything else. Hopefully he'll have a Fab time!!

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Jack Campin
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 04:19 AM

I can do near-calligraphic script. Better than Letraset, anyway.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 04:26 AM

Fantastic! Jack, can I reserve you for the first page of Max's visitors book? Perhaps you could think up something suitable?

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 05:50 AM

I Hope the Bridge problem is sorted before Max gets there ! We want his first Whitby to go smoothly , dont we ?

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 28 Jul 10 - 08:44 AM

Looks like that WILL be sorted .

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 03:23 AM

Am keeping fingers crossed that the Bridge will be repaired, it sounds like the good people working the ferry-boats are being worn to a frazzle.

Haven't heard from Barb'ry for a while, anyone know if she's away at the moment?

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 03:28 AM

I write a sort of exploded debased italic script. Both Hilary and Max will be at the Lewes Saturday Folk Club on Saturday 4th. September as Hilary is doing a half-booking for us; I could do some scribbling if you like. Do you need a sample of my writing? I won't be miffed if it's not considered good enough.

Allow some time for sightseeing in Lewes; we've got a Norman castle, a Georgian brewery, a Napoleonic prison, a Victorian open-air swimming pool, and the South Downs all around.

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 03:43 AM

Thanks for the offer Valmai. It may be that Jack will be able to get it done for us before Max starts his tour which would be great. But can I keep you in reserve? Just waiting to hear back from Jack! Thanks for the local info, it sounds like we might be doing a lot of driving that day *grin*

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: Susan of DT
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 07:24 AM

Jack is sharing the cottage with us and Max, so he could work on it at Whitby at the beginning of Max's trip.

Subject: RE: Max's Grand UK Escapade 2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 07:55 AM

Thanks Susan, but it would be nice to have it ready for Max when he arrives, I'm discussing it with Jack.

BTW Susan, I assume you're not interested in borrowing a phone as I haven't heard back from you.

Oh, and 100, my first!