N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 09 Feb 03 - 09:32 AM

Good idea-what's happening about grub? Are we all self catering, going out to nosh or what? Wot's da best way in a car from B'fast Int'nl airport? Getting quite 'cited now!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 04:03 AM

I'm all for the easy life me, have ordered breakfasts so I can wake up in a civilised manner hopefully. Am hoping that local pubs do cheap bar meals or for a good chippie nearby. Treating this as a holiday so am attempting npt to cook.

Most of you guys seem to know each other, but I'm relatively recently so please pardon my lack of knowledge (couldn't spell naive-ity???). What mix of instruments / voices are coming? I'm not a musician, just a small voice & love long tragic ballads, but I can join in on choruses fairly fast & love tapping my feet to tunes.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: alanww
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 07:26 AM

Hi Hil
I don't know everyone, most of those attending who I do know are singers, some of whom do so to guitar accompaniment, with there being a smattering of box and fiddle players etc too! Oh and should I also mention the kazoos or should I keep that issue quiet? My list says:-
Definites:
alanww
catsPHiddle
Eric the Viking
Fibula Mattock (+2?)
Forty–two
Giok
John Moulden (Sat only)
JudeL (+ Paul & Robert)
Leadfingers
McMoos (x3)
micca
morticia
My guru always said
Noreen
Philippa
Skipjack K8
Tommy

Possibles:
Ard Macha?
Bill Sables?
Claymore?
Diesel?
Ed?
Fionn?
Momnopp & Dylan?

I'm getting excited ...!
"Dancing and singing, bell ringing ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 02:08 PM

I believe we will have some music and dancing as well, though most of us are primarily singers. So yes, do bring musical instruments if you can.

The only person attending that I know I have met is John Moulden. Chris - "Forty–two" - asked me to relay his apologies. He has an important exhibition opening at Caldwell Galleries in Belfast.

I was hoping to get a lift with Chris so now I have to make other arrangements. There's info. on public transport near the beginning of this thread. But anyone who thinks they can help me out, please send a PM to Felipa. Someone else has the Philippa cookie, so don't click the PM after my name!

I would like to leave Belfast centre around 6 pm Friday and return by 8 pm Sunday (if we get to Belfast before 5, we can see the Lennon exhibition at Caldwell Gallery). I plan to get a bus from Derry, so if anyone is coming from that direction on Friday, I could get a lift for that part of the journey as well.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: MudGuard
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 03:22 PM

Alan, you forgot one category, I will add it for you:

People who would have liked to come but are not allowed to by their bosses
MudGuard

:-(

MudGuard/Andy

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 04:33 PM

Sorry but I've been away dealing with personal matters and will not be able to attend. My Father has decided that he has had enough of the cancer treatments for his bladder and is going to let nature take it's course. In a couple of weeks I'm taking my daughter and my grandson down to Fla. for a final visit with him.

No tears; two years ago my Father, my brother and I took a trip through the North to visit the sites of the family in and around County Down. My Father was scheduled for a kidney removal which would have cancelled the trip. He told the doctor he was going to Ireland with the sons, and they removed it a week after we got back. We said everything we needed to say on that trip.

He is an retired Captain in the Navy, had two destroyers kamakazied from under him in the Big One, walked the streets of Hanoi evacuating the French in 54, and put the Marines over the side at Danang in 65 and is well qualified to chart his own course. I want my grandson to have a memory of him that doesn't include tubes. But those who stand and wait, also serve...

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: My guru always said
Date: 11 Feb 03 - 04:41 AM

Claymore: Positive thoughts to your Father, you & yours - make every moment count, I wish you all the good memories. I lost my Father to the big C this time last year, music hasn't filled that gap yet but I'm trying.

Alanww: Thanks for the list Honey, am very impressed that you're keeping track :-) Really looking forward to meeting / hearing everyone!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 18 Feb 03 - 05:42 PM

Not long now!!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 Feb 03 - 04:04 AM

There's still time to come along & join us, I'm pretty sure that Barholm has plenty of room left! Anyone else booked?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Feb 03 - 02:28 PM

I've asked every pretty girl I met, if she wants to come with me. Guess who's coming alone then?
Giok

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Morticia
Date: 19 Feb 03 - 02:43 PM

Unfortunately I am going to have to drop out.....that does mean there is a single room going at the hostel if someone wants to get in quick!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 19 Feb 03 - 05:55 PM

Oh Morty noooooooo. Is it definite, no alternative type stuff? Please tell me this doesn't affect Sidmouth Re-union as well.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 19 Feb 03 - 06:07 PM

I think the list is now:

Who                            Where                        Arrive                         Dept        

Micca                       Bfast Intnl                9.25 Fri                8.55 Mon
Catsphiddle                     x2                           x2                               x2

Jude                         Bfast Intnl                15.40 Fri                17.40 Mon
Paul                                 x3                            x3                                 x3
Robert

My guru                   Bfast Intnl                15.40 Fri                17.40 Mon

Leadfin/s                  Bfast Intnl                15.40 Fri                12.30 Mon

Cllr                          Belft Intnl                          Fri                17.40 Mon
        
Skipjack                  Bfast Intnl                21.40 Fri                19.55 Sun
Eric                            x2                              x2                               x2

Noreen                    Bfast Intnl                21.40 Fri                19.55 Sun

Giok                         Bfast City                13.15 Fri                13.45 Mon

Alanww                    Bfast City                13.45 Fri                10.55 Mon

Fibula Mattock                                     Thursday                Tuesday

Philippa                        on home ground

Fionne                        on home ground

Clan Mcmoo (3)                  ?

Tommy                                    ?

John Moulden               Saturday only


Possibles:
Ard Macha?
Bill Sables?
Diesel?
Brid Widder?
Momnopp & Dylan?
Ed?
Forty- Two    on home ground, busy but might pop in if he has time

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: David Ingerson
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 01:44 PM

I am so envious. I would do anything to be there--anything but ruin our family's finances. :-(

I can only hope something similar will happen again during more financially auspicious times! I'll be there then. Meanwhile, I'm here now...singing Irish songs in Portland.

David

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Felipa
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 02:55 PM

Jude L, I may be on home ground but I could still use a lift - see my message of 10 Feb; no one has replied

Is Fionne Fionn? - If so, he's currently in or around London and plans are not definite

Dave Ingerson, there must be something happening where you are. I heard good reports of Portland. I don't suppose you can afford to go to Milwaukee either (sean-nós weekend same date) or to the Gaelic immersion weekend in Virginia or thereabouts - also same date!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: mooman
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 07:55 PM

JudeL,

Clan McMoo will be arriving en mass Friday pm and leaving Monday pm via Dublin.

Looking forward to seeing everyone very much.

Eric, I have a bag of DADGAD stuff to work on with you if you are bringing The Axe.

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 04:24 AM

Felipa/ Phillipa you are probably right about Fionn : I have just reviewed all his posts and realised that the only reason I thought he was on home ground was because in several posts he displayed what sounded like local knowledge, state of roads and lack of need for directions, local car hire firm etc. I can't remember why I moved Fion n from the possibles to the definites, probably cos he was down as a definite in Alan's list. I never intended the table to be a definitive guide to who's doing what, I was just trying in my far from perfect way to try and condense info spread over more than 200 posts into a more compact form. I'm sorry I must have missed your request for a lift down, although up until recently I believe 42 was intending to travel down in a minibus and had issued a general invite that anyone needing a lift should pm him. I am hiring a car, but as things stand I probably won't have any spare seats. It may be worth contacting "My guru", as I believe that she is also planning on hiring a car and she may have a spare seat. Oh and one more piece of info I have now been told that Momnopp & Dylan are now definitely not coming rather than possibles

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: My guru always said
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 04:54 AM

Yes, have finally decided that I need a hire car myself as my back's too bad for being extra cosy in cars :-) Jude's chart is just Fab & has helped me with my planning, but as we get nearer to the 'gather' everything is liable to change.

Anyway, I may have extra seats but must admit I'm reluctant to drive into the City itself as I have a habit of getting lost in new places & usually rely on navigators!

So unless someone can join me at Belfast International & guide me in to pickup Cats in the City it'll be a lift from the Int. Airport early Friday evening, going back Monday - not at the crack of dawn though unless it's a really desperate situation!!! If you need a lift, have a look at Jude's lovely chart & see if I can help :-)

If you PM me, it might be an idea to let me have your email address in case the Cat is off-line over the weekend.

Not long now!!!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 05:24 AM

Hello folks,

Thanks for compiling that list Jude - that's great.

It looks like we're all set really!

Okay, lunch on the Saturday - I'm going to cook soup or stew and bake a load of bread, and maybe some potatoes or salad, and bring them down to Barholm for us all to eat - I figure it'll be easier than everyone trying to squeeze into Chez Devlin's (my parent's place).

Foodwise, for those self--catering - there are several grocery shops in Portaferry, one of which is on The Square, and another near The Square at the bottom of High Street.
There's a cafe (called "The Square") in (surprise!) The Square, but my sister informs me it's only open Wednesday to Saturday. There's also one called, I believe, Deli-licious. It does the typical lard-loaded Ulster Fry.
There are two chip shops - Joe's Hot Spot and The Ferry Grill, in the same locations as the two shops I just mentioned. There are also two Chinese restaurants, one of which is nearby on High Street. There are some "posher" restaurants - The Cornstore (on the way from Barholm up to The Square) and the designer-organic Narrows along the seafront.

Pubwise, I imagine we'll spend most time in Fiddlers Green and Dumigans. Avoid The Quiet Man - if you're over 18 you're too old for it!
Off-licence - Russell Cellars on The Square.

So, all we have to do is arrange a place to meet on Friday and Saturday. Perhaps I'll just hang around Fiddlers all day Friday in my Mudact t-shirt! ;)

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 08:11 AM

All sounds good. Richard, will look forward to that. Greg and I will find someone on friday. Leave a message for us at the hostel? See you next week.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Micca
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 09:48 AM

Fibs, it looks like we may be the first arrivals on Friday by early afternoon I hope, we will be coming on public transport from Belfast International (any advice on how to do this please NOT by Pm please as my cookie has crumbled) and with luck folks will recognise one or t'other of us.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 11:47 AM

Hi Micca - transport info here with a link to Ulsterbus' website.

Belfast has two main bus stations: Europa (Glengall Street) and Laganside (Donegall Quay).
You get the airport bus from just outside Arrivals at the airport. It takes maybe 30 - 45 minutes to get to Belfast. It will probably go to Europa but you need to catch the bus to Portaferry from Laganside. There may be a linking bus between the two bus stations, but it's not that far - it can be walked. When getting the Portaferry bus at Laganside, try to get the more direct one - the one that goes via Kircubbin, rather than the long, windy, tedious one that goes via Portavogie or Ballywalter. Also, ask if you need to change at Newtownards (or in "Ards", as the town is also known). I think there should be direct buses via Kircubbin, but Newtownards is the biggest town along the way, and there's a bus station there that the bus might stop in for a while.

In Portaferry, the bus will drive into the town and will come to The Square - identifiable from the shape and the big Market House and a bus shelter. From there, walk behind the Market House and take the road that goes off to the right, downhill towards the sea and the castle (it will be signposted either "Castle Street" or "The Shambles"). Follow it down to the seafront and turn right. Barholm is on the right just past the lifeboat boathouse.

Note - for anyone driving, the Portaferry is one big one-way system. I think I posted details about this earlier.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: David Ingerson
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 12:06 PM

Thanks, Phillipa, for your response. I had heard about the Milwaukee event but must miss that for the same reason. Portland is a pretty good place for folk singing, though. I can count 17 singing sessions that happen each month. Unfortunately, many of them revolve around Rise Up Singing, but some are more traditional (in that people sing songs to each other instead of reading them to their blue book) and my sean nós and other Irish songs are welcomed there. Someday...someday I'll be back in Ireland.

David

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 03:41 PM

Instrumentally I will have a mandolin and a set of whistles.and IF there looks like being enough room I will probably manage the Banjola
as well.Small cars and flying precludes bringing any thinglike the full instrumentation.But it WILL be a good weekend.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 12:07 PM

Micca, the bus from Aldergrove stops at Laganside bus station before going on to Glengall Street (Europa), so you won't need to bother with the link bus. Until today I was still hoping there was some way I'd be able to make it, in which case I'd have been glad to give you both a lift - both ways! (I'd have been flying out at 7.40am on Monday morning.) But as Phillipa pointed out, my plans were never definite - the story of my life, alas - and it just wasn't to be.

For any thinking of hiring a car, Alamo (I gave a link in an earlier post) definitely looks like the best deal around, and they don't charge more if you creep an hour or two beyond the 72 hours.

Someone asked about any music in the area on the Thursday night. There is a session at Lisbarnet House which is outside Comber, at the top of the peninsula, on Thursdays. Try contacting the Binghams, who live in Comber I think. (If the info is still needed, Philippa might be able to help - I recall her mentioning Leslie Bingham in a recent PM to me.)

(Jude, were were half right. I did live there for many years and my daughter does now, but my wife has for some reason recently declared me persona non grata at our house in Bangor!)

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 23 Feb 03 - 12:33 PM

Not long to go now.....Got the time booked off work.....got someone to feed the mog.....looking forward to seeing you all on Friday!!

Cat

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: momnopp
Date: 23 Feb 03 - 09:11 PM

Poooh! I sure wish I were joining you all!!!! But soon enough I'll find my way out there. There just wasn't a cost-effective way to make it this time 'round.

We'll have to get one of those amphibious buses and make a road trip of it! LOL

Hope you all have so much fun you can hardly stand it. AND REMEMBER TO TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS!!!!!!

Peace and music

JudyO