Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9

Subject: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 06:11 PM

I am celebrating a noughtieth birthday at The Crown in Otford, Kent, UK on the evening of Saturday 9th January 8.00 pm.

As well as my Folk Associates I will be having friends from other walks of life, some of whom I have not seen for a long while so there WILL be background chatter and NO shussshing - not even of Pierre Le Chapeau. Consequently there will be a PA and robust songs rather than delicate acoustic ballads will be the order of the day.

Central to the evening will be two slots by my son's trio The Winsocks and I have requested sets by both Pierre Le Chapeau (who has his own noughtieth birthday approaching a few days after) and the Leopards. It would be great if the rest of the evening could be taken up by the Kentish Volunteer Folk Brigade and as such I would be pleased to welcome any of you who would like to come along to contribute musically

Rafflesbear

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 02:16 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 10:47 PM

I am looking forward to this event very much on the 9th Jan 2010
Its the first time I have been asked to play at a bithday bash and it will possibly the last time no doubt.

But I will stay sober prior to performing that I promise.
and thank you for asking me to play.

I am not worthy of playing prior to or after those Leopards.

I will make a offering to the Leopards of a plate of my best Toasted Monkey Paws on the night to passify my spotted fiends .Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 10:13 AM

Damn you Pierre.... I told you that I do not eat monkey!So shush!!! As you deem yourself unworthy of playing around leopards you won't be the meat in the sandwich either!Grrrrrr!!!!!

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 04:00 PM

"alright GF "keep your spots on"
You are the only LEOPARDS on creation who who dont eat Monkeys?

I change the Menu to "Meercats Bollocks with rice? "How that sound.


I aint putting my meat in no sandwich my girlfriend wouldnt like That?
Grrrrrrrrr!!!

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 08:54 AM

Not much meat on 'em, but will do as a snack. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 04:37 PM

I'll ask Mark to get in some meerkat scratchings

I'm working on a schedule for slots - if possible it would be good to know who is up for it so I can pencil people in - I'll try and get you on quite early Pierre if you are staying dry until you've performed :-)

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 07:31 PM

I'm trying to arrange transport Raffles, as my car is still non operational.

If I can obtain a lift from somebody else travelling from Medway area I shall be there with guitar and loud funnies, as needed.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 08:13 PM

Hi Rafflesbear .
............Re 2nd thread up......... Saints preserve us,? "I wont be that bloody dry?
I like a smoke Blast (Nicotine) afore I even pick up a guitar let alone play.

Thats what I,ll do
I will play it by ear>
Fucking hurts after a while ."Playing by ear

its your birthday.
Important Day and Im honored. .
Regards pierre.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 08:24 PM

I tried playing a Dylan song with me teeth the other night.
'Set all me fillings off?

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 06:43 PM

Can I suggest (nicely) that we go on after Pierre, or anyone who is wanting a fair few morsels of alcohol. Len is on the waggon, and I don't drink much, so that makes good sense.

Aren't Meerjat Scratchings just dirt?

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: My guru always said
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 04:32 AM

Wish we could come and help you celebrate Pierre, but I'll be singing at Lewes that night. Know you'll have a Fab time!!

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:19 AM

Sue I do not mind if you come on after me.

I will be getting there on me own steam by train to Otford and hope to arrive by 1830. I believe I can catch a train to Otford from Bickey station if I remember right?
If the evening starts at 8.00 I would like to come on about 9.30 I have a Max of about 5 songs so I wont be on long.

I also take in mind that Rafflesbear has a band/s lined up for the evening so I am happy to fit in with them 9.30 is only a preference.
Due to the event being busy I will get up and play has and when asked I do not really mind.

"SUE DOES ONE EAT GNU ?

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 01:25 PM

Thanks Guys

I'm thinking of this as a guide but not set in stone

start to 21.00 = open mike
21.00 to 21.20 = the Winsocks
21.20 to 21.40 = Pierre
21.40 tp 22.00 = open mike
22.00 to 22.20 = the Leopards
22.20 to finish = the Winsocks

OR - if there is pressure on open mike slots we could have

21.40 tp 22.10 = open mike
22.10 to 22.30 = the Leopards
22.30 to finish = the Winsocks

:-)

Rafflesbear

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 03:01 PM

That sounds like a good programme- either way.

Pierre ...
One loves a gnu... a delicious gnu.
It's the nicest form of bovine in a stew.
One loves a gnu, a delicious gnu.
You really ought to prepare gnu for two.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: GUEST, Poxicat
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 03:49 PM

Should that g-not be "g-nicest"?

and "one loves a g-nu, to g-naw on a g-nu
You ought to prepare a g-nother g-nu"?

But as far as I am concerned: -

You do not k-now w-ho is w-ho.

With apologies to Flanders and Swan.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 06:14 PM

"You wont eat a Monkey
But you will eat a Gnu?
Whats the differnce
"I put it too you?

"One has Horns and eats dried grass,
The other eats Banana,s and scatches his Arse.
You are turning this thread into a right Tado,
Harping on about Monkeys and bloody Gnu,s
Now that Poxicats jumped on the Bandwagon too?
Im fed up with this
Im going back to me Meercat stew. Good night.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 06:24 PM

The Lepards started this Gnu and Monkey Parlava
Lets get back on thread.

Yes Rafflesbear that sounmds like a good Programme.
Gnu,s what next?

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 06:47 PM

I would just like to wish everyone on Mudcat a very
                        HAPPY GNU YEAR

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 06:47 PM

I, actually AM a mexican!!!
How about yjat then?

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 05:01 AM

A year ago, last Thursday
I was strolling in the park
when I met a man who thought he knew the lot.
He was laying down the law about the habits of Winsocks
And how many claws a Rafflesbear has got.
So I asked him:
"What's that creature there?"
He answered, "Oh, it's a Gnu"
I might of gone on thinking that was fact
If the animal in question hadn't put that chap to shame
And remarked, "I h'aint a Gnu, I'm a Y-ak"

"I'm a Y-ak
I'm a Y-ak
The y-ummiest type of y-animal in the pack
I'm a Y-ak
So take it back
You really ought to k-now w-ho's in the stew
I'm a Y-ak
Spelt Y-A-K
I'm not yer Monkey or yer Meerkat
So let me tell it best
I'm not a Y-eti or a Guest
Oh y-es y-es y-es I'm a Y-ak"

I had taken furnished lodgings down at Bickley near Bromley
Whence I travelled on to Otford on the train it was actually
And the second night I stayed there I was woken from a dream
That I'll tell you all about some other time
Among the hunting trophies on the wall above my bed
Stuffed and mounted, was a face I thought I knew;
A Bison? No, it's not a Sink.
A Parlava? Unlikely, Really. A Poxicat?
When I though I heard a voice...

"I'm a Y-ak
I'm a Y-ak
Y-et another Y-ak
I really could y-ell abuse at y-ou
I'm a Y-ak
So take it back
You really ought to k-now w-ho's in the stew
I'm a Y-ak
Spelt Y-A-K
Call me Leopard or Parlava and I'll sue
Nor y-am I come to that like that dreadful Poxicat,
Oh, y-es y-es y-es,
y-es y-es y-es I'm a Y-ak
y-es y-es y-es I'm a Y-ak"

with profuse apologies to Flanders and Swan!

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 07:07 PM

Ex- cuse moi Monsieur Chapeau - you started the parlava with your damnable monkey paws!

The poetry on this thread takes the subjectto new levels... up? Down? Not for moi to cmmment.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 10:07 PM

"ER, No,
Excuse Me.
I put it to You
I did not start it,
You Leopards started it
You invaded Gnuzealand?

ANYWAY
Did you know there is a Pigmy tribe in Africa   
called The "FUK,R,WE Tribe.
They live in the Long Elephant Grass of the south Savanah.

One can see them sometimes jumping up and down aimlessly lost
in the Long Grass,
Hollering
"WERE The Fukrwee,
"WERE The Fukrwee,

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 04 Jan 10 - 12:27 PM

Yes, we do know them. One or two of them were a little tough, but the younger ones are nice in spicy sauce.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 03:32 AM

Hi Folks
After the recent snow fall and the prospects of more to come I hope I can get to this event?
Lets hope it all melts so we can all have a good night.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 03:47 AM

Metcheck is clearly strugling with demand and server response is patchy but it looks as if here (ME3) and Otford (TN14) there is likely to be snow today, tomorrow afternoon, and Friday, most of the day, average temperatures well below zero, snap temps reaching zero or +1 at best, and then rain on Sat falling onto the deep-frozen ground. This is not good for Rafflesbear's party!

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 04:21 AM

All we can do is watch and wait and see.
Poxi weather Im fed up with walking like a Duck and slipping arse over head.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 08:50 AM

at the moment the roads are clear in Otford and although it is snowing it is very light and not adding to the problems

This weather forecast looks a bit better

weather for Otford this week

can't change the date as I have friends flying in from Germany - flights and accommodation booked - think positive - all WILL be well and it will be a great evening :-)

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 09:29 AM

Rafflesbear you are right "think Positive" I am working Friday and I finish 0700 Saturday
morning I will go home sleep and then set out for Otford, My concern is the railways running. I may book a B&B in Otford if there is one for Saturday night. But cannot book that until Im clear on the fact that the Trains will be running. I am happy to pay for B&B and travel home
Sunday.
Its been snowing all afternoon here in Eltham its settling but it comes down has tiny flakes so it only inches deep,

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 11:20 AM

Small flakes here too, but Mumblin Len has huge flakes in Belvedere.
The problem with snow is that I can't risk falling over, and if I slip, it'll happen. Are they keeping the snow off of those 'orrible steps up to the pub?

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: fair maiden of nottingham
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 01:28 PM

Hi all fisheye is worried that he at least gets back to civilisation.
so he can worry about a little snow at Otford. We have about 12" here at the moment and still coming down. Pete fisheye will try and contact you
Sat PM to check on travel possibilities. He is due back Friday subject to getting out of house and trains.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 03:10 PM

Came home through Otford - a bit whiter than this morning and traffic moving gingerly but hey - there's plenty of time yet !

Girl Friday - give me a call on my mobile when you park your car and I shall send out six strong men to ensure you arrive intact

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: wrotham-arms-jen
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 06:14 PM

ohhh...raffles, does that offer pertain to all invitees?

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 08:15 PM

6 strong men?That,all be a right parlava.

Try ten?
How about a trail of Gnu bones from the car park to the public bar?
o/jpking

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 09:01 PM

If Sue gets stuck she could burn drums to keep warm...

Sue using them to try to beat out a message could prove confusing for the listener, but damping the fire with snow might enable smoke signals so long as our only genuine Sioux was available to read them.

What is a parlava when it grows up? A parmoth?

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 02:01 AM

Jen - as long as I don't run out of strong men - at the moment I'm beginning to wonder if I'll have six men of any description !   :-)

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 07:15 AM

Six men or ten.... I hope they are all young and good looking as well as strong, which rules out most of you.... nice to have Mr Bridge back on the 'cat, I've missed his suggestions of what I can do with my drums... not a lot though. Spoken to Len this morning... the car is covered in ice.... he's having trouble over his prescription because his medication is waiting at the chemists, and the chemist shop is locked up. New prescription should be available this afternoon, then he can return to me (if the car starts).

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 11:27 AM

To cheer you up in this nasty weather.A liitle gem from CBBC.. You need the sound on

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 02:44 PM

Came home through Otford again tonight about 6.15 pm

Traffic was pretty much up to speed

Tonbridge volleyball training was cancelled though - wimps !

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 02:49 PM

GF - I managed to stick with it until 2mins 30sec - that's your target to beat folks !

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 03:30 PM

Hi Folks
Looks like I may be getting a lift from Fisheye if he ever gets back from Nottingham.So thats my journey home sorted Hopefully.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 03:33 PM

Mr Bear, I had it turned off after about 7 seconds.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 03:34 PM

No wonder our children have no time span of attention if that is what the BBC feeds them. Another example of lowest-common-denominator "entertainment".

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 04:49 PM

Bring back the Wooden tops I say I loved that spotty Dog I can still do a good impresion of him and the noises ,or Bill and Ben,My faourite was Littleweed. The magic roundabout and Dylan. They called it watch with mother because the kids loved it and learned from it and the parents had a bloody good laugh to boot.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 05:33 PM

the woodentops

not sure you could get away with 'Watch with Mother' these days - or even 'Watch with Parent' - probably ought to be 'Watch with Guardian' or 'Watch with Responsible Adult'

in the related videos there is Andy Pandy, Bill and Ben, Rag Tag and Bobtail and Torchy the Battery Boy ! Gems every one - sorry Sue you can keep your ooglies

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 07:06 PM

Excellent.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 04:01 AM

Forecast no more TN14 snow today, and rain and above freezing tomorrow which might wash any remaining local snow away and enable jollity.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:38 AM

That's what we like - positive thinking - I have already pressed the 'enable jollity' button

The Winsocks are leaving Leicester this afternoon, flights from Frankfurt are landing on time - snow? - what snow??

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 07:37 AM

Snow shower in Orpington this morning- not a lot though. It is difficult to think positive when I see the amount of icy pavement outside my house. Am hoping to buy some new boots today. My trusty K Snow boots are 30 years old and no longer fit me. I also have a hair appointment in the High Street, so hope it's ok out there. Need to make a final decision about tonight's Folk Club. Watch Mudcat and look at website.

Sue

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 08:57 AM

now for the really good news

I have just been speaking with Fiona and she tells me that the pavements in Otford have been gritted - also they have cleared the steps up to the pub and treated them (bought them a pint of Crown Otford Ale)

She says that the roads are back to normal :-)

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:03 AM

Forecast now saying sleet today and rain and temps rising to 2 degrees tomorrow...

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 12:50 PM

Been out and bought boots. Orpington pavements in High Street are clear. Forecasted snow at 15.00 didn't transpire. Good news about Otford. Folk Club on tonight. The forecourt looks tricky. We will park on it, but don't copy us unless you are a confident parker. Trevor is, and doesn't fancy walking and carrying instruments.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 01:03 PM

Otford folk club should of course read Orpington Folk Club at the Liberal Club = Orpington Friday Folk

Otford Folk Event being of course tomorrow at The Crown 7.30 for 8.00 itinerary as above

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 01:11 PM

What are local conditions in Otford like?

Met-check says zero degrees and wet sleet now till midnight, then rising to 1 degree and raining all day Saturday and so long as the ground is not too cold that should clear all lying snow.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 03:24 PM

What shall I do.
If I change the strings on my 6 string tanglewood when I get home from work saturday morning and over tune them to stretch the strings and leave the guitar for 10 hours highly strung in a warm room do one think it will be ok for playing my 20 min slot at otford........

or
Shall I leave the old strings on. The old one are not .........to bad a condition.
Regards Pierre

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: melodeonboy
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:08 PM

Rafflesbear: As you know, I'm gigging tomorrow, so I won't be able to come. Thanks for inviting me; I hope you have a great time.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:50 PM

Melodeonboy - I've phoned the Swan and told them you've cancelled the gig - no point going therefore so come straight to the Crown :-)

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 08:53 PM

I may be getting a lift to Otford from Fisheye.
But he has been up in Nottingham since before Christmas and his little car has been in a garage since before Christmas so it may not start if the battery is flat or its incase4d in a big Ice cube.

I told him I will bell him at 13.00 and if there is a problem then I will have enough time to get to Otford on me own steam.
looking forward to seeing you tonight.

decided to keep old stings on guitar.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 01:08 AM

IF I CANNOT GET A LIFT IN I WILL COME IN VIA TRAIN FROM BROMLEY SOUTH
TO OTFORD

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 04:10 AM

Just finished a 12 hour shift. aint been bed yet > But it wont be long though" the next scotch should do the trick?

Ok trains from Bromley south to Otford are few and far between today and will stop early evening.I got that info from info desk waterloo station this morning.

Fisheye phoned me at 0850 this morning and has told me his car is Iced up and the battery is dead and has a result has a flat tyre to boot. He was up for it but his car clearly isnt ?

I,ll make every effort to get to this event

If anyones got any Ideas PM me I set the alarm for 1400 hrs to make time.
for any arrangements.
or bell me on my emergency how to get to a gig number...ON.. 8564973.THIS NUMBER Will self explode after the 9.1.2010
Please phone .......After 14.00.

AFTER THOUGHT .

POXI COUNTRY ONE FLAKE OF SNOW AND THE WHOLE IN,,,FLU ..STRUCTURE grins to a halt
regards to all Pierre

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 04:35 AM

Bloody palava

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: naughtyforty
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 06:06 AM

I definitely won't be able to make this as there are no trains or buses running in and around Hastings today!!! Hope it goes well.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 06:21 AM

According to met-check the slight thaw I mentioned above is now not happening. I think I will probably stay at home, but thanks for the invitation.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 07:06 AM

Sorry you can't make it Richard however the Winsocks have just recruited another two, one of whom is musically inclined plus a number of people at Orpington Friday Folk last night expressed an interest :-)

I've just been speaking again to Fiona (landlady of the Crown) and she reports that the pavements are gritted as is the main car park and the roads are clear in the Otford area

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 08:08 AM

Hi there.

The great British Weather!!!!

Just checked on the Met-Check website and the data is as follows

Sat 9 Jan 12:00 14:59 0 °c -7 °c 0 0.5 mm 100 % 24 mph 29 mph
15:00 17:59 0 °c -7 °c 0 1.0 mm 100 % 23 mph 28 mph
18:00 20:59 0 °c -7 °c 0 0.9 mm 100 % 21 mph 25 mph
21:00 23:59 0 °c -6 °c 0 1.6 mm 100 % 21 mph 25 mph

Sun 10 Jan 0:00 2:59 0 °c -6 °c 0 0.9 mm 100 % 21 mph 25 mph
3:00 5:59 0 °c -5 °c 0 1.7 mm 100 % 19 mph 23 mph
6:00 8:59 1 °c -5 °c 0 0.5 mm 100 % 17 mph 21 mph
9:00 11:59 1 °c -4 °c 0 0.9 mm 100 % 15 mph 18 mph
12:00 14:59 1 °c -4 °c 0 0.4 mm 100 % 14 mph 17 mph
15:00 17:59 1 °c -4 °c 0 0.9 mm 100 % 13 mph 15 mph
18:00 20:59 1 °c -4 °c 0 0.5 mm 100 % 10 mph 12 mph
21:00 23:59 1 °c -4 °c 0 1.0 mm 100 % 9 mph 11 mph

The annimated graphic at the end of each of the above lines was one of heavy snow!!

The forecast from the BBC website is as follows
Hour Weather Temp
(°C°F) Wind
Direction and Speed(mphkm/h) Humidity

Pressure

Visibility Help for next 24 hours Help
12:00   Sunny Intervals
-3°C 27°F North North Easterly 18mph 29km/h 88%
1024mB
Moderate
15:00
Sunset
16:12
   Heavy Snow
-2°C 28°F North North Easterly 18mph 29km/h 87%
1022mB
Moderate
18:00   Heavy Snow
-3°C 27°F North North Easterly 21mph 34km/h 93%
1022mB
Poor
21:00   Light Snow
-2°C 28°F North North Easterly 21mph 34km/h 97%
1021mB
Poor
00:00
(Sun)   Heavy Snow
-1°C 30°F North North Easterly 21mph 34km/h 94%
1019mB
Poor
03:00
(Sun)   Light Snow
-1°C 30°F North North Easterly 20mph 32km/h 97%
1018mB
Moderate
06:00
(Sun)
Sunrise
08:01
   Light Snow
-1°C 30°F North Easterly 18mph 29km/h 97%
1017mB
Poor
09:00
(Sun)   Light Snow
0°C 32°F North Easterly 21mph 34km/h 93%
1019mB
Good

Diligaf is supposed to be driving over from Grain to my house in Chipstead (not far from Otford). I think I'll be advising her not to.

Pete - Trains to and from Otford have been in very short supply during the last week, and I would suspect that tonight they will be finishing very early as they have done over the last three days.

Fiona is right, the main High Street has been gritted. Many other roads in the area have not been. The road is, however, cllassed as a Secondary route, so if Sevenoaks Council is following the directive by the Government, then they will be implementing a 25% reduction in gritting today and tonight.

You all know me guys and gals - very positive and The Glass is Half Full - BUT - on this occasion, I'm erring on the side of caution and saying THINK ABOUT IT VERY CAREFULLY!! The forecast over the last week have been EXTREMELY ACCURATE in this part of the world!!

If Diligaf stays at home, I MIGHT think about walking over (it's about 3 miles) but I'll see.

Raffles - sorry to put a very big dampener on this - I know that you have spent ages getting this organised. I was in the Crown when it snowed on the 17th December, and there was a three inch covering EVERYWHERE an hour later, and I walked home in the snow without seeing a single gritter, car OR person on foot!!!!

If it goes ahead - I hope that it is a great night and that as many people turn up as possible. If it doesn't, well I'm sure we can have a rescheduled bash at a later stage.

I want to still be folking with you lot in the year ahead, and not discussing someone who has had a major accident or, forbid the thought, something even worse!!!

MIGHT, MIGHT see you Raffles and some of you later this evening. If not adios.

Best wishes

Kev

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 08:15 AM

I forgot.

The BBC website article about the weather so far today is reporting that there could be up to 4 inches of snow to the South AND East of London tonight - just where Otford is.

It's not looking good I'm afraid!

Kev

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 08:56 AM

Here in Lower Coke, there is not yet much precipitation but wind is rising and and the A228 has driven snow settling once one is past Fen Bell Corner (aka Gun Emplacement Corner), with every indication that there will soon be drifting.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 09:05 AM

Since my last posting it has turned into a whiteout in ME3 9RD

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 09:20 AM

We have had an inch of snow overnight, and there is sheet ice in the road.It looks bas, though I've not consulted the weather site yet. I have set the BBC weather up for local reports. Will check and post again. I have knowledge of past icy snaps in thee area going back 30 years, and snow came in feet deep then. I am willing to bet that Polhill is going to be extremely treacherous.

Last night was very well supported, numbers nearly doubled by Raffles and Mrs Bear plus The Winsocks. Together with several audience members we numbered 18... more than the average guest night!

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 09:26 AM

Not looking too bad, so long as it is light snow only. I don't blame any of you from outlying parts for staying home.
BBC Local Weather

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:19 AM

I have just got up and its snowing in Kidbrooke where I live I can see no way now of getting anywhere this evening buses are stopping at eltham and trains are halted..even the local shop is closing early

This is nothing now to do with a poxi country or a parlava RE my upper post this is winter in England something that we have not seen in a long time
,I cannot see this snow letting up and the sky is gray with it
I give up folks I cannot expect anyone to pick me up has offered that would put them in a serious position in regards to driving.
Happy birthday Rafflersbear.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:32 AM

I will go to the shop buy a four pack and a packet of fags Im up for a good puff tonight.
I ,ll have a party of me own

I have 3 cats in residence.
a four pack and three cats I have 6 guitars and a Mandolin?
Im gonna have a ball in honor of you, Rafflesbear.
I will perform my slot planned for tonight at the appropriate time here in Kidbrooke.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:33 AM

My parts are not outlying, thank you. But it is varying between heavy snow and light snow, and it is wet. If it freezes hard tonight there is going to be a gigantic skating rink - that wet snow will become a sheet of ice.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:52 AM

Diligaf has just text me to say that shee will not be coming over tonight (not far from Mr Bridge).

It is now snowing hard here in Chipstead and is settling on the main road through the village. The main dump of snow is forecast for between 6 and 9 (here anyway).

I may be doing the same as you Pete! (minus the cats and the guitars though!!)

Kev

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 11:32 AM

yes Im on me way to Otford lets hope we get there in one piece? sod the weather....

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 11:40 AM

We're going to reserve a decision until 6 p.m. (it's now 4.30) when we'll ring Raffles. It has snowed another inch or so since my last posting.

I am going to get a route that is safer than the A21,being still hopeful.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 12:48 PM

OK OK - some things are just not meant to be

With the number of people now down to single figures I have bowed to the inevitable and cancelled The Crown

I do hope that no-one out there goes and finds it empty but if anyone is still interested I have shifted the venue to a front room in Eltham and if you PM me with your phone number I can give you the new location

sigh

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 01:26 PM

someone should phone Pet The Hat via his mobile (I don't have it) as his post above shows that he is on his way!!

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 01:39 PM

don't worry Kev - I have Pete safely under my wing - I wasn't going to miss his perlavxxx performance for a flake of snow

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 08:16 PM

Many thanks to all those who braved the elements and turned up at Eltham - especially my requested guests Pierre le Chapeau and Tone Deaf Leopard who were on fine form. Thanks also to Paul from OFF for coming along and making an excellent contribution to beating the winter blues

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 09:04 PM

A excellent night fantastic.
Credit to Musicians and singers and some brilliant wit.,
Lovely too meet new people.
I got folk roaring with me Stan Laurel Hat trick and some were quite bewildered.

I thought Windsock were very good and I wish them well with success in all that they do.
The accordion player has come on in leaps since Otford 2009 when I last saw them perform
"Now she looks crossly at the Guitarists like a Mother Goose with Goslings that cant keep up in the swim?
Playing that accordion has also enlarged your bust. Darling so keep at it?

To our hosts who let us play in the privacy and comfort of there own home .
at a time when we did not know if we would be in Otford or Eltham ?
in true style we made the best of the evening and enjoyed the event regardless of adverse weather and also of absent friends,
Thanks for the lifts there and also back and a Happy Birthday Raffflesbear.
Regards Pierre

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 09:51 PM

! What day is it Now ?

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:39 PM

"I ,have heard it all now?
"Due to adverse weather conditions "among other things "The price of Cat litter has gone up?
BBC NEWS 0400 Hrs 10.1.201.

Ha Ha.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:57 PM

Here,s The News.
The famous folk duo ;Tone Deaf Leopard Informed police today that there entire stash of Cat litter has be stolen?
A Police spokesman said. " At present we are trying to get to the bottom of it, But in the mean time . "Like the victims of crime, We have nothing to go on?

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 01:34 PM

hi rafflebear, sorry for missing your birthday, Sat morning my car was a dodo after 5 weeks in the garage, hence the cancelled trip with Pete.
I did not come on here again until today and found out about Eltham.....A bloody bus would have got me there.
apologies.
Fisheye

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 01:46 PM

Fisheye - I'm mortified - if I'd known you were just down the road from Pete you wouldn't have needed a bus - I'd have picked you up and dropped you back - what a shame

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 04:20 PM

fisheye sincerely sorry you phone number is stored on my mobile which i did not take with me i have now stored it in my mudcat archive because barbara pm it to me because i keep
losing it apart from that i thought we were going to Otford ,eltham was a late alturnative
sorry mate.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 05:21 PM

Rafflesbear I have lost your mobile number having deleted it by accident from my mudcat archive.
Please PM mobile number to me fore i have a good idea in regards to catching up with folk who missed out on last night bithday events but i want to put it to you 1st.
regards pierre.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: GUEST,Essex Girl
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 11:12 AM

What a shame, I'd have made it to Eltham if I'd known.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 02:53 PM

Re above post
I dont think any one knew at the time..................'if it was going to be Otford or Eltham.
Thats all there was too it,Time was running out weather wise.

I honestly thought I would be playing on front of three cats, 1 mine the other two from Lords know boody where.

Subject: RE: Birthday Bash - Crown at Otford - Jan 9
From: Girl Friday
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:25 AM

Shame, but Essex Girl hadn't been on this thread before. If she had, she'd not have been overlooked. We are all busy people, and not all available all of the time.