Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?

Subject: Ozcatters meet at 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 10:05 AM

About a month to go (YAH!!)

The Program has been posted - tho ya need magnifying glasses to read it! - now we come to the bit about where we'll meet.

It's become a bit of a habit that most of us will get to Hrothgar's Hymn singing session (the best singing session in the whole Festival) on Sunday morning. Last year was a bit of a bummer cos Hrothgar couldn't attend the Festival, so JenniG & I led it. Wot fun - I was immortalised on radio continually urging everyone to have a dose of medicine - Dr Jamieson's & another tasty brew as supplied by Canberra Chris & Bruce D. And as always, a good time was had by all.

Squinting hard at the Sunday program the Hymn session is on again - & again one hour instead of the usual 90 mins - with another workshop following 10 mins later so we'll have to hurry thru al those roof-raising classics.

So, who'll be there & who is performing, & where else shall we meet?

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 10:06 AM

ps. We'll have at least one UKCatter, Ross Campbell, with us & just because the title says Ozcatters doesn't mean visiting Catters can't join us!

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2010 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 05:18 PM

No it doesn't - all Catters are welcome! We will be there, I will be doing my volunteering as usual although I will be finished by the time the festival starts. And Himself will be there.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2010 National?
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 05:26 PM

Shame Liz and I won't arrive until 2011 - sounds great but maybe it'll be so good that it'll happen again next year? Go for it!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2010 National?
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 05:32 PM

I'll be at the festival, as usual, not performing, and probably not singing hymns, but I'm sure I'll see many Ozcatters there.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 05:38 PM

Hymn singing isn't my thing but I'll certainly be at the festival. Hope to meet a few more of you this year.

Mal

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 02:40 AM

Mal - it's a singing session, tho one year some of the folks who attend the church service didn't realise it & had to be reminded by Roger that being asked to lead a hymn wasn't an invitation to preach.

The hymn session goes down well with singers cos many traditional (& modern) songs used hymn tunes. Danny Spooner arrived for his workshop one year & added to Amazing Grace.

I was at a funeral early last year where it was so strange to hear a classical soprano singing "Abide with me" - I was trying not to sing John Dengate's I can't abide

I'm usually found at Dennis O'Keefe's Australian singing session each lunchtime in the Session bar & at the Singing Sessions late at night.

I don't know where else I'll be as I haven't looked at the program, it's just too small fro me to read & I don't want to print it out.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 03:25 AM

Thanks Sandra, I'll check the program and see how it all fits together.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 06:17 AM

as more Ozcatters read this, we'll get further info on where folks are performing or planning to be

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: skarpi
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 10:33 AM

well I wish ! I was a millioner....

have fun , its long way from the North..Atlantic and cost
way to much .

have fun all :O)

kv Skarpi Iceland .

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 05:17 PM

wouldn't it be great to have that much money! Fly away whenever & wherever you want ... go anywhere, buy anything ...

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 07:37 PM

Money can't buy you love.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 07:42 PM

Geez Gerry.....you know, that could make a good song title?

Cheers
JennieG who has been a Beatles fan since forever.....

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Allen in Oz
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 08:44 PM

Sandra

You can enlarge the program (which is shown at being 43%) to 100% and it is fairly readable, even to my old eyes

Worth a try anyway ...give it a go

Best wishes

Allen
BMC

ps ...where do Mudcatters meet usually ?
AD

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 09:40 PM

Not sure where the singing room is going to be this year. The restaurant has been used for the last 10-12 years, but that's now going to be used as the Volunteers' Kitchen (probably a better use of available facilities), so the singing room might revert to the former Volunteers' Kitchen (which has the original singing room, and IMHO has better acoustics for singing). Is everybody keeping up with me here?

Now, Jenny and Sandra, who has the box of hymn books?

There were two boxes sent last year, but only one actually arrived, which is why you might have been a little short of books. The transport company rang me a week after the festival to say they couldn't deliver the second one, and what should they do with it? I have it back here now.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 12:49 AM

yes - someone recently told me the kitchen would probably be the singing room (maybe Margaret?)

not me!

do you know why THEY reduced our session?

Allen - the hymn session is the No. 1 place - other places to be selected.

attendees so far

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby

Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are reputedly on the program. I'll try to enlarge it & have a squizz.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: freda underhill
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 06:38 AM

I'll be there, just for a change :-) Yes, that program.. I see Martin Pearson's doing "Intelligent Design, the Musical" - can't miss it! and they'll be screening some of John Meredith's films.and what's thios? .. The Infinite Motown Song Contest - hmmmm - ain't that peculiar?

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 08:09 AM

Allen, I enlarged the program (on a mac it's Actual size) - wow, I can read it!

attendees so far - mark II.

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill


Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are definitely on the program.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 07:27 PM

Roger, I gave the box of hymn books to - Julie, was it? - in volunteer transport, I collected them from her in the first place, and she said they would get back to you via her. Might be worth speaking to her?

We will take the time out from packing up our house to move, to go to the festival; we will probably need the light relief.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 07:55 PM

Hymn singing isn't my thing
Well, Mal, it isn't mine either but, in addition to Sandra's comment I paraphrase a comment attributed to Wesley; "You can't let the god-botherers keep all the good tunes to themselves."

And Sandra forgot to include me as an attendee; once again I'll be volunteering in Comms (just behind JennieG in the Festival Office), this time with Daughter #1 and her friend, both of whom I'm trying to persuade to join in the hymns.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 08:40 PM

Ah yes......Rowan is great at leading the brass band when we sing "Onward Christian Soldiers"......

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Bugsy
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 09:01 PM

As finances get tighter and tighter, it looks like this will be ANOTHER year that we won't be at the National.

Hope you all have a wonderful time and drink a toast to me and Mrs Bugsy in the winebar.

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Soldier boy
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 09:47 PM

Since when has "hymn" singing been anything to do with folk music?

Sorry if I've missed the plot (being an ignorant Englishman)but this all sounds very strange and foreign to me.

What does it all mean?

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 11:30 PM

We're talking about the (Australian) National Folk Festival, which is held every year over Easter Weekend, and there are people who like to sing hymns at Easter, and there are people at a folk festival who just like to sing, so it all comes together.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 12:52 AM

Don't worry about it Soldier boy; a lot of Oz things are likely to come across as strange and foreign to people who are not from Oz. But you'd still be welcome. And the hymns are quite eclectic. I was about to describe them as "catholic" but the context could confuse even the well informed.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 01:48 AM

The hymn session is always filled with shanty singers & other assorted unaccompanied singers & we really raise the roof.

attendees so far - mark II.

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Rowan
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill


Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are definitely on the program.

In spirit -
Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy (wot a shame I didn't win the tickets to the National in a recent raffle, I could have given them to you!)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 03:50 AM

"You can't let the god-botherers keep all the good tunes to themselves."

No, but there's a place and time for parodies and I'm not that brave. :)

I'll definitely make an exception for John Warner's "Newell Highway", especially as I'll probably drive down it again.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 08:02 AM

The Roaring Forties have workshop called "Don't let religion stand in the way of a good song.

attendees so far - Mark III.

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill
Tangledwood


Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are definitely on the program.

In spirit -
Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy

sandra (berating herself for forgetting Tangledwood)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 05:01 PM

Don't do that Sandra, I'm quite forgetable. :)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: skarpi
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 05:35 PM

no , you are right , can´t get love for money .

but the airfair....:O) hahaha

kv Skarpi

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 03:10 AM

attendees so far - Mark IV.

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill
Tangledwood


Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are definitely on the program.


Attendees in spirit if not in person -

Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy
Skarpi

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 02:18 AM

"The Roaring Forties have a workshop called "Don't let religion stand in the way of a good song."

Is this on at the National, Sandra, or is it something they do on other occasions? Couldn't see it in the programme (which I blow up to 150% for obvious reasons).

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 03:14 AM

oops, I was talking shorthand - they've done it at Festivals in the past - tho it would be a good follow up to our Hymn session - keep the energy going!

do you why we've had our time reduced 2 years running - 90 mins is much better than 50 mins!

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 01:33 AM

refresh!

only 25 sleeps till I head to Canberra

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 05:50 AM

attendees so far - Mark V.

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill
Tangledwood
hilda fish


Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are definitely on the program.


Attendees in spirit if not in person -

Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy
Skarpi

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 06:39 AM

Not coming over from Scotland this year, I'm afraid. Had a great time the last 2 years, and hope to get there next year. Have a good time, everybody.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,Callie
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 07:28 AM

I will be chasing a small person and trying to fit some gigs in as well. I will try and catch you up but am often thwarted by the factors just mentioned. I still have Bob's badge.

By the way - I need singers to sing three-part harmony versions of field recordings of folk songs. Rehearsals Fri, Sat, Sun 2.30-4pm and concert/recording in the Budawang at the evil time of 10am on Monday. All welcome. No hymns, promise. Sheet music and recordings here: http://www.folkfestival.asn.au/program/2010-folk-fellowship-choir/


c

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 05:58 PM

Callie, can one just show up or do you need to know numbers beforehand?

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Bruce D
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 02:01 AM

Put me down as a possible.

I've now have the time off, but I have to organize myself (& Money !)if I want to get to Canberra from Melbourne.

Bruce D

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 04:14 AM

attendees so far - Mark VI.

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill
Tangledwood
hilda fish
Callie
Bruce D ???


Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are definitely on the program.


Attendees in spirit if not in person -

Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy
Skarpi

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: ChristineB
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 06:25 AM

Wow, well Rosie and I are coming from Perth. We're also counting sleeps. It should be fantastic

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,Callie
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 07:07 AM

Jenny - one can just turn up. Print your music at home if you don't want to fork out $ for a music book though!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 04:44 PM

Where do I get the music?

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 05:05 PM

JennieG, go up a few messages to where Callie posted the URL.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 01:51 AM

attendees so far - Mark VII.

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill
Tangledwood
hilda fish
Callie
Bruce D ???
ChristineB
Rosie
Mark Gregory (see Don Henderson Concert of program)


Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are definitely on the program.


Attendees in spirit if not in person -

Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy
Skarpi

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Bruce from Bathurst
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 02:04 AM

OK Sandra, I promise I'll try really hard to get there this year. The Broadcasters Forum is happening at 4.00 on Sunday, but that's my only locked-in committment.

My weather prediction for this year's festival is "damp". Any other guesses?

Bruce from Bathurst

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 06:38 AM

colder than Sydney! but maybe not colder than Bathurst

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,Callie
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 07:13 AM

damp ok, but please please please not wet. camping for first time with small child. no going back now - have bought a gazebo. make it good, bruce (the weather, not the gazebo)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: SqueezeMe
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 07:22 AM

I'll be there, doing, amongst other things, 2 workshops on some aspects of accordion and concertina maintenance.

I'll probably have a few boxes for sale too....and a bag full of Mally straps!

Looking forward to the trip.

MC

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 08:37 AM

attendees so far - Mark VIII.

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill
Tangledwood
hilda fish
Callie
Bruce D ???
ChristineB
Rosie
Mark Gregory (see Don Henderson Concert of program)
Squeezeme


Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are definitely on the program.


Attendees in spirit if not in person -

Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy
Skarpi

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 04:29 PM

I think I made it onto Sandra's list once but, as in some other aspects of life, .......

But I'll still be there.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 04:46 PM

And I've just remembered that the senior Larrikin, whose Mudcat name is Bodgie, told me that he'll be there. Perhaps Bob could present him with a badge?

For those confused by the mention of badges, 'catters at the National who wish to be identified as 'catters have (in the past) been made nice Mudcat badges bearing their Mudcat name; these have been kindly provided by Bob Bolton, who prints them on credit-card sized plastic to hang around your person while at the National.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 05:36 PM

Sandra, it seems that I'm one of only a couple hiding behind the Mudcat name. Make it Mal L if you like. :)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 07:19 PM

Rowan, years ago one of my friends had the ultimate threat to cross people off his list of friends using liquid paper on both sides of the page!

I wouldn't do that to you, yet somehow you disappeared on 2nd March, obviously before I used copy & paste to update the list. When were you talking to Bodgie - I met him last week @ the fruit market! I think he received a badge last year.

attendees so far - Mark I (copied, pasted & updated!)

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Rowan
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill
Mal L of Tangledwood
hilda fish
Callie
Bruce D ???
ChristineB
Rosie
Mark Gregory (see Don Henderson Concert on program)
Bruce from Bathurst
Squeezeme
Bodgie


Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are definitely on the program.


Attendees in spirit if not in person -

Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy
Skarpi

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 07:31 PM

Computers are fractious beasts, Sandra; I knew you wouldn't paper over me.

Bodgie and I had an exchange of emails after his appearance on the ABC's Collectors show with all those lovely English concertinas; I chipped him about the lack of Anglos. It was only this morning that I realised I'd never seen him with a Mudcat badge.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 01:02 AM

attendees so far - Mark X

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Rowan
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill
Mal L of Tangledwood
hilda fish
Callie
Bruce D ???
ChristineB
Rosie
Mark Gregory (see Don Henderson Concert on program)
Bruce from Bathurst
Squeezeme
Bodgie
Cloudstreet (fancy forgetting Cloudstreet, but their latest newsletter reminded me!)


Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are definitely on the program.


Attendees in spirit if not in person -

Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy
Skarpi

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 07:56 PM

Sandra, who is this Mark X bloke? is he related to Malcolm X?

Sorry about that......all this house buying and selling is doing my head in.....

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 05:10 AM

rise again ...

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 12:31 AM

Wey hey and up she rises....

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Mar 10 - 02:01 AM

again

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 12:28 AM

For the "Hymn" session.
Can atheists sing gospel?
We shall find out.
Got a few that might fit:-

Heavenly Aeroplane
When I Die
Angel Gabriel
Darkness in the Valley (Allan Taylor)
Farther Along
Pull for the Shore

and I think there are a few more.
And if they don't fit in the session they might fit in the stairwell!

SqueezeMe - I'll PM you about possibility of obtaining some concertina spares - down to my last three spare springs. Don't know when I last broke one, but I had a "scare" just before I came over.

Ross (in Sydney)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 02:16 AM

I attend a craft group that meets in a church hall & here's the latest song for young (male?) folks. I found it in the garbage bin. I wonder what tune they use.

Will it attain classic status & be sung in future Folk Festival Hymn Sessions by future generations of folkies?

On Track Now by Roy Meredith & Rob Weule

Chorus -
On track now
This is how
Eyes on the prize
Give me high Fives
Keep your head
What Jesus said
Heaven is the prize
Give me high fives.



Star jumps now, this is how
Eyes on the prize, give me high fives
High kicks now, this is how
Eyes on the prize, give me high fives

chorus


Scissors now, this is how
Eyes on the prize, give me high fives
Boxing now, this is how
Eyes on the prize, give me high fives

chorus


Ski jumps now, this is how
Eyes on the prize, give me high fives
Side kicks now, this is how
Eyes on the prize, give me high fives

chorus

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: freda underhill
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 08:28 AM

I just can't wait - but I've noticed Andy Irvine's on at St Alban's a couple of week's later - yet he's not on the program at the national?@%*&????

doesn't seem right. Luckily, I'll be going to both.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Allan C.
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 06:54 PM

I would be there in a heartbeat if I could make it a stop on the way to see my daughter who has married to a fine man in Adelaide. However, it is not in the cards for this year.

Do make it a point to see the performance of Beppe Gambetta on the Friday schedule (and perhaps elsewhere but that's where I found him.) He is an amazing guitarist who sounds as though he has at least two extra hands on each arm - or a minimum of a dozen fingers on each hand - take your pick.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 08:32 PM

attendees so far - Mark XI

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Rowan
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill
Mal L of Tangledwood
hilda fish
Callie
Bruce D ???
ChristineB
Rosie
Mark Gregory (see Don Henderson Concert on program)
Bruce from Bathurst
Squeezeme
Bodgie
Cloudstreet (fancy forgetting Cloudstreet, but their latest newsletter reminded me!)
Canberra Chris


Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will probably be there as the Shiny Bums are definitely on the program.


Attendees in spirit if not in person -

Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy
Skarpi
Allan C

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 03:58 AM

Well I won't be there this year!

I've been at the National for the past two years and never thought to look up Ozcatters - doh who's a fool now!

I did make the singing room a couple of times having been pointed at it by a couple of spooky men (and their spouses)!!

Have a great time though all of you praps I'll make the trip over again in 2011.

Andy
from England!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 09:11 AM

shall I add you to the In Spirit list?

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 05:42 PM

Spirit List?

Shades of Hrothgar's medicine!

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 06:56 PM

So the hymn singing will be followed by a séance?

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,aussiebloke (at work)
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 11:10 PM

Yay - this time I am going to the National - first time ever!

I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can.

Cheers

Martin (from Darwin)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 08:28 AM

aussiebloke - do you need a Mudcat badge?

Does anyone else need a badge?

Bob Bolton can usually create them for those who need them, but get in quick!

Bob is heading to Canberra on Wednesday.

As Bob might not read this thread, I'll pass on any names

sandra



attendees so far - Mark XII

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Rowan
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill
Mal L of Tangledwood
hilda fish
Callie
Bruce D ???
ChristineB
Rosie
Mark Gregory (see Don Henderson Concert on program)
Bruce from Bathurst
Squeezeme
Bodgie
Cloudstreet
Canberra Chris
aussiebloke



Callie is on the program & Canberra Chris will definitely be there as the Shiny Bums are on the program.


Attendees in spirit if not in person -

Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy
Skarpi
Allan C

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 05:47 PM

Heavens......there will be rather a lot of us this year! Are there any meetings scheduled, other than the hymn singing workshop? We used to have an informal lunch gathering each day at about 1pm in the session bar.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 07:25 PM

I remember those lunches - when 1 or 2 or more catters would meet for a quick or leisurely lunch before heading off to the next must-see item on the program, or an unexpeced meeting with other friends ...

The hymn session turned into the Official Photo Opportunity because the greatest number of Ozcatters gather there, but other photo ops are needed cos many an Ozcatter is unphotographed!

Any other suggestions?

Anyone else need a badge - Bob is ready to make them.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 04:25 AM

Yes please Sandra.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 10:00 AM

Bob has you on his list! (well he will when he reads my mail later this morning)

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 05:28 PM

Thank you & thank you Bob!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 07:34 PM

Mal and I, and Himself, met last year after the festival ended - on Tuesday morning. Hope to catchup again this year, Mal!

I won't be able to read any of this thread after tomorrow morning, because we are off to Canberra then.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 02:07 AM

anyone else need a badge?

if Bob knows you need one he will have printed it before we leave for Canberra Wed morning & you can get it from him at the Festival. Maybe Rowan can distribute Christine & Rosie's badges as he knows them.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Notferjo
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 08:53 AM

We're flying in to Canberra on Wednesday. Hope to catch up with some of you at the Folklore Conference Thursday. Not to be missed are Martin and Shan Graebe presenting at the Conference on Baring-Gould. Sadly not on the program of the Festival but hopefully will be at the singing sessions. Do get to see them. Wonderful stuff.

NFJ alias Rosie.

PS I might have a badge from before. Chris hasn't got one.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 10:37 AM

I was wondering who Rosie was!

Some of us will be at the Conference

me
Bob Bolton
Bodgie (Warren Fahey)
probably Mark Gregory & Cloudstreet as they was there last year -

Martin & Shan visited Sydney (last year?) & did a presentation on SB-G& I bought their albums

Bob has printed out several pages of badges, including one for Christine. I'll be seeing him tomorrow (well, in about 12 hours, I really must get to bed sometime soonish)

see ya there

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 05:10 PM

"Hope to catchup again this year, Mal!"

I hope so too Jennie. Likewise, I'm hitting the road from Brizzy this morning but taking advantage of the better weather to do a beach crawl on the way and get to Canberra on Tuesday.
The laptop is coming along so should be able to keep up with the posts here.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Andrez
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 03:42 AM

I know I'd be interested in meeting some fellow catters at some alternative place/venue/park whatever....... anywhere other than the (dare I say it, not wanting to be too contentious but dont give a monkeys if I am) excruciating hymn singing session :-)

If anything else is proposed I'll be happy to trot along and put some faces to OZ catter names.

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 07:30 AM

But, Andrez, Easter is all about excruciating, isn't it?

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 11:14 AM

(sob) my favourite singing session!

another suggested meeting place is lunchtime in the session bar.

some of us will be at the late night singing sessions.

any other meeting place suggestions?

do you need a badge, Andrez? Ozcatters wearing badges can spot each other around the Festival.

arranging a meeting is like herding (cats? - nah, they can move)

do catters in other countries ever manage to meet in a group?

sandra



attendees so far - Mark XIII

Sandra in Sydney
Ross Campbell
Bob Bolton
JennieG
Rowan
Gerry
Allen in Oz
Hrothgar
Chris Maltby
freda underhill
Mal L of Tangledwood
hilda fish
Callie
Bruce D ???
ChristineB
Rosie (aka Notforjo)
Mark Gregory (see Don Henderson Concert on program)
Bruce from Bathurst
Squeezeme
Bodgie
Cloudstreet
Canberra Chris
aussiebloke
Andrez


Attendees in spirit if not in person -

Bugsy & Mrs Bugsy
Skarpi
Allan C

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Andrez
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 11:01 PM

Lunchtime, session bar, day, time?

Cant do late night singing sessions as I have my daughter with me after trucking around the festival for most of the day/early evening we are plumb tuckered out and this year our kind host in a neighbouring Canberra suburb is having her 60th birthday and has rels and other family staying so we have been banished to another residence in Queanbeyan.

I have been wearing my badge for two years running and the only 'catter I have actually seen, let alone met has been BoB B, who is usually busy doing his photography thing. Hence the badge thing while a bit of fun doesnt actually work to make contact happen 'cos you need to (a) either see the badge or (b) recognise the mugshot of the badge wearer or (c) be at the same type of gigs around the festival and also be able to do (a) and (b) above!

I know for moi I really like to see stuff I would be unlikely to see in the usual OZ folk settings which generally excludes much of the run of the mill trad material apart from O/seas names I've never heard of or only know by repute, or what comes across at the stock camp.............

.......speaking of which, how about a gathering/meeting of 'catters at the StockCamp at an agreed nominated time/s? That way by some sort of amazing grace, the lost sheep of the OZ 'catter family might actually be rounded up and found again.

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 11:45 PM

I'll certainly be spending time in the stockcamp at Bush Traditions events & probably at other times, but as the Stockcamp is not on the program it's hard to say when. I was lucky enough to walk past one year (last year??) when Martyn Wyndham-Read & Danny Spooner were singing.

So far the only suggestions for meetings are Hrothgar's Hymn Session (a few of us!), Session bar around 1pm (JennieG), & stockcamp (Andrez, no times).

Most Sydney catters are singers (Bob Bolton, Allen in Oz, Bodgie & Squeezeme are also musos) so will often be seen around singing sessions & workshops.

any more suggestions?

sandra

=======

Bush Traditions newsletter re NFF

There will be sessions in the Session Bar each morning at 9.30 hosted by Moir Holmes & family doing the slow tunes, followed by Settler Session and Dance tunes at 11.00 am. This year will see the fifth book of tunes plus CD printed for these sessions at the National. Together they contain over 300 tunes.

There are also plans to organise informal sessions in the Stockcamp each day. This has happened last couple of years and the Stockcamp and the Festival are keen that it should continue to happen. Are there any among you who can put a small group together to form the core of a session in the Stockcamp featuring Australian tunes? Let me know.
============

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Andrez
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 04:52 AM

Sorry, my nomination of the stock camp was an open one for others to support or not as the case may be. I didnt specify times, leaving that rather open to suggestions and am happy to followup if some consensus can be reached in the forum prior to my departure with offspring on wednesday.

Trying to actually meet a live 'catter who isnt one their way to somewhere else at the festival is reminiscent of this clip. Check it out and enjoy: http://video.yahoo.com/watch/206844/535507

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 05:46 PM

If Christine and Rosie haven't been given their badges by Friday, I will be in the Comms centre (adjacent to and behind) the Festival Office) from 8-4 on Friday, should anyone wish to drop by for handovers. Sorry I couldn't respond earlier as I've been umpiring netball in Tamworth all weekend.

In the past, the National Library has had a computer cafe set up in one corner of the main venue (the old Election Tally Room; I forget its other name bits it's just south of the Festival Office) and I was able to log onto Mudcat from there.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 06:38 PM

Tally Room = Budawang (sp?)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 07:05 PM

Correct on both counts, Sandra. It's one of the anglicisations for one of the various Aboriginal language names for cycads. the seeds of which were used for processing as food.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,aussiebloke
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 08:29 PM

Yes please to a badge if possible...

Cheers


Martin

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 11:35 PM

martin - your badge is almost printed!

If I get requests for new badges in the next 4 hours, Bob can print them tomorrow, but anything after that will be handwritten!

Bob will be carrying badges (printed & blank) around the festival.

We're leaving Sydney 8am Wed (eek, I normally wake at 8!) & will get to Canberra around lunchtime, first badges will be distributed at the Folklore conference on Thurs (Notforjo & Christine), others as folks are seen.

Link to a pic of Bob for those who don't know him is in one of my earliest posts.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennyO
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 03:40 AM

"In the past, the National Library has had a computer cafe set up in one corner of the main venue (the old Election Tally Room; I forget its other name bits it's just south of the Festival Office) and I was able to log onto Mudcat from there."

They didn't do the internet cafe last year. Instead they said there was going to be free wi-fi, so I took my laptop, but it all went awfully wrong for some reason and there was no internet last year. Maybe this year will be better.

I've been away in Scotland for 4 months with my lovely squeezy Morris man, Rob (Quantock on Mudcat). We're back here to do the National and then to tie the knot at St Albans 3 weeks later.

We'd like other alternatives to the hymn singing session too. I never made it last year (slept in). Hung around the session bar a couple of times around 1pm, but hardly saw anybody.

I like the idea of the stock camp somewhere around the middle of the day. I want to introduce Rob to the joys of stew and damper and billy tea. I think any day would suit us. Any preferences, Andrez?

Otherwise, wherever you hear the jingle of bells, we probably won't be too far away. We are camping and hanging out with Black Joak Morris. In fact, my tent is already up! Thank you Duncan!

We were going to try and get there on Wednesday, but there's been so much to do that Thursday is looking more likely at this stage.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Andrez
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 05:10 AM

Oh yay JennyO, happy to meet at the stock camp around middayish Friday, Sat or Sunday. Am arriving Thursday but kind of want to try to sneak off with my daughter to see the French Impressionist Masters on the Thursday at the National Gallery which might entail some stamina draining queing I believe.

That kind of rules Thursday out for me but how about friday while the festival is still working up a head of steam. Say around 12.30/1.00'ish. If We havent spotted badges perhaps we can get whoever is doing the MC'ing. Knowing where he's likely to be, I'll try and find Rowan too. Can you get up to the StockCamp around that time Rowan?

Well two 'catters is better than nowt!

Anyone else around, we could do the same thing on the Sat or even Sunday apart from whatever else is happening around the venues. Please make yerself or yer intentions known if interested. I'm leaving Wednesday AM. Work is sooooooooooo stressful I can hardly wait to get out of town!

:-)

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennyO
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 06:14 AM

Friday sounds good to me, Andrez. Maybe 1 ish rather than 12.30, knowing us ;) We might even get there on time then!

I'm a short roly poly type with red hair and glasses, and Rob is tall with a beard (yes I know, that describes 90% of folkie men ;)) I'll certainly have my Mudcat badge, and hopefully Rob will have got his (Quantock) from Bob Bolton too. If you have your badge, it shouldn't be too hard for us to find each other.

SqueezeMe, what is your real life name so we can find you in the program? And where will your stall be? Rob has his melodeon and concertina here and is looking for anything to do with those instruments.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 08:24 AM

Sunday 5.30pm - 7p   Stockmans Camp   Henry Lawson Concert

2 other Lawson workshops - Sat & Sun 9.30-11am

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 05:42 PM

Andrez, I'm doing Comms 8-4 on Friday so probably can't get to the Stock Camp during that time, but now you know where I'll be around then. And I think the Impressionist Masters is at the Victorian "National Gallery"; traces of our colonial past keep cropping up.

Sandra, if I could sleep in until 8 I'd feel either blessed or slothful; I normally wake at 5 and have the daughters at the school gate at 8 but, on Wednesday, I'm going to be awake at 3 so I get the known macropods out of the way before sunup and then have the sun behind me all the way to Canberra.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 05:56 PM

Rowan, I normally get to bed not long before you wake! When I was working I worked 10-7ish, my neighbour started at 7 way out in suburbia, so woke 4.30 to start catching trains 5.30, & I rarely saw him until he retired.

see ya Wed pm or whenever.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Bruce D
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 02:42 AM

I said earlier that I was a possible to attend the National, unluckily even through I've got the time off over Easter. I won't be able to make it to Canberra, (I'm blaming the Taxman).

So I'll try for next year.

Have a good Festival.

Bruce D

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 03:52 AM

boo hiss to the taxman

see ya next year

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: SqueezeMe
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 06:26 AM

JennyO, I have sent you a pm.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,Tony in Darwin
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 06:44 PM

I'll be there, first time since '06.

Looking forward to raising that roof - as many hymns as poss in 50 minutes?

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 06:21 AM

Wow, what a busy week that was! I'm sorry that I didn't get to meet a single OzCatter (not knowingly anyway). From 9.00am at the slow session until sometime after midnight at the Troubadour there seemed to be no moment when there wasn't something happening and still half of the possibilities were missed.

With so much talent there it wouldn't be fair to nominate "the best" acts but the highlight for me would have to be the quality of the various workshops I attended. A number of lights were turned on at the far end of assorted tunnels.

OK, where do we meet next year?

Mal

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 07:57 AM

wot a bummer, Mal, I passed the slow session most mornings!

An assortment of folkies commented upon the multitudinous folks with Mudcat labels -

I've just posted pics here - xlast 6 pics - more will follow as received. Bob has a photo of 6 Catters at the Folklore conference.

memories - stairwell session Thursday or Friday night (best acoustic space in the place - now spoiled a bit by silvery insulation on the ceiling - dunno why a concrete stairwell needs insulation). We saw a well known singer there, so joined the session - I'll embarrass Ross by saying that a number of passers-by came onto the stairs when they heard him singing! He & I were on the landing & 3 other blokes were on the stairs below him & the harmony from these deep voices was wonderful. This memory joins several other magical moments when I was surrounded by voices in harmony.

Joining in with other passers-by when the combined Union choirs gave us a street concert. Unfortunately I couldn't wave my Union card as requested as I'm retired. The Australian songs sessions at lunchtime & in the Stockcamp. The Henry Lawson workshops & concerts. The Watersons concert.

Silliness in the Hymn session - 12 Ozcatters is a record in one place! - dunno if it was the choccie eggs or the medicinal Dr Jamiesons but we even had a dance, first time ever (I think). No doubt someone will remember what hymn we were singing.

Did my usual missing of things I wanted to see. The festival has 19 venues, most are open from 8ish to sometime in the early hours, & I always see very little. I marked 5 essentials one day & only saw 2 of 'em. Another day I saw 2 of 9 essentials! Tho one day I did hear one song from one headline act, but missed the rest as I normally do, some from disinclination to sit in huge venues, others from forgetfulness, more from can't-be-botheredness & others from falling into good company.

All in all, it was my usual festival, great fun in good company, & probably a failure in the eyes of those who rush from one venue to another in their relentless search to see everything on the program.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 09:58 AM

I meant to post this last week before I went to the National
RossCampbell in Sydney @ The Loaded Dog March 2010

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 06:30 PM

we even had a dance, first time ever (I think). No doubt someone will remember what hymn we were singing

"I will guide thee", as sung by Helen Schneyer but with a chorus lineup.

My experience of the festival was much the same as Sandra's.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 06:39 PM

Thanks for posting the pics Sandra. So, I did see some OzCatters - Allen in Oz, Bob Bolton, Chris Maltby, Bruce from Bathurst all have familiar faces. Foreground in pic 28 is "Macca", a friend from the days when he lived near Brisbane. We enjoyed numerous songs together round his camp on Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the festival. It's great to renew friendships at such gatherings.
What a lovely photo of John and Nic. :)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 06:49 PM

Some of Sandra's pics are from previous Nationals but they're all worth checking; ta muchly, Sandra.

A couple of the sessions in the Session Bar were highlights for me, as was playing English dance tunes with the even older Old Empire Band. The dancers had a great time, reportedly and, although almost nothing was amplified, we even received a noise complaint. Yeahhhh! The three bass trombones (over the top of more button accordions than could fit on the stage, plus a veritable hutch of leather ferrets) might have had something to do with that.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 07 Apr 10 - 03:05 AM

We arrived home about an hour and a half ago....must say I slept part of the way as we went out to dinner last night with friends. Although we have lovely innerspring mattresses in our caravan my own bed tonight will be very welcome.

The festival was great, as usual, and I reckon the noise complaint was hilarious. "Did you know the session bar noise went on all night?"

Well - fancy that!

Now we have to get down to serious sorting and packing as the settlement date for our house sale and purchase has been brought forward a couple of days, so four weeks from today looks like being the Big Move to Tamworth. It will be a longer drive to the festival each year but that won't stop us going.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 07 Apr 10 - 06:12 AM

I note that one of Sandra's pictures shows 9 men, 8 of whom have beards (and several women, none of whom have beards). Did Allen in Oz not get the message about the dress code?

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Allen in Oz
Date: 07 Apr 10 - 07:05 PM

Dear Gerry

" To err is human, to forgive , divine"

I shaved off my beard 25 years ago..however I did not shave on the day of the photo hoping for a quick regrowth!   Aaaaargh

I now realise that:
" Flowing beards are all the go down there in Canberra City "

Best wishes

AD

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Apr 10 - 09:31 PM

good thing Gerry wasn't in these pics - he is also beardless! But he does have an excellent moustache!

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Apr 10 - 09:19 PM

Catters at the Folklore Conference

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 08 Apr 10 - 10:32 PM

Just for the record, Andrez tracked me down in the Comms office (he was disappointed that he was the only 'catter at the Stock Camp during lunch time on the Friday) and I spotted Tropic Al singing (with the rest of Poms from Oz) late one night in Building E.

And I think I've finally recovered from the weekend.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 02:07 AM

I'd forgotten Al was a member till Canberra Chris mentioned it in one of the singing sessions - & I knew the Poms were staying with him!!

Last night I finally put away my camping gear - 2 nights after I came home. I was stepping over tent, bed, bags & other stuff, but I finally unwrapped my tent & wiped off the last little bit of water & rolled it properly & stuffed it into it's bag. A few stray things need to go back into their proper places, then all I have is the normal chaos.

I still have to straighten a tent peg, & also one from Illawarra Festival in January, or was it Jan 2009???)

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 06:12 AM

After a relaxed drive, spreading it over four days, I got home this afternoon. Tomorrow the car and trailer will be given a thorough scrub to get rid of the layers of mud. A bad accident south of
Gilgandra had the Newell Hwy totally closed. After a wait of two hours council workers directed cars through some back roads but directions became confused and most of us ended up on "goat tracks" which were saturated from the previous night's storms.
Oh yes, then there's the laundry.
Then time to sit down and start working on the ideas from the workshops! :)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 01:44 AM

Sandra, I've PMed you the bush haiku.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 09:55 AM

ta

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 11:37 AM

Hmmm?

Can anyone from outside of Australia view the pixs?

We've tried accessing them with several browsers, including Opera, with no luck.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 12:26 PM

dunno why you can't find it, Charlie, it's a basic Opera account, just like Mudcat Cafe My Opera page

A few other Catters have Opera accounts, including Kat & Bill.

what message were you getting - did you try at different times?

sandra

Sandra in Sydney My Opera homepage

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 01:48 PM

Sandra-

Everything is now working well. I've not a clue what the problem was.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 11:30 PM

ANother gem from the Hymn Singing session was a comment that might interest OzCatters but completely mystify nonAussies.

The context: Tony Abbott, now leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition and much given to wearing "budgie smugglers" (a very brief pair of swimming trunks) in public, recently was challenged to give the Opposition's policy on health care. His statement was extensive but contained no discernable policy.

The comment: "Tony Abbott is all smuggler and no budgie."

I feel a song coming on.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 11:48 PM

Charlie - sometimes sites close momentarily for upgrading. I got a bad scare early one morning when one of Australia's major newspapers couldn't be found!

Rowan, wow!, a companion song to Cathy's "Precious Gift" (aka "The Tony Abbott Song")

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 12 Apr 10 - 04:55 PM

Some of Australia's major newspapers are better when you can't find them.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Apr 10 - 08:55 PM

not the bits I read!

I look at the political cartoons every day - I had a real treat when I got back from Canberra & had a week's cartoons to read, along with my new book - "Behind the Lines" Aust National Musuem book of the exhibition of the best 2009 cartoons.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 12 Apr 10 - 09:32 PM

I've been asked to put this up.

Haiku as Bush Poetry?

We met in a kitchen, a break from tasks.
"RMC Duntroon"; the badge on his chest
embroidered into his jumper. I asked
his vocation. 'Bush poems are the best."
He thought himself very much an expert
and having retired, gave them all his time.
I forget his name; perhaps it was Bert.
But I remembered his insistence on rhyme.
We talked about structure; I said I'd once
sent haiku to a bush poetry talk.
They'd disappeared with no comment or trace.
"Naah! Haiku are too formulaic." Off he walked.
We went our separate ways, each convinced
of the other's error; only I winced.

I pondered why I disagreed.
Were Homer's epics also flawed?
He'd thought sonnets were alright
"Not at all formulaic", but preferred
the rhymes of Gordon wedded to
Paterson's galloping metre.
Their ballads are great, but the world
and I have changed somewhat.
Now, apart from disconnected
bits and pieces of his life,
the only Gordon poem I recall
is the paraphrased fragment;
"In this life of froth and bubble, two things stand like stone;
kindness in another's trouble, courage in your own."

An aphorism
to live by, I thought. OK,
but I liked haiku;

"Haiku; distilled thought.
Quintessence of ideas
linked in one stanza.

"Classic poems of three lines
with seventeen syllables;
five, seven and five."
                        I wrote, a few years ago.

I mused "Why couldn't

"My old black billy;
soulmate, friend to my circle,
sings its lovely song.

A pear tin when new,
your handle a bit of fence;
both of us have grown.

We've both weathered much;
your trim's black but your tin's good,
old friend of great times.

Our tea and coffee
spread comfort zones far and wide
across the landscape.

                be narrative bush haiku?"
Rowan Webb, March 2010, as presented to the Friday Poet's Breakfast, 2010 National Folk Festival.

At the 2009 National I was having lunch in the Volunteers Kitchen and a bloke asked if he could share the table. "Of course," I replied. He walked very erect and wore a jumper with "RMC Duntroon" embroidered on the left chest; his appearance, his keen sense of authority and "being right" were the very model of an ex RSM. [To those not in the know RMC Duntroon was the Australian Army equivalent of Britain's Sandhurst and the USA' West Point; "Very pukka" and most definitely "a cut above the ruck". His badge has been superseded; all the various Forces' officer training establishments in Oz are now amalgamated into the Australian Defence Forces Academy, sited at Duntroon, one of the three ACT grazing properties that became Canberra after Federation. Yarralumla became the Governor General's official residence and I can never remember the name of the third.]

In conversation, your man said he had retired and become an authority on "Bush Poetry" and expounded at length on its virtues. I said I'd once sent a set of narrative haiku as an example of bush poetry to an on-line forum discussing bush poetry. They'd disappeared with no comment or trace. Your man was quite dismissive of haiku; "Naah! Haiku are too formulaic." I could feel my eyebrows elevating. "So, what about sonnets as bush poems?" I asked. He didn't regard them as formulaic at all. I wondered if Homer's iambic hexameters were too formulaic and thus similarly flawed but kept the question to myself.

But, I felt a poem about the event was worth drafting and presenting to the Poet's Breakfast at the next year's National. The result is above; a couple of sonnets and a couple of narrative haiku.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 13 Apr 10 - 09:00 PM

There you go, Sandra; a companion song to Cathy's "Precious Gift" (aka "The Tony Abbott Song")

Tony Abbott is 'all smuggler and no budgie!'

Tune:         Across the Western Plains I must wander,
               Across the Western Ocean I must wander, and
               All for me grog

Oh my name is Tony Abbott, I was once a randy rabbit
but now I'm Leader of The Opposition
So now I pontificate on every woman's sexual fate
and I'm often asked to make a proposition.

I joined the seminary but obedience was too scary
so I went and joined the local Liberal Party
I became John Howard's man though his policies didn't scan
and I thought myself a right political smarty.

A young bloke that I knew, he was in the media crew
I had thought to be the offspring of a screw, boys
I had had a brief liaison, as a young man with emission
but it turned out other cuckoos were in season.

In an interview one day I gave restraint a little spray
but applied it only to young women
Their virginity's a gift that should not be lightly left'
but young men I never even mentioned.

I'm in a surfing club and I wear their uniform
showing off my pecs and wearing budgie smugglers
I ride my racing bike and do "Iron Mans' if I like
and in politics I'm best of all the jugglers.

But when it comes to "walk the walk" not just talking only talk
the voters are so critical with their judging.
I make statements every day but give policies? "No way!"
"Tony Abbott is 'all smuggler and no budgie!'"

After the Hymn Singing Session at the 2010 National Folk Festival I overheard someone comment about the lack of policy substance in Tony Abbott's then recent statement on Health Policy. The immediate riposte from the other party to the conversation was "Tony Abbott is 'all smuggler and no budgie!'" I thought it too good to let slide unrecorded.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 1-5 April 2010 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Apr 10 - 08:10 PM

thanks for posting this gem, Rowan

sandra