N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: mooman
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 08:14 AM

I was speaking to the friendly manager of the Barholm hostel this morning on the telephone.

Their conference room is being used by another group but I was told we are welcome to meet up and play in the conservatory on Friday evening which will apparently hold 50 persons. Apparently later on musicians generally wander up to "The Fiddlers" where apparently music may be played and evil black stuff consumed until "the wee hours"!

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

moo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 08:43 AM

Yeah, Fiddlers is my local. However, they have music of their own most nights, and while people might play along, Frank (the owner) and the regulars that play with him will be doing their usual singsong ("if it's half past nine, it must be 'Ghostriders in the sky'" ;) . That's not to say we couldn't get a few tunes in ourselves, though.

It's great if we can use the conservatory in Barholm though.
I was also thinking that if there's not too many of us, I might persuade me ma and da to let me borrow their kitchen for an hour or two, then maybe we could chip in a couple of quid for ingredients and I can do lunch for everyone on the Saturday. Depends on numbers though!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 11:44 AM

That sounds like an absolutly fabulous idea Fib. Meanwhile I'm getting a little concerned as although I've both emailed and repeatedly phoned and left messages on the hostel's answerphone as yet I haven't had a reply!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: mooman
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 11:49 AM

I'd be happy to chip in towards lunch Fibs and don't forget to chime up if you need any help with preparing.

moo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: alanww
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 01:20 PM

DONE IT! I have booked a flight from Birmingham International to Belfast City using Flybe - cost the princely sum of £3 return plus taxes (total £37 return!) Should arrive at Belfast City at 13.45 on Friday 28 February.

If anyone else is arriving there at around that time I would be happy to share a car but otherwise I will take the bus and should get to the hostel at 5 pm ish.

The hostel was very efficient at booking me in and I got a very speedy reply to my email. (I would suggest that you have another go Jude.) Apparently I am likely to be squeezed in with a couple of reprobates from Yorkshire! How's things up your way, Eric and Greg?

I will be staying until Monday too. Fib: Am I right in assuming things will be happening Sunday night aswell or should I bring a good book to read?

Getting excited now! Looking forward to seeing you all again - only 7 weeks away!

"One day in October neither drunken nor sober ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 01:45 PM

I am absolutely kelly green with envy. I really wanted to make this one! Have a great time folks.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: MudGuard
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 03:36 PM

I am very sorry but I have to inform you that I am not going to make it.
(thanks, boss!)
I wish you a pleasant weekend!

MudGuard/Andy

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 04:49 PM

Oh, Andy! *sniff*
I'll miss your chocolate cake....

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: MudGuard
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 05:15 PM

You've got the recipe, so do it yourself.
But I will miss your "Hard Times"!
(yes, I have the music and I have the lyrics - but I can't sing!)

See you in May (for that one I have my time off confirmed by the boss in writing and I won't give in - should he dare to ask...)

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 05:47 PM

yep Alan, it looks like you'll be the voyeur!!!!!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: alanww
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 08:33 PM

Oh what a pain, Andy. Look forward to seeing you later in the year then.
LOL, Eric. I'll bring some gooseberries, shall I? BTW, I will be sleeping in the bed next to the wall and will be facing the room!
"Time passes over more pleasant and ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 05:24 AM

Sunday night? I reckon there should still be stuff going on Sunday night!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 05:55 AM

We shall still be there on the Sunday night!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 03:13 PM

Arrive City Airport 13:15 Friday
Leave 13:45 Monday.
Been quoted about £60.00 for car hire, that's an awful lot of beer. So shall be thinking in terms of bus down, and maybe taxi back Monday. What plans anyone else?
Giok.

PS Sorry you can't make it Andy.¦¬[

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Leadfingers
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 05:17 PM

Arriving Friday 1540 pm at Belfast airport Any body looking to provide/share transport will be appreciated.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 06:14 PM

Daft question I know but. Anyone who is hiring a car earlier in the day, is there a chance of comming to the airport and picking me and Greg up @ 21.45ish, then giving us a lift back on Sunday evening to the airport@ 19.00ish?

We'll willingly pay, towards hire or petrol, seems silly several people hiring cras for what is only a 50 mile round trip.

Cheers

Eric N Greg.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 09:24 PM

And ME!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: alanww
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 05:58 AM

Fib: Do you know roughly how much a taxi cost to or from City Airport? The best deal on cars I found on the internet was £25 per day for the 3 days I am staying. That seems an unnecessary expense to me, even if I managed to share with one other person. So I was thinking of going by bus, which is possible but which has one or, more usually, two changes and takes 2+ hours - and on my way back on the Monday I will need to catch the 7.50 am bus for a 10.55 am flight. (By the way, the website you referred to showing bus and train times is excellent.) If the taxi fare is, say, only £25 and there are 3 sharing it would be a pretty good deal!
Leadfingers: I'm arriving at City Airport at 13.45 on Friday and I suppose I could wait until 15.40. My return flight is at 10.55 on Monday. But which airport are you?
Everyone: If we all posted our arrival and departure times (and airport!) it would then be possible to maximise the sharing of hire cars or taxis ...

"Rolling up, rolling down ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 06:37 AM

Micca, Morty and Myself arrive at Belfast Intl Airport at 09:25am on the Friday. We fly back from the same airport to Gatwick at 08:55 am on tthe Monday morning so we will definatley have to book a taxi to the airport!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Cat

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 10:48 AM

Giok : Who quoted you £60 for car hire for the weekend? the lowest I saw was £75.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 02:36 PM

Europcar for a small car, or economy, or something. Actually my firm puts a lot of work their way, so might try and pull a few strings. I'll tell you if I get a cheaper deal.
Giok

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 03:10 AM

Flights are booked, Luton to Belfast intn: dept 14:25 arr 15:40
bfast to luton dept 17:40 , arr 18:55
There will be 3 of us including my eldest son Robert who has decided to join us.
We are interested in sharing transport to & from portaferry.
Jude

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 08:18 PM

I am on the same flight as JudeL and co so thats four for a car or taxi at the same time. Any More? Maybe we can hire a coach??

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 08:00 AM

Slight update - my parents were visiting me this week. They say "great" about the lunch on Saturday. I'll make soups and bread and maybe some baked potatoes.

Also, when they got back to Portaferry last night they began to spread the word. Dumigan's pub are very happy for us to have sessions in the room there (it's got to be one of the smallest pubs you've ever seen, but it has a bigger room to the side of the bar that can be used for sessions).

And also, my mum has said she'll talk to some of the Comhaltas committee members and see what can be done about a meet up with their members, and maybe a bit of dancing on the Saturday night.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 08:24 AM

Sounds Great Fibula!!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Micca
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 08:39 AM

Fibs, several members of the Famous Mudcat scratch Ceili band are going to be there so you might be able to get them to do something, they include Skipjack, Noreen, Eric the Viking,mooman, etc!!!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 10:02 AM

What do you get if you scratch a Ceilidh band?
Giok

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Den
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 07:18 PM

It all sounds great and I'd love to go...even to Portaferry, but unfortunately the timing for me is all wrong, personally I blame Fibbs. However she is a brave woman and more power to her elbow. Hopefully she will arrange another one of these hoolies maybe somewhere closer to God's country (the Mournes) and in some other season. Portaferry will not know what hit it. I sincerely hope that everyone of you have a wonderful time in our own little corner of the world and just be sure to leave it the way you found it. Good luck Den.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 09:28 AM

Well, skin n I is booked in at the hostel. Info -it's a no smoking inside, but the conservatory is ok for smoking. See you then. Scratch celiedh band sounds good! Me n skip will be up for it, how's about you Richard? Noreen, how you gonna get the keyboard across?

Spoke to Linda from the hostel, she'd rather the doors were kept shut as "the locals enjoy an good party, drink too much and sometimes get a bit physical"

Sounds fun!!!

Cheers

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 10:11 AM

Hmmm, as a local I resent such implications, even if they are well-founded on factual information!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John Moulden
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 10:47 AM

Portaferry is within striking distance of Portrush where I live. I will probably come down for a day just for the crack (unambiguous Ulster word of Scottish origin which is never spelled any other way!)

Fibula Mattock - are you connected with John and Lily, who are old friends of mine from the 60s and 70s?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 10:53 AM

John, I am indeed - I'm their eldest daughter!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 07:48 PM

Eric & skin.... hmmm, is that your new pet name for him?

Don't intend to bring a keyboard & accoutrements on the plane, but would be very happy to play if one can be borrowed, Fib? Or p'raps local/Comhaltas musicians will be providing music- we could join in, or whatever. Would hate to step on anyone's toes. :0)

Looking forward to meeting friends old and new!
Noreen

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 02:06 PM

Skin was a slip o the finger-skippy of course!!

Can't you clever lot make a part 2 thread?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: alanww
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 07:32 PM

Eric: I don't think we really need part 2 threads any more, as we can click on the number of messages (rather than on the title of a thread as we used to) and it now automatoically divides the thread into manageable chunks. Try it!

"We sell them three for four pence ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Snuffy
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 07:41 PM

If you click on the little "d" beside the number, you get the last postings at the top, so you don't need to load the whole thread

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From:
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 10:02 AM

Bloody clever stuff! See you soon.

Still trying to work out some way of gettting there from the airport. Skip has been working on it. Cars-expensive, taxis BLOODY expensive. Funds will be short as it is. Any offers of help gratefully recieved. Eric n Skip.

Wot about this scratch band then?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 10:44 AM

The people at the hostel said that a taxi would cost around £50 if you split that between 3 then its about 16 quid between 4 it would be about 12 quid.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: mooman
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 02:11 PM

No probs for me for the Catscratch Band Eric and Skip...I'll bring a suitable instrument!

Looking forward to seeing everyone

moo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Ireland
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 07:58 AM

I hope this may be of some help.

Fibula, have you asked your local council for the lend of their mini bus, that is if you can drive and they have one.

My wife borrowed the council bus were we lived, and as this is for a good cause promoting folk music and inter- community relations etc, they should agree.

Any way just thought I'd mention it.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 08:31 AM

I think we could use another thread; the library computer I used yesterday timed out and wouldn't open the file

I'm thinking John Moulden might benefit from feedback on whether youse would patronise an Ulstersongs stall selling books and recordings, or should he just bring leaflets advertising the mail-order service and spend his time enjoying the crack?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 09:01 AM

Philippa, if you click on the number of posts instead of the thread title, you can now load the thread in chunks of 50 (and by clicking on d it will show most recent posts first.

I'd be very interested to look at an Ulstersongs stall, but I have no money to buy anything at the moment... perhaps John could set up at a designated time and place, and relax for the rest of the weekend?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 10:06 AM

If it costs £50 for a taxi (one way) you are probably better off getting together and hiring a car for the 3 days - a compact for 36 hours from europcar is £60 . I posted 36 hours rather than 3 days as having input slightly different times I found that it counts 36 hours as 3 days but 37 hours it counts and charges you for 4 days! which is a big difference.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 10:16 AM

Sorry not compact (ford focus - more expensive) economy ( ford fiesta )

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 10:25 AM

36 hrs = a day and a half, Jude?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 11:34 AM

Sorry , only just woken up.... try 72 and 73 hours respectively ... but you know what I mean

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 11:35 AM

Jude...I don't drive and neither does Micca so hiring a car could be a bit of a problem.....

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 11:47 AM

Cat, I'm slightly comfused, I thought you were coming with terry (aka morticia) and she does drive?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 12:12 PM

We are but I didn't think she wanted to hire a car

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: My guru always said
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 01:02 PM

Hi All, am just investigating the possibility of coming along & taking a look / listen at you lot :-) Pop me on the possibles along with my better half. We'll probably hire a car at whatever Airport so if we come we'll have spare seats. Just a question of timing really! Wish me luck... Trying Luton departures first as we live there!