N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers

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: 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: Catherine Jayne
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 08:24 AM

Sounds Great Fibula!!!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Noreen
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 09:24 PM

And ME!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Catherine Jayne
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 07:52 AM

EVERYONE WHO IS FLYING!!!......I have just got off the phone to easyjet to enquire abou their policy on instruments been taken into the cabin and not put in the hold with the other luggage.....Some airlines have different policies. Good news...they have a new policy and instruments can be taken on board BUT the must fit into the over head luggage bins ...the measurements are......40cm x 127cm x 48cm. They prefer you to leave a 10cm gap all round. So measure up you cases guys!!! My large fiddle case will fit in easy with a lot of room to spare!!!

See you all in Ireland.

Cat

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: alanww
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 06:49 AM

Watch out for the nobbly bits in the hire car with those two, Noreen!

"Where 'as tha bin since I saw thee ...!"
Alan

(PS I mean the multitude of instrument cases, of course!)

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 06:46 AM

Hey hey hey - this is getting exciting!
Nearer the time we can pick a spot to meet up on the Friday.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: sian, west wales
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 05:02 AM

I'd love to come but 1 March is St. David's Day and, with any luck, I'll be helping out with the celebrations in town here.

Enjoy!

sian

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 09:09 PM

Eric, what HAS he been telling you? *blush*

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 06:22 PM

ahhhhhhh Noreen, Greg's silver tongue?

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 06:12 PM

See you there Noreen!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 05:46 PM

Yes, me too, Cat: move my name to the definites list; I've just booked my flight and e-mailed about accommodation.

:0)

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 03:14 PM

I am SO excited now!!!...Looking forward to seeing everyone!!!

Cat

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Noreen
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 02:55 PM

So, on present information:

Definites:
catsPHiddle –
Clan McMoo (three)
Eric the Viking
Fibula Mattock (the lovely)
Forty –two
Giok
JudeL & Paul
Leadfingers
micca
morticia
MudGuard
Philippa
Skipjack K8

Possibles:
Ard Macha?
alanww?
Bill Sables?
Claymore?
Diesel?
Fionn?
Momnopp & Dylan?
Noreen...?

Unless YOU know different...

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 02:41 PM

Wot ho Richard. Pm's not working? looking forward to seeing you and family.

Have just sent booking request through this instant. Anyone know how booked the hostel is yet?

Just booked flights for Holland as well!!!!!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 02:37 PM

so is anyone else coming from within Ireland?!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 02:31 PM

Yes, Me and skipjack is on our way. Booked with easyjet at 15.00 return + airport taxes!!!!! Looking at car hire for the weekend. anyone want to share? (Need room for 'struments!)

Need to book the hostel now!!!
We land B'fst @ 21.40 Friday

leave @ 19.55 on the Sunday
Cheers eric n skip

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: mooman
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 01:42 PM

Okey dokey!

Booked up at Barholm for the three Clan McMoo and we managed to get flights at Euro 7 each return (plus airport tax which is much more!).

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

moo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: JudeL
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 05:26 PM

yes I've been trying too, will try again on monday

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: mooman
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 04:57 PM

Awaiting confirmation from the hostel at the moment (I think it's been shut over the holidays).

moo

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 03:52 PM

Sadly not within our budget but hope you all have a great time.

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 05:47 PM

We got the 25 quid offer too!!!! See you at the airport Morty!!!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 04:01 PM

I've discovered that I can fly (in a plane ¦¬]), Glasgow to Belfast return for £12:00 e.w. Crazy thing is that the taxes come to about £38:00, which is more than the flights. Anyway I've given up on the ferry option, in favour of this.
See you there.....Giok

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Morticia
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 01:26 PM

sorry to hear you won't be there Mick but I will gladly raise a pint of the black and vile to you, in hopes you will make it next time.I can make my last hug last that long I think :)

I have changed my mind re driving as it is simply unwieldy from this far south and east,but I've booked on Easyjet for 25 quid return so I am all set.....whoopeeee!!

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 08:55 PM

It is not possible for us to make this one. But we are all agreed that we are going to do it when the rates kick in again in the fall. I will use this thread and hopefully we can get a gathering going. I will ask for help from the lot of you when the time comes. Please tip a pint towards the West on my behalf.

Pictures, don't forget the pictures.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: alanww
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 07:20 PM

Looks like the air option is possible, either for £30 ish by easyJet from Liverpool to Belfast Int or for £65 by FlyBe from Birmingham Int (which is nearer for me) to Belfast Harbour (which I think is closer to Portaferry, isn't it?) - not counting the car mileage and parking cost!

But then what? For flexibility, I could hire a car (would need to share as it will cost some £25 per day minimum, ie £75 or £100 for the 3 or 3.5 days) or I could go by bus/coach. Is there an easy website I can search for bus times/cost, prior to finally booking the flights?

Also, given I don't have to worry about getting back to work, the obvious option would be to travel out on Friday 28 Feb and back on Monday 3 March. But is there any reason to stay longer, eg a great music or song session in Belfast or Newtownards on a Thursday or Monday evening, which shouldn't be missed?

"For I am free to go abroard or take again my homeward road ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: N. Ireland 2003 gathering - need numbers
From: InOBU
Date: 30 Dec 02 - 10:58 AM

Oh, my, sad to say, like Mick, there is a huge diff between $200 and 450, especialy when travelling with the fair Genie, who is a good deal boarder Scott (Dumfries)as well as red haired Cavan girl (from the foot of Mt. Nuegent or some other place, as the song goes) and we all know that the combination of Scott's thrift added to red haird Ulster girl temper, makes it a dangerous proposal for me to increase the buget some $500 semolians.
Devistated...
Larry
PS Her Quebecois side from Trois Rivere (Gascony in the 1560s) would be willing if I plied her with enough red wine, but then I could not be responcible for the damage she may unwittingly cause about the town... no offence to our Quebecois members... but you all know what I mean! For those who don't listen to a few La Boutene Souriant CDs and call me in the morning...