Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 04:21 AM

Update on this - hostel closed for repairs.
New thread dealing with the consequences:
Loughstock III

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 05:22 PM

All quiet on the western front?

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 03:56 PM

Did you get an answer yet Andy?

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: MudGuard
Date: 16 Oct 04 - 02:27 PM

I just emailed Linda at Barholms asking whether she has any news about availability of the hostel in February ...

Waiting for an answer now ...

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: mooman
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 11:43 AM

They could always be invited to take a couple too Kate!

Looking promising!

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 07:44 AM

god help the neighbours at number 5...!

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 04:51 AM

Dr Phibes girl detective!!

Giok

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 04:09 AM

It's a cottage, although they might perhaps be conducive to people "indoor camping". It's pretty much at the shore (past the Narrows and turn left), so it'd be handy to the pubs and the like.

Aha - found it online. It sleeps 4-6:
Anchor Cottage                
3 Steel Dickson Avenue
Portaferry
County Down
BT22 1LE                
Telephone:        [phone]
http://www.ards-council.gov.uk/accomodation.htm

MUDCAT TAKES OVER ENTIRE STREET:
Oooh, I've just found another TWO on the same street:

Inisharoan Cottage NITB approved 3 Star rating ***
7 Steele Dickson Avenue,
Portaferry,
BT22 1LE
Owners: Colin & Elma Hagan, 16 Shore Road Portaferry, BT22 1JY
Tel: [phone]
http://www.portaferry.freeserve.co.uk/Self-Catering.html

and Camomile (terrace cottage - sleeps 4)
9 Steel Dickson Avenue
Portaferry, Co Down
Northern Ireland BT22 1LG
Telephone: +44 - 012477 - 28541
http://www.travel-ireland.com/accomni/selfdwn.htm

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 07:56 PM

IS this a possible replacement for Barholm ?? If so let us know so we can book in !!

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 03:51 PM

I'm still trying to get an on line quote for taking the motorhome, but 2005 doesn't exist as far as on-line bookings are concerned.
Giok

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 03:33 PM

Fibs....is that a cottage or a hostel??....how many people would be able to stay there?..

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 03:07 PM

Steady with that thinking Kate, it'll make yer brains stretch.

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 01:33 PM

Possibly... I am still thinking though! I've also found another self-catering place in the town:

Anchor Cottage                
3 Steel Dickson Avenue
Portaferry
County Down
BT22 1LE                
                
Telephone:        [phone]

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 11:09 AM

Have you a cunning plan yet Fibs?

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 07:18 PM

Would it be cunning enough to send a rat up a ferrets hole?

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 10:40 AM

Since some people have already bought their tickets, it looks like the weekend will go ahead, though with potentially fewer attendees. Sorry I can't help more with accommodation, other than to provide links to websites. There are definitely B&Bs, but we're short on places for indoor camping, I'm afraid. I am still trying to think of a cunning plan, so I will keep trying to sort things out.

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From:
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 10:26 AM

So........... what appening now?

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 04:44 AM

How much? [I'm a Scot you know!]
Giok

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: MudGuard
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 05:40 PM

I'll share. At least the flat. Maybe the cost ;-)

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: JudeL
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 05:29 PM

We have had the same message from Linda about being able to let us know what's going on in about 6 weeks time. So by that reckoning we should know by the beginning of November if the hostel will be available if not does anyone fancy sharing the cost of the 6 person flat in the Barr Hall Barnes

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 05:51 AM

Well here's a fine stramash an' no mistake! I go away to furrin parts, and youse yins try to make me miss Loughstock for the third year in a row! Is it just me, or do things like this happen to other people? Well I'm going to look into taking the motorhome over the sea to Norn Iron, the land of my fathers. It will probably cost an arm, and several legs, but if I don't manage it this time I will scream, and probably stamp my foot, and say "Gosh darn!"
Giok
PS. Kate, Newcastle always was great craic, nice peeps too.

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: skarpi
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 07:56 AM

Dear Kate , I hope this will be happening ? I am working hard to get me a money for this travel.
So let me know if this is not gonna be.
I have not booked a flight but I am booking the bed, the flight will be booked in November it will cost less then.
All the best Skarpi Iceland.....
p.s The band is thinging about this avent and the trip to Portaferry.

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 05:31 AM

Hi all,
Well, since people have booked tickets already, let's go ahead on those dates anyway - we can definitely scrape together enough for a session. I will make more enquiries about accommodation.

More links:

Another accommodation website

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Noreen
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 03:52 PM

Outdoor camping at the beginning of February, Peter???? You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!

:o)

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 03:33 PM

Alan, are you anywhere near any of the National Express services to Birmingham airport?(You may be big, but your instrument is small!)

Do we need to know how you know?

There are some B&B places in the main street & the Square, one or two of them are quite reasonable.

LTS

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 09:25 AM

Let's hope, in the kindest possible way of course, that Linda's plans don't materialise. But if they do, maybe Linda could offer advice about any possibilities for indoor camping, and if that's in short supply then I'd gladly settle for outdoor camping. (Which would mean White Tiger settling for the same, but maybe not so gladly.)

Either way, I think those who have booked already can be assured that enough local musicians can be rustled up to ensure some cracking sessions on the original dates.

Alan, are you anywhere near any of the National Express services to Birmingham airport? Even rail could be cheaper than car-parking fees, but maybe you live way out in the wilds. As it gets nearer the time, it's more than likely that I or someone could work something that saved you having to hire a car. (You may be big, but your instrument is small!)

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: MudGuard
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 08:26 AM

Ok, more E-Mails to/from Barholm

I replied to the above mail:

We are discussing options right now - but as we are spread over Ireland,
England, Scotland, Wales and Germany, this is not a too fast process
and can take some days.

Kind regards,


Linda just answered:

Thank you for replying to my email. Tenders are going out within the next
few weeks, I should know in approx 6-8 weeks whether the work will be going
ahead.

Will that give you enough time to find alternative accommodation if we are
closed?

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: GUEST,Fibs in Newcastle
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 01:21 PM

Hello there you lot - I'm typing this from a public terminal in Newcastle City Library (this is a fantastic city, by the way). I'll be back home tomorrow night and will have a good read of stuff and a think about things then, but I'm thinking we should try and keep the date the same, but have a look at self-catering venues, perhaps.

I'm off to St. James' Park for the conference dinner now! Talk to yous later.

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: MudGuard
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 09:12 AM

Is there a community hall that could be used for indoor camping in case the hostel is not available?

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 09:01 AM

Need we say that some of us have booked the same flights? Manitas is looking at nearby cottages for rent so we might be able to share something, if only the information....

LTS

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: alanww
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 08:55 AM

Fibula: I got the same response from Barholm as MudGuard, which certainly poses me a dilemma too. I am keen to come again (along with Sandy) BUT I do not think that I can afford the extra cost of a B&B. I feel that it would be the last straw on the cost of the trip.
Including B&B, car parking at Birmingham Airport, cheap bmibaby flights to Belfast International Airport at off peak times, car hire (incl insurance excess waiver and petrol) and spending money for the two of us, the total comes out at a minimum of around £450 and it starts to get too expensive for me, a poor pensioner! All together now "Ahhh"!!
However, unlike Leadfingers, mooman & MudGuard, I have not yet booked the flights, so I await your advice on whether you will be:
(1) sticking with the February dates nomatter what (but possibly considering alternative cheaper accommodation, such as large self catering houses*, if Barholm is not available?) or
(2) looking at a change of date to March, as suggested by Linda at Barholm (but that would obviously mean extra costs for those who have already booked flights!).
Perhaps it would be best to wait and see whether Barholm's tendering arrangement actually results in the work will be carried out this winter. If not, I presume there should be no problem!
"For I am free** to go abroad ...!"
Alan
* For instance, I see from the Ards Borough Council Accommodation List that there are three cottages at Barr Hall Barns which could put up 12 people but I have not contacted them yet to check availability and whether they would do a long weekend, rather than a whole week.
** But unfortunately it isn't free!

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 08:54 AM

Only if those Johnny Come Latelys at the Moron Cursed move their festival off our May Day weekend.

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Snuffy
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 08:50 AM

Why not have it in France on the May bank holiday ?

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 08:46 AM

I do wish people would stop trying to change the date! Now even the landlady's having a go!

There will be room available in my mobile Peugeot 406 capsule hotel at £57 per seat, including Ulster Fry breakfast and extras.

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: mooman
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 05:58 AM

I've purchased our tickets already so will be coming to Portaferry 4-6 February anyway come rain or shine!

Richard

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: MudGuard
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 05:56 AM

Did I mention that some of us have already booked flights?

HoustonLoughstock, we have a problem ...

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: MudGuard
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 05:45 AM

Just got an answer from Barholm:


I am in a bit of a dilemma - you will remember that I am in the throes of
acquiring funding to refurbish the house, I need £200,000 and I have
successfully acquired £180,000, but the deadline is that the work commences
before the end of the year. The work is going out to tender as I write this,
but by the time the tenders come back and the grantors agree it, it will
probably mean a November start, and it is estimated that it will take 12
weeks to complete (I am closing the house down during this period). I
cannot guarantee that it will be re-opened by the time that you all wish to
come over.

On the other hand if the tenders do not come in under budget the work will
not get done, and I would be able to put you up in February.

Now you see my dilemma. Do you wish to wait and see what the tenders bring
in, of is there any chance you can change the dates until March. That way
you could probably be my first guests in a brand new refurbished house.

Let know your thoughts.

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 06 Sep 04 - 03:44 AM

98.

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: MudGuard
Date: 05 Sep 04 - 12:16 PM

Me again.

Kate who is Fibs, on your Loughstock webpage, under Accommodation, you give [e-mail] as the email address of Barholm hostel.

On the web page of the hostel, [e-mail] is given.

Do you know which one is correct?

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: MudGuard
Date: 05 Sep 04 - 05:51 AM

Flights are booked, hotel in London is booked!
Portaferry, here I come again!

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: MudGuard
Date: 05 Sep 04 - 04:43 AM

It might be easier to find cat sitters ;-)

Liz, see also PM that I am going to write in a moment ...

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Sep 04 - 03:56 AM

I went to school with a boy called Mullarkey. His dad was a teacher.

I believe it has Irish roots. And so everything returns - not even 7 degrees of separation in this one!

Manitas has agreed!!! All we need now are cat and Limpit sitters.

LTS

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Amos
Date: 04 Sep 04 - 07:47 PM

Palaver is a talk, derived from Spanish palabres.

Malarkey -- at least over here -- means nonsense, an intersecting set, I am sure.


A

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: MudGuard
Date: 04 Sep 04 - 07:40 PM

That means that a palaver is a helmet?

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 04 Sep 04 - 06:48 PM

I thought you woz bright Kate, a palaver is a jumper wot goes over yer head!

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 07:06 AM

ain't a malarky a bit like a palaver?

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: mooman
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 06:57 AM

Kate...it's possible I already have something similar!

Anyway, what's with this "Malarky"? That was my mother's name! (Well... Mullarkey actually!) (;>)

Richard

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 06:00 AM

Hurray! it's getting underway.

Richard - grab that eurogathering.org domain name, quickly!! ;)

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 05:47 AM

I am booked on easy Jet and have e-mailed the hostel for a room , so it looks as though I wil be there too . Looking forward to it .

Subject: RE: Ireland Mudcat meet: Loughstock III
From: mooman
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 04:31 AM

Excellent website Kate!

Knickerelastic! I shall now have to do one for the EuroGathering!

Peace

moo