Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?

Subject: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 12:27 AM

well, folks, it's that time again - time for my annual Ozcatters thread!

Wot a shame I didn't start it yesterday, then there would have been no need to hijack an old UK National thread!!

So, we know a few Ozcatters will be there, now all we gotta do is make plans!

In past years we've tried to meet at concerts where Mudcatters were performing, & tried to meet at lunchtimes, but it didn't always happen, tho. The Program

And of course, newer Catters will need Bob Bolton's badges. Looks like Bugsy & Rowan for a start.

Naturally JennyO, freda & I will be found in late night singing sessions, either in the offical Singing Room, or the session bar. We might even be found in (programmed) morning singing workshops, too.

I will also be found at all (or almost all) performances of The Shiny Bum Singers (co-founder Canberra Chris)

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 01:15 AM

I'm volunteering again, so I'll be there.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 07:12 AM

A flute-player with a Scottish accent will be there. Looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 07:39 AM

here follow the posts from The (British) National thread, to keep it all together

.........................


Subject: RE: Anyone going to The National?
From: Bugsy - PM
Date: 01 Mar 07 - 10:09 PM

SO who's going this year?

Me & Mrs Bugsy are going and staying in Tent City. It's our first National since '99.


Cheers


Bugsy

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Subject: RE: Anyone going to The National?
From: Rowan - PM
Date: 01 Mar 07 - 10:39 PM

Also camping on site. Volunteering in Comms. Probably routinely in the Session Bar.

-------------------------

Subject: RE: Anyone going to The National?
From: JennyO - PM
Date: 01 Mar 07 - 11:20 PM

Bugsy and Rowan are talking about the Australian National Folk Festival in Canberra at Easter, and so am I.

I'll be there. Not sure what camping arrangements I'll be making. I really need another tent :-( What does it cost for Tent City, and can you still get in? There's a lot to be said for having a tent and a space waiting when you get there.

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Subject: RE: Anyone going to The National?
From: freda underhill - PM
Date: 01 Mar 07 - 11:59 PM

It's $250 for tent City - and I'm de4finitely going this year!

freda

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Subject: RE: Anyone going to The National?
From: alison - PM
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 12:03 AM

aw what a shame Bugsy - would have loved to meet up but I've got gigs in Taree that weekend. If you're still around for St Albans I'll see you there

slainte

alison
.........................

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennyO
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 08:07 AM

$250 for Tent City? Fergeddit. I could buy a good tent for that.

Maybe I'll have to prevail upon the guys in Black Joak Morris again to save me a space - that's if they are going. Haven't seen any of them for a while. It must be time for a phone call or two.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 08:16 AM

my good tent only cost $150 from Ray's Outdoors Wasn't it called once called Tent City?

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennyO
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 09:55 AM

That's the shop that used to be called Kangaroo Tent City. I think the most I ever bought there was a lamp. I like Boots Great Outdoors at Lidcombe. I've seen some lovely tents there but the product catalogue online isn't very helpful - as well as taking a ridiculous time to load.
What to do .... what to do?

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 04:16 PM

Himself and I will be in looxury in our little caravan!

Rowan - I volunteer in the Festival office, if you are in Comms I might see you. Look for a short female with long auburn hair and a warped sense of humour.

And Hrothgar of course.....we will all be singing with him on Sunday am......WON'T WE?

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 10:31 PM

We might even be found in (programmed) morning singing workshops, too.

including the wonderful Sunday morning hymn singing run by the equally wonderful Hrothgar.

silly me, fancy forgetting to add the last bit!

Cast so far -

Bugsy & Mrs B
Rowan
Sandra in Sydney
JennyO
freda underhill
Bob Bolton
Chris Maltby
JennieG
Hrothgar
Cabnberra Chris & a couple of other Shiny Bums whose Mudcat names I've forgotten (sorry Mr & Mrs P)

hmmm, we might need 4 badges! So far

Guest, Kenny - if you join up you too will be eligible for a Mudcat badge!

sandra (who will also be in looxury in her rented caravan!)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennyO
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 11:13 PM

BTW Sandra, how much does it cost you for the rented caravan? I expect it's way too late for this year, but I might think about it for next year. I really balk at the idea of $250 for a tent in Tent City, but a caravan - that's another story!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 05:06 AM

twice as much as a tent!

There used to be 2 companies which leased almost all of their vans to the Festival for performers & volunteers. They kept back maybe half a dozen vans, and these have regulars hirers. If a regular doesn't want "their" van, someone on the waiting list gets it.

I always suggest interested folks hire a van in their home town & tow it to Canberra.

Last year the second company went out of business, so I dunno how many vans are available now. I think they might have sold some of their vans to the other company.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Andrez
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 07:29 AM

Santa put a ticket in my stocking for 07 but I dont fancy Canberra's treacherous weather. Did any one see the TV footage of metre high hail drifts last week?

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 08:05 AM

I have a collection of pictures of the hail, but I also have a lot of other pics of Canberra without hail as I have a friend living there who is a very good photographer.

As it says on the festival website, days are warm (summer clothes) & nights cool or cold (fleecy jackets, woolly hats & warm sleeping bags).

Last year & 2000 we had frost & I have pics of both lots, the years in between none.

My Mudcat photo was taken at the 2000 festival, & shows my favourite Festival dress. Last year that dress finally hit the ragbag, but it's replacement is an equally thin material.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: SqueezeMe
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 09:00 AM

I'll be there, probably with a few boxes for sale out of the back of the truck....(unashamed advertising!)

Pity you won't be there, Alison, 'cos I was really so looking forward to fixing your accordion for you (he-he-he!).

MC

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 09:03 PM

G'day Andrez,

I know Canberra isn't immune to the Gaia's revenge for all the rubbish we're dumping in her hair ... but I haven't worn anything more over short sleeves and light chinos than a photographers' jacket ... for the last decade of Easter Festivals - and the jacket usually gets too hot for its convenience of carrying lenses and film, particularly in daytime!

I'll be down there from the week before - photographing Volunteer work and Master Classes - then the Festival proper. I don't see any definite times or locations floated for a Mudcat get-together ... and I'm notorious for not having enough free fingers to tie knots around ... but I'll run off some "Mudcat" name tags for anyone who needs them: roughly business card size, a coloured "leaping Mudcat" logo and your MudName, laminated ... a couple of punch holes to allow hanging on a string or a safety pin.

Give me a shout on this thread - or PM me.

With any luck, we might get a session together ... and I might remember where and when!

Regard(les)s,

Bob

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennyO
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 09:18 PM

While reading about Bob Bolton's mode of dress in Canberra at Easter, it is worth noting that this man rarely wears more than short sleeves in the most inclement of weather. So it is probably a good idea not to use his estimation as a guide.

For most of us ordinary mortals, Canberra at Easter time gets BLOODY COLD at night! Some years it has fallen below freezing. 2000 was one of those years. While walking back to my tent at about 4 in the morning (as you do) I noticed somebody had etched in the ice on one of the car windscreens: "THIS FESTIVAL IS WAY TOO COOL!"

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Rowan
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 09:28 PM

Wimps!
But then, the Northern Tablelands do prepare you quite well for Canberra.

Those of you who know Lynn Stone should remember that she is having an exhibition of her works at the Canberra Botanic Gardens for about three weeks coinciding with the National. I'm definitely going to it.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 11:54 PM

more about Lynne's exhibition from a Canberra based friend of hers.

.................

Lynne Stone is having a solo exhibition of her amazing 3-dimensional flower embroidery at the Australian National Botanical Gardens in Canberra this year - eucalyptus, acacia, and callistemon blossoms.

The Exhibition is called "Blooming Threads" and is on from Tuesday 6 March to Sunday 27 May.

Lynne has a website with photos of her work(and much more) at Lynne's site

Please pass this information on to anyone you know who is likely to be interested.

.................

Lynne lives in a very compact van (smaller than other vans) & tucks her sewing machine, & other essentials into small spaces. She is one of the category of grey nomad who do not have any other home - everything she owns is in her van! Talk about downsizing, I dunno how she does it. How can anyone live such in a small space, & then create very complicated textile art.

I was introduced to her some years back & bought several of her beautiful cards, which she printed up by getting the laptop from it's spot, the tiny printer out of the overhead cupboard & the paper from it's hidey hole at the back of a set of drawers (not inside a drawer!!) I can't remember now where her compact sewing machine lives!!

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 07:20 PM

any more attendees?

she says,in a sneaky attempt to get this thread to Rise Again!

Rise again, rise again, that this thread not be lost
To the knowledge of Mudcatters.
Those who enjoy the National and attend (almost) every year
Will make the 2007 National thread rise again!

me first poem! in the modern style, of course. None of this trditional rhyming stuff for me.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 05 Mar 07 - 12:04 AM

I have been told when I am working in the festival office, and I have a day off - Tuesday 3rd April. I won't have a car but I'm sure I can get to the Botanic Gardens by bus, as I would love to see this exhibition. I usually go to the National Gallery exhibition on my day off but (as one who does sewing stuff herself) Lynne's exhibition really interests me.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Bugsy
Date: 05 Mar 07 - 08:49 PM

Looking forward to catching up with fello "Muddies". Mrs Bugsy and I will spend most of our time in the Wine Bar, as most of the acts perform there at one time or another during the Festival.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 01:44 AM

Bugsy (and Mrs B) - there 2 or 3 wine bars, you might have to make a Big Decision!

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Bugsy
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 02:34 AM

W'll be spending the time in "The Troubadour". Pattison wines just cain't be beat!!!


CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 05:19 AM

Hymn singing s 10.30 on the Sunday, and it looks as though somebody has made the same mistake as last year - there is no gap between the hymn singing and Margret RoadKnight's gospel session immediately afterwards. Have to talk to the programme people.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 06:00 AM

Roger - do you have a performer's program, the website hasn't been updated, or did you look at last year's program which is on the website to whet our appetites.

If that's the case, it might explain why occasional Mudcatter Margret RoadKnight is following you (again)

I really must book my bus ticket - I assume I still have a credit of $15 with Greyhound, with any luck it's still current.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 10:43 PM

I'll be there, don't think I've missed one in 10 years.

Sandra, I guess it's too late to tell you not to quit your day job. But for the sake of the rhyme (not to mention the meter...), how about

Rise again! Rise again!
That this thread not be lost to the 'Catters, women and men
Those who enjoy the National, and frequently atten
D will make the National-OzCat thread rise again!

?

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 01:07 AM

rhyme! metre! mine is modern poetry

as you have proved you can do the old-fashioned thing of rhyming ends of lines, please finish the song, and I'll get back to my quilting.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 08:07 AM

"it is worth noting that this man rarely wears more than short sleeves in the most inclement of weather"


The mind boggles! And they still let him in every year! And some people still want to go to The Burning Man....


Now I don't feel so bad that I'm not going....

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennyO
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 08:19 AM

Robin, it had to be you, didn't it. I read that line after I posted it and noticed it lent itself to more than one interpretation. I was just waiting for some wag to take advantage of it :-)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 08:26 AM

ooooooooooo.....

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennyO
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 09:04 AM

Pity you can't get yourself down here some time, Robin. I think it would be fun to meet you, and I bet you'd wear more than shirtsleeves! The mind is boggling....

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 09:25 AM

Damn, I thought I had my webcam switched off in this summer heat....

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennyO
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 09:43 AM

:-)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 03:11 PM

So long as you find your metier, Sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Bugsy
Date: 09 Mar 07 - 01:03 AM

Are any "Catters" Performing this year? I think I've got a set at the Troubadour, though I don't know when yet.

Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Mar 07 - 01:33 AM

apart from The Shiny Bums (3 occasional Catters) there's Jack Halyard.

coupla dayas ago I said
.....................

Cast so far -

Bugsy & Mrs B
Rowan
Sandra in Sydney
JennyO
freda underhill
Bob Bolton
Chris Maltby
JennieG
Hrothgar
Canberra Chris & a couple of other Shiny Bums whose Mudcat names I've forgotten (sorry Mr & Mrs P)
...................

How could I forget Jack Halyard (John Warner) - he's the member of the Roaring Forties who looks like Karl Marx!

The Forties will be giving 2 performances of John's cycle 'Yarri of Wiradjuri'

Friday 2.10pm, Trocadero AND Sunday at 2.10pm, Troubadour

Info about these perfomances will be on
Jam - Folk Fed of NSW's interactive website sometime soon.

in the meantime here's info about Yarri on John's website

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Bugsy
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 03:07 AM

Does anyone know about shuttle buses from the airport?

CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 03:37 AM

ACT Government site

Tourism & Transport info

Getting around the ACT

I've never flown in, I use the train or bus & usually get a taxi to EPIC (Exhibition Park in Canberra) cost around $20 if I'm not visiting friends first.

Getting around Canberra by bus is easy. ACTION buses have transfer tickets as the bus routes are built around Interchanges. Get a bus to X then another to Y.

I'll be talking to Canberra Chris tonight & I'll ask him to elaborate.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Bugsy
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 04:56 PM

Thanks Sandra, from what I can make out it looks like it'll be a taxi. Unless there's an indepenent shuttle bus.

Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 06:34 PM

There is also info on the Festival website about getting there. As one of the volunteers in the office, that's the sort of question we frequently are asked!

See youse there.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Bugsy
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 08:20 PM

So, JennieG, Do you think it would be cheaper to take the shuttle bus from the airport to city then a cab from city to festival, or just take a cab direct from airport to festival??

Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennieG
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 11:09 PM

Not being a Canberra local I don't know the cost of fares, but for convenience I reckon a cab direct from airport to festival. That way, you don't have to hump your bags around so much especially if you are tired from the flight.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Bugsy
Date: 12 Mar 07 - 01:54 AM

My thoughts exactly

cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Mar 07 - 03:11 AM

yer not wrong, Narelle

Lugging buggage around to City, to friends, then to EPIC is such a hassle I normally go directly to EPIC then get the bus into the city.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: JennyO
Date: 12 Mar 07 - 08:26 AM

"Buggage" - what a wonderfully descriptive word! Even if it was unintentional.

I've spoken to Bill (Jane's Bill) in Black Joak Morris, and it looks like it will be okay for me to camp with them again - probably in the same (or similar) location as last year. If I can get the tent (your tent, Sandra) to Duncan before he goes down there, he'll put it up for me as well. Ah luxury! Not to mention the curry night. Those Morris Men camp in style!

Getting excited now!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 01:02 AM

jenny - can I camp with you guys?

freda

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: DaveA
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 06:51 AM

Bugsy,
Glad you have discovered the Troubadour Bar & Andrew Pattisons wines.
In an earlier life he ran the best folk venue in Melbourne for about 12 years before he moved on to wine-making. But during that time he gave a stage to Margret R, Eric B, Mike McC, Doug A, Ward & Johnson, Peter,Paul & Petrie, Goanna, Colcannon, Joe Dolce, Austin Statius, to say nothing of the overseas crew who were so keen to make ther mark in Andrew's place. Gigs with Martyn Wyndham Reid, Ralph McTell, John Denver were sensational and the great thing was the number of newbies who wandered inside & stayed.

I reckon Andrew has paid his dues & if his wine is halfway drinkable we ought to rally to the Troubadore Bar, and even if it isn't, we ought to head there to see Andrew!!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 07:40 AM

latest cast list

Bugsy & Mrs B
Rowan
Sandra in Sydney
JennyO
freda underhill
Bob Bolton
Chris Maltby
JennieG
Hrothgar
Canberra Chris & a couple of other Shiny Bums whose Mudcat names I've forgotten (sorry Mr & Mrs P)
Jack Halyard
DaveA

any more?


sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: GUEST,Branno
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 08:31 AM

Didn't make it there last year due to severe disruptions
to holiday schedules here in Vic. due to some sporting
events (!) 'twill be good to catch up (I know some of your
faces now) here and there (where?) Heard Lynne on the ABC
today and will definitely see her exhibition. Maybe we
could have a sing there (she do love a good sing, always
a stalwart of the Melbourne scene,going right back to the
early days of the Pricklye Bush in the Mad Dan O'Connell)

safe and happy travellin' y'all see ya Dave

Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
From: Notferjo
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 09:55 AM

Do catch a taxi from the airport - in 2004 I did just that and it dropped me right at the EPIC gate where I was greeted by a nice man with a big van, who then dropped me and my heavy "buggage" off at a great camping site not too far from the action.

This festival will check out the singing sessions when not dancing or soaking up the concerts or at the session bar etc.........What a way to start 3 weeks holiday in the east.

Catch ya

NFJ