Topic: WeenieGuernsey is off..... BUT read on

[Richard]

It was suggested to me at a UK blues gathering last weekend that maybe as the (unspoken of) recession looms and coming over to Guernsey all adds to the bill - then why not do something in England.

I know it's not the same, but that said it would be nice to keep the UK weenie thing afloat and by conscripting young Bluehome's help I could try and find a suitable genteel venue possibly on the south coast, yet near to a motorway or similar at the begining or end of the season

I have this feeling that we could well end up having our own version of Fawlty Towers.... 

Now, would that grab any of you UK weenies   Please let me have your thoughts and I will take it on a step if there is enough enthusiasum. 

[GhostRider]

Richard:

'Though I'm not from the UK, I would be more favorably disposed to attending a UKweenie event if it were on the mainland (less travel for me). I would be 80+% to attend under these circumstances.

Would you still have the event in April?

Alex

[Prof Scratchy]

I'd certainly be up for it, other commitments (and costs!) permitting. Ideally needs to be within striking distance of air and rail links, especially for far-flung weenies...

[Richard]

Prof, I appreciate what you say and think that if this does come off that it should be near some decent transport links, an initial thought was towards Exeter way as it has coast, motorway and airport - suggestions please!

GR, well April is good because the hotel season has not long started whilst the hotels themselves are up and running - it's also a cheaper period with more chance of getting a 'performance' room. The other time would be the tag end of September\October but that seems harder to book since the weather could well be better - again suggestions please! 

[Norfolk Slim]

I'd be interested though as before can't really offer guarantees at this stage.

It does strike me that Exeter is basically a very long way form anywhere, and not the greatest road journey either.

[Parlor Picker]

I would try and get to one on the mainland next year.  I also understand that Marshcat and rick218 might be interested.

I agree with Slim - Exeter is miles from anywhere.  Blueshome suggested the New Forest.  That would be close to Southampton airport for Scratchy.  It's also near Bunker Hill, who doesn't play guitar to the best of my knowledge, but could always put in a "special guest appearance".

We really need to see who is interested and find a location that is closest to the largest contingent of hopeful attendees (if that's the right word).  It seems to me there are quite a few in the south-east/home counties.  Perhaps someone (Blueshome??) could put the potential Weenies on a map and seek out a suitable place.

Whoever organises the event (seems like Richard & Blueshome are in the chair at the moment - I'm too busy to get involved) has the unenviable task of finding a venue that is amenable to a load of old blokes playing guitars and doesn't charge the earth for a room/food, etc.

[Richard]

Hehe..... I had a feeling that mentioning Exeter might rattle few chains and get some reaction   

So, come on weenies keep the suggestions coming!!!

[Norfolk Slim]

New Forest is a fantastic place- but Im arguably being somewhat selfish on that one, given that my parents live 6 miles out of bournemouth...

If there was interest in that sort of area, I could certainly make some enquiries as to venues.

edited to say that, in fact, the coast might be better in that area- given that there are far more hotels and, probably, in April cheap rates / deals to be had.  Maybe somewhere like Lymington which is also on the very edge of the forest as well?

[Parlor Picker]

That's it settled then.  We can all stay with Slim's parents....   

If we do go for that area, maybe I could tempt Angelina & JC Grimshaw over from the Isle of Wight.  JC could give a workshop in guitar, lap slide guitar, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica and probably lots of other things as well and Angelina could do a blues vocal workshop.  Don't suppose we could afford that kind of thing though.

[Richard]

That's great Slim, thanks for the invite, now will you be telling your mummy to get the beds rady or is she a weenie and be avidly following this thread   Now if she can't manage all those breakfasts I guess you had better put your accomodation hat on and give it some thought, as I could be tempted to go over and do some groundwork.

Don't suppose we could afford that kind of thing though.

Eerrrrr..... PP have you stopped taking your pills as somehow the idea of payment has crept in here! I had a google and found A J&C,  would they be bit high powered for us mere weenies 

[Norfolk Slim]

Ill give my dad a call tonight- see if he can recommend / think of anywhere ideal.

I could be really cheeky and suggest places in my home town- but its not nearly as nice as the Forest, or even come to that somewhere like Southborne just east of bournemouth where we'd have a sea view.

Ill drop you a PM with any thoughts later richard

I should say that if we do it somewhere around this area id be pretty much nailed on as I can convert it into a family holiday- leave Mrs and Slim Jnr at the parents for a couple of days.

I dont want to push it too hard and put other people out though- so if others have ideas for venues and locations, keep em coming.

[Mr.OMuck]

 Torquay perhaps?

[Richard]

Torquay I supect is a bit too far south for this, I wouldn't mind but it makes the journey a pain if say you are coming from London or somewhere east.

NS, I wouldn't mind the New Forest as it's near to Southampton airport and I think being close to an airporto is a good idea if you think of the Prof as well and you have also got to remember unless somebody else wants to take it all on, being close to an airport makes it a lot easier for me!!!

[Prof Scratchy]

Near S'hampton sounds good to me as there are direct flights...

[Norfolk Slim]

My dad is having a think about potential places- Ill let you know when that process is over!