WeenieCampbell.com
Country Blues => Saturday Night Fish Fry => EuroWeenie => Topic started by: Richard on July 28, 2014, 11:57:02 AM
-
Fellow weenies :) :) :) :) :)
After expending considerable effort, not to mention vast expense and amazing fortitude I have located a new venue and made a temporary reservation of 10 rooms for the 10-11 April 2015.
It's at a place I even played a couple of gigs back in the dark ages, I have feeling it even doubled as a place of ill repute at some stage... I digress, as that was then and now is now!
Take a look and let me have your thoughts pronto as it's not too late to knock it on the head - price ?110 per night for double room B&B - that means we can eat out hurray :P the good news doesn't stop there since they also are throwing in a free function room for the two nights.
Motorway M5 very close and in really pretty bit of the country, plus for fetishists it's not to far from the donkeys on the beach at Weston-Super(sic)-Mare - if you are reading this in the USA you probably think I've gone mad - quite right too!
www.webbingtonhotelandspa.co.uk/ (http://www.webbingtonhotelandspa.co.uk/)
Seriously folks, your views are required asap - the bookings will be different in that I will have to put a deposit down to hold the rooms, so you can see why I require your thoughts.
-
Gads....inflation in terrible. 110 pounds per night for a B&B... Last time I was in GB my entire weekend wasn't that much! (OK, that was BEFORE Charlie and Di tied the knot, so it was a while ago!)
Sounds like a great venue. Almost makes me want to go over for a visit...Oh, wait. England in April? Hmmm...
-
Well:
Its not cheap, given that a meal is not included- though a free function room certainly offsets that a bit (we were probably getting a very good deal at the previous place all told).
It is perhaps less than central and may be offputting to some who will have a longish haul to get there.
Neither of those things bothers me. Not least because its almost on my doorstop. If its there, then I will be (barring unforeseen disasters) but we definitely need some views form those farther afield or who might find the cost a concern.
-
Do they have a camping rate?
-
I agree it could be cheaper, although as I recall the Lawns place was creeping up to the ?100 mark even it did include a meal of sorts.
It is VERY difficult to find somewhere. Once it's mentioned it's for musicians who want to play guitar in a (free) function room the phone usually goes down and then there are the ones who never have the courtesy to reply...
At the moment I think the price is not the prime issue - what I want to know immediately is the location acceptable to the majority???
-
Obviously a little biased because it is very close to home. But I think this a nice hotel in a good location.
If you are coming from North then it is easier than getting as far south as Fawlty Towers, and it is about as far west as it is south coming from the London area. Not so good for our Hampshire based friends though. Very close to Bristol airport should we have anyone flying in.
Rate is reasonable for a hotel of this standard. with the function room thrown in it is very good.
Think you have done a good job Richard.
I am happy unless anyone has a credible alternative.
-
So do they have a single room rate? Sorry but I'm away from internet at mo! If no cheaper single room rate I'd probably stay in camper van and be a day attender...
Sent from my HUAWEI MT1-U06 using Tapatalk
-
Have no idea where I'll be in April but if I do get the opportunity to do Euroweenie next year the location is perfect. Really close to the airport - more than I'd like to pay for the room but the ease of access will definitely offset that cost. Would be rude not to spend a day on the beach with the donkeys or indeed pop over to Cheddar and get some decent cheese!
Thanks for taking the time to look for venues, Richard. It does look very luxurious. Anyone play tennis?
-
UPDATE...................
At the Lawns we paid last year -
Twin\double room B&B inc Dinner (sic) all for ?130\room\day
Single room B&B inc Dinner (sic) all for ?85\room\day
Now deduct an amount for the meal (my personal valuation being a tenner).
The Webbington would seem to like us there (amazingly enough) and after some haggling I am now quoted for B&B -
?110 B&B double\twin room with 2 sharing
?85 - B&B double\twin room single occupancy
And, before anybody asks there are no single rooms per se!
Plus, free function room and don't forget for those that need it there is the beauty treatment suite mit spa with bath full of decimated goats milk.
Can I again press for some input, I'd like to let them know tomorrow if possible.
-
The beauty treatment swings it for me. Richard with his face covered in mud with a slice of cucumber slapped on each eye - just picture it......... We could sell tickets to offset the room price!
Drink up ur zider.
-
Not sure my work schedule will permit travel for those dates, but there is a possibility I would be in the neighbourhood.
I can't commit to a room at this point. But the lure of the brick is strong, of course.
-
Ah, the brick. We'll have to send one of our Forest chapter to recover it. ;)
-
Well done Richard for finding a venue, the ?85 single is good for me and a couple of hours drive is a decent road trip in my book, count me in.
Ps i went to the Lawns to retrieve the brick but their new ABP ***security system wouldnt let me get within 100yds of the building, i will return in a disguise to see what I can do.
***AntiBluesPlaying
-
Right, it seems as though we sufficient interest and as these places have a habit of getting booked up with weddings et al I have now booked 10 rooms for the nights of 10\11th April 2015 - and we get the "garden suite" as our free function room - who knows, that could just mean a few spaces in the car park!
Please book directly with the hotel and mention the booking is for the group "Weekendblues" to get the correct rate.
Best Western Webbington Hotel and Spa
Loxton, Somerset, BS26 2HU
Tel: 01934 750100
www.webbingtonhotelandspa.co.uk/ (http://www.webbingtonhotelandspa.co.uk/)
Cost as B&B only ~
?110 B&B double\twin room with 2 sharing
?85 - B&B double\twin room single occupancy
Note ~ I have had to pay a deposit to secure the rooms, so early booking would be appreciated and would also show the hotel we do intend to appear.
Any problems please send me a message.
r
-
Looks like I'm in then. Just need to convince Mrs. PP to come along and enjoy the Somerset countryside with assurances she doesn't have to listen to the old (and young) geezers playing guitars.
-
OK, I'm up for the beauty treatment too. Currently in Barra but will get booked up when back in the land of broadband.
Sent from my HUAWEI MT1-U06 using Tapatalk
-
Mike, I'll send you a map of the Brick's location.
-
I hope we will all happy with the new venue and it proves worth all the ringing round, so I look forward to seeing you all and hopefully UB, queuing for the beauty parlour.
I know I joked about the donkeys, but by sheer coincidence I was today given some distinctly ancient family photos and one, shows my grandmother and friend wearing superb hats, on the said beach at Weston Super Mare!
-
Thanks for your efforts Richard. When we get to the venue we will all just call you names as usual, so I thought it was worth saying now >:D
I'm seriously thinking of getting there early and enjoying the pool and stuff. Havent played tennis for years but tempted. Might even get Mrs Slim along if there are nice facilities.
-
Booked in and bound to go.
Graham
-
Me too!
-
Well done men, if others could post when they have also booked it would help me keep track of the deposit side of things.
I took the ten rooms to get it started, although I expect if we get an overwhelming reponse we can get some extra rooms provided it's in good time and not at the last minute.
-
This sounds grand, wont be able to afford it this year... maybe ina year or two.
-
This looks like interesting, I might join you there next year. :) I did not find on the hotel site where it is actually located. Any tips on how to get there from London?
-
"Any tips on how to get there from London?"
I'm sure we'll be able to sort a lift from London, otherwise train to Bath from Paddington and our leader can transport you from there.
-
Josber
This is the actual address, I thought it was mentioned here somewhere but never mind - stick the postcode into google maps and it should bring it up - BS26 2HU - where are you coming from?
Best Western Webbington Hotel and Spa
Loxton
Axbridge
Somerset
BS26 2HU
Do try and make it 'cause we try and meke it fun :D
-
Thanks for the replies. I'm coming over from Norway at this time, and would stay in London for a few days before heading west. :)
-
Does this B&B have an email address where we can book?
-
Josber be nice to see you in the flesh, well maybe not all of it ;)
Yes there is an email adress, BUT you must mention the booking is for the group "Weekendblues" to get the correct room rate - might be be easier if you rang them?
BEST WESTERN Webbington Hotel & Spa
Loxton
Somerset
BS26 2HU
Tel:+44(0) 1934 750100
Fax:+44(0) 1934 750020
sales@webbingtonhotel.eclipse.co.uk
r
-
Thanks, my booking is confirmed now. Will be nice to meet you all. Promise to flesh it out the right way. :)
-
We look forward to seeing you and can advise nearer the time about getting there and all that stuff ......... now who hasn't booked yet ;D
-
Me.
I'm not coming unless I can be guaranteed a grumpy deputy manager who also does the cooking.
-
I'm booked in and looking forward to seeing and hearing you all
-
Good on you Bob, be pleased to see you as ever.
Whilst I'm here could we do a quick roll call of who is coming and who still fancies coming but have not yet booked?
-
I'll be there. Did anyone rescue the brick?
-
I ( and my banjo ) will be there. >:D
-
I will but haven't got around to booking because I am lazy / easily distracted / feckless / incompetent.
-
We'll have to send Bob Long to rescue the Brick, he's the nearest.
It's that time again for thinking about the programme so any ideas to fill the odd hour are welcome, please PM myself or Richard.
-
Folks,
Happy Days! I'm booked in! I am really looking forward to seeing you all. Thank you Richard for organising the venue. Booking a reservation was a snap when I used the Euroweenie password.
Colm
-
That's looking good now with seven taken as I had to put a deposit down on the initial ten rooms to hold them.
So, if you haven't booked go to it and I won't loose my deposit - I can always get more rooms if numbers warrant it, so if you fancy coming please do.
Has that PP booked?
-
Right- I have actually booked, which is good of me.
It seems there is another group that weekend as well. Folk dancers. Seriously.
PARTY!
-
I have not forgotten, Richard, but keep delaying as I have an ongoing war of attrition with Mrs. PP, trying to get her to go as well and then take a few days' holiday in the area. Will resolve soon and book for one (most likely) or two. I also have to admit that the increased cost makes the Yorkshireman in me twitch nervously... Watch to see if I'm carrying a large bag to the buffet breakfast. >:D
-
Right - the deed is done. I have booked in at our new venue (booking taken by a nice lady whose accent I immediately recognised - she's from Bradford). For fellow Euroweenies, she advised me to ignore sat-nav and leave the M5 at J22, the hotel being "in the middle of nowhere between Axbridge and Loxton").
-
Having spoken to Richard recently it appears we will be quorate. >:D
We still need one more item to add to the programme, PM's with ideas please.
So far we have in addition to the evening playing sessions -
a new-format quiz with teams competing for a suitable liquid prize;
2 (count 'em) workshops from the Professor;
Summat else.....
-
Thanks for booking boys, I hope this new venue will be a success.
Now, whilst we have taken the 10 rooms I am sure if anybody else wants to come along I'm sure can get extra rooms.
-
Having had no response to my request for ideas to fill the gap in the programme I'm going to go ahead and put something in over the next few days. Full details next week.
-
Better late than never!, Pete Gabony and I are now booked in for the weekend...better restring those banjo's!
-
That's good news, looks like we have a full house of the usual certifiable reprobates then :P
Any last minute takers among you to fill the musical program gap or are we going to resort to riding the donkeys at Weston or visiting Cheddar gorge or something?
-
Given the Cheddar connection, could we have a session where each player has to do a cheese-related song?
Like Precious Bryant's 'Fool Me Gouda'?
-
Oh what have I started now!
The only one I can think of features Limberger cheese, are there any more?
Tell you what then, a song featuring either cheese or donkeys since thay are both in that direction.
-
There's loads, Richard. It's surprising how many people have sung about dairy allergies. 'Cheeses make up my dying bed' has lots of versions!
-
Gap in programme filled - Bob has stepped into the breach.
I'll release programme soon.
-
Thanks Phil\Bob :)
-
Better late than never!, Pete Gabony and I are now booked in for the weekend...better restring those banjo's!
Mike - it's not restringing, it's rewiring. I am, of course, assuming you are referring to the detonators connected to the explosives under the unmentionable instruments....
-
PP, you are a cheeky little monkey you are :)
-
Greetings people...
Slight update in that I have checked with the hotel and all is Okeh including the function room :)
I have taken the liberty of booking us in for an evening meal for the Friday night - the Saturday night we can repeat or go elsewhere if anybody wants to travel.
Finally, as for getting there I will draw up some instructions for those driving via the M5 and post them over the next day or so.
Anything else let me know.
-
All good- thanks Richard and Phil for the efforts.
With reference to the feldmann / patton thread elsewhere- I thought perhaps we might try the drinking heavily in order to play his songs better thing...
-
I do realise that's a joke, but I would add quite seriously should you do that boys and girls then don't be caught with the bottles on display unlike the hotel did last year or we will get the order of the boot from this hostlery before we've even had a chance to lower the tone of the place - and if that happens, you are on you're own for organising it next year as it's a bloody nightmare job finding somewhere :-X
-
Whoops well my last post killed that conversation stone dead :-X however, onwards and ever upwards.
These are the directions to get to the place, it is basically between two motorway juctions and the easist way is to go south past it, get off M5 Junction 22 and then go back up about 8 miles to get to it. I hope it all works out alright, they do seem very friendly on the telephone, but then since they want the money I suppose they will be!
These directions are a cobble of mine and Mr Google Map's - note your satnav may well take you a different route from J22 as there are other ways to it.
From M5 off at Junction 22 signed A38 BurnhamOnSea\Highbridge
At roundabout off of M5 J22 go north on A38 signed Weston Super Mare\Bristol
At roundabout on A38 (East Brent) fork left on A370 to Weston Super Mare
And, continuing from Mr Google -
1.4 mi
Turn right on to Edingworth Road
0.8 mi
Road name changes to Whitehouse Lane
1.8 mi
Turn right on to Weston Road
0.4 mi
Turn right on to Sevier Road
0.2 mi
Keep straight towards Barton Road
0.4 mi
Turn left on to Barton Road
100 ft
Arrive at Loxton, BS26 2HU on the right
If you reach Max Lane / Max Mill Lane, you've gone too far.
Webbington
Best Western Hotel
Loxton, BS26 2HU
-
Not long to go now, looking forward to meeting up again and if you are feeling desperately healthy don't forget to bring your swimming togs as I understand the place has a pool...
-
Splish, splash........You will need to cool off after this year's quiz.
As it will be a team event the questions will be a bit tougher than usual. There will be a liquid prize for the winning team (and sufficient straws to enable sharing).
I'll post the questions on WC after the weekend for others to try.
See you there!
-
Euroweenie Programme 2015
Friday:
Lunchtime on ? arrive, chill, swim, sleep, whatever.
6.30 Dinner & lucky dip draw
8.00 Play the night away
Saturday:
10.00 Professor Scratchy workshop No.1
11.15 Coffee
11.30 Quiz
1215 Lunch
1400 Bob Long ? the blues in Mississippi today
1430 Coffee
1445 Professor Scratchy workshop No.2
1600 Whatever
1830 Food wherever
2000 Lucky dip performances then play till you drop.
Sunday;
Tour the Mendips or Cheddar Gorge on your way home
-
That sounds about right :)
Thanks.
-
Many thanks to Richard for yet again setting up another superb EuroWeenie weekend and to all the attendees for their company and great playing.
Particular thanks to the Professor for his informative and entertaining workshops, also to Bobalong for his presentation.
I'm told Richard has already re-booked the hotel for next year.
-
Thanks all round I think for coming to support it and especially to Phil for pushing me to keep it going.
I think we all agreed the hotel was a vast improvement over the dreaded South Lawns, the staff being particularly friendly and the food far more edible :)
Whilst there I did agree a provisional date of 15-16 April 2016 at the same room rates and am awaiting the confirmation from the hotel that is Okeh with them in terms of the function room availability - I will confirm that as soon as I know.
-
I would like to add to Blueshome's comments WELL DONE Richard and very big THANK YOU to all involved in putting the weekend together :) a superb effort and I look forward to next years event.
-
I regret that I will not be able to attend but I will drink over here in solidarity.
-
I would like to add to Blueshome's comments WELL DONE Richard and very big THANK YOU to all involved in putting the weekend together :) a superb effort and I look forward to next years event.
I second that!
I'll post pictures as usual when Slack creates a gallery for me. Don't get too excited in anticipation - it's more of the same old geezers (and young geezers Norfolk Slim & Harvey) playing the same old guitars. But you all love it don't you?
-
Another vote of thanks to Richard, Prof S, phil and Bob for the organisation and delivery of the weekend. Great to have all of that time available to play, sing and listen to all that bluesy stuff. ....and the Cheddar gorge was (to borrow an oft used phrase from our north american cousins) "awesome", it truly was!
-
I forgot to mention, that Blind Weenie Campbell's position may be a little tenuous as I invented a new character for our meeting: Blind Cheddar George. (Explanation for colonial types - we were close to a famous geographical feature called the "Cheddar Gorge".)
-
I'll post pictures as usual when Slack creates a gallery for me.
Slack is snoozing at the switch apparently so I done gone and did it for you. Ah, Cheddar Gorge. Bee-you-tiful place, great cheese. Close to where I was born.
-
For those of you you are interested, below is the quiz from this year's Euroweenie. Please don't post any answers before Saturday 18th.
No reference books or internet allowed, just your personal knowledge.
1. Lottie Beaman recorded from 1924 to 1929 with the Pruitt twins. 1 point
What was her nom de disque?
What were the names of the twins? 1pt
2. Leroy Carr recorded which massive hit in 1928? 1pt
Name the 2 guitarists who recorded with him. 1pt for both 0pt for 1
3. Name 3 of the Chatmon brothers. 1pt; bonus point for 4
4. Who was the trombonist Bessie Smith made a song about? 1pt
5. Which harp player who came to fame in the 50?s is reputed to have recorded with Little Buddy Doyle in 1939? 1pt
6. Who was Sleepy John Estes regular harp player? 1pt
7. Who played harp in Cannon?s Jug Stompers? 1pt
8. What name did Columbia give Robert Hicks? 1pt
9. Name a song MJH played out of Spanish tuning. 1pt
10. What name was Eddie Lang given on his duets with Lonnie Johnson? 1pt
11. What was Tommy Johnson?s favorite tipple? 1pt
What key did he play it in? 1pt
12. Charlie Jordan recorded this piece 3 times, what was it? 1pt
13. Name the 2 McCoy brothers. 1pt
Which singer was one married to? 1pt
14. Did Willie Mctell ever record with a 6-string guitar? 1pt
Who was his regular 2nd guitarist? 1pt
15. Under what name were some of Brownie McGhee?s early recordings issued? 1pt
16. Georgia Tom claimed that he & Tampa Red received over $2,000 for the first royalties for which recording? 1pt
17. Bertha ?Chippie? Hill recorded which blues standard by Richard M.Jones in 1926? 1pt
Who played cornet on the record? 1pt
18. What do Viola Lee by Cannon?s Jug Stompers and Saturday Blues by Ishmon Bracey have in common? 1pt
The winners at Euroweenie scored 21 - can you do better?
-
Stunning snaps now posted. I think Bob Long & Richard must have some as well. It would be nice to see some shots from a different perspective for once.
Anyone commenting that they look like the ones from last year, the year before, etc., etc. will be taken to task. They are of course different in that there's two or three more grey hairs around. ;D
-
I'll post pictures as usual when Slack creates a gallery for me.
Slack is snoozing at the switch apparently so I done gone and did it for you. Ah, Cheddar Gorge. Bee-you-tiful place, great cheese. Close to where I was born.
Thanks Rivers... forgot until this morning and then it was like magic.
-
Nice pics Michael, thanks for posting.
-
A big thankyou to all for the pics, I do have some on my phone which I keep intending to liberate, I'll try and do it today. Am waiting to hear if those dates can be confirmed.