Don''t worry, I have at least one pic featuring Tim (plus other persons who believed they had escaped the lens), which you will see in due course. I am afraid that by mutual blackmail, all the silly walk photographs have been deleted .
Isn't Margaret lovely, and Linda sweet, Diane?
Margaret is completely lovely and I very much enjoyed talking with her (and listening to her scouse accent ). Linda and Phil were also both delightful to meet. I wish I had been able to speak to both of them for much longer. When Phil walked in I thought that you had got a surprise last minute flight , as you clearly do resemble each other.
We all missed those who could not make it, but would have been there under other circumstances: Cia and Wens, Paula, Wendy, John (JTS), Andrew M and Michael.
Ali and Lee were indeed extremely hospitable. Thanks again both . I haven't come down from the nicotine high, yet.
Lizzy, you really must stop watching all those Brit sitcoms, you are getting entirely the wrong impression of what we're all really like. We are far more class-conscious and ridiculous than that .
Thanks for the congrats, Dar, see you in Berlin.
Love,
Diane
Ah, Jarkko has just added the first of my pics, thanks Jarkko. Return to the last page to view. I have just sent him some more.
****Here is one of the new ones. The rest will be on the main site (when the text is ready)! / Jarkko
Last edited by Diane on Mon Jan 09, 2006 10:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Thanks for putting on a wonderful evening, Ali and Diane. It was lovely to see some people again and meet others for the first time. I'm really looking forward to seeing the photos. I forgot to use the red-eye reduction on mine, and everyone looks like rabbits caught in headlights
Linda
1972: Leeds, 2008: Manchester, Lyon, London O2, 2009: Wet Weybridge, 2012: Hop Farm/Wembley Arena
"Bipolar is a roller-coaster ride without a seat belt. One day you're flying with the fireworks; for the next month you're being scraped off the trolley" I said that.
Lizzy.. it wasn't a briefcase...it was a ladies' shoulder bag!!!
and what a win!!..because it was Liz's birthday I added it to her collection of pressies..... and it was exactly what she had been looking for!! (thanks Ali!!! )
And thanks again to Ali, Lee and Diane for putting on a splendid evening...good food, good company and a good night had by all. It was good to meet old friends and also good to meet new friends and also good to meet old friends who are old as well as the old friends who are young together with new old friends and new young friends..you know who you are
I got back at 1:45 am. The motorway was all mine..and the snow was no more.
CDs played to keep me awake......
Mike Oldfield
Decemberists
Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Roger Waters
Caravan
sorry..I didnt play Cohen.. I didn't want to fall asleep at the wheel
Regards
Pete
Last edited by Pete on Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:40 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Glad you all enjoyed. Listen, I would like to point out that whilst I spent a few hours frantically chopping carrots for the buffet, it was Ali and Lee who take the credit for the success of this meet. It was Ali and Lee who found the venue, booked it, organised the sound equipment, figured out how many people were coming, ran here and there in their car carrying and fetching, rescuing lost people, supplying tea, coffee, warmth, and beds for the night. Originally they had arranged to put up even more people. You did a fantastic job, both.
Thanks Ali and Lee !!
How did you get that picture on there Byron? (No, I don't want to know). I am most upset that K-K did not come out of her hiding place until after I had left. What a beautiful snake.
Glad you got home OK Pete. Now why didn't we raise a red needle to Liz whilst we were toasting Ron? Why didn't you remind us? This is just not on.
btw, Jarkko has added some pics I sent him into my last post on the previous page of this thread, if anyone's missed them.
Time for some thoughts from me - just my initial, unedited ramblings, so don't expect too much from them, please:
My Cohen-day started at just after 4pm when I left work in Bath and headed towards Bristol. I made at least one navigational error in the 15 mile journey so I have a lot of sympathy with travellers from further afield who were confused by Bristol’s roads. Still, got to my hotel in plenty of time, checked in and headed upstairs to drop stuff off in my room when I bumped into James! We arranged to meet at the pub five minutes later, so that’s where I headed after unpacking, and noticing what a stylish bedroom I had – not that I’d appreciate that in a short stay there!
The pub was easy to find, tucked behind the landmark that is St Mary’s Redcliffe church, and as I was approaching it I saw a car looking for somewhere to park. Or at least, the driver was. He also looked strangely familiar and I peered into the car (by now it was almost dark) to see Pete, who I hadn’t seen in, I think, over four years! I left him looking for somewhere to park and entered the pub (damn, should have taken a picture of the outside of it, I think now) to find James again. Thinking about it it was over three years since I’ve seen him, but since that was a week or so on Hydra, where I was paying attention to my surroundings at least some of the time, he was a more familiar figure to me. (But respecting his wishes, he won’t be a more familiar figure to you based on the photos I’m publishing).
I checked out the bar and found one decent Bitter on, the local(ish) Butcombe’s Best. For some reason the name Butcombe caused some sniggering when I mentioned it in the chat room the day after, I can’t think why. It’s nice enough for me to have kept drinking it all evening, except for that final Red Needle at the end. I think the cranberry juice in it must have disagreed with me as I was slightly fragile the next morning.
Pete joined us shortly and for maybe an hour the three of us chatted sociably, the ‘old guard’ as James called us – although since Pete was at the 1998 Lincoln event he’s entitled to call both myself and James newbies. 1998 was when I discovered the Cohen community in fact, by way of the newsgroup, but only for the last month or two of that year, so I heard about the Lincoln event – and later got a copy of the booklet for it, courtesy of Lizzie Madder – it was just a bit before my time.
Fortunately, the pub TV was skipping between a number of CCTV cameras at this time, and we could see the back room was in darkness and knew we weren’t missing anything. Eventually though, the camera showed signs of life and then, I think Diane came to look for us. Or did she come out first, decide we didn’t look like Cohen fans, and disappear again? Either seems likely at this point.
So, we went to the back room (skittle alley) and met Ali, Lee and Diane, who had already brought the food in. Pete helped carry the food into the right room, while James and I were given knives so we just looked useful without doing anything at that point – although shortly we sliced a couple of baguettes to add to the fabulous range of foods in the buffet that Ali and Diane had prepared. Somewhere around then I must have taken the picture of Diane with the lovely fruit kebabs.
My photos remind me that John(Byron) and Margaret and Rob must have been the next to arrive, who I know from their photos on the forum or gallery, and their forum postings, but hadn’t met before. I realised after this that my policy of avoiding public photos is slightly unfair as there was no way most people there would have recognised me without introduction. So if any clearer photos of me turn up in Diane’s collection, I won’t be dreadfully disappointed if it makes it easier for people to recognise me.
At this point is fair to recall that I didn’t talk enough with everyone, something I will try to put right in Berlin. But then I am shy so talking to anyone at all was a big thing for me.
My sense of chronology now will be guided more by the sequence of photographs than particularly clear memories. This may be something to do with the beer. Having said that, I think Lee was the first to play for us, after setting up the sound-system, but I obviously missed a photo-opportunity there. Pete though played before too long, hardly distracted by me hovering around in front of him looking for a good camera-angle. I’d heard him sing and play before, in Leicester, so the sensitivity and excellence of his performance came as no surprise to me. Anyone who hasn’t heard him yet will have a treat in store in Berlin, where he will surely play at the open-mic.
Lee followed Pete at the mic’, again I know this only from the sequence of my photos. He sang a good range of material – Hallelujah I remember, a Johnny Cash song I think, and several others, all sung and played well. John(Byron) played later too, also very well, did he duet with Pete too? My photo indicates he might have…
There followed two quizzes; a tricky one from Linda based on identifying the first lines of songs when given the last line. And I thought I had a good grasp on Cohen’s songs! But this was really tricky for me – I collaborated with James on this one and we weren’t even 100% sure of the album all the last lines were from (there was one song per studio album) let alone which songs they were…
Rob’s quiz was a bit easier for me as it added general knowledge musical questions to the Cohen ones. I’m not sure that as Diane suggested I won this one, not least because I was sharing a question-paper with James, but I was pleased with my answers to a couple of questions:
What was the connection between the Doors and Aldous Huxley (and as a supplementary question, William Blake)? (actually, this shouldn’t be too difficult)
And, what links Lou Reed with Clive Dunn? (question for British readers only, I think! I was immensely proud that I got this one, much to Rob’s surprise as he wasn’t expecting anyone to get it).
After the quizzes, there was the raffle! I was happy to get an early prize in this, so I chose the Needham family bundle – one CD of Pete (10 Cohen songs and his wonderful and Cohenesque composition, Be The One) and two by his brother’s band, Doctor Hasbeen. Later, I picked up some paperbacks too, including Joan Baez’s autobiography, which should be interesting, particularly if she mentions the nasal whining hippy…
And then, it was nearly closing time! No women tore the blouses off, neither did the men thus dance on the polkadots, sad to report. We did though have time for a red needle each (can this be the first time I’ve had one? It certainly tasted nice at that time of the evening, and I’m not a fan of cranberry juice on its own. With red-needles in hand, we toasted the evening, Lizzytysh’s brother Ron, whose birthday it was, and Lizzytysh herself. I’m pleased too that I managed to record this with glass in left hand and camera in my right!
Then, it was midnight, and time to go home – well, before this point we bid Pete farewell as he headed back to the Derbyshire Peaks – and James and I walked back to the hotel, bidding farewell to everyone else (though we would see Ali and Lee again the next day). It was a very full evening and I’m very glad I went. Thanks to Ali, Lee and Diane for everything they did in setting it up, and thanks to everyone else for being there!
Hey People, I would just like to say thank you so much for making our little Bristol Meet-Up so special.
Diane - you are a beautiful superstar, I love you. You were on your feet the whole day making sure things were as perfect as they could be. And just think Sweetie, we have nearly a year to plan the next one
Lee - my Perfect Husband. I love you more than life.Thank you for all your support and help and for your music (although he has asked me to apologise on his behalf because he doesn't feel he was at his best because he couldn't read his music as there was no lighting where he set his equiptment up - and due to the cold his fingers were frozen solid)
To everybody that came - I wish I had have had more time to talk to you all and get to know you better, Phil - when you walked in I thought for a split second you were Lizzy. Linda, I look forward to seeing you in Berlin and the quiz was brilliant and I'm glad your partners enjoyed themselves - even if you were all wrapped up against the artic cold.
Pete - well what can I say? I was spellbound hearing you play and sing - Bugger the next Westlife Tour - I would pay to come and see you. I hope Liz had a lovely day with you to make up for you coming on her birthday.
I hope you know the works of Oscar Wilde as I have a feeling you will now be cast as Lady Bracknell and be met with cries of 'A handbag' at every event you attend
Tim and James, my chatroom buddies - well what can I say? Tim, you and Pete are still the sweetest guys I know! James, Your SOH is tremendous and I thoroughly enjoyed your company
Rob - Thank you for the Christy Moore tickets , you were (I suppose) a brilliant quiz-master (as was Linda) but feel you were perhaps a little unfair on me as my answers were technically correct so thanks again Mrs T See you in Cardiff
Margaret and John, Wow all the way you travelled to come, I wish you could have stayed longer. Katie-Kitten is just shedding her skin this evening so will be all shiny and pretty. I am glad you met her in person, and I hope we meet again very soon.
I also apologise for being a poor host - when Diane and I did the mega buffet shop, I forgot to buy breakfast - so my poor guests had to go off on a cold morning with nothing but tea or coffee to warm them
sorry.
All my Love
Ali
xxxxxxxxxx
Last edited by Ali on Tue Jan 10, 2006 4:17 am, edited 2 times in total.
ALI
X
"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilage it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to live." ....... Marcus Aurelius
Splendid write-ups ! Enjoyed your write-up, Tim... you also shoulda taken a picture of Pete trying to find a parking spot .
I surely noticed those Red Needles ~ sizeable, they were... never dreamed the close-up was that of the photographer, though . Good shot, Tim! Where was your glass, Pete?
Yes ~ I meant to comment on those fruit kebobs ~ my kind of food!
I forgot that James was attending... when I saw his name, thought of another James from the Sony Board, which made no sense at all... but one never knows, either. However, now that I've got it right, well... hope you had a great time, James . Are you coming to Berlin?
You two women and one man worked hard and well together for this and it obviously all paid off . You could see that Diane was 'into' making this thing happen. Great, non-stop job, Diane !
Pretty Katie-Kitten, too busy preparing a shed to attend. Oh, well...
Forgot breakfast... don'tcha just hate it when that happens, Ali ?
Oh-oh, Diane... with this Brit, class-conscious thing, perhaps we won't be able to be friends... wouldn't want to bring your standing down . I've already threatened the good rep of one neighbourhood .
I can't wait to see my twin, again, either! Hi Phil ~ my dear, still-water friend .
I was about to get an early night to recover from the weekend, but just caught your posts Tim and Ali. Brilliant. It's all very well writing up your own version, but you always wonder, "how was it for you?"
Tim said:
I think Diane came to look for us
I did, Tim, but I was looking for Rob or JTS. I did not recognise any of you, and didn't like to stare at strange men for too long, as this sort of behaviour can get a girl into trouble .
You talking about the 'old times' reminds me how excellent it was hearing about the past events and meets from the time-served members.
Rob’s quiz was a bit easier for me.
It was ? I'm glad you brought up the quizzes. I neglected to thank Rob and Linda for taking the time to prepare them, probably because I am rubbish at quizzes.
Diane - you are a beautiful superstar, I love you. You were on your feet the whole day making sure things were as perfect as they could be. And just think Sweetie, we have nearly a year to plan the next one
Oh, thanks babe . And I love you, sweetheart (*kiss*). Next one? How many red needles had I had when we discussed that ? Well, OK then .
Lee - my perfect Husband.
You're both lucky you met each other, you are a unique and lovely couple. Please ask him to apologise for apologising. He was great.
Yes Rob, thanks for getting the Christy tickets for us, you are a hero!
Good night,
Diane
Lizzy, I missed your post just before mine.
Oh-oh, Diane... with this Brit, class-conscious thing, perhaps we won't be able to be friends... wouldn't want to bring your standing down . I've already threatened the good rep of one neighbourhood
Oh, I have a hunch we will make a fairly compatible, if rather dangerous partnership .
I did, Tim, but I was looking for Rob or JTS. I did not recognise any of you, and didn't like to stare at strange men for too long, as this sort of behaviour can get a girl into trouble .
strange *men*? more than one of us looked strange? For the sake of my dignity I'll assume that you meant James and Pete.
Diane wrote:
Rob’s quiz was a bit easier for me.
It was ? I'm glad you brought up the quizzes. I neglected to thank Rob and Linda for taking the time to prepare them, probably because I am rubbish at quizzes.
I neglected it too! Yes indeed, thank you Rob and Linda for your quizzes, even if I felt embarrassed by my lack of lyrical knowledge that Linda's quiz highlighted. Next time I think there's a Cohen quiz in the air I might actually listen to the albums beforehand...
oh, and to answer an earlier question from Lizzy, I had noticed what happens if you take a lot of pictures, and never let your camera leave your person... you're not the subject of any of them! still, I know there's atleast one picture of me taken by Byron, and who knows what surprises Diane has in store?
Tim, by 'strange', I meant, of course, 'unfamiliar', rather than 'peculiar'. I do now fully realise that LC fans are, er, unique, but you only find that out by talking to them .
Rubbish at many crosswords, too, Lizzy, yes. One of my own peculiarities is that I have never been able to retain factual information.
I don't have much Hyacinth Bucket in me, Lizzy, as you will discover . As soon as I get around to starting that German phrases thread, I will have to find out the German for "let's hug this tree". I'm not sure that will be in the phrase book , I may have to ask Henning.
I trust you got my email where I confessed to the complete absence of all silly walks, owing to the fact I forgot about the whole thing . Mind you, rumour has it that a video exists, and because of the amount of imbibing that evidently went on, who knows what may turn up .
There are many other threads I want to comment in right now, but I have a busy couple of days ahead, so it will all have to wait .
Just a quick note to say what a great job Ali and Diane did. Those of you who didn't come can feel suitably ashamed, your excuses are only convincing yourselves. The food was great, i personally lost track of how many of those little sticks with cheese and pickled onions on i consumed.
However, the most important thing is Pete. All those of you going to Berlin must ensure he performs, even if you must tie him naked to a chair on the stage. Actually, especially if you tie him naked to a chair.
Oh, that's funny, Diane. I have the same factual-information peculiarity. I'm great with the concept part and can fit what's said within that, without a problem, but please don't ask me the details . I took them in with understanding, but once they all congealed, in regard to the concept, their job was done, and they disappeared ... took a hike or a ride on a mountain bike .
Oh, yes, I got that confessional email regarding the 'silly walk' ~ but far be it from me to reveal what turned out to be a glaring omission in reality . Confession is good for the soul, and I'm sure you feel much better now, bringing it here yourself, right ?
Ah ~ shoulda gone! I see weapons were already provided with the skewer sticks for fruits and veggies. Partisan and I could've finally faced off in serious fashion .
Uhm... d'ya think we oughta reveal our intent in German? Or, perhaps, find a lost language in which to speak it? The officers will be round soon enough, as it is .
.
). Linda and Phil were also both delightful to meet. I wish I had been able to speak to both of them for much longer. When Phil walked in I thought that you had got a surprise last minute flight 
. I haven't come down from the nicotine high, yet. 
.
all the way you travelled to come, I wish you could have stayed longer. Katie-Kitten is just shedding her skin this evening so will be all shiny and pretty. I am glad you met her in person, and I hope we meet again very soon.
.
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