.: Miskin at Easter 2005 :.

If you would like to be part of the stewards team that make the weekend work please click here.

Well what shall we do this year. Much the same, seems the best idea. Our rather special weekend has gently grown into its present form and seems to work. The two concerts running at the same time seems to bea popular change, giving a chance to see our performers in their best environment and an excuse to stretch your legs.

Many old friends are joined by some new faces on the guest list this year. Read the info on the guest pages and follow the links to web pages where appropriate.

I feel quite humble when I think of Miskin. How can I have gathered so many wonderful people together, there is so much talent and love out there and it all seems to come to Miskin. I am still recovering from being presented with the Harry Prigg Award last year. I am just proud to have got a formula that makes you want to come back for more. Thank you all.

Once again we are lucky to have the use of the Miskin Mill Scout Village. a very special place so loved by us all. Please remember that it will be in use by young scouts or guides as soon as we have left so do look after it.

The Mill Kitchen in the main mill building, will be in full swing providing for all meals from breakfast through to supper. An extensive menu will be available with meals to suit all tastes, all at reasonable prices.

The main room in the mill is "Nelly Dean's Lounge", With its open fire and carved oak beams, the perfect setting for music sessions, in time honoured Miskin Style.

Following many comments over the last few years a "No Smoking " rule will be in operation in the lounge and bar areas. It is becoming increasingly against public opinion to allow smoking especially in areas where food is being consumed. At the moment there are no plans to extend the ban to the rest of the site but I await the feed back!!

The Bar itself was renamed "Barkers Bar" in memory of our good friend Ray Barker who passed from us in 2002. Ray set the standard for real ale and a fully stocked Bar a standard that Lesley and Tony have well maintained. A selection of various high quality real ales and cider will be available throughout the weekend as well as all the normal spirits etc. Please help the hard working bar stewards by returning your glasses. By the way, although plastic for obvious safety reasons due to the normal use of the site, these are high quality products and are NOT disposable, please do not throw them away!!

The Cottage next to the car park is just a most wonderful place to sing, with an acoustic like a small church it was one of the reasons I first wanted to organise something at the Mill.

This is the venue for the purely acoustic concerts and the evening folk clubs and various other events. Don't miss the mass Easter Gospel Session Sunday Morning, you wont raise the roof but it will certainly raise your spirits.

Across the car park is the Scout Hall, venue for various activities but chiefly the Electric Concerts and the grand Saturday Celidh. High quality professional sound is provided here by Nick Tarrant of Tarrantella. He says he enjoys it, but no-one should have to work as hard as he does. The results speak for themselves, you won't hear better.

And now the field, well it's just enormous. A dedicated camp site popular and well know to Scout groups from all over the world. If you are responsible for young children be aware of the river running alongside the site. If you are camping on this site be equally aware of the raiway track running along the other side of the field! Please keep litter to a minimum by using black bags supplied on arrival.

If you fancy a short walk head up the field where you will find a footbridge over the river leading to a small wood and a path back to the road by the Mill.

Unfortunately due to the low lie of the land no vehicles are allowed on this field at any time. There is a trolley available to help you move your tent etc. if required. Please move your car to the camp site up the road when you have finished unloading. The corner beside the Mill is very dangerous so PLEASE DO NOT PARK HERE. It also, quite rightly upsets the local people, who have seen too many accident just there. Thanks

The other building to note is the Toilet and Shower Block. Not posh but clean and efficient. There is a seperate disabled facility here, the key available at reception.

Just 400 yards up the road from the Mill is the caravan and camp site, just look for the signs just after you go under the motorway. This is also the car park, with cars on the left and tents, vans etc to the right and beyond.

Portable toilet units will be situated near the gate, a couple more than last year I hope this will be enough! Please only use these when really necessary, and please not too many emptyings of chemical toilets! Leave home with a full petrol tank and an empty loo is the motto!