July 25th is good for me!
I’ll be there.
Looks like “most” picnic sites include a grill and wood and that on weekends they are $10/table. Access for each car is $3.
Slowair, you or I (or JonM or anyone else in the area) should go and scout out an appropriate picnic site over the next few weeks. It should be a bit off to the side, I think (whistle testing) and should be relatively close to a playground in case someone brings their kids.
More info about tables, prices etc.: www.lookpark.org
Hey Bloomie,
I’ll try to get out there this Sunday. Trying a new strategy. Ruin the back on Saturday and recuperate on Sunday. A day in the park would fit in nicely. Can’t promise, but I’ll try.
Mike
Do they have any covered pavillions in case of rain? Otherwise, are there any nearby alternative locations eg a pub that we might use in case of bad weather?
They do have covered pavillions (see the webpage) and shelters, but they are all pretty expensive ($185 and up, I think), so I would rather risk it.
There are an obscene number of restaurants in Northampton, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find something as a backup. Maybe JonM or Slowair have suggestions?
OUCH! You are all invited to southern Ohio, where shelter houses rent for $30-40, parking free, outside tables & grills free, too! Makes me ever so glad to be a country gal.
Enjoy your party! 
~Judy
Hey Loren-- are you planning on coming? If so, do you think the nice Von Huene people might let you bring a recorder or two along? I think the fipplers might be impressed with the workmanship. In fact, I may bring my VH Rippert, as well as a plastic Yamaha Tenor which low whistle fans might find interesting. I’d personally like to try out a Mollenhauer Dream soprano and alto, if you could possibly swing it. Although not Trad, that nice cylindrical bore ought to sound great for Irish tunes, with the added attraction of being chromatic. Thanks
Bumping it up to see where we’re at…
Turns out I have a neice who lives only a couple of miles from Look Park. Her fiancee tells me that it’s a terrific place. We’ll probably head out there the day before the meetup and stay with them so we can get there bright and early. Can’t wait.
Nancy and I drove out yesterday to explore Look Park and thought it would be a terrific place to meet.
There is something to do there for every member of the family. There is a train ride, bumper boats, pedal boats. Huge fields to play ball or fly kites. Basketball, tennis, miniture golf. There is even a zoo.
There are a couple places that would be ideal for us to meet, but I will have to contact the park rangers to see if they can be used without paying if they are not being used.
If not, there are still plenty of places.
I would say definitely make the main part of the day at Look Park.
We will need to know how many people are coming and plan on picnicing. There is a fee for using picnic facilities. It’s $1.00 per person with a $10.00 minimum. I figure we’ll just get a count and reserve an appropriate number of tables. Not everyone will be sitting down to eat at the same time anyways. I did see that there are BBQ grills there.
Now for a session after at one of the pubs in the area, I’m afraid that will have to be left up to someone who knows the town better than I. I’ve only been to Northampton a couple of times. Both were at Bishops. If we get a large crowd, I’m not sure if they can accomedate us.
Bloomy, didn’t you use to play in the area. Can you look into this part? I think an authentic session would be great for those who have never been. Maybe contact the other local musicians and see if they’ll join us. We can rotate in and out of the session. Too many whistles would be a bit much.
I’ll let you know what Mr. Ranger says. Patience Boo-boo. 
Mike
I think if we have a session, we should do it right there and then. Afterwards is difficult, I suspect. First off, two whistles at the same time is already pushing it for serious music. 
Also, it will be hard to find a venue that would put up with us: Not to sound pessimistic, but I don’t think we can rely on being able to offer music people would like to listen to after a first time meeting of predominantly whistlers. And playing in a pub means playing music people want to listen to. Finally, I am not sure people will be able to hang out too long afterwards. Some will have to drive back, others will want a bit of time to themselves. I know that I’ll have to report back to the acility at 5:45 sharp.
I will look into back up venues in case of rain though. The hope is find a place that is typically empty that time of day.
Thanks for checking it out, Slowair.
Clips 'n Snips, here we come…
This is from the West Coast gathering–I got a kick out of this one!
http://tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/Audio/6-04/Butterfly.mp3
Robin
Aaaahhh! Don’t talk to me about Rippert Altos!!! I just turned 106 Rippert Alto center billets yesterday, I’m doing the heads today, and then I have facing, matching, and gundrilling to look forward to. 
Fortunately I got to work on some voicing last week, which is interesting stuff indeed.
Don’t know if I’m going to make it or not, depends on the timing and what’s going on with my car at the time - right now it has multiple issues 
I’d definately like to be there, and I imagine I could bring a few recorders…if everyone promises not to hold that against me 
So has a final time and place been set for this thing yet, or what?
Loren