Cornish-L Virtual Christmas Party 2006

Cadgwith

Welcome to the 10th Annual Virtual Christmas Party - anything can happen so settle back and enjoy yourselves.

Thus far ...

• George Pritchard's Old Cornwall Christmas Card (Thank you George)

• Albert Jenkin will be leaving from Pennsylvania in the James Bond Inflatable Zodiac Commando Boat with the red-haired witch and Traveller the Wonder Dog

• Jan Mackey is leaving with the Moose Team and Sleigh from Garden Grove, California.

• Pat Mahoney has arranged for John Travolta to collect cousins in West AUS in his Jumbo Jet.

• Cris Cronicle will be playing endless slide shows of photos from her recent trip to Cornwall. Sample

• Gloria in OZ suggested an alternative location - Flambards near Helston - and Steve B suggested we should do a Cliff Richard and base the party on a Red Double Decker Bus and visit anywhere that anyone wishes to go.

• Duchess Daft is trying to persuade Mr Newman to come and bring his marvellous restaurant ZOOM which he owns jointly with the Divine Mr R. The building is the old 19th century railroad station in Park City and Duchie wonders if the moose team sleigh could tow it to Cadgwith.  She has also invited Kristin Scott Thomas (from Redruth)  whom she hopes will bring Harrison Ford.

• Albert J will be telling his 'eart-rendin' story as Mester Jenkin Penvrea from Cornwall, in London to search for his sister Jennifer Marie who 'as been betrayed and abandoned by this 'ere Englishperson, then turned to doors by their hard-hearted father.
• Keith in Ontario (who thinks Cris is a chap) will be driving a genuine Red Double Decker Bus with the name "Piddlesbury" emblazoned on its sides and which is available for hire not far from where he lives.  Hitchhikers welcome and day trips out of Cadgwith a possibility.
• Gloria in OZ has changed her mind about the location and agrees day trips out of Cadgwith are the way to go.
• Pat Banks suggests we should invite the Ladies in Lavender along so that their protegee violinist can help provide the entertainment.
• Jan Mackey may have to pass over the reins of the Moose drawn sleigh to Connie from Utah due to prior commitments.
• Jennie in AUS wants cornish language lessons from Albert but doesn't know if she can make the party.
• Deb Guilder is trying to get to the party whilst at the same time assisting fire fighters in Tasmania & Victoria and, along with lots of yummies, she is bringing a huge entourage.
• Corrine's clever Christmas Tree from the 2004 Party is carefully being put in place.
• A Christmas Poem - supplied by Deb Guilder.
• Julila Mosman has transformed her '57 Chevrolet so the wheels rotate, and become rotary 'drivers' which propel it through water; and should be able to make the Atlantic crossing in 24 hours, or possibly sooner if they meet some dolphins. Koko the Keeshound wants it known she loves cats; they may find refuge under her if some big dog decides to chase them.
• Sue Dent is stopping off at the ancestral home to pick up the Polperro Fisherman's choir to help us with the carols.
• Julia Mosman is offering lifts to anyone in Southern Canada, or northern US who would like to ride in a stick-shift Chevy classic. She will be towing an Airstream trailer/caravan that expands internally depending on how many need to be accommodated including a fridge packed with goodies.  Passengers can't be nervous about little things like stop signs, and red lights. They will take a detour via the Buchart Gardens. Liver treats and tins of tuna haved been packed for the cats and pooch.  Noted there could be some confusion along the way between Koko the Keeshound and Cocoa the jet black cat who owes Julie a favour.
• Fran has asked if Julie can include some Bing Crosby Carols on the '57Chev's sound system during the trip.
• George Pritchard's Old Cornwall Christmas Card No. 2
• Janet in Darkest Devon has managed to knit a Bucks Ledge boat but is having trouble with the oars and wants to know if anyone can think of a party purpose for 60 odd empty banana boxes.
• Sue Dent is now calling in at Whitby in her "borrowed" trawler because she and the cats fancy kippers for breakfast.
• Deb Guilder provided a totally off topic but ecologically friendly use for banana boxes in the garden.
• Steve Saunders thought better of using the banana boxes to make his raft but needs a few to store provisions on the trip.
• Connie in Utah didn't watch the saftety demonstration before the Moose Sleigh took off and had to use her afghan as a parachute when she fell out over the Atlantic. Fortunately she managed to land on Captain Bligh's sailing ship and he will be dropping her at Cadgwith on Monday or Tuesday on his way to Charlestown.
• Keith has hired the "Piddlesbury" double decker bus in Ontario which will soon be on a freighter bound for Penzance and has revealed that Winkie is stuffed - in the true sense of the word.  He (Keith not Winkie) has accommodation at the haunted Cadgwith Cove Inn.  [Ed: The bus route is outlined under "Transport" below - passengers should wait at the bus stops clearly marked "Piddlesbury Bus to Cadgwith" or email mkabel@kingston.net].
• Daisybell the FJ Ute has taken off at a speed that would rival a Qantas jet in OZ with Mary K aboard, who is considering knittiing a boat as her mode of transport for 2007, and a four part chorus of Cornish Hens for whom Mary K holds grave fears given the party is not strictly vegetarian.
• Julia's '57 Chev has departed amidst dreadful weather and Perry Como has been added to the "hit parade" of Christmas tunes.
• Countess Vicki Elf in Oz is unable to attend this year -  the Chronicler suggests all of us join in a toast to Vicki's good health as well as to absent friends during the party.
• Jean in Watertown NY has announced her intention to attend with Wilbur, the Peruvian Cavy (long-haired guinea pig) who appears to have neither a beginning nor an end but loves lettuce and carrots.  Jean is also bringing a DVD of  "Ladies in Lavender" and is waiting for the Piddlesbury Bus.
• Keith and the Piddlesbury bus have encountered problems at the Canada/US border which appear to arise from early baptismal and registration abnormalities in the Canadian Colony.  The bus will collect Jean in Watertown NY once customs and security have been cleared.  Keith considers it immaterial which end of Jean's guinea pig is the front as long as the guinea pig knows.  Weather is also bad on their front and they anticipate it will be nasty en route to Cadgwith. Expect delays.
• George Pritchard's Old Cornwall Christmas Cards & Carols No.3
• The Moose sleigh lost another passenger when Joan (Duchess Daft) became pre-occupied with hiding her kniting needles from the Flying Security Squad and tumbled out over the Atlantic not far from the location of the Bounty on which Connie is quite comfortable drinking hot toddies with the handsome Mr Christian.
• Geoff Holloway is offering lifts from OZ in his sleigh pulled by 6 dromedaries and is bringing along the orange Cornish cat that adopted him after a party some years back in another attempt to find its proper owner.  He is making a detour to pick up some Scrumpy which Duchess Daft has asked is kept well away from Hank the quarry horse.
• Julie in North Vancouver is concerned for her modesty and is considering knitting pantaloons during the trip in the '57 Chevy. Her cat Cocoa has a habit of chewing hair and all aboard the Chevy have been asked to wear hats for their protection.
• Janet in Darkest Devon has suggested some form of "bring and buy" at the party so that all can offload the old toys/exercise books/fashion disasters/unidentifiable items that our progeny have landed us with when they "left 'ome".
• In the absence of any passengers, Margaret "Wino" Owens is packing some additional crates of Rutherglen into her kangaroo drawn sleigh and is leaving Melbourne tonight (17 December) at midnight.
• George Pritchard's Old Cornwall Christmas Cards & Carols No.4
• Keith on the Piddlesbury bus is munching away on Jean's pasties and is interested in watching an episode of Doc Martin being filmed if indeed Cadgwith is/was the setting for that program.
• Pat Banks in West OZ is now hitching a lift with Margaret "Wino" Owens as far as Hong Kong and is keen to help dispose of some of the extra Rutherglen wine along the way.
• Pam in OZ is getting the express train from Bendigo to meet Margaret "Wino" Owens at Melbourne Zoo, so that the 'boys' can meet up with their cousins.
• Mary K has put a call out to all prospective NZ party goers and offered a lift in Daisybell the holden ute.
• Cris Cronicle & Pat Mahoney have been upgraded to first class on the jumbo jet with the 'andsome pilot (AKA John Travolta) their return transport is in question but it is hoped that Geoff and his Dromedaries will come to the rescue and bring them home after a stop off in Broome.
• Duchess Daft was rescued by the crew of the "Bounty" (from the depths of the Atlantic) who curtailed their mutiny for that purpose.  She is safely aboard that 6 ply Shetland wool knitted ship along with Connie from Utah and has convinced Captain Bligh and his crew to stay in Cadgwith for the party.
• Jan Mackey woke from a snooze to find half her passengers (including Woonie Gumpus) missing, unperturbed however, she has put the moose sleigh on auto pilot and gone back to sleep.
• Jean from various places in the US is busy on the Piddlesbury bus knitting caps for all passengers.  Jean & Keith continue to risk permanent banishment from the Cornish List by once again raising old issues such as pasty pastry, the Doc Martin setting and "Ladies in Lavender".
• The crew of the 6 ply knitted "Bounty" are on watch for Woonie Gumpus who has gone missing but is expected to show up at the party -  the hot toddies are taking their toll.  [Ed: Woonie as I understand is a ginger cat with a fluffy tail, could all please keep an eye out for her/him in their travels.]
• As if to add insult to injury, Catherine in Penzance has added a link to additional photo's for Cris Cronicle's continuous slide show here. [Very nice Catherine!]
• George Pritchard's Old Cornwall Christmas Cards & Carols No. 5.  Thank you again George & Sandra who are putting up their Christmas lights.
• Connie from Utah has arrived in Cadgwith aboard the "Bounty" but appears to be oblivious to the fact that her Duchessness was also aboard (must be the hot toddies).  Connie has spotted a huge white tent set up on the hill above town for our party and is keen to go treasure hunting and exploring.
• Duchess Daft (who has a penchant for the young Trevor Howard) has finally brought Connie to her senses after landing at Cadgwith on the Bounty but still hasn't found Woonie Gumpus.
• Keith & all aboard the Piddlesbury Bus have arrived in Halifax and are still available to take passengers.  Keith has compuer problems courtesy of Mr Gates - as a result further communication from that area might come from Jean (who is from various places in the US).  Keith has had to let out his belt a notch or two as a result of Jean's excellent pasties.  Winkie is ignoring everone including Wilbur.  Jean & Mrs Keith (Lorraine) are getting along famously and Jean is knitting gold lame' shawls to go with their bright red gowns.
• Margaret "Wino" Owens is meeting Pam from Bendigo at the kangaroo enclosure at Melbourne Zoo at 2pm tomorrow (20th Dec) for dedparture to Cadgwith.  All passengers, especially Pat who is being dropped off in Hong Kong, require parachutes.
• Cris Cronicle had a brief respite to recover from a real (as opposed to virtual) hangover.
• The infamous "Ladies in Lavender" and their violin toting protoge have been spotted boarding a train heading for Cadgwith.
• Duchess Daft has offered Pat Mahoney and Cris Cronicle a lift home - especially since Booze has taken such a shine to Nipper - and as Pat pointed out it is far too steamy in Broome this time of year for a stopover.
• Pat Mahoney is still deciding what to wear but appears to want the dishy 'andsome pilot all to 'erself so is dressing up in her best glad rags.
• Many Party goers have offered Keith advice concerning his printer's illiteracy - the advice has of course varied in its usefulness.
• Albert J has finally pushed off and expects to be around the Cape dreckly - without Chesapeake Blue Crabs.
• Boyd Richards in Fredericton, New Brunswick has been seduced by the musical offerings at this year's party and is being collected by plane to join the Piddlesbury bus which expects to be in Cadgwith by Friday for the singing - he would otherwise have used the old wardrobe in his attic at the back of which is an entrance to a wormhole which can occasionally communicate with old fogous in Cornwall.
• Passengers on the Piddlesbury bus are having a hoot of a trip and enjoying the company of the freighter's Norwegian Captain.
• George Pritchard's Old Cornwall Christmas Cards & Carols No. 6 - 25th anniversary of the loss of the Soloman Brown Lifeboat.
• Carol in Maryland and Keith on the Piddlesbury bus have been exchanging opinions concerning tricky zips in Tilley wear.
• Janet (in Darkest Devon) is still looking out for Steve and has banana boxes at the ready. She has knitted hats for herself and Sam the cat in case Julie's Cocoa is in a hair eating mood.
• Mary K in OZ and Daisybell the ute with an increasingly vocal posse of Cornish hens who are practising the Jingle Bell Rock in waltz time into the wee small hours are nearing Cadgwith.  Mary K has issued a a word of warning to those extolling the virtues of Captain Bligh. He may seem all sweet and handsome and put upon by those dreadful mutineers but later on he did it again and mucked up being Governor of New South Wales.  Albert J refuted this to some extent claiming all we need to do is "keep the silly beggar occupied, they'll tell 'ee, else 'ee'll be up to some devilment."
• Gary Bond (Commander Cody) risked life and limb by mentioning the OZZIES recent win in the current Ashes series and suggested that in the interests of diplomacy we shouldn't play beach cricket this year. (Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie).
• Mary K in OZ in Daisybell has touched down on a flat, deserted section of road,  not far from Party headquarters. Her poultry chorus is still singing, "We're here because we're here because we're here (etc) " in four parts to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne." No idea WHY they are there. She wishes they weren't.  They are now ambling along the road at a dignified pace with four hens perched on the roof clucking at the scenery and leaving a trail of eggs splattered on the ground in their wake.  She is relying on an old book of maps and not concerned about the cricket situation as she is not related in any known way to Shane Warne.
• It's apparently been suggested that Dame Edna and Auntie Jack should be called in as body guards for the Australians.
• George Pritchard's Cornish Carol Site (All)
• Boyd Richards has caught up with Keith and the Piddlesbury bus aboard the freighter with the Norwegian Captain and all had a jolly time this evening at the Captain's table at dinner. Boyd entertained them with his guitar and old Cornish songs.
• Cricket trivia - Geoff Holloway posed the question: Who had St Piran's flag at the 3rd test between Australia and England?  Michael Lightfoot responded along the lines that a young man from Cornwall was in OZ for the third Test. His name is Michael and until this week he had seen England play 16 times AND they'd never lost.  [Ed: Reminder this is a virtual party and even the most unlikely events are possible].
• Julia Mosman's site for those who know the delights of living with cats, and those who enjoy Christmas.  And some words of thanks.
• Michael Lightfoot (who also thinks Cris is a bloke) has just returned to Oz from Thailand where he was crowned King of Lanna with his Queen Yatphirun.
• In the mean time there is still argument going in in the background concerning flags and such.
• Michael Lightfoot is a late entry to to the party festivities - see photo below.
• Happy Solstice day from George P go here
• Connie in Utah is looking forward to other arrivals and wearing a shimmering silver dress with a cape lined in sapphire blue to match her sapphire necklace and tiara.
• Mary in Daisybell the Ute (long time fan of Aunty Jack) is nearing Cadgwith.
• Duchess Daft & Connie have been investigating the caves in and around Cadgwith prior to everyone elses arrival.
• Fran (in no longer windy Washington state) has been experiencing communication and weather problems.
• Hazel from NZ - another late arrival  - landed in Cadgwith by parachute late today.
• Jean aboard the Pidddlesbury bus cannot carry a tune, but Ioves hearing people who can; Wilbur the guinea pig without an end or beginning has also gone missing and there are concerns for Winkie (the cat who is stuffed in the true sense of the word).
• A funny thing (no kidding) happened to Julia in the '57 Chevy as they wended their way westward.  Imagine their surprise to discover a submarine had surfaced, and they were on it's desk. The Navy was as surprised as they were, especially as they were trying out a super-secret design, with some sort of 'Stealth' name.  Mum's the word aboard the Chevy in that regard but they have reached Cornwall where musical frivolity abounds. Fortuneately Fran is a virtuoso with the zither.
• Liz Agar is another late attendee albeit in withering glad rags and is bringing plums before the parrots eat them.  She has arranged for Scotty to beam her up from Melbourne and down into Cadgwith in a trice (hopefully along with her glad rags).
• Michael and Queen Aho had managed to flag down a nine-headed Naga, but then found a 5-headed one who was pleased to convey them to Cornwall.  They have crossed the Indian coast and are well on their way.
• Cris Cronicle spent the afternoon cooking an astounding OZ version of fish pie, wearing a t-shirt bearing St Piran's flag and an apron with the slogan "I cook with wine, sometimes I even put it in the food"  whilst watching "Ladies in Lavender" on DVD in an efffort to regain her sanity.
• The Naga with Michael et al on board was cruising over the Mediterranean when a very large woman on a motorbike with sidecar passed them at a rather alarming speed mumbling something about ripping and arms which is obviously cause for concern for the Naga. [Ed: What's a Naga?]
• Daphne in the Midlands (another late but welcome starter) kindly provided the words to "WOAD" and needs a lift to Cadgwith given the weather in her parts.
• There has been much discussion about the various places of the upbringing of Spike Milligan (none of which want to accept responsibility) and as a result Gloria in OZ who grew up in Woy Woy has extended an invitiation to Spike to attend the party to clarify the details.
• Keith on the Piddlesbury Bus has the coast of Cornwall in view and is ready to party.
• Michael and his Queen on the Naga have arrived in Cadgwith where the weather is a tad cooler than it was in Canberra and have visited the Hartridge Buddhist Monastery at Upottery, Devon.  Michael grovelled nicely in his apology to Cris Cronicle for confusing her gender.  Cris believes her gender is irrelevant as long as she knows what it is. [Ed: a Naga is a  really BIG snake]
• Margaret "Wino" Owens and boys are bouncing their  way across the Med sea,  but without Pam who didn't show at the Zoo in Melbourne.  They picked up Pat in Western Australia and deposited her in Hong Kong .... Pat had to sample a few bottles on the way, so was able to give the thumbs up for its quality and taste.  Margaret should be arriving in Cornwall, sometime tomorrow (in the wee hours). 
• Liz Agar announced it has rained in Victoria - not enough to put the fires out but sufficient to relieve the situation. She has been beamed aloft through much cleaner air and deposited in Cadgwith with apologies to those poor souls who were underneath her as she landed.  She had a slight accident with the plums and is now wearing a dovedown quilt with plum sauce decorations.
• Michael Lightfoot will sing Peter Cornelius' wonderful "Drei Konige" ("The Three Kings") but needs the choir to sing the Chorale "Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern" ("How brightly shines the morning star") as accompaniment. Please turn to page 136 of Carols for Choirs edited by Reginald Jacques and David Willcocks OUP, 1961 (no ISBN).
• JimS in OZ provided the words to an alternative version of "Jingle Bells"
• Jan in San Diego has commandeered the kitchen at the Awahnee Hotel and made new pasties after a detour to Yosemite
• Connie in Utah has reported that the food is great and the music is wonderful and that Cadgwith has livened up with all of us arriving,
• Lorna May AKA Loony Lorna in Canada has reported in inidicating that her husband's health prevents her attending this year but that responsibity for her parrots has been passed over to Duchess Daft.  We wish Lorna, her husband and the probably featherless parrots the very best of wishes for the festive season and for a healthy 2007.
• Julie from Vancouver wonders if she's enjoying the party.
• Albert J confirmed suspicions concerning Captain Bligh's penchant for bottom pinching and Aunty Jack has been sent out in defense of the ladies at risk by Michael Lightfoot.
• The Piddlesbury bus offloaded at Penzance on Friday and according to Jean, Keith steered them to Cadgwith without a problem.  Wilbur the cavy without any apparant beginning or end, who escaped his cage, found other questionable rodents on the ship and decided to have a party of his own. He later came forward or backward as the case may be to their stateroom, hanging his head (or other end) in shame for his indiscretions.
• Keith in Ontario has no memory of Saturday but vividly recalls Friday when he sang till his voice was hoarse and drank an assortment of liquids. He remembers one drink that was offered by someone with an Australian accent and thinks it blew the top of his head off.  He is still seeking recollections of Saturday.
• Janet in Darkest Devon became lost in the fog but arrived in Cadgwith via the trusty Bucks Ledge Boat - using decimated banana boxes for oars. She has volunteered to knit parrot underwear as long as its doesn't necessitate unravelling her transport home. Donations of dog fur are welcome.
• Margaret "Wino" Owens is lost in the fog and has taken to consoling herself in that situation by consuming much of the Rutherglen wine she has on board her sleigh.
• The choir is singing Christmas Carols in Cadgwith accompanied by an extroaordinary group of musicians from arond the globe.  How wonderful it is to see and hear their voices and instuments in unison - but Nipper is just a tad off key, please someone give him a bone.  He doesn't want to donate any fur to Janet and end up looking like the parrots.
• Captain Vegemite and the bloke on the iceberg are still missing and missed.
• The "other" Geoff's reindeer had their flying licence endorsed so he couldn't get to the party.
• Albert J offered Traveler's dog hair for knittin',  'ee d' shed 'nough hair in a season to knit a new dog.
• Fran offered hair from her two cats providing the parrots aren't allergic to cats.
• Boyd had a grand time at the party but has lost his fiddle to Janet's 6Xg-gf Samuel.  He suggests Keith forgets Saturday altogether.
• Keith the Canuck and the Piddlesbury bus left early to catch their boat home after enjoying Lorraine's 52nd genuine Tortiere and spotting the muttering ghost in the Cadgwith Inn.
• Brian Millett didn't get to the party because of the politicians/ drought/bushfires/snowfalls/isolation/inertia/striking kangaroos/troglodyte wombats/and other things.
• Julia M (who thinks crackers are the same as bangers) partied like there was no tomorrow - danced with the dishy pilot and a gent named Basil; and drank scrumpy in quantities that are not advised while Koko and Cocoa did their cha-cha-cha to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Xavier Cugat.
• Janet in Darkest Devon left to unpack more banana boxes and advised Boyd his fiddle had been left by Samuel BRAUND in his will to grandson Samuel Braund RODD.
• Her Duchesness (Joan in Colorado) has been busy mending the topsail on the Bounty as Chris and Nipper will be sailing home on it.  She has also knitted a large backpack for Nipper. He has heard that there may be a barrel of gold coins hidden aboard and he is hoping to sniff them out and make a getaway. He could well turn out to be the richest dog in Oz and will no longer need to work as a waiter. Christmas Eve all the animals were invited to Hank's stable for an evening of song. The parrots were there in their very smart new grey Traveller coats and a choir was formed. Woonie Gumpus and Boozie sang a duet, but it was unanimously agreed that the best voice belonged to Wilbur, Jean's Peruvian Cavy (long-haired guinea pig) who sang just like Tony Bennett. They finally found out which end was which because of where the song came from and Boozie put a small red X at that end so Jean will now be able to tell. She expects Wilbur will probably sing "I Left My Heart in Downtown Cadgwith" all the way home. A few fights occurred later when Nipper, the waiter, brought in the refreshments but other than a few black eyes, some torn fur, ruffled feathers, and a LOT of hangovers the next morning, there were no serious injuries. Nobody left a tip for the waiter, said Nipper sadly.
• Daphne staggered home up the M5 with one arm in a sling (did I miss something?) but arrived home in time to see her youngest grandson open his presents.
• Albert J is staying for Boxing Day  but can't hang about to help clean up (men).  The Red-Haired Witch must get back to her day job (don't ask) and they are going out New Years Eve to celebrate Hogmanay with Scottish associates. They will leave the mega-kegs behind to be converted to housing for young Cornish families needing a proper home. The Dragon with the Irredescent Wings is nipping up to Cymru to spend some time with his/her/its cousins before coming home to Cos Penn.
• Daisybell the ute, Mary in Oz and just one Cornish Hen made it back to Oz. The rest are touring Cornwall giving concerts in unexpected places minus a second soprano. Sounds OK, just a bit unbalanced.
• Nipper managed to sniff out the barrel of gold but had to pay duty to on his way back to OZ so is no richer than when he left and still working as a waiter.
• Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

MORE DETAIL & IMAGES

Transport

Provisions

Party Goers

Other

Transport

Provisions

Party Goers

(Images on this site are not those of known persons - any resemblance to members of the Cornish List is purely conincidental)

Albert Jenkin of Carwinnion Cottage in Pennsylvania in Cornish National Tartan kilt, an old knit Guernsey sweater bought at the Bosuns Locker in Falmouth and Breton fisherman's cap with the US Merchant Marine badge pinned on the front. Along with Traveller the Wonder Dog, the red-haired witch, her two familiars and her Welsh dragon with the irredescent wings.
Jan Mackey in California with Moose drawn sleigh, Woonie Gumpus the orange marmalade cat and parrots (?) with boas and knitted scarves.
Duchess Daft (Joan in Colorado) wearing a black beret, black jeans and black t-shirt with ENERGY - PASSION - FILM emblazoned across the front and carrying a plastic bag containing her green velvet party dress. [Ed: - preferred the red dress with the cleavage]
Catherine (Tabletweaver) & Cats with tinsel collars; intending to pick up the Beast of Bodmin en route from Yorkshire - he and Dandy (the Beast of Ryedale) intend to hunt as a team (but promise nothing bigger than mice).
Jan Davis in San Diego wearing her usual flowered muu-muu with nice toasty warm pasty slippers, the ones with raspberry jam in the front.
Cris Cronicle & Nipper the dog who will earn his keep by serving as a waiter during the party - gold coin tipping is encouraged.
Janet (in Darkest Devon) wearing a souwester and wellies - maybe in gold lame - adorned with parrot feathers if Lorna's have any left, and her cat Sam.
Gloria in OZ riding on Kanga (as usual) with Cleopatra the Cat.
GeorgeP & the delictable Sandra accompanied by three little Cornish bears who love to travel.
Duchess Daft's stone masons, builders and carpenters with their huge black dog Booze who has his own gallon-size tin bowl for beer and Hank the quarry horse who prefers his beer in a can and faints at spiders.
Connie in Utah in the afghan she's knitting.
Keith in Ontario, and his wife Lorrraine, via double decker bus (who wants to visit St Minver and Bodmin) with Winkie the cat if there is a loud public demand for Winkie's presence. [Since demanded].  Keith wearing a Tilley outfit of pants, jacket and hat.
Ann Berry in NC USA on her galloping goose, Shirley Temple.
Dorcas Mary (Hester) with her four dogs who like to chase Cats.
Fran in Washington dressed in jeans, cowboy boots, and red sweatshirt with a pinto pony on it, with Coonie Bear & Goldenrod.  Wearing a black velvet off the shoulders gown for dress up, along with black satin slippers, rhinestone necklace, bracelet, and earrings to add some sparkle.
Margaret "Wino" Owens in Melbourne AUS with Decky her grey striped moggie on the Kangaroo sleigh.
Deb Guildner in a converted vibrating FJ Holden stretch limousine sled, painted metallic cherry red, with white leather upholstery, decked with eucalyptus leaves and gumnuts, and a fully stocked bar.  With Bacardi the cat, Richard RABBITS of Woodlands, and his girlfriend Patience BERRY, Elsie May EVILL, Constance BASTARD, Rolling HAIGH, Temperance WILD, Violet GREEN,  Samuel BUTT , Charity KITCHEN, Charles GIGGAL, Thankful JOY and Mary CHRISTMAS.	(((((((())))))))
Glenys in Adelaide OZ with Lucky the dog.
Steve from Tiverton by raft.
Sue Dent in Sunderland making her way down the coast in a "borrowed" trawler with several flasks of Tinners' Punch.
Julie in North Vancouver with a jet black cat called Cocoa who owes her a favour.
Julia Mosman from Minnasota (wearing black jeans, with a cheery red sweater and white buck shoes for the drive over; and a slinky red sequined gown for the ball) & Koko the Gorgeous Keeshond (wearing a tasteful ruby tiara) in a real Candy Apple Red 1957 Chevrolet, with white "tuck and rolled" leather seats, and a highly improved sound system playing Cornish carols - interspersed with a bit of Elvis, towing an expanding Airstream trailer.
Jennie Towan in OZ perhaps at the last minute if there is enough left of the treble crocheted bridge from last year.
Mary K in OZ probably wearing a full circle skirt with a rope petticoat travelling in reluctant old Daisybell the FJ Holden ute with a piano and a full four part chorus of Cornish Hens.
Carol in Maryland with Baylee the cat and Bailey the dog.  Carol wearing wearing Tilleys - trousers that unzip to become shorts, a blazer with 7 pockets, one in a secret location she'll never tell, THE hat (the middle-sized brim) and carrying a spare skirt for formal occasions or to wear while the trousers are being washed.
Jean from various places in the US with Wilbur, the Peruvian Cavy. Jean wearing a Syracuse University bright orange cap, a furry coat, and striped tights tucked into heavy boots for the northern trip in snow country; bringing yarn and knitting needles to knit warm coverings for all who ride in the upper deck of the Piddlesbury Bus.
Geoff Holloway in OZ in his dromedary drawn sleigh with the orange Cornish cat that adopted him after a party some years back and 3 young kookaburras who are just learning how to mark their territory.
Pam from Bendigo bringing amongst other things some of her famous pavlova smothered in delicious cream and strawberries.
Boyd Richards in Fredericton, New Brunswick with his guitar and fiddle, wearing his blue knitted guernsey and cap again - he'll be the one with the cane.
Hazel in New Zealand with a couple of stuffed Kiwis and Mrs George Huthnance's  Rhododendrons to plant in strategic places like Gwinear, Breage, Truro, Helston, and especially at Traboe farmhouse, Pencoose and Bowghere. Wearing her old fake fur coat and winter woollies.
Michael Lightfoot and his wife Aho (Yatphirun) in the garb of King and Queen of Lanna (northern Thailand - ancient capital - was Chiang Mai).  Michael is composing a suitable excuse for his late attendance.
Daphne in the Midlands wearing red silk evening dress with shoes to match and a nice warm wrap to keep the chill out.

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