So the WOYWW Crop came and went. *Pouf* - just like that. It was a lovely day, we met new people, who I hope, didn't feel new at all. We met erm, old people. I mean, we were once all strangers and now, because we flash our desks at each other once a week or every so often, we're friends.
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| Stolen from Jan's blog, because I didn't take a single picture. Not one. |
There is a presumption of friendship when we meet - because we know something about each other already. And then, if there is ice still to be broken, the cake does the trick. My word the food is definitely a friend factor! Doug (beardy boy looking chap at back right) did the lion's share of everything. Putting out tables, clearing tables, serving drinks, washing up...you name the job, he was in like Flynn. So we're changing that saying to the non-rhyming 'in like Doug' from now on. That is not to say he was totally solo...all husbands/partners who came to the Crop were brilliant at the clearing up and washing up part; we truly love you boys.
But the biggest shout out is for Jan. A month before she moves house and in the beginning of the clutches of Christmas and all the commitments that she has through Band and School, she motivated, instructed, reminded, cooked, baked, provided. As she always has for these Crops. Way back, the first one was entirely due to her encouraging me that some folk may like to meet in person and that it wouldn't be awful. Couldn't do it without her, and if you've been to a WOYWW Crop, you'll doubtless agree.
She and I are continually blown away by the distances that others have travelled for these meetings; and so now it's our turn to do the distances. Jan is
leaving me moving to Wales, so WOYWW Crops like this won't happen again. I can hardly invite her to stay and then ask her to cater for 20 odd people can I? So, if you fancy a WOYWW Crop in your area, find a venue...a hall with a kitchen (drink making facilities as minimum, we can all bring packed lunches if necessary) Loos and decent parking are the other must-haves. It's actually very little work on the day because hey - Doug! No seriously, we all muck in and it works beautifully. Let's get this show on the road!
He! He! Already 'casing' a joint! Maybe too expensive though! It really was the most wonderful time on Saturday - over far too quickly of course - but oh so enjoyable! Hugs, Chrisx
ReplyDeleteI saw photos on Helen's blog, and before I read what she wrote, I focused on the photos only. I felt like I knew all (most at least) these people, even though I have only seen them online. You have brought so many together, I can only hope someone will be able to come up with a decent place for all to share a crop (or at the least, a get-together) again soon. Bless Jan for all she's done, too.
ReplyDeleteWell said Julia! Jan, Doug, David and Tony were all stars and we loved every second of it.. Hoping to visit some new places and see new faces for a WOYWW crop near - who knows who... Will see if there is anywhere cheap enough ....
ReplyDeleteIt was great and the cake was flowing all day!!!! Thanks to you, Jan and everyone
ReplyDeleteSuch an enjoyable time... I spent entirely too much of it trying to make ATCs and eating cake to get to know most of you well enough... but it did inspire me to try blogging in 2017.. as being "just" Erika with no catchy nickname needs remedying lol
ReplyDeleteIt was a fabulous and fun day and thanks to all concerned for making it so. Hall in the area? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
ReplyDeleteKathyk
Oh what a lovely post. We have just the place round the corner....let me do some research on availability on a Saturday and price. It would be so lovely to host one here......watch this space as they say.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Annie x
Hi Julie, Glad you all had such a nice time.
ReplyDeleteHope some of you can get together in the future for a crop.
Hope you have a lovely day. Sue
Fabulous day!
ReplyDeleteWe spoke about a venue on the way home..... We're up for it.
Our Venue has all the amenities as it is used for Railway AGMs. But we're in Birmingham so there's no rural views!!!! He! He!
Fabulous day!
ReplyDeleteWe spoke about a venue on the way home..... We're up for it.
Our Venue has all the amenities as it is used for Railway AGMs. But we're in Birmingham so there's no rural views!!!! He! He!
We also have a rural village hall with brilliant parking, excellent kitchen facilities, loads of space and a Co-op opposite for emergency chocolate runs. Plus it's cheap, so it's doable for the next couple of years until we also leave you for Cornwall.....
ReplyDeleteThat is a really lovely post Julia - so good to see you all together and so wonderful to see the WOYWWer spirit rising to the occasion! I am sure Annie and I could organise something here in Shrewsbury - nice and central and on a decent rail link too! x Jo
ReplyDeleteNoooo, we can still have Crops here! I'll be very sad if I'm the cause of no more crops, we'll just have to be creative in the planning!
ReplyDeleteXxxxx
I've a very suitable hall - Midsomer Norton cricket club - only downside is that the nearest train station is 20mins away in Bath. But am sure it could be sorted. These crops have helped me feel less isolated. I've made many new friends. WOYWW is a very special thing and that's down to you Julia and Jan for organising that very first 1 and for continuing. I can't than you enough for that! Zo xx
ReplyDeleteHi Julia, great day as always,Hubby totally enjoys himself, as he says it gives you & Jan more time to spend with all the WOYWWers. Looks like we could have a lot of possibilities for crops in the future, and I can totally see Jan coming up from Wales with a car load of food! And we can always cater for ourselves,if it came down to that. Going to be interesting to see where we end up next- a sort of travelling show, Lol. Huge hugs, Shaz xxx
ReplyDeleteI saw Jan's post. She is a star isn't she.
ReplyDeleteToni xx
Lovely to see the 2016 Photo of you all at the crop.
ReplyDeleteSeeing Margaret (Glitter and Glue) in the centre made me think of Llandudno as being a good place to maybe meet up for a crop another year. Being a holiday destination it will have lots of accommodation available and I have an idea in my head - must speak with Margaret.
Thanks Jan for all you do and it sounds as if we have lots of others to thank also - and of course not forgewtting you Julia who brought us all together.
Hugs, Neet xx
Pleased to hear you all had such a good time, must go and have a look at all the photos. Happy crafting, Angela x
ReplyDeleteI had a fabulous time meeting you all last Saturday. It was fun, great food, cake was yum! Thanks Jan for catering for my exceedingly weird food needs... Thanks both Julia and Jan for your delight in doing these crops, and for your hospitality. How good it was to meet "in real life". As I was driving home I was thinking how lovely it would be to organise one further North... Neet obviously also thinks so... Would folk be willing to travel right out to Llandudno? Our church has a fabulous hall space - suitable kitchens, and loos. Even has a car park for around 15 cars - if parked tightly! Thanks for a great adventure.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
wHAT A CROP OF CROPPERS!
ReplyDeletewISH I WERE THERE
monica
I'll get right on planning the Southern Arizona, USA WOYWW crop.... right after I find a Doug to do all the heavy lifting and hard work... and a Jan to cater it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you all had a great time! How fun.
I'm ready to host one in Asheville, NC , USA- just name the day!
ReplyDeleteHave the perfect spot downunder for a crop,Julia, but perhaps a tad too far to travel, even willing to accommodate some 😊
ReplyDeleteShaz n Oz.x
Fantastic photo. So sad that I have never managed to get to any of the crops - but at least Jan will be closer now (yes, we are so far west in Pembrokeshire that even Jan is a fair distance away!), so perhaps a Welsh crop could be possible next year? (Which reminds me that a lady who used to be on WOYWW every week is not now - will have to investigate and see if she is still blogging.) Ali x
ReplyDelete