I've pre-emptively announced the Toast as being around 19:30 but I'm sure people will still be around for 20:00.

Adam is an excellent choice of ToastMaster and I hope he brings Beth with him.

The 2026 Carey Hancock Memorial Toast

This will be held at approx 19:30 on Saturday at the bar on the field,. There is a break in stage proceedings for 30 minutes at that point. Please start gathering by 19:15 if at all possible. Most people will be hanging around for a lot of the evening, so don't be concerned if you arrive later.

As you probably know, we collect money for the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Toast. We usually raise at least £300.

So please bring CASH - £5, £10 and £20 notes are good - no shrapnel please - to put into the collection bucket.

If you don't recognise me, I'm sure you'll recognise Wendy. See the photo attached.

The collecting bucket will be with one of us at all times.

See you there, bring CASH and horrible drinks

If you can't be there  but wish to donate anyhow, please make your donation individually online at https://donate.teenagecancertrust.org/  

From Colin (slightly amended):

Just in case anybody is wondering what 'The Toast' is.

Well it started 21 years ago, with members of TalkAwhile gathering at the bar to remember somebody we had lost that year and over the years this has become all inclusive, not only remembering people from the Cropredy family, but also those lost to individuals.

The toast is, always, 'Absent Friends'.

This year the Toast will be proposed by Adam Wallace.

I've booked tickets and accomodation for the Durham FF next month which was previously at Hartlepool. The festival site is spread out across the city centre and there are even gigs on a boat on the river.

Pretty good line-up with Jez Lowe, Banter, Shooglenifty and Honeyfeet among those I'm looking forward to seeing. Sadly Benny Graham has had to pull out due to ill health.

Full line-up https://durhamfolkfest.org.uk/whats-on

Current forecast...

Warm but breezy with possible showers later.
More people and deliveries on site with tents up at wristband exchange, FOE tent and geordie Pete’s gate.

Yes, not the strongest of his albums,  but it has its moments.  

That was the first album of Al's I bought when it came out, although a friend at school had already introduced me to some of the classic albums - Past, Present and Future, Modern Times and  and Orange, which led me into my addiction.

Four (actually, make that five!).

 It was the - unsuccessful - Lori, Don't Go Right Now single that got me interested and its parent album, Russians & Americans, that made me a fan. Not the most obvious entry point but I still love that album.

What's the betting the album will hit number one. The last one made number 6 and the Boygenius number one. I saw her with Conor in Better Oblivion, fantastic. Try watching the Boygenius set from Pukkelpop, one of the best live sets ever, although the last song, while stunning, is NFFW.

And me makes 4.