So it's quite obvious there will not be an Easter re-union,mores the pity for us,and so begins the rumours,rumblings,hopes and prayers for a re-union in June???

Yes,I know,we sound like kids hassling their mammies in a sweet shop,but it once again has to be said how we DO know what goes into arranging a re-union,and how harder it is with Andy globetrotting so we DO appreciate all the work-think it shows on the night and subsequent photos.

So,will we be lucky enough to be treated so undeservedly again???

Floyd wrote: Yes,I know,we sound like kids hassling their mammies in a sweet shop, but it once again has to be said how we DO know what goes into arranging a re-union,and how harder it is with Andy globetrotting so we DO appreciate all the work-think it shows on the night and subsequent photos.

Ah Floyd, Do we really care how hard it is for them....As long is there is a re-union....HEE HEE

I gotta make it to one soon.

It would certainly be great if we had a summer reunion to look forward to. I thought the previous reunion was the best so far but the memories are fading (Just as well we have the photos)  

I'll try to meet Cecil over the next few days and see if he has any news from Andy.

I know they were discussing some other venues as they were unsure if the usual one would be open ??

The POD have made approaches regarding some other thing they wanted Cecil to do

Just talking to Cecil. He is going to send Andy a text to see when he is in Dublin next. As he was away for Christmas Cecil feels he is due a visit soon and they can discuss a re-union

I'll keep you updated

 Great stuff ,Gary!

GG

Another webcast would be great in the meantime if that is still possible

Right

Cecil text Andy and they are wondering if people preferred a summer or a holloween re-union.

So, is there any of our overseas gang planning a visit during the summer ?/

Will people be away during the summer ??

Would you rather a holloween gig ??

What do you yhink as we have to go back to them

Answers on a tenner to me please

Oh! Now I don't know!!!

Someone flip a coin...

Meet Cecil again today and the story seems to be that they are worried about turn out.

These places cost money to hire out etc and although the last reunion was great , the figures were not that good.

When it was in the Sheiling there was a lot of local interest. Now that these reunions are taking place in town the numbers seem to be slipping.

If you have any ideas about the best way to promote the event let's have them. I have posted on the grove site on facebook but as I can't get into that site from here I don't know what sort of response the post got

The good news is that both are very much up for these reunions as long as they're supported. Let's face it this gang can meet anytime anywhere but it's a different thing when you have to hire a venue, advertise etc and then hope for a turnout.

I will go with the flow on dates.

Obviously the Sheiling was ideally located but other northside options that might encourage a larger turnout to improve the financials of the event include Clontarf Castle, The Marine, or The Regency, or even The Grand.

Ye there might be a bigger turn out if it was outside town as a lot of people hate Town(Like Me). It would be cheaper to hire out a GAA Hall(Like Raheny)   But it can only take 200

Don't mine when it is once there is one

 What about some of the local School Halls in Raheny or the old church in Raheny Village.

 I can understand what Cecil is saying re the turn out.

It's bums on seats at the end of the day for the organisers.

If it's local there would be a good interest. going into town is a nightmare at times and a rip off

DONDON wrote:  What about some of the local School Halls in Raheny or the old church in Raheny Village.  I can understand what Cecil is saying re the turn out. It's bums on seats at the end of the day for the organisers.    It would hopefully solve the matter.If I did I could guarentee it would happen on a grand scale   If it's local there would be a good interest. going into town is a nightmare at times and a rip off

Ahhh are you suggesting a drink free re-union Gerry ???

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh

That's the problem innit.

No licence for alcohol and insurance difficulties for school halls.

Lack of a Public Dance Licence is what causes the problem in having a gig in a GAA Club.

A drink free Reunion wluld be funny.

 Well now that you have said it could work.

We could try and replicate a Traditional grove night.If would be nice if you could get original type Grove Membership cards printed with your original number on it and those that still have them can use them. 

And wear roughly the same clothes as we did in the 70s/80s. I'm sure Bredan fella could set up a wardrobe for us.He must be coming down with that type of gear.

No seriously a re-enactment of a trad grove  Starting at 7pm and finishing at 10pm and the we could go for a few drinks after wards.

Hiring a local hall wouldn't cost that much and then arranging for a late bar in one of the local  sport clubs to top off the night

Go on say it I'm nuts  

 Have to redeem myself here.. eh eh let me see

Ok, just say if an event like this took off.We could have 3 slow sets

And Jetaime would have to be in a least 3.and................. wait for it

The Women couldn't refuse the Lads.............I mean a  slow one.

Then again it wouldn't be a traditional Grove if that was to happen.

They would relish in saying NO again me thinks

Clan...cast your minds back to the first post-Shieling re-union when a suitable venue almost became elusive and there was much brainstorming (mostly by Andy) and a lot of suggestions thrown up (mostly by us) as to where the next one would be.

After much deliberations (and hassle-remember the Craobh) The Button Factory was picked and was met initially with some scepticism but afterwards we all went away having had a great night.

This was a decision made by a man who knows the business and knows the scene. If you also remember some of the guidelines which Andy asked to be adhered to was (a) it wouldn't work without a bar, (b) venues on the Northside which weren't GAA/rugby clubs weren't suitable and (c) the Wicket was mentioned that time but I can't remember the reason why it wasn't picked but it just wasn't (due either to political,democratic or blasphemous reasons)

So,having been here a few times already trying to choose venues for us,Andy seemed to do most of the bargaining and haggling (as there is a considerable cost in all of this) in town,having already gone over all the possibilities on the Northside.

So,it does look like,if we are lucky enough to have a re-union,Halloween looks like a forerunner because apart attendance/holidays/dressing up,this also gives us 7 or 8 months to get the word out there,plenty of advertising so a good turnout can be secured,therefore not only hopefully the books will balance,but if we all turn out then it would surely make for a more memorable night.

So,are we decided then on The Craobh Ciaran for Dec 27th???

Hi everyone. I've been to nearly all of the Grove Reunions and like everone on this Forum appreciate all the time and effort that Andy and Cecil put into the evenings. Cecil always says it's us guys who make the night - but it's Andy and Cecil who make the night actually happen. So here's my tuppence worth.

The Summer Groves (Even the ones at the Sheiling) were poorly attended - mainly down to holidays.

The first one at The Button Club (Halloween) was really well attended but the crowd tapered off a bit since Radio City was the chosen venue. Still great nights though - especially the last one (and I didn't lose my Robert Smith wig)

We really do need to bring it back to the Northside but we also need to spread the net a bit wider to remind the masses that the Grove is still well and truly alive and rocking. Suggest maybe next time we hold one - put an add in North County Leader and Northside People 3 or 4 weeks in advance - all those people who attended the original reunions are still there - but probably just don't hear about it anymore. Shouldn't cost that much to advertise and you will be in every letter box in target area. Better still if anyone knows someone in those papers - we could get a free advert or tie it in with an article.

Venues?? Cricket Club - last time I was there was 1990 - but hey if they still have the bar - it would be an ideal venue. Failing that - Clontarf Castle? Maybe a bit too posh - but it's within the vicinity.

We need to all help get the message out there. Was really hoping for an Easter one but if it doesn't happen - the best chance of success for a Summer one is to get the message out there in the local papers.

Look forward to seeing you all at the next one...

Thanks for the input. I'll pass on your ideas to Cecil or if anyone else is on to him in the meantime feel free to do so.

I'm trying to remember wasn't there something about the Cricket club a few years back...size or something. I think they may have changed the hall as we knew it and it may be smaller..don't really remember but ther is something.

Clontarf Castle quoted some exorbidant price and weren't really interested lasttime they were approached but as you said times have changed

I agree with the comments about Haloween being a better time for numbers. Summer is always troublesome with peeps away and stuff

I have no doubt that we will solve this and the best thing of all is that hte lads are still well and truely up for it

Live long and prosper

Just getting to see this now as was offline last week.

My 2 cents worth is:

1. Halloween would be better than summer for reason of holidays
2. The closer to Raheny/Clontarf the better, town is definitely adversely affecting numbers.
3. Longer lead time to Halloween to really get the word out there.

A northside venue, if a 'suitable' one was available at a reasonable price, would be fantastic.  Personally, I think that some of the Grove "feel" was slightly lost in the city centre venues.  Dont get me wrong - I had a great time at them, but I just felt like something was missing, being away from its 'spiritual' home and all that. 

 Have to agree something local  and something different.

 If the list of the membership can be obtained and posted on the site It would generate a lot of Interest  I think.

And then charge people to buy a replica of their membership card to include the entrance fee into the reunion .

You would get a fair idea of how many were intending to go,Then if people didin't turn up at least you would not be out of pocket.

Ah Pogue

Now I remember you  !!!

Any update  on the reunion????????????

 and is the idea of a replica membership a lost cause

DONDON