Thought you'd like to know that Eric Kwiatkowski has just gained his PhD in Immunology after seven years hard slog and a pocketful of cash investment in order to achieve his aim. He's been heavily involved with Meningitis research and is now set for good career prospects. He's looking forward to returning to the real world in which he can live a 'normal' bluegrasser's life! (How normal can that be?) Thorough congratulations go to him from Pat and I to a life-long friend who "kept on keepin' on" until he made it. Well done, Eric!

Geoff Bowers, Nottingham.

Just a note to say that quite a few people have come up to me at my gigs recently to say that they had heard about the event through my gigs list on your/our NWBN website! Thanks for the help and keep up the good work.

Sincerely, Chris Moreton, Usk.

Now I'm on the net I felt compelled to Write to and tell you I was absolutely ecstatic after visiting the A1 Festival. Due to other commitments I didn't arrive at the site until 5 p.m., but as I approached the complex I had good vibes. It felt similar to the North Carolina show I wrote about, and to cut a long story short I could find nothing to fault in the entire organisation. Food, Drink and not least the picking and singing were excellent. The atmosphere was great, kids were kept occupied (intelligently) and the two buildings meant that whatever type of music or dance you were into they kept you happy. The Old Mill buildings were an added bonus, and I am sure the Nature Trails were equally good. More power to the elbows, etc., of all concerned in delivering the goods. I only hope this is the start of something BIG.

David Finn, Nottingham

Dear Editor,

This is a great piece of info you have on the internet. I am 26 and I play a lot of the big bluegrass festivals and conventions and have toured for 3 years in a bluegrass Broadway show. I play 17 instruments and I'm in the process of recording 2 bluegrass/traditional CDs:- one is bluegrass/traditional, and the other is an Xmas. Thanks for your work in promoting the greatest music on the face of the earth.

Matthew Weaver, Salisbury, North Carolina, USA.

Derek - What a fantastic site - I am impressed!!!

Keep it up!!!! I am very much looking forward to the next issue!! Lots about Calico Jack Please!!!! Especially the Schankmans and their guitar player!!!!! xxx

Helen Roberts, Sale, Cheshire.

Well, see the article.  And I can report that our secret agent in Virginia reports intercepting as many as 19 transatlantic phone calls to Helen from a certain guitar player, who has also invited her to visit for a while in Virginia... Ed.

I couldn't think of a better way to promote bluegrass than what you are doing here. What a great site! Thank you for supplying the fan/aspiring flatpicker with all the help.

Scott. Sbails25@aol.com

This is the most impressive bluegrass site I have seen! It was good to read the letters to the editor and see that you are appreciated. You make our efforts seem so humble; yet many work very hard. Good Luck!

Jerry & Mae Hinton, Leeds, Alabama. maehinton@juno.net

(PS Mae is secretary-treasurer of the ABMA)

Thanks, folks - everybody needs something to keep them going... Ed.

Dear Reader,

As Editor I would like to thank all of you who have written in, often with such positive support. It has encouraged not only me but all the others who write articles or contribute in many other ways.
Derek B.

21st Sept 2000