The ring cycle vs keepy uppies

I've not gone for a pint after footie tonight so I'd better blog instead innit. One goal for me in a quite subdued game. One of my midlife [crisis] goals is to not be the worst player at Tuesday night football which I've been going to for 18 months. Recently I've been doing much better, I generally blame my Dad for my late start at footie competence. I'm sure reading 2 Sunday papers cover to cover whilst listening to Wagner didn't leave much park time (but you are forgiven.) Other midlife goals include ramping my mountain bike 6ft into the air and having a hit single, can't blame my Dad for these.

As we're in the process of filling in the licence forms for the festival I've been to see some of the people who live around the site, so far I've been to see a neighbouring farm and static caravan park. I also have to write to all the local parish councils and let them know what we are planning before they find out by other means.

I think it is fair to say that some I've talked to are somewhat worried by what we are planning, security of property being at the top of the list of concerns. Some of these concerns are legitimate and others are not as quantifyable, but ultimately these concerns need to be put to rest as far as is possible and we need to deliver on any promises around the time of the festival. The continuation of the licence depends upon it. Dull.

After looking at these stretch tents we had a really helpful visit from tent expert Alex, who put us in touch with tent expert Rolly. Both these guys make tents to order out of traditional canvas and I'm really excited to see some pictures of the sort of tents Rolly could make for us. I'll post them here when I get hold of them.

I've also bought a picture off the very talented David Setter AKA the Compulsive Scribbler. He is a facebook friend of our friend Matt Pattinson. Matt is a brilliant illustrator who has over the years not given in to commercial pressure (i.e. he's broke) and has done exactly what he wants to do. We're hoping that both of these guys will be at the festival doing workshops, selling their stuff and contributing to our graffiti doodle wall. Hopefully we can get at least one more contempory artist or illustrator from Matt or David's recommendations.

Overall the sort of festival we're going to have is coming into focus, with 2 music stages and a kids tent being the main three areas of entertainment. We're going to be spending money on 10 bands and a handful of other acts (caberet, comedy, spoken word.) We're doing quality not quantity and I can foresee lots of heated discussions amongst us as to who we approach and ultimately book. There will be no fillers.

After countless scribbles I also think that I've cracked the logo and I've just registered www.deershedfestival.com (don't hold your breath). One thing I'm not sure about though is whether this blog should feature on the festival site itself. Kate says it should, but then what commercial enterprise contains such random ramblings?