For some reason I feel hungover and alcohol did not pass my lips all night. Must have been all the excitement of so many new minglers in one evening. Or was it because I started way too early in the record shops instead of pacing myself. Whatever it was, Grant done well with another super venue with exclusive use for the Massive. Put your name down for the charabanc when we go down to that London Town and share the love with our southern cousins.

I'm sure when they sober up our chums will post photographic evidence of the shenanigans. Travel well with the assorted music CDs. For those venturing south; hands off Beany's nuts. They will make you go blind.

I came home with 14 CDs and a Margaret Attwood novel. Result!

Nice to meet everyone and well done to the London contingent for making the trek

It was also nice to catch up with token youngster JamesB who I used to know in a parallel universe in which I followed Bury FC. My interest in that activity has waned badly but young James still keeps the faith. We had a quick guinness* at his former local the Hare & Hounds http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/11/11656/Hare_and_Hounds/Manchest... in Shudehill, the kind of pub I didn't realise still existed, and a real oasis in these modern times. Then some hard negotiating with a taxi driver for a safe trip home, avoiding the vagaries of the Metro to Bury

*ok then, 2. But absolutely not after hours, yer honour

First attempt looked rubbish, will send on request.

for making it a rather special evening indeed.

It was nice to have a place to ourselves, and An Outlet, staffed by the lovely Harriet was a great venue. It was heartening to see the way the Massive decimated certain beer stocks in the big fridge.

A big Thank You must go out to all that took the effort and travelled from far afield. This was our biggest yet.

So a doff of the cap to The Drakeys, Hannah, JoLean, Dog-Faced Boy, Melrose Ape, Jack the Biscuit and the lovely Carol who did the miles and made it a real "gathering of the tribes"

Hopefully Ricardo and VinceP enjoyed it enough to want to come again-it was certainly good to have you along.

Wonderful memories...
1) The sheer number of mix CDs that people put the time and effort into.
2) The impromptu "Uke Unpluged" session that resulted in a rousing version of "Teenage Kicks".
3) The cake and the salted caramel from Hannah.Nomnomnomnom.
4) Everyone convening for the group photo whilst the Lotus Eaters' "First Picture of You" was playing over the outlet's soundsystem.
5) The Commando Homosexuals (Not that there's anything wrong with that).
6) Alan Bennett in the toilet (Not related to point 5).
7) TKDMart's arrival from Bristol - no distance is too far, no suit too sharp, no line not untried...

Early Evening

James B, Southstand, Drakeygirl, Jack TB, Ahh-Bisto and paul W size up the goodies

Some of the self-produced goodies

The Social Secretaries Assemble! (Wearing their Drakeygirl Word Massive Badges)

Beany, Vince and Paddy discussing Rebecca Black

Ricard (Yankeeragu) Grant and Paul share one of many of the nights jokes
(Hannah's cake in foreground)

And the CDs kept piling up...

The gathering - apologies to Jo and Pencil, whom I seem to have blocked out-sorry!

Squeezer, Vinnell and Jo discuss Harry's use of Bale...

That was US, you know...

Yeah, Bitches, we're hot...

and so are the ladies...
Drakey, DonnaPencil, Hannah, Hazeyjane, Jolean and AnneH

Anyway-great, great night. Thanks again, all. XX

Open publication - Free publishing - More blues

of the ukulele singalong.
Also captured in High Definition, is the sight of several Word Birds ruffling the very ruffleable hair of young master JamesB.
Plus there are numerous shots of Massive members in various states of excitement.

Unfortunately, these are not in my possession. They're all on my camera. Which I lost. I can't understand how that could possibly have happened, what with nine hours of drinking, and all. (Yes, it was nine hours. It seemed like a jolly marvellous idea to carry on the party in a nearby pub after The Outlet had to close its doors. So we rolled into our hotel room some time after 3am, in a state of quite magnificent inebriation).

I won't go on too long, as I'm finding it mentally exhausting to type much today. I'm fighting a rearguard action against my hangover by wearing sunnies indoors and drinking Powerade.

But a mention in despatches for Grant's party-organising skills and his gentlemanly charm as the host with the most. Thanks to Hannah and JoLean for being totally entertaining travelling companions (and to Hannah for her ukulele performance of Happy Birthday to Mr Drakeygirl over breakfast at the hotel this morning). In fact, a cap doffed to the eight, count them EIGHT* (*I think) Word Birds, who broke the record for female attendance at a Massive mingle. A round of applause for the providers of the bumper crop of lovingly compiled-CDs. A medal for Pencilsqueezer for making yet more people happy with gifts of great art.

And just a general all-round hug to everyone who attended - northern bastards and southern softies included. We had a ball.

Nice to put some faces to names.

Do we all get a badge next time?

I don't like leaving early. Even though I had a very good excuse.

What (another) lovely night - excellent venue, great company, and a phenomenal amount of effort put into the CD collection, which is going to take me ages to get into iTunes, fully tagged and sleeve-arted up. I am delighted that the Massive ran with my little idea and turned it into something absolutely wonderful.

Special mention to Paddy for his New Orleans magazine, Bisto for his fantastic stories, soundtracked by his two CDs, and of course to Pencilsqueezer for his unique (and gorgeous) sleeve art.

Kudos to the (not so) soft Southerners enduring for travel trauma above and beyond the call of duty, and for being wonderful people.

And special hugs to the Hobsons for being excellent (and very dapper) hosts and for finding the perfect Manc venue to complement the Ship and Mitre in the 'pool.

One final thing - I had my elitism detector turned on full whack all night - detected not a sniff. What I did detect was a bunch of very close mates having an ace time together.

I love you all my little cauliflowers - roll on the next one.

Smashing evening, nice to meet everyone. Thanks again Grant.

Thank you all for such a top evening. Music, chat, booze, cake and Beany's nuts. What else could one want? Sorry I didn't get to chat to everyone, hopefully can rectify that another time. I have come home with more CDs than I thought possible and I'm looking forward to listening to them all.

Thanks to Grant for the organising and hosting. It's not easy organising nights out, and it was great. Massive thanks to Pencilsqueezer for my lovely, lovely art. I really was touched: I didn't spend too long with it on the night as didn't want it spoiled, but it absolutely splendid. Thank you so much. Thanks to Hannah and the Drakeys for the driving. Also thanks to Dr V, hazeyjane and Doods for accompanying us for late night whiskies, beers and much hilarity and lovely Doods for the chauffeur service making sure we arrived at the right hotel (eventually). After overindulging last night, I will be having it large again tonight*

Oh and finally, apologies to James for the enforced ruffling action: I don't get out much.

*lying on the sofa in trackie bottoms, drinking tea, eating toast and marmite and watching Barbara Stanwyck films.

I had an utterly splendid time yesterday. So lovely to see everyone.

Had so many excellent conversations with so many splendid people. Laughed so hard my cheeks hurt. I'm not going to name names, because I don't want to leave anyone out and I really enjoyed talking to everyone... basically I met so many excellent people, made new friends, strengthened existing friendships, and properly got to meet some previously virtual friends (and discovered that you're all as cool & lovely as I'd imagined).

Someone asked me how the London Massive compares to the North West Massive, and you know what? I honestly don't think there's a difference; we're all the Massive. We might be divided geographically, but with a shared spirit.

Some thank yous....

A huuuuuuuuge thank you to Grant and Anne for being the hosts with the most. You found a perfect venue... I know you made a herculean effort to make sure the night went just right. It all paid off, it was fab.

Cheers Paul for organising the CD swap. Really enjoying making my comp and looking forward to hearing everyone else's. Here's my tracklisting for anyone who grabbed one of my CDs.

Thank you to the Drakeys for letting JoLean and I cadge a lift oop North. Also thanks to Doods who very kindly dropped us off at our hotel.

I am also honoured to own a Pencilsqueezer work of art! How completely amazing. It's very beautiful. AND Pencilsqueezer himself was EXACTLY as I'd imagined him to be. Exactly. DonnaSqueezer was *almost* exactly as I'd imagined her to be... except... even cheekier ;-)

Beany, your nuts are delectable.

Who made the chocolatey peanut thing? It was really yummy. Could I trouble you for the recipe?

And finally... there was some talk last night of a North West charabanc coming down to the next London mingle on Friday June 10th. I hope so, I really really really hope so. I would love to see you all again.

Much love, Hannah

PS Thank you for humouring me with my debut ukulele performance (after a mere three weeks as a uke player...)

It was really fun meeting the North West Massive contingent. What a great atmos! Nice venue too. The piped Alan Bennett in the loo was a nice touch. He'd approve I'm certain. Hannah, DogFacedBoy made the peanutty choc creation. I overindulged in it horribly once back at the Travelodge, to my shame. See you all again soon!

I have no idea what Beany's thinking. Hannah is impressed with P.Squeezers work

The smokers enjoying a crafty bifter

James B and Bisto in reflective mood...

Truly, a gathering of the best minds of a generation

They are one of Nigella's creations, I'll mail you the details. I didn't have time to let it set properly really but sod it

Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming. And sorry if I was a bit muted but that trip up fair whacked me out.

Still the gauntlet has been thrown down to you Northern nellies. Get yer butts dahn sarf for a mingle soon.

And (as Mr Ellen's advertising suggests) yes, my shirts are fucking brills, thank you

Always a joy to see my chums, not least because it has never been Same Old Same Old, but we keep getting very welcome new blood plus That London Chapter sent a lovely delegation. Fluttering and mingling, music was freely discussed, amid less important things. There never seems to be enough time for a proper blether with everyone but here's to the next time. Particularly impressed that tkdmart battered up through the Friday motorway madness from duties in Bristol to attend.

Eskewing my customary beer-monsterism I had decided to be designated driver, but if it keeps me out again in Manc at 3am I may start to make a habit of it. Doc Volume, Hazeyjane and I accompanied our visitors (Mr and Mrs Drakeygirl, Hannah and JoLean) for afters at the Castle on Oldham St where we made free use (OK...a quid for five goes ) of their outstanding jukebox. Jolene (sic) was played, and accompanied, of course !

I am currently looking at a frankly intimidating pile of CDs, some replete with covers, notes, booklets and mags. As ever, some startling stuff. MillyMollyMandy's splendidly rowdy Yorkshire platter was first up and helped keep me awake on the M56 home. Just read Hannah's inviting notes on her French collection so this will almost certainly be next but I will be getting stuck in into the rest sharpish. The next Word Of Mouth thread will be ruined, basically being Listening To Loads Of CDs Of The Massive.

Lastly can I add my thanks to Grant and Anne, and I hope they know how appreciated they are.

a wonderful Mingle, and tremendous to have our guests from down south and so many new faces. Huge props of course to the mighty Grant for making it all happen, top venue and yes the experience of hearing Alan Bennett's dulcet tones piped into the loo was most relaxing..one felt one could spend an eternity in there contemplating a coconut Macaroon....

As always, being surrounded by lovely people with so much to talk about the night passed by in the blink of an eye and I didn't get chance to speak to everyone and indeed didn't get chance to 'hang' with the Biscuits, hope you can make another mingle.

I think given the number of visitors who made the effort to come from the Sarf, a NW Cultural exchange is in order so hopefully will be down that London for the next Mingle in June.

Great to spend a cheeky after hours mini mingle talking into the wee small hours with Jolean, Mr & Mrs Drakeygirl, the wonderfully sober Doods and Hannah, and my bezzy mate Hazeyjane in the splendid Castle Pub on Oldham St, everything you want from a good boozer (great Juke Box, cosy, convivial vibes and stays open just a little later)...add that kind of company and I could have happily stayed there all night...and I did.

Greetings from my studio armchair. Little Milton is sliding effortlessly from the old iPod dock,The sun is shining,so the light is excellent and I am now mercifully hangover free and able to express my undying affection for my most favourite people on this great big onion.
To be able to spend some quality drinking time with youse lot in the fine Northern city of Manchester was a much needed respite from a recently troubled Hovel. Grant and his fabulous wifey Anne hosted a memorable bash that included an all too brief chance to meet up with some faces both old (Beany) and new-ish (JamesB)
As is usually the case with mingles I got no where near enough chance to spend half as much time as I would have liked with you all.
It was an unalloyed pleasure to be able to meet so many new playmates,listen to Hannah's fine ukulele recital and finally get my grubby mitts on her delectable baked goods. Jo you rock girl,lovely to meet you. Wonderful to see my old muckers The Drakes again,thanks for the badges Drakey,now amongst our most prized possessions.
So glad to be able to finally get to meet Les (Jack The Biscuit) and his lovely girlfriend Carol,now you've broken the ice and found out we don't bite I expect to be seeing you both again.For the sake of brevity,hell the Squeezers love all your collective little cotton socks and can't wait to be back in your fine company. Finally a huge thank you to Doods & tdkMart for the lifts,love ya fellas and a big cheers for all the CD's everyone.

P.S. Donna says thanks for letting her create some small amounts of mayhem. She'll be the death of me that woman!

Safety glasses, hard hat, steel toecaps (nothing else tho)

I really do wish it was Friday night again.

Lovely folks, great venue, great atmosphere, the Job was well & truly a good un.

(& I really did mean to trip on the stage when I was saying goodbye)

Hope you all got home safely,

Until next time.

Mwah. X

that there were a couple of fuck ups on the sleeve but main one (spotted by da Ape on way up) was that the Norah Jones track is her versh of 'No Easy Way Down'

Hope the leftover CDs weren't binned at the end of the night as some could be shared at London mingle for those unable to get up north

for anyone wavering on attending a mingle

"I had said upfront that we were both nervous, but you were all so nice to us, we had no need to worry" -JtB

Now write it out a hundred time or I'll cut yer balls off

of thanks to those that lent an ear on Friday. I was rather out of sorts on the back of a troubling day but as I said to Grant in an email earlier today the continuity of the Massive meetups provides a welcome home even when I'm not firing on all cylinders. Sorry to those I met for the first time who may have found me socially inept or a tad distracted.

The welcome familiarity of Ma Bisto and the kids this weekend has centred me again and we've all enjoyed the sunshine while listening to Paddy's New Orleans CDs which have really hot the spot. I'm looking forward to getting to know all the other compilations as well.

Hope to see all of you again soon and to have the chance to strike up conversations "sunny side up".

Better for you than prozac.

Just to say, you're all ACE.

The next North-West massive meet up is at the Ship and Mitre in Liverpool on May 20th. I've booked the Higher Room we used last time - and as those who attended last time will attest-the place is great. I've asked for our own barman again.

On the food front - not too sure. We didn't finish off what we paid for last time, so it might be more prudent if folk just nip downstairs and order from the kitchen if the munchy monster strikes.

On the music front - a select sub committee went with genres / labels - the choice can be yours. You may be a Factory Completist, or love Elektra, or have a burning passion for J-Pop, Cold-Wave, Neo-Folk etc.etc. Just let us all know so that we can avoid duplication. I mean who's going to want 5 Rough Trade compilations....

This is just a chance for another drinky sesh and it's appreciated that the trip may be too far for many. Hopefully it's not too close to the London gathering to put folk off coming up, as it hopefully shouldn't deter folk from the NW heading south for Hannah's next do.

Details...
Location - Ship & Mitre - Details - http://bit.ly/eEV9lQ
Date - 20th May
Time - from 6.30 onwards
We have the "Higher Room" booked - you can see the room here
http://www.theshipandmitre.com/

I appreciate it's only 5 weeks before we meet again. Is it too soon? I hope and believe not, but I've been wrong before..

Let me know if you're available and up for it.

Any sceptics can look at the pictures from the last time we met there
http://www.wordmagazine.co.uk/content/my-oscar-speech-full

Sorry for being even quieter than usual and having to dash off for the train - two nights out in Manchester in a row had taken their toll.

Great to meet jackthebiscuit and the lovely Carol (& discuss the Rollers, Osmonds and other bands of our youth). I was mightily impressed by the missionary work of the Southern contingent (they came bearing "Word Bird" badges and cake, much in the way that other explorers used beads and trinkets - hey, I'm a convert!)

Absolutely loving the CDs - so far sampled Ireland (first up - great choices) by "creative director" hazeyjane (with her production assistant, Dr Volume) , JoLean's Oh Canada collection was stunning, particularly by adding a further layer of complexity (Canadians covering others, or others covering Canadians, rather than just plumping for Joni, Neil, kd etc doing their own stuff) and Doods' Iberian selection turns out to be ideal for sunny Sunday mornings. Can't wait to find out what other delights are in store.

hazeyjane - I'm on a mission to find reasons for you to be on twitter, professionally. JamesB - I'll have another look at your profile this week and send you some suggestions.

Hope to see you all again next time in L'pool.

Can I bagsy "Pop music from the last 50 years" please? Either that or "Eclectic".

I'm more of a "broad and shallow" rather than a completist, but at a push, I suppose I could do "Jazz" or some subset (but only because I inherited some of my Dad's stuff - that collector mentality must be a bit of a man thing).

I shall forgive those that have committed the heinous crime of spelling my name wrong... it's 2 C's and an O* people... sheesh. :P

Anyhew on a more positive note I'd like to join in with the general chorus of a approval of a splendid evening. Been a while since I had a night out that didn't involve forming a queue @ 4pm and constantly being asked "what time do the doors open?" My early departure was prompted only by the fact that it had been a long day.

Big thanks to all who compiled the CDs I took away... these will be quite literally road tested on my drive to and from work.

See you all again next time.

*TMFTL [obviously]

Here's the draft front cover of my next magazine. Pic won't change, but typefaces will, because it looks like a student magazine. Damn these limited fonts in quark.
Might even do a wee podcast too.

It looks like I have drawn the short straw and will be producing something connected to Disney. Oh dear, I seem to know so little about my genre but will do my best...

... is still a bit of a blur. Wouldn't have missed it though. Great to see everyone.

Drakeygirl's face just sums up the whole night. And who would have thought that I only met JoLean six hours before?

You were all ace company, I had such a lot of fun (and beer and whiskey) and I haven't got to bed that late in ages!

My text to Dr V in the morning said simply "ouch" - but it was so worth it! Will definitely try to join the cultural exchange back to my old stomping ground in June xx

.......late to the thread and emphasisng what has been posted earlier that it is always such a pleasure to meet with you all. The welcome, warmth and wit which is afforded to all is a lovely, lovely thing, and, as someone perhaps more on the edges than at the centre of the get togethers, the genuiness of everyone is just fab.

The cd's are, it goes without saying, a joy, and on arriving home with over 20 discs of new music, I did question why on earth I felt the need to visit Fopp beforehand.

Needless to say the last train from Manchester to Liverpool ambled from east to west at a snails pace but the journey was enlivened no end by way of conversation with Paddy.

Special thanks to the Hobsons for organisational excellence (and the bacon sarnie), Hannah for the cake (afters following the bacon sarnie) and ukelele performance and drakeygirl for the badges, which I can confirm are washable at 40 degrees after leaving them in a pocket.

The Ship & Mitre looks great in May and as for my chosen specialist subject I would like to opt for dancehall or alternatively the Ze record label, or if I'm allowed both.

Cheers all