b'from work, past and present, neighbours, friends.held up my new badge and explained its meaning: Musicians I knew very well scuttling round in theMBE.Moira, Best Ever. Everyone agreed. Huge background but couldnt possibly be here and Icheers.realised it was just about all my best friends fromMoira had offered a free bar to all the artists, the music world. Moira carefully sat me down andsilly girl.It was all very well worth it, but a bit of put beer in front of me. That usually works.a shock to see that most of them were drinking Then it started, one by one, so many people whoseProsecco, even the Scots, surely that isnt legal?music and friendship I value so much each gaveDo I have to report them to somebody? Anyway, a me a hug and did their bit on stage, there was onlyfew more guitar sales should cover the booze, but I time for one song each. Moira announced them;dont think I will ever recover from the evening. It she was brilliant. The sound men set up each artistwas all filmed, it can be seen on the website. within seconds, there were silly jokes, memories, lots of embarrassing words, some bits of suitableArtists in order of appearanceswearing, speeches and videos from those thatNic and Joe Jones; Tristan Seume; Vin Garbutt; couldnt be there in person. One friend criedDavid Mead; Bridget Guest and Roy Wilcox; Adam because he thought hed never see Nic Jones singPalma; David Walters; John Smith; Terry Vickerstaff; Can-a-dee-I-o, live. One of our more tightly lacedBob Fox and Stu Luckley; Gordon Giltrap; Liz neighbours was rather overcome by John SmithMoore, Sue Bousfield and Dave Walmsley; Peter singing Take off your dress babe. There was cake,Howarth; Megan and Joe Henwood; Dan Wilde; more beer, food, more beer, then more beer. Eric and Ulrika Bibb; Troy Donockley; David After we had eaten and everybody had their oneBuckingham; Elliott Morris; Will McNicol and Innes song, they came back on stage in various pairingsWatson!and assortments. Troy Donockley frightenedThe Instrument Makerseverybody with his ridiculous magic. We shall never see the like, it was the best party ever,A little while ago, Kellie While (the lady who anywhere. I hate public speaking, but I got onstage,organises the Folk Awards), put an idea to me. Eric & Ulrica Bibb flew in from Sweden to be there! 132'