Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 05 Sep 05 - 12:30 PM

The SS effigy was burned on the beach, witnessed by hundreds of folkies in party mood. Cans of beer and lager were being sold by some enterprising fellow, long after the pubs had closed. One folkie even wrote a song about the demise of the Plough, and Sam Smith was demonised in verse.

I'm sure quite a few pubs saw an increase in trade on the back of the Plough ban; certainly the landlord of the Fleece had a smile from ear to ear (and back again) everyday that week! Gil visited the Fleece (Wednesday night I think) and was given a warm welcome.

Friday night was packed to the rafters, and the landlord was given a rousing 3 cheers followed by "For he's a jolly good fellow" - a suggestion that Humphrey Smith might be afforded the same accolade was met with derision.

The Plough was a nice pub to visit for a quiet drink and bit of lunch, before moving off to livelier venues. By 2:30 the Plough was pretty much empty.

Most folk I spoke to were of the opinion the Plough would be back in business next year.......... fat chance!

"Heartbeat" was sung a few times (in the Fleece) - just for old times sake.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 30 Aug 05 - 03:35 AM

I was at Whitby and saw the buskers outside the bank. It sounded to me as if they were miming to pre-recorded tracks. Music with the soul pressed out of it.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 05:10 PM

Well I went in the Plough and had a pint with Gil for old times sake and I think folk week without music in his pub really effected him emotionally (best wishes Gil we really missed the You and the Plough)

Gerry

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Michael
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 03:46 PM

We saw the efigy, can't remember when exactly, early in the week.It was outside the bank on the corner with the the 'Irish' buskers who are always there,. Don't know if it was anything to do with them or not.(I put 'Irish' in quotes as I haven't spoken to them so don't know if they are or not).

Mike

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 10:41 AM

I was present at the party on the beach and danced qand sang till three in the morning.there was a bonfire , but Iwas too late to see the effigy although I am sure it existed.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Surreysinger
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 06:58 PM

While indulging in fish and chips in the Magpie in the middle of folk week, I was told that there had been a straw effigy of "Sam Smith" somewhere on the harbour front with a noose around its neck and various messages pinned to it - anyone know anything about this, as I never actually chanced to see it, if it existed? (The person who told me was actually a worker for another Sam Smith's pub outside Whitby, who seemed to be overjoyed at having seen it, and commented that the staff at her pub were more than fed up with the situation, and with not having enough to do as the number of punters visiting the pub had dropped considerably since the music ban was instituted)

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: LesB
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 02:31 PM

I went into the Plough with Snark Rapper on their 21st anniversary heritage tour. When they presented the landlord & landlady with a commemorative Snark plaque to hang on the wall & we all spoke happy birthday to Snark & then spoke 'For he's a Jolly Good Fellow'!
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 01:54 PM

Don't forget the Plough and the landlord were moved to the spa courtesy of Snark for the final ceilidh. Old building more like dentist's waiting room though.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: cushty
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 10:16 AM

I visited the plough. sad for the landlord, but whitby folk week is bigger than the plough. I had some fab times in great pubs where I might not have gone had the plough been the same.ANOTHER GREAT WEEK, THANKS TO ALL.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 06:11 PM

The Middle Earth and the Black horse had atmosphere this year but I'll never get over the whitby plough, I see it every where, I missed the singers who went there, but not all the seats were bare.
Sorry I'm still recovering
Denn

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Nick
Date: 19 Aug 05 - 01:57 PM

I was in the Plough earlier today and was strck by the number of 'please do not sing or play' notices

Sad

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Aug 05 - 09:56 AM

Might be an idea to take a portable seat along - I think chairs will be at a premium next week. Gil should have a few to spare though!

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,Bill the Collie
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 11:40 PM

wot a shame

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 02:39 PM

I cant make the train but will be arriving to camp sunday evening, and will have a riot of a time in defiance of the small minded old spoilsport.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Raggytash
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 01:48 PM

Bev
I too have had many, many happy hours in the Plough, however Humphrey is not going to spoil my enjoyment, I'll just have to go to a a variety of pubs to link up with everyone ....... now that's a hardship. A good many of the Plough gang will be on the Glaisdale train at 12.38 Sunday.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,bev
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 01:13 PM

I have had many happy hours in the plough and will miss old friends and new. Thanks for the good times.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 12:31 PM

"do we have any solution to the capacity problem created by that dimwit of an executive?"

Judging by comments on this and the Whitby Folk Week thread it would appear not. I fear we can look forward to a fair share of chaos and discomfort next week, but future years should gradually solve the problem as fewer folks go as a result. Doom and gloom. It's gonna bloody rain all week too, so we'll be glued to each other in wet pac-a-macs.

Pessimist Joe

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 11:34 AM

regarding trying the shambles as a possible venue it may be worth checking but i am almost certain that they were refused an entertainments licence earlier this year which means that they can not allow the use of their premises for singing or music sessions!

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 10:06 AM

Hi Muppett, I too thought of something along those lines, however Gil's job could be on the line, Humphrey's management style is abrupt (alledgedly!)

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 09:57 AM

How about a spot of mime muppet? I fancy doing a silent sing song.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: muppett
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 09:47 AM

We could all turn up as usual in the plough and play air instruments and speak the lyrics.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 07:33 AM

As the big week draws ever nearer, do we have any solution to the capacity problem created by that dimwit of an executive?

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 04 May 05 - 10:32 AM

Fair comment folks - that pub's a no no then. Someone's going to benefit big style though from the Plough's demise.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: brid widder
Date: 03 May 05 - 07:42 PM

nah... a long walk for a half of Tetleys.... at best... Whitby has better

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: mandomad
Date: 03 May 05 - 05:47 PM

Crappy Beer int' Botty house, no interest in Folk Music, & a long way from home.



            mandomad

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: gnomad
Date: 03 May 05 - 03:51 PM

Been to the BH, not during folk week, although I have a vague recollection that some minor folk week daytime activity took place there in 2003 or 04.

I think on the whole that it is more one of the Granby school of thought on folkies: "We'll feed and/or water them if they can be bothered to come as far out from the centre as this, but our regulars would prefer it if they would keep quiet"

I freely admit I have not canvassed their views, it's more a feeling picked up from talking with other pub users in the town. BH is my nearest pub, but is not one I use.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 03 May 05 - 12:46 PM

Ring - Ah yes - got your number!

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Oaklet
Date: 03 May 05 - 12:42 PM

Jim, The Bottom House has a certain ring to it.....

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 03 May 05 - 12:27 PM

Whitby was full to bustin' this weekend (hardly surprising) and the Moor & Coast Festival a roaring success. Staff at the Endeavour couldn't pull drinks fast enough to quench the thirsts of the many singers assembled there.

Reports from the Plough paint a sorry picture of empty spaces and forlorn faces. No doubt the Endeavour will continue to pick up Sam Smith's outcasts.

Someone mentioned the Bottom House as a possible venue for folk week. Any comments?

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Tyke
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 01:38 PM

It was St Georges Day Yesterday and William Shakespeare Birthday (He was Bard from Sam Smiths Pubs :-)) it was also the anniversary of the mass trespass that opened up the moorland to ramblers. The idea being that the police could not arrest everyone for trespass. Well it worked and now we can sing that famous song how doses it go?
I can never remember the verse about singing on mass in Sam Smiths pubs were ever they might be. The idea was that the boss could not sack all his Landlords. Just in case it gets support for a re enactment any one fancy doing coordination of PM's on this subject? How many Sam Smiths Pubs are there anyway?

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 11:47 AM

Wow! - a right can o' worms this is turning out to be.... obviously "GUEST" has some very interesting insider knowledge that throws extra light on this saga. Interesting that he chooses to remain anonymous.

Talking about "Shambles" seems very appropriate no?

I was talking about Shambles the pub - maybe it can help us get over the decision-making shambles that is Sam Smiths?!

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 03:49 AM

Interesting comments and a great strap line at the end there 'Guest' perhaps some CAMRA members can inform What's Brewring or the equiv of the Morning Advertiser. Is Malcolm going to put an obituary in the programme for the Plough ?

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 08:26 PM

If one was an investigative journalist I dare say one would start to ask some questions about Sam Smiths.

Like -

* Why was Colin Black asked to clear his desk and leave within the week?

* Why are there so few area managers now and why have so many gone recently or their jobs been changed?

* Why has the company been restructured in its areas recently?

* Why have the pubs been stopped from giving out free beer tickets for quizzes - dominoes - pool teams etc?

* Why have the pubs been stopped from offering free food on similar nights?

* Why have so many managers recently left and more planning to leave after bonus (yeah right) time - even though it is clear that the company will 'make up' the bonuses for this year because of their decisions?

* Why does the company (ie HS) no longer accept comment in his management meetings but holds court even more than he used to and accepts no discussion?

* When will the managers have a reply to their concerns/letters/memos which are constantly avoided by a management structure with no power (or come to that - people)?

* What happens to the working mens clubs that cannot have entertainment?

And this is just the start.

Today Mudcat.

Soon real media.

If one was an investigative journalist I dare say one would start to ask some questions about Sam Smiths - but one would get nowhere because it's got nothing to do with being a pub chain it's a property company run by a very rich and shrewd man who gives not a shit for his employees - but there's a story in that.

The chances of music returning in the short - medium - long term? If I were a betting man I'd hock all me pigeons, ferrets and whippets and stick it all on nowt to bugger all.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 07:49 PM

Do you mean Shambles the pub or Shambles the Mudcatter?

Gerry

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 12:10 PM

"With all due respect to "Outside at t'Middle Earth"(where I've also played many times)I do'nt put it in the same league as the Plough yard

Gerry"

As already posted Gerry, I agree with this sentiment wholeheartedly. The Plough was unique as a festival venue. However, I'm assuming Humph Smith is not going to change his mind (at least not in time for this year) and hundreds of folkies and holidaymakers will move elsewhere. As far as I can see there's going to be little extra capacity in existing folk-friendly pubs so we need somewhere "new" - perhaps the Shambles can take up the challenge?

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 06:52 AM

Nice thought but a waste of time, energy I believe should be directed towards people/directors of companys who give a shit

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 06:03 AM

The beer was poor because it never had time to settle properly as so much was being sold.

I suggest and will try to facilitate a letter to Humphrey to be sent by anyone concerned during the moor and Coast Festival. It may have a very slight chance of encouraging him to reconsider this decision.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,Betsy
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 05:36 AM

The only good thing about it was the beer in the Plough was always crap.Nowt to do with various Landlords and Landladies it just alsways was crap. Still it's a great pity that F*cking idiots like this H.Smith can have so much ill effect on so many peoples lives .

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,The Shambles
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 02:12 AM

I think the important thing is for Sam Smiths to be informed of the trouble this has caused - in particular for this fesival. If regular festival folk can't take the time and troble to pass on how they feel - this owner and other will know exactly how much notice to take of folkies as customers.

Perhaps they are right to ignore it?

Many folk arriving will not be aware and will expect things at the Plough to be as usual. Perhaps a petition could be arranged that would show the true strength of feeling?

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 20 Apr 05 - 08:09 PM

With all due respect to "Outside at t'Middle Earth"(where I've also played many times)I do'nt put it in the same league as the Plough yard

Gerry

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Raggytash
Date: 20 Apr 05 - 12:49 PM

Not only was I polite I tried to be constructive, I was not sorry to see the back of loud jukeboxes and big screen TV's and indicated this in my letter, I would gladly see a return to the pubs of my youth where a piano was played on a regular basis with the assembled company either joining in or adjoining to another room

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: The Beast of Farlington
Date: 20 Apr 05 - 12:28 PM

I got the courtesy of a reply - but it was the same as if I hadn't got a reply.

If you didn't get a reply, were you polite to him in your letters?

My reply was handwritten on Sam Smith's headed paper. After January he got fed up talking about it I hear.

Rumour has it that he has realised what a stupid decision he has made but is too proud to do a u-turn.

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 20 Apr 05 - 12:03 PM

Outside at t'Middle Earth?

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 08:08 PM

Thats the singing session sorted out then but where do we go for tunes in the sunshine(do'nt anyone dare mention rain)

Gerry

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 06:57 PM

Raggy and Mrs Wombat have nice cheese (grommitt) I can vouch for that but lets try to do th best for't music at as many places as we can... fuck Sams

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Tyke
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 04:44 PM

So thats it all settled then it's up to Raggytash's Caravan in Folk Week for a sing session. I hope you have plenty of Homebrew in stock Raggytash. I must say it was dam good of you to offer Open House like that. It's up at Stoops Cross so what is the addres again Raggytash and Cheers :-)

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: Raggytash
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 12:57 PM

Shambles, many of us have already done so, I for one, did not get the courtesy of a reply

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: The Shambles
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 12:40 PM

Perhaps if all those who usually frequent The Plough during the festival were to write and express their view to Sam Smiths - a solution may yet be found?

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: brid widder
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 11:08 AM

I wrote to Humphrey when this was first announced... no I haven't had a reply.... I have and will boycott SS pubs everywhere... not just in folk week... I will especially miss the excellent food in the Jolly Sailors!... I know where I'm not welcome.

I don't use the Plough much but will miss the atmosphere which oozes out of the front door into Baxtergate

Subject: RE: Whitby Plough - Folk heartbeat flatlines
From: GUEST,Roger the Skiffler via the cellar door
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 03:34 AM

Reading these Sam Smith threads with interest, and sadness, I now know where the phrase "couldn't organise a pissup in a brewery" comes from!
Should I boycott Sam Smith beer when it's the guest ale in my local jazz club [after campaigning vociferously for at least one decent bitter to be available alongside the nondescript "Courage Best" (sic)]?

RtS