Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)

Subject: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,NSC George Henderson
Date: 25 Sep 02 - 05:52 PM

Well, Pat Cooksey. Have you finished your tour and do you have any more news regarding your legal action.

Hope you are successful

George Henderson

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Pat Cooksey.
Date: 26 Sep 02 - 06:35 AM

Hi George.

Nothing new to report at the moment, I have been advised to be careful what I post here for the time being regarding this company but I will let you know direct when the time comes. Thanks for the kind words in the NSC Newsletter and best wishes to all in Nenagh.

Pat.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,james
Date: 03 Oct 02 - 07:40 AM

Thought this might be of interest
Way back in the mists of this thread was some talk about "a trickle of cd-rs" from cm. I went through my cd's and found that sure enough i'd bought one. It was from a high street store so i wrote and complained. They were good enough to compensate me even though it was over a year ago and i had lost my reciept. Perhaps an indication of how seriously they take this sort of thing. They now "no longer deal with this distributor"

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Guest, Eddie
Date: 05 Oct 02 - 12:04 PM

I hear that Sharpley has been busted and could find himself in the slammer. Anyone gotten better information? Is Bulmer in the frame with him?

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Tony, Leeds
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 02:41 PM

I was told today that Neil Sharpley is to appear in front of the Lincoln Crown Court on Thursday 12th December 2002 where he will be formally indicted with two separate charges of deception. These are serious charges that carry a maximum of 10 years prison if convicted. I hope that this information is of some comfort to you, Eddie. As far as Bulmer goes my information is that his companies are all but broke and there are several creditors who may be issuing Winding Up petitions. If Neil Sharpley goes to prison its possible that Bulmer may himself be on his own to face "interest" from many parties including Trading Standards who I am also told are compiling evidence of the royalty scams and copyright infingements that CM are known to have been up to. I guess Sharpley will have to be the fall guy, won't he Dave?

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Gerry.
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 09:08 AM

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Eddie
Date: 21 Nov 02 - 05:03 AM

Geryy, what's keeping you from your message?? Also, Pat Cooksey - what's happening? Any news in your case against Bulmer?

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 02 - 05:29 AM

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Gerry.
Date: 22 Nov 02 - 05:33 AM

Sorry about previous failed post, I hear that Pat Cooksey and
others have a lawyer dealing with Celtic Music and are making
some progress.
The Performing Rights Society are also investigating copywright
infringements on several of Pat's songs by other artists and
record companies.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Eddie D
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 01:50 PM

I check this page out every so often and its seems that interest in Mr Bulmer is on the wane. Surely not - there was so much "critical" interest in his activities it can't all have come to a full stop? Perhaps he's paid the royalties he owes? Could he have said sorry to all those artists he has damaged over the years? Has he joined the Pete Coe band?   How 'bout you Pat, any news on your case? I'd love to hear.
Have a great Christmas to all.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: OBM
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 03:08 PM

I don't know if interest in DB is waning - I for one hope not - but his partner is very much in the news in the UK.

The following appeared in the Lincolnshire Echo newspaper on December 20th:

"Coroner case

LOUTH: Former Louth coroner Neil Sharpley appears before Lincoln Crown Court today facing charges of dishonesty.

Sharpley (51) of Westgate, Louth, is accused of dishonestly obtaining a money transfer of £25,000 from John Lewis by deception.

Sharpley, who is currently on bail, is expected to enter a plea to the charges today."

It's easy to keep a track on this one - point your browser at www.thisislouth.co.uk and enter 'Sharpley' in the search box, and this and previous court appearances are listed.

A very happy Christmas and a terrific 2003 to all!

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Peter from Essex
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 04:36 PM

This is Louth

Should have appeared at the Crown Court on December 11 but I can't find any coverage

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: paulo
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 01:54 PM

But don't forget, Bulmer was a canny box player.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Mac Tattie
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 01:11 PM

Yeah, but it was piano accordion he played. cheers

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,John.
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 01:21 PM

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,John.
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 01:38 PM

Neil Sharpley was facing two counts of fraudulently obtaining
money, in total nearly 50.000 pounds, to finance his music
companies.
Last July he was fined 5.500 pounds plus costs, also for fraud.
Court cases are also pending against P.R. Records, another of
Bulmer and Sharpley's companies, and also Celtic Music.
The North Yorkshire Fraud Squad are also aware of Bulmer's
activities.
Slowly the wheel turns.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Catchee Monkee
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 06:10 PM

Dear Guest Eddie D....
Rest assured, nothing has been forgotten....or, forgiven..
Just watching with interest as the situation unfolds.
Very best wishes to all in 2003. (may be a couple of exceptions to that!)

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,cute alias here
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 07:54 PM

Does anyone know if Bulmer has anything to do with 'Castle Communications'? I just recently purchased a CD called "Folk Legends". It has quite a few tracks by Burt Jansch, John Renbourne, Ian Campbell, Gerry Rafferty, Ralph Mctell, Hamish Imlach, the Spinners etc.

It's definitely NOT these artists at their best, and it got me to wondering whether they are getting royalties and had any say in what was released. Any thoughts?

CAH

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: OBM
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 08:43 PM

I've never heard of Castle Communications, so just had a quick trawl around and found out something about them. They apparently have the rights to a lot of old Transatlantic recordings - presumably where your recent purchase originated - as well as lots of other stuff. There's nothing to indicate that our good friend, ace accordionist and philanthropist is involved. Point your browser at http://www.progressor.net/articles/castle.html to learn more...

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Eddie D
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 03:49 AM

Well it seems that there is still some interest in the great accordianist and his fiddler pal - what a relief! I was interested in John's information that Sharpley was fined £5000 for fraud offences in July. Any more details on this one John as I can't find anything about it? An earlier correspondent said that Sharpley faced two charges of criminal deception but now it seems as if it's only one for £25,000. Does anyone know what's really going on? Please tell. Does anyone know what happened to Mr Sharpley at his proposed appearance on 12 December at Lincoln Crown Court. Did the great oily one managed to slip free again?

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: OBM
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 11:40 AM

I too would like to know more about the fines last July - there's no mention of it that I can see in the Lincolnshire Echo. The current situation seems to be that the crown court appearance in Lincoln was postponed from December 12 until the 20 when a plea was due to be entered. I keep checking the paper's site but there is no new information since the 20th.

This could well be a very happy new year!

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Gerry.
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 11:53 AM

Sharpleys latest dishonesty cases have been on the go since July, in
his former capacity as Coroner i'm sure he knows everyone in the
court, there are two charges by the way, one involving 25,000, and
the other 22,000, probably postponed again in the spirit of
Christmas.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 11:48 AM

Nothing's forgotten...nothing is ever forgotten....

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: John Routledge
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 11:54 AM

Lack of a speedy satisfactory conclusion does not automatically mean lack of interest.

This is English Law at work after all:0)

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Eddie D.
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 03:21 AM

I'm sure that everyone who has taken an interest in Mr Bulmer and his curious business methods in 2002 will, at this time of year, wish very sincerely with me that he gets what he truly deserves in 2003. What goes round comes round and surely it must be the turn of Mr Bulmer and his scribe Mr Sharpley? For everyone else, have a great time and may 2003 bring you all the luck in the world( thats especially too for Nick Jones, Pat Cooksey and all the others who have been damaged by the dastardly duo)

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: pavane
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 04:16 AM

Agreed. Mind you, that may not get us much closer to hearing all the 'lost' music.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 04:22 AM

I think you are right Pavane, the "lost music" is most important.

That said, from what I have read in this saga of threads, I hope 2003 brings some justice. I still find it difficult to imagine (I'm one of the ones who likes to think folk is full of honest people) that folk managed to attract such a pair of what sounds to me like criminals with no conscience.

Jon

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Andy, Port Erin, I-O-M
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 11:30 AM

Absolutely pavane, but if these two individuals who have done so much to harm Folk Music are brought to book in some way or other, the way may be clear for a claim to be made on the rights to the music which could result in some fabulous new/re-releases. With a civil or even a criminal prosecution successfully mounted against the pair, somebody surely would see a way to obtain the precious copyrights that have been hidden from us for years.   I understand that there are many areas that (Mr Bulmer particularly) are under investigation and of course Sharpley could well go to prison for his acts of criminal deception. Lets hope this time that English Justice for once delivers to him what he is due! To Eddie, I agree, let's hope that 2003 brings to these two "businessmen" all they deserve.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,CelticAnnie
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 11:50 AM

Is it possible that one of the good people 'in the know' here could encapsulate the story in a few sentences. What did Bulmer do that was actually illegal? What artists are involved, and do they ALL feel the same way. I'm not trying to be Devil's advocate here, but I AM curious if the man has any SUPPORTERS in the business. Was he ALWAYS as disliked?

Anne

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Jon H
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 01:01 AM

Hi Anne.
To encapsulate this saga in a few words is hard...but, you did ask!
There once was (late 60's early 70's) a record label in the UK call "Leader" run by a folk music enthusiast (Bill Leader) who, very much against the trend at the time decided to record the best of the new artists around, along with what are referred to as "trad" Musicians (Billy Pigg springs to mind)
After many years, and many fine recordings, his company went bust.
All the product was acquired, eventually. by Mr Bulmer, and Celtic Music.
Since then..(Mid 80's) Most of the recordings of many of the artists have remained unavailable. Apart from a few home made CDR's popping up from time to time.
I don't think that people mind that Mr B owns the tapes. It's just that whenever a CDR of an old tape appears (the most notorious being Bright Phoebus, by Lal and Mike Waterson), no payments seem to be made to the artists concerned.
Whether this is illegal, or not, is for bigger minds than mine to work out, but, I think that a lot of people in the UK, and elsewhere feel that an injustice is being done to performers, who don't exactly earn a fortune anyway, but, have given a lot of pleasure to a lot of people.
As for Mr Sharpley, I know nothing other than I've read here.
But, I don't think I'd trust him to run my pension fund!

Hope the above helps

Best Wishes Jon H.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Shifter
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 10:33 AM

I will say this for Dave Bulmer, we had him at our folk club once and he was a bloody good accordion player (never liked him as a person though!)

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Andy, Port Erin
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 01:52 PM

Annie, read some of the earlier threads (nos 1 - 3) and you should begin to understand what Mr Bulmer stands for. His activities over many years have destroyed several artistes and his business methods in tandem with his "solicitor" Mr Sharpley have caused ruination for people they have linked up with on a variety of projects. At least two former partners have had domestic properties "cautioned" and it is very obvious that Bulmer is driven by greed. Sharpley, the bag carrier, although now largely discredited and awaiting trial for criminal deception, does as he is told. However, do read all you can Annie and see that not only is unlawfulness on the menu, but simply a boorish and barely concealed attempt to screw everyone they come into contact with. Not often do facts speak for themselves, but in the case of Mr B and Mr S they certainly do.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Gerry.
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 08:28 PM

Word is that Bulmer is issuing threats agaist former partners
and several prominent folkies whom he considers have contributed to
his financial problems, the pot calling the kettle black, one at least faces losing his house as a result of bad advice from
Sharpley.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Guest: CH
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 06:48 PM

It seems that such is the power of CM that even to be mentioned in passing, even innocently, in these pages is the rocky road to perdition ...

The name Castle Communications seemed somehow familiar, so I set out in search, but it only turned out that I have a Ralph McTell CD from them, no old vinyls.

However, I also did a web search. and found this:
http://www.cafe80s.freeserve.co.uk/lovethis/articles/news23.htm

:-) See what I mean?

But I agree that they don't seem to be related to our two con men though ...

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 08:06 PM

Interesting link on Bulmer/Sharpley on uk.music.folk.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 08:18 PM

The mysterious "interesting link" is here: http://mysite.freeserve.com/theclarrion

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Andy, Port Erin
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 04:29 AM

Had a look at the Clarion site. Excellent stuff! Suggest that anyone with info on these guys should post what they know. As word gets about it's very probable that yet more musicians and others tempted into trusting Bulmer and Sharpley may be warned off. Anyway the new "newsheet" looks promising and so, good luck with it and to whoever is operating it.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Johnny
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 09:30 AM

Well, I went the site and the first thing I wondered who was operating the site. Anyone know?

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 16 Jan 03 - 10:30 AM

Information is that Mr Sharpley appeared before the Lincoln Crown Court on Friday 20th December 2002 when he pleaded not guilty to the charge of deception. He was committed for Trial later in the year and the "window" is between April and August 2003. In the meantime I expect he is still doing his "charitable" work and will be looking for funds towards his defence. Watch Out.....there's a Sharpley about!

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: Nerd
Date: 16 Jan 03 - 03:44 PM

I think Castle owns the Transatlantic catalog. They're a big company, though, representing mostly pop and jazz, and not to my knowledge related to Bulmer. But they have had dodgy dealings themselves. They were fined heavily for "hyping the charts" in the last few years, that is, buying large volumes of their own records in order to get them on the charts. Sneaky, eh?

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: treewind
Date: 22 Jan 03 - 04:34 AM

I'm not a bit surprised that the owner of the clarrion site isn't revealing their identity! Before Sharpley was subject to the current restraints he would have sent them some very unwelcome correspondence, and even now CM might attempt to take action for libel if they can prove any of it's not true or defamation if they can't, or make life unpleasant in other ways.

The people with most detailed knowledge about CM's shady dealings are the ones who were directly involved. Just as Pat Cooksey can't reveal a lot of detail because it might prejudice his current lawsuit, there are similar reasons why others aren't going to say too much in case it prejudices any future opportunity for legal action. And while CM own the publication rights to various recordings they have a certain amount of power.

If Dave Bulmer were, as a result of prosecution for his business irregularities, forced to relinquish his ownership of CM and the artists got their music and rights back, only then I think we might hear a bit more...

Anahata

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Andy, Port Erin, I-O-M
Date: 23 Jan 03 - 03:23 AM

I think you may be correct, Treewind, except that what I read on The Clarion seems to be information that is really in the public domain already. I share your view that Sharpley would have commenced action before now other than for the fact he is technically unable to mount legal action as a solicitor, but more importantly because it would appear that the contents are correct and not libelous. I am certain that Bulmer must be champing at the bit for action but even he must realise by now that the game is nearly up and the more he protests the worse the end result will be for him. From everything I have seen written about these two, it can only be a matter of time before one or other, or both, will face serious criminal charges quite aside from those now facing Neil Sharpley. I have researched into copyright irregularities and note that there are quite serious issues for infringement that can result in heavy fines and/or prison. The sheer weight of ever increasing evidence against Mr B and Mr S must surely be giving them cause for poor sleep! The Pat Cooksey case may well open the floodgates and others will then be able to go in "on the coat tails". With Mr Sharpley very liable to be sent to prison for criminal deception (taking into account his then status as a solicitor/coroner) Mr Bulmer will then be exposed and it will be interesting to see with what grace the once mighty entrepreneur concedes defeat. We shall see. It cannot be too long now.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: winterchild
Date: 23 Jan 03 - 04:05 AM

I recall a discussion back in '00 about a person, whose name I've forgotten, who was "sitting on" (owning but not releasing) a large selection of artists' recordings and copyrights - some from the 60's and 70's - the feelings were understandably quite bitter and frustrated. Would that have been this Bulmer fellow, or are there others like him out there?

WinterC

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: Nerd
Date: 23 Jan 03 - 12:02 PM

Probably the same, WinterC. We've been babbling on about Dave B for years!

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: winterchild
Date: 26 Jan 03 - 11:38 PM

Well, and no wonder!

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: Ralphie
Date: 27 Jan 03 - 11:38 AM

Winterchild....Read all the threads and weep..
Why do you think that 90% of contributors to this thread are Guests??
I Don't care....The two of them are sharks of the worst order (No offence to real sharks , of course, who are lovely, if a bit wet!!)
Come uppance beckons..
Cheers
Ralphie

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 27 Jan 03 - 12:24 PM

I hope that you are right, Ralphie, and that justice and or retribution is meeted out on these two quickly. To WinterC, I hope that you did read the threads and have seen that Mr Sharpley and Mr Bulmer represent the worst of the music buisness in Britain. They are a disgrace and the damage that they have done to our beloved music defies calculation.

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: Ralphie
Date: 27 Jan 03 - 08:23 PM

Andy...IOM
A pleasure to read your musings re the situation..
One day I'll shake you by the hand and we'll drink a good health to all the people who've been hurt by this whole sorry tale, (when that happy day finally dawns). And we will also remember those that didn't live long enough to see the day.
A peaceful New Year to you and yours.
Ralphie

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: Ralphie
Date: 27 Jan 03 - 08:50 PM

Oh...and in the interest of not offending anybody.
All the other "GUEST" postings have been fascinating too...I just wonder if there any Celtic Music supporters included in that list of GUESTS...?
I would caution all contributors to this thread, not to say more than is wise. I just have a feeling that wounded animals tend to lash out.
Particularly when they feel that there is nowhere left to turn.
I honestly wish that they would just give up soon.....they can't win, and will only cause more pain.
Yours, more in sadness than pleasure
Ralphie

Subject: RE: Celtic Music Dave Bulmer (4)
From: GUEST,Pandora Box
Date: 03 Feb 03 - 01:12 PM

This should interest followers of Mr Sharpley. The only thing that puzzles me is why the good folk of Louth cannot work out what happened to their money!

http://www.louthtoday.co.uk/fullstory.asp?storyid=1