FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??

Subject: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 07:48 AM

Straw Bear Festival, 2nd weekend in January. AnyCat coming?

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: IanC
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 08:16 AM

Well, Hilary, since Stevenage Sword are the only people who have been every year since it was revived, it's a good bet I'll be there!

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 08:19 AM

IanC: See you in the chip shop then - bright & bushy-tailed!!!

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Mr Happy
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 08:24 AM

i've looked on the web cite- it doesn't indicate where it is. where is it?

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 08:34 AM

I'll be there with East Saxon Sword

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Jeanie
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 08:47 AM

Wow ! What an Amazing Dancing Bear ! (I liked the photo of him visiting his German penfriend, too.) He's in Whittlesey, just outside Peterborough, Mr. H.
I'll definitely try to get up there to see this - looks like a great weekend. Thanks for letting us all know about it.

- jeanie

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Mr Happy
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 08:48 AM

any camping?

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 09:13 AM

Sorry Mr Happy, don't know about camping, but I'll ask the organisers (and point them here)& come back.

What I do know is that it's occasionally been 'Very Cold' that weekend as you can imagine so camping wouldn't be for the faint-hearted!

I've seen various Camper vans & Caravans in pub car parks so I think that's a case of chatting up landlords, probably in advance.

I try to get my rooms booked by July to make sure of space, so accomodation may all be booked by now, but the tourist office in Whittlesey may be able to help. I'll look for a link.

Yes, it's Whittlesey, near Peterborough, just off the A1. The whole town gets taken over for the weekend & there are song & tune sessions in most pubs in the evenings in addition to the organised 'Do's'.

It's a cracking weekend with a Morris, Molly & Clog bias & firmly rooted in Folk. Well worth a visit to clear the cobwebs!

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 06:14 PM

Well if Manitas is going to be there, looks like Bratling and I will be too.

If camping is a problem, we can probably put you up in London - doable drive away, and may even give you a lift.... if I can remember the way!

LTS

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: breezy
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 08:39 AM

Does that mean sat 11th jan guru wont be blue anchoring it shshshsh

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 10:00 AM

Yes indeed Breezy, this is one date I won't break!

LTS: Hope to hear you up there :-)

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 06:11 AM

There's all sorts of local information on these Whittlesey Pages which includes stuff about accommodation.

There's a Tourist Information Centre in Peterborough but doesn't appear to be one in Whittlesey itself.

If you're not into the organised concerts / ceilidhs there's a good singaround in the 'Letter B' pub on the Friday & one in the 'Boat' on the Saturday night.

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: treewind
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 08:07 AM

It's a good bash for the hardy folkie who likes to start the festival season really early!

Mary and I'll likely be there, looking for a pub for a tune session with the musicians from White Rose Morris (who always come for straw bear day) and anyone else who cares to join us.

Be warned: The Fens in January can be colder than a very cold thing.

Anahata

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 06:02 PM

Ain't nothing between you and the Steppes except the North Sea and Peterbourough cathedral!

The wind is lazy, it doesn't bother to go round......

Winter draws on.

LTS

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: alanww
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 08:48 PM

It was BL**DY FREEZING last year and I had a 4 layers on, including a heavy rag coat! Brrrrrrrr
" ... where the chill seeps in your soul ...!
Alan

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 10:25 PM

Outdoor camping in January in Cambridgeshire is not a good idea. Find a Morris team who can make room on the floor, and wrap up well.

It's a great weekend though.

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 07:55 PM

So, we've got Stevenage Sword & East Saxon Sword.

Anyone know which Morris & Molly teams have been invited this year? Sounds like Gog Magog Molly are & surely the Seven Champions will be there? Pig Dyke?

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: alanww
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 08:13 PM

Don't they invite EVERY molly side?
"Have yourself a merry little Christmas ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: alanww
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 08:16 PM

Anyone got any accommodation (indoor camping?) for the Sat (and Fri?) night within staggering distance of the pubs? Would be willing to sing for it!
"We wish you a merry Christmas ..."
Alan

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: GUEST,Rhiannon
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 10:30 AM

Hmmmmm. Having been scuba training at Guildenburgh, an inside site about 5 miles from Whittlesey in January I can assure everyone that it is truly cold there (we had to break the ice to get in the water!).

Guru: if we can get a camper before then we will be there but only on condition that John buys us some hot mulled wine to warm us up! lol

There's an excellent (warm) Indian restaurant in Whittlesey that I can recommend.

Rhiannon
>^..^<

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 02:32 PM

Rhiannon: if there is hot muilled wine to be had at Straw Bear we shall seek it out in such a good cause!

Alanww: Will keep an ear out on your behalf, offer of singing duly noted & witnessed! I'm certain that people have ended up on bar-room floors in extreme need, but this may need negotiation in advance. Mind you, if someone happens to 'pass out' in a pub, what're they going to do? :)

and anyway my guru says - no!

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Dead Horse
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 04:52 PM

Her indoors says her Asian Apple Dancers have been invited again, so I may well end up accompanying her. Last time I couldn't find any singarounds, just musicians in Bricklayers Arms. Hope for better luck this time.

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Dead Horse
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 05:01 PM

Got info from Her indoors: Pig Dyke confirmed.
Indoor camping at Youth Centre (£4 per night- must book)
E-mail Phil Oldfield c/o [e-mail]

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: alanww
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 06:51 PM

Hi Dead Horse, Have emailed Phil and hope for some indoor camping, even though I guess its for booked Molly/Morris sides only.
You any influence with him?
Wassail!
"One day in October neither drunken nor sober ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 06:57 PM

Nicely done Dead Horse, see you in the Bee (as was Letter B) or the Boat. Watch out for the high frosts!

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Dead Horse
Date: 12 Dec 02 - 10:44 AM

Only influence I've ever had was alcohol induced.
I've gotten my legs lagged in readiness!

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 04:21 AM

Pig Dyke spotted madly practising with unidentified side in Peterborough at the weekend. Spottees were impressed! Looking forward to seeing the latest items of apparel at Straw Bear.

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 08:34 AM

There may be an outside chance that'll I'll end up with a spare double room in a pub for Friday & Saturday nights.

I probably won't know until a few days beforehand. I'll post here, so watch this space if you're not already sorted!

Meanwhile, may you always have music :-)

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 01:18 PM

Is this another event which might fall foul of the new Licencing law when it arrives (See all the PEL threads)?

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 04:10 PM

Ssshhh.....

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 03:12 AM

Does the PEL cover dancing haystacks?

We could all just claim mass hallucinations??

LTS

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: IanC
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 05:32 AM

Straw bear is sufficiently big it's already covered by a license.

:-)

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 10:07 AM

Phew, that's a relief :-)

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 01:05 PM

Liz, a dancing haystack is SURELY a performer!

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 05:29 PM

But there have been 2 dancing haystacks for a couple of years now... is that the 2 in a barn rule?

LTS

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Dead Horse
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 05:52 PM

Liz, may you burn down under forever!
I've just been given a date by the NHS (pronounced neee-eerse) for my gall bladder's first appearance in theatre, 30th Dec, so I could still be recovering at home. The wife will still be going with Tanglefoot Asian-Apple Dancers, though. So beware of purple clad viragos with taps on.

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: alanww
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 07:35 PM

are you hoping for a cancellation of a pub room, mgas?
"Twas on one April morning ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 09:00 AM

Alan: Not hoping! I have two rooms, but the couple in the other room may not be able to come. If not, I've a couple with first dibs, but if they can't take it, I'll put it up for grabs on here :-)

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: alanww
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 01:10 PM

Thanks for your efforts Mgag. But I've just put a deposit on a campervan and hope to be able to bring that! :o)) No doubt someone else will be pleased to use any spare accommodation though.

"Dancing and singing, bell ringing ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: GUEST,Rhiannon and Mick
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 03:18 PM

Bagged!!!!!!!!!! It's ours.

Rhiannon
>^..^<

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 05:48 PM

Rhiannon & Mick: Yes me dearios, you're the couple with first dibs!!!!! But we'll have to wait & see if our booked compatriots are unable to come out to play (it's 50/50). If so, no camper van for you two in the cold of the Fens :-)

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: GUEST,Rhiannon
Date: 21 Dec 02 - 05:52 AM

Hils,

We were HOPING to have a campervan by then, but this is looking increasingly unlikely - especially as a new car has to be found FAST!

Rhiannon
>^..^<

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: GUEST,Rhiannon
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 05:11 PM

Who's going to Straw Bear??? WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks, Guru (and John's relatives!)

Yyyyiiiippppeeeee

Rhiannon
>^..^<

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 30 Dec 02 - 04:57 AM

Not long now chaps!

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: alanww
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 01:40 PM

Only 5 days to go ...! Getting my campervan ready!
Alan

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 03:54 PM

Don't forget Alan, singarounds usually at the 'B' on Friday & the Boat on Saturday evenings. Looking forward to meeting you - I'm the one with a pained expression & a bad back :-)

Hil

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 05:13 PM

Bugger, it's next weekend isn't it!!!

Better find me thermals fast!

LTS

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: phil h
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 06:02 PM

As well as the 'official programme' there are events over the weekend that run year round like the no Smoking Singaround & Music Session The George, Market Place 8pm 2nd Friday. and 'fringe' events that have run for some years like the Irish session in the FALCON London Street on Saturday afternoon. See you there, I'll be dancing with the Witchmen, calling in at the Falcon and drinking at the Cajun dance (now relocated to Childers club) on Saturday.
Phil

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 06:38 PM

I'll be dragging a reluctant Bratling along after East Saxon Sword....

LTS

Subject: RE: FF: Who's going to Straw Bear, UK ??
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 07:46 AM

Have just busted myself free from hospital & am determined to get around to most things over the weekend. Would love to meet you all, but how will I know you??

Am hoping it's not too icy as I can't afford to put my back out again, but I'm airing the thermals too! It's snowing now!!!!