Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07

Subject: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 05 Oct 07 - 07:43 AM

Thanks to Ross, the Winter Sing will now be held at The Bull Hotel, 77 Bedford Rd, Barton-le-Clay, Bedford MK45 4LL on 17th and 18th November from 1200 noon to midnight(ish) on the Saturday, 1200 noon to 1600(ish) on the Sunday.

Although this may cause a resurgence of the latent hodophobia (look it up!) of our Essex and Hertfordshire based regulars, I am assured that Barton is only JUST in Bedfordshire.

Hoping to sort out details with the landlady this evening.

No indoor camping - but plenty of space in car park for camper vans.

Not much B&B locally - but we'll see what we can find and put links on the website.

No gourmet French food - but the landlady is offering a buffet.

See my website
after the weekend.

Phewww!

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: My guru always said
Date: 05 Oct 07 - 07:56 AM

Oh how wonderful!!! Looking forward to it & may even find somewhere to crash, hoorah!

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 05 Oct 07 - 09:16 AM

Cheers Alan - it's good to hear the event has been rescued

I've been to both Buntingford and Ashwell in the last few years

and the Winter sing has always been a brilliant event

Here's to this years

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 05 Oct 07 - 08:59 PM

I have just been reviewing my message tape for the past week and have come across a previously overlooked message from the manager of the Bushel and Strike, who has somehow come across my posts on Mudcat and considers my comments about him in the original thread to be slanderous!

Since they are true - he did cancel, after all - that's hardly slander (Wouldn't it be libel, rather than slander, anyway?)! If he sues, I'll countersue for breach of contract. With a bit of luck, Richard Bridge will act for me (pro bono?)!

Anyway, given the post strike, I won't "hear from his solicitor" for a few days.

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 06 Oct 07 - 02:53 PM

I have just spoken to Rachel at the Bull, and firmed up the booking.

There will be a charge for each day to cover the cost of the room and a buffet, around £5 per day is the figure being considered, so it should not break many banks (not even Northern Rock!).

I'm away for a few days this week, so full details may not be available until next weekend, but start saving, practising and generally girding your lions.

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 08 Oct 07 - 07:59 AM

Great news

Keep us posted Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Oct 07 - 08:29 AM

While I was at Tenderden someone asked me whether indoor camping would be on offer - I assume not??

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 08 Oct 07 - 07:02 PM

Indoor camping looks like being a bit of a problem.

I asked Ross if he could think of anywhere that could be thus accommodating, and he didn't come up with anything.

We may have better news after our reconnaissance trip, scheduled for next weekend.

Meanwhile, researching Bedford B&Bs.

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 04:54 AM

Many apologies to all - I must admit I have looked very hard for indoor camping possibilities

Anyone got a large Siberian proof tent we could put up in the pub garden

Or offers of sharing camper vans?

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 04:56 AM

Sorry again - I was being a bit sardonic there

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: My guru always said
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 04:06 PM

A scout hut would do Ross, as long as it were within staggering distance. Any scouts in Barton? Or maybe Rachel would let us use the function room overnight?

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 03:17 AM

Hi Guru - no, I'm afraid Rachel was very negative about indoor camping - I didn't ask her about alternative venues though - I'll ask her tonight

There is a scout hut in Barton but it looks a bit bleak, dirty & cold - poor old dib, dib, dob

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 04:21 AM

Bleak, dirty & cold is unfortunately the norm for indoor camping I'm afraid Ross. We're hardened Folkies, we can hack it!!

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Hamish
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 09:35 AM

Don't mention woggles

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Doktor Doktor
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 10:40 AM

Hmmm . Woggleophopia as well ?

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 11 Oct 07 - 09:21 AM

oh no - I forgot to ask Rachel

I'll try & get some phone numbers for you Alan

Are you still reccoing Barton this weekend?

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 12 Oct 07 - 07:17 PM

Hi Ross

Yes, we plan to come over tomorrow (Saturday) around lunchtime. Could we meet up? PM'ing you with my mobile number.

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Oct 07 - 08:16 PM

a scout hut in Barton but it looks a bit bleak, dirty & cold
That sounds fair enough. I'm a bit like that myself often enough.

You need to get that page on the website about the Winter Sing brought up to date, Alan - or you'll just have Mudcatters. Aaargh!

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 06:46 AM

Query - would The Bull have any problems about people having a tune session in a bar as well?

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 04:15 AM

Didn't get over there yesterday because the landlady wasn't available until 6pm and we were committed to a dance in Waltham Abbey at 7pm.

Going today, possibly coming back via St Albans (Moses & the Ref) if I can resist the prospect of watching the Argies and the 'Boks deciding who will be beaten by England in the Final!

Kevin, We want it to be kept as one session - there will be opportunities to play tunes even though it is called a "Sing". Given the disruption caused by the late cancellation, I'm not wildly confident about numbers and there will have to be a small charge this time because we are not getting the room free as we did at Buntingford and Ashwell. So, please, no "Fringe" sessions and, particularly, not a session that goes on well past midnight, because I have reason to believe that the risk of that was one of the reasons that we lost Ashwell.

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 04:26 AM

Hi Alan

The Bull bar shuts at 2am on a Saturday Night

I think we get the room to 1am

The back bar is normally quite quiet on a Saturday afternoon

It could be possible to split at that point

What time are you coming over today?

Regards

Ross

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 06:30 AM

Ross

Aiming to be there about 5:30 - 6:00 pm. Will you be around?

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 06:46 AM

Yes, I can be - see you later

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 09:05 PM

Reconnaissance completed and website updated - see Winter Sing web page

A few points:

1 - Music Licence for the Bull is until midnight, so that must be the finish time for music and song, although drinking and debauchery may continue

2 - There is a separate bar that we could use for a tune session on the Saturday afternoon

3 - B&B accommodation is available locally and Ross & I will continue our researches - see the website

4 - The function room at the Bull does not lend itself to dancing, so we propose a Concert on the Saturday evening.

5 - A buffet meal on the Saturday evening is included in the ticket price and a good roast Sunday lunch is available for £6.95

See the Website, PM, email or carrier pigeon me for further details.

It looks to be a good venue, with a genuinely co-operative landlady and good facilities. Thanks again, Ross, bacon duly saved!

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: My guru always said
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 04:06 AM

Wonderful place you found all those years ago Ross, well done for keeping up the good work! As for numbers I'm sure Ross will do his publicity thing & we'll get quite a few of the 'local' crowd - evolution!

Such a shame we've lost Ashwell, but maybe bridges can be rebuilt nearer to Buntingford or Ashwell for next year. This 'weekend' seems to be a moveable feast, but the move may cause some previous participants a problem due to distance, Simon will definitely have a problem getting to Barton.

Well done for your hard work too Alan, really looking forward to it!!

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 10:06 AM

Cheers everyone - it's a shame thst the Winter Sing is not at Ashwell/Buntingford this year - but it's a pleasure to help out

It's funny as this is the first year for 2/3 years we haven't had our Bedfordshire day of song at the Bull in November

Maybe next year both events can resume

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 16 Oct 07 - 02:36 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Cathie
Date: 17 Oct 07 - 10:23 AM

Hi. I gave out some posters in Dunstable yesterday.

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 18 Oct 07 - 05:02 AM

Cheers Cathy

Hi Alan - I'm not having any luck with indoor camping

Any news on the final line up for the Saturday concert?

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: My guru always said
Date: 18 Oct 07 - 06:35 AM

Thanks for trying with the indoor camping Ross, looks like we may need to beg local floorspace. Will be there even if we do only manage a day trip anyway!

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 19 Oct 07 - 09:37 PM

The Concert has come together wonderfully, thanks to the generosity of all concerned. Herewith the current state of play!        

Preliminary Running Order - WS Concert 17/11/07        


20:00        20:20        FOLKAHOLICS
20:20        20:35        SPARE SPOT
20:35        20:50        JIM COOMBES
20:50        21:05        HILARY AKA MGAS
21:05        21:20        TERRY AMES
21:20        21:40        LYNNE HERAUD
21:40        21:50        BREAK
21:50        22:05        MARTIN PESCATORE
22:05        22:15        RUSS CHANDLER
22:15        22:30        DEREK BRIMSTONE (OR SPARE SPOT)


The pictures of the Scout Hut Russ sent to me by PM look less than salubrious! Let's put it this way, I wouldn't want to sleep there (but then I'm well-known as a sybarite.

Alan
22:30        23:00        OTHER THERESA
                
        Notes        If we overrun - scrap last session and go on to 12:00 ?
                If DB not well enough to come rejig 22:15 on
                Spare spots voted for by attendees at WS

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 19 Oct 07 - 09:39 PM

Whoops!! Don't know quite what happened there!

The comment about the Scout Hut committed tmesis on the concert running order. Nonetheless, it should be reasonably clear.

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 20 Oct 07 - 04:27 AM

Hi Alan - what's the verdict on the scout hut (it doesn't sound good)- I haven't contacted Dave - I thought it would be best if you contacted him

Anyone wishing to stay there can view here - Scout hut go to plans, then view existing

The concert line up looks good

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 20 Oct 07 - 12:45 PM

I'll PM Kevin and Simon and gauge their response before contacting Dave. It would be good if the Barton Scouts were to get their new hut, the present one looks a tad squalid. Unless, of course, they deliberately made it look as gruesome as possible to engender sympathy and donations!

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 21 Oct 07 - 05:42 AM

Cheers Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: My guru always said
Date: 21 Oct 07 - 07:20 AM

Any Catters who're coming to Barton who want a MudCat badge?
If so I'll do a bulk order with Tig & Badger & bring them to Barton on the Saturday for distribution and collection of 50p's.
Deadline of 9th November to PM me please!

ps. scout hut looks quite grim, but could be made cosy with a couple of Morris teams & a few bottles of Port *grin*

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 23 Oct 07 - 09:32 AM

Tut, tut, Hilary - what you need is a Welsh Morris side (sometimes called Wolseley Dancers). They are small, dark and have little lights in their hats. Very handy in damp, dark, squalid places!

Can you order a badge for me, please, Hilary?

Concert Poster going up on the website today - see
HERE

Cheers

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 23 Oct 07 - 09:00 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: My guru always said
Date: 24 Oct 07 - 05:10 AM

Consider it ordered Alan, hope they turn up in time, I'm always worried about making promises that depend on others....
Hil *who doesn't need her name up in lights, in fact I might go as someone else*

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 24 Oct 07 - 10:33 AM

Guru - How about 'Fretless and Fancy Free'

How are the numbers Alan - are you fully booked yet?

Who's coming?

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 24 Oct 07 - 07:07 PM

Indicative numbers good - Waltham Abbey are running a minibus, I've sold tickets to people from as far afield as Yorkshire and we're getting a couple of phone calls a day. Lynne Heraud emailed her contacts list and I'm sending a reminder to Hertfordshire and Essex clubs this week.

If all goes well, we're looking at 40+ at the moment, and it could be more. I reckon 60 would be about a comfortable limit. A few audience wouldn't be amiss, especially on the Saturday.

I've just clocked that Johnny Silvo is on at Hitchin FC on the Sunday evening, and Hitchin is on the way home.....

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 25 Oct 07 - 03:54 AM

Hi Alan - that sounds good

I went to Bedford Folk Club last night & handed out some fliers

I got some good feedback & interest

What position does Silvo play for Hitchin Football Club?

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 25 Oct 07 - 01:32 PM

Inside leg!

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 26 Oct 07 - 10:53 AM

He'd be better at silly mid on

Any decisions made about camping for folkies?

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 26 Oct 07 - 08:07 PM

One look at the pictures of the Scout Hut and thoughts of a regular B&B seem to prevail!

The Waltham Abbey minibus should take care of any residual masochists.

Thanks for trying, Ross, but no-one has got back to me.

Who can blame them! It makes even a muddy Glastonbury look civilised.

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Oct 07 - 08:16 PM

Only just picked up on this thread. If you get a solicitor's letter, contact me.

Can I get a caravan into the carpark?

Do I have to book in advance - how much?

Fairly well behaved dog?

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Ross
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 05:01 AM

All information is here refresh

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 05:21 AM

Richard, it's now three weeks since the 'phone call and no solicitor's letter received.

Thanks for the thought, though.

Alan

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: Lanfranc
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 09:07 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Winter Sing, Barton, Beds 17-18/11/07
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 09:36 AM

Just had a look at that scout hut. Basic but adequate I'd have said. I've slept in a lot worse places than that, and had a good nights sleep. My bigger worry would be whether Barton might come up with young yobs to match the ones at Buntingford who beat up my poor car parked outside the scout hut there a few years back.

I'd probably have chanced it, but made a point of parking somewhere more open to public view, like I did the last time I used the Buntingford hut, when there was no problem.

Still, if it's not on, it's not on. I hope I'll be able to come - though a long day singing in a pub with the need to stay legal to drive home at the end is a bit of a bind.