Rochester Sweeps (UK)

Subject: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 08 Apr 08 - 03:59 PM

Any of you dancing type chappies, or, indeed chappesses, my be interested that the Good Intent, John Street, has boards in the garden, all weekend, about 5 yards from a rack of 10 real ales

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 06:42 AM

Isn't that a bit close? The potential for beer shake ups and accidental stick clonking, not to mention the possibility of a morris person falling and pushing a barrel off the rack is huge... this needs to be thought through a little more...

Drink the beer first and THEN start the dancing.

LTS

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST, Mr Grumpy
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 07:13 AM

Careful, the GEFF police will be after you.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 03:59 PM

I can assure you, that I will be there, all Weekend , to lick, suck, or indeed, drain , any spillages of said ales. Please put your fears to rest and just treat me , as you would a Dyson

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 05:22 PM

If you want to suck up liquids, you need to be a Vax.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 05:38 PM

Listen, I ll suck up, what I want to suck up, OK!!!!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 07:12 PM

PM me big boy!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Apr 08 - 03:50 AM

For the benefit of those not getting it, my last post was a humorous reference to all that sucking...

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 14 Apr 08 - 04:50 AM

Along with all that sweeping I hope. :-)

John B

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: kerry and Mandy
Date: 14 Apr 08 - 05:47 PM

Well! We were going to go, but now I'm a little scared!!! Only kidding!! Will probably see you folks at the singarounds (dont go in for the dancing stuff much, like to watch but two left feet!)

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Folk Bloke
Date: 21 Apr 08 - 02:15 AM

Well?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 21 Apr 08 - 04:29 PM

No we havn't got a well, but a tap, or ten real ales, if you prefer

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,dillie the oast ouse opper
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 11:41 AM

right -oh, i'll be there from about 6 on firday night, leaving occasionally to go and do my bit with Kent Korkers, then i'll most likely return....
Charlotte :0)

So looking forward to sweeps :0)

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Phot
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 03:26 PM

When are the Sweeps?

Wassail! Chris

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Mick Woods
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 04:22 AM

There doesn't seem to be much about this on the Web. I found this Sweeps Program on the local council site but why no mention of the Good Intent or any of the other fantastic stuff that goes on? I notice that Denny Laine is one of the main acts on! What's he got to do with anything?

Talk about a missed opportunity by the local council to promote this fine town.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 05:56 AM

The programme is there Woodsie. If you look towrd the top it has the days, just click on thos and it gives you each days programme, and they're all in there including the Good Intent. The site could be easier to navigate though, and if last year is anything to go by the maps won't show The Good Intent either, just an arrow pointing somewhere.

By the way, if anybody needs a B&B, then our space in Rochester is up for grabs. Just up from the Cathedral and wonderful breakfasts.

John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST, Richard Bridge
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 05:59 AM

Why, are you not going, or what?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 10:49 AM

Don't be hard on Medway Council, John. The ' Good Intent'is shown on the map in this year's programme, it's just in the wrong place !!!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Mick Woods
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 11:33 AM

I take it all back! mind you it wsan't that obvious if you didn't know where to look. Are you going to be there JB?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 11:36 AM

Where is the campsite?.


Scooby

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 12:06 PM

The campsite was always at the college at the bottom of Star Hill and I'm assuming, still is Scoob!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 12:09 PM

By the way, Rochester Sweeps is the BEST free festival in the country bar none! You have to pay for some of the gigs but you can find plenty going on without having to pay anything. The pub gigs are always good (and free) and lots of participatory stuff too.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 05:19 PM

I didn't know there was a campsite! If there is one at the college, then that will be at the top of Star Hill, not the bottom.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST, Richard Bridge
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 06:06 PM

AFAIK campsite only for invited sides and booked artists.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 01:28 AM

Sorry melodeonboy, I stand corrected. Is it the borrom of City Way that I meant? The long road down the hill to the roundabout? I see that it's for invited sides only. If you're going from afar, and there's not more that a car full, they're usually sympathetic.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST, Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 02:20 AM

It used to be at the Art school - I think you can get there on foot from the roundabout between Star Hill, City Way, and New Road, across the grass, but to get there by car you drive along New Road for about 300 yards until you see the Roffen Club on your left, ignore the unmade road on your right, then take the next right up to the Art school and behind the Art school (as you can see by approaching from this direction) is another school and that used to be the one that had the camping, the Moor and Coast tent, and the ceilidh (they had Whapweasel one year) and occasionally there used to be an event called the Folk Club there hosted by Rainham Folk Club (Maz and Dan Hobday)(they had Kimber's Men one year).

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: fisheye
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 04:52 AM

hi all, George, myself and babs will be there saturday, and this year we have nice blue disabled badges, so parking should be a lot easier.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST, Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 07:39 AM

Ah, splendid Fisheye. Thank you for the loan of your guitar - would this be a good weekend to swap back? I've got yours playing somewhat better but the string spacing is still a problem for me, with the action at its present height, and It won't go any lower without major surgery which I was not going to do without telling you!

It has got a big round bass, and lots of volume, plenty of sweet, but there is something about the character of the sound that does not wholly ding my dong.

I took it to one event (apart from that it has stayed in the house) and although there were several guitar nuts there, no-one noticed what it was, although they were enthusing about the vintage of a younger, less good, Yamaha!

I'm going to have to borrow that other fellow's L'Arrivee now to see whether I want that - although I have got my eye on something else on ebay if it does not go up too high!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 04:57 PM

Shirt Murderer, what do you want a camp site for

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 05:14 PM

Fisheye, George,and Babs. Afraid having disabled badges will get you nowhere during Sweeps Festival. There's free parking in Strood, but you'll be lucky to get a space in any of the carparks that may be open. If you intend spending you time in The Good Intent, it would be a good idea to park up there.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 09:04 AM

I don't want a camp site; I can fall onto one of the late trains to Sittingbourne. I was just trying to be helpful!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Carol
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 09:09 AM

Fabulous weekend I think my favourite when we lived in Hertfordshire, but a long way from East Yorks.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,Arnie at work
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 11:25 AM

Shame there's no car parking to be had as I would have liked to pop along for Saturday aft/eve sessions. You'd think that a city the size of Rochester could organise a few park & ride car parks like Canterbury. Still, Bram Taylor is appearing at the Deal folk club on the Friday night (not so subtle plug) so that's a bit of consolation!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 11:30 AM

I shall be there as usual Richard, I shall just have the caravan at the back of the 'Good Intent' so the B&B is going to be available. Geordie Porgie is interested in one of the nights.

Grayling House
54 St. Margarets Street
Rochester
Kent
ME1 1TU

01634 826593

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 11:32 AM

You can park near or by The Good Intent Arnie, and I reckon it's earer the High Street thna the Strood car park behind the Prince of Wales.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 11:44 AM

Richard - there's an excellent train service to and from kidbrooke (change at Dartford) So you can have a good drink and not worry!!!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST, Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 02:04 PM

Just don't miss the last train home!!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST, Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 02:08 PM

Actually, it's pretty stupid that one cannot put tents on the green patch by the Esplanade, or on the sports ground at the bottom of Short's Way, or cars and campervans on the former dockyard.

Apart of course from the security problems with the youthful indigenes.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 03:26 PM

Arnie
There is loads of parking round the Good Intent, where you would be most welcome

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 04:39 PM

They plan to close Strood Civic Centre on May 23rd. Who knows what will happen to the car park ? Surely there must be a plan for 2009.A lot of Morris people use the Strood car park. It is possible to use the Car Park off of the ring road - is it Corporation Way? You would need to get there really early though. There is loads of parking up near the Good Intent, providing all the singers don't fill it up. The train service is very good, but trains don't run all that late. There used to be parking in the lorry park and cattle market, but they are short stay, so ok for day trippers.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 05:16 PM

The Good Intent has it's own car park and there are areas within 150 yards of the pub, where you can leave your car

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,matt
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 04:42 AM

this is all very exciting, my first sweeps!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Mick Woods
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 05:00 AM

On Saturday trains go back to Kidbrooke/Eltham (via Dartford)at:

20:20
20:48
21:20
21:48
22:28

So if you get down there at about midday you have plenty of time to enjoy the fun!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 04:35 PM

The Good Intent Sessions run from around 13.00hrs, till falling over time, and is about 800 yards from the station

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 07:23 PM

RTB tells me that he's got a gig in there on Sunday night. Expect that'll be in the Public Bar.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 05:18 AM

Thanks for that Sue. Looks like you're right, and all those things do take place in the Public Bar. I'm going to nip in and have a listen, and I'm sure he won't drown us out in the other bar. Anyway it'll be good to see him again.

John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,dillie the oast ouse opper
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 08:02 AM

hello all

firstly, the camp site is at fort pitt grammar school (it's not an art college but a nice ladies grammar!) (i went there! - ok so maybe the 'ladies' who come out of it aren't really ladies and aren't that nice.)

Secondly, the parking situation is normally not that bad if you get there early, so morris people can normally find a place, but if the civic centre does close, that could present come problems!

If you have a disabled badge, and don't mind rocking up early, then the casino rooms car park had wuite a few disabled, which I learned about as my dad is one of the blue badge elite. :0)

don't forget to check out hartley morris singing in the gordon house hotel during the day on satruday - should be as good as ever!

and then there's always sun up at bluebell hill picnic area at 5.32am on thursday to get you all in the mood, it's when Jack will officially wake up. :0)

take care and see you all friday night! :0) xx

Charlotte xx

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 02:47 AM

I am pleased to say that Royston will be down, so some of the stuff that "Roger the Chorister" used to do (obviously not including the stuff to which Jacqui was essential) may be in some of the sinagrounds.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 05:17 AM

I hope to see as many of you as possible at the singarounds/sessions at the Good Intent. If you haven't been before, come and give it a try. I know you'll come back for more!

In case the map in the festival programme is not clear, the postcode is ME1 1YL. The pub is about five minutes walk from the Star Hill end of the pedestrianised High Street. Once you find the Man of Kent, it's another 200 yards or so.

Were I a self-publicist, I'd also mention that Jumbo Gumbo, Kent's zydeco band, will be playing on Sunday 4th at Expectations (near the bridge, Rochester side) at12.30 p.m. and at The Price of Wales (near the bridge, Strood side) at 8.30 p.m., but as I'm not, I shan't!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 05:26 AM

No Tim Edey this year? Heaven forbid!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,dillie the oast ouse opper
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 07:49 AM

this article below was taken from the Kentonline (Kent Messenger) website earlier today - and regards the travel arrangements (or lack thereof) this weekend which might affect people's ability to get to sunny ol' Rochester!
getting really excited now :0)

Charlotte x


Hundreds of Kent rail passengers could face major disruption over the May Bank Holiday because of repair work .

Trains to and from London will be disrupted on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, and will be subject to time changes and, in some cases, replacement bus services.

The work, part of Network Rail's £10bn improvement programme, is described as essential.

Iain Coucher, Chief Executive of Network Rail, said: "Our message to passengers is to check before you travel. We'll be working closely with the train operating companies and National Rail Enquiries to provide the very latest information both online, via help-lines and at stations."

Worst affected will be Kent passengers wanting to use Liverpool Street, Waterloo and Euston because of work to extend the East London line near Liverpool Street.

The disrupted routes in Kent will be from London's mainline stations to Swanley, Maidstone East, Ashford International, Chatham, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Canterbury East, Dover and Ramsgate.

Replacement bus services will operate between the following locations

• Orpington and Swanley calling at St Mary Cray.

• Otford and Swanley calling at Shoreham and Eynsford.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Dead Horse
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 09:04 AM

So the chances are that I will be driving one of those ******* rail replacement buses.
Hey, Melodeon Boy. What exactly IS the price of wales?
Could it be a new whaling shanty or is it more politically motivated :-)

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 10:35 AM

More than you could afford, Dead Horse! Although judging by the number of times you flit off to the land of the cajun, you must be pretty well-breeched!

I did, of course, mean The Prince of Wales.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 10:40 AM

The price of Wales was paid by Owen Glendower.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 10:41 AM

Good one, Richard!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 03:22 PM

Owen Tudor got the refund

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 01 May 08 - 09:39 AM

Looks like Ron Trueman Border is part of Gastove's Sunday afternoon at The Good Intent, so there will be no cross over after all. Look forward to seeing him again.

John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,charlotte the oast ouse opper
Date: 01 May 08 - 10:27 AM

well now, I'm getting VERY excited, and am looking forward to seeing Boggarts breakfast Morris (AMAZING border side) come all the way from Sheffield. Should be good stuff.

of course, Kent Korkers and Pork Scratchings are pretty good. ;0) As are offucmduns ;0) he he.

Charlotte xx or dillie. depends how you know me!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Dead Horse
Date: 01 May 08 - 10:40 AM

And I be Owen The Bank, on account of "flittin off to the land of dem Cajuns" and wont be in the black again until next year when I get the urge to flit off once more.
Its a never ending cycle, huh?
(and NO, I dont intend to cycle to Louisiana next year)

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 01 May 08 - 03:25 PM

Ruff and Reddy have the honour of sharing the bill with RTB, or is it the other way round. ( I dont think so )

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,Girl Friday
Date: 01 May 08 - 08:04 PM

Our Ben has a similar honour. One of his prizes for New Roots is supporting RTB at Redbourn on October 7th

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,synbyn
Date: 02 May 08 - 12:37 PM

just a word on trains- don't be put off by the route changes, though the Swanley line is out, they're running through Strood direct to London , accessible via Lewisham, and getting off at Strood gives you a short walk over the Medway (using the bridge if you must) to the cathedral end of the festival- much more convenient than waiting for buses! See you therrrrr!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 May 08 - 07:46 PM

It's off to a good start. The Good Intent tonight was not bad at all, and the beers were tasty.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 03 May 08 - 05:02 AM

The Good Intent session finished at something o'clock this morning. My word, how am I going to keep up the pace!!! I'll give ita good try.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 03 May 08 - 07:18 AM

John
Please make sure you keep it going till Sunday night. ;)

Looking forward to our first visit :)

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 03 May 08 - 04:58 PM

A good session Friday. The bar was packed and another session going on in the garden. I have just left JBs session, which is due to end at 2,30, unfortunately he doesn't know that there are 2 - 2.30s in any one day, John chose the wrong one, (02.30hrs )

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 May 08 - 03:35 AM

Another good night at the Good Intent. Mayhem when we got there at about 2100 hrs, but the bar gradually quietened and some of those more determined to shout conversation over songs left. Nice to see No Worries playing, and Gastove produced a wonderful very restrained guitar accompaniment to one of Linda Smiths's songs. The button pushing and so on in the garden continued with gusto all evening. The Shrimpers Ale also worthy of commendation, a bagful of flavour and only 4.1% so even drivers could have four halves over the evening and enjoy their drink.

A good range of beers from the Nelson Brewery in the back of the Eagle. The Rochester at 3.7% light, refreshing, and very drinkable. Large range of beers in the Gordon but I was unable to stay since there was electric American music.

The Folk Factor seemed to be a great success - my daughter and friends wanted to come in only to be very firmly told by security staff that it was a 96-seater auditorium and there were 96 people in there so they were not getting in. A number of truly excellent performers. Keep an eye out (indeed both eyes out) for Rocas, the group and overall winners. A standout performance and very original arrangement of a traditional English song, 5 great YOUNG musicians (all multi-instrumentalists) - and the penny has belatedly dropped for me that the bodhran player (also played other instruments) was the girl who used to win all the under-14 bodhran championships (apart from the ones that the young Brown boy used to win). The result of their recording session will I am sure be a CD to be valued. If there is justice in the world this band is going places.

Quite apart from Pam Tilling (the solo winner) there were also two other excellent female singers, in no order of preference, Kate Holland (also young) who produced a note-perfect unaccompanied Scottish traditional song that riveted the entire auditorium, and Paulette Sheard who sounded very like Shirley Collins. It was interesting to note that contenstants performing traditional songs had apparently come to the tradition through the playing and singing of their families, so maybe oral transmission is not wholly dead yet. Maximum respect to all of the contestants.

It was also noteworthy that some of the sides dancing had not so much just a gaggle of musicians as full on bands with them and there were some fine pieces of music from time to time to be heard in the street too.

Pigs Ear ("with friends") were doing sterling service outside the City Wall winebar. They should twist the arms of all those who book to play at little festival (which I eagerly await) to do a guest spot on their stage at Sweeps, IMHO.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 04 May 08 - 03:36 AM

It will be 14:30hrs today for the mid-day session as Gastove has a 'plugged in' session from 15:00hrs to 19:00 hrs, then we start up again at 20:45hrs (but I bet they start straight after Gastove). I failed last night as only managed until midnight, but the music was still going on when I fell into the land of nod.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: naughtyforty
Date: 04 May 08 - 04:45 AM

Maria and I both had a great time - first time at Rochester for Maria. Unfortunately, our train journey home was horrendous - we had to change onto buses twice!!! We eventually got back about 11.10pm having left Rochester about 8.00pm!!! Such is life though. Good Intent was brilliant as ever - looking forward to the next session there.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: kerry and Mandy
Date: 04 May 08 - 06:16 AM

hi guys
we had afab time and will be there again today at some point.
see you at the good intent, i dare say.
great weekend so far.

quidnunc aka kerry, mandy & stuart

Subject: BS: Rochester Sweeps 2008
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 04 May 08 - 12:56 PM

Just wanted to say thanks to John Barden and others at the Good Intent, for making me feel so welcome Saturday afternoon, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Thanks also to Gastove for helping me with Summertime at the Kings Head Saturday. I always start singing in too low a register, so accompaniament is always welcome.

Music in the sessions ranged from rousing to thought provoking to hilarious and mildly obscene. I am in awe of so much talent.

This is my first time actually posting on Mudcat. I have been visiting since at least 2000. But never posted, so I hope I am doing this correctly.

I don't know if anyone will be attending the Leigh on Sea festival http://www.leighfolkfestival.co.uk/ . It would great to see (and hear)any of the people I heard this weekend again at the Peter Boat on Friday 28th or Saturday 29th June.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 04 May 08 - 04:33 PM

Tam, With a voice like yours, I don't think that you need to be in awe of anyone. You are welcome at The Good Intent at any time

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 05 May 08 - 05:09 AM

Thank you Virginia Tam - I can only second what Growler said. Such a beautiful voice, and a lovely person to go with it. I certainly hope to hear you in the future.

Managed to stagger out at something o'clock this morning. Karen & Dal (our hOsts at The Good Intent) certainly are a very special couple and really go that extra mile for us. We are so very, very lucky.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 May 08 - 06:15 AM

Huzzah for the Good Intent hosts!

Woot! Another plug to my confidence. I thought I was just loud. Luckily, loud enough at a key point Saturday night. Soon have big head to go with big mouth.

I certainly will be attending future Sweeps - sessions. Unfortunately Rochester is a bit of a trek from Chelmsford on a Thursday night for working people. Maybe this summer we will brave the long road and late night to visit the Good Intent.

Uncle Joe's Mint Balls was an experience I will never forget. I would love to have a recording of Clive's Piano Man for my brother a Piano bar player who had the misfortune to land himself in the Billy Joel video. Scott (my big bro) refuses to take that particular request anymore but I know he would appreciate the "Rat A**ed" version.

Thanks to Don (Wyziwyg-I think) for playing my request, about his wife's accomodating handbag. And to Essexgirl from whom I would love to take lessons and pinch a bit of repertoire. No double entndre intended. Cheers to T.D.Leopard - Trevor's jolly Wee and a Shave and Sue's inspired drumming. I would mention more, but I don't know the names of people and didn't catch song names. Next year, I am taking notes.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 05 May 08 - 06:32 AM

"Sue's inspired drumming"

Now there's a talking point. Or does it deserve another thread?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 May 08 - 07:06 AM

Ahhh! Melodeonboy- are the shirt murderer? Still learning names here. And are you intimating that Sue's style isn't a gift from the gods? Surely not!

Blast! I think I could become addicted to Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 May 08 - 11:50 AM

Unique implies that something of which there is only one.

Martin Crthy said tha tall English folk music is in he time signature of "one".

Sue's drumming goes further. It is in the time signature of "none".

My feeling is that God, like goodness, had nothing to do with it.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 May 08 - 12:07 PM

I have to say, blowing a trumpet that is partly mine, I think our second crack at "Byker Hill" on Sun Nite, with Kev the Clogs filling another layer of harmony below Roston's mostly parallel 5ths and Rachel my noisy daughter mostly an octave above me was a bit of a spine tingler.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: RamblinStu
Date: 05 May 08 - 03:28 PM

I had a brilliant Sweeps weekend. A great start to the season. One of the highlights for me was seeing the Prague Castle Orchestra, the four blokes playing their hearts out, fiddle, flute, guitar and bass what a sound, no idea what they were singing but it sounded very good.

It was also nice to catch up with so many friends, all of whom were having a good time.

Then there were the sessions at the Good Intent, what fun they were, both inside and out, well... maybe not the bagpipes on Sunday, but that may just be me..

Here's to the next time

Stuart Pendrill

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 05 May 08 - 03:31 PM

Agreed with that Richard - simply stunning is the way I'd have put it. The music ad singing on Sunday night was up there among the best in my opinion.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 05 May 08 - 04:18 PM

Thanks for everybody,despite the fact that Dal ran out of beer. He had Ten extra, but they all went.
Next Beer and Folk is 5th and 6th July, hosted by John Barden and ' Ruff and Reddy '. All Welcome.
PS, we raised iver £60 for Amaus

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 May 08 - 05:05 PM

Credit where credit is due on the charity front Growler - Elizabeth took the tin off your table and WORKED that room for contributions.

How is your faceache?

John, flattery will get you everywhere! I thought Jan's song was a cracker. The best I've ever heard her put a song across. The chaps with the big voices behind you were good too, and Paul is a professional quality guitarist. It was nice to hear PJ do traditional stuff.

The few bits I heard from the diddlers in the evening were damn good too. I noticed two of Rocas there and I gather more were there Sat afternoon.



A great shame that Bob and Kath were unable to make the festival, and much hoping that Kath is better soon. Their room was unmanned Monday lunchtime - maybe a better room can be co-opted for next year: the wash from the PA from the front bar does intrude and the room is too small.


All in all, with the help of the weather, one of the best Sweeps for years.




Now suggestions for next year:

Still hunting for another good singing/playing venue.

Vic and Bull might be a possible after refurbishment?

Or twist the arm of the bloke with the George Vaults! If he would put some barrels and a decent barman in the vaults it would make a PERFECT singing venue, and from the way both Dal and the Gordon sold out of beer he could unload a rake of beer and make a good profit.

Or the Cooper's Arms?

Or the downstairs bar at the Queen Charlotte?



Pigs Ear put in a huge amount of work and seemed less supported than ideal. A method of pre-booking or turning up and putting names down to be their "friend" and perform on their stage by the City Wall wine bar would be good.




The "retro-folk" concert was one of those "Eureka" ideas. Great to hear Martin Harris back doing both Smashie and Nicey, fielding the reminders of his BBC local radio folk program. Next year bully the long-suffering Jay with the PA rig into getting a proper pre-gig sound check with the bands and with Martin, to solve the great mysteries of life like how best to capture the sound of classical guitars, banjos, and dulcimers that have not been designed to plug in (and eliminate "piezo quack" from undersaddle pickups). There is only so much that even a good sound man can do "on the fly" and I know he has some toys in his goody bag that he must have left at home that could have gone a way to solving the sound problems. Also next year, can any of the "Brewery" all-stars be inveigled out of retirement? And of course the "Tundra" re-union gig is a must.



The final kvetch (for the moment) would be the bogs in the castle gardens. If the public en masse are going to be in the castle gardens then they need to be able to be sanitary rather than bears in the woods (or at least bears on the floor). Maintenance crew, cleaning crew, and rows of regularly cleaned and inspected (and emptied) portaloos. The Black Death may be traditional but we don't want it back. The council needs firmly to be leant on.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 05 May 08 - 05:42 PM

What a smashing weekend! Thanks to all who came to Ruff 'n' Reddy's singarounds on Friday and Monday (yes, there were still a few survivors who managed our session this afternoon); indeed , thanks to those who came to any of the Good Intent singarounds. I heard that the Sunday evening singaround was a real cracker; I couldn't make it as I was playing elsewhere.

It's quite interesting that the garden at The Good Intent seems to have become an unofficial venue for instrumental sessions while the singarounds are taking place inside. No wonder Del and Karen had no beer left today! We'd even polished off the bottles by about five this afternoon (I should know; I had the last one!).

Thanks also to:

Del and Karen for their support

All those (and there were quite a lot of them) who came to see Jumbo Gumbo

God, for the weather

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 May 08 - 05:51 PM

Ah yes, that reminds me of another thing. Maybe we should have a whip-round for Karen and Dal so that they can fix the doors out to the garden (a) to close automatically and (b) not to bang. And also a gentle closer on the inter-bar door. And the door on the gents crapper that sooner or later will have one fat folkie locked in the lavatory...

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 06 May 08 - 06:59 AM

I hope I was excused the Monday afternoon one, as I wanted to take in a bit of that special Sweeps atmosphere and don't get much of a chance normally.

Richard - I see where you're coming from on the sessions in the centre, but I think that the High Street after 8pm is not a nice place to be for a fat old folkie strolling about with a really expensive guitar that might become an assault weapon. Makes Troy Town look more like Toy Town :-)

Finally, a big THANK YOU to all who came and made it such a wonderful place to be. Great voices, great musicianship, great beer and above all great company.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,Dazbo at work
Date: 06 May 08 - 07:37 AM

Charlotte or dillie , I hope you enjoyed Boggart's Breakfast. We (I'm their main musician) had a really fantastic time. Unfortunately we had to leave on Sunday but are looking forward to the next time we can go.

Thanks to all the organisers, guides and scouts etc. at the school, all the sides there and the (mainly) fantastic crowd.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,Essex Girl
Date: 06 May 08 - 09:44 AM

Yes great night on Saturday - wished I could have made Sunday as well but got to Hastings by way of Canterbury in time for the evening session in the White Rock, then saw the Jack let out on Monday. Great time, lovely weather.
Virginia, If it's not too far to come you'd be very welcome at my BBQ on Sunday 15th June.(South East London but close to a train station) So would any other 'catters. I'll post details shortly.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 May 08 - 10:34 AM

Hey Essex Girl. Thanks for the invite. Health permitting, I would love to come.
I'll ask the Quiet Half if he can bring me. He is a lecturer so he may be up to his eyebrows in end of the year marking.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 06 May 08 - 01:41 PM

Blast! That is what I get for replying to this thread from work. GUEST just above is VirginiaTam. Wish I could delete my own erroneous posts.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,dillie the oast ouse opper
Date: 06 May 08 - 01:53 PM

hello
I lvoed Boggarts, my good friend Liam dances with you, and to be honest, I could watch you all day! It was my 22nd sweeps in a row dancing (i've danced since i was three) and I really had the best sweeps ever this year, the session at the good intent was great each night, the celidih on saturday was fun (but I was exhausted!) and the weather amazing. Dancing with Kent Korkers was great too.
Only thing that might have been better, would have been if there had been enough beer to go around, and if i'd remembered to re-apply sun screen yesterday afternoon, as i now can't move my neck. oweee. oh and if there had been more sides in the final procession (it was not the two hour long event i remember it being - maybe its cos i just nhad little legs back then!!)

I loved the fact that Dutch sang me a jolly song on sunday night in the good intent, (sorry if i kept asking for jolliness!) I promise to a) learn some more songs b) remember not to get too drunk to remember them for next year.

thank you all for making sweeps as unmissable as i always hope its going to be.

Charlotte, xxx

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 06 May 08 - 04:03 PM

As you say Richard, thanks to Elizabeth for handing round the jug for Amaus. And thanks to everyone for making it the best Sweeps for the Good Intent. Dal ran out of beer, despite ordering ten extra ont barrels. This will not happen again'
   Hope to see most of you ,for our Solstis festival on 5th and 6th July,
Well that was as near to the Solstis as we could get it

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 06 May 08 - 08:59 PM

Clive and Anne Lever looked after Bob and Kathy's do on Saturday . TDL ran it Sunday (great turnout too). There was none scheduled for Monday.
The time of 3 to 7 works well. No clash with bar guests, though we did have to tell them to turn off the juke box to the pool room at 6.00.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Dead Horse
Date: 07 May 08 - 05:56 AM

Pics n Vid

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 07 May 08 - 01:44 PM

Here's some footage from the Good Intent singaround. woodsie's blog Quality not great as I had to squash it down to upload to google. I do have the original high quality footage. which includes some morris in the high street and is about 20 minutes long. I will clean it up and burn a few DVDs for people if they want them

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 May 08 - 02:23 PM

Not getting any audio, Woodsie, what codec do I need?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 07 May 08 - 04:40 PM

VirginiaTam
You PM'ed me but I deleted it by mistake

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 May 08 - 05:46 PM

arrghh! So that's where that post went. Didn't mean to pm. Still learning the tools here.
Never mind. Just a lot of junk and profuse thanks and such.
Oh and an apology for beating a hasty retreat when you started singing Bedlam Boys on Sunday afternoon. The song took me by unhappy surprise. No need to go into detail here.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 08 May 08 - 12:49 AM

Richard - It was an MP2 when uploaded but I think google converts it to FLV ( like youtube) it plays OK on my home and work computers. Richt clicking it says that it is playing in flash player 9

I will do you a DVD anyway

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:11 AM

I've got an FLV player: I'll try saving it and playing it in that.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:13 AM

Damn - those bits are on the computer that is in pieces!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 08 May 08 - 05:26 AM

It played no problem for me. Looked like more people from my end of the room.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 08 May 08 - 05:50 AM

Can't see it on my PC, but then I am at work and the PCs ARE cr** here! I'll have a look when I get home.

Anyway, found a good thread about singarounds here.

Im sure there will be some more interesting comments from several of the local regulars!!!

Back later

Kev

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 May 08 - 08:35 AM

Doh! Check the simple things first. Power to speakers off!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 08 May 08 - 08:55 AM

Just looked at Woodsie's Vid. Definite;y captured the spirit of it all. Nice to see Stuart, Kerry, and Mandy there.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: kerry and Mandy
Date: 08 May 08 - 01:04 PM

thanks sue,
we all had a fab time over the weekend sorry we missed you.
take care see
you soon

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 May 08 - 01:43 PM

Only problem I saw with video is that I was in it. Shouldn't point the shootin' end of a camera at me. S'dangerous. I might charge.

Sessions were brilliant. We plan to stay 2 nights next year. Now starts frantic search for and practice of traditional songs with chorus / refrain. Wish the RA would leave my left wrist so I could take up guitar again. Maybe I could learn bodhran. Hmmmm! Can the folk world handle another "inispired" drummer?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:03 PM

God no Tam !!!!!!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:29 PM

Yep, I can see it on my PC!! Looks good Woodsie.

A nice rendition as ever Mr Bard of E!

Kev

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 08 May 08 - 06:35 PM

Don't muck about Virginia - stay all 3 nights!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 May 08 - 01:57 PM

If we have an unexpected windfall, it will be considered GF. Lecturers and low level council workers tend to be a bit skint, especially in Chelmsford.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 May 08 - 03:44 PM

Con a booked side into accrediting you as musician, then you can camp out at the school site: only about 10 mins walk in.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 09 May 08 - 07:47 PM

The master speaks - he should know,but it's only 10 minutes if you're quick on your feet uphill.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 10 May 08 - 03:36 AM

Ha! Fast? Gone are the days when I was nicknamed Speedy Gonzalez. And the RA in feet and hips, prevents me camping. Sigh! We had to get rid of our tent last year.
On the upside, we are planning to get a campervan, but that is after, redecorated bedroom, the new (well used) car, the remodelled great room. In short, another 7 to 10 years. Perhaps I should pay some poor tax and start investing in the lottery.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 10 May 08 - 06:52 AM

Sounds like the only other option is to try the "Poor Travellers House" in the High Street. It says outside 'free lodging for one night along with bread and meat, so long as you are not a proctor or hawker. Ive seen the beds there though, and think a shop doorway might be more comfortable.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 May 08 - 01:21 PM

WooT! We have had a rethink of our finances and spending plans. Hope to get used campervan in Feb 09. This will mean more folk event attendance over larger geographical range.

And full time attendance at next years Sweeps. Is there anything we can do to contribute?

I am so set to listen and learn.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 15 May 08 - 04:10 PM

That's the spirit ! One year of camping in a tent was enough for us two hip replacement types. It's not easy getting up from a bed, so much nicer to get down. Our folding caravan is a boon. Bought from EG's cousin, it's old, but we've put electricity in it, and it came with an unused gas fridge. Sheer camping luxury!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 May 08 - 06:27 PM

Have you seen teh link to the Youtube of TDL on teh FOlk factor?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 May 08 - 07:19 PM

The Folk Factor - with a certain judge!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 May 08 - 02:33 AM

GF - So looking forward to camping again. Looking more forward to freedom to just do a runner on the weekends.

Will check Youtube from home cuz Essex County Council has blocked access at work. Can hardly blame them. But that is another tale to tell.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 May 08 - 12:56 PM

TDL - Salt of the Earth. Melody is hum-able, chorus easy to remember. Difficult for me to hear all of lyrics, but what I did hear was funny in a scary kind of way.   Costumes interesting. Drumming?.... even more interesting. I think drummer forgot to misplace the beat on occassion. More practice? or Less?

Judge (RB?) quite kind and humourous or would that be humouring?

Anyway on the whole enjoyable. I really need to make it to a TDL gig at the Fab Club sometime.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 16 May 08 - 04:07 PM

"....in a scary kind of way."

Yes, Tam, I think you're right!!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 17 May 08 - 11:06 AM

We spent a while thinking about the words. Contrary to public oppinion we never just throw songs together. What didn't get picked up on was the number of internal rhymes in "Salt Of The Earth." Also, in a street with 200 houses in, that seems a likely sample of residents. Tam, we are at FAB CLUB most Sundays, but only had one whole gig there, which was our CD launch.