Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?

Subject: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Oct 08 - 01:35 PM

This is to see how many people might be interested in an afternoon song session in the Nags Head Lower Stoke ME3 9RD (UK) on Sunday the 28th December - might become a monthly session at least till the festival season starts.

The original pub on this site is mentioned in Hogarth's diaries but this building is late 1800s. Wood floor, good acoustics. Plenty parking - pub carpark and public carpark (free) immediately over the road. Public transport not a useful option but believe there might be a bus from Chatham that takes well over an hour 'cos it goes through all the villages on the peninsular and runs on the 32nd of months with a "Q" in the name. No football on the TV that Sunday.

I count 18 suitable session seats/stools for people swinging guitars or other instruments, and a good amount of other space/benches.

Landlord offering to put some real beer on - the previous incumbents let the beer engines and pipes go to rack and ruin so it is likely to be a small barrel or couple of large boxes served under gravity. It's a Sheps pub but he may be allowed/able to have non-Sheps guest beer. Probably some food like roast spuds or something too.

I think the plan is really to run afternoon, but if enough people want to play on into the evening I don't think there would be any objection.


It is a matter of whether we would reach critical mass - if not enough people are going to want to do it it will not happen 'cos it's not worth doing if only three or four people turn up, but my guess is that by then people will be going stir-crazy from Xmas and gagging to get out and folk!


Subscribe below please.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Girl Friday
Date: 18 Oct 08 - 02:16 PM

Richard This will gladden your heart I'm sure. TDL are up for this, maybe even a cub or two. Have to check it out. If this one is half as much fun as the Ship sessions it should be brilliant !

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: melodeonboy
Date: 18 Oct 08 - 03:51 PM

Great news, Richard!

Ruff 'n' Reddy'll be there. You've already got more than three or four people; and in the twinkling of an eye!

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Oct 08 - 06:46 PM

I'm delighted to say the Graham Anstee, Bishop Gundulfs Morriss's banjo player has also indicated his intention to attend - I'm sure his stuff will please the audient.

NB it being a Sunday and Monday being workday I will NOT be offering overnight accommodation, we will not go back to my house and carry on until 3 am, and I will NOT be providing compulsory chili vegetable stoo.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 03:52 AM

Sue and Tony Urwin from BG will also come. Tony does not often sing but Sue does some very nice Geordie songs - she is from up there.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 04:05 AM

Sounds good Richard, we might be able to pop along if it's happening!

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Wee Jock
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 04:19 AM

Will try to make it, as you so rightly say people will have had enough of Xmas Fayre and a return to some form of normality will be good. I might even do a new song or two

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 04:41 AM

Chris and I can probably make it. We might be knackered. Christmas eve and day and all or part of boxing day in Sratford upon Avon. Still we plan to be there.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 04:41 AM

I'd love to venture into the deep wilds of Stoke after the Christmas mayhem. Anybody from my area going? I will pay for petrol!
Eye of a fish or dipping debs maybe

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 10:59 AM

Well, Woodsie, aren't the pride of leopards near you, and if my memory serves me that clatter-on they ride is a 5-seater with a huge boot for guitars...

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Girl Friday
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 05:39 PM

We might be able to squeeze Woodsie in, depends on how many turkey kebabs he'll have had over the festive season.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Dead Horse
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 04:51 AM

A huge boot for guitars!
That would depend on how well they were played, and on how big the player was.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: romany man
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 04:58 AM

hmmm is stoke a ferret friendly area, ive heard it can be a bit wild on a sunday,

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: naughtyforty
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 05:00 AM

I may possibly be able to make this depending on who I can get a lift with.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 06:07 AM

Are the ferrets good workers? If so they might get stolen. I'm not sure the landlord lets them in the pub, I haven't seen any dogs in there for a while, in fact since the last tenant left.

I'll try to find out if I get a mo.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: GUEST,Essex Girl
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 08:23 AM

I'll be going if you want a lift Woodsie.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 08:43 AM

I have spoken to the pub and sorry Romany Man but Treacle and Obvious cannot come into the pub - the landlord's staff bitch will try to eat anything else with fur on and usually succeeds.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Girl Friday
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 09:16 AM

OOh..... in that case.... is it safe for leopards? She'll find us a bit tough. thanks E G for the offer of transporting Woodsie... you're nearer to him than we are.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: romany man
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 01:24 PM

ok seamus it is then any one for flat staff sarni ?

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: growler
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 05:51 PM

I'll be there

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 07:34 PM

Frick Romany Man - if you are riding Seamus down, book now for next year!

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 09:54 AM

Thanks for the email Richard we will certainly try to get there depending on wether we still have the grandson with us or not after christmas.

Woodsie you have plenty of offers but you are always welcome to a lift if needed.

~Debs~

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 01:22 PM

Stoke is not stoat friendly?

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 01:35 PM

That stoatally different

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 01:36 PM

As you can weaselly tell

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 01:57 PM

Thanx Essex Girl It would be greatly appreciated!!! As I said I will pay the petrol.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 02:38 PM

Sum"mink" strange going on here. Are you saying I otter not confuse members of the Mustelidae family?

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 04:20 PM

I didn't think you'd skunk so low as to badger me about it.

I marten you not to do it, if you sable to resist.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 04:21 PM

Oh, by the way, I ahve emails from other sought after local players indicating attendance, too!

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 02:27 AM

I give! I have been out punned by the master.

Nev ermine d

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 08:37 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: romany man
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 02:40 PM

note RM stayed out of it in case seamus wanted to get in on the act, he'always ferreting in my emails,

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 08:11 AM

Landlord is getting one or two 32-pint mini barrels or boxes of session beer (I told him up to 4.5) to serve on the bar.

Apparently Sheps were pleased to hear of the development.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Dead Horse
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 10:38 AM

Sheps
Kents Best please, or Late Red.
I can get Master Brew anywhere and frankly I am getting bored with it. Must be my age.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: dilligafxx
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 12:14 PM

I am worried about Richard Bridge !! not only is he aware when the kareokes are on and entering the Nags Head which I had up to friday of last week believed from him to be the site of untold and unnamed going ons he is fratranising with the locals in said pub, by the way how is the eye. He is now proposing that I venture nearly a mile down the road from Upper Coke to visit said establishment.
Whats next subaru,s instead of volvo's and tight leather trousers, gold chains, and dyed blonde sheep. A confused dilligaf xx

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 03:34 PM

The current tenant does not approve of mind-altering chemicals (save for licensed alcohol) and despite the tattoos is (apart from the accent) quite a reasonable bloke. He is finding Lower Coke harder going than the back streets of Strood (!) He wants to run a business but does not want excessive disorder.   

As for the eye - the yoof wot did it apparently has been saying "Oh shit what did I do" and wishes to pour oil on troubled waters but does not know what to say. I suspect his father who knows of my profession and abilities to be influencing him! The appearance of the eye is only mildly alarming now - but one of the others in the fracas has a fractured cheek bone. No, I didn't do it.

Others in pub say "He only dares to do it to old men" which is mildly annoying.

Oddly, since I ran out of the pub door streaming blood after said yooof yelling "You are a dead man" local people seem
(a) to regard my street cred as enhanced and
(b) to buy me drinks.

Funny that. I would not use my influence with villains I have helped in this scenario, by way of payback.

Would I?

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: growler
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 05:51 PM

I've got three longbows, if things get rough

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: melodeonboy
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 09:39 PM

"I can get Master Brew anywhere and frankly I am getting bored with it."

When a man is tired of Master Brew, he is tired of life!

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 03:22 AM

No, that's master something else.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: romany man
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 04:53 AM

eye eye something brewing here methinks,

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 09:40 AM

I gotta move to Kent! Way more interesting goings on than in Chelmsford.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Dead Horse
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 01:33 PM

You said it Tam. I left Essex years ago and aint looked back (except to wonder if they ever gonna lengthen Southend pier so I can walk home)
Mebbe we should have our own web site, or KentGoingsOn section within Mudcat. :-)
If the latter, I volunteer to scrutinise the lyric site and act as Folk Police/Mafia Boss, with license to terminate with extreme prejudice.
Only kidding.........?

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 02:27 PM

Actually DH... The plan is to move to Rochester or near vicinity when Chris retires. 7 years to go. Well, that is if I can get a comparable job to the one I currently hold.

In the meantime, we will visit as often as possible and not just because of the highly entertaining reports of Mr. Bridge's experiences. (Did he really get into bar brawl?)

Looking out from Rochester over the Medway, reminds me of the James River in parts of Virginia. Kent on the whole reminds me of central and south east Virginia. It feels like home in more ways than just geology. Can't explain it. Love the folk too, the folkie folk.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 03:51 PM

Parts of Rochester are very pricey (mostly the parts with the nice buildings of which there are quite a lot) but you need to like cathedral bells! Regrettably it has a conservative club.

The parts anywhere near Aaron Stone's nightclub and casino are dangerous after dark and frequently feature on the programs about the police dealing with doobed-up drunks. In fact, if you have one of the nice vertical houses on the High Street, secure your front door at night like Fort Knox, and someone from the night club will still have pissed in your letterbox in the morning.

Chatham is the pits (but there are some nice buildings ont he outskirts) and St Mary's Island glows in the dark and the roses grown there have walk (I'm not joking) on parts in "Alien". Some of thehouses on Madstone Road are nice - but on a main-ish road and pricey.

Strood is best described in Paul Carr (folksinger54)'s song

"My living nightmare I'm in Strood again"

It is without redemption apart from the largely unused temple of the Knight's Templar - alas in the middle of an industrial estate. But it is cheap.

On the peninsular, avoid Chattenden and Hoo like the plague. High Halstow alas got "developed". The pb, the Dead (sorry, Red) Dog now tries to be a (bad) restaurant but the building is nice. Cliffe Woods is mostly 30s to 80s developments. Without charm.

Old Cliffe would be nice - but for a huge council estate so now it is the land where men are men and sheep are nervous. The sheep may be brighter than some of the inbreds. It has a biker pub, the Evening Star.

Cooling has a nice church, a nice (alas converted) rectory, and of course Jools Holland. Otherwise agricultural underclass.

Spendiff has charm and prices, and you need to drive round in ever-diminishing cirles from Cooling to get there.

Upper Dogsbottom (oops, Stoke), where Dilligaff lives, and Kev the gopher (sorry, Clogs) visits, could be nice if one of the parents of the people who live there had taught their children how to speak. It has a proper village pub (White Horse) at least until the landlord can sell it for housing and retire. There is one very nice farmhouse.

Middle Stoke is bleaahh.

Lower Coke could have been nice until the council filled it with sink estates in the 60s. I like it as a mixed village. Prices are low low low but check addresses with me!

All Hallows has a nice church, and a pub that I fear is beyond redemption - and more council and similar housing.

All Hallows on Sea is mostly trailer park and similar - and a chalet holiday camp. Lots of people with tattoos and large outboard motors - on a flat sea with 4 100 horse mercs you can be in Amsterdam intwo hours. Nuff said?

That leaves Grain. St James's Church is nice, and the Hogarth Arms would be, apart from the denizens. It has more explosives per square foor (gas hortonspheres and oil tanks) per square foot than any other part of the UK, is only a small overshoot from a Navy firing range, and was developed to house workers from the now defunct BP oil refinery there - ie those who could not afford a car to go home in or were too stupid to learn to drive.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: growler
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 04:30 PM

Try Cookhamwood. Not exactly the obvious up-market estate. but I'ved lived here for 25 years and havn't had to lock my car, or my back door and a great comunity spirit

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 06:41 PM

That'll be because it's full of prison officers and ex-prison officers, being next door to the nick, and you may find their politics - well - a fraction retributive.

It's also about a stone's throw from (a)the M2 (within droning hearing) and (b) a truly amazing Chatham urban estate

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Girl Friday
Date: 26 Oct 08 - 07:57 PM

Master Brew is a fairly generic beer. We are obviously all much more sophisticated.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: romany man
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 06:02 AM

well mr bridge i am as usual in awe of your knowledge, i know a nice place but you gotta be "one of the folks" to live there, nice trailers and chalets, good views, (nice silvery factory walls all round, in summer they act as heat reflectors. nice horses and well do i need to go on, is soooo exclusive.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 11:16 AM

The official site near Gravesend has been full for decades. I knew a horse gentler who lived opposite for a while and in fact a chap had a mare with twin foals and she needed more grass and I offered him my garden in Higham but the fencing was not practical to arrange.

Subject: RE: Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 04:39 PM

Thank you Mr. Bridge, estate agent of doom. Now I am scared. Really scared. Should I go back to plan A (prior to discovering Rochester) retire in Scotland somewhere around Oban. Chris says I can't because of my RA and the SADS. What do I do?