Broadstairs 2009

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 04:20 PM

Wish I'd known, Pip

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romanyman
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 12:55 PM

oi pip no self advertising , how s uni , Ken

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,pipives
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 11:14 AM

Hi all,

Just stumbled across this post whilst at uni, very bored.

What a great week it was for me! Busses were great this year, singarounds/session were great too. The newcastle kingsmen were there for one night only and filled a collection tin (rather than collecting for themselves) which was good.

The sessions in the Crown always seemed good when I was there (maybe because I started them?) and Jim the Landlord is well up for something official in there next year.

Can't wait to be back

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,me
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 04:24 PM

fantastic fest, concerts were mind blowing. hot club, tim edey& seamus begley, penguin cafe people were all a real treat. in response to the music in the pubs is crap comment did u see the roots union, nathan ball, nick holmes? i would b interested to know what u did see.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Sarah Savoy
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 02:19 PM

Hey, DeadHorse

Ouais, c'est ça!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Dead Horse
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 01:43 PM

Sarah, I guess thats what you call Lagniappe, huh? :-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 01:38 PM

If it's good enough for New York...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Sarah Savoy
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 12:54 PM

Well, now I feel silly, as I didn't realize I'd be called GUEST twice... Sorry about that, y'all.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,GUEST Sarah Savoy
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 12:44 PM

Hi folks

I checked the Gigs Remembered page and liked some of the photos a lot, but I don't know who took them or how to get in touch with him/her to ask for them in hi-res. I'd appreciate any photos that any of you may have being sent to [e-mail] if you wouldn't mind sharing.

Thanks to those of you who came to see us and sorry to those of you who couldn't get in. I hope you all had as great a time as we did.

Best regards

Sarah Savoy

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romanyman
Date: 24 Aug 09 - 05:31 PM

the front was full of them all week, on saturday the gongscourers made life a bit hard for one of them and he soon moved when asked to cough up his takings for the festival, as far as i know nobody chased them up at all.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Girl Friday
Date: 24 Aug 09 - 09:41 AM

I echo that, Rafflesbear. T D L did exactly that. Perhaps it was a small hassle for the shop staff, as we never seemed to get much in the tin,though, when Stormalong's little 'un Chloe was rattling our tin we got a lot more.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 24 Aug 09 - 09:12 AM

Norcsalordie used to use the tins - they went to the office, signed for a tin, played their stint, took it back a bit heavier - no mention of hassle

Their benefit was any CD sales

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: stormalong
Date: 24 Aug 09 - 08:33 AM

I saw no "official buskers" this year. I was told by some former official buskers that that dealing with the tins was too much hassle.

Richard

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Girl Friday
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 12:31 PM

It certainly does. Were any of them stopped from doing so, or moved on?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romanyman
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 09:51 AM

sadly there were loads of "buskers" getting money for themselves, surely this needs looking into.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Sian H
Date: 22 Aug 09 - 09:36 AM

I had a fantastic time at Broadstairs. Thanks to the organisers for all their hard work. I sang with Rattlebag and we all agree that we were given a friendly welcome at each venue. Thanks to our hosts Pete & Mike, and Tom & Barbara. Also the campsite staff were great sorting out our billets. Our impromptu turn on the Pavillion stage was great fun too, and warmly received. And the weather was great too!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 22 Aug 09 - 04:22 AM

Did anyone see any buskers on the prom with yellow tins?

I only saw people collecting for themselves

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 03:18 PM

Dillie, was there much room next to Peter?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Crampton
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 11:17 AM

BFW Preview on 'Your Kent TV'

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: melodeonboy
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 10:45 AM

Trevor Stephenson's late night Americana session at the school (held on the Tuesday) is also worthy of mention. Great atmosphere, some outstanding musicianship and such musical sensitivity from those who took part.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 09:53 AM

Sorry, Charlotte - I'm trying to remember the faces of those who didn't sing, and I still can't place you - I feel quite ashamed...

Wasn't that a fantastic night though? Those three girls from the Shooting Roots workshops AND Rose, Sartin, etc. You know, the singarounds are in danger of becoming the new cool! (We wish...) I mean, WE all know how good and how much fun they are, and that the younger festival goers enjoy them when they do venture in, but it's GETTING them in that's the problem.

Any ideas?

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie the oast ouse opper
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 09:31 AM

Hello

In response to BB, I was in many of your singarounds in the week, and on the thursday was sat next to the wonderful Pete Collins, but didn't feel up to singing once half of Bellowhead/whapwheasal/faustus had walked in!!!

Looking forward to next year and will endeavour to learn some new songs before I come back :0) xxx

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 08:28 AM

Raffles and Romany - check out here for news of 1: The Otford Duck Pond and 2: The Crown 2009 Beer & Folk Weekend.

Kev

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 08:04 AM

Ok BB - apology accepted. I'm a little touchy at the moment, that's all.

Couldn't have made it this year (even if I had changed my mind and decided to come after all) as I went down with Swine Flu!!! Yes the weather was fantastic - I saw most of it from indoors that week!!

Raffles and Romany - you know my views and opionions. But I'm glad things were ok for you this year.

See you at Faversham!

Kev

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romanyman
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 04:54 AM

Come back Kev all is forgiven , hee hee , snigger snigger, sorry yah missed a good un this year mate,

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Sue TDL
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 07:03 PM

Found them all. Love the one with the horses. Have commented on that one.What was happening to the sound at The Rose? Shame Chloe was behind the speaker. Otherwise very good.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 04:49 PM

Hi Sue - search for 'folknstuff' - there's six

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Sue TDL
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 04:45 PM

Have just been on Youtube. There's some right old rubbish on there purporting to be about Folk Week.. spesh... loads of people just milling about The Albion Gardens. Didn't see anything og The Winsocks. Going back now.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 04:07 PM

Hi Kev

Speaking for myself I hope to see you there next year - the long range forecast is good :-)

(ps check out The Winsocks on youtube)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 03:59 PM

Sorry, Kev, I wasn't STARTING anything! It was, I thought, just a discussion! I'm sorry you took offence when none was in any way intended.

Try coming back next year, and we can meet face to face, and see that there's no problem. :-)

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 03:43 PM

please don't start BB! I stayed away this year - wasn't negative - made a positive comment that I was glad that things had improved this year - and STILL I am picked up on a comment that I make!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 03:38 PM

Many of the items that Rafflesbear summarised from this site have been addressed, in whole or in part. A number are still only somewhat improved. From my limited part weekend experience this year, I would say

1 - Security at the campsite - much improved, but I did notice even over the opening weekend a diminution in gate supervision on field C and I never saw any on the entrances from the footpath into fields B and C.

2 - Safety within the town at night - possibly worse

3 - Overcrowding at singaround sessions - The Crown is an improvement. Could still improve more. School could still be nice with use of room dividers and suitable lighting. Why not Moor and Coast tent or veggie tent?

4 - Crappers on campsite better, but removed too soon (I rely on reports from others as one of the MAIN reasons for a caravan is to have private crapping and midnight piddling).

5 - Blue Badge scheme - I have no idea

6 - Crap music in pubs. I think this is still an issue and maybe getting worse.

7 - Transport - the minibus seemed better, but I still never knew where or when to find it to come back up from town. However now I know that a taxi is only three quid I am less exercised (pun intended).

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Girl Friday
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 02:59 PM

Ah, and as to the point about Festival guests or such being needed to run sessions. We offered our services last year to run something at the campsite in return for perhaps one season ticket. An informal stage was set up in the tea tent but was very underused. Mutterings were heard that "If someone was running it properly, people would have played there." TDL have plenty of experience at running sessions in all sorts of places, and we are sure that other people would have filled in, if asked.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Girl Friday
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 02:50 PM

I have a Mudcat badge, as does Trev, but they are always "somewhere else". Trevor has a blue badge too.... so.....
Being allowed to keep a car by us on Field A would be a plus. We'd be there if we could. though We go on C because we can keep the car by us.Field A is the site of the only disabled toilet.Ok we don't have to use it, but when I was on crutches, it was easier.
We used our car several times. Sometimes we had a fair walk to where it was parked, but it got us down that hill.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 10:44 AM

The festival has always taken notice of feedback from whatever quarter - it's always welcome. One of the secrets of running a good annual event is to tweak it each year, so that it always improves rather than gradually deteriorating. You can't please all the people all the time, but most festival organisers do what they can to please as many people as they can as much of the time as they can. And that's exactly what Jo and Kim try to do, as far as I can tell.

Oh, and Kev, not all Mudcatters have badges, nor would we necessarily be able to read it across a crowded room!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: banjoman
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 09:45 AM

A really great week and the weather was kind to us as well. I echo the point about disabled drivers being asked to move their cars from the camp site. This has caused me problems over the years and this year I just refused to move it while other people were driving cars on and off the site all week. I feel sure that in negotiating the hire of the school fieds that some arrangement could be agreed for blue badge holders.
That aside- Old Trout band had a great time - enjoyed the Maypole dancing- but worked so hard all week that we have decided to have another holiday somewhere we are not booked (Hop Festival)

Thanks to Jo & Kim and all those who worked hard to make such a great week

Pete

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 09:35 AM

Whoops that's me

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 09:34 AM

looking back, do you think we here at Mudcat had any effect with our ramblings and letters? We're all agreed it was great this year - were there real changes or did the sun just shine?

This was my contribution to prodding the organisers back in January and there were others -

Dear Jo

You may be aware that the Mudcat Folk Discussion Forum is currently discussing the Broadstairs Folk Week under the thread 'Broadstairs 2009' and a lot of the posting at the moment is a continuation of the fallout from the 'Broadstairs 2008' thread where quite a number of people were expressing misgivings.

I have actively encouraged those who are complaining on the influential Mudcat website to take their grievances directly to you rather than continuing to write complaining letters to the discussion forum declaring that they will not be attending this year and putting a damper on the festival before it happens

I hope that this will help you to address their legitimate concerns and get many of these folk stalwarts back on board well before the event so that we are all able to look forward to a brilliant 2009

The main concerns as I understand them are as follows

1 - security at the campsite - although not personally affected I can see that the events of last year were totally unacceptable and that the friendly community on the campsite can only exist where there is no fear of intrusion and thuggery from any source. Could you please reassure us on this matter

2 - safety within the town at night - this is a public order problem which becomes a festival problem when it starts detering festival goers - is this one where you need to work closely with the police ?

3 - overcrowding at singaround sessions - sounds like a problem of success to me - would it be possible to run more such sessions or identify premises which would be willing to accept ad-hoc singarounds? - I reckon you would still get high numbers at the established and most popular venues - Wrotham Arms and Lord Nelson but this appears to be a big concern for many. I think we all still want the atmospheric venues so a school gym would probably not cut it

4 - the loos at the campsite clogged up and ran out of fluid well before they were maintained

5 - disabled people would like to be able to park at their camp pitch - considering the number of cars driving across the grass anyway this doesn't seem a big ask

6 - a number of people have complained that many of the bands in the pubs have been anything but folk bands. This is one where I am not sure I agree with the complainers - there are so many things going on in town that personally if I found a pub putting on music I did not like I would just move on to the next. Also alternative venues for locals not interested in folk should help distract them from worrying about the 'folkies' - however this is one of the grievances that keeps appearing

7 - a big one is the lack of simple cheap transport from the campsite down to town and back - it appears to be a real sore - no point driving down because you won't be able to park when you get there. I know that others have made more elaborate suggestions but the simplest solution that I can think of is one vehicle constantly shuttling between the campsite and the bottom of the High Street throughout the day. Perhaps you could sell books of tickets in advance?

thanks for all your efforts

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 04:49 AM

Yes Hoff, I'm alive and well :-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 04:49 AM

Mudcat badges have the mudcatter's name on.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: doc.tom
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 04:36 AM

Charlote is the only person with a Mudcat badge ?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 05:11 PM

How do you tell a real one from a fake?

Oh, hello Kev, you alive then?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 05:03 PM

Why not just look for Mudcat Badges!?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 02:57 PM

It would be great if you did sing, Charlotte - I'd then know who you were! Perhaps we should ask everyone for their names, whether they sing or not... Glad you enjoyed them though. :-)

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie the oast ouse opper
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 09:06 AM

Well....what a week!

the one low point for me was on Monday, where my younger sisters side the Minster Mayhems were about to perform on the Bandstand, and in the process of assembling the Maypole, my darling sister and a friend managed to drop the maypole on my head....one trip to A&E later, an accident form, and a mild concussion later, and I was all fixed again...thanks to the wonderful Tess, Harry and Alice (dropper of large steel maypole) for looking after me!

Singarounds at the Sailing club great as ever, (promise to sing next year, honest...) and the concerts on Weds and Thurs a real traditional flavour that I just loved, from some great perfromers..

the beach cafe were visited by the police during the week, but licensing staff for the council don't work on weekends (helpful!!), so by the time the noise levels were investigated, the noise has abated a bit which was a shame...I believe the council will be investigating this further!

There seemed to be a really good feeling around the festival this year, and while the area on Albion Street got a bit grim and filled with twits with bright blue alcopops, I didn't see any trouble.

The celidih mail didn't really have many people wanting to add something to it, and to answer a comment above, the 20p charge is a suggested donation, not a fixed price! I worked in both the festival shop and campsite admin office, and it was really rare to get something to add in to the CM....more next year please! there were some great ones in there though, like about the lady from Royal Libs whose finger wasn't very well, but was fixed with glue after a trip to A&E in a festival bus...

There was a good mix of morris sides on offer this year, and a highlight for me was watching aforementioned younger sister dance the entirity of the torchlight procession backwards 'rant' stepping all the way, so she could call moves to the little ones as they followed her down the hill...lovely to see the young ones getting involved!

I believe the showers leaving on Friday also came as somewhat of a surprise to the organisers as well as the workforce and all the lovely festival goers too - this is being looked at! It came as a surprise to me, as I was going to have a shower after my last shift in the office....apologies to those of you who had to stand near me on the final day sans shower...

I witnessed three seperate sessions at varying times of day in the Crown, and many people felt this was a good place to have an imrpomptu session.

I think that this year was one of the best, and cannot wait for BFW 2010....

lots of love and yellow and black good times :0)

Charlotte

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 11:31 AM

No wonder interest rates are so low.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Girl Friday
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 11:20 AM

Dunno where gil friday was at 7.30am ....still in bed... but I got up and dressed to hobble over to the toilets at soon after eight. I thought that they had gone then, as I couldn't see them from my angle of approach. Incidentally, how could anyone "make a deposit" on the side of the toilet earlier in the week?.... disgusting... and only a couple of hours after they'd been serviced too....

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 09:08 AM

Richard, the problem of the Albion Garden noise will be relayed to the powers that be, along with other comments.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 09:07 AM

It seems to me that it would be a bit much to ask for the festival to put even more 'official' performers in a venue such as The Crown. There are already at least five events a day at which people can perform, more or less informally, i.e. lunchtime in the Nep, the Nelson (and I think that's two a day, isn't it?), the Woodshed, the Folk Club and the Singaround, all of which have someone leading them. Surely casual performers who can't find what they want in any of those should be able to get their own session going in The Crown, and make it work for them. That's what we did in that very place twenty-something years ago, which led to the official Singaround in subsequent years.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 05:46 AM

No, Kevin, the signing is by mute performers and/or for deaf audiences...

Yes, I think a "drop-in" session is very good, but the couple of times I got in there were not all that positive - it was however very early in the week (before even the real ale was on, on the Friday) but what you say sounds good.