Coach House at Farningham (UK)

Subject: Coach House at Farningham (Kent, UK)
From: DMcG
Date: 13 Jan 09 - 01:38 PM

I've just been asked this:
"Do you have any way of finding out when the folk club at the Coach House Farnningham met for the very first time?"

Ok, let's see if anyone knows about the UK (Kent) club...

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: breezy
Date: 13 Jan 09 - 01:55 PM

around 1966,7 8 an offshoot from the D FC at the Railway

Pete Chops is one who may know, !!!

and Wurzel

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Jan 09 - 02:06 PM

You could try Blossom or the Bishop, both via Skinner's Rats.

Or you might get Blossom via Bishop Gundulfs

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: vectis
Date: 13 Jan 09 - 06:32 PM

I used to go there fairly regularly when I was a student in the early 70s. It had an L shaped room and you had to sing to the corner of the L in order for both "wings" of the barn to be able to hear you. I met Miles Wootton there and now live just up the coast from him.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: doncatterall
Date: 13 Jan 09 - 06:38 PM

Happy days - Wadard used to practice there and held their first couple of Ales at the Bull - Pete Hicks was squire - memorable for William Webb Ellis Morris Men - are they still around???

Don

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Jan 09 - 06:42 PM

I had the privilege to be booked there as a guest ,It was also one of the first clubs I did a floor spot.
Skinners Rats were a great resident band.great club altogether.Dick Miles http://www.dickmiles.com

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Doctor
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 04:47 AM

I have the following information from a friend who was treasurer at Farningham:-
It was May 1st 1970, guests were Packie Byrne and Bob and Ron Copper, Ron felt unwell and unreliable and so though he was there it was a youthful John Copper, fully 'laughing cavalier' haired, who sang somewhat tentatively with Bob. It was an overcrowded and noisy evening which finished with Crayfolk + Morris tunes and dances.

I didn't start going until early 1972, becoming a regular floorsinger and finally running the Sunday evening singaround. It was undoubtedly the greatest club I was lucky enough to go to.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 08:54 AM

Ah, the Coach House at Farningham – I still cry every day…
The Doc is right – the best club and I consider it a privilege to have been around at the time and involved with it.
I first started going in late 1970 and was instantly hooked, even more so when the Sunday singers nights started.
At various times throughout the seventies I practised there with Hartley Morris (pre Wadard days Don C – good to hear from you, how are things in Scotland?), helped Terry Heaslip behind the bar – serving, not drinking I hasten to add, and being a regular floor-singer.
Regulars of the period would probably know me better as 'Little Dave'. I was foolhardy enough to do a rendition of 'Robin Head' and it became my trademark, or more rather a millstone round my neck, as that was all some people wanted to hear…
Halcyon days.

On a more general historical note, the Coach House itself was the coach house to the Bull, Farningham, a coaching inn on the London – Folkestone road. Apart from housing horse-drawn coaches and folk clubs, it was once a bus garage, housing the first bus that used to ply between Farningham and Dartford.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 10:41 AM

I have very pleasant memories from our appearances there when I was in "Four Square Circle". Crayfolk, John Barker, Pete Hicks, Mac McNally "et al" and Brands Hatch being just a stone`s throw away.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Dave Webb.
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 12:43 PM

Bet that was Jackie asking the question about Farningham Folk Club. 1970 seems about right. Orignally run by the Crayfolk with Pete Hicks, John Barker, Pete's dad and Chopin (?). Later line up was Barry (Bishop of Welling),Stuart and John Barker.
Skinners Rats then took over and consisted of Blossom, Pete Hicks and two other superb musicians who's name escapes me. Great fiddle player.
A later lne up of the Rats included Pete, Blossom, Barry and Ian Petrie.
Hope my facts are right here.
Friday night was guest night and Sunday was Singers Night. With the Hartley Morris men in attendance we lifted the ceiling.
I still have the LP. Live at the Coach House - and I still play it.(It was always a raffle prize)
Best folk club in the world.
Anybody remember when Stefan Grapelli appeared there? Packed to the hilt.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 02:06 PM

Oh I remember seeing Bert Lloyd there, and Packie Byrne, and Johhny Silvo.

And that hand-painted Sunbeam Talbot 90 of John Barker's.

And the night my other mate Pete had been mulling cider with the poker from the log fire and fell asleep on top of a pubgoer's Rover 2000. He puked down the side and the acid in his stomach stripped the paint.

However, as best I remember you could not have lifted the ceiling - there wasn't one, only a roof and rafters, along the main length of the hall by the fire.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Doctor
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 02:30 PM

Re: Dave Webb above:-
As listed on Live at the Coach House LP, 1971, Pete Hicks, his dad Tom, John Barker and Pete Chopin, also listed as Pete Chopping on a Skinner's Rats recording of 1978. This latter also had Pete (Blossom) Currie, Pete (Slats) Hicks, Ken Logan and Rick West, while Blossom was joined by Barry Laing (the fiddle player, and correct spelling) and Pete Chopping on other tracks. Their 1981 LP lists Pete Currie, Barrie Laing and Ian Petrie. Another regular group was Vulcan's Hammer, Phil Burkin, Kay Burkin, who sadly died last year, Graham Thomas, Eddy Green and Dick Fewtrell, another great fiddler. Their LP was True Hearts and Sound Bottoms. All these recordings are still around, and a reminder of just how good they all were.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: DMcG
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 03:48 PM

Yes, Dave, it was Jackie asking. Pass on the best information so far, will you?

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 04:23 PM

At the Vulcan's Hammer reunion concert last Sweeps, there was a chap who was with their permission redigitising the Vulcan's Hammer LP so it could be sold as a CD. Alas I lost his address.

I liked them best live as an unaccompanied vocal duo of Phil and Kay Burkin.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Doctor
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 05:04 PM

I will find out about the CD. The Stuart mentioned above was Stuart Francis, who was part of the Crayfolk for Both Sides of the Downs. Skinner's Rats also appeared on Good Folk of Kent, both of these being Eron recordings.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 06:46 AM

I would have joined this thread earlier but I have had difficulties getting on Mudcat recently. I have a great affinity for the Coach House having spent a minimum of three evenings a week there over a seven year period.
My first association with the Coach House was in 1969 after John Barker informed me of a new Folk venue he was working on. I met John when he, Pete Hicks and Mac McNally were hosting Dartford Folk Club at the Railway Hotel and I went along to see the Yetties.
At that time the Coach House had been cleared of accumulated rubbish and a floating floor laid. Late in the Summer of 1969 there was an impromptu folk event held there (probably over the August Bank Holiday) where I was first introduced to the Morris (but thats another story). Work continued during the winter of 1969 when the chimney was built, the last wooden barrels (used as seats) were obtained from Courage brewery, cushions made for them, and various artifats such as the ships wheel, anchor, anvil, etc obtained and installed. The bar was simply made by laying wooden planking across upended barrels and a high stalter for the beer casks. The stage was made from lots of wooden beer bottle crates closely laid on their side. In my time there was never any amplification nor the need for it.
My contribution to the work was to construct the Folk Shop adjacent to the original club entrance door at the far side. The large main doors were generally only used for festivals in the car park and the intermediate side door, latterly used as the entrance, was never opened. Adjacent to the Folk Shop was a narrow store room that Pete Choppin used as his workshop for a time.
Work on the Coach House was completed in time for it to open as a Folk Club venue at he begining of May 1970. I only have vague memories of the opening day probably as I was kept busy in the Folk Shop. I have a clearer recolection of the first birthday which was held on Saturday 1st May 1971 for which I still have the programme leaflet featuring Kenneth Loveless, Johnny Handle and of course the Hartley Morris Men who had adopted the Coach House as their spiritual home and practice venue.
As I mentioned, at first I used to run the Folk Shop on Fridays as the Dartford club, which changed venues to the Royal Victoria & Bull, still ran on Sundays and had not initially transferred to the Bull at Farningham.
I then took over the running of the bar behind which I served virtually session held in the Coach House until the end of 1977 assisted mainly by Stuart Ansell and Dave Masterson.
We generally had four casks of draught Courage beer on - Mild, Directors and two of Best each being a Kilderkin (18 gallons). We often sold most of the contents on a Friday evening (576 pints) and had to change the barrels ready for the Sunday session.
The third weekly evening I spent their was Thursday Morris practice.
I have very happy memories of my times their but for the most part lost touch with all the people I must have served over the years.
To those who may remember me, I hope you are still well and enjoying good health. Those were happy days.
In 1978 I transferred to Canterbury for a few years and so lost touch. After that time I understand that things changed slightly with amplification, the Folk Shop turned into a beer 'celler', the intermediate side door brought into use and a flagstone floor laid.
The Coach House was a shadow of it's former self when I looked in a couple of years ago, forlorn but not forgotten.
Oh and yes the Stefan Grapelli evening (Diz Disley on bass if I remember) absolutely packed to the gunnels.
Terry
p.s. Daniel Sheridan-Bolton was the landlord and it was he who changed the name of the pub from the Bull to the Pied Bull sometime in the mid seventies.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Doctor
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 11:55 AM

Like Terry I have also had problems getting on recently, but now here is a bit more info. It was my friend with the CDs, private copies he was giving to members of VH. I don't know exactly what he said then but he has no immediate plans to produce them commercially. There is a Radioactive release of it still being sold, but it is very poor quality, a needle-drop with a track missing and no notes. Definitely not worth buying, which is a pity as, though original LPs do turn up they are highly sort after, especially by the Japanese apparently, who will pay hundreds for a copy. In the Record Collector, Nov.2008, it was listed among the top 200 rarest LPs. There is obviously a market waiting to be exploited - properly, by someone who knows the worth of the recordings, and isn't just after the money.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 12:02 PM

Hi Doc. Can you enquire on my behalf please?

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 01:13 PM

Also remember the Stephan Grapelli evening. Amazing, you couldn't move. I think John Barker made the most of it by selling far too many tickets! But that's the way it was in those far-off pre Health & Safety days. A few people complained but most of us just enjoyed it for what it was – great entertainment.

One of the funniest moments involved the aforementioned beer crate stage. Over time and much beer spilling by performers, the crates became rather sodden. The inevitable happened one night when someone got up to sing and their foot went through one of the crates. Quick as a flash, Barry Laing, who was MC that evening, jumped up and announced, "It's OK folks, don't worry, it's just a stage he's going through". Boom-boom!

Funny story number 2, which I learnt years later from one of the surgeons at Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup. Landlord Danny Sheridan-Bolton fell out with a few of his regulars and they decanted to one of the other pubs in the village. They became known locally as 'Bolton's Wanderers'.

By the way Richard, I think the Sunbeam Talbot belonged to Barry, not John Barker.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,terry
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 03:25 PM

Yes Dave I'm certain you're right about the handpainted Sunbeam.
I'm trying hard to remember the various cars Wiskers drove but like you this brings to mind another amusing incident.
In the very early 70's some of us from the Folk Club (Wiskers, Streaky, Phil, etc. plus ladies) spent a week at Broadstairs during Folk week. We 'unofficially indoor camped' in what was the deck chair store in the car park behind the Mermaid pub. Messing about on the beach one day Wiskers broke his leg by falling into a hole dug in the sand that the incoming tide had flooded. He was plastered (which was not unusual) and we carried him from pub to pub lying on a wooden table top from the store.
Returning from Broadstairs he obviously could not drive and at the time I only had a little Fiat 500 with a sun roof. Those who remember Wiskers will recall that he never went anywhere without his double bass. For some reason it fell apon me to transport him and his instrument to and from Farningham when his leg was in plaster. The only way this could be achieved was by removing the passenger seat so John could sit on the back seat holding his double base with his leg outstretched and the neck of the instrument sticking out of the open sunroof.
As we drove along the wind whistled through the strings producing a strange drone I will never forget.
This is only but one of the very happy memories I have of those times. No doubt I will be reminded of many more by others who also shared those halcyon days.
By the way, it can now be revealed, Dave is correct in his belief that Wiskers 'oversold' tickets to see SG. Whilst it may have made him a few bob extra it did strain his relationship with Danny the landlord who was 'entertaining' his special guests, who held limited issue tickets, in the pub beforehand. Escorting them to the Coach House at the appropriate time you can imagine how they felt to be confronted by a seething mass of people, some of whom were virtually hanging from the rafters.
Oh, happy days. There was a lot more went on behind the scenes than was general knowledge but nobody got hurt and good times were had by all. If only youngsters of today could enjoy such times.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 11:04 AM

Apparently a planning application was submitted in 2006 to convert the Coach House into residantial use; this was subsequently withdrawn. I don't know if there are any further plans for the building but it would be nice to think that it could be brought back to life again.
May 1st falls on a Saturday next year and coincides will the 40th anniversay of the Folk Club opening.
Now there's a thought - what about a reunion?
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,John Evans
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 11:47 AM

I was looking for some lyrics on Mudcat and and spotted this thread by chance. Like Terry it brought back so many good memories - mostly late '70s / early '80s for me. How many clubs now could run a guest nights on Fridays and singers on Sundays? And great guests; quite a lot of whose albums I've still got in my shelves. I'm up in the wilds of Shropshire now but if anyone was organising a reunion I'd be an enthusiastic taker. Best wishes to everyone who remembers those happy days. John E.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 12:18 PM

That weekend would be a problem - it clashes with Sweeps. But I'd be up for a reunion.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:36 PM

I don't think Sweeps would be too much of a problem as any event at the Coach House would be a one day thing just involving those who had a connection, not a rival festival. Sweeps could also be an advantage as it means those coming from afar could make a w/e of it.
Hartley and Wadard Morris Men, who were both based there at different periods, do there own thing on Mayday morning and are not involved with Sweeps so could be around in the afternoon/evening.
I have been in contact with Blossom and although its early days yet it should well be possible for Skinners Rats to get to both events.
In view of the fact that several prominent personalities from the early days are sadly no longer with us I am mindful that this could be the last opportunity for a grand reunion.
I don't even know if the Coach House would be available but if there is enough interest I will start the ball rolling in respect of enquiries/liaison/organiation.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:43 PM

I'd be up for that - do you think we could persuade Courage to brew some mild specially for the occasion?

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Vic Smith
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:16 PM

We were booked at a "Farningham Folk Festival" weekend in the Coach House many years ago. We were all young and not bothered in those days and the younger guests were expected to kip down in sleeping bags on the floor of the barn. Amongst the guests kipping there were Finbar & Eddie Furey and they had a number of undisciplined hangers-on who were also in the barn overnight.

Now, the bar, you will remember was in the Coach House barn and just about the time when people were settling down, one of the hangers-on went to the bar, took a pint glass and said, "Now then, lads, I'm going to mix you a cocktail, the like of which you have never seen before." and started filling the glass by going from optic to optic mixing whisky, brandy, gin, vodka etc. and started to pass it round. There were more than one refills of this deadly mixture as the night went on and as, you can imagine, a very noisy, wild, drunken night ensued. To his great credit, I remember that Eddie Furey went from group to group of those of us who were lying down trying to get some sleep and apologised for the racket and the behaviour, saying, "I thought they were our friends, but they have let us down."

This was the Saturday night. The arrangement was that all the artists were to be paid by the main organiser, John Barker, on the Sunday evening. I was sitting with John at a table near the front during the final set which I remember was by Bob Roberts. It was the year, not long before he died, than John had broken his leg very badly in more than one place and he was sitting at the table with his foot up on another chair; his entire leg was in plaster.

Finbar Furey came up to be paid. John greeted him and thanked him for his contribution to the weekend, took a wad of notes out of his wallet and started to count them out in a very demonstrative way on to the table next to him. He finished counting and Finbar was just about to pick up the money when John slapped his hand down over the piles of notes, then he picked them up again and said, "Oh, and the landlord will need this, for the whisky, this for the brandy, this for the gin, this for the vodka".... each time removing a note of what had been the Fureys' fee.

John then put the remaining notes back on the table and turned his attention back to Bob Roberts. Finbar did not say a word, but glared hard at John for a long, long time. During the uncomfortable time that followed, John did not once look at Finbar but gave his attention to Bob, joining in choruses, applauding etc. Eventually, Finbar scooped up the remaining notes from the table and left quickly.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,John Evans
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:26 PM

Looking at this again I've got a question - who was Gastove - or was it Gas Stove?

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 09:02 PM

Gastove is still around, and still universally called Gastove.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: MickT
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 05:25 AM

For the record, I can tell you when the Farningham Folk Club met "met for the very last time", it was 14 January 1996.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 05:46 AM

Seems that I started something here. Yes. Please lets have a reunion.
I was sitting in a folk club on Sunday listening to old men droning away into their guitars thinking "Oh dear whatever happened Farningham. We could teach them what a folk club really is".
By the way I have the LP's Both Sides of the Downs, True Hearts and Sound Bottoms, Skinners Rats "My Boys Can Play Anything" and Live at the Coach House.
If anybody needs a copy let me know.
Dave.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Jackie
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 06:03 AM

Hi
Yes it was me started all this, through my friend Dave McGlade. When I borrowed the LP The Crayfolk Live at the Coach House, (from Dave Webb) I started questioning things, because the album cover contains a photo of the audience, and I was tring to date it, as it is almost certainly a photo of me in the audience. How interesting, all these memories. How about a reunion?
Jackie Santo formerly Dimes.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 06:15 AM

I too remember the Finbar & Eddie 'incident' to which Vic relates. I believe it must have been about 1972 when John broke his leg. At the end of the evening we had gone into the pub to 'cash up' and probably after 'one for the road' left as Danny (Landlord) was going to bed. Before leaving the car park we looked through the side window of the Coach to see a 'cocktail' being mixed from the optics. Being late we decided not to interfere. On returning the next day we found out that non of the 'afters' were actually paid for and Danny non too pleased that his spirit bottles were empty. Rather than cause any upset during the weekend John Barker dealt with the matter in his usual unflappable manner.
John was in fact still around for some time after that as he moved away to take on a pub down near Axminster and Hartley called in to see him in July 1981. He died sometime in the 80's but I'm afraid I can't remember which year.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Dave Webb.
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 11:44 AM

So if we have a Farningham reunion are we looking at May 2010? - Its a long way off. Can't we do anything sooner?
As for the Sunbeam. Our friend Derek Riley (deceased) had an old Sunbeam Talbot that he used to drive to Farningham. Could it be his?
Derek was a 6 foot plus man with a tash, dark hair and had a very strong Dave Bryant type voice. Used to play a concertina. (Badly) - ex copper. Was a great bloke.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:01 PM

Please have a reunion,what a brilliant idea.I was at the first night and have had a great time reading down this thread.At the Stephane Grapelli concert my first husband Derek and I with Geof Kewell and Angela were standing on a table with many others at the back by the big doors , underneath a stuffed crocodile!!It was impossible to get off the table to go to the bar( or the loos)and it is a miricle it did not collapse!
Too many old friends have passed away, we must try and get a reunion organised.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:24 PM

Hello Wendy and yes Dave I remember Derek Riley. I know May 2010 seems a long way off but I expect some of those who may want to come are getting booked up for this year already. Anyway 40th seems like a nice round number and ties in nicely with May 1st being a Saturday if we are to make a day of it. Another year will give all the (us) old'uns something else to hang on for as well.
A lot will depend on the availability of the Coach House and willingness of the landlord, something I didn't want to sound out until enough interest had been indicated to make it a viable proposition.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Doctor
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 02:05 PM

If it's 2010 I'd certainly be interested. I can't do this May as it's my wife's 60th so I'm already committed to a party, but it would make a nice celebration for her 61st.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 02:46 PM

Is the Hulk still alive?

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 05:18 PM

Sad to hear Derek Riley has passed away - really nice chap.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 07:47 AM

In my diary for 2010.Has anyone spoken to Barry?

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:49 AM

I've had the following email from Blossom:-

"I'm up in Nottingham at the moment on diving job but I will be back for the week end and will talk to Barry about it. I'm sure we could try and arrange something."

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Dave Webb.
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 11:40 AM

Re Farningham Folk Club. Thanks Terry. 2010 will be good. Just me getting excited. Let me know if you need any assistance in organising the event. Dave.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,bobcat
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 04:40 PM

Farningham.......English Tapestry, Martyn Wynham-Read, Dave Burland, johmmy Silvo, Nick Jones,Tony Rose,Carol and Bob Pegg, Skinners Rats, Vulcan's hammer and of course the Cray folk,,,smoky apple log fire .Too many memories...... I would be up for a reunion night to celebrate 40 years.....all the way from Yorkshire where we now live.( I was audience) May 1st 2010 and this is a bank holiday weekend

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: dilligafxx
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 06:17 PM

As someone who only went to Farningham once or twice when very young and to be truthful at that age not a folkie , but later heard all the tales of the goings on from Pete (slats),Why has no one mentioned the crocodile and its travels !! Pete relayed tales of its travels all over the area.
If anyone who bought the Cd (Nice Arse) that escaped for charity after Pete,s death, not noticed half the tracks from it came from a CD someone gave him of recordings from The Coach House many of which I didn,t use because the singer wasn't Pete the exception being Liverpool Lou because the idea of the Cd was it was him singing so if any one is interested contact me and I,ll burn them a copy for a small donation to Charity,Love and hugs xx
Ps Nice Arse raised over £1500 for the Anthony Nolan Appeal

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,bobcat
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 02:31 PM

So how about a reunion to celebrate 40 years?

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: JohnE
Date: 05 Apr 09 - 05:42 PM

Has the idea of a Coach House reunion gone dead? I'm now up in the wilds of Shropshire but still singing; Lesley and I would certainly make the effort for a visit South in 2010 if it's on. Reading this thread has brought back so many good memories it's brought a lump to my throat. For any who might remember me, JohnE is John Evans, enthusiastic singer and indifferent left handed guitarist. Love to all.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 05 Apr 09 - 06:09 PM

My two best memories of the Coach House - Swan Arcade and Martin Carthy doing a floorspot - does he still do that?

Oh - and put me down for two tickets - if everyone turns up we might need a bus station rather than a coach house :-)

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Girl Friday
Date: 06 Apr 09 - 08:42 AM

I remember going there quite a lot in the late eighties/early nineties. A reunion would be a good idea, but will there be enough beer kegs?(to sit on)
BTW the nearest club to the Coach House is Fox And Hounds, shame it doesn't get the same level of support.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: vectis
Date: 06 Apr 09 - 07:00 PM

I would love to go to a reunion before I move to far flung foreign shores.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Apr 09 - 08:47 PM

If you remember it you weren't really there.

Mulling the cider did for quite a few corpses. One frosty night a mate of mine fell asleep on the roof of someone's Rover 2000 and his acid puke took the paint right off it in places.

Then there was the night a short public bar drinker took umbrage with a (different) large friend of mine and started hitting him. How we panicked when said large friend said "I'm fed up with this, hold my guitar". Said large friend was in Special Boat and later took the unofficial world record (so he said) with 243 kills in hand-to-hand combat, so we all suddenly tried very hard to calm him down.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 07:22 AM

The Coachhouse was, with catford, one of my first folk clubs. Some of us Blackheath Morris would also go to the hartley Practices there.My firstvisit was the 1st Birthday terry mentioned, his and Phil's first day of dance with Hartley, I seem to remember. Boxing day that year was snowy and cold, a few of us huddled around the fire, and fred Jordan did his spot from around the fire rather than taking the stage, and mulled our beer with the poker.Dave bryant was there that night, I remember. No one has mentioned Danny's Laugh, it was unique. Called a barn dance there in 72 with the Crayfolk, difficult to organise circle dances there, sort of extended oval instead. Jeff

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 08:05 AM

Only a year and a few days to go..... is it being organised? What did Barry think?
Dilligaf, Billy and I would like a copy of the CD please. I found a dvd of Billys 50th birthday party the other week, there is about an hour of Pete,(slats) playing with Blossom and Brixton Bert, would you like a copy? It is a treasure!I will pm you.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 11 Apr 09 - 07:42 AM

A house extention and organising Hartley's Ring Meeting this June has kept me rather busy but I will try and find time to start getting things in motion again for next year.
Last time I went to the Coach House it was a bear shell so I would love to know what happened to all the barrels and artifacts. It was rather soul destroying but I'm sure, by the sentiments and memories expressed on this thread, that a day of pure nostalga will awaken whatever spirits lie dormant within.
Maybe even the echo of Danny's laugh, the strumming of Pete's guitar, Wiskers double bass, or the draining of barrels.
Oh, happy days!!!!
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 11 Apr 09 - 08:43 AM

Actually, the nearest club to the Coach House is The Travellers Rest which meets at The Crown in Otford on the second Thursday of each month - it is well supported (at least fifty people the night before last). I think the reason for a sucessful club/venue, is access to transport followed by beer and friendly atmosphere. I hear that the Coach House had all of that - it is a shame that I was not a folkie in those days. I'm sure that the regular attendees of The Folk Mob, Travellers Rest, Nag's Head (Sunday's) would be keen to take part in any sort of reunion.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 11 Apr 09 - 09:59 AM

First hurdle overcome. I have just had a lengthy phone chat with Barry who tells me Skinners Rats already have a booking for that evening but are free lunchtime. He is also enthusiastic so I will be looking to arrange something for late morning into the afternoon.
Extending into the evening will be dependent on negotiations with the pub and/or whether someone else wants to organise something bearing in mind that there are no seats in the Coach House now and it may not even be licenced. But, however well meaning, PLEASE DON'T APPROACH THE LANDLORD YET until I've had a chance to get things sorted out.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: melodeonboy
Date: 11 Apr 09 - 12:38 PM

"Last time I went to the Coach House it was a bear shell"

Goodness! What would Uncle Walter have to say about that?

I hope that pub wasn't in the Good Bear Guide! (Kev The Clogs: Please take note!)

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Apr 09 - 03:54 PM

What, not even Rafflesbear?

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 04:22 PM

MAYDAY 2010 - I visited the Pied Bull today and discussed a reunion of Coach House folkies on Sat 1 May next year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the club's opening. The Landlady was very enthusiastic.
Unfortunately the Coach House itself is now leased out to the adjacent oak furniture shop and not available for functions. The owners of the shop however are being very co-operative and have said that they would be quite happy for people to enter and look round the Coach House providing, of course, they respect the new furniture that is on display in there.
The bars in the pub have been opened out so together with a good garden plus the car park there will still be plenty of room to accommodate everyone anyway.
There is no objection to music etc in the pub and Hartley Morris Men are planning to dance in the car park.
It is still early days but you can now put it in your diaries; I have suggested Saturday lunchtime/afternoon as the reunion but if anyone wants to arrange anything further please let me know.
I will be making firmer arrangements with the pub/shop after Christmas once I have spoken to Skinners Rats and been able to gauge any feedback that this posting may (hopefully) generate.
Many of you may remember me as a fixture behind the bar during the 70's but I was not around during the 80's and I know that Farningham folkies will relate to various periods of the club's existence.
The Coach House has changed since my time but still evokes happy memories. If anyone has photos they can email me it would be appreciated so I can arrange for a nostalgia display.
Similarly, ideas and suggestions would be welcome especially how we can get the word round to everyone.
Best wishes
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 07:19 AM

In the diary!
Well done Terry, I will see what photos I have in the attic.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 08:11 AM

Thanks Terry - duly diaried! I've got some snaps somewhere - probably in sepia! Roll on Mayday 2010...

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 08:32 AM

I think I still have ther programme foe 1971... Johnny Handle, Ken Loveless etc. I think Terry and Phil's first dance out with Hartley.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,jackiefas
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 11:14 AM

Great news. I will be there.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Doctor
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 05:08 AM

Terry, if you can let me have an email address, mine being [e-mail], I have a couple of photos, one of me performing, the other showing Pete Hicks, Blossom and John performing, and some indistinct personage behind the bar.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 06:13 AM

"..some indistinct personage behind the bar."

At the Coach House? No such animal! (Well, maybe towards closing time).

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Alan Day
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 08:51 AM

I remember a wonderful Hartley Ale at the Coach House I was a member then of Broadwood and on the way to the Ale the gearbox decided to pack up and we arrived about three in the morning. I slept just inside those side doors you mentioned Tony, cold, draughty and very loud snoring going on somewhere in the room.
Al

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 11:47 AM

With reference to The Doctor's request for somewhere to send photos, including those depicting indistinct personages or other old relics, I can be contacted by email at - [e-mail]
I will acknowledge receipt so if you don't receive an acknowledgement to anything sent then it either didn't get through or I considered it too embarrassing to respond to.
Thanks
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Doctor
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 05:48 PM

Thanks for the information, pictures on their way.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 12 Nov 09 - 01:11 PM

Thanks Peter (The Doctor). They have been received and acknowledged and I can reveal that the indistinct personage behind the bar is in fact Daniel Sheridan-Bolton who was landlord during the 70's.
Everything in the pictures is just how I remember it except Streaky Pete (Slats) looks very young but I suppose we all did then.
Any more pictures or memories greatfully received.
Lets keep this thread active in the hope that it will be seen by as many (dare I say 'old') Farningham folkies as possible.
Barry Laing informs me that he was at both the first and last nights of the club. Was anyone else?
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Nov 09 - 01:13 PM

no,but I was at a few in between.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 08:43 AM

Barry came to see us for the day on Sunday, and said Skinners Rats will be there, then on to Rochester in the evening.

He brought a CD for me to watch , 1979, with the Rats, Barry Blossom and Chopping, So much hair, so little wrinkles, they looked like cherubs!!
Also Dolphin Smile, does Ian have a painting in his attic?

One of my first memories was a concert in a park in Dartford with Dave and Tony Arthur then everyone back to the coach house for the evening, must have been 1969.
Roll on May 2010.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 07:21 PM

But Wendy, I'm sure you're still the little cherub I remember.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 19 Nov 09 - 08:53 AM

I wish!
:-)
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Dave Webb.
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 11:51 AM

Is the reunion at the Coach House still on?
I have a photo of myself and wife Christine with Derek Riley performing a floor spot - if you are interested. Also the trusted Crayfolk LP always raffled. Can send photo or possibly scan it.
Dave Webb. email [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 12:16 PM

WE saw Barry at Christmas and he said it is happening.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 02:47 PM

I do think it is a shame it clashes with Sweeps.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 07:27 AM

It also clashes with Show of Hands who are performing at the Stag in Sevenoaks.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 09:44 AM

Itis only at lunchtime, so off to sweeps after?

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 07:22 PM

Just a reminder that the reunion is still on for May 1st and in spite of possible clashes I hope as many as possible can get there for an hour or two lunchtime/early afternoon. Hartley MM will be at the Pied Bull 1'ish until 3'ish.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 09:36 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 10:02 AM

see you there

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Jackie
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 05:36 AM

Hi
Is this reunion still on please? If it starts at 3pm roughly what time will it finish. I will definitely be coming. I would be so grateful for a reply. Many thanks. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 05:44 AM

Unfortunately it clashes with our annual Padstow dates but we feel sure it will be a great re-union and bring back many enjoyable memories and re-acquaintances..

John

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Jackie
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 05:47 AM

Hi
I have been ringing around to let people know about this. Unfortunately being a bank holiday most people I know that would have come will be away. I really want to come but don't like going to things on my own any more. Probably a silly question but any chance of changing the date to the following weekend? If not, is there anyone local to Crayford or Dartford who would like to link up with me to go down there? Many thanks.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Jackie
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 02:24 PM

Hi
I think I misread this to be starting at 3pm but now see that it says the Morris Men will be there until 3pm so does anybody know what time this starts please? It is looking more and more as if I won't be able to make it, being the bank holiday and the time etc. I had been looking forward to this for so long!

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 08:46 AM

We hope to be there between 12 and 1pm as I would imagine folk will start to arrive about that time.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 03:45 PM

There are no formal arrangements as no-one can tell how many and who may turn up. The idea is for people to start arriving from around midday and stay as long as they like. Hartley MM will be dancing about 1 and then adjourning to the pub until about 3 when they will have to leave to dance at a wedding in the village. No doubt they will render the odd song or two. I don't know if Wadard MM will also be turning up but hopefully Skinners Rats will so there is the basis of some 'old time' entertainment. The 'event' will finish when the last person leaves.
For those that can, please just turn up anytime between 12 and 3 and I'm sure there will be some old faces you recognise (probably older that the owners may wish) then just chat, sing, dance or do whatever old memories may rekindle.
I'm sure you won't be alone for long if you can make it Jackie but I'm afraid there is no chance of moving it. It was, after all, exactly 40 years ago to the day and that doesn't happen many times in life.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Jackie
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 03:16 AM

Thanks for the reply. I didn't realise it was 40 years to the day. I've asked Malcolm to announce the event at Dartford Folk Club tonight. By the way, I was the one who started this whole thread, when I borrowed an LP of the Crayfold from a friend and there on the cover was a picture of the audience with a very young me in it. I was trying to place if it was definitley me hence the questions about when the club first started etc.
I do hope to get there. Kindest Regards Jackie

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 09:30 AM

I'm planning to be there, subject to available transport. It's where I first met Gastove, Pete Hicks et al, in the mid 70s.


Is the entertainment pre- arranged, or do we bring our instruments?

Don T.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 02:45 PM

At present I personally have to be very cautious about what I arrange on behalf of others.

The only 'formal' arrangements so far are that Hartley Morris Men (who were based at the Coach House from 1970 - 77) will be performing from 1 - 1.30pm. The Morris is not recognised in law as entertainment but an audience would be appreciated.

After dancing HMM will no doubt partake of luncheon followed by the customary song or few.
Assuming Skinners Rats will be there then no doubt they will also burst forth with some odd renditions. And Dave Masterson with, no doubt, odder ones.

As I said in my previous posting, everyone is welcome to - 'chat, sing, dance or do whatever old memories may rekindle' which of course may include playing with your instrument.

Any sessions in the pub will be informal, if things get under way before 1pm all I would ask is that they don't compete with the dancing display outside when it starts. Lets try to emulate the six deep crowds that filled the car park during Coach House folk days back in the 70's.

I would suggest anyone wanting to be involved in the post-dispay session(1.30-3.30) gets in touch with Hartley's Squire and Blossom in order to establish some co-ordination rather than breaking up into separate camps.

It's all meant to be memories and fun and I'm sure a John Barker figure will emerge to MC if we are inundated with talent.   

Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Dave Webb.
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 09:41 AM

Have been following this thread since it was started by DMcG back in Jan 09.
I Loved that club. Big part of my life. Hardly ever missed the Friday and Sunday sessions.
Sadly I will be unable to make the reunion as I am on holiday and do not return until the Sunday.
Hartley Morris will still raise the roof. Don't forget to sing "Bring your Glasses to the Bar" at the end of the session.
I am sure Pete Hicks, Dave Bryant and John Barker will be up there singing along.
Have a great day.
Dave Webb.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: doncatterall
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 02:03 PM

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it but I have passed message about the re-union to Wadard MM.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Briansquire
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 01:38 PM

Hartley will indeed be there and look forward to meeting old friends . We have to leave by 3.30 for a wedding in the village and will then be returning to Wrotham. The landlady of the Pied Bull is happy with the afternoon events but asks that it finishes by 5 as they have restaurant bookings after that and need to prepare

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Doctor
Date: 29 Apr 10 - 04:56 AM

Sadly I shall not make it. The distance from Leeds, and the current cost of fuel, make it impractical, especially for an hour at lunchtime. But please give my best wishes to all, and regards to Barry Laing and enyone else who may remember me.
Peter Taylor

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 01 May 10 - 01:33 PM

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 01 May 10 - 02:18 PM

So nice to see all those who could make it today.
Apart from the odd grey hair, everyone, in my eye, all looked so youthful (that was until I was shown some pictures of someone young and hansome who turned out to be me xx years ago).
I suppose we should now look forward to the 50th anniversary with a Friday evening session on 1 May 2020.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Mark Stevens
Date: 01 May 10 - 07:19 PM

I went there for Wadard Morris' Ale in August 1980/81, so it was before then . .
Remember dancing a mixed scratch side for Swaggering Boney with chair cushions, inside after hours in the stables at the back .. :-))

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 02 May 10 - 03:02 PM

Great to see some of the old faces again, and to stick our faces into the Coach House itself. I must admit I got a lump in my throat when I first walked in. Must be at least 20 years since I was last there. Looks a bit strange in its current guise as a furniture showroom but the essence of the old club was still there, including the old Rum barrel up in the rafters! They even had the old Crayfolk LP playing.

Brought back lots of lovely memories. It was where Eileen and I first met, and we celebrated our Silver Wedding last Tuesday!

Thanks Terry, for putting it all together. Roll on 2020…

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 02 May 10 - 07:33 PM

Well done Terry a wonderful occasion. Hartley dancing took me back to the 70's only a few grey hairs and such enthusiasm,I am sure Martin was defying gravity!and the singing just like the original crayfolk LP Wonderful! Skinners Rats well as Danny used to say "My boys can play anything"Farningham was the best Folk Club I have had the pleasure to attend and sing in. It was lovely to go back in time for an afternoon but now I better go back to whittling me pegs as barry told me! Much love Wendy x

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham (UK)
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 05 May 10 - 04:52 PM

I have also received a nice telephone call from Barry today.
Happy memories
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham (UK)
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 May 10 - 05:30 PM

Sorry ,I could not make it. Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 May 10 - 06:21 PM

100

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham (UK)
From: GUEST,Dave and Kath Grabham
Date: 06 May 10 - 08:08 AM

How splendid to see everyone on Saturday,so many great memories revived and none of us has changed at all ! well done terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham (UK)
From: billybob
Date: 06 May 10 - 08:38 AM

I have some lovely photos but do not know how to put them on mudcat/ Help needed!
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Oct 17 - 07:47 AM

Gingerrick

Bit late to join this thread but such great memories of the Coach House in the early 70's. I lost somewhere my copy of "Live at the Coach House" somewhere along the way and have just located a copy in America that I managed to get for ?76 plus, so it's a great investment for all of you who have a copy. I was particularly interested because like some of you I was in the audience and am on the cover photo. I'm the guy in the beard with glasses right in the middle, blowing a kiss, smoking a cigarette or whistling, no idea which. To my right is my friend Colin and the girl partially obscured by the guitar is his then girlfriend, now wife Sue. We had great times and went regularly and drank far too much. Very Happy Days!