Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival

Subject: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 04:58 AM

Yep its that time of year again! Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival is upon us. Newcastleton or Copshawholm as it is known locally is situated in the Scottish Borders about 15 miles from Carlisle and 20 miles from Hawick.

Since July 1970 the good folk of the Holm have welcomed us into their village and enjoyed our playing of tunes and singing of songs.

It has a very simple format. Two dances, Two singarounds, competitions on the Saturday a winners concert on the Saturday night. Sessions in the pubs

We would love to see as many of you who would wish to visit us on the weekend of the 3, 4 and 5 July 2009.

Kathy Hobkirk
Chair
Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Folkiedave
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 05:11 AM

So sad I can't make it.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Raggytash
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 05:20 AM

Sadly the last two occasions I went were ruined by thoughtless people making loads of noise throughout the night. The midges I could tolerate, the noise I couldn't.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 05:47 AM

Can't do anything about the midges I'm afraid. Sometimes noise is an occupational hazard. Don't let it put you off. I have been to many festivals where the campsite has been a bit noisy but its all aprt of the experience

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 05:53 AM

Some special events to help us celebrate our 40th

Friday Night 7pm Herd laddie o' The Glen
                Castleton Parish Church
       Alison McMoreland and Geordie Mckintyre
                         with
                   Special Guests


This is Alison's multi media presentation/concert celebrating the life of Willie Scott who was a great supporter of the festival.


Tickets are only £4 and the ladies of Hermitage WRI will selling be teas at half time which will go towards their funds

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 06:22 AM

I wish I could make it, it's my favourite part of the country, Newcastleton, Langholm and Canonbie, all great for sea trout fishing.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 09:52 AM

"I have been to many festivals where the campsite has been a bit noisy but its all aprt of the experience"

I'm afraid I disagree. I only ever went to Newcastleton once and was driven out by the drunks and hell raisers, to say nothing of the state of the Portaloo. The guy in front of me looked inside, said "The dirty bloody bastards", and walked off in disgust. I immediately followed him.

I'd love to go back, but festivals full of rowdys and vomitters are not on my agenda.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 01:23 PM

Points duly noted. We have had our problems in the past and are constantly working to improve so that it is a good event for everyone.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Drumshanty
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 03:04 PM

Speaking as one who no longer goes to a couple of our festivals because of the "drunks and rowdys", I most definitely would not include Newcastleton in that category. I've been to several recent ones and found it to be an exceptionally friendly, inclusive festival with pubs bursting with music and song, well-organised singarounds, well-run competitions and the added spectacle of the Copshaw Common Riding.

I camp in the family site, which is well run by volunteers, and which has toilet blocks that are as well kept as they can be and there's always toilet paper. It's usually quiet, and in the past few years, the volunteers have done their best to keep the noise down overnight (although it's not an easy job and I wouldn't do it for a big clock).

I've never been on the riverside campsite, but I've been past it late on and yes, it looks a bit wild for my delicate sensibilities, but you pays your money, or not. At least at Copshie, there's a choice.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 05:03 AM

The riverside site was where I camped on my one and only sojourn to Newcastleton. To describe the joint as hell with the lid off wouldn't do it justice. As I was putting the tent up, a crowd of rowdies climbed out of a car drinking canned lager and it just went down from there. Shouting, screaming, singing, stereos blasting out all night long. And this just a few yards from people's houses! I decamped the following morning and got out of town as fast as I could, feeling mortal sorry for the people whose lovely town was being so unceremoniously desecrated.

The buggar of it was that, while I was surveying this admittedly delightful spot, a steward approached me and assured me that there was never any bother there. "Just pick your own pitch", he said. "It'll be quiet enough." Evidently a man with a sense of humour.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Johnny J
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 06:49 AM

Even during its most rowdy period (And this was well over ten years ago), the overall experience was certainly not as bad as Fred suggests.

Generally, the pubs are very busy but the troublemakers don't tend to frequent the actual sessions themselves. Also, all the official events are very well organised and the behaviour is fine.

Yes, some of the "unofficial" camping has been a bit boisterous from time to time but the official site has been quiet for many years now.

Overall, the festival is a little quieter these days and doesn't tend to attract as many youngsters from nearby villages towns(They were mainly responsible for any trouble) and there is a better chance to relax and enjoy the music.

The only really negative aspect is this..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJA8HO1UMOI

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 01:25 PM

I am going back to the mid '80s and boisterous is not the word I would have used to describe that campsite, or the mobs of drunks who were swilling all over the town.

I have camped at festivals all over Britain and Ireland and never witnessed anything like the scenes I saw that night. I have camped at all Ireland fleadhs, long before the days when fleadhs had offical campsites, where literally thousands of people used to bed down on whatever stretch of open land was available. And yes, they were noisy. But there are noise levels and there are noise levels. And there are people enjoying themselves and there are people raising mayhem.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 04:13 AM

I am sorry that was your experience in the mid 1980's Fred. The waterside is free for those who wish to camp there and at that time most of the folk down the waterside were there to "party" ie not there for the festival.

It is not possible to have barriers at each end of the village to stop those who aren't folkies coming and just want to be there to get rat arsed.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 05:33 AM

Whoops the bottom dropped off that post. Blame the heat!

It used to be controled by one local bobby who became a pal after our tent was broken in to the very first time I was there...1980 Been to every one since then and am now Chair.

He had couple of police lads from Hawick and a few burly committee members to help

We have worked hard in subsequent years to get our festival back on track and our local constabulary are aware of the problems in a village with a population that trebles over a weekend with a proportion who want to get rip roaringly drunk and can cause mayhem.



They now maintain a visable prescense (sp) in the square and around the village.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: GUEST,Riverside Habituee
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 08:16 AM

I would like to second Diva's assertion that the riverside site has a steady police presence, usually to impromtue choruses of Jonny Todd, and although there are all night singarounds and mucho drinking it is usually goodnatured and troublefree these days (I still wouldn't use the toilet).

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 09:58 AM

Saturday is competition day This year our judges include

Joyce Cunningham: Woman's singing

Alison McMoreland and Geordie Mackintyre: Border Ballads

Dave MacCracken: Mens Singing

Lionel McClelland: Original Song

George Welch: original Tune

Alan Gardiner: Accordian

Shona Mooney: Fiddle

John Connor: Pipes

Matt Seattle: Boder and Northumbrian Pipes

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Folkiedave
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 03:19 PM

Wow!

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 06:02 PM

Here are some links;-

Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival A guide to the festival, with travel directions, and the rules for competitors.

Discover Newcastleton The local information and visitor guide, which includes information about the Common Riding.

Copshaw Common Riding More information (and some misinformation too) about the Common Riding.

Wish I could be there. I bet Dave McCracken makes a superb judge - I can almost see him sitting there with his pipe in hand.

Matthew

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Folkiedave
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 06:36 PM

And not smoking of course..................

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 07:07 PM

Wait a minute - isn't there a competition for that?

The Northumbrian non-smoking small pipe trophy!

Matthew

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Folkiedave
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 02:04 AM

Very witty!

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 03:09 AM

Thanks for the links lads.....

still trying to pack.....

We have Alan Gardiner Dance Band for this evenings Scottish Country Dance and for tomorrow nights celidh dance we have Two Left Feet a seven piece band from Dumfries and Galloway.....both bands are superb.

Throphies......ahhh now that would just be another one to add to our list of 40 (I think)...but hey...why not

Am getting reports of other well known singers who are planning to turn up......and we have a very special guest for this evenings Willie Scott concert......


Norman Steart's Holm Coming Concert on Sunday looks like being a cracker......

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 04:27 AM

To anybody who's still ging, be sure to catch the Alison McMoreland/Geordie Mckintyre presentation on Willie Scott tonight. 7pm. Castleton Parish Church.
Brilliant. Moving. Unforgettable. A wonderful tribute to a wonderful singer.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: GUEST,Richard Hardaker in Penrith
Date: 05 Jul 09 - 09:04 AM

We rolled home to Penrith at 4am this morning, just as the dawn chorus was starting, after an inspirational visit to "the Holm" from a singer's point of view.

It was good to see the singing competitions flourishing again after declining entries over the past few years. Ten competitors for the border ballad, competitions overrunning the timetable, and best of all, an influx of young singers was very encouraging for the future.

The late Saturday night ceilidh, back in its spiritual home at the Unionist club (or Buccleuch centre) was a classic - as of old, a room full of singers, full blooded choruses and a riotous, subversive
conclusion!

Thanks again to Kathy and the committee for their hard work in making it all happen. See you next year.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: GUEST,Robin in Innerleithen
Date: 05 Jul 09 - 05:40 PM

I'd like to echo everything that Richard said in that last post - we had a lovely day in The Holm, although as we had to leave the singaround a wee bit before the end, we missed out on its 'riotous, subversive conclusion' - tell us more! What did Susie Kelly do next?!

Anyway, well done Kathy & co.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 07:58 AM

Well it went by in a flash......nice to meet up with so many old faces and long time supporters and equally nice to meet a lot of new people who had come for the very first time.

Liz Clarke and I (both knackered but very happy after a mega competiton run in the No 8 club...11 am to 6pm...its meant to finish about 4pm) had our tea on Saturday night with a couple of ladies who had come on a reccomendation from a friend who had told them to go because "its the best Scottish festival" They were still there on Monday morning.

Numbers were up in the competitions and some smashing talented youngsters coming through which is always heartening.

Our very special guest at the Willie Scott concert was Willie himself....Jan Miller's wonderful papier mache figure..all 6ft 4in of him

It was a bit bizzare helping Janet Weatherstone carry him into the church and singing as we carried him down the aisle...Alison and Geordie were great as were the assembled musicians and singers who took part. The Hermitage WRI teas at half time were great. I still haven't seen it....

On Saturday night the Winners Concert was packed and overran....well thats traditional too. Our life membership this year was given to Alan Atkinson who has been involved from the very first one in July 1970.

Both dances were packed and lots of happy punters with both the Scottish Country Dance crowd and the ceildh dance crowd delighted in our choices.

The singarounds were busy and lots of fun with a mix of the young and old.

As for the "riotous subversive conclusion" of Susie Kelly's singaround. Well, she was serending our vice chair..Rodney Groom,who is no mean singer himself. Who knew Pair Rovin Lassie was such a filthy song? I laughed myself hoarse. He is a wonderful sport and we got him again on Sunday night with "Nine inch will pease a lady" in the Surviors session which went on til 6am......We await his revenge.   

Over the Top Puppets made a welcome return on Sunday and were throughly enjoyed by all. The Holmcoming Concert on Sunday was packed.

Our piping judge John Connor, was a first timer and has asked to come back. I was thrilled when someone in the crowd asked me if I knew I had a world class pipiing judge

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 08:20 AM

and by Sunday afternoon when I was deciding I could finally relax I came out of the Legion and saw my friends Sheila and Tam's camper van parked outside. So went over to talk to them, thinking they were heading home. I found Tam..white as a sheet...resting in the back.....told me had chest pains.   Got a first aider from the Legion (She is also our minute secretary) who did all the official stuff and even ran up to get the doc. Anyway first response team came out and an ambulance from Langholm and he was taken to Carlisle.

He had a minor heart attack and a leaking valve and they are keeping him in for 4 or 5 days while they do tests. He got one hell of a row from the doc cos hes been having these pains for weeks but wont go near a docs despite Sheila and the family telling him he should. He's a thrawn auld bugger is Tam Maxwell

Anyway....it was a blessing I went out when I did..she told me later.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Drumshanty
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 08:22 AM

Kathy, after our conversation last night, I feel like I had been there. I dreamt all night about sessions and "Shameless". Weird.

Sounds brilliant and I'm sorry I couldn't get there. Next time.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Johnny J
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 08:46 AM

It was an excellent festival this year and, in many respects, just like old times. Well done.

Our thoughts are with Tam too.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: GUEST,BoozySusie
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 10:09 AM

I would like to heartily deny the accusations of subversion at the singarounds!!!
I was totally open about molesting Rodney and although he denied it I suspect he thoroughly enjoyed it!!

I had an absolute BALL all weekend. No gloomy faces, no trouble, the campsites were trouble and noise free and with extra servicing to the toilets this year, there were compliments galore about the portaloos.

The buzz about the place for the whole weekend WAS reminiscent of the old days when I was a meerkat - no mere punter - and it was an absolute joy to see so many weel kent faces returning to this great Festival and having such a good time.

Thanks to all who came and made it one of the best:)

Susie Kelly
Secretary NTMF

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: GUEST,Diva
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 12:11 PM

And I meant to say a huge thank you to all concerned as well

Kathy

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 03:20 PM

as one who was in the sing arounds over the weekend i can say that i found the company very scary and overly friendly especialy two of the committee ((suzie and Kathy)but mainly suzie)

Rod Groom

Vice Chair NTMF

p.s only kiddin it was the best one since my dad was chair Cheers to Kath and Suzie

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: GUEST,Boozy Susie
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 03:56 PM

Thats why you're chair of vice darling :~)

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: GUEST,the chaise longe
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 03:58 PM

just behave or else

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: GUEST,diva_chan_19
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 04:12 PM

lol, consider yourself warned Suzie but hey i was an awesome weekend anyway.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: GUEST,MaggieM
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 06:31 PM

It was very encouraging to hear such a good turn out of young singers in the competitions ( especially the 14 year old called May). My highlights included the Willie Scott show with reminiscences from Henry Douglas, the fiddle competitions,the ceilidh with Two Left Feet, the Buccleugh sessions each night, Willie the Wicked Wolf still raising Merry Hell after all those years and finally Norman's Sunday Concert. Campsite facilities were excellent.By the way , anyone found a hearing aid? Sorry I missed that . Could you speak up?

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 04:36 AM

Highlights.....all the happy smiling faces of the punters...and people coming up to me and telling me it was a great festival. Talking to a load of first timers over the weekend who were thrilled and couldn't believe oor wee festival.

Catching up with so many old friends, some of whom hadn't been for years who were saying it was just like the old days. That was praise indeed.

Geordie and Alison and the Willie Scott concert in the church. They judged the Border Ballads, came into the late night singaroounds and were great. The standard in the singing comps.

George Welch singing "Hard Times" straight after me trying and failing to sing Nine Inch will please a lady (I lost the second verse....) He is so bad.....and it was wonderful to have him there

Boozy Susie and I standing outside the Unionist (Buccleuch Centre) making up rude songs

Rod...chair of vice singing Jeannie Jenkins brilliantly in the singaround.....with everyone joining in..it is an in joke...the song drives him nuts because the tune noodles around in his head.

I missed the singing in the office cos I was in the competitions but I heard it was riotous.

The Copshaw Common Riding......John Elliot (whose ma Jean used to run the Copshaw Kitchen) nearly taking the lights out with the shovel......

I am still knackered.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 04:38 AM

ohh and my Jane (I hate folk music) belting out choruses, and having a go a playing the spoons in the Survivors Session on Sunday night

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: GUEST,Richard Hardaker in Penrith
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 05:21 AM

Just to clarify my original posting; When I typed "subversive" I was thinking of Lionel McClelland's performance. "Riotous" definitely referred to Suzie's. (or did I mean "scandalous"?) Both were highly entertaining!

Its a good job we are both on holiday this week- it's taken us 3 days to recover, & we were only there the one day. We are not as young as we were.

Cheers, Richard & Sally

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Diva
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 06:27 AM

Lionel was magic. His MP expenses blues was brilliant.

Good idea to take the holidays Richard! I was back in the Archive on Tuesday night but I was neither use nor ornament!!!

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Folkiedave
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 09:53 AM

Arrived there Tuesday night. The place was knackered. They were in recovery mode.

Book me in for next year.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: geordylass
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 01:52 PM

Well, I must say this years music festival was the best ever, well done to all involved in the running. The police were out on the beat and were very friendly and helpful to those asking questions, the campsite was very well organised and the portaloos were many and spread about at intervals along the waterside which was busy but quiet, not so much of the rowdiness that occured along here in the past people we found got into their own little groups at night and had their own music sessions everyone invited. The competitions were well attended with competitors and audience and the music sessions in the pubs were brilliant. Roll on next year.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: GUEST,Diva
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 02:31 PM

It was lovely to meet FolkieDave and Helen yesterday in Hawick. As for recovery mode, I think that covers the committee too.

We are collecting information for the now famous Greetin Meetin which takes place next week.

Subject: RE: Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
From: Richard Hardaker
Date: 05 Jul 13 - 04:40 AM

We are packing up, ready to head up to the Holm this afteroon,
looking forward to meeting old friends once more. Even the weather is looking promising!

Cheers, Richard & Sally Hardaker