Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks

Subject: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Nick
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 09:50 AM

Got sent our regular Helsmsley Arts Centre booklet recently and noticed that they have a Helmsley Folk Weekend scheduled for the 25-27 September with a mix of performers, sessions and singarounds. I went last year (or year before) to a similar event where little happened outside of the organised events but this year they seem to be involving the pubs a little more in singarounds and sessions.

Hope it works well as it is just up the road from me and it's a nice little town if you don't know it. (It's nice if you do too but you know what I mean)

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Carol
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 10:22 AM

Hi Nick
I can only see one singaround sandwiched 1-3 on the Sunday?

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: r.padgett
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 11:46 AM

WEll I have the flyer/booking form it say I am running a singaround Friday pm at 8pm onwards at the Crown Inn

The Saturday thro the day has a number of smaller paying venues for around 2hrs at a time and usual outdoors with Morris etc with final Sat do with Bella Hardy and Band (Chris Sherburn and Corrina Hewat) from 7.30pm

The format other than that and The Sunday 1pm singaround with me and Steve Gardham and other events could be pretty open I reckon

Plenty on Sunday day too with Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick finishing off at 7.30pm with a concert

See songwriters with Hissyfit and Stan Graham David Storey John Storey. Kate Bramley there too

and of course our own Yorkshire Garland singers!!

Ray Padgett

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Carol
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 12:25 PM

Ray according to the Web site programme there's nothing on the Friday at all

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Nick
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 01:15 PM

There you go, Mudcat - righter of wrongs.

The programme I have mentions that, apart from lunchtime, singers and musicians will be welcome to play - I can't remember if it was just the Crown as I'm at work at present.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 01:48 PM

I knew I was supposed to be somewhere that weekend

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Tootler
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 06:27 PM

The website only shows the Sunday afternoon singaround and no sessions. There are a couple of concerts that look worth going to so if there is more in the way of sessions etc. then lets hear about it. Helmsley is only about 40 min away, so it would be worth while going. I could even get a weekend passout from she-who-must-be-obeyed.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Pistachio
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 06:45 PM

I've told 'he who THINKS I must obey' that I'll be away! This singing business often agrees with Football matches that 'he' attends.
Hope to see you there.
Hazel.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Nick
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 07:57 PM

The booklet I have shows the following:

Singaround in the Crown on Friday evening from 8pm.

Musicians sessions from 10 - 12 and 3:30 onwards in Crown on Saturday.
Musicians sessions from 10 - 12 and 2:00 onwards in Crown on Sunday.
("Musicians are welcome to play at any other time, avoiding the 2 hours over Sunday lunch")

Singaround 1 - 3 in the Studio bar on Sunday.

That's most of the time isn't it? Apart from when you are seeing Linda and Hazel :)

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: GUEST,padgett on lap top
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 01:19 PM

Linda I an devastated that the prog has singer songwriters on at the same time as the YG concert, so cant be at both!!

Ray

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 05:36 PM

Page. -I shall mourn your absence mon petit choux (as they say in Goose)

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 08:06 AM

Err I think it should havE said Goole damn autocorrect!

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 04:12 PM

Linda,
'mon petit choux'? Is that Polish then?

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 05:43 PM

Actually I have just realised I have no idea what it means - in any language -but it was meant as an endearment!!!!

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: GUEST,padgett on lap top
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 03:30 AM

mon petit is roughly "my little" in French

choux appears to be a light pastry!

So many thanks Linda

Ray

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Willa
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 08:11 AM

Means my little cabbage, and yes, it is meant as a term of endearment!

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 04:13 PM

Cabbage, there, I knew it was Polish!
The cook, Magda, at the Yorkshire Waterways Museum in Goole is Polish and her speciality is a Polish cabbage meal.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Willa
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 05:35 PM

It's French, as far as I know!!

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 06:43 PM

Blimey a Polish cabbage meal I bet that draws them in- did she used to be the menu planner at Ikea! I have not yet recovered from the discovery that fish and chips are a favorite on the cafe menu at The Deep -it's a funny old world.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 07 Aug 09 - 02:38 PM

You can even pick the fish you want swimming around in the tank. The Angel Delight is very nice, especially with jellyfish. The dab is a bit flat though!

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: GUEST,padgett sans cookie again
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 12:52 PM

It is this weekend starting Friday pm in the Crown Inn

I believe

Ray Padgett

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 01:38 PM

Will see you there folks! Saturday pm

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 02:17 PM

"'mon petit choux'? Is that Polish then?"
They are both very polished mate.
I saw this advertised back in July got a leaflet from the Crown but the boss had no hols left so cant go.
If they have any Cauliflower and Blue cheese soup try it it
It was bloody gorgeous.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 05:12 PM

For 'The Crown' now read 'The Feathers' still on the main Square.

Because the Crown neglected to get the appropriate licence the ceilidh now hasn't got a bar but The Royal Oak is right next door so you can nip out for a take-out easily enough.

Friday night ceilidh in Town Hall with Jellybean.
Saturday and Sunday 10 am -12 music session in The Feathers.

Sat 1-3 in Arts C Auditorium, Yorkshire Garland singers.

Sun 1-3 in Arts C bar, singaround with Ray Padgett.

    3.30- 5 Arts C Auditorium. Three Ridings Concert, songs from all 3 ridings

Saturday night concert, Bella Hardy Band with Chris Sherburn, still tickets available.

Sunday night concert, Martin Carthy and Swarb.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Nick
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 07:42 PM

So is there a singaround on the friday now?

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: GUEST,padgett on Lap top
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 05:49 AM

Yes I amn doing this in the Feather's [The singaround] in there per Steve Gardham

Steve is doing the Ceilidh, see above and rest of prog as outlined

See you there!!!

Ray Padgett

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Tyke
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 01:58 PM

Well my translator came up with "my little sprouts" this might be a problem. I would recommend caution around naked flames.

"Our Mare has swallowed a bag o peas now isn't that a wonder
Our Mare has swallowed a bag o peas now isn't that a wonder
And it's creating quite a breeze a breeze a breeze…………..
Blew barn door of its hinges Gossip Joan
And it's creating quite a breeze a breeze a breeze…………..
Blew barn door of its hinges Gossip Joan"

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 26 Sep 09 - 06:28 AM

Nice day, fancied a trip out with some singing thrown in. Was thinking of setting off to Helmsley for the day but just looked at the prog and noticed no singarounds today (wot!) so that's saved me a trip! Don't think I can make tomorrow instead. Shame.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: GUEST,MIKE M
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 08:00 AM

THE SINGAROUNDS IN THE PUBS DID NOT HAPPEN. THE CROWN DID NOT BOTHER GETTING A MUSIC LICENCE , THE OAK LOCALS MADE IT CLEAR THEY DONT LIKE MUSIC ,THE FETHERS WOULD ONLY LET US PLAY AFTER THE LAST DINERS HAD LEFT (I CANT BLAME THEM) NO TAXIS AFTER 9 OCLOCK BUSES?? CAMP SITE 3 MLIES AWAY, THE ORGANISERS COULDENT RUN A BATH

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Betsy
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 10:35 AM

It was the same last year - there is very little effort or organisation went into it.
That's when I first met Nick who like me was walking around like the proverbially at a wedding
There's obviously money available - but these things don't just happen by themselves, as many of you hardworking organisers / helpers know, you've got to make things happen ,and, making punters (including singers and musicians )feel welcome is a good place to start. I saved my time and effort this year for roughly the same reasons as Moorley Man, coupled with the fact that the previous year, there was a total lack of enthusiasm.
By the way, many years ago,Whitby was once like that,many pubs would not allow Folk music,but that was before the Publicans realised they could make a fortune out of making Folkies "welcome".

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 10:56 AM

I'll be in N Yorks for the first time (from the USA) next month performing in Northallerton (24/10/09 evening) and Hutton-le-Hole (25/10/09 afternoon)...maybe some of us could meet up?

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Banjiman
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 11:04 AM

When Dave says Northallerton, he means Kirkby Fleetham Folk Club (on this occasion a house concert..... at my house!). Happy to have a session here before (and after, as always) his gig.

PM me if anyone is interested.

Glad I didn't go to Helmsley, it sounds like a bit of a nightmare.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 05:53 PM

Perhaps someone should attempt to explain.
Helmsley has been running for 3 years now. For the first 2 years it occupied the same weekend in May as Holmfirth, which was silly, so the organiser, who has no previous folk experience, sensibly moved it to a relatively free weekend in September.

Jean, who runs the Arts Centre in Helmsley, decided to put on a weekend of folk concerts, and sensibly tried to get a few people with folk festival experience to give help and advice. This happened to be John Greaves, a local with some folk festival experience, who asked me to join in and run a few singaround/session events. Neither of us has any experience in organising a festival; we simply knew what sort of events were usually available at weekend festivals and offered our services in hopes of getting another festival off the ground.

The people of Helmsley and surrounding area obviously have no experience of folk festivals and without some stimulus have no reason to bend over backwards to make folkies welcome. As someone has already stated, comparing H with Whitby, in order to make them sit up and take notice we need to attract more people into the town. The problem here is, which comes first the chicken or the egg???
The festival has made a loss for 3 years but Jean seems determined to continue trying. She now has the benefit of offers of help from some festival organisers. If the people who live reasonably locally (I don't) would like a festival on their doorstep, it would seem reasonable to suggest that if they came along and joined in, even volunteered their help instead of carping, this might develop into something more worthwhile.

For my own part, I enjoyed what I saw and participated in. The Friday ceilidh was quite a success. (It was their first one) The sessions and smaller concerts were very pleasant if poorly attended and I thoroughly enjoyed the Carthy/Swarb concert on Sunday. (We had intended to skip this and head for home but I'm very glad we stayed)
It is unfortunate that the local pubs let them down, but I'm sure Jean will learn from this.

I, for one, pledge my support for Jean's effort if she perseveres.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Banjiman
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 06:02 PM

Steve, we (KFFC as a reasonably local folk club) offered help last year.... and never heard a thing back. I saw no advertising except a thread on here by which time we had already organised an event at KFFC on the same Saturday night.

Happy to make the same offer again.

Paul Arrowsmith

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 06:27 PM

Paul's experience is common to us both it seems, for I too offered help last year and never heard a thing back.

But (again as Paul will I'm sure agree) Helmsley is not alone in this respect, for there are too many festivals and events (big and small alike) whose organisers display a disinclination (whether intentional or otherwise) to even respond to emails offering expertise or help and/or sensible enquiries... go figure!

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Nick
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 07:56 PM

I went and sang and played in the Feathers and yes it would've been nice if it had been better attended but such is life. On the Saturday morning I think the people in the Feathers who were just listening (or tolerating) the music seemed quite happy and there was space to play. The afternoon was a bit better attended but Linda and Hazel (Hissyfit) I think told me they played to about 12 people which is sad. A friend played at the Fake Jakes concert on the Sunday and that had about 30 attend.

At least they are trying to do something and I will always try and support local things where I can in some way or another.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Mr Happy
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 08:33 AM

A bit more prior notice may've been beneficial

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Tyke
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 10:11 AM

The sad thing is that it's easy to tell people what they did wrong. It's not so easy to get everything right and it will never be right if everyone gives it a public kicking.

If you run a pub these days your best nights for business are likely to be on Friday and Saturday Nights. Why should you risk your best nights takings for some strangers to come and take over your Pub for one night a year.

Too many times have I heard the statement I don't like "Folk Music" the media knocks "Folk" with regularity. So why do we need to publicly join in and add negativity to it? What ever it is you have found not to your liking you should be in writing to the Organizing Committee and telling them what you did like and what you did not like. Why not come up with some bright idea's for next year like a charity none stop sing-around the falls (That should sort the half speed sing-around 28 verse dirge's out!) and if it don't then suggest it's done over The Three Peaks the year after!

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: GUEST,Georgina Boyes
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 10:26 AM

We've had two brilliantly organised gigs at Helmsley Arts Centre. The organiser there is very supportive of folk music and works hard to bring a wide range of live performance and arts experiences to a small market town. If every community had a programmer like Jean in their performance venue, we'd have a lot to celebrate.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 03:26 AM

We attended an open mic in the Helmsley Arts center last year.
The Organizers,performers and Staff were all very welcoming and friendly.
Teething problems?

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: Betsy
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 07:34 PM

To Georgina Boyes - I'm sure your heart is in the right place Georgina, but you still do not you appear not to understand what's missing from this situation - a town folk , and pubs who don't like folk music and what it stands for (in their minds) - a lefty ,long haired bunch of people.

Subject: RE: Helmsley Folk Weekend 25-27 Sep N Yorks
From: GUEST,padgett on lap top
Date: 31 Oct 09 - 12:38 PM

I bore the brunt of much of this at ground level!

The pubs are basically not worth pursuing, certainly before 9pm when the food has been consumed

There are problems, certainly ~ I have suggested that the Helmsley Art Centre should be the focal point for singarounds and concert spots, there are areas ideal for this!

It is a great venue, and without a proper "festival" cannot afford to pay for great guests

The pubs are fringe and need organising by others who like to do their own thing!!

But be aware camping and late night transport are an issue which need to be addressed

I certainly hope to be involved next year, good luck to Jean and her efforts

Ray