Sandwich folk holiday 2011

Subject: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 04:07 AM

The folk section of the caravan and camping group are running the Sandwich camp site again this year 29 July to 8 August. You have to be a member of the caravan and camping group to attend - but if you camp anyway its worth joining. You just turn up and stay for however many nights you want to - all very casual. The site is run on a - try to cover the cost basis- personned by volunteers.

Sandwich is one of those interesting towns that got left behind when the industrial revolution started. Its near enough to Dover for a day ferry trip and St Marys Bay and the Foreland lighthouses.

They have the use of the school hall for evening activities. Its a flat field, great area for dog walking ( dogs on leads on site ) and cycling. Nice playing field area for the children. Its also immediately before Broadstairs FW.   

The downside is that you have to abide by C and C rules - eg lights out by 11pm.

I thought I would flag this up now before people totally plan their holidays for the summer.
FloraG

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: Van
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 04:35 AM

If you don't belong to the C&C but live close to the venue can you still attend any of the sessions?

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 05:19 AM

Sorry - no. I wish it was so.
FloraG.

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 11:29 AM

Sounds interesting. We are due at Broadstairs on the 9th and I'm at work until the 5th, but will try to pop in for the weekend.

We've been meaning to do something with our C & C folk section membership!

We'll keep the children on a lead as requested........

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: Van
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 04:18 PM

If it is only available to members of your club why not advertise it on their website rather than a general one like this.

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 05:05 PM

Thanks for letting us know Flora. We wouldn't have known about it if you hadn't.

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 21 Feb 11 - 04:28 AM

Van
It does not cost a lot to join the C and C and good value if you camp anyway. You do not have to be a member of the folk section to turn up to a folk meet. Sandwich is a good site even if you are not a folkie.

The real strengh of the organisation is the weekend and holiday meets run by volunteers. We have been on their organised temporary sites for Whitby, Tenterton and Wimbourne festival.   The campervan section also organised to stay on the site for the Faversham hop festival. Someone stewards so there is a degree of security.

The easter meet is a joy. Concerts, dances and workshops for adults and activities for children.

The downside is that it can be a bit hit and miss - depends upon who turns up - but a lot of things are like that. They tend to stick to the C and C rules. Some are good - like clear up your own litter. Some can be a problem, like if you arrive at the site after 11pm after a gig you are expected to leave your car in the car park. You may not want to do this if you have valuable equipment.   

The folk group encourage a lot of people to play and dance who might otherwise not.

Van - you might not want to join yourself but other folkies may not be aware of this group. As I have implied - its not for everyone. Thats why I have flagged this up, and the Sandwich is a nice pre Broadstairs stay.
FloraG.

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: banjoman
Date: 21 Feb 11 - 06:59 AM

Have been to this one several times. However its worth pointing out that if you expect a full range of Folk Activities then you may be diasapointed. The organisers in the past couple of years have always made it clear that they are providing a "Holiday Site" and not just catering for the folkies. Though why its organised by the Folk Song & Dance group escapes me.

Flora - you will recall the problems we had trying to set up the scratch band a couple of years ago and being told either it was too loud or that "They prefer their records to dance to"
Coupled with activities like the Cruise Night - it probably is a good place to holiday provided you know what to expect.
I have noted that the organisers have changed for this year so it may revert to the great holiday place it was when we first went there. They used to have a ceilidh each evening with floor spots and lots of teaching and practice workshops. The quiz night is always a welcome relief -probably because we have won it so many times its embarrasing.

Not sure if we will be there again as OTB has been discarded by the Broadstairs Festival after 21 years and there is still a lot of bad feeling in the band about the way it was done.

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 21 Feb 11 - 08:50 AM

Peter
I can understand how you feel about Broadstairs.   

As an alternative, I'm hoping to sort something out with the organisers of the Faversham Hop festival. The current ones want more folk music during the day and are in the process of organising a session Pub. This will be mixed music and singing as are the excelent evening sessions at the Crown and Anchor. I'll let you know as soon as the pub is sorted as it would be good to see you there. The organisers have very little money to play with this year so its mostly on a voluntary basis - but could be a great weekend of music and great pies.
FloraG

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: GUEST,GUEST dulcimer player
Date: 21 Feb 11 - 06:30 PM

Can I correct a couple of points here. As a member of Camping & Caravanning club it's not lights out at 11. You put your lights out as and when you want! Quiet after 11 is the rule. We always leave our car in the car park and CARRY expensive equipment back to the van if we are out late. Radical I know but possible. These temporary holiday sites are very good value for money and theres always a session somewhere if you ask beforehand, just post on Mudcat and lots of people will give you info about the area. Never failed for us anyway.
Much love
Liz

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 22 Feb 11 - 04:05 AM

Liz
Of course you are right. Its just not a sit around the bonfire and sing till 3 am sort of organisation. Even when there is a soundproof hall on the site the session will finish by 11. This suits some - not others. I suspect this might account for the lack of young adults - who seem to emerge like bats only after it gets dark.

I prefer to keep instruments and PA gear in the car on a damp night. Its a worry for some that the car would be some distance away. The thought of unpacking it - even just the expensive bits - after mantling and dismantling it once already that evening is not a pleasant thought.

However, Sandwich is still a great site. The more musicians and dancers who turn up the better it will be.
FloraG.

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: GUEST,GUEST dulcimer player
Date: 22 Feb 11 - 09:49 AM

Had'nt thought about the electrics, we just take accoustics and bring them out with us if we are late back. Sounds good though will try and get a week down there, as you say its not far to Dover for the ferries if you fancy a day in France.
Liz

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: banjoman
Date: 23 Feb 11 - 05:47 AM

Flora - sorry I haven;t replied to your email about Faversham but we probably could make it so give us the dates. WE may reconsider Sandwich if there are lots of musicians going. Still not sure about BFW but keep in touch re tickets etc

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 05:30 AM

Sorry about the delay in answering. Andy dragged me off to a week in madera. Its hard work being retired.

Faversham should be great - there are a lot of people who are keen to keep the festival going despite the council funding cuts and to keep a folk element alive. There is a very active folk club in faversham, regularly attended by the festival organiser. Its always around the bank holiday at the end of August or the beginning of September. The festival camp site is fairly close to the town centre. The idea at the moment is to get a pub to host sing arounds during the day and another one in the evening. Lots of join in songs and tunes - a bit like what The OTB do anyway. I'll post a seperate thread when I know more.

I am thinking that I might ask the organisers at Sandwich to ask for a seperate room for the musos. Don't know how possible this would be?
FloraG.

Subject: RE: Sandwich folk holiday 2011
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 28 Jul 11 - 04:42 AM

reminder - sandwich starts tomorrow for members. Turn up any day, stay one day or several. Its a pre Broasrtairs venue although its also open next weekend when Broadstairs starts.

The faversham Hop festival is the first weekend in September. Camping in the school grounds. The sing around during the day will be in the Bull pub.
FloraG.