Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013

Subject: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 11:47 AM

Folking About in Anglesey – Easter 2013


The 4th glorious year's grand venture in wild Wales presented by Mr Happy enterprises will be taking place once again this Easter in Anglesey, North Wales.

At Easter Mr Happy &the Gloom Band [from Chester] plus many other musical friends, will be off to the Bull Bay Hotel, Bull Bay, Nr. Amlwch, Anglesey for our annual singing & music event –
Once more onto the beach, dear friends!!

It'll be on from Maundy Thursday 28th March 2013 until Tuesday 3rd April 2013.

It's set up just like a folk festival but without any concerts or stuff you have to pay for.
Also 'cause everything's on site, there's no need to wander the streets looking for a session.
Bull Bay Hotel's a large venue which can offer up to 4 separate rooms/ areas for different sorts of seshes – singarounds, folk club, mad Irish diddly thrash, seriously non-smiling English music, showcasing, dreary French tunes, Old Timey/ Bluegrass, maudlin unaccompanied dirges, etc [I've tried to cater for all tastes as far as poss & over the last several years of running the event, this has worked out well]
(Mr Happy blowing own trumpet – please forgive!)

All welcome - come on down - it'll be brill!!

The campsite will be available from Thursday 28th March 2013 until Tuesday 3rd April 2013.

It's a DIY do- bring yourselves, voices, instruments ,your tents, vans, caravans & kitchen sink!

It's all FREE!!

FREE camping! - Big field overlooking Irish Sea, for tents, caravans etc

FREE butties during each evening session! Yummy!

Up to 4 separate rooms available for various types of music & song
+ outside beer garden overlooking the bay.

Session/Singaround Thur nite/Fri nite/Sat afternoon & evening/Sun afternoon & evening
- either in pub or on campsite, weather permitting.

Similar on bank holiday Monday, if many left [or haven't left!]

Campsite facilities include cold water tap!!

& cold water WC - not to be missed!!!


Some additional hardstanding for caravans/ campervans at rear of pub.

For non-tenters, there also seems to be a very reasonable family room deal at the hotel with prices by the room not person (from £180 for three nights) and some rooms have 3, 4, 5, and one with 6 beds.

Add breakfast per person per day at £5.

Tricky to make these come up on the online booking system but give them a ring



All welcome - come on down - it'll be brill!!

Venue details here: http://www.bullbayhotel.co.uk/


For further info, contact

01244-675860

0755-409-7959

mrhappy007 at btinternet.com

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: BanjoRay
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 09:25 PM

er - I think that's till tuesday 2nd not 3rd!

I'm hoping I'll get there, all being well, but as usual I'll be off to Sore Fingers on Sunday morning for a Dirk Powell fiddle class.

A really enjoyable few days in the offing!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 02:25 AM

Ray,

Yes, you're right - oops!

Will amend.

Be good see y'all again!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mo the caller
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 10:34 AM

How do you decide what happens in which room - or is it just whoever gets there first?

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 11:52 AM

Usually they pick their own rooms/ spaces.

Are you coming?

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mo the caller
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 10:40 AM

mmmmm
We'll think about it.

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 11:15 AM

The Irish sessioners usually have the area in the front bay window overlooking the sea.

It's hard sufaces in that part of the bar so the acoustics are good [the chairs aren't hard!]

The singaround's in the small dining room to the rear of the building but depending on numbers, if there's a lot of people, then we can use the big dining room.

There's often another sesh in the pool room & if the weather's fine, another mixed music & song gathering in the beer garden & you can also watch the ships & other craft go by out at sea

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 10:12 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull_Bay,_Anglesey

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 17 Feb 13 - 06:04 AM

Anyone resident in Anglesey?

If so, where are other folk friendly pubs/ venues, preferably not too far away from Amlwch?

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 18 Feb 13 - 07:36 AM

Noone?

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: terrier
Date: 18 Feb 13 - 12:46 PM

Try asking George Garside, he might know.

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: GUEST,Seayaker
Date: 18 Feb 13 - 06:58 PM

From previous experience there doesn't seem to be alot going on folkwise in Anglesey or NW Wales.

I'd be happy to stick with the Bull Bay Hotel. (And not drive)

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 01 Mar 13 - 08:01 AM

Only 4 weeks away!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: terrier
Date: 08 Mar 13 - 09:59 AM

Anglesey last seen drifting off into the Irish Sea in a damp haze, let's hope it comes back for Easter ;)
Dewch i Gymru, gwlyb a gwyntog!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: MartinRyan
Date: 08 Mar 13 - 10:06 AM

Refresh.... to remind me!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 08 Mar 13 - 11:27 AM

Of course, the almost autonomous nature of the ecosystem in that N.E. part of the island often means that the weather situation can be radically different fron the rest of the area [fingers x'd for good weather!!]

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: GUEST,Seayaker
Date: 08 Mar 13 - 05:41 PM

If the weather's crap outside it'll be fine in the Bull Bay Hotel

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Mar 13 - 05:51 AM

Newsflash!!

We've managed to acquire yet another sessions venue at a large establishment just a few hundred yards down the road from bull Bay hotel.

It's the Trecastell Hotel http://www.toprooms.com/hotel/uk/isle-of-anglesey/amlwch/trecastell_ll68-the-trecastell-hotel-amlwch/rooms/?startdate=2013-03-12 & is offering butties with sessions, same as at BB hotel.

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Tally Ho Man
Date: 23 Mar 13 - 07:38 AM

It'll be fine and sunny ............... somewhere!
:-)

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: terrier
Date: 23 Mar 13 - 03:14 PM

Not in North east Wales it 'aint. Not seen so much snow since the 60's big freeze up. Now how long is it going to take for this lot to clear :(

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 07:55 AM

Despite the inclement weather, we'll still be there along with orher hardy folkies who've experienced camping there in the snow on previous Easter gatherings!

Only 4 days away!!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: terrier
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 03:19 PM

I don't think the snow reached west Wales and Bull Bay has its own micro climate anyway.

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 08:06 PM

Ynys Mon might be fine, but the A55 has had its problems with the weather!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 07:20 AM

Dave,

That's true but judging by today's sunshine & gradual drip-drip thaw, we're optimistic about conditions & really looking forward to the festivities!!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 10:59 AM

Take a shovel & snow chains!

RtS

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 08:57 PM

Could I just decide on Easter Sunday to get down there and join in? Or will everywhere be full then? it's just that Bernard and I are committed to going to the Maritime Festival on the Saturday in Ellesmere Port to do some recording.
Ali x

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 04:15 AM

Ali,

Please feel free to come whenever you want.

Not sure what you mean 'full'? Are you talking accommodation?

Otherwise plenty space to sing & play

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: MartinRyan
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 05:42 AM

Hi Mr Happy

You might give us daily updates on conditions in North Wales through this week, please? We're due to take the ferry from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead on Friday and drive to Chester. Definitely aiming for Ellesmere Port at some stage and will try to fit you lot in if at all possible!

Regards

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 05:46 AM

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2657347

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: MartinRyan
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 06:09 AM

Thanks for that link - main concern initially will be road conditions across to Chester, of course. Fortunately, we're on a day ferry so shouldn't have to tackle it in the middle of the (freezing) night!

Regards

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: GUEST,Seayaker
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 09:51 AM

It looks as though we won't get the snow (from the lunchtime weather forecast) but it will stay very cold and windy, like it is at the moment.

I'll leave a final decision until Thursday morning.

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 10:55 AM

Most of us will be there from Thursday, got plenty spare gases for the caravan heater!!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 04:48 AM

Only one more day to wait before the festivities commence!

Mr Happy's advance party should be on the campsite by 3pm ish, ready for songs, tunes & Oh be joyfulls!!

Yeeee- hahh!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: MartinRyan
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 05:18 AM

Weather permitting, I may try to get there for a while on Monday.

Regards

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 06:33 AM

See the snow's just started again in Chester. Nothing about the A55 - yet!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 07:25 AM

Dave,

Thanks so much for your encouraging words - come down & join us!

Final planning meeting at the Carlton tonight

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 08:16 AM

I have prior engagements, and I'm still not singing. Enjoy yourselves.

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 08:40 AM

Latest weather & travel updates from squeezeboxer George Garside [resident of Benllech Bay, a few miles away]

Anglesey weather. We do not have any lying snow on the island and forecast for thurs. fri, sat is white cloud with sunny intervals anad day temperature around 40F. Night temp around freezing so campers will need   warm sleeping bags..   But as the pub is watertight, draughtproof and has heating it should be a good weekend.

There is also the added attraction of seeing the snow covered mountains   on route!

Sunday weather same - white cloud & sunny intervals so no snow forecast! A 5025 from the bridge up to bull bay is always well gritted


& from Chris Ryall melodeonist extraordinaire [you've never heard anything like it!]

Can add that the coast road is well gritted and that Anglesey itself is pretty flat. There is a small hill up to the hotel itself. With 100 or so likely to come I would hope the management will ensure that is gritted

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: MartinRyan
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 08:52 AM

Sounds manageable... Good luck with the festival, whether I get there or no!

Regards

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 10:25 AM

Martin,

I see from the Shanty thread you'll be singing with an Irish accent - can you do a Welsh accent for Bull Bay? 8-)

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: MartinRyan
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 10:37 AM

The further I get from Dublin the more my true (Dublin) accent emerges, I reckon. The nearest I'd get to Welsh would be Munster Irish, I suspect!

Regards

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Tally Ho Man
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 12:59 PM

Caravan cleaned! We're ready!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: terrier
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 01:49 PM

My caravan is behind several skyloads of snowdrifts and isn't going anywhere in a hurry. Enjoy Bull Bay you lot :(

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Tally Ho Man
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 06:17 PM

Terrier! So sorry to hear that. Those of us who live in the Cheshire badlands forget how others are suffering. :-(

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: BanjoRay
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 09:45 PM

I'm afraid I can't make it... I'll be thinking of all the fun I'm missing!

Subject: RE: Folking About in Anglesey Easter 2013
From: Mr Happy
Date: 03 Apr 13 - 06:01 AM

Commiserations to all who couldn't make it due to being buried in snowdrifts.

Anglesey had NO SNOW at all & loads of folkies were able to attend the 12 sessions we had during the 5 days.

There was a wedding party at Bull Bay hotel on Easter Saturday but we had both our afternoon & evening sessions at the Trecastle Hotel just round the corner complete with lovely butties - many thanks to their management for their kind & welcoming accommodations.

Also many thanks to all who attended despite the wintry conditions - if not for y'all coming me & the Gloom Band wouldn't have had such a tremendous time as we did!