Whitby 2013

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,Charliestu
Date: 29 Aug 13 - 02:05 PM

FILO Folk, what can I say = Wow!, from start to finish quantity and quality; fiddlers, Northumbrian pipers, git-fiddlers, beginners, experts, you name it, we had it. It was a tiring week but an extremely enjoyable 'meet and greet' with old friends along with the new.
My only issue was that my leisure time was interrupted by having to go to work on occasion but Commander Crabbe did a good fill-in. The few 'festival quests' that made an appearance at our spot thoroughly themselves and were surprised at what they found - hospitality and quality.
A big thanks to all who managed to get to us - you know who you are, and we hope to see you next year.
Take care and stay healthy until next year!

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,Charliestu
Date: 29 Aug 13 - 02:01 PM

FILO Folk, what can I say = Wow!, from start to finish quantity and quality; fiddlers, Northumbrian pipers, git-fiddlers, beginners, experts, you name it, we had it. It was a tiring week but an extremely enjoyable 'meet and greet' with old friends along with the new.
My only issue was that my leisure time was interrupted by having to go to work on occasion but Commander Crabbe did a good fill-in. The few 'festival quests' that made an appearance at our spot thoroughly themselves and were surprised at what they found - hospitality and quality.
A big thanks to all who managed to get to us - you know who you are, and we hope to see you next year.
Take care and stay healthy!

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 28 Aug 13 - 07:30 PM

It was great once again to MC/perform at concerts which are the ones I would have gone to anyway. "Icebound" was again performed to a large appreciative audience. The Roaring Forties got a real buzz from the late night at the Met on Thursday.   Great also to meet old and new friends.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: treewind
Date: 28 Aug 13 - 05:36 PM

Agreed Black Sheep beer at the Con club was a welcome change.
I enjoyed the festival overall.

Our session at the Con club ran itself. In retrospect I wouldn't have minded throwing a few more obscure tunes in, though it was never going to be like Frank's tune swap (which I'm sorry to have missed)

High point was probably playing the Monday ceilidh with English Rebellion and discovering that a big festival ceilidh is not a scary thing at all - just like any other dance band gig but with better sound, better (and more enthusiastic) dancers and good callers. We'll try for next year with the band we originally intended to bring...

Low point - obviously the shambles at the Rifle club on Sunday night. No stage lights, problems with a broken PA, and nobody in charge to kick butts and sort things out.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,Frank Lee
Date: 28 Aug 13 - 05:08 PM

We had an amazing time - Corrie (Schrijver)'s violin stall was far busier than expected, and she appreciated making lots of new northern friends after her move to Cumbria from Bath.

I've just been told my 'sessions' will be programmed again next year, and even given their correct title! - they were actually 'tune-swaps' although they'd cut-and-pasted last years mistake into this year's programme! Can't complain, they got SUCH a lot right!

As stall-holders we didn't get time to see much of the festival , but spent some lovely evenings at the FILO sessions. Thanks for the thanks Commander Crabbe! A pleasant change to be listened-to - we played at Music on the Marr (not booked, but it's on our doorstep) and had an audience of one! BUT it's places like the FILO where the REAL folk music happens - and there were some absolute gems in there!

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Noreen
Date: 28 Aug 13 - 04:31 PM

Jack Campin says The Conservative Club being the worst. I'm hardly a beer buff, but even I can tell when the bar management aren't trying.

I enjoyed the Black Sheep in the Con club very much- and at a reasonable price. They got it in specially for us folkies- the rest of the year they only have the fizzy stuff. And the bar staff were very friendly and welcoming.

I don't think that counts as 'not trying'.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,cujimmy
Date: 28 Aug 13 - 02:37 PM

Yes Ray and the stools were just the right height for you to stand on so the barstaff could serve you at the bar.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: r.padgett
Date: 28 Aug 13 - 08:25 AM

Yes Jimmy the fringe is always a good place to be and the Station is a natural environment away from the concerts etc

I have had some great times there and met many people from all over the largely English speaking communities! and countries including Scotland (lol)

They are as much a feature of Whitby ff as the more organised parts, yes no probs getting served in the Station and Endeavour and I have yet to be asked for my birth certificate!

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,cujimmy
Date: 27 Aug 13 - 02:46 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed this years festival, I enjoyed the singing, music and the craic in The Station, Friendship+football clubs, FILO and Golden Lion. Made new friends with folk from Dorset, Nottinham, Australia, Ireland. There seemed to be loads of younger people in the Station which seemed to have music in the 3 areas most of the time. I thought the Station was especially good this year and deserves praise for their welcomming attitude to folk music, excellent beers and the fact it never took too long to get served even when the pub was heaving.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Les from Hull
Date: 27 Aug 13 - 10:01 AM

The evening Endeavour sessions this year were the best ever. Thanks to all who attended and especially to Michael and Barrie and the bar staff. See you all again next year! Sorry to the people who wanted to be in but couldn't find room.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,The Station Inn, Whitby
Date: 27 Aug 13 - 06:49 AM

Just a quickie to say THANK YOU for another successful Folk Week, we thoroughly enjoyed the whole week and hope that you enjoyed it too.

Same time next year,

Col, Andrew, Pat, Fen, Carly, Margaret, Rob & Tom
The Station Inn

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 27 Aug 13 - 06:25 AM

Such a host of memorable memories. Of all the things which stood out for me, prime among them was Siobhan Miller's gobsmacking singing of the Four Marys. Not since I heard the Keane Sisters sing Lord Donegal in Stack's pub in Listowel in the early 1970s' have I been so utterly overwhelmed.

Oddly enough, the other memory which has stuck in my mind was Jimmy Crowley singing The Holy Ground on the final night. This wasn't done in the usual rambunctious "FINE GIRL YOU ARE" manner which so many of us have come to know and hate, but quietly and wistfully. Just the way I've always imagined that whoever wrote the song intended it to be sung.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: banjoman
Date: 27 Aug 13 - 06:08 AM

Had a great week and thanks to all concerned. Enjoyed the laid back sessions (afternoon)in FILO and good to put some faces to mudcatters.
Wrists and voice had given out by Friday so the banjo will now have to rest for a while. (Thank God saw many)
Thanks to Flora and Andy for great company. Sorry you had to leave early. How is Sugar?

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Mo the caller
Date: 27 Aug 13 - 04:12 AM

One problem that was noticed last year by someone who brought his grand-daughter (young teen) was the lack of 'ceilidhs like we used to have'. I think they found the Family ceilidhs too full of toddlers, the Spa early evenings too complicated and the late half too noisy (and crowded and late). They would have enjoyed Colin Hume's ceilidh, and the Sussex night (but they didn't come this year).

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: r.padgett
Date: 27 Aug 13 - 02:58 AM

Well I was spending all my time walking and sleeping when not at venues noted above which took all week

Very few if any youngsters in the Dolphin as they were still asleep I should not wonder!

After the Con club I went to bed ~ early to bed early to rise!

Only once did I get to stay up late and had a boozy sing (had sung only 4 songs in earnest by this time!) in the Station

Never made the Spa at night as too tired and no opportunies to sing!

Interesting to split ages up to 20 and up to 30, the names mentioned above are nigh all part of the wood work already ~ the missing ages are 45 plus from England both as booked guests and part of the official singarounds (yes a generalisation)! maybe doing their own thing
Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 09:02 PM

We had a great time in the FILO. We ran sessions every day from Saturday through to the Friday. the sessions were from 1-4 in the afternoon and 7-Midnight each day. This was the first year we had tried afternoon sessions as well as the evening.

Mrs C and I made every evening session and all bar one of the afternoon sessions. The afternoons were generally quiet with just a few attendees which meant everyone got quite a few goes. The evenings were fairly well attended and everyone got maybe three or four goes..

Thanks to Corrie Schrijver and Hubby Frank for the fantastic tunes on box and Northumbrian pipes. (Also for fixing my fiddle bow!)

Big thanks also to all the regulars and newcomers who came in and made it such a good week.

Nice to meet you also Jack.

Chris

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Jack Campin
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 07:30 PM

The FILO is a handy venue where you can either be assured of a song at lunchtime as it is quite quiet and the evenings are usually busy and full.

I ended up doing instrumental stuff almost the whole time - would have liked to both listen to and do a bit of singing but my voice was shot after pollen allergies all summer and staying in a cottage full of mould.

I was unimpressed with the Fleece's attitude. Leaving 20 customers standing on the pavement waiting for them to open up (as they did for Joey Oliver's Will Atkinson workshop) isn't very professional.

A lot of venues had a crap selection of drinks compared with previous years. The Conservative Club being the worst. I'm hardly a beer buff, but even I can tell when the bar management aren't trying.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,darling buds of may
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 06:59 PM

Thanks for your input paul but I was also at those events you mentioned above and there was only a small increase in the younger genaration and to be honest there hasn't been a large increase in the youth visiting Whitby for many a year now, I agree that the organisers have done well but they still need more younger people attending Whitby Week. As in past years there hasn't been the influx there should be, I am as much entitled to voice my concerns about Whitby Week the same as any one else and would love to see the younger people being involed in all activaties!

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Nick
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 06:20 PM

Good to (briefly) meet you too, Jack - sorry it wasn't in a session. The FILO is a handy venue where you can either be assured of a song at lunchtime as it is quite quiet and the evenings are usually busy and full.

I enjoyed the three days I visited and met up with various people I know and a bunch of new people too. Enjoyable time had.

My personal most enjoyable highlight was singing a favourite song with cello accompaniment and some nice harmonica playing in the Fleece.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 06:14 PM

'There certainly needs to be more youngsters encouraged to visit Whitby Week ! If not then I can't see the festival Progressing!'
Wow! Where were you on Friday night - or, for that matter any night? Down at the Spa we had crowds of young people playing and Speed Ploughing and Chain Clogging. As for the Hogwarts Express that toured the streets of Whitby on Thursday, there were no seats for the over thirties! The film of the Star and Shadow performance on Friday, and Chris Sexton's film of the final moments, show a demographic in which one is tempted to ask, 'Where are the adults?" I can also cite Sam and Dylan aka. 'Infinite Cherries' who, with a wide range of friends and others, have driven some beautiful evenings during the week, supplying music that was both refreshing and challenging to re-vitalise the Pavilion bar during the earlier parts of the evenings. Sorry, but the Whitby team have done loads to encourage the younger performers to come, take part and be prominent. The younger generation have embraced this invitation wholeheartedly. To suggest that this is not the case, not only denigrates their massive efforts but also misrepresents the actuality.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: BobKnight
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 03:33 PM

Young performers I worked with included, Jim Causley, The Foxglove Trio,Siobhan Miller and Jeanna Leslie,The Young 'Uns, The Tea Cups,all in their twenties, and in their thirties, The Hut People Carol Anderson and Martin McDonald.I'm sure there were other young ones too, but those are the ones I worked with this time round.

I think it's a great festival, and I had a great time, meeting so many new friends. Hope I get back next year too. :)

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: r.padgett
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 03:15 PM

Yes of course!

the singarounds (official ones) were well full and well a bit stately ~ lucky some times to get one song in a 2 hr session i.e The Dolphin!

Endeavour sessions after the Shanties tended to be well organised but a bit noisy sometimes

Conservative clubs apart from Friday (usual) in the evenings I mceed were well full and lots of singers doing one song floor spots!

In fact I sang very little apart from starting off the evening, some brill guests and droppers in such as Lynne Heraud and Pat Turner and Ciaran Boyle

Mick Ryan was brill as was Martin Wyndham Read and Iris Bishop, thanks to all who supported!and all the guests ~ and others who did not manage to get a spot!!

I am a learner on the anglo and feel more tune workshops needed had two good ones in the Fisherman's Rowing club in the mornings, yes cater for the good players but some of us are getting on a bit and need confidence! as well as the youngsters

One grouse probably due to historic reasons but the festival has a huge Scottish following, so apsrt from The Young 'Uns I wonder where the new English performers were? probably too expensive?

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Vic Smith
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 02:54 PM

Ken wrote:-
"Highly impressed by Siobhain Miller and Jeana Leslie."

Agreed! Both graduates of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, both second generation folkies; they ought to be good... and they are!

And for once it's not me that is spelling a name wrongly, it's Siobhan.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,darling buds of may
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 02:50 PM

There certainly needs to be more youngsters encouraged to visit Whitby Week ! If not then I can't see the festival Progressing! This does need to be addressed by the organisers! But we did have a great time with some of the musicians that were playing around the town!

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,Ken Hall
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 12:51 PM

Don't know what age you have to be to be rated as young. Highly impressed by Siobhain Miller and Jeana Leslie. When it comes to bands Moor Music still set the standard against which all other English dance bands need to be measured. In a class of their own and you also have the bonus of the step dancing, the dancing dolls and of course the virtuoso banjo playing of Rob Murch

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: SteveMansfield
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 10:18 AM

> Did Steve Mansfield not make it?

Made it, but, in the end, very briefly due to family issues, so didn't manage to get to The lsinore (apparently the E is behind the bar for when they can get it fixed back up) or the Eurosessions.

So apologies to all those including Jack that I'd hoped to meet up with.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 09:35 AM

There was a good range of young performers - just not many young audience.
FloraG

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 08:42 AM

Mo, we found that our sessions had been changed in the riding orders the Festival gave us and that one got dropped, perhaps because it finished at 7.00 and we were supposed to be in the Brunswick Centre from 7.00 - 10.00. Instead we were detailed to take over an earlier session in the Dolphin with Moor Music who were in the programme but not available at that time. I'm sorry we missed you as it would have been good to exchange some tunes again. Not all changes found their way into the Wailer.

We also did event 195, a tunes session in the Fishermen's Rowing Club from 1.00 - 3.00 on Monday, which was in the programme but not on our riding orders .... arrrgh... We had the pleasure of meeting Jack Campin and his mighty ocarina there.

Valmai (Spare Parts Concertina Band)

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Mo the caller
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 07:53 AM

Valmai, we came to your session in the Middle Earth on Wed, but had to find our own spare spare parts to lead it. Had a nice little session actually, and met and exchanged business cards with a local band so we were glad we went, but were puzzled by the fact that there was no change noted in the Wailer yet the musicians who turned up weren't the usual crowd of concertina players.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 07:52 AM

Congratulations to all concerned. I personally saw little of the festival this year as it was a family holiday with new grandson but I spoke to many punters and organisers and got the impression that whilst many things round the country are folding Whitby is going from strength to strength. Long may this happen.

And regarding the 'pensioners convention' comments, this is bound to be the case with any event in the country largely based around British traditional music as we were all very cliquy in the past. However Whitby saw the writing on the wall early and most of the organisers are from the younger generation and those who are not are definitely very young at heart. I was in the Spa all Friday night and I'd say the youngsters were in the majority.

Long may this continue. 50 years coming up!

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Jack Campin
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 07:44 AM

I can't figure out how to see Vic Smith's photos (I don't and won't have a Facebook account). Is it possible?
Apparently not, though the access to this album is set to "Public".

imgur, Photobucket, twitpic, Picasa, Flickr...

It was nice to see people making more of a sartorial effort this year. Hawaiian shirts were the big thing for gentlemen, and Valmai's amazing techni-any-colour-so-long-as-it's-brown dreamcoat of bar towels needs to feature on a magazine cover.

Mudcatters it was good to put a face to: Commander Crabbe, Nick Blair, Mo the caller.

Carol Anderson's Scottish sessions really took off - lots of players who know the idiom and could give it welly.

I didn't get to concerts (being mostly holed up in the Elsinore) but the one group of younger performers that really made an impression were the Newcastle Kingsmen - I think mostly a new lineup? Sheesh they're slick.

The first I knew about the Guggenmusik group was while waiting for the train home - were they around earlier? They need to visit the Eurosession if they come back. I've never heard that stuff before.

Did Steve Mansfield not make it?

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Vic Smith
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 06:46 AM

Sadly it is starting to look like a pensioners convention - where are/were all the young ones.

* Most of the photos that I took were at the events that I was booked to appear in and they were mostly at the traditional end of the festival where older festival goers are likely to be found - so I could not give a truly balanced picture of the events.

* There were some younger performers that I found really exciting, particularly The Young 'Uns and the Teacups and the youngsters displaying what they have picked up in four days at the youth workshops

* Have another look through the photos and ask yourself if you are being fair about the balance of ages of performers.

* Ask yourself if your comment does not have ageist overtones.

* Ask yourself if the younger performers have a monopoly of all the talent and if the older ones have nothing to offer.

I can't figure out how to see Vic Smith's photos (I don't and won't have a Facebook account). Is it possible?

Apparently not, though the access to this album is set to "Public". I have a relative who does not want to contribute to Facebook, though she does have an account under a false name. She uses it almost exclusively to access photos of her grandchildren who are in a different country.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 06:38 AM

Many thanks to all the organisers, stewards, performers and participants for a superb Folk Week. Whitby is wonderfully democratic. It puts a lot of emphasis on people taking part, joining workshops and making musical experiments which result in some splendid cross-fertilization. For me, playing and singing with other people is as important as sitting listening to performances because making folk music is a social activity. (Sorry if that sounds pretentious.)

Valmai (Spare Parts Concertina Band)

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 06:27 AM

I deny everything. That's not Whitby Conservative Club. It's the Winter Palace in Moscow just before I led the cheering crowds up the steps to storm the imperial function room. And that's not a photograph of Maggie Thatcher. It's Lenin in drag.

I did prefer the one of me singing in the Dolphin though.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 06:06 AM

"Well, Fred, I would say that you are guilty of not looking properly! There are in fact two photos of you in the album - including that one."

In that case I'll have another look.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Mo the caller
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 05:42 AM

There was some young talent in the Evolving Traditions concert.
It would have been nice if there had been a hand-out sheet, who they were, which region they come from and how you can book them.

And those photos have a performance at the bandstand from a group of young workshop participants.

And no doubt the Spa was packed with youngsters once all us old fogies had gone elsewhere or crept home to bed.
The cream of Cheshire/ Staffordshire youth were there (Greg & Ciaran).

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 05:22 AM

Hazel
There were lots of young uns around...probably just not in the areas that Vic photographed
Geoff t

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Jack Campin
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 06:23 PM

I can't figure out how to see Vic Smith's photos (I don't and won't have a Facebook account). Is it possible?

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Vic Smith
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 03:36 PM

Fred McCormick wrote:-
"Thank God the one you took of me didn't turn out."

Well, Fred, I would say that you are guilty of not looking properly! There are in fact two photos of you in the album - including that one.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: nutty
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 02:09 PM

Sadly it is starting to look like a pensioners convention - where are/were all the young ones.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 12:39 PM

Thank God the one you took of me didn't turn out.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Vic Smith
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 08:31 AM

An album of over 250 photos of Whitby Folk Week -
Find yourself by clicking here

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 24 Aug 13 - 02:13 PM

Went to some good concerts; saw some interesting young performers (although not many young audience ) and got my legs tangled up in American dance.
The proposed residents parking could be a problem with FILO. We managed to find parking places this year and did a few lunch times. Not clear where you would park if you have passengers or the driver with limited mobility.
The rugby club - where in the past there was parking for disabled - had camper vans on its parking area.
I wonder if the organisers using local knowledge could perhaps make clear where people with disabilities could park.
FloraG

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: JHW
Date: 24 Aug 13 - 05:24 AM

I was FILO at the cafe by the Sutcliffe shop. Half an hour locked in the proverbial smallest room on my way to the Graeme Miles show

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: GUEST,Charliestu
Date: 18 Aug 13 - 05:28 AM

Ref FILO Folk - First night slow off the ground but wow did it take off! Absolutely stunning music, harmonies, singing and musical, a truly entertaining international evening. New decor makes a big change, light n' bright with a selection of Real ales (Whitby Whaler, Doombar etc!). Food available too!

Music and song every day from 13.00 - 16.00 hrs and 19.00 - 2359 hrs

Both Cmdr Crabbe and moi will be happy to see you - Perish the Thought!

Folk for pleasure!

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Les from Hull
Date: 17 Aug 13 - 11:28 AM

Maggie and I have our usual evenings in the Endeavour. All styles of singing and playing welcome. We would be delighted to see any of our friends as we can't come and see you!

As usual Tuesday night is Mudgather night for those who want to meet fellow 'catters.

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Aug 13 - 05:58 AM

She says she got one ta!

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: nutty
Date: 17 Aug 13 - 05:41 AM

The Station and the Endeavour sometimes have programmes as well

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: nutty
Date: 17 Aug 13 - 05:40 AM

Or Festival Office in the Leisure Centre

Subject: RE: Whitby 2013
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 17 Aug 13 - 05:33 AM

Should be able to get one at Station News just opposite the railway station.

CC