Whitby Folk Week 2016

Subject: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 11:47 AM

So, who's going to Whitby this year.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Jack Campin
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 11:54 AM

Me. (And I seem to have become this year's organizer for the flat keys session initiated a couple of years ago by regulars on melodeon.net).

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Tradsinger
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 12:13 PM

I will be there for about 4 days with my Eb/Bb melodeon so look forward to the flat keys session. Apart from that, I will be looking for genial pubs where I can get a lot of songs in. Any suggestions?

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 12:56 PM

That very much depends on whether you want to sing or play. Certain pubs tend to have a "monopoly" on a certain style. I.E Lunchtime in the Endeavour is almost entirely Shanty's, The Station front bar is almost entirely unaccompanied singing but the back bar is almost entirely tunes. The Middle Earth is predominantly Melodeon & Fiddle tunes. The best bet is to walk round for an hour till you find one you like.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Tradsinger
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 01:17 PM

Sounds like the Station bar then, but I do accompany a lot of my songs on melodeon or banjo.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,In good company
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 01:22 PM

Hoping to get there Monday Lunchtime and leave around mid afternoon Wednesday. Looking forward to my first visit to the folk festival there for around 30 years! See you there and buy you a pint, Raggy.

Cheers

Dave

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 01:46 PM

I'd hold you to that if I knew which Dave you were.

Or should I be able to make a uninformed guess and mention the Station at Ribbleshead

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,In good company
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 05:06 PM

Spot on! Mind you I did tell you why I was 'In good company' from now on a while ago. I guess there has been too much Guinness under the bridge since :-)

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: BobKnight
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 06:33 PM

I'll be there, which is great because I love Whitby. I'll be launching a few new songs written this year, as well as a few traditional ones as usual. If you see/hear me, come say hello.

Bob Knight

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 19 Jul 16 - 08:15 PM

Going for my second year with ma friend, Liz, frae Aberdeen. "Flat keys" sounds interesting, Jack: as a B/C box player, I always say - "theoretically you can play in any key, provided you can find the notes!"

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Joe Nicholson
Date: 20 Jul 16 - 05:47 AM

Hi Raggy Mo and I will be there as ever will we be doing the Glaisdale Train on Sunday

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 20 Jul 16 - 06:52 PM

We are..... hope to see some of you there!

Kitty (and Derek)

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Mo the caller
Date: 21 Jul 16 - 04:38 AM

"theoretically you can play in any key, provided you can find the notes!"
Yes, I was told that the recorder is a chromatic instrument.
Would help if I had chromatic fingers though (or is it the brain that's too slow?)

Not long to wait now.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 21 Jul 16 - 10:57 AM

The Glaisdale train leaves Whitby at 13.01 arriving in Glaisdale at 13.26.

The latest return train leaves Glaisdale at 17.28 arriving in Whitby at 17.56 followed by Cocktails in one of the many bars !

On a more serious note I need someone to drive Christine out there and back. She is getting a new hip next week and will not be able to make the walk to the station or up the hill at Glaisdale. Any volunteers to take her if they are going by car ?

Cheers

Nick

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 22 Jul 16 - 07:41 AM

I've not managed to get there for the last couple of years but I'll be there all week this year.

DC

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 23 Jul 16 - 06:22 AM

Zip ee de do dah

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jul 16 - 03:59 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Aug 16 - 05:29 AM

Bump

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Jack Campin
Date: 04 Aug 16 - 09:33 AM

Problem finalizing the flat-key session: the Golden Lion never answers the phone (using the number publicized on the web).

Anybody have a number that works? Or do they respond to messages sent through Facebook?

My phone number is 07895 860 060, they can use that if they don't want to make their own real phone number public.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Aug 16 - 09:50 AM

I'll see if I can drop in there and get the number this afternoon Jack. No promises. The staff in the afternoon may not be able to clarify the situation and I've never seen the landlord in there. Ever.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Jack Campin
Date: 04 Aug 16 - 10:19 AM

Thanks. You can tell them I'd like to use the back room from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday 23rd August.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Aug 16 - 10:28 AM

Will do.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Aug 16 - 03:35 PM

Hi Jack,

As expected there was a young member of staff on who couldn't make any commitment, however the pub number which I expect you have is 01947 825395.

The bonus is, I hope, a mobile number which is 07717 694 850

All being well you will get some satisfaction from this.

Cheers

Nick

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Aug 16 - 03:36 PM

Should have said this is the landlady's number she is called Tracy Chapman

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Jack Campin
Date: 04 Aug 16 - 03:44 PM

Great! I've just spoken to her and that's fine.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 06 Aug 16 - 05:21 AM

There is a new bar in town situated on the train station. It's called the Waiting Room run by Rob & Sue Wildsmith. I'm sure it will appeal to many folkies. There are 5 real ales at any one time, well kept too. There is a selection of Ciders and Wines and a few soft drinks, no tea or coffee (it's a pub!)

There's no TV, no jukebox, no radio. Rob is keen to attract singers and accompanists but no too fond of diddly-diddly (his words)

The opening hours are a bit querky and he doesn't open on Mondays. He is making a very good fist of it and I'd happily recommend the place to any discerning drinker.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 06 Aug 16 - 05:42 AM

I think I'd prefer Tracy Chapman at the Golden Lion.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 06 Aug 16 - 05:44 AM

Though I usually aim for the Rifle Club.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 06 Aug 16 - 05:48 AM

Very nice pistolets at lunch time.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Jack Campin
Date: 06 Aug 16 - 08:17 AM

I have uploaded a PDF for a sheet of business cards advertising the flat key session to melodeon.net:

http://forum.melodeon.net/index.php/topic,19011.msg232971.html

http://forum.melodeon.net/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=19011.0;attach=19470

I hope that works for non-members.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Tootler
Date: 06 Aug 16 - 03:24 PM

I usually travel daily and try to get two or three days in. Mostly a trawl round the "official" sessions plus some workshops then end up at the Rifle Club for the evening.

I'm not sure what I'll do this year as I've damaged my knee (my GP thinks it's cruciate ligament) and I'm waiting the results of a MRI scan to see what's to be done. I suspect it will be limited and I'll probably end up settling in the Cons club in the day and over to the Rifle club in the evening to avoid too much walking. Saltburn is the weekend before so I'll see how I go on there.

Frustration, frustration.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,Katy from Burnley
Date: 07 Aug 16 - 07:01 AM

Can't get my head round those persons who run singers clubs in East Lancashire, drive over in a minibus to Whitby when the festival is on, sit in a pub that has nothing to do with the Festival, sing the same songs they sing at home, applaud each other, don't buy a ticket for any of the festival, drive back home again and reckon they've been to Whitby Folk Week. I know it's not a crime, but....well I don't know...

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 03:49 AM

Less than two weeks to go.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 03:53 AM

Katy, The fringe is as big as the festival,if not bigger. (I do know what you mean about the same old songs though)

It may be just an excuse for a week at the seaside, nowt wrong with that. :-)

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,Katy
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 04:45 AM

Well when you put it like that I suppose not,,,,,

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,David Nuttall, Wakefield
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 06:15 AM

I very much enjoy sitting in the pub and making our own music at Whitby...and taking in the occasional concert too if I feel like it . It presents opportunities for meeting and greeting old friends from all over the country..and other parts of the world too . Many are only met up with when at Whitby each year in informal settings which allow music AND a renewal of friendships and a chat too. There should be room for all kinds of experiences there....from the workshops,sing arounds , watching the dancers and formal concerts to the casual get - together in the pubs....and endless conversations . It all depends on what one is looking for in such a diverse festival. There should be tolerance and room for all....long may it continue for it is part of the special appeal which is WHITBY !! For ME the music is important there.... but so are the PEOPLE. Enjoy !

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 07:28 AM

It is obviously expensive to put on a week of musical events in Whitby. And a week-long ticket does offer wonderful value.

The festive atmosphere in Whitby comes from the Folk Week itself. But people who enjoy the street and fringe events can take advantage of the Folk Week without contributing towards any of the costs.

By contributing to the collections, they will help to ensure the viability of future occasions. A contribution greater than a handful of small change would be really appreciated.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 07:48 AM

Conversely Henry they take nothing from the festival, if a group of people meet up in a pub and sing/play they then add to the festival.

I know it's not a response you want but it is one view.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Jack Campin
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 08:10 AM

As far as Whitby's tourist business is concerned, the fringe has to be more important than the main festival, because there are more of them and they're out spending money instead of wasting time listening to concerts.

I get the impression the fringe has shrunk a bit in recent years. The way a pub landlord or shopkeeper would see it, that means the festival is letting them down.

A lot of Whitby business folk are not very nice people (hence the amount of UKIP shite they display in their windows) but you can see where they're coming from.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 09:13 AM

Perhaps a few, Jack, but certainly not "a lot"

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Joe Nicholson
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 11:11 AM

Whitby is very much a participants festival with its unofficial fringe and numerous workshops, dancing etc. that I am inclined to think that concert goers are probably in the minority but it is a great gathering of people with similar tastes and long may it be so.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 01:45 PM

Everything depends upon Folk Week.

If that should fail, then there wouldn't be a Fringe for the benefit of musicians or for the town of Whitby.

It's in everybody's interest to support the Folk Week. Is it so painful to put your hand in your pocket?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Noreen
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 03:40 PM

Everything depends upon Folk Week.
If that should fail, then there wouldn't be a Fringe...

Why wouldn't there be, henryp? There might even be a bigger fringe if other people could access accommodation more easily without the main Folk Week taking it up...

Of course I don't want either to fail, and I don't see the point in you introducing a false dichotomy and stirring up ill-feeling. The fringe and Folk Week are inter-dependent and long may they both continue to thrive!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Mo the caller
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 04:25 PM

I have noticed that some years (recently??) the collectors rattling tins in the 'official' pub sessions have not been as noticeable.

I do buy a season ticket. Really good value, and gives me flexibility - I can pop in to part of a concert then on to a workshop / session / dance. Others 'pay-as-they-go' and plan more carefully, to make sure they get full value from the hings they go to. No doubt others meet up in the same pub with the same crowd each year.
Room for all.

For me some of the fringe is an important part of the week. E.g. the Eurosessions, which I think I've heard are on but not over Regatta weekend (can't find the post/email though).

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 05:32 PM

Noreen, if the Fringe requires more accommodation, it's unfortunate that - of all the weeks in the year - it should fall the same week as Folk Week.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Jack Campin
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 05:59 PM

Eurosessions, as per Katy's email:

Whitby Folk Week is rapidly approaching so here are this year's dates for the Eurosessions in Whitby Yacht Club.

MONDAY         22nd August 3 - 5pm
WEDNESDAY      24th August 3 - 5pm
THURSDAY       25th August 3 - 5pm
FRIDAY         26th August 3 - 5pm

You'll notice that there are no sessions on Saturday or Sunday, and this is because this year Folk Week coincides with Whitby Town Regatta (20th and 21st Aug). As a result the yacht club premises are in use for sailing-related events on these days. Then on Tuesday, the club is hosting an event for the Dutch boating visitors who regularly sail over at this time of year, and so the club once again is not available for the Eurosession on that day.

On Wednesday the 24th at 8pm in the yacht club STEWART HARDY (fiddle) and FRANK McLAUGHLIN (guitar) are performing a 60 minute set. Tickets are £7 which includes a £2 donation to the RNLI, and the tickets will be available at Whitby Yacht Club bar during Folk Week and at the door on the night. We're planning to have a session afterwards, so bring instruments if you're coming on that evening. (Stewart and Frank will also be at the Wednesday Eurosession in the afternoon).

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: GUEST,Guest LP
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 07:08 PM

I agree with Mo, unlike Sidmouth where official collectors go in to all the venues to collect money for the festival, in Whitby I have rarely seen a collecting tin, in fact I don't think I've ever seen one in ten years! I buy a season ticket every year as do my three friends I share accommodation with, but go to about three events. I love the Fringe and I appreciate that the Fringe would not exist without the festival. I believe there is a better Fringe festival at Whitby than in Sidmouth as Sidmouth is fast running out of pubs! At least that won't happen in Whitby!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Jack Campin
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 07:21 PM

There are less usable pubs in Whitby than there were (thanks to Sam Smiths and gastro-ization) and some have never tolerated live music. There are a lot but there could be more.

The George seems to prefer to spend Folk Week with virtually no customers rather than let the folkies in. How do they stay open?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Noreen
Date: 08 Aug 16 - 07:47 PM

henryp, please stop being the only negative voice on a lovely thread about glorious Whitby.
Nobody has objected to contributing, in fact several here have mentioned "overpaying" by buying season tickets but mostly Fringing.
The joy of Whitby is having so much going on, official and unofficial, to pick and choose from.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2016
From: Raggytash
Date: 09 Aug 16 - 04:41 AM

Hi Jack, The George is very much a "locals" pub and mainly the younger end at night. It is quite a popular pub throughout the year. One reason it may be fairly quiet during folk week is that many locals take that week off or have overspent at the weekends. Personally I rarely enter it's doors.