Canal Catters

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 06:38 PM

Good to see you there, Hazel, and glad you enjoyed it. We had a great session on the Saturday. Napper couldn't be at the Sunday concert but he was there for the session, as was Mally and Tommy, Tommy and Terry from Whitby, Pete and Rosie Fletcher from Hull and Martin Bull from Hessle. Clarty Sough did a good job on the night singing Gezz's Aire and Calder songs.
I was amazed and delighted when Ernie let me take the pans round a few corners on the docks. I've steered Wheldale many times but not with pans in tow.

Happy 50th, Wheldale! Here's to the next 50!

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Pistachio
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 02:10 PM

Glad I noted this one in my diary. Only managed Sunday, late afternoon but thoroughly enjoyed the the opportunity to take the wheel of Wheldale (for about 200 yards)and see the tom-puddings and jebus now restored and well worth a trip to Goole. On to a brilliant evening concert with Denny and Chris, Steve Gardham, Ray Padgett, Bill Sables (and pal) and then Bella Hardy and Chris rounded off a fantastic night. Great job and thanks to all concerned.
Hazel.x

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 25 Jul 09 - 03:11 PM

Thanks Will,
I'll get the map out and see how these fit in with our itinerary.
Ian

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: jiggerwill
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 03:36 AM

Ian, sessions at Old Town Hall Vaults Whitchurch second Wednesday, Bell o' the Hill Tushingham, first Tuesday and Dusty Miller Wrenbury last Friday also Oddfellows Nantwich first Thursday, Audlem, Shroppie fly every Monday
Will

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 04:48 PM

Next big folky do at the Yorkshire Waterways Museum is Sept 19th 20th.
The Tom Pudding tug Wheldale will be 50 years old.
Saturday afternoon, song and music session, all welcome.
Saturday night, a concert of Gezz Overington's songs performed mostly by the Clarty Sough Scunthorpe lot.
Sunday afternoon, a concert with Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley, Tom Napper, Ray Padgett and A N Other who might be someone intending to come who can sing some canal songs, oh and me.
If anyone's in the Goole area, we've just finished giving her a new coat of paint and she looks a bobby dazzler. The 150-year-old jebus is out of water and has just been replated awaiting repainting along with the 3 pans. If the pans are finished soon we'll be towing them round the docks.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 11:57 AM

Now the hole in my boat (dear liza) is sealed I hope to be travelling down the Macclesfiled Canal up the Llangollen Canal in a couple of weeks time. Does anyone know of any folk music events in the area in the latter part of August?

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: The Vulgar Boatman
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 05:46 PM

Mike, taking the questions in order...
six feet ten inches (or 2.1 metres in new money);

there is generally only a very slight flow, but there is indeed a motor - the bad news is that there are no brakes other than putting the motor in reverse;

the usual term for two inexperienced boaters meeting is "chaos". The simple rule is keep right when you meet another boat (opposite to our roads) but the canal is generally wide enough for three boats unless one of them happens to be sideways on;

and...I don't know about the others, but I certainly am.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: open mike
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 02:48 PM

how narrow are those boats?

does the water from the canals flow and carry you afloat
or do yo use a motor.

what if you meet a boat coming the other way..
is it one way traffic?

are there any catters planning boat trips in 2010?

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: open mike
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 02:36 PM

looking into this...dreaming of a musical canal holiday...hmmmm.....
how n

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Leadfingers
Date: 05 May 08 - 06:52 PM

Admiral is doing the ?stourbridge ring? this year styarting from Alvechurch next saturday !!

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: GUEST,Steve Gardham
Date: 05 May 08 - 06:06 PM

Greetings Canal Catters,
You might be interested to hear that folky events are gradually building up at The Yorkshire Waterways Museum, Goole, where, at weekends, trips round the docks on the Wheldale, Tom Pudding tug can be had. We occasionally have song and music sessions with people like Ray Padgett, Jim Potter, Roy Atkinson can be heard performing. Also Gez Overington's CD of Tom Pudding songs can be obtained. If you have a boat there are are 2 adjacent marinas and lots of historic craft around. Canal access can be obtained via the Sheffield area or from Leeds/Liverpool on the Aire and Calder, via the Trent--Ouse or even Trent--Keadby Canal if you don't want to risk the Ouse. For larger craft, coast--Humber--Ouse--Ocean Lock will get you there.

There are no sessions booked in at the moment as all our regular performers are out all this month doing Yorkshire Garland workshops at all the Yorkshire festivals, but we'll almost certainly get some going in June.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 05 May 08 - 05:45 PM

Thanks Dave. Will send cheque asap.
Ian

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Dave Illingworth
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 02:34 PM

Dear Ian (Hendrie),

Sorry I missed your message of 13th April.

I have one copy of DPN+1 CD "The Unknown Boatman", and we can always run off some more.
Only has nine tracks, but costs only £6.50 (including p&p).
Cheque payable to "P. Blowers" and send to me at

14 Manor Gardens
Merton Park
London SW20 9AB

I have just received details of music at Braunston Historic Narrowboat Festival (Braunston Marina, Northamptonshire,
01788 891373
Sat/Sun 28/29 June:-

Johnny Collins
Shanty Jack
Dutch Courage
Capstan Full Strength
plus local groups (including Braunston Pickle)

A veritable feast for shanty fans, and miles from the sea (almost in the centre of England.......)

                               Happy boating

                                 Dave Illingworth

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 13 Apr 08 - 11:49 AM

The CD of canal songs is of interest to me and probably others. How can we get a copy?

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Dave Illingworth
Date: 10 Apr 08 - 05:02 AM

I can recommend the Historic Narrowboat Festival at Braunston Marina,
Northants., this year on weekend 27th - 29th June. Details from
www.braunstonmarina.co.uk or email [e-mail].
The emphasis is, of course, on the participating boats and the craft stalls, but there is a lot of music (folk and some jazz).
On Friday evening there is a folk concert in the village church and on Saturday evening a good session in the Old Plough pub, hosted by fine local folk band Braunston Pickle. There is also music on the trip boats, and in the beer-tent throughout the weekend. The latter stocks good local real ales, although can run out early in Sunday
(the last two years I have ended up drinking red wine, which is OK, and certainly better than fizz lager.....)
Not sure about the musical line-up this year, but I know Braunston Pickle will be there, along with the really good Dutch shanty group
Dutch Courage.
Our band DPN+1 have played there the last three years, but will be taking a break this year (back in 2009). As well as Braunston, we have played Walsall Boaters Gathering (four years running), Inland Waterways Exhibition (NIA Birmingham), BBC Midlands TV programme
"Canal City", Reading Waterfest, Cutweb Internet Boating Club Rally,
Surrey and Hamoshire Canal Festival and the Inland Waterways Association Jubilee Dance at Stratford-upon-Avon.
Although basically a jazz and blues band, we have recorded a CD of canal songs (mainly original) "THE UNKNOWN BOATMAN", which received good reviews in Towpath Talk, Waterways World, Canal & Riverboat and Traditional Music Maker magazines, as well as plays on BBC Radio Midlands "Folkwaves" and BBC Radio Wales "Celtic Heartbeat".
Our canal associations are largely due to founder-member Dusty Miller
- canal artist and campaigner, songwriter, and skipper of the narrowboat "Foreward". For more on Dusty see the thread
"Craigielee/Waltzing Matilda)

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: jiggerwill
Date: 08 Apr 08 - 07:56 AM

White Dove
Session at Black Bear, Whitchurch,(about 11 miles from Ellesmere)
second Weds in month (Tomorrow)
You will be welcome

Will

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Mr Happy
Date: 08 Apr 08 - 05:39 AM

Roz,

Mr Happy's Come All Ye sinaround has moved from the Union Vaults.

We now hold the session at the Royal Oak, Faulkener St, Hoole, Chester every Wednesday from 9ish.


This coming Friday, we'll be at the sesh in the Carlton Tavern, Handbrige, Chester.

We expect to be at the Dusty Miller on Fri 25th April.

Hope to see you at one of these do's soon.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: GUEST,White Dove
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 07:53 PM

Yep.and flows right thro Hong Kong airport.

We have 4 more hours for the flight! Free internet tho!

Hows you...we are still near Ellesmere, I understand its snowing over there ....brrrrrrr!

pls keep me informed of sessions nearby..need a music fix...

Lov to Barb and Jim
Roz

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Mr Happy
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 07:00 AM

100! Beat you to it this time Terry!

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Mr Happy
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 06:50 AM

Roz,

Didn't kno the Shropshire Union have a spur to Ayres Rock!

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 06:48 AM

See Beverley beck shanty festival May 2008 thread For a festival with lots of boats and waterways and shanty theme.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: GUEST,White Dove
Date: 06 Apr 08 - 05:46 PM

.me again..almost one month on!

I am just leaving Oz and managed to get on the net only to find Vin Garbut is over here too...

Oh Well, Ben and I have been on a whistle stop tour before having an amazing time at our daughter Beckys wedding.
While visiting Ayres Rock we learned that we are now grandparents. hopefully i will get over to see Jons baby in Liverpool soon.

Will be back in Hull for a family gathering next weekend

Roz..missing the boat and the music..eeek

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: GUEST,White Dove
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 10:55 AM

Hi Happy John.....

If i had been in touch we could have joined you at the Dusty.. we were near Whichurch at the time. We are now at Ellesmere. I will get in touch with Barbara and arrange a get together ok..

Roz

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 07:28 AM

Well I looked at the pictures of the Admirals trip and decided to do something about it.
I followed up a recent mailing and booked a short trip this weekend.
We are leaving from Sawley Marina for a few days up the Trent and Mersey probably.
Any FC Clubs / sessions etc in the vicinity of the canals. This could influence our directions.
We may leave this evening so best be quickly if you know anything.

TIA

Andy & Jillie

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 28 Feb 08 - 05:02 AM

Do any of you canal catters float along the Macclesfield Canal? The North Cheshire Cruising Club clubhouse is an excellent venue and I am hoping to get some 'folky' activities going there later in the year.

Can I do a little plug for my Songs of the Inland Waterways website which now contains 99 songs? Can anyone provide me with the one hundredth?

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 27 Feb 08 - 05:47 AM

I think you mean
Jollies ont' boats


Have fun, wish we could join you.
Andy & Jillie

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: The Admiral
Date: 27 Feb 08 - 05:36 AM

Our trip last year.... http://www.redadmiral.freeserve.co.uk/canalling.htm- we're off again in May around the Stourport Ring

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Mr Happy
Date: 26 Feb 08 - 08:05 AM

PS

There's another canalside sesh not so far away & we'll be heading there this coming Friday.

Its at the Dusty Miller at Wrenbury near Nantwich.

Unfortunately clashes with the Shady Oak sesh, but we're off to investigate the Dusty just for a change.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Mr Happy
Date: 26 Feb 08 - 07:56 AM

Aha! Hiya Roz! -cross posted there - Meself & the Fiends've re-commenced our forced route marches leisure rambles & have recently explored some toepaths inc. the other end've the Llangollen one at the Nantwich end.

Hopefully, we may be able to pop in yours soon.

Are you parkedmoored in the same place?

Cheers,

Mr H

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Mr Happy
Date: 26 Feb 08 - 07:49 AM

GUEST

Are you Roz & Phil?

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: GUEST,White Dove
Date: 26 Feb 08 - 07:48 AM

guest..above...tis me Roz..on boat

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Feb 08 - 07:47 AM

Hi graham n Jo ..long time no see. Hopefully i will catch up with you sometime. I saw the Syntan on the Beck earlier this year and wondered how close by you were. we are still on the Llangollen running Spider Boat Crafts. Any passing folkies would be welcome to stop by for a cup of tea...or somethin stronger even!

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 04:20 AM

222.syntanbarge.org.uk

syntan comes from 'synthetic tanning' as one of the cargoes was to do with a tannery

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 04:13 AM

The Syntan is owned by the Beverley Barge preservation society and is moored on Beverley Beck, by the crane off Waterside Road. The occasional event is held on her. There was a 'folk on the water' event recently, and Christmas carols. There is a website. Will look up the website address.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: danensis
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 09:51 AM

Syntan had great difficulties getting to many festivals last year because of the flooding. We did however manage to get down to the Shanty Festival at Hull, and this is what gave Nev the idea for the gathering in May.

I've been out on the Humber in Syntan on a trip to Stainforth, and I must admit I am glad we had a number of experienced barge skippers aboard, though the conflicting instructions made steering rather "interesting".

Syntan is soon to be joined by another barge "Sun" a former British Waterways Maintenance boat, which should have better views from the cabin than you get with Syntan. This will allow Syntan to be used for its original (sinc erestoration) purpose of being a travelling museum celebrating and recording the various trades for which it carried cargo.

John

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Fidjit
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 10:41 AM

Catter canal meet?? Keep me posted.

There's this, but I've heard there are very liitle fringe events there.

Saul Canal Festival

Chas

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Fidjit
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 10:28 AM

Now here's a canal for you. Part of the Dalsland Canal, in West Sweden.

Here you have, Clive Field and his lovely lady Gilly, who help run the "Saul on the Water Festival" in Gloucestershire.
Along with a boat towing one without an engine, but was full (it's not now) Of "London Pride" !!

Canal convention 2005

Chas
PS. Yes we have a pub that gives gigs just down the road from me.
Not my scene as it's mostly, "covers" bands.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: GUEST,PMB
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 09:01 AM

There's a report on Syntan on the BBC website somewhere- she's at York at the moment it says.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: GUEST,Neovo
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 06:47 AM

Has anybody been to Straw Bear by boat? Should be even easier when the new lock is built in Boston. Looking forward to that.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: GUEST,Journalist Sue
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 06:35 AM

Hi Everyone - I am trying to find out some info about the barge Syntan, which years ago used to deliver chocolate to the Rowntrees factory at York.
I would like to know where Syntan is now, and a bit about her connection to Rowntrees.
Can anyone help?
Hope so.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: oombanjo
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 05:47 AM

Hi White Dove, a H.N.Y. to all. The Syntan travels on her own steam without the aid of crane or river pilot when she travels to the gathering/festival at Stainforth on the Thorne and District canal. I will get some info from Peter the engineer who lives directly behind me to add to the post. Again best to all for the New Year.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: greg stephens
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 03:39 PM

Boating to Bluebell, Hardingswood on Sunday Dec 30. Should be music that evening.
Undoubtedly music session in Beartown Tap, Congleton, New Year's Day, Jan 1, 2PM on.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: bubblyrat
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 07:35 AM

I have just been re-united with my brother Robert,whom I hadn"t seen for some years, and I am delighted to say that he lives now on a narrowboat !! ( currently in Marlow, near the lock ).I hope to get him to take me to some venues next year---Banbury, The Plough at Long Wittenham, The Ferry at Cookham , Henley Regatta of course ! My other brother ,Clifford (Beckett) owns a narrowboat on the Kennet and Avon near Newbury, so that might present some possibilities as well !!

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: GUEST,White Dove
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 03:34 PM

Happy Christmas...Graham , Joe and Hazel

We popped down to the Beck yesterday to check out how the boats get there. One helpful chappie told us at a cost they where craned into the water after arriving on a low loader. Another had pilot assistance up the Humber earlier in the year when the weather was considerably warmer and calmer.

Not options for me yet a while as i now tow an x BW boat that we have turned into a craft shop.

Hazel..I too lost my singing voice about 18 months ago. Cameras revealed mucus but a healthy throat so there is no excuse. I am so busy doing other things but I really miss the singing and i am looking at changing my diet..which for me is akin to giving up smoking I guess.
Paverotti was takin high dose menthol lozengers apparently. Remember
Graham always at hand with the Fishermans friends which helped. I tried soya milk the other day...its a start! But maybe a voice teacher trainer might help. I have been reading the advice threads on mudcat...some good ideas there, and suprising that it happens to a lot of singers.
Take care...will try to keep in touch.......hugs Roz

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Pistachio
Date: 23 Dec 07 - 05:08 PM

Hi Roz, Hazel from Hissyfit here! Great to read you are still afloat. What about getting some sailing assistance to get in on the Beverley Beck at Whit... (hope I don't speak too soon - but there's to be a fest' here and I THINK that boats are welcome if 'visitors' will be welcome aboard!...
Speak to Ossonflags -
Festive wishes. Sorry but I HAVE to rest my voice ... so I'm having to stay away from the sessions just now as it's hard to stay silent when everyone else is singing!
My family think it's FANTASTIC!
LOL Hazel
x

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: greg stephens
Date: 23 Dec 07 - 04:37 PM

Bits of the boat Band and Steamhead will be on the Macclesfield each side of New year.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 23 Dec 07 - 04:29 PM

Hi Roz, great to see you're about. Do get in touch.
Christmas carols in the Tiger Christmas Eve but not sure what time.
Beverley Garland dancers are dancing 10:30 Market Cross in Saturday Market, Boxing day.
Ged's session is Thursday this week in the Tiger about 8:30pm.
Friday session is at Tiger about 9:00pm.
Would be lovely to see you again.
Happy Christmas
   Graham and Jo

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: open mike
Date: 22 Dec 07 - 06:57 PM

forgot to put the http//
try to cut and paste this

www.tomlewis.net

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: Amos
Date: 22 Dec 07 - 06:44 PM

Me thinks I see a host of craft, spreading their sails alee...

Very best of the season to all you long-hulled catters!!!


A.

Subject: RE: Canal Catters
From: GUEST,White Dove
Date: 22 Dec 07 - 05:50 PM

Barbara..hiya!(u r on my mob as Barbruabon) I didn,t know you were on mudcat. Lookin forward to the shady session ok. whooo is Cindy??

Willa..we will be in Beverley ..not sure where yet, tomorrow. Happy chrstmas to you too :-)

Hi Les,Maggie..sorry we wil miss you both, hope yur feelin better soon.

I have been on the boat about seven years now and would love to sail into Hull..BUT..navigating the Humber in my humble abode noooooo!!
I,m sure it can be done but I once ventured onto the Trent in flood, tho never again. (oombanjo if you do have visiting boats braving the Humber please let me know ok!)

We travelled on the Leeds Liverpool up to Skipton one year..and nesrly made the Hatton flight near Warwick, last year up on the Peak forrest not far from Stockport. Hopefully we will travel south sometime but the Llangollen Canal feels like home.

cheers Roz on Boat