WHITBY !!

Subject: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 04:21 AM

Cor ! Nearly time for Whitby, anyone else getting excited about it, Mummmmmmmmmm are we there yet ! ?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 04:59 AM

Yeah it's countdown time. One thing to look forward to is that me and Ken areplanning a mummers play starring Sooty, Sweep, Soo and a Lion. You know the sort of thing 'In comes I piece of fluff, I'll show the varmit he's had enuff, I may be small but I'm not dim, cos up my bum is the hand of Jim' !!! boom boom

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 05:19 AM

Unfortunately Linda & I won't be able to make it this year. We had hoped to, but a last-minute decision to spend a week at Sidmouth (while Linda's son was away with the scouts) and pressure of work mean that we won't be able to get there.

Have a great time - I hope the weather is as good as that for Sidmouth.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: muppett
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 06:35 AM

Yep I can't wait either although is only just over 24hrs since I was last there.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 06:51 AM

Southern Scoundrel is backing out of a duel, typical spinelessness I call it. MC, that's the second time one of their kind has done this in recent months. I think we have their measure

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 06:59 AM

Where are the places to go, so I don't miss anything, at the festival please ?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 07:15 AM

Whitby has about 800 hours of organised events during the week ranging from major concerts to street theatre, it is a celebration of Music song and dance from the UK and Ireland. Where you go depends very much on your particular tastes, the festival basically envelopes the town, there are about 24 official indoor venues, numerous outdoor venues, dancing etc and THEN there's the fringe. Even the fringe has various venues catering to various tastes. As I said, depends very much on waht you want to see, hear, play or dance

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 07:30 AM

Hopefuly the Mudcat barbeque will be revived this year. Still toying with the idea of it being the big mudcat brother barbeque and voting someone out every so often :0)We will certainly spend at least part of our week i the Tap and Spile but lack of live in baby sitters this year may curtail our fun. Will also be outside the Middle Earth if weather proves fine especially since we are billeted just up the steps from there this year. Don't tend to get to many organised events but small people will be trying out various workshops and of course the Scratch will be out and about on Monday, Wednesday and Friday along with the ever growing inimitable Scratch band featuring the Tigerfoot synchronised player! Would love the company of a handheld strolling mummers play!!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,red max
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 08:09 AM

This'll be my first year, so I'm pretty excited. The only downside is that (as far as I know) Bob Pegg won't be there

So what should a fan of English trad stuff be on the lookout for? Nothing against Irish/Scottish stuff or singer-songwriters, but you can get plenty of that at any folk club

I know a few of the guys who apparently loiter around the Tap & Spile, so I'll probably nip in there

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 08:20 AM

Bob Pegg doesn't usually perform at Whitby but has for the last few years at least run the children in Performance workshops. As yet I haven't seen a programme so don't know what there is on this year. Could do to know what there is on for littlies in case we need to take anything with us. Molly will be at the clogging but don't even know when that is either.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 11:03 AM

Well, I'll be there. How will I recognise you lot?

Steve

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: el ted
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 11:08 AM

Look for pools of spilt cider, and follow the trail.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Rosie Hardman
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 11:35 AM

If anyone knows a guy who comes from the Whitby area called Alan Atkinson - who used to go to the folk clubs in the area - and can pass on this message - I need to get in touch with him to get permission to put some lyrics he wrote (and I set to music) on my website.

Please tell him to get in touch with Rosie at my email address

Thanks folks! :)

Rosie Hardman

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 11:51 AM

Ted, my dear boy .......... i think perhaps,you and I need a quiet word ...............


............ I hope that will suffice

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: nutty
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 11:55 AM

ROSIE .... I have sent you an email re Alan Atkinson

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 12:01 PM

Steve Parkes

See pics on Members Photos? (Mine was taken in the Endeavour, at one of Jim Mageean's maritime singarounds.)

I'll be relaxing at Whitby, after my mother's funeral next Wednesday - apologies in advance for any excessively roisterous singing, or for falling asleep, in one or more of the Endeavour, Plough, Tap and Spile, Black Horse.....

Kitty

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 12:18 PM

Yes, my members photo was also taken in Whitby - you know, the day those people got married!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,BIG ANDY
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 01:35 PM

When is Whitby?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Les from Hull
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 02:40 PM

Steve - you know what Maggie and I look like. So have a word with either of us and we'll tell you how to avoid the rest of the 'ull lot.

Actually, we'll be there from Monday, as we're at Hull Shanty Festival for the weekend.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: wigan
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 02:41 PM

WE'LL BE THERE! looking forward to meeting up with other catters. might even get invited to a bbq, who knows? but anyway a good time will be had by all.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 04:02 PM

Jethro hopes to put in an appearance - and he was granted the Freedom of Whitby Pavilion by the mayor at the sword spec!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Davetnova
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 03:13 AM

Hope to be there for the weekend. Looking foward to my first childless few days since I became single.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 04:14 AM

I will be there - Mrs Duck clogging for ducklings - unless Malcolm has changed it this year -is every afternoon 3.00 til 5.00 in the seaman's mission. We are always looking for talent to help us with the cotumes for the friday performance in the spa at the showcase (hint hint) this years theme will be sailors and fishing

Mr Bryant I will miss our time together!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 04:30 AM

I'm sure to recognise one or two of you that I've met before ... although I don't always spot people I should know, and sometimes recognise people I don't! Maybe I'll wear my Mudcat badge in my hat -- not the one in my photo, and certainly not that shirt!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Sooty
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 05:20 AM

I'll be there with Soo and that prat Sweep who I'm going to soak with my water pistol just because I want to.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Sweep
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 05:21 AM

You think you're clever Sooty but I'll get you back

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Michael
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 08:56 AM

Reply to Big Andy;
A week on Saturday ie 21st August until Friday 27th

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Ramsbotham the Snake....
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 08:03 PM

Sweep, tha' tek no notice o' that daft bloody h'ap'orth Sooty...reet?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Sweeps
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 04:28 AM

Thanks ramsbottom tha's a pal

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 05:25 AM

Do we really need this thread hijacking by a guy who shoves his hand up bears and dogs arses? They are not real you know MCFAT and besides they are at my house and I havent given them the password for logging on to the internet!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 05:44 AM

How dare you say they're not real. You'll be telling me the tooth fairy doesn't exist next

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 09:03 AM

No Jim - I think the tooth fairy drinks in The Endeavour...
Or was that just some strange dream I had after the barbecue the other year...
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 09:32 AM

No that was a 'trannie' in the Endeavour if you remember your famous 'faux pas'

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Susan of DT
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 05:18 PM

Dick Greenhaus and I cannot come this year, but do plan on next year. Since the time to think of cottages is around a year ahead, does anyone want to go in with us on a cottage for Whitby 2005 or have a large one to share? PM me or email [e-mail]

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: alanww
Date: 13 Aug 04 - 04:18 AM

Setting out now (to go to Saltburn on way to Whitby!)
"For I am free to go abroad ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 15 Aug 04 - 12:50 PM

Beginning the final countdown. Looking forward to a rematch of the Jim Mageean v Mrs.Duck Irish whiskey drinking competition on board the Grand Turk. Rumour has it I won last year!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Amos
Date: 15 Aug 04 - 01:50 PM

Alan, was that quote from this:

Let other folk make money faster
In the air of dark-roomed towns,
I don't dread a peevish master;
Though no man do heed my frowns,
I be free to go abroad,
Or take again my homeward road
To where, for me, the apple tree
Do lean down low in Linden Lea.


A

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 Aug 04 - 01:53 PM

After Graeme Knights had his head shaved in the Endeavour last year (and the severing of Jim Mageean's pigtail the year before) I think Taffy Thomas has promised to lose his beard in aid of the lifeboat this year (anyone else who was at Kathy's beach birthday BBQ last year please corroborate!).

Kitty

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: early
Date: 15 Aug 04 - 03:12 PM

HI I will be running a session/ sing each night in the Jolly Sailors on St. Annes staith ( just down the road from woolies ) with my mate Spike so feel free to come amd join us

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 15 Aug 04 - 03:33 PM

Watch out for an aristocratioc looking man with pallid features and a taste for blood. He has very long associations with Whitby!

Nigel

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 15 Aug 04 - 04:33 PM

Amos - Alanww does sing Linden Lea, so I expect that you have correctly identified the quote.
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Graeme Knights
Date: 15 Aug 04 - 04:52 PM

Kitty My Dear I also remember Taffy's rash promise to remove his beard of 35 yrs (I think it was) to raise funds for the Whitby Lifeboat. So dig deep because they need the funds. Must be worth a few quid!!!!!!

I shall miss The Sunday session due to a prior engagement at Hull Sea Fever Festival, But will be in full flow for Monday

See you all there

Grae

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 15 Aug 04 - 04:58 PM

Whitby - real ale - curry - harriWattsband

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: LesB
Date: 15 Aug 04 - 06:50 PM

I,m packing my bucket & spade, & my blue suede shoes for Wed lunchtime at th Elsinore (Lunchtime Legends), Wed night at the Pavillion (Bop till you drop). Who knows, if i'm not too busy doing workshops I might even get to see the cricket match this year.

See you there
Les

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 04:10 AM

Muuuuuuuuuummmmm !!!!!!! Are we there yet !!!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 04:13 AM

Early ........ is your night-time sing official, cos the landlady is not exactly folk friendly, I was in there a couple of weeks ago when she abruptly stopped a sing-a-round on the sunday evening

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,red max
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 05:24 AM

Any chance of some recommended pubs to head for and any to avoid?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 05:26 AM

Red Max

Different pubs cater for different tastes, singalong, ballads, diddly diddly, finger in the ear etc etc ...... What's your fancy

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 06:15 AM

WANNA GO WHITBY NOW !

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: muppett
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 06:57 AM

Aye Raggy, but the singaround did include Mick Haywood, Me, and several drunken locals, I'm Early will do a beeter job.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 07:05 AM

should arrive sometime on tuesday
looking forward to it..the last few months haven't been easy
can't wait to get a few pints down in the Endeavour..and probably several other places....oh and to singing a bit as well!!
geoff

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: vectis
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 07:46 AM

My husband and I are leaving tomorrow should be out and about on Thursday.
Where will people be on Thursday evening? Will there be any sessions/sings on? In which pubs?
Can't wait to get some REAL kippers again.
Mary

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 08:20 AM

Raggytash - I'm into English Trad, mainly. Anywhere you could suggest?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: muppett
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 08:33 AM

By eck, I'll have to learn to type better, my last attempt should have said;
      'I'm sure Early will do a better job'

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 10:47 AM

Mupppett - you type like you sing - a good laugh trying to work out what you mean!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: muppett
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 11:00 AM

Cheers Red & White Rabbit, you ought to see the report I'm writing at work at the moment.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 11:09 AM

The singaround upstairs at the Plough is often in this vein, I'm possibly not the best person to ask as it is not a genre I follow, come on boys and girls let's help the Guest and show what nice people we are underneath when we've stopped biting

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 02:13 PM

I think you are probably right Raggytash, however I don't know that there are any specific English Trad only venues. Of course as you know Mr Tash some singers in the tap and spile sing some English Trad of course there's the little sessions in The Endeavour which contain some English Trad and some of the maritme songs in the appropriate sessions are also English Trad. So bottom line is most of the singarounds would contain some but not solely.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Tyke
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 02:40 PM

Coblers Monday Whitby's Sea Shanty Group will be once again running the singer round in the Fleece Lunch Time every day during Folk Week. All welcome! There will be a collection's towards the cost of the Folk Week as this is a regular Festival Venue. There have been problems I believe at the Black Horse due to the Blue Meanies and the new Music Licensing Laws. The Endeavour will host the Jim Magean Shanty Sessions. The Plough will be packed out during Folk Week as usual. As the Jolly Sailors and the Plough are both Sam Smiths Pub's! I can't see the Jolly Sailors wanting to miss out I think they are both managed Houses. Look for the usual Folkies Made Welcome signs. Last but not least is the Tap n Spile I sure that there will be a bit of singing in there every day and Night.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 03:22 PM

I'd just like to point out that Jim Mageean's singarounds have a maritime flavour, but aren't just shanties, except on Wednesday, when it's shanties and bad shirts day! Unlike the Fleece, which will probably have bad shirts every day?

Love

Kitty

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 16 Aug 04 - 05:25 PM

Vectis most people will be arriving from Saturday but some may be about on Thursday so I would check the Endeavour as a good starting point.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Abuwood
Date: 17 Aug 04 - 03:24 AM

You will usually find us in the Endeavor at lunchtimes- Steve loves the Broadside. We arrive Monday as we have a morris and church commitment at Burntwood. Looking forward to seeing you all..
Ali

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 17 Aug 04 - 03:35 AM

From my pub crawl experience of Whitby - I mean my visits to singarounds - none of them do 'traditional English' all do a mixture and everyone is welcome. You might find more traditional stuff at Jo and Mo's singaround in the Plough of an evening b ut it wont be exclusively traditional - Endeavour is certainly a great mix of music of an evening- thats if you can get in! Similiarly with Tap and Spile and Plough Cant say about the Black Horse - never managed to get there at night!

Sorry guest cant be any more help

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,red max
Date: 17 Aug 04 - 04:20 AM

Thanks for the tips. Of course it'd be unreasonable to expect a purely English trad session. It's just that I've been to a few clubs where you get nothing but self-penned or Scots/Irish stuff. Nothing WRONG with that, I know!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: spikeis
Date: 17 Aug 04 - 06:49 AM

Hey Muppet, YOU   DRUNK OUT OF CONTROL AT A FOLK FEST..............................SURELY NOT!!!!
And yes the landlord (Hi Andy)and landlady of the Jolly Sailors are VERY folkie friendly and has been for the last few years. AND NOW THE PLUG!!!
TO SEE HOW FRIENDLY, COME TO THE JOLLY SAILORS ANY NIGHT DURING FOLK WEEK, WHERE THERE IS A FANTABULOUS SESSION RUN BY EARLY AND MYSELF, WHERE EVERYONE BE THEY SINGERS MUSICIAN OR EVEN MUPPET IS WELCOME!!
See you all there!!
cheers

Spike

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: muppett
Date: 17 Aug 04 - 07:21 AM

I'll be there then Spike.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Tyke
Date: 17 Aug 04 - 12:54 PM

If I wasn't booked with Coblers Monday to run the Fleece Session Kitty I would as you have pointed out. Be a sure fire winner in the bad taste shirt competition. Should I enter it, for in the past, I have always let the amateur's Bad Taste Shirt wearers have a chance of winning by not doing so.

That said I will have a word with Mick Haywood and the rest of Coblers Monday to see if we can't organise a rival Bad Taste Underwear Competition in the Fleece Session and a Holy Sock Competition to be held on Sunday Lunchtime session naturally.
Love George

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Aug 04 - 04:28 PM

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: muppett
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 04:15 AM

What about a shorts competition George

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 04:23 AM

SHORTS competition - doubles or singles?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 04:30 AM

Red Max ......... I'm sitting here with the 2004 programme, the first session I've come across that would fit your requirements is called "The English Tradition" it is in the Rifle Club on Sunday 1.00 till 2.45 with Ian Russell, Jim Causley, Will duke & Dan Quin, Tony Hall Fay Hield, Bob Lewis, Will Noble & John Cocking, John Waltham, Jeff Wesley and George Withers

Thats about one song each I reckon !!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: bumstump
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 05:10 AM

None of you are getting within a mile of my J160E, play in a day, pop guitar

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 06:03 AM

Red Max ..... Wednesday, again at the Rifle Club 1.15 to 2.30 "To be a Farmers Boy" sounds like it might fit your bill

Cheers

Raggy

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 07:09 AM

Will the nobody can come in unless we know you singaround be taking place in the Tap & Spile front room this year?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 07:41 AM

The front room at the Tap and Spile gets VERY full but noone is excluded. However on the last evening (ie Friday) there are restrictions placed by the land lady and the front room is often a semi private party.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 08:56 AM

Everyone who wishes to brave the crush and heat in the front room of the tap gets to sing cos Lady A,Padge MCFAT and anyone else who might be trying to control the rabble make sure they do but if you want to get in you have to be patient its a good sing so gets very full - when the landlady puts restrictions on its usually because the c`rush in the room has got to such a state that you physically cant squeeze another body in whatever night it is!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: early
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 12:50 PM

hi again our sing at the Jolly sailors is so popular that some guest singers have even included it on their gig list on the web:
in years gone by we have aimed to be inclusive and a variety os playing and singing styles have ensured that there is always something different to listen to from trad through to bluegrass and country so get yourselves along each night after 8 pm where we look forward to meeting up with old friends and new cheers M

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: wigan
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 02:34 PM

if there is a shorts comp, then muppet will win it hands down. it takes guts to wear vest,shorts and hiking boots with short socks

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: wigan
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 02:36 PM

where is the jolly sailor? t'only one i know is on the moors road. too far out for whitby fest.,surely?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: LesB
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 02:40 PM

Is anything happening this Fri night?
Les

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: early
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 02:43 PM

the jolly sailors is on St.Annes Staith ( on the west side of the harbour just passed Woolworths) about 100 yds from the swing bridge Landlord and landlady are Andy and Jackie - it's a Sam Smiths pub with beer about £1.30 a pint - as good a reason as any for trying it out. ( same beer as the Plough )

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 02:46 PM

Right down near the Harbour Wigan right in the centre of things. Ooo I'm getting excited - even walked into town today to start getting ready for them hills!!!!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 05:22 PM

MCFAT will be around Friday night - if he pays the taxi fee and survives the journey over with my kids - no doubt he will at some point be in the T&S probably via the Endeavour, Black Horse, and the bookies- as for me not sure when I will be out but probably at some point Friday night I will be in one of those establishments

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Tyke
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 06:13 PM

Great Idea Muppet!!
Mine's a large one! Cheers

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 07:38 PM

Les

There was singing in the Tap & Spile on Friday last year (I think that's because I started it), so there might be this year.

Tyke - Bad taste underwear in the Fleece???? (OK, must remember to take all my washing home from Whitby this year....)

Kitty

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: spikeis
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 05:27 PM

HAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I'm off to Whitby tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone else around Friday night cos it's the only chance I'll get for a few beers before singing me 'art out at t'Jolly Sailors all week with Early!!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Tyke
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 08:26 PM

Ok Whitby Folk Week starts Here! Please try and keep your minds off Kitty's Underwear.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 09:16 PM

Anybody got $700 or $800 laying around they don't need so I can get a plane ticket to Whitby? LOL.......

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 03:36 AM

We'll be travelling up Saturday. We're staying at Staintondale; don't know if we'll make it into town before Sunday. No room to carry guitars or anything: I'll be unac.

Steve

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 04:10 AM

Spikeis

Wombat and I are meeting up tonight with Ossenflags probably in the Endeavour and I suspect several other muso's will be there

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,red max
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 05:11 AM

Raggytash, thanks very much for your suggestions. I got the programme earlier this week and the exact two events you mention almost leapt off the page. Those and a few evenings at the Plough and the Spinal Tap (well, that's what we call the Harrogate Tap and Spile) should do me all right

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 05:29 AM

Another that might suit you is on Sunday at 10 in the Con club - Farming for the Four Seasons

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Terry K
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 05:39 AM

I'm still trying to buy a season ticket but the festival office phone doesn't answer. I have emailed to the website - anyone know any other way I can contact the organisers?

cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 05:45 AM

The number in the programme is 01757 708424 but I suspect this is in Selby and everyone will already be in Whitby, the festval office opens tomorrow at 11.30 at West Cliff school, probably your best bet now

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: HRH ted of hull
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 05:58 AM

95.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Lady A
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 06:35 AM

Nice to read all the threads but have to tell you that Whitby's very wet & windy today.
Re: tonight. As Kitty said, usually is pre-session sing in the Tap (but there will also be a 'turn' on in the main room (probably not folky).
Looks like there's no point in having a bad shirt comp in the Tap then as they'll all be gone from the charity shops...better think of something else that's in equally good taste as the Sooty & sweet show!
See you all soon
Jude

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 07:21 AM

Lady A

What news of music in the Sooty Donkey

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 08:03 AM

Bad taste underwear in the Fleece...
Better than bad tasting fleas in your underwear!!
See you all tomorrow or thereabouts...
Quack!
Geoff.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Lady A
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 08:40 AM

Which sooty donkey would that be???

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: HRH ted of hull
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 08:51 AM

100. i thank you!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 09:10 AM

wearing you underwear on top of your clothes, see who looks the most ridiculous.
have a blues day everyone wears only blue clothes and sings poignant songs.
have a sunny happy day, everyone wear yellow or orange and sing songs like "I like to rise when the sun she rises"
names of songs in a hat everyone has to take a lucky dip (provide worms)
Play song charades, person who guesses has to sing first verse and chorus.
include the name of the person you want to sing next in your song

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 09:15 AM

Black Horse

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 12:09 PM

I am well known for wearing my underwear in the Tap and Spile but not usually so early (or late) in the year.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Linael
Date: 23 Aug 04 - 07:35 AM

Had an excellent couple of hours in the Frontroom of the Tap & Spile, Whitby on Saturday night (sang my ass off). Needless to say, we didn't feel particularly welcome! (There were nice people, there too and I am sure they'll forgive me.)
When we returned on Sunday to actually sing something, the little gang of Ego's who organise the "singaround" had made up "passes" printed with "Tap & Spile *Exclusive* singaround" printed on them. They then proceeded to explain that they were such good singers etc etc etc. My poor wife left in tears - I just wanted to smack someone in the chops. No wonder people hate folk singers.
I have learned some valuable lessons, however, and will impliment them when I start organising my own singarounds.

Cheers

Linael

Subject: Price sisters
From: GUEST,Phil h (at someone else's PC in Whitby)
Date: 23 Aug 04 - 08:13 AM

Ruth Price & Sadie Greenwood were sublime (not my word, comment from another performer - but I agree) yesterday afternoon in the Albion Club. Whatever else you do don't miss the chance to hear the wonderfull harmonies of these two sisters from West Yorkshire, they're on again tonight (Monday) in the Albion club and tomorrow night at probably the best trad. singers concert of the week at the Rugby Club.

See the Ruth Price website and listen to some clips.


Phil

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 27 Aug 04 - 02:59 PM

Linael

I'm sorry you and your wife were upset because you didn't tumble to the joke about the season tickets for the Padget, Booker, McDonald, Knight singarounds (there were white day tickets too, for the people who arrived on Sunday afternoon after the pink weekly tickets ran out). All the singarounds that I went to in the Tap and Spile family room were genuine singarounds - Judie worked round the room, and went back to pick up latecomers, and explained where the singing was going.

Kitty

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: croc
Date: 27 Aug 04 - 05:05 PM

Thanks Judie and all for a great week singing in the Tap. You make us soft southerners very welcome. Great singing and great songs. I shall treasure the signing for the non- lancashire speakers for a long time. Wonderful stuff. I only wish I could bottle it to savour over the winter months. And yes, you are all great singers. A bit daunting that at first! Our friend from down here who experienced it for the first time this year thought he'd died and gone to heaven.   I'm only sorry I had to leave early and I won't make that mistake again.
As for exclusive, sorry Lineal but I can't see it. Judie runs the session fairly and with a sharp eye for who arrived when, but with limited time and huge numbers inevitably some people may have to wait for another day, especially if we arrive late. Sorry you felt left out but group jokes are not always obvious to the occasional visitor. That's life! You only have to ask. I did and all became clear.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: shepherdlass
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 10:37 AM

Sorry, but as a newcomer I also felt an element of exclusivity at some of the events (didn't get to the Tap and Spile so couldn't comment) - just an underlying sense of "You should know your way around or at least know of someone who does!". An impatience on the part of those I asked for directions, etc. There was nothing concrete, but I'd not like to be just dipping my toes into folk music at this festival - it would scare me off.

That said, there were some belting performances from the young players (Shonas Donaldson and Kipling were both stars), Pete Morton was spellbinding and there were so many other individual things I liked. Doc Rowe was, of course, great crack.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 10:49 AM

here is some good advice for those coming to Whitby next year do not get involved with the very nice exclusive ego gang in the Tap & Spile it's not worth it there are better things around.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,red and white rabbit
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 11:58 AM

please guest name yourself

there are many good things in whitby official and unofficial. I am one of the people who have taken malcolms shilling and work very hard all week to provide folk - in particular the children - with workshops for four hours everyday. I am also one of the people who you regard as the exclusive ego gang!

I hope people do find lots of great things to do in Whitby, the Tap and Spile is one of the fringe venues but no one forces any one to go there, stay or come back but many do! I know many people who love the Tap session and many who hate it.Both these groups of people are my friends but at least they all have the courage to say things to my face and not hide behind anonymity on Mudcat!

If you wish to encourage people to go to Whitby next year I am right behind you and if you have kids please come along to the childrens whistle and clogging workshops and I promise if I am there they will have a great time. Other than that let people make their own minds up - there is no need for us to snipe at each other - please remember one mans exclusive egocentric clique is another mans group of friends
Jude I am happy to call you a friend and you did a grand job with the singaround running.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 03:44 PM

When I knew noone in Whitby it was Jude and the so called 'exclusive crowd' that welcomed me in and encouraged me to sing (boy, do they regret that). Of course when you get people who go to anything regularly there will be 'in' jokes and silly events that may seem to newcomers to be exclusive as they didn't know beforehand what was happening. It's a bloody hard job to keep track of who's sung and who came in after their turn etc. and I think Jude, Jim and the others do it well!! Sadly we were unable to get to as many sessions as we would have liked because it does get very busy in there and isn't much fun for the littlest ducklings.
I had a great week though and talking of strange events in sessions you don't know I spent time in Jim Mageans maritime sessions and it was obvious that some folk go to it year after year and there were the 'in' jokes and themes that some weren't aware of beforehand but it was still a great session. Still a little bit unsure why Herga Kitty won the 'Bad Shit' competition though - I missed that day :0))

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 04:22 PM

Well, Jane, there should have been an "r" in it, but I don't understand how I won the bad shirt competition on Wednesday either! When I put my colourful new shirt on in the Endeavour, a lady sitting in the corner said "That's nice" ! I now have a duck of my own to feed - the Whitby Bad Shirt Duck, which has to be returned, full of money for the Whitby lifeboat, for next year's Bad Shirts and Shanties session...

I'm sorry you had to rush off on Thursday just as the singing reached you - but that's always the problem with popular singarounds and time limits!

Kitty

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Whitby Regular
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 06:28 PM

I didn't go in the Tap and Spile but the incident Lineal mentions sounds like a deliberate attempt to exclude outsiders designed to be passed off as a "joke" if anybody complains. I have never seen anything so blatent but the same underlying attitude exists in most singarounds. If you want a private singaround then hire a private room.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: eerehs
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 06:51 PM

TO ALL "CONCERNED" PARTIES
Re: Tap & Spile Front Room Singaround

This is a subject very close to my heart, I am that woman who stands at the door and stops everyone from entering "my front room"

So for all those upset annoyed and or offended people a short lesson
(no sorry to harsh a word) a short introduction to the Tap "etiquette" and "folklore" after which you will hopefully realise that we do not intend to offend when we say "sorry but you can not enter"

Let us take a short trip back to December 1994 when we first opened as the Tap & Spile we were visted be two very nice people who asked us if we would allow them to visit our pub over the new year with "a group of geriatric old codgers who like to sing"(their words) ok said we thinking that they were a couple of carers looking for somewhere to bring their charges for a day out in whitby. HOW WRONG COULD WE BE!

New Year 1994 - enter a wonderful group of people from all over the country who fell in love with our pub and us just as much as we fell in love with them. We had a wonderful few days and as they left to go their various ways they asked if we would mind if they came back to us for Folk Week in August and that was when our front room was given to them as "their" singaround room for folk week.

Since then these wonderful people have become an intergral part of the Tap & Spile - Folk Week - Moor & Coast Festival - New Year, this is a very special time we have a quiz or two a treasure hunt and more singing and new years eve is a themed fancy dress night we close the pub at 5pm and have a regulars only night (invite only) our whitby local regulars and our "folk" regulars have a great night together.
Over the years we have had special birthdays - weddings - births and sadly wakes all of which have cemented us as a "family".            

Anyway back to folk week and that so called "Exclusive" "Egotistical"
Singaround Room - They are more than happy for other people to come along and join them at either the afternoon or evening session and believe me there have been some wonderful sessions involving other singers who have been welcomed into the room - so much so that over the years some of them have enjoyed the room so much they have become part of the group and as such are welcomed back time and time again.

IT is a happy fun loving room - run by loving caring people!

Anyone who takes affront at how things are done here needs to take a step back and remember - this is a semi-private room - not fully closed and sensible restrictions are enforced - TO HOT - TO FULL-
ITS TO LATE - YOUR TO RUDE (unfortunately it happens) Then the dreaded words are uttered "Sorry room closed you can not enter"

Sorry if I have gone on but as I say a subject dear to my heart and as
others have said no-one forces anyone to come to us but those who do
and take the time to get to know us come back year after year and
we all have a wonderful time not only in the singaround in the front room but also in the musicians and singers sessions in the main bar
and in the singing session in the no-smoking room and we all love it when the dance teams come in and strut their stuff for us!

Come on guys lighten up folk week is about having fun and enjoying the wonderful sights and sounds where ever you choose to go and if you can not get into one then there are lots and lots more things going on all around town!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 09:15 PM

Thanks Eerehs and Judie, for a great week in the Tap and Spile. The mummers' play, with Sooty, Sweep and Soo, and the Transpennine Ilkley Moor duet by Ron and Sid, were magic.

Kitty

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: ossonflags
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 01:12 AM

Well, them badges did cause some of us "Endeavour" stalwarts a few problems !!! Spent a good bit of my drinking/singing time explaining the finer points of running a singaround to certain people, having had no small experience in such matters.

"Guest", you do not say if you sing or play an instrument, but I would suggest that you do go in "search of better things" but when you do find them please inform the rest of us, or better still start your own session, then you will find out for yourself the damned hard work the likes of Jude, Sue, Jim and the rest of your so called "exclusive ego gang" in the "Tap" do to keep music live.

Mick McGarry

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: treaties1
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 06:04 AM

This year as always, I thoroughly enjoyed my visits to the "Tap"
The singing,the songs,jokes,poems,craic,laughter,iced gems and most of all the people, were brilliant.
Well done and a a big thankyou Jude,Sue,Jim and Ken for the long hours of hard work. Two sessions a day for all week takes some doing.
Love and hugs
Theresa

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,red and white rabbit
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 06:24 AM

I would love to take credit for running anything in the tap I merely go for fun and Mick thanks for all your support over in the endeavour

I had a great week and I hope the rest of you did - please can we move on now and and stop the snipes it is spoiling what should be happy memories.

can we have a nice comments only thread?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,harlowpoet
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 08:09 AM

I went to some of the late afternoon sessions, and really enjoyed them. They were fairly run and it was good to see different people pop in and out.

My gripe was with another festival pub which kept having trouble serving me a full pint. On first asking them to top it up, someone else commented "You can tell he's a southerner!"

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: gnomad
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 08:24 AM

Let me tell you the story of the Paddington waffles; it's a true tale from early in the 20th century.

Paddington station in London is a pretty important place for transport even now, but back then it was also a great place for food (a concept any modern rail-traveller is likely to find baffling at best) and it was particularly noted for its waffles. At first people would buy waffles as they passed through, they enjoyed them and started making a pause in their journeys so they could be sure to buy some waffles, and maybe eat one or two on the spot while they were especially good.

Fame spread.

People began to choose a different route, just so they could pass though Paddington and buy waffles.

People began to make trips just to Paddington and back with waffles.

Then it all stopped. Paddington stopped selling waffles, not because they weren't good, or profitable, but because too many people wanted them, and the station couldn't cope.

Where was I going with this?

I am lucky, I get to the Tap most weekends and thoroughly enjoy taking part in the weekly sessions there. I know the front room, and the principal people involved in the "special" sessions on high days & festivals. It is a fun place to be, and I sometimes drop in and have a sing, but on the whole I don't. Not because I would feel shut out (I know I wouldn't) but because my getting in means someone else cannot.

So many people know of the sessions, maybe second-hand knowledge garnered from the net, that they feel they haven't been to Whitby unless they've taken part in the session. But an integral part of the experience is the fact that it is a relatively small room, with capacity restricted accordingly. So let's try to be grown up about it and share.

There are usually plenty of alternatives to the front room session. At what I guess was the time of L's disappointment there were seven (possibly more) other pubs in the harbour area where music and song were taking place free of charge or obligation. According to rumours there was a folk festival as well, with tickets, and smiling organisers, and camping pools.

I would urge both those who have been unable to gain admission, and those who habitually glue their backsides to a front room seat for the duration, to go out there and try one or more of the alternatives. You will almost certainly have fun, and find a session to suit you. Inevitably, some of these sessions have "in-jokes", including some that were old when the Tap was still the Cutty Sark, as both Mrs Duck and Kitty have found.   If that makes you feel excluded try asking what the joke is, you will probably be astounded by how full, and warm, a response you will get. Otherwise just kick back, relax, and enjoy.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Willa
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 09:08 AM

Thanks to all those (the majority) who've made positive comments about the T/S singarounds.

Like Jane, when I first discovered these a few years ago, I had only just started singing. I was included and encouraged each time I went and the T/S is now one of the 'musts' for me.

I saw the same happening this year- one or two hesitant singers who were encouraged and supported when necessary.

Because people come and go all the time, it can seem, when you enter, that the selection of singers is 'favouritism'- stick around long enough and you'll find the compere is picking up the stragglers. I've never known a new round start without the call of 'Anyone I've missed?'

Thanks, folks, it was great to share with you all again. I've already booked my B/B for next year.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Michael
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 09:12 AM

Also, to put this 'Tap & Spile' thing into perspective, there must be about 10, probably more, pubs in Whitby that have sessions of one sort or another as well as the ' Over 1000 hours of events' in the festival programme. So to complain that you didn't like/weren't allowed in to one room in one pub seems a bit un-necessary.

Mike

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 09:35 AM

I've made good on my promise in another thread to investigate Folk Festivals, and did a sample study in Whitby for four hours last Thursday night in two venues, the hotly debated Tap and Spile, and the Endeavour. I must say that I find it surprising that people have complained about door security in the front room when we had a genuine bouncer in a suit and tie in the back room keeping order and saying who should play what.

The Endeavour was an interesting den, though. There seemed to be one caballe barking in one corner, and a rival group elswehere instantly performing an 'improved' version, great entertainment for the tone deaf. Sadly I was losing my faculties to drink by this time, and was poured into a waiting taxi before I could ruin the entire evening with my enthusiastic aerophone repertoire.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 10:22 AM

Yes I did find somwhere better and no I wont tell you where,on the same basis as I was not welcome into your company,therefore you are not welcome in mine.
Please also remember the thread from the landlady is only so she doe not loose customers.
Also part of the Mudcat tradition is if you want it you can have annonomity.
If you watch closley you will see that the people involved on the charade that passes for a singaround in the front room at the Tap & Spile spoil every northern uk festival thread with their purile rubbish.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Oaklet
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 10:30 AM

Blimey!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Dancing Paddy
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 11:18 AM

I spent most of the week in the Tap and Spile every night and lots of afternoons. The quality of songs and singers was wonderful,The friendliness of the people was also wonderful, both the singers and the bar staff. I never saw anything but fairness in who got a song and every time I was there I heard "is there anyone in the room who has not sung and would like to sing".
I think the job Jude and the others do is done very well and I have nothing but praise for them. More power to there elbows.

Paddy

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 04:10 PM

Oh come now, guest, we take our puerile rubbish all over the country not just to the North :0)

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Davetnova
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 03:47 AM

Well I only got down for the weekend (Scottish schools start back earlier). It was my first Whitby but I've already booked my weeklong dose of summer flu for next year. It was great.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 04:45 AM

well guest I am really pleased you found somewhere better - I hope we didnt spoil your week in Whitby and that you enjoyed the rest of your time there. Whitby is about having fun and I would hate to think that our purile entertainment had spoilt it for you. I hope you return to the festival next year with happy memories of what you did do and can seek out the same sorts of venues and people.

I dont think the landlady of the Tap needs to keep custom during folk week running out of beer and three deep at the bar is never a bad sign
I know a lot of people dont like the landlord and land lady of the Tap but they have always been good to me and I can only speak as I find.

I am sure you will manage to avoid us at the other festivals we ruin for you up north or elsewhere in the country. We would try to keep out of your way if we knew who you were but since we dont the onus is on you to avoid us - unless of course you wear a badge that says "angry guest from Whitby Thread"

( Raggy if you carry on with these annonymous inputs to inflame people I will refues to have your babies!)

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Selby
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 05:07 AM

Whitby is about more than the Tap and Spile, that is part of the Fringe not the organised Festival. There are to my knowledge other issues in other Fringe sessions and it is wrong to pick on the Tap, leave individuals alone concentrate on the bigger picture and get the thread back to WHITBY Folk Festival, not petty arguments about who did what in any fringe venue.You can always vote with your feet and wallet.
Keith (Selby)

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Raggytash
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 05:24 AM

Susan ....... not guilty, this is the first time I've looked at the thread since before Folk Week and even now I can't see who's writing what, me thinks I have a virus
I am sure Jude, Ken, Jim and the gang know me well enough to know I call as spade a bleedin' shovel and would not put anything on as a Guest...... Furthermore how could I possibly slate the kindness of people who contributed so well to a collection for the Runswick Bay Rescue Boat (£30 in about 3 minutes)when you sang your song "The Eighth Wreck"

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 05:56 AM

Joke - Raggy!!

trying to lighten up an intense thread

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,sweep/ bold slasher
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 05:57 AM

squeak squeak squeak

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,sooty
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 05:58 AM

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,ghost of Harry Corbett
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 06:00 AM

Sooty said

I really enjoyed having Jim's hand up my bum and though I was kept in a box most of the week I didnt feel like shooting my water pistol once at anyone.


Ghost of Harry Corbett

Two previous posts were from Sweep and Sooty

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: wigan
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 06:46 AM

we went in't tap a few times,didn't like choice of music.went somewhere else. wot's the problem? also went in jollies, ship, horse, endeavour, middle earth, plough. allways found summat to enjoy. if you don't like one place at whitby,there's plenty others to visit.
had a good week. see you all next year

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Les in Chorlton
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 10:33 AM

6th Whitby and first for 21 years. Lots and lots of excellent music. Lots of incredible young talent. Loved it all. It seems much bigger than it was and lots more people play things. I went to the Gentle session in Middle Earth, packed to the pavement clearly a need for more of them. I also went to the quiet session with Mike?????? in the Rowing club, best session for learners, clearly a need for more like that. I went to some music workshops. With thw exception of the one led by Damien O'Kane it seemed unclear what was to be taught and music was unavailable. Very small gripes about a great festival.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Rasener
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 11:18 AM

Don't know what all the fuss is about, you should all be thankful that you were able to attend.

Friends of mine (39 years standing) who have put so much into the folk scene over the years, not through singing but helping at folk festivals, are unable to attend the festivals anymore due to ill health. What they would give to be in your shoes. They are also or were directors of the Warwick Festival.

Mike Guise is now blind and needs a kidney transplant and Barb is riddled with arthritus, which stops either of them being able to travel any distance.

I think anybody that is prepared to help at any festival or folk club deserves a medal, not criticism. They are the un sung :-) heroes that allow things to happen. Whatever they do, there will always be somebody who is not happy or thinks they can do it better.

As Abraham Lincoln once said "you can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time" :-)

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: alanww
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 01:47 PM

Sandy and I had a great festival in various singing and music venues, including one afternoon and three evenings in the Tap & Spile. The Endeavour and the Middle Earth were also excellent in the evenings and during the day the Conservative Club, Black Horse and Fleece were usually very good. In terms of the T&S, although I did not get an exclusive season ticket or day ticket and eerehs did exclude me one evening when I arrived at 10pm, I know that Julie does a brill job in running the SAR as fairly as it could be. The singing is also brill too!
Well done Julie and her assistants and well done eerehs in running a great pub, including having put on 700+ different real ales in 10 years!
I'll be back!
"Come fill up your glasses and let us be merry!"
Alan
PS It was also good to see many good friends, some of them Mudcatters and some of whom also went to the the T&S.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Rodentred
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 02:18 PM

Lots to do throughout the week and the Plough singarounds that I attended were very good this year. Like the music in the T&S but now I know where Whitby smoked kippers come from. Those that were in there all week puffing away will spend this week bringing up the phlegm - not for me I am afraid.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 02:40 PM

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: BeekeeperFran
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 07:21 PM

Raggytash

I have a contribution for the Runswick lifeboat, how do i get it to you? Should have given it to you last week but enjoyed the beer etc to much.Congrats on winning the raffle, we know you appreciate it.

Cheers
Fran

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 06:28 AM

Fran

You're quite right, the raffle prize was duly framed in Whitby on Saturday, I'm now trying to find a bit more info to adhere to the back of the frame with details of the call-out, which I believe was to the "Corona" out of Scarborough, but I don't know dates, times, crew etc

I'll PM you later from home with contact details

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 08:00 AM

Would just like to reiterate all the positive comments about folk week

Paul , I think you got it absolutely right...couldn't have put it better myself.....do you think we could have a waffle day at next year's Endeavour sessions?

For various reasons I didn't go into the singarounds at the tap this year...though I did drink several pints at the bar....in the past I have always been warmly welcomed...as someone who runs singarounds at several festivals I can only say that the one at the tap is probably the least exclusive i've known....except perhaps for mine!!!!!!
So come on Anonymous Guest , Lineal et al...chill out....remember we all indulge in this pastime to ENJOY ourselves....there was so much else going on that week.....the FREE concert in the church at the top of the steps on Wednesday night was brilliant...I heard Kevin AND Helen Mitchell sing in a session at the Endeavour......what does it matter if you don't get to sing at every session...it's just as good to relax , drink , listen to others and join in choruses...and relax and drink...and relax......
by the way Raggy..Graeme Knights has all the details about the circumstances surrounding the picture

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 08:18 AM

Sorrry

For everyone is doesn't know what the hell we're talking about, In the Endevour on Friday the main raffle prizes was a print of the Whitby Lifeboat in a storm on it's way to the assistance of the "Corona" the mount had been signed by all the lifeboat crew

Geoff

Graeme said he would contact me with details, as yet he hasn't been on, but I'm sure he will as soon as he can, it sounded like he has a hectic schedule this weekend so he is probably still recovering. However I would like to find details of the crew of the lifeboat who all signed the mount, one ........ Evans-Storr is probably related to the cox of the lifeboat which was lost in 1860 with the lives of 12 men

Cheers

Raggy

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,graemeknights
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 08:23 AM

Hi Mr Raggy I can be contacted at yahoo.com for full details.
could post it here but that would be a real thread creep.

Many congratulations on your win and I am glad that an appreciative
soul such as yourself won it.

Grae

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 12:18 PM

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Charliestu
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 01:43 PM

From the crowd at FILO Folk I'd like to say that my legal staff will be dealing with the whole affair!!!! I am suing you all for damage of the tonsils, bleeding fingures, enlarged liver, etc, etc.

On Sunday, Glaisdale was brilliant, my kind of folk; first time I've been there since I moved here 20 + years ago.
The usual FILO Tuesday night was .....great!, eight until late, plenty food, plenty music and song beer wasn't too bad either! The throng that turned up really enjoyed themselves, but did others know of the venue? Thursday, Friday was just as 'bad'.
Unfortunately, like most places, there is a limited amount of space available so you've got to make the effort (and it's up hill, literally) and as usual it's first come first served!
Many thanks to visitors (you know who you are! - and so do we!) and to the local musicians alike, for all their contributions over the three main nights.
FILO Folk (First In, Last Out) has been going on for almost 2 years -a place where singers and musicians can be heard and you can sing what you want to sing and please yourself, literally. When in town come visit, if you want to "Folk for pleasure visit FILO Folk" every Tuesday.....................Toodle pip!

CS

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 02:33 PM

Raggy

Congrats on your win - the raffle in the Endeavour was, of course, in aid of the Whitby lifeboat, as were the collections made there during Jim's singarounds the rest of the week. The picture is a print of the painting done from a photo!

I'd like to say a special thanks to all those in the Tap who nobly dug into their pockets a second time on Wednesday night, after Raggy had left, when (as winner of the Bad Shirt competition in the Endeavour at lunchtime) I passed the Bad Shirt Duck round...

Kitty

PS Graeme - at some point I will bring the BSD to Herga. Perhaps for Dave and Anni next week.....

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: vectis
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 03:47 PM

Just got home from a wonderful week in Whitby followed by a bit of touristing in Yorkshire with my larger half.
Really enjoyed the T&S this year and had some wonderful sings there. Thanks to Jude, eerehs and the bench for keeping us all in good order. One of the LEAST exclusive and most welcoming singarounds I've been to as a point of fact!
The maritime sings in the Endeavour were not merely good but also raised over £1200 for the Whitby Lifeboat (singing with meaning or what?) Thanks to Jim and Graeme for the craic and the emptied pockets.
Too many to thank individually for hosting the various playarounds during the week.
See you all next year...
...if we're spared

Mary

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Leraud
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 04:27 PM

I went to Whitby for the first weekend and really enjoyed it. I could easily have settled in for the week and as there's a week between Broadstairs and Whitby next year, I hope to go for the duration.

I especially enjoyed the sessions run by Mo and Jo.

Lynne Heraud

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 07:05 PM

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 04:10 AM

I just want to say thanks to all at the tap for such an enjoyable festival. Its the place where I meet friends, some are ones I only see once a year, but they too have a place in my heart. The last night was particularly moving and I should have brought me hankie! Some of the songs just caught my emotions and my little cup overflowed. But I was not alone, many people were moist eyed. I think I said to Sherry that one of the good things about getting old was that Whitby week came round quicker. Love to all my friends, Pat xxxx

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 10:56 AM

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: brid widder
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 06:41 PM

'charade that passes for a singaround '.... come on guest... if you really do know anywhere better tell the world!!

I spent a good deal of the week in the Tap.... I suppose I'm part of the so called 'exclusive' group...( although I have never to my knowledge allowed my purile rubbish to spoil anything!) I've been part of that group ever since my first ever visit...for New Year about 5 years ago... every visit I've seen more newcomers become friends on their first visit... This year was no exception.

Two 4 hour singarounds a day seven days = 56 hours... about 12 songs an hour... or thereabouts... 672 songs... and very few songs ever repeated throughout the week.

We had songs that made us laugh... songs that made us cry... chorus songs that had people passing by in the street applauding & joining in...we had old favourites and newly written songs we had poems too... many written by the performers, and visits from performers at the official festival. During each session Jude, Ken or Jim made sure everything was fair... On the whole everyone got one and only one song during each session... whether or not they were wearing a (JOKE) season ticket! Ken for example was in before the beginning of one evening session and only sung at the end four hours later.... egotistical?

And in addition to the etiquette mentioned by Sherry I would add that there are easy to follow rules within the room too... most are related to treating everyone with respect and paying attention to whoever is singing! I'm sure I won't be the only one to remember the powerful rendition of Ten Green Bottles... sung by Rowan.

I tried a singaround in the Endeavour... it was well underway when I arrived... I could see who was singing by the moving lips and by the attentive way everyone was looking in one direction but I couldn't get to the far side of the arch so was unable to actually hear the singing because of the noise behind me in the bar... I was in fact excluded... but not offended!! when it's full it's full!!

Thank's Jude, Sherry et al for another brilliant week... see you at new year.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Susan of DT
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 06:49 PM

Now that Whitby 2004 is over, I will ask again about Whitby 2005. Will anyone have room in a cottage for Dick Greenhaus and me or does anyone want to go in with us on a cottage?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 07:46 PM

Well would you believe it, me and my mucka "hand pulled boy" went to play in the T&S (as we now affectionally call it) many times, well maybe three or four. Many people were avin sardine type fun. Having realised this we proceeded to another hostelry or three, and played a plenty. They still had fun and so did we. MY COMPLAINT is that you missed out on the chance to buy our new CD.
LOL, harriWattsband, see you next year
PM me if you want a copy.......

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 08:05 PM

I would have been happy to stand in the streets and sing and play with friends if I could have gotten there and away from my very wonderful but crazy year.here at the pottery.Yes Susan there is still next year..

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 06:41 AM

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Les from Hull
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 08:35 AM

Well said young Widder! I suppose that there are a two or three of things that could be said to be 'wrong' with the front room singarounds at the Tap 'n' Spile.

Yes, lots of people do know each other. I suppose that's inevitable for a singaround that's been there for 10 years, three times a year, and before that at the Duke of York and other places. So there's lots of jokes about things that've happened before. Newcomers can either choose to feel excluded, or ask a neighbour 'what's all that about, then?'. I'm sure that any fully paid-up member of 'the clique' will offer an explanation.

Yes, the room is too small or too popular. But if the room was larger it would lose its intimacy. So this means that sometimes you can't get in. Official venues have a steward who says 'sorry, it's full, you can't go in.' Sometimes the landlady has to do this (and it's her pub, remember. When Maggie and I go, we go early enough so that we can get a seat.

And, although the singaround encourages all sorts of music, the nature of the singaround tends to encourage English traditional-style singing with choruses. But nothing is excluded - I've even played a mellodeon in there. I've even played blues on a bouzouki in there. But don't expect a second song 'cos it takes over three hours to get round the room once!

We don't go in all the time 'cos we like to do other things as well. So we'll perhaps be in the Endeavour with other friends, doing more accompanied singing. Or we'll be in the Black Horse for a more intimate (and usually quite daft) session with other friends. Three afternoons we're out with Scratch Morris, entertaining the public and festival goers, and offending at least two dance people. And I'll have a diddley session in the Fisherman's Rowing Club and Maggie will have a look at the Harmony Singing workshop.

Whitby Folk Week is what you make of it.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 08:40 AM

For a variety of reasons, I missed out on Whitby completely this year (and consequently will be suffering withdrawal symptoms for the next twelve months). But if the events (official and fringe)were as good as those in previous years, then all those of you who were lucky enough to be there have no cause for complaint.

Whitby has many spaces where people can play, sing, dance, or just sit and listen. In those spaces, a vast array of different kinds of entertainment can be found. If the first venue you sample is full up, or is providing something that you don't enjoy, there will be others only a few yards away offering something else.

Of all the venues in Whitby, the Tap and Spile is my favourite. The beer is superb, the staff are cheerful and efficient, and the crack is marvellous. In the big bar at the back, the tunes and songs tend to be old favourites, delivered in a rough and rowdy manner. Anyone who wants to contribute can usually do so - provided they push forward determinedly, and then charge into something familiar that gets everybody joining in quickly. However, it's not the place for shrinking violets to make their debut, or for new and esoteric material to be premiered.

Lots of people enjoy these back-bar sessions hugely. So do I - but not all night and every night. I also enjoy the sessions in the T&S's front bar, where the idea is to create space for something a bit more fragile. There, people who lack confidence but have something to offer are encouraged to come forward. And something unfamliar (whether it be an obscure traditional song, or a newly created composition) will get a fair hearing - even if it doesn't have a simple chorus that everybody can join in.

To make this possible requires a structure of some kind, with a few dedicated people working to keep that structure in place. Otherwise, the session would quickly become a smaller-scale version of what goes on in the back bar. Over the years, the people who organise the front bar sessions have developed a system that seems to work pretty efficiently. And judging by the perpetual congestion in their room, it seems to satisfy a lot of punters. Many come back year after year (myself included).

If one or two casual droppers-in (including The Guest Who Dare Not Speak His Name)find this structure incomprehensible, or objectionable, then there are many, many other venues in Whitby where they can find something different.   The attitude of TGWDNSHN seems comparable to that of a bloke who turns up to a snooker tournament carrying a bag of golf clubs, and then complains because the organisers won't let him bash the balls in his own way. This is an attitude that seems even more perverse when there is a very good golf course only a few yards away.

So, my best wishes to the MC's, the regular singers, and all the staff at the Tap and Spile - keep up the good work. All being well I will see you again in 2005.

Wassail!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: mandomad
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 01:36 PM

Yes, once again a brilliant Whitby Week. Found some great sessions, and played our hearts out in most of the usual spots. Wednesday on the Grand Turk started well, but deteriorated later...never mind , found a session in t'Endeavour.
    We don't go into the Front room of the Tap very often...(too smoky)...despite being Tap regulars, but have always been made welcome when we do. We prefer to be a "rough and rowdy" backroom frequenter.   I do admit to being those things on occasion, all right, many occasions, but most of my friends could not be described as that. I can't ever remember a night as you describe, Mike of N.,
and newcomers and quieter performers are always encouraged, as they have been in every session I've been to all week(in Endeavour, Middle Earth, and FILO.).   My lady of the Autoharp, Jingle could never be included in a rough or rowdy description !!!
    I also admit to enjoy accompanying everything that accompaniable(is that a word?) so would not be too welcome in the front room,
SORRY McFAT!!!
    Anyway a wonderful week as usual, they always are, can't wait till next year. It's just a shame that Moor & Coast Festival in May is not happening next time.

            mandomad

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 02:08 PM

Exclusive singaround!!
No wonder I didn't find it. I spent all week looking for the "elusive" singaround. I went in the T/S I found a warm welcome from Landlady,Landlord and singaround hosts. I didn't have a "season ticket" but got a song none the less and listened to a couple of hours of wonderful singing.

As stated by many people now there are many many venues the T/S is a great one, but it may not suit everyone if it doesn't move and find one that does. But surely there is no need to make personal attack and derogatory comments on people who are, like everyone else, just trying to have a good time.

Thank you to all the venues I went to I had a wonderful week.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Abuwood
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 02:27 PM

We only had a few days in Whitby but the flat is booked for a full week next year. We didn't get to all the places we intended T/S being one but we had a great time. Elsinor Wed lunch was amazing and thanks to the crowd who passed my glass and money to the bar and passed back a full pint! Where else could you do that in a crammed pub without loosing your money or your beer?
A great festival in a lovely town - only 51 weeks to go...

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 04:00 AM

Mandomad

What's this about Moor & Coast being cancelled, is this definite ? I'm sure there were posters for the 2005 event up during folk week

Raggy

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Lady Aelfleda
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 07:01 AM

Not sure where Mandomad got his info from but Moor & Coast is going ahead next year. Dates are: 29/30 April and 1st May.
Guests booked so far are:
John Tams
Dan McKinnon
Anthony J Clarke

So - be there!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: mandomad
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 01:23 PM

Sorry folks,
      Wrong info'.    Thank goodness I got my facts all to cock!!!!



            mandomad

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 01:24 PM

okay - I will be!!! Looking forward to seeing Dan again

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: brid widder
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 01:55 PM

phew that's a relief!!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 04:51 PM

Abuwood - the Royal at Dungworth at carols time. Mind you, you might not realise it 'cos it would take at least half an hour and a diversion round the wrong side of the room!
Oh - and I tried it at Padstow this year, successfully I add.
Maybe we should start another thread?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Malcolm Storey
Date: 16 Oct 04 - 08:23 PM

You will need to excuse me as I am a Mudcat virgin.
Been skipping through the bits about Whitby and most of the stuff seems to be about the fringe. Most of the places mentioned are not, so I am RELIABLY informed, part of the OFFICIAL festival although they are mostly supportive.

I am also RELIABLY informed that Pete Morton is in America at the moment and busy putting together a list of people he might like to ask to the 2005 event.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Steve
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 03:45 AM

If you look in the Festival brochure you will see many sessions of various descriptions advertised in it. Some of the places mentioned above are in the brochure - I think thats official. Personally I make no distinction between festival and fringe - it is ALL "The Festival"
have fun.
Who's Pete Morton?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 09:48 AM

Try this for Pete Morton

http://www.harbourtownrecords.com/morton.html

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Malcolm Storey
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 08:02 PM

As already noted I am a mudcat virgin.

I find references to "mentioned above" to be meaningless.

I reiterate that most of the venues mentioned are, I am RELIABLY informed, only on the fringe of the main festival.

Statements such as "there is no difference between the official and the fringe events, they are all part of people enjoying themselves" are quite insulting to the people who give up most of their leisure time to organising the official events.

Pete Morton, for those not au fait with the folk music scene in the last twenty years, is a rather special chap. He is also very heavily in the frame to become the artistic director of Whitby Folk Week once the current director Malcolm Storey steps down.

Let it be!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 07:01 AM

I totally agree with the statment above
I think you will find that people involved with the fringe at Whitby think that they are the festival. It is also worthwhile to read articles on the Tap & Spile and the scratch morris team.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 08:12 AM

"Statements such as "there is no difference between the official and the fringe events, they are all part of people enjoying themselves" are quite insulting to the people who give up most of their leisure time to organising the official events."

This is not insulting in the least, it does not discuss who does what to achieve the festival, it simply states that the individual draws no distinction between the two and enjoys it all as one big package.
And that from the horses mouth.

Mentioned above means mentioned above, its not meaningless because it means mentioned above, as in above.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Joe
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 12:14 PM

Pay your money and take your choice - what's the point of spitting feathers about what's "official" and what's "fringe"? Horse's mouth?.....Donkey's Ass - "only on the fringe"!! - it's a bloody big fringe (and I don't need to be RELIABLY informed on that - I'm happy to witness it year in year out).

Whitby's fantastic; just enjoy it. If you want to be part of the so-called "Main event" then fine; pay up and enjoy. If you prefer the "fringe" then enjoy AT LEAST as much, but without paying.
The real beauty of the festival (unlike any other probably) is that you can find what you're looking for in music/dance, or if you can't then go spend your time campaigning for re-runs of "Big Brother" or the Telly-tubbies

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 02:18 PM

Erm - am I naive or something? I buy a ticket then do whatever other stuff I feel like. It's all Whitby week to me.