Orpington Folk Club

Subject: Orpington Folk Club
From: woodsie
Date: 20 Dec 04 - 06:36 PM

The 16th December was the last session at the Anglesea Arms. The club has decided to close. There are many reasons for this, the main one being that they were getting on with the Landlord.

This club has been running for nearly 40 years and has featured artists such as David Bowie (Dave Jones then) Ralph Mctell (Ralph May then) The Strawbs (Strawberry Hill Boys then) Brian Bruce (Brian Bruce still!)

They are currently searching for a venue, preferably in the Oprpington area - suggestions welcome!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: breezy
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 06:15 AM

The royal oak Green St Green!!

Sorry to hear.

I always held the club dear in my memories as it was one of the 1st I ever visited and it booked me long ago when I took along my father to see and hear me then more recently it booked me again and since then I have gone from strength to stregth having now played Sharps and the friday club at the Liberal H Q where I shall be re-appearing in October 2005

All the best

John Breeze

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: breezy
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 06:16 AM

Is there a British Legion nearby, I now hold 2 clubs a week at the one in St Albans, Fridays and Sundays and the R B L is a great cause to support at the best of times

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Edward
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 12:15 PM

Yes Breezy there is a British Legion:

7 Church Hill, Orpington, BR6 OHE.


I've forwarded this info to the club organisers.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Cllr
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 01:18 PM

Breezy is now reaching even greater heights playing at ampthill acoustic club.

I know of at least one folk club that runs in a conservative club that could be a possible alternative venue. Cllr

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: breezy
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:26 PM

and this will be my 2nd appearance,sometime in March, done the one one my way up!



and now the Liberal club as well

and where's me photo from my visit to the Angelsea Oct 02 anyway?

Dont give up yet.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 06:20 AM

Apparently the BL is just a small room and not suitable. We have scouts out at this very moment looking for a venue. Suggestions please.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: breezy
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 06:25 AM

How small. Please, I must know. Then we can compare. Cos ours is small too.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 10:06 AM

Never went myself, but will pass your dialogue on to those who did.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 11:14 AM

Great news new venue found at last

The Beech Tree Wellington Road Orpington map here

Opening night Thursday 3rd February

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: breezy
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 11:26 AM

Well done , Whose on? Good luck
I'll be at Sue's club in Oct but I could fit you in!!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: woodsie
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 07:24 AM

The guests for the first night are Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner see their website here

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: breezy
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 07:29 AM

got it , Lynne will be coming over to me this Sunday to St Albans with Thorn and Roses

I already had them last year when they started their re-imergency tour of Hertfordshire.

A fine evening in prspect

They do songs by Mike Sparks MBE from Herga who also puts on a good evening

B-B is a gud un 2

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: woodsie
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 12:46 PM

Anybody else?

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: woodsie
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 01:20 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 06:09 PM

Hi Woodsie, congratulations on finding a new location for your folk club. I will be visiting England in August 2005 and I'm still looking for a few more gigs to round out my trip. My website is here.   Send me a PM if you would like more information.

Best wishes,
Mike

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 07 Jan 05 - 12:26 PM

Unfortunately the landlord of the above mentioned Beechtree pub has changed his mind. So all gig are suspended and the club is once again homeless and searching for a venue!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,brandon Gold
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 01:22 PM

Keep on truckin' hope y'all find somewhere to boogie!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 29 Jul 07 - 04:39 AM

They are still alive and kicking at The Change Of Horses in Farnborough Village - Still in the parish of Orpington!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Girl Friday
Date: 29 Jul 07 - 03:51 PM

And Orpington Friday Folk is still running at the Orpington Liberal Club (20 years now). We are open throughout August and beyond, every FridayOFF

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: mindblaster
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 03:02 AM

My one complaint is that the "residents" seem to hog the whole evening to the exclusion of some of the more talented performers even on the so called singers nights.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 03:37 AM

At which club, mindblaster?

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 04:21 AM

We used to go to Friday Folk some years ago - very nice people but the smoke drove us away. May go back now there is none!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Girl Friday without cookie
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 06:39 AM

Mindblaster is referring to the Thursday club. Although.... last Thursday Lepe of Lepps , Keith Halford (ex resident), and a visiting American harp guitarist got spots on a guest night due to a lack of residents.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 06:57 AM

I'm sure that the last time we went to the Orpington Folk Club there were some blind folks playing autoharps, and jolly good they were too. How long ago was that I wonder - 10, maybe 12 years ago?

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: mindblaster
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 07:03 AM

Definitely the thursday one richard.

The friday club is a much more friendly affair. They even manage to get as many floor spots as they can on the guest nights, although it's not guaranteed. There's this bloke called Robyn and it's worth going there just to hear him. No smoke last week when I was there.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Hobos are nice people
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 12:03 PM

That must have been the blind mexican autoharp orchestra - they were once regulars.+

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 01:38 PM

As were the Buttons - are they still around?

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: mindblaster
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 04:24 AM

Arouns my shirt and jacket

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Sliding Down The Bannister At My Auntie's House
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 04:26 AM

Brian Bruce is a very talented performer. He single handedly has kept tghis club afloat!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 04:41 AM

If we are still talking Thursday Orpington did they not have Triality as regulars. Lots of noise!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Kenneth Ingham
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 07:29 AM

Residents of Thursday Orpington are:

Brian Bruce - Guitar & Vocal
Steve Jennings - Guitar & Vocal
Ted Handley - Accordians & Vocal (of Triality)
Ivan North - Accordian & Vocal
Anne Halford - Accordian, Flute & Piccallo

Although not residents the infamous Tone Deaf Leopard can be found there on most weeks. It's a great club and they have some really good guest performers Martin Carty, Steve Tilston & Derek Brimstone come to mind having played there this year.

Ther's also this bloke called Ian Petrie who plays there quite regularly.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 09:27 AM

Hi Woodsie, can you tell me how to get a large parcel collected cheaply in Belgium and sent to me in England (GAS strikes again)...?

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Girl Friday
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:28 PM

They get a bit upset when people can't spell accordion.
Buttons have promised to return to Friday Club now smoking's out, but haven't seen 'em yet.
Our residents are:

Ron Trueman-Border - national folk superstar

Rosa's Daughters - half of whom enable RTB to be a national superstar

Ralph Henning   Brilliant guitarist and ballad singer

Doug Field    Works abroad a lot but learns new songs whilst away. Good songs, good voice - good guitar style

Mo Baker Unaccompanied singer - has given up smoking because she wants to continue singing in folk clubs. (Admirable)

Chris Spindlow - well-known fagaholic- listens from outside but will be running the August evenings - outdoors if good weather.

Robin {with an I) Slater - just a floor singer on Thursdays - but I know talent when I see it- (ask the canary)

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Girl Friday
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:31 PM

And of course - modesty forebade - Tone Deaf Leopard- Leaders of the Glam Folk Movement

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Sausages Not Guns
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:18 AM

I love dem!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: woodsie
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:21 AM

I would try DHL but I don't think they are very cheap - otherwise it's deutchpost parcels - (takes about 4-5 days)

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:09 AM

Thanks Woodsie - I knew you'd have the info at work, but from Belgium it would be post belge.

I nearly bought a twin-neck to match my matching 6 and 12.....

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: The Barden of England
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:13 AM

Blimey, a twin neck. You'd have fun tuning that bugger!!!
John Barden

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: The Barden of England
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:14 AM

Especially if it was designed like Mr. Smith's banjo   :-)
John Barden

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Girl Friday
Date: 02 Sep 07 - 03:28 PM

I am heartily sick of the anti-TDL feeling that is prevelant at Orpington Folk Club. Though we go down well with the audience, we get jibes from some of the residents. We are not treated like this anywhere else we play and I am sick of it. I walked out in disgust last week.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Sep 07 - 05:35 PM

Well, you have two options. Improve (musically, your writing is great in places) or don't go. It was a bit frightening at the Good Intent, Sue nearly hit the drum in time several times....

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Girl Friday without cookie
Date: 02 Sep 07 - 08:18 PM

Thankyou Richard, good advice, we aim to improve ,and you have noticed it. We get praise if we do in some quarters, and accused of ruining the image if we do in others. Either way it's Catch 22.We think certain people are scared of anything a bit different. Glad Richard's not. At least you look at our thread... and always post constructive comments. See you at Knockers.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: breezy
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 03:10 PM

and how has the smoking restriction changed things at the Lib, might be able to see the back wall now!

How dare someone suggest you, TDL have to 'improve' after all those hours of detailed, dedicated rehearsal.

Richard Bridge should be held in contempt, what does he know anyway?

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 04:13 PM

Indigestion bothering you today, Breezy?

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Troysolder
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 07:11 PM

No problem with TDL - enjoy every performance - but you have to learn to keep quiet during other people's acts when you can't sing in tune - otherwise you are the "prima donna" imposing your voice on their performances and spoiling it for those that want to listen/participate in something tuneful.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Brian Bruce
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 04:15 PM

I would like to point out to whoever FOLKMAN is that I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON TO KEEP ORPINGTON FOLK CLUB ALIVE.
We have a very active committee and we all work as one. The acts are booked by me but only after consideration from the remainder of the Committee. We try to work as a team. Statements like that can and do cause considerable tension between people and I will not allow that to happen. I am only sorry It took so long for this to come to my attention.I reiteratate Orpington Folk Club Committee work as a team and as such they all deserve the plaudites. Namely: Steve Jennings, Ted Handley, Ivan North and Ann Halford. We have a good club and it is evident that someone or Some people are trying to dismantle it. It will not Work

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 04:19 PM

Hmm. TODAY VE VILL PLAY SQUASH. I VILL DRIVE ZE STEAMROLLER!

I've been on committees like that too. Hell, I've been in relationships like that!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Brian Bruce
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 04:26 PM

Well done Richard its comments like that, that drove me away from Folk Music before, and I can assure you I am so bloody Mad I could and feel like quiting again. If I'm so bloody good then surely some common sense from supposedly inteligent people would be more appropriate.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 04:51 PM

Chill Brian. Accept a compliment when given, as Folkman did for you. If you need to credit others, you probably don't need to shout.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Not Ben Elton
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 04:51 PM

Don't get mad, Brian, get even. Count to five, chant "My Ying and My Yang are in perfect harmony" and please accept a compliment.

The sort of acts we now get at the real Orpington Folk Club are testimony to you and the Committee's good stewardship. Where else in the past year could you have seen AT THE SAME CLUB Carthy, Landermason, Derek Brimstone, Mick Ryan and Pete Harris, Mitch Hillier, Steve Tilston, Jim Mclean to name a few and not to mention Ron T-B and Ian Petrie? Only one carp - please drown that bloody pony and get the other residents to learn some new songs - much as I love the old ones(actually that is two carps).
May the Force be with you only when you want it to be. Love and Peace - see you on 13th for yet another good night with Geoff Higginbum.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Not Ben Elton
Date: 16 Sep 07 - 07:42 AM

It was "yet another good night with Geoff Higginbottom" - and the residents played new songs. And the landlord laid on free food to compensate for being in bar rather than back room - but with Geoff's voice, it did not matter anyway....bit like a Broadstairs gig.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Girl Friday
Date: 16 Sep 07 - 05:14 PM

RTB was terrific at Twitton on Thursday. Caught up with the Phatts today at FAB CLUB, Geoff enjoyed his gig. Thank heavens it was him, other guests might have had probs with back room. Brian did a brill gig at Friday Folk, and, we could see the back wall. Chris only smoked about six fags, so he enjoyed it too. Thanks Brian, you are a true pro dear. Thanks to Woodsie, Del-Boy, and Robin for their support.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Sep 07 - 03:58 PM

I have played Orpingtonfolk club many times[about10times] in the past.I first played there when the residents were DavePlane SteveJennings MabelJoy,back in 1977,give my regards to Steve Jennings,Ihave had many enjoyable guest spots there.DickMiles

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: BrianJJBruce
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 04:19 PM

Sue/Girl Friday
I have seen this thread now for some time and I am getting to a very irritable point. I am not a Prima Donna and I would very much appreciate it if you stopped refering to me as one. The fact that you are (and I might add) slandering all the Residents at Orpington Folk Club and if thats not enough you do it in open forum, well Sue I would be very carefull.I am a Resident at OFC and the fact you call all Residents Primma Donna's then by that very nature you are reffering to me as one. I have just done a FREE GIG at your Club to help out as you told me a while ago you were in some difficulties,and you repay me with this.Well Sue stop slandering as we can all be just as bloody minded and opinionated.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: breezy
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 05:24 PM

Dear BJJB, please forgive the abbs

This indigestion bug appears to have spread !

Please pass on my kindest regards to the committee at the 'Original' Orpington folk club.

I enjoyed my gig there a few years back as it relaunched my solo career with gigs at Sharps, Herga, The Anchor and last but not least more than a couple at the lair of the T D L's, and music has never been the same for me since I saw the light.

Keep up the good work

breezy

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Girl Friday
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 06:36 PM

Brian my love you have your wires crossed well and truly. I'd never call you a prima donna... that criticism seems to have been levelled at me... see the TDL thread. Page 10!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 02:11 AM

I have re-read the thread and do not see Sue saying that of Brian here.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 02:21 AM

There is, however tihs qite (from Girl Friday) on the TDL thread: -
"Being thoroughly p****d off with our treatment (not the audience) at OFC. .. it was very heartening to return to Essex's Fab Club this afternoon. There are no prima donnas... "

And that could be read as calling at least someone at OFC a prima donna - so perhaps, Sue, it would help dispel the bad vibe if you clarified that it was not a critical reference to Brian.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,From the Audience
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 04:31 AM

Let's get it right. - Read TDL's page - Lots of support and lots of abuse.You love 'em or you hate 'em
Quote's cuts direct from the page.: They are a bunch of nutters alright -woodsie
Sue (who does have problems with syncopation)- guest
Sue's timing and pitch are entirely random. – mr grumpy
Now with Ref to: The Great OFC Incident
On the night in question, in jovial manner, the band asked everyone to join in except TDL - and Sue walked out.Just upped and left on this one remark. Trevor was outside having a fag and I guess she felt alone.She did not return. The resulting mail from her on here was the one quoted above by Richard Bridge. She referred to 'no Prima Donnas at Essex' by reference it could be assumed that she felt there were Prima Donnas at OFC.
The remark from the band could have been made in jest but the Troysoldier post (again above) vocalises the thought of many people who's remarks I have trawled through before writing this. He/she says - No problem with TDL - enjoy every performance - but you have to learn to keep quiet during other people's acts when you can't sing in tune . Not all remarks made by OFC residents about them are negative. Snipped again
Ted Hanley tells me you went to his session and were very good! That's something coming from him! – woodsie
Sue does need to learn to give and take is all I can say.
...and I think Brian Bruce had gone home by then anyway!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Rob
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 04:36 AM

They are a right bunch of preemer doners. Any time I went there, these two blokes with squeeze boxes. an old boy with a guitar and a woman with a squeeky whistle thing took over the evening.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 07:58 AM

Woodsie, that's you again, isn't it?

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Canberra Chris
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 08:24 AM

Don't Put the Leopards on the Stage

Don't put the Leopards on the stage down at Orpington,
Don't put the Leopards on the stage
We don't mean to boast, or try to sound showy
But our standards were set when we launched David Bowie
And the tone that we set you can easily tell
For our boards were once graced by the young Ralph McTell,
Please, down at Orpington
On our knees down at Orpington
Don't put the Leopards on the stage.

Don't put the Leopards on the stage down at Orpington,
Don't put the Leopards on the stage
Their instrumental line-up is worthy of discussion
For whoever heard of one guitar - with percussion?
Tailors live in Orpington and music teachers too,
In elegant surroundings why be feeding at the zoo?
High class down at Orpington
(Pig's arse down at Orpington)
Don't put the Leopards on the stage.

Don't put the Leopards on the stage down at Orpington,
Don't put the Leopards on the stage
We know that they appeal to the folk Hoi Polloi
But us cognoscenti their antics just annoy,
We have to concede that their writing skills are vast
But their manner of delivery, it just leaves us aghast,
Gosh, down in Orpington
(Bosh! down in Orpington)
Don't put the Leopards on the stage.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 08:56 AM

Very Good Chris - to the tune I infer of "Don't put your daughter on the stage Mrs Worthington".

That has to be done when the opportunity here arises!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Guest Guest
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 03:37 PM

So lets get back to talking about music, after all that is what Mudcat is supposed to be about?

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Canberra Chris
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 05:00 PM

Ta, Richard, the Noel Coward original was a joyous rediscovery.
Chris

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: open mike
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 08:17 PM

I can't help but think of the
famous Orpington export..
Buff Orpington chickens
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGK/Orps/BRKOrps.html
http://www.bufforpington.co.uk/
http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/product/buff_orpingtons.html

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Banjiman
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 05:34 AM

I'm just about to start a folk club in North Yorkshire, you guys seem perfectly placed to give me tips about how to avoid any politics and discord......

This thread could really put someone off.

Paul

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: woodsie
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 06:42 AM

Don't believe everything you see on mudcat!

Orpington Folk Club at The Change Of Horses is a really good night out. High standards of musicianship from the residents and a mixed bag from the floorspots. What makes it special, is the famous guest acts that they seem to have on a regular basis. I've seen Martin Carthy there twice, Derek Brimstone about three times, Mitch Hiller twice, Harvey Andrew and countless other greats. I'm really looking forward to seeing Wizz Jones a true legend. The club starts earlier than most, usually at about 8pm - most other clubs that I attend start at 9pm or later!

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 07:24 AM

I seem to be quoting Sheridan's School for Scandal a lot lately.

"The malice of a good thing is the barb that makes it stick"

You should see the fun we have in person....


(By the way I have not been to this Orpington club for several years, nor indeed the Friday one for at least a couple, but the stirring is a joy to behold...)

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,Brian Bruce
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 07:46 AM

Thanks Woodsie
At Last some positive comments about Orpington Folk Club.
We have had some great acts at the club and still more to come. So far we have booked the following for next year, Dave Ellis and Boo Howard,Graham Cooper,Derek Brimstone,BaronBrady,Goeff Higgingbottom,Pamala Ward and Paul Cherrington to name a few. I am also looking to book Liz Simcock,Bob Fox or Jed Grimes, John Bardon, Ron Trueman-Border, Ian Petrie, Mitch Hiller and many more. We will, as a Club try and present the best in Folk Music at least twice a month and remember our ticket prices for members and Guests are very affordable.We will continue to give Value for money.
Come along and see that our club is not full of P????D????s and see how hard our committee works to give everyone a good night out. Must work we've been around 40+ years and we are still here.
Forget all the BullS... going around come and see for yourselves.

Subject: RE: Orpington Folk Club
From: GUEST,The Barden of England sans cookie
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 12:43 PM

I agree wholeheartedly Brian. I've always been warmly welcomed and have enjoyed the music there each time I've been, and long may it continue. Hope all is well with you by the way.
John Barden