Rochester Sweeps

Subject: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Apr 06 - 05:53 PM

Who else is ging to be at Rochester Sweeps? I've been stupid and booked a gig for my PA rig on the Saturday, but I will otherwise be about Friday to and including Monday.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Tyke
Date: 20 Apr 06 - 07:13 PM

I shall be going down to Chatham Thursday then Friday it's a long Voyage down the Medway to The Rochester Sweeps on the Julia. With Captain Ken Stocks who has been known to sink a few. Take a Look at the festival programme HERE

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: The Barden of England
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 05:20 AM

I'm playing on 'The Julia' along with Kimbers Men on Sunday 30th April as part of Rochester Sweeps - really looking froward to it. Otherwise I'm hosting sessions at 'The Good Intent' as follows:-

Saturday 29th April
12.30pm - 2.30pm – Singaround session with John Barden
8.45pm - 11pm – Singaround session with John Barden

Monday 1st. May
12.30pm - 2.30pm – Singaround session with John Barden

Address is:-
John Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1YL

Hope to see the usual crew plus any newcomers who fancy it. It means that we won't be drowned out by the loud band next door as we have the past couple of years at the 'Gordon Hotel', and The Good Intent does have a beer festival too.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 08:11 AM

not about Jane Eyre then?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Essex Girl
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 09:05 AM

John, The Singaround from 12.30 - 2.30 on Saturday. Is this likely to be a Tenterdon 2.30??

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 01:57 PM

I know that without John answering. It's likely to be until it stops....

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Mr Fox
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 02:52 PM

I'll certainly be at all three concerts in the castle and will probably be propping up the bar in some pub or other during at least one day.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: The Barden of England
Date: 22 Apr 06 - 01:57 AM

Richard's got it right - I never like to stop a session in full swing so I aim for it to be until it stops.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: melodeonboy
Date: 22 Apr 06 - 12:37 PM

I shall be at the Good Intent and elsewhere. I believe Growler and Little Legs will also be putting in an appearance or two.

Just look for the shirt!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 08:32 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: AggieD
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 09:26 AM

Playing for the Morris side on Saturday.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 12:04 PM

It looks as if Royston is stuck in Dubai

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Girl Friday
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 06:17 PM

We're doing the folk factor on Saturday afternoon but no doupt will make an appearance especially now we know there's a beerfest!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: GUEST,Cap or ella?
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 07:13 PM

Never quite sure which half I am, anyway I'll be there with Mike Nicholson ie: naughty boys being let out to play while our other halfs are away. So will no doubt be seeking out dubious venues where singing and drinking beer takes place - did somebody mention The Good Intent?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: The Barden of England
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 03:29 AM

Tony - would love to see you and Mike at the Good Intent. My other half will be at Sweeps dancing for Kits Coty on Saturday, but I'm sure she'll make an appearance at the evening session - not that the sessions stop at the advertised finishing time - mine never do and I hope this year will be no different.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 03:43 AM

Is there a sinaground on the Friday night?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 03:44 AM

PS - there isn't any of that no smoking stuff is there or Jeff can't come...

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: The Barden of England
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 04:49 AM

Richard - I'm not sure about Friday as there's nothing booked, but maybe a quick call to The Good Intent would clear that one up. I'm not going to be there until Saturday as I'll be recovering from a booking at The FaB club in at The Orsett Cock on Thursday.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 11:17 AM

Aren't BOb and Kath on on Friday night?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: LesB
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 05:22 PM

If you are into the blues, then I was talking to my old mate John Pearson when he was doing the Bothy last Sunday & he tells me he is booked for Rochester Sweeps. John Pearson
John doen't get to blighty very often these days as he lives in the Algarve, so it's a rare opportunity to see one of the greatest blues guitarist/singers around.
I can't get there because i'll be at Moor & Coast, (Whitby is a lot closer to Southport).
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: GUEST,Cap or ella?
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 06:35 PM

Hmm must get me self a mudcat name, seem to keep finding myself here lately......

Hello John! hope you enjoyed Miskin as much as we did - looking forward to sweeps and we'll certainly be coming to at least one of your sessions at the Good Intent. good luck with the gig on Thursday We're doing the Tudor Barn at Eltham on Wednesday followed by a funeral on Thursday!(not performing, just attending) otherwise would have tried to get over there for it.

Tony

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 09:12 PM

Caporella works fine! One of the Miskin highs was the naughty schoolboy hunt the harmony in the rear corner of the cottage....

Stuff like that could almost bring back the great days of the Eagle Tavern at Sweeps, when the flavour of "Little Pot Stove" was like thick gravy on new bread.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: The Barden of England
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 02:18 AM

Caporella works fine for me. Loved Miskin, it's a great little festival, and all that lovely Ale - Trefor seemed to be enjoying that even more than me!! Sorry we won't be at The Tudor Barn, but Jan wants to see Michael Chapman in Faversham on Wednesday. It'll be the first time in years that she's seen him. Have a good one at Eltham (which I'm sure you will anyway)
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 02:15 PM

Bob and Kath are in the Kings Head poolroom Friday nite and a bunch of others more detail soon.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: GUEST,Growler
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 03:28 PM

Karen and Dell are putting on real ales, racked in a tent in the garden. They do a 3.2, which is hoppy and loveley, but you you would have to be on a mission to get pissed on it. They are doing a large veriety of other real stonger real ales, so Richard beware. Should be a good session

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 05:29 PM

A veriety that are stonger eh? Have you been sampling?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 05:38 AM

My programmes arrived this morning. DIY (apart from the Barden Sessions) apear to be

Fri nite - Bob and Kath's sing in the Kings Head poolroom
          SOmehting called "pre-festival music" in Ye Arrow

Sat lunch - Bob + Kath
            
Sat Aft - Irish session Vic + Bull

Sat eve - playalong, Vic + Bull

Sun - as Sat

Mon lunch - as Sat lunch

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: The Barden of England
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 09:49 AM

They've got quite a few big names for the concerts too. Wesite is here:-

http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/leisure/events/sweeps.htm

Click on the links below EVENTS

John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: The Barden of England
Date: 27 Apr 06 - 02:26 AM

Refreshers

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Apr 06 - 04:01 AM

Does anyone know about Nosmo King?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: The Barden of England
Date: 27 Apr 06 - 07:24 AM

I enjoyed Nosmo King at Miskin, but I don't suppose Nosmo will be around at Sweeps until the year after next, as the legislation needed for Nosmo isn't due for implementation until June 2007. Until that time I will have to forgo the joy that is Nosmo King.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Apr 06 - 07:52 AM

But contrariwise Jeff cannot go where Nosmo does and in memory of Jacaui I prefer Nonosmo

However thanks for the info

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: The Barden of England
Date: 27 Apr 06 - 09:18 AM

I'm pretty sure that Nosmo King will not be appearing at The Good Intent, but probably will be appearing on (or is it in, I don't know yet) the top mast schooner 'The Julia' in Chatham Maritime. As a commited fan of the related S. Mo'King at one time I've found that Nosmo if far more to my taste these days

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 27 Apr 06 - 10:59 AM

I'll be there !!! Wey Hey !!!   :~>

Hope the sun shines on Sat and Sun . . .

John - hope to make the two mile trawl up (or is it down) to the Julia - wanna see the Kimbers Men !!!!!

(well, I've seen YOU !)

Richard, look forward to hearing my fave: "shut that door"

SeeYall

Jo-Jo
([e-mail])

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Apr 06 - 01:43 AM

Growler and I will be at Bob and Kath's tonight, but not Jeff (probably)

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 28 Apr 06 - 11:09 AM

Richard,

See you tonight at GI

with "shut that door !!)

Jo-Jo (see other thread)

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: GUEST,Enfeld Peter
Date: 28 Apr 06 - 12:41 PM

What pub (folk music) sessions would you recommend, for Saturday?

Cheers

Peter

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: melodeonboy
Date: 28 Apr 06 - 02:07 PM

John Barden's sessions at the Good Intent (amongst others). Look at the first message above by "Barden of England".

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Dead Horse
Date: 29 Apr 06 - 04:20 AM

I shall be appearing at Good Intent, purely to heckle.
Its wot I'm good at !

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Apr 06 - 05:22 PM

Just arrived back the festival. Just want to say, what a fantastic day. The Good Intent was just brillant.

Thanks All
Enfield peter

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: melodeonboy
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 04:38 AM

It was indeed a good session at the Good Intent, especially the surprise performance by the sword dancers! I shall be back there on Monday.

As for the Shooglenifty concert, why was the band stopped so abruptly at 10.10 p.m.? They announced that a complaint had been received about the noise. As it was in the middle of the Castle Gardens at a relatively early hour on a Saturday evening in the middle of a festival; and given that the level of amplification was not very high (I was sitting right at the front, so I should know!), it hardly sounds feasible. Much bigger and noisier acts (e.g. Staus Quo) have performed in the Castle Gardens in recent years, so it's not as if it's something new.

Can anyone enlighten me?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 06:05 AM

Throat slightly husky this a.m. so I'm taking a day off.

The Good Intent(ions) were well realised. The session was marvellous, especially as it developed into a hugely successful harmony fest, thanks to the preponderance of roaring chorus songs (hence the slight attack of Sweeps Froat).

The Rappers were unbelievably good, performing a very mobile and energetic sword dance display in a very confined space, without ever putting a foot wrong, or missing a beat.

Our own J.B. deserves a pat on the back for his usual sterling performance in managing the session with the light touch that characterises all his sessions.

All in all, bloody good day, and hopefully (Froat permitting) another dose on Monday. Just what the doctor ordered.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Mr Fox
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 06:25 AM

[QUOTE]As for the Shooglenifty concert, why was the band stopped so abruptly at 10.10 p.m.? They announced that a complaint had been received about the noise. As it was in the middle of the Castle Gardens at a relatively early hour on a Saturday evening in the middle of a festival; and given that the level of amplification was not very high (I was sitting right at the front, so I should know!), it hardly sounds feasible. Much bigger and noisier acts (e.g. Staus Quo) have performed in the Castle Gardens in recent years, so it's not as if it's something new.[/QOUTE]

Good job it wasn't Tickled Pink - now there's a LOUD band.

I reckon the festival organisers have only licenced the marquee for music until 10pm.Either that or they didn't warn the residents.

Fairport tonight. Sunday. They'll probably complain at nine.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 07:38 PM

Good Intent was not tonight. There were fights and skinhead locals (sad, at the age of 40+) with djembes.

The join-in session upstairs at the Vic + Bull was pleasant if not driving. Good acoustics.

I think smart money is on the Good Intent tomorrow lunchtime while the idiot locals rest their hangovers, and contemplate evolving into humanity.

If a pub has booked in an a singaround, it should throw out people who behave like arseholes.

IMHO the Bad Intent is not suitable as a Sweeps sing venue - it is too far from the centre so reducing "drop in" passing morrismen etc.

The brochure is uninformative, incomplete, and inaccurate this year too. There seem to be fewer booked guests in the pubs I would wish to see, even though the concerts seem to be of good standard. Indeed with the reported exception of the Saturday daytime Good Intent (which I missed) I think this has been musically the weakest Sweeps I can remember. Also the number of sides seems to be down again.

Is this a festival in decline?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: GUEST,Growler
Date: 01 May 06 - 04:32 PM

With all due respect to Richard, Sunday Night was unfortunate, but if you mix alcohol with idiots, these things happen.I enjoyed all the lunchtime sessions, at the Good Intent and would like to congratulateb Karen and Dall for their wellcome and good beer

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 May 06 - 05:35 PM

At the Sunday session at the Bad Intent Rachel sang "Anthem of the Rainbow" and we were asked who it was by. We didn't know - only having Jacqui's transcription of the lyrics to go on. The mudcat seems not to list the song, and a google produced only offers to sell me a copy of "Odetta sings folk songs".

So a consult of the sleeve notes since Jacqui had owed a copy already reveals (from the 1963 recording) "by two young Chicago songwriters Forest Tollis and Robert Cosbey Jr".

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: The Barden of England
Date: 02 May 06 - 02:56 AM

The lack of attendees at times at The Good Intent was down in some part to where it is, but it really wasn't helped by the map on the programme showing it as somewhere completely different (the junction of Union Street and King Street), so most ended up confused at the Granville Arms, whereas of course the Good Intent was tucked away in John Street in Troytown. The Landlady was mortified by what had happened and offered to move the noisy ones into the other bar, where apparently they normally drink, but there had been an altercation and they were trying to divert peoples attention apparently. On reflection I should have taken the Landlady's offer and stayed - we live and learn.

On the plus side, the playing and singing at times was awesome, and for me it was a privelege to be there. The session on Saturday night was a highlight for me - the shanties and other 'joiny in' songs were fabulous and of course the session though advertised as being from 20:45 to 23:00 ended up finishing after 0:30 on Sunday - then again my sessions always tend to end much much later than advertised - and sometimes only stop for a bit of sustenance. My heartfelt thanks to all who came, and apologies for pulling the plug on Sunday night - I will reflect and learn from that.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Essex Girl
Date: 02 May 06 - 08:32 AM

Despite only being able to spend Saturday in Rochester I was pleasantly surprised. John ran an excellent session in the Good Intent. The rappers in the afternoon and Kimbers Men, Mike Nicholson and Pete Collins in the evening made the day. The beer was great and very reasonable (much cheaper than the Gordon) The Good Intent may be away from the high street but it's also away from roving bands of teenage drunks and noisy juke boxes. This is only the second year that the Good Intent has run a session during the festival, an answer to our prayers when for many years there had been nowhere to have a decent non-amplified session.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: melodeonboy
Date: 02 May 06 - 08:59 AM

I would like to say a big thank you to John Barden for running the sessions at the Good Intent so well. I was there for the Saturday afternoon and Monday afternoon sessions and a good time was had by all.

Richard's point that the Good Intent is too far out of the way for passing Morris men etc. is valid to some extent, but I would second Growler's comments on the enthusiasm and hospitality of the landlord and landlady (not to mention the excellent beer!). Let's hope that things will improve somewhat when the maps are corrected!

This also seems an appropriate moment to remind everyone of the fortnightly folk night, which is held at the Good Intent on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Mr Fox
Date: 02 May 06 - 06:47 PM

There is a nasty rumour that the festival is going to be moved to Chatham dockyard, presumably to become part of the 'Dickworld' Dickens theme park that's opening down there soon.

God, I hope not!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: GUEST,Girl Friday without cookie
Date: 02 May 06 - 09:07 PM

Appropo Good Intent Sessions. Sunday lunchtime was fun, as was the showcase concert. That was until the pub regulars took over. Despite having p.a.the unfortunate performers fought against the noise.The fight was unfortunate, but Karen and Dal dealt with that admirably. A singaround was never going to work in that situation, even if the noisemakers were moved. It's their pub after all. Trevor and I managed to quiet them down after playing for about 15 minutes, ending in us playing for a couple of hours. The "skinhead djembe player, Joe is actually a very reasonable bloke as are his fellow drummers. They offered advice on where to get my bongos reskinned after a heavy session of drumming on Monday afternoon. Apart from the extremely unpleasant creature that told me to "shut the f**k up" I enjoyed it, and another of the drummers put me back in touch with Nick at the Granville whom I remember when he ran the Norman Conquest.Talking to Dougie, he was sorry that the Good Intent didn't work, he thought it would.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 May 06 - 03:50 AM

The dockyard heritage area makes a lot of sense - plenty of space for dance, quite a lot of grass to have a festival campsite, closer to the Julia, beer festivals can come onsite including the Nelson Brewery, and the crossover with Dick***World which as theme parks go looks as if it might not be too too dreadful (well, I know some of the people involved and I ought to stick up for them)

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: The Barden of England
Date: 03 May 06 - 04:17 AM

There aren't many pubs down there though are there, and it would probably mean having to charge for camping etc. so most of the 'free' aspects of the festival would not happen. It would make it more of a 'one site' festival like Ely - not such a bad thing in one way but the soul would be gone for sure. I suspect Hastings Jack would love it if Rochester Sweeps moved to Chatham.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 May 06 - 06:32 AM

Bugger the pubs, they are full of electric music and pissed arseholes from Troytown. It's them we need to get away from! Quite a lot of them don't sell beer (well, proper beer) anyway.

It could link with Fort Amherst and with Greenwich University (and Christchurch University) at Medway for more space and maybe more campable patches.

One of the problems for Sweeps is that the camping by the school is only available to booked sides and booked performers - why can't there be camping off the Esplanade too (showers and water from the swimming pool)?

Or if it's staying where it is, why not a singaround in the hut behind the Eagle - smashing garden, could have outside bar from Eagle or a beerfest tent. The George Vaults was nice for singing too except for the lack of beer. What about the Kings Head ballroom that used to host the Wish it Was a Brewery club (and had the music fair one year)?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Mr Fox
Date: 03 May 06 - 04:00 PM

£10 to get in, all the relentlesss salesmanship of the dockyard plus all that theme park crap - actors playing Dickens and his characters everywhere, "Oliver Twist presents Show of Hands on the Fagin stage".......

Result? One dead festival.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps
From: Girl Friday
Date: 05 May 06 - 10:12 PM

Right on Mr Fox... have already boycotted the "Chatham Maritime Festival" due to the admission charge. From what I saw this year the pubs that were hosting folk gigs down the High Street worked ok. Pity the Queen Charlotte's not in it, but they are catering for the non-folkies. Every year I say BRING BACK THE SESSION IN THE EAGLE but it seems to have changed into a jukebox. Is Richard suggesting that we use that large village hall type structure behind the Eagle? That just might be far enough away from it. The whole point of the Sweeps Festival is just that. Chatham is famous for ships- not chimney sweeps. To take it out of town would have a detrimental effect on the town's busisnesses - and anyway I had it from Mr Hudson's mouth, and I quote "it's a load of bo******S.... it ain't gonna happen"