No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!

Subject: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: Lanfranc
Date: 05 Aug 06 - 09:30 PM

This will only be of interest to UK 'catters, and only a few of them!

After several fruitless telephone calls, I went to the Crown at Buntingford this evening in the hope of arranging a date for the Winter Sing that we have held there for many years. Colin, the landlord, informed me that because of the changes in the UK licencing laws, we will not be able to hold this event there this year or in future.

Basically, he and Cherry did not "tick the box" for music when they renewed their licence, and they were not prepared to apply for a one-off permit because they didn't think it worthwhile.

Why he couldn't have told me this on the telephone when I called before, I don't know! It would have saved me a 40-mile round trip.

It could be that the licensing thing is just an excuse. Cherry has obviously been seriously ill with cancer, and Colin isn't in briliant shape, either. The pub was quiet and didn't seem to be doing food although it was Saturday night. Sad, though, whatever.

Anyway, we need to find another venue or lose the event. Does anyone know of a pub, preferably in the Herts/Essex/Cambs borders area, with a music licence, a separate room that will hold 40-50 and a free weekend on 18th November?

I'll be following up some ideas after my move next week, but any suggestions will be welcome.

Alan

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Aug 06 - 07:28 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Aug 06 - 03:41 AM

The Lion at Eastwick nr Harlow has a side room/bar A bit small but worth thinking about. They have a music license, and regular bluegrass/Irish music sessions, so landlord may be amenable to something there

Simon

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Aug 06 - 03:52 AM

A picture of us playing there is here

I'm the one on the right pretending to play the mandolin

Simon

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Aug 06 - 06:56 PM

resuscitate

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: cptsnapper
Date: 07 Aug 06 - 08:54 PM

It's unlikely but it might be worth asking the Hardwicke Arms, at Arrington who can be contacted on [e-mail].

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: Bugsy
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 01:08 AM

Lafranc, It's a coon's age since I frequented the bars of this area, (having lived in Aus for some 34 years. However, do you think that this place might fit the bill for you?
here

Hope it helps, I'd hate to think of a folk event "dying the death'

Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 03:37 AM

Bugsy,
We hold a singaround at The Bell every month, but they would not be able to provide a room for a whole day. They run a popular and prosperous restaurant and all their rooms are used.
Keith.

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: Billy Suggers
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 07:04 AM

Really sorry to hear about Cherry & Colin - we rather like them. I'll circulate around .. don't know how The Half Moon at Stortford's fixed - very nice back room used a lot for acoustic / blues etc & a fortnightly Sunday Session in the back bar so they're used to music & like it!

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: IanC
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 09:39 AM

The Bushel & Strike in Ashwell would have a room big enough + music license. And I can guarantee you'll be welcome. Not very far from Buntingford too.

I can set up all the necessary if you'd like.

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: Carol
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 09:40 AM

Yes, very sorry to hear about Cherry and Colin, for years Cherry was a very loyal supporter of the Hospice Fundraising Group in Buntingford and is a really nice lady.
The only place that I can think of would be at Whittlesford (?)near Duxford where they already have a Friday evening session or did have when we emigrated up to Yorkshire - they have B and B I think plus some room for campervans/caravans. Or perhaps the Wheatsheaf where the original Friday night session was held.

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: cptsnapper
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 12:49 PM

The Wheatsheaf is gradually disappearing!

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: GUEST,Lanfranc the Cookieless (a man on the move!)
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 09:21 PM

The Bushel & Strike in Ashwell sounds to be a reasonable prospect, IanC, I will PM you.

For now, I'll hold the Lion, Half Moon, and the Hardwicke Arms in reserve.

Thanks for all the input.

Alan

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 09:38 AM

Hope you find a good venue, Alan - how did it go at Blackmore, the other night??? Sorry did not make it, daughter problems !!!

Jo-Jo

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 06:53 AM

heineken

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: Billy Suggers
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 08:00 AM

Ashwell would be a good choice .. for what its worth, the Half Moon got 5 Stortfolk votes ...
look forward to hearing when & where its all fixed up!

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 07:00 AM

Hope you'll be able to get a venue sorted Alan, wouldn't want to miss this! (Please put a thread up nearer the time) It's further away but as a last resort the function room of the Bull at Barton-le-Clay might be available.

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: Ross
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 05:27 AM

Sorry - I did read this thread

I thought Beds would be outside the zone

I'm sure Bob would be helpful if approached earlier enough

The Bull has an estalished set of folkies that would support as well

I went to Buntingford last year on the Sunday - it was nice

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 05:01 PM

This is sad news, and obviously means that there won't be a New Year's Day sing in the Crown either.

What about the Jolly Brewers in Stortford (who have hosted a one-day February sing for the last 2 years)?

Kitty

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 Aug 06 - 03:39 PM

Or Standon?

Kitty

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: IanC
Date: 04 Sep 06 - 03:52 AM

Thread continued here ...

Ashwell Winter Sing


:-)

Subject: RE: No Buntingford Winter Sing 2006!
From: GUEST,Lanfranc at the Orifice
Date: 06 Sep 06 - 09:44 AM

Thanks, Ian, you beat me to it!!!