Capers, the UK based Folk Activities Holidays organisation, have a website at www.folkcamp.clara.net. The site give details of the 2002 schedule details and prices. Holidays are mostly camping based, and adult prices start from twenty pounds (self catering short weekend). For recomendations, see earlier thread Capers / Folk Camp Holidays.

The 2002 holidays are:

STEWKLEY, Beds. (long weekend) 3 to 6 May
Welcome the start of spring in the rolling countryside, close to some fabulous scenery and bracing walks. Andy Duff returns to leading after ??? years break and Chris Butler is orchestrating the music.

DALTON (EXTRA long weekend) 31 May to 4 Jun (Friday evening to Wednesday morning)
A popular weekend in Yorkshire with leaders - Team North - and musicians, Hilary Vare & Ann Steward. The highlight of the weekend is the Dalton Regatta. Handy for Richmond, Barnard Castle and Raby Abbey.

LOXWOOD (EXTRA long weekend) 31 May to 4 Jun (Friday evening to Wednesday morning)
Doug Brown & Chris Jewell staff at our popular site in Sussex, need we say more? Some nice pubs to visit, and Haslemere close by and the fleshpots of Guildford within range, or you could throw bread to the planes at Gatwick Airport.

BECKFORD (dancers weekend - short) 24 to 26 May
A weekend specially for the seasoned dancer. Challenging dances to quality music is the order of the day and, it seems, ALL day. But don't worry there is still time for pub sessions and sightseeing. The village enjoys breathtaking views of Bredon Hill and Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Evesham are all within easy reach. Colin Hume leads with Julia & Shane Day providing the music.

ELMORE (singers weekend - short) 14 to 16 June
Sue Van Gaalen returns to lead a weekend with more singing than any other. Singarounds, song workshops, choirs - anything can happen and probably will. Set in a "best kept" village close to the River Severn, the site is handy for Gloucester. There are some attractive canal walks nearby and (no promises) Elmore is a good spot to view the famous Severn Bore if the tides are right.

BECKFORD (musicians weekend - short) 28 to 30 June
A weekend for players of every instrument with lots of playing and a little bit of dancing. If you can tear yourself away, Bredon Hill is worth a visit and there are several attractive villages to see. Tewkesbury, Evesham, Cheltenham and Winchcombe are all within range. Alan Corkett leads with music from 'Miserable Old Gits' or some such similar named band Dave Brown & David Pattenden.

MISERDEN (yoof weekend - long) 11 to 14 July
Back again for another highly successful weekend aimed primarily at the 18 to 30s (ish), leader Beci Brown is teaming up with musicians (who are still to be confirmed). Late night singing, dancing and playing are in prospect and there's a friendly pub a short walk down the road. Oh, and the village is very attractive too. The Council have ruled that this event will be FREE providing you book by early March

HALSWAY MANOR (1 week) 27 July to 3 August
Nestling at the foot of the spectacular Quantock Hills, Halsway Manor is the only residential Folk Centre in England. You have a choice of staying in the Manor itself or camping in the water garden. Either way you will be assured of excellent facilities and great food with waitress service and no duties! Oh yes, there is also a bar on site.The Seaside is just a few miles off as is Exmoor. Cidar Farms (for a little sampling) and the County Town of Taunton are other attractions in the area. Brian Pollard leads with music from Peter & Moira Gutteridge ably assisted by Barbara Dunn.

CLUN (1 week) 3 to 10 August
A welcome return to English/Welsh marches. We will be based in a modern village hall in the ancient town of Clun with it's castle and proud history of defence against the enemy (dependant upon your standpoint that is!) Needless to say there is absolutely wonderful countryside and walks (please heed any restrictions). For the sightseers, Shrewsbury, Hereford are well within reach and a day out to the seaside at Aberystwyth is also possible. The week, led by Pete Hendy with musicians Chris Jewell & Jenny Newman, offers a camp with a strong emphasis on the traditional Folk Camp activities.

TOLPUDDLE (3 weeks) 27 July to 3 Aug, 3 to 10 August & 10 to 17 August
A secluded marquee site near the historic village of Tolpuddle, and centre of the 'Thomas Hardy Country' only a few miles from the bustling town of Dorchester. The area offers beaches, wildlife, monkey & bird santuaries, masses of superb walks and unique tourist attractions such as the National Tank Museum and the Lawrence of Arabia Museum. The first week will be hosted by Tim Bennett & Cat Kelly with musicians Anna Tabbush & Andy Johnson. The second week is led by Paul Weir & PIF Franks drawing on the musical talents of the Springer Sisters (Pamela Wilson & Carol Noakes) Week three has Carolyn Robson leading with music from Sue Finn & Doug Brown and has a special emphasis of things for younger children.

IRVILLAC, FRANCE (2 weeks) 3 to 10 August and 10 to 17 August
A welcome return to France, this time to West Brittany. Irvillac is situated close to the 'Roads of Brest' a large expanse of safe bathing waters with secluded rocky coves and secret beaches. The large flat silver sand beaches of the Crozon Peninsular are less than a hours drive away and there are a host of sights to see and things to do, including visiting the cities of Brest & Quimper, the Roman Abbey at Daoulas. The region is renown for seafood restaurants. We are using the village hall and field for activities and camping as well as the showering facilies at the adjoining football statium. The main meal of the day is being prepared and eaten at the village Restaurant. The camp will include events with the local folk dance group and the villagers. Keith Gregson leads the first week with John New providing the music. For week two, Tony Ashley and Elaine & John Meechan do the honours.

WHIXLEY (long weekend) 23 to 27 August
This year we are visiting the gentiel village of Whixley, which is close to Knaresborough. A modernised village hall, enclosed camping site and a village pub that assures us a great welcome (The landlord is an old friend of Folkcamps from elsewhere). Those that must leave camp have plenty to do and see, Harrogate and York are both close by and Knaresborough is a delightful town complete with 'petrifying' sights. This is one of the most popular events in our calendar, but it's really the people that make it what it is. Bob Carter leads with music from John New and Carol Millward.

KINGTON LANGLEY (long weekend) 23 to 27 August
The 'south reunion' moves to Wiltshire, close to Chippenham, which might be known to some Folkies! A modern village hall (sprung floor) and adjoining sports field for camping on. There will probably be the usual camp outings to suitable hostelries to give you some relaxation between the music sessions and the evening dancing. Sue Malleson will be conducting proceedings with music from (to be confirmed). For those of you who like to visit the regional sights, there is Historic Bath & Marlborough as well as the wild Wiltshire Downs to see.

HALSWAY MANOR ("Winter Warmer") 24 to 26 January 2003
Shake off those winter 'blues' with log fires, comfy beds, waitress service and plenty of activities. For the eccentric and energetic there is skittles at the Carew Arms and for the foolhardy, dancing around the trig point on the Quantocks! It's always full so book early. John Meechan will be leading with music from Dave Brown & Alan Corkett

SYMONDS YAT (Folk Crafts) 24 to 28 Feb 2003 (Mon to Fri at Half Term)
Jenny Walton, "orchestrates" a multiplicity of craft activities in this family run hotel. Yes there are beds, a bar, waitress service and 'oodles' of space. There will be the usual evening dancing with music from Alan Corkett & friends as well as wonderful walks in the delightful Wye Valley. This event is usually a 'sell out', so book your place early if you want to go.

Julie B