WHITBY !!

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: 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: 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: Oaklet
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 10:30 AM

Blimey!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,Raggytash
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 09:15 AM

Black Horse

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: HRH ted of hull
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 08:51 AM

100. i thank you!

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

Which sooty donkey would that be???

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,Raggytash
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 07:21 AM

Lady A

What news of music in the Sooty Donkey

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: HRH ted of hull
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 05:58 AM

95.

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: 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 - 05:29 AM

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

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

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

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: 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: 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: LesB
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 02:40 PM

Is anything happening this Fri night?
Les

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?