Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003

Subject: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: Julie B
Date: 27 Jan 03 - 01:18 PM

"Capers" are a UK based Folk Activities Holidays organisation. Holidays are mostly camping based. For full details, see www.folkcamp.clara.net

2003 Programme

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.

STEWKLEY, Beds.   (long weekend) 2 to 5 May
Welcome the start of spring in the rolling countryside, close to some fabulous scenery and bracing walks. Andy Duff returns to repeat last seasons great success break and Chris Butler is orchestrating the music.

DALTON (long weekend) 23 to 27 May (Friday evening to Tuesday morning)
A very popular Bank holiday weekend in an attractive village near Richmond, Yorkshire with leaders – Brian Pollard & Bob Carter + others to form Team North. The highlight of the weekend will be the Dalton Regatta. Handy for Barnard Castle and Raby Abbey. .

LOXWOOD (long weekend) 23 to 27 May (Friday evening to Tuesday morning)
Chris Jewell, Jenny Newman & Andy Glass 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) 30 May to 1 June
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 Norman & Denise Bearon providing the music.

ELMORE (singers weekend - short) 13 to 15 June
Carolyn Robson 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) 27 to 29 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 ("friends" weekend - long) 10 to 13 July
Back again for another highly successful weekend aimed primarily at the 18 to 30s (ish), leaders Barry Pollard & Sarah Malleson are teaming up with musicians Mark Weaver & Holly Sheldrake. 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

HALSWAY MANOR (1 week) 26 July to 2 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. With Pete Hendy as leader and Hilary & Ann providing the music there is sure to be something for everyone.

AMROTH, Pembrokeshire - MARQUEE (3 weeks) 26 Jul to 2 August, 2 to 9 August & 9 to 16 August
This part of Pembrokeshire has some of the best beaches in the whole of the UK and inland scenery is pretty spectacular as well. PEMBROKE, HAVERFORDWEST and ST DAVIDS are all worth a visit and it is even possible to take a 'day trip' to Ireland from FISHGUARD. The first week has Anna Tabbush in her first solo leading role. The second week to be led by Paul Weir & PIF Franks and week three will be hosted by Doug Brown. This site will have a special emphasis on traditional Folk Camp happenings.

HOSE, Leicestershire (2 weeks) 2 to 9 Aug & 9 to 16 August
This site is in the beautiful Vale of Belvoir, an area renown for it's history and scenery. The cities of NOTTINGHAM & LEICESTER and the towns of MELTON MOWBRAY and GRANTHAM are all less than half an hour drive away, as are RUTLAND WATER and BELVOIR CASTLE. The first week will have Beci Brown in charge and another of our younger set, Cat Kelly leads week 2.

IRVILLAC, FRANCE(9 day event) 29 July to 7 August
Pitched to take advantage of 'cheap'10 day Ferry returns. This is an excellent location in 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 facilities at the adjoining football stadium. 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.

WHIXLEY (long weekend) 22 to 26 August
After last year's success we are returning to the genteel village of Whixley. A modernised village hall, enclosed camping site and a village pub that assures us a great welcome. 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.   

KINGTON LANGLEY(long weekend) 22 to 26 August
The 'south reunion' stays in 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. For those of you who like to visit the regional sights, there is Historic Bath & Marlborough as well as the wild Wiltshire Downs.

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: Mr Happy
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 04:08 AM

i wonder if & how the PEL debacle will affect them?

Will they have to have all their marquees & tents double-glazed & have bouncers on the doors?

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: Noreen
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 05:18 AM

Thanks, Julie- these look good. Perhaps I'll get to one this year.

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: harvey andrews
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 06:06 AM

Or then you could go to France...no PEL probs there. One week in an idyllic setting of the farm owned by Martin Wyndham Read.Tutors are;
June 1-7 James Fagan and Nancy kerr
June 8-14 Iris Bishop amd Martyn
june 22-28 Sara grey
July 6-12 Vin Garbutt
August 24-30 Harvey Andrews

Details www.martynwyndhamread.com
or Martyn W R
PO box 341
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 OYT
Be great if some of you over the water fancied a European break with great food, good company and a little songwriting thrown in.

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: Julie B
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:37 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: Julie B
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:45 AM

Thanks for that Harvey. Unfortunately Martin's Website home page doesn't appear properly, at least for me (using MS Internet Explorer as browser); the links at the base of the page aren't fully visible. However, the information on the above weeks can be found at http://www.martynwyndhamread.com/index.html

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: Julie B
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:47 AM

..Correction!
http://www.martynwyndhamread.com/laj.htm

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: Julie B
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 12:45 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: John Routledge
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 01:37 PM

Went to DALTON last year and enjoyed immensely - going again this year.

Had great reports of Whixley so am giving there a go as well!!

Other Catters also Attend.

Happy Summer of music/song

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: Marje
Date: 04 Apr 03 - 09:09 AM

I don't think the PEL changes will affect Folk Camps. I'm a former folk camper (we had some great family holidays with them) so I know how it works: the holidays are private functions, not open to the public, which seems to be a crucial criterion for the new rules. It's more like a simple sort of package holiday - everyone there is paid up beforehand with named booking. It's different from a festival, where anyone can turn up at some of the events. Folk Camps (Capers) also don't have paid bands or artistes, it's all do-it-yourself entertaining.

They do initiate some very lively pub sessions, and dance in any available space wherever they go, but as these tend to be one-offs, just happening during that one week or weekend, it's unlikely the licensing people would bother to try to chase them. They could also put a genuine case for the sessions being "spontaneous" rather than organised by the pub, which would exempt them. At least I hope so.

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: 8_Pints
Date: 04 Apr 03 - 05:04 PM

Hi Julie B, Noreen & John,

Have just booked to attend Dalton, Elmore, Irvilliac, and Whixley!

Noreen, this could be tailor made holiday for your family as many kids get together and form some amazing ad hoc musical groups.

Plenty of independence, and a 'safe' environment.

Bob & Sue vG

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: Julie B
Date: 25 Apr 03 - 01:36 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Capers UK Folk Holidays 2003
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 04:45 PM

refresh