Broadstairs 2008

Subject: Broadstairs Folk Week 2008
From: stormalong
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 09:05 AM

I'm very glad to see that the daily 'participatory' element has been boosted this year with two Neptune singalongs and Bob Kenward's Woodshed Sessions at the Wrotham Arms, as well as the usual Folk Club and Tom and Barbara's singaround in the Sailing Club. The Sailing Club singaround certainly hit capacity last year, so these new arenas are welcome.

I was a little concerned that the festival might become fixated on promotion of headline acts, but I've no complaints about this year's programme, so many thanks to the organisers for listening to the folkies who want to play and sing. Hopefully Mudcatters and others will support all these activities so they will be available again next year.

Rik

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,dillietheoastouseopper
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 09:36 AM

I'll be working in the festival shop for a few days next week and the week of the festival - everything is really gearing up for a great festival, and everyone I know is really excited.

I agree with you, there are some great headline acts this year, accompanied by the amazing pub gigs, morris dancing, and loads of opportunities to play and sing throughout the week, for people of all abilities and my personal highlight I'm sure will be listening to the hartley singers of a lunchtime, lovely burger from the nelson in hand :0)

That and dancing in and around the town....reminds me I must fix my clogs.

See you all there!
x Charlotte x

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 10:38 AM

BG will be there from early. Look out for Dilligaf's knickers on a flagpole. There may be another little treatlet from the BG ladies for the gentlemen (or should that be genitalmen) amongst you.

I am reasonably confident I will not need to practise the drum so as to interrupt the favourite dreams (I think they involved virgins and warm yoghourt) of any person of distressed parentage and enhanced girth.

ALas I personally will only be able to make the opening weekend (pressure of work).

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: vectis
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 05:32 PM

Not me Broadstairs has lost its appeal. There just isn't enough places to sing and play except organised sessions. More pubs wanted to have free for alls like Sidmouth & Whitby. I'll be at both of them plus Bideford.
Have fun Y'all

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: wrotham-arms-jen
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 10:13 PM

well...if that isn't a way to stop a thread i don't know what is.

the sun is shining and the beer is flowing...it WILL be a good time. broadstairs has started its pre-folk week hummmmmmmm

5 days and counting,

jen

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,Paddywack
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 06:07 AM

So thats what you were doing last night (counting)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: BB
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 02:53 PM

Anyone out there able to combine these two Broadstairs threads? It seems a bit pointless to have two...

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: wrotham-arms-jen
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 05:01 PM

no, paddywack...was counting how many master brews you could drink! hehehe

so, when you going to join in the woodsheds?
jen xx

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 05:01 PM

That one was last year's!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: growler
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 04:46 PM

I agree with Vectis, everything goes to 2 o'clock, then nothing'till seven. However, Dilligaff's bloomers flying high, should and indeed would, change the tone of the whole festival

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Zen
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 06:51 AM

I was looking forward to going for the first time this year and am disturbed by reports that it seems to have gone tits up. Can anybody dispel my anxiety?

Zen

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: RamblinStu
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 07:17 AM

ZEN

Don't worry, some people can be miserable anywhere.

I'm going, and am looking forward to it, and I intend to have a good time, and I bet there will be hundreds of other people enjoying themselves too

Stuart Pendrill

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,synbyn
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 08:46 AM

well, growler, it was to address the gap you're looking at that the daily woodshed sessions in the wrotham at 3 pm were dreamed up- in fact there always have been things going on, and it's always been open to busk for the benefit of the festival- with a tin of course! Avril has her folk club late afternoon for those who prefer to listen, and there are drumming workshops etc also at that time. Broadie is always such a fun festival- now for a look at he other thread..

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 12:10 PM

Let us hope that the principal tits up will be Dilligaf's...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,synbyn
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 12:17 PM

and as richard said, it's last year's but the link works to this year's program and lower down there are some recent posts re sessions and session etiquette... Zen, never sure where rumours come from, hope it isn't just spoilers/ competition... some things the organisers have to adapt to, vectis (who's a sweetie really) knows that the school is no longer available because of insurance, so the lates were bound to change, & the pubs put forward their own views of what they think will pull in custom, cos it keeps them alive all year-if they have invested in a music licence... each to their taste. it's up to all of us who go to make it what we would like to visit...
must say i've always found broadie a very friendly festival with plenty of workshops & variety- you need to fit a fortnight into a week!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: BB
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 03:52 PM

Zen, have you looked at both the programme and the line-up? There's plenty to appeal to everyone in both. Most festivals as what you make them to some extent, and we have a brilliant time every year! There's always loads we have no choice but to miss because we're working there, but there's so much on, you won't be bored.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 05:48 PM

Wossis no lates business? I've had a rummage on the site, no info.

What do they think we go there for?

Will it be guitars at dawn in the Moor& Coast tent then, or what???

Oh, and where will there be proper singing on the first Friday night?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 06:31 PM

Well, upon rummaging - "In 2008, the school hall will be available for late night sessions until 0200 hours"

But - a real candidate for the "who do they think they are" award - "The campsite is a no smoking zone". So where are smokers (I am not a smoker) supposed to camp?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 06:40 PM

And while I'm at it - the campsite is a 10 minute walk from the town centre??? Double that dude, this is not the Olympic village.

And I have looked but not dug like an archaeologist on the website - no sign of any info about busses. Handy, that, for disabled injured or ageing campers?

Why is there not a REGULAR and widely publicised bus service every 10 minutes from at least the tourist office and outside the council offices to the front AND REAR entrances to the campsite (and in the opposite directions, from about 10 am to about 1 am? I appreciate that it is tricky to access the other side of town, but ehynot a loop-service by bus going out of town the other way and back to the campsite?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 12:27 PM

Does Broadstairs HAVE a toon centre?

The streets is like a Geordie Crossword puzzle - One doon and one across.

There IS a bus service which gans past the campsite on the main road but it diverts just as you get to the 'main' bit of toon as the streets is too narrow further doon.

HOWSOMEVER..... The bus does gan right past The Wrotham Arms where there just happens te be.... Synbyn and The Woodshed Sessions

Gerrin there! Ye knaah it meks sense

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 02:29 PM

Having rules like that which no one is in any position to enforce is a daft idea. (And I hope there isn't going to be some kind of anti-smoking patrol going round.)

I suppose the smokers (of whom I'm not one) will be lining up with their heads stuck out over the fence, so the smoking is being done outside the camping area.

Or they'll be puffing away regardless, more likely.

Though there's always the electronic cigarette:

"It looks like a cigarette, however there is no tar. It does smoke BUT there is no smoking pollution material. You do not need any matches or lighter for smoking it BUT it lets you enjoy and satisfy those tactile sensations without any risk and dependence on tobacco. It gives you the same feeling of a tobacco cigar or cigarette without suffering any smoking damage. Smoke healthily without any environmental pollution!"

"I can't see any reason why the Electronic Cigarette couldn't be used in Pubs. The ban only covers smoking, not the use of nicotine" - A UK Department of Health spokesperson. I imagine that'd apply to the campsite as well.

Subject: Vanwatch!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 04:36 PM

I think the new ebay wardo will make its first expotition!

First steps - re-finish the kitchen floor area with stick-down mock wood floor where the carpet had been removed and also the vapour barrier had been removed, and add edging bar on edge of carpet.

Remove chewing gum and some of the other crap from the carpet. Carpet steam clean could be on the cards in due course.

Dismantle and rebuild damaged kitchen overhead cupboards.

Dismantle and fix two non-working flourescent lights.

Re-install safety covers over rear of spotlights.

Replace run-back valve for Carver II.

New outer cover for Carver II

Re-seat all water connections for Carver II

Re-set electrical circuits for Carver II

Replace tampered with leaking gas valve and cracked gas pipes (oops, that could have been a big bang) in gas compartment.

Replace about 6 external light bulbs.

New Jockey-wheel with nosewheel weight gauge and full service and gas safety check. Professional electrical check. Ooh, that was dear.

Dismantle gas fire re-insulate wiring and send cover for blasting and powder coating

Lots of cleaning, particularly around kitchen which was inches deep in grease. Also inside cupboards.

Make new pedestals for pan-stand on hob.

Try to dismantle oven to fix, and get parts blasted and powder coated. Give up and buy new oven on ebay. New oven gets smashed to smithereens by DHL. Arrange refund. Shit, old cooker although working now needs much re-mantling and a new door handle so you can open it without your fingers going up in flames.

Dismantle shower-room sink. Plan re-seal of grey waste so that grey waste water really goes out as dstinct from emptying inside caravan floor! (not yet finished).

Try to figure out how to fix rear wall of shower (still working on that, it needs proper smoothing off before tiling on a roll and real re-sealing.

Try to fix door lock. Give up and buy new one.

Dismantle main door. Dismantle hinges. Straighten aluminium door edging and re-attach. Drill out binding hinge bushes. Re-attach door. Hooray, works with new lock. Locate source for new rubber draught excluder.

Rebuild the slide-out double bed that had been stupidly broken and very badly repaired. Wooden edge needs re-finishing.

Buy job lot of knackered blinds cheap on ebay. Rebuilt and refitted one so far. Door needs one too in due course.

New giant battery - quite cheap on ebay.

Wash shower curtains. Must re-install.

Cracked and distorted front panel needs sorting. This could be tricky, but it is only cosmetic as the gas compartment is waterproof internally.

Little hole in back panel also needs sorting.

Guitar shelves need designing and installing.

One knackered overhead storage area needs sorting.

New latches for rear window need sorting.

Locks for gas compartment and battery compartment need sorting.

In-van boom-box need sorting.


Oh, and all the stuff that goes with me needs loading. Friday might be a bit busy!..

The van electrics might now be working properly on the turbo so I might use that for towing - less risk of bogging at Broadstairs!


What have I forgotten...?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,synbyn
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 04:41 PM

the purpose of the thread? teehee....

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 05:03 PM

Well, no, it's about going to Broadstairs.

I have not even tried to put up the awning that the bloke left in the van yet...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Girl Friday
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 12:49 PM

Us two ageing, disabled folkies will walk when we can, drive if we can park in town, get a ride on the performers transport when there is space, be flexible about drop-off points. Any rate, I have my bus pass now, and it's good nationwide for busses.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Dead Horse
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 05:35 PM

I shall be around, and will make a point of always wearing one of my folkie hats.
If there is any repetition of previous years ban on the wearing of such hats in pubs (Bradstow Mill for one) then I shall start a boycott and refuse to play those venues - that'll teach 'em.
They will likely have to take on extra staff when word gets round that I aint gonna be there :-)
The Wrotham Arms has accepted me for what I am - a relatively harmless old codger - rather than as a threat to public safety, so that will be one of my regular haunts, as will the "Tart n Friggit" and the "Inept-tune".
As the bloody hill seems to be getting steeper every year, I may just take the easy way out and stay downtown in the pubs, only crawling back to campsite when absolutely necessary.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,rafflesbear
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 05:39 PM

Girl Friday - you put the whingers to shame - I look forward to seeing your happy smiling faces on the prom at this fantastic folk extravaganza!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 06:49 PM

On the prom is good!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 03:27 AM

Have a Fab time you lot! If I can get along for a day trip I'll pop along & joing the fun! Good luck with the van Richard!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 03:28 AM

Joing.....

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,synbyn
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 04:10 AM

To joing is to combine jogging and bouncing, much practised by Samantha Fox at one time... sometimes confused with joggling... definitely fun...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 04:31 AM

Alernatively it expresses the joy of a rubberoid "boing" or "doing" (not do-ing), a practice once beloved of DAF owners.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 07:00 PM

Hey up!! Aah'm ganna be there on crutches this year as aah've had me 'hammer-toe' straightened

Any advice on dodgin' the dog-sh*te on sticks?

Noo aah knaah some of yez by sight so if any of yez are at a Phatt-B'Stards gig, come up and greet me with the traditional 'Hello, you fat sod - Get the beers in!'

I will of course reply with the time honoured response, 'Who the f*ck are you?'

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Dartford Warbler
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 07:26 PM

Geordie-Peorgie - the "Crufts" dogs around here are not clever enough to put it on sticks yet ;-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Mrs Banjiman
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 08:16 AM

I think I understood about 20% of the above thread...still, it is raining heavily here in N Yorkshire and I should have been at Pickering which has been cancelled due to waterlogged site! If I'd had a crystal ball and known that I'm sure we'd have made our way to Broadstairs. Hope the week goes "swimmingly" (metaphorically - especially if Caspar is reading this!!!)
With you all in spirit!!!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 03:20 PM

Eeh! Warbler! Yarra cheeky 'un an' nee mistake.

'Dog-sh*te in sticks' - Soonds like summat from a 'Monty Python' sketch (Stormy Petrel on a Stick! Albatross! Dog-turd & tonic, sir?)

It's hoyin' it doon here at the moment so aah hope the weather improves!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 05:33 PM

Managed to get along today for a few hours & it well well worth the long round trip from Leatherhead.   Think I now now how to pronounce Wrotham, but I could be wrong. Excellent session in there today, thanks Bob for encouraging me to sing. Looks like you're all in for a Fab week, shame I've got to work *mutter, mutter*

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 08:01 PM

Root'm.




Work calls me back too, but I have not been enthused.

Plenty of caravan and work related delays to my departure to go there meant a late arrival - and since I had heard that the Eliza Carthy concert was a sell-out I did not rush to it. But it wasn't and so I missed it. I'm told it was a cracker.

Saturday the weather became horrid and by the time the side stopped dancing the Wrotham was totally rammed. Impossible to get close enough to enjoy the singing and playing over the mighty roar of shouted bar conversations, the Bishop's Finger was sold out and I was not enjoying the other beers, and there was additional soundwash from some people playing rock and roll under the canopy right outside the bar window.

Nothing in the program on Saturday night was enough to tempt me out for a walk in the weather.

Sunday the side's playing and dancing seemed OK and the weather was nicer, but although I could thereafter get into the Wrotham I could not summon any enthusiasm for the proceedings.

The players in the pubs that I passed seemed far from folk.

As a result of unwise munching on Saturday, I am now (1am) in more dental pain than at any other time in my life (and I have had my share of dental abcesses) - despite the use of some very heavy duty prescription pain killers that I had in stock. Not at all sure how I will be able to do the urgent work shceduled for an early start on Monday. Very worrying.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 08:14 PM

PS, actually, really did enjoy some moments at Mike Nicholson's evening session in the school on Friday night and thereafter slept very soundly assisted by the Moor & Coast special hot chocolate.

It's time the Moor & Coast did chips on the campsite though...

The evening sessions at the school (when they are on) would be assisted by better mood lighting - some theatrical lights with coloured gels, or colour wheels, on a couple of stands, would surely be easy enough to rig up.


Ooooh - painkillers might be working. Partial relief... Let's hope I have not OD'd.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,rafflesbear
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 08:24 AM

talking of Saturday night and the foul weather - it was a great effort by Norcsalordie to go through with the bandstand gig in the teeth of a gale given that it was about 7.30pm before the rain stopped and the bandstand was deserted, locked up and minus all PA gear when they arrived

there seemed to be a lot of hardy people who appreciated it - especially the people running the burger hut !

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Hamish
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 03:45 PM

Looking forward to being there on Thursday and Friday...

...I'll be a Broadstairs virgin. Be gentle with me...

~8^)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,rafflesbear
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 05:57 PM

hi Hamish - look out for and take part in all the free stuff - a dozen or more pubs - busking on the prom - the bandstand - morris on the prom - sessions in the Wrotham Arms and Neptunes Hall - workshops - all for just a few coins in a tin

hope the weather improves for you

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Hamish
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 04:22 AM

Well I'm on the south coast right now - in Worthing - and it's blowing a gale. But sunny. Forecast for Thursday okay, but Friday looks gorgeous!!!

I'll be in The Dolphin on Thursday night and The Tartar Frigate on Friday night - wearing a very dodgy hat. But hope to take in some other stuff during the day time and/or super-late nights!

--
Hamish

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,rafflesbear
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 08:41 AM

take the dodgy hat off and we might be able to pick you out :-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Zen
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 09:07 AM

As a first timer to Broadstairs (should be down tomorrow evening)... any special recommendations (especially good instrumental sessions)?

Zen

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,Twiz
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 02:38 PM

There is usually a lively session in 'The Lord Nelson' starts about 12.30 get there a bit earlier to get a seat. A mixture of English and Irish a few songs...anything goes really, as long as it's musical!
In the afternoon about 4pm at 'The Wrotham Arms' a bit more organised, put your name down and you will get a turn. A lot more songs there but instrumentals too. The whole thing is very friendly and supportive whatever the level.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,Twiz
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 02:51 PM

Zen,

Sorry, I only mentioned the day sessions. There is a playalong session in The Lord Nelson at 7.30

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: wrotham-arms-jen
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 03:37 AM

Thank you Twiz- the Woodshed session in the Wrotham Arms is every day from 3pm and we like to welcome new Shedders any time!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: Hamish
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 05:01 AM

Rafflesbear: when you say "Pick you out" that's exactly what I'm hoping to avoid. But if you do manage, please use well-ripened fruit. Nothing too hard, please!

;-)

Wrotham Arms sounds good - I'll try and find the time to be there. Depends on what the boss (no - not Bruce Springsteen) has in mind for me.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008
From: GUEST,rafflesbear
Date: 14 Aug 08 - 06:55 AM

2008 photos -

http://www.stella-maris.org.uk/images2g.shtml