WHITBY !!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Leraud
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 04:27 PM

I went to Whitby for the first weekend and really enjoyed it. I could easily have settled in for the week and as there's a week between Broadstairs and Whitby next year, I hope to go for the duration.

I especially enjoyed the sessions run by Mo and Jo.

Lynne Heraud

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Aug 04 - 07:05 PM

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 04:10 AM

I just want to say thanks to all at the tap for such an enjoyable festival. Its the place where I meet friends, some are ones I only see once a year, but they too have a place in my heart. The last night was particularly moving and I should have brought me hankie! Some of the songs just caught my emotions and my little cup overflowed. But I was not alone, many people were moist eyed. I think I said to Sherry that one of the good things about getting old was that Whitby week came round quicker. Love to all my friends, Pat xxxx

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 10:56 AM

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: brid widder
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 06:41 PM

'charade that passes for a singaround '.... come on guest... if you really do know anywhere better tell the world!!

I spent a good deal of the week in the Tap.... I suppose I'm part of the so called 'exclusive' group...( although I have never to my knowledge allowed my purile rubbish to spoil anything!) I've been part of that group ever since my first ever visit...for New Year about 5 years ago... every visit I've seen more newcomers become friends on their first visit... This year was no exception.

Two 4 hour singarounds a day seven days = 56 hours... about 12 songs an hour... or thereabouts... 672 songs... and very few songs ever repeated throughout the week.

We had songs that made us laugh... songs that made us cry... chorus songs that had people passing by in the street applauding & joining in...we had old favourites and newly written songs we had poems too... many written by the performers, and visits from performers at the official festival. During each session Jude, Ken or Jim made sure everything was fair... On the whole everyone got one and only one song during each session... whether or not they were wearing a (JOKE) season ticket! Ken for example was in before the beginning of one evening session and only sung at the end four hours later.... egotistical?

And in addition to the etiquette mentioned by Sherry I would add that there are easy to follow rules within the room too... most are related to treating everyone with respect and paying attention to whoever is singing! I'm sure I won't be the only one to remember the powerful rendition of Ten Green Bottles... sung by Rowan.

I tried a singaround in the Endeavour... it was well underway when I arrived... I could see who was singing by the moving lips and by the attentive way everyone was looking in one direction but I couldn't get to the far side of the arch so was unable to actually hear the singing because of the noise behind me in the bar... I was in fact excluded... but not offended!! when it's full it's full!!

Thank's Jude, Sherry et al for another brilliant week... see you at new year.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Susan of DT
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 06:49 PM

Now that Whitby 2004 is over, I will ask again about Whitby 2005. Will anyone have room in a cottage for Dick Greenhaus and me or does anyone want to go in with us on a cottage?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 07:46 PM

Well would you believe it, me and my mucka "hand pulled boy" went to play in the T&S (as we now affectionally call it) many times, well maybe three or four. Many people were avin sardine type fun. Having realised this we proceeded to another hostelry or three, and played a plenty. They still had fun and so did we. MY COMPLAINT is that you missed out on the chance to buy our new CD.
LOL, harriWattsband, see you next year
PM me if you want a copy.......

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 01 Sep 04 - 08:05 PM

I would have been happy to stand in the streets and sing and play with friends if I could have gotten there and away from my very wonderful but crazy year.here at the pottery.Yes Susan there is still next year..

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 06:41 AM

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Les from Hull
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 08:35 AM

Well said young Widder! I suppose that there are a two or three of things that could be said to be 'wrong' with the front room singarounds at the Tap 'n' Spile.

Yes, lots of people do know each other. I suppose that's inevitable for a singaround that's been there for 10 years, three times a year, and before that at the Duke of York and other places. So there's lots of jokes about things that've happened before. Newcomers can either choose to feel excluded, or ask a neighbour 'what's all that about, then?'. I'm sure that any fully paid-up member of 'the clique' will offer an explanation.

Yes, the room is too small or too popular. But if the room was larger it would lose its intimacy. So this means that sometimes you can't get in. Official venues have a steward who says 'sorry, it's full, you can't go in.' Sometimes the landlady has to do this (and it's her pub, remember. When Maggie and I go, we go early enough so that we can get a seat.

And, although the singaround encourages all sorts of music, the nature of the singaround tends to encourage English traditional-style singing with choruses. But nothing is excluded - I've even played a mellodeon in there. I've even played blues on a bouzouki in there. But don't expect a second song 'cos it takes over three hours to get round the room once!

We don't go in all the time 'cos we like to do other things as well. So we'll perhaps be in the Endeavour with other friends, doing more accompanied singing. Or we'll be in the Black Horse for a more intimate (and usually quite daft) session with other friends. Three afternoons we're out with Scratch Morris, entertaining the public and festival goers, and offending at least two dance people. And I'll have a diddley session in the Fisherman's Rowing Club and Maggie will have a look at the Harmony Singing workshop.

Whitby Folk Week is what you make of it.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 08:40 AM

For a variety of reasons, I missed out on Whitby completely this year (and consequently will be suffering withdrawal symptoms for the next twelve months). But if the events (official and fringe)were as good as those in previous years, then all those of you who were lucky enough to be there have no cause for complaint.

Whitby has many spaces where people can play, sing, dance, or just sit and listen. In those spaces, a vast array of different kinds of entertainment can be found. If the first venue you sample is full up, or is providing something that you don't enjoy, there will be others only a few yards away offering something else.

Of all the venues in Whitby, the Tap and Spile is my favourite. The beer is superb, the staff are cheerful and efficient, and the crack is marvellous. In the big bar at the back, the tunes and songs tend to be old favourites, delivered in a rough and rowdy manner. Anyone who wants to contribute can usually do so - provided they push forward determinedly, and then charge into something familiar that gets everybody joining in quickly. However, it's not the place for shrinking violets to make their debut, or for new and esoteric material to be premiered.

Lots of people enjoy these back-bar sessions hugely. So do I - but not all night and every night. I also enjoy the sessions in the T&S's front bar, where the idea is to create space for something a bit more fragile. There, people who lack confidence but have something to offer are encouraged to come forward. And something unfamliar (whether it be an obscure traditional song, or a newly created composition) will get a fair hearing - even if it doesn't have a simple chorus that everybody can join in.

To make this possible requires a structure of some kind, with a few dedicated people working to keep that structure in place. Otherwise, the session would quickly become a smaller-scale version of what goes on in the back bar. Over the years, the people who organise the front bar sessions have developed a system that seems to work pretty efficiently. And judging by the perpetual congestion in their room, it seems to satisfy a lot of punters. Many come back year after year (myself included).

If one or two casual droppers-in (including The Guest Who Dare Not Speak His Name)find this structure incomprehensible, or objectionable, then there are many, many other venues in Whitby where they can find something different.   The attitude of TGWDNSHN seems comparable to that of a bloke who turns up to a snooker tournament carrying a bag of golf clubs, and then complains because the organisers won't let him bash the balls in his own way. This is an attitude that seems even more perverse when there is a very good golf course only a few yards away.

So, my best wishes to the MC's, the regular singers, and all the staff at the Tap and Spile - keep up the good work. All being well I will see you again in 2005.

Wassail!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: mandomad
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 01:36 PM

Yes, once again a brilliant Whitby Week. Found some great sessions, and played our hearts out in most of the usual spots. Wednesday on the Grand Turk started well, but deteriorated later...never mind , found a session in t'Endeavour.
    We don't go into the Front room of the Tap very often...(too smoky)...despite being Tap regulars, but have always been made welcome when we do. We prefer to be a "rough and rowdy" backroom frequenter.   I do admit to being those things on occasion, all right, many occasions, but most of my friends could not be described as that. I can't ever remember a night as you describe, Mike of N.,
and newcomers and quieter performers are always encouraged, as they have been in every session I've been to all week(in Endeavour, Middle Earth, and FILO.).   My lady of the Autoharp, Jingle could never be included in a rough or rowdy description !!!
    I also admit to enjoy accompanying everything that accompaniable(is that a word?) so would not be too welcome in the front room,
SORRY McFAT!!!
    Anyway a wonderful week as usual, they always are, can't wait till next year. It's just a shame that Moor & Coast Festival in May is not happening next time.

            mandomad

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 02:08 PM

Exclusive singaround!!
No wonder I didn't find it. I spent all week looking for the "elusive" singaround. I went in the T/S I found a warm welcome from Landlady,Landlord and singaround hosts. I didn't have a "season ticket" but got a song none the less and listened to a couple of hours of wonderful singing.

As stated by many people now there are many many venues the T/S is a great one, but it may not suit everyone if it doesn't move and find one that does. But surely there is no need to make personal attack and derogatory comments on people who are, like everyone else, just trying to have a good time.

Thank you to all the venues I went to I had a wonderful week.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Abuwood
Date: 02 Sep 04 - 02:27 PM

We only had a few days in Whitby but the flat is booked for a full week next year. We didn't get to all the places we intended T/S being one but we had a great time. Elsinor Wed lunch was amazing and thanks to the crowd who passed my glass and money to the bar and passed back a full pint! Where else could you do that in a crammed pub without loosing your money or your beer?
A great festival in a lovely town - only 51 weeks to go...

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 04:00 AM

Mandomad

What's this about Moor & Coast being cancelled, is this definite ? I'm sure there were posters for the 2005 event up during folk week

Raggy

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Lady Aelfleda
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 07:01 AM

Not sure where Mandomad got his info from but Moor & Coast is going ahead next year. Dates are: 29/30 April and 1st May.
Guests booked so far are:
John Tams
Dan McKinnon
Anthony J Clarke

So - be there!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: mandomad
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 01:23 PM

Sorry folks,
      Wrong info'.    Thank goodness I got my facts all to cock!!!!



            mandomad

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 01:24 PM

okay - I will be!!! Looking forward to seeing Dan again

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: brid widder
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 01:55 PM

phew that's a relief!!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 04:51 PM

Abuwood - the Royal at Dungworth at carols time. Mind you, you might not realise it 'cos it would take at least half an hour and a diversion round the wrong side of the room!
Oh - and I tried it at Padstow this year, successfully I add.
Maybe we should start another thread?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Malcolm Storey
Date: 16 Oct 04 - 08:23 PM

You will need to excuse me as I am a Mudcat virgin.
Been skipping through the bits about Whitby and most of the stuff seems to be about the fringe. Most of the places mentioned are not, so I am RELIABLY informed, part of the OFFICIAL festival although they are mostly supportive.

I am also RELIABLY informed that Pete Morton is in America at the moment and busy putting together a list of people he might like to ask to the 2005 event.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Steve
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 03:45 AM

If you look in the Festival brochure you will see many sessions of various descriptions advertised in it. Some of the places mentioned above are in the brochure - I think thats official. Personally I make no distinction between festival and fringe - it is ALL "The Festival"
have fun.
Who's Pete Morton?

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 09:48 AM

Try this for Pete Morton

http://www.harbourtownrecords.com/morton.html

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Malcolm Storey
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 08:02 PM

As already noted I am a mudcat virgin.

I find references to "mentioned above" to be meaningless.

I reiterate that most of the venues mentioned are, I am RELIABLY informed, only on the fringe of the main festival.

Statements such as "there is no difference between the official and the fringe events, they are all part of people enjoying themselves" are quite insulting to the people who give up most of their leisure time to organising the official events.

Pete Morton, for those not au fait with the folk music scene in the last twenty years, is a rather special chap. He is also very heavily in the frame to become the artistic director of Whitby Folk Week once the current director Malcolm Storey steps down.

Let it be!

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 07:01 AM

I totally agree with the statment above
I think you will find that people involved with the fringe at Whitby think that they are the festival. It is also worthwhile to read articles on the Tap & Spile and the scratch morris team.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 08:12 AM

"Statements such as "there is no difference between the official and the fringe events, they are all part of people enjoying themselves" are quite insulting to the people who give up most of their leisure time to organising the official events."

This is not insulting in the least, it does not discuss who does what to achieve the festival, it simply states that the individual draws no distinction between the two and enjoys it all as one big package.
And that from the horses mouth.

Mentioned above means mentioned above, its not meaningless because it means mentioned above, as in above.

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: GUEST,Joe
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 12:14 PM

Pay your money and take your choice - what's the point of spitting feathers about what's "official" and what's "fringe"? Horse's mouth?.....Donkey's Ass - "only on the fringe"!! - it's a bloody big fringe (and I don't need to be RELIABLY informed on that - I'm happy to witness it year in year out).

Whitby's fantastic; just enjoy it. If you want to be part of the so-called "Main event" then fine; pay up and enjoy. If you prefer the "fringe" then enjoy AT LEAST as much, but without paying.
The real beauty of the festival (unlike any other probably) is that you can find what you're looking for in music/dance, or if you can't then go spend your time campaigning for re-runs of "Big Brother" or the Telly-tubbies

Subject: RE: WHITBY !!
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 02:18 PM

Erm - am I naive or something? I buy a ticket then do whatever other stuff I feel like. It's all Whitby week to me.