Boat Band at Prince Albert Stroud(NOT)

Subject: Boat Band at Prince Albert Stroud(NOT)
From: greg stephens
Date: 01 May 03 - 04:24 PM

Well we were going( we are going actually) to the Prince Albert, Rodborough, Stroud tomorrow, Fri May 2. Few pals coming, totally acoustic, sit around play a few accordion and fiddle tunes. Mayday weekend in the Cotswolds, blossom out, frolic frolic. English culture. Lovely. Council man arrives at pub this afternoon. Yes, you've guessed it. If more than two musicians play at any one time, the landlord will be fined two grand.
   Well, we're still bloody going. Please come and join us. Two can play at a time, the rest of us can chat. Not sure if joining in the choruses is allowed, or if it's a criminal offence. I've emailed the council chief executive and the local MP to enquire on this point. Also I'm not sure about dancing, whether that will be illegal. Anyway, obviously we dont want to get the landlord in trouble, but we're going ahead, and it'll be a strugggle as we can't all play together. Anybody in that region, come and say hello please.
   Funny isnt it, the Cotsolds, where the tourist information has pictures pf morris dancers and musicians outside pubs. But Stroud council is going for the letter of the law and preventing us playing a few polkas acoustically. Doesnt it make you weep?

Subject: RE: Boat Band at Prince Albert Stroud(NOT)
From: BanjoRay
Date: 01 May 03 - 04:41 PM

I was under the impression that it's a maximum of the same two people in one session, and taking it in turns with other musicians is not on. The council guy could do with a red hot polka up his rear end.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Boat Band at Prince Albert Stroud(NOT)
From: greg stephens
Date: 01 May 03 - 05:43 PM

well I'm going to ring the council tomorrow and aske some technical questions.I'm a bit worried it's got to be the same two all night. Which will cause a certain amount of acrimonious discussion in the band about which two play the gig and which two watch, get pissed and laugh.Still you've got to admire the council guy, holding the line against the country descending into anarchy.

Subject: RE: Boat Band at Prince Albert Stroud(NOT)
From: GUEST,Steve
Date: 02 May 03 - 08:29 AM

I thought we'd got away without any of this crap in Gloucestershire! I find it incredible that Stroud of all places is cracking down in such a fashion. Presumably they'll not want any folk acts at Stroud festival?

Dancing out in Stroud should be interesting this year...

Steve

Subject: RE: Boat Band at Prince Albert Stroud(NOT)
From: Fortunato
Date: 02 May 03 - 10:42 AM

greg stephens.

Just when I though we were f@#$ing crazy over here. (Well, we are actually.) How in the world do they justify telling a landlord he can't have more that two musicans playing in his own goddamn pub? That is a crime. Are the symphonies going to shut down? Church choirs? Glee clubs? Marching bands? No parades, I take it? Jesus, what a crock of shit.

oh, and best regards to that lovely fiddler.
Chance

Subject: RE: Boat Band at Prince Albert Stroud(NOT)
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 02 May 03 - 11:14 AM

Fortunato, I guess you must have missed all the PEL threads here...

Yes, the council man can do that. This is how the law has been for years.

Greg, sorry your event has been spoilt by such pettiness and stupidity.

Subject: RE: Boat Band at Prince Albert Stroud(NOT)
From: Fortunato
Date: 02 May 03 - 11:34 AM

Jon, I have seen some go by. I sent a supportive email as requested once, and I knew there were problems. greg stephens visited us here last year and I know him a bit better than some across the pond and so I took special notice. I generally only post to music threads. I do of course support the folks there who find this sort of repression unacceptable. cheers, chance