The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest

Subject: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 08:19 AM

It's that time of year again People!! The Crown Pub in Otford (near Sevenoaks, Kent) is holding a Beer/Folk weekend on Friday 9th October, Saturday 10th October and Sunday 11th October. (The weekend after Tenterden)

There will be a Selection of twelve or so beers and ciders (and there are some crackers!!!) in the large marquee outside in the garden. Mark, the Landlord, would like as many Folkies to attend as possible - we can sit in the garden area and sing and play (if it looks like bad weather, we can move into the marquee!!)

There is a full programme of events for the Saturday with Morris Dancing in the afternoon - certainly Bishop Gundulf's Morris and maybe Hartley or Waddard (I need to contact them first and ask them!!!), followed by folk singing and playing. During the afternoon, Rob The Fire Juggler will be giving demonstrations and running a workshop. There will be a Hog Roast from late afternoon.

There will be two bands taking the proceedings into the evening - Fiddle Fit (Judith and Bob - will be great to see them again) and then Longspoon (the headlining band that were at my Aylesford Village Festival this year).

The pub no longer has Sky TV in the bar, so we won't have a repeat of last year of having to push past the hordes in the bar that were involved in the football (ok Hoff??!!).

Turn up when you can. The main Folk slant is on the Saturday, but if you are there on the Friday or Sunday, then I'm sure that you will be welcome to sing and play inside as well. Sunday is a quieter affair - at the moment - but the resident Folk Club, TYravellers' Rest are being approached to see if they would want to come and do something in the afternoon.

There will be indoor camping at the local scout hall - approximately 5 mins walk from the pub, past the railway station. Mark, the Landlord has the key, so enquire when you get to the pub if you need to - the cost is £2 per person per night. (Conditions are basic and the loos could be cleaner, but hey, what do want for £2 per night?!!).

This is Mark's second attemp at this, so wish him luck.

Hope you can make some/all of it.

Regards

Kev

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 08:24 AM

News of The Duck Pond (just for Rafflesbear).

The pond has been de listed so that the work could be continued!!! The pond was lined with modern breeze block prior to being faced with old stone. Some very striking, new house bricks have been placed around the edge. The base is now being sealed with a special compund of mud and the turfs will be being relayed around the edges shortly. At that point, I assume, they will try to get it re listed again. The bricks were in fact an original feature of the pond but disappeared over the years to be replaced by whatever was handy (still not too sure about the colour!!!)

Anyway, hopefully, the pond could well be completed by the time the Beer & Folk Weekend happen??!! Let's hope so, as it has been a building site for over a year and a half.

Kev

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 08:58 AM

Vardos and/or canvas?

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 09:39 AM

I ,ll have to check the dates re working but if I am off I will be there. Fri to Sunday
Enjoyed it last time and I dont mind helping Mark out with beer tent and all,

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 10:35 AM

I think you've got to be there, Pierre. Ain't you the night watchman for the beer?

I shall be there at some stage, Kev. The idea of having crackers with the beer sounds a bit posh (I hope they're Jacob's!).

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: melodeonboy
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 10:40 AM

Sorry - that's me above! My cookies popped out for a minute!

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: naughtyforty
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 11:12 AM

I will be there for the Saturday possibly with the Little Apprentice.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 12:25 PM

Sigh

We will be celebrating TSO's birthday in Stratford u Avon with his parents.

Someday we will make this event.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 04:55 PM

The silent one in Stratford upon Avon? Crikey
He looks abit like William Shakespear?
make a Elizabethian Ruff out a old lace curtain stick it round T.S.Os neck and away you go.
William Shakespears double.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 22 Aug 09 - 08:13 AM

Thanks for the update on the pond Kev - I have been keeping an eye on it and it still seems in a sorry state although the work is active if not progressing.

Looks to me as if the sides have been raised - it's probably difficult to see the water standing on the pavement on the south side. I still find it difficult to accept there is something worth listing here it now being effectively a modern ornamental pond albeit on the site of a historic one

Better to list the palace, the church, the solar system (not the real one but the largest scale model in the world), Becket's Well, a roman villa (?) and The Crown itself (anyone know if any of these are listed?)

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: GUEST,TDL Sue
Date: 22 Aug 09 - 09:53 AM

Tam- hope you realize that Stratford holds the Mop Fair that weekend. Bit of a no-go area in town. We won't be going this year. Ben isn't entering folk award. however, we have been invited up to Derby by some friends, so won't be at Otford either. Hope it goes well Kev.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 22 Aug 09 - 04:03 PM

I looked into the pond at Otford early sunday morn last year
I" saw a fish eye looking at me must have been you Rafflesbear

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 11:11 AM

By your own account Pierre I'm sure you saw some pretty strange things that Sunday morning ! :-)

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: The Barden of England
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 12:51 PM

We'll get there I suspect. Train works well for us.
John Barden

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 02:29 PM

Sue

Yeah I know about the Mop. However, is is TSO's Birthday and his parents are getting on. They can't travel here, so we go to them.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 06:39 PM

On 21 Aug Kev wrote 'There is a full programme of events for the Saturday with Morris Dancing in the afternoon - certainly Bishop Gundulf's Morris and maybe Hartley or Waddard (I need to contact them first and ask them!!!)'.
I have just received an enquiry from another source but at this stage do not want to put it to the side if others are already booked.
Do you still want Hartley as I can ask everyone on Thursday evening to see if we can raise a side.
Terry
Hartley MM

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 09:59 AM

Yes please Terry.

As far as I was aware, Hartley already and an invitation to them after appearing LAST year.

BG will hopefully be there. Also Invicta have shown an interest.

Thanks Terry

Kev

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Dead Horse
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 04:20 AM

If Hartley are to attend, the Landlord will need to be informed so as to get in sufficient quantities of real ale.
Presumably there will be enough non-alcohol lager for BG's and mineral water for Invicta.............




..........runs away........fast!

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 04:51 PM

The pond seems to be finished but it still sports its plastic mesh construction fencing albeit in a subdued green now rather than the original lurid hi-vis orange - just a fortnight for it to come down - speaking of which what's happened to romany man?

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Girl Friday
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 04:54 PM

Sorry to miss this again. Will be making folks very afraid in Derby.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Mick Woods
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 01:56 PM

I will try and get there!

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: RWJ
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 02:19 PM

Enjoy the week end looks ineresting.I will be at Banbury. Hope it goes well

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 03:35 PM

Half the fence around the pond has been taken down so the midnight skinny-dip is looking more of a possibility 8-)

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: The Barden of England
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 06:44 PM

Can't do skinny dipping I'm afraid - only fat dipping in my case.
John Barden

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: romanyman
Date: 29 Sep 09 - 05:06 AM

go on cuz , id pay to see it, ha ha

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: GUEST,pete
Date: 29 Sep 09 - 05:36 AM

does this event include open mic/singaround and if so do u welcome singers on the fringes of folk or is it purely traditional'ps hello tpo rafflesbear

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 29 Sep 09 - 08:03 AM

OP says we can sing in bars.

I will probably not be there as I am summoned to dine with sprog and man on the Friday eve and may be discommoded on the Sat.

Otford is a pain to get to anyway.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Girl Friday
Date: 29 Sep 09 - 09:52 AM

Hi Pete. Go along. You'll be fine.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 29 Sep 09 - 05:12 PM

It appears I screwed my dates up, so could be there. How to avoid all that traveling and staying sober?

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 03:15 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 03:31 PM

Richard - are you saying you want to avoid travelling and avoid staying sober?

get the train to Otford, work your way through the beers alphabetically then collapse in the Scout Hall for a nominal sum and get the train back in the morning - simples chck !

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: growler
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 05:21 PM

May just make it on one day. Depends wether 'He who murders shirts' has got a gig

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 11:11 PM

Bloody alright an it I was looking forward to this and now I have to work,

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 09:14 AM

Ah yes. The train from Lower Stoke. Pardon?

But I am wholly amazed that there is a direct train to Otford from Higham, and it only takes an hour, probably a shorter travel time than by car.

Seems it would cost £21 though.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 11:10 AM

bloody parlava
No I dont have to work I buggered up the dates seems its catching this buggering up dates Mr Bridge started it.

Will the scout hut be open it was promised last year has was the singeround neither
happened I ended up sleeping in the beer tent and football took over the pub for the singeround session..

Bloody hell Richard £21.00 from Lower stoke to Otford.
Those train operators are Robin Hoods cousins, known has The Robin Bleeder,s.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Mick Woods
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 11:59 AM

Pete - Hopefully Kay may be able to drop us off and pick us up next day!!!

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Pierre
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 03:12 PM

Sounds good Woodsie but the sleeping arrangements are not to cute I slept in the beer tent floor last year froze me arse off.
But if the Scout hut is available that would be great. Getting to bloody old for sleeping rough.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 07:19 PM

Regrettably Hartley MM cannot make it this year. After a busy season most of the men are off on family commitments/holidays next weekend and despite desperate efforts we are unable to raise a strong enough side. Nevertheless we wish the festival every success.
Terry

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: fisheye
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 02:45 AM

Hi folks, that time of the year sure comes around
faster these days. I shall be there not sure about
george. I will have sleeping bag in car.

Fisheye

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 02:17 PM

There are a lot of people turing up with with intent on sleeping in the Scout Hut this year. unlike last year. Including myself.

Could someone please confirm the Scout Hut will be available or I fore see alot of people will be going home the same day including myself.
Kind regards Pierre.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 05:12 AM

I've just recieved the full programme, AND Beer Tasting notes from Mark, the landlord!!

You folks are in for a REAL treat!!

I'll place it on a webpage attached to my Website when I get in tonight - I'll then get back here and provide you all with a "blue clicky" :-)

Kev

PS - yes, they are expecting people to stay in the scout hut. The landlord will have the keys and will give them to a suitable person on the evening!! Remember, if there are that many of you - make sure that you arrange breakfast with him on the Sunday morning in the pub - he has said that he will give you all a good rate.

Kev

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 06:06 AM

Damned silly place to get to!

Some mapping services say West Malling then M20 M26 A25 turn right for Otford, some say A2 A227 Borough Green then as above, some say A2 M25 A21 left past Knockholt then a left into Otford, one says Farningham then south - all coming out between 50 mins and an hour each way.

Train allegely 1 hr from Higham but Higham is 15 to 20 mins by car.

I think it's car in time for sing - probably the first suggested route above - I like the road south from Borough Green but I think they have put speed limits on it now - and at end of sing car back!

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: fisheye
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 08:23 AM

RB I am sure a sleeping bag will be convenient even for you to enjoy
a delightful beer tasting festival. The aches and pains on the floor could be inebriated by sufficient beer.

fisheye

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 09:22 AM

Dogsitter would also be necessary.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Girl Friday
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 12:02 PM

Richard... there are easier ways to go, one is the A21, but am unsure how you would get to it. I suggest you come up M25 to A21 (Orpington turn off.Head towards Orpington) At next roundabout ( Hewitts ) take first exit. At next roundabout ( Badgers mount ) go straight ahead, and down Poll Hill. At the bottom of the hill is a turning on the left marked Otford. 300 yards to t junction(Pilgrims Way) turn left and drive straight into Otford. Avoid driving into duckpond,pub on left. Car park (large and free!) on same side of road, but 100 yards or so beforehand. Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 03:34 PM

Now I know why they left the mesh fencing on the west side of the pond - obviously to prevent people coming from the A21 driving into the pond !

Sad to see the Crown has resorted to the dreaded 3 poster grass verge advertising that disfigures the roads in the area - does this wind other people up or just me ?

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 04:18 PM

Yes Sue, that is the second possible - aim for Knockers (from me), left off A21, then don't turn right to Knockholt Pound. But I fancy the A25. There is a razzle-dazzle route across from Meopham to the back of Brands Hatch that we used to use to go to Farningham in the old days to avoid the Po-Lice (and breathalisers) on the way back from the old Farningham club, lots of fun in a Mini or a Morris Minor but a bit iffy in a bloody great Volvo, and then still the run down the speedlimits from Farningham.

I remember one night coming back from Farningham with my old mate Tom driving my souped-up Minor Traveller. We actually came up the A227, and had given a biker a lift. He said he did not take his Norton up that road as fast as we did it that night. But there are cameras on it now.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 05:45 PM

Hi folks.

Here is a link to the beers that will be there and a few other bits.

Sorry it doesn't look pretty - but the landlord is not computer/web literate, and provided me with something that was a NIGHTMARE to convert - so in the end, I said F*** IT! So here is what you have got!!

Crown Beer Festival - what you will be getting!

Hope this is OK?!

See you all there then :-)

Kev

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 06:01 PM

Hmm! A job for Textbridge Pro to convert, maybe.

Some nice ideas there (and some stupidly dangerous!) in the beers. I wil lonly be able to have 4 halves if driving.

However, it seems that it may be possible to play in the bar from 3 to 6.30 pm which would make it wortht he trip.

Subject: RE: The Crown, Otford - 2009 Beer&Folk Fest
From: romanyman
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 03:52 AM

so where do i park seamus, ah i see a bit of green by the duck pond, oops that is the duck pond, oh well he will have to stay back ome,