Sweeps Rochester UK

Subject: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: growler
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 05:14 PM

One has to wonder, why The Good Intent is off the map again. After last year, people found it difficult to find us, as we were placed in the wrong place on the leaflet.This year they have done even better, on the edge of the map, there is an arrow, marked 'Good Intent', pointing to nowhere.
John Barden's session is ,in the opinion of many locals, one of the best,in the festival. So can someone in Medway Council please tell people where it is

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: melodeonboy
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 06:33 PM

Quite right, Growler. As Medway Council won't tell you where it is, perhaps I should. It's in John Street, and is roughly 5 minutes' walk from the Star Hill end of the High Street. For multimaps users, the postcode is ME1 1YL.

If you manage to get there, not only will you have a great time, but you will also be supporting the one pub in Rochester that is really making a terrific effort to support and promote live music in general and folk and Morris in particular.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 07:08 PM

Wot, no live (folk-ish) music in the Two Brewers, the Man of Kent, the Barge?...

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 07:10 PM

PS. Or the wossname just over Rochester Bridge into Strood - Prince of Wales or thingy?

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Girl Friday
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 08:55 PM

Medway Council obviously want to keep us in the High Street. After all, that is where they are, so nowhere else exists does it? One good side to this is that only those of us in the know will bother, and we can let others in on it selecively. After all we do not want the Medway Yobs finding it, do we?

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: melodeonboy
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 09:06 PM

Mmmm... Yes, Richard. I stand at least partially corrected.

Re the Man of Kent and the Two Brewers: both pubs deserve credit for supporting live music. And a shufti at the Man of Kent website informs me that they too are supporting both folk and Morris performers.

The Barge and the Prince of Wales also deserve credit although neither of them is actually in Rochester.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 02:35 AM

Girl Friday, the Good Intent is in Troytown - largely peopled by said yobs (some of whom possess unlicensed djembes)!

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Essex Girl
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 09:20 AM

The sessions in the Good Intent ARE the best, but I gather that there will be something going on in The Man of Kent, which is the nearest pub to the Good Intent, and there should be a good chorus session in the Gordon on Sunday lunchtime when Hartley Singers are there between 12.30 & 2.30pm

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: melodeonboy
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 09:34 AM

The Hartley Singers should be worth seeing/listening to/joining in with. I saw them quite by chance some 10/15 years ago at the Joiner's Arms in West Malling. It would be an exaggeration to say they raised the roof, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if some of the roof tiles hadn't dropped off that evening.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 09:38 AM

Keep an eye out for the garden gnome with long pockets....

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: The Barden of England
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 03:29 AM

I really shouldn't be advertising another venue, but 'The Man of Kent' is going to have an up and coming young (cough) duo - isn't that right Growler and melodeonoy? Another band well worth seeing are 'Zoox' who are there on the Sunday of the festival.
Of course, I hope to see as many people in 'The Good Intent' as possible and will try and let as many people as I know where it is. It does get you away from the crowds in the High Street every now and then.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: melodeonboy
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 11:25 AM

Much as I dislike self-promotion of any kind (shurely shome mishtake - Ed.), the exciting new young* folk duo, Rough 'n' Ready, are not, as yet, booked to play at the Man of Kent (watch this space), but we are playing at Yalding Farmers' Market at 10 a.m. on 21st April, the Good intent at 9 p.m. on St. George's Day and I believe we are doing a set during the singaround session at the Good Intent on the Sunday during Sweeps (at about three o'clock).

Now if I were to give you full details of Jumbo Gumbo playing at the King's Head and the Gordon Hotel on the Saturday during Sweeps, that really would be self-promotion, so I shan't!

You'll certainly see me at your session at the Good Intent, John, as soon as we've finished at the King's Head. As I've mentioned many times before, your session is one of the highlights of the festival.

* Well, we are young compared to Rochester Bridge!

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: growler
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 03:49 PM

I wish to disasotiate myself from the previous self promoting speaker, ( or I would if I could spell it

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 06:52 PM

Ah, Rochester Bridge, my young cousin....

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Apr 07 - 01:27 AM

I saw Rochester Bridge last month... if that's your young cousin, your real name must be Methuselah - or do you have a portrait in the attic and a rakish past we don't know about?

LTS

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: growler
Date: 14 Apr 07 - 05:28 PM

Rakish past will do

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Apr 07 - 05:41 PM

I wish. You are confusing me with my late significant other, Jacqui. Now she had a really really rakish past. You would be surprised at some of the names.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: growler
Date: 15 Apr 07 - 04:41 PM

The way she played the guitar, I doubt it

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Girl Friday
Date: 15 Apr 07 - 05:00 PM

Richard Bridge said...largely peopled by said yobs (some of whom possess unlicensed djembes)!

I know to what he is referring, but can handle a few drunks in pubs... so can Dal ! I find the beer seeking. beer swilling, can in hand yobs that sway down the High Street at night in herds very formidable. I remember when there was an overnight fatality outside the Vic and Bull. Glad I have Trevor with me now. We can finish up in the Gordon.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: GUEST,bunnyb
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 03:57 PM

The Gordon - A good place to finish in !!

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 07:34 PM

For those who want a bit of electric (electric what?) one night over Sweeps, the Chosen Few, a stonking pub-rock R&B (in the 60s sense of the expression) will be playing in the Carpenters Arms at the top of Star Hill one of the nights during Sweeps. They have recently been joined by Kris Dollimore (ex Del Amitri, Ex the Stranglers) and although there is illness in his family he should be there for at least one set that night. He also plays solo, and his solo set sounds like what I imagine Robert Johnson would have sounded like today if he were of this time. Check KD out and consider this a possible change from the crap electric westry and c**ntron bands that will be in many of the high street pubs.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: melodeonboy
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 08:10 PM

Well, if you finish up in the Gordon on Saturday night, you'll be able to see the double cajun/zydeco concert: The Dawgs (cajun) followed by J**bo G**bo (zydeco). (I can't give the full name or else I'll be accused of shameless self publicity!)

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Soldier boy
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 05:33 PM

I've always headed for 'The Man of kent' for sheer atmosphere and brilliant range of real ales.
But I'll also look out for 'The Good Intent' thanks to postings here.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: melodeonboy
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 05:49 PM

And the great thing is that the two pubs are only about 200 yards apart!

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: GUEST,Growler
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 04:57 AM

And two hundred yards from the Station

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Black Diamond
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 05:43 AM

Hi melodeonboy that sounds great - we love Cajun/Zydeco
we are coming to Rochester for the sweeps for the first time ever, being from norf of Watford Gap its quite a ways to come.
we hope to catch the morris, join a lunch session at The Good Intent, and round it off with your tempting offer - what more can u ask
can you tell me where The Gordon is??? ta nicely
Lin

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: melodeonboy
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 09:04 AM

It's in Rochester High Street, a stone's throw from the cathedral and right in the heart of the activities.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 09:04 AM

It's in the middle of Rochester High Street, opposite the cathedral, and marked on the handouts. Parking is a bathmat!

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Girl Friday
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 09:18 AM

Ah, but the bathmat of parking is compensated for by the beer and the music in the marquee that fills their carpark. You can park for free in Strood Council Car Park and stroll across Richard's ancient cousin, Rochester Bridge. Fresh air, exercise, and endless conversation with other folkies!

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: growler
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 06:13 PM

I don't know how anybody can accuse Melodeonboy of self-publicity, I would be beating a trail to Richard's door, and taking the bastards to court, I would, of course be a witness for defence

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 06:17 PM

You can, of course, if you are a pedant, also park free in Strood, and walk etc.

Eats, shoots, and leaves.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: The Barden of England
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 06:43 PM

There are other places to park, but not if you want your nice alloy wheels to still be there when you return to it!!
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Dave Earl
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 07:13 PM

Afraid I won't be there again this year (work and all that).

Was that a sigh of relief I heard ?

However herself and her mother will be in attendance. you have been warned :-)

Dave

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: growler
Date: 02 May 07 - 03:52 PM

To save kevin self publisising, I can tell you the 'Ruff and Reddy' are playing at The Good Intent at 3.00pm on Sunday

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: GUEST,Alexis no cookie
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:02 PM

From memory, is the Good Intent in a housing estate type area with a funny gate as an entrance?
I shall be definately frequenting Man of Kent and I very much suspect the Good Intent over the weekend. Seem to remember, on a visitation to Wolfs Head's Ale Cart conpetition (current holder of the trophy) we (Slubbing Billy's) went to Upper Odnor(?) and had a grand time. Obviously southern ale prices (How much???) and southern heads (isn't that a short measure mister??) withstanding.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:17 PM

Upper Upnor. Other bank of the river. Upnor castle visible from Chatham Maritime.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: growler
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:07 PM

It will be lovely to see you

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: melodeonboy
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:14 PM

Yes, Alexis, that's the one; your memory's not that bad! In my experience (which I deem substantial in such matters), the beer there is reasonably priced, well kept, and you get a full pint. If you want a sample before you choose, they'll usually do that for you as well.

Self-publicist - moi?

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:48 PM

It's all right, Kevin (how's the shirt?), you weren't seeing double, there is more than one pub in Upper Upnor. Dilligaf usually works in one, so perhaps you were seeing double after all.....

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Black Diamond
Date: 03 May 07 - 08:27 AM

thanks for the directions to the pubs one and all
now, can anyone tell me where that Council car park is in Strood??? I am looking at a MAP as I speak -- emmmm   write .....
Lin

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 May 07 - 08:58 AM

If you are about to cross the Medway from Strood to Rochester, it is behind the town hall, peering over the river at ROchester Castle, but you can't get there from there(!).

To get to it, go round the Strood one-way system, and start back on yourself away fromthe river, turn left at the traffic lights opposite MacDonalds, turn left again as if you are going to B+Q's carpark, and then head straight for the river. Just before you fall in you will be behind the town hall in the carpark, and you can either walk through an alleyway into Strood High Street, or skirt the townhall to the east, along the banks of the river (smelly at low tide).

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Black Diamond
Date: 03 May 07 - 09:40 AM

thanks Richard
dont worry if I fall in --- I can swim -- but your description of smelly at low tide makes one wonder if one should !!!!
Lin

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 May 07 - 03:56 PM

The mud in the Medway is wholly unswimmable. The water is suspect too. There is a school of thought that the Medway was Pratchett's inspiration for the sludge in the middle of Ankh-Morpork.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: growler
Date: 03 May 07 - 04:35 PM

There is also the Cathederal Pricinct.Drive in from St Margerets Street and turn right at the Coopers Arms.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Black Diamond
Date: 04 May 07 - 07:11 AM

are the street signs in English, or in "suvven" (southern speak)
after all I am from norf of Watford Gap
alright ... Im going now .... LOL

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 May 07 - 09:37 AM

In Strood they are in estuarine, so, if puzzled, just grunt back. Rochester speaks the Queen's English, and indeed some residents say they have been caretakers since the restoration and that therefore she speaks theirs. This is mainly true of the area just south of the cathedral, and, of course, the King's School itself.

If you get as far as Chatham, by misfortune, jingle chav jewellery (Wampum) and barter.

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Black Diamond
Date: 04 May 07 - 09:52 AM

right Im off to London now see yous all tomorrer

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: growler
Date: 04 May 07 - 05:16 PM

Further to Richard, if you do reach Chatham, only jingle the cheap stuff

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: growler
Date: 06 May 07 - 06:02 PM

Met some great people this weekend, Richard Bridge came up with a bigger death toll in a song than anybody else (suprise) Some great sessions with John Barden and Gastove and the newest boyband in Kent ( Ruff and Reddy ), Saw TDL in the High Street, but didn't hear them sing,( to our detriment ), No Worries are back, all in all, a splended Weekend

Subject: RE: Sweeps Rochester UK
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 May 07 - 08:16 PM

Monday is yet to go!

Joe Stead has a great song about people dying of fever on a slave ship, must learn it!

TDL played the Good Intent tonight.

The Good Intent lost.