Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: GUEST,wheatman
Date: 16 Jan 08 - 05:41 PM

old glory fan, Why don't you consider becomimg a straw bearer?

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: GUEST,old glory fan
Date: 16 Jan 08 - 04:22 PM

well i am a resident and i loved it, but mainly because i found old glory and pig dyke. never been able to go before due to work commitments but ive always wanted to molly dance, i couldnt keep still ahhh cant wait till next year

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: GUEST,wheatman
Date: 15 Jan 08 - 02:50 AM

Glad you all had a good time and avoided the 'oiks'. One year I may get a song in The Boat, I was on kerb side duties outside the car park in the afternoon. There is some good stuff on the net at the moment.

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Fidjit
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 12:05 PM

Ah! I'll be in Cheltenham. Will be nice to catch up with you
Chas

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Merek'n'Dary
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 11:46 AM

Re:Song session at the Boat- We were delighted to have so many fine singers there and thought it was a great atmosphere. Lovely to see so many of our friends and make new ones! Strawbear's really special isn't it? We were interviewed clutching our remnant of burnt Strawbear on Sunday and may make an appearance in Countryfile.. If we don't end up on the cutting room floor that is!

Incidentally, we will be running our usual song and music sessions at Cheltenham Folk Festival at the Bell Inn on Friday and Saturday nights - Hope to see some of you there!

Cheers! Merek'n'Dary

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Fidjit
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 11:41 AM

Just updated my MYSpace site with some of my Waterclours and Ceramics

for your perusal.

Positive criticsm welcomed.

Chas

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Fidjit
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 10:25 AM

so you all had ea nice time then. Thats good.

Chas

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 09:12 AM

Can't remember if it rained or not. Ms Lemon.

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 08:29 AM

It was a really enjoyable day, every year more of the businesses in town seem to join in.

The weather was great, lots of pubs had got in extra beer, and the dancing was great too. :)

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 Jan 08 - 04:50 PM

Wasn't it good!! Many thanks to all the Organisers & helpers who made this 29th year another huge success! And the weather held off for the burning today too *grin*

Well done to Merek'n'Dary & all who came to the Singaround in the Boat last night, we made a good noise didn't we?

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Emma B
Date: 13 Jan 08 - 04:07 PM

oops!

A great w'end, some fine singing on Saturday (Thanks Mary and Derek) at The Boat and a very warm and musical departure for the bear this afternoon.

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Emma B
Date: 13 Jan 08 - 04:04 PM

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Mrs Scarecrow
Date: 13 Jan 08 - 03:29 PM

fantastic, great dancing great sing great atmosphere what more can I say. I will definately make this a regular event

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 13 Jan 08 - 12:46 PM

I was watching Have I got news for you on tv and Alan Whitbread was mentioned. ooooH! I thought and texted him to tell him. Apparantly it was a repeat and he knew about it. He texted me back from The Staw Bear singaround. So hope you all had a great time... did it rain?

Sal

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 13 Jan 08 - 12:36 PM

I must be the first one back. Wow what a great day, or weeekend that was. Timing was perfect from getting the last camper space in The Boat car park, to the sing song in The Boat on Saturday evening. How's the bear by the way?

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Mr Red
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 02:15 PM

Just as well I hadn't planned to go, spent all day in bed.

Man 'Flu

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Cap n' Ella
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 11:48 AM

Caravan's packed - just leaving

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 09:49 AM

Good this sounds all very nice. See you at The Boat Saturday night then.

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 04:46 AM

Thanks for the positive comments, I was beginning to get a bit depressed..........

Good news is the weather forecast is cold and mainly sunny, just how I like it, good beer drinking weather ;)

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: GUEST,Barry
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 12:10 PM

The strawbear is just the tonic in the post christmas lull. Do not worry about the oiks, it is no different to any small market town. I have been every year for the last seven years and have had nothing but enjoyment - even made a morris coat for my lurcher! The Boat is always worth a visit at any time of the weekend and definitely the Brickies for Friday night. I am sorry the southport sword will not be there though.

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Cap n' Ella
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 11:49 AM

Ok, accomodation sorted - spoke to a very nice lady at the Northey Lodge Caravan site (North Bank)

We now have the gate entry code as not arriving until about 9pm also entry code for the loos (will certainly need those) provided we get to a pub before closing time, also phone number of recommended mini cab firm to get us into town (and back)

Things are starting to look up!

Tony

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: SarahNash
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 08:19 AM

RE. caravanning, recommend you contact the Bricklayer's Arms. They may be able to find you a space. Co-incidentally, it's also a good place for a session on the Saturday night.

Although the ticketed events are sold out, there's the Pig Dyke Molly social evening at St Andrew's church hall on the Friday night (a mixture of ceilidh, music and silly stuff) which you don't need a ticket for although recommend you arrive early. On the Saturday night there will certainly be sessions at the Bricklayer's and the Boat; other pubs worth trying include the Falcom, Letter B, New Crown.. I'm sure there are others.

Hope to see some people there!!!

Sarah

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Mr Red
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 08:12 AM

too late for me to decide - and I need a tow bar fitted and I am too lazy to get up off my bum. Though in my mind I will be there. Next year maybe.

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Cap n' Ella
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 08:10 AM

Oh Dear, ticket events sold out, nowhere to park the caravan, pubs closed down and yobs wandering around town! ...... Hmm maybe we'll just give it a miss.

Thanks to all for the info - Hils, are you and Richard going to Barkham Sat week? if so we'll see you there xx

Tony

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 05:48 PM

Wheatman, it's just a question of losing your 'cookie' on your PC & having to 'log in' again - see the dropdown at the top of the page that currently shows you the word 'quicklinks'. If you remember your password you'll be able to log back in, but you might lose your cookie again onew day without intending to!!

Am really looking forward to the weekend, even if I'm not there on Friday. I suppose the 'oiks' will be around again, they seem to turn up every year & cause havoc for us folkies, best to ignore them I reckon!

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: GUEST,Wheatman
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 05:15 PM

The system still puts me in as a guest but I have contributed lots before. I think I must have signed in twice (slap legs) and by doing so committed the cardinal sin. I cannot work out the instructions to sort it out. Never mind, to the point. The ticket events are all just about sold out. There is no proper camping in town ( Caravan Club site in Peterborough and Camping and Caravan site on North Bank) both some miles from Whittlesey. The Bricklayers Arms may have room if you give them a ring.
The Strawbearers do not organise song and music sessions as they seem to move from one venue to another at the whim of the participants. In any event, organising sessions would be the "last straw" on the back of a very stretched organisation.
I don't know who you are "Gadaffi" but if we did not send you a Christmas card and we normally do so then it was a mistake with no hidden agenda.
The Railway Pub is closed and will not be open this week end. Sessions could happen in The Boat, The B, back room of The Ram (which is on the map in the programme) and The Crown. The George will be ok if they lock you in. Take care on wandering about on Saturday night the oiks will be abroad.

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Fidjit
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 11:38 AM

The B is under new managment. I used to stay there with my friends who had stayed there for years and years. However, when calling the B to confirm the booking. Which was the last thing they do as they leave the year before. The new management says he's fully booked with someone else.

There's some indoor camping somewhere you have to ask the organisers.

Chas

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: GUEST,Yokel
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 09:04 AM

Hi,

My previous visits allways a trip to the Bricklayers Arms, Falcon Hotel, Letter B, Boat, Hero of Aliwell (notsure if its still open?). Other public houses of note, and close New Crown, Old Crown, The Ram, Black Bull, Oatsheath. One I am not sure about is the George on the market square, this I understand is or will be a Whetherspoons (guess I have to wait until Sat).

Regards

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 05:03 AM

2008 could be a pivotal year. The Ram isn't on the map this year - could be a mistake - but that would mean only one pub (The New Crown)in the north part of the town, as they are yet to visit the eponymous Straw Bear pub in Drybread Road in its 28 years.

The Good Easter molly dancers won't be there in any official (and probably any unofficial capacity) owing to alleged misdemeanours. The Straw Bearers are cracking down on teams who stray outside the official programme. This strikes me as unfair if this is an reaction to excessive drinking by non-Festival youths at the Hero last year, as mentioned in the local papers. ... and the Kells didn't send me a Christmas card in 2007!!!

One hopes the George Hotel will be open. There's nothing so depressing when stepping off the bus from Peterborough as to find the pub boarded up as it was two years ago, and the post office next door derelict - as it has been for years.

Here's to a good 'un! Look forward to some good music until I take that bleary/beery return journey back to ye desert climes.

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 03:39 PM

Cap'n'Ella Dears, fraid it really is quite 'hunt the sing' at Straw Bear, lots of Musicians due to all the dance sides, but sings are only found by wandering. The Letter B has had good sings over the past few years, worth a try!
We'll see you on Saturday!!

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: GUEST,Anita Whittlesey Resident
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 01:18 PM

Just to say that the Railway is now shut!!

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Fidjit
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 12:17 PM

Hey don't forget the ceilidh on Saturday. Unless you prefer Cajun.
And the free showcase on Sunday before they burn the bear.

Oh and yes if you want something to eat on Saturday evening you had better book a table last year.

I always enjoyed my visits to Straw Bear. I'll be back.
Chas

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Cap n' Ella
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 10:51 AM

thanks for the info Hils & les I'll give em a ring and see if we can get a space at either of said pubs.

Sat night at the Boat certainly sounds like the place to be, what about the rest of the weekend, do singy things happen anywhere else? There doesn't seem to be any mention on the website but i'm guessing there are a number of 'fringe' things going on?

Tony

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: LesB
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 06:43 PM

If you contact 'The Railway' I believe they let caravans/motorhomes stay in their car park.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 12:05 PM

As far as I know there isn't really a campsite, but you could contact the organisers to check. Most caravans end up in the Brickmakers car park, but you'd need to phone them to check they have space I think. We're doing a Travelodge (Eye Green) for the Saturday night, it's about 6 miles away, but saves pulling the van etc...
Lovely to see you there if you can make it! The main organised Sing is the Boat on the Saturday night, Merek'n'Dary run it.
Hil x

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Cap n' Ella
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 11:41 AM

We're thinking of giving it a try for the first time - is there a festival campsite or somewhere for caravans?

Tony & lesley (Capella)

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: LesB
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 05:37 PM

Fraid I wont be there this year. The Southport Swords are having a year off this year.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Cats
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 04:02 PM

Now we are so far away it is impossible to get up but every year I get out the photo albums and take a good long look at the pikkies from the revival. There's even a pikkie of me propping up the door of the bar in my ankle length afghan coat!!! Good luck this year. It's worth making the journey.

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 04:02 PM

MGAS: I seem to remember you having a note in your pocket reminding you not to drink too much on the Friday night!I ALSO REMEMBER YOU IGNORED IT! LOL

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Fidjit
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 04:00 PM

Rain? I only remember getting wet on the inside.
Well can hardly remember that.

Chas

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 01:36 PM

We'll be there :)

It's lovely when it's cold and you have to wear gloves to hold your beer. Not so lovely when it rains like it did 2 years ago :(

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: My guru always said
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 10:12 AM

Zany's right about the first piece of advice Sue, gets me every time! I'm getting around the problem by only going for Saturday & Sunday.

The second piece of advice is to wear at least 2 pairs of socks *grin*

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: treewind
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 05:56 AM

We can't be there this year, but have a good one, if you're going.
Yes it can be bitterly cold.
Brickies always has wild and raucous sessions going on.
We've also has some good tunes at lunchtime in the New Inn, but the locals reclaimed in in the evening. Much of the day can be spent playing "find the session".

Oh yes, there'll be a straw bear dancing around in the streets somewhere...

Chas - hope we meet up somewhere else in the year...

Anahata

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Fidjit
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 03:45 AM

Have a pint (or two) of the Straw Bear brew for me.

Chas

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Fidjit
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 03:43 AM

Sorry Sue not this year, but see you later at Cheltenham.

I know you'll enjoy this. Hope you've got somwhere to stay.

Chas

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 03:24 AM

The fist piece of advice is not to get too pissed on the Friday night. It's very common and you can see a fair number of freezing hung-over people on Saturday morning when the Bear dances.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Emma B
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 06:28 PM

I hope to be there again this year.
The Boat is THE singing venue - led by Derek and Mary, but the Brickies is a popular venue too and home to some indoor sword dancing as a rule.

and yes.....it can be really cold!

Subject: Whittlesey Straw Bear 2008
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 06:25 PM

So - who's going? Next weekend (Jan 11-13th in Whittlesey near Peterborough in Cambridgeshire)

My first Straw Bear and looking through the threads for previous years, I think it might be cold!! I'll be dancing with Rattlejag Morris from Retford in Nottinghamshire - so I'll miss my normal tatter jacket which can hide loads of layers underneath.

What about singarounds and sessions? Sounds like the Boat and the Letter Bee (or some such name) for singing; the Bricklayers if you like big noisy sessions and probably other sessions elsewhere. Anyone got any other info?

On the 2005 thread I really enjoyed reading the quirky account from the Times which IanC had gone to the trouble of typing up (post 20). Do look! (Honest. I will learn to do blue clickies sometime)

Sue