Rochester Sweeps (UK)

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 17 May 08 - 11:06 AM

We spent a while thinking about the words. Contrary to public oppinion we never just throw songs together. What didn't get picked up on was the number of internal rhymes in "Salt Of The Earth." Also, in a street with 200 houses in, that seems a likely sample of residents. Tam, we are at FAB CLUB most Sundays, but only had one whole gig there, which was our CD launch.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 16 May 08 - 04:07 PM

"....in a scary kind of way."

Yes, Tam, I think you're right!!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 May 08 - 12:56 PM

TDL - Salt of the Earth. Melody is hum-able, chorus easy to remember. Difficult for me to hear all of lyrics, but what I did hear was funny in a scary kind of way.   Costumes interesting. Drumming?.... even more interesting. I think drummer forgot to misplace the beat on occassion. More practice? or Less?

Judge (RB?) quite kind and humourous or would that be humouring?

Anyway on the whole enjoyable. I really need to make it to a TDL gig at the Fab Club sometime.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 May 08 - 02:33 AM

GF - So looking forward to camping again. Looking more forward to freedom to just do a runner on the weekends.

Will check Youtube from home cuz Essex County Council has blocked access at work. Can hardly blame them. But that is another tale to tell.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 May 08 - 07:19 PM

The Folk Factor - with a certain judge!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 May 08 - 06:27 PM

Have you seen teh link to the Youtube of TDL on teh FOlk factor?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 15 May 08 - 04:10 PM

That's the spirit ! One year of camping in a tent was enough for us two hip replacement types. It's not easy getting up from a bed, so much nicer to get down. Our folding caravan is a boon. Bought from EG's cousin, it's old, but we've put electricity in it, and it came with an unused gas fridge. Sheer camping luxury!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 May 08 - 01:21 PM

WooT! We have had a rethink of our finances and spending plans. Hope to get used campervan in Feb 09. This will mean more folk event attendance over larger geographical range.

And full time attendance at next years Sweeps. Is there anything we can do to contribute?

I am so set to listen and learn.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 10 May 08 - 06:52 AM

Sounds like the only other option is to try the "Poor Travellers House" in the High Street. It says outside 'free lodging for one night along with bread and meat, so long as you are not a proctor or hawker. Ive seen the beds there though, and think a shop doorway might be more comfortable.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 10 May 08 - 03:36 AM

Ha! Fast? Gone are the days when I was nicknamed Speedy Gonzalez. And the RA in feet and hips, prevents me camping. Sigh! We had to get rid of our tent last year.
On the upside, we are planning to get a campervan, but that is after, redecorated bedroom, the new (well used) car, the remodelled great room. In short, another 7 to 10 years. Perhaps I should pay some poor tax and start investing in the lottery.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 09 May 08 - 07:47 PM

The master speaks - he should know,but it's only 10 minutes if you're quick on your feet uphill.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 May 08 - 03:44 PM

Con a booked side into accrediting you as musician, then you can camp out at the school site: only about 10 mins walk in.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 May 08 - 01:57 PM

If we have an unexpected windfall, it will be considered GF. Lecturers and low level council workers tend to be a bit skint, especially in Chelmsford.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 08 May 08 - 06:35 PM

Don't muck about Virginia - stay all 3 nights!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:29 PM

Yep, I can see it on my PC!! Looks good Woodsie.

A nice rendition as ever Mr Bard of E!

Kev

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:03 PM

God no Tam !!!!!!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 May 08 - 01:43 PM

Only problem I saw with video is that I was in it. Shouldn't point the shootin' end of a camera at me. S'dangerous. I might charge.

Sessions were brilliant. We plan to stay 2 nights next year. Now starts frantic search for and practice of traditional songs with chorus / refrain. Wish the RA would leave my left wrist so I could take up guitar again. Maybe I could learn bodhran. Hmmmm! Can the folk world handle another "inispired" drummer?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: kerry and Mandy
Date: 08 May 08 - 01:04 PM

thanks sue,
we all had a fab time over the weekend sorry we missed you.
take care see
you soon

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 08 May 08 - 08:55 AM

Just looked at Woodsie's Vid. Definite;y captured the spirit of it all. Nice to see Stuart, Kerry, and Mandy there.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 May 08 - 08:35 AM

Doh! Check the simple things first. Power to speakers off!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 08 May 08 - 05:50 AM

Can't see it on my PC, but then I am at work and the PCs ARE cr** here! I'll have a look when I get home.

Anyway, found a good thread about singarounds here.

Im sure there will be some more interesting comments from several of the local regulars!!!

Back later

Kev

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 08 May 08 - 05:26 AM

It played no problem for me. Looked like more people from my end of the room.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:13 AM

Damn - those bits are on the computer that is in pieces!

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:11 AM

I've got an FLV player: I'll try saving it and playing it in that.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 08 May 08 - 12:49 AM

Richard - It was an MP2 when uploaded but I think google converts it to FLV ( like youtube) it plays OK on my home and work computers. Richt clicking it says that it is playing in flash player 9

I will do you a DVD anyway

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 May 08 - 05:46 PM

arrghh! So that's where that post went. Didn't mean to pm. Still learning the tools here.
Never mind. Just a lot of junk and profuse thanks and such.
Oh and an apology for beating a hasty retreat when you started singing Bedlam Boys on Sunday afternoon. The song took me by unhappy surprise. No need to go into detail here.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 07 May 08 - 04:40 PM

VirginiaTam
You PM'ed me but I deleted it by mistake

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 May 08 - 02:23 PM

Not getting any audio, Woodsie, what codec do I need?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 07 May 08 - 01:44 PM

Here's some footage from the Good Intent singaround. woodsie's blog Quality not great as I had to squash it down to upload to google. I do have the original high quality footage. which includes some morris in the high street and is about 20 minutes long. I will clean it up and burn a few DVDs for people if they want them

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Dead Horse
Date: 07 May 08 - 05:56 AM

Pics n Vid

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 06 May 08 - 08:59 PM

Clive and Anne Lever looked after Bob and Kathy's do on Saturday . TDL ran it Sunday (great turnout too). There was none scheduled for Monday.
The time of 3 to 7 works well. No clash with bar guests, though we did have to tell them to turn off the juke box to the pool room at 6.00.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 06 May 08 - 04:03 PM

As you say Richard, thanks to Elizabeth for handing round the jug for Amaus. And thanks to everyone for making it the best Sweeps for the Good Intent. Dal ran out of beer, despite ordering ten extra ont barrels. This will not happen again'
   Hope to see most of you ,for our Solstis festival on 5th and 6th July,
Well that was as near to the Solstis as we could get it

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,dillie the oast ouse opper
Date: 06 May 08 - 01:53 PM

hello
I lvoed Boggarts, my good friend Liam dances with you, and to be honest, I could watch you all day! It was my 22nd sweeps in a row dancing (i've danced since i was three) and I really had the best sweeps ever this year, the session at the good intent was great each night, the celidih on saturday was fun (but I was exhausted!) and the weather amazing. Dancing with Kent Korkers was great too.
Only thing that might have been better, would have been if there had been enough beer to go around, and if i'd remembered to re-apply sun screen yesterday afternoon, as i now can't move my neck. oweee. oh and if there had been more sides in the final procession (it was not the two hour long event i remember it being - maybe its cos i just nhad little legs back then!!)

I loved the fact that Dutch sang me a jolly song on sunday night in the good intent, (sorry if i kept asking for jolliness!) I promise to a) learn some more songs b) remember not to get too drunk to remember them for next year.

thank you all for making sweeps as unmissable as i always hope its going to be.

Charlotte, xxx

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 06 May 08 - 01:41 PM

Blast! That is what I get for replying to this thread from work. GUEST just above is VirginiaTam. Wish I could delete my own erroneous posts.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 May 08 - 10:34 AM

Hey Essex Girl. Thanks for the invite. Health permitting, I would love to come.
I'll ask the Quiet Half if he can bring me. He is a lecturer so he may be up to his eyebrows in end of the year marking.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,Essex Girl
Date: 06 May 08 - 09:44 AM

Yes great night on Saturday - wished I could have made Sunday as well but got to Hastings by way of Canterbury in time for the evening session in the White Rock, then saw the Jack let out on Monday. Great time, lovely weather.
Virginia, If it's not too far to come you'd be very welcome at my BBQ on Sunday 15th June.(South East London but close to a train station) So would any other 'catters. I'll post details shortly.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: GUEST,Dazbo at work
Date: 06 May 08 - 07:37 AM

Charlotte or dillie , I hope you enjoyed Boggart's Breakfast. We (I'm their main musician) had a really fantastic time. Unfortunately we had to leave on Sunday but are looking forward to the next time we can go.

Thanks to all the organisers, guides and scouts etc. at the school, all the sides there and the (mainly) fantastic crowd.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 06 May 08 - 06:59 AM

I hope I was excused the Monday afternoon one, as I wanted to take in a bit of that special Sweeps atmosphere and don't get much of a chance normally.

Richard - I see where you're coming from on the sessions in the centre, but I think that the High Street after 8pm is not a nice place to be for a fat old folkie strolling about with a really expensive guitar that might become an assault weapon. Makes Troy Town look more like Toy Town :-)

Finally, a big THANK YOU to all who came and made it such a wonderful place to be. Great voices, great musicianship, great beer and above all great company.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 May 08 - 05:51 PM

Ah yes, that reminds me of another thing. Maybe we should have a whip-round for Karen and Dal so that they can fix the doors out to the garden (a) to close automatically and (b) not to bang. And also a gentle closer on the inter-bar door. And the door on the gents crapper that sooner or later will have one fat folkie locked in the lavatory...

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 05 May 08 - 05:42 PM

What a smashing weekend! Thanks to all who came to Ruff 'n' Reddy's singarounds on Friday and Monday (yes, there were still a few survivors who managed our session this afternoon); indeed , thanks to those who came to any of the Good Intent singarounds. I heard that the Sunday evening singaround was a real cracker; I couldn't make it as I was playing elsewhere.

It's quite interesting that the garden at The Good Intent seems to have become an unofficial venue for instrumental sessions while the singarounds are taking place inside. No wonder Del and Karen had no beer left today! We'd even polished off the bottles by about five this afternoon (I should know; I had the last one!).

Thanks also to:

Del and Karen for their support

All those (and there were quite a lot of them) who came to see Jumbo Gumbo

God, for the weather

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 May 08 - 05:05 PM

Credit where credit is due on the charity front Growler - Elizabeth took the tin off your table and WORKED that room for contributions.

How is your faceache?

John, flattery will get you everywhere! I thought Jan's song was a cracker. The best I've ever heard her put a song across. The chaps with the big voices behind you were good too, and Paul is a professional quality guitarist. It was nice to hear PJ do traditional stuff.

The few bits I heard from the diddlers in the evening were damn good too. I noticed two of Rocas there and I gather more were there Sat afternoon.



A great shame that Bob and Kath were unable to make the festival, and much hoping that Kath is better soon. Their room was unmanned Monday lunchtime - maybe a better room can be co-opted for next year: the wash from the PA from the front bar does intrude and the room is too small.


All in all, with the help of the weather, one of the best Sweeps for years.




Now suggestions for next year:

Still hunting for another good singing/playing venue.

Vic and Bull might be a possible after refurbishment?

Or twist the arm of the bloke with the George Vaults! If he would put some barrels and a decent barman in the vaults it would make a PERFECT singing venue, and from the way both Dal and the Gordon sold out of beer he could unload a rake of beer and make a good profit.

Or the Cooper's Arms?

Or the downstairs bar at the Queen Charlotte?



Pigs Ear put in a huge amount of work and seemed less supported than ideal. A method of pre-booking or turning up and putting names down to be their "friend" and perform on their stage by the City Wall wine bar would be good.




The "retro-folk" concert was one of those "Eureka" ideas. Great to hear Martin Harris back doing both Smashie and Nicey, fielding the reminders of his BBC local radio folk program. Next year bully the long-suffering Jay with the PA rig into getting a proper pre-gig sound check with the bands and with Martin, to solve the great mysteries of life like how best to capture the sound of classical guitars, banjos, and dulcimers that have not been designed to plug in (and eliminate "piezo quack" from undersaddle pickups). There is only so much that even a good sound man can do "on the fly" and I know he has some toys in his goody bag that he must have left at home that could have gone a way to solving the sound problems. Also next year, can any of the "Brewery" all-stars be inveigled out of retirement? And of course the "Tundra" re-union gig is a must.



The final kvetch (for the moment) would be the bogs in the castle gardens. If the public en masse are going to be in the castle gardens then they need to be able to be sanitary rather than bears in the woods (or at least bears on the floor). Maintenance crew, cleaning crew, and rows of regularly cleaned and inspected (and emptied) portaloos. The Black Death may be traditional but we don't want it back. The council needs firmly to be leant on.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: growler
Date: 05 May 08 - 04:18 PM

Thanks for everybody,despite the fact that Dal ran out of beer. He had Ten extra, but they all went.
Next Beer and Folk is 5th and 6th July, hosted by John Barden and ' Ruff and Reddy '. All Welcome.
PS, we raised iver £60 for Amaus

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 05 May 08 - 03:31 PM

Agreed with that Richard - simply stunning is the way I'd have put it. The music ad singing on Sunday night was up there among the best in my opinion.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: RamblinStu
Date: 05 May 08 - 03:28 PM

I had a brilliant Sweeps weekend. A great start to the season. One of the highlights for me was seeing the Prague Castle Orchestra, the four blokes playing their hearts out, fiddle, flute, guitar and bass what a sound, no idea what they were singing but it sounded very good.

It was also nice to catch up with so many friends, all of whom were having a good time.

Then there were the sessions at the Good Intent, what fun they were, both inside and out, well... maybe not the bagpipes on Sunday, but that may just be me..

Here's to the next time

Stuart Pendrill

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 May 08 - 12:07 PM

I have to say, blowing a trumpet that is partly mine, I think our second crack at "Byker Hill" on Sun Nite, with Kev the Clogs filling another layer of harmony below Roston's mostly parallel 5ths and Rachel my noisy daughter mostly an octave above me was a bit of a spine tingler.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 May 08 - 11:50 AM

Unique implies that something of which there is only one.

Martin Crthy said tha tall English folk music is in he time signature of "one".

Sue's drumming goes further. It is in the time signature of "none".

My feeling is that God, like goodness, had nothing to do with it.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 May 08 - 07:06 AM

Ahhh! Melodeonboy- are the shirt murderer? Still learning names here. And are you intimating that Sue's style isn't a gift from the gods? Surely not!

Blast! I think I could become addicted to Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 05 May 08 - 06:32 AM

"Sue's inspired drumming"

Now there's a talking point. Or does it deserve another thread?

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 May 08 - 06:15 AM

Huzzah for the Good Intent hosts!

Woot! Another plug to my confidence. I thought I was just loud. Luckily, loud enough at a key point Saturday night. Soon have big head to go with big mouth.

I certainly will be attending future Sweeps - sessions. Unfortunately Rochester is a bit of a trek from Chelmsford on a Thursday night for working people. Maybe this summer we will brave the long road and late night to visit the Good Intent.

Uncle Joe's Mint Balls was an experience I will never forget. I would love to have a recording of Clive's Piano Man for my brother a Piano bar player who had the misfortune to land himself in the Billy Joel video. Scott (my big bro) refuses to take that particular request anymore but I know he would appreciate the "Rat A**ed" version.

Thanks to Don (Wyziwyg-I think) for playing my request, about his wife's accomodating handbag. And to Essexgirl from whom I would love to take lessons and pinch a bit of repertoire. No double entndre intended. Cheers to T.D.Leopard - Trevor's jolly Wee and a Shave and Sue's inspired drumming. I would mention more, but I don't know the names of people and didn't catch song names. Next year, I am taking notes.

Subject: RE: Rochester Sweeps (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 05 May 08 - 05:09 AM

Thank you Virginia Tam - I can only second what Growler said. Such a beautiful voice, and a lovely person to go with it. I certainly hope to hear you in the future.

Managed to stagger out at something o'clock this morning. Karen & Dal (our hOsts at The Good Intent) certainly are a very special couple and really go that extra mile for us. We are so very, very lucky.
John Barden