Is anyone going to Fylde?

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Sep 08 - 08:57 PM

Le Cheffie-

Appreciate good weather when you get it. It might
have been a hurricane!

Our gig last weekend at the tip of Cape Cod survived a hit from Hurricane Hanna.

The wild wind the night before our concert, however, was great!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: le cheffie
Date: 08 Sep 08 - 04:34 PM

Until the monday morning Ron when it peed down on the soon to be packed away tents.

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 08 Sep 08 - 06:41 AM

As usual I was 'outstationed' so saw little of the 'big' names. Stawhead gave their usual superb concert, their first half was all about Napolean, with the second half of 'their greatest hits'. Arthur & the Shellbacks gave a good introduction to what shanties were used for[all in good voice], Scolds Bridle gave a highly enjoyable wander through their years together in song & story. Beware the Fylde Coast's Sands was well rec'd, Rachel's 'Riverdance' song being the'star' turn. The 'Final Singaround' was well attwended with a great cross section of styles etc from Irish pipes to Black Sea Fiddle and everything in between.! Comments heard:- He must be using backing tapes! & I've two choices, throw my guitar in the sea, or go back into the Steamer, and break his fingers! Both about Bruce M.
Overall great atmosphere, and Alan Bell actually remembered to book good weather this year.

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: bodgewick
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 02:15 PM

After listening to Bruce Im sorely tempted to have a guitar bonfire out the back

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 10:12 AM

Another highpoint - an audience of mostly codheads (Fleetwood locals) screaming for an encore from Bruce Mathiske in The Steamer on Saturday night. You did 'em proud, Bruce!

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 08:07 AM

Thanks, Stu, for the details. I'm sure that there was so much going on that it will take participants years to process it all, and even then the experiences will fail to correlate! May the best memories win!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: s&r
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 03:03 AM

SHellbacks appeard several times over the weekend. Good responses from the audiences everywhere. Memories of Dave Ryan, good friend to the shells, and Colin Kemp known to all. The steamer session was dedicated to these two with a lot of fond memories

Stu

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 07:44 PM

Did the Shellbacks appear as planned?

Rapunzel-

Thanks for the update on intrepid Sailor Ron. It makes a whole lot of sense to me to take a week off if one possible can if one is trying to organize such a wonderful festival, and a week to recover! I know too many people who have literally worked themselves to death doing such work. One can never thank the surviving festival organizers enough.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: My guru always said
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 01:47 PM

LOL, thanks Stu *blush*
Hil

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 01:00 PM

Oh Malcolm, it was good to hear you sing and play!

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Capo da Monty
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 11:56 AM

A memorable weekend indeed!
From meeting the legend that is Hughie Jones to catching up with Phil Steve and Miranda via John and Barrie, Tom Topping Band, Al Whittle, Sedayne & Rachel and many more.
Especially enjoyed playing at the late night cabaret on friday and saturday. Thanks to Dave Jones for the invitation!

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: s&r
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 11:55 AM

Fylde Hilary, else you won't find it...

Stu

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: My guru always said
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 08:52 AM

My first Flyde & I just loved it!

Richard Atkins (MudCatter who sang When all Men Sing BTW) always went to Fylde but hadn't been for 16 years & thought it was time he introduced me to one of the best Northern festivals - forgive me for not having been before, I live in Surrey *grin*

Next time we'll be ticket-holders so I'll feel more a part of the festival than the fringe, but the fringe was good for me as I managed to sing 7 songs in 2 days compared to 3 songs over the whole of Shrewsbury weekend!!

Lovely to meet Insane Beard (many thanks for your kind words, Sirrah) & Rapunzel but chastened to see here (hadn't read it before we set off for Shrewsbury & the Lakes) that there were so many MudCatters there that I didn't meet!!!

I organise MudGathers at quite a few 'Southern' festivals & perhaps next year one could be programmed in for Fylde? They're usually very social occasions & we tend to introduce ourselves, hug, eat chocolate, drink beer, sing & play and occasionally have MudRaffles in aid of MudCat funds. How about it? I'd be happy to run it, all I'd need is a time & venue - perhaps someone could pass this suggestion / offer on?

Either way, I'll get more involved next time & meet more of you hopefully! Keep up the good work & well done to the Fylde Organisers!

Hilary Ward

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 08:52 AM

I advised his owner to hire him out. Saw him in action outside the ferry terminal. Dead or alive - he eats the lot.

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: LesB
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 08:06 AM

"Max, the wasp-eating labrador? " could have done with him at Whitby.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 06:20 AM

My first Fylde (of many, I hope) and loved every minute.

The Askew Sisters were gorgeous in every way. Still got Bryony singing 'The Last of the Great Whales' in my head - had me blubbing like a baby.

Anybody else meet Max, the wasp-eating labrador?

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: MairSea
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 06:08 AM

We had a great time at Fylde this year and it was good to put names to Mudcat Faces. Was in the audience when Alio was m-ceeing and weelittledrummer performing and Smallpiper playing and had a thoroughly good time.

What a festival and what a treat we had listening to the Askew Sisters and remembering them when they were younger and shyer at Fareham and thinking "The babes have come of age" well done girls the Albert Hall beckons. Mind you that young lad who won the Tallyman Trophy was excellent - I think he has been here before to be playing like that at 12!!!!!

Had a great time at the workshops as well so a big thanks to Stu and Rusty for their time and patience (especially Stu!) Looking forward to next year and yes, we have bought our tickets already!!

My blisters etc were tenderly treated by Karen and Ian at Heaven Scent in the Craft Fair so all in all it was a cracking time - thanks to all again.

Thanks everyone for making it such a special time.

Ann

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Rapunzel
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 03:43 AM

Any feedback on what Sailor Ron was up to?

Sailor Ron seemed to be in many places at once MCing, running singarounds, performing with Red Duster and overseeing "Beware the Fylde Coast Sands" - his extravaganza concerning the wrecks and rescues of the Fylde Coast - and probably doing a lot more besides. Last seen at the survivors singaround last night.

Mrs Ron tells me that he now takes a full fortnight off work to prepare/recover - that is the sensible thing to do of course - I am going to try and book the same for myself for next year. Back to the real world yesterday was not such a pleasant experience after such a fantastic festival weekend.

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: s&r
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 02:53 AM

Alan (and fylde festival) has done a lot to help in the restoration and maintenance of the Jacinta - a stern trawler that held (still holds?) the record for most fish caught. During the run up to the Festival it is normal to have a concert on board the old ship

Stu

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Alio
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 02:36 AM

It's a brilliant song - like many of Alan's - very emotional and powerful.

I'll definitely be back next year - accommodation already booked.

Ali

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: bodgewick
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 09:51 PM

Absolutely brilliant and many thanks,of course if I get it any where near presentable I would have to clear it with Alan.

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 08:54 PM

100

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 08:37 PM

Stu-

"Jacinta"

Nice song!

I like the songs that pay tribute to real boats, their builders, and their crews.

Someday if I'm good I'd get to hear you sing it, and buy you a round.

Any feedback on what Sailor Ron was up to?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: s&r
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 06:36 PM

The song is the Jacinta. It's in Alan's songbook 'In My Homeland' The books are available from Alan Bell 55 the Strand Fleetwood complete with music. Anyway here are the lyrics:

Now her keel was laid one morning in the year of '72
In a famous yard in Wallsend where the men were skilled and true
They riveted and welded good steel sheets upon her frame
'til at last she was completed and Jacinta is her name

Cho.
She is homeward bound returning
she is homeward bound returning
she is homeward bound returning
from the sea
the Arctic Sea
The Norway sea
the Irish Sea

She was one of seven sisters in the bold Marr family
Bill Taylor was her Skipper on her maiden trip to sea
For to fish the coast of Greenland and the distant Norway shore
For cod and hake and haddock all to fill the fishroom store

Cho
Young Mick Southwell was the bosun, old george Thompson engineer
Brian Baxter was a deckhand and he helped stow away the gear
As she fished across the oceans she sailed so wild and free
She was a great stern trawler; soon a legend of the sea

Cho
In the darkness of the winter in the terrible ice andstorms
Her crew worked hard to free her and to keep themselves from harm
As she fished across deep waters she did serve her owners well
Catching fish worth millions in the heavy rolling swell

Cho
Now Jacinta went on fishing 'til her engine let her down
We've towed her home to Fleetwood for to rest in her home town
We will paint her and we'll moor her all along her own quayside
She'll show new generations how we fished the seas with pride

Cho

Stu

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: le cheffie
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 05:40 PM

A thoroughly excellent weekend well done Alan and the team

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 03:31 PM

yeh its a great place to go to. I just love the sea front there. And the local people are just terrific. there was this gang of local ladies from kirkham - at the evening concert at the New Boston. they were just so full of fun and laughter, and really whooping it up!

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 03:21 PM

Next year? - well I'd love to (if I get invited) - I'm suffering from Fylde withdrawal symptoms already!

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: folk1e
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 02:07 PM

So ....... Who's going next year?

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: bodgewick
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 11:45 AM

Many thanks le cheffie and s&r for that

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: le cheffie
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 10:57 AM

And now an apology,
To all the people in the Meet Flossie session yesterday morning. My somewhat tired four year old wanted to play quietly somewhere at the back of the room which obviously wasn't practical. All methods of placation were used before I removed him screaming from the room. He did want to come back and listen but I thought it best not too.

So once again sorry for the disturbance.

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: s&r
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 10:54 AM

WITH ALAN'S PERMISSION I'LL POST THEM LATER

STU

Sorry about the caps

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: le cheffie
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 10:53 AM

bodgewick I think the song you are looking for might be the Jacinta The chorous starts
She is homeward bound returning.
Will try and look out the rest of the words once I've finished unpacking

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: bodgewick
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 10:37 AM

I loved the song by Alan Bell in the Euston-I am homeward bound returning,and thought we might try it sometime with the Roast but cant seem to find the words anywhere.Anybody any ideas where to look?

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 09:16 AM

I thought Cliff and Shirley did a fine job along with the staff at the steamer

I'm with you there! The Marine Hall might be the brains of the Fylde Festival, but the heart & soul is The Steamer - and thanks to Cliff & Shirley for keeping this going in their first year as incumbents!

My lasting impression of The Fylde Festival 2008 will be Thistle playing into the wee hours to a dozen provocatively clad young ladies (on hen night) dancing wildly to their finely honed renderings of many the old emerald chestnut. Virtuoso stuff, lads! I know was I meant to be comparing, but Rachel & I were playing at 10.30 the following morning, but you didn't seem to be complaining so we sloped off around midnight, wandering off along the Fleetwood docks to the strains of Dirty Old Town echoing through the night.

Another humbling percussion experience on the Sunday morning when Niahm Boadle got her bodhran out; with playing as accomplished, precise and spirited as that in the world we should not fear for the musical future.

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 08:46 AM

Just Back home.

Amazing. I won a trophy for singing/writing a song in Lancashire dialect, which seems a bit weird.

I think the weekend confirmed my belief that Richard Bridge is right when he says what I do isn't folkmusic. I am perhaps better leaving this field of endeavour to people who are committed to the tradition. There are few enough opportunities for these folk to play and sing.

Also Denise and I met a load of friendly and pleasant people. and I thank them for their friendship.

The highspots of the weekend for me were giving the workshops on guitar accompaniment and songwriting. I felt on safer ground here. I knew what I was talking about, and I felt really able to help people with practical advice. Also I met a guy who was friends with the late Fred Jordan - someone whose singing I have always greatly admired - even though its nowt like what i do. It was good to hear anecdotes of the great man.

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: bodgewick
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 08:07 AM

What a weekend,the wife thought it was a stranger coming in when I eventually arrived home.Survisors night tonight and if its anything at all like last year well worth a visit.I thought Cliff and Shirley did a fine job along with the staff at the steamer

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 05:18 AM

Survivor's Singaround - Tonight (Monday) in The Steamer!

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Alio
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 03:41 PM

Back home - and still on a high!

Nice to meet you Wee Little Drummer, and lovely to see you again Small Piper.

I didn't want it to end! Loads of fantastic artists, and lots of great company.
Ali

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Tig
Date: 30 Aug 08 - 08:41 AM

Wish I was going but pennies don't permit - especially with Firecat going to college.

Ask Stanley Accrington to sing the Song for Colin Kemp on Sunday - the first anniversary of his death.

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 09:14 PM

2am, BST

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 09:08 PM

Day One - tip-top fun all round; weather hot, humid, airless; Strawhead in fine form; Greg Butler as formidable as ever; excellent singarounds (a special mention of lovely Mudcatter My Guru Always Says, who sings like an angel) & an atmospheric session with The A69 Band. Lots more - Debby McLatchy, etc. etc. 2pm - just back from the Festival Cabaret hosted by Dave Jones where Rapunzel & I had the indignity of following 4Square, featuring the not inconsiderable talents of Jim Molyneaux (percussion finalist in the 2008 Young Musician of the Year). My instrument of choice? Dumbek!

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 08:58 AM

Weelittledrummer-

Will I be there?

No, not this year but I've been corresponding with Ron about his collection of Merchant Sailor songs and reviewing his CD Blood on the Ice, and my co-editor with the C. Fox Smith Anthology project will also be there with the Shellback Chorus; he'll probably recite a poem or two by our favorite nautical poet.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: s&r
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 06:10 AM

Debbie's doing a banjo workshop: if you've not got banjo with you the Music Room have loaned us several banjoes for the workshop.

Stu

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: s&r
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 06:08 AM

Alio

1.00 - 2.00pm Sunday at Fleetwood Museum (sorry, not Sat as I first said) There's free entry for wristband holders, so have a look round the museum at the same time.

Stu

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Rapunzel
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 05:57 AM

Great to see so many people both at the Euston and at the Steamer last night.

The Festival has officially started once you've been greeted by Elizabeth Baxter selling programmes from the comfy sofa in the Euston foyer.

Ron's singaround was packed and there was some fantastic singing and great songs - I was particularly moved by Essiquibo River and When All Men Sing (so don't know the names of the chaps who sang each)- the choruses really raised the roof!

It's going to be a great festival - and weather's looking okay today.

Looking forward to Hughie Jones and then Debby Mclatchy today - REMEMBER venue change to the MOUNT. (Apparently the museum didn't get a music licence for the Friday.)

See you all round and about.

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Alio
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 03:59 AM

What time's that Stu, and where?

Ali

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: s&r
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 03:41 AM

Arthur Marsden of the Shellbacks is explaining shanties with illustrations from the Chorus on Saturday Lunchtime

Stu

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:51 PM

sorry I've packed my programme away. are you thinking of making the trip over Charley - it would be great to see you.

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:46 PM

Sailor Ron-

Is there a workshop of Merchant Seamen Songs?

There certainly should be.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Is anyone going to Fylde?
From: Alio
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 01:39 PM

See you tomorrow everyone - keep the weather warm and dry for me please!

Ali