Broadstairs 2009

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: melodeonboy
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 05:14 AM

"...might the informal playing and signing in there..."

Blimey! I didn't realise we had to sign in as well! (tee-hee!)

I spent very little time in The Crown (mainly because I was very busy elsewhere), so it's difficult for me to comment on the above issue. But I think it's very positive that we now have a "drop-in" session there. I also noticed on one occasion that the landlord had provided substantial plates of grub for the performers. Good for him!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 03:47 AM

PS - I was only there on the first Friday and Saturday, so maybe the Crown developed as the week went on. Views?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 03:46 AM

Assuming that the Crown is still with us next year, might the informal playing and signing in there be "seeded" by a paid performer (or a volunteer or two who want free camping) so that there was constantly a welcoming ambience rather than the feeling of intruding into the world of chavncrime?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: stormalong
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 06:04 PM

Barbara

Fingers crossed for the overhead fans!

I heard the same about people coming into the Sailing Club because they couldn't get into other venues. Background noise is unfortunate for those with quieter voices, but, I agree, unavoidable. Noise pollution from other festival events, on the other hand, is far more off-putting for singers IMO and could, presumably, be addressed by the festival organisers.

I don't think anything can be done about the plastic disposables littering Albion and Harbour Streets except to sweep up afterwards. I was thinking more of the promenade where people had made an effort to use the bins but they were overflowing. A lot of people in that area seemed to have brought their own cans and bottles (with backup supplies hidden in the bushes I am told) and I saw a long row of empty glass bottles balanced precariously on top of the wall above the central steps to the beach, which posed an obvious health and safety risk.

For the benefit of anyone reading this post out of context, I should point out that the crowds, litter and hard boozing is now a weekly occurrence in Broadstairs during the summer, and not down to the folkies.

Anyway, enough criticism. This was a great festival.

Richard

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 05:32 PM

Glad it all went well! Sidmouth was MOSTLY wet, but it was probably the best one yet! Glad many of last year's gripes were addressed.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: The Barden of England
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 04:59 PM

I really am so glad it went well. More power to us folks' elbow. Well done everybody. Lurgie kept me from attending to see you all.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romanyman
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 03:32 PM

well dunno what happend but it was a bloody good week, seemed someone was listening to the constructive comments from last year, the security was spot on and thanks to the guys who even got to join in some of the fun on the poor peoples camp site c.
Dunno where gil friday was at 7.30am sad to say that when the khazi police shut en and started to empty em an tip them on their backs, rendering them unusable. the showers started to disapear on thursday night, gripes over.
The mini bus drivers were a great help, very friendly and helpfull this year, no one could possibly have missed the ready availability, thank you drivers, for me this year was a real good un, i felt sorry for the sidmouth brigade soaking wet covered in mud, and those that made it to broady all seemed to have a chest infection, well thanks to who ever arranged the weather, perhaps next year we can pre book the weather again. I really dont know what can be done about dolphin corner, nothing i suspect there were a few minor scuffles but nothing on last years, i had to laugh at possibly the same spotty youth pertaining to be a copper who told me i could not have a glass in the street, whilst he was standing to a rather buxom "lady" swigging her asti spew manti ont of an over size bottle, and her companion slugging out of a becks bottle with another sticking out of his pocket. what about them then says i, i said no glasses mate so take it back to the nelson mate. ahah i thought a glass full of beer is far more dangerous than a bloody great bottle. must be a health and safety thing, good festival though,

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 02:50 PM

Fans already mentioned to Sailing Club powers-that-be, Richard, and they had already thought about same for next year - oh, wouldn't that be blissful!

Not sure anything can be done about the noise in the bar. We were told that people were coming in to get drinks there who couldn't get into the pubs, so that might have been the cause. And we can't ask them to turn down sales in order to keep it quiet for us.

Do you mean extra bins in Albion and Harbour Streets? Not sure it would make much difference - I think the drinkers would still just drop the plastic glasses on the ground.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: DebC
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 11:34 AM

I'm glad you mentioned Michaela, Richard, as I was not able to hear her play this time. I have a wonderful Broadstairs story about Michaela.

My father and stepmother went on a cruise some 20-odd years ago in the Mediterranean and met a wonderful couple from Cornwall. The four became friends and communicate each year on holidays and birthdays.

Last May I was visiting my father and stepmother in Austin, Texas and the phone rang. They have caller ID on the telly and the number given was British phone code. No one was about, so I answered. Turns out it was these folks from Cornwall ringing up to tell my stepmom happy birthday. We got to chatting a bit and I mentioned that I'd be in England summertime but wouldn't be n ear them. They asked where I'd be and I said Broadstairs and that's when they said "Our daughter lives in Broadstairs, you must get in touch!"

Michaela and I connected on Monday night of Folk week and it was like I had found a long lost sister. I had a lovely time visiting and we even had a wee winge session about aging parents :-)

I am finding that the world is getting smaller and smaller.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: stormalong
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 08:59 AM

I'd like to echo Bob's comment about even unaccompanied songs being "backed gently and with respect for the singers" in the Woodshed. As a frequent singer of long dreary ballads in irregular time and indeterminate key, I wouldn't normally welcome accompaniment, but this is the very spirit of the Woodshed and one should choose songs accordingly. Michaela in particular should be complimented for quick uptake and sympathetic accompaniment (besides her own phenomenal renditions of 'Mary, Don't You Weep' and the 'Erie Canal Song'). Next year I will actually plan to sing in given, session-friendly, keys...

Richard

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: stormalong
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 01:38 AM

Many thanks to Mike and Pete, Bob and Roger, and Tom and Barbara for providing such great opportunities for participation. Thanks also for the warm welcome from the musicians who play in the seafront shelter. This is what folk is all about for me - ordinary people sharing and enjoying music and song.

I hope the Sailing Club will invest some of this year's earnings in the provision of one or two overhead fans like those in the Wrotham. It was so hot and humid with the door closed (owing to external noise) that the sweat was literally pouring off us. The bar area was also much more crowded and noisy this year.

The streets were busy but not, in my experience, threatening. The litter was unsightly. Why doesn't the council provide extra bins on Wednesdays and weekends?

Richard

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 04:27 PM

PS - I'm sure I did it in "C" and I DID explain the time count.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 04:12 PM

Hurt and innocent expression:



Moi?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: civilservant
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 01:25 PM

It was another great festival with excellent entertainment

However one thing I feel like mentioning concerned the late night ceilidhs. I went to two of them and the entertainment was due to finish at 1pm. Very good as well. However on each occasion the bands went off around 12.35am and the audience cheered for more, as you do, and they did give 'more'. Playing until their scheduled 1pm.

I asked one of the Work crew what would happen if they didn't get an encore, even though they were contracted to work until 1pm? She said they would go back on anyway!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Crampton
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 01:14 PM

Got back yesterday - had a great time - agree that some of the campsite facilities disappeared prematurely.

I've put my photos and videos of the bands I saw at GigMemories -

http://c1.gigmemories.com/Sarah_Savoy_and_the_Francadians__10Aug09/

is one of them - links at bottom to all others.

(Incidentally, all the BFW events are listed on this site for you to add your photos and reviews. Interesting site)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,synbyn
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 12:57 PM

Well, a big thankyou to Jen, the barstaff and to everyone who turned up to the Woodshed sessions, they were gret fun and all turned out different as different sessioneers turned up (over 100 in the week) ... and we managed to get everybody on I think every day as long as they didn't mind taking turns. What was really good was the way that most people saw the session as it is and brought something for others to join in with, in keys easy to accompany, and that gradually even unaccompanied songs were backed gently and with respect for the singers- the Mike Nicholson moment set the tone on Sat, where by the end everyone was in but so gently you could still hear his words...
Special thanks too to the regulars who didn't want to lead but just to play along...

The rest of the festival was special too... so many varied acts worth seeing, and plenty of genuine folk writers too, like Dave Goulder and Anne Lister... The singarounds and hour sessions were pretty well all packed all week, even with the heat & beach weather, so something must be right! Thanks to Pete? mike/ Nep and Tom & Barbara/ Sailing Club...

And don't forget there's a special woodshed on Friday 11th September starting at 8.30.... see ya there!
Bob

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 12:55 PM

Brilliant festival and this year they got the weather right

following the precedent set above I think we are all allowed one gripe while still agreeing it was one not to be missed?

mine is that there was a duo doing the rounds playing with backing tracks! at times the tracks were so loud and comprehensive that I couldn't hear the instruments they were actually playing

surely this is not what any festival is about - keep music live

I am starting a new thread to get reaction

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Anne Lister
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 08:07 AM

We had a wonderful time and it was great to see so many old friends at the Anonyma reunion concert. Only sorry the Victorian Society came stomping in so close to our official ending time so we didn't get to chat with people and had to rush on out.
But it was scary out on the street at night.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Girl Friday
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 05:38 PM

I see melodeonboy has already got that gripe in. Considering that the elite in the other field could wee and worse with impunity until 11.40, this was not good enough. I ended the week on crutches so was not impressed at this happening.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Girl Friday
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 05:23 PM

Although the Festival was really good and well organised, some of us second class citizens in Field C lost our facilities at 9 a. m. this morning. I have made my complaint via the website. Do yours here
Email Folk Week

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 02:51 PM

Isn't that why it's called the Tart and Frig it?

More seriously, they have obviously never seen a Geordie moved to ire!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 02:15 PM

We had a grand week and it wez only the return from the Tartar Frigate on Friday neet that dampened things - The 'tarts & tit-heads' outside the Dolphin/Nep/Harpers didn't want to let us through after our gig and decided to throw their beer & fag-ends over the car - They actually tried to get into the car on two occasions and my missus stopped me getting out to remonstrate - Eventually a pimply-faced youth posing as a copper turned up and asked us if there was a problem! - We eventually got through but the car was covered in sh*te

Other than that it was my best BFW yet

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Hamish
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 12:04 PM

Had a fab couple of days, culminating in the most brilliant ceilidh with Florida last night. Great band, great tunes, great calling, superb dancing. Amongst too many highlights to mention - and that's in the mere two days I was able to be there - was the 20-ish year old girl at the end of the ceilidh saying "I so want to be you!" - a testament to my enthusiastic dancing!! :-) It's weird, but I get hoarse dancing in a way that just doesn't happen when I sing...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Chair82
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 12:01 PM

I would be happy to try helping even though I know nothing about putting a newspaper together of any kind together.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: melodeonboy
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 10:26 AM

I wasn't very impressed by most of the showers (at the campsite) having been taken away by Friday morning (even though they'd been cold on the previous two days!). I was even less impressed, when getting up this morning, to find that they'd taken the bloody khazis away as well! Humph and harrumph!

Grumbles over, I had a great time at the festival. Thanks to all who made it happen!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Arnie
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 10:33 AM

I was absolutely blown away by Faustus playing in the marquee on Weds night. I've never seen them before and went along because Pete Morton was in the evening's line-up. Pete was as good as ever but Faustus really did provide a great end to the evening. It was pretty hot on stage and they only had one towel between the three of them, which meant that by the time it finally reached Benji Kirkpatrick you wouldn't use it to wipe your dog down! Great hilarity and even greater musicianship. Unfortunately they had a limited stock of CD's which sold like hot cakes and I never got one - will have to buy online instead.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 10:27 AM

I agree about when the Ceilidh Mail came out, and I wish particularly that the last issue would come out on the last day, i.e. Friday, but the contents are surely only as good as what they're given: if people don't send content for inclusion, it ain't going to go in.

But what a great week it's been - it just seems to get better and better!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: wrotham-arms-jen
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 08:38 PM

chair82 - why dont you volunteer to help them produce it? the workforce could always use more help and the best way to fix a problem is to get involved.
jen

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Chair82
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 12:53 PM

I have just been informed that it was originally meant to be a Thursday issue but there won't be an issue tomorrow. I am still annoyed about the decline in standard - I hope it improves by next year.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 05:51 AM

There's debs in coffee houses, and teds in drainpipe trousers, and fings ain't ...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Dead Horse
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 10:29 PM

I agree that it is in decline mate.
No eclipse this year.
Meteor shower was deplorable.
And just as I was about to perform my second shanty on the pier, they called "time" and did the Farewell Shanty!
I can take a hint...........

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Chair82
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 05:36 PM

I've just returned from Broadstairs today. I have enjoyed myself. Another plus is that there are no security problems this year.

I just have one gripe - where was the Ceilidh Mail today please? I went in to check 3 times today and there wasn't a new copy out. This is despite the fact that they said it would come out at the weekend and on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

I am not very impressed that the Ceilidh Mail has gone from being free to being 20p. If I'm honest, the standard has gone down this year. A section was repeated twice in Monday's issue.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: DebC
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 03:57 AM

I've been having a brilliant time! Still more to come and really looking forward to the singalong with Tom and Barbara tonight.

This is really a fine festival and I am honoured to be a part of it.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Hamish
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 03:38 AM

I'll be joining all you good people tomorrow: straight into running a looping workshop at 14.30...

...hope to see some of you there (or as The Old Curiosity Shoppe on Friday for buns; or at the Pavilion on early Friday evening or just swanning about somewhere)

The workshop will be very interactive: come and try overdubbing yourself in real time: it's fun! It's easy(/ier than you imagine)!!!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 07:29 PM

Not just facing out - actually out in the street (wasn't that a song title off the Who's first album?).

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 10:03 AM

Even the Nep, the Sailing Club and the Woodshed in full voice couldn't come near that racket - with the speakers facing outwards into the street, too!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Dead Horse
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 05:58 PM

Fa gawds sake dont menchun licensing & noise condishuns, ya might bring it to da notice of da Powers Dat Be, an dat cood affec da whole of Folkyweek an its frendly pubs, yot clubs an da peer!
Sa long as dey don spec me ta sing over dat hullaballoo, dats all.


And it means there will be that much more room in the Tart n Friggit etc.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 12:25 PM

I should have got down earlier Barbara. Pressure of work now has me back at home. I don't mind the hordes too much (tend to use teh promenade instead) but the Beach Cafe is unbelievable. How did they get a licence without a noise condition?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 11:54 AM

Sorry you couldn't get into the Sailing Club on Friday night, Richard. It was a brilliant start to the week! Particularly full I think because there wasn't an awful lot else on - been more comfortable since then. Hope to see you on another night.

Dead Horse, will make a note of your comment about the Shanties at the Jetty for relay to Kim after the week's over, along with other things that could be tweaked. (Wish we could 'tweak' the hordes outside the Dolphin & the Neptune, etc. And the volume of the music from the Beach cafe is just ear-splitting as you go past! Grumble, grumble, grumble...)

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 05:10 PM

And yet more attention paid to busses...

I swear that the public transport waited until they saw me approaching and then accelerated away...

Yes: I'd have liked to stay to shanty, but had to get away.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Dead Horse
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 04:33 PM

Excellent shanty sesssion on the pier.
Must send note to organizin folks ta make this session longer or have it on a weekday as well. Several audients said it wer too short & when would we be on agin? :-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 02:01 PM

And I thoroughly enjoyed today, even without getting to a session. It was stonking hot and Bishop Gundulf's band was rocking with our leader (who denies the role) on his mighty organ, and Ken from Gong Scourers adding nicely to the big throbbing bottom (there we go again). Only one mosquito got me, and I particularly enjoyed chatting to English Jon (Jon Loomes) - who has a lovely new (to him) guitar - and to PJ.

What a shame to have to leave the sun and come home add work - and so be deprived of beer until home!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: stallion
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 04:16 AM

richard Bum - instead of the other way round mmmmmmmmmmmm glad you qualified that!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Aug 09 - 08:36 PM

Much better today. Good session in the Wrotham (but too short and rather crowded). I heard that at times the sess in the Crown was good too. Taxis up the hill are only three quid, too.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Richard Bridge with a bad mobile connection
Date: 07 Aug 09 - 08:41 PM

Not much fun so far.

Sailing club too full to get in the door.

Crown not looking promising although landlord tried to be helpful, offering to turn off million watt jukebox, but that looked as if it might offend local neanderthals. No real beer ready - promised for later today.

Wrotham Arms Jen charming, but it was a gig there not a session.

Neptune seemed blank, as I walked by - and drowned in sound from the adjacent fleshpots.

Nelson a gig not a session.

Rain - contrary to forecast.

Mosquitos obviously starving, since they fell greedily upon flesh long immured to the notorious malarial swamp mossies from the Grain peninsula.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,synbyn
Date: 07 Aug 09 - 06:46 AM

Well the forecast is changing day by day- what's the point of 5day forecasts if they're totally inaccurate? looks like a good weekend due - and lots to do in the woodshed.... see you all there!
Oh and for songsmiths, there's a tune-writing workshop on Monday am in the Rose... tips and hints gathered over the years to help make songs more memorable... should be interesting...
roll on
Bob

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 06:44 PM

Bum. Raining. (instead of the other way round).

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Girl Friday
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 06:36 PM

Agreed

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 11:57 AM

Too much information!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Dave Jenkins (Ex-BG)
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 10:31 AM

Due to a nasty attack of the "squirts" (10 days now!) I have had to put back travelling to sunny Broadstairs to midweek. So, a virtual "Hello, isn't the weather grand" to all in advance, especially BG. And could someone raise a toast to Roger Hope in the Neptune. Cheers! Dave