Broadstairs 2009

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 04:43 PM

This is a page worth keeping an eye on for anyone in striking distance of Broadstairs

Wrotham Arms

Looks like the dust will hardly settle on Folk Week before Jen presents her own Music Festival on August Bank Holiday weekend. Already booked are The Hot Rats Duo, The Sally Ironmonger Trio, Norcsalordie, Gerry McNeice, The Odd Squad and Jumbo Gumbo!!!

Nice work Jen

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 03:33 PM

sorry about the mix up on timing Jen - I got 21.30 from the Blind Summat Myspace website - I hope they know the right time

and yes, I think Norcsalordie on Friday and Blind Summat Saturday works well :-)

Let's see some catters down there - Jen deserves it for services to folk music

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: wrotham-arms-jen
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 06:38 AM

...and for those that dont know BLIND SUMMAT! - they consist of Wendy Arrowsmith (Voice, Guitar, Accordion, Whistles, Mandolin) Joolz Cavell (Voice, Guitar, Cajon, Congas & lots of percussion), Rebekah Findlay (Voice, Fiddle, Guitar, Whistles, Accordion) and Paul Arrowsmith (Banjo, Banjola and Voice). They don't get down to these parts, south of the arctic circle very often, so please give them your support. I understand that they are also playing at Deal Folk Club on Friday but since this is a Broadstairs thread I don't need to mention that .... and anyway you would miss the amazing Norcsalordie at the Wrotham Arms on Friday!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: wrotham-arms-jen
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 06:28 AM

thanks rafflesbear - please note that both norcsalordie and blind summat! will start at 8:30pm. hope to see some more catters here!
jen

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Broadie Boy
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 07:51 PM

http://www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk/?page=news

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 04:14 PM

Jen at the Wrotham Arms has a couple of events coming up for the Mayday weekend

Friday May 1st at 20.30 she has Norcsalordie
Saturday May 2nd at 21.30 is Blind Summat

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 03:51 AM

Now we are moving, well done

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: melodeonboy
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 09:13 AM

Good news indeed!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: The Barden of England
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 05:10 AM

A very good development indeed. Well done 'Ye Olde Crown' and the festival organisers.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 03:09 AM

That is a very positive development - so long as they include "sing" as well as "play".

Pretty well all we need now is a bus service...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 29 Mar 09 - 05:50 PM

Cut and paste from the official website -

SESSION SPACE
Posted: Friday 13th March 2009

We are delighted to announce that Ye Olde Crown in the High Street will this year open its doors to all musicians who need a place to sit and play. From midday to closing time throughout the festival the pub, which is under new management, is offering a warm welcome with promises of real ale and a large room just waiting for musicians......
This is of course in addition to the more organised sessions held lunchtimes and evenings at the Lord Nelson and the afternoon Woodshed session at the Wrotham Arms

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 01:07 PM

now ifn ya want moanin             nah i wont i said i wouldnt and i wont, well maybe a bit, or a bit more, hope no one belives in gypsy curses cos i do a good line in em          oh an they do work i can assure you, i put one on kev an is spellins gone wonky, see his last post last line , hee hee

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 10:19 AM

We wouldn't have you any other way Hoff!! :-) Good to see you last night at the Angel. It was a good evening.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 07:39 AM

I, however, am grumpy.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 07:21 AM

Dead Horse - I am NOT touchy on any subject - I merely express my views in a open and honest way (too honest for some people!). I didn't take offence at anything Banjoman said in particular - just pointed out that we had had a period of bitching and back biting and that it was time for more positive posts again. I think if you read back a little, you will find that it was Romany Man who blew his top at Banjoman and not I. He is also merely airing his views, which does not make him touchy either.

Anyway, you know my views on this subject, so there is little point in stating them again. Hope the issue with the bus gets sorted.

Kev (chilled, relaxed and looking forward to the uear ahead)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie the oast ouse opper
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 06:24 AM

I think you'll find dead horse that my dad is a champion moaner...
maybe you could run a workshop together? However, they'd have to be short, cos he'd fall asleep half way through....ha ha!

top on his list of moans:
people who call him 'santa' - if you must do it, it's father christmas...
no disabled parking near beer.
laws preventing him from combining driving with beer
'country and bloody western'
people what don't do cotswold proper
people what do longsword too slowly...
people who drink lager out of a tankard
people who drink coca cola out of tankards
the weather
us kids 'when will you lot get married??!'
the price of bread
moaning about my mum moaning at him all the time for eating all the nice bread
his knee
his other knee
and others depending on the latest government announcement about pensions/old people/bus passes/taxes etc etc

so I reckon that's a weeks worht of workshops there!

Charlotte xx

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Dead Horse
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 11:48 PM

Its the "hill" that all the bus "moaners" are on about.
Richard, if you tell the driver which tent you are occupying and ask him nicely, I'm sure he will oblige.
Personally, if the bus gets me from the bottom of that bloody hill to the top I shall be most happy.
Once or twice, early in the week, I can manage the walk up.
Come midweek I dread it, even after suitable liquid refreshment.
And I saw absolutely nothing in Banjomans post to take umbrage about.
He merely said that there always moaners, which is perfectly true.
He did not suggest that either you or Kev were among them.
I reckon that you, and especially Kev, are far too touchy on that subject.
The price of ale nowadays, the increase in the size of the hill, the young yobboes, the unsuitable non-folk music, the unseasonable weather which seems to me to be a case of "Global Wetting" and one hundred and one other items that I could go on about - they are my constant moans. (most of which are totally unreasonable, but I still moans cos I is gettin' old an' I likes moanin' so there!)
I shall e-mail Kim to see if I can a free weeks ticket if I host a Moaners Workshop every night in the school :-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Skywalker
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 06:31 PM

Do they have hills in Broadstairs??? Whitby Folk Week, now they have real hills...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 06:28 PM

I really really do suggest a conversation with the organisers, RM.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 01:22 PM

Ill talk to cousin Bill see ifn his mini bus is viable, 14 seats all insured for hire and reward, pound a head, dont seem to bad, but ifn it dont seem folks want it then well no option but walk up that bloody hill, any one got a stenna, more important ifn he gets better offer,                   well he is a business man .

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 02:30 PM

sounds like it's up to private enterprise - ouch!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 12:58 PM

I have had a route map from stagecoach. The Thanet Loop turns off to St Peters just after the station - so is little use.

The 9 runs past the school- but it doesn't run on Sundays or after about 7 pm.

So it's up to private enterprise or the committee.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Feb 09 - 02:48 PM

I think it would be very worth putting that up to the committee, Romany Man. The evening travel is likely to be a rush down to the town at about 7 till 8, then a quiet period then a rush back at midnight.

BTW, you know the slim young girl with bad teeth and curly hair who dances about in the pub (the Nags)? I overheard her telling someone the other day that she was "a Gipsy" - from the look of her hair I would guess Irish origin - maybe another long lost relative?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 15 Feb 09 - 01:38 PM

I can get a (or is it an) insured for hire, mini bus, my cousin uses it for the school run and private hire, he knows broadstairs, he knows the festival, and more importantly he knows the law, now if folk want me to pursue this line i will, he reckons that a pound a head each run only during the evening and night till about midnight, will see him ok,( but dont think he will run you if you are in his eyes too pissed,) but he will have to look at what sort of regularity would be feasable, now thats what i call progress and no red tape. Now he will have to come from bedfordshire, there must be a local if this dont work or he blanks us,

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Feb 09 - 11:18 AM

I have wasted a fair amount of time trying and failing to find exact details but it looks as if the "Thanet Loop" might be useful - but there seems to be no map showing where its stops are and the descriptions on the timetable are vague. It may turn off down St Peter's road which is OK if you are on the front field but not the back.

The "weekly rider" ticket would be good value at £8 (but I expect you would need two, since the weekend splits the week), the evening frequencies are lower, and the biggest but is that the last bus in the evening would probably be too early (and swamped by people dashing out of concerts).

I can't believe it is so hard to find out what the bus facilities are!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Feb 09 - 10:39 AM

With respect Banjoman, it was you who termed those with suggestions for improvements "moaners".

If the festival is convinced that its own bus would not be self-financing, and would be an excessive drain on resources, how about a list of the existing public bus times and a map of the stop locations, and indeed a list of the pickup points an approximate times of the current festival minibus (officially, I think, for booked bands only), with the camping information?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: banjoman
Date: 15 Feb 09 - 08:31 AM

Romany Man - i find your response to my contribution somewhat offensive - I suggest that if that is the level you have to descend to in making a contribution to a thread, then I pity you and suggest you find your own bus to get on. I do read threads very carefully and my contribution I felt was valid and was never intended to "Stir up" anything.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Feb 09 - 07:08 AM

They had something very like that two years ago. I must be awkward, to me that means there are only two nights with anything worth doing at the School - the two sessions.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 15 Feb 09 - 05:56 AM

I've just pinched this off the official Broadstairs website (link in the Original Posting)-

"This year there will be a full programme of late night events held at the school for those who want an alternative to the late night dancing at the Pavilion. These events will include a Music Hall with Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner, Mac & Dawn's famous Quiz Night, a night of Americana hosted by Trevor Stephenson, and a night of Morris Mayhem hosted by Wantsum. Plus Woodshed host Bob Kenward leaves the comfort of the Wrotham Arms to host the first session on Friday 7th, and there will be a Big Session on Thursday where you can all show off what you have learned during the week"

what do you reckon - are they listening?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 25 Jan 09 - 05:03 AM

great that would see more people happy, folk comes in all styles and genres, if you dont like one thing try another, yes a good idea lets see if it happens, banjoman, just leave the thread alone we are trying to get back on track and i think we are doing so quite well, the crap has been and gone, if you want to stir it up again do it on your own time and in another place, weve all learned lessons, you obviously have not, so get your bus and go far far away. im with mr bridge.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 02:53 PM

Thanks for all those positive comments about the singarounds - we try to please - but it's really about the people that come to them and what they contribute to them. Lots of good songs and singing, music, poems, jokes - and good listening too! Sorry we're a bit too respectable for you, Richard, but perhaps what that means is respect for those who are performing - I'm not sure.

Dead Horse made a comment a while back about deserting the singarounds for cajun music. Well, you could always get the cajun music to the singarounds - we'd love it!

But that did make me think - there aren't many 'folk' festivals where you can hear cajun, blues, gipsy swing, country, etc., all in the main mix, as it were - and they *are* all part of the folk heritage. So while we may all find styles of music that we don't much like, or even approve of being included in a 'folk' festival, I think we're lucky in getting to hear some very classy stuff that we wouldn't perhaps hear elsewhere.

Also, perhaps because Kim doesn't have all the baggage that goes with being a dyed-in-the-wool folkie, she tends to respond to listening to stuff that people send her, and booking what appeals, whether or not they are young, old, 'names' or not - that way, I've heard some people that were very new to me, some of whom I could have done without, but others that I've really enjoyed and wanted to hear more of. Thank goodness for her range of taste!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 01:23 PM

It's the Great British Spirit, isn't it? You're all standing there, ration books in hand, in a queue, under your umbrellas, and what are you doing?




























WAITING FOR A f*****g BUS!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 10:16 AM

banjoman!!!

We have just settled down again on this thread, and then you chip in!! Please read all of the posters comments - yes, we have expressed our comments, many negative, but all of us have equally finished all of our posts with what a grand effort both the organisers and stewards put into the week. Expressing your opinion is not moaning.

OK, back to the cool, laidback Broadstairs thread where we are now happy with each other :-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: banjoman
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 07:27 AM

I have been following this thread and have waited till now to throw in my twopenny worth. We have been regulars at BFW as part of the Old Trout Band for 20? years playing for Hobby Horse Club, Pub Sessions, Ceilidhs and running workshops. It really is a great week and caters for most tastes. I have had a few problems at the camp site, mainly due to my being disabled, but there has always been cooperation in sorting things out. As a former Festival Organiser (albeit not on the same scale as BFW) I can understand the problems that Jo and Kim face , especially this year with the economic climate as it is. They need all the support we cam give them if we want the festival to continue.
I say well done and keep up the good work. There will always be moaners no matter what you do, I respect everyones right to express their opinion, but have a thought for those who are working to keep the music and dance alive

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 04:31 AM

they are big van sorta things that take people for money from a to b, they come in many colours and can be single or double deck large and small hope that helps rb

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 10:49 PM

And buses?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 05:58 PM

Weather from the 7 th august, is booked to be glorious sunshine all week...as for now, not so much!! X

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 05:43 PM

so, anyway, what about the weather then???!!!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 04:51 PM

Steady now this is getting almost an alright thread, yeh lets keep it up

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 03:35 PM

And with Norcsalordie now booked for six or more slots I'm quite happy too

Perhaps if the organisers are shy they could communicate regarding the various concerns via the news page on their own site

And all we have to do is refer to it as the Broadstairs Folk and Music Week and that's another one out of the way

Plus the organisers have dealt with our complaints about being called freak week by employing some real freaks to take the flak

all is well :-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 12:10 PM

Well said RM. Yeah, Pax to all :-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 11:51 AM

at last a form of harmony, did it really take an outsider to bring this about, thank you charlie who ever you are, i like dilli wish your son well with his fiddle playing who knows maybe if he came to some of the smaller singarounds etc he could build up his nerve, yes many teenagers with talent seem to suffer the im not going public, my mates might see me, but im sure with a bit of encouragement he will flower. as for this years festival lets start looking at how good things can be with everyone behind it, mr bridge my goodness you have been working hard on how to get drunck and where, well done. dilli , its time for pax i reckon yes pax with all, and lets get this thread back on track,

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: melodeonboy
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 10:30 AM

Dead Horse: I hope you'll still find time to join Jumbo Gumbo with your triangle (if we're booked again - I don't think it's confirmed yet!).

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 10:03 AM

awww thanks Dead Horse, I shan't tell her, she'll get all shy...and just wait till you see her newest project...ladies cotswold done well? can it be?

I think I am going to even sing this year i did a couple of times last year and no one ran out screaming, no babies cried, so it can't all be bad :0)

people say I sound just like my mum....ooh err! x

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Dead Horse
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 09:37 AM

.....and beer!
Well done Richard. I know all the hostelries but I get very confused as to which is which, esp after visiting a couple.
I must confess to having more or less deserted the excellent Tom & Barbara sessions owing to a desire to hear cajun music, but seeeing as the only representative of that genre this year is Sarah Savoy & Francadiens, I may well return to what I consider to be my roots.
They encourage singers/players of all abilities to join in, and thats where I guess I first started singing in front of 'strangers' instead of just my morris colleagues.
As for Dillies younger sister, if she shows any more talent, I might just have to assassinate her. It aint right to have so much or it, and in a family that already posseses more than its fair share.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 07:48 AM

From a cut'n'paste (sorry about that) below, and which omits both the Yacht club and the Albion, I believe one might find some places where a session could be done.

Upstairs at the Dickens, or in the Buffaloes' room at the Neptune - provided other music downstairs is not too loud - look like possibles.

Another is the (not mentioned) Albion - could be the campsite session pub.

Could more be done with the community centre (is it?) up from the Nelson on the right? And the Pierremont Hall seems to have come and gone as a venue - was it beer licensing problems? It has a range of outbuildings that could be presed into service, but drinkers would have to shuttle to the bar by the main marquee stage.

How about a mini-singing-marquee in the allotments, with an outside bar on trestles? Or regular sessions where the shanty occasionals are, on the pier (again more beer needed, and maybe some canvas walls depending on the weather)? What about the Fort? Can nothing be done up there?

Don't I remember seeing some religious halls around? Maybe beer problems, but otherwise not much used.



So here's that pub crawl I found on the net: -

Take the train from London Victoria, Charing Cross or Waterloo East to Broadstairs, Thanet, Kent. The journey takes approximately one hour 40 minutes.

Crampton's Pub

Leave Broadstairs Station to the right and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing, where the first establishment to visit is Crampton's (formerly The Railway). It is likely that the stay will only be for a swift drink before heading 50 yards down the road, on the same side, as it is a very youth-orientated pub. This pub was built in 1865 and has recently been completely refurbished. It is named after the famous engineer Thomas Crampton, who built the nearby water tower (under the Railway Bridge and now a Museum) and worked for Great Western Railway, keeping the Railway connection alive. This is a Thorley Tavern.

The Bradstow Mill

The Bradstow Mill (another Thorley Tavern) is number two. This is a very pleasant, real ale pub during the week, although a fairly garish, loud 'yoof and chav' pub at the weekend. The pub has a Victorian exterior while the interior has been designed to look like the 15th Century Mill that stood at the rear of the building until it was demolished in the early 1900s. The interior was designed by David Cutmore. Bradstow is Anglo-Saxon for Broad Place, hence Broadstairs.

The Prince Albert

Cross the road and call in at the Prince Albert, another real ale pub which is very popular, with an Elizabethan-style gable and an elegantly painted frontage.

Ye Olde Crown

Following this establishment, cross the road to Ye Olde Crown, which is composed of three old fishing cottages. Again an old, established real ale pub, with good grub and plenty of old prints of Broadstairs in the rear bar. This pub was built in the 1830s in a mock-Tudor style, at a time when writer Charles Dickens was becoming familiar with the town. Indeed it is possible that he used the pub (probably along with most of the others in the area) while lodging in the High Street in 1837. It has been extended and refurbished over the years but still has a comfy atmosphere.

Wrotham Arms

Time for a slight detour (and some ignore this pub for that reason). Take a right turn at Rook's the Butcher's, along York Street to the Wrotham (pronounced 'rootum') Arms. This is a Shepherd Neame (known locally as Sh*t and Scream) pub, so a good drop of Spitfire can be expected. This pub is on the boundary of Broadstairs and was converted from two cottages probably around 1850.

The Charles Dickens

Double back on yourself, but before reaching Rooks, turn right at the House of Broomfield Coffee Shop, and enter a pub named after probably Broadstairs' most famous previous resident, Charles Dickens (known locally as Charlie Dicks). This is perceived to be the largest pub in Broadstairs, with the main bar downstairs and a restaurant/meeting room/bar upstairs. Excellent views around Viking Bay too. The building is around 200 years old and was famous around the late 1800s as a high class entertainment venue. This continued until the outbreak of the first world war when it became Anderson's Café. It has been a pub since the 1960s and is another Thorley Tavern.

Ballards

From here take a very short stroll along the Promenade to the Royal Albion Hotel, owned by the Marchesi Family since 1978, although the building was built in 1760. Recently the bar has been extensively refurbished, the garden has been tidied and a large decking veranda added. The bar has been renamed Ballard's, after James Ballard, a 19th Century owner who is purported to have supplied Charles Dickens with 'delicious brews and ales'.

The Rose

It is time to leave the Albion, via the front door, and turn right, crossing the road to pay a visit to The Rose. This is generally a music venue and so may not be everyone's pint of beer. This is a modern pub, built in the 1950s, replacing a pub from the 1780s of the same name but set further back from the road.

Balmoral Wine Bar

However it is no more than a spit to the next venue. This is the Balmoral Wine Bar, a very pleasant establishment and a vast improvement on its previous incarnation, Bomber's, which summed it up perfectly. It is a small venue, but has a good choice of wines. This was originally a hotel, with Gemset, the building next door being the dining rooms. It had a name change around 1990.

Barnaby Rudge

Now cross the road and head to Broadstairs' unique crossroads, with a pub on each corner. The one to try first is the garishly orange decorated Barnaby Rudge. The pub takes its name from the title of a Dickens' Novel, and has been variously, The British Tar (Sailor) and The George.

Harper's Wine Bar

Beating a hasty retreat from there, head down Harbour Street about 10 yards, to Harper's Wine Bar. A little trendy, but a good place for reading the Sunday papers.

Continue down Harbour Street, passing Broadstairs' quaint Windsor Cinema. Built in 1911, from knapped flint, it seats 100 people. A few years ago, when this Researcher visited, the projectionist offered coffees to all before the film, and then stopped the film halfway through to ask who wanted interval drinks, went up the road to a pub (that will be mentioned later), and returned with the order, prior to continuing the film. There were only 6 people in at the time though. Pass under York Gate which was built in 1538 as protection for the shipbuilding industry and was called Flint Gate. It was extensively rebuilt in 1795, and renamed York Gate, after the Duke of York.

The Pavillion

Continue down to the Pavilion, another Thorley Tavern, but thankfully this is one that Frank Thorley has rescued from disaster. Built in 1933 as a theatre on the sands, it fell into disrepair, and was bought by the local council, who couldn't staunch the money pit. Eventually Thorley took it over, cleaned it up, created an attractive garden and patio, and has actually made it a pleasant venue. It is regularly used as a music and dance venue, and boasts great views across Viking Bay.

The Tartar Frigate

Upon leaving, turn right and head down to the 17th Century Weatherboard boathouse and Custom House and visit the popular Tartar Frigate (another Thorley Tavern). This is a well established inn, having been regularly used by sailors, smugglers and Charles Dickens. Again primarily a Shepherd Neame pub, but with a lovely aspect across the harbour and the beach. It also serves beer in plastic glasses for consumption on the beach or the pier. The pub gets its name from HMS Frigate, a local ship that was built in the boatyards of Broadstairs. It was probably built in the mid 1850s. However it is known that a hostelry/boarding house had been on the site from at least the Elizabethan period.

The Neptune Halls

Having had a good quaff, it is time to stagger up Harbour Street, which is fairly steep, with narrow paths, so an awareness of traffic is essential. Pass the Olde Curiosity Shop (famed for its 30 foot well, used to store contraband during Broadstairs Smuggling era) and up to the most popular pub in Broadstairs, The 'Nep', or more correctly the Neptune's Halls. Another Shepherd Neame pub, built in the early 19th Century, it still retains many old features and has a large upstairs meeting room, home to the local Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. This also has a good beer garden. Built in 1815, the pub has retained many of its original features. The interior is now listed.

The Dolphin

The Dolphin is just across the road from the Nep. This is very much a teen pub, and is the only pub which maintains its normal clientelle throughout the local folk festival in August, hosting events at lunchtime, but being more a teen-band pub in the evening. Looks can be deceptive, as this is reckoned to be the oldest pub in Broadstairs, dating from the 1600s. It has been extended into the next door shop, creating a strange aspect as it has its own bar. Recently refurbished.


The Lord Nelson


After having enjoyed the ale, leave and turn right, past the car park on the left to the Lord Nelson. It is noticeable that this didn't start life as a pub, and was originally a drapers. It was built in 1815. It became a pub when the local brewery in Ramsgate bought it, and named it after Lord Nelson, due to the local historical link to Waterloo and Nelson. When his body was repatriated, The Victory and the fleet was moored in the Dover Roads off Broadstairs.

Now feeling rather comfortable, there are two routes back to the station. Either take the same road route back, or alternatively take the short route. Leave the Nelson, turn left, and go through the alley into Bradstow Way, continue to the junction, and turn left up to the High Street, then right, back to Broadstairs Station. The trains from the nearest platform go to Waterloo East/Charing Cross, while crossing over the footbridge for the other platform heads to London Victoria.

The gentle stroll around Broadstairs is around 2 km and takes in sixteen hostelries, as well as a fair amount of Broadstairs' historical elements and architecture.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 07:14 AM

Hello Charlie

I am not an organiser, no, but have been going since I was little, and I do volunteer (am part of the workforce) through the week, and through the week before working on the set up. I agree with your comment that this thread was not being constructive in responding to each other hence my comment above that I would not be responding to the thread other than to discuss the forthcoming festival, not to regurgitate old ground about last years festival.

Your son sounds like my little sister! she is 17 and has so much talent, but just prefers to watch at Folk Week...hopefully they'll realise they have a talent worth sharing soon! Saying that I was exactly the same at their age!


Thanks Romany Man for being so even handed in your last post - Like I say, last year was last year, and the festival is really up against it in the current climate - so maybe once the organisers get back to everyone either personally or as a group, we can make some further feedback.

I just wonder if the pub owners who are really struggling at the moment (i think it's three shutting a week in kent at the moment or something scary like that - read it in the press) know what a potential goldmine us folkies are in folk week --- my morris side and friends alone could drink a pub dry! And that makes landlords smiley :0)

Charlotte x

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Charlie (Margate)
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 06:03 AM

I have been following this thread for some time now and I did post a comment. I did not want to get dragged into any of the arguments, I simply made a comment. As a local to the area I did not want to camp, my son wanted to so at great expense we did. I feel that I am able to comment as I have no axe to grind at all, sadly from what I can see on this thread I certainly will not be a regular.
I thank Kev the clogs (what a strange name but then most are) for his comments, and yes I can agree with some of his points. I am not to well aquainted with the organisers of Folk Week but assume that Dilli is one of them, from the comments posted by him / her there appears to be some form of antagonism from them towards anyone making any comment about the festival.
Personal attacks from any side gain nothing I can assure you all.
There have been good genuine concerns aired by all sides and I enjoyed reading them. Sadly I left early after the night of problems so am not able to make any comment on the after effects. Apart from being very scarred by it.
However I did find it hard to find a suitable venue relating to good honest folk music, i now understand that the pubs have their own agenda, so ok dont go to them, easy, but surely as the festival seems to take over the town for a week, the organsisers could input some comments to the local public houses and other venues. The amount of money generated by the festival must affect the town. I wish we had something like it where I live we need the funds in the town.
Please everyone especially Dilli and Kev stop this nasty talk and put your energies into creating a better run festival. If I have assumed too much about people I say publicly, sorry I am not used to these sites and do not feel comfortable with it. My son sees it as a laugh his comments are that on this thread people need to get into the real world and take their heads out of their collective ---- you can guess the rest, he is 18 and full of it, if you know what I mean. I wish you all well with this years festival and may well just pop in now and again, but I wont be camping again, I really dont think it is value for money, I certainly wont be going down the town at night and thats for sure, its silly camping as I dont live far away. I wish you all well and will merely be watching from the sidelines, perhaps my son will come on as a member he is a great fiddle player but will not play in front of people, I despair of him sometimes. Well thats youth.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 05:15 AM

Now thats a great idea and i am sure people would even help out in the distribution if required, its not that i dont like broady i love it, but i dont like the politics , but that aside i find i have to agree with dilli, in my opininon all GOOD, sensible, and practical ideas   should be posted and looked at, with, or by the organisers, all ideas with good amounts of support should be if possible run with, but in the real world its a logistical problem, volunteers are already pushed to the limit, but yes the pubs need to know that its folk week not karioke week i dont think enough broady goers are on mudcat, but surely this is the way the thread should be going, last year has been and gone, this year is coming, surely lessons were learned and this year will have had the probs sorted,

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 04:46 AM

OOh and i wanted to add that Barbara and Tom, your sessions in the Sailing Club are what make the week for me...I loved going down and just listening - and Richard is right, great beers, great company that puts those (less fantastic at singing than yourselves) at ease to have a go themselves, great loos (so important during a folk festival when antibacterial hand gel becomes your best friend), and most of all GREAT voices.
And i'm proud to say my younger sister thinks its pretty good too, and she is a teenager and they hate EVERYTHING, so that is praise indeed.

I just wish it could go on longer, as Richard says. Has anyone thought of printing this blog, putting an explanatory letter on it, and sending it round to the Public Houses of Broady to see what reaction we get and whether they feel this would be reason enough to make their pub a venue for singing/sessioning and merriment?

Charlotte