Broadstairs 2009

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 04:41 AM

the 'fan of broadstairs' did sign her name ....'kathleen' at the bottom - just so you are aware Kev.

Charlotte
(who posts with both her nickname and her real name).

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: The Barden of England
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 03:55 AM

I'm sorry that I missed out your excellent singarounds Barbara, and sincerely apologise for doing so.

I'd like to recount something that happened about 4 or 5 years back. I had been in the 'Lord Nelson' and although the session was good, it wasn't 'lighting my fire' so to speak. No refelction on the session, nor the organisers. I decided to go and see my old mate Pete Hicks down at the Tartar Frigate as 'Slattery' were playing there. As it turned out they had just stopped and Pete was packing up. He turned to me and said 'Don't tell me you're going to start playing and singing!'. I said "Why not?". With a big smile he said "Because I'll have to get my instruments back and and join in you b***ard!!!". Needless to say that was a chanlenge that just had to be taken up. Suffice to say that a session got going and people were turning up from all over and joining in. We ended up having a fabulous time and it was one of the highlights for me. I sincerely believe that if one pub decided not to have a booked band and had an all day session going, along with a beer festival (something like 'The Swan' in Sidmouth) then that pub would make a killing.
Contrary to popular belief I really WANT to like Broadstairs as they do have some artists there that I like, and would pay to go and see, but the lack of an all day session really puts me off. It's a personal thing I know. I would volunteer to start one up if I could commit to it, but after a whole week and a bit the previous week in a certain Devon seaside town (sometimes until 3am), the voice becomes a bit fragile and wouldn't last running another one.
To the Festival organisers you are doing, and have done, great work and kept the festival alive during some difficult times and my thoughts are in no way a reflection on what you have done, so keep up the good work.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 03:50 AM

Coming back to what would, IMHO, improve Broadstairs

1. Booked music in pubs should be largely folk (ish)
2. Participative folk (ish) music should be readily available: at present demand exceeeds supply.
3. Shuttle service to campsite (likely not to be a large drain on resources, might be self-financing or better, see my posts above)
4. Safety and hygeine.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:21 PM

By the way, GUEST,fan of broadstairs, it is an accepted part of Mudcat, that you don't actually post as a guest, and that you post with a sensible, regular name. That way, we can refer back to you, instead of "fan of Broadstairs". Only saying what Joe woould say!!!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:14 PM

well, in small letters, without using bad language (please note, I did use stars in place of letters) - I hope you have a lovely time in sunny, picturesque Broadstairs during the fantastic Broadstairs Folk Week, and I am sorry that I have taken up your valuable time by spouting on about my worthless comments about a week that I spent in your part of the world last year. I must make it a New Year resolution to keep quiet, not say what I am thinking and just go through life like a total pleb and just accept what I am given (Sorry, I used capital letters there, because it was gramatically correct!!).

:-)

K

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,fan of broadstairs
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 07:52 PM

Kev
I honestly think that your points would be better put across if you could refrain from using bad language, this generally only shows a lack of vocabulary. Nobody likes to be shouted at and as you can't shout you use Capital Letters. Your posts just say that you are a very angry person and this is not good for you and you need to calm down a bit. Yes I have read the whole thread and realise that you have made some valid points but if you could manage to behave in a civilized fashion people might listen to them more.
Personally I have been going to Broadstairs for at least 22 years now and have enjoyed every year for a different reason. I go to see bands that I have never heard of because this is a chance for you to see these bands and make up your mind wether you like them or not. I have been suprised at the variety of music that has been on offer and how often I have found something to amaze me. If the organisers were to stick to just traditional folk music I feel that the festival would lose something somehow. It would be wrong to call it a music festival because it does feature a tremendous amount of folk music and fold entertainments (morris dancing, dance workshops, singing workshops etc)which if it was just listed as a music festival people would not expect to be taking place.
I realise that there was a problem with security last year which orginated from people throwing things from outside the campsite which could not have been predicted,and the sad fact is that if people are determined to cause havoc then they will find a way to do so. I am sorry that you find this all so upsetting that you are still going on about it so late after the festival has finished and that you do not feel able to attend but I can assure you that there are plenty of people like myself who are counting the days till Broadstairs 2009.

Kathleen

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 07:01 PM

Kampervan

Why did you pick up on my comments and not Rafflesbear's comments?

Rafflesbear, I knowyou have additional intrests in Broadstairs Folk Week, but, once again - you sum up EXACTLY what IS or ISN'T happening with regard to the very important part of this ENTIRE thread - THE ORGANISERS! They have had time to get feedback from people who have written to them. They will have had time to look at this thread (and last year's ) after being directed to it by people's comments. They must have had meetings (My event that I help organise, has a meeting on the last Thursday of every month), BUT, no reply and NO response.

Come on organisers, put your money where your moouths are and TALK to the people who are attending and paying good money towards the Festival that you are organising (NOT having a dig at your hard work - just want SOME sort of response!!!!!)))

Kev (on behalf of the disillusioned, ex, or soon to be ex, folkies of the Broadstairs Folk Week).

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 06:47 PM

PS - Tom and Bab's sessions are great! Please keep them going!!!

For God's sake though, why can't people read a posting and then step back, think and then look at both sides of the coin!!!??? Equally (Kampervan), why can't people be bothered to read the ENTIRE list of postings before they start to add there "two penneth" and get the wrong end of the previous posting.

What WAS VERY REFRESHING was the posting of a newbie, Charlie, who I don't think has been on here before. Now, let me see - he said EVERYTHING that several of us have been saying ALL ALONG, but guess what - he didn't castigated for it!!!!

Good on ya Charlie!!!n n Well said, well set out, thanks for joining in. Looking forward to seeing you in Sidmouth!

Kev

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 06:40 PM

OH for F**** sake!!!! How many times do I have to say it!!! I'm not having a dig at the HARD WORK that the organisers do!!!! (I help organise my OWN event and KNOW the EFFORT that it takes!!!)

What I am getting at IS (PLEASE HEAR THIS) - is that it is NOT a FOLK FESTIVAL, but a MUSIC FESTIVAL!

ALL I am trying to get at is, IF the organisers SOLD it as A MUSIC FESTIVAL, then people would come, or not accordingly. Being billed as a FOLK FESTIVAL, is treading on the wrong side of the trade descriptions act - THAT IS ALL I AM SAYING!!!

Organisers - great, good luck to you, keep up the hard work. Why the F*** don't people read/listen to what is being said!!!???

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kampervan
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 06:07 PM

Wow Kevin, I think that that was a bit not called for.

Broadstairs makes a lot of people very happy every year and the organisers don't deserve that many capital letters in one posting.

Nothing is perfect and the organisers are always looking for ways to improve it, but sometimes, Yes, you do have to do a bit of work to unearth the best (in your opinion) sessions. And if the direction that this particular festival decides to take doesn't line up with your preferences then find one that does.

That's why they're all a little different from each other; thank god.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 06:03 PM

"there are acts there which are undoubtedly on the extreme edge of the folk genre" and "the eclectic nature of some of the acts"

I fear that those who deep in their hearts want the festival to be loved are in denial. There are some bands which with a ladder and some glasses might see folk music on the horizon.

BUT is ANYONE going to claim that the FUNKIMG BARSTEWARDS (oh how clever that name is - I thought for a moment you said something else - oh how jolly) have ANYTHING remotely to do with Folk Music? - so why are they in the programme?

I could accept that during folk week other styles of music take place in Broadstairs - it's a free country (believe that if you will) so anyone can put on alternative entertainment in the hope of picking up the non-folkies. But this is PROGRAMMED IN as part of the FOLK WEEK

I was told that the points that were sent in to the organisers were going to be circulated and discussed by the committee - so what did they think? - we don't know - the silence is deafening. No statement - nothing. Is that because they think it is their festival not ours? Is it because we are not their target audience anyway? Are we wrong to think that this festival was ever meant for the likes of us?

For me this one band sums up the frustrations of those who are complaining and until I heard their promo I was still blind to the argument of the complainers

I was the one who suggested to the people of Mudcat that they should make their views known to the organisers and now I am asking the organisers to come out from wherever they are hiding and let us know whether we are wasting our time. ORGANISERS ARE YOU THERE? Would you like to tell us of all the good things you are doing? Did anyone of you at the committee meeting agree with anything that was being said?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 05:53 PM

Err - Calm down Kevin.

Tom and Barbara's sings in the yacht club have many merits - always rammed, just a tiny bit respectable, beer cheaper than most pubs, and good, showers and the cleanest bogs in the town upstairs, but the "it's 3pm and now you must go" (not their fault) can be a little irritating.

As I say - there are not enough sings, particularly of the "all join in" type, so those sings that there are get rammed.

I sonder ifit would pay another pub to pull out of the electric band scene and go for another all day session?

How about upstairs at the Dickens (is it the Dickens? Almost on the prom?) Or that pub in the ugly 30s building on the opposite side of the main drag?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 03:48 PM

Why should we "Have to look for it"? It's a FOLK FESTIVAL (alledgedly!!!???) - We should be falling over it at every turn - just like Sidmouth et al!!!! Get a life BROADSTAIRS, YOU JUST AINT DOING IT FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE!!!!!!

If YOU are providing a FOLK FESTIVAL, then provide a FOLK FESTIVAL!!! We can get amplified bands at our local pubs (where ever that might be) every weekend!!!!!! We are paying GOOD MONEY to attend a FOLK FESTIVAL!!! You cater for the great unwashed from the surrounding area most of the year - during your "show case Festival2, surely you should be doing what it says on the can - FOLK!!!!!! ALL DAY LONG!!!! EVERYWHERE!!!!! 9.00am to 1.00am!!!! Sorry, I got confused - that's a FOLK Festival as oppossed to a MUSIC WEEK that caters for the masses!!!

(In NO WAY am I taking away the STERLING efferts madeby the organisers or the Stewards of Pubs that are working VERY hard - JUST, what are they working FOR!!! A FOLK festival of a Music Festival. There is a HUGE difference!!!!!! That is ALL that is being said here by a LOT of people!!!).

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: BB
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 02:30 PM

"But where else?. Pete's truly great voice only for a couple of hours each day, The Lord Nelson (if you can get in - or be arsed of course) and your place. That's it"

Oh really? What on earth have Tom and I been doing every evening for the last twenty-odd years then? I really thought that we were providing a place for anyone and everyone to have a chance of performing, although, I confess, we do have a booked artist doing half a dozen numbers in three and a half hours, as do the lunchtime singalongs in the Neptune, the music sessions in the Nelson, and the daily folk club - but primarily, all four exist for festival goers and anyone else who happens along to share our wonderful folk heritage.

So you could have "just a bit of what elsewhere offers". I'm not saying it's perfect, and there are acts there which are undoubtedly on the extreme edge of the folk genre, but there's plenty for 'real' folkies if they bother to look for it.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: The Barden of England
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 08:35 PM

Good on you Jen at the Wrotham Arms, and more power to you. You - above all else see what the need is. What's that? Well, let's think a moment. Ah yes; there are musicians who play for Morris sides. There are the performers in the BIG TENT, who really do like to mingle and join in. They can all get that within your walls, and once again I applaud you. But where else?. Pete's truly great voice only for a couple of hours each day, The Lord Nelson (if you can get in - or be arsed of course) and your place. That's it - all the other places have booked bands, some of which may be a tad folkie. Now there's a place, which I won't name, but suffice to say that may well be a week previous that has not one band booked in the pubs (except the free celidh band every day in the car park at the rear) and welcomes musicians, singers, jugglers and dancers all day, every day, morn till early morn, in many of the establishments around said place. Not only that but there is transport there too. None of that walking up hill and down dale. Why don't I go any more to Broadstairs? Oh I just wish I could have just a bit of what elsewhere offers. But of course, I need to ask and hope. I'm still hoping after many years.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 07:05 PM

Is Hughie Jones getting asked down this year? He's not been for a few years.
Also Mick Groves is back on the scene and I'd like to see him come to Kent.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:31 AM

Yes wheeler st did get stopped! It was quite funny but after nuch explaining everyone knew that they weren't yobbos but in fact the amazingly talented band they really are!!
Ha ha!! It won't be the first time artists have been mistaken for someone else...working on the stall at sidmouth selling records a few years back, I had to explain to another girl working with me that the man picking up a large box of cds from the stall wasn't a thief, but was martin carthy...he he xx

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: wrotham-arms-jen
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 09:46 AM

and to lighten the mood a bit...i heard that wheeler street were stopped by the police for loitering at the camp site...when they really were one of the highlights of the festival last year...for me anyway.

been not saying much here because i cannot comment on the campsite, being lucky enough to live in town, but i know the festival organisers are addressing the problems...

i'd like to point out that some of the pubs book music privately during the week and so the quality/genre is not the responsibility of the fest organisers. the wrotham books all through BFW up until the last friday evening and my opinion is that they've done a good job for the last 2 years i have been here, but as they say 'you cant please all the folks all the time'.

the bfw pub music starts on the saturday...which may explain why mr bridge ended up in a karaoke pub last year on the first friday...would have liked to have been a fly on the wall at that one :)

anyway - sorry that some of you will not be attending this year - but i for one am determined that it will be a brilliant week for those that do join us.

jen

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 07:50 AM

Just thought I would add that I am not going to respond any more to this thread unless specifically about this years festival :0) in order not to detract from the hard work going in to make this year a great success and a great festival. I am sure the festival organisers are working hard to take all those comments that have reached them in the office on board.

oh and Charlie - I think that the band you're referring to having packed out the wrotham arms (fab pub) was Wheeler Street, a local band from my home town of Maidstone -young energetic folk types that they are :0) I believe they have a new album launching in February this year.

Charlotte

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,guest, Charlie
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 07:36 AM

I have been pointed to mudcat by a friend from work, on looking at this thread may I make a comment, it appears to me that there are two clear cut camps here, those that think Broadstairs is a great festival, and needs nothing improving, and those that think Broadstairs needs a bit of help, between the two is a line that seems to be crossed one way then the other, I read positive comments about what happened last year on the campsite and in the pubs, and yes i was there on the top campsite with my son, when we returned we saw damage to tents, damage to two caravans, and one car had its windscreen cracked, we went to the other campsite where a brick had been thrown through a tent, various items had been stolen or damaged.
These things in my opinion were the responsibility of the organisers who provided inadequate security.
However it appears that the main cause of disquiet was the bands in the public houses etc, I personally was disapointed at the quality of music available going from pub to pub, until I found the Wrotham Arms one night, it was packed to bursting, but the music was great.
I went to the area near the Dolphin public house to be met with a wall of people that seemed intent on wrecking the town, again in my humble opinion, once through them we came upon another public house the name eludes me at present, where there were many musicians jamming away quite happily, and a very pleasant night was spent there with the likes of Mr Pip Ives and his partner Jo, as well as many more .
I have been to Broadstairs for a few years now, but sadly it does appear to be losing the edge somewhat, that is in comparison to Whitby, Sidmouth etc, will I be going this year ? possibly not having looked at the website, Whitby , yes, Sidmouth yes, I nether defend nor attack the organisers they have a very hard job to do, but it does appear that the festival is being organised for their own pleasure rather than for the entertainment of us the paying public, thats all i have to say on the matter and hope that the festival goes well . I do know how hard it is to organise such events, but it is for everyone to try and help make it a good week.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:22 PM

Hoff, I've been telling you this for years!!!!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 05:07 PM

Kevin, maybe if I can get a laptop and a wifi connection, I could put essential files in the boot of the Volvo and work in the mornings and Sid in the afternoons. It sounds so good!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 02:19 PM

Broadstairs Regular - Please read ALL of the posts on this thread - the reason that I am not going this year has NOTHING to do with which type of acts have been booked for THIS year, but or the reasons stated VERY clearly in many posts before on this thread and indeed, last year's thread.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,A Broadstairs Regular
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 02:05 PM

Whoever the artistic director books is down to her and what makes Broadstairs a pleasant change from nearly all of the other folk festivals is the eclectic nature of some of the acts.

The reason I stopped going to other folk festivals was seeing the same boring line ups at each one. What Kim attempts to do (very well imho) is to have an exciting line up that will appeal to both folkies and the local community who embrace it so generously. The whole town joins in, unlike I noticed at Whitby the other year when a tourist could be forgiven for wondering if anything was on at all.

Ok so you don't like one act so you're not going and another one wasn't booked so you're not going. Plenty of us are and I can't think of anywhere else I'd like to be in August

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 12:17 PM

I've got it!

We can have two festivals - one at each end of the town, and the folk performers can play one end and the rest the other. And they can have separate busses , a bit like segregation USA.

Since it's England, they can change ends at half time.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 11:55 AM

Quote from Romany Man:
Oh Kev , you are wasting your time and effort on this thread as are most of those who agree with you, myself included, sadly so many of those who started to see the light wont put their thoughts into words, and why should they, the its a great festival everything is all right, nothing happened on campsites, nothing was damaged, nothing was vandalised, security was great, we know better than you, and if you dare say anything about our beloved broadstairs we will gang up , berate you, ignore your input, ban or exclude people, bands and singers, as well as any members of the folk fraternity who dont agree with us.

Oh very dear....I'd like to point out I never said nothing happened, but perhaps that they weren't the defining moments of the festival in my opinion, and also in my opinion (which is also valid dare I even think it) that some other great things happened to make up for those things that weren't brilliant.
All this about ganging up is a bit odd?? The only kind of ganging up I'd ever do is in a pub, with beer and some good songs, round a ncie warm fire :0)
I never said you couldn't have your opinions, but was informed I am mislead and only see the positives in things (heaven forbid!) and that this was a bad thing. I didn't ever say that nothing bad had happened chaps. In fact - in one of my first posts reply I wrote about the measures being taken /that had been taken to address it.


This same theory can be applied to the music...some of it is not to my taste and some of the acts lined up this year I won't be rushing to see. That said, I am really excited about wholehearted, (traditional voices that make your spine tingle), spiers and boden, glorystrokes (folk with a twist), Faustus, and lovely local lot the Dealers etc etc...

I agree, that some acts are not to be termed 'folk' but can see that in order to make it a viable festival and one which a few landlords in the town will want to support the acts have to be more varied than the folk artists we would all LOVE. If i had my way I would have pure folky things from dawn til dusk (including that little bit inbetween when we're supposed to sleep). But the festival as it is in a town and not a more contained event like Towersey for example, has to cater to a wider audience, but I'd say given the line up that the vast majority is folk.

Just wanted to say that really. I get your point about some of it not being entirely folk, but alas, thats change for you. I think if you look at other festival line ups you've championed on here, there are definite nods to 'alternative' music :0) And while I don't like it, it doesn't mean to say others wont love it!

Charlotte xx

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Richard Bridge elsewhere on his network
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 09:20 AM

Well, starting at Fort Road, and going past Edge End Road to the Field C entrance and back to your tent I reckon is about the equivalent of going to St James Ave.

Directions from Google Maps as follows

Driving directions to St James Ave, Broadstairs CT10, UK
1.2 mi – about 5 mins
Fort RdBroadstairs, UK

1. Head northwest on Fort Rd toward Shuttle Rd 269 ft
2. Continue on Church Rd 200 ft
3. Turn left at Albion St/B2052
Continue to follow B2052 0.3 mi
4. Continue on A255/High St
Continue to follow A255 0.4 mi
5. Turn left at A255/Broadstairs Rd 0.3 mi
6. Turn right at St James Ave 427 ft

St James Ave Broadstairs CT10, UK


1 mile, 896 feet

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 08:16 AM

Guest, you are supposed to post with a recognizable name. Otherwise we don't have the chance to reply personally. :-) It's still a long way with all your Morris kit.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 06:24 AM

Sorry my calculations were wrong it is not a half mile walk.
From the corner of Albion st to the corner of edge end Rd is 0.6 of a mile or if you are comparing exactly to sidmouth then from Piermont park arena to the school entrance is .5 of a mile

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:29 AM

Oh Kev , you are wasting your time and effort on this thread as are most of those who agree with you, myself included, sadly so many of those who started to see the light wont put their thoughts into words, and why should they, the its a great festival everything is all right, nothing happened on campsites, nothing was damaged, nothing was vandalised, security was great, we know better than you, and if you dare say anything about our beloved broadstairs we will gang up , berate you, ignore your input, ban or exclude people, bands and singers, as well as any members of the folk fraternity who dont agree with us.
if people were to vote with their feet and more came onto the thread to speak about their views good or bad , perhaps things would change, sadly i doubt it, comments on this thread are from people who have the right to free speech, but sadly it seems not in their back yard of broadstairs. Kev you aint going i aint goin i know of many people who aint goin but they are not on mudcat, will it change things , no of course not, its a crying shame that such a venue is coming under such a spotlight , it has the potential to be a great festival if only the organisers would get off their high horse and see . sadly it will never happen. as a minor point how many other festivals come under this spotlight , i have not seen many, i know it was not all bad, parts were bad ie bands etc, most venues were like a normal pub night anywhere, apart from one or two, and it was every night,

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 03:59 AM

RB sorry ol chap slip of the finger, im always in troublle for that.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 06:13 PM

Well that for me, just about sums it up!!! A Folk Festival booking an act that would be better served in a naff working man's club on a December Saturday night!!!!

If I actually PAID for a season ticket for the week, I would be wanting my money back!!!

I'm sure that the youngsters, especially the drunken louts that inhabit Dolphin Corner for a large part of the week will LOVE them!!! No problem, if that is what you want for the week, then absolutely fine with me, just don't market it as a Folk Festival, whilst groups such as Norcsalordie - fine, young, talented Folk Artists, get the cold shoulder after performing to packed pubs last year, and left to go elsewhere where will be appreciated.

Long live freedom of choice, long live free speach, but PLEASE, start being honest with the customers and call it what is - A Festival of Music and not a Folk Week.

Kev

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 05:33 PM

I'v had a quick look as the guest list so far and there does appear to be some folkmusic. Whether it will get into the pubs I wait to see.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 05:24 PM

I might or might not agree with you Raffelsbear - but I am NOT loading Realplayer again. I made that mistake on a different machine some years ago and the amount of spyware and crap and the way it hooked itself in to play eveything - Yecch!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 03:58 PM

OK - Look at my postings above (hey - no longer Guest - did you notice?)

My credentials for having a positive approach to the Festival come second only to Dillie

but I have spent some time following the Artist links on the official website and I now have to join those who are questioning the booking policy. This is just one example from many

It is not for the fainthearted but follow this link and give me one good reason why anyone organising a Folk Week should have wasted a phone call on these guys - Noddy Holder I'm with you 100% (by the way you have to get to the end of the sampler to understand that remark)

Folk Music Broadstairs Style

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 03:03 PM

Finnish? Does that mean I have to learn an ABba song?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 12:39 PM

Kev, aylesford is on my definate list, hope we can beat last year for a good time start to finnish

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 10:28 AM

Rafflesbear, we have just been wondering about you on this here thread

They were trying to work out who you are - and finally, someone has spilled the beans (not sure if he was at Otford last year, when I found out your true identity or not) - now they know.

Didn't think I'd seen Norcsalordie listed in the programme - how come (they were the only REAL set of Folk Artists that were performing last year!!!!

I'd love them to come an perform at my Aylesford Village Festival at the end of June if they are free - you'd all be welcome, and you don't need a bus either. PM me if you need further details.

Kev

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 08:27 AM

No Norcsalordie = No Rafflesbear + friends

Unless that changes we won't be going either - bus or no bus :-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 06:58 AM

Or the allotments...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 06:58 AM

Pierrepoint Hall gardens, hidden under the bushes...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: melodeonboy
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 05:58 AM

"I know a bus service would be nice but how can anyone compare a half mile walk through the town with a 2 mile uphill trek on dark country lanes with no footpath"

Half mile walk? Where do you camp - under the railway bridge?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 09:51 AM

I know a bus service would be nice but how can anyone compare a half mile walk through the town with a 2 mile uphill trek on dark country lanes with no footpath

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 08:42 AM

I know!!!
Its looking great this year. All this and almost nearly possibly guaranteed sunshine....result! X

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: wrotham-arms-jen
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 07:28 AM

really not wanting to get involved in these issues but thought i'd let everyone know that the concert line-up is now on the web-site. its going to be a fantastic week of music...

broadstairs 2009 concert line up

jen

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: romany man
Date: 14 Jan 09 - 01:35 PM

gon quiet aint it, sadly as usual the thread gets nasty, despite positive input it has to go the wrong way cos someone takes it personal when the facts present themselves no matter what, im so glad i aint goin

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 13 Jan 09 - 11:47 AM

If anyone made it personal last year - it was YOU of all people!! I lost count of the times that I was targeted on here and out in public. (Ask others - they will back me up on this).

Dillie, as usual, you are missing the point. I suggest you start listening instead of preaching.

As for Broadstairs 2009 - I wish the organisers every success (for this year and years to come).

Best wishes Kev :-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: GUEST,dillie the oast ouse opper
Date: 13 Jan 09 - 11:00 AM

terribly sorry for putting on the "smiley, smiley voice and face" Kev.
So much for not making it personal.

And actually, If you can come on here and say negative things by way of attempting to draw attention to the problems you feel are faced by the festival organisers and attendees, then I more than have the right to challenge that point, and also to add my thoughts that perhaps solutions are being worked on, and would have been easier to have been worked on had you contacted the festival office during the festival last year, or indeed after the festival ended.

my response wasn't all smiley smiley - In fact i agree with you on several points - I only chose to highlight the issues faced by the festival in that you are suggesting improvements that might not be possible if the festival is to remain cost effective for the season ticket holders who return year on year.


I have no problem with you directing your views to the organisers, and agree that you should be given free reign to say whatever you wish - I just felt I should report my view of the festival to the wider public audience that you are targeting by writing on here - some of whom may have never tried to visit the festival and may be put off by your comments. A balanced blog is surely a better one?

All the best with going to all the other wonderful festivals in the country this year Kev - I hope you do enjoy them. I think you're going to miss a great year in Broadstairs, and will hopefully another year.

I do hope that others who read this are assured that Broadstairs Folk Week is planning to be great this year - and that I would encourage people to come and check it out and make up your own minds!

Charlotte x

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Jan 09 - 04:05 PM

Dead Horse, I got that figure by googling "minibus hire". It's a company in Essex.

And I allowed running at an average 50% capacity. If you want to skew times, feel free

Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2009
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 12 Jan 09 - 03:58 PM

As I've said MANY times - if Sidmouth can organise a regular "Folk Bus Service", then why can't Broadstairs!!!???? Sidmouth put it out to tender - companies responded - a company gets the tender, and "what do you know" - there is suddendly a well run, well used, well respected, regular double decker bus service between 9am and 2am the next morning.

Yet AGAIN Dillie (why can't you see this), people ARE NOT trying to bemoan or belittle the STIRLING EFFORTS of the Stewards and Organisers - you ALL do a GREAT job which is hard and thankless - HOWEVER! HOWEVER!!! - when people make a legitimate comment about problems/issues that THEY have encountered (not ones that YOU or people that YOU know have encountered), then PLEASE don't put on the "smiley, smiley voice and face" and say that Broadtsairs is such a lovely, wonderful place to be. YES, Broadstairs IS a nice town, it has got a Festival and it CAN/COULD BE a LOT BETTER. Let people have their say, either HERE, or as Rafflesbear suggested, direct to the Organisers.

Kev The Clogs