The Beech, Chorlton

Subject: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 06:20 AM

With just a week to go to the first Singaround of the New Year I wish all who sang, played, fought off dogs, brought candles, spotted the gas leak or just turned up and had a good time:

A Happy New Year.

The Beech has been re-decorated and the seating has been recovered. It is quite tasteful and I don't think this will damage the acoustics.

To show solidarity with Eliza Carthy the Singaround at the Beech will be giving birth to a daughter on Tuesday 27th January. More details later.

Cheers

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: GUEST,Spleen Cringe
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 11:32 AM

I'll be there. Hopefully utilities will behave and the beer will be on. It must be the first time the Beech has been decorated since the 80s...

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 11:45 AM

WooHoo - Monday the 26th I will miss Swinton by being on night shift. I can make up for it by coming to Chorlton on the 27th as my shift finishes 7am that day:-) As long as no unexpected illnesses prevent it again! I may fall asleep but just keep poking me with a stick. Unfortunately I am on the day shift on the 7th and 8th and as that entails a 5am start the singaround looks unlikely:-(

And I was realy looking forward to finding out what the seats had recovered from...

DeG

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 05:13 AM

It's looking good, although Rachel's been out of voice of late, which has been a bit of scunner on various fronts. Wednesday the 7th puts us out of the season, so you will get the Wee Wee Man, and maybe A Pigrims Way, but none of the seasonal stuff I worked up back in December but didn't really get a chance to do because of various bugs. Even so, we drank in the New Year with Midori!

Note the new Mudcat handle for 2009.

All the very best - Sean

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 02:21 PM

This sounds good Sean. The pub is threatening sandwiches again. I didn't feel I could say no, perhaps songs celebrating generous Landlords and bread in general?

Cheers

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 02:21 PM

Sandwiches? Sandwiches? See what happens when we miss a couple of months! They redecorate the room and start serving up sandwiches! I dare say they've done a spot of rewiring too, but even so, we'll bring our Ikea candle lanterns along for that added - romance...

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:17 AM

I was at first concerned that we would loose out to football. Then, as the pub looked more than a bit worn and empty that it would simply close. Rumour has it that The Horse and Jockey, the big pub on the Green to which we once decamped, is to be turned into a Gastro Pub - whatver that is. I am now concerned that the Beech might become Cocktail Bar supporting the "Gastro and Jockey".

Well perhaps not.

See you Wednesday

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:44 AM

Apparently the gastro thing may not now be happening...

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:58 PM

I guess they could put some of the old interior walls back so that smaller groups of people could sing or play tunes as I believe at the rather remarkable Beech Inn, just next door.

Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 03:09 PM

>>"It must be the first time the Beech has been decorated since the 80s..."
Which 80's would that be, Les?

Happy New Year to all the singers at the Beech. I'm afraid I shan't make it this week as the thought of driving back along the M56 at midnight doesn't appeal much. Instead I'll sit at home and sing 'How cold the wind doth blow' to myself. Have a good sing.
Matthew

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 03:49 PM

I've actually learned a couple of songs for tomorrow (oh the horror...). I found some without many words or too much of a tune. Still not convinced I should be allowed to take them out of the bathroom though. Tell you what, can I sing 'em from behind a shower curtain?

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 06:27 AM

Thanks Matthew, we will sing up, see if you can hear us, its only about 30 miles down the Mersey.

Nigel, bring the shower curtain, but listen carefully to the music and look out for knives!

cheers

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 05:00 PM

that's chorlton ohio, correct

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 03:46 AM

Guest from Sanity,

Well it could be if I took the wrong turning at the corner of High Lane. But then again ................. why not drop in at the Beech, Chorlton, Manchester, UK and see what you think - you will be most welcome.

No dogs, dodgy lights or gas leaks just an excellent night of songs and tunes.

Thanks to Kate, Phil, Bob, Norman, Alan, John, Martin, Rachel, Sean, Sue, Bob, Dave with a sore throat, John, Anne, Ken, Olga and Ged. Also to Sandy and Nigel for singing for the first time, although I think Nigel did sing ages ago, and Steve and Jude who haven't sung yet but who Knows? Oh and Ingrid for another brilliant story.

The Beginners Tunes Session starts on Tuesday 27 January and with a bit of luck will continue on the last Tuesday of each month until we have learned a tune or two. Further details to come.

Cheers

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 04:07 PM

What was in Nigel's rush-cart? I never did find out...

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 07:13 PM

Tee hee. I'd forgotten about my rushcart... It might have been a warping of a half-remembered catchphrase from Bullseye or some such shining cultural beacon...

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 05:56 AM

Gorton, a suburb of Manchester so to speak, became part of Manchester 100 years ago this year. Gorton home of the infamous Gorton Morris Men, currently 'resting', with recorded history around 200 years, followed the Gorton Rushcart in the 19 C.

Manchester City Council have asked Ash Lathom, Squire Of GM, to organise a Rushcart this year.

So, a good year for Rushcarts?

Cheers

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: John J
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 06:23 AM

Hi Les,

I emailed Chris Cole last night to see how things are progressing with the Rushcart, no reply as yet. I'll let you know when I get a reply. I haven't got contact details for Ash.

Cheers,

John

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 10:22 AM

Les, just to explain: on a now defunct forum Sean and I both used to inhabit, we could have straplines. Mine was "Can you see what's in my rushcart yet?" And a cute little picture of a rushcart. Aaaah....

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 04:13 AM

Well, 31 January today.

By the power and logic of number that makes next Wednesday the First Wednesday of the Month of February.

And so I invite all and sundry to the Beech on Beech Road, Chorlton, Manchester, to sing some songs, mostly but not exclusively traditional, and perhaps to play a few tunes also.

Cheers

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 03:42 AM

The snow will have gone by Wednesday

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 05:30 AM

Only if the winds begin to sing in the mean time...

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 06:19 AM

Ok Phil, this could be a song:

The snow will have gone by Wednesday
Only if the winds begin to sing in the mean time...

Who can add the next line???????????????

Does sound dangerously Country though

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 06:35 AM

The snows will be gone by Wednesday
If the winds they sing in time -
(But the ale it tastes the sweetest
When the frosts are settling in)
And when the gaffa he tells me,
there's a sing in a few days time
Alas, I say, but we shan't be there,
We'll see you in the spring...

No snow up this way anyway, though it is a tad nippy.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 07:07 AM

Priceless Sean and not trace of Country,

See you in the Spring then!

Cheers

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Gedi
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 07:25 AM

I must go down to the Beech again
to the lonely room at the Inn
To sing a song and play a tune
and see my friends come in.

I must get down there early
That way I won't have to stand
To hear the songs that once were heard
in this green and pleasant land

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 07:57 AM

Exlnt Ged - you have to sing it on Wednesday!

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Gedi
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 01:59 PM

lol, I didnt think of a tune, I was thinking of 'I must go down to the sea again, the lonely sea and sky......'

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Will Fly
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 02:08 PM

Just to go slightly off-topic for a moment, does a Samuel Street still exist in Gorton? My great-grandfather was living at no. 18 in 1901. He was a boilermaker (rivetter) by trade and probably worked, at that time for the Beyer Peacock company, who made locomotives.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 02:12 PM

Street thingy doesn't show a Samuel Street Manchester or Gorton but a lot has been knocked down.

I think the Gorton Tank was built by Beyer Peacock - also the name of the band that grew out of Gorton Morris Men.

vheers

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Will Fly
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 02:15 PM

Thanks Les.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 06:44 AM

Well, this may sound highly improbable but here in Manchester the sun is shining, the sky is blue and the snow has gone.

I trust this will last a few days and enable good voice and good company to get to the Beech tomorrow around 8 ish for a songs mostly bit not exclusively traditional oh and a few tunes too

Cheers

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 04 Feb 09 - 05:26 AM

The sun is up, the sky is blue
There's not a cloud to spoil the view
We'll be singing, singing in the Beech

With due respect

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: AlanG
Date: 04 Feb 09 - 08:24 AM

Oh misiery, misery
What's going to to become of me?


But perhaps there'll be some cheerful songs too

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 08:03 AM

Thanks to Ged, Martin, Dave, Dave, Nigel, Sue, Bob, Ann, John, John, John, Helen, Helen, Bob, Norman, Kate and to Brian and Geraldine who came for the first time and sang. Geraldine taught us two French choruses and sang two songs in her own language - French.

Brilliant evening of songs and tunes especially Bob on the Smallpipes.

So excited are we that we have decided two gather twice a month - being First and Third Wednesdays.

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Brakn
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 08:35 AM

Will make it one day Les. The wife's quiz night rules on a Wednesday.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 09:27 AM

Hope you can make it sometime in the meantime we have Tunes on Feb 24th and I am working towards a greater range of first names

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 12:02 PM

I am working towards a greater range of first names

Ahem.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: GUEST,Kate in Chorlton
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 12:10 PM

A brilliant night last night everyone and looking forward to singing with you all in two weeks, Kate

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Kate in Chorlton
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 12:42 PM

Phil, sorry, sorry

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 01:28 PM

Now I'm confused. Has Kate changed her name to Les or has Les changed his name to Kate? Will Kes be Late? Who knows...

Great night, anyroad. See you all in two weeks...

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 01:38 PM

I have introduced Kate to the terrors of the Great God Mudcat.

Whilst responding to Phil on Kate's computer, I appear as Kate. Isn't life strange?

Bit like a night at the Beech. Can we live the utter joy of two, or three if you come to the Tines session, nights a month at the Beech?

Cheer
L in C at home

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 01:54 PM

or three if you come to the Tines session

Steady on, Les. We haven't even got the spoons going yet - it's way too soon to move on to musical forks.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 02:21 PM

the Tines session

I've got some antler bone flutes, and a fine line in The Song of Amergin to match - more residue from The White Goddess. Maybe it's time to give up folk song to specialise in High Bardic Verse. As I write, they're playing the theme of Whisky, Johnny on BBC2's Oz & James. Now there's a song I haven't sang for - 20 years???

Whisky killed my old dad,
Whisky, Johnny
Whisky drove my mother mad,
Whisky for me Johnny!

Fuck the bards - give me Bob Roberts anyday.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 03:00 PM

Tines? Tines? Sounds like an impression of the Duke of Edinburgh.

I think I must have meant four candles.

Sean, I trust you and Rachel are well?

"Fuck the bards" - is this a pre-christian rite you have discovered, perhaps re-discovered in the so called Green Man carvings of a Fylde Coast Church?

Wassail, I think we should be told

L in C

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: GUEST,michael burns
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 07:21 AM

Hello

I believe there was a sing around at the Beech last Wednesday. Is this a weekly event? I can't seem to find a phone number for the pub

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Brakn
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 09:44 AM

Songs every 1st and 3rd Wednesday - Tunes every 2nd and 4th.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 09:57 AM

Thanks Mike,

Hi Mr Burns, more info here:

The Beech

My own

Or pm here and I will give you phone and e-mail details

Cheers

L in C#

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 10:54 AM

Well thanks GUEST,tonnyc8513 - gives me the opportunity to mention:
- Songs tomorrow
- Tunes next week
- Ceilidh at The Irish Club 11th Feb
- Clog workshop 25 Feb

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: GUEST,AlanG at work
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 11:08 AM

Hope to be there tomorrow.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 11:21 AM

Thanks Alan,

I should have mentioned that next Wednesday 8th February is the 3rd Birthday of Tunes and Ms Elizabeth Calderbank,of Chorley, Lancs, will dance the Famous Solo Lancashire Clog Dances, as she did on the 1st & 2nd Birthdays, whilst the collective might of The Beech Band will try to put her off by playing tunes at the same time.

All will be welcome and much fun will be had

L in C#

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Mo the caller
Date: 18 May 12 - 05:53 PM

I haven't seen any announcement about your next Beech Band Ceilidh.
Isn't it coming up soon?

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 19 May 12 - 03:43 AM

Hi Mo,

we have one this Friday 25 May at Chorlton Irish Club, Cross Road, Off High Lane, Chorlton.

It's Free - part of Chorlton Arts Festival

Best wishes

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Mo the caller
Date: 19 May 12 - 11:27 AM

We might see you.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 20 May 12 - 05:14 AM

You will be most welcome Mo

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Brakn
Date: 21 May 12 - 04:07 AM

What time Les?

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 21 May 12 - 05:08 AM

Michael - good to hear from you! 7. 30 ish to arrange the chairs and take drugs. Dancing as soon as we can we have much to fit in

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Brakn
Date: 21 May 12 - 06:34 AM

Sorry for not being there lately. :-(

i've got my inlaws coming round at 8 for their yearly visit - I wonder if my wife will let me insult them! ha

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Mo the caller
Date: 27 May 12 - 10:49 AM

It was a lively do on Fri.
We were chatting about instruments to some of your regulars who would like to play. She is thinking about buying a concertina, but not sure which sort and whether the cheap ones on the internet are worth having.

Is it time to start a Beech Babes?

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 27 May 12 - 11:15 AM

I'd like to come, having lived in Chorlton for several years in the past, and still being fairly local.

I am however a bit worried given Paul Burke's Warning

Am I liable to be mown down in a hail of bullets?

Ed

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 27 May 12 - 02:57 PM

We are the second City of this country. People are born and die here, people commit crimes here and some of them get put away.

Sometimes we go out into Cheshire for a walk - Delamere Forest is good and we have a laugh at the signs on the trees - This is a Homewatch Area. Paul had had his warning - I trust he finds it as funny as his original post.

Well Mr Ed, take it from The Horses Mouth - or The Horses Brawl - you are more likely to be mowed down in a hail of cask bitter.

Best wishes

L in C#

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 27 May 12 - 03:54 PM

I've attended the Beech on several occasions, and lived to tell the tale. I have sometimes been worried by the suspicious shapes of some instrument cases, but I haven't encountered anything more dangerous than a banjo so far.

Matthew

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 27 May 12 - 06:16 PM

Mo - I bought a concertina last month and haven't regretted it for a second.

As for the "cheap ones", mine cost £500 - which took a bit of saving up - but it was well worth it. As I understand it, anything you can get for less than about £300 is quite likely to disappoint. (This refers to English concertinas, a.k.a. the kind where each key plays one note and one note only. The confusingly-named Anglo variety, which do different things depending on whether you're pulling or pushing, come a bit cheaper.)

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Mo the caller
Date: 28 May 12 - 12:04 PM

That price is about what Jim told her, that he paid for his first Anglo. I can't remember which sort she was looking at (maybe she wasn't quite sure herself). But she'd seen some at less that £100.

Point I was making was that they were regulars at the Chorlton ceilidh and might become the next layer of players if you were to start up a new beginners session and make it known.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 28 May 12 - 02:11 PM

But she'd seen some at less that £100.

Well into "caveat emptor" territory IMO.

Point I was making was that they were regulars at the Chorlton ceilidh and might become the next layer of players if you were to start up a new beginners session and make it known.

A new beginners' session... not sure there are enough Beechpeople with enough free evenings. But it's an interesting idea. Personally I'm not going to the formerly-beginners' tune session much at the moment; I could probably do with a remedial laggers-behind session. Or I could take the 'tina - I'm certainly a beginner on that... Interesting one.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 28 May 12 - 02:38 PM

I feel sure we could open up another "Beginners" but as Phil says we are all a bit pushed for time

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: GUEST,AlanG at work
Date: 31 May 12 - 04:23 AM

Tom Kitchen (excellent fiddle player with Gren Bartley and Pilgrims way) was sitting outside The Beech when I left last night. I asked him why he hadn't come in and he said that he had arrived too late. He now lives in Chorlton so he could be in at any time.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 01 Jun 12 - 11:13 AM

No room for Tom Kitchen at The Beech? I don't believe it!!!!!!!! We could always through a few banjo players out I guess?

Les

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Mo the caller
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 05:04 AM

Remind me again about the time / date/ place of your July ceilidh and I'll circulate it to the HaG regulars.

Subject: RE: The Beech, Chorlton
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 09 Jul 12 - 03:41 AM

Hi Mo,

St Ninians Church, Egerton Road South, Chorlton, M21 0XJ.

Saturday 14th July, bring food for a shared table and anything you want to drink


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Les