Coach House at Farningham (UK)

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 07 Apr 09 - 08:05 AM

Only a year and a few days to go..... is it being organised? What did Barry think?
Dilligaf, Billy and I would like a copy of the CD please. I found a dvd of Billys 50th birthday party the other week, there is about an hour of Pete,(slats) playing with Blossom and Brixton Bert, would you like a copy? It is a treasure!I will pm you.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 11 Apr 09 - 07:42 AM

A house extention and organising Hartley's Ring Meeting this June has kept me rather busy but I will try and find time to start getting things in motion again for next year.
Last time I went to the Coach House it was a bear shell so I would love to know what happened to all the barrels and artifacts. It was rather soul destroying but I'm sure, by the sentiments and memories expressed on this thread, that a day of pure nostalga will awaken whatever spirits lie dormant within.
Maybe even the echo of Danny's laugh, the strumming of Pete's guitar, Wiskers double bass, or the draining of barrels.
Oh, happy days!!!!
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 11 Apr 09 - 08:43 AM

Actually, the nearest club to the Coach House is The Travellers Rest which meets at The Crown in Otford on the second Thursday of each month - it is well supported (at least fifty people the night before last). I think the reason for a sucessful club/venue, is access to transport followed by beer and friendly atmosphere. I hear that the Coach House had all of that - it is a shame that I was not a folkie in those days. I'm sure that the regular attendees of The Folk Mob, Travellers Rest, Nag's Head (Sunday's) would be keen to take part in any sort of reunion.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 11 Apr 09 - 09:59 AM

First hurdle overcome. I have just had a lengthy phone chat with Barry who tells me Skinners Rats already have a booking for that evening but are free lunchtime. He is also enthusiastic so I will be looking to arrange something for late morning into the afternoon.
Extending into the evening will be dependent on negotiations with the pub and/or whether someone else wants to organise something bearing in mind that there are no seats in the Coach House now and it may not even be licenced. But, however well meaning, PLEASE DON'T APPROACH THE LANDLORD YET until I've had a chance to get things sorted out.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: melodeonboy
Date: 11 Apr 09 - 12:38 PM

"Last time I went to the Coach House it was a bear shell"

Goodness! What would Uncle Walter have to say about that?

I hope that pub wasn't in the Good Bear Guide! (Kev The Clogs: Please take note!)

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Apr 09 - 03:54 PM

What, not even Rafflesbear?

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 04:22 PM

MAYDAY 2010 - I visited the Pied Bull today and discussed a reunion of Coach House folkies on Sat 1 May next year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the club's opening. The Landlady was very enthusiastic.
Unfortunately the Coach House itself is now leased out to the adjacent oak furniture shop and not available for functions. The owners of the shop however are being very co-operative and have said that they would be quite happy for people to enter and look round the Coach House providing, of course, they respect the new furniture that is on display in there.
The bars in the pub have been opened out so together with a good garden plus the car park there will still be plenty of room to accommodate everyone anyway.
There is no objection to music etc in the pub and Hartley Morris Men are planning to dance in the car park.
It is still early days but you can now put it in your diaries; I have suggested Saturday lunchtime/afternoon as the reunion but if anyone wants to arrange anything further please let me know.
I will be making firmer arrangements with the pub/shop after Christmas once I have spoken to Skinners Rats and been able to gauge any feedback that this posting may (hopefully) generate.
Many of you may remember me as a fixture behind the bar during the 70's but I was not around during the 80's and I know that Farningham folkies will relate to various periods of the club's existence.
The Coach House has changed since my time but still evokes happy memories. If anyone has photos they can email me it would be appreciated so I can arrange for a nostalgia display.
Similarly, ideas and suggestions would be welcome especially how we can get the word round to everyone.
Best wishes
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 07:19 AM

In the diary!
Well done Terry, I will see what photos I have in the attic.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 08:11 AM

Thanks Terry - duly diaried! I've got some snaps somewhere - probably in sepia! Roll on Mayday 2010...

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 08:32 AM

I think I still have ther programme foe 1971... Johnny Handle, Ken Loveless etc. I think Terry and Phil's first dance out with Hartley.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,jackiefas
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 11:14 AM

Great news. I will be there.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Doctor
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 05:08 AM

Terry, if you can let me have an email address, mine being [e-mail], I have a couple of photos, one of me performing, the other showing Pete Hicks, Blossom and John performing, and some indistinct personage behind the bar.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 06:13 AM

"..some indistinct personage behind the bar."

At the Coach House? No such animal! (Well, maybe towards closing time).

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Alan Day
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 08:51 AM

I remember a wonderful Hartley Ale at the Coach House I was a member then of Broadwood and on the way to the Ale the gearbox decided to pack up and we arrived about three in the morning. I slept just inside those side doors you mentioned Tony, cold, draughty and very loud snoring going on somewhere in the room.
Al

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 11:47 AM

With reference to The Doctor's request for somewhere to send photos, including those depicting indistinct personages or other old relics, I can be contacted by email at - [e-mail]
I will acknowledge receipt so if you don't receive an acknowledgement to anything sent then it either didn't get through or I considered it too embarrassing to respond to.
Thanks
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Doctor
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 05:48 PM

Thanks for the information, pictures on their way.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 12 Nov 09 - 01:11 PM

Thanks Peter (The Doctor). They have been received and acknowledged and I can reveal that the indistinct personage behind the bar is in fact Daniel Sheridan-Bolton who was landlord during the 70's.
Everything in the pictures is just how I remember it except Streaky Pete (Slats) looks very young but I suppose we all did then.
Any more pictures or memories greatfully received.
Lets keep this thread active in the hope that it will be seen by as many (dare I say 'old') Farningham folkies as possible.
Barry Laing informs me that he was at both the first and last nights of the club. Was anyone else?
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Nov 09 - 01:13 PM

no,but I was at a few in between.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 08:43 AM

Barry came to see us for the day on Sunday, and said Skinners Rats will be there, then on to Rochester in the evening.

He brought a CD for me to watch , 1979, with the Rats, Barry Blossom and Chopping, So much hair, so little wrinkles, they looked like cherubs!!
Also Dolphin Smile, does Ian have a painting in his attic?

One of my first memories was a concert in a park in Dartford with Dave and Tony Arthur then everyone back to the coach house for the evening, must have been 1969.
Roll on May 2010.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 07:21 PM

But Wendy, I'm sure you're still the little cherub I remember.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 19 Nov 09 - 08:53 AM

I wish!
:-)
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Dave Webb.
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 11:51 AM

Is the reunion at the Coach House still on?
I have a photo of myself and wife Christine with Derek Riley performing a floor spot - if you are interested. Also the trusted Crayfolk LP always raffled. Can send photo or possibly scan it.
Dave Webb. email [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 12:16 PM

WE saw Barry at Christmas and he said it is happening.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 02:47 PM

I do think it is a shame it clashes with Sweeps.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 07:27 AM

It also clashes with Show of Hands who are performing at the Stag in Sevenoaks.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 09:44 AM

Itis only at lunchtime, so off to sweeps after?

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 07:22 PM

Just a reminder that the reunion is still on for May 1st and in spite of possible clashes I hope as many as possible can get there for an hour or two lunchtime/early afternoon. Hartley MM will be at the Pied Bull 1'ish until 3'ish.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 09:36 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 10:02 AM

see you there

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Jackie
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 05:36 AM

Hi
Is this reunion still on please? If it starts at 3pm roughly what time will it finish. I will definitely be coming. I would be so grateful for a reply. Many thanks. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 05:44 AM

Unfortunately it clashes with our annual Padstow dates but we feel sure it will be a great re-union and bring back many enjoyable memories and re-acquaintances..

John

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Jackie
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 05:47 AM

Hi
I have been ringing around to let people know about this. Unfortunately being a bank holiday most people I know that would have come will be away. I really want to come but don't like going to things on my own any more. Probably a silly question but any chance of changing the date to the following weekend? If not, is there anyone local to Crayford or Dartford who would like to link up with me to go down there? Many thanks.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Jackie
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 02:24 PM

Hi
I think I misread this to be starting at 3pm but now see that it says the Morris Men will be there until 3pm so does anybody know what time this starts please? It is looking more and more as if I won't be able to make it, being the bank holiday and the time etc. I had been looking forward to this for so long!

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 08:46 AM

We hope to be there between 12 and 1pm as I would imagine folk will start to arrive about that time.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 03:45 PM

There are no formal arrangements as no-one can tell how many and who may turn up. The idea is for people to start arriving from around midday and stay as long as they like. Hartley MM will be dancing about 1 and then adjourning to the pub until about 3 when they will have to leave to dance at a wedding in the village. No doubt they will render the odd song or two. I don't know if Wadard MM will also be turning up but hopefully Skinners Rats will so there is the basis of some 'old time' entertainment. The 'event' will finish when the last person leaves.
For those that can, please just turn up anytime between 12 and 3 and I'm sure there will be some old faces you recognise (probably older that the owners may wish) then just chat, sing, dance or do whatever old memories may rekindle.
I'm sure you won't be alone for long if you can make it Jackie but I'm afraid there is no chance of moving it. It was, after all, exactly 40 years ago to the day and that doesn't happen many times in life.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Jackie
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 03:16 AM

Thanks for the reply. I didn't realise it was 40 years to the day. I've asked Malcolm to announce the event at Dartford Folk Club tonight. By the way, I was the one who started this whole thread, when I borrowed an LP of the Crayfold from a friend and there on the cover was a picture of the audience with a very young me in it. I was trying to place if it was definitley me hence the questions about when the club first started etc.
I do hope to get there. Kindest Regards Jackie

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 09:30 AM

I'm planning to be there, subject to available transport. It's where I first met Gastove, Pete Hicks et al, in the mid 70s.


Is the entertainment pre- arranged, or do we bring our instruments?

Don T.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 02:45 PM

At present I personally have to be very cautious about what I arrange on behalf of others.

The only 'formal' arrangements so far are that Hartley Morris Men (who were based at the Coach House from 1970 - 77) will be performing from 1 - 1.30pm. The Morris is not recognised in law as entertainment but an audience would be appreciated.

After dancing HMM will no doubt partake of luncheon followed by the customary song or few.
Assuming Skinners Rats will be there then no doubt they will also burst forth with some odd renditions. And Dave Masterson with, no doubt, odder ones.

As I said in my previous posting, everyone is welcome to - 'chat, sing, dance or do whatever old memories may rekindle' which of course may include playing with your instrument.

Any sessions in the pub will be informal, if things get under way before 1pm all I would ask is that they don't compete with the dancing display outside when it starts. Lets try to emulate the six deep crowds that filled the car park during Coach House folk days back in the 70's.

I would suggest anyone wanting to be involved in the post-dispay session(1.30-3.30) gets in touch with Hartley's Squire and Blossom in order to establish some co-ordination rather than breaking up into separate camps.

It's all meant to be memories and fun and I'm sure a John Barker figure will emerge to MC if we are inundated with talent.   

Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Dave Webb.
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 09:41 AM

Have been following this thread since it was started by DMcG back in Jan 09.
I Loved that club. Big part of my life. Hardly ever missed the Friday and Sunday sessions.
Sadly I will be unable to make the reunion as I am on holiday and do not return until the Sunday.
Hartley Morris will still raise the roof. Don't forget to sing "Bring your Glasses to the Bar" at the end of the session.
I am sure Pete Hicks, Dave Bryant and John Barker will be up there singing along.
Have a great day.
Dave Webb.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: doncatterall
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 02:03 PM

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it but I have passed message about the re-union to Wadard MM.

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Briansquire
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 01:38 PM

Hartley will indeed be there and look forward to meeting old friends . We have to leave by 3.30 for a wedding in the village and will then be returning to Wrotham. The landlady of the Pied Bull is happy with the afternoon events but asks that it finishes by 5 as they have restaurant bookings after that and need to prepare

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: The Doctor
Date: 29 Apr 10 - 04:56 AM

Sadly I shall not make it. The distance from Leeds, and the current cost of fuel, make it impractical, especially for an hour at lunchtime. But please give my best wishes to all, and regards to Barry Laing and enyone else who may remember me.
Peter Taylor

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 01 May 10 - 01:33 PM

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 01 May 10 - 02:18 PM

So nice to see all those who could make it today.
Apart from the odd grey hair, everyone, in my eye, all looked so youthful (that was until I was shown some pictures of someone young and hansome who turned out to be me xx years ago).
I suppose we should now look forward to the 50th anniversary with a Friday evening session on 1 May 2020.
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: GUEST,Mark Stevens
Date: 01 May 10 - 07:19 PM

I went there for Wadard Morris' Ale in August 1980/81, so it was before then . .
Remember dancing a mixed scratch side for Swaggering Boney with chair cushions, inside after hours in the stables at the back .. :-))

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 02 May 10 - 03:02 PM

Great to see some of the old faces again, and to stick our faces into the Coach House itself. I must admit I got a lump in my throat when I first walked in. Must be at least 20 years since I was last there. Looks a bit strange in its current guise as a furniture showroom but the essence of the old club was still there, including the old Rum barrel up in the rafters! They even had the old Crayfolk LP playing.

Brought back lots of lovely memories. It was where Eileen and I first met, and we celebrated our Silver Wedding last Tuesday!

Thanks Terry, for putting it all together. Roll on 2020…

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham
From: billybob
Date: 02 May 10 - 07:33 PM

Well done Terry a wonderful occasion. Hartley dancing took me back to the 70's only a few grey hairs and such enthusiasm,I am sure Martin was defying gravity!and the singing just like the original crayfolk LP Wonderful! Skinners Rats well as Danny used to say "My boys can play anything"Farningham was the best Folk Club I have had the pleasure to attend and sing in. It was lovely to go back in time for an afternoon but now I better go back to whittling me pegs as barry told me! Much love Wendy x

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham (UK)
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 05 May 10 - 04:52 PM

I have also received a nice telephone call from Barry today.
Happy memories
Terry

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham (UK)
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 May 10 - 05:30 PM

Sorry ,I could not make it. Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Coach House at Farningham (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 May 10 - 06:21 PM

100