Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week

Subject: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: IanC
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 12:11 PM

Hi

Looks like I'm staying in Lytham for the next 3 months due to work. Only there during the week as I'm back to Hertfordshire at the weekends.

I've got no idea what's going on round here so i'm wondering if anyone would like to enlighten me!!!

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 12:33 PM

Fleetwood Folk Club meets in The Steamer on Thursdays. A very friendly folk club always welcoming to visitors. This week it's the premier of our DEMDYKE! show + singers.

There's a few pre-Fylde events in Fleetwood during the run up to the Festival proper. See HERE for more on that.

Fridays is The Moorbrook in Preston, which is the Holy of Holies for the very finest in Traditional Music, Song & Authentic Atmosphere.

I think The Clarence (Blackpool) is off for the summer; not sure about The Plough in Staining, but I'm sure someone will be along presently to enlighten you!

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Santa
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 08:35 AM

The Clarence (Preston New Road, Blackpool) is back 16th September with James Keilaghan, thereafter every Wednesday night.

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: mauvepink
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 07:58 AM

Gregson Lane Folk Club has a singer's night this evening (27th) and is not too far to go from Blackpool if you drive out toward Preston using the M55..

Could be a little too far for you but if you are up to a 40 minute drive the simplest way would be M55 - M6 (south) toward Preston. Off at Jnct 1/29. Turn 1st left for Walton Summit and go across the fisrt small island. At the 2nd small island turn left again to next island, go right (3/4 way around) and about 200 yards turn left again. Long lane with sharp bend half way to railway crossing and turn right at the T junction. Follow road under motorway up into Gregson Lane village and you will find the club along the main street (upstairs). Not the easiest place to find first time but well worth the effort. Usually you would get two songs in as long as you arrive early enough to get your name down

Unless you know your way to the M6 from Lytham through Preston (which should bring you out at Jnct 1/29)

Map of area

Great crowd. Always friendly and welcoming to visitors :-)

Finally, try thiis link for other clubs in the North West

Folk North West


mp

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 09:00 AM

Is that regular sing, mp? Might make it over one of these nights...

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: mauvepink
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 09:08 AM

Sadly Gregson Lane only has two nights activity a month. The first, toward the beginning of the month, which is usually a Guest night and a second, a fortnight later, which is the Singer's night. The dates are all posted on their website above (as are any extra nights). It would be good if you could get there, as I am sure you would be made welcome and enjoy it very much, but realise it is a ways out for you.

Hope the links helped nonetheless :-)

mp

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: IanC
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 11:47 AM

Thanks for stuff so far which is very useful. I don't have the car so - at least at the moment I can't get anywhere without public transport. I'll definitely get down to The Clarence when it starts up again. Is Fleetwood easy to get to without a car?

Are there any pub sessions fairly local to Lytham? Round our way (Hertfordshire) they're coming out of your ears if you know where to go. All the small towns (they're all small) and quite a few of the villages will have good sessions - singing or instrumental or both. I'd kinda thought it might be the same locally ...

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: mauvepink
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 11:53 AM

I think Fleetwood may mean a bus from Lytham to Squires Gate (Blackpool) and then the tram up to Fleetwood. Long time travelling. Perhaps there are members in your locale who could give a lift to you? I certainly hope so.

Good luck

mp

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: IanC
Date: 02 Sep 09 - 06:04 AM

Hi

I don't mind travelling so long as I can get there by public transport. I should have a monthly ticket by next week so it won't cost a lot either.

I'm working in Lytham and staying at St Annes. Using the No 7 bus quite a lot.

Anybody know anything about music or singing sessions in the pubs etc. At the moment, I'm casting around for stuff generally to entertain myself.

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 02 Sep 09 - 06:18 AM

There's a good night at The Steamer in Fleetwood tonight with the Fleetwood Folk Club taking over the house PA.

Tomorrow night at The Steamer is Sing in the Festival - a singaround hosted by Ron Baxter. Also there's a Les Barker concert at The North Euston Hotel...

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 02 Sep 09 - 06:46 AM

Transport from Fleetwood runs quite late, trams & 14 bus

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Santa
Date: 02 Sep 09 - 12:40 PM

Is the acoustic roots/blues club still going in St Annes? I haven't heard about it for a while?

Getting from Fleetwood to Blackpool late is good - but I'd check carefully about getting from Blackpool to Lytham.

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: IanC
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 07:20 AM

I went to the St Anne's Open Mic last night. They're on every Tuesday from 8:30pm at ...

Royal British Legion
88 Mayfield Road
St. Annes FY8 2DR

Deepest apologies to anyone involved but I'm sorry to say that I couldn't altogether recommend it. I left early.

:-(
Ian

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: IanC
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 04:41 AM

Damn ... missed getting to The Clarence last night. Wots on next week?

:-)

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 05:07 AM

Singers night at The Steamer, Fleetwood tonight - Queens Terrace by the Larne Ferry terminal; look for the big boat.

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 11:40 AM

If you live in St Annes the 14 bus takes you direct to Fleetwood, alternative, bus to Star Gate then tram to Fleetwood, and look at the illuminations on the way.

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 12:28 PM

and look at the illuminations on the way.

Yay!

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: IanC
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 03:46 AM

Is The Steamer at Fleetwood every Thursday? I went to the Lytham beer festival last night so never got close to Fleetwood.

I may well try next week though I guess it's quite a long bus ride on the 14.

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: stallion
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 03:58 AM

Thursday 1st of October a session in the Anglers, Haverthwite, a bit of a trek but "Diad"," 2BS&S" and some of "Bag of spanners" amongst others will be there

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Mr Red
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 05:19 AM

Whatever happened to the Bothy FC?

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 05:42 AM

Folk events in the Southport area.

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 05:44 AM

The Bothy at Southport is still going, it moved to [I believe} the golf club.
October id Fleetwood Folk Club's 40th Birthday so each Thurs they are holding special nights:-
1st Oct. one of the club's first ever guest artists Marie Little making a most welcome return.
8th Oct [ex]Residents night with Howard Bond, Ian Gartside, Dave Cooper & friends, Scolds Bridle, and Spitting on a roast.
15th Oct Party night.
22nd Oct For the first time in 35 years Dave Walters & Howard Bond are reforming Bonded Boots [the club's original residents.
Ian you will be most welcome at the Steamer, please come along if you can, next thurs is a singers night by the way.

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: IanC
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 09:59 AM

OK .. results of a preliminary survey

MONDAY
Fylde Acoustic Circle, Open Mike Sessions at Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
alternate Mondays at The Hole In One, FY8 4QF (see also Thursday)
(previously held At Brown Sugar, St Anne's, FY8 1LS every Wednesday)

TUESDAY
St. Annes Acoustic Roots, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire
Held every Tuesday. 8:30
NOT RECOMMENDED

JAM NIGHT. Play or listen.
The Sandpiper, Cleveleys Avenue, Cleveleys

MUSIC, SONGS, POEMS AND PINTS. Every Tuesday Evening from 9.00pm
Hosted by Penny Black with proceeds to Arthritis Research. All welcome.
The Plough, Chain Lane, Staining.
(previously held at The Falcon in Poulton on a Wednesday)
A NICE FRIENDLY SINGAROUND

WEDNESDAY
The Clarence Folk Club,
The Clarence Hotel, 88 Preston New Rd, Blackpool FY4 4HG
Meets every Wednesday 8.30 with regular guests
phone [phone] (Ann Green) for details.

The Royal Oak Hotel, Breck Road, Poulton (FY6 7AQ)
9pm - open singaround for all ages and ability.
Steve Rolland 01253 893010.
I DON'T THINK THIS STILL EXISTS

THURSDAY
Fleetwood Folk, The Steamer Hotel, Queen's Terrace
1 Queens Terrace, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 6BT
8.30 pm. Mike France 01253 776607

Fylde Acoustic Circle, performances (25 minute spots) at Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
alternate Thursdays at The Hole In One, FY8 4QF (see also Monday)

FRIDAY
The Moorbrook in Preston
Traditional Music, Song & Authentic Atmosphere.

SATURDAY

SUNDAY
_____________________________________________________________________

UNKNOWN:
Princess Hotel, Blackpool: Lancashire Meets Irish Folk Session
The Princess Hotel, Foxhall Road, Blackpool FY1 5BW


Any more?
:-)

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 12:55 PM

If you don't mind going a tad further than Preston, then there's Gregson Lane Folk Club:

Gregson Lane What's On

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Brian Peters
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 01:35 PM

At the Clarence in Blackpool next Wednesday, October 14th, the guest will be, er...

Me!

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: IanC
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 06:17 AM

OK ...

Finally made it to a Singers Night at Fleetwood.

Public transport here's absolutely crippling. Left St Anne's at 7:10 to get there at 8:40 and had to leave The Steamer at 10:30. Got home at 12:20, soaked through, as it's a 10 minute walk from St Anne's Square and it was heaving it down. My clothes were still wet this morning!

Was it worth it? Perhaps. There weren't many people there (perhaps 20) but the locals are friendly and the beer's good.

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 06:47 AM

Sounds about right; we were holed in at the in-laws with Sky-Plus for the night...

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 12:09 AM

I lived in St Annes when I first began my association with Fleetwood Folk Club, and for a few years I had to rely on the bus to get there (can't remember if it was Nic Jones or Dick Gaughan on my first visit - 120+ people in the upstairs room at the Queens Hotel, Beach Road, with a roaring fire behind the artist). Back then you could usually rely on a lift home, with people making the trip from Lytham or Warton. Solved the problem eventually by moving to Fleetwood (and learning to drive!) which I realise may not be an option for everybody. Missed last night but hope you'll visit again.
Ross

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: IanC
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 07:04 PM

Well, I suppose it's time for an update. I've just got back from Blackpool after a round trip of 12-14 miles on the bike and it's nearly midnight.

On 1st February, the local bus company reorganised the buses and missed off a load of the late night ones. This basically meant that I could no longer get to Staining or even to Fleetwood, simply because there's now no bus home.

After sulking for a couple of weeks, I finally got round to ordering a bike. The weather's better and I've had it for a couple of weeks now and it's ideal in the Fylde as it's a very flat area (quite like Cambridge, where I went to school).

I've been biking into Lytham from St Anne's instead of catching the bus but this week I felt it was time to get out in the evening. I didn't get to Staining last night as it was blowing a gale at Lytham and had turned pretty cold by mid evening. The weather had improved tonight though, so I thought I'd go to The Clarence where they were having a Singers Night (I like Singers Nights).

Well, I can't say it was bad. The pub was OK and the beer was fine and the standard of performance was by no means bad. In fact I would have really enjoyed myself except for just one thing.

I was there 2 hours and I left early. During that time, nobody spoke a single word to me. They didn't ask if I wanted to sing or even say hello. They didn't even try to sell me a raffle ticket! most uncharacteristic in a folk club.   There were about 30 people in the room and they seemed to know each other ... it was pretty clear that I was a stranger. Equally clearly, I didn't feel in the least welcome. Their strategy seemed to be simply to ignore me.

I'm not sure how to analyse the emotions I felt and I'm not at all sure why I have them - they didn't seem at all unpleasant people - but I felt overwhelmingly humiliated and angry. I can't really see me going back there again as it would simply be embarrassing, even though it was essentially a good night. It's sometimes hard to understand your own emotions, let alone somebody else's, but I've been to quite a few folk clubs, sessions etc. over the years and never before felt totally ignored like this.

I'm sorry if I might have offended anyone associated with the club and - oddly enough - it's not a negative recommendation. It's just how I'm feeling, hundreds of miles away from home on a tired Wednesday.

:-(
Ian

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 07:21 AM

I was there too. It was a pretty poor turn out and largely the "hard core" long-timers who have been coming to the club for many years. So we did largely know each other, but there were some non-regulars, a number of which I didn't recognise. I was sitting in a corner most of the evening fairly quietly: I've been to other folk clubs in the past where no-one spoke to me all evening. I didn't take it as a mortal insult nor a stain on the club: if I'd been more outgoing myself I'm sure I'd have drawn a suitable response. Communication is a two-way thing. Who did you try to speak to?

Little Annie will be mortified that she missed the chance to sell more raffle tickets.

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Santa
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 09:02 AM

Apologies for the anonymity of the above, I missed that my cookie needed resetting.

I should add that Anne Green, the club organiser and Our Beloved Leader, normally sits in the outer part of the club and is readily available to speak to any newcomers. The recently adopted set-up for singers nights is more informal, and once the evening has started Anne sits deep in the room, where the stage normally is. I'll pass word on to her, if she otherwise missed this thread.

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 09:17 AM

Not sure which is worse - Being ignored , or walking into a 'Folk Club' with a Guitar and being told -"You cant bring THAT in here" back in the Bad old days of Trad versus Contemporary !

Subject: RE: Folk near Lytham (Blackpool) in the week
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 09:51 AM

This is a long 3 months up to now Ian! Sounds like some of the projects, secondments and contracts I have worked on!

DeG