Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes

Subject: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: Vic Smith
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 05:11 AM

(No-one seems to be able to tell us when a return to "normal" conditions with aeroplanes flying over Europe again is likely to happen; the whole Icelandic volcano situation is too unpredictable. One suggestion gaining ground is that for the medium term, we are likely to see the ban in place for some while with a few "windows of opportunity" lasting a few hours or a couple of days before the ash cloud returns. This won't be of much use to the airlines for all sorts of logistical reasons. Taking the scenario that there will be few or no planes for the next few weeks, then the consequences for all aspects of our lives will be considerable.

I would like this thread to consider what might happen for all aspects of the folk/roots/world music for tours/gigs/festivals etc.)

At the Royal Oak in Lewes we have twelve guest evenings between the beginning of May and the end of July. Six of these depend on there being aeroplanes to bring:-

FROM THE USA Bayou Seco, Jeff Warner, Debby McClatchy
FROM ZIMBABWE Black Umfolosi 5
FROM ICELAND Chris Foster
FROM IRELAND Eamonn Ó Bróithe

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: RamblinStu
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 01:59 PM

I know there are many reasons why we need planes, but isn't it nice to have skies free from vapor trails and no jet roar from the skies, it's been years since the skies have been empty and I recon it'll be many years before it happens again, so we should enjoy it.

Stuart Pendrill

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 03:15 PM

can see clearly now the planes have gone.
All that my eyes can see is blue blue sky.
Gone are the vapour trails, those thin white lines.
It's gonna be another bright.... volcanic day.

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: greg stephens
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 03:20 PM

Presumably with a bit of chatting and Mudcatting and fRooting and stuff, we can match performers stuck over here to gigs whose would-be musicians are stuck somewhere else.

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 03:58 PM

Time for ocean liners, again?

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: DebC
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 04:42 PM

I am still in the UK, having been stranded since Thursday. I have re-booked my flight now four times and my latest reservation is for this coming Sunday (25 April)

So I am here if anyone has any cancellations. I am currently staying in Leighton Buzzard, but have no transport, but that also may be sorted.

PM me if you think you might have a cancellation and if you are in striking distance of LB, I'll come and sing for you.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 05:15 PM

not a folk consequence

edible produce from small third world villages sold on the global market travel by air. this non movement of goods will mean goods do not move, so are not sold and the consequences for these small communities can be dire.

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: skipy
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 05:48 PM

This is something that I have thought about often (sad really):-
In 1903 man first flew, every year after that there where a few & then more aircraft ( I am excluding baloons here ) there must have become a moment in time from which there was alway a member of the human race airborne, so when was that? We will never know but that millisecond must have a full date! Just a thought, due to the fact that I spent 26 years as an aircraft engineer.
Skipy, not related to Montgolfier, cats eyes Cunningham or the Red Baron as far as I know, but I am adopted!

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: Alan Day
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 06:56 PM

Well it was not so quiet at Gatwick as you may think, every small plane in the country must have thought what a great idea. They landed and then took off , circled and did it again. It was like Battle of Britain day up there, minus the guns.
Al

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: Vic Smith
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 05:06 AM

Right! All change... now we can listen once again to Jeff Warner singing Come Take a Trip In My Airship at http://www.myspace.com/royaloakfolklewes

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: romanyman
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 05:19 AM

for onr i love it, as we are under city airports flight path, its been so quiet and peacefull,

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: Sean Mc
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 05:27 AM

. . . and I will miss my local session because I am stuck in Thailand.

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: Girl Friday
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 05:55 AM

I am variously in the flightpath for Gatwick, Docklands, and Heathrow, but mostly Biggin Hill. Even the gliders aren't flying because Biggin is closed. Silence is truly golden. Have noticed a drop in road traffic too.

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 06:29 AM

This man was on the radio last night. Very interesting to know that you can get about quite cheaply without air travel. I love trains and boats (planes are OK but boring) so I think I may well give some of his routes a whirl one of these days:-)

Cheers

DeG

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: Brian Peters
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 06:49 AM

Still hoping I might get out to the US on Friday for what remains of my scheduled 3-week tour. Half the dates gone now. It has been lovely and quiet, though. And I'd have missed watching United beat City in the last minute of injury time, in a pub full of drunken Glossopians. Small consolations...

As far as European holidays go, I'd much rather travel by train where possible.

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: bubblyrat
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 06:54 AM

It has been WONDERFULLY peaceful in Henley ---as well as the "small stuff" from Booker and White Waltham,who regularly visit as we are their designated area for aerobatics, (hence visits from incredibly noisy but agile bi-planes,and the odd Me 109 / FW 190 type) we are "blessed" with a beacon on a hill nearby,where aircraft turn for their approach to Heathrow.Thus,if the wind has any East in it,we get countless 747, 727, and occasionally something that looks like a VC 10 , passing low overhead at about 2 minute intervals.All day.Commencing about 0530.Until quite late.
             So the relative peace and tranquility of the last few days has been most enjoyable ; even the Chinooks,Merlins & Lynxes from RAF Benson,6 miles away,seem to be flying fewer sorties now.
       In any case,I have only ever ONCE, in my almost-63 years,travelled by air in a Civil aircraft (Schipol--Gatwick)and could happily continue with only road,rail,and sea modes of transport...much nicer !!

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: RamblinStu
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 10:23 AM

Now it looks like the invasion of skies can begin again from today. Shame, but a fact of twenty first century life.

I know there will lots of people absolutely delighted to be able to return home, to the UK, especially those who were trapped in the US, for longer than necessary

And of course it will be nice to say I remember the days when there were no aeroplanes in the sky, and life went on

Till the next time chaps…

Stuart Pendrill

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: skipy
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 04:53 PM

Saw a C17 & 2 VC10 today, hoping for more on Mondya (next time I'm at work)
Skipy
With 8 mins to go before my "standyby " for work ends, then some tinnies!
7 mins now!

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: Vic Smith
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 04:42 AM

Ben Paley managed to get a flight back from Spain yesterday which means that The Sussex Pistols will be at their six-strong full strength for their gig on Friday.

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 04:59 AM

I wonder if all the Daily Mail readers stuck at Calais will use the time to reflect on how cushy life really is for refugees and asylum seekers.

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: Seayaker
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 05:15 AM

And now the Airlines are howling for compensation, presumably from the taxpayer via the government

This was a natural occurance, not caused or influenced by anyone.

Life can't be future-proofed. Shit happens, get used to it.

Subject: RE: Clear Sky Thinking.... No Aeroplanes
From: RamblinStu
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 06:21 PM

I'm with you Seayaker