Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24

Subject: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 05 Jun 10 - 05:10 PM

Advance notice.
The Yorkshire Waterways Museum (Goole) is running a weekend mini festival at the museum on 24th/25th July. Basically it's free sessions and museum in the afternoons and ticketed concerts on the evenings.
It's to celebrate the 'Sobriety's 100th birthday. This is a Sheffield-size keel converted into a multiberth canal cruiser.
Apart from the museum's own boats including Tom Pudding tug 'Wheldale' there are visiting boats on show which will include Chris Sherburn's restored to sail Humber keel 'Southcliffe', the restored to sail Humber sloop 'Spider T', 'Kennet' and no doubt others from around the region. Other attractions include Goole Model Boat Club, and the usual festival stalls and food.
Afternoon sessions will include a mixture of tunes, singing and clog dance. All welcome.

Saturday concert includes Owd Chyvers with Mick McGarry; Bill Sables, Sam Pirt and friends.
Sunday concert includes Pegleg Ferret and meself.
The concerts are tickets only and numbers are limited. Last year's concerts were a sell-out.

Tickets for concerts are £6 (£4 concessions) or a weekend ticket £10 (£6) To book tickets ring the museum on 01405 768730 or email www.waterwaysmuseum.org.uk

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Jun 10 - 08:16 PM

Sounds like fun for all.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 07 Jun 10 - 02:23 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 08 Jun 10 - 01:52 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: nutty
Date: 08 Jun 10 - 03:23 PM

Is there anywhere for campers to overnight, Steve? I know the car park at the museum is quite small.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 08 Jun 10 - 04:59 PM

Hi Hazel,
Do you mean tents or campervans?
There is a nature trail just up the road a short way where camping would be allowed. I'm going down there tomorrow so I'll make enquiries. They may even be able to supply bunks aboard but I'll ask tomorrow what the possibilities are. The car park is relatively small but parking will be available on the approach road.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 09 Jun 10 - 06:57 PM

Had a chat with the organiser today. Camping would be fine at the nature trail with the museum's facilities, toilets, showers, food etc available a short walk away. I think the posh bunks aboard 'Sobriety' have already been bagged but there are 4 fairly primitive bunks on the 'Wheldale' available. The car park will indeed be in use for activities and parking will be along the approach road, but she said they might be able to squeeze in a couple of camper vans. There was a camper van parked on the approach road as I passed today.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: nutty
Date: 20 Jun 10 - 01:24 PM

Sorry I've been so long in replying - the computer has been very poorly. Hopefully it's better now.

I'll be in touch closer to the event

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 20 Jun 10 - 03:28 PM

Fine, Hazel

I can strongly recommend the sessions with plenty of free refreshments
for singers/musicians, weather permitting outside on the canalside and even a trip round the docks on the Wheldale Tom Pudding tug to spread the music round a bit. Various historical boats to see, not to mention the free museum itself.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 04:16 AM

Not sure where my last post went so here it is again.

Hoping to get to this event as we're just 10 minutes drive away.

I'd be interested to talk to anyone who knows about the Hull to Sheffield river trade in the 1800s as my grandfatherx5, John Thompson, was master of the Humber sloop 'Dunn'. He was a colourful character, a former whaler who was 'lost at sea' in March 1833 when he tried to walk back to his boat, moored at Chapel Staithe in Hull, on a windy night somewhat the worse for drink after an evening in The Black Boy and was blown into the Old Harbour and drowned. When his body was recovered the next day, it was taken back to the Black Boy and laid out.

I'm writing a song about him (well it had to be done) and would like to find any background information.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 04:17 AM

Should read greatx5 grandfather...

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 06:34 PM

Father in law, Goff Sherburn has a sizeable library of books on keels and sloops and there's a good library at the museum. We were going to have sloop Spider T at the weekend but it's still in dry dock at Thorne under repair. fascinating story, Leveller. Most of our knowledge of keels and sloops only goes back to the last century unfortunately. The new Hull History Centre might have something. Do you know where 'Dunn' was built? There's a book available at Hull museums on sloops and keels built at Beverley. Goff was on keels before he went onto the Tom Pudding tugs but that was in the 50s.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 04:28 AM

Try to find "A Life on The Humber", by Harry Fletcher. it gavd me the song Humber Horse Marine. excellent book.

hope to be at fest for another trip with Goff

Tom

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: theleveller
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 06:29 AM

Thanks for the info. I've lived round the Goole/Howden area for years and I never even knew the museum was there. I'll definitely try to get over for the fest.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: theleveller
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 09:20 AM

"Do you know where 'Dunn' was built?

Sorry Steve, I don't. My cousin has been delving into the family history for years and she drew a bit of a blank with this John Thompson, knowing only that he'd been a whaler and, it was believed, had been lost at sea. She then came across this while researching the archives of The Hull Packet and Advertiser

"March 7th 1834

Inquest Report

John Thompson Master of the Sloop 'Dunn' a trader between Hull and Sheffield

John Thompson Master of the Sloop Dunn was found drowned in the Old Harbour.

The vessel was tied up at Chapel Lane staithe. George North publican of the Black Boy said the deceased had been in his pub worse for drink the previous night. He had been warned against returning to his boat, the night being so windy. His body was found in the Old Harbour having received a severe blow to the head. The body was removed to the Black Boy Public House. Verdict Accidental Death."

Tom, great song - I used to go through the Standedge rail tunnel every day and have been meaning to go the canal Visitors Centre. I've ordered a copy of 'A Life on the Humber'.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: theleveller
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 10:57 AM

I've more or less finished the words of Grandad Thompson's song - just working on the tune with Jools. Wonder whether the old reprobate would have approved! If anyone meets his ghost in the Black Boy (I used to drink there myself) can you ask him?


It'll Be the Death of Me

My name it is John Thompson and a seafarer am I
I started as a cabin boy when I was but knee-high
And I reckon this will be my life until the day I die
For it's water that will be the death of me.

Chorus:
Let the wind blow up and down
From the River Hull to the whaling ground
In the Black Boy I'll be found
For I do love strong beer.

I've sailed on every kind of ship from Billy Boy* to Bark
And I've worked alongside lascars, packet-rats** and chis'lling sharks
And if I hadn't dodged the press gangs that were waiting in the dark
Those Frenchies would have been the death of me.

Chorus

As first mate on a whaler I was there at Baffin Fair
When we got drunk and Tommy Hunt got eaten by a bear
And I tell you, I'll be buggered if I ever go back there
For the whaling life will be the death of me.

Chorus

Now as master of a sloop I run from Hull to Sheffield town
And the Dunn takes oil and leather up and plate and steel goods down
But at either end I get so drunk it's a blessing I'm not drowned
For this river trade will be the death of me.

Chorus

One day I met a bonny lass while I was docked in Thorne
But I confess I'd had a few upon our wedding morn
Now whenever I come home I swear another brat's been born
And their hungry mouths will be the death of me.

Chorus

Now the Dunn's tied up at Chapel Staithe and I'm in t'Black Boy Inn
Where I've spent a pleasant evening drinking George North's*** beer and gin
But he says I shouldn't go outside for an easterly's blown in
And these Humber gales will be the death of me.

Chorus

But I reckon that I'd best be off before me legs give in
So I step out into High Street in this filthy wind and rain
And I know that it won't be too long before I'm back again****
Oh, that Black Boy beer will be the death of me!

Chorus


*Yorkshire Billy Boys were a type of small cargo vessel that plied up and down the Humber and along the east coast.

**Packet boats were passenger carriers that worked to tight schedules and the crew were driven so hard that only the dregs of seamen who couldn't get employment elsewhere would work on them.

***George North was landlord of the Black Boy in High Street, Hull, where John Thompson was a frequent customer, and gave evidence at his Inquest on 7th March 1834.

**** When John's body was pulled out of The Old Harbour the following morning, it was taken back to the Black Boy Inn.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 03:02 PM

Leveller,
Brilliant stuff. I bet they'd love a framed copy for the wall in Black Boy.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: theleveller
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 04:08 AM

Thanks, Guest. I haven't been to The Black Boy for years - might have to make a pilgimage soon. Wonder if I could get a lift there on a boat!

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 05:53 AM

Songs looking great, when and where can we expect to hear you sing it?
Possibly in the Black Boy?

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: theleveller
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 09:22 AM

Dennis, it would be great to get across for the singaround in the Black Boy at some stage, when the song's finished. Can you just remind me when it's held?

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 09:30 AM

Sorry Leveller,
That was MY GUEST message. My cookie crumbled. Now reinstated.

The BB session is mostly tunes and very hectic it is. I went to the last one. First Monday in the month I think. Amazing standard and lots of young blood. You need to be pretty confident to squeeze a song in.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: theleveller
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 10:24 AM

Thanks Steve. No problem - couldn't get across on a Monday anyway. Hope to catch up with you soon. We'll try to get to the Museum Mini Fest but I think we've a booking that Sunday afternoon - I'll have to check.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Mr Happy
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 10:00 AM

Is the camping just campervans, or can there be tents as well?

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 03:13 PM

Tents are fine but you'd have a short walk to the museum facilities from where you can pitch them. If you contact the museum they might allow you to sleep on one of the boats which would be more secure. Tel no. at top of thread. If it's only a small one man tent you should be able to find a spot on the museum's grassed areas, mostly steep slopes but a few flat areas.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 09:02 AM

I shall come on Sunday as we discussed Steve.
Geoff

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 04:50 PM

Okay, preparations going well.
Apart from the resident boats we have sloops/keels Southcliffe, Spider T, Phyllis, and Kennet (Leeds/Liverpool). Trips round the docks on Wheldale.
Sunday night concert is now Pegleg Ferret supported by meself and Geoff Lawes who will no doubt sing his hit song 'MY Sky Sailor'.
All the usual activities by local organisations and now a second-hand book stall as well. A space has been cleared on the nature trail for caravans and campers.
Spots by most of the guest singers during the afternoon sessions.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: nutty
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 06:11 PM

Sadly I won't be joining you after all - got my July dates completely mucked up but I'll be thinking about you and I hope you all have a great time.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: GUEST,ossonflags wivout cookie
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 05:49 AM

Really looking forward to it Steve

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 06:23 AM

I can't read the yellow box on the website properly because it appears up underneath the menu bar, and there's nothing else on the Museum page about folk music.

Is anything happening on Friday night?

Tom

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: theleveller
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 06:36 AM

Unfortunately we've got family stuff on Saturday and playing at Acoustic Rotherham on Sunday so we won't be able to make it. Pity!

Hope it goes well.

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 07:46 AM

Sorry I can't make it Steve-off to Turkey via Coventry!

Subject: RE: Yorkshire Waterways Folk Weekend July 24
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 02:28 PM

Nothing on Friday night as far as I know. Whilst these are folk events on both days the event is to celebrate 100 years of the keel 'Sobriety' so we'll all get p****d out of our heads. Sweet irony.
I won't be there myself on Saturday as I too have a gig elsewhere. I'm sure it will be a sell-out anyway. There will be lots of boating people there as well as folkies.

Have a nice time in Turkey, Linda. I hope you aren't booked with one of these fly-by-night companies!