Moira Furnace Folk Festival

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 08:29 AM

Thanks for that Dave. I'm amazed at how well you could hear us singing at the top of the tower!

There are also some photos from this year up on the website go to gallery then photos. http://www.moirafurnacefolkfestival.co.uk

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Acorn4
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 04:26 AM

Try link 1 again!

Moira Furnace 2010 photos

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Acorn4
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 04:24 AM

Hope these links work:-

a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=203376&id=757229786&ref=mf">Moira Furnace 2010 photos

Rooftop Singers - 1

Rooftop Singers - 2

Finale - Bounty Hounds

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 03:36 AM

Thanks guys for all the comments. I don't think I've heard a single negative one anywhere! We have our post-festival meeting next week and I will copy off some of these posts and take them with me because I think the non-Mudcat members of the committee should see them too.

On a slightly more personal note, since singarounds and sessions were under my jurisdiction, I'd love any constructive comments about them specifically. Anything I should do for next year? Any sort of singaround I should add? Any other times they are needed? There is the potential for more if people want them.

And anyone interested in Kathy's storytelling, wait till you hear what she has planne3d for next year!! It sounds wonderful.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Noreen
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 08:27 PM

200!

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MuddleC
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 08:11 PM

Well, I sneaked in a last song at the survivor's night, a bit dirty I'll admit... but not as bad the one MSBlynnne did which caused her daughter to run out with all her motley crew in tow... was she whistling as she left the tent?.. not too sure as the pizza delivery boy arrived around then and almost mowed me down on his bicyle (should get some bells fitted) or was it a spitfire he arrived in.... didn't think pilots wore flat caps. ...also didn't realise that Mick was married to Marge Simpson until Sunday.
Next year, can we arrange to have the non-payers to be strapped to the field artillery and fired out over the canal?.. it's difficult to pick up the small bits with those mechanical fingers during litter patrol.
Luckily I remembered the important things.. tent, sleeping bag, airbed , cider and a new cider mug!
that millionaires shortbread was nice too, although the number of non-catters at the meet was worrying... but with the right therapy they might appear here soon, now that it's been explained to them.!

--you all did very well!
(Only one niggle.. the car tyres (at leat 3) observed in the pools as you wander up through the Everglades from the car park & camping areas.. ..don't think they make it as industrial heritage exhibits-or are they preparing a supermarket trolley for the canal for a full set?!!.

Looking forward to number three, and I won't let it out that Kate Rusby and Jedward are guesting...

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: John J
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 02:29 PM

It's good to hear the Friday session in the Railway was well received...as I was tasked with running it!

I would wholeheartedly agree with MoorleyMan and Newbee's comments regarding keeping the festival as it is - no big names demanding big fees, big audiences....and bigger festival prices. The standard of the not so well-known artists (I hope they'll forgive me for that description!) this year was very good, no need for 'stars' at all.

Moira Furnace Folk Festival is a little cracker....and if it ain't broke then don't fix it.

See you next year!

JJ

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 11:54 AM

Yes, you're all absolutely spot-on with your comments, especially those praising the well-oiled organisation, excellent sound, informative programme, and all those things that many of the more "established" festivals still haven't got right.
It was refreshing to come across whole bills-full of performers no less talented than some of the bigger names on the circuit but equally deserving of the chance to be heard in a sympathetic environment.

But most of all I appreciated the intimacy, the welcome, the sheer friendliness, and of course the great singing from everyone. No inflated egos, no competition, just warmth and genuine companionship and joy in singing (and listening!). Special thanks to Lynne and Kathy, I do hope our paths cross again real soon.

It was lovely to get such warm feedback from my open-mic slot too (especially as at first I was competing with the morris side for the right key!) and it would be great to get the chance to take the stage next year!

The Mudgather didn't quite live up to its name-badge (not enough rain! - no, only joking!). No, seriously, it was just fine - great to meet some more Catters (thanks Hils!) and share songs and experiences - not just chocolate!...

My feedback form is on its way back to the organisers, but for the time being the overwhelming message is please let's keep it intimate and not turn it into a clone of other festivals that have become glorified concerts and/or name-guest-focused to the alienation of the rest of us that enjoy the whole range of activities and participation.

Bottom line: it's been my most enjoyable festival this year by far, so massive thanks to everyone at Moira.

Cheers,
MM

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Newbee
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 11:50 AM

What a lovely festival.

PLEASE don't go down the road of letting it get too big by signing big names. That way lies the death of nice, intimate (and affordable) festivals like Moira. You've got it just right as it is.

The music session in the Railway on Friday evening was brill, it was good to enjoy a traditional music and song session rather than a pop / rock / country and western session.

I'll be back next year!

Alistair

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 10:57 AM

Tam, the lack of morris sides was due to a small hiccup and will hopefully be addressed for next year. We did have more last year.

Nice to see that everyone else likes the same things about it that I do! I don't think it's bias that makes it my favourite festival already.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Brenda
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 10:47 AM

Yes a fantastic weekend. Everyone really friendly including people I didn't already know. I'm afraid I was also in the group that got told off for being too noisy. My thanks also for all the cups of tea, coffee and food I was given. Hils your mince hotpot was amazing. I would also like to add that it would be a shame if it got too big but I'm sure we can add a few select personages to our numbers.

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: TheSilentOne
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 10:37 AM

I had a wonderful time at Moira. It was nice to meet and put faces to a lot of great Mudcatters, to whom I demonstrated the aptness of my own Mudcat handle. The whole thing felt like a friendly village, where we kept running across people we knew or had just met earlier in the weekend.

It was also good to see unfamiliar acts rather than the big names, so I hope that aspect of the festival doesn't change too much.

A brilliant weekend. Thanks to everyone involved.

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Sooz
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 10:22 AM

Ditto to everything that has already been said. Congratulations to all of the organising team - I KNOW WHAT HARD WORK IT IS!
No more chocolate this week though....

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Gedi
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 10:20 AM

This was only my second Folk Fest (Shrewsbury last year being my first)and I thought it was great, nice atmosphere, intimate surroundings, not too large - Fantastic! And it was nice to put faces to names etc. Seaking, I loved your singing, and yours Virginia T - really great to hear you guys.

I liked the sessions in the Railway especially but the whole thing was brill. Well done to all the organisers, I'm sure it can't be easy. Looking forward to next year.

Oh yes, and a special thanks to JJ& Wendy for the company and food : )

cheers
Ged

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 10:04 AM

hard to believe it was only the second one as it had the feel of something longer established Agreed - That is down to the brilliant organisation.

TheSilentOne and I loved Moira just as it was. Wouldn't change a thing about it, except add lights in the porta loos for night time visits and more Morris sides. (but that's me)

Sorry about the weather. I did try... maybe too hard. It wasn't as bad as it could have been and the nights were quite warm.

Thank you all. Organisers, performers and punters. We had a lovely time.

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Seaking
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 08:49 AM

I certainly did Lynne. One of the things I liked was the obvious push from the organisers to get as much feedback as possible following the event. I'm sure you'll get a whole range of honest opinion from lots of folk.

Chris

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 08:38 AM

I assume you put all that on a feedback form Chris?

PFD is currently descending on me in a big way. Probably a double dose because I avoided it after Sidmouth due to two weeks building up to Moira so now I'm getting both. Booohoooo.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: autoharpbob
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 07:04 AM

Fantastic weekend, extremely friendly festival and great fun. Thanks to everyone who organised it so well. Met loads of Mudcatters, who were without exception lovely people, and great singers. Am now giving my ears, fingers and voice a well deserved rest. See you again next year - maybe on stage?

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Seaking
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 05:26 AM

A fantastic weekend and an extremely well run festival in a magnificent setting, hard to believe it was only the second one as it had the feel of something longer established. I picked up vibes that the organising committee is very ambitious and next year's programme includes 'big' names so my only comment is that I fear the weekend may possibly lose some of it's warm and friendly atmosphere if it tries to grow too quickly and becomes primarily a concert event. It was lovely as it was, so possibly a slightly selfish viewpoint I'll admit but the people I talked to certainly felt well entertained by the great variety of lesser known talent on show. I'll resist picking out highlights as I had lots of friends performing and will inevitably miss someone but will just mention Lucy Ward's performance of 'Stitch in Time' - superb and a joy to watch !

My thanks to friends in the caravan and campervan circle for keeping me fed over the weekend (what a nice lot you all are) and my share of the apologies to the tired teenager with the blanket wrapped around him who asked our group to keep the noise down at about 2 a.m. on Saturday night. It was almost a surreal moment ! Alie mentioned it during her set on Sunday and a voice from behind me on the grass bank went - 'Oh, it was that lot'. Sorry again - but we were only singing, laughing and enjoying ourselves a bit. MGAS and I had both had a very sober day due to the timing of our sets so were both in 'catch-up' mode, and we'd all enjoyed a great sesion at 'The Railway' beforehand.   Serious comment, it's a lovely campsite setting, one of the nicest anywhere and maybe a designated area for those who like their festivals a bit quieter would be a good idea for the future, there's more than plenty room on the site to do it. Personally I stick earplugs in when I need to sleep and there's a bit of noise, usually from the inevitable noisy dogs, they do work !

My thanks to Lynne and her committee colleagues for the opportunity to play at this year's festival, playing on the main stage on Saturday night was great fun and a privilege, if a touch scary.. Superb sound from Jeremy, I'd heard a lot about him following last year's festival and he certainly lived up to his reputation throughout the weekend.

I got home before the rains started last night, I just hope all the survivers survived the deluge, it certainly hammered it down in Suffolk overnight. Hope you kept quiet too !!

Looking forward to next year already, just hope I'm not offshore that weekend !

Chris

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 03:35 AM

Thanks to everyone who made it such a brilliant weekend. (Despite the weather) I think it was even better than last year.

Please everyone fill in feedback forms so we know where we are going right and what we do need to change.

Well it's a good thing Virginia Tam and Miskin Man were there! Just think how much worse the weather would have been without them!!!

See you all next year!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Bounty Hound
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 06:24 PM

What a super weekend, If you've not done Moira furnace before, get it in your diary for next year now!
Great bunch of people, excellent sound crew, Big big thanks to all the organisers. Roll on next year.

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: John J
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 06:12 AM

Caravan loaded and (nearly) ready to go - just need to go and buy chocolate. Leaving Altrincham about 1.30pm.

JJ

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 01:32 AM

I couldn't sleep late today either, the tricky bit will be getting Richard out of bed....

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 01:29 AM

we are going out the door now to collect the caravan

see you all soon

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Bounty Hound
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 05:57 PM

Caravan packed, few last things to throw in in the morning (Dog, Boy, Wife, oh and assorted stringed things) then we're ready to rock and roll.

Who cares about the weather, we're going to have fun fun fun!

John

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Noreen
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 05:47 PM

Sunday afternoon and evening look to be the best for sunshine- but we can cope with showers! :)

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 04:43 PM

I'd forgotten what I'd come here to say!

I've just finished playing with chocolate and it's taken ages to lick the bowls out & clean up in the kitchen. Not sure the results will be worth the hassle, but we'll see who's brave enough to try my contribution *grin* Gluten-free BTW....

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 04:40 PM

Slight drizzle here.... It'll be lovely tomorrow!!

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Noreen
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 03:19 PM

Yup, same here :(

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 02:42 PM

Oh bugger. It's peeing it down and has been for two or three hours.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 02:41 PM

You drive through a car park to get to the campsite and someone (probably my Shady) will be waiting there to tell you where to go. You will probably just leave the caravan there while you nip up to the festival office (couple of hundred yards) or they may direct you to camp then go to the office. Either way it should all be quite easy and smooth.

Kitty I'm unlikely to make Banbury...haven't managed it for a year or two. My only other festival will be Bedworth

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 01:24 PM

Apologies, Lynne, but we're going to a B&B in Whitby tomorrow, and have been doing annually since before MFFF started... it gets even more difficult to get to all the festivals we'd like to be at in the years when there are only 4 Mondays in August and Whitby starts the same weekend as Grove!

Have a great time (I expect a report from Hil when she gets to Whitby). Hope you can manage a day trip to Banbury in October....

Kitty
xx

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 08:25 AM

VT, you can't miss it as long as you're heading for Moira, near Donisthorpe. There'll be signs to the Furnace & there might be some for the festival too. There's a car park where you could park till you sort tickets and the Stewards are all lovely and will help, no problem!

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 05:28 AM

The letter we received after online booking states that we pick up camping permit at festival office. Where can we park caravan while we collect tickets? Or will it be like Sidmouth. Show the letter at the camp, go in, set up and then go collect festival tickets, bracelets, camping tickets, etc.

Are there special directions to get to the camp when towing a caravan?

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 05:25 AM

Hils - you had next weekend metcheck for Leicester. this weekend is this.

http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/7days.

and this

http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-Burton-on-Trent-UKXX0528

sigh...

Seaking - my "pook" predates your "pook" Mine is the 1967 definition. :~P

I have some camping related questions coming up in next post.

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 03:34 AM

Hoping to mess around with chocolate later today!

Weather looks good over the next few days!!

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 03:25 AM

Well Kitty...you should be coming to Moira!!!

Sounds as though the survivors' sessions is already shaping up to being a good one!

Now I just hope I've got all the sessions properly covered......

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 06:03 PM

Chris - if I can do blue clickies, I know you can! But meanwhile Here you go !

Haven't seen you for ages, so hope to catch up at a festival somewhere soonish.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Seaking
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 05:59 PM

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: Seaking
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 05:57 PM

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pook

Sorry, still havn't worked out blue clicky thing..

Chris

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 02:36 PM

Mrs. Mears in Thoroughly Modern Millie said "aw pook" when things did not turn out right.

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 02:15 PM

Pook, indeed VT! Hmmm, what is pook anyway?

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 12:31 PM

pook... Crow Sister has other commitments so will not be coming along with us --- THIS YEAR --

We are staying through survivor session.... Oh I think I already said that.

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 07:38 AM

And yes, it's 12.00 Monday that the site has to be cleared.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 07:34 AM

Don't panic! Cider is here!

I don't look at weather forecasts any more. They're only right about half the time, they're often depressing and there's nothing you can do about it anyway!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: OlgaJ
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 07:19 AM

Local BBC weather forecast better than it was earlier in the week. Light rain shower Friday, white cloud Saturday, grey cloud Sunday. Don't mind what colour the cloud is as long as it doesn't rain all the time.

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 07:01 AM

Yes, no problem. I think you need to clear the site by 12.00 but I'll check that.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 06:05 AM

I hope so John J, we're staying over on the Sunday. Actually I'm pretty sure it's OK!

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: John J
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 05:06 AM

Are we okay to camp on the Sunday night too?

JJ

Subject: RE: Moira Furnace Folk Festival
From: MBSLynne
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 04:50 AM

Yeah, a birthday celebration would be a great way to round off the festival.

The survivors' session this year is supposed to be in the marquee rather than down the pub. Personally think that's a shame as last year's in the pub was brilliant, if a little tightly packed. I guess with more people this year we wouldn't really fit. Oh well.

Our guest for the weekend arrives tomorrow and we will all be down there setting things up by tomorrow afternoon...see you in a couple of days!!!

Love Lynne