Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 03 Aug 10 - 01:28 PM

are those the happy neighbours that raided the site a couple of years back?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: romanyman
Date: 03 Aug 10 - 05:27 PM

of course it was, and just as i thought the thread was going so well this year, along comes the bus, however last year was more flexible bus wise so lets hope thats the same this year. will the no smoking rule be enforced as last year i was made almost sick by the dope heads and their puff just a few tents away.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 02:42 AM

Some details of the bus service would surely be appropriate.

As for the smoking ban - it it is to be taken literally then there will be many people who in effect cannot stay on the campsite.

As for noise, it was not many years back that Bishop Gundulf were told be security to stop talking in the BG marquee.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 03:08 AM

Met office now says raining fri nite, pissing sat, but metcheck says light rain both.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 03:35 AM

I think the smokers have themselves to blame for this. In previous years too many - but not all - dumped their fag ends on a school field three weeks before the start of term.

I don't understand why smokers think they can litter where they like.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST, Fido
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 07:27 AM

That is impressively fallacious.

First it appears that FloraG, whoever she may be, thinks that the smokers who didn't leave their fag-ends on the field are responsible for and should be punished for the sins of those who do. She then seems to generalise her accusations yet more widely on the basis of other littering that she says she has seen apparently in other places.

Second, Cambridge festival used to have a giant sweeper that swept the stage fields for beer cans and all other rubbish overnight every night and I'm sure that there is rubbish collection done on the Broadstairs camping fields as soon as the last camper is off. The implication that the campers' fag ends are somehow corrupting or damaging to the little darlings at school - after first being mostly cleared and secondly composted by three weeks further of British summer (not to mention periodic grass cutting) - is surely a massive over-reaction if not a total fantasy.

I don't smoke, but I don't approve of witch-hunts (with some exceptions).

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 09:40 AM

You are right Fido. It is not all smokers who dump their fag ends anywhere they feel like it - but a lot do.   Just look outside any pub or office block.

The Filter tips don't disintegrate as quickly as the non filter and the school only have three weeks to get their field back to playing standard before the term begins. This school use their field a lot for sport and this year got to the finals of the inter schools Kent football competition. I know about this because I'm involved in one of the groups that sponsors this, and was at the finals - and what a good match it was too.

I have always found that most campers are like the Roman Army - they expect to leave a site as they found it - with little indication that a camp has existed there. Its always surprising when you find a sub group who don't follow this principle.

FloraG

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST, Fido
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 05:06 PM

FloraG:

I did not create, merely adopted, your premise. Those you now say can be identified as sinners are subsets of a subset - they are smokers who smoke outside pubs, and smokers who smoke outside office blocks.

So why should those like country stiles (more sinned against than sinning) be punished?

I also suggest that you consider grass that has been mown with a modern mower that lifts cuttings - in the three weeks you cite the vast preponderance of filter tips will have been lifted. As for any that have not, the nicotine and other chemicals will have been biodegraded.

I infer that you let your dislike for smoking become a dislike of smokers.   Hate the sin (if it be a sin) but love the sinner.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 05:46 PM

Sooooo......

what are the acts not to be missed? Any newcomers worth looking out for in the pubs?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 06:02 PM

Or are there any good participative song and music sessions (I'm not bovvered about music only, nor unaccomplished only) apart from the Crown and the Wrotham Arms (and the very time limited Neptunes Hall)?

Will steps be taken to make the school hall more welcoming and intimate late at night - think 6th form party?   The school used to be a wonderful hub late at night. Surely more can be done to resurrect it.

If we're going to get that flaming wet it might as well be in a good cause!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Aug 10 - 02:24 AM

Wevva forecasts for the opening weekend improving.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,synbyn
Date: 05 Aug 10 - 07:45 AM

Well, the opening night at the school will effectively be a Woodshed with as much participation as we can get... let's hope people aren't to exhausted after a long drive from Devon!

There look to be a number of interesting younger acts this year- good news for all of us and for the folk arts in general- and they are pretty dextrous, if you look up their YouTubes and MySpace clips...

and it's up to us to make them welcome...

Bob

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Aug 10 - 05:57 PM

When you say "opening night" do you mean Friday the 6th?

Might be a safe harbour. What will you do about atmosphere?

Candles - health and safety

Low light - health and safety

Suspended nets visually to lower ceiling - er - elf + safe tea?

Partitions to shrink room as necessary?

Low gain overhead mic to add a bit of reverb and presence?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Aug 10 - 01:44 AM

Alas met check and met office seem largely to agree, mostly raining (although not a lot) from mid-day today until Sunday.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Aug 10 - 03:29 PM

Ah well. I gather there was nothing participative on Friday night. The Crown was OK-ish Saturday daytime. The Albion was not as good as mediocre Saturday evening.

I lost another hat. Two hats, two weekends. Maybe I was not destined to wear a hat.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Aug 10 - 04:35 PM

maybe it is time you bought some new hats?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Aug 10 - 03:18 PM

Where are the daily updates of the progress of the week, here or on Fakebook?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Arnie
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 06:11 AM

Well, here's one update. My wife and I attended the Songs of Kent concert in the Methodist Church yesterday (Mon) aft. Bob Kenward, Bernard Quenby and Sue Watson put on an excellent Kent-themed concert of songs with a bit of humourous chat in between. The place was packed to begin with, although a few of the audience mysteriously left just before the end - I suppose there was another gig starting up that they had tickets for. The weather was kind as well, with a nice sunny afternoon and evening and drinkers sitting outside at the Wrotham Arms. Shame today (Tues) has started off with a downpour!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Boston Bass
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 02:45 PM

I'm really missing B'stairs this year, although I've been kept busy with a Boston Folk Orchestra wedding in Bucks, Better Late than Naked at Lincolnshire's 600 whiskies day of folk (Excellent!), and Cropredy at the end of the week.... I'd really like to know..how's things at the Nelson? (A spiritual home)
BB

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,bumcat
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 01:33 PM

What a load of rubbish Jumbo Gumbo are! They completely destroy songs that are actually good with their unoriginal interpretations. The melodeon player just makes a noise without understanding his instrument and the drummer is atrocious. The only person in the band who is worth their salt is Dave who is denied expressing his true talents from the mediocre (at best) playing from the rest of the band. Hang up your boots and sell your instruments, let other better bands get gigs!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 01:49 PM

Is that you Dave?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 01:56 PM

I suspect it's the shirt murderer trying a new angle on self-publicity.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST, Fido
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 02:03 PM

Ah, but are they worse than the Pacific Twunts?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,Joss stick
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 02:09 PM

They're worse and unbearable to look at to add insult to injury. Have you ever seen an uglier set of mugs together at the same time in yer lives before?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,golden oldie
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 02:13 PM

Actually I quite fancy the drummer, but then, I am 92 next week, no accounting for tastes at my age. I wouldn't ever go for that box player though. He looks like a sow.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST, Fido
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 03:59 PM

I do know a worse squeezer, but they are prone to protest if identified.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,Folker
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 05:11 PM

Are squeezers worse than grunters or are they about the same?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 07:01 PM

It's like reading a conversation between Peter Brough and Archie Andrews

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 03:11 AM

Be careful where you put your hand.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 03:34 AM

By the way, anyone under canvas (or nylon) should pack up and leave NOW or start stocking up on cedars of Lebanon and mating pairs of animals (other than folkies, there are probably enough of those down there anyway).

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Girl Friday
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 05:38 AM

I suggest forming the Mumbo Jumbo Leopard Band...... by the way this pair of leopards are past breeding age... and therefore no good when the flood comes.... how high are the cedars of Lebanon?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 06:53 AM

I didn't say breeding, I said mating.

If the cedars of Lebanon are in any way related to folkies, some will have been "Eight Miles High".

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,Wee Jock
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 09:20 AM

I have seen Jumbo Gumbo many times and have always had a great time the impression that bumcat gives who ever he or she is, is that they are a member of a band that did not get any gigs at broadstairs. I may be wrong though.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Girl Friday
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 11:59 AM

Hi Wee Jock. I think that you may be spot on ! The bands that get booked are ones that entertain not just us folkies, but Joe and Joanna Public too.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 02:06 PM

I am sure that those were not serious comments. I am sure, even from his name, that bumcat is on a wind-up and I strongly suspect he is one of Jumbo Gumbo (although I suspect that the delicate cajun flavours of gumbo, the stew, would be much altered by inserting an elephant) trying a different tack on shameless self-promotion.

Meanwhile, who are the Pacific Prawns and indeed who is Fido's least favourite squeezer? Enguiring minds want to know.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,bumcat
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 06:31 PM

I am a member of the 'Leopard Skin Trousers Down band' and we sing numbers such as 'Trouser snake', 'Cheesey Clangers', 'Dog breath in the mornin', 'Where's me Clearasil' and 'Fart all night'. We get gigs at Broadstairs all the time, I'd be surprised if you haven't seen/heard us. Jumbo Gobbers are rubbish, I reassert it after tonight's performance! You must all be deaf or have drunk too much not to have noticed.
I see from the comments above, some people agree with me!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 08:48 PM

Oh, wait a minute, you played the carpark stage opposite Boley Hill at Sweeps - last year I think. Are you the lead singer, Johnny Fartpants, or some such similar name? You were total crap. To be fair to Elephant Stew they can somewhat do DOS.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,bumcat
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 04:06 AM

Jumbo Grunters have nothing on us!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,bumcat
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 04:10 AM

In fact, Richard, why not join us?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 05:25 AM

I'll bring my lawyer! What bat-time, what bat-channel?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,bumcat
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 06:15 AM

Jumbo shirt-murdering gobstoppers! Holy crap frattoir players! Name your stage. I'll be mambo stewed if this doesn't bode infinitum for the Riddler!

Holy catfish! etc

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:11 AM

Changing topic - if any caravanner runs out of butane next year, I can tell them where NOT to go to a replacement. The caravan and camper van shop on the main road out of town, just near the Broadstairs campus of Christchurch univesity. They quoted me £27 and odd for a refill for a 4.5kg bottle of butane. The proper price is under £15 - and here is a link to a camping chainstore sellig it for even less: -

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calor-calor-butane-4-5kg-camping-gas-refill-p132716

I HATE swindlers like that.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Kampervan
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 08:07 AM

But apart from that Mr Bridge, how was Broadstairs folk week?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 10:32 AM

Had a great time at Broadstairs. Met a lot of old friends and played a bit too.

The mini bus drivers were especially good at driving us and our equipement around. Much better than trying to use a car for the PA and then trying to park.

Nice to see the yougsters featured at the festival. I just wish they would turn up at folk clubs more.

suggested improvement. If the organisers could ask the school if those with disabled badges for cars could be allowed to park by their tents/ caravans rather than expecting them to park in the car park.

FloraG

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: synbyn
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 03:49 PM

Yes, it was a great week- thanks to everyone who came along to the Woodshed, we had 103 tune/song leaders this year, and the atmosphere was great every day- particularly pleasnat was the way everyine toned down their playing to suit the song and the performer, rather than imposing their own way of playing...

and thanks too for such a turnout at the Kent concert- we reached the church's fire limit and could see people at the door being told no room even as we were singing Come In And Sit Down... lovely to hear the singing coming back ... and apologies for running a bit late, we had to make sure everyone was in on a short turnround! hope you made the later concert too!

If you enjoyed any of these, please do email the festival organisers to let them know- they do respond to public demand, and it would be good for Mudcat to be seen as a place of constructive comment which informs the next festival...

Cheers
Bob (& Sue & Bernie)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 05:51 PM

K

I was only there for opening Friday night, and Saturday. Pressure of work took me away on Sunday. The atmosphere seemed good, and the busses were very good - everyone I know has said so. The Geheime Stadts Polizei looked very butch but I heard of no criticism of them so I infer that some of the more draconian sounding stuff about how to camp was bluff.

Cars seemed to be allowed readily onto the distant field - but some pillocks put their tents in the "roadways" which made getting a caravan out mildly entertaining.

I found not a lot in the way of accompanied song sessions - I gather that the Neptune and the Wrotham were swinging from the chandeliers so that if you were not in, you were not in , and if you were in you were not getting out.

Circumstances stopped me getting to the opening night school session so I cannot comment on it.

I would have liked to go to the "Knit yourself a PA" tutorial.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Girl Friday
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:37 PM

We paid £14.20 or so at Weatherly Fencing on North Cray Road Foots Cray
for 4.5 butane cylinder.. Orpington Caravans were always dearer- but that price in Broadstairs is outrageous!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: melodeonboy
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 08:02 AM

Yes, another great week. I didn't get to as much as I wanted to due to other commitments. The Neptune singaround on the Thursday was great. The Thursday Woodshed session was also excellent. Well done, Bob. A really well run session and, as you said, great sensitivity from the performers. Re the Woodshed sessions, it may be worth contacting Kim (the Folk Week organiser) and the landlady of The Wrotham Arms to let them know how well received the sessions are and how much they add to the festival. I think it's important that they continue as a permanent feature of the festival.

Thanks to all of those who came to (and especially those who danced at) the Jumbo Gumbo gigs (even the odd one or two who found it not to their liking! :-D ).

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,banjoman
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 09:39 AM

Arrived home safe - Awning hanging out to dry - dead pet rabbit burried in garden, Dead plants thrown out and fishpond replenished with water. Thanks to our son who "Looked after things " while we were away.
A really great week celebrating 21 years of OTB playing on the Bandstand. Special thanks to Flora & Andy & Marion. Great companions and musicians. Hope to see you there again next year God willing and if the creek don't run dry.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,lady of the isle
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 01:55 PM

not able to attend as much as i would have liked as working but some outstanding sessions were first friday session at school, what a marvelous way to welcome in the festival,thanks Bob. Like old times! neptune singalongs were great, especially sunday gospel..wonderful!Tom and Barbara's singaround sessions great as always - African song workshop transported me back to Maridadi days.Good to have Woodshed sessions again, you've been missed! Many thanks to Janet Russell for standing in for Roger Watson with such marvelous workshop - hope you get invited back next year!