Saddleworth Cancelled 2011

Subject: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 04:53 AM

Just noticed that website says that Saddleworth is cancelled for 2011. This is sad news I had grown to like the Festival and especially the singarounds which could be mega. Perhaps it could be run as a singaround day with concerts dunno

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 05:05 AM

O right!

So what about the Wars of the Roses?

I think that this should (Saddleworth) continue as a singaround one day do centred on The 2 Con clubs, forget the Civic as this appears to be a stumbling block (sorry if this is incorrect!) suffering as Holmfith did

WE obviously know nothing of the reasons at the moment so anyone know owt?

Ray

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Mr Happy
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 05:21 AM

http://www.safra.org.uk/

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 06:00 AM

Perhaps could reschedule War of Roses for the hopefully resurected Sheffield Folk Festival Singaround Festival at Easter ?

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 07:54 AM

Very sad to hear this as one of my favourite festivals.

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Vin2
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 08:24 AM

A great shame. Quite understand the reasons tho. The committee(s) over the years have done stirling work in staging a great festival and much thanks must got to then especially to Ali O'Brien who was a key figure for most of those years. To expect the same people to carry on (all voluntarily of course) each year is a lot to ask.

Lets hope, as the safra web site says, that they can ressurect in 2012. Be quite willing to help out, as hopefully more will in any way - even if publicing with leaflets etc.

In the meantime, good idea Ray to p'raps hold some small events/singarounds in Con clubs and pubs, mebbbe even as fund raisers for 2012 !

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Joe Nicholson
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 07:38 PM

It will be sad news if the festival is cancelled but it does not say that. (the web site that is) It is just the same as it was in July so we are waiting for further updates,

Joe Nicholson

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 08:28 PM

Joe, the website now says '2011 festival cancelled.'.
:(

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Joe Nicholson
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 08:39 PM

Noreen I have been back to the website and read it over three times and I know it's getting late but i am sure it's just the same as it's been since july ( no date has been set wait on further anouncements.

Joe

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Soldier boy
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 09:56 PM

Bugger! Hope it's not cancelled in 2011 because it is already in my diary!
Agree with Ray that if it is cancelled then 'something' should happen next year even if it is only singarounds/playarounds in the local pubs and clubs with a few 'artists' perhaps willing to appear on a voluntary/free basis to raise funds for 2012 and also to focus very importantly on recruiting new committee members and volunteers to help out the embattled and too few die-hards who have worked damned hard every year to make this very special festival so great.

I am based in the Colne Valley near Huddersfield just over the Pennines but I am willing to volunteer my services in any way I can, whether it is on the organising committee or as a volunteer to do whatever is needed to make this work.

It is no good saying it is all very sad and what a great shame that this festival may not happen in 2011. If you love this festival and don't want it to end then get off your backsides and follow me to offer your services, no matter how small, to make a real difference and don't ditther do it NOW!!!

Just invite the the organisers to PM you to make it so.

Chris

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Noreen
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 07:05 AM

Joe, it could be that your browser has saved an old copy of the website in its cache, and that is what you are still seeing.

Try refreshing the page next time you look at it, or you may need to clear your cache...

Unfortunately thre latest news is that 2011 is cancelled but thet are hoping for 2012.

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Joe Nicholson
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 08:26 PM

Hi Noreen finaly sorted it and got the latest revised website as you said.I find it suprising that the festival is cancelled for the reason given and I wonder if the commitee have endevoured to find new recruits to there number and further that they have left it rarther late to make a descision. I am sure there would be a lot of people localy who would be only too willing to help if the knew the situation and were asked.

Joe Nicholson

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Vin2
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 08:39 AM

Nicely put Soldiew boy. I've offered to help as best i can tho i like yourself live a wee bit of a distance from Uppermill and don't drive but most of us have t'internet and mobiles so even if only leafletting etc, could do summat. Ray Padgett on another thread has voiced similar suggestions re helping organise. Methinks p'raps Ray or others as experience could run a workshop on how a festival is organised then folks like me might not be put off cos we've never done it afore. Just a thought. Here's to 2012 !

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,selby
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 10:06 AM

The unfortunate downside to running a festival is income who is going to stand the loss for rooms ,artists booked, mail costs, phone bills, traveling etc. The organising is relativly easy and that is not belittling anyone that runs a festival after the cost you have upset punters,,,, upset artists to much rain to much sun keeping people away.Your own personel stress levels have to be managed After all that what I am saying is I take my hat off to anyone that runs a festival and they have my deepest respect Those of you with ambition to help do think it out.
But remember if you do it you will after the festival have a great feeling of satisfaction till you start putting the next one together

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: scowie
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 03:33 AM

Great shame about the Festival, but I can understand the reasons, perhaps something can be salvaged, certainly the War of the Roses should continue in some form, as it has been such fun.
I will rally the clan and be in touch Raymond!
Cheers, Scowie.

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 04:40 AM

If Sheffield at Easter comes off we could try and find a venue for 'War of the Roses'. Perhaps it could be a Home and Away fixture with Yorkshire hosting it next year and lancashire year after instead of on 'disputed' territory.

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 04:47 AM

Thanks Mr Scowcroft, I have been in contact with Sid too and he is keeping the Bowl well cleaned.Uses it for the cat I think, cheap person cant afford Brazo!

ray

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,selby
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 06:59 AM

MC fat his taken the same idea that I was mulling over I wish him all the best with his efforts for succesfull sheffield

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Hamish
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 02:49 AM

Bummer. Great festival. Superb vibe throughout. Great shame for all those who have invested their blood, sweat and tears in building it up to see it fade away.

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: scowie
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 12:13 PM

Easter surely is not a good idea as it clashes with the excellent do organised by one Raymond Padgett in Deepest Barnsley, if I remember rightly,
Cheers, Scowie.

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 01:31 PM

Barnsley not going ahead due to change of venue and Padge wanting a rest

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 01:41 PM

Yes Mc Fat is correct I did post that Barnsley singaround has finished after some 20yrs (Easter) I need a rest!

Ray

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,john taylor n wales
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 05:42 PM

Just wanted to share the sentiments of so many folkies. I too find it very sad that the 2011 festival is cancelled The saddleworth festival has so many happy memories and it was there we met the likes of Anthony John Clarke Kerfuffle Flossy   and many more and of course the battle of the roses Great banter Very best wishes to all who are attempting to keep things going Come on --many hands make light work lets turn the situation around Please

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: scowie
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 05:38 PM

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Noreen
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 06:45 PM

Uncharacteristically quiet there, Scowie my dear!

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: scowie
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 04:50 AM

Noreen Dearest, just another cock-up in the long line that make up the story of my life!
Hope things are well with you and yours,
Your pal, Scowie.

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 05:05 PM

Shame,, a very enjoyable festival, Has anyone been in touch with Ali?? If she needs support I'm sure a lot of us would rally round even if it's from a distance, computers and all!!

Bob

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: Alio
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 05:13 AM

Hi Bob - and all of you! Thanks for all your wonderful messages and comments about the festival.
I've been feeling really down about this - especially as I had to find out the news from Bernard (my radio producer)!! Obviously I'm upset about the decision, but as Jan and Paul made it clear over the festival weekend that there wasn't going to be another festival, it doesn't surprise me - only the length of time it's taken to make the decision.
I only found out on Monday (2 days ago) so the news hasn't really sunk in yet - especially as organising Christmas is a mammoth task with the size of my family!
I would hate to see the festival disappear, but as I'm not on the committee any longer, I've no idea how much money there is left in the bank to realistically organise anything different or smaller. I know Hilary wanted to se it continue in some shape or form, but again I've heard nothing from any of the committee members, so it's impossible for me to speculate.
I'm doing a lot more Festival MCing now - and loving it! Linda, it was brill seeing you at Bedworth a couple of weeks ago. Great weekend - and loads of Mudcatter friends there!
So in the meantime, I hope you all have a lovely Christmas - I'm well stocked with Jamieson's already!!
Ali xx

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,Pete and Jan
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 02:52 PM

Hi everyone

Nice to see that people are concerned that the festival isn't going ahead this year. Despite what some think the decision wasn't taken until we had had some time to think about the possibilities and was done with some reluctance. Do please understand, it will not go ahead
in 2011 but the hope is to get enough committee members to run it in
2012. This means people who are prepared to do a real job and who can be relied upon to carry it out. When we joined we had such a committee but the numbers have been reducing every year especially from 2007 when we lost several important members. We ended up last year with five members and Jan and I ended up doing almost all the work. To the person who thinks it is relatively easy running a festival they should try cleaning out the toilets at the campsite for three hours whilst trying to keep everything else on track on their wedding anniversary. We have asked several people if they wish to help out but apart from helping on the day no-one is prepared to make the commitment.
It is not now a question of money as we made a profit for the first time in four years due to careful planning and effort on the part of the committee.
If anyone is able and genuinely interested in helping we will be making further postings on the website detailing the jobs that need to be carried out.We have had several offers which we have yet to respond to and explore so if you would like to add your name to these please send us an email to [e-mail].

As to the Wars of the Roses, Cleckheaton have extremely kindly offered to run it in our name at their 2011 festival for one year but we cannot make a decision until our January meeting.(By the way, they have 22 committee members!!)

In the meantime we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Pete and Jan Shevlin

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: r.padgett
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 04:38 PM

Pete and Jan

have a really good Christmas and all the best for 2011!!

Running a festival is indeed hard work and having people on the day is vital, but organising is a real pain, totally empathise and hope to see Saddleworth back in 2012

Ray

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: GUEST,Vin2
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 12:50 PM

Nicely put Ray. Never been on a committee but can quite understand the hard work and slog running a festival must involve when committee members are few. So hats off and much appreciation to the remaining committee especially Pete & Jan for their tremendous past efforts. Am willing to lend a hand any way i can for 2012.

All the very best to you Ray and all for 2011.

Vin

Subject: RE: Saddleworth Cancelled 2011
From: r.padgett
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 03:12 PM

Yea Cheers Vin
All the best

Ray