Easter Maritime Festival

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 May 11 - 10:19 AM

I Missed Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 01 May 11 - 01:55 PM

Eh up Muppet
How R U diddlin? It was a marmite festival, you either loved it or you hated it..............
Are you coming to Hull? Pretty quiet this year, pacing Derek a bit after the heart op but a couple of nice do's abroad. Drop us an email (we don't have a current email for you) you can contact us through Shanty UK ([e-mail]) we'll have a bit of a yarn 'appen we'll find somewhere to have a pint together
Cheers
Doxy

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: muppett
Date: 28 Apr 11 - 06:29 AM

Eh up Derick & Julia, just seen the thread and misread it at first, thought it said Easter Marmite Festival.

Any road glad the maritime festival went well, maybe do a marmite festival next year.

So how yer both didling, where else will you be this year.

Cheers

Muppett

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: nutty
Date: 28 Apr 11 - 05:05 AM

Doxy - I'm also told the an attempt was made to stem the leak by a Dutchman who stuck his finger in the hole.

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: GUEST,Doxy
Date: 28 Apr 11 - 03:22 AM

Hi All,
First of all a big thanks to everyone who participated, artists, our volunteers, the museum and their volunteers, boat museum society and all the members of the public 'folkie' or 'boatie' or the simply curious.............. without you all the weekend would not have happened (oops forgot to thank the sun for making a welcome appearance)
We have over a hundred feedback forms to go through and are already starting to see some themes which echo the constructive criticism here as well as a lot of positives. For Derek, Ian, Chris, Denise and myself the weekend passed in a blur of activity, from the number of smiles, hugs and beery kisses we all received the planning and hard work paid off. Really glad folks had a good time.
After the next commitee meeting we will be getting photos etc up on the web site so keep looking.
Just a reminder, Artists and volunteers please fill in your Shanty UK membership forms.
Shanty UK is an open society for anyone who wants to join. In the next month we will be getting membership forms and info on how to join up on the web site.
Thanks again
Doxy
PS funny point from the weekend, TC to me telling me the venue Bigmere had sprung a leak and was sinking. To have a ship go down on our maiden voyage might have inspired a few song writers!

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 27 Apr 11 - 08:21 AM

Sorry I missed meeting you Martin; shame you missed the Saturday concert though as it was genuinely magical.

Love your tactful phrase "cultural dichotomy" - must try and use it myself! :-)

Matthew

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: MartinRyan
Date: 27 Apr 11 - 06:49 AM

Some interesting comments, Blowz. I was there for a few hours on Saturday and enjoyed it immensely. Thought the compact yet varied site worked very well - serendipity kicked in at irregular intervals... The weather certainly helped, of course. Sat in on the bar singaround around lunchtime and enjoyed the quite light touch approach adopted by the shanty groups who opened and then managed the "watches" involved. I gather the singaround didn't really happen on the opening day but it picked up momentum nicely on the Saturday. I wasn't around for the concert, which I gather went well.

Must say I particularly enjoyed the singing on the Bigmore. While a few more chairs would have been welcome, it would perhaps be a pity to make it too tidy!

Regards

p.s. only "negative" comment I heard was that an off-site session in a nearby pub involved too much of a cultural dichotomy!

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: GUEST,Blowz sans cookie
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 12:05 PM

We went on the Saturday and had a good day - great to see so many old friends and the setting was more than a setting - it was very interesting in its own right.

Just a few bits of, hopefully, positive feedback for taking into consideration for next year (which hopefully there will be). I know that often there are different viewpoints on these things, but I chuck these in for consideration:

If using Porters Row and the Bigmore vessel again, try and arrange for some additional seats to be provided? There was only half a doz or so at Porters Row and, apart from not being enough, it makes the 'venue' look as if there's not really much there to be attracted to. Remember that the museum is full of people who have no idea of who the performers are and so won't know whether they are worth seeing or not. Also, that the age range of visitors will likely include quite a few people who'd welcome a sit.

Would it be poss to expand the programme a bit, so it gives more info than just names of performers and times / venues? As above, lots of the people at the museum would not know who the performers were, so the prog needs to give a bit more detail to draw them in and appeal to those who may never have heard of a shanty or a forebitter (or a concertina, for that matter!) Also, watch out for tying in the 'names' you use for the venues, with those on the museum's site map. We struggled a bit at first, trying to find where things were cos the description didn't match the locations in the map.

I know that, on the Saturday night concert, a singaround was begun in the adjacent bar. Whilst this didn't impact on the concert to any great degree, it did make the whole top floor a bit of a no-go area, in terms of finding somewhere for a drink and a chat. Not sure what the options might be on that one.

All in all we had a cracking day - although one of my party, who is a diabetic vegetarian struggled a bit to find something he could eat.

Hope that some funding can be agreed for next year - these things do need a proper budget if they are to grow and meet whatever targets success is measured by. The museum is a cracking base but will have a range of boxes it needs to tick, I imagine.

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 04:49 AM

I'd just like to re-echo all the above comments.The Roaring Forties had a great time performing , meeting old and new friends and generally just basking in the great atmosphere.
Well done to everyone , especially the organisers.
geoff t

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 03:54 AM

The bank wouldn't let me come -sniff!

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: kerry and Mandy
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 01:18 AM

What a fab weekend at Ellmsmere Port maritime festival. Great to catch up with old friends and meet new ones, especially Bob Conroy and Nelson's Blood, a Dutch group. A big thank you to the organisers, Derek and Julia, Chris and Ian and all the others who helped. Well done guys, hopefully see you all next year.
Luv Kerry and Mandy.
And a big thank you to the Jabula restaurant, def worth a visit if you're up that way.

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: SylviaN
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 06:04 PM

Great weekend. Keith and I had a wonderful time. It was a pity I couldn't be there until Sunday, I missed such a lot.
Well done, to all who had a hand in organising, led by Julia and Derek.
xxx
Sylvia and Keith

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 05:13 PM

Seconded and thirded, as they say!
What an utterly splendid weekend. It was one of the best organised maritime festivals I've ever attended; the atmosphere was great, the performers all excellent, the museum staff tremendously helpful and accommodating, the Boat Museum Society folks really supportive, the attendees (folkies and punters alike) attentive and supportive - and the weather just right too! I really can't praise the organising team highly enough for their skilled management, constant attention to everyone's needs and their unstinting willingness to listen - and ability to respond effectively - to the unavoidable little crises and the steady stream of comments and suggestions that were being received throughout the weekend.
From a personal standpoint, I enjoyed the singing opportunities immensely, and have been seriously chuffed at the warm feedback received from so many quarters (and cheers Linda, you and Hazel were fab too!).
Like Snuffy above, I feel privileged to have been able to take part, and I too hope to look forward to hearing some good news soon about the festival's future prospects.
Massive well done to all concerned.
Dave

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Snuffy
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 04:21 PM

What a superb weekend. Almost impossible to achieve at the first attempt, but the organisation left little to be desired. Congratulations to Julia, Derek, Chris, Ian and Denise for a superb festival in a marvellous setting. Great singing all weekend from very talented and generous artists. Sharp as Razors are very proud to have been able to take part in this first event, and look forward to many more.

Vaughan

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: nutty
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 04:07 PM

Correction - I believe the Museum is on part of the Shropshire Union Canal.

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: nutty
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 04:02 PM

The setting couldn't have been better. Set right on top of the Ellesmere canal and about 200 yards from the Manchester Ship Canal and crammed full of canal boats.
It was an amazing experience to walk across the locks as the canal boats passed beneath you.

The new festival was extremely well attended mainly due to the hard work of the organizers and the goodwill of folkies and maritime groups who freely gave their their time to get this new venture off the ground. Also thanks should go to the Museum staff for being so accommodating.

I had a great time meeting friends, making new ones and singing my heart out.
Hopefully this will be repeated next year - I'll certainly be back.

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: GUEST,Les Sullivan
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 02:34 PM

Carys and self back from a great weekend I echo the thanks given in previous posts to all concerned with putting it together it had a wonderful atmosphere and a stunning setting it was a unqualified success

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 12:01 PM

...and what magnificent cakes they were!

Congratulations to Derek and Julia, and everyone else involved, for organising such a successful weekend. The Boat Museum was an ideal setting, with boats and ships of all sizes passing by, and everyone seemed very friendly and welcoming. It was a great occasion for meeting friends and listening to some very fine singers. Whoever was responsible for the weather arrangements deserves a medal as well.

I enjoyed listening to Red Duster's show on piracy, and it was lovely to hear so many charming Dutch songs as well, but the highlight for me has to be the Saturday night concert.

Matthew

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Barb'ry
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 12:00 PM

What a fantastic weekend! Thanks so much to the organisers for all your hard work (including organising the weather)! Sue vg and I (ably assisted by 8 pints and Andy) sold endless cakes and enjoyed the company of fellow stall holders as well as all the visitors. Sang with Nine Tenths Below as well and we couldn't have had a better audience and reception.
Can't wait for next year!

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 11:35 AM

Well, if ever there was a resounding success this was it. Weather made perfect! Julia and Derek asked for honest feedback and I couldnt think of a thing I would change. To have a sell out on a Saturday night concert was an extraordinary feat and it was truly a pleasure and privelege to be part of it! So enjoyed meeting up with the usual suspects, ex-Shellbackers all of whom are singing brilliantly. Great performances from Dave Kidman whose was singing better than ever and delighted to hear Paul Sirman after many years as good as ever. Delighted also to see Hughie Jones and Bob Conroy on top form. Well done to everyone involved not just the artists who gave of their time but all the supporters who came and paid to get in and to eat drink and be accomodated. they deserve a special thanks.

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: 8_Pints
Date: 21 Apr 11 - 08:26 PM

Cake ready for delivery this morning.....

Bob & Sue

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Noreen
Date: 21 Apr 11 - 09:22 AM

JHW, if you read the first post to the thread and follow the link there: http://www.trimrigdoxy.com/shanty/2011.html you will see it is in Ellesmere Port, not TOO far from the sea, but definitely on lots of water.

Shame I am elsewhere as I would love to be there too, I have followed the idea from its inception and wish you all the very best.

Excellent weather forecast too!

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: SussexCarole
Date: 21 Apr 11 - 04:11 AM

Camping gear dusted off and packed.   A scenic (and sunny) journey through mid Wales this morning and then a wonderful weekend of singing and meeting up with so many friends.

See you there!

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: JHW
Date: 21 Apr 11 - 03:49 AM

Hmm - wonder where it is - near the sea somewhere I suppose

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Pistachio
Date: 20 Apr 11 - 03:13 PM

Ooooh cake? I thought it was just a Port and cheese weekend! Mmmn,

See you very soon. Hx

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: GUEST,Chris
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 08:31 PM

Linda, what do you mean, "keep me away from the cake"? We can stand in the queue together!!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Chris
Four 'n' Aft

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 04:59 AM

Only three days to go and counting fast to the blast.

The lineup is fantastic...

For any of my Catter friends who will be able to get there by start of festivities, ie on Friday:
it will be great to see you at one or other of my sets, which are programmed for 1130 (Porter's Row) and 1600 (Pattern Shop) on that day. Rest assured, no material will be duplicated...
I'd love your moral - and vocal! - support (cos hey, it can get mighty lonesome singing shanties to just the cabin boy and his dog!)

Seeya there!
Dave

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: kerry and Mandy
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 01:29 AM

we will be there friday afternoon, plan to leave at 9am.
can't wait have been looking forward to this for ages.
well done guys see you there.
gonna be a blast.
kerry and mandy

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 18 Apr 11 - 04:27 PM

That really is some line up!!!! Can't wait guys (please keep me away from the cake!)

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Dave Earl
Date: 18 Apr 11 - 04:19 PM

I have to work until 18.00 on thurs but hope to depart the South Coast in the early hours of Friday so as to arrive in Ellesmere Port before I have missed too much.

Dave

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: GUEST,Ian (Four 'n' Aft)
Date: 18 Apr 11 - 04:13 PM

It is good to see the work all of us on the committee have put in over the winter coming to fruition.
Thanks for the support out there. Encourage as many as you can to come and join us for what should be a great fun weekend.
The museum is a superb place with lots of atmosphere and nowhere is too far from the music or the real ale bars!

See you all sometime over the weekend.

Julia, Chris, Denise, Derek and Ian

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 07:45 PM

Red Duster (Ron Baxter and Ross Campbell) will be presenting "Farewell to the Clan Line - Songs and Stories of the British Merchant Fleet" at 1.30pm on Saturday 23rd, with some new material for those who may have seen the show before. See the PermaThread: Merchant Navy Songs for all the songs and much more.

On Sunday we'll be doing "Adventurers, Buccaneers and Corsairs - an ABC of Piracy" at 2.30pm. As an ex-Merchant Navy man, Ron's take on piracy is not the usual rosy-tinted view.

Looking forward to the weekend. It's a great venue, lots to see (and hear!)

Ross

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Pistachio
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 11:42 AM

nearly there ... see you Friday!
Hx

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Apr 11 - 04:56 PM

Tamn and Darnation. I woon't be there on Saturday afer all. Mind you - I shouldn't complain. I will still be enjoying myself at grandson number 1's 2nd birthday party at the Embsay railway. I do hope Thomas the Tank engine will be there:-)

Maybe next year...

MP

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: GUEST,Doxy
Date: 13 Apr 11 - 04:38 PM

It will be worth it Dave,
see you there
Doxy

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Dave Earl
Date: 12 Apr 11 - 02:42 PM

Can hardly wait.

Gonna cost me a bit in petrol and hotel (may not do too much food) but hey we need a replacement for Lancaster don't we?

See you there

Dave

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: GUEST,Doxy
Date: 12 Apr 11 - 02:28 PM

Hiya All,
real shame that the Shanty Anna's couldn't make it this year. Hey Ho, if this works well there's always 2012!!!!!
The weekend is scarily close now................
We expect it will be a great weekend. With all the folks who are helping out it can't be anything else.
Fair Winds
Doxy

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Pistachio
Date: 12 Apr 11 - 06:46 AM

Days to go - yippee

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 12 Apr 11 - 06:34 AM

David el G, sadly Lancaster 'died' a couple of years ago [Damn all Polititians!] So Ellesmere Port is a sort of "son of Lancaster".

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 11 Apr 11 - 03:07 PM

Sadly The Shanty Annas won't make it this year but I will be there for at least one day. You'll spot the t shirt:-)

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 11 Apr 11 - 02:00 PM

Sounds good to me - A suitable replacement for Lancaster maybe? Or is Lancaster still on? I will probably be busy in Friday and Sunday but Saturday could be a go-er.

DeG

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 11 Apr 11 - 10:44 AM

Trimrig+Doxy & the rest of the committeehave done a superb job setting this weekend up from nothing. Let's hope for mass support they deserve it. [& it's not a bad bill either!]

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: kerry and Mandy
Date: 11 Apr 11 - 01:45 AM

hi guys
we will be there all weekend. really looking forward to it cant wait.
see you all there
kerry and mandy

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: GUEST,Doxy
Date: 10 Apr 11 - 08:01 AM

And Excellent cake it will be too! Real Ale, cake and music. All we need now is a bit of sun and we'll all think we've died and gone to heaven....................
Cheers
Doxy

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Barb'ry
Date: 09 Apr 11 - 12:06 PM

Of course you can eat it, Dave! Sue and I are doing a cake stall :-)

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Dave Earl
Date: 09 Apr 11 - 04:39 AM

Well lots of me mates is going and so is I,

Dave

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: ossonflags
Date: 09 Apr 11 - 04:08 AM

I'm going, me!!

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: DavidKidman
Date: 08 Apr 11 - 05:14 AM

Cake eh? Mmmm... can we eat it too?!...

Seriously looking forward to this one - Trim & Doxy have done a splendid job in getting it all together, and it really deserves to succeed.

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: Barb'ry
Date: 08 Apr 11 - 04:49 AM

and cake!

Subject: RE: Easter Maritime Festival
From: John Routledge
Date: 07 Apr 11 - 09:01 PM

What a cracking line up. See you Two days over the weekend.