Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 22 Jan 20 - 01:40 PM

I'll have another stab at finding out...

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: r.padgett
Date: 23 Jan 20 - 03:49 AM

Polka Hop would be a possible ~ near M1 and Wakefield

Ray

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: cujimmy
Date: 23 Jan 20 - 06:52 PM

David I wonder if you are aware of the clash with a very well established and well attended and very very good singing session at The Abbey Inn in Newlay every Tuesday evening. It is my personal favourite evening. I know your evening is for Un-accompanied singing, and Im sure a lot of people would enjoy that, but I feel that some of the people who attend the Abbey on Tuesday evenings may well venture along if it was ie on a Wednesday. The recent winter weather may have had a negative effect as well of course, and it seems a shame because I can see you have put a lot of patience and effort in to keep it going. Hope it picks up a bit now in the New Year.

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 23 Jan 20 - 07:24 PM

Yes Jimmy, good to hear from you after all this time, and many thanks for your constructive comments and good wishes.

Sure, I am (and always have been) aware of the continuing and well established Abbey session, although I've not been for awhile due to a combination of travel problems (it's actually pretty awkward of access from this side of the bridge!) and health issues (and I don't just mean old age!..).

But there are two important points in your argument.
First, when Just Voices was started (in 2014), every effort was made to AVOID a clash with any specific, known clubs or sessions that were any LESS regular than weekly, and views were sought from likely attendees on that score.
Since the Abbey is weekly and Just Voices is only monthly, then, I would kindof expect that anyone interested and able to travel to Hunslet would make it to Just Voices (instead of the Abbey, say) on just that monthly - occasional - basis. I would have done so in that situation if I were seeking a change, at least sometimes. Variety being the spice of life etc... But that doesn't seem to have happened - and that's what puzzles me. If I wished, taken over a typical month, I could go to four or five different sessions/clubs on a Tuesday - but inevitably things like bad weather, travel disruption etc get in the way and spoil plans and it's not always possible to change one's arrangements or routes at the last minute!

Second, you suggest a Wednesday as an alternative slot for Just Voices that you imply would be preferred by Abbey regulars who may well venture along. I agree, there are fewer clubs and sessions on a Wednesday hereabouts, but our current Just Voices venue already hosts a session on that night (that was another reason for our taking the Tuesday option when we were forced to move from Birstall when the pub closed down).

Having said all that, it would be good to "CUJimmy" at Just Voices, you would be very welcome to come and share your songs.

MM

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 20 Feb 20 - 06:11 AM

REFRESH - THIS MONTH'S SESSION IS NEXT TUESDAY - 25TH feb.
Please let's have a good turnout...

And to the above singer-poster:
Any further thoughts?
Are we likely to "cujimmy" at this month's session? Hope so!

Come all ye!

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: r.padgett
Date: 20 Feb 20 - 06:20 AM

Black Bull at Birstall some one told me has reopened ~ I'll check

Ray

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: r.padgett
Date: 20 Feb 20 - 06:24 AM

Been refurbished Black Bull ~ not me!

Ray

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 20 Feb 20 - 08:53 AM

Thanks Ray, yes, I'd also heard that - but not sure whether the upstairs room's been refurbished for the worse... might be worth a fresh recce? Anyone near there that can drop in?

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 20 Feb 20 - 01:00 PM

Birstall and a Wednesday or Thursday would be more accessible. It's a great idea and worth keeping.

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 20 Feb 20 - 06:48 PM

Thanks for your valuable input, Nick, I was hoping you would email me!
I am collating responses to the questions and issues raised - one of which is Birstall. I am actively exploring this option, but so far have met with surprisingly little support for a relocation back to Birstall even if it were possible on either of those alternative nights. Also it needs a proper recce to the BB first - so is there anyone better placed geographically than I am who could do that, I wonder?

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 27 Feb 20 - 07:06 PM

Well we broke all records with this month's Just Voices session - a nil attendance! I had received several apologies for absence in advance, various legitimate reasons for not being able to make it this month, but no other replies in response to my usual friendly reminder (I had requested advisement). So where is everybody???

I just can't believe that none of the many singers in Yorkshire are interested any longer.
And pace Nick, I've had no expressions of interest in moving back to the Black Bull even if it were an option. I know of only one erstwhile attendee for whom the venue was more convenient.

I really do need some support and guarantees of interest and attendance if the session is to continue past the next three months which are currently advertised widely in the folk magazines and elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: GUEST,JHW
Date: 28 Feb 20 - 01:41 PM

You nearly had me though slow tyre leak is a worry. (Thorn, new tyre next week) Looked online for places to stay+taxi. Thought train. B&B near station said £31. Robots were having a laugh, was really £130. Didn't actually drive anywhere that night. Below Zero.
Great pub.

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Mar 23 - 05:24 AM

post-covid update ?

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 02 Mar 23 - 12:02 PM

As far as I know, the pub did not reopen after Covid.
Many of us have been, and remain, in poor health even today, thus unable to travel around extensively to seek out a new venue.
In any case, there appears to be virtually nil interest among local singers in starting up again in the current climate.
Speaking personally, the bulk of my singing nowadays is online with singers in the States or Ireland.
So Just Voices at the Garden Gate is no more. End of an era. RIP.
Oh well, we did us best... !

Subject: RE: Just Voices Singers’ Session – Hunslet (Yorks.)
From: r.padgett
Date: 02 Mar 23 - 01:38 PM

Sorry to hear this news Moorley Man ~ hard times for traddies all round ~ I still sing when fit at The Polka Hop in Wakefield 1st and 3rd Sundays from 1.30pm

Just been advised of Mick McGarry's passing following and accident whilst on on holiday with Mary ~ RIP old Friend

Ray