Visiting Wales this summer?

Subject: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 21 Mar 16 - 03:06 PM

Since the divorce, I have barely touched my guitars, and had no urge to sing. I need motivation, and some folky people to play with.
Anyone visiting, or passing through mid-Wales this summer would be made very welcome. I can offer basic accommodation, a nearby pub and chipshop, and lots of chat and some music.
PM me for details.
Cheers, Bron

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Mr Red
Date: 21 Mar 16 - 03:35 PM

I never sang till the wife left home. All the motivation I needed!
It is a situation that has one thing in common with many situations of "loss"* - mindspace. You have a hole in your attention that can be filled with anything you choose (sans competition). I must admit I chose to get out & mingle, at the folk clubs, badminton and at singles clubs, I had a very naive view of the latter but found one that had the right intelligent approach.

* loss was the only word I could think of. Rather than a loss it was a release for me but that is not always the situation for others.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 21 Mar 16 - 04:28 PM

Yes, Mr Red, unfortunately, getting out isn't as easy as it used to be, I'm a natural loner, and enjoy being at home with my dogs, now I've retired. I miss the music and like-minded people. I tried dating sites, but they are creepy, so that's a no no.
I forgot to mention in the first post that I'm 40 minutes from Shrewsbury, and that we have a little train station here.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Mr Red
Date: 22 Mar 16 - 03:55 AM

The problem with dating sites is that you don't have those visual clues that give re-assurance or otherwise. How about making a bit of music at care homes etc? It gets you out. Do the dogs sing? Or are there people who want to "give" at such venues but aren't musical, who could walk the dogs during? I know of many instances where a visiting dog is part of the entertainment for old people in care homes.
My solution to enforced retirement was to help at a community radio station which allowed me to record old people talking about life in the old days. Since the station folded, that is now my hobby. I meet people doing it. And I discovered a lot of them loved to talk, it triggered their pleasant memories that would not surface easily otherwise. I gave as much as I took! Now I have something to give to posterity.
http://stroudvoices.co.uk

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 22 Mar 16 - 08:20 AM

I went to Wales one Sunday, it was shut.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Newport Boy
Date: 22 Mar 16 - 08:25 AM

That was a long time ago, Dave. You must be older than I thought!

Phil

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 22 Mar 16 - 09:59 AM

I know a part of Wales that never closes...

My wife's mouth.....

{pfr channeling the ghost of Les Dawson... 😈]

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: G-Force
Date: 22 Mar 16 - 10:16 AM

Some lovely sentiments in the earlier part of this thread, but ...

train station

Grrrr !!!!!    Americans have train stations, we have railway stations. Please.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 22 Mar 16 - 12:37 PM

Steady on, G-Force, and read it again, we have a LITTLE train station, One of the great little trains of Wales, Llanfair-Welshpool.
The Railway station is in Welshpool, part of the old Cambrian Line. Big, British trains go through that one. Arriva, German.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 23 Mar 16 - 03:02 PM

Hmm, no interest, then. Have we anyone still here who remembers the very first UK mudgather, otherwise known as Llanstock?

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 23 Mar 16 - 06:56 PM

Be fair Llanfair, it's only a couple of days since the first post.

I imagine there isn't much in the way of Folk clubs round there, do you get up to the
LLANWDDYN FOLK & ACOUSTIC
WEEKEND
(Lake Vyrnwy)
Day Time
Fri - Sat 2nd/3rd September 2016
http://www.llanwddynevents.co.uk/llandwddyn-folk-acoustic-music

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Mar 16 - 07:32 PM

If you can offer sleeping bag space I could drive up for a session either chez vous or in adjacent pub ! I have always believed in encouraging people to play !

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Mr Red
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 05:18 AM

couple of sessions in the area that may still be going Last time I spoke to Rees Wesson the Welshpool one was still going. I am sure Llanfair would know about them.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,Albert's Lion
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 06:22 AM

Plenty of folk sessions and open mics 'down by ere' as we say in Pembrokeshire.If you're ever down in the far SW you'll be spoilt for choice.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Morticia
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 07:06 AM

I remember it and you. Sorry to hear about the divorce, hope you are okay? I remember where you lived as being very lovely.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 01:34 PM

Lovely to hear from you, Morticia, hope this finds you well.
FreddyHeady, I never went to Llanwddyn, because I was at the market, I may well go this year.
Leadfingers, there aren't any local sessions, since the Red Lion got it's jukebox,though the Black Lion has a nice outdoor under cover area when the weather warms up a bit.
I have a small caravan for visitors.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 02:46 PM

To Llanfair,

Too bad you are not in California. We could meet. :-)) I never come across single guys that are into folk music, singing, etc. It would be nice to meet someone such as yourself to share common interests.

Seems like when I do attend folk venues, sing-arounds, all the guys there are married. Funny thing, there are some other single women or some with their friend (another female) but NO SINGLE GUYS!

There are some folk music places here where people go to someone's home and have informal singing. Usually just go around the circle (seats are set up in a circle) For those who don't sing they can request any song they like and ask if someone can sing "their request." Sometimes there is a "theme" song for the night too.
They are fun to go to and there is always good food and refreshments available during the break.

For example the theme song might be about travel. So if people know any folk songs related to "travel" they will sing that song.
The theme changes at each gathering.
P.S. I like to stay home with my two dogs a lot too. :-)) but would love to meet a nice guy to go to folk venues with and share this interest. Even just share listening to "our favourite folk music" at home.
I have tons of great folk albums. CD's and LPs.

I know what you mean about dating sites!

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 03:50 PM

Hi, Lin, informal singarounds are great, must be even better where you are, you can be outside a lot. We've had an entire winter of rain and storms, making even travelling difficult.
What sort of dogs do you have?
Unfortunately, I'm not a single guy, I'm a wronged ex-wife, long and VERY boring story.
I have 2 rescue whippets, both seniors, and a young, handsome standard poodle. My 3 cats now live outdoors, warm and comfy, but not in the house.
I ound that all the men on dating sites were after either arm candy, or a good lay. I found one nice guy, who came to visit and did some jobs for me, fortunately, he's gay.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 11:26 PM

I have two Mini-Pinchers that will both be 8 years old in May.
One has diabetes and so I have to give her insulin twice a day - 12 hours apart. I also have one indoor cat named, Silky and two outside cats, Precious and Molly.

Oh, for some reason I thought you were a guy. Sorry. Maybe I was thinking the name Bron (was a guy's name) but actually had not heard the name before.

Yeah, the guys on dating sites are looking for much younger women even if they themselves are in their 50's & 60's.
Also, I have never come across any guys profiles on on-line dating sites that ever mention any interest in folk music on their profiles.

The weather in Feb. & March has been really warm (even hot) with temperatures in 80's & 90's for the most part. Sometime it might be in the mid-70's but just too hot for Feb. & March for me.
It is rare to find temps. that hot in Feb. & March though.

Hardly any rain and they were predicting El Nino (and heavy rains) this winter - which did not happen at all.

Have you ever been to California? I actually am originally from UK (but left with parents when I was a young girl)
I have been back to UK but not since the late 1980's.
Stayed in London mostly but traveled around to Scotland & Ireland & some other countries - but did not get to Wales.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 25 Mar 16 - 12:13 AM

To Llanfair,

I also wanted to say that I hope you will somehow get back to playing guitar & singing again. Perhaps it might be hard at first but perhaps you can just start slow and sing one song a day.
It sounds like you would welcome the opportunity to do this again and please don't let your sadness about your ex - destroy what was once something you truly enjoyed doing. I wish I was able to visit - I would enjoy sharing the love of music with you and encourage you to start playing your guitar and singing again.
Are there any folk clubs, venues or folk music house concerts anywhere near you? I don't know if you have too many house concerts there though.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Mar 16 - 12:22 AM

If you look down the threads there is a guy who posted a thread about "Sheet Winding/Songs About Death"
The guy who posted this subject is from North Wales. Don't know if that is the area you live in but he is into folk music and perhaps you can send him a message about your interest in folk music.
Maybe he is not too far from your area. :-))

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 25 Mar 16 - 12:23 AM

Sorry, for some reason I also just automatically presumed a bloke started this thread.

Apologies for my crap blokey joke earlier.

My wife is a South Wales Valleys girl, but her family live up near the North Coast these days.

Train travel from South West England is expensive and takes hours.

She loves singing and has a great memory for lyrics, but is sadly tone deaf
and refused to continue mandolin lessons from me
when she realised she'd need to cut her nails.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 25 Mar 16 - 11:05 AM

Not to worry those who thought I was a bloke, at 6ft tall, it happens all the time, I'm kinda used to it.
Bron is short for Bronwen, My ancestors were Welsh, but I was born in Manchester.
Mid Wales is far less populated than the north and south, during the summer there is a constant stream of visitors going through from Birmingham to the coast.
That's enough tourist information.
Oh, and I've heard all the tall girl jokes before!!!

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 27 Mar 16 - 08:18 AM

Susseed out the pub, should be OK for jam in the smokers enclosure.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Charmion
Date: 27 Mar 16 - 01:34 PM

Hey, Llanfair -- pity we didn't know about you last year, when we were in Wales for the rugby. It was grand, but a Mudcat visit would have made it even better.

In my single days, I found that getting out with an instrument was not only a great way to meet people, but also a great way to sort out the datable men.

The ones to be avoided identified themselves very quickly. "Hi, honey; where'd you get the teeny-tiny guitar?" (It's a mandolin. Duh.) "Whaddaya play? Folk music? Any money in that?"

The ones with potential sit down and say, "Do you know (name of tune)?" or "Do you ever get to the session at the (name of venue)"? They talk about music until enough common ground has been established to permit a closer acquaintance.

I'm sure there are creeps who play music, but so far I haven't met any -- or perhaps I have spent all my time in their company playing tunes, so they didn't get much latitude to be creepy.

During the stunned phase of post-divorce life, I found that music -- especially choir practice -- provided an essential structure and program that prevented me from going completely around the bend.

You should take Leadfingers up on his offer! He's a great player with a terrific repertoire -- and great company, too.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 27 Mar 16 - 02:02 PM

Hey, Charmion, Thanks for that, there are some local musicians, dammit, I divorced one of them!! When I worked on the market, we had a session every saturday afternoon, which was great.
Leadfingers will be welcome any time, when he wants to visit. The caravan's due for a spring clean, and will be fit for visitors soon, preferably when the weather gets warmer.
Typical easter weather today, sunshine and hail and sleet!

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 27 Mar 16 - 07:12 PM

To Llanfair:

I hope that you will get back into singing and playing your guitar again. I really encourage you to get back into what brought you much enjoyment. I was curious about what singers or groups you enjoy listening to and what kind of folk songs you used to sing?
Was it traditional or contemporary folk?
I wish for you the best and truly hope you make music a part of your life again.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 28 Mar 16 - 11:16 AM

Hi, Lin,
I started off being very traditional, my hero being Martin Carthy. I saw a lot of the traditional folks at the MSG in Manchester, and we're talking the '60's and '70's here.
Since then, I have been hooked on Fairport and Steeleye span. I love to sing their stuff, but I'm not a good guitarist. Maddy Prior, Sandy Denny and June Tabor are my role models.
I like to sing a capella, and the songs I play have to have easy chords, specially now my fingers are a bit arthritic.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 28 Mar 16 - 11:23 AM

If you go on to "soundclick" and type in Bron Yale, you'll get some idea. that's me on the whistle and vocals.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: AlbertsLion
Date: 28 Mar 16 - 11:49 AM

Lovely whistle and vocals Bron - and some fine backing too - love it!

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,keith price
Date: 28 Mar 16 - 11:57 AM

Excellent Bron, keep singing and don't let a very good voice go to waste.

Keith

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 28 Mar 16 - 01:01 PM

Thanks, folks, unfortunately the bass player is my ex. He did the recording and editing, but I always thought it lacked spontaneity.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 07 Apr 16 - 11:25 AM

Still cold and wet here, caravan due for spring clean this weekend.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Apr 16 - 12:22 PM

It was the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas who both said "A Day Away from Wales is a day wasted" and "Wales is the land of my fathers. And my fathers can keep it".

Perhaps in the 1st case he meant "A Day Away from Wales is wasted when you could spend a week/month/year/lifetime away"?

Does "www." mean "Worldwideweb" or "Wet weekend (in) Wales"? (I think statistics prove that Wales is actually the wettest country in the UK).

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Apr 16 - 10:11 AM

Llanfair
We recently moved to Telford. If we ever get outselves organised and can find a moment between looking after parents in law and trying to get new house sorted, we'd like to have you over for the Tuesday Folk and Acoustic Music Sessions . You would be welcome to stay at ours over night. Afraid we can't invite the pets though.

I don't know if they have music on yet, but Girl Friday (here on Mudcat) told me about this pub in Oswestry.   The Bailey

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 08 Apr 16 - 02:56 PM

I've checked out The Bailey, doesn't mention music, but there's some photos.
Thanks for the invite, I'll need to organise a dogsitter, but it's do-able.

Oh, Guest! Our Dylan would say anything when he was pissed, Death has no dominion in Wales, he had to go to USA to drink himself into the grave.

And wet? Indeed, lush grass, streams and rivers, reservoirs that keep cities hydrated, we're geared up for the wet, and we don't build houses on flood plains, we leave them as water meadows.

Are you going to do the sheep jokes, too?

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Noreen
Date: 08 Apr 16 - 04:52 PM

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Bron!

Just seen this thread for the first time- I don't look in here anything like as often as I did, and the same is true of the other old original Llanstockers.

I'd love to come over again to visit and make music. Perhaps suggest a couple of dates, well in advance and we can spread the word?

Do you do Facebook? That's how I generally keep in touch with people these days.

So great to hear from you again. I just happened to be browsing through the old Llanstock threads, only a few days ago, and thinking what a special time that was. ((((Bron))))

Nxx

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Apr 16 - 05:38 PM

The Bailey Head has just been taken over by new landcouple in the last month or so. I think they plan to welcome music sessions. I think they used to manage a pub that had live music in Kent near Girl Friday. May take them sometime to get this going.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 09 Apr 16 - 12:00 PM

Noreen, great to hear from you, I've answered your PM, VirginiaTam, keep me posted about the Bailey Head.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Apr 16 - 05:56 AM

Could this have the makings of a Mudgather ?

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 10 Apr 16 - 07:36 AM

It would have to be less organised than the last one. The institute costs a fortune to hire these days. There's B&B locally, and a pub we could use, but not much more.

Having said that, it would be wonderful if we could...........

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 10 Apr 16 - 04:29 PM

Sorry I missed this thread before now, but it is lovely to hear from you again Bron. I very much enjoyed meeting you at Llanstock, although I can't believe that was 15 years ago! It would be great to visit the lovely village of Llanfair Caereinion once more, and sing 'The Pride of Llanfair'. I wonder if I can persuade a few friends from Liverpool to come along for a day out...

Matthew

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Noreen
Date: 10 Apr 16 - 06:02 PM

An informal gathering would be good, no need to make any work for you Bron.
If the pub is happy for us to make music, we can sort everything else ourselves once a weekend is agreed.
:)

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Apr 16 - 05:12 AM

Is there anywhere to put a tent up ? I am happy to camp for a weekend

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 11 Apr 16 - 06:38 AM

This is beginning to sound like a plan. I've a friend who would be delighted to put a few people up for a night or two, I've got the caravan, and I'll look into somewhere to camp.
I'll have a word with the landlord of the Black, but I'm sure he'll be happy as long as he's selling beer, and they do a Sunday carvery.
We've 2 bank holidays in May, what about Whitsun?

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Apr 16 - 08:32 AM

Whit Weekend would be OK for me .

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: John J
Date: 11 Apr 16 - 12:54 PM

Gosh, hello Bron - long time no speak!

It was Noreen that alerted me to this thread (thanks Noreen!), I've missed it up until now.

I'd love another Llanstock, the first one was such great fun :-)

Whit weekend may be a bit difficult for me.....although it may not.

I can't remember where I put the caravan last time we came - could it have been that we camped on a car park? Wotever, is there somewhere to park it? The only thing I'll need is water. Anyroadup, keep the updates coming and I'll try my goodest!

Fingers crossed that this goes ahead :-)

Best wishes,

John

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 11 Apr 16 - 01:45 PM

John J, great to hear from you, I hope you are well. We used the little railway land last time, but I don't think they will buy it this time, it might be worth you contacting them.

We're getting a bit of a list now, keep 'em coming.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: John J
Date: 11 Apr 16 - 04:01 PM

Can you let me have the address - and / or contact details. Could you also let me have the address of where it's all happening - I'll try and find an alternative camping / caravan site.
Ta
JJ

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Noreen
Date: 11 Apr 16 - 06:46 PM

Whit weekend (30th May) looks do-able, it's my long weekend off :)

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 12 Apr 16 - 06:05 AM

johnJ, I tried to send this last night, but the connection wasn't good.

If you look up Llanfair and Welshpool light railway, the contact details will be there.

I haven't finalised anything with the Black Lion, but I'll keep you posted.

Weather permitting, and not too many people, my place will be a meeting point, otherwise, no idea.

Llanfair Caereinion is 8 miles west of Welshpool.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: John J
Date: 12 Apr 16 - 08:26 AM

I've found a campsite: HERE

Any thoughts? Is it terribly far from you?

JJ

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 12 Apr 16 - 11:57 AM

Not far, about a mile out of the town.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 12 Apr 16 - 12:50 PM

Not that I'm coming but I'm interested in campsites round there. Lovely part of the world.

JJ this pinpoints it

Pentre Penarth Campsite https://goo.gl/maps/jEcrDbbuXRp

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: mg
Date: 12 Apr 16 - 01:26 PM

I would love to come for a short visit..retiring probably within the year or so...so after that...mg

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,Noreen at work
Date: 12 Apr 16 - 03:41 PM

Oops- I can't do Whit weekend, sorry- I forgot about Chippenham festival. I'll have a look for a couple of other possible weekends to raise up the flagpole :)

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,JJ....
Date: 14 Apr 16 - 02:57 PM

Bump

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 Apr 16 - 08:45 AM

Hoping this WILL happen - When it does I will be driving from W London and would be pleased to offer transport assistance for a share of fuel cost .

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 15 Apr 16 - 11:13 AM

Anybody got any other suggestions for a meeting date?

If visiting Wales and want to drop in, send me a PM for details.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,JJ....notaguest
Date: 16 Apr 16 - 02:46 PM

How about the following weekend - the first weekend in June?

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 16 Apr 16 - 03:38 PM

Suits me, are the schools still on half term? There are a lot of visitors in the town in the holidays.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Apr 16 - 08:27 PM

OK for me too

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,Noreen at work
Date: 17 Apr 16 - 10:44 AM

Sorry I'm working that weekend- doesn't work get in the way?
Ah sorry- you wouldn't know! :P

How about 25th June weekend? Whole weekend off to play :)

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,JJ....notaguest
Date: 17 Apr 16 - 11:09 AM

Suits me.

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 17 Apr 16 - 02:23 PM

Me, Too

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Noreen
Date: 17 Apr 16 - 06:13 PM

Well, that's three of us... good start :)

Shall we spread the word?

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: GUEST,JJ....notaguest
Date: 18 Apr 16 - 03:00 AM

That sounds like A Plan - a fresh thread?

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 11:31 AM

Bump

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 11:46 AM

Just been chatting with Micca - He cant manage it I'm afraid

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Noreen
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 12:03 PM

OK, new thread time- it'll be up by tomorrow :)

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Llanfair
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 02:42 PM

OK

Subject: RE: Visiting Wales this summer?
From: Noreen
Date: 20 Apr 16 - 09:25 AM

Please continue discussion and plans on the following thread:

Who's up for Llanstock 2016?