Whitby Folk Week 2018

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 Oct 18 - 09:17 AM

Missed the folk week but visiting Whitby for a couple of days soon. Always enjoy my stays there whether folking or not :-)

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 02 Oct 18 - 03:25 AM

Still being organised for this year but things usually start kicking off on 28th and end on New Year's Day

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Tatts
Date: 02 Oct 18 - 03:18 AM

What dates do the xmas/new year singaround occur, we are away at Halsham Manor over Xmas but would come to Whitby if dates allowed.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 18 Sep 18 - 07:39 PM

Well, as I said, Treewind, the Endeavour does only do a few filled rolls and IS close to a fish and chip shop/sit-in fish restaurant! My friend and I did get exemplary service in the take-away section for playing a couple of tunes while we waited!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: treewind
Date: 18 Sep 18 - 07:14 AM

"I saw a sign encouraging punters to bring their fish and chips into their premises"

That would be a pub that's not selling food itself, and is probably close to a fish and chip shop, and (maybe) desperate for business.

I've seen that symbiotic relationship happen before, quite successfully.

But a pub that does sell food would definitely not welcome customers bringing in food purchased elsewhere, and quite understandably.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Sep 18 - 04:58 AM

no singing- cheap beer? sounds like a good deal to me

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Sep 18 - 02:09 AM

if you want cheap beer sam smiths are cheap , but no singing allowed

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: r.padgett
Date: 17 Sep 18 - 02:04 AM

The signs are likely to be for times other than Folk week!

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 16 Sep 18 - 11:21 AM

That IS the Endeavour too! The sign outside the pub says "Dog friendly. Bring in your own fish and chips" (Visions of dogs carrying in "cairry-oots!) But the only food they do otherwise is a few rolls: different for a pub that's selling full meals.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Sep 18 - 11:01 AM

£4.80 for a pint of Brewdog in the Endeavour. Never again! As for bringing one's own food, I can't remember which pub it was, but I saw a sign encouraging punters to bring their fish and chips into their premises,

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Sep 18 - 04:59 AM

That's not just Whitby, Ian, it's Yorkshire :-) and the how and much are usually separated by an expletive!

Dave the Lancashire Gnome now living in Yorkshire and now looking for somewhere to hide :-D

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 16 Sep 18 - 04:17 AM

We've often joked that the most common thing we've heard said in Whitby pubs is "how much!".

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Sep 18 - 02:22 AM

you did a good job, Malcolm

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 15 Sep 18 - 06:17 PM

Dave - I agree with you that clubs are different and so they should be.

Strangely though the differential only became applied once Judy & I retired from running the festival!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 Sep 18 - 06:33 AM

But I must add that £2.50 a pint at our local brewery tap, Naylors, is difficult to beat :-)

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 Sep 18 - 06:31 AM

The higher in the Narrow boat in Skipton (home of Skipton folk club) and the lower in my village local. I was unconsciously conflating and averaging beer prices!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 15 Sep 18 - 06:10 AM

Your figures are in error Dave, beer in the Waiting Room is #3.30 beer in the Black Horse #3.70 & #3.80, So my question would be which is closer in price to the pubs in Skipton.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 Sep 18 - 03:51 AM

I live about as far from Whitby in God's own county as you can get and the price for a pint in my local is no different to what I was paying in the Black Horse or the Waiting Room last year. I am going again in October so I will check it out again. You know Whitby better than me Malcolm so I guess you must be right about some pubs putting prices up but I can't say I have ever noticed it. If I ever do, it will be my last visit to that pub! Clubs are entirely different and it is quite reasonable for members prices to be lower.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: r.padgett
Date: 15 Sep 18 - 03:05 AM

Thanks Malcolm

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: The Sandman
Date: 15 Sep 18 - 02:37 AM

if you want cheap beer use the plough , sam smiths

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 15 Sep 18 - 02:32 AM

Whitby prices for beer are low compared with Brighton - close to £4 a pint against £6 a pint. And I expect fish and chips will cost more in Brighton too - though it does have a greater variety of restaurants.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 14 Sep 18 - 06:31 PM

With regards to prices I think Ray meant that Whitby prices do tend to be higher than elsewhere in god's own county.
The clubs certainly operate a two tier system of prices for members and others and some pubs have on occasion inflated their prices both at the regatta and folk week (and probably even at goth weekends).

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 14 Sep 18 - 04:17 AM

Depends of course if you are at Whitby folk week to listen to singers and musicians or just for the beer (at inflated prices)

I don't see how it depends, the two are not mutally exclusive. You can listen and support the venue at the same time. I can assure you that the beer proces at Whitby are the same all year round. I have never seen any pub inflate their prices for any event.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: r.padgett
Date: 14 Sep 18 - 03:04 AM

Depends of course if you are at Whitby folk week to listen to singers and musicians or just for the beer (at inflated prices) of course WfW is a time for pubs and clubs to make their profits and I understand that ~ sometimes just getting to the bar is problematic!

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 13 Sep 18 - 08:10 PM

One landlord at Whitby did voice his protest at this sort of behaviour via Facebook this year, tho he he did emphasise that it was a minority who did this. I do remember a story from another festival a few years back, where a whole crowd of people were booted out for not buying at the bar/bringing their own food and drink in. My experience at Whitby has been that you never need go hungry as there are always very reasonably priced filled rolls and other tempting goodies to buy!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Sep 18 - 10:47 AM

One phenomenon I saw a couple of times at a fringe event recently (Not Whitby BTW) was people going in to an event, in a pub, and not even buying a drink. How mean can you get? Not paying to see the act and not helping the fringe venues does not help the festival in any way I can think of.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 13 Sep 18 - 10:39 AM

It actually works the other way round in some festivals, especially with the larger pubs, as they sponsor events in the festival financially, may give out big jugs of beer to the musicians' table, free hot food in the evenings (big trays of sausages, chicken wings and chips!) For that they get advertising in the programme and official onstage thanks at events they've sponsored, and, hopefully, a greater footfall.
Sure, the smaller pubs can't afford to do this, but just putting " Musicians Welcome" signs in the window will give some clue as to whether sessions are OK there, and hence bring more folk in.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Mo the caller
Date: 13 Sep 18 - 04:13 AM

Maybe the festival should pay the pubs or give them some sort of free advertising.
At least add a symbol to the 'know your venues' guide in the middle of the programme to tell us if there is food available.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 11 Sep 18 - 06:55 PM

Just thinking of another big festival I go to: over the years the official festival has eventually acknowledged the contribution the festival fringe there makes to the festival by including at least a brief list of fringe events in the official programme. The contribution, apart from the music, is monetary, as official collecting cans are taken to these fringe venues and substantial sums of money forthcoming: of course, pub landlords where sessions take place need to be asked in advance of the festival if they are willing for this to happen. One session in particular usually puts the can round once per hour in a 3-hour session: no compulsion to contribute but works far better than just leaving a can on the bar and hoping people will put money in.
I take the blame for introducing collecting cans to the festival I used to help to organise: we had to get a street collecting licence for collecting at our outdoor stage, and I checked all the session pubs in advance as above - only one refused, saying they already had other charities they collected for.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Sep 18 - 04:14 AM

My first guess would be a spilling mistake...

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 10 Sep 18 - 04:03 AM

The Whitby Guide had reservations about this year's line-up;

Whitby Folk Week 2018 promises to be a bummer year for folk fans going to this prestigious event.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 09 Sep 18 - 03:35 PM

Thanks Geoff

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Geoff the Duck
Date: 09 Sep 18 - 03:23 PM

Hi folks, haven't been here for a while.
I see there are still nasty trolls lurking to try stir up bad feeling.

Whitby over the New Year break always welcomes everyone who wishes to join in.
Nothing is organised yet, in part due to recent changes of pub ownership, but when we have some idea what is happening, I am sure a Mudcat thread will be started.

Quack!

---

I tend to delete at least the anonymous posts when they're nasty, Geoff. We don't need that. I could use a one-person banjo/kazoo duet any time, though.... -Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 09 Sep 18 - 02:39 PM

If it was that much of a clique we wouldn't have had new people join us just about every year. Some came again and some didn't.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 09 Sep 18 - 01:10 PM

Thought that this post was hilarious:

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 09 Sep 18 - 09:44 AM

A tad harsh to say that the Xmas sessions are cliquey [Really?]. The people who do go have been going for years and know each other, but although cliquish could be applied (at a push) [If what you have said is true there is no "at a push about it" - It is cliquish] it's merely because they take time to "know" a new-comer. [How many years?]

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,JoeG
Date: 09 Sep 18 - 12:24 PM

Yes I was surprised and a bit concerned to see that comment about the Xmas / New Year crowd. I've been going most years since it started around 30 years ago (with a gap in the middle when my partners son wanted to stay at home at New Year and we didn't want him to be there on his own!). Neither myself or my partner sing but enjoy listening to those who do.

As Raggytash has said most people who go have been going for some time but many people have joined us over the years - after we had the break there were lots of people we hadn't seen there before and had to get to know.

We've decided to give it another break for a while otherwise I would have said to the Guest enquiring about the week that I would have made introductions. There are others hereabouts who might be able to offer the same though not sure how many actively look in on Mudcat

I think plans for this year's sessions are still being made but I understand that the new bar on Skinner Street is being considered as a venue as tragically the landlord of our most recent home died just before Christmas last year. Again others may be able to confirm venue.

It's a great few days featuring a treasure hunt and singarounds so I'd say give it a try - but then I'm biased!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 09 Sep 18 - 09:44 AM

A tad harsh to say that the Xmas sessions are cliquey. The people who do go have been going for years and know each other, but although cliquish could be applied (at a push) it's merely because they take time to "know" a new-comer.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 09 Sep 18 - 07:27 AM

I can recall Len Knight, the landlord of the Elsinore, bringing in the collecting box he had had in the bar for the whole of folk week.

He waited until we had opened the box and counted the collection.

£2 and some coppers in total mostly in 1 and 2 pence coins and one pound coin that Len had put in himself.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Howard Jones
Date: 09 Sep 18 - 06:08 AM

My point was that far from being a drain on a festival the fringe sessions and similar events make an important contribution to the atmosphere, and for some of us are at least an important a draw as the guest list.

There will always be a few freeloaders, but If collections are made they can contribute financially as well. My observation is that most people attending sessions contribute when the tin goes around (and many of those attending will also be ticket-holders).

There are some festivals which acknowledge this and where a first-time visitor will be directed to suitable venues with a good chance of finding something they enjoy. There are others which don't do this, where the visitor is left to find out for themselves. Regular visitors get to know where to go, but for the first-time or occasional visitor this can waste a lot of time. For this visitor at least, this diminishes the festival experience and may affect my choice of which festivals to attend in future.

I believe the Whitby Eurosessions started simply because a group of people were there for the festival and found that style of music wasn't catered for in the official programme. That's a choice for the festival organisers, of course, but people can't then be blamed for making their own arrangements. Social media make it easier to publicise these things, but it's not really any different from people meeting in the street and agreeing to go to a particular pub for a session.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Sep 18 - 03:46 AM

When and where does the post Xmas folk fringe event take place , I would like to come to that.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 08 Sep 18 - 09:11 PM

Regarding the recent posting concerning the fringe I feel that stating that Whitby ignores the fringe is a little harsh.

If pubs wish to be associated with the festival then surely it is up to them to be proactive and not expect the festival to do their job for them!

Pubs change hands so often these days that it must be almost impossible for volunteer organisers who do not live locally to keep up with those not actually hosting official events.

I cannot comment on the Eurosessions and its relationship with the festival but possibly there is fault on both sides.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Howard Jones
Date: 08 Sep 18 - 08:23 AM

I see fringe events (by which I really mean sessions) as entirely complementary to a festival, so much so that I probably won't go to a festival that does not have a good range of them. To be honest, what attracts me to a festival is the overall vibe, to which the fringe events make a very important contribution, rather than the guest list, most of whom I probably won't get around to seeing.

At Sidmouth the sessions at the Bedford, Middle Bar, Radway, Volly and other venues are as much a part of the festival as the formal events. The festival organisers seem to understand this and they are mentioned in the programme. I find Whitby a less enjoyable festival because it takes the opposite view, it ignores the existence of fringe events and doesn't even indicate (as some festivals do) which pubs are likely to welcome music, and importantly which aren't. This turns it into an often fruitless trudge around town trying to find a session.

Most of these events are more or less spontaneous. Sometimes they are organised in advance - one example is the Eurosession at Whitby. There is clearly interest in this from festival-goers, but I understand the festival has declined to include it as an official event. In these circumstances it seems entirely reasonable to me for people to take things into their own hands. Someone organising a paid event for their own profit, simply to take advantage of the audience created by the festival, is a very different matter.

It is very easy at some festivals to spend all your time in fringe events without contributing financially to the festival. I can certainly put my hand up to this, but I try to contribute generously to the collecting tins. I think it is important to remember that none of it would happen without the main festival.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 08 Sep 18 - 07:22 AM

Nick… I think you are dealing with several different issues. I can speak about Sidmouth more than any other festival, but what I say is not an official view.

Generally, if there is an “anti” feeling against fringe events, it is perhaps because the participants may be taking up accommodation, B&Bs etc in the town or community which is hosting the festival, especially if this is in short supply. Also, most festivals have to budget very carefully and are dependent on good will and volunteers (including amongst the organisers) and if organisers see lots of people filling the pubs without purchasing tickets, they may be “disappointed”, irrespective of the enhanced atmosphere being created.

In Sidmouth, all the fringe venues are mentioned in the programme, and as far as I know are all happy to have a collecting tin during sessions for contributions that go towards the festival.

If anything, I notice more anti feeling by fringe participants against festivals (not just Sidmouth) than vice versa – “it’s too big, too expensive, I don’t like the guests, they don’t encourage participation etc etc”. Just read the comments on Mudcat over the years!

In some cases, fringe events have long-standing bookings of venues that deprive the festival from using those venues. That has happened at Sidmouth.

I don’t know how any of this relates to Whitby. Certainly, the fringe events are not linked to the official festival in any way that I can observe.

The other point Nick makes is regarding visitors (listeners and participants) to pubs not buying anything to drink. This seemed to be an issue in Whitby this year with some people bringing their own drinks and food to consume inside the pub! That is just bad manners, and I can’t see that anyone would begrudge the landlords asking them to leave. Not buying food or drink was also an issue at some official events that were scheduled in pubs. In this case, it could be argued that the festival is booking the venue and perhaps paying the landlords for the use of premises, so perhaps there should be no obligation of people to buy anything. And at morning events, participants may not want to drink alcohol, though most pubs these days also serve coffee and tea. The concern by many people to reduce use of plastic bottles means that more people are carrying their own water containers, and perhaps these are preferred to purchasing (plastic) bottles of water in pubs. Perhaps it’s then a small step to filling the “water” bottle with gin and tonic!

Establishing and maintaining good relations between venue owners/managers/landlords etc and the festival organisers is obviously crucial.

Apologies for the length of this post!

Derek

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Nick
Date: 07 Sep 18 - 01:35 PM

One thing that puzzles me about Whitby and some other festivals.

Why do some people have a real anti to the fringe? What possible harm does it do them and what possible harm does it to the main festival itself?

There are examples on this thread.

But I have come across it at Beverley and Sidmouth - and it probably happens at most.

But I don't see how it possibly detracts or why people who don't go to the fringe but do go to the main festival get so excited that the fringe is travelling on the coat tails of the main event - but shouldn't be.

I do know that some of the visitors to the pubs don't drink as much as some of the pubs might like and that some publicans get annoyed at people popping in to listen rather than drink - but that is just manners and common decency rather than intrinsically fringey. And some of the fringe definitely drinks. And drinks a lot.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 07 Sep 18 - 11:18 AM

Except when its a shovel of course!

And - yes - I do know the difference.

And - yes - I have problems with the hills - anno domini tha knows.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Mackem
Date: 07 Sep 18 - 10:50 AM

Malcolm is a Yorkshireman, he calls a Spade a Spade.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Sep 18 - 06:13 PM

in fact if it wasnt for malc0lm storey whitby might have folded back in 1980, malcolm ran a very good festival for many years ,jack

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 04 Sep 18 - 11:17 AM

Steady up, Jack!
The festival will only be responsible for those events, wherever they take place, that can be stewarded, programmed and they can shake a doanations box or charge an entrance fee. The Fringe events are organised by others on an ad-hoc arrangement in conjunction with the landlords of the pubs. There's plenty of room for both. Where it is a pub or club that is involved it is entirely up to the landlords to what extent they want to be involved. If they are not willing to allow a ticketed/stewarded event, but will allow a fringe event, that is entirely their prerogative and not that of the festival organisers. I know many of the festival organisers personally from the 60s up to the present day. None of them live in Whitby, and never have to the best of my knowledge, but they give up their free time once one year's festival is finished to go round all the venues asking if they are available for next year and check for problems from previous years. I don't always agree with what they do but I certainly have the utmost respect for what they do and have done.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 04 Sep 18 - 05:04 AM

I'm happy to be in Malcolm Storey's company.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 04 Sep 18 - 04:55 AM

I do 't think it's "jaundiced" to point out a simple demographic fact which obvious if you compare the event listings for a few years running. The pattern is of slow contraction. It's actually being managed quite well: WFW are staying within their financial constraints even if they aren't going public about what their constraints are. Few private businesses manage such careful projections. (This is also the way Dick Miles appears to see the situation, and if so I agree with him).

And maybe you'd have just left your wife alone in a top floor bedroom to starve immobile for a week - I wouldn't.   You (and the slimebag who writes in the same style as "GUEST, Malcolm Storey" when it wants to be even more snide and egomaniacal) are totally fucking contemptible when you write as if I had much choice in what I was doing that week. Maybe you're just a pair of self-centred macho thugs and have no idea that anybody else might have different priorities. Go fuck yourselves.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 04 Sep 18 - 04:08 AM

Let's not get carried away. We haven't established that there was any drop off in attendance.

Jack Campin, with his rather jaundiced view of Whitby Folk Week, considers,"WFW shrinks slowly year on year." Though he later admitted, "The one and only event in the programme that I went to was Doc Rowe on Monday (and short visits to two lunchtime sessions)."

There is very little that WFW can do to overcome the problems of relief and parking in Whitby. Neither is new! People who find the hills a challenge tend to plan their days accordingly. The Metropole, the Rifle Range, West Cliff Primary School, the Leisure Centre and the Conservative Club form a cluster of venues at the same altitude.

Extra parking spaces have been provided by the Park & Ride. People staying for the week can generally find parking places on the street. Day visitors can use the enormous car park at the Leisure Centre, which charges 7GBP for 6 hours and 9GBP for 24 hours. While this may seem a lot to folkies, it is what other day visitors to Whitby pay!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: r.padgett
Date: 04 Sep 18 - 03:39 AM

Was good to see adoption of Fisherman's Football social club as a great venue (it's behind the Tattoo shop) ~ plenty of room and well attended concert in the afternoon

It is very difficult for the likes of Whitby folk week to find rooms and pubs not already in use btw ~ and small venues are just not expandable ~ any singarounds I run are done democratically ~ some stars are infamous for favouritism ~ it has always happened!

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: The Sandman
Date: 04 Sep 18 - 01:51 AM

if as some people suggest there has been a small drop in attendance there could be a couple of other contributory reasons
1. the hills in whitby which may put elderly people off
2. their parking restrictions and charges. ihave seen remarks about these things on other threads copncerning festivals

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 03 Sep 18 - 03:09 PM

To be fair morning events have never been big boozy affairs. The hard drinkers are still in bed and only come out for a hair of the dog at lunchtime. Those who could drink all day have either had a scare and given up or gone to that great big booze-up in the sky.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Brian Peters
Date: 03 Sep 18 - 03:01 PM

One of the venues complained about the low volume of drink sales during one of the 10 am workshops. When I gave my melodeon workshop at the Station Inn I encouraged people to order coffee at least, as did Pete Coe. Seemed only fair.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 03 Sep 18 - 02:16 PM

Hi Roughyead (Not Bob is it?)
I wasn't present at this 'singaround' but this type of singaround has been running now for at least 30 years at festivals, whereby booked guests run the singaround and are expected to put in a performance for an unspecified spot or spots and if any well-known guests turn up they are also given a 'spot'. As I say I wasn't there so I can only make general comments. I'm not trying to justify what happened, only trying to explain how it may have come about. If I'm running a singaround I make sure everybody gets a fair crack, and before the 'star turn' does a spot I would make sure everyone in the room had had the chance to sing one song.

It's unlikely the organisers will be on Mudcat so I suggest you let them know what happened and ask them to specify the type of event more clearly in the programme. It should perhaps be billed as 'A Couple of hours with booked guest, and some floor spots' rather than as a 'singaround'.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Roughyead
Date: 03 Sep 18 - 02:02 PM

We had a great time at Whitby old week this year.I just want to make two comments and would be interested in what people think.
First ,the price of beer in Whitby is scandalous apart from Wetherspoons where availability and quality are unreliable (with no music)the Star which was fine and the spa which was ok.
Second ,we went to the political songs sing around at the Star on Wednesday afternoon.There were some great songs old and new.However I thought it was supposed to be a sing around but the organisers mostly chose people they knew to sing and only adopted the "singaround principle"for ,I guess 40% of the time.There were obviously people who had arrived early hoping to sing and never got the chance ,very disappointing.Perhaps a fairer more democratic approach to leading it in future?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 03 Sep 18 - 12:56 PM

>>>>they obviously don't want to be associated with it<<<< Can't speak for the last few years as I haven't had a programme but prior to that the programme always gave a list of venues that would welcome fringe activities. The Fringe is the Fringe. It's not Edinburgh. It doesn't need to be approved or sanctioned or advertised by the programmed festival.

>>>>>Ship sessioneers probably don't care<<<< Sorry but quite wrong. Tom Napper officially part of the festival for many years on and off, Martin Bull, a festival organiser until recently, Chris Sherburn, booked guest on many occasions, and probably others including myself in a multitude of different guises ever since the second festival in the 60s.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 03 Sep 18 - 12:19 PM

In other words, Jack, you expect things to carry on pretty much as they are. That will probably be good enough for most of us.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 03 Sep 18 - 10:56 AM

You're assuming that there is enough accommodation in Whitby for all the new participants that the expanded fringe will attract, and enough venues to put on all the new events. I'd say that finding either will be difficult, especially when Folk Week coincides with the Regatta. And any economic benefit to Whitby will be marginal.
I'm not suggesting there will be much if any expansion. WFW will contract and the fringe will expand, both rather slowly. Hopefully a balance will be maintained.

The new venue for musician sessions was going well when I sat in on Friday afternoon, Jim and Mu Wilkinson's grandbains running a pop-up bar on Skinner Street. Couldn't get a seat in the Ship on Thursday night's session.
Both of those are part of the fringe which I've been saying should be welcomed. WFW could have made the Ship session official at least ten years ago, they obviously don't want to be associated with it; the Ship sessioneers probably don't care. The Eurosessions did want to be part of WFW but were turned down. By now, we've got used to doing it our way, which works very well, and there's no point in forming any closer link.

I'm puzzled when you say that the morning workshops and activities don't contribute extra custom to the venues.
The most extreme example I can recall was a workshop on Northumbrian music a year or two ago by Joey Oliver, 10am at the Fleece. Queues outside, presumably because the licencing laws prevented the Fleece from letting anybody in earlier. Then a frantic scramble to get seats, after which nearly everybody was so wedged in that getting to the bar was out of the question. WFW could have seen that coming.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 03 Sep 18 - 06:57 AM

Curious George - you obviously work for Mass Observation. We should meet for a drink next year. In fact, we had season tickets for the whole week.

We booked online quite late, too late for any early discounts, probably in mid July. We picked up our wristbands - mine was 1163 - from the appropriate desk in the Spa Pavilion Hall.

We had booked our accommodation earlier. This year we even had a flat with a view, and could watch the sun coming up from the front window. We left the flat at 9.30 every morning - sometimes with our landlady carrying her fiddle case - and walked back past the floral clock after midnight. Highlight of the week? Meeting Doc Rowe in the vegetable aisle in the Co-op.

My only complaint is that the programme makes very little allowance for eating and sleeping. Did we gain or lose weight during the week? I'm not sure, but I hope the hill walking held the fish and chips in equilibrium.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Sep 18 - 02:39 AM

econmic uncertainty and recession will affect most festivals [this includes brexit , so the possobilty of less people at festivals this year and next year is not unexpected, to spend more money and increase budget of festival is imo not sensible

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Curious Guest
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 07:17 PM

I am now even more curious!

You say you picked up weekend wristbands on the Saturday.

In a previous post you stated you had a Season Ticket.

So which did you have? and when did you purchase them?

Did you in fact purchase them on the Saturday? - If not - when?

And this is mere curiosity.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 05:43 PM

Is this mere curiosity, market research or a Folk Police investigation?

If I remember correctly, we picked up our weekend wristbands late on Saturday afternoon from the appropriate desk at the Spa Pavilion Hall. We then went for a Fish and Chip Special at Fusco's. The next time we went, I ordered a small one.

The first event we attended was the evening concert at the Spa Theatre. Headliners were John Tams and Barry Coope, who I would consider to be 'big names'. The theatre was almost full downstairs, so we sat upstairs, on a very warm balcony.

I apologise for my performance in the showcase for the tin whistle class and promise to practise more next year. Am I free to go now?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Curious Guest
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 04:32 PM

Henry - when did you buy your festival ticket?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 03:33 PM

There are lots of other smaller festivals attracted to the town at other times of the year, some of them folk festivals. Regatta aside which is run by locals, WFF was here first and started by the region's EFDSS reps. I have lots of family commitments now during that week . There are always about 20 of us attending fringe events, ranging in age from 1 to 85. We always pay to attend the Spa Ceilidh on the last night.
If that is anything to go by the average age of performers and punters is looking very healthy. I had a dance or two to the music of 4-2-2, all youngsters, wonderful music. The new venue for musician sessions was going well when I sat in on Friday afternoon, Jim and Mu Wilkinson's grandbains running a pop-up bar on Skinner Street. Couldn't get a seat in the Ship on Thursday night's session.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 02:56 PM

It's true that we are all getting steadily older, Jack. Every year, some festival-goers grow too old for the children's activities and have to move on. Fortunately, there are youth activities to occupy them.

You're assuming that there is enough accommodation in Whitby for all the new participants that the expanded fringe will attract, and enough venues to put on all the new events. I'd say that finding either will be difficult, especially when Folk Week coincides with the Regatta. And any economic benefit to Whitby will be marginal.

I'm puzzled when you say that the morning workshops and activities don't contribute extra custom to the venues. I attend several where people get a drink and something to eat in the morning and stay for lunch afterwards.

Many participants in existing sessions and singarounds loudly declare themselves independent of Folk Week. How many of the new participants will be willing to queue up for the chance of a seat at an evening concert at the Spa Theatre or the Metropole?

I can't see how an expanded fringe will bring any significant benefit to the Folk Week. There is, however, the prospect of competition for accommodation and venues. So why not hold the fringe another week when Whitby is not so crowded? That would be better for everybody.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 01:44 PM

I have been going for 7 or 8 years now, and I know what I'm seeing. People who saw me back then will remember I used to carry my instruments in a folding fisherman's stool so I could guarantee getting a seat in workshops and sessions. Haven't needed to do that for about 3 years. Meanwhile the participants (at least for the official WFW events) get steadily older.

What I am suggesting is that a developing fringe would be of benefit both to Whitby's tourist economy and to official WFW, and it might help to cut out the negativity. There doesn't need to be any conflict at all.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 12:18 PM

"Accommodation at Whitby this year was not full. Last minute vacancies for the first time I can remember."

Strange. I crossed and re-crossed Whitby several times a day, and I can honestly say that I didn't see a vacancy sign. And when I inquired about booking for next year, I found that my flat had already been booked.

Landlords and landladies are usually confident that they can fill any last-minute cancellations for Folk Week. Of course, the vacancies you found may not have any connection with Whitby Folk Week. And they are certainly not enough to establish that WFW is declining year by year.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 09:14 AM

Well said, Dick!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 08:22 AM

no, i am saying i have a lot of knowledgs of the festival from people who have played and attended there, these people played there and attended the festival over the last five years, some of them this year and last year and are very respected performers whose opinion i value more than some of the hurlers in the ditch who have posted to this thread.
What pisses me off are people who criticise yet have never run a festival themselves,people who suggest more top of the bill expensive supposedly well promoted stars, yet as far as i am aware the people who suggest this, have never had to find the budget, or risk having to find the deficit out of their own pocket,
we have seen two examples[in the last ten years] in yorkshire of festivals going broke and festival ticket holders not refunded, pickering and beverley , i do not want to see anyone else swindled out of their money , it is unfair and will result in lack of confidence of buying festival tickets, and will eventually be very bad for the uk folk revival

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 06:13 AM

So basically Dick you are saying you have had no first hand knowledge of the festival for some years.

In Jack's defence although he is a relative new-comer to the festival he has attended it recently and is possibly better placed to give a valid appraisal of it today.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 05:58 AM

Whoa long live Wff doing what it does best traditional and similar folk folk music no room for expansion away from that"
HEAR hEAR,
My opinions are baased on the MANY friends and performers who have been either booked every year or have attended regulasly,AND WHO I HAVE TALKED TO REGULARLY.
I play regularly in that area at festivals and clubs,saltburn, redcar darlington, whiby sea fest, botton, stockton club, wilsons club, naturally the topic of whiby and other festivals crop up in conversation, i think that makes my opinion as valid as yours, raggytash
I first attended whitby folk festival in 1976 and have been booked many times in the past
i often get booked in teeside and the north east, and and get reliable information about the general north east folk scene including whtTby folk festival.
LONG MAY WHIBY CONTINUE IN ITS PRESENT FORM AND WELL DONE THE ORGANISERS.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 05:28 AM

By the way Henry it would help if you were a member so I could PM you .

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 05:27 AM

I have attended over the years workshops, concerts, dances, tune sessions, singing sessions and fringe events. I have admired Malcolm Storeys running of the festival and am on record here saying the same.

My question to Dick was to illicit what knowledge he has of Whitby Folk Festival in particular that allows him to remark on the various merits, or otherwise, of the way it is going and the way it has changed over the past 20 years.

That is not to say he will not have a valid opinion, but that it should hopefully be based on a degree of knowledge of the festival.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 05:26 AM

Accommodation at Whitby this year was not full. Last minute vacancies for the first time I can remember.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 05:18 AM

I think Dick's comments are about the broader principles of putting on festivals rather than being confined to Whitby Folk Week. And he does, of course, have experience of promoting festivals.

From the vast choice of dancing, playing and singing events offered by WFW, which are the ones that you choose to attend? And what opinion on the vitality/health or otherwise of the festival have you formed?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 04:49 AM

Au contraire Henry, Dick has suggested that he has knowledge of the festival over the past 20 years. I merely wish to know if this is first hand knowledge based on regular, if not constant, attendance.

I have not missed a festival for the last 29 years, so I wonder if perhaps I am better placed to offer an opinion on the vitality/health or otherwise of the festival.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 04:35 AM

Pertinent or impertinent?

Don't be drawn, Dick.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 04:25 AM

Actually Dick, the more pertinent information would be how many times have you attended Whitby Folk Week in the past 10, 15 and 20 years.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 03:05 AM

Dick, serious question for you.

When was the last time you visited Whitby Folk Week.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 02:42 AM

As you say, the events WFW already programme can get a full house in the biggest venue they've got.

And have you tried finding accommodation in Whitby during Folk Week? It's full, even when Folk Week doesn't coincide with the Regatta. Though new accommodation is being built in Whitby, there is increased residential demand too, from the off-shore energy and potash mining industries.

Whitby Folk Week offers a unique opportunity to participate. I'd start worrying when people stop flocking to the morning programme of workshops.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: r.padgett
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 02:34 AM

Whoa long live Wff doing what it does best traditional and similar folk folk music no room for expansion away from that!

The pubs and eateries and specially fish shops make a hole in the cash budget

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 02 Sep 18 - 12:41 AM

I don't know what JHW meant by that, but the days when the Fringe needed the official Festival in any way are decades in the past.

The point of the comparison with Edinburgh: for local businesses, a fringe sells your product (like beer or bed space) on top of the official festival. In Edinburgh the fringe is vastly more important than the official Festival for the tourist industry: in Whitby it's very small, but since official WFW isn't interested in diversifying what it does, there is a lot of room for expansion.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 06:34 PM

Regarding Edinburgh, Jack Campin says; It's more likely that people will buy "official" festival tickets as an add-on to their Fringe spending than the other way round.

On the other hand, JHW says; It is the patronage of Fringe shows by Festival Goers that has brought the success.

Which way round is it then?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 06:12 PM

Comparisons with the two Edinburgh festivals are ridiculous. They are on a vastly bigger scale than Whitby!

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world's biggest arts festival, with 53,232 performances of 3,398 shows in 300 venues in 2017. In 2018, it reported another record tickets haul, with more than 2.8m, free and paid-for, being issued.

How many shows did the Whitby fringe put on? How many tickets did it sell?

Meanwhile, the 2018 Edinburgh International Festival came to an end after 2,800 artists from 60 nations performed in 85 productions across 180 performances. It reported ticket sales of £3.8m with 46,095 tickets to the value of £569,750 issued free of charge or at discounted rates.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 05:36 PM

I agree with Dick Miles, but for a different reason than the financial ones he gives - "top of the bill" can't work at Whitby because they don't have any really big venues. The events they already programme can get a full house in the biggest venue they've got. Maybe this won't continue indefinitely, but it doesn't make sense to draft in Lady Gaga just yet.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JHW
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 04:14 PM

I've seen many more Edinburgh Fringe shows than EIF over many years and I'd say the Fringe overtaking the substantive Festival is a good point.
Whatever the funding, Fringe shows are rarely cheap or free (though Fringe companies may still struggle to break even). It is the patronage of Fringe shows by Festival Goers that has brought the success.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 02:06 PM

WFW shrinks slowly year on year, says Jack Campin. Yet it put on a programme of 616 events this year, and my Season Ticket was No. 1163.

And it's clearly ridiculous to compare the fringe events at Whitby to the Edinburgh Fringe. The Edinburgh Fringe is organised! It is run by the Fringe Society, a charity supported by sponsors and partners, Angels, Patrons, Friends and supporters.

The Edinburgh International Festival does not depend upon the Fringe. It is organised by the Edinburgh International Festival Society, a charity funded by Members, Trusts and Foundations to present a programme of dance, opera, music and theatre, as well as a programme of community engagement, creative learning and professional development throughout the year.

And I can understand that a gathering of folkies in Whitby after Christmas is independent of Folk Week. But surely a gathering of folkies during Folk Week is more than a coincidence.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 01:58 PM

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 01:39 PM

Not used your eyes for the last 20 years?"
yes i have and furthermore i have seen two festivals go to the wall pickering asnd beverley, two festivals that indulged in this foolish booking policy of top of the bill which was partly responsible for their demise.
once you start running a festival and spending vast amounts of money and gambling on top of the bill bringing in vast munbers and it fails your festival is doomed, bad business practice, getting into debt and relying on stars to clear your debt, next thing is ...festival season ticket holders do not get refunded.
yes anonymous guest i use my eyes alright and what you suggest is bad business practice and results in eventaul loss of confidence on the part of customers buying festival tickets.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 01:39 PM

Not used your eyes for the last 20 years?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 12:00 PM

As much as most of us may like the "no top of the bill" approach it isn't bringing in new faces and given its current demographic profile it may not have more than a dozen years left if it can't seriously refresh its audience."
provide evidence of this statement

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 10:15 AM

"WFW shrinks slowly year on year."

Partly this is competition from an expanded Towersey and Shrewsbury. The festival market in August may well be past saturation point. However the festival's marketing needs a serious overhaul. As much as most of us may like the "no top of the bill" approach it isn't bringing in new faces and given its current demographic profile it may not have more than a dozen years left if it can't seriously refresh its audience.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 07:01 AM

And without the main festival, the fringe events would not take place.
Each post Christmas period see numerous folkies gather in Whitby for a whole series of mainly spontaneous events

The situation in Edinburgh is that the "official" Festival is now more dependent on the Fringe than the other way round - the Fringe became far larger very early on, it's what brings most of the audience into the city, and it's more likely that people will buy "official" festival tickets as an add-on to their Fringe spending than the other way round.

Something I hadn't realized until it was recently pointed out in an FB post: WFW doesn't pay pubs where they run workshops, even when they run them in such a way as to preclude any significant bar sales (which happens fairly often with workshop events). This isn't pointed out to any of the participants, so they don't necessarily feel any obligation to spend anything there. Contrast the situation with sessions: it is always pointed out at any Eurosession that the venue needs our custom, and in the Irish session scene nobody is ever going to need reminding of that. So if you're a publican, which would you rather have using your space?

WFW shrinks slowly year on year. The fringe isn't expanding fast enough to compensate (the Eurosessions and the Irish sessions are significant but static), and it would be to the great benefit of local venues if it grew. One potential that comes to mind is more open-mike events; not really my thing but they would attract people who aren't very interested in official-WFW.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JHW
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 06:54 AM

Folks who don't like concerts but appreciate a good singaround get jibes on most Festival threads about not paying our way. Here's an idea.
A tray by the door at every 'fringe' event. Non seasoned ticket holders put in a pound. Seasoned ticket holders take one out.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: treewind
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 06:19 AM

The whole Fishermens Rowing Club story is bizarre. The fire happened on the Thursday a whole week before the festival started, but the festival was only notified the following Thursday, one day before the festival started. The next day when the festival had hastily re-arranged all the FRC events, the FRC was seen to be open for business as usual.

I heard it's under new management, but I can't understand why they have acted in a way that suggests they don't want the festival there - surely it would bring more bar custom than excluding the festival events.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 05:14 AM

"And without the main festival, the fringe events would not take place."

Not strictly true Henry. Each post Christmas period see numerous folkies gather in Whitby for a whole series of mainly spontaneous events. From quizzes, treasure hunts, singing, playing and a ceili.

Nothing at all to do with the festival, just a group of people who enjoy Whitby and folkie events.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 04:58 AM

We set off from our flat behind the station every morning at 9.30 and returned every evening after midnight. We attended four or five events everyday, and found the great majority running as advertised.

But with over 600 events listed in the programme, it's inevitable that some will have to be re-arranged. The stewards were helpful whenever we asked for advice.

The concert line-ups were well balanced, and the festival-goers were well distributed. As ticket-holders, we were never locked out, but some events would benefit from larger venues.

The single room provided for tin-whistle classes cannot provide space for three groups. The Rifle Club concert room is usually full for the Christmas carols. And the Metropole ballroom is a modest venue for the Final Concert, especially when it has to accommodate over 100 choristers from the harmony workshops.

Whitby Folk Week offers a fantastic opportunity to meet friends and artists, participate in workshops and see some of our best performers. And without the main festival, the fringe events would not take place.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 04:55 AM

It seems the refit of the FRC would have made it much more difficult to run WFW events in it anyway. And since they had people in it drinking within a day, the burnt fridge can't have affected its usability.

Bummer because it was the only venue which both had a lot of events I wanted to go to and which was close enough to our cottage that I could get back in minutes if my wife needed help.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: r.padgett
Date: 01 Sep 18 - 04:05 AM

The last minute fridge fire at The Rowing club ended uo with full week change of programmed events there ~ I believe that they are back on board btw

Changes to programmed events are often inevitable and cause problems to guest artists, audience and events before and aft ~ really important to get things right from the start ~ unplanned changes are a pain all round

Ray

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 31 Aug 18 - 06:38 PM

Just got back to this thread.

Glad it all worked out and of course thanks to Malcolm.

Re my inquiry to Jack as to whether he actually spent any money with the festival and Nick accusing me of picking fights.

Jack answered my question in a later posting where he admitted attending very little of the organised festival.

It would be interesting to know whether in fact the Fishermens Rowing Club gave the festival the heave ho or whether the festival had not let them know what they (the festival) had planned.

I did overhear a conversation at the Conservative club where the lady in charge said she would remonstrate with Barry Evans over events being moved at the last minute with no warning - if only she knew who he was!

Does anyone want some really stale buns?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 29 Aug 18 - 07:08 PM

Comments noted - will try to get to talk to the licensee before next year to see if he has any suggestions.

It's always a problem in any public place striking the right balance and foreknowledge would have helped.

At the end of the day we are looking at one day in a year and apart from a contribution from a loud local towards the end of the session it was pretty good. I did think of appealing to his good side but suspect he has not got one as the other locals seemed to tolerate him.

John Price did suggest that the pool room was vacant but do we really want to hide away?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JHW
Date: 29 Aug 18 - 05:37 AM

Enjoyed the Glaisdale session. The pub sadly have put a TV next to the opening to the big singing room which was a drawback but maybe another year we'll know to congregate first at the far end of the room; that end was mostly empty though did allow occasional tables of non participants to overhear what we were up to (and gave us good order).
Alas I had to drive down as my train (Dinsdale-Thornaby-Glaisdale) was cancelled the minute it was due to arrive.
You never know, might be British Rail again by next year.

Enjoyed a couple of Joe & Mo sessions at the Rifle Club.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Andiliqueur
Date: 29 Aug 18 - 04:18 AM

Thank you Malcolm we enjoyed our afternoon at the Arncliffe Arms. It was a relaxing afternoon in pleasant company with a good standard of singing. It made a pleasant change for us quieter performers not to have to negotiate the sometimes raucous Whitby singarounds. It is a shame that alterations to the pub seem to have spoilt the former ambience of the room but that didn't affect the singing.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 28 Aug 18 - 07:00 PM

Just reporting back on the Glaisdale Train now I am over Whitby-lag.

Numbers were down on previous years but still pretty good for the fact it was all last minute.

We were blessed with pleasant weather, the trains were near enough on time, the grub was good and we managed to get round the room three times in a fairly leisurely manner.

Some fine singing and playing and some interesting songs as well as some old favourites.

Thanks to those who joined us and just for the record:-

The Glaisdale Train will run again in 2019 on 18th August 2019 - unless some pope or other messes with the calender again!

Keep taking the tablets and see you next year.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 28 Aug 18 - 07:00 AM

For Ebor Fiddler or anyone else who needs to know: Bob Ellis did a great job of organizing NEXT year's Eurosession venues, both afternoon and evening. Similar to this year:

- the George Hotel cellar bar, 3pm-5pm (Saturday and Monday to Friday)
- Fishermen's Rowing Club upstairs, Saturday and Sunday 8pm-11pm
- Conservative Club main bar downstairs, Monday to Thursday 8pm-11pm

I wouldn't have said we were exactly necking it down but they all seem satisfied with our consumption level.

Flat key sessions: we had two, and they both had problems with clashes with other events. Need to do better next year. I will consult with Nick Barber about it.

(All that info and you don't even need to send an SAE to somewhere in Bradford).

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 27 Aug 18 - 06:12 PM

Sorry to hear about Marion, Jack: hope you got back all right.
And sorry we didn't make any of the Eurosessions or the flat sessions owing to my friend's temporary disability. Mid-afternoon tended to be "down time" to recharge our batteries (literally in her case with mobility scooter) for the evening ahead.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 26 Aug 18 - 06:03 PM

I didn't get to much but the Eurosessions - my wife got a serious hamstring injury from a fall in the cottage before I got there, and what with having to deal with her being stuck in one room, the Fishermens Rowing Club (right next to our cottage) giving WFW the heave-ho, and many events clashing with the Eurosessions or making it too long a return trip from base, the one and only event in the programme that I went to was Doc Rowe on Monday (and short visits to two lunchtime sessions). Certainly wasn't planned that way.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Ebor Fiddler
Date: 26 Aug 18 - 03:01 PM

Evening Euro Sessions Jack? I wish I'd known about these last week, I wouldn't have been tramping around up hill and down (Bag)dale looking for pubs with friends playing in them, and I could have brought along my Liliput, saving wear and tear on my aging back.
Oh weel, it's a long pull until next year ... It was a good do!

Chris B.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Ken Hall
Date: 26 Aug 18 - 09:12 AM

As always really enjoyed the week. Thanks to anyone who attended the football club at any time during the week a great audience up there and I know from speaking to the guests that they think so as well.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Aug 18 - 08:27 AM

Thanks John but unfortunately I did not have a connection so I missed your messaged but thanks for the offer

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 20 Aug 18 - 07:18 PM

Oh, sorry we didn't make it to Glaisdale after all: got wrapped up in the Wilsons then ballad workshop. Not my car either, so I'm afraid I failed the Good Samaritan test. My (currently) one-legged friend drives an automatic, and her left foot is the one out of action, but not needed! She is threatening to turn up at one the shanty sessions with a parrot on her shoulder!
Hope you had a good session anyway.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Nick
Date: 20 Aug 18 - 03:52 PM

Thank you, JHW. I’ve spoken to four pubs and have four possibilities to suit for tomorrow. Bottom of the steps is probably the Board Inn.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JHW
Date: 20 Aug 18 - 03:13 PM

Can't recall name of pub at downstream end of Church Street, bottom of the steps has musicians but don't know if would suit you.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Nick
Date: 20 Aug 18 - 11:12 AM

Any suggestions for a pub that would accept 6 or 7 people to play where we could just turn up and start something? Tuesday afternoon from about 1 until 4pm.

Selfishly, I don't particularly want to go and join a 'big' singaround (like Middle Earth or the Fleece) and have a go every few hours ( :)! ) as I don't meet up with the people that often and would like to make the most of it.

So a bit like a closed open session if that makes sense.

A lot depends on how busy it is this year!

I gather the Waiting Room has an organised afternoon thing going on so we might be a bit intrusive.

Station is probably too busy and noisy unless the little room on the right is open for playing (it used to just be unaccompanied singing but that seems to have disappeared over the last few years so it might be a possible place)

Outside the Fleece might be possible

Black Horse - is that busy this year?

Last Inn Last out I think stopped a few years back.

The Golden Lion behind Ladbrokes is another I have played in and it's been quieter than many

Dolphin during the day or is that just food?

Any thoughts welcomed :)

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 20 Aug 18 - 02:51 AM

Evening Eurosessions continue at the Friendship (upstairs, great room for it) today and Tuesday. We'll be looking for another venue Wednesday and Thursday.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JHW
Date: 19 Aug 18 - 06:02 AM

Message for Joe Nicholson and Maureen
(can't find the Glaisdale Train thread)
Joe if you want picking up from Glaisdale station I can do that as I'm having to drive down. The tw@s cancelled my train down from Dinsdale minute before it was due though still declared On Time.
So I'll call at Glaisdale Station. Of course they might cancel that train. I'll not be here to see any reply message.
Dark Blue Skoda YY reg. John w

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Brakn
Date: 19 Aug 18 - 04:21 AM

Look out for the Horwich Prize Medal Morris Men - my son Patrick is dancing with them. He's also dancing with Medlock Rapper and Four Corners Rapper.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 18 Aug 18 - 07:03 PM

Evening Eurosessions are in the upstairs hall of the Friendship Rowing Club starting at 8pm. Not too sure what happens after that - the afternoon sessions will be at George Hotel at 3pm-5pm Mon to Fri.

Different in the evenings from last year because the Middle Earth has gone gastro. I guess that will affect other events, both fringe and scheduled.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Swindon/Enfield Pete
Date: 18 Aug 18 - 01:56 AM

Hooray at Whitby for the first time. What a lovely place so atmospheric. Looking forward to playing in a few sessions today after picking up my new melodeon. Might sneak the Whitby Town match in today too...would be rude not to. Concert tonight. Hope to meet some Mudcatters and Melnet people along with he way. Had some fish n chips already delicious. Right it’s nearly 7am better get cracking.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 17 Aug 18 - 07:27 PM

Thanks Jo

One more sleep and then.

Two more sleeps and Glaisdale.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: SussexCarole
Date: 17 Aug 18 - 06:37 PM

Really enjoyed our evenings at the Rifle Club last year at our first Whitby Festival. Thank you to Joe & Mo

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Joe Nicholson
Date: 17 Aug 18 - 07:53 AM

Hi Malcolm going through my diaries and it seems it was 2005 when we moved to the Rifle Club I must say I was very apprehensive at first but they made us very welcome and it has worked very well ever since.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Joe Nicholsonm
Date: 16 Aug 18 - 09:34 PM

Malcolm story about the spelling it is getting rather late.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Joe Nicholson
Date: 16 Aug 18 - 09:31 PM

Hi Malcomb not only are the old bones not so good but the memory is slipping as well so I will have to go through my old diaries to answer your question. It would nice if you and Judy ere to pay us a visit

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 16 Aug 18 - 08:06 PM

Hi Jo & Mo

Think the festival should order you a taxi from the station to the pub - or perhaps Tattie Boggle can become a real Samaritan and take you on board as well.

Will make a real effort to join you at least once at the Rifle Club - incidentally how many of the thirty one years has the Marathon been each of the two venues; the sadly lamented Plough and t' Rifle Club?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Joe Nicholson
Date: 16 Aug 18 - 03:04 PM

Having said that we shall be in the Rifle Club each evening running the marathon singaround for the thirtyfirst time.We look forward to seeing faces old and new.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Joe Nicholson
Date: 16 Aug 18 - 02:59 PM

Sadly Maureen and I will not be able to manage the train this year the hill up to the pub has become to much for our old bones.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Aug 18 - 10:12 PM

Sounds wonderful, Malcolm!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 15 Aug 18 - 08:09 PM

Joe - I ran the thing for twenty five years and still don't know everything there is to know about the festival!

The Glaisdale train was started by Raggytash to get away from the the Regatta when they decided to share their dates with the Folk Week.

There is a train service between Whitby to Middlesborough that on a Sunday provides a timetable that allows people to catch a train to Glaisdale early afternoon returning at the English / UK teatime.

The Arncliffe Arms has hosted a song and music session on the Sunday of Folk Week for a number of years now and will do so again in 2018.

The train ride passes through a particularly picturesque area, the pub does excelent good honest fare and the Beggar's Bridge is just down the road.

Hope this helps!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Aug 18 - 07:28 PM

I went to the Whitby Folk Week in about 2005, so I tend to think that I know everything there is to know about the festival. But I've never heard of the Glaisdale Train, and I thought it was a train song thread.
So, what's the Glaisdale train?
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 15 Aug 18 - 06:52 PM

It's what they call a request stop, Steve!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 15 Aug 18 - 06:27 PM

Woah! Now the Glaisdale train has switched tracks!

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 15 Aug 18 - 06:09 PM

Possibly.....! If train boarding logistics prove too tricky for my post-surgical friend, we might just drive to Glaisdale and meet you there! I know, it's supposed to be a train trip.......!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 15 Aug 18 - 07:06 AM

I wish !!!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JHW
Date: 15 Aug 18 - 06:57 AM

I thought you were watching at the touchline!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 14 Aug 18 - 07:46 AM

I am hoping that Galway can repeat their success of last year and bring back the Liam McCarthy to the county for the second year running.

In all honesty I would rather be there watching it in Dublin or at least in my local over there.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Liberty Boy
Date: 14 Aug 18 - 07:41 AM

Nice to see you getting you priorities right Raggytash. Well done to Malcolm for 'stepping up to the plate'. I've never managed to make it to the Glaisdale train as my Irish Set Dance workshop does not finish till 2.20pm. I'll just have to console myself by watching the hurling!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 14 Aug 18 - 06:59 AM

I may be in the Waiting Room during Folk Week but I won't be on the train and on the train is where you said you were taking a bottle of wine.

Do keep up dear boy!!! :-)

I'll be at home, when you good people are singing and making merry, watching Galway V Limerick in the All Ireland Hurling Championship Final.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JP2
Date: 14 Aug 18 - 06:54 AM

Oh,I thought I saw you post that you would be in the Waiting Room during WFW.

My mistake.

JP2,currently on his way to Specsavers!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 14 Aug 18 - 06:50 AM

I won't be there John ......... that is why Malcolm has taken up the mantle.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JP2
Date: 14 Aug 18 - 06:44 AM

I take it you don't want me to bring a glass (or two) for you and C then.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Davenutt
Date: 14 Aug 18 - 06:14 AM

Well done to Nick and thankyou for having organised this great trip for so many years. It has given much pleasure to so many and I presume it was often not without it's organisational problems. Good luck to Malcolm for continuing the good work. I hope subsequent train/ music trips continue from strength to strength and everyone has a great time.
David

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 14 Aug 18 - 05:58 AM

Ye Gods JP, you're only on the train for 25 minutes!!!!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JP2
Date: 14 Aug 18 - 05:54 AM

I presume that unlike the 19.19 Saturday service to Middlesborough which is designated a "Dry" train any Sunday train to Glaisdale is by default a "Wet" train.
If this is the case Admiral Storey should I bring a nice bottle of Claret for us to share?

JP,Wineless in Glaisdale!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Brimbacombe
Date: 14 Aug 18 - 05:16 AM

Malcolm - it's been really impressive how you've organised all of this. Thank you. Have you ever considered getting involved in festival organising?

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 13 Aug 18 - 07:57 PM

Follow me up to Glaisdale!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 13 Aug 18 - 07:56 PM

I think you are being too kind JP2 - but then what do I know?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JP2
Date: 13 Aug 18 - 09:35 AM

Whitby Folk Week Discussion Group.

This week's motion is as follows:-

"That this house is delighted to feel the tender but firm grip of the admirable Admiral Malcolm Storey upon the tiller of the Glaisdale Train".

Thank you Nick and thank you Malcolm!!!

JP2,Rudderless in Whitby!

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 12 Aug 18 - 07:20 PM

Nobody will notice Tattie - can't remember when I was last asked to show my crumblies card and you can always renew it on line. Check whether you get anything from your local council. Our cards comes down by about £12 just by quoting a number / reference from the council.

You've a whole week to get it together.

Hope to see lots of people from previous years and perhaps a few newcomers dipping their toes in at the Glaisdale session on Sunday.

Also looking forward to meeting up with lots of old and not so old friends and perhaps enjoying time with some new ones around the festival.

HEY JOE - any chance of combining the Whitby 2018 and the Glaisdale train threads??

---

OK, Malcolm, I hope this doesn't confuse things. Note that the messages transferred from the "Glaisdale Train" thread have their original title. -Joe-

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 12 Aug 18 - 07:12 PM

Hope to see lots of people from previous years and perhaps a few newcomers dipping their toes in at the Glaisdale session on Sunday.

Also looking forward to meeting up with lots of old and not so old friends and perhaps enjoying time with some new ones around the festival.

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 12 Aug 18 - 05:14 PM

I don't beleeeeve it! That's the day AFTER my 3-year Senior Railcard runs out! Hadn't renewed it until I knew when next I'd be doing a train journey. However, still good value at £4.80! Will ask my friend if she fancies it too, but she currently has mobility probs after foot surgery, so maybe not!

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: JHW
Date: 12 Aug 18 - 05:25 AM

Malcolm thanks for laying this on. Best of luck with herding folks from Whitby. I've copied your details post here. John w
-------------------------------------------------------------------
'I have checked with the Arncliffe Arms and there is no problem as far as they are concerned.

I suggested that there will be a music and song session from 2:00pm to 5:00pm probably with a natter break - both times ish.

Just to confirm

Glaisdale Session 2018

The Arncliffe Arms
No 1 Arncliffe Terrace
Glaisdale, Whitby, NorthYorkshire, YO212QL
Telephone Number 01947 897555
Email – [e-mail]
Nearest Train Station – Glaisdale

Suggested Journeys (Whitby-Glaisdale Sun 19th Aug)
Depart         Arrive            Time   
12:46         13:11                0:25   
15:50         16:15                0:25   
Returns from Glaisdale
Depart         Arrive            Time
14:52         15:20                0:28   
17:55         18:22                0:27

17-55 LAST TRAIN BACK

Just to show how silly ticket pricing is on the railways these days

Single Whitby to Glaisdale £4:70
Single Glaisdale to Whitby £5:00
Return Whitby to Glaisdale or vice versa £4:80

Prices are for one adult
The usual railcard discounts apply so a crumbly like me with a railcard is £3:20 return.

I only went for the first time last year (don't know why I had not been previously) and I really enjoyed it.

Lovely area if the weather stays good but worth a trip for a change from the crowds in Whitby and they do a good variety of hearty meals.'

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: GUEST,Carol
Date: 12 Aug 18 - 03:41 AM

Sorry to hear that Nick but are you and Christine going to be at Whitby? Hooe so

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Aug 18 - 07:03 AM

"And again, as ever, had no problem booking accommodation for the nights I wanted. All done on line in a matter of minutes. I have always been bemused by those speaking of everywhere being full. Not my experience."

Not the full week then? From observation of the "no vacancies" signs as walk too and from my digs a lot of the B&B trade if for less than the full week these days. Monday to Thursday night would be easier at short notice than Friday to Sunday.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Nick
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 04:07 PM

Nick - when I see you I'll give you a contribution to what you did it for

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 03:09 PM

Good on you Malcolm, I wish you well and hope everyone has a great time!!!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 11:43 AM

I have checked with the Arncliffe Arms and there is no problem as far as they are concerned.

I suggested that there will be a music and song session from 2:00pm to 5:00pm probably with a natter break - both times ish.

Just to confirm

Glaisdale Session 2018

The Arncliffe Arms
No 1 Arncliffe Terrace
Glaisdale, Whitby, NorthYorkshire, YO212QL
Telephone Number 01947 897555
Email – [e-mail]
Nearest Train Station – Glaisdale

Suggested Journeys (Whitby-Glaisdale Sun 19th Aug)
Depart         Arrive            Time   
12:46         13:11                0:25   
15:50         16:15                0:25   
Returns from Glaisdale
Depart         Arrive            Time
14:52         15:20                0:28   
17:55         18:22                0:27

17-55 LAST TRAIN BACK

Just to show how silly ticket pricing is on the railways these days

Single Whitby to Glaisdale £4:70
Single Glaisdale to Whitby £5:00
Return Whitby to Glaisdale or vice versa £4:80

Prices are for one adult
The usual railcard discounts apply so a crumbly like me with a railcard is £3:20 return.

I only went for the first time last year (don't know why I had not been previously) and I really enjoyed it.

Lovely area if the weather stays good but worth a trip for a change from the crowds in Whitby and they do a good variety of hearty meals.

See you there.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Nick
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 11:11 AM

You could join us after 3 on the 21st if everything goes to plan?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Nick
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 11:10 AM

By the way Jack I hope we bump into each other again though it was very brief last time

My friend who you tempted when we were talking about blowing instruments you could meet in real life and perhaps play together :)

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Some bloke
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 10:16 AM

As ever, I only decided today to attend, as my diary can be a bit hectic.

And again, as ever, had no problem booking accommodation for the nights I wanted. All done on line in a matter of minutes. I have always been bemused by those speaking of everywhere being full. Not my experience. The punch cards that hotels provide mean no parking issues either.

I noticed that although there have been many years where work prevented me going, it's forty years since my first Whitby this year. There were a small number of vocal negative voices back then. It seems to have become a tradition. I bloody love it, all of it. If you are wondering whether to go, do so. Normal people have a right good time. Miserable ones occasionally tap their feet in time to the music, under the tables where you can't see them...

No pint with Dave the Gnome this year? Ah well..

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 09:45 AM

The Eurosessions and Flat Key Session are arranged. I've posted announcements on the Whitby Folk Week, Melnet and Eurosessions FB pages, with PDFs for a sheet of business-card-format flyers. All are in the Cellar Bar of the George Hotel: flat key session Tuesday 21st 1-3pm, Eurosessions 3-5pm Sat 18th to Fri 24th, every day but not Sunday 19th because the George needs the restaurant space then.

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 09:01 AM

I've been hurling in Whitby...


...after a night on the Cameron's Strong Arm in the Elsinore :-)

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: Raggytash
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 06:30 AM

Fascinating game John, purported to be the fastest field game in the world. High scoring, all action and a hard physical game played by men, not the nancy boys who play English football.

I've heard it said there are only 8 rules and one of those is "Thou shalt not kill" apart from that anything goes.

Try it sometime ......... watching, not playing!

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: JHW
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 05:59 AM

I could phone the pub but I think Malcolm may do that but I can't herd folks from Whitby.
Never seen hurling!

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: Raggytash
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 05:42 AM

Definitely not me John, I'll be watching the All Ireland Hurling final Galway V Limerick!!

Come on Galway!!!!!

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: JHW
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 04:58 AM

Keep watching this space. Nick and Malcolm might yet lay it on.
(I wouldn't dare try as I'll not be in Whitby)

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Nick
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 04:49 AM

For what it's worth, "Guest,guest" (like a posh double-barrelled Guest?) I think it is both impertinent and irrelevant to you. And unnecessarily provocative in a non-contentious thread. You can always join and send private messages to people rather than try and pick fights. Your choice.

Thanks as usual to those who have been helpful and will see some of you there no doubt :)

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JHW
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 04:49 AM

Re parking and paying I've always found somewhere albeit with a walk. Worst I did was B&B somewhere beyond West Cliff where I had to move my car on in the morning! At night the harbourside P is free (or has been). You have to walk at Whitby.
Best B&B was Ruswarp (Hall I think) but that meant walking in from Ruswarp, though there was a footpath.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 08:30 PM

Jack this may seem impertinant but do you actually spend any money with the festival?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 03:46 PM

I like the quiet atmosphere, I certainly wasn't complaining.

It's right in the centre of what is a fairly small town so it's easy to check out in advance, no matter where you're based.

And their wi-fi works well.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Nick
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 03:27 PM

Thanks to both. Ok to just turn up or is there someone who organises it and might be upset if we invade?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 03:05 PM

Jack, please don't offence but your comments seem to be very negative.

The Waiting Room has a quite small capacity Nick, maximum about 35 people, it is small, yet intimate. All acoustic, as you would wish, and like any folk session it is a good as the people who attend.

Sharon and Gary who run the bar are lovely, very welcoming to all, they keep an excellent ever changing selection and beers, ciders and wine and although this is their first folk festival I am quite confident they will do a "grand job"

You may be pleased to hear they do not sell Lager of spirits which does help to keep some elements away from the bar!

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 01:15 PM

The Waiting Room has small, quiet groups of people singing and playing in the afternoons. If what you play involves Highland pipes, fire juggling or a Marshall stack you might look for somewhere else.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Nick
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 11:35 AM

Does the Waiting Room have music? I have never been in it. Is it busy?

Hoping to find somewhere to play on one of the afternoons with some friends which is not TOO busy and noisy and I was going to aim for the Black Horse out of habit because of its size

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 08:32 AM

Hi Nick, Yes I will probably be in the Black Horse during folk week but I think I will spend time in the Waiting Room, the micropub at the railway station.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 08:15 AM

Even if you do have to park in the pay and display zones most of the holiday accommodation will provide passes for free or next to nothing.

I will miss it this year I think but you never know!

D.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 08:12 AM

Jojofolkagogo, there is no need to pay to park at Whitby, providing you are prepared to walk a bit. I've attended the festival for 29 years and lived in the town for the past 11 years. I have never, that I can recall, bought a parking ticket during the festival.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Nick
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 08:03 AM

I have never had any problem parking and will park this year where I always do. And never paid a halfpenny on parking during the various folk weeks I have been to

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,jojofolkagogo
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 08:01 AM

Well this is all very uninformative (nothing new there!)
Whitby is in the UK on the east coast in Yorkshire.
unfortunately, for anyone wishing to visit the town whilst in the vicinity you will find it nigh-on impossible to find anywhere to park as there are yellow lines all over town and restrictions to the few and very small car parks !! My feeling is that this will mean a certain decline in attendance at what is a fantastic festival.
I for one am giving it a miss - have fun anyway.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 08 Aug 18 - 06:38 PM

Will follow this up and post later.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Nick
Date: 08 Aug 18 - 04:34 PM

Raggytash - will I see you in the Black Horse?

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 08 Aug 18 - 03:39 PM

Thanks John, I'm travelling at the moment but have a small window of opportunity to post whilst crossing the ocean.

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JHW
Date: 08 Aug 18 - 02:42 PM

Contact Us
The Arncliffe Arms
No 1 Arncliffe Terrance
Glaisdale, Whitby, NorthYorkshire, YO212QL
TelephoneNumber 01947 897555
Email– [e-mail]
NearestTrain Station – Glaisdale

Subject: RE: Glaisdale Train
From: JHW
Date: 08 Aug 18 - 04:43 AM

See Whitby Folk Week 2018 thread

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JHW
Date: 08 Aug 18 - 04:42 AM

Here's the Pub website and trains listed from Traveline website

https://www.arncliffearms.com/

Suggested Journeys (Whitby-Glaisdale Sun 19th Aug)
        Depart        Arrive                Time                
        12:46        13:11        0        0:25        
        15:50        16:15        0        0:25        
Returns from Glaisdale        
        Depart        Arrive                Time        
        14:52        15:20        0        0:28        
       17:55        18:22        0        0:27        
       17-55 LAST TRAIN BACK

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 07 Aug 18 - 06:27 PM

Hi Nick

Phone number for the landlord would be good and I will see what I can do.

Am way darn sarf at the moment but am back on Friday so will give it a whirl then.

Cheers

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Raggytash
Date: 06 Aug 18 - 02:12 PM

Hi Malcolm, I have started a thread to say that I am not "organising" the train this year. Basically I've run out of Oommph and I'm spending less and less time in Whitby.

I not spoken to the landlord, nor do I know the times of the trains.

If anyone wants to take up the mantle I sincerely wish them well, It has proved over the years to be a great day out.

Cheers


Nick

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Ebor Fiddler
Date: 06 Aug 18 - 01:47 PM

I have successfully booked my acommodation for 2019!

Subject: Folklore: Glaisdale Train
From: Raggytash
Date: 06 Aug 18 - 12:15 PM

I am sorry to say I will not be "running" the Glaisadale Train this year. I have not spoken to the Landlord of the Arncliffe Arms nor do I know the times of the trains.

If anyone wants to take over the mantle I will wish you well and if required give help. basically I've run out of Ummph!!!

Cheers

Nick

Subject: RE: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: JHW
Date: 06 Aug 18 - 05:17 AM

Do let us know if the Glaisdale sing is on again (and date). Good do.

Subject: RE: Review: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: Jack Campin
Date: 05 Aug 18 - 09:07 PM

There have been a few accommodation cancellation vacancies advertised on the FB page so last-minute people might have a chance.

Subject: Review: Whitby Folk Week 2018
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 05 Aug 18 - 07:24 PM

Nothing so far from the great and good and them as knows nowt.

No Regatta this year so is Sunday at Glaisdale still on Raggytash?