Manchester area - is anybody there?

Subject: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 05:30 PM

Just wondering if there is anyone from Manchester (ENGLAND!!) reading this? Most of the threaders seem to be from 'dahn sahth' (nothing wrong with that - that's where half of my family are from!), leaving me wondering where all the Mancunians, Salfordians, Boltonians et al have gone!

The folk scene around here isn't as active as it used to be - okay, there are 'diddly diddly' sessions if you like that kind of thing, and quite a few clubs booking singer-songwriters.

My gripe is that most singer-songwriters are so conceited that they believe they can hold an audience with just their own material, which is rarely true.

I admit I can't write songs, and I love to join in a good old sing-song. My peers/mates are people like the Spinners, The Oldham Tinkers, The Yetties, Bernard Wrigley, John Kirkpatrick (to name but a few!), but I can't find many clubs who seem to like that sort of thing!

Help!!

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 05:33 PM

There's a few of us Bernard - Try the Jolly Angler near Picaddilly on Monday nights for the most unpretentious good old sing song possible.

PM me if you want directions.

Isn't Mudact amazing!!

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 05:40 PM

Sounds good to me! I'll try to be there this coming Monday - shouldn't need directions, the address will be enough!

P'raps I should mention that I'm a resident at the Railway at Heatley - one club that tends to favour my point of view, which is why I travel so far (20 miles isn't really so far...).

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 05:45 PM

OK Bernard - It's on Ducie Street. I'm assuming that you are taking public transport. Get the Tram/Train to picaddilly, walk down piccadilly approach and turn right up Ducie Street. Keep going - even though it looks like the last place in the world you would find a pub and it's on your left. About a five minute walk altogether.

I like to warn people that it gets smoky (but then, which english folk clubs don't!)

Catrin

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 05:59 PM

Thanks, Catrin, I know Ducie Street! I've done the 'Folk Train', y'know (tenuous link...)!!

It's likely I'll be driving - easier to cart instruments (and friends!) around.

I'm a non-smoker, but I've never been a smoker, so I don't get shirty about it! I'm sure they only make a fuss because they're worried they may have a relapse! Is this another thread coming on? I hope not!

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 06:05 PM

See ya there!

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 06:11 PM

Yup!!

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 07:14 PM

Anyone else for the Grand Mudcat (Re)Union at the Jolly Angler on Monday? F2F RSN! Can't wait, Catrin! (Where's Heatley, Bernard?)

Noreen

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 07:18 PM

Ed Pellow's in Manchester too - Ed if you're out there - fancy joining us?

It doesn't usually start 'till about 9.30 ish (cos it stays open very late)

But I'll make sure I'm there by 8.30 in case catters travelling a long way have to leave at sensible times. We can always make a start ourselves!

Looking forward to this - and to meeting you Noreen, Bernard (and Ed?)

Catrin

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Llanfair
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 04:41 AM

I was born and brought up in Manchester, and my sister lives in Timperly. I would have come to join you, and may well later in the year, bur not this week. Have a great evening. Hwyl, Bron.

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 04:58 AM

Sorry! I was tired & went to bed - we've got a Morris dance-out today, and my old bones needed resting.

The Railway is on Mill Lane, Heatley, next to some land that was a railway (curse Beeching!).

Heatley is on the outskirts of Lymm, near Warburton. From the Manchester area you head for the 'Carrington spur', and keep following your nose through Partington. Eventually the road to Warburton Toll Bridge is signposted to your right (ignore it!), and the Green Dragon pub (right) and La Boheme restaurant (left) appear after a few hundred yards.

Here you will find the Knutsford road branching to your left - this is Mill Lane, and the Railway is about half a mile down on your right.

Until September 7th we are running Singers' Nights (£1 admission) - we also have a website under construction - www.railwayfolkclub.co.uk - which just has our guest list on at the moment.

Sorry, this wasn't intended to turn into an advertising slot for the Railway! We're always well attended - audiences of 30 or more as a norm. Our record was around 120 two years ago when we booked Tom Paxton... what a night!

If you're at the Anglers on Monday (indeed, if I make it - work so often gets in the way) we could arrange to go in convoy if you wish... alternatively, email me on [e-mail] and I'll send you a map! That will appear soon on our web page, but our webmaster is busy...

Must log off now, Earl of Stamford Morris need their accordion player!

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 05:38 AM

My God Noreen, I'd never have argued so much if I'd known you were that close. Just the Pennines between us. I'd assumed the Atlantic too.

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bagpuss
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 06:54 AM

I'm in Leeds but work in machester - I'll have to do the monday night thing with you all sometime after the summer is over and I'm back at work.

Bagpuss

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 06:56 AM

Yes!

Bagpuss, I was going to PM you. Just let me know when you can make it.

Catrin

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Noreen
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 07:12 AM

Likewise Fionn! You within travelling distance of Manchester for an evening? We could discuss the merits of singles, doubles (and trebles) in an alcholic context?!

Thanks for the info., Bernard. I tried your link above but no joy- I'll try again another time.

Great, Bron & Bagpuss. Look forward to that!

Noreen

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 12:21 PM

Back from the dance out!

Sorry you couldn't get the link to work, Noreen... It's on Salford University's system, so tends to be a bit erratic. Flamin' students! It does work sometimes, though...

Try the less memorable http://146.87.237.21/railway/index.html just in case it's a server problem...

Failing that, I'll have my laptop with me, with a downloaded version on it...

Any road up, sounds like we should be having ourselves a big bash in the near furture - maybe sell tickets, lay on a buffet, sort out a campsite (no, not in 'The Village!'), erm?

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Brakn
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 02:06 PM

I'm in Altrincham and promise to get to the Railway for a night soon. My wife passed her driving test last week, so that should make things easier. The Monday night thing sounds great, though I'm always a bit knackered after the weekend.

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 03:34 PM

There's a shortcut from Altrincham - up the A56 and down Warrington Lane. The road goes under the canal, and becomes Mill Lane after the traffic lights.

As to being knackered on a Monday night - there's nowt like a good knees-up to sort that out! Anyway, most of us are knackered BY weekend, not AFTER it! What on earth do you get up to?

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 03:58 PM

Bernard, If you're from Salford Uni, you might know Terry Whelan? He used to work there but he's retired now. (Ok, I know it's a big place, but you never know...

Terry runs a very trad sing around at The Ducie Pub on Wednesday nights (At the back of Manchester Uni). The club isn't running til after the summer, but maybe in September?

See ya,

Catrin

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 04:07 PM

Sorry, Catrin, I'm not from Salford Uni. I do know people there, but not Terry.

Don Davies, who runs the Railway, works there, as do a couple of our regulars. One of the Morris side also works there, and I occasionally do jobs there with my 'Sound Engineer' hat on...

Might give the Ducie a look in - they're not too 'highbrow', are they?!

I can remember a club (mentioning no names, but it was in Bury) where they were so snotty that you couldn't even take a guitar in!

I must admit, I don't like taking things too seriously - after all, we're not supposed to enjoy it, it's Folk!!

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 04:11 PM

It sounds like it's The Angler for you then Bernard!

By the way, if you're driving, approach Ducie Street from Great Ancoates Street end - 'cos of one way systems. Its on your right and you can park opposite.

TTFN

Catrin

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: John J
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 04:40 PM

Hullo Bernard, fancy finding you here! I'll join you on Monday if thats ok (I can apply for a seconf mortgage and take the tram from Timperley) Did someone else mention Timperley? Catrin, I'm sure you'll like the Railway @ Heatley. The beer's brill, and if you live in Altrincham it's a pleasant bike ride down the old railway line from the bottom of Atlantic Street, although I think I'll be running there this Thursday....I'm in training for a few races in the autumn. See yall Monday! JJ

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 05:23 PM

JJ! How the hell are you, lad!!? It seems like days since I last saw you! Last Thurbly at the Railway, I do believe!

If you want a lift to the Jolly Angler, it's no trouble - email me later to arrange. Oh, and what is a 'Timperley'?

One way systems - why do they always find out which way everybody will want to go, and make it t'other?!

As to the Railway, I'm sure we can sort out lifts for the transportually challenged...

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Llanfair
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 05:46 PM

Timperley- a fine strain of rhubarb!!!!!
It's my sister who lives there.
Have any of you Mancunians come across a chap called Eddie Bryn Pugh? He's a sort of cousin, and I 'd love to get in touch with him again.
Bron.

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 05:46 PM

This is getting better and better!

Welcome, John J!

Catrin

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 07:22 PM

Just for the record - JJ is a member of that very fine Ceilidh band Five Bar'd Gait, a fine melodeon player, bloody awful singer (well, not that bad!), and generally fine chap. Just watch your ale - he's likely to sup it.

Somebody once chucked a petrol bomb at him, and he supped that!

Nope, never 'eard of 'im!

As to rhubarb...

Eddie Bryn Pugh is a name I seem to recall, but I'm not sure from where. Oh, I know! Trumpton...

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bluebeard
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 10:19 PM

Well I wish I could join you lot on Monday but I'm over in Toronto now, originally from Withington. Mancunians are everywhere! I play mainly at historical re-enactments, mostly in the States and at the Albert in Withington(when I get home.)

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: John J
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 05:17 AM

I'll see if I can find the Pugh feller, leave it with me. As for Rhubarb,well obviously a man of excellent taste. Timperley Rhubarb is famous as far away as....? Seriously it's good stuff, I have some growing in my garden. I'll get myself down tonight Bernard cos I'm not sure what time I'll be leaving. Tera, John

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Ed Pellow
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 11:57 AM

Hi all,

Just back from the Cambridge Festival (and yes it was fab) so am far to zonked to make the Jolly Angler tonight. If you intend meeting up there again though, I'd like to meet you all

Ed (who needs his bed even though it's only 5pm. zzzzzzzz)

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: IanS
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 12:01 PM

Hi,

The Jolly Angler brings back many fond memories for me - I spent perhaps more time than I ought to in the JA while I was a student at UMIST many years ago. There was no music in those days, though we played a lot of pool . I've been to the Heatley Club (and the Thorn before it) many times and can vouch for its friendly atmosphere and quality residents - Graham Sowerby is an exceptional songwriter who deserves much more recognition for his songs though I'm not sure if he is as involved as he used to be.

Anyway, I must try and get along to the JA sometime, though I must admit to leaning more toward the 'diddly diddly' these days.

Ian S

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: John J
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 12:33 PM

Catrin, is tonight a sing or a play AND sing? ie, do I bring the box or just my (crap) voice? And do you know what time the Metro stops running? John

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 01:05 PM

Bring both John, Its mostly singing but then everybody's welcome and a tune is always appreciated. What it definitely isn't is a 'diddly diddly' session.

I'm sorry, I have no idea about metro times. A friend of mine lives in Altrincham though and uses them all the time (not into folk music so unfortunately won't be joining us). I'll give him a ring and post later.

Catrin

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Ringer
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 01:08 PM

I cut my folk-singing teeth in the Welcome Inn in Rusholme (30 years ago). Does that still run on a Tuesday evening?

Would Eddie Bryn Pugh be the Bryn Pugh who used to dance with the Manchester Morris (again, 30 years ago) then left to join Rumworth after which I lost touch with him?

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 01:22 PM

Ed,

Its good to hear from you, I'll look forward to seeing you down the JA one night.

Ian S. When were you a regular there? I've been going in for about ten years. Perhaps we know each other? (The pool table went about three months ago - too many hills and valleys for people to cope with!)

Bluebeard - whenever you can make to UK!

I'm going to have me tea now - my pc is being really really slow at the moment, but I'll check in later.

Catrin

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 02:31 PM

Just a quickie - late home from work as usual! Beans on toast for me!

Graham Sowerby is no longer active at the Railway, he has a couple of bands and a thespian group to take up most of his time, and it's even been reported his narrow boat is up for sale...

Just sorting out some emails, then I'll be off to the JA - ETA around 9:00.

'Watch this space!!'

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Noreen
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 03:06 PM

JohnJ, the last tram out of Manchester, midweek, is around 11pm- which is one of the reasons why I'm driving! Looking forward to meeting everyone later.

Noreen

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Llanfair
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 04:47 PM

Bald Eagle-- it's possible, but when I knew him he was a pretty good singer and guitarist. Tall and dark-haired, he was, though the hair colour may well not apply now!
Bluebeard-- I was born in and spent my first 20 years in Northenden. Small world, eh? Bron.

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 09:22 PM

The best night ever! More tomorrow!

Catrin

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: John J
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 04:32 AM

Eeee by gum! Well Catrin and all other 'catters at the JA last night,what a good night last night was! I really enjoyed it, it's good to find an enclave a good singers (who just happen to be really friendly)and good beer. Hope to see you at the Jolly Angler next week. Cheers all, John

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 05:21 AM

Well, I shall be in Anglesey (erm I may have mentioned that) of course it doesn't stop others going though. It was one of the best nights I've had for a long time. The music, singing, company and the beer were all brill! What a buzz to meet catters for real!

Catrin

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 06:52 AM

A good night woz 'ad by all!

Just a pity the insidious ilness called 'depression' had got the better of me by the end of the evening...

I must have enjoyed myself, though, as I didn't leave early!

For those who weren't there/have never been - it's a cosy, friendly little pub, the spicy chicken is magic! A pity that was a one-off for Dick's birthday!

There will be some incriminating photographs for people to peruse shortly, when Iv'e time to upload them...

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 07:06 AM

Don't forget, if you don't fancy going into the big metrolops on a muggy mundy there is always what is I believe the longest continuous club in the area on the same night - The White Lion at Swinton - 5 miles west of centre along the A6. Singers/Guests alternate Mondays. £2 on a guest night (if you ask me nicely...) and 50p on Singers night (Free if you do a bit!)- Not trying to poach - honest! Just letting people know.

I'm not sure about letting in noisy bearded accordianists from Farnworth though.....

Guess who Bernard???

I will try and sneak off one Monday for a night at the Anglers though - but don't tell anyone!

Perhaps we could co-host a MudCat 'do'?

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 08:43 AM

Don't worry about poaching, Dave the gnome, the more the merrier as far as I'm concerned and people can choose, or alternate or whtever they want. Co-hosting a mudcat do sounds like a good idea though - perhpas we could tour the local folk clubs with it?

Just a thought.

Catrin (who's off to an interview in ten mins!)

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: John J
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 09:54 AM

Good luck with the interview!! John

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 10:03 AM

Ditto from D the G

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Brakn
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 10:37 AM

Sounds like you all had a good time. Looking forward to getting down there myself! Soon.

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 02:14 PM

Ey up D the G! You forgot to mention the annual festival! If you book Earls Morris again this year, we'll do our best not to all be ill at once! Honest! We've had some new members recently, so that improves the odds!

One of our Morris ladies is having her 50th 'do' on St. Patricks night, and is organising a ceilidh. Are Kamikaze available, and how much (Antrobus village hall)?

The alternative is 5BG - best price wins! We've had 5BG for our last two 'do's', and JJ knows why I'd like a change... :(

I'll try to get to the White Lion sometime soon! Meantime, ring or email for Cindy's number...

This thread is rapidly becoming an 'old friends reunite', with the emphasis very firmly on the old!

Retrospective good luck with the interview - how did it go?!!

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Catrin
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 05:33 PM

Well, I just don't know - I've got to wait two weeks before I find out 'cos they're waiting for someone to get back from annual leave before they can interview them - that's the second time that's happened to me - It must be the time of year. I'll just have to try not to think about it.

Thanks for all the good luck wishes!

Catrin

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 07:09 PM

Never mind! However, I recommend the purchase of some chain mail gloves to limit nail-biting!

Subject: RE: Manchester area - is anybody there?
From: Bernard
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 07:46 PM

Oh, while I think on...

Anyone who wants the photos taken at the Jolly Angler on Monday night, email me on:

[e-mail]

and I'll send them to you. Don't expect an instant response, but I'll be as quick as I can.

Let me know if you want them separately as 18 JPegs (or GIFs, or whatever), all zipped together in one file (because some systems limit the number of attachments you can receive) or as a PowerPoint presentation (not done it yet!)! I have PowerPoint 2000, so can save in whichever version you require.