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Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Phil Date: 08 Jul 04 - 05:18 PM Louth in Lincolnshire also has a non smoking Folk club. If you are on the East coast holidaying, give us a look up every 2nd and 4th tuesday in the month. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Jacqued Date: 08 Jul 04 - 08:20 AM Bridlington Folk Club has been no-smoking for years. No prob. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Bernard Date: 07 Jul 04 - 06:21 PM In case anyone didn't already know... OBIT: Julie B |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: breezy Date: 01 Jul 04 - 05:12 PM well said Frank |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Schantieman Date: 01 Jul 04 - 04:04 PM The Bothy Folk Club in Southport, Lancashire is not officially non-smoking but the few regulars who are smokers generally refrain from doing so in the club room. Nice room, good hotel - the Shelbourne Hotel on the corner of Lord Street & Duke Street - and brilliant beer! Always Tim Taylor's landlord; usually Marston's Pedigree & always one or two others - always in good nick. Next year is our 40th birthday & we're planning a load of events at the end of April. End of advert. Steve |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Sooz Date: 01 Jul 04 - 04:04 PM You'd be welcome at either Gainsborough or Market Rasen Folk Clubs, Frank! No smoke at either, excellent craic and a warm welcome. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Frank Date: 01 Jul 04 - 03:25 PM It's wonderful to see all the non-smoking venues that are now in Britain. I would like to visit some folk song clubs in the B.I. so it really pleases me that they are there. My step-father smoked. I had asthma as a boy and grew up to have some minor emphesema although I never smoked. I also used to play in smoky clubs. Side stream smoke is more harmful than many pollutants. The smoke contains chemicals other than nicotine and in combination with it are killers. The problem with smokers who don't want to be ghettoized is generally this. They are not aware of the damage they are causing to others. They have desensitized themselves to smoke and figure that if it doesn't appear to hurt them (in their own mind) it won't hurt others. There is no real justification for smoking any more. There is too much information about it available. I have no problem with those who smoke (if they want to destroy themselves, it's their choice) but I don't ever want to have to breathe it. If I'm subjected to it, than I consider my personal rights violated. Here's to more non-smoking venues throughout the world! Frank |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST Date: 01 Jul 04 - 02:29 PM St Albans Herts Fridays at the Duke of Marlborough, Holywell Hill with national name guests every week Sundays at the British legion, Verulam road, with local artistes although the guests are lining up from further afield |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 01 Jul 04 - 02:06 PM Hull area= Mondays-White Horse Folk Club, White Horse [Nellies] Beverley Tuesday-Processed Pea Folk Club, Etton, Near Beverley Wensday-Cottingham Live, Northern Foods Club, Cottingham all the above are NON Smoking. Ist Thursday-Marlborough Club, 1 table reserved for non smokers. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Steve Parkes Date: 18 Feb 02 - 03:18 AM Quit5e right lads--none of us (well, most of us) aren't anti smoker, just anti-smoking. I don't mind what bad habits people have, as long as it doesn't frighten the horses or make me cough! Steve |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Ned Ludd Date: 17 Feb 02 - 04:44 AM John, fair comment! (although my pipe takes up to 30 mins to smoke) If more non smokers used reasoned arument, instead of agressive tactics they might get less defensive responses.( No one tells me what to do,but try asking.) |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: John Routledge Date: 17 Feb 02 - 04:32 AM Ned - You would only be excluding the minority during the time they were smoking. Surely a much smaller price for them to pay than all the others affected by the smoke. Delighted however to see that the club is often smokefree. Best wishes for your Club. Cheers John |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Ned Ludd Date: 17 Feb 02 - 04:22 AM At the General Ludd we do not have a non smoking policy,as I do not believe in excluding a minority. Particularly when it includes most of the regulars, the organiser and the Landlord. However, I and many of the regular attenders will refrain if requested politely to do so either by guest , or a member of the audience. I agree that smoking is difficult as it affects those around you, but please remember that smokers are addicts. The good news is that though there is no firm policy, the club is often smoke free these days. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Big John Date: 16 Feb 02 - 01:57 PM Ah Jaysus, what about the smokers? Don't worry guys, come on over to Dublin where you can have your guitar, your pint and your fag and the craic. (For the info of USA readers Fag = Cigarette, Craic, pronounced crack, is the general fun and ambiance associated with what we do in Irish pubs). You'd better get here soon, theres talk of outlawing smoking in the pubs here. See you at my funeral? |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: John Routledge Date: 15 Feb 02 - 05:41 PM Great job Julie. I am slowly gravitating towards totally non-smoking venues. Will PM you any good ones Cheers John |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 15 Feb 02 - 10:46 AM Over the next couple of weeks I'm planning to check the details in this thread and then carry the still relevant club details over into a new thread, to be called somthing like "Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK: 2002" If you know of changes to any of the details posted above last year, please either post new details to this current thread, or PM me. Thanks for your help Julie B |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Hamish Date: 22 Dec 01 - 03:35 PM Yes - Tudor Folk CLub would be delighted to see you! It's not only a non-smoking venure - but the whole building is non-smoking (bar, corridors, stair well...) Also, I'm doing a one-off (maybe to be followed) singaround session on 11th January in the Blue Ball near Chesham. For details of this, soo, see my site Cheers Hamish |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: breezy Date: 21 Dec 01 - 02:51 PM silver cup re-opens Fri 18th Jan with Mick Pearce and runs every Friday, totally acoustic in comfort.AND all mobiles OFF |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 21 Dec 01 - 08:18 AM New venue for a new singaround in 2002. Blue Ball which is about two miles north-west of Chesham, Bucks, England.
Booked so far are: - Friday 11th January - acoustic singaround in the non-smoking function room and - Friday 25th January - amplified open mic session in the main bar.
For details see Hamish's thread New singaround in 2002, Chesham, England |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: breezy Date: 26 Oct 01 - 08:01 PM the Silver Cup Folk club Harpenden, Herts. non-smoking, crisp-crunching,mobile-phone-ringing, totally acoustic, Vin g's only accoustic gig of the year 10 May 2002.Isolated function room, you daren't do anything to distract others while the singer is singing, so hard luck if it's a bladder stretcher.All the old values return.Every Friday, 2nd Nov Jenny and Alan, 9th.Nov. Webber / Fentiman 16th Nov Reuben's Train, 23rd. Windward |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Pete W. Date: 26 Oct 01 - 04:18 PM Don't think this has been mentioned on the thread yet - The Oak Room Music Club is a non-smoking club that meets every Monday night in the Globe Hotel, Warwick - just off the Market Place. Also a very friendly club. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: bradfordian Date: 26 Oct 01 - 08:28 AM Of course, as we usually sing in pubs we pay TAX on booze, but smokers also contribute TAXES in abudance (for my pension), but it is rightly pointed out that there are plenty of places in pubs to smoke other than the club room and most people do not begrudge smokers their vice; it is just when it affects others. Rosie Hardman had to give up performing in folk clubs due to the effect of smoke. The ROBIN HOOD Folk Club, now at the NAGS INN AND PLOUGH, Nottingham Road, Stapleford, is a non-smoking venue and it works well. BTW Tim Garland (of Fieldwork) is performing on Sat 27th Oct for anyone who might be down Stapleford, Notts way. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Steve Parkes Date: 26 Oct 01 - 07:42 AM If only it were possibe to be affected by the fumes from someone else's drink! We wouldn't half save some money ... "Hey, big boy ... blow some of the froth my way!" Steve P.S. That's an allusion to an old story, btw--I haven't come ver al funny. P.P.S. It's possible to be overcome by the fumes in a brewery--hence "barmy": the result of having lost lots of brain cells by inhaling the fumes from the "barm" i the brewing vats. Isn't this educational? |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: The_one_and_only_Dai Date: 26 Oct 01 - 03:55 AM For the record, I'm quite a heavy (well 14 stone) smoker, and I have absolutely no problem at all with non-smoking venues. It's what the Great Outdoors was invented for. In fact I don't even smoke in my own house (can't stand the smell, as it 'appens). The effects of cigarette smoke on others are so obvious that it would be curmudgeonly and selfish to even think of objecting. So let that be a lesson to you. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Herga Kitty Date: 25 Oct 01 - 03:46 PM Herga (Mondays) has a non-smoking policy as the result of a motion put forward at the AGM a few years ago by Anni Fentiman. You can do this if the club is running in a function room without a bar. When we had Dick Gaughan as a guest, his contract specified a smoke-free venue - so Dick had to nip out for a fag in the interval. This isn't really about Puritanism - the effects of booze on people's voices are generally confined to those who imbibe, but smoke has effects on other people, especially those with asthma, that the smoker may not notice. Are there any TT smokers who are made ill by the alcoholic fumes emanating from non-smoking drinkers? - if so, I apologise. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Steve Parkes Date: 25 Oct 01 - 11:55 AM We certainly don't see many chanteurs populaire at Bedford FC, although we did get one at the Cuckoo at Wollaston a couple of months back. Steve P.S. He was a non-fumeur. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Arnie Date: 25 Oct 01 - 11:17 AM Although a non-smoker, I was opposed to a non-smoking policy in our folk club (Star & Garter, Deal)when this was first proposed by the MC. We had a few good performers who also smoked and I didn't want to lose them. The MC pressed ahead anyway and we lost a fine baritone singer who refused to attend if he wasn't allowed to smoke in the room. However, attendance is now on the up and many new non-smoking guests have appeared, some of whom are also good performers. The few remaining smokers don't mind going downstairs to the bar for a quick drag which also gives them the opportunity to have a natter without disturbing the singers. So I've had a change of mind on the subject and now agree that a non-smoking policy is best for the club - my clothes and hair still stink of smoke but now that's my fault from lingering too long at the bar! Deal is probably too far for you to travel though Julie B - it's handier for the French! |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 25 Oct 01 - 11:03 AM …Indeed Dai! More and more smoke clubs are indeed choosing to designate themselves 'non-folking' these days. Years ago, a folk singer would think nothing of suddenly bursting into a 43 verse ballad in the middle of a room full of chain smokers. Understandably, some smokers got quite upset. Many smoke clubs started to restrict folk music to certain areas (out of earshot of the smokers) or ban it altogether. So, in many venues now, singers are forced to pop outside for a quick chorus during breaks. This seems fair. Often, only one or two of the smokers present are actually folk singers themselves anyway, and what smoker wants to have to go home with an unwanted tune lingering in his head for days?! *BG* Julie B
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Steve Parkes Date: 25 Oct 01 - 10:16 AM I can't answer your second query, Dai, but I know there are a lot of decorated walls in Birmingham. Steve |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: The_one_and_only_Dai Date: 25 Oct 01 - 09:00 AM ?!!?... go on? Are there any non-folking smoke clubs, incidentally? |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Gillie Date: 25 Oct 01 - 08:58 AM The Black Diamond club is a no smoking club that meets on a Friday night at The Turk's Head in Lawson Street, BIRMINGHAM. Not far from the town centre and is a supberb, warm, welcoming club. The wall decoration is very interesting. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Steveie1 Date: 25 Oct 01 - 08:30 AM Crail Folk Club in Fife is non smoking. 2nd and 4th Thursdays. Steve |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 25 Oct 01 - 08:12 AM 'Singers Only' session The Crown Market Place Stony Sratford Bucks
See thread New Singers Session UK 16th October for details of new 'Singers Only' session (no instruments) every third Tuesday of the month at the Crown, Market Place, Stony Stratford, Bucks, from 16 October onwards at 8.30pm. Note that, although there is no smoking in the session room, smoke naturally drifts through from adjoining rooms via open doorways and bar area, and gets worse as the night wears on; your clothes will still reek on the way out!... but if you can tolerate some smoke, you might want to give this session a go (maybe try the first hour; before the smoke builds up). It's popular so arrive early to get a seat - the singing had started by the time we arrived at 8.15pm the first night. Julie B |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Malcolm Robinson Date: 10 Sep 01 - 05:10 PM Tamworth Folk Club is non-smoking. Meets every Friday night (except August) at The Gamecock, Birchmoor, Near Polesworth (Staffs/Warks border close to A5 and M42 junction). Free Admission on all but five nights per year when charges for Special Guests apply. Passing musicians always welcome. No smoking policy was adopted three years ago with no objections from the small number of smokers who used to fug up the room. They now nip out to the bar for a quick one! More info on the club, and many others in the midlands at www.emfp.co.uk |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Lanfranc at the orifice Date: 10 Sep 01 - 08:21 AM "And then you do what with it, Walt?" As a cigar smoker, who gave up cigarettes years ago, I respect those, like Harvey and Hilary from Artisan, who have a problem with smoky atmospheres. I can, and do, survive up to six hours without a weed, but, given the choice, I smoke. I want something to get me before Alzheimers does, and I derive pleasure from my cigars. However, I am personally convinced that the additives in cigarettes and cheap cigars (I only smoke 100pc tobacco offerings) are the problem rather than the tobacco itself. Winston Churchill smoked up to 10 large Havana cigars a day all his life, and lived to 90-odd. He was hardly a sylph either. The comments of those who endured passive breathing of his exhaust gases are not recorded, to my knowledge, but those were different times. Non-smokers who work in a large town or city probably absorb many times more carcinogens and other pollutants from diesel fumes and other sources than they do from passive smoking, but we smokers are an easier target for their opprobrium. Wouldn't it be fun if it turned out that a major cause of asthma was the Hydrogen Sulphide emitted from every car fitted with a catalytic convertor?
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 10 Sep 01 - 07:55 AM St. Neots Folk Club, Cambridgeshire The club has now moved from the Coneygear Pub (due for demolition) to a new home at St. Neots Football Club. The club is still non-smoking and meets every Tuesday, with sing-arounds on the last Tuesday of every month (closed in August). Julie B
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Steve Parkes Date: 08 Aug 01 - 03:25 AM Julie, it's me that comes from Walsall! Harvey, being mistaken for a Walsall lad must be nearly as awful, if much rarer, as being me being called a Brummie! (Although I married a Birmingham girl, so that makes me a Brummie by marriage.) It's horrifying nw to think back to those smoke-filled rooms of the sixties and seventies; I was a heavy smoker then, so I must have been largely responsible. I don't suffer from asthma, although my daughter does; but I often find my throat start to tighten when people are smoking now. Attitudes have changed gtreatly in the last few years, and I'm sure they will continue to do so until even most smokers consider smoking to be anti-social. If we can wait that long ... Steve |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Tony Burns Date: 07 Aug 01 - 09:41 PM Julie, I scanned this thread quickly and may have missed it but has anyone suggested the song circle alternative to your pub sing around? I have been attending the Toronto Song Circle for 5 or 6 years now. It is held every Friday night in a different members home. There is never any smoking at any of these events. It might take a while to get going but if you find a few like minded people you just get together and sing. Encourage people to offer to be hosts but remember that not everyone will have a place that will accomodate the group. In Toronto we take snacks to contribute to a break part way through the evening. I once attended a mid-week song circle in Boston that started ealier and had a pot-luck supper. I think there are a couple of song circle threads here at the 'cat. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,harvey andrews Date: 07 Aug 01 - 08:00 PM From Birmingham actually Julie.I get this feedback so much. So many people, including my wife and I never go to pubs, which seem to be exclusively for smokers. If you ever visit Shrewsbury their is a non smoking pub which is now doing a roaring trade after years of oprobrium and ridicule...it's the coming thing! |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST Date: 07 Aug 01 - 01:13 PM Thanks very much for that Harvey. On guest nights at Bedford Folk Club, Mike Blair (who runs it)does put a sign up kindly asking people not to smoke while the guest is performing (...but some still do anyway!). However, there is no such restriction on normal sing-around nights, despite several of us complaining in the past. I think maybe organisers are afraid of alienating the pub landlord if they say they want the room to be designated as non-smoking for the evening. If so, it's a shame, as I have several friends at work who would be coming along, if not for the smoke. Incidentally, it's really ironic that you should post to this thread, as my partner and I saw you performing at the Flying Cloud Folk Club in Toronto in April this year. I've been visiting folk club singarounds/concerts in the UK for a year or two, but my partner Nick (who stopped smoking himself 10 years ago) reacts really badly to smoke now (and perfumes etc too) and so had never once been with me. Prior to our Canadian holiday, I posted to a Toronto related Mudcat thread asking what folk events might be on during out visit. When black walnut replied with details of their club, and confimed that it was a completely non-smoking venue, Nick and I made plans to go along on the Sunday night before we flew home. It was fantastic to go into bars in Toronto and find no smoke - we rarely visit a pub in the UK, but we went out every night there. And so it was that Nick and I had our first ever visit to a folk club together. I was a bit apprehensive about how he would react to his first live exposure to folk music, but you'll be glad to hear that he really, really enjoyed your songs (quote: "I'd really like to go and see him again some time!") and the supporting performers. In fact, he couldn't stop talking about it for days! I don't know what he thought we all get up to in folk clubs, but he was definitely pleasantly suprised! It's just a shame that we had to travel thousands of miles from Northamptonshire to go and see a performer from Walsall in a nice smoke free club! :-) Julie |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,harvey andrews Date: 07 Aug 01 - 11:50 AM I've been fighting this battle for years. Having an asthma that reacts badly to cigarrette or especially, cigar smoke, as well as perfumes (otherwise, no problems)I carry fliers that can be posted in the club;"For medical reasons the artist politely requests no smoking" Anyone who becomes aggressive is shown my inhaler and I just point out that they are paying me to do my best work and they'll get my best work if the air is clean. Five years ago this was a battle..today I hardly ever have to put a poster up. Generally I just ask the organiser if a no smoking gig is possible and almost without exception the answer is "No problem".Smokers seem to have accepted that they should nip outside in the interval..they are free to smoke.I am free to sing at my best. The poster idea was given me by Artisan who also make a no smoking request..and I think that's the way to deal with it. A request on medical grounds is very difficult for the most ardent polluter to refuse!! Maybe you could try this approach Julie. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: black walnut Date: 07 Aug 01 - 09:57 AM Still rooting for you, JulieB! ~b.w. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 07 Aug 01 - 05:54 AM Also, re. Cuckoo in Wollaston, Northants. The 'restricted smoking' is of limited use. At the session last night two audience members (no performers, mind you) were chain smoking cigarettes and cigars. My throat quickly got sore when singing, and I had to go home. Sadly, the venue is little better than the usual 'smoking' club (as all are, by sad default!) Julie |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 07 Aug 01 - 05:47 AM Refresh. Still desperate to find at least one non-smoking folk venue somewhere in Northamptonshire/Befordshire area. Julie |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,yodelady Date: 04 Jul 01 - 07:49 PM the FO'C'SLE is a Friday night club in Southampton which has been non-smoking for about 6 years now. I started the whole non-smoking thing at that club. The bar downstairs has plenty of smoke for all. The Woolston club in Southampton meets on the same night and is run by chain -smokers. For those who think that smoke is a trivial CHOICE, may I add that for those of us with asthma, the effect of being in a smoking venue can last for several WEEKS and the more times we expose ourselves to smoke, the worse our health is the next time we are exposed. I finally had to leave the UK because it was not possible to avoid the (sometimes aggressive) smokers. Not everyone has the ability to leave the country. There is no cure for asthma. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Tattie Bogle Date: 04 Jul 01 - 07:26 PM Add to the Scottish list Penicuik - but fight your way through the fug in the bar next door! Tattie B |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: JudeL Date: 04 Jul 01 - 05:43 AM "those with asthma like symptoms can see a doctor" - are you really so stupid that you honestly believe that a doctor can wave a magic wand and phfft asthma disappears, the only thing the doctor can do is issue sufferers with medication that can help to reduce the wheezing and increase the resistance to an attack and another inhaler to help when an attack is suffered. BUT it is not a cure. Another thing to be aware of is that repeated severe attacks can cause anoxia and the associated damage to other parts of the body such as overstraining the heart. 6 years ago a neighbour of mine died on her way to hospital - she had suffered yet another severe asthma attack, insufficient oxygen got to her heart and it stopped. The ambulance crew tried to revive her but couldn't. She was only 26 years old, her daughter who is now 10 is being raised by her grandmother. Please don't try to trivialise asthma it is not an inconvenience it can KILL. Jude |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: John Routledge Date: 03 Jul 01 - 09:21 AM The Four Fools Festival in Chorley (Lancs) last weekend was in a school and was non smoking all weekend. The singing was stupendous. End of debate? GB |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 03 Jul 01 - 08:51 AM This one isn't a non-smoking club, but does have a'restricted smoking' policy (i.e. signs are put out on tables asking people only to smoke on one or two tables at one end of the room). It can get smoky if a chain smoker turns up, but for the last sessions there have been no smokers at all. Arrive early to grab a chair at the 'non-smoking' end.
Acoustic (mostly folk) session First Monday of every month Run by Pat Baldwin |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: InOBU Date: 25 Jun 01 - 10:29 AM Hi Richard: Looking over our exchange as this has been recycled many months hence, I see I made an analogy to whiskey. Actually in my recolections, my father DID pour Guiness down my throat at a young age, for which, though I no longer have a liver that tolerates alcohol, I am still thankfull and in his debt. I am glad he was not charged for this, or other rotten abusive things he did, but just to set the record straight, well, the nice fellow did ply me with strong drink at an early age. On the other hand, thank God, he did not stuff ciggies in my gob, for which I am also thankful. Well stay and ex-smoker, and don't hurt your friends who play music and wish to keep breathing. CHeers all, Larry |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 25 Jun 01 - 07:34 AM While on a trip to the Peak District this weekend, I visited :
No Smoke Folk
The Commercial, Station Road, Chapeltown, Sheffield
Friendly crowd. Nice atmosphere in pub. Julie B |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: vectis Date: 04 Jun 01 - 06:49 PM If you're ever tempted to the south coast the Seaford Folk Club in East Sussex is a non-smoker with great beer (Green King and Harveys plus guest beers). It is on from 20.00 every Friday night apart from July and August at the Wellington on Steyne Road, near the beach. The club has a guest artist booked every week and welcomes floor singers. Maybe we'll see you there one day:-) |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST Date: 01 Jun 01 - 04:33 PM Driffield folk club is non-smoking.Last Thursday in the month.(www.driffieldfolkclub.co.uk) |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Lizzie Dripping Date: 05 Mar 01 - 11:39 PM On behalf of nasty cigerette smoke - it is not only the smokers producing us but the fact that we can stay on the fabric of a good over-the-pub-room for many years and those with sensitive chests will still be affected despite the only smoke being months old. No smoking needs to be just that ! As lingering smoke me and my friends, fresh smoke and stale smoke near clear guidance on where we may hang out, if you clean up your act and make the WHOLE PLACE non smoking we will move on and settle elsewhere. By the way, those with asthma-like problems can see a doctor, the NHS has been providing this quaint little service since 1948 |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: SueH Date: 05 Mar 01 - 11:40 AM We are also totally non-smoking, Julie; we are in Letchworth, Herts - around 5 miles from the border with South Bedfordshire - & have guest artiste(s) once a month, with the occasional singers' night as well. Our next guests, on March 23rd, are Steafan Hannigan (percussion, various others & all-england uilleann piper ) & Saskia Tomkins who plays fiddle. It's called the Mad Nanny! Folk Club. You can find our web site here I hope I remembered how to do the blue clicky thing OK, after all this time! SueH
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST Date: 04 Mar 01 - 02:40 PM Hi John, Many thanks for the information about Stirling. It's heartening to hear of clubs that are going 'non-smoking'; I'll keep my fingers crossed that the trend moves southward ASAP! I was really interested in the news about Iain Mackintosh, and am happy to hear that this very nice chap is feeling better. It's a real coincidence to hear from you that the his ill-health was caused by passive smoking. I've seen Iain singing twice (about March 1997 & 1998, I think) in lunchtime sessions at the small Cellar Bar at the main Open University campus in Milton Keynes, Bucks. Iain was due to return in March 1999, but we heard that he was very ill, and Scottish singer/songwriter James Malcolm came instead. (I must admit, my friends and I who enjoyed all these sessions were ashamed of the behaviour of some others in the bar, who occasionally continued loud conversations during songs, despite being sat only a few feet from the singer! They didn't know what they were missing.) Finally, I was talking to another acquaintance recently who said a folk singer friend of hers from Northampton had to give up her semi-professional career because of the effects of smoky venues on her voice. Sad as these stories are, it's reassuring to be reminded occasionally that I really am NOT the only one who finds smoke a problem. Bye for now, Julie B |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Dita (at work) Date: 03 Mar 01 - 11:30 AM Julie B, If you ever find yourself up in Scotland, the Stirling F.C. has had a non-smoking policy for the last 18 months. This decision was taken at an AGM and was supported by all members present, including the smokers. There has been no loss of audiences, the club continues to go from strength to strengh. Iain MacIntosh, Scottish folk singer, whom I'm sure a lot of you will know, has only recently recovered fron illness caused by passive smoking (including many years travelling in a car with Hamish Imlach), and has stopped touring. He will still be doing clubs in Scotland and festivals but no more one night stand tours of Europe. Good luck with finding someplace you can sing with clean lungs, love, john. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Mr Red Date: 03 Mar 01 - 11:05 AM White Horse FC in the Fox Highworth nr Swindon used to have no beer breaks, but two fire breaks per evening. I suspect the same policy holds now. Wed once or twice/month. See cresby.com for more details. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Julie B Date: 03 Mar 01 - 09:58 AM Thanks Bernard for the news about your club. Yes, your right, it's not in my area, but someone else may find the information of use. However, I personally am only really looking for clubs with a clear, and enforced, non-smoking policy. My tolerance to smoke used to be better than it is, but now my immune system has shouted 'enough'! and I find that singing in a room with even one person with a cigarette/cigar/pipe on the go is enough to cause me serious problems sometimes (asthmatic type reaction). The folk club I was going to has now attracted more smokers, and it now looks like the only option I have is to give up singing in public, until I can find a local non-smoking venue. Unfortunately, it's impossible to find "folk without the smoke", in Northants and Bedfordshire at least! |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Bernard Date: 03 Mar 01 - 06:52 AM Hi, Julie! Our club isn't specifically non-smoking, but few of us actually smoke, and the room is big enough for it not to be a problem. We don't have a jukebox problem, either! The only difficulty for you is the distance! Dunno when I'm on the Folk Train next - they haven't sent out the booking forms yet! B |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Julie B Date: 03 Mar 01 - 06:42 AM ...see also thread UK folk festivals, non-smoke singarounds. Contributions to this new thread gratefully accepted! |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,CraigS Date: 31 Jan 01 - 03:43 PM If you go to Chesham folk club you will be able to acquire The Unicorn and Shire Folk magazines for free / low cost, which list just about every folk event between Oxford and Cambridge. I'm going to sing "Tobacco is an Indian Weed" ... |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Mrs.Duck Date: 31 Jan 01 - 01:14 PM I was at Hull university too Julie from 1977 to 1981 but I lived in Auckland Avenue student houses. Never found any folk clubs while I was there but its one of the things I find annoying is that unless you know they exist there is often very littlte publicity. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 31 Jan 01 - 01:03 PM Thanks for the info about Cecil Sharpe House, London, Gervase. I didn't know about it before, but it has a good website at: |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Gervase Date: 31 Jan 01 - 12:26 PM Sharp's, at Cecil Sharp House in London on a Tuesday, is a non-smoking club. Smokers (like me) tend to hop outside in the interval, but inside the air is as fresh and clean as you could wish (for Central London, at any rate!). |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: InOBU Date: 31 Jan 01 - 09:03 AM Hi Richard Once again we have a different view on the law ;-0 ! One of New York's greatest judges, Learned Hand (great name isn't it) in the 1930's said, "one's right to wave one's hand ends at another's cheek..." Eating fat is not going to kill the person at the next table. On the other hand, I have never smoked, and yet growing up in a house filled with three smokers gave me childhood cronic asthma. If my parents poured whiskey down my throat and affected my health in the same way, would they not be charged with child abuse? Tobbaco, at least in the US is a controlled substance, a drug, not a food, not a right. If one needs to feed one's addiction, the law should alow that they do that without impact on another's health. There is a simple solution for people who like music and are addicted to smoking, miss a moment to go out side, and not kill the band or other listeners. This isn't puritainism, it is good ecconomic planing. Second hand smoking costs the health care system in both our contries a conciderable amount of money. Even discarding the pain of illness, there is a social expence. As ever in friendly dispute. Larry |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Dunc Date: 31 Jan 01 - 03:33 AM If you ever venture north of the border there are several great non smoking folk clubs such as....Glenfarg Village Folk Club in Perthshire, Stirling Folk Club, Crail Folk Club, Edinburgh Folk Club, Taybank Folk Club at Dunkeld. Three years ago I didn't know of any smoke free clubs - the trend is spreading. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Richard Bridge Date: 30 Jan 01 - 02:40 PM Larry I often agree with you but on this issue I do not. I am an ex-smoker and so is my trouble and strife, but I really find the puritanism of the non-smokers rather off-putting, and that's as politely as I can say it. We laugh at Baroness Young and her views on banning sex outside marriage. No-one would dream of banning the fat from eating unwisely. Please get tolerant of the foibles of others. By all means expect some consideration from smokers - but that does not mean ghettoising them - and give them some consideration too. Your way on this lies the Brave New World! |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 30 Jan 01 - 04:12 AM ..Ah, Cottingham; 20 years too late! I was a student at Hull University, and lived in 'The Lawns' accommodation in Cottingham for two years. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Guest Date: 29 Jan 01 - 05:32 PM Cottingham folk club (East Yorkshire)is non-smoking. Wed evenings.Excellent website at www.cottingham-live.co.uk |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: InOBU Date: 29 Jan 01 - 11:07 AM PS He became an author and actor, so it was not the black lung that killed him, for those smokers who say, Ah a minor, it was the coal dust that did him in. - Larry |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: InOBU Date: 29 Jan 01 - 11:06 AM I don't mind at all Julie. In fact, the smoking industry, more than cotton brought slavery to the US. It now markets a deadly adictive drug to children here, and I long to see the day when the industry is hit with a one million dollar punitive fine for every instance of selling a child a cigarette. The sons of bitches who sell this weed are some of the richest folks on earth, and they make their money killing more people than wars do. Feel free to tell as many about my father as you can, he would have asked the same. In the end, he hated the industry which addicted a teenage old coal miner to the only thing worse for him then the job he was then doing. Stay well all, Larry |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Geoff the Duck Date: 29 Jan 01 - 08:43 AM I believe that the Topic Folk Club in Bradford, West Yorks is now a non-smoking venue. Currently at the Melborn on Whiteabbey Road. It is still the longest running club in Britain and must be coming up to 45 years old sometime around now. It's a few years since I last managed to get there. GtD
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 29 Jan 01 - 08:40 AM Thank you all for your e-mails. I must admit, I was starting to feel like the 'odd one out' in finding smoke such a problem! Thanks for sharing such, personal, sad news Larry; I hope you don't mind but I've made reference to your e-mail on the related thread "Smoking vs Non Smoking Venues". May New York go 'non-smoke' as soon as possible, and may the UK do the same…at some point in the future! |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: InOBU Date: 29 Jan 01 - 07:54 AM Dear Julie and also to Mark: I am very glad to see this thread. My father was a great singer who smoking killed a long lingering and painful death, which first robbed him of his voice. In the end, he was too week to keep from slipping down on the pillows. I would have to lift him back up, because the nurces where not careful enough to rupture his skin which had become so damaged that almost any touch would open serrious cuts. When smoking kills it is a violent and painful event. Making my living from playing in pubs, I (a non smoker) and my non smoking band, likely take in the equivelt of a pack a day, and that becomes a workers rights issue. Thank God, here in New York, the City Council is drafting a law to ban smoking in bars completely. If you wish to kill yourselfs, fine, but don't take the band with you, Last night I was visiting my cousin Gini, who just underwent an opperation for lung cancer. She was a heavy smoker. Mark, PLEASE get serrious about smoking now, because I tell you, the most cocky smokers get repentant when they find it is killing them. The folk music scene is getting small as it is, lets stay healthy. Larry |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Margaret Bradford Date: 29 Jan 01 - 06:50 AM I sang in a few folk clubs in UK in '97 and was made to feel odd when I asked for a non-smoking venue. I was as diplomatic as possible in making this request but on a few ocassions the response was antagonistic. There were also a few people I met at clubs who agreed with me that smoke and singing just can't mix!! I run a very successful non-smoking club in south of Sydney Australia. In fact most folk clubs around us heer are non-smoking. I usuually ask if the venue is non-smoking before I accept a gig. Good to hear from so many other non-smoking singers. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 29 Jan 01 - 06:50 AM "My perception is that these days the whole world is going smoke free". Thanks Mark, Unfortunately, this doesn't seems to be the case in Northants or Bedforshire yet! Bedford Club recently moved, and the new venue is more smokey (with jukebox too, which can be distracting for performers and listeners). There are usually at least one or two people present who will some throughout the evening, meaning we all go home with stinking clothes and hair and (I often get sore throat too). When the smokers arrive, you can see all the poor non-smokers shrink in dread, afraid they'll sit near them for the night! I don't think the club is likely to go non-smoke (organiser smokes) even if the landloard was supportive. I hope you are right about the trend though, as existing non-smoke venues are not within easy travelling distance for me. |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Kernow Jon Date: 29 Jan 01 - 06:16 AM It's a bit outside the area Julie but if ever you are down this way The St.Ives Folk Club meets on Saturdays and is non - smoking and has a retaurant attached (in another room) so you should get the Earl Grey. Regards KJ |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: GUEST,Mark. West Sussex. UK Date: 29 Jan 01 - 06:03 AM Gosh, Julie. My perception is that these days the whole world is going smoke free. In Folk Diaries and Web Sites clubs actually boast of their non-smoking policies. In fact it is getting increasingly difficult to find a decent club where you can have a quiet passive fag. As to the Earl Grey, most places that serve tea or coffee will oblige with a cup of hot water if you take your own tea bag. As a very occasional smoker, ex-drinker (1986) and darjeeling addict I manage in most clubs. I do notice in non-smoking clubs that there is a fair amount of nicotine gum-chewing going on! |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: English Jon Date: 29 Jan 01 - 05:53 AM Portland arms isn't non-smoking. Is it? It's not too smoky, but I don't think there's any rule about it, it's just that James Eisner makes a bit of a fuss. Jon |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 29 Jan 01 - 05:52 AM ...Thanks Kris. Here are another two, for those of you further north: Where: The Cow (formerly The Beech Tree), Middle Street, Beeston, Nottingham When: Saturday 8pm, Weekly - No Smoking Contact: Dave & Ruth Cooper 0115 939 9370 Where: Biddulph Arms, Congleton Road, Biddulph, Staffs When: Thursday, 8.00, First & third of the month. NO SMOKING Contact: Eric Cox 01782 514896 or e-mail mysterycox@biddulph-folk-club.fsnet.co.uk |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: KingBrilliant Date: 29 Jan 01 - 05:20 AM Readifolk in Reading (The Lion, Gt Knolley's St) is non-smoking & the JB is not TOO intrusive. Generally its OK. Kris |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 29 Jan 01 - 03:49 AM Found another one: St Neots Folk Club The Club meets every Tuesday evening at 8.15pm (closed in August) The Coneygeare, Eynesbury, St Neots, Cambridgeshire St Neots Folk Festival, May 11th - 13th 2001 Home page http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/rjames/folkclub.htm "we have a no smoking policy except during the interval. That usually means that on or two only light up but that is not very often. Our festival is also non smoking!" |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 26 Jan 01 - 11:41 AM Just found this one on the web: Tudor Folk Club Chesham, Bucks, England "We meet on Monday nights, starting at 20.30hrs. We're usually pretty prompt. It's a non-smoking venue" home page at http://www.lombardy.clara.net/Tudor.htm "…tend to alternate guest nights with singers' nights ('Come All Ye's). All sorts of music, so long as it's acoustic based, and generally tending towards being 'in the tradition'. We're very encouraging towards new singers, and everyone gets a generous and supportive welcome." |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: AndyG Date: 26 Jan 01 - 10:50 AM Well, I think they have some sort of tea/coffee device behind the bar but I don't know about Earl Grey. It's a GK pub so only low-alcohol beer (Lowes) I'm afraid.
AndyG |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Steve Parkes Date: 26 Jan 01 - 09:41 AM ... and I'll bring some smaller alcohol-free beer! *BG* Steve |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Steve Parkes Date: 26 Jan 01 - 09:40 AM ... or in the West Midlands/South Staffs/Shropshire area? I'll give you a lift, Julie! Steve |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 26 Jan 01 - 08:58 AM ...Thanks Andy. As for 'other requirements', I don't suppose I could wish for much more ... except provision of alcohol-free beer (not larger) and Earl Grey tea?! :-) |
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Subject: RE: Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK From: AndyG Date: 26 Jan 01 - 08:27 AM The Mayflower Folk Club (Tue.) and The Cambridge Folk Club (Fri) share a venue, The Portland Arms, Mitchums Corner, Cambridge.
This venue is non-smoking, loud-ajoining-JB free, and has a recording studio and an internet bar.
Any other requirements ?
Andy "the beers OK too" G |
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Subject: Non-smoking Folk Clubs in the UK From: Julie B Date: 26 Jan 01 - 07:55 AM Following on from the recent 'non-smoking clubs' thread, I'm interested in finding some non-smoking (and preferably also non-"loud-jukebox-in-ajoining-room"!) clubs that are already running in the UK (particularly in Northants, Bedfordshire Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire area). Do you know of any? Thanks |
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