Mudcat Manchester UK soiree

Subject: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Pied Piper
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 09:05 AM

Hi every one. I've been visiting Mudcat for a few months now and I wondered if any one in the Manchester area fancied a get together (in the flesh as it were)? I would suggest a pub in the town centre (for ease of access to public transport) and on a Saturday night (night busses and late tram). When I say a town centre pub I mean one of the real ale pubs around Rochdale Rd not one of those alcopop places full of irritatingly young people enjoying themselves. All the best PP.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 09:16 AM

What actually happens at these Mudcatter get-togethers? I sort of imagine a group of bearded 60 year olds sat round a table discussing how expensive their banjoes are, while underneath the table somebody hides shouting out provocative remarks about Jews and the IRA. Is that how it is?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Sorcha
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 09:32 AM

ROFLMAO!! Good one, Greg! The one at my house did not have anybody under the table. We had good food, good music, cheap beer, just generally a good time. Might be interesting to add some trolls under the tables though...........

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 09:33 AM

No, it's nonstop music, laughter, and storytelling!

~S~

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Noreen
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 11:17 AM

Good idea, PP, whereabouts are you?

There's the Jolly Angler on Ducie Street behind Piccadilly station on a Monday night, where we've had Mudcat get-togethers before, and we can have a sing/play as the urge takes us (that's the venue where I met my first Mudcatters only 2 yrs ago). Good cheap beer too.

Other places might not be so amenable to the music, and Fri/Sat nights in the Jolly are packed with musicians so it would be hard to have a chat.

Greg, the troublemakers who find it so easy to post stuff here never seem to stir their stumps to get to a gathering in person- either that or they're on their best behaviour! There has never been anything but harmony and very good company where Mudcatters have met in 3D, in my experience.

I like the idea of a soirée, btw, do we have to dress up?

Noreen

in Bury

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Pied Piper
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 12:34 PM

I've never been to a Mudcat do either thetas one reason I suggested it.I'm based in the peoples free democratic republic of Eccles. I know the Jolly Angler well and wouldn't mind meeting there on a Monday night ( does Jo Kerrans still do the organising). As to dress I don't really mind what you wear (If you want to dress up please feel free).I'll wait till a few more posts come in, and then I'll suggest a date. PP

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: GUEST,greg stephens
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 01:03 PM

I'm up for it, as long as there are no singer-songwriters.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 01:08 PM

The Marble Arch used to have a folk club, but that was when Harry Ogden was landlord. The Queens is almost certainly up for it and are in discussions at the mo for a weekday folk night. The landlord there (Dave Glass) used to be my neighbour and I haven't seen him in years!

My favourite around the area at present though is the Old Pint Pot - real ale, good pub and, of all things, good Polish food - cooked by an American!!!

I am certainly up for it - need any help? I arranged the Swinton get togethers the last couple of Octobers and it is pretty straight forward. Get a pub with beer. Get people there. Leave them to it...;-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 03:06 PM

oi -stephens what's with the 'no singer-songwriters mullarky then?'

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: GUEST,greg stephens
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 03:20 PM

oi kelly ..ok i'll put up with singer songer writers. But no banjoes.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: bill\sables
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 03:55 PM

Noreen, Of course you have to dress up in your Mudcat Tee Shirt or else no body would know who you were. (I still have a few for sale) Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: treaties1
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 06:51 PM

I'd love to come to a mudcat meet in Manchester date permitting. With the festival season just starting my weekends are pretty booked up but I do want a T shirt Bill. Please pm me details of cost and how I can get one

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Ian Darby
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 07:51 PM

Dave the Gnome,

Sorry to intrude with non-related stuff, but is the Harry Ogden you mentioned the chap that used to do the Sunday Folk programme on Piccadily Radio years ago?

He went 'off air' half way through a programme and I haven't heard him on the radio since.

I'd love to know what he's up to now, and what led to his sudden disappearance.

Pied Piper,

You can always tell an Eccles Lad, but you can't tell him much!

We used to do the Cross Keys and Duke of York clubs years ago, are they still going?

There was also a Folk Night at the Willows in Salford which was pretty good. (We're going back twenty odd years here.)

Sod it, I think I'll start a new thread on the old Manchester/Salford/Eccles scene.

(After one thing and another I ended up playing in a Rock'n Roll Band, and living in Wigan for tax reasons.)

Greg Stephens,

I don't care who's under the table as long as its not Monica Lewinski.

Having said that, she'd probably be more fun than the singer songwriters.....

Noreen,

Of course you have to dress up, if you would be good enough to put your hair in a severe bun, wear a crisp white blouse and tell me my homework is late, you'd save me a fortune on calls to 'premium rate' telephone services.

bill/sables

If You've got any XL left I'll have one off you.

Sorcha,

Lets have a special 'Troll Corner', where we can kick the little treasures to death as slowly and painfully as possible.

Thank you for your kind attention....

Ian.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Joan from Wigan
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 02:11 AM

I'd love to come to another gathering in Manchester, it's far too long since I was at the Jolly (or anywhere else in Manchester, come to that). I seem to remember some time ago that first Mondays in the month were favourites for Mudcatters who couldn't get to the Jolly every week. Is that still the case?

And, Ian, if you're now in Wigan, have you been to Wigan Folk Club? - Tuesdays at the Fox & Goose, Wigan Lane, and Thursdays at the Seven Stars, Wallgate (by Wigan Pier). Tonight at the Fox & Goose we're having a St George's Day Singaround (bring some English songs) (sorry about the thread creep).

Joan (singer-songwriter who does mostly other people's material)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Micca
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 03:47 AM

Joan, Mores the pity!!!!, your own stuff is so Good!!!! I remember so clearly you and Noreen duetting on " I'll keep my memories of tonight" (if thats the title)at the Yorkshire Gathering last year!!! and to return the "Thread creep" to ehre it should be, I have very much enjoyed the Manchester gatherings I have attended, and would love to join any proposed!!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: alanabit
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 04:19 AM

Hell man, if Monica Lewinsky is under the table, I'll be on the next train...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: greg stephens
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 06:01 AM

There's a fiddle tune called "Clinton's retreat"might be appropriate...though maybe it should be "Advance"

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: alanww
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 06:25 AM

What's that?

Monica Lewinski under the table and Noreen as a strict teacher? Wow! BTW, what is ML doing under the table, alanabit? And, Noreen, please my I wear short trousers and have a dishevelled shirt and school tie (and have a frog in my pocket)? Count me in, preferably for a Mon or Thu, if not a convenient weekend!

Thinks: And where's my old school hat? Alas, I now recall that it was burnt - ritually - on leaving school!

We are three jolly school children ... !
Alan

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 01:40 PM

I thought being under the table was the norm for mudcat gatherings or is that just me! greg, if I was a banjo player I'd write a song to sing just for you!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: John Routledge
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 02:32 PM

To those who haven't been to Manchester/Mudcat may give an assurance that things also go on above the table. cheers.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 02:33 PM

Why no banjos??!!!??

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 02:34 PM

Hi Ian - Yes it is the same Harry Ogden. After the radio he did the publican thing for a while. Has also did photography and all sort of other stuff. Not sure what he is up to now but Ged, a co-resident at Swinton, bumps into him periodicaly which leads me to believe he lives in Bolton, where Ged lives!

I remember the episode about the unfinished show but I never realy knew what happened. I do know that the show was never replaced so my guess is that they just axed the show - and Harry left in disgust. Could be wrong though (Usualy am:-( )

I remember the Duke of York in Eccles with fond memories as well. I performed my first piece there. Were Greenmatle (aka Across the water) resident in the days when you went? We still bump into Alf Evans and Rob Iball occasionaly. We see a few more of the Eccles crew - Ted Edwards and Nick Scaithe (Nick is a Mudcatter btw but I wont give him away in case he doesn't want to be found...;-) ) to name but two.

Come to Swinton one Monday and we can have a good old reminisc. Nostalgia ain't what it used to be though!

Cheers

Dave the Gnome

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: greg stephens
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 03:58 PM

ok bring your banjoes, but i'm not coming if there are any bodhrans.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Col K
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 04:01 PM

Sounds like a good idea to meet in Manchester, but it should be midweek if poss cos of festivals etc at weekends. Travel to Man could be a prob for those who live outside of Man with buses finishing early for longer distances to travel

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Noreen
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 07:21 PM

Sorry, greg, but there's a resident bodhrán that lives in the bar of the Jolly Angler... I've never seen it played, though!

Is there anything you do like, hmmm? :0)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: GUEST,BiGBaZ
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 08:15 PM

i've just found site while looking for lyrics. seems like loadsa people looking for somewhere to go to listen/join in/perform. tuesday nights @ horeseshoe in ringley village nr farnworth is a very laid back (and free admission) night, with acapello, irish, lanky, u.s., jazz, and anything else - depending who turns up. if u want to try, email [e-mail] or ring on 07905404131 for info/directions/etc.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: greg stephens
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 08:20 PM

I like everything. I'll be there. Unless theres anybody there who sings the Streets of London.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Ian Darby
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 10:00 PM

Thanks for the replies, and apologies for intruding upon the thread started by Pied Piper.....

Joan from Wigan,

I haven't set foot in a folk club,apart from the 'Welly' in Boscastle, Cornwall,(which is dead good), for 25 years but may well make an exception in the near future.

I will be carrying a rolled up copy of 'Mojo' and wearing a pink Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemueum, Carnation in my right buttonhole.

Sorry about the 'Singer Songwriter' thing, but I only speak from years of experience of listening to whingeing, whining, sensitive Herberts playing acoustic guitars going on about how somebody betrayed their pet Frog when they were twelve years old.

(I loved that Frog.)

Also, don't apologise for the thread creep, the only thread creep around here is me.

Alanabit,

Sorry, Monica says she won't be able to attend, (nearly said 'come' there.)

She sends her sincere apologies, but her new boyfriend has apparently promised to splash out on a new Mudcat Tee Shirt for her.

greg stephens,

I assume that you, like myself, are of typical mongrel english persuasion and (hopefully) proud of it.

I don't know anything about American politics. The man got caught out, found out, and lied about it.

At least he can play an instrument, and I bet he gives better sax than Saint Tony plays guitar.

I'd like to see Bill in a head to head musical duel with Tony, (like the one in 'Crossroads')

The modified storyline would feature Tony Blair as Steve Vai trying to get John Prescott out of the contract he signed with the Devil at the crossroads in order to be a steward on a cruise ship, and, latterly, as a working class hero, owning two Jags, (one of which is used exclusively to drive into the kitchen to microwave more big pies.)

Ralph Macchio,(Bill) trashes Blair's finger board fumblings and Prescott is disgraced and consigned to the deepest pits of hell, and not a moment too soon.

(Is it only me, or does Prescott bear an uncanny resemblance to Buzz Lightyear of 'Toy Story' fame?)

alanww,

You are obviously a pervert. I hate you, and everything you stand for. Well done!

Mrs Duck,

I used to play in a duo called 'The Duck Brothers', we're not related, are we?

Probably not. We weren't siblings, and we weren't ducks, but we were always 'top of the bill'. (Sorry.)

John Routledge,

Thank you for destroying the little picture I had built up in my mind....

Harryoldham,

Don't know, I've got a five string my Mam bought me in the loft. I've just seen 'Oh Brother Where Art Thou,' and I'm going to re-string it and set it up this weekend.

Dave the Gnomme, (Intentional misprunt.)

Thanks for getting back, I think Harry did a three hour show and I've still got some of his stuff on poorly recorded cassettes.

I heard music on his programme that I'm still listening to now, and would like him to know that his efforts were much appreciated.

Ted Edwards used to turn up in the Cross Keys in Eccles wearing a woolly jerkin and Viking helmet, he had the skull of an (allegedly) long dead monk in his flat, and didn't really give a toss about anything.

As a callow youth, I remember him telling me one night that, 'He had no bad habits, as he had convinced himself that they were all good 'uns.'

I bought a copy of 'Slutchy Brew' off him, (twice) and a weird series of coincidences led me to being a resident of Mill Lane, Aspull, Wigan, which leads into Borsdane Woods, about which him or his mate Sid Hague wrote a song.

Somebody told me that he (Ted) had died years ago of a heart attack.

I am pleased to know that the rumours of his passing were greatly exaggerated.

Will be in touch.

Ian.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Apr 02 - 05:45 AM

The rumours of Teds demise were indeed exagurated - but not so greatly! He nearly copped it a couple of times on his travels (Read his books 'Beyond the Last Oasis' and 'Fight the Wild island' for details).

Then, a few years ago, his travels were curtailed by a stroke. He is now restricted in his wanderings but can still get about and still knocks the rest of us into a cocked hat for spirit and sense of humour;-) He still gets out to clubs and festivals and, on occasion, has been known to wander up big hilly things that would frighten some more able bodied people!

The funniest experience I had with with Ted was the time a group of us hairy folkies were nattering outside the Duke of York, Ted resplendant in flat cap, clogs and full length arab cloak. A young Bobby walks up to us and says there have been reports of car thefts in the area and the only description he had was that the villain had a beard. No one could speak for laughing and the Policeman wandered off shaking his head!

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Ian Darby
Date: 25 Apr 02 - 10:04 PM

Dave,

You little Earth Elemental you...

I'll be back in touch when I'm not so tired and emotional!

What I liked about Ted was that he was part of the 'Folk Scene' but didn't really give a toss about the pretentious stuff that (at the time) surrounded it.

He told me about doing a gig in the Lake District where he didn't even bother to tune up, and nobody noticed...

He also mentioned the fact that one of the greatest compliments he'd ever receieved was when one of the Arab guys he'd met on his travels offered him a drink of water with a bit of Camel dung in the bottom, water being so precious and all that.

There was a great exhibition of his art in Eccles Library a while ago, and I think Ewan mc Coll recorded his song 'Ladybird'.

If his work here isn't finished, I think he must be pretty close.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Pied Piper
Date: 26 Apr 02 - 08:58 AM

Yes Ted is still verymuch alive and kicking in fact its his birthday bash at the Cresent Salford this Saturday (27th)so if you've not seen him for a bit pop down and say hello I'm shore he'd appreciate it.Anyway back to the buisiness in hand.Quite a few people seem interested in a get together so can I suggest Monday the 20th of May at the Jolly Angler, about 8:30 pm.All the best PP

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: John J
Date: 26 Apr 02 - 12:42 PM

I'm up for it!

John

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: 8_Pints
Date: 26 Apr 02 - 08:48 PM

This sounds promising!

Bob vG

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Pied Piper
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 08:21 AM

Refresh PP

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: John Routledge
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 01:19 PM

Is it looking like 8.30pm 20th May in the Jolly Angler.

Two advantages - (1)There will be singing even if non of us turn up and (2) Avoids the weekend.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: John Routledge
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 07:01 PM

Sorry to have misled you all.

Just got back from a visit to the Jolly Angler. I am sad to report that there has been no singing at The Jolly on Monday nights for six or seven weeks according to the landlord.

Joe sometimes visits on Sunday nights but these are essentially music nights.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 07:26 PM

John - to be misled by you is the least of my fears... (Oh. Sorry. Still in Pace-egg mode;-)

If the JA ain't up for singing does anyome want me to ingestivate the Queens / Marble Arch / Old Pint Pot? I'm confused. (Mind you - that doesn't take much on a Monday...)

Cheers

DtG

Tues, Weds and Thurs (And occasional Sundays) sober. I can do most things then. All else I can do on the nights in between!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 07:28 PM

No reason why we can't meet up there though, John; I'm sure Sheila and Michael will be delighted to have us there.

The gathering was never dependent on joining a pre-existing session.

Noreen

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Apr 02 - 07:33 PM

My previous post was in response to John Routledge's dismissive post and referred to the Jolly Angler, which is still an excellent venue for the meet.

I'll invite Joe to come!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Pied Piper
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 06:29 AM

Things seem to be moving a long a bit now. Monday at the Angler still seems favorite, and we could always start their and have a wander. Keep coming up with the ideas and I'm shore we'll get it sorted. All the best PP

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: John Routledge
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 02:10 PM

The Jolly is indeed a great location with Michael and Sheila actively enjoying the music and song.

A first class night is assured. If Joe is able to attend then lift-off. Have a super night everyone.

Just been reminded I am in Suffolk on 18th May :0(

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Col K
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 02:55 PM

wher is the Jolly Angler

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Noreen
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 03:21 PM

Ducie Street, behind Piccadilly station, Colin.

click here for map

It's just off Gt. Ancoats Street, which is the inner Ring Road, and parking is available in Ducie Street opposite the Jolly.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 05:48 PM

Just don't ask any of the nice young ladies thereabouts for directions. You may get more than you bargained for;-)

See you there.

When?

Dave

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Catrin
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 07:23 PM

Oh- haven't checked on mudcat for ages and saw this thread.

Having moved from Manchester a few months ago, I can honestly say that the Jolly Angler is one of the things I miss the most.

I will try my best to be there - but can't promise - I can tell you that Sheila and Michael welcome the folk music and I am very sorry to hear there hasn't been any singing on Mondays for the past few weeks.

Noreen's right - if Joe Kerrins is invited he will almost certainly turn up.

Cheers,

Catrin

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Pied Piper
Date: 01 May 02 - 10:20 AM

refresh PP

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Raggytash
Date: 01 May 02 - 02:44 PM

D the G Raggytash here, alive and well. Fresh from hibernation during the festival barren winter. Moor & Coast this weekend, Holmfirth after that. Yippee. I still see Ted occasionally, if in that neck of the woods I always try and see him. Pity I didn't know about the birthday bash or I would have gone. I've known Ted from over 30 years, nobbut a bairn when we met, note! Could fancy a Manchester meet, if my other half and driver can be persuaded out, normally fairly easy. I know where, when would be of great assistance! Just as an aside, Ted and I were instrumental in the formation of the Free Lancastrian Army, we also had an Airforce cos Ted had a hang glider

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Noreen
Date: 01 May 02 - 08:00 PM

Monday 20th May in the Jolly Angler

Ducie Street, behind Piccadilly station.

click here for map

It's just off Gt. Ancoats Street, which is the inner Ring Road, and parking is available in Ducie Street opposite the Jolly.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: Alio
Date: 02 May 02 - 05:39 AM

Sorry Geoff and I can't be there this time - well, he might be able to do, but I'm off to Hungary! Have a brill evening! Ali p.s. what's up with 'Streets of London' as long as it's sung well?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Manchester UK soiree
From: GUEST,PP sans cookie
Date: 02 May 02 - 11:33 AM

8:00pm Momday 20th May at the Jolly Angler it is then. Be there or be square. PP