New Folk Programme in Manchester!

Subject: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Alio
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 04:41 AM

Just to let everyone in the Greater Manchester area know that we're getting a new folk programme on BBC GMR. There was one 5 years ago, presented by Mike Billington, but it was axed.

They contacted me a couple of weeks ago to see if I was interested, and I've had a trial at it, so we've now got the go-ahead!

It will go out every Tuesday, probably from 8.00 - 9.00 p.m., and will start either May 13th or May 20th (it depends on the play offs, as it's replacing a football slot!!) Initially it's to run in the summer only, so after that, who knows!!

I really want it to reflect and celebrate what / who's on in the area - so I'd like to do interviews with club / festival organisers, local artists etc..

At the moment I'm calling it 'Sounds of Folk' but I'm open to better suggestions? I'd also welcome your ideas / help / suggestions, as I'm a virgin at all this!!! I'm SOOOOO excited, but equally nervous!!!

Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Brakn
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 04:43 AM

Congratulations. Look forward to hearing something local.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Noreen
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 05:12 AM

Ali, my dear! Great news, and the very best of luck!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: 8_Pints
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 05:14 AM

Excellent news!! We'll be listening - at last a local programme for folkies! Well done and good luck.
Sue vG and 8 Pints xx

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,IanN
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 07:51 AM

Ali

I can put you in touch with someone from Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival (or talk to you myself - I'm a director) for an interview if your interested?

I'm also in a Middlewich based band - The Salt Town Poets - if you're interested?


www.middlewichfestival.org
www.salttownpoets.co.uk

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Bernard
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 02:54 PM

I'm actively involved in the running of two clubs (and I 'do' the websites):

The Railway at Heatley, near Lymm.

The Open Door at the Bull's Head, Failsworth.

Come and see us!!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 03:25 PM

Brilliant Ali....I've been hassling Mike Shaft about this on and off for quite a while now so this is terrific news...I'll definitely be in touch about he Open Door...good on yer, kid..

All the best.............Harry Basnett.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: nutty
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 04:15 PM

Great Ali .... I'm certain it will be a great hit. As I've just been researching mobile phones tariffs for my son the title "PLAY AS YOU GO" springs to mind. *grin*

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From:
Date: 12 Apr 03 - 03:26 AM

Ali
Excellent news about the programme. This is a great opportunity to showcase the talent there is in the North West without forgetting national artists of course. One thing we can all do to help is contact the station saying how much we appreciate the programme when it goes on air. Letters mean listeners and the more letters the better as far as the station management goes who will no doubt be monitoring reaction.
The station address is

BBC GMR
PO Box 951
Oxford Street
Manchester
M60 1SD

You can email [e-mail]

Ali - will you be having an email address for the programme (I think The Parlour has its own address on there) and will the show be going out live or are you recording it first?
What's your record/CD collection like because I doubt GMR will have a vast collection of folk material. I remember when Red Rose did a folk programme, the guy who ran that had a very limited collection and ended up playing Bob Dylan and The Incredible String band tracks most weeks until myself and Pete Rimmer offered him the loan of some of our collection. If you need any help just say and I'm sure we'll be able to help.

Does the station put publicity blurb together for you? If so send it to all the clubs you can think of. If people don't know its on they won't tune in.

Don't forget to tell [e-mail] (me actually)about what's going on and I'll include details on the site. Will the station pay for adverts in magazines? If so get in touch with Paul Holden via www.folknorthwest.co.uk who will sort out a space in Folk North West for you.

There's a lot of people out here who want this show to be successful. If we can help at all please let us know and we'll see what we can do.

Good luck with the show

Cheers

Mark

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 12 Apr 03 - 05:34 AM

Some good points from Mark...especially regarding contacting GMR and the offer of accesss to CD collections...although i. personally, have no objections to the Incredible String Band :0)

Mike Shaft..the Assistant Editor at GMR can be contacted at:-

[e-mail]


All the best.......Harry basnett.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Joan from Wigan
Date: 12 Apr 03 - 05:57 AM

Ali, after news of the loss of Henry Ayrton's folk programme, it's really good to know that not all local radio stations are so blinkered about folk music. Even better that a station which has previously axed a folk programme is now wanting to reinstate one. Excellent! I will certainly push it as much as I can through 'Folkal Point'. Good luck with the new venture (on top of organising Saddleworth Folk Festival - how will you find the time?). If you'd like to feature Wigan Folk Club and/or Folkal Point, just let me know.

Joan

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 13 Apr 03 - 07:40 AM

refresh.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Pied Piper
Date: 13 Apr 03 - 09:15 AM

Great news Ali.
It might be an idea to have a set of tunes from a local session on every week, I can organise that if you need any help.
There are a lot of very good non-professional trad musicians in Manchester and it would be nice to here them on the radio sometimes.

Good luck with the Show

All the best PP

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Bernard
Date: 13 Apr 03 - 09:26 PM

I can only echo Mark's advice to bombard the Beeb with letters and e-mail in support of the programme... a pity that folk music is such a 'Cinderella' topic that we have to resort to such tactics!

Will the Beeb be giving you an e-mail address where we can send our diary dates, or will you have to risk using your personal address?

'Live' recordings will have to be given very careful consideration - past experience tells that it could be perceived as very 'cliquey'. There's always some sour grapes...! I don't envy you that task!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,VINCE
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 05:23 AM

Good luck with the programme. Hope it lasts long after the summer. With the reputed decline in folk clubs (the starting point of many of our now well-established artists), lets hope the programme can help to re-invigorate interest in our tradition. With the BBC's generally pathetic fear of promoting the tradition except for a couple of programmes cos it's supposed to be a minority 'taste' every little helps.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 07:11 AM

GO KID GO

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Pied Piper
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 08:36 AM

Hi Bernard
I don't see the problem with live recordings.
I you aired one a week that would give you plenty of scope to cover all the folk clubs and non-Irish sessions in Greater Manchester, several times a year.

All the best PP

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: gnomad
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 08:49 AM

Don't suppose reception on this (east) side of the pennines is much of a possibility, but just in case..What wavelength?

Oh and good luck.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,Mark Dowding
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 10:36 AM

GMR frequencies are 95.1 and 104.6 fm. I think the 104.6 covers the East side of Manchester up in the hills.

Website for GMR is www.bbc.co.uk/gmr

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 02:26 PM

Nice to see Pied Piper is now willing to include folk clubs as well as sets of tunes from local sessions....must be mellowing...

All the best.........Harry Basnett.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,your lancs lad
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 02:44 PM

Hi, and congrats from an exile who has also just started a radio show here in Northern California.Perhaps we could get together and help each other some way? I have done this before so have a little know how.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Bernard
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 04:13 PM

PP - mentioning no names, but some years ago the problem was that some clubs were 'in', and others couldn't get a look in. All I meant was that some care needs to be taken so that it is seen to be fair, or else all the sour grapes stuff will start all over again. I repeat - I don't envy Ali the task!

Let's try to make this enjoyable, and not some sort of competition.

Please?

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,VINCE
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 06:12 AM

Well said Bernard, 'ere, 'ere!!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Pied Piper
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 06:36 AM

I am not attempting to be competitive in any way.
I assumed (I think reasonably) that Ali would not operate such a system of favouritism therefore it would not be a problem.
Harry. I suggested sessions cos that's what I do most, and if needed I could help. Having sessions on the show does not preclude any thing else.
My posts have been positive, and I hope helpful, the negativity came from elsewhere.

All the best PP

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: greg stephens
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 08:25 AM

Brilliant news. Can I put in another plug, for local music(I mean specifically traditional NW material, not just whatever happens to be played by folkies who live in Manchester). There are, I believe, seven different tunes called "The Manchester Hornpipe", for example. Sure people will want to hear all sorts of stuff, and why not, but maybe it could be included in the plan that programmes should have a percentage, however small, of material with local connections. I'd happily come in and play some Joseph Kershaw tunes, for example.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Alio
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 09:34 AM

Thanks everyone for your messages of support, and brill ideas....and also for calling me "kid"!! I feel so young!!

Guest Ian - yes please! I really want to interview local club and festival organisers, and also feature local artists.

Bernard - I have been to the Open Door (I was there weekly in the very early days) but have never visited the Railway. But we will! Promise! And I agree - we all need to be telling GMR that we want the programme to continue (I don't supopose they'll listen to me though, will they?) The way I see it is that you'll all only want it to continue if I deliver what you want - so I need to know!

Guest Mark - there's so much here that I've printed it all off! Thanks very much! Someone else asked me about having an Email address, but as yet I don't have an answer. When I next see Mike Shaft (inj 2 weeks, as he's on holiday" there are obviously questions that I ned to be asking him.

Joan - thanks again (see other Email). Re Saddleworth Festival - as I keep saying, but no-one believes me, this will be my last year!

Pied Piper - yes please! Although I think I have quite diverse tastes in folk music, my preference is for the traditional singing, so I'm eager to have loads of ideas re. musicians. This is an area where I have no great knowledge at all, although I am willing to learn!

It will be live, which in many ways I prefer. Although I am doing my own engineering (!!!!!) which I've been told   will be much more useful for me! I'm a bit of a technophobe, so if there are loads of mistakes you can all ring in and tell me!! Not sure why doing it "live" could be seen as "cliquey"? Perhaps it's me being a bit naive! I certainly won't be "favouring" anyone. Even Saddleworth Festival will have to take its turn!!

Gnomad - lovely to hear from you!! Will we see you at Moor and Coast?

Guest, your lancs lad - I will if you will!! Any help woule be MUCH appreciated.

Sorry for not answering your messages for a while - unfortunately the NSPCC does expect me to do a little work on occasion! (Usually involving travelling the length and breadth of the M60!!)

Please keep you messages coming in.
Love, Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 03:32 PM

Hi, PP.

    I was merely remarking upon your inclusion of folk clubs alongside sessions considering your well-known aversion to the former and the people who attend them..the phrase "full of obsequious mard-arses" springs to mind from the not too distant past...
I am deeply grateful for your change of heart...

All the best........Harry.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Noreen
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 03:57 PM

But why bring old conflicts into this thread, folks? Take it elsewhere please, it's the last thing Ali needs here.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: greg stephens
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 05:37 PM

Agreed, Noreen, wholeheartedly. Let's celebrate. But as I said earlier, let's celebrate Manchester, or at least for part of the programme.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: CraigS
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 07:23 PM

I'm down south in the epsilon, so I can't listen - but I like that Brian Peters, and Phil Brown. You could call it The Dangerous Folk Music Show if you don't tell that dwarf with the glasses!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: nutty
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 03:11 AM

Ali .... how about involving schools ...... there must be some out there, where folksongs are taught and sung.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Alio
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 04:06 AM

What a good idea Hazel! In my previous life as a Head Teacher I booked Roy Bailey and John Kirkpatrick to come in to my school, and I know that other schools have done something similar, or are teaching folk songs and / or dances. Where did 'Singing Together' go to?!! (Apart from the wokrshop at Saddleworth Festival!!!)

Whatever the programme is or looks like, I can promise one thing - that it WILL celebrate what's on / who's on in the Greater Manchester area. That I do know!!!

Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 05:12 AM

what about going to the odd club or festival and doing a live recording. Sampling the big names and the little acts.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Alio
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 05:34 AM

That's one of the questions I'm going to ask Mike when I go in next time. I think that would be great, but I'm not very technical, so I don' tknow how that works.

I'm so glad I posted this thread though, as I'm getting so many ideas - Mike Shaft may regret it though, when I go in with my "wish list"!!

Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Stu
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 05:58 AM

As a suggestion for the title, how about 'An Ear to the Ground' - or is that too twee?

I'll be listening - fantastic idea.

stigWeard

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 06:51 AM

Alio,
Congratulation on your forthcoming show, I hope it all goes well for you.
Before you begin however I have to say I only half listen to folk programmes on the radio as there seems to be a tendency to push certain artistes at the expense of the many, many local artists. Rarely did I ever hear the likes of Peter Bond or Tom Yates being mentioned yet alone given air time years ago and today people like the Hall Brothers (for example)do not seem to get mentioned. As a dyed in the wool folkie I do not think these programmes encourage people not already involved to attend folk clubs.
As you will know there is so much wonderful talent out there it is a crying shame to concentrate on the limited few that seems to be the case on Radio 2.
I am sure you will do your utmost to retify the situation, if you want to borrow CD's let me know. ..................if the situation remains the same ...............smacked legs!!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Alio
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 08:43 AM

Promises, promises Nick!! Have a wonderful time in Ireland - I DO wish we could join you!
Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 08:54 AM

There's always next year

PS I make a point of keeping my promises

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Alio
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 08:55 AM

I'm waiting.........

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 10:30 AM

why not simply ask for budding talent to send in their CD for you to sample. Lots out here are only to willing to get some air-play .And think of the fun you could have listen to them all.

So where do we send them?

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 11:20 AM

why not simply ask for budding talent to send in their CD for you to sample. Lots out here are only to willing to get some air-play .And think of the fun you could have listen to them all.

So where do we send them?

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Alio
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 07:12 AM

Thanks for that Noddy - and thanks again!

A few have already asked if they can send me their material, and I'm happy for them to do that. I will be giving priority to Manchester based artists though.
I've also been setting up some interviews with local club organisers.

All the suggestions are great. I thought I didn't have all the answwers. It seems as if I didn't know the questions either!

Have a good Easter everyone.
Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 10:31 AM

ooopps! Dont know what happened there. It has happened to me before. it seems as though this rubbish computer has developed a stutter.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 06:51 PM

Just re-read one of my posts above.
The address for GMR is
BBC GMR
Oxford ROAD (not Street)
Manchester

Doh!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Noreen
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 07:10 PM

I'm sure it would still get there, Mark :0)

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 09:43 PM

I'm sure it would Noreen but I'm a pedantic so and so and hate wrong details! Incidentally just a thought for when you all write your letters of praise to Mike Shaft; I did a few live spots on the folk show on Radio Orwell in Ipswich a few times when I worked down there in 1984/5 and they worked on the principle that one letter equalled 6000 listeners (don't know how they came by that figure) Not sure what GMR's statistics are but the more interest we take in the show the better the future will be for it.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 21 Apr 03 - 04:14 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Alio
Date: 22 Apr 03 - 04:45 AM

Oh my God - as it gets nearer I'm getting more nervous - I just hope it's worthy of letters of praise!
Thanks again for all your messages of support, and all the ideas / tips etc..
Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Pied Piper
Date: 22 Apr 03 - 05:10 AM

Good look Ali.
Do you know when the first program is due to be aired?

PP

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester!
From: Alio
Date: 22 Apr 03 - 06:03 AM

I was told that it would be May 13th or May 20th, depending on whether there are football play offs or not! My son assures me that it's more likely to be the 20th, as Oldham Athletic are sure to have a play off! So it's in the hands (or the feet) of the gods!

It's perhaps as well, I guess, as I'm in Turkey from the 12th till the 19th - they said I could record the 1st programme if necessary, but I'd rather do it live, I think!!
Ali