(UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 21 Jul 05 - 08:01 AM

Here you go, Andy: Kiveton Folk CLub Website

And wiltshirebob too: Wiltshire Folk Arts website

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: wiltshirebob
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 01:44 PM

Wiltshire Traditions folk club on Mondays throughout the year except all of August
check out the website www.wiltshirefolkarts.org.uk for some info lots being updated throughout August
Also if you are going to Sidmouth try checking the link about that very thing

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,Andy
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 01:20 PM

Kiveton Park Folk Club near Sheffield is 35 years old this year. Held EVERY Tuesday without fail. Mainly trad-orientated but not exclusively so. EVERYONE is welcome! Singers nights mainly, with a guest about every six weeks, next three being Mick Ryan/Pete Harris (16th August) Dave Webber/Anni Fentiman (27th Sept) and Damien Barber (8th Nov).On singers nights there's a £1 ashtray collection and guest nights have never been more than £4 so far. Free snacks, free grub in the beer break, free tea and coffee for the non-imbibers and a really friendly crowd. Plenty of chorus singing and 'craic'. No smoking in the club room but those who need a fix go into the passage from where they can still see and hear performers. Website at [e-mail] Sorry, cant do the clicky bit!

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: breezy
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 01:08 PM

meanwhile in the South east

The Windward and Spotlight clubs in St. Albans are closed for the summer, but have an evening featuring Alaska Mike on wed 10th Aug hosted by George papavgeris

then

Saturday 10th September

a day of music in the yard from 2.00 p.m. followed by a concert headlined by Mike Agranoff and supported by the Tindall family in the evening

both gigs are at the Duke of Marlborough, Holywell Hill.

www.folk4all.net

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Noreen
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 10:33 AM

gillo- this is a folk and blues site, and this thread is about folk clubs. If you want information about nightclubs you're probably looking in the wrong place- ask the North Wales tourist board, perhaps?

Some people here might know about good pubs in Rhyl, but you'd be more likely to be successful by looking in the Good Beer Guide or the Good Pub Guide- assuming that what YOU think of as a good pub is the same as what I think of as a good pub!

Good luck and have a good holiday!

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 10:04 AM

Without any shade of doubt the Wortley Arms Folk Club has to be one of (if not THE) best long-running clubs of all time. On the outskirts of Sheffield (A629 to Huddersfield road) in the beautiful village of Wortley, the Wortley Arms (opposite the church) runs it's club on the 3rd Saturday (excluding August) and boasts a top-notch guest list that stretches back as far as Martin Carthy in grey flannel shorts. Listing the names of those appearing at this club would only embarrass the rest so I'll spare them the blushes.

Floor singers are always very good, and with an early start to every club there's always opportunity for a healthy number of support performers. Audience behaviour (no smoke, no crisp packets, no background chat etc) is exemplary, as is their participation in chorus. This IS a proper folk club - often listed as favourite amongst guest performers.
NOT TO BE MISSED..........

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Mr Red
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 09:40 AM

In the Cotswolds the Minchinhampton FC near Stroud (Thurs) in the Crown is a good ffiendly club, but offer to sing because they can fill the night and may not ask you if it is full, and it usually is. Good standard. Martin Carthy turned-up on the first night and did a spot, but it is a singers/musicians type club.

Somers TFC Worcester, Fri in the Albion in Sidbury by the canal fairly central. Good standard, and friendly - mostly!

The Tunnel House Inn in Coates Cirencester is also a good 1st Wed - but if you want to go PM or webmail me for directions - it is impossible to find - but look for the Sapperton tunnel portal on an OS map.

see cresby.com (clubs &/or sessions) for more details.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,gillo
Date: 17 Jul 05 - 10:08 AM

is there any good nightclubs in rhyl or any good pubs
thanks
gillo
Dublin

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 15 May 04 - 06:36 AM

Llantrisant Folk Club in South Wales is a Non-Smoking folk club which has brilliant guests.Contact Mic Tems from Calennig on www.folkwales.org.uk

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,Hugh Jampton
Date: 14 May 04 - 10:36 AM

"The ROYAL OAK" at Lewes and "ELSIE`S" at Cowden, Kent. To my reckoning Elsie`s is still going strong after 30 years and between the two just about every notable artist has been seen there. Also Elsie`s has the best leg of pork raffle!

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 14 May 04 - 10:02 AM

REFRESH

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Gin Crewe
Date: 13 May 04 - 01:02 PM

Mortification! Whilst defending`the local clubs, I neglected to remember the no smoking bit- no-one around me smokes so I just don't pay attention to it. Sorry! Bacup and Gregson Lane are not non-smoking- please remove them from your list because they don't meet the standard for nonsmoking.. They are still good clubs tho...

Thank you, Moorleyman!

The Wagon and Horses, Brierfield, Lancs is non-smoking in the club tho not the pub. That's a session!Wed nights

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 12 May 04 - 03:04 PM

Just come back and read the latest posts - thanks Joanna for the update on the Bacca Pipes, that's good news as it's a great club. I'll be back!

Betsy - sad to note the Killen/Waterson night at the Welly was postponed due to illnesses, unavoidable I know. That's another grand club, but very smoky indeed.

Fantum - agree with your comments about the Sun at Stockton, Ron runs a fine club there and as you say smoking is kept to a bare minimum by discreet request. If only more clubs did that.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 11 May 04 - 07:53 PM

Hi All,
have any of you tried Bridlington folk club, held at the Broadacres pub kingsgate. Definately smoke free, very friendly welcoming folks,
good singers and musicians nights regular guests (Johnny Silvo tonight 11th may) singers nights, admission £1 includes supper what a bargain, what a night out!!
guest nights, usually £3 including supper. We meet alternate tuesdays. Contact Kieth 01262 601413

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: joanna
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 05:03 PM

update for Moorleyman!!! Bacca pipes club in Kieghley IS A NON SMOKING club the entire building is smoke free its now at the Ukraine club 9 Henry street

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,Fantum
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 02:29 PM

Here are two more definitely worth a visit
First the Folk club at Guisboruogh on Sun nights, run in the Rugby Club as against the Globe
Good bunch well organised with good local singers and reasonable line in guests. Always a bit of banter between floor and performers a good singing club and a nice freindly lot. Not non smoking but the level is low and it does not normally intrude.
They have a web site try http//www.guisboroughfolkclub.ukforum.com

The Sun Inn Stockton on Tees
Well organised with good singers and a good line in guests. Always a good singing club. They have the best scratch band in the area a nice freindly lot. Not non smoking but the level is low and it does not normally intrude.

Fantum

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Betsy
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 01:59 PM

Wolviston Village-The Wellington Inn Folk Club ( Residents the WILSON FAMILY ) presents MIKE WATERSON & LOUIS KILLEN 29th APRIL 2004 Admission £2-50.A rare treat I'm sure you will agree!

Wolviston is North of Stockton, in Co. Durham. Middlesbrough is south of the Tees in Yorkshire

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Ross
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 12:53 PM

And what a difficult birth she was, but we all now, go

AHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Choose your own emphasis

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 03:32 PM

Cheers Julie B, We are now a non smoking club as well, fortnightly sing a rounds with the odd special guest ( odd and special ) are both well chosen words. Spring Song Specials to celebrate spring are now coming up, May 10th George Papavgeris in the function room, still some floorspots left. Next Monday 19th April we have sing a round and special guests Steve Last and The Ashwell Mummers. We are a very friendly and encouraging club, we have song specials and Saturday Night Charity Mic Nights, and plans for other things coming up. We are Mudcat winners for the best Sing a Round,for the second year in a row, and if all that was not enough, the birth place of "My Guru"

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: SarahNash
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 12:59 PM

I'd like to nominate an informal session: The Red Lion and Sun, Highgate, London. It takes place on the last Thursday of every month and attracts a high standard of players. This is not to put off less confident people though - we will welcome everyone and we're a friendly bunch. It's billed as an Irish session but in reality we like traditional music from all over.

Unfortunately it doesn't come under the "no smoking" clause, but well worth a visit.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Julie B
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 09:33 AM

Correction to blue clicky link given above... www.session.musician.org.uk

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Julie B
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 09:08 AM

...ooops! And how could I forget to mention The Bull at Barton-le-clay with Ross and Martin!

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Julie B
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 09:06 AM

I'd second Steve Parkes' recommendations. Bedford Folk Club is excellent - Mike Blair runs it so well (Thursday nights - Lincoln Arms). Such a nice crowd of people. It was where I started off and I'm not sure I'd have ever become a "folk singer" without it.

St Neots is another friendly supportive club, run by Roger and Patti. I haven't been across for about a year, and the venue has recently moved, but I'm sure the atmosphere will still be as it was as you get a nice crowd of people.

Finally the second Tuesday of the month unaccompanied singing session in the back room of the Fox and Hounds in Stony Stratford (Milton Keynes) is a good place for "beginner" folk singers to come and just listen, or join in choruses, and maybe work up to singing solo in a supportive encouraging atmosphere. There are some good singers there too but don't let that scare you if you are a beginner. We all started somewhere! :)

Also the many tune music sessions around milton keynes are peopled by a lot of very nice people too. (see website www.session.musician.org.uk ) The Irish Club sessions are particularly to be recommended for beginneres as they are more private and a bit more relaxed - There usually is time for a good chat as well as tune playing!

Julie B

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,georgiansilver
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 03:47 AM

O.K so there are quite a few functioning Folk Clubs!!! Have you all read the Market Rasen.27-30th August entry on Mudcat. Please do and perhaps make some attempt to help!!!I am sure any help whether singing, performing, helping with security etc would be appreciated....Come on Folks..we can't let something like this go by un-noticed.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 05:04 PM

Update for Gin (post of 6th) - point of info - sorry but neither of the Yorkshire clubs you mention (Skipton and Baccapipes in Keighley) qualify, purely cos they're not non-smoking. Sad to say, a large number of equally good clubs "oop north" are eliminated by virtue of allowing smoking within their club room/s. (OK I know this thread's not the place to air (sic!) views on smoking in clubs....)

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Bugs
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 04:40 PM

Right, first post to this site thought I may as well put on something useful as opposed to the usual Newbie message. Has the Waveney folk club in Crown St.Lowestoft been mentioned yet. No smoking signs, usually about 30 or 40 turn up on alternate Fridays at 08:00. Last event was 9/4/04. Went back for the first time in five or six years last Friday and still as friendly as ever. Roy Bailey, Sid Kipper and Martain Carthy have all appeared. Always starts first and second halves with local club singers and players. Bring your own alky-hol as no bar.Can't remember why I stopped going now.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: wigan
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 03:22 PM

nowt int north east? owabout globe in guisborough?
not officially non smoking,we ask people not to. no-one does.
guest night usually one/month.
all performers be it song/instrument welcome
mix of music sometimes includes country, allways includes trad and new folk,morris tunes etc.
one step only for access
good landlord/lady
guest beer every week

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Rasener
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 01:18 PM

Are you at the Moor and Coast this year? Nice comfortable beach at Whitby :-)

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 01:07 PM

There is always the beach to pitch you tent on.

Did that in 1969 or 1970 at Whitby, Of course I was younger then and Whitby was only a weekend festival.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Rasener
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 12:55 PM

There is always the beach to pitch you tent on.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 12:08 PM

Vectis wrote According to George's list we're damn nearly perfect; small but perfectly formed.

It seems the only thing missing is that you're not just around the corner :-)

Actually had a quick look at your web site and many names rang bells from the past. Give my regards to Clive Bennett and tell him that although I'm a Spurs season ticket holder I'll forgive his defection to Brighton and Hove Albion this time.

Looks worth a visit. Now what time's that last train from Seaford to London..........hmm 22.19 Oh well it's leave early or friends in Brighton.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: vectis
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 11:16 AM

I nominate the club I help to run. We're a small, friendly, smoke free, hat-take club on the south coast. We are good listeners who sing along lustily to almost anything. We have a ground floor room so disabled access is easy. We don't turn accompanied children or dogs away but make them welcome. We have a booked guest every week and fit in as many floor singers as we can. Every Friday fron September to June.
Visit our web site here Seaford Folk Club
visitors always welcome.
According to George's list we're damn nearly perfect; small but perfectly formed.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 12:49 PM

Respectable? Certainly not! Not mentioned? Dunno why not.   Sorry Peta & Ken! It's great, when it happens. Which isn't nearly often enough.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 12:35 PM

Never been there (nor any others), know it only by it's program listings and having met Ken and Peta over here, it seems it would be respectable, but hasn't been mentioned -- perhaps it's not non-smoking? -- Musical Traditions Club, in London. Comments?

~ Becky in Tucson (that's Arizona)

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Sooz
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 11:03 AM

Of course you can Cllr! Tell us all about it and tempt us to come along.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Cllr
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 10:58 AM

I suppose I can't vote for my own club (Ampthill) but its nice to see another club I used to run, Uxbridge (for eight years) being mentioned. My favourite club at the moment is Bedford folk club Cllr

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Sooz
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 08:43 AM

Cheers Rozza! Wish I knew who you were!!

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,Rozza
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 05:22 AM

I have three to nominate- the Somers Traditional Club in Worcester on a Friday is very friendly and the number of excellent resident singers is amazing. They have a "chorus week" every other session which ensures everyone has a good sing! I also recommend the Durham Folk Clud at the Coalpitts Arms on tuesdays fortnightly which is a very good singaround club.

My main recommendation is the Gainsborough Club at the 8 Jolly Brewers by the Trent fortnightly on Fridays. An excellent (small) room, very good local singers with occasional guests, 8 real ales in good condition always on tap- what more could anyone want? And no-one was smoking when I last went.

Go yourself- but don't tell too many other people!

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 05:18 PM

Hey Yorkshire Yankee, I'd endorse the comments about the Red Deer in Sheffield, a great club (but only once a month). Raise the Roof, yippee. I'd also endorse the Ryburn 3Step club - high standard of residents and regulars (but again only once a month).
Point of info - the Barnsley Monday sing is definitely not no-smoking, more's the pity. But the Easter sing had less smoking folks and was a grand weekend.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 02:40 PM

Was going to do my duty and give Gainsborough a plug but it looks like nearly everything has been said already!.
Except:
El Greko, why not make your visit when we have the Festival weekend -it's 15th to 17th October and I'm sure we can fix up some accommodation too.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 01:58 PM

Bugger! I can't include the General Ludd in Huddersfield As I won't exclude minority groups, even smokers. We fit the other conditions though! The furthest anyone has travelled to come is now Hongkong!(Thanks to Vin Garbutt the other week)

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 05:35 AM

Thanks for the comments about the OR&C RichardP, as I'm useless at working out who's who from these mudcat names I'm always surprised to find that there are mudcatters in the audience from time to time.

To follow up on a comment that Anahata made earlier in the thread, there is a strong possibility that we may change our night to Sundays after the summer. There has always been a strong tradition of Sunday clubs in the area going back to the Tower Folk Club in the sixties through to the Navvy Boot and Chestnuts in the seventies and eighties. In fact when our predecessor, The Hale End Club started, the Chestnuts was still going so Sundays wasn't an option.

So after 12 years we've decided it's silly clashing with Islington every week as we book similar people and attract people who go to both from time to time. Not that either club seems to have suffered as we are both going strong (at least I assume Islington is from comments, as I'm busy at OR&C myself) but it would be nice to get to Islington ourselves and maybe get some Islington singers and musicians along to us.

Will post here when/if it's sorted.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: chouxfleur
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 04:03 AM

Highly worth a look is The Harbour Sessions Folk, Blues and acoustic music club in Southwick, West Sussex. A no-smoking club, really nice atmosphere, monthly, starts on the dot of 8pm. With good range of beer upstairs in the bar, its purely acoustic, with no deafening PA or faffing around with mic's being adjusted up n down, and volume levels messed with in between songs, which also means that the audience shut up and listen to the music. Really friendly bunch of people and the emphasis is on fun and entertainment, not education. check out www.harboursessions.co.uk

Chouxfleur

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 12:43 AM

Thanks for the comments Georgiansilver, about Market rasen Folk Club.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: RichardP
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 07:15 PM

Firstly let me add my confirmation about the Old Rose and Crown as a worthy entry. I note that we are lacking venues South of the Thames, and then realise that two first class clubs we regularly attend have to be omitted under the no smoking requirement.

Faversham Folk Club meets every Wednesday at the Chimney Boy in Faversham. We have between 25 and 30 guest nights a year and all other weeks are singers nights. The venue is no smoking and drinks are served in the bar downstairs so there is no intrusive chatter. On guest nights the duty compere selects floor singers from regulars or visitors who volunteer. Similarly, singers nights attract a mixture of regulars and many visitors and operate more or less round the circle so that everyone who wishes to can contribute - although often visitors are given an extra turn as time runs out.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Fran
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 05:15 PM

I would recommend The Ride A Cock Horse Folk Club in Banbury.

Run by Mudcatters Derek and Mary it is very friendly and very well organised, it is relatively smoke free and has a great selection and a wide variety of guests. Every effort is made to make people feel welcome and go away having had a good night.

Also floor singers are always welcome and given lots of support and encouragement.

There is a loyalty card, go 5 times and get the sixth free, it is a lovely venue.

It is weekly on Wednesdays and has a break during the summer in which there is a bbq and mini festival and also a bigger festival in October.http://www.rideacockhorse.co.uk/

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,Mark Newman
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 02:44 PM

As a performer, I've particularly enjoyed being invited to St Neots, Loughborough, Keyworth and Gainsborough. All have a vaery varied policy regarding guest which is good for audiences. Gainsborough was delightful, fairly small and intimate and great fun.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 12:49 PM

The Botyh Folk Club in Southport meets every Sunday at the Shelbourne Hotel. Lord St West, Southport.
We alternate singers nights with guests. We don't have a resident group (although it was formed by the Bothy Folk Group back in the mists of time), but instead we have a panel of resident singers & musicians whose job it is to be the backbone of any evening.
We are not officialy no smoking, but the smokers usually go into the next room for a fag. We must be doing something right as it's our 40th anniversary next year.

Les

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Sooz
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 11:18 AM

Near enough! (Many people around these parts spell it the same as you do)

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 10:24 AM

And the spllgin is crap too. Gainsborogu? How did I manage that?

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 10:23 AM

Gainsborogu is 140 miles from Chesham, not to be taken lightly. But they will be taken. The fact that it's on a Friday helps, I'll need to cash one of my chitties with Breezy for Snorbans though. Next 4 months are pretty chokka, but look out for a fat one wielding a jumbo 12-string in the autumn.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Travelling Audience
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 10:13 AM

El Greko, you must attend Gainsborough Folk Club. You will have yourself a good night out. A very warm welcome to performers and non performers alike at no cost. Folkers travel from around forty miles radius regularly to visit this great venue The Eight Jolly Brewers. We have a wide variety of music and verse of excellent quality with our Club organisers, locals and visitors. We do still have guests from time to time at a nominal charge. Next singaround is on Friday 16th April. Fortnightly thereafter.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 10:08 AM

Sooz et al, don't forget that, at Gainsborough F.C., we do have a very catholic ethos and allow (gasp!) singer/songwriter stuff and even (double-gasp!!) the occasional country or pop number if that's what the performers want to do. Might cause the 'English-Trad-Only' types to have an attack of the vapours (if the excellent real ales don't get them first!).

But we are packed to the rafters every time.

Johnny :0)

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 09:09 AM

The Gainsborough Folk Club is excellent, Good Pub(loads of xcellent beers to choose from), the folk club itself has a wonderful atmosphere and there is some super talent on show. I have been several times and although an hour away for me, it is well worth the travelling.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,Georgiansilver
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 08:34 AM

Having read many of the above, it's good to see that Folk Music is alive and well in mother England. I currently go the The Eight Jolly Brewers in Gainsborough, where we generally have a sing-around, which you may join, if desiring to, or just watch in amazement as some class acts perform free of charge. Occasional guest performers (for which there is a small charge)have been amusing and highly entertaining. Our love of Folk music has found our watchers/singers/players.... attending/performing at Market Rasen Folk Club,which has recently had new beginnings and promises to be a good local fixture It is on the alternative Friday to Gainsborough so is convenient for us to attend. If you are living anywhere near or holidaying in Lincolnshire...drop in...you will be made welcome.
Best wishes and good playing/listening to you all. Georgiansilver

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 08:24 AM

Gainsborough firmly on my list, Sooz... Herga has some 25 steep steps, but Graeme indeed is not thwarted. I'll say nothing about his bum-shuffle, but those stairs are amazingly clean!

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Sooz
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 07:22 AM

Well, I'm fed up of waiting for someone else to put Gainsborough on the list. (Thanks Cittern for the mention - you loved the festival, the folk club is much the same!)
Gainsborough Folk Club is non-smoking but otherwise equal opportunitities Folk Club which meets on alternate Friday evenings. We meet in an upstairs room but that did not deter Graeme Knights from being a regular when he lived in Doncaster. We do not have very many guests as the standard of volunteers is very high in quality and wide in type and age. Admission is free unless we have a guest but its nice if people buy raffle tickets. The Eight Jolly Brewers always has Eight real ales at reasonable prices and always provide the raffle prize. It must be worth travelling to because we have regular visitors from a forty mile radius.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 06:57 AM

See you in May then George.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 06:28 AM

Kind of a shame, Mark. I bet that the Copper family did not wait for its members to become 16 before they could join in pub singarounds. Wasn't there a story of little Bob Copper in short britches standing on the bar to sing along with his uncle? Minding one's p's and q's for an evening seems a small price to pay to allow just one 7 year old the opportunity. If that was to become a regular feature, I can understand (though in that case I would warn the parent that p's and q's will not be minded in the future, then leave it to them).

Villan, agreed about the other three important points, and I will make them a feature of the table. Market Rasen and Cottingham Live are the first two to get all the gold stars (but if YBA are rubbish on 23/4 and you let them do the 3rd, I might take a point away for musicality!)...;-)

Kevin, the OR&C is in my sights for a visit soon. Islington scheduled for the 22nd, the Crown will be sometime in May I hope.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 11:47 AM

Just as a matter of interest, how many clubs have a regular attendee who uses a wheelchair? I go to the Wooden Horse folk club in Rainford, Lancashire on a Sunday and there's a young lady who comes most weeks who needs a chair to get around due to her Spina Bifida. The club room is up a flight of stairs so would score minus points for that but that doesn't stop Sharon from getting out of the chair and going up the stairs on her behind using her arms to lever herself up with. She won't have anybody carry her although the offer is always there. Someone will carry her chair upstairs where she gets back into it. Unfortunately Sharon is in hospital at the moment after an operation on her neck and isn't too well so we haven't seen her for a few months. We look forward to seeing her at the club when she's ready to return.
I used to live in Peterborough and there was another lady who used a wheelchair - again Spina Bifida was the reason - although Anna could walk sometimes so it wasn't too much of a problem if a club was up a flight of stairs. Anna was a big help to me when I was in hospital with a broken back. I had no idea at the time if I would be able to walk again and she was very practical and gave me lots of advice just in case it should come to that. Thankfully after 14 weeks lying on a hospital bed I did get up and walk again but I had an insight into the difficulties that I could have faced and people do face so if people look like they need assistance I offer it but if they want to do things their way I'll let them but I'm ready to lend a hand if necessary. A flight of stairs needn't be an obstacle if there's enough people about to give assistance.

Kids in clubs? I go to another club on a Monday evening where a lady had been a couple of times and gave a great rendition of Lovely Joan on one occasion. She was on her own because her husband was at home looking after the kid(s). The next week she asked the organiser if she could bring her 7 year old son along for the evening. It was in an upstairs room away from the main body of the pub and the landlady had no objections. It put the organiser on the spot a bit because although we're not "blue", some of the patter and banter can get a little adult but not crude or offensive. Anyway we decided that he could come in and we'd watch our p's and q's but the decision was made not to allow anyone under 16 to come along in future. In the end someone (who was a teacher as are several other attendees) spoke to this woman in the main pub and said things to the effect that she comes out to enjoy herself and not look after kids all night after working all day with them, etc so that effectively told her to take little lad home. I don't think we'll see her again somehow which is a shame and at the end of the night I said to the teacher that I'm sure he would have enjoyed the night - I would have had to have changed one of my songs but that's no hardship. Does anybody have any other comments about this subject?

Youth friendly? If any came in I'm sure they'd be encouraged to play - if they came in!

Cheers
Mark

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 11:38 AM

Willa
Sounds good to me, although, it is important that there are no steps, so that scooters (motorised wheelchairs) can gain access.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Willa
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 11:27 AM

Yes to 2 and 3 at Cottingham Live. The new venue is on the ground floor with only a single step at the entrance, so I think it's probably yes to 1 also. Will check.
As for 3 , we have youngsters from the age of 8 playing/ singing, most of them very competently too.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 02:24 AM

El Greko
Whilst you consider non smoking a big issue and I agree with that, you do not consider other very important aspects.

One
Is the club Disability friendly. e.g. wheelchair access to the club and toilets etc.

Two
Is the club Family friendly. I have heard a lot about youngsters not coming into folk, but surely if you don't or can't include families, then it's no wonder.

Three
Is the club Youth friendly. Are youngsters encouraged to play at your club, even if what they sing may not be quite what purists demand.


All of the above 3 are certainly included in Market Rasen Folk Club.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 11:09 PM

Have just been to the Barnsley Folk Festival this evening -- GREAT singing, but *lots* of smoke, unfortunately -- which jogged my memory; their Monday sings are much the same. So I'm afraid they can't go up on your website. Ah, well...

YY

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 06:03 PM

They can be if the club is in a function room, John

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 04:26 PM

Should also mention that the pubs are hardly smoke free !!

All the best
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 04:25 PM

From personal experience, and in no particular order:

* Rivelin Folk Club, Rivelin Valley, Sheffield
* Conwy Folk Club
* Ryhl Folk Club
* The "Blah Bar" events organised by Tony Heald in Barnsley

I would also guess Gainsborough is worth a visit, from what I hear from Sooz and others.

And if you fancy some decent music in a pub setting try:

* The Junction, Otley
* The Neptune Bar, Brighton

Both noisy but fun!

And finally:

* The Greys, Brighton

All the best
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 04:03 PM

I think you just might :-) LOL
Better not take Breezy or he might finish up the same way :-)

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 03:57 PM

I'll be hanged if I visit this one...literally!

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 03:54 PM

Hey Mitch that sounds pretty interesting and novel. applause needed there :-)

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Mitch the Bass
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 03:37 PM

The Derby Heritage Traditional Music Club.

http://members.aol.com/BrewTownFolkClub/derbyt.html

Not formally no smoking but little in evidence except that from the roaring log fire. Hosted by Keith Kendrick ( http://www.keithkendrick.co.uk/ ) with only occasional guests but very friendly. Each monthly meeting has a theme e.g. Murder & Mayhem - Songs of Crime & Social Disarry next week though many drift from the subject. Held in the candle-lit brick vaults of the Old Derby Gaol with drinks in pottery mugs sporting nooses and the walls displaying descriptions of heinous crimes of the past. Difficult to find but this points to the spot http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=434580&y=336505&z=3&sv=434500,336500&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf&dn=789

Songs, accompanied and un-accompanied, tunes, stories, monologues and all for £3.50

Mitch

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Willa
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 03:01 PM

You beat me to it, Linda. It meets all four requirements. I started to write a list of some of the guest artists I recall, but it got far too long. here's just a sample, in no particular order:
Artisan, Cockersdale, Jez Lowe, Nancy Kerr/James Fagan,Tanglefoot, Vin Garbutt,Eileen McGann, Pete Morton, Old Rope String band, Pete Morton.
Johnny Silvo and Bob Fox will be guests in May and June.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 02:38 PM

Cottingham Live! is at the Northern Foods club in Cottingham nr Hull. Not strictly traditional folk as it caters for all sorts of music - it has its own orchestra and runs regular singing and music workshops throughout the year, its regulars can count Sam & Graham Pirt, Kate Bramley of Sweetgrass and Bad Pennies fame, Stewart Hardy pops in when he's in the area, and we have a really nice relaxed smoke free atmosphere. Guest nights are every three weeks and we have special events on occassional saturdays. Frankly-it may not e everyone's idea of a folk club-but its lovely, as many Catters can testify.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 02:16 PM

As the Old Rose & Crown has been mentioned by someone else, George, I'll add that we are no-smoking in the club room although there is a sort of lobby area at the far end, through a door, where the quick cough and drag merchant's go from time to time (few though they are), but you don't have to pass through it to get to the bar!

Time you visited EG.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 12:11 PM

Doing well... 4 sessions and 18 clubs so far. I have to leave out the three clubs you mentioned, LF, as "little smoking" is enough to discredit them from the list - not easy, as I am resident in one of them, and it is a lovely club in every other respect, but I have to abide by my own rules on this; non-smoking visitors would not forgive me for listing it.

Any more?

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Gin Crewe
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 11:38 AM

We travel round to a lot of clubs on singers' nights, singing as "Wench All" and have met some wonderful people. Just a few of our favourites are below- all these seemed welcoming and seemed to meet your criteria as far as I can tell.

Bacup Folk Club, on Monday nights in the Conservative Club: ring 01706 872810 and ask for Paul! An unusual format- an hour of records and chat, an hour of local acts, a guest, and then the evening ends (I don't know when- I need my bed by then!) with more floor spots.

The Wagon and Horses, Brierfield (Junction 12 M65) on Wednesday nights– 8.45 p.m. Instrument players, singers and poets all made welcome. This club often turns into a large jam session songs and tunes- it's usually fun and sometimes even overspills into a second room in the pub! Come to enjoy good music and interesting harmonies, and a range of types of folk music. Almost anything goes! Good beer too.

Gregson Lane Folk Club has been providing live acoustic music in Hoghton since 1988. All types of music are appreciated and performers are encouraged irrespective of level of ability. It meets on alternate Thursdays at Gregson Lane Sports and Social Club, Gregson Lane, Hoghton, Near Preston, Lancs. PR5 0FD. Guests regularly booked.

Friday nights: Bacca Pipes FC Ukrainian Club, Henry St., Keighley 01535 605310: super music and friendly people in Yorkshire! We say this and we come from Lancashire! Regular national guests and amazing singers nights!

Tuesday nights in Yorkshire: Skipton FC The Swan Inn Carleton-in-Craven 01535 665889: see above! A small, friendly club with interesting raffle prizes!

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 11:39 PM

Agreed, Riponden/Ryburn 3 Step is brilliant.

Just earlier this evening, I had the pleasure of attending one of my favourite folk clubs -- at the Red Deer on Pitt St in Sheffield (S1). It's a lovely sing called "Raise the Roof!" every 2nd Thursday (except in August) at 8.30. Basically it's a singaround (you may sing or pass when it's your turn) -- but the idea is to sing songs with choruses, so even those who don't like the spotlight get plenty of singing in. We usually manage to get 'round the room twice.

There is a good mix of experience and confidence levels amongst the regulars, and it's a friendly, welcoming group.

We rarely book guests -- once or twice a year at most (the December do always has a guest(s)), but when we do we favour wonderful harmony singers like Dave Webber & Annie Fentiman; Coope, Boyes & Simpson, & The Wilsons, to name a few -- and ask them to indulge our liking for chorus songs.

There's also a good sing in Barnsley on Monday evenings at the Shaw Inn (Shaw St & Racecommon Rd); would like to get there more often than I do (but that's when the Sheffield Folk Chorale has its practices, as Sod's Law would have it). Can't recollect whether or not it's no smoking -- maybe someone reading this will know.

Cheers,

YY

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: treewind
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 01:55 PM

Yes, somebody's already mentioned Islington but I should have mentioned the Old R & C too. Those two manage to keep going with guest nights every week, quite an achievement these days. And on the same night of the week too, though there are rumours that might change...

Anahata

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 12:34 PM

Market Rasen Folk Club
Although only open for one night, see the scanned document below from a person who came along to the opening evening, and who sent this letter to the local Market Rasen Mail. Will this allow my club to be included or not?
Out of interest, my resident band is a very good group called CARA plus support artistes such as Stitherum, Johhny Blanks, Lucy Wright and Paul Young, Colin and Karen Thompson, Mick Pearce, Liam Robinson, Diathi and Bloke in the corner, Mike Wray and a person waiting in the wings called Phillip.
All of these artists, are from Gainsborough Folk Club, Barton On Humber Folk Club, Louth Folk Club and Lincoln Folk Club. They are all within 20 to 30 miles from my club. Market Rasen is literally in the centre of all these clubs. This means that I can call on many good quality artists to support my venture.
I am sure as time goes on their will be many more artists appearing at the club, allowing me to change the format on a regular basis. Watch this space. I already have Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher appearing as main guests on Friday June the 4th.


Anyway the letter reads as follows :-

A fantastic night of folk music
EDITOR, Thanks to an article in your recent edition regarding the first night of a Folk Club in the town's Social Club on Friday, I would like you to know that our party of six locals who decided go along to see what was in store had a thoroughly entertaining evening
There were some excellent performances from a number of artistes. In particular a young woman of about 18 years of age who, we were informed, had recently sung on Radio Lincolnshire, a woman from.Barton and a man from Worksop, and many other excellent performances from those who had travelled some distance, showing their personal determination to help get the Market Rasen Folk Club up and running.
The organiser tells us he hopes to make the Folk Night a two weekly event after May.
If it is anything like as good as we saw on Friday then I would hope that your office would find it an entertaining event worth following up.
PHILIP KIRKPATRICK
Stable Way, Market Rasen.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 12:16 PM

How quickly the memory dims, Anahata!
Islington? And the fantastic resident Angel Band?

Not to forget the equally excellent Sauna in the Corner Band at the Old Rose & Crown, Walthamstow (OK Kevin, brown envelope in usual place).

Resident bands are a tremendous plus. For this reason I also heartily endorse Eric the Red's nomination of the Ryburn Three Step, Ripponden, for its combination of dance and song.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: treewind
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 11:55 AM

My favourites are:
The Everyman, Saxmundham. Monthly concert club, good floor singers, gets a lot of local people in who aren't really folkies but trust Steve and Mary Dickinson to book a good night's entertainment. Everyone gets a seat, no smoking, they start strictly on time and talking while anyone's performing is distinctly frowned upon. Result: everyone feels they're getting their money's worth.

Sutton (Beds) - also a monthly club, in a village hall. Similar in many respects to The Everyman but a bit more informal.

Last Friday we had a cracking night at The Black Diamond in Birmingham. Enthusiastic, great if you like singing choruses - they certainly do! Recommended.

I'll second the mentions given to Ampthill (nice small and friendly club) and Bedford where our only visit to the new venue so far was a singers night with so many there was barely time to go round the room twice with one song each.

Norwich (Branford Arms) is good too.
Sharps! (Cecil Sharp House, Tuesdays) - how could I forget that one!

It's quite clear that everyone judges clubs by different criteria, but most of the one I've mentioned have been well attended which seems to be a good (not infallible) metric for any club.

They're all clubs rather than sessions. The Sutton people have a Friday session every month too, and my favourite all round (songs/tunes) session is the Fox at Pirton (near Hitchin) 2nd Wednesdays.

Anahata

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST,Peter from Essex
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 11:02 AM

There is also a distiction in clubs that you would go to as a floor singer and those where you would feel comfortable as a stranger in the audience.

For the latter all the central London clubs are good.

I don't know how Essex Singers has settled in its new venue, at the old one there was a good atmosphere and a decent standard of floor singing.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 10:21 AM

You beat me to it, Mr T! Bedford (Lincoln Arms, Goldington Green) is very friendly, and welcomes newcomers, first-timers, not-very-good-yet-but-shows-potentialers, and the rest of us, of course; not strictly non-smoking except during concerts; concerts about once a month, all other nights are sing-arounds; most of the audience are singers or musicians; and, unlike in its previous incarnation, the bar is a l-o-n-g way from the club room. On top of that, the bar is rarely crowded, there's a car park, and it's in a quiet area. If they fixed the hand-driere in the gents it would be perfect!

St Neots has always been very good when I've been; it's a bit of a trek, so I don't go as often as I'd like. They have guests most weeks plus floorsingers, and a singaround about once a month; a very friendly bunch, and some good performers.

The unaccompanied song session in Stony Stratford is good fun too. It's astonishing how many good singers there are in the area. (Good musos too, but I don't go to music sessions.)

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: mrTibbs
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 09:48 AM

My nominations:
Bedford, Bedfordshire.
The new venue is good, folks are friendly and the club is smoke free.
Attracts some superb talent on sing-a-rounds. Attentive, polite, audience. Regularly attracts visitors from out of county.

Ampthill Acoustic Club, Ampthill, Bedfordshire:
Small but friendly. Put on some great nights in a small venue. Keen to grow and encourage local talent. I make the trip down from Bedford around 3 times each month.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 09:43 AM

Three out of four of your listing for :-

Uxbridge , The Crown and Treaty - Tuesdays

Staines ,The Three Tuns - Mondays

Maidenhead , The Ferry Cookham - Thursdays

Non of them are actually Non Smoking, but not a lot of smoking going on at any of em most of the time. All VERY welcoming to ALL sorts of
performers , Good Guests on Guest nights and some competent local performers too. And a few Catters as well.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 08:56 AM

Ripponden folk club, West Yorkshire, residents like Pete Coe, Chris Coe, Vic Gammon, John Adams, Mary Humphreys at one time. plus a top line guest. I don't go because I have no transport.
eric

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 08:13 AM

Thanks, GUEST - no worries. Islington is not too far from me, and it's on my "must visit" list - I'll check for smoking.

Subject: RE: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 08:07 AM

I know you wanted Mudcat names, El Greko, but I've taken off my cookie so as not to enrage/alienate a whole lot of people.

I nominate Islington Folk Club because it's not at all cliquey, has an eclectic booking policy, has brilliant residents who run it efficiently and it takes place in a good venue.
I'm not sure if it has a no smoking policy though. I've rarely seen anyone light up there but ashtrays are distributed on the tables...maybe the pub landlord insists on it?

Subject: (UK) Which are the clubs to go to, then?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 07:50 AM

Recently there has been a resurgence of threads discussing the pros and cons of smoking in clubs, the "clickiness" of some clubs, the "too much introvertedness" of others etc. Lots of useful info, hints and tips there. So - how about making a "best of" list of clubs, the ones to go to if you want a good night, free from smoke, with friendly atmosphere, participatory or at least attentive audience, good singers/players etc? I propose to create such a list and put it on my website for advice to others.

So please let me have your nominations. The club or session you nominate MUST
- be smoke free
- be friendly/not exlusive
- have good singing/playing and/or good guests
- be worth travelling to visit

For each nomination:

a)Please state if it is a club or a session.
b)I will also record the (mudcat) names of those who have recommended it.
c)Please provide venue details also, as they are not all easy to find on the Internet.
d)State frequency and day of the week
e)Finally, state the reason why you think that club is worth visiting

I am not trying to make an all-inclusive list of clubs/sessions here, it is the GOOD ones I want, that I can recommend even to non-folkies. I will endeavour to visit as many of them as I can in the coming months, and as I do so I will record my own perceptions also.

I know I am putting myself forward as an arbitrary judge in doing this, but hey, why would anyone else be better? I will certainly do my best to be impartial. But it's time to name (the good ones) and shame (the ones that don't make it into the list, though I will not keep a record of them). And why not - let the latter improve, and let the former thrive...

Such a list would certainly be very useful for visiting 'catters from abroad, for young'uns looking for an introduction, etc etc.

So - hit me with your nominations!