Kent July 19-23

Subject: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 06:34 AM

Well, I have to be at a family wedding near Rochester on July 24. It's a area I know little of, and I havent had a holiday for ages. So we(me and the other half who is a wondrous fiddler and singer) thought of exploring a bit. Anybody got any ideas? It is a holday, so we dont want to play every night, but we will have instruments with us. We have been recommended to take a look at Faversham and Whitstable so far(we do a lot of boating, so snooping about harbours and boatyards is always fun).
    So, we would be very obliged if anyone could pass us information on
Sessions
Nice places
(Good B&Bsor hotels...cheap!!).
Unreconstructed pubs
Campsites(we'll throw in a tent).

The time scale would be roughly Monday 19 to Friday 23 July, and we need to be in Rochester by mid-morning Saturday.
Thank you in advance for any thoughts

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Essex Girl
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 09:09 AM

There is a session on Tuesday 20th at The Canopus, Borstal, on the outskirts of Rochester. All singers and musicians welcome. There is a folk club in Faversham on Wednesdays and in Deal on Fridays. Lots more clubs and sessions - too numerous to list at the moment.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 09:32 AM

Thanks a lot, just the stuff I'm looking for.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: GUEST,Thameside Mummer
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 10:16 AM

Whitstable Oyster Festival is on the Saturday (24th) which features a Day of Dance organised by Dead Horse Morris. From past experience, these usually end up with quite a few opportunities to sing and play, especially around the camp site which, I believe, is in the village of Doddington.

Mayhap there will be something 'going down' in the local pub in Doddington on the Friday evening - there certainly was last year and there will be again if I have anything to do with it!

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 11:15 AM

Thameside Mummer: are you sure about that July 24 for Whitstable Oyster Fest? because as soon as I realised that I might be going to Whitstable the week ending July 24 I looked it up, and the website says Whitstable Oyster July 31-Aug 8. So I forgot about it. Can you be sure of this?

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 11:25 AM

Hope to try and meet up with you while you're "Hopping down to Kent", Linda's aready suggested "The Canopus", but we do know quite a few pubs in the Rochester/Maidstone area where we could try and organise something extra. There's a tiny pub in Aylesford, The Little Gem which likes folk music and also a few pubs in Maidstone. I'm sure that Richard Bridge and John Barden (-of-England) will have some suggestions to make.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 11:28 AM

Dave: I'm sure we'd be up for a social gathering somewhere, as long as I didnt have to drive anywhere afterwards. And you're welcome to come, as long as you dont sing the choruses too loud.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 03:17 PM

I composed a really long guide to all sorts of things, and then my sodding computer ate it. I may do it again tomorrow if it's still raining.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: The Barden of England
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 04:48 PM

I fancy a social gathering Greg, so count me in. The Canopus on 20th. is not a bad idea mind you, but are you thinking of somewhere else maybe?

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: synbyn
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 05:32 PM

Faversham FC meets on weds if you're still around then- a lovely club & a pleasnt town

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 06:11 PM

What's the Canopus session like? That sounds interesting..especially in Borstal. That sounds a kind of..fun?
As regards the faversham folk club....i fancy the sound of Faversham immensely, I've heard that it's got boat yards and everything. But I'm not sure about a guest night at a folk club, I've got the attention span of a goldfish sometimes. But a session somewhere would be brilliant, though, I can enjoy social music for as long as it goes on, all night is fine by me.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Dead Horse
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 06:29 PM

Yep. Oyster Fest is 31st -8th
http://www.whitstableoysterfestival.co.uk/
But Dead Horse Ale is a go-er, and I shall be there with my tankard & flask. I might even be persuaded to sing!!!!
If you need a lift from Rochester to Whitstable, give me a call as I live in Rochester & my chauffeuse will be driving.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 06:31 PM

Dont follow you...what and where is Dead Horse Ale?

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 07:49 PM

Canopus, speaking frankly as one pretty much involved, varies from two old gits (me and big growly Simon) singing largely traditional to a heaving throng with Kay doing Appalachian dancing, and all points in between.

It's in the bar (in the Canopus, Hill Road, Rochester).   Sometimes it's a bit noisy to start with until Sarah the lovely landlady (and I mean that most sincerely) shuts the buggers up. But usually all are listening and only talking quietly by about 9.30. It's a song-session with turns taken (one song at a time) but all joining in (voices or instruments) unless you see the leader of the song wince in which case hold back. Tune players welcome, but same system albeit one tune-player's go works out about the same length as a song so the number of tunes in the go varies since they don't go verse-chorus and so on. The amuse-geules are usually good and the IPA is usually a nice pint, sometimes a very nice pint. Simon smokes like a chimney and it is definitely NOT a non-smoking venue (although I don't smoke, I would not go if it were).

The other thing not to be missed while in the area is the range of beers from the Nelson Brewery - up to Nelson's Blood at 6% and Nelson's Blood Extra at 7%. Also Kenny Cramp's cider - the "Double vision" tasting a bit like champagne and weighing in at up to 15% depending on the apples that year!!

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 04:55 AM

Greg, nauticalia-wise you might also be interested in visiting Dolphin Yard at Sittingbourne, which has quite a collection of sailing barges including Cambria Bob Robert's old boat. When I last saw her about 18 months ago, she was in a very sad state, sitting in a lighter with half her timber removed - it was rather sad considering the number of times I'd sung aboard her.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Kampervan
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 04:41 PM

Whatever you do, don't miss Faversham.

If you want unre-constructed pubs then don't miss The Shipwrights at Hollowshore in Faversham. Takes a bit of finding but it's well worth it.
The Anchor on Abbey Street, (right next door to Standard Quay, where they repair Thames barges etc) is really good and does excellent food.

Faversham F.C at the Chimney Boy (close to Faversham railway station) is every Wed night.

Have a great time.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 05:19 PM

This is all vairy interesting. But what is this Dead Horse Ale? And I think we might exrend the whole expedition slightly...south into Sussex say, east of Eastbourne perhaps. Never been to Winchelsea Rye Pevensey those sort of places much. Anyone know anything?

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 07:15 PM

The two pubs I suggest are

(1) the Ringlestone Arms near Maidstone. 20 years ago it had no electric. 40 years ago the two old biddies who ran it kept the door locked and opened it only with a shotgun to hand. If they did not like you, they peppered you!!

(2)   the Three Daws in Gravesend. In Nelson's despatches -- need to take a double pressgang because of the maze of interconnecting corridors and stairs (and, in those days, tunnels out to the river). Now restored but not plasticised, and a nice pint of Nelson's Blood. Beware of the local crims who use it - Gravesend is a bit of a time warp and there are locals who think they are Charlie Richardson. A risk worth taking.

Gravesend is also good for curry, because of a large local asian population. The most authentic food is the Curry Mecca (not good if you object to ghi). THere is also a good Thai in Manor Road, but don't go on a Friday or Saturday. Go on a night when they have no other customers and you have time for them to do things from scratch.

If you want a nice but expensive English/French restaurant try the Knowle in Higham. A nice old Rectory-style building. Ring and make sure that Pam is the chef that night. She does tend to hang her game for quite a long time so if you don't like game ripe stay off the pheasant.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 07:23 PM

Doing this by stages in case a post gets eaten again.

On the Tourist front it's worth a look at the redundant church of St Mary at Lower Higham. About 1300. You'll need to check about open times and dates. Also the old church (not sure if it was de-consecrated) at Dode or Dowde. The village disappeared in the black death. In the 60s/70s there were many stories about black masses there. ALso Leeds castle is stated to be the most beautiful in country. And Cobham Hall is pretty notable. It has a mausoleum now being restored thanks to one of those TV progs.

Back to pubs, in Rochester, try the Cooper's Arms. Just up from the cathedral (a must-see if you do cathedrals), not a whole lot younger, and reputedly haunted (By the ghost from the song by Doug and Sue Hudson,in those days called Tundra, on their "Kentish Garland" album.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 07:37 PM

And so to the review of local clubs and sessions.

Monday - nothing I can call to mind of note that week. It's alas the wrong week for the Greyhound in Maidstone which is often very nice, singaround with strong tendency to join in, very nice amuse-geules.
Tuesday - I've already mentioned the Canopus. Alternative is Dartford, at the working men's club. A guest club, emphasising american folk. PA rig (small).
Weds - Faversham - a guest club. Concert-ish ambience. Home of "RichardP" who repeatedly posts in defence of the Licensing Act (how odd).
Thurs - try the Old House at Home in Pudding Lane Maidstone. Up a nasty flight of stairs. Some noise soak from the pub downstairs. Some very good residents. Beware of lethal local wit. The home club of Wild Rover and WYZIWIG as distinct from wysiwyg). Youngs and Fullers in the pub, sometimes good. Also Shepherd Neame Spitfire, not recommended in this establishment.
Fri - there are three clubs (back room) different weeks at the Mariners, Lower Road, Rainham. Two folk, one country. No smoking in the club. Beer sometimes OK. Seats in rows like school. Some of the country players are very good if you like that sort of thing but I think that is the fourth Friday.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 07:46 PM

Which reminds me if you want relentless Irish diddly Andy Perkins still I think has a session in Faversham. The following comments may be out of date. It used to be in the Bear on Thursdays. He is a good loud tenor banjo player who used to lead the session pretty much throughout. It used to be a lock-in and the singers used to start about 3 am. Until then, pretty much no song.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Ralphie
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 01:08 AM

Just to bring the last comment up to date.
The Fav Thursday session is now in the 3 Tuns, Andy P attends rarely (busy bloke!) and it's become much more English/European in feel, tune wise.
Occasionally we'll get a song, but it is more biased towards tunes.
Sadly, I won't be there on the Thursday in question...rigging for Womad
But, Greg, do pop in, if you're down that way.

Enjoy your trip
Regards Ralphie

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 03:47 AM

Oh, and for military nauticalia, of course the Chatham dockyard heritage site, and for stuff from the Napoleonic wars, Fort Amhurst also in Chatham. More military nauticalia in Upper Upnor (there used to be a chain across the Medway there to protect the Chatham naval base, breached by the Dutch in (?) the early 1700s (this date could be up to 100 years out, history not my favourite subject). Gravesend also has a museum in a gun emplacement in the FOrt Gardens - also sacked by the Dutch at about the same time.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 04:16 AM

Rye is gorgeous, if a bit touristy. If you're there the Ypres Castle (or 'Wipers') is worth a call. They have a pub garden that overlooks Romney Marsh. Last time we were there, albeit a few years ago, they actually had draught mild on hand pump!
If you fancy a diversion onto said Romney Marsh, the Red Lion at Snargate has to be one of the most unreconstructed pubs around. Virtually untouched since WWII, and not because it was bombed! The beer regularly gets CAMRA awards. The Woolpack at Brookland is also very nice, and apparently numbers a certain Sir Paul McCartney as one of it's locals.
With all the info. on this thread you'll have to stay for a month!

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 14 Jul 04 - 01:01 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 14 Jul 04 - 07:39 PM

There's a lot of sea and creeks being mentioned here, it sounds great, and all unfamiliar. Anyone got a boat in those parts, by any chance?
We(the Boat Band) used to sail around the W Coast of Scotland, and a bit of northern Ireland, in a Whitstable oyster smack. I'd love to take that back to Whitstable with the band, but sh lies in the Clyde and it's a long way!

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 09:34 AM

Well it's only next week. Any more ideas on where we could meet up ? The Canopus on Tuesday night is about the only definite suggestion so far - who can make it ? - and of course will you be there Greg. There's also "The Little Gem" if anyone wants to have a session there.

Greg, I'm afraid that "Ursa Minor" is out of the water at the moment and won't be afloat again until I've painted her and got her inspected for a new safety certificate.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 09:57 AM

Where could one stay in Aylesford, if there was a session in the Little Gem? I'm not into driving to much at the end of an evening.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 10:08 AM

Where are you planning to stay anyway Greg ? I don't mind providing some transport if you're around the Rochester/Chatham area - it's only a short run from Aylesford. The only thing about "The Little Gem" is that we'd have to sort out if/when anyone's interested and then check with the pub if it's OK. "The Canopus" isn't such a pretty pub, but it's much larger and the session is a regular one.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Dead Horse
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 12:49 PM

Canopus or Little Gem OK by me, unless wifey has other things planned.
Please post dates when decided and I'll see if she's willing.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 02:52 PM

Ursa Minor is, I think, a powerboat isn't she Dave?

Greg if you are serious about a sail, I'll call Brian Rodgers (he has posted here but is not a real 'catter). He used at one stage to make a living as a big yacht skipper and dinghy tuner. He's also a very good guitar tech (likes fixing things, see?)

Weren't you going to call me?

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: vectis
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 03:53 PM

In response to your PM Greg on Tuesday 20th July there is a playing session at the best little unreconstructed pub in Kent. It's official title is the Queens Head at Cowden Pound, NOT in Cowden village but it is known to all as Elsie's.
No lager, children or coaches.
A truly original setting which ought to be a national treasure.
Don't miss it, it's well worth the drive.
Friendly local players too.
Mary

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 08:07 PM

Where is Cowden Pond, and when, vectis? If it's a secret PM me, in code.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 16 Jul 04 - 05:10 AM

"Elsie's" is a great little venue, but Cowden Pound in west Kent, is a bit of a hike from the Medway Towns. I would suggest that we stick to the Canopus for a Tuesday night meet-up.

Linda has reminded me that on Thursday night, Hartley Morris will be dancing at the "Bush, Blackbird and Thrush" near East Peckham which is quite an easy drive. Besides being fine dancers, Hartley are great singers (usually including the wonderful bass voice of Pete Collins). It's a lovely country pub which enjoys music and serves a fine pint of "Sheps". I'm sure that the Hartley lads would be very happy if a few more musicians and singers turned up.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 16 Jul 04 - 05:55 PM

Romney Marsh/Rye/Dungeness is looking increasingly interesting, as somewhere to explore before we hit the north Kent coast. Any musical information bout this area?

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 17 Jul 04 - 02:37 AM

Whoops - there's me suggesting Hartley's on Thursday. We've only just realised tht it's the 4th Thursday (it's early this month) so Linda and I will be running our session at "The Black Horse", Stanstead, Near Wrotham Hill, Kent. You and your missus would be very welcome to copme and join us, along with anyone else. It's a pleasant pub serving several real ales including Larkins (only 3.4% - but ver drinkable) as well as lethal Biddenden cider. As you can see from the map, it's not too far from the Medway towns.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 01:48 PM

well the holiday is going well. We started off yesterday and got to Stroud. Today we have ended up in Norton Malreward south of Bristol. Nowhere near the Kent coast, you may well point out, but it's early days yet. Ive cracked this holiday business, I tried walking in the field looking at the iron age hillfort, then sitting in the field looking at the hillfort, then lying down asleep in the sun for an hour, then a little gentle kite-flying.
   Tomorrow we'll head east. Whether we hit the Canopus in Rochester on Tuesdaaaaay, or Elsie's in Cowden Pound, remaind to be seen. They both sound very tempting. Still looking for musical leads near Wichelsea or Romney Marsh. We want to check out this Red Lion at Snargate, heard a lot about it. But we havew still no info on music in that area. Any ideas, anyone|?

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 05:48 AM

Greg (assuming you'll be online - it would be nice to know where you will be on Tuesday as Linda & I (and probably John Barden et al) would probably try to get there. From Mottingham, there's not a lot of difference in distance between The Canopus and Elsie's (that's not the case from the Medway Towns though - Cowden Pound is about as far SW as go can get in Kent without crossing into Sussex or Surrey).

On Thursday night, Linda and I will have to be at Stanstead as we run the session - be great to see you there - it's not far from the Medway towns.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 06:11 PM

we definitely wont make it to the Canopus,Rochester, tomorrow(Tues) we are heading for Elsie's, Cowden Pound. We are still in Somerset, and are on a NO MOTORWAYS vow. Thurs we might well make your session Dave Bryant, but I think we are more likely to be in Faversham by then for the session, as the North Kent coast is our objective for this excursion. We will try to keep checking in if we find a computer handy

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 20 Jul 04 - 05:55 AM

We'll try and get to Cowden Pound tonight.

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: vectis
Date: 24 Jul 04 - 05:58 PM

Nice to meet you both. Hope you enjoyed the evening.
Mary

Subject: RE: Kent July 19-23
From: greg stephens
Date: 27 Jul 04 - 07:08 AM

Thanks a lot to all who posted information. We covered as much ground as we could, but inevitably mised out on most.
   We loved Elsie's pub at Cowden Pound, and met vectis, Dave bryant and Essex girl there. Then we headed for romney Marsh, spent a night in the Red Lion, Snargate. What a place. Thanks for the recommendation, Dave Masterson.
Then we followed Ralphie's suggestion for the Thursday night, and headed for Faversham. Excellent pub, the Three Tuns, and a convivial session, follwed by convivial single malt chez the organisers. Explored Standard Quay and the barges, then followed Kampervan's lead and found the Shpwrights Pub at Hollowshore, Oare Creek(took a couple of attempts but well worth it).
Then we headed for Sittingbourne to try to find Bob Roberts barge Cambria at the Dolphin Yard, but alas the yard was padlocked.
   Then we headed for Lower Halstow(cant remember who suggested that) and had a wander round creek and boats, and then that was itm we headed for my nephew's wedding at Cooling(Hoo peninsula or Isle of Grain, not sure of the geograhical names round there).
great time we had, and lots more places on the list to visit next time around. Mudcat Travel Guides turned up trumps, brilliant ideas from all and sundry.