West Somerset Folk Festival 2006

Subject: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 04 Jun 06 - 08:53 PM

Who is going to West Somerset Folk Festival 30th June - 2nd July?

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: The Shambles
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 03:16 AM

The following from the website sounds a little unfriendly.

Informal Sessions/Singarounds within the Butchers Arms or garden only with landlord's permission.

Why would any further permission for this be required or need to to be stated?

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 08:09 AM

There's nothing unfriendly about it. Storytelling is happening in the bar, and the skittle alley is available to the festival over the whole weekend, but the landlord also has other customers to consider, so has the final say what happens in the pub.

You seemed to have missed the bit that says this pub is the home of the Carhampton wassail (so welcomes folk music), and

'Kevin, the landlord of the Butchers Arms, is most enthusiastic about the festival'

He works hard to help make the festival a success, and the organisers work with him to keep everyone happy.

Where's the problem?

cheers

Brian

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: The Shambles
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 11:14 AM

Pubs (because they are freely open to the public) are the ideal venues for truly informal music making gatherings.

And again because they are freely open to the public - they are not ideal venues for any form of organised performance or mixtures of the two.

The point that seems to be missed (because it was thought necessary to mention it on the website) is that all customers would already and automatically recognise the licensee's right to prevent any form of activity that they did not aprove of.

However, I have witnessed situations where really fine informal music making sessions have been stopped in pubs when in full flow - not by the licensee - but by fellow festival attendees. When they have other plans for how the venue should be used at that time and are determined to ensure that these plans will take precedent over anything that is already in progress.

A situation that would arise for example in this case - if an informal musical gathering was in place at the time appointed for the story telling to begin in the bar. I have nothing against story telling or anything else - but would it not be better to set aside the skittle alley or (if possible) some other room for any planned events?

This would enable a free invitation for the public to gather and make informal music without any unfriendly sounding warnings. Unless using this venue for that purpose is not really the intention?

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 11:45 AM

Shambles.

The point was not missed, I wrote the web site, and therefore feel I know the context in which the phrase was used. I, the organisers, and the landlord have been around music (folk included) long enough to be aware of the need to balance the requirements of all customers, not just the festival attendees. It worked well at this venue last year, with no complaints, there is no reason to believe we can not all work together again this year.

This thread was started to draw attention to a small festival being held (with the landlords blessing) for a very worthy cause, not as an excuse for you to debate every minor point. If it doesn't sound right for you, then ignore it, but please do not be disruptive or negative.

Thank you.

cheers

Brian

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: The Shambles
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 12:55 PM

The issue is not with your event. But if I were looking for a small local event where informal music making was encouraged - I would not be attracted to this event as I find that comment in particular to be unfriendly (and mainly unnecessary).

I am not being negative or disruptive - it is a view that you can take note of or choose to ignore if you wish. If the object of your site and this thread is to attract people to your event - I hope you will not ignore this view or choose to take it personally. As I wish it well

But it is the wider general issue of using pubs as venues for organised festival performances that is more my concern. The fact is that if a pub is being used for a performance - no informal music making can take place in the main venues available and best-suited for them.

Where organised festival performances take place in venues best suited for these - informal music making can take place in pubs where they are best suited and can take place at the same time. Surely having this choice available where possible is best for all concerned rather than choose to have one at the expense of the other?

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 02:54 PM

To recap. Music/singing in the bar is neither banned or guaranteed, just left to the landlords discretion. The organisers wished to acknowledge this. Nothing sinister, nothing unfriendly, just organisers and landlord working together to keep EVERYONE happy.

For the record. Last year, music and song did happen in the bar ..... and in the skittle alley..... and in the pub garden!
and the landlord said PLEASE come back next year. How unfriendly of him!!!

cheers

Brian

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: SussexCarole
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 03:01 PM

To get back to the original question and the reason for this thread.....YES we will be going and look forward to a super festival with lots of singing. See you all there.

Carole & Andrew

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 07:34 AM

I'm looking forward to it too. In a small rural area, I'm always impressed with how well the organisers manage to 'mix and match' what few venues there are to make sure there is 'something for everyone'.

By the way - there weren't many chairs in the skittle alley last year, so if you're coming there to sing or play - especially on the Saturday evening - it'd be a good idea to bring along a camping chair.

Sue

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 07:12 AM

Sue,

I'll mention the chairs situation to Mike, and see if more can arranged for this year.

see you there

Brian

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,The black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 08:23 AM

Not mentioned on the web site is the fact that there is a very good reclamation business just down the road. We ended up buying two oversize victorian internal doors for our house there after dispairing of finding any the right size in the north. It meant a slightly uncomfortable trip home mind you!

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 08:31 AM

Damn, I knew I missed something off the web site. I'll try to give it a mention next year!!!

BBCW. Will you be there, this year.

cheers

Brian

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,The black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 12:23 PM

I'm on the program Brian.
AKA Robin Madge

PS Didn't Pat Smith get a nest of tables there as well?

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 12:40 PM

Ok I'm being slow today. Eeee the 'andle is grand lad!!!

If the reclamation place is that good I'd better keep Jacqui away. Lord know what we'd end up taking home. She might even trade me in for something useful!


best wishes to you both,

see you at the festival.

Brian

PS 'Saints' are at Timsbury on Saturday.

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Hawker
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 07:02 PM

Yep it looks like we are coming too! we weren't 'cos we had other commitments, but gladly are now uncommitted! though I am sure there are those who would say we should be. Have sent you an e-mail, Brian.

OOoooh! I had forgotten that reclaimation shop, I used to call there when I was doing a project in Minehead! They also have LOTS of second hand books if I remember correctly - wonderful place! Don't tell Kevin......Perhaps me and Jacqui could sneak off on a spree.........

Will be good to see you again Sue, Carole and Andrew and everyone else going too. Have heard good reports from past festivals - and we like the smaller more friendly weekends. Looking forward to the cream teas too!

Cheers, Lucy.

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Splott Man
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 04:03 AM

Yep, Black belt caterpillar wrestler, the nest of tables have seen good service ever since.

It's a lovely friendly festival, and we're sorry we won't be there this year.

We thoroughly recommend the breakfast in the café at Blue Anchor a short drive away.

Splott Man & Pat

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 12:07 PM

Oh NO!!! Not books as well! I'd better buy a trailer.

Lucy. I have replied.

Splott Man. You'll have to bring a note next year. Excuses like: "We couldn't leave the tables." not accepted.

We'll miss you.

cheers

Brian

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Spring Chicken
Date: 09 Jun 06 - 11:04 AM

Can't wait. Already packed and ready to go!

See you all soon,

Jess

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Jacqui
Date: 11 Jun 06 - 12:29 PM

Hawker,

I think that a book searching spree is an excellent idea!! (we'll send the lads off on a dog walk and sneak off quietly before they realise - otherwise they'll only want to come too!) I'm so glad you'll be able to come this year - I'm sure you'll all love it, and yes, the teas are really worth making the effort for on their own...

see you soon,
             Jacqui

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Polly Squeezebox
Date: 11 Jun 06 - 01:46 PM

Please can Jack and Zak join the dog walk, and I join the book search?

Polly

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 05:56 AM

Polly,

Jack and Zak are always more than welcome to join us on the dog walk, with or without the excuse of a girls book search. We lads can walk the dogs AND set up our own book search. (I'd better buy an even bigger trailer!)

glad to see you're at WSFF

cheers

Brian

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Jacqui
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 02:58 PM

I second that, Polly, really looking forward to seeing you again. We saw Mike and Di at the weekend, and they said tickets are selling well, and is shaping up to be a great weekend. Not that long to go now...

Jacqui

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Sian
Date: 16 Jun 06 - 09:55 AM

Looking forward to seeing you all!
Sian

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: SussexCarole
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 06:28 PM

.....tomorrow!

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Snuffy
Date: 30 Jun 06 - 08:12 AM

..... today!!

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Splott Man
Date: 30 Jun 06 - 10:03 AM

Yes - terday!

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 30 Jun 06 - 01:15 PM

Splott Man:
"Yes - terday" did you mean it's started? "Yes, today!"
And on Sunday, and it's yesterday
Carhampton seems so far away.

Suddenly, it looks like a place I wanna be
'Cos there's Wimbledon on BBC
Some soccer match on ITV

Why I cannot go, I don't know, it seems unfair
I'll be working hard at our church's Summer Fair

Somerset, will be a cracking Fest I'll bet
In the pub, no matter if it's wet.
I'll try and find my way there yet.
Yes, find my way to Somerset.

CHEERS
Nigel

Subject: Lyr Add: unnamed song
From: Snuffy
Date: 02 Jul 06 - 07:51 PM

A wonderful little festival with glorious weather, glorious singing, and glorious cream teas. A grewat vote of thanks to Di, Mike and all their helpers. I'm sure all but the footie fans enjoyed every minute: I wrote and sang this for them on Saturday evening:

SONG WITH NO NAME YET (maybe THE FIRST OF JULY or GELSENKIRCHEN - other suggestions welcome)

One Saturday afternoon, as down sat we
To watch the World Cup on our TV
To beat the Portugese was our intent
In Gelsenkirchen
In Gelsenkirchen
And it was a hot and a steamy day

The very first half that our brave lads played
Nobody scored, but we were not dismayed
"Cheer up, my lads", Captain Beckham did say
"Brave Lads of honour
Brave Lads of honour
Old England she will gain the day."

But early in the second half
Our captain's wounds forced him to limp off
And unto Rooney a red card did flow
So he went off too
So he went off too
And all our men were filled with woe.

Our very first penalty, their keeper saved
Then Hargreaves kept our slim hopes alive
But then Ricardo saved a couple more
We'd not have beat him
We'd not have beat him
If we had played for evermore

And when to England they do return
We'll call them losers, and our backs we'll turn
And tell our tender old mother dear
"That Swede, he's useless
That Swede, he's useless
And we never shall see him no more.

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 05:11 AM

Good one, Snuffy. Who's a clever boy then?

Our thanks to Mike and Di for a brilliant WSFF - the best (and biggest) yet!!! Also a big thank you to Kevin and his staff, who did an amazing job catering for the festival, the footie and karaoke all on the same day.

The web site will be updated soon, with photoes, festival report and dates for next year.

cheers

Brian

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Selchie - (RH)
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 05:48 AM

A lovely festival, in a lovely location, well run & so friendly.

Nice to meet up with old friends again enjoy the easy-going atmosphere.

Well done Di, Mike & all the team. Enjoyed it all & thanks for all your hard work in making it happen.

Rosie S x

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Hawker
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 05:53 PM

Hear hear, Great relaxing weekend, Music and song and a 12 minute walk to the beach - and STEAM trains too! The pub landlord was very eager to have us - and was very amenable, The skittle alley had fantastic acoustics and played host to a lovely sing around on Saturday night. Holy Joe sing on Sunday gut bustingly good, great to see friends - old, new and who I hadn't seen in ages. Well done Mike and Di
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Hawker
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 06:35 PM

Brian, I thought i may have met you on the voice recognition thread! tee hee
Cheers, Lucy

'twinkle twinkle little fangita how I WONDER what you are'

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 06:39 PM

Yes, I second all that - and also want to mention Jim Binding's 'local stories' which were truly spellbinding.

Thanks to Mike and Di and everyone else (including all those who made the sing in the skittle alley on the Saturday evening truly memorable and a fitting tribute to the '90th anniversary')

Sue

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 05 Jul 06 - 07:45 AM

Hawker,

I have such WONDERful experiences of using VRS!!!

'Gut bustingly good'. Can we quote you on that?

cheers

Brian

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 09 Jul 06 - 06:08 PM

Mmm! That's the trouble about not saying what I was 'seconding' in my post 3/7 at 6.30! Looks like I'm seconding something I don't understand at all. I was referring to Selchies comments - and Hawkers post immediatly following. Must remember in future....

Sue

Subject: RE: West Somerset Folk Festival 2006
From: Hawker
Date: 09 Jul 06 - 08:01 PM

Quote all you like - as long as it wasn't wonderful we'll all be OK!
- and its nice to be quoted for something I did say for a change!

Oh and I really enjoyed the Sacred Harp workshop. I finally worked out how to use my Bristol Tune Book! Fantastic Harmonies.
Cheers, Lucy