Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 11:36 AM

Left at 6am this morning to get to job interview but still didn't get the job. Brilliant weekend despite the son et lumiere show on Saturday (btw anyone know how bloke who got hit is doing?). I knew I'd done the right thing not leaving Sunday when I went to the final concert. Dougie Maclean was amazing and then the Paperboys were a wonderful finisher. Thank you to Jan and the Panic circus who looked after our children especially when the storm hit and we couldn't get to them. Definitely one of my favourite festivals (along with Miskin of course Andy) - roll on next year.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: r.padgett
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 11:41 AM

I heard from Jim McD that bloke hit by lightning in intensive care!
Keep us updated anyone who knows please

Ray

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 12:07 PM

Another excellent festival - can't blame WFF for the weather! Particular thanks from Maggie and me to all involved in organising this great festival. The organisation really is a model for anyone wanting to know how to run a folk festival.

Jane, the people struck by lightning were our neighbours on the campsite and I understand three went to hospital, two were released and one chap was kept in for observation.

Les

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 12:14 PM

Blimey Les, I bet you are glad you didn't hang around with them.

I do hope they will be alright.

Les from Market Rasen

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Folkiedave
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 01:28 PM

It should also be mentioned that the lighting rig was virtually glowing at one point in the main tent on Saturday afternoon.

Seemed vey well organised. The bookstall was tucked in a hidden area so thanks to all who came and found it. (Even bigger thanks to those who purchased books or vinyl).

I thought "Freshlyground" were great and nothing like my kind of music at all. And yet they were a great hit. Delighted to have had chance to see them. Brave decision of the Festival to put them on and it paid off (IMHO).

Great to see some old friends and made a few new ones just what festivals are for.

Highlights for me were Last Night's Fun (do not believe any rumours) and John Kirkpatrick playing Johann Matheson's "Gigue" which is just the most amazing piece of Anglo-Concertina virtuosity I have ever heard. I thought James Raynard was great too.

My wife's highlight (she is over 45, smallish and size 10) was being invited to join Pecsaetan Morris (tallish generally speaking, mostly well under 30 thirty and tiny bottoms). Mind it was in the swimming pool. She now describes herself as an honorary member of Pecsaetan's Aquarobics Team.

Great festival - loved every minute - even Jim McDonald's shirts!!

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Pistachio
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 01:43 PM

Well, what can I say?
The Van performed brilliantly and arrive complete with Beverley and Hull contingent at noon Friday. No need for the RAC.
We (Linda Kelly and I) had a fantastic time.
The Arts centre still is my (our) favourite space to sing and the 'unrehearsed choir' did a fantastic job harmonising at every opportunity.
I've got some £2 coins stored away already - and an extra week to save up as next years dates are for the 4th weekend in July!
Dougie was simply superb. I couldn't believe how many people said they'd NEVER heard him before(!) and that they'd like to hear more. What a treat to have him smile at the audience participation (!) or hasn't anyone else noticed that it seems to be the norm to portray how sullen one can look in 'life' these days?
He appeared amazed that so many of 'the English' knew his songs.
I thought his performance was outstanding - (I would!)

Jim McD - I think you were avoiding me!!!!
Sorry you didn't get your job Jane.

We departed at 10 to midnight and just missed a royal appointment at the motorway services around 1 am.(at Tibshelf North).
The van behaved perfectly until 'ull when it set off two car alarms as we passed at 0420..... (sorry!) and now it's all dried out and washed up ready for Saddleworth.
Roll on Thursday. Hope to catch up with more 'catters' there.
Luv.
H.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Goldengob
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 03:13 PM

First Warwick for Bill W and me and had a great time - didn't see much on the main stage as we were kept busy in the Living Tradition Centre. Good that festivals can present both the big venues and the smaller intimate acoustic shows. Audiences were terrific and we had
a wonderful time with John Conolly at the "Lincolnshire Lads" session - looking forward to teaming up again at Faldingworth in Sept!

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 03:23 PM

Whoo hooo bring it on Goldengob :-)

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 05:43 PM

How could I avoid you Hazel !! I love you and I wan you to have my babies. Actually i am bereft. Missed you like crazy. Should be at Saddleworth next Saturday, then i expect at least three festivals worth of snogs.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: skipy
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 06:29 PM

Wore my new dress and hat!
Skipy

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Peter K
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 05:24 AM

The main marque was hit by the lightning, as was the crane.

Last I heard, the man who was hit, had a swelling on the brain and had been induced into a coma. He was moved to the high dependency ward, and they where intending to bring him out of the coma yesterday (Monday).

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: ossonflags
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 05:49 AM

It was nice.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 06:10 AM

O dear Peter doesnt sound too good!

Ray

Typical understatement Mr Mc Garry!!

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: GUEST,muppitz at work
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 07:41 AM

Sad to hear that the poor chap suffered at the hands of mother nature, I really enjoy watching storms but it was a rather violent one, I had just come out of Damien O' Kane & Shona Kipling's set at the Theatre, we all blamed Damien for picking up his Banjo.
Sunday night was the first time I'd ever seen Dougie McLean and I can't believe that it's taken me so long, he was fantastic.
The Sunday night concert was the highlight for me the Paperboys had me dancing like a loon for their whole set.

Jim, I'm really sorry if I spoilt the rest of your night, it was an unfortunate ending to an otherwise fantastic festival!

muppitz x

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Mr Red
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 08:06 AM

Yea we heard he was knocked unconscious but the ambulance was on it's was as my informant was calling. Roumour mill had all ages and sexes as the man in intensive care within the hour.
The steward on the road entrance was ready to run - he said the flash and the bang were at the same time - 300 yards or not he was scared.
Everyone though they would be safe with a 100 foot crane nearby - I think they now believe me after I said "Don't bank on it".

JK - being a notso minor deity was superb in the ceilidh - totally E-ceilidh - calling and playing at the same time. All his sons were there, two dancing and Benji doing a grand job.

All in all a fantastic weekend of dance with Bedlam on the sweltering Fri. I think I got through 5 T-shirst that night.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Alan Day
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 06:06 PM

Nice to see you at Warwick Folkie Dave
I agree with you on J.Ks performance absolutely stunning.
A star is born as well with Sally his wife doing a wonderful job in duet with John on base Anglo Concertina.Second time in public the first being the Big Squeeze in the afternoon.A really enjoyable evening with the dream team of Brian Peters (Who needs a medal for his performance in the main marquee during the storm)Jody Kruskal,
John and Sally and of course Chris Sherburn with Last Nights Fun.
I found it difficult to understand the anount of people leaving and rejoining the evening during the performances,but later realised it was the beer that could not be taken into the theatre and being so hot it was the beer tent that was the other attraction.
Al

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Folkiedave
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 07:39 PM

Thanks for that Alan, and you were undoubtedly correct about the beer.

I wonder if there is anyone who can keep us up to date on the progress of the injured.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 06:25 AM

Tina you didn't spoil my night however I was a teeny bit worried. Hope you are ok.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: GUEST,muppitz at work
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 07:50 AM

I'm ok, we've kissed and made up, or rather, beers are on him at Saddleworth!

muppitz x

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Les from Hull
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 08:50 AM

Yes, he always was a messy drinker!

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 08:59 AM

You been throwing beer on muppitz Jimmy!

Should have more sense than that surely

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 06:47 PM

Thanks to all who signed the Mudcat card on my counter. Great to put faces to names. Oh and ta for buying my lemonade too. Saturday afternoon's rain was fun. The noise in the trailer was very loud, we shut the hatch cos it was bouncing up off the counter and soaking us! Difficult finding something to do, trapped in there, while we waited for it to stop tho, eh Schantie? I can twiddle my thumbs faster than you, so ner! (x)

Sal

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Alan Day
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 02:17 PM

I am sorry to inform you that one of the people who was struck by lightening at this event has subsequently died.
A very sad ending to a wonderful weekend.
Al

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 02:43 PM

There but for the grace of God go hundreds of us who were there, and probably enjoying a singaround under shelter at the time. The Survivor Syndrome effects are strong, even when you are fully aware of it, so I cannot help feeling somehow illogically guilty and wanting to do something for the person's family. Do we know if he/she left any children behind?

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: r.padgett
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 03:56 PM

What a terrible tragedy

As George says it could have happened to any of us.

I am sure that all of us on the mudcat would like to extend our sincere condolences to all affected by this passing of one of our friends in folk

Ray

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 04:04 PM

How dreadful our thoughts are with his family.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Rasener
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 04:41 PM

What a tragedy. So sorry to hear this. It kind of puts a dampener on things.
As they say "There but for the grace of God"

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Folkiedave
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:28 PM

That is really sad. Mine and Helen's thoughts are with his family. It could easily have been us.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: skipy
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:34 PM

Been hoping against all hope since Warwick that I would not have to read what I have just read.
My thoughts are with the family, what a terrible end to a wonderful festival.
Also for the organisers, there was nothing that you could do to prevent this!
Skipy

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Alan Day
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:41 PM

I am sorry I do not have any details other than it is John Cross one of the helpers.
I keep thinking back to standing in the Marquee and looking out to the pooring rain.With the day being so hot and air less chidren were running about in the rain playing.I walked past a woman walking her baby in a pram.Many including me walked past the crane that was five foot from the path and subsequently the crane was hit by lightening.
I join you all with thoughts for John's family.
Al

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Edain
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:48 PM

Sad news indeed.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: My guru always said
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 04:55 AM

Had been hoping not to read this, dreadful news, my thoughts are with his family.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Ruston Hornsby
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 05:14 AM

Very sad news. I am concerned that it may be the John Cross who danced with Grimsby MM in the 70's - can anyone advise?

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Alan Day
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 08:48 AM

I can only commend the Warwick Festival organisers who immediately contacted the family after John was taken to Hospital.Arranged Hotel accomodation and did everything possible.
There were in total four people struck by lightening on that day ,all the other three are out of Hospital.
Al

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Rasener
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 01:17 PM

This is the facts about the incident from one of the directors, who is a personal friend of mine and was OK about me quoting the info below..

The people were on the bridge either going away or coming in when they were struck.

The Crane had nothing to do with the festival, it was to do with the a new building for the school close by.

The festival wasn't stopped becuase of the people that were hit. In actual fact, the wiring at the marquee was under water and posed a dangerous situation, so it was stopped for that reason.

John Cross was not a steward to my friends knwoledge.

This is not meant to cause controvesy, but merely aimed at getting the facts as correct as possible.

At the end of the day, it is still very sad and does put a downer on the event.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Pistachio
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 02:02 PM

All I can add is that the young lad was camped next to my van with one female and one male friend.
The mother of the uninjured male and the father of the girl were camped elsewhere on the FF site and came to pack up the tent and their belongings and mentioned that the youngsters had some family link. It seems the young woman was thrown against the bridge as the bolt struck her companion.

How sad.
H.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Col K
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 07:31 PM

The young man who died was at his first folk festival as far as I know.He died on friday eveningafter being kept in a coma for a few days after the event. When he came/was brought round he was found to have very severe brain damage and he passed away peacefully.
My thoughts go to his family and friends that such a tragedy should happen.
To the young man who gave mouth to mouth at the time and thought the worst on Saturday afternoon, sorry that your efforts ultimately proved to be in vain.You did your best but sadly eventually nature took its course.
The funeral has yet to be arranged.






He was not a steward at the festival nor was he a former dancer with Grimsby Morris.
The other 2 people who were injured are both at home with only superficial injuries.
Note only 3 people in total were hurt not 4 as has been mentioned.

Colin

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: GUEST,Ruston Hornsby
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 03:39 AM

Colin - thanks for that. The person who gave the mouth to mouth was a friend of one of my colleagues in Rivington Morris's band. I'll pass the sad news on.

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: Alan Day
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 08:55 AM

I am sorry that certain facts I posted may be incorrect they were given in good faith.
I understood that the Paramedicts treated four people on the bridge and of the four three were taken to hospital,hence the reason why I mentioned four people.
The reference to the crane which was about two hundred foot was mentioned as part of my point regarding that many people take risks in these freak storms,myself included.These cranes are usually earthed as a safety precaution.The crane was part of building work going on adjacent to the Festival site.
Absolutely no blame can be levelled at the Festival organisation in the way they handled the whole situation.In fact as already been said the total organisation of the Festival was second to none and that every precaution was taken for the safety of those present.
Al

Subject: RE: Warwick Folk Festival 21st-23rd July 06
From: RWJ
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 03:20 PM

I am very sad to hear of the outcome of the incident.My thoughts ar with his family and friends .

   Ron