Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)

Subject: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 04 Oct 06 - 06:37 AM

OK

Here's a link to the previous thread

Most things are now in place, you can download a poster and the programme from the Folkmusic.org.uk website

John Grey has volunteered to moderate one or more sessions - any more volunteers?

Still working on a caller for the ceilidh - suggestions welcome.

We may substitute another session for the advertised workshops, more anon.

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 04 Oct 06 - 08:28 AM

Well done Alan!! In diary & looking forward to it!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 04 Oct 06 - 06:15 PM

Heineken (sorry CAMRA fans)

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 05 Oct 06 - 04:42 PM

OK Bombardier

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: IanC
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 03:53 AM

I prefer the BROADSIDE myself.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Scrump
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 08:01 AM

Have they got Broadside there? Better make sure I'm not driving then ;-)

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 06:17 PM

Will ye have a drink? Yes, mine's a pint
I'll have a drink with you, sir
and if one of us doesn't order soon
We'll be slung out of the boozer!

Alan (after Waxies' Dargle)

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 04:38 AM

Am I right in thinking that Ashwell has a caravan club site? *wanders off browsing*....

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 07:39 PM

I am reliably informed that you are right, Hilary!

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: IanC
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 04:33 AM

Ashwell has both a Caravan Club site (Ashwell Street) and a Caravan & Camping Club site (Loves Lane)

:-)

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: breezy
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 05:24 AM

may I nominate guru to run a song session , she is very good at that sort of thing, keeping people in order and all that.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: IanC
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 05:33 AM

Some options for accommodation for the weekend.

1) Dossing down at The Bushel (limited numbers).

Mark has a room which he is happy to let people use free of charge. Bring your sleeping bag. Let me know if you want to use this option.

2) Hotel (Bed & Breakfast) in the village.

The Three Tuns has rooms available from £39 (single room) and £49 (double room) for the night. The room with the four poster is £69.

3) Hotel rooms outside the village.

The Sleep Inn at Baldock Services (Radwell) is a couple of miles away and does rooms from £50 per person.

4) Caravan and Camping Sites.

The Caravan Club site is at Ashridge Farm, Ashwell Street. There is also a Camping and Caravanning site at Loves Lane. Both require you to be a member of one of the Caravanning or camping clubs (see details).

5) Other options.

If none of these options are suitable, there may be others available. Please contact me via the number on Alan's website.

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 06:35 AM

Wonderful info Ian, am even tempted by the 'dossing down' option - with airbed of course. Would this be available for the Friday & Saturday nights or just one or them?

Breezy Dear: many thanks for your nomination, but I would only offer my services as a last resort really, they're very well organised as far as I can tell!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: breezy
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 06:37 AM

Jolly good

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: IanC
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 07:43 AM

Hilary

Both nights are available.

:-)

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 05:07 PM

Fantastic!!! Much better than the slog to the caravan site after hours!

Alan or Ian: Thanks ever so!! Could you please put us (me & Richard) down for the indoor camping at the Bushel for Saturday night only. really lloking forward to it *thumbing through song list for themes*

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 07:46 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 08:47 PM

"Weekend" into french.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 08:05 AM

"le weekend"?

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 07:53 PM

five weeks to go!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: IanC
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 08:56 AM

Right

One of the things that Mark needs to know (landlord of The Bushel) is how many people want Full English Breakfast (and a half) on Sunday morning. If there's enough demand, he'll ask his chef to come in special (otherwise I'll probably be cooking it).

;-)
Ian

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 09:24 AM

Ooerr! Hadn't thought about breakfast.... If others are having it then I'll join them, but otherwise not worried. Richard won't - he doesn't normally do mornings. Thanks Ian!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Essex Girl
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 09:47 AM

Alan, can I book a space on the pub floor for the weekend?

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 07:48 PM

Sure thing, Linda, and welcome!

You'll be sharing with Hilary (MGAS) & Richard and Simon Vogel (also possibly Kevin McGrath) so far.

Numbers growing.

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 19 Oct 06 - 02:35 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 24 Oct 06 - 07:32 PM

Anyone wanting "indoor camping" who hasn't yet let me know either through this thread or otherwise should get in touch as soon as possible. Space is running out!

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 25 Oct 06 - 01:33 PM

Keeping the flame alive

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Cathie
Date: 25 Oct 06 - 01:57 PM

I have downloaded the programme for the weekend.
Do I have to book anything for attending - listening drinking etc, without sleeping over - or just turn up?

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 25 Oct 06 - 06:30 PM

Just turn up Cathie - will be good to meet you!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 25 Oct 06 - 06:37 PM

Aawww! Fablious!!!

Ah knaah a few faces aalready and aahm pleased te be seein' yez again

Aah wez ganna gan for the indoor campin' an' aall but Mrs G-P (The Lovely Shirl) reminded uz that me nocturnal nasal thunder wad mek uz mair enemies than friends so we are stoppin' at the Three Tuns

Mrs G-P and me are 'discovering' oursel's again. Ye knaah, when the kids have flown the coop and ye've got time te gan courtin' again, so aah negotiated a fower poster bed - Heck! Wharra owld romantic.

Alan! Canny man for puttin' this together

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Scrump
Date: 26 Oct 06 - 05:14 AM

Sounds like we'll not be seein' much of yer down the Bushel & Strike then G-P ;-)

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 26 Oct 06 - 06:21 AM

G-P

I'm reminded of Jake Thackray's story of how he and Mrs T celebrated the departure of their last offspring to leave home by making love in every room of the house!

Snores are one thing - bedsprings another!

Boinggggg, said Zebedee

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Cathie
Date: 26 Oct 06 - 08:38 AM

Thanks Hilary - I am looking forward to heading up there.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 27 Oct 06 - 10:09 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 27 Oct 06 - 03:22 PM

Hadaway aall of yez! What with the Arthritis, Prozac, Ibuprofen, snorin', and everything else, it's aall we can dee te get through the day withoot any gymnastics an' aall. Boing the bedsprings! Me arse!

Ye will see us holdin' hands though!! That way she knaahs aah'm not in her handbag!

Ye'll see plenty of uz - Apart from Breakfast time becoz aah've paid for that but we'll be at the Bushell & Strike aall the time.

Aall jokin' aside, it's a bit like gannin' courtin' aall ower again but withoot the hassle - It's really nice!

See yez soon!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 31 Oct 06 - 10:36 AM

You romantic old thing, GP!

We look forward to seeing you both.

Aaaaaah


Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: IanC
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 04:41 AM

Right! ... time to get down to some sorting out.

Looks like the Norfolk contingent's a little reduced, but still half a dozen or so coming. One couple are staying at mine, others in Brin & Linda's house.

Alan, have you done anything about a caller for the Ceilidh yet? We probably need to make sure we've got one. Any callers coming? The core of the band should be there, but I haven't confirmed with anyone. Shouldn't be any fuss getting a scratch band together, though. Also ... is there somebody to run all the sessions?

Mark wanted to know how many people were wanting breakfast on Sunday morning. Perhaps people can indicate that here. I'm assuming those people kipping on his floor will be buying his breakfast (!?)

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 06:40 AM

If breakfast is on, then I'm up for it (not sure about Richard), but if there's not enough people to warrant it, I don't mind waiting till lunchtime!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Essex Girl
Date: 01 Nov 06 - 08:32 AM

I second that Hilary. I only seem to eat breakfast when I'm away.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 02 Nov 06 - 11:36 AM

Hoping to get to Ashwell for a progress chat with Ian C and Mark the Landlord this Sunday.

IanC - please see your PMs

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 06:42 PM

Refresh again

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: GUEST,harlowpoet
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 06:56 PM

Looking forward to it.

Simon

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 01:13 PM

Aren't we all ! Sorry we couldn't make your book launch, Simon, we were supervising our Sailing Club's fireworks.

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 01:27 PM

I lived in Ashwell some years ago and recommend a visit to the little spring there. It's in the centre of the village and anyone will direct you. It's a pretty village. I could more or less see the Bushel from my cottage (Swan House on the corner of Swan Street). We even held Peter's (Mingulay) 40th birthday party in the village hall opposite the cottage. Happy days.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 07:30 AM

Didn't make Ashwell Sunday because we have an ongoing domestic plumbing crisis.

Indicated numbers now 40+, with 8 indoor campers.

Still no caller, though. Working on this.

Calling Ian this afternoon.

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Scrump
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 07:54 AM

Do we need to register to attend? I'd like to come along if possible, but I'm not exactly sure at this stage when (no camping required, indoor or outdoor!)

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Essex Girl
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 08:15 AM

I'm still coming but will not need indoor camping now as I've had an offer of a B & B. If you can't find a caller I've got a set of dance instruction cards which I had when I was going to learn to call (I only called once)!!! If these are of any use I'll bring them along and then we can muddle through. A lot of people will know the dances anyway.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 08:26 AM

Hey Scrump, don't worry, just turn up if you can. Alan are just getting some idea of the numbers. See you there!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 09:49 AM

Re-Flush !!!

Jo-Jo

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 10:55 AM

Linda

Please bring the cards. If we don't use you in that role, I'll buy you a drink to compennsate for you having to carry them all the way to Ashwell!

Now heading for 50 potential participants fairly rapidly.

Looks like being fun!

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 11:52 AM

STOP PRESS!

George Papavgeris (aka El Greko) has agreed to run the Singers Workshop on Saturday 18th! If that's not a good reason to come, I can't think of a better!!

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Scrump
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 12:11 PM

That certainly is good news - count me in for that! :-D

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 11:12 AM

In response to a few enquiries I have received, although there is no charge for admission, if attendees would like to bring along a prize for the raffle (nothing too extravagant, a bottle of wine (or equivalent) will more than suffice.

Proceeds, as previously advised, to BBC Children in Need.

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 11:09 AM

Acquired at least another four attendees at Hertford last night, including a singer/guitarist who is also plays electric bass.

The scratch band is getting itchier by the minute!

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: IanC
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 03:09 PM

I've just e-mailed Mark to make sure he's got enough beer in ... wouldn't want him to run out, would we?

:-)

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: breezy
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 12:23 PM

why is this updown side?

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Scrump
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 12:26 PM

I've just e-mailed Mark to make sure he's got enough beer in ... wouldn't want him to run out, would we?

Too right (but at least there's the Rose & Crown and Three Tuns not far away)

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: IanC
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 05:55 PM

Mark says he's ordered in extra so he must be serious about the whole thing.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 06:19 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Ross
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 04:36 AM

Will there be balloons

and a bouncy castle?

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Essex Girl
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 06:28 AM

Help!! just found out that I will need the indoor camping on Friday night. Should be arriving about 8.30pm (depending on traffic from "Sarf of the river") I have calling cards (6"x 4") for 26 dances and will bring them all with me. Will also bring a raffle prize. See you Friday

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 06:37 PM

Cheers, Linda, see you there.

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: IanC
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 04:24 AM

Hi

Slight change of plan from the Ashwell folk. Dave Oldfield, bastion of one of the village rock bands Harley is leaving for Cornwall and they're playing in the Rose & Crown from 9:00 Friday night. He's asked the folkies if they'll kick things off from 8:00 and, as we're all quite friendly, we've agreed. Means we may be a bit late for our own ...

The Norfolk contingent is intending to be there in force, but only from Saturday evening as they've all got things they have to do Saturday daytime.

Alan ... can you PM me about your preparation plans? I may be able to help setting up etc.

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 01:59 PM

See you all on Saturday, will bring raffle prize. Safe journey to all those travelling!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: JudeL
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 09:32 AM

Yippee.   Have just managed to rearrange some shifts so we can come , for Sat at least, & if there's still space available to crash we could stay over for the Sunday too

Jude & Soupdaragon

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: breezy
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 12:49 PM

Have agreat time one and all, hope the weather improves

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 07:47 PM

Talk about "apres moi le deluge!"

Good turnout considering the weather, some fine singing and Harlowpoet was on great form! We even found some children to endorse the "Child's Play" theme.

Several Mudcatters, too.

Looking forward to the mass inodus tomorrow!

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Scrump
Date: 18 Nov 06 - 07:42 AM

I was hoping to come this lunchtime but it looks like I won't now :(

Mrs Scrump and the cat are both ill, and I've gone deaf in one ear which means I can only sing in mono :(

Hope I can still get along some time over the weekend - hope it goes really well!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 06:57 AM

Got home 2.30am after a lovely day at Ashwell, some of which I even remember - well, I did have to sober up to drive home!!

Many thanks to Alan & Ian & all for their hard work in putting the weekend together. Lovely pub & venue, friendy and accomodating hosts & excellent beer. Apparently I managed to try a fair bit of the beer when I arrived, which might explain my farcical attempt at Mary Mack - never again you may hear me say!!

Am sure you're all having a Fab time today, sorry we decided to get away early but a full day of clearing leaves is beckoning!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Cathie
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 11:39 AM

I did enjoy my visits - many thanks.

It is handy living so near. I finally found the quickest route without getting lost again.

George's workshop was very interesting - I appreciate having a hand-out to look back on during song-writing crises.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 04:36 PM

Lovely te meet up wi' yez aall - Mrs P an' me had a wunnerful time and will meet up wi' yez aall again at the earliest opportunity

Well done Alan & everyone involved in the 'puttin' it together' it wez fablious.

Aah need te knaah if Jude & Joh n Henry will PM uz so's aah can send him the words te "3,000ft Below"

And (sorry aah cannit remember yer names - The lady from Hornchurch what wez at breakfast in the Three Tuns and hor man!) can yez lerruz hev to words te the Sonny & Cher parody? Aah haven't laughed se much since me Granny caught her bbob in the mangle.

Canny people, aall of yez - See yez aall soon
G-P & Mrs P

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 19 Nov 06 - 07:57 PM

Guru did Mary Mack again later after two pints of water. All credit then.The second crack of the same nut worked well !!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Essex Girl
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 04:30 AM

Great weekend, but I must practice my limited calling skills. Sadly had to leave early to do chores only to find out that 1) I couldn't do the washing as my friend was there rewiring the kitchen, and the computer didn't arrive until 8pm. Could have stayed a bit longer. Thanks for all your hard work Alan.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 04:56 AM

Well done Alan.
A triumph.
Keith.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Ross
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 05:08 AM

Many thanks for a really enjoyable Sunday - well done to the organisers

Sorry I missed you Guru - I was sure I'd see you Sunday so I never thought about going Saturday

Whale meat again, some Sunny day

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 05:10 AM

Geordie-Peorgie:
Jude is JudeL & John Henry is Soupdragon on the Cat. Good to see/hear you both again!

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: IanC
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 09:02 AM

Hi

Thought I'd provide a little report of the whole event, from my point of view. Quite often when people read threads about events, they aren't sure of the nature of what went on and how it all went. I wasn't there all the time ... I had to sort some things out offsite (like Saturday's breakfast and Sunday's too, come to that, for people not staying at one of the pubs) and also had to do a few logistical things (like getting the Old Wild Rovers sorted out on Saturday and the band for Saturday night).

Friday night, the locals got a little delayed due to doing a 1-hour spot at The Rose & Crown for a concert. One of us was also playing with one of the rock bands, Reflex so he was even later getting down. So it was really nice to see that everybody had made themselves at home in the back bar and that the local children were enjoying themselves singing with us. Numbers not bad, especially when the Ashwell crowd finally got there. Loads of old friends, too ... too many to mention. The locals were a little surprised, I think, when Alan called a halt before "closing time" (there isn't really a closing time ...). We usually keep going and get a bit rowdy towards the end of an evening and it was 10:00 before we'd all got there so there didn't seem time to do very much somehow.

Saturday morning, I missed the first session because I was clearing up after breakfast. The second morning session was a bit on the quiet side ... a bit short on personnel ... and I was a bit bemused by the fact that The Bushel wasn't serving anything alcoholic before 12. Simon tried to get me a pint, but the best he could do was tea (whatever happened to Merrie England?). By the time lunch came on Saturday, people were arriving in significant numbers.

Saturday afternoon, I missed the workshops. Had to sort out accommodation arrangements for the band and got involved in greeting the guys down from Norfolk. They finally arrived about 7:00 but I was able to slip into the late afternoon session where things were progressing nicely.

In the evening, a slight hiatus with the meals meant that the Ceilidh didn't start till 9:00 so Hilary started a small session in the back bar, which continued on through the evening. Quite a good good move, this, as it kept us entertained while we were eating. It might have made us a bit short for the Ceilidh, though, had the Old Wild Rovers not been so wholehearted about dancing all evening. Despite Linda's difficulties with the calling, it was actually a great dance ... I've often played the Horse's Bransle, but I've never seen it danced before. Gets difficult playing the melodeon when you're bent double with laughing.

After the dancing had run out of steam (about 11:30), we joined the back bar session. By midnight, everybody was well stocked with drinks and had found a space by the bar. What had been a nice quiet session all evening changed its nature with 3 times the bodies (including the band) and we launched into a wide variety of stuff ... blues included ... with everybody joining in from both bars.

Finally finished about 1:20 am, though the Norfolk bunch went back to Brin and Linda's for a few drinks and carried on singing till 4:30.

Sunday morning, when I finally made it after breakfast, was another quiet session in the Restaurant. I had to leave to collect Liz from the airport but the Norfolk guys reported that the lunchtime session (which went on till about 4) was a beatiful, laid back, somewhat eclectic session.

All in all, more or less everybody had a splendid weekend. Total attendance unknown but, at its peak Saturday evening, we had over 50 people singing and dancing (not to mention drinking).

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 10:50 AM

I had been composing my report on the weekend, only to log in and find that Ian had already posted his summary, which echoed my thoughts pretty exactly!

It was a bit of an experiment, running for three days, but all in all, it mostly worked.

Having gone home early-ish (about 23.30) on Saturday evening, Lady Lanfranc and I scraped ourselves from our pit to get to the Bushel by 09.00 which I had scheduled as the start of the "Breakfast Session". It was a bit lonely until after 10.00 am and the take-up of the pub breakfasts was just four of us! I fear that "All Day Breakfasts" will probably be on the Bushel's Specials board for the next week!

The "indoor campers" just disappeared on Sunday morning! What happened to Harlowpoet? Has he been abducted by the Herts Poetry Society? We demand to know!

Anyway, to add to my longtime motto "Never ring a musician before lunchtime" I will add "Never schedule a session to start before 11.00"!

The "Old Wild Rovers" from deepest Norfolk were a decided asset to the weekend and the mainstay of the Ceilidh. The scratch band worked well without rehearsal and Linda made a pretty good fist of calling, in fact she was ambitious enough to call a bransle (which I understand is pronounced "brawl") thereby giving a whole new meaning to "a pub brawl"!!

Special thanks are due to Mark the landlord and his staff, who coped well with a heterogenous mob of folkies; to Ian, for setting the venue up in the first place and much else; to John Grey, who helped to moderate the sessions; to George Papavgeris for an instructive and entertaining workshop; to Linda for her calling the dances.

Here's hoping that we can repeat the exercise (with a few tweaks to the programme and the arrangements) sometime next year.

Oh, and we raised GBP150 for "Children in Need" in the process!

Thanks to all who came and contributed in one way or another.

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: GUEST,harlowpoet
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 11:36 AM

Thanks to Alan and Ian for organising a very enjoyable weekend.

I was unable to stay Sunday, and definitely left it on a high.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 04:50 AM

Final refresh for Mo and Keith

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 08:10 AM

I've just updated my website and included some of the pictures that Keith Deller took during the weekend.

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: JudeL
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 01:28 PM

Hi Alan, I just checked out your link to your website but I couldn't see any piccys from the weekend. Where exactly are they/ what do I click on to see them?

Jude

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Cathie
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 02:35 PM

Alan, your pics opened fine for me by clicking on the link. And I am in one of them!

Thanks for details of sessions too.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 06:08 PM

JudeL

I have just tested the link again and it seems fine! I plan to put all the photos on the web at some point soon - watch this space.

Cheers, Cathie.

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 02:38 AM

"George ?" in the pics is George Wilson!

Kitty

(Sorry I couldn't make it last weekend)

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 12:13 PM

Aye! A Shame ye' cuddent make it Kitty! It wez a crackin' weekend (even if aah didn't surface til aboot 3pm on Saturday.

Aah keep sayin' it burritz true! Yez are aall lovely people and aah cannit wait te see yez again

Mrs P keeps gannin' on tiv hor mates aboot Simon Vogel (Harlowpoet) - If aah wez the jealous sort aah might think he could be a threat te my marital status - But aah love his poetry an' aall!

Aah swapped him 3 cd's for two of his books and aah knaah aah got the better deal - His books are fablious! Get a couple yersel's

Gan On!! Ye knaah it meks sense

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: JudeL
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 01:44 PM

Have just tried it again & this time it worked fine (last time all I got was the program)

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 02:53 PM

I left on a high at 8.00am on Sunday morning cos I slept outside and woke up with cronick cramp. So I went home for a nice hot bath, and came back for the final singaround on Sunday. Cathy you are right, it is good to live close by. GREAT weekend chaps cheers.

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 07:06 PM

Someone left a cigar tin with flatpicks in at the Bushel. I had thought that they belonged to George P, but he says not.

Any claimants?

Alan

Subject: RE: Ashwell Winterfolk Weekend (Herts UK)
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 02:53 PM

Aah've got plenty of flatpicks but was there any cigars in the tin??

Aah'll claim them if there wez