Cleethorpes 07?

Subject: Cleethorpes 07?
From: LesB
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 11:17 AM

I'm planning my diary for next year (fitting festivals in around weekends of dance), & I see that Cleethorpes have yet to update their website with any 2007 info. Does anybody know if there is a problem with this years festival (owing to the prospective closure of the Winter Gardens venue) or am I just a bit previous.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Michael
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 01:01 PM

The dates are on the website so presumably it will go ahead as planned.

Mike

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: LesB
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 05:18 AM

Those dates have been on since last years fest!
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 07:23 AM

Yet another festival taking its customers for granted

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: gnomad
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 07:31 AM

Problem is that the premises on which the festival has depended for some years may not be available due to redevelopment. Until that is decided it will be hard for the organisers to make any proper plans, never mind publishing them.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 05:39 PM

Just seen it on the BBC TV news 12/02/07. The Winter Gardens Venue will definately close, in fact it looked like the film showed them boarding up the windows.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: LesB
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 05:56 PM

I wonder, will that mean no Fest this year?
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 06:07 PM

Bloody shame if it is....some of my best memories of people doing daft things at folk festivals come from Cleethorpes.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 06:15 PM

I guess it would be prudent to wait for an official statement from the committee.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: muppitz
Date: 13 Feb 07 - 07:40 AM

I echo that sentiment folkiedave!
My ultimate daft moment came at Cleethorpes FF circa 1997.
After a beverage or two me, mother and one of the scout leaders decided it would be a good idea to nip over the sand dunes and go swimming at 6 in the morning.
It was so damn cold that when I went for a shower I couldn't tell what temperature the water was, looking back, I can't have been far off hypothermia!

It'll be a shame if it doesn't run as I had definitely decided to go this year, the unease I felt at Chester last year leaves me secure in the knowledge that I won't be going there again!

muppitz
x

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 13 Feb 07 - 11:56 AM

Last I heard from the organisers was that they were still in negotiations with the Winter gardens management to let it happen before the bulldozers come in. Apparently, there aren't any alternative venues available.

One of my favourite festivals - fond memories of the good old days on the pier.

Taffy Thomas had a good quote about Cleethorpes: "Every artist does Cleethorpes twice in their career - once on the way up, and once on the way back down!"

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 13 Feb 07 - 03:02 PM

I just read about this on The Grimsby Evening Telegraph webpage. Apparently despite local protest the place is now boarded up and the staff (120 of 'em) are jobless. The Last Bags Ball has been held (don't ask) and that seems to be it for the old place. I sympathize totally with the people here who look forward to the Annual Folk Festival. Although never a fan myself I used to know some people who played there or attended.
Personally I played (Blue eyed soul) at the Winter Gardens in September 2005 and years before that about 40 times in various line-ups.
NO chance of using the Pier, I suppose. The Festival did used to be there.
Good luck, whatever from fB. Formerly of Cleethorpes.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 13 Feb 07 - 03:12 PM

Is the pier strong enough to take a load of morris men and people hurling themselves around in the Ceilidh.

I would want a health & safety check on the pier first :-)

The other thing is, is it safe when people have just heard a wrist slitting song and then hurl themselves over the side :-)

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 02:21 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rockhen
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 05:35 PM

My first memory of the Winter Gardens, is on my 9th birthday complete with lovely floral homemade long dress and er...sort of beehive hairdo...
Yeuckkk!
I have been to a lot of events there, including doing a couple of support gigs which were a real high for me. I hope the festival goes ahead, somewhere, even if not there, but it is a real shame if nothing can save the Winter Gardens. Is a little piece of history that I, for one, will be sad to see disappear, to the bulldozers. :-(

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: r.padgett
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 10:20 AM

I have some vivid memories of Cleethorpes

Trying to hit the urinal during a dance session!

The Rain, nearly every year ~ no honest real thunderstorms!! stair rodding down and falling over flat on my face trying to get back to the tent (not a pretty site I can tell you)

Father Kenneth, Swan Arcade, Monologue John, Paul Gough, Robin Garside, Pearce Butler and Steve Heap, Kath and Stan Compton, The Station bar that year Finbar and Eddie Furey started to throw beer at one another!!

Brian Lawton from Huddersfield, Mitch (Worksop),Brian Dawson
all of the Roaring Forties, Joe and Mo,

Carol and Alan from Scotland, Arthur Knevett, Dave and Julie Evardson, Sylvia

Remember Roy Blackman from Rotherham (the memory man)and Joan from Lancashire and her husband

The food from the Winter Gardens and Jimmy Johnson (I think that's is his name) who owned it

The front bar, the car park camping site ~ the Rain !!! yes again

All will be missed I fear!

Ray

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 10:31 AM

Maybe they could shift it for this year to Market Rasen Race Course

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Scrump
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 10:32 AM

My understanding is that the festival is off, having heard it from someone else, but I haven't seen anything in writing / on the web to confirm this. I've never been there, but it's always a shame when something like that happens.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 11:37 AM

Where is Oldgit - he would know.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: r.padgett
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 04:32 PM

O yes forgot Geoff Turner!

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 04:40 PM

Well I am going to go to Grimsby FC on Sunday to see Pete Morton, so if we don't know anymore by then, I will see how the land lies.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 10:16 AM

Hey Ray...
It was Jimmy JACKSON....the owner and manager...the man who never smiled...
Many memories of the Winter Gardens...and the pier before that...yes, It did sway during the ceilidh....
Do you remember Pat Neilly...wonderful fiddler who lived in nearby Humberston....?...playing in the pier bar with Finbar and Eddie and swapping tunes with Ali and Cathal....couldn't see across the room for smoke...

Hope the Festival manages to survive, apres Winter Gardens...,,but I can't think of anywhere local that will house that many folks...must be a real problem for the organisers..
I wish then well in the search.

Cheers from California

Pete

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: r.padgett
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 12:55 PM

Hello Pete

Yep the Pier was a real boozy place and characters such as Jock Manuel and Jim Eldon

The music was unbelievable and little pockets developed but you could nt hear others 2 yds away singing unless you were near to them!

Pat Neilly rings a bell

Also met Vi Conolly there a really nice person too (John was a bit frightened of her I do believe!)

Ray

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: oggie
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 04:24 AM

Pat Neilly was probably the finest and most generous fiddle player I ever came across. Played for the dance as well and always gave full measure to the tune and the dancers. Once saw him play for 6 hours at a Feis with only a lunch break, his playing at the end was as perfect as when he started. In the car back he was still saying "do you know this one?" and whistling tune after tune.

Sadly he died of cancer these many years back.

All the best

Steve Ogden

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Michael
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 03:08 PM

There is now a message on the festival website (www.cleethorpesfolkfestival.org.uk)saying no festival this year but planning for 2008.

Mike

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: r.padgett
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 03:10 PM

O dear!

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 03:54 PM

I think that was to be expected. Its a real shame.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Blowzabella
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 07:09 PM

Did it really employ 120 people???

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Michael
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 04:23 AM

I would guess they had 120 casuals on the books and very few permenant full tume posts.

Mike

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Carol
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 05:49 AM

Perhaps you could try Kelsall(Chester) or even Chippenham instead

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: r.padgett
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 12:39 PM

Chester is nice!
Kelsall
Only criticism is lack of camp site decent available food!!

Singarounds can be a challenge, tends to be musician/locals dominated

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: collierlad
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 01:02 PM

As an alternative, same weekend & not far from Cleethorpes.
The Norwell Happening

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 02:58 PM

The figure of 120 staff for the Winter Gardens was from The Grimsby Evening Telegraph.
As a supporter of live music, wether I'm interested or not, I think it's a shame when any event is called off.
I hope, but doubt it, that another venue can be found.
ATB from fB.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,Sandra Ennis
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 03:31 PM

Let's hope it'll be back in 2008.

We'll miss it this year.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 19 Feb 07 - 06:40 AM

After so many years of running singarounds in Willy's pub don't know how I'll fill the weekend this year. Hopefully when it is re-established next year we will go back to Willy's. Like Ray I have many great memories.....like the Wilsons and Alan Prior filling the upstairs room both physically and vocally....hand-pulled Willy's...and of course all the Willy workshops...and yes Ray I remember the rain. I'm sure you recall the concert when the MC (probably Robin Garside) announced "There are ducks swimming on the campsite"
Hopefully this is only a hiccough and we'll be back in full strength next year,though I can't think of a venue that will be as good as the Winter Gardens. Perhaps ,like other festivals,we are going to have to spread the events a little more around the town.
geoff

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,GUEST The Horse's Mouth -Sue
Date: 19 Feb 07 - 08:51 AM

I was actually the person who announced ducks swimming on the campsite and entering people's tents - remember it well.

Until the meeting on Monday 12th, the owners assured us they had not made a decision and there was a possibility that the Gardens would continue, or that we could use it for one more year. No announcement could be made by us before this time - letters have been sent to all on our mailing list.
There were 120 people employed - sadly these have all now lost their jobs and equally sadly, many of the guest houses will be hard hit; one already announced closure due to the lack of our festival and the many weddings and other events.

An equally good, but different festival is being planned for 2008 and yes, the Willy workshops will be back on! Offers of other venues (smaller, of course) have already been made. We're optimistic - though very sad. Thanks for the many messages of support.
Sue Houston (Knevett)

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Feb 07 - 03:13 PM

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,Mike Gott
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 08:15 AM

RIP. The fat cat property developers and the Local Council who allowed the closure and forthcoming demolition of the asset that was the 'Gardens should hang their heards in shame. I suppose the Council will be thinking of all the extra council tax they'll get from the people in the new flats. Short term financial gain, long term social and cultural loss once again. However, the many memories of the Winter Gardens will live on long after the names of these short sighted and self-centred people who have destroyed it have been forgotten.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 08:28 AM

A great shame - would've liked to try Cleethorpes & paddling!

Ah well, maybe next year.

Me & fiends are here at Whit:



http://www.chesterfolk.org.uk/festhome.htm

http://www.chesterfolk.org.uk/folkday.htm

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,Henryp
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 04:28 AM

Thanks for all the happy memories of Cleethorpes, including the luxury travelling by train to the camp site. I shall miss the smell of cookking wafting through the hall. I'm now looking forward to 2008.

I remember when the Wilsons challenged the rest of the festival to a football match on the beach. Victory for them was, however, assured. First, they had the larger team. Second, they appointed their mother as referee!

Henry

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: nutty
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 08:00 AM

It was at a Cleethorpes festival that Martyn Wyndham-Read renamed The Wilsons 'THE SWILSONS'. A name they richly deserved.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,The Horses Mouth
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 07:45 PM

There are protests still going on - the Chief Executive of the Council is George Kraciew and apparently he still has the power to stop the demolition - It's just come to light that when he was living on the south coast a similar situation occurred and he held a local referendum and then stepped in to stop the closure. He's sat by and done nothing and said nothing on this occasion. There's still a little time left - write or ring the Chief Exec - North East Lincs Council, Town Hall Square, Grimsby. 01472 313131. If the closure and demolition goes ahead they might as well put 'Cleethorpes Closed' on the approach routes.
Sue

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,chris
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 11:09 AM

sad tohearof the problems but thanks for the letter
chris

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 12:24 PM

Sue
i beleive his surname is Krawiec

and the durect number to his PA is 01472 324701

just trying myself.

les

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 02:21 PM

Very sad. I'll never forget finishing last year with all of us joining the Doonans for a rather previous Wild Mountain Thyme. There was a picture on the site for a while of Pete Coe grimacing with one finger in his ear, trying to block out my overblown whistle about two inches away. Well, it was the only way I could hear myself over that lot!

Mind you, I won't miss the heat from that kitchen! Hottest gig I've ever done, (and with the most unusual aromas)

Best of luck to the team and wonderful to hear the fest will be back next year. If I'm not working I'll be there as usual. Me and my lad's favourite.

Tom

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 03:16 PM

Yep I remember that Tom. What a way to finish. Wasn't that the one, where this lady got on stage from the audience and one of you was trying to get her to sing or something like that.

Les

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 02:50 PM

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 08:25 PM

Got a call from his PA today, to say that he was on other business today, but he would ring me on Monday.

Sop if you have any questions you want answered or points you would like me to put to him, stick em on this therad and I will do my best to bring them to his attention.

I will report back on how it goes.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: r.padgett
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 12:14 PM

I think the thrust of any objections should be the need for a venue which promotes entertainment to people who are visitors to the popular Lincolnshire seaside resort of Cleethorpes

I would have thought that Cleethorpes council had a duty to their residents to do all that they can to attract visitors bringing money to spend on boarding houses and pubs

Perhaps they are happy to see the demise of seaside establishments

I wonder what effect the writing of letters to the local newspaper about the NON attraction of visitors due to the lack of a decent Entertainment centre would have and the knock on effect to local businesses would have (the multiplier effect in reverse)

Clearly the only course of action would be to buy Jimmy Jackson out or to build their own, but can the town wait so long!!

Are there any other council owned buildings promoting live entertainment in Cleethorpes?

Private sector provison? other than Winter Gardens

Who is the local MP and MEP do they care??

Ray

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 12:25 PM

Well ther are 4 things that Cleethorpes has.

Theme Park
Swimming Pool
Cinema
Bowling Alley

My family uses those facilities

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 12:32 PM

Fish and Chips - Ocean Fish Bar, Marklews, Steel, and the one opposite Steels I can't remember.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 01:35 PM

Amusement arcades, beach, pier, sea, massive Tesco, caravan holiday park.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: r.padgett
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 04:46 AM

I do believe that you have all gone off the point

Nice that all of these are in place in Cleethorpes but they are not ENTERTAINMENT venues which could support a Folk Festival or am I as usual missing the point

Talk about shooting yourself in the foot and really nice to see the Yellow Bellies (Lincolnshire folk)defending Cleethorpes but......


Ray

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 05:23 AM

All of those things at Cleethorpes and no place to hold the Festival.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 03:00 PM

Just added this to my website today.

I went with my family to Cleethorpes today and took some piccies of The Winter Garden

The Winter Gardens Cleethorpes

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 05:28 AM

I spoke with George Krawiec this morning.

There doesn't seem any chance whatsoever.

To buy and renovate the building would seemingly cost in the region of 2/3 million.

Seemingly the permission was granted for private accommodation 2 years ago and there was no protest at the time.
They did try to list it, but that didn't work.

Anyway, his answer to next year was that a huge area will be created between Pleasure Island and the railway which will be an open air arena, which he refers to as the Arena, and should be ready by October this year. He thinks that would be suitable for next year. The basis would be to have marquees. The committee of the CFF know about this.

Anyway he is a folkie and loves folk music but there wasn't much point in pursuing the discussion.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 06:55 AM

This will involve a great deal of cost I feel and given Cleethorpes' record of weather! is an alternative which will need very large logistics of the magnitude of Warwick and is open to the rain

The ticket cost will reflect the on site temporary costs of:

food
toilets etc
marque/tents
stewards
security, fencing and other
guests
H & S
clearing up and cleaning


What about camp site and caravan and camper van space and proximity to activities? Distance to traditional boarding houses?

very labour intensive!!

I am not a liker of open field sites and the use of existing premises such as pubs and clubs would be my preference

the Arena would be best suited for very large events in the style of Leeds and not for a small event such as Cleethorpes FF which attracts a very different clientelle such as families, Morris men singers et al I feel

Thanks for your efforts Villan!!

Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 07:56 AM

Hi Ray
I am inclined to agree with you. The info I put above is what the guy said and is not my viewpoint.

At the end of the day, it really is up to the committe what they think is best. They know a lot more about it than us.

i thought first of all that when he mentioned the Arena, that it would be a building and enclosed. which would have been great, especially if the hire would be reasonable and could be covered by grants.

Les

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Sooz
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 05:40 AM

They are auctioning the contents of the Winter Gardens today. Does anyone want to buy a dance floor?

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 05:42 AM

Don't think it would fit in my home Sooz.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 06:02 AM

Hey, if there's a banjo stand going - it's Napper's! He left one there last year.

Tom

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 03:01 PM

If the upstairs dressing rooms toilets up for auction...........
I'll get me memories.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 03:58 PM

will never forget watching the John Wright band with the smell of steak and kidney pie wafting up from the canteen and the subtle clonking of cutlery in the background-those were the days!

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: r.padgett
Date: 04 Apr 07 - 03:42 PM

I have been reliably informed that the Winter Gardens is now a shell having had all the fitments including surplus banjo stands removed

The down side is that the proposed redevelopment has been shelved and so will remain a shell until someone decides otherwise

personally I would like to either a local authority of even a private initiative to restore the Winter Gardens to its former glory and even more

I cannot understand why a seaside resort such as Cleethorpes does not have a decent 'live entertainment' venue which is capable of hosting travelling shows, plays, musicals, dance, and all the other traditional sorts of entertainment of a general and family entertainment nature

Do the people of Cleethorpes such as Boarding house keepers and Hoteiers as well as the public houses keepers and breweries care that no one is bothered!

I would have thought a petition to the local MP and MEP or the council highlighting the death of this Lincolnshire Tourist resort is well over due!!

Ray Padgett

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,iain
Date: 02 May 07 - 11:07 PM

don't let it die suzy, it was my daddy's happiest times. coulda done with a decent piper though. love 2 abs

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,Robin Garside
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 08:44 AM

Hi,
I don't know if anyone will read this, but Cleethorpes Folk Festival 2008 is rising Phoenix-like from the flames of the Winter Gardens debacle and will be reborn from the 23rd to 26th of May this year! Anyone and everyone please visit www.folkfestival.f9.co.uk and book your tickets now to ensure a wealth of happy memories, great musical experiences, friendships to last a lifetime, and good laughs.

I have had such a good time there in the past, my kids have grown up with their years measured by 'Cleethorpeses', my wife has danced there as has my daughter, my son will be playing there this year, I'm so glad it's happening again.

But it's not about me and my family, it's about everyone who has contributed to this very special event over the years, whether performers, audience or organisers (especially organisers!)
Let's do it again!
Robin Garside.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: brassy sharman
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 09:04 AM

We will be there dancing and singing the nights away, brilliant it is back on.

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 09:09 AM

http://www.folkfestival.f9.co.uk/

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 09:13 AM

Here is the Link Robin. See your on :-)

http://www.folkfestival.f9.co.uk/

Les Worrall

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 09:20 AM

This will take you to the new thread for Cleethorpes 2008

thread.cfm?threadid=107804&messages=1

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: GUEST,landlord, lynton, cleethorpes.
Date: 04 Apr 08 - 09:09 PM

hi guys if anyone reads this, i have a fair sized room which cud hold shows etc if anyone reads this call me with ideas. 3 separate rooms aswell.
regards
martin
07912777819

Subject: RE: Cleethorpes 07?
From: Rasener
Date: 05 Apr 08 - 04:48 AM

Martin you need to contact the organisers
Sue or Mary
Tel: [phone] or 01507 462045
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

I have put your post onto the latest thread thread.cfm?threadid=107804&messages=9