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21 Nov 09 - 05:06 AM (#2770327) Subject: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman As the year trundles on towards 2010, Straw Bear looms on the horizon. Much the same as before except the procession route has been turned upside down. Tickets are STILL available for all events, a dramatic change from previous years when the events were sold out in October. We have even heard, on the grapevine, that there is still some B&B available for the weekend (15 to 17 January 2010). Never been known for 20 years. Note the date one week later than normal. Looks as though the recession has hit. Look at the web site, I can never get the blue clicky thing to work. Gan Canny Brian |
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21 Nov 09 - 05:21 AM (#2770332) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: GUEST,Mr Red http://www.strawbear.org.uk/ |
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21 Nov 09 - 05:22 AM (#2770333) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: My guru always said I'm so sad that we won't be able to Follow the Bear next year. Unfortunately this is due to the date change, I do hope that 2011 will be back to the normal dates? Meanwhile, I would definitely recommend anyone who can to go along and enjoy this fabulous weekend at Whittlesea. The dancing is stupendous, the organisation excellent and there are sessions in virtually all the pubs! There will also be a good Sing in the Boat PH, but I'm not sure if it'll be on the Friday or the Saturday. My other recommendations about the Straw Bear weekend are: Don't drink too much on the Friday. Wear 2 pairs of socks. Have a Fab weekend!! Hil |
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21 Nov 09 - 09:13 AM (#2770405) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman Hil, So sorry you cannot make it in 2010, we have put the date back a week one year early for a number of reasons but it will start to creep forward again as normal. Your singing will be missed, there is a real need to keep this aspect going as well as every thing else. Too many balls in the air, oh hum, retirement calls. Brian |
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22 Nov 09 - 05:45 AM (#2770978) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman Thanks Mr Red |
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22 Nov 09 - 06:02 AM (#2770986) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: My guru always said Thanks Brian! Am certain that there'll be plenty of singers frequenting the festival, we just need to keep pointing them at the Boat. I know that most of the other pubs have mixed sessions, but of course they're usually too noisy for most singers. Will definitely be there in 2011. Good luck with the organisation! Hil |
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22 Nov 09 - 10:46 AM (#2771098) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: GUEST Looking forward to it already. |
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22 Nov 09 - 10:48 AM (#2771101) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Mrs_Annie damn - the cookie monster stole my cookie! |
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06 Jan 10 - 03:06 PM (#2805130) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Fran refresh |
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06 Jan 10 - 04:33 PM (#2805197) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Mrs_Annie It seems to me that the date is right, as it's always the Saturday after Plough Monday. And Plough Monday is the first Monday after Twelfth Night, i.e. Next Monday 11th. Anyway, later in the month means we get more daylight. |
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06 Jan 10 - 05:43 PM (#2805242) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman Latest news is that the barn dance is now sold out. Cajun tickets and friday concert tickets are still available. The dance team schedule is now on the web site or soon will be Douglas is doing that. This part of Cambridgeshire has missed most of the snow so far but bring your thermals. The one thing we can guarantee is that it will be cold and take care on your journey to see us in the flat lands. The date is a great debate, some times we are before plough monday sometimes after. Gan Canny Brian |
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06 Jan 10 - 06:00 PM (#2805251) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Dave Roberts In the early 90s, when the Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival was in its infancy, a nice lady called Sadie Dean used to come down (or should that be across) to Middlewich on a boat called the Straw Bear and regale us with stories of Plough Monday and the Straw Bear. I don't know if she was involved in organising festivities or just took an interest in folklore and suchlike matters. In actual fact, its very probable that she still comes here every June, though I haven't seen her myself for quite a while as I'm a little out of touch with our festival these days. Does anyone know her/know of her and what she's doing now? |
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06 Jan 10 - 06:25 PM (#2805268) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: treewind Sadie is alive and well and still dancing with Pig Dyke Molly, and "Straw Bear" is moored at the bottom of her garden and and as far as I know fully functional. I've even been on the boat. I think she still goes to Middlewich when she can. She'll be at the Straw Bear festival. Anahata |
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07 Jan 10 - 01:42 AM (#2805502) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Dave Roberts treewind, Thanks for that.it's nice to know. I hope you'll remember me to her next time you see Sadie. |
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07 Jan 10 - 04:09 AM (#2805551) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: GUEST,Neovo Wheatman - what do you mean by "the procession route has been turned upside down"? Does it still start at the Ivy Leaf? |
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07 Jan 10 - 04:28 AM (#2805559) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: McGrath of Harlow If the snow is still around it should make for some great pictures - at least the bear should be dressed for the weather. |
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07 Jan 10 - 02:29 PM (#2805900) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: treewind There are three processions at different times of the day going in different directions, all starting from the Manor Leisure centre as far as I can make out. First one at 10:30, to the Market Square. Anahata |
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07 Jan 10 - 04:28 PM (#2806016) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: GUEST,Barry (Guest) The Straw Bear processions are all starting from the Manor Leisure Centre this year, due to difficulties with the procession crossing the main road, and the closure of same for a few minutes! Red Tape must have it's way! Again this year, alas, plastic glasses only! Despite all this, we anticipate a great day, as ever.Please pop into see us the New Crown, High Causeway, and enjoy a pint ofStraw Beer. |
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07 Jan 10 - 05:40 PM (#2806079) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman Yes it is all change this year we have agreed to take the A605 out of the scenario as far as possible and more streets will be closed to traffic. We will still visit places on the north side of the town but the procession won't. We are trying to overcome major safety issues. I will get Douglas to post a copy of the new map on the web site, (link further up this thread) but if all else fails get hold of this year's book when you arrive in town. The event has been altered and tweaked over the past 30 years but the changes this year will be the most dramatic. All we ask, is to bear (yuk) with us and give us a chance to trial the new routes. The Crown, the Ivy leaf Club, the Ram and the Delph Chippy (with the orange batter) will all welcome visitors on the day in addition to all the other hostelries and cafes in town. |
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09 Jan 10 - 01:02 PM (#2807568) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: GUEST,Eliza Will be bringing an African guest from the Ivory Coast to see Straw Bear. Hope he likes it! There are similar dances in West Africa involving a man inside a strawlike costume. Can't wait! We're coming from Norwich, hope the trains are running. |
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09 Jan 10 - 03:42 PM (#2807694) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman I hope so too Eliza and we hope the roads are clear as well. I would like to meet your friend from West Africa.I will be a Green Man on the day. Brian |
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10 Jan 10 - 08:44 AM (#2808181) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman refresh |
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10 Jan 10 - 12:14 PM (#2808339) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Mrs_Annie I see the map has been posted, thanks. But I can't see it shows which way the initial procession will go. It starts at the Manor and finishes at Broad Street / Market Place, but which route will it take to get there? Is the main road completely off limits this year? So will it go straight along the High Street? Would be nice to know before we go and take up position. thanks x |
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10 Jan 10 - 03:54 PM (#2808520) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman The route is fairly obvious on the street. When the bear leaves the manor he will head north along Station Road and turn left at the Butter Cross on the Market Place. He will then head west along Market Street then turn right into Broad Street to finish at the round-a-bout near Kelly Vision at the A605. From then on he will amble about until the second procession, which starts, on High Causeway at the south side of the pelican crossing. All procession routes will be closed to traffic. The routes of the afternoon processions will be obvious, we hope, to any one in town for the day with a map. I personally think the best location to see the first procession will be outside the Bricklayers but as we have not done this before your guess is as good as mine. |
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11 Jan 10 - 08:22 AM (#2808961) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Mrs_Annie Thanks for that, outside the Bricklayers sounds like a very good location ;) |
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11 Jan 10 - 10:25 AM (#2809054) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Mr Red wished I was there but with the current state of the roads - not so sorry now. I will be at the Chepstow Mari Lwyd because it is nearer and Joy want to go to Ikea in Brisel. Which suits well as they sell cloudberry jam. The only place in Brittain that I know of that does. |
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11 Jan 10 - 10:31 AM (#2809060) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: manitas_at_work We get get that in Edmonton and Thurrock. Both places are called Ikea. Funny that... |
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11 Jan 10 - 05:20 PM (#2809452) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman refresh |
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12 Jan 10 - 05:23 PM (#2810373) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman looks like most of the snow has gone for the moment, with a bit of luck we will not get much of the next batch heading our way. Here's hoping for a dry week end. The Bear is all set for action. I have one more day at work tomorrow then the real job starts. Safe journey to all. NB Just found out George Frampton will not make it this year, sad but sensible. Brian |
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13 Jan 10 - 05:57 AM (#2810753) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Mrs_Annie Let's hope the threatened rain keeps away. Looking forward to seeing The Bear again :) |
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13 Jan 10 - 07:39 AM (#2810794) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: My guru always said Safe journeys all, have a Fab time & hope everyone stays on their feet. Wish we could join you, but looking forward to next year, hope it'll be the 2nd weekend in 2011! Hil x |
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13 Jan 10 - 08:10 AM (#2810824) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: GUEST,Gadaffi Good! Dear old snailmail works after all - didn't see any post here for over a week! Must write to Ray Ellam at Balsham, since I couldn't get there either. I won't be in Whittlesey this year, either by myself or as part of the Mepal lads because of my well-publicised health problems. Hope no more pubs have closed in town since 2009 and you all have a good 'un. |
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13 Jan 10 - 06:13 PM (#2811305) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman Putting a little package together for you Gadaffi. Will have to post it after tomorrow's panic (joke) meeting. There are a number of regulars having to give it a miss this year, hope that is not an omen Gan Canny Brian |
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14 Jan 10 - 05:34 AM (#2811616) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Merek'n'Dary Hi Have just been speaking to Phil at the Boat Inn and its all on for our Song and Music Session on Saturday Night as usual. We will aim to start at 8.00 p.m. but need your help to get the session going as sometimes the locals are somewhat exuberant! Pete and John (Alhambra/Crediton Folk Festival)are already on their way by coach and anyone that knows their unique act of music hall songs will know we are in for some great entertainment! Well done you Strawbearers for making sure the weekend goes ahead! Phil reports that the snow has almost gone. Looking forward to celebrating the New Year in true Straw Bear style! Merek'n'Dary |
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14 Jan 10 - 07:59 AM (#2811686) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: GUEST,Eliza Thank you Brian, we'll look out for a Green Man on the Day! My friend wants to wear his African outfit, hope the rain isn't going to spoil things! |
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14 Jan 10 - 11:37 AM (#2811839) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 2010 From: Wheatman At the moment it is peeing down and the Director is having kittens. Life and Times at the schools have been great. It's starting to build up now perhaps a chance of a song and tune at the Brickies to night after the panic meeting. Brian |
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15 Jan 10 - 06:25 AM (#2812480) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Merek'n'Dary We'll be there later! Friday night in the Brickies is a must! |
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15 Jan 10 - 08:57 AM (#2812602) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: GUEST,Sarah It is not going to rain tomorrow because Brian says so. looking forward to a good one.... |
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15 Jan 10 - 09:00 AM (#2812606) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Mrs_Annie Oh, Brian, fingers crossed you are right. What do the BBC Weather Centre know anyway ........... |
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18 Jan 10 - 12:12 PM (#2814984) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Wheatman Despite the difficulties with the weather and the Local Authority's failure to provide the previously agreed road closure infrastructure the Straw Bear did dance on the street on Saturday (all be it one hour late). The Strawbearers wish to whole heartedly thank the 11th hour support they were given by the Police, local businesses and local voluntary organisations for rallying round to make the closure happen. They also wish to sent a big thank you to the musicians, dance teams and the thousands of public who with gritty determination, braved the weather and accepted, with good grace the delay and the resultant programme changes. It warmed my heart to see and feel so much support on Saturday morning. Brian |
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18 Jan 10 - 12:37 PM (#2815006) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: GUEST,Nick Hallam EFDSS I attended on Saturday afternoon - my first ever visit to the event - and although there seemed to be some confusion as to where things were in relation to the programme, helpful stewarding soon pointed us in the right direction. We had a great afternoon and saw some lovely dancing - unfortunately apart from generally enjoying the day, the only 'critical' comment I could get out of my daughter was that the Earlsdon side are all 'fit'. |
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18 Jan 10 - 03:50 PM (#2815190) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Wheatman copy of a reply to an adverse letter about the event sent to the Cambs Times set out below. Visit their web site and the peterborough Evening Telegraph for some great pics "I wonder what pleasures Ms MCFARLING gets out of life following her posting about the Straw Bear Festival. I also wonder what she personally does to enhance the image and the profile of Whittlesey and the surrounding area. I have spent the past 30 years of may life with a great number of passionate volunteers putting Whittlesey on the international map (mostly at our own expense) through our Strawbear and other related activities. To take her point of view to the n'th degree, all the major sporting events and major festivals (including The Royal Ascot, The Lord Mayors Show, Henley Regatta, Knotting Hill Carnival, The East of England Show and hundreds more) should be banned be because alcohol is consumed (in some cases to great excess especially drinking of over priced Champagne at Royal Ascot). The history of Straw Bear is quite clear. It is a celebration of the turning of the year conducted by the working man. What the Strawbearers have done is created a winter community carnival. The joy on people's faces on seeing the Straw Bear and his entourage on Saturday was a real tonic. Ms MCFARLING obviously does the correct thing and leave town with her bar-humbug attitude. If she leaves town on the day I wonder how she knows what goes on or is her posting hearsay? As far as the mess is concerned it is no worse than a normal Saturday night but the financial spin off from the Straw Bear Festival to others (not the Straw Bear organisation) is considerable. Brian Kell President Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival" |
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18 Jan 10 - 04:49 PM (#2815249) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: GUEST,Eliza (guest) My African friend and I were absolutely THRILLED on Saturday to be at the Festival. Everyone was so kind and friendly, and Ibrahima was invited to DANCE with the Red Leicester side, he'll never forget it! Thank you to all the lovely people at Whittlesea, I feel so proud to have been there. |
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18 Jan 10 - 04:57 PM (#2815260) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Wheatman It will be the africa tour next!! |
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18 Jan 10 - 05:30 PM (#2815290) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Mrs_Annie Well done to you all for making sch a success of the day, despite the weather and the local authority. As we happened to be standing opposite the Brickies when they told us the procession was delayed, we just had to go in and shelter from the rain. First beer of the day a bit earlier than usual but very welcome. The programme seemed to go a bit pear shaped but we managed to find plenty of dancing. I got a good view of the finale http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFkEJyWOQ3o |
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19 Jan 10 - 03:07 AM (#2815580) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Wheatman As you realsed this year the change of route was all new to us as well. Yes the programme could have been presented better and will be next year. The curved ball thrown at us that morning was the lack of road closure and diversion signs which the council did not organise for us as they said they would. Also it highlighted the difficlties we have communicating with the general public on the day. Thanks to all for their patience and understanding. Brian |
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19 Jan 10 - 05:13 AM (#2815645) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: JP2 How very perceptive of your daughter Nick H,Earlsdon Morris are "fit"including "Young Arthur" at 72! and the tubby melodeon player at 63!! I would like to thank Brian,Becs and the rest of the team for a super day despite the banana skins thrown down in their path by the local authority. |
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20 Jan 10 - 03:04 PM (#2816917) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Wheatman Thanks, I like the banana skin comment Brian |
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21 Jan 10 - 07:50 AM (#2817450) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: GUEST,Gadaffi Thanx for the straw, Wheatman! It arrived this morning. 2010 was only the second year I've missed since 1983. I'm trying to place the Doc Rowe photo, and can only assume it to be sometime during the mid-late 1990s (judging by my glasses) or the two years Gordon Newton drove me and Bill Francis to Straw Bear since I'm in mufti. I look suitably 'pleased' on the Abbot (was it taken in the Old Crown?) I realise that it was yet another year of change, so it was a pity I couldn't get up there. The confinement of the main events to the south part of the town is significant (to me at least) but understand that 'health and safety' is key to the event's continuation. Remember Moore-Smith's comment about 'Bumbledom' in 1909, eh? I also hear that the procession was delayed by an hour because of road closure problems (thanks to the Peterborough Evening Telegraph website. Read their blog file, one dear thinks it gets in the way of the motorist and is a drain on Council Tax resources anyway Hah!). I hope to come up again another year, but think my days of walking across London before 7 in the morning to make my connection at King's Cross is well over! |
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22 Jan 10 - 06:36 AM (#2818333) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: GUEST Tragically JP2 - she did specifically refer to the young dancers. Sorry. |
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23 Jan 10 - 04:06 AM (#2819184) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Wheatman Thanks Gadaffi, unless the water table rises above 4m we'll be on the street in 2011. Brian |
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23 Jan 10 - 06:29 PM (#2819888) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: My guru always said Any news on the date for 2011? Will we be back to the 2nd weekend in January? |
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24 Jan 10 - 03:59 AM (#2820087) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Wheatman Straw Bear Saturday will be 15 January 2011, the second weekend in January. It used to be the first Saturday after 12th night but the Straw Bearers seem to have decided to make it the first Saturday after Plough Monday now. I hope this fits in with your schedule. Brian |
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24 Jan 10 - 06:07 AM (#2820126) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: My guru always said Oh dear, actually that's the 3rd weekend & likely to clash again *sigh* I do so hate missing Straw Bear!!! Sorry, Hils x Who had set up a gig on 9th Jan 2011 in the hopes it would be a short hop from Whittlesey.... |
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24 Jan 10 - 04:07 PM (#2820541) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Wheatman You are right Hils. I never counted new years day which is a saturday next year ho hum time I retired Brian |
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24 Jan 10 - 06:05 PM (#2820654) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: My guru always said Don't you dare retire Brian, you're doing a grand job!! But I'll miss you again next year *sigh* |
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25 Jan 10 - 04:40 PM (#2821348) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Wheatman Well the Civil Service will have lost me by May the 1st. I am having a song and dance session for my 60th at the Brickies on 29th April (the actual day) do you fancy a song or two? I might get some singing in for a change. Brian |
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12 Feb 10 - 08:32 PM (#2837723) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: GUEST,Deepingsman A little late for a comment I admit (I've been away) but I must say a massive 'Well Done!!' to the organisers and local enthusiasts who made the Straw Bear a wonderful event, despite the 'help' of the local authorities. All I will say to the council is leave the people, who know what they are doing, alone to get on with it next year! They've been doing it for 30 years. As far as the one and only adverse comment from Ms.McFarling goes, she obviously has not realised the huge prestige and financial benefit that is generated for Whittlesea, and surrounding areas, by this internationally recognised event. Long may the Straw Bear continue to dance!! |
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13 Feb 10 - 04:42 AM (#2837925) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: My guru always said Hear, Hear Deepingsman!!! |
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26 Jul 10 - 01:58 PM (#2952603) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Fran Website not updated for a long while any news anyone? pics from 2010? |
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27 Jul 10 - 12:19 PM (#2953234) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Fran The George Hotel on the Square has now re-opened as a Wetherspoons. |
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27 Jul 10 - 01:03 PM (#2953262) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: LesB It would on the face of it seem good news, except that you've a snowballs chance in hell of singing or dancing in there. Cheers Les |
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27 Jul 10 - 01:48 PM (#2953292) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Wheatman The guest list is not quite finalised yet, contracts have to be returned. As soon as the list is complete we will get the web site updated. As far as pictures from 2010 go that will be difficult as I don't know any one who took pictures this year. We don't have time to take pictures as we are all running around doing stuff, you can imagine what it was like this year!!! We will try and post some new ones though. The Council said some time ago they will do the job properly next year BUT that was before the general election. The Straw Bearers still have all the kit to close the roads in store but it is a heavy job requiring a good number of fit volunteers. What ever happens the bear will be on the street on the 15th January. As far as Wetherspoons are concerned they will play their part in their prime location but we will have to wait and see if a session in The George happens. Whatever the outcome the Market Place is looking better already. Just the Old Post Office and Solicitors Office to go. Gan Canny Brian |
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28 Jul 10 - 03:56 AM (#2953671) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Wheatman refresh |
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28 Jul 10 - 04:16 AM (#2953681) Subject: RE: Whittlesea Straw Bear 15-17 January 2010 (UK) From: Fran It was very wet maybe that explains the lack of pictures:-) Was still good fun though. And yes the square looks loads better with one less boarded up building. |