Melodeon.net Forums
Discussions => News and Events => Topic started by: AnnC on April 15, 2017, 02:00:20 PM
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:||: Whitby Folk Week http://whitbyfolk.co.uk/node/16 on the bracing North Yorkshire Coast ;D lots of music and dance, melodeon friendly sessions :||: Morris men :M and beer :|glug
The first few days coincide with the 176th Whitby Regatta http://whitbyregatta.co.uk/ so there will be plenty of yacht racing, sea rowing etc. to watch and the wonderful Monday night firework display to keep non folkie family members happy.
Will post useful info. bus times, Dr's , Vets etc nearer the date ;D
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Yeehoo! Counting the days, Ann!
Chris B.
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;D I see that Steve Dumpleton of this parish is on the list of workshop leaders for this year :||: :||: Definitely worth going to, his workshops last year were great ;D
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Do you know when a provisional/working programme is likely to appear on the website?
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I'm there for one day with the National Youth Folk Ensemble. Well Well Well worth your time to come and see us. The show is brill.
And there's me in it for your nerdy melodeon needs haha
Benammi
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I'm in Isère at the weekend but hope to pedal up for the Tuesday - though I'll miss t' Regatta ;)
They never seem to publish a programme - extra money is made selling that. An 'app' was available, but I bought it last year and was very disappointed. Tiny, tiny script on a field of blank space and no functionality above reading the paper version. Had it even been a PDF ... I could at least have mag'd it up! No updates for late arranged events either so it got -ve reviews chez moi.
Flat session?
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Do you know when a provisional/working programme is likely to appear on the website?
(:) I know someone who may be able to find out, will ask and see what she can discover.
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Someone else will have to organize the flat session, we couldn't find any affordable accommodation this year.
Their attitude to the programme is nuts. Not only do they put people off by making no details of the current year available, they don't make previous years' programmes available either - if you could see that you'd know what kind of an event it was. (If that had been done, we'd have gone ten years sooner than we eventually did; not knowing anyone who'd been and living 200 miles away, we had no idea if it was going to be any good). They seem to have decided they don't want any new customers and instead will just screw every penny out of people who've been going for years.
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Their attitude to the programme is nuts. Not only do they put people off by making no details of the current year available, they don't make previous years' programmes available either - if you could see that you'd know what kind of an event it was.
I agree completely, Saltburn Folk Festival 11th-13th August http://www.cuttywrenfolkclub.talktalk.net/SaltburnFF/index.htm , not far up the coast from Whitby manages to get it's programme on line and updated/revised regularly so you can see where, when and who will be performing and plan accordingly.
As soon as the Whitby programmes are on sale I'll get one and post a potted list of melodeon friendly events :||:
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;D I see that Steve Dumpleton of this parish is on the list of workshop leaders for this year :||: :||: Definitely worth going to, his workshops last year were great ;D
Thanks Ann!
The Whitby organisers haven't yet informed me of what workshops they want me to teach. I expect that will be a good few weeks down the line...
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;D I see that Steve Dumpleton of this parish is on the list of workshop leaders for this year :||: :||: Definitely worth going to, his workshops last year were great ;D
Thanks Ann!
The Whitby organisers haven't yet informed me of what workshops they want me to teach. I expect that will be a good few weeks down the line...
Or after you get to Whitby.......
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;D I see that Steve Dumpleton of this parish is on the list of workshop leaders for this year :||: :||: Definitely worth going to, his workshops last year were great ;D
Thanks Ann!
The Whitby organisers haven't yet informed me of what workshops they want me to teach. I expect that will be a good few weeks down the line...
Or after you get to Whitby.......
Yes - that has happened before. :o
These days I badger them to let me know before the beginning of August at least.
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I've already badgered them about what they want me to do. Details are sketchy, but it seems as though I'll be running two Well Known Tunes at a Steady Pace structured sessions and a workshop on Tunes from the Yorkshire Dales.
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I'll be there both with Phoenix and with Dearman, Gammon & Harrison. Phoenix will be playing concert spots midweek. DG&H will be singing and playing (melodeons, concertinas & banjos) concert spots and probably session hosting at various times in the week. I may also be doing a moothie drop-in.
Cheers
Steve
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Wot, no Jew's Harp? >:E
SJ
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Wot, no Jew's Harp? >:E
SJ
Oops - sorry John. Yes, Annie will indeed be making mighty sounds from Jew's harps!
Thanks for reminding me......
Cheers
Steve
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I have visions of Annie, Johnny Handle, and Dave Goulder playing as a trio.
JS
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Lack of early indications of the programme meant I've booked elsewhere between Sidmouth and Shrewsbury Folk Festivals but I'll study the 2017 programme when it is published to give me an idea about what might happen in 2018. Hopefully there will be plenty of workshops as well as concerts.
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Their attitude to the programme is nuts. Not only do they put people off by making no details of the current year available, they don't make previous years' programmes available either - if you could see that you'd know what kind of an event it was.
Think some of the comments re organisation of Whitby are slightly unfair . especially the " They seem to have decided they don't want any new customers and instead will just screw every penny out of people who've been going for years" .
Yes it would be good to get an earlier idea of the programme , but as far a rough idea of what goes on it doesn't change all that much from year to year - you know what to expect and you can see the artists who have booked.
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as far a rough idea of what goes on it doesn't change all that much from year to year
If you've never seen ANY copy of the programme (as I hadn't until I first went), how does that help?
I have still seen no copies of the programme outside the festival, for any year, except ones I've bought myself. And no copy on the web. How hard can it be to upload a PDF to archive.org?
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I have still seen no copies of the programme outside the festival, for any year, except ones I've bought myself. And no copy on the web. How hard can it be to upload a PDF to archive.org?
Not hard at all, but I'm sure it is deliberate policy on the part of WFW organisers not to make the programme available on-line, in order to maximise their sales of the printed version.
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If not publishing the programme anywhere electronically is deliberate policy i think it will deter new visitors. I would certainly be reluctant to include Whitby is my summer caravan tour if I've no idea what might be on offer. There are plenty of other festivals that do share their programmes for previous years and in advance each year.
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It's not that they don't publish a programme, but you have to pay for it. I'ts the size of a small book so quite understandable imho. Also available last year as a mobile app, and I'll be surprised if the app doesn't continue with new content for this year. There are nearly 600 indvdual events in last years programme so it's on a different scale than most other festivals. The app is also handy because you get updates on changes to the programme, which can be very helpful if a venue changes, or an event has to be cancelled, or an extra event gets added. I found the app very useful.
They do publish a list of artists, here http://whitbyfolk.co.uk/Artists
And it looks as if they are developing a filter so you can see who is on each day. That's new.
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Them's my thoughts too Theo, I found the app really useful last year, and as you said, if you want to go see a particular act, then you know if they're booked, in advance.
The other thing you know is that whatever you desperately want to see, will clash with something else you really want to see.
Sir John
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An app has the great advantage that you can get the money up-front before finishing it, and then supply the bulk of the content as updates. It can also include hyperlinks to performers' own promos - people are going to look for that anyway, you might as well make it easy.
Anybody who thinks a download is going to compete with the printed brochure is delusional. Who would want to carry around a home-printed pile of paper that big?
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It's not that they don't publish a programme, but you have to pay for it. I'ts the size of a small book so quite understandable imho. Also available last year as a mobile app, and I'll be surprised if the app doesn't continue with new content for this year. There are nearly 600 indvdual events in last years programme so it's on a different scale than most other festivals. The app is also handy because you get updates on changes to the programme, which can be very helpful if a venue changes, or an event has to be cancelled, or an extra event gets added. I found the app very useful.
They do publish a list of artists, here http://whitbyfolk.co.uk/Artists
And it looks as if they are developing a filter so you can see who is on each day. That's new.
Thanks Theo. The app sounds very useful. And thanks for the URL of the list of artists. It's too late for this year, but I'll check the website to see what information is available when I'm planning my summer trip for 2018. Cheers, David
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If not publishing the programme anywhere electronically is deliberate policy i think it will deter new visitors. I would certainly be reluctant to include Whitby is my summer caravan tour if I've no idea what might be on offer. There are plenty of other festivals that do share their programmes for previous years and in advance each year.
Just to pick up your point David, I wouldn't let the absence of an advance programme put you off. It is a great festival. I have been a few times now and broadly agree with Theo's point. I think the sheer number of events and venues on offer is part of what distinguishes Whitby from others. I initially found it annoying too that the programme could not be seen in advance and it can be tempting to think "they" don't want new people to come. I am sure that isn't the case, it is just a decision on how you are going to raise your funds and they have decided the two small books you get are to raise funds by purchase. And I am so glad they are in book form as I don't have a smart phone!
I first went to Whitby because so many Sheffield folkies recommended it. As I got to know more how it works I like the way you can make it fit to your requirements and I have enjoyed going. It is in my view a real players' festival. I would therefore recommend trying a couple of days or see what it is like. Don't buy a ticket, but buy a programme and pay for what you want to go to, as well as go to the many free/contribution events like sessions which are all over the town.
M
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Just tried to install the app to my phone and I get "This app is incompatible with all of your devices." I have a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge running Android 7 (Nougat). Being a newer device I did not think compatibility would be an issue.
Stephen
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I know the developer of the Whitby app. I will suggest he takes a look at this thread.
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Please. OK I'm over 60, but I couldn't read the text on it, even with my reading glasses on. Crapp.
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I'm nearer 70 than 60 and have no difficulty yet reading the app text, by I can appreciate that an option to enlarge text would be helpful for many.
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Just tried to install the app to my phone and I get "This app is incompatible with all of your devices." I have a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge running Android 7 (Nougat). Being a newer device I did not think compatibility would be an issue.
Stephen
Running the same phone, no problems whatsoever. In fact I still have it on the phone now.
Sir John
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I first went to Whitby because so many Sheffield folkies recommended it. As I got to know more how it works I like the way you can make it fit to your requirements and I have enjoyed going. It is in my view a real players' festival. I would therefore recommend trying a couple of days or see what it is like. Don't buy a ticket, but buy a programme and pay for what you want to go to, as well as go to the many free/contribution events like sessions which are all over the town.
M
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Thanks for this practical advice/suggestion Mike. We've been going to Sidmouth and Shrewsbury for a few years now and they've become fixed points in our summer trip. Whitby is some way from the direct route between them but trying a couple of days there would be an excellent taster.
We like Sidmouth for the many and varied workshops on offer; I'm getting the impression Whitby is similar. Please would anyone that has been to both advise?
Cheers, David
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As I got to know more how it works I like the way you can make it fit to your requirements and I have enjoyed going.
I think getting to know how it works is the crux of it. This probably applies to all big festivals, but I think regular visitors, and perhaps the organisers, underestimate how difficult it is for a newcomer to Whitby to get to grips with it. After several visits I still don't know where to find sessions, and even the 'official' ones in the programme give no information about the style of music to expect, you have to know who is running them to try to get a clue.
Perhaps it doesn't help that I don't seem to know many people there to tap into a grapevine, and that I'm usually only there for a few days. The lack of information online makes it impossible to plan my limited time there in advance, so I seem to waste a lot of it. I usually spend more time dragging instruments around town in a usually fruitless search for a session than I do playing. It's probably me, but the lack of detailed information certainly doesn't help.
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Hi
I can understand a lot of peoples frustration but I suggest they are only seeing things from their own personal view,organising a festival of this size is a nightmare logistically and if something doesn't fit with social media then all hell breaks loose. I wouldn't do it.
Re new people coming to the festival,I will have a stall again this year in the Leisure Centre, any one wants info I will be glad to help,or point people in the direction of someone who can
My stall isn't hard to find,it was the noisiest stall in the place last year according to the organisers
Pete
Acorn Instruments
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[. After several visits I still don't know where to find sessions, and even the 'official' ones in the programme give no information about the style of music to expect, you have to know who is running them to try to get a clue.
It is hard finding an unofficial session you like due to the crowds present , but it isn't hard to work out the nature off the "official sessions" - I think if you see that Phoenix , Vic Gammon , or Dan Quinn are hosting a session then you've got a pretty good idea of what you'll get by looking at the programme - if not by prior knowledge.
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As far as finding sessions goes there are probably more ad hoc sessions than there are official sessions that are part of the festival programme, they come and go as people meet and get together. The one that is pretty much always on every evening is evenings in the Elsinore.
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I find the comparison between Sidmouth and Whitby interesting. Both are of similar duration and have a huge programme with a wide variety of events. Sidmouth publishes its programme on line; Whitby doesn't. Sidmouth's organisation is slick; Whitby's is less so. Sidmouth rarely clashes with a big regatta; Whitby frequently does. All of this ought to mean that Sidmouth is the better festival but, for some reason that I can't fathom, I don't think there is much to choose between them. Both festivals provide a really enjoyable experience and I would be loathe to miss either of them.
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I find the comparison between Sidmouth and Whitby interesting. Both are of similar duration and have a huge programme with a wide variety of events. Sidmouth publishes its programme on line; Whitby doesn't. Sidmouth's organisation is slick; Whitby's is less so. Sidmouth rarely clashes with a big regatta; Whitby frequently does. All of this ought to mean that Sidmouth is the better festival but, for some reason that I can't fathom, I don't think there is much to choose between them. Both festivals provide a really enjoyable experience and I would be loathe to miss either of them.
Thanks Bob, this is very interesting and useful, although I think it confirms that trying a few days at Whitby is the best way to start.
I came to your workshops at Sidmouth last year, are you doing some more this year? Cheers, David
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Good points from everyone so far; generally speaking, Whitby is a great festival. My wife and I go most years and we love it. There is something for everyone just about all the time every day.
I would echo and agree with the point made about the official programme - it is huge and perhaps impractical to post on-line. Also you need to be aware that things change at the last minute for all sorts of reasons, and to try to cope with this, the organisers issue a daily (paper) news-sheet 'The Whitby Wailer' throughout the week containing updates and extra information.
Others have made observations about the various unofficial events, especially extra sessions, which spring up during the course of the week as folk meet up and decide to do things. The best way to find out about this is to talk to people - don't be shy. A quick trip to the Leisure Centre (where the craft and trade strands usually are held) and/or The Spa and festival office will place you in the midst of lots of people who will know stuff.
As to comparing Whitby with Sidmouth, as Bob has said there is little to choose between them. Both are great. It is a few years now since I was at Sidmouth and perhaps it has changed somewhat but it used to be more biased to being a dancers' festival whereas Whitby has always been more eclectic (and it has steam trains). (:)
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........ and it has steam trains (:)
Enormous thread drift alert >:E ........ the North York Moors Railway https://www.nymr.co.uk/ which runs regular services to Whitby ;D
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Good points from everyone so far; generally speaking, Whitby is a great festival. My wife and I go most years and we love it. There is something for everyone just about all the time every day.
As to comparing Whitby with Sidmouth, as Bob has said there is little to choose between them. Both are great. It is a few years now since I was at Sidmouth and perhaps it has changed somewhat but it used to be more biased to being a dancers' festival whereas Whitby has always been more eclectic (and it has steam trains). (:)
I've been to Sidmouth for the last 2 years and have found plenty of non-dancing events. And I can see the steam trains at Whitby when there isn't the distraction of a folk festival ;). Nonetheless I think we might try to fit in a few days at Whitby in 2018. :||:
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I like Sidmouth, where I tended to spend all my time in either The Anchor, or The Bedford. I don't go to festivals for the concerts, or even the main acts, I go for the ambiance, and the sessions. Not forgetting the meeting up with old mates. There are people I haven't seen since my last Sidmouth, which was about 7 years ago, and I miss them. Sidmouth however, is a very expensive town, much more so than Whitby, where I also see old mates, whom I don't see at any other time.
Living in the highlands of Scotland as I do, I don't get to too many events, but Whitby is the best festival I have ever been to (So far), bar none.
Sir John
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I think if you see that Phoenix , Vic Gammon , or Dan Quinn are hosting a session then you've got a pretty good idea of what you'll get by looking at the programme - if not by prior knowledge.
But that's my point - with those particular names I will know what to expect, but other sessions are run by people I've never heard of. If a session is going to be mainly English, or Irish, or whatever, would it hurt to say so in the programme? The only exception appears to be the Eurosession.
Steve says there is a newsletter, but I've been for the last two years and neither saw one or even had its existence pointed out to me. I've had a look at last year's programme and can find just one very inconspicuous passing reference to it, very easily missed. It's another example of poor communication - I'll certainly look out for it this year. I've tried asking, but I've not found the festival stewards to be very informative about fringe events - but why should they be?
I'm conscious this may all come across as a bit grumpy, and I don't want to give the impression I have a downer against Whitby - far from it, it's a great festival and I'm thoroughly looking forward to going again this year (Wednesday evening in the Pavilion, Zesty Playford with Martyn Harvey and Albireo). However there are things about it which I find frustrating, especially as they could so easily be remedied.
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....Steve says there is a newsletter, but I've been for the last two years and neither saw one or even had its existence pointed out to me....
It's usually just a single A4 sheet issued each day. Many copies are made and are left lying around in the festival office and the craft fair, and possibly at other venues too. But often by early afternoon they have all run out.
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I think getting to know how it works is the crux of it. This probably applies to all big festivals, but I think regular visitors, and perhaps the organisers, underestimate how difficult it is for a newcomer to Whitby to get to grips with it. After several visits I still don't know where to find sessions, and even the 'official' ones in the programme give no information about the style of music to expect, you have to know who is running them to try to get a clue.
Perhaps it doesn't help that I don't seem to know many people there to tap into a grapevine, and that I'm usually only there for a few days. The lack of information online makes it impossible to plan my limited time there in advance, so I seem to waste a lot of it. I usually spend more time dragging instruments around town in a usually fruitless search for a session than I do playing. It's probably me, but the lack of detailed information certainly doesn't help.
I have felt the same about the difficulty of finding a great place to play, but, echoing Steve's point, talking to people makes all the difference. Not all of us find this easy, but spotting another melodeon or concertina is a great icebreaker, and I have capitalized on this in the past. I first met Tufty when I bumped into him wandering down a back street and stopped to chat about what he'd been to or where he was going (and a mini rant about everybody wanting to play like XY). I have chatted to other complete strangers who have been very friendly and helpful too.
I would really recommend the organized session in the conservative club at lunchtimes which is a great place to be able to hear yourself and have a chance to chat to others because there is more space than you get in most pubs. If you don't want to be seen going in because of the political implications, the entrance is tucked well away.. and politics is not involved once inside! But get there early if you want a seat. There is also welcoming session-playing at the Fishermens rowing club sessions.
M
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Picking up on a few points made in the last few posts...
Yes, I will be repeating the Melodeon for Relative Beginners workshops I ran at Sidmouth last year. I'll say no more about that here, because the thread is about Whitby FolkWeek, but if nobody else does so, I'll start a thread about Sidmouth in the next few days. Steve Dumpleton (freereader) will be running similar workshops at Whitby.
I'm not sure about Steve's point about the programme being too big to put on-line. Whitby's programme in 2016 was 82 pages long and spread over two bookets; Sidmouth's was 84 pages long but contained in a single booklet. The page size was the same in both cases. If it is feasible for Sidmouth to put their programme on-line, then it should be equally feasible for Whitby. Whether it is desirable to do so is another matter. I won't go into that!
The festivals also have differing attitudes to fringe events, including sessions. Sidmouth regards them as complementing the main festival and devotes a page in the official programme to fringe events, even though the festival is not involved in them and derives no income from them (except when somebody comes round with a collecting bucket). Whitby seems to prefer to ignore the fringe entirely: there is no mention of fringe events in the programme and rarely in the Wailer.
With regard to the French/Euro sessions in the Sailing Club, they are particularly discouraging. When the organisers were approached last year with a view to putting some French sessions and/or a bal on the programme, we were told politely but firmly that Whitby is a British festival and that they would not include non-British events on the programme. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are not prepared to highlight the existence of the Sailing Club's Euro-sessions. We' will publish details of them on melnet when Katy, Chris and I have determined how many sessions we can have, which will be governed by the Sailing Club's commitments during the Regatta.
In the past, there has been some truth in Steve's assertion that Sidmouth had a bias in favour of dancers, but that has not been the case for several years now. Sidmouth is as eclectic in its nature as Whitby...but it doesn't have steam trains!
I take Howard's point that programmed sessions at Whitby don't always indicate the nature of the session and one needs to know the repertoire of the session leader to get some idea of what sort of music will be played. But, of course, it also depends on the type of tunes started by the participants, which is impossible to predict - unless, of course, Pikey is there (no, not Delilah again!) Incidentally, there is a clue to the content in the titles of my sessions (formerly George Garside's) - Well Known Tunes at a Steady Pace. Furthermore my Tunes from the Yorkshire Dales workshop/session is more than likely to contain a preponderance of tunes of a Pennine persuasion.
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:D Useful links, will keep updating this post as I find new ones ;D
Buses ...... Arriva North East Buses https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/north-east/places/whitby/
Coastal and Country Buses http://coastalandcountry.co.uk/localBusServices.html
Vets ... Clevedale Vets on the Parade http://www.clevedalevets.co.uk/home.html
Becks Vets at High Stakesby https://www.vetsure.com/clinics/beck-vets-whitby/
Doctors. Spring Vale medical Centre http://www.whitbygrouppractice.nhs.uk/opening-times
Whitby Hospital, there is a very good minor injuries unit open during the day, http://www.nhs.uk/Services/hospitals/Services/Service/DefaultView.aspx?id=291988
Whitby Weather. Com .... http://whitbyweather.com/index.php?p=1_21_Webcams
links to web cameras around Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay and Sandsend and the all important tide times, the sea comes all the way in to the cliffs at high tide so please check before going for a stroll along the beach.
for anyone camping on the official Airy Hill Campsite ... there is a good Fish & Chip shop a short stroll away http://www.railway-chippy.co.uk just opposite the excellent First Inn Last Out Pub :|glug. Close by is Hewison's Butchers, Eddie will happily sell you small quantities of bacon, sausage etc. for your breakfast fry up and a few yards further up from the pub is a Happy Shopper grocers/convenience store for fresh milk, bread and everything else ;D
Still no news about the programme but will keep asking ;D
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Does AirBnB ever work for accommodation?
Whitby's programme in 2016 was 82 pages long and spread over two bookets; Sidmouth's was 84 pages long but contained in a single booklet. The page size was the same in both cases. If it is feasible for Sidmouth to put their programme on-line, then it should be equally feasible for Whitby.
And there are lots of sites that would be happy to host it for free (archive.org is the obvious place for past issues).
With regard to the French/Euro sessions in the Sailing Club, they are particularly discouraging. When the organisers were approached last year with a view to putting some French sessions and/or a bal on the programme, we were told politely but firmly that Whitby is a British festival and that they would not include non-British events on the programme.
I doubt if all the organizers share that attitude - it'll just be the biggest bully. Time to name and shame.
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"Does AirBnB ever work for accommodation?"
Yes. We had three bookings through them for our rental in Luxor Egypt, earlier this year.
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Um, maybe, but that's not very handy for Whitby...
It seems that a heck of a lot of the rental property in Whitby is actually owned by one person/company. Prices and availability reflect it being a cartel; monopolies have ways of making competition difficult.
Maybe Whitby Folk Week should just move to Luxor?
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That's no good Jack, we're in England till the end of August. But if they would care to change the dates as well as the venue; we might be in business! Haha!
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...With regard to the French/Euro sessions in the Sailing Club, they are particularly discouraging. When the organisers were approached last year with a view to putting some French sessions and/or a bal on the programme, we were told politely but firmly that Whitby is a British festival and that they would not include non-British events on the programme. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are not prepared to highlight the existence of the Sailing Club's Euro-sessions. We' will publish details of them on melnet when Katy, Chris and I have determined how many sessions we can have, which will be governed by the Sailing Club's commitments during the Regatta.
I doubt if all the organizers share that attitude - it'll just be the biggest bully. Time to name and shame.
My feeling is the French/Euro session in the Sailing Club is just right left as it is. Plenty of people get to know about it one way or another and the session is nicely full and diverse, with room for dancing on the dance floor in the middle. If it were to be advertised officially, I think there would be a serious danger of it being swamped and too large and noisy to be enjoyable, as often happens to other sessions, e.g. in the Middle Earth.
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I agree, Steve. The reason we approached the organisers to put something on the programme was because it clashed with the regatta last year and the Sailing Club, understandably, gave priority to regatta events. This almost halved the number of Euro-sessions we were able to have. We tried to find an alternative venue ourselves, but without success. Since FolkWeek clashes with the regatta again this year, we are likely to face the same restrictions again - but we'll do our best!
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I don't know what time you are looking to put things on, but remember that the Rugby Club is only used by WFW in the evenings.
Sir John
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Not trying a hijack, but is there any chance one or more of the Euro dancers could give simple French dance instruction while the playing is going on?
Chris B.
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It should be possible now and then, Chris, on an impromptu basis, if there are enough novices to warrant it. However, the session is primarily a tune session where people just get up and dance spontaneously when an appropriate tune for that type of dance is played and we wouldn't want to disrupt that too much. Many of the dances are simple and can be picked up by just watching other dancers for a couple of turns and then joining in.
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Not trying a hijack, but is there any chance one or more of the Euro dancers could give simple French dance instruction while the playing is going on?
Chris B.
I would be very pleased to do that. I always feel that a lot of players are missing out. Always more smiles on the faces of the dancers! Perhaps we could focus on teaching one dance each day? Playing for a bit of dance tuition should also give the musicians (those who don't want to dance) a better idea of how to adjust the music to best help the dancers.
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Good point, Theo. I'll be in touch with Chris and Katy later this week and will mention your offer to them.
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Thanks Bob. And I agree with your previous point. I wouldn't want it to become a dance workshop. Just enough help to give those who want to the confidence to have a go.
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That's me!
Thanks,
Chris.
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Our usual flat became unexpectedly available again. So we'll be there again this year!
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Due to a change of circumstances, it is highly unlikely that the Yacht Club will be available to host the Euro-sessions this year. This is sad news because for the last few years those of us who frequent the Whitby Euro-sessions have found the Yacht Club to be a friendly and welcoming venue with a relaxed atmosphere, a nice little dance floor and a good bar that serves food.
Chris Nash and myself have started the process of looking for an alternative venue, ideally one that could accommodate us between 3.00 and 5.00 p.m. with a bar and where dancing would be possible. We would also prefer one that wouldn't charge for use of the room, since those attending sessions do not expect to pay to attend unless it is on the Festival programme, which these sessions aren't. We have one or two ideas but these are either too far from the centre of town (e.g. the Rugby Club) or would charge (e.g. the Metropole).
I know there are some people on here with better knowledge of Whitby venues than either Chris or me, so I would be grateful for any suggestions about possible venues. Chris and I intend to visit Whitby later this month to check out the possibilities.
I also wonder whether we need to exclude venues that would charge for using the room. Do people feel that a charge of £2 or £3 per head per session would deter people from attending?
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Due to a change of circumstances, it is highly unlikely that the Yacht Club will be available to host the Euro-sessions this year. This is sad news because for the last few years those of us who frequent the Whitby Euro-sessions have found the Yacht Club to be a friendly and welcoming venue with a relaxed atmosphere, a nice little dance floor and a good bar that serves food.
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I also wonder whether we need to exclude venues that would charge for using the room. Do people feel that a charge of £2 or £3 per head per session would deter people from attending?
That's sad news indeed Bob. I hope you and Chris are able to find an alternative venue; thanks in advance for trying. Whitby Folk Week won't be the same without the Eurosession, so all best wishes for success.
More than happy to pay a charge per head per session, as indicated.
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Royal Hotel on West Cliff? It has been used occasionally by the festival.
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Thanks for the suggestion, Theo. I'll add it to the list of places to check out when we go over to Whitby.
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I'd be happy to pay that, too.
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As someone who came to it for the first time last year I would be happy to pay a small charge like this. What a great session it is! Please do all you can to keep it this year. Even somewhere without a bar would be ok if we knew in advance..
Mike
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And a completely off the wall suggestion - the auction sale room on Silver Street. Been in there occasionally and there is lots of room, and never seems busy. No bar of course!
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I would be willing to pay a small charge. I discovered it by accident last year but had to rush off to something else. This time I am not buying a season ticket and intend to take things a bit more leisurely.
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That's our family holiday week, unfortunately, but I'll be thinking of you all - making progress, meeting each other, trying instruments... oh well.
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Surely just about any family would find something in Whitby that would make for a holiday? Beach huts, Goths and vampires, vintage steam trains, sea fishing, kiss-me-quick hats...
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The favourite festival. In terms of Sidmouth vs. Whitby, Sidmouth of course has the disadvantage of not being in North Yorkshire. Incidentally where I first saw Moirai, a pity not to see them on this year's list of artists.
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You could try The Resolution, on the corner above the Elsinore . They have a room upstairs. Also, after regatta, upstairs in the Friendship rowing club in Church street. M.
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The Eurosession used to meet there before we used the Yacht Club - they told us to bugger off (along with anybody else who looked suspiciously folkie).
If the Folk Week office is going to be in the Spa again, does that mean the room by the swimming pool will be free?
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I seem to remember that May was using it for teaching clogging etc.
Sir John
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The Eurosession used to meet there before we used the Yacht Club - they told us to bugger off (along with anybody else who looked suspiciously folkie).
If the Folk Week office is going to be in the Spa again, does that mean the room by the swimming pool will be free?
I seem to remember that May was using it for teaching clogging etc.
Yes - May Cheadle was teaching her clog workshops in there most days.
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How about the Fishermen's Football Club? It has a bar and a large upstairs room. It's tucked away - quite hard to find - but it's up a gennel between the Whitby Catch and the Whitby tattoo and piercing shop on Haggersgate. Not sure if it will be an official Folk Week venue though.
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That was used for one event by the official Folk Week last year - huge space, it would be ideal.
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Some more good ideas to add to the list and check out when we go to Whitby later this month. Thanks, guys. I had never heard of the Fisherman's Football Club, but it sounds to have potential if it is not in use at that time of day by the official festival.
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The favourite festival. In terms of Sidmouth vs. Whitby, Sidmouth of course has the disadvantage of not being in North Yorkshire. Incidentally where I first saw Moirai, a pity not to see them on this year's list of artists.
...but Moirai will be at Sidmouth this year. >:E
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Chris Nash and I have compiled a list of possible venues for the Euro-sessions from suggestions made here and elsewhere and will check them out when we visit Whitby on 22/23 June. If anybody has any more suggestions, please let us know before then so we can add them to the list.
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Having walked the length and breadth of Whitby for the last two days, often in pouring rain, we have finally found and booked a new venue for the Euro-sessions. It is The George Hotel on Baxtergate, and they are giving us their downstairs room free of charge from 3.00 to 5.00 pm every afternoon except Sunday, when it will be 4.00 - 6.00 pm. The hotel is enthusiastic about us using their facilities and there is sufficient space in the room they are providing for a bit of dancing.
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Well done that man. I look forward to it.
SJ
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Well done Bob!
Does that start on Saturday?
Have a tune to celebrate. (it's in 18/8 and very fast but easier to play than it looks).
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Thanks, Jack. Yes it starts on Saturday 19th and there will be a session every afternoon until Friday 25th. All will be from 15.00 to 17.00 except for Sunday, when we have to give them extra time to clear up after their carvery lunch, which is served in that room. So, it will run from 16.00 to 18.00 on Sunday.
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Well done, perfect location in the centre of town.
Did ask today if the programmes were out yet ........ maybe in another few weeks .... ::)
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Well done,Bob. Having legged to to try to set up a flat session in previous years I know how much work is involved. Thanks.
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Is there any interest in having a Melnet meet again this year , and the now traditional melodeon session Thursday pm in the Elsinore , first hour flow and steady with pauses to chat ?
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It's absolutely mandatory
SJ
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Could the organisers … "organise" it a bit more. I'd particularly like a brief "introduce self" session, preferably after a few tunes :|glug and a pint.
Previous years I've had little clue who many people were, and the room/ seating/ numbers aren't all that conducive to trying to getting even a brief chat with everyone? :|glug
It'd also be nice if the organisers did something to encourage shyer members to lead a tune, (should they be willing).
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Organizers? We're an anarcho-syndicalist commune!
How do you see that working? Round the room introductions take forever and never get more than a handful of names into people's heads.
Shall I try to set up the flat key session again?
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Personally, I have never found the melnet session in the Elsinore very appealing because we are squeezed in like sardines along with non-melnetters (and non-folkies) who also, not unreasonably, want to use the bar. Can I suggest we consider moving to other premises where we could guarantee a room to ourselves.
A pipe-dream, you might think, but I discovered just such a place when hunting around for a new venue for the Euro-sessions. The hotel I have in mind was unsuitable for the Euro-sessions because the floor is carpeted and so would not be suitable for dancing, but since melnet dancing is a rare beast, the venue might suit. It is located centrally on the Khyber Pass and can hold a maximum of 40. The owners were keen to have the Euro-sessions and offered the room free of charge, so I assume they would be prepared to accommodate a melnet session (or two) on the same basis. The room in question is a café that serves teas, coffees, cakes etc. Its alcohol license is only for private parties at the moment (but we might qualify) and, in any case, they are expecting to have a full license by Folk Week.
I don't want to hijack an event that Pikey organises but, since I have already had some encouraging discussions with them, I could make initial contact, if Pikey and others think this might be worth pursuing. As of last Thursday,
when I spoke to the proprietor, there were no events booked in there during Folk Week. This might be because the new owners only took over in April and people looking for venues haven't discovered it...yet!
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I don't see any harm in trying that for the flat key session - Tuesday afternoon again, 1-3pm? There was nothing much wrong with the Golden Lion though.
http://forum.melodeon.net/index.php/topic,19157.msg233172.html
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Personally, I have never found the melnet session in the Elsinore very appealing because we are squeezed in like sardines along with non-melnetters (and non-folkies) who also, not unreasonably, want to use the bar. Can I suggest we consider moving to other premises where we could guarantee a room to ourselves.
Somewhere less cramped would be great, the Elsinore is a lovely venue but as Bob says does get very busy/squashed with people and instruments+cases. Trying another venue, especially if they're keen to have us could be a good move ;D
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Hi all
Having got my lovely Melodeon off Theo a while back I am going back to Whitby this year and am planning what to do Melodeon related. I already play the mando but would like to know all the potential melodeon related activity and sessions that are at Whitby this year. I see a few things have been mentioned in this thread already but wanted an overall 'melodeon picture'
I sat in at the back of Steve's workshops last year (before I had my Hohner) so would like to go to those and I also went to Bobs medium tempo session where everyone picked a tune which was great. Could anyone advise me on other things melodeon related that may be of interest as a player or to even sit in on? Keys don't matter for the sit in ones as I would still like to listen at the back. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
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You'll find out quickly enough by getting the programme and asking around. When will you get there? Drop in to the Elsinore, the Eurosession or the Board on Saturday afternoon and somebody will be able to tell you. (I'll be in the Elsinore, the Board or the Golden Lion on the Friday night - things often get started then).
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You'll find out quickly enough by getting the programme and asking around. When will you get there? Drop in to the Elsinore, the Eurosession or the Board on Saturday afternoon and somebody will be able to tell you. (I'll be in the Elsinore, the Board or the Golden Lion on the Friday night - things often get started then).
Thanks Jack
Probably arrive on Friday night. The programme is massive and does take a bit of digging through when I went through it and other things seem to happen outwith the programme so that's why I was asking. Incidentally Jack I am not far from you as I am in Perth.
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Hi all
Having got my lovely Melodeon off Theo a while back I am going back to Whitby this year and am planning what to do Melodeon related. I already play the mando but would like to know all the potential melodeon related activity and sessions that are at Whitby this year. I see a few things have been mentioned in this thread already but wanted an overall 'melodeon picture'
I sat in at the back of Steve's workshops last year (before I had my Hohner) so would like to go to those and I also went to Bobs medium tempo session where everyone picked a tune which was great. Could anyone advise me on other things melodeon related that may be of interest as a player or to even sit in on? Keys don't matter for the sit in ones as I would still like to listen at the back. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Phoenix (with Rod Stradling on melodeon) will be playing concert spots Tues to Thurs. It's very likely that they'll also be hosting a session, but I can't confirm as I haven't yet got our schedule.
Cheers
Steve
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Publicity material. Cut to business card size along the faint lines.
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OK, another version. This includes some suggestions from Bob. (The instrument is a Hungarian folk horn photographed in 1912).
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(:) the programme has got to the " proof reading/checking" stage so it shouldn't be too long before it's at the printers and an added attraction during Folk Week will be an exhibition at the Museum in Pannett Park ( reduced entry price for Festival Ticket holders ) on the old "Whitby Competitive Dance Festival " with some of the old trophies, photos of the dance sides etc. ;D
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...the programme has got to the " proof reading/checking" stage ...
Just wondering how you know, this, Ann. ;) Are you one of the proof readers?
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...the programme has got to the " proof reading/checking" stage ...
Just wondering how you know, this, Ann. ;) Are you one of the proof readers?
No (:) but a friend is one of the festival organisers and is very good at passing on information when she gets to know anything new
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No (:) but a friend is one of the festival organisers and is very good at passing on information when she gets to know anything new
Aha! Thanks, Ann (:)
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I've already badgered them about what they want me to do. Details are sketchy, but it seems as though I'll be running two Well Known Tunes at a Steady Pace structured sessions and a workshop on Tunes from the Yorkshire Dales.
I'll be about...
Cheers,
John
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Well, after years of camping, this year I have booked a B&B. It's not far from Church Square, so I will be able to drink alcohol while stewarding at the Con, Club, and walk home. Instead of driving back to the Rugby Club with my tongue hanging out, to get a drink before the bar shuts.
Slainthé
Sir John
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You could always take the campervan anyway and rent it out to someone else on AirBnB.
I wonder if anyone already does that? Is it legal?
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Any news on the Programme front yet please Ann? I need an excuse to come over to Whitby. (:)
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Might know something this afternoon if my friend comes to band practice :|||: she's not answering the phone so must be busy (:)
update ..... they're still not ready but I've been promised a text as soon as she hears that they are :D
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned in this thread, but when and where will the flat session take place?
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Last two years it's been Tuesday, 1-3, at the Golden Lion. I arranged it last time - is that ok with everyone again?
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Ok here. But you need to be clear with the staff and perhaps get there early to save a couple of tables. Thanks for doing this. I'm driving up from France that day but will try to make it. (:)
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;D just had a text to say the programmes are ready :M ;D hope to get my hands on one by Friday and be able to post a " melodeon friendly" list of workshops and events :||: :|||:
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Hi Ann - have you any idea when they will be in the shops please?
Chris B.
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Hi Ann - have you any idea when they will be in the shops please?
Chris B.
(:) they should be in the shops from this Friday onwards .... , in Station News opposite the railway station car park and probably in the Station Inn as well as other outlets. Will be down town Friday afternoon to try to get one for self and OH and another to post to the friends who'll be staying with us so they can plan their week before they get here :|||: :M :|
update. they're in town :D Station Inn, Star Inn and Station News ...... just on my way to get mine
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And if you have the app you can now buy the 2017 as an in-app purchase for £3.99
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(:) ....... after an hour or so's trawling through the programme ..... a short list of melodeon friendly/interesting events ;D :||:
apologies for any I've missed, lots of the evening concerts have some 'melodeon interest' too :||: :|||:
The festival office will be in the Spa, the Music and Craft stalls will be in the West Cliff Leisure Centre
Saturday. entrance cost
17.15-19.00 Spa Theatre Bar Upstairs. Music session with Bob Ellis. donations
Sunday
11.30-12.50 Rifle Club CD launch John Kirkpatrick performs tracks from his new CD. £5
13.00-15.00 Conservative Club Bar. Music session Alistair Anderson & Friends. donations
15.00-17.30 Metropole Ballroom Concert The Watch,Peter & Barbara Snape,Bob Fox,Windy Gyle £12
20.00-23.30 Whitby Football Club John Kirkpatrick,Peter&Barbara Snape and others £12
Monday
10.00-11.20 Middle Earth Melodeon Workshop 1 of 3 for beginners Steve Dumpleton. £5
11.30-12.50 Rifle Club. Village Band Workshop suitable for squeeze boxes/brass/strings/bass some music reading ability helpful. Dave Townsend. £5
20.00-23.30 Spa Theatre. Concert. including John Kirkpatrick, Rattle on the Stovepipe, Faustus. £16
22.00-22.30 Spa Pavilion Foyer Annual Speed Ploughing Contest play 2A's&2B's of Speed the Plough on any musical instrument as fast as you can. donations
Tuesday
10-00-11.20 Middle Earth Melodeon Workshop 2 of 3 for beginners Steve Dumpleton. £5
11.30-12.50 Middle Earth Melodeon Workshop some tips on song accompaniment Pete Coe. £5
11.30-12.50 Rifle Club Village Band Workshop squeeze boxes/brass/strings/bass some music reading ability helpful Dave Townsend. £5
11.30-12.50 Fishermens Rowing Club Anglo Concertina Workshop. John Kirkpatrick. £5
13.00-15.00 Middle Earth Music Session 1of2 well known tunes at a steady pace. Bob Ellis. donations
17.30-19.00 Spa Theatre Bar upstairs. English music session. Ken Watson. donations
Wednesday
10.00-11.20 Middle Earth Melodeon Workshop 3of 3 for beginners Steve Dumpleton. £5
11.30-12.50 Rifle Club. Village Band Workshop (as previous days) Dave Townsend. £5
11.30-12.50 Fishermens Rowing Club Anglo Concertina Workshop beginners & improvers
Andy Casserley. £5
13.00-15.00 Middle Earth Music session 2of2 well known tunes at a steady pace Bob Ellis. donations
13.30-16.00 Fishermans Football Club Concert in the English tradition Arthur Knevett, Bob Lewis, Peter & Barbara Snape, Ken Watson, Will Duke. £12
23.00-1.00 Spa Exhibition Hall LNE Concert. Mary Humphreys & Anahata,Pete Morton,Windy Gyle£10
Thursday
10.00-11.20 Middle Earth Melodeon Workshop 'Flying on One Row' tunes, styles & techniques in the key of D Intermediate & Advanced. Steve Dumpleton. £5
11.30-12.50 Middle Earth Workshop 'Tune Swap'. Frank Lee. £5
13.00-15.00 Conservative Club Bar Music Session. Phoenix. donations
15.00-17.30 Rifle Club Concert. Mary Humphreys & Anahata, Arthur Knevett, Jack Rutter £12
Friday
10.00-11.20 Fishermans Rowing Club Yorkshire Dales Tunes Workshop. Bob Ellis. £5
17.00-19.00 Middle Earth. English Music Session. Ken Watson. donations
what with all the above plus Eurosessions, the Melnet meet and pub sessions it's going to be great fun ;D :|||: :|glug
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Thank you Ann for all of this. I sent off for my programme this afternoon.
Does anyone know where there might be pub sessions in the evening that might suit me? I've been playing around 3 years so I am improver standard. I really enjoyed Ken Watson's sessions last year and knew a fair number of tunes even though I couldn't keep up with them all. Is there a session anywhere in the evenings which is basically English repertoire where I would stand a decent chance of being able to join in from time to time?
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Probably the Board, which tends to stick to fairly familiar material. The Elsinore has a rather idiosyncratic collective repertoire developed over many years and it might not be so easy to join in, but they'll welcome people trying.
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Please correct me if I've missed something, but there doesn't appear to be any melodeon workshops for two row players other than beginners. Is that correct, and if so is there a reason for it?
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Please correct me if I've missed something, but there doesn't appear to be any melodeon workshops for two row players other than beginners. Is that correct, and if so is there a reason for it?
My one-row workshop (Thursday 10 - 11:20) is aimed at Intermediate to Advanced players and last year there were quite a few two-row players attending. Previous to that I held an East Anglian tunes workshop for I/A melodeon players. But other than that, as far as I can recall, there hasn't been an I/A two-row workshop held for a frw years.
Each year, in addition to my beginners melodeon workshops, I submit a range of other workshop proposals to the festival organisers which includes a variety of melodeon workshops for different abilities. It is up to the organisers to choose what they want and they always seem to come up with what's been in the programme for the last few years. I agree it would be nice to have some more advanced melodeon workshops and it might be worth putting the suggestions in to the organisers. There are usually feedback forms and a receiving box in the Festival office.
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I filled in a feedback form with exactly that suggestion last year. I am going again this year but have decided it's not worth buying a season ticket as I have on previous occasions.
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Suggested this in the 1980s ::) Whitby changes .... Only slowly, but that is part of its charm
I'm there from the Thursday. Happy to meet informally with others for a skill swap session (and a beer), but when I offered same wrt singing with box 2 years back only one turned up, and then had to leave for stewarding duties :(
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My one-row workshop (Thursday 10 - 11:20) is aimed at Intermediate to Advanced players and last year there were quite a few two-row players attending. Previous to that I held an East Anglian tunes workshop for I/A melodeon players. But other than that, as far as I can recall, there hasn't been an I/A two-row workshop held for a few years.
Thanks for this Steve. Is there any point attending a one row workshop with a two row?
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My one-row workshop (Thursday 10 - 11:20) is aimed at Intermediate to Advanced players and last year there were quite a few two-row players attending. Previous to that I held an East Anglian tunes workshop for I/A melodeon players. But other than that, as far as I can recall, there hasn't been an I/A two-row workshop held for a few years.
Thanks for this Steve. Is there any point attending a one row workshop with a two row?
It's ok Hugh...it's only two one rows stuck together... >:E :|glug
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I'll bring my C one-row. >:E
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My one-row workshop (Thursday 10 - 11:20) is aimed at Intermediate to Advanced players and last year there were quite a few two-row players attending. Previous to that I held an East Anglian tunes workshop for I/A melodeon players. But other than that, as far as I can recall, there hasn't been an I/A two-row workshop held for a few years.
Thanks for this Steve. Is there any point attending a one row workshop with a two row?
Yes of course. There are usually more people with 2-rows than 1-rows. I'll be teaching a lot of RH technique - harmonies, counter-melodies, etc., so all just as useful on a 2-row box. Just so long as you have a D-row you'll be OK and if you have a 3-voice box with a low-octave voice, even better!
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I'll bring my C one-row. >:E
You can go off people, you know! >:E
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There used to be a guy who showed up at the bike shop session at Kirriemuir Folk Festival with a one-row in C. Which he would play along with everyone else regardless of what key the tune was in.
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[
I'll bring my C one-row. >:E
In that case I'll bring my G 1 row ( I did buy it from Steve). And after seeing some video clips of music/song sessions from a Suffolk pub in the 1950's it seemed to be quite a free for all as far as keys went.
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[I'll bring my C one-row. >:E
In that case I'll bring my G 1 row ( I did buy it from Steve). And after seeing some video clips of music/song sessions from a Suffolk pub in the 1950's it seemed to be quite a free for all as far as keys went.
Bring it anyway Paul, as it will no doubt be useful on Ken Watson's English tunes sessions. I'll try and bring mine if I can fit it in the car!
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I've looked at the programme for Thursday pm , and I'm sorry to say that there is stuff on I want to go to at the same time that we usually have our session in the Elsinore .
Hence I won't be organising anything !
I will probably be in the Board in the evenings from Tuesday , and plan to be at the Flat session , so I'll no doubt bump into a few of you then (:)
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I see they have changed the way that the venue I usually steward at, is run. (Conservative Club) Instead of a nominated MC, they are getting one of the guests to run each evening.
Every year, something different.
We shall see what we shall see.
Sir John
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If Pikey's not organising anything in the Elsinore, I could probably arrange a melnet session one afternoon in The George from 1.00 to 3.00 pm, if there is sufficient interest. However, we would have to finish at 3.00 pm because the Euro-session has it booked every afternoon from 3.00 until 5.00 pm.
So, is there sufficient interest?
If there is, which day would people prefer? I can't do Tuesday or Wednesday because it would clash with my Well Known Tunes at a Steady Pace sessions in the Middle Earth (I haven't seen a programme, so I've no idea what else is on at that time on Monday or Thursday.
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I think Thursday would be best for me Bob. I'll just have to make sure I remember to bring two boxes, as well as my fiddle. Ah well, at least it's downhill all the way from Cliff Street!
Regards,
Chris B.
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Thursday's fine here too :D :|||: .... sorry can't check programme just now, on way to pick up OH's newly restored 1930's Banjo ;D
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If Pikey's not organising anything in the Elsinore, I could probably arrange a melnet session one afternoon in The George from 1.00 to 3.00 pm, if there is sufficient interest. However, we would have to finish at 3.00 pm because the Euro-session has it booked every afternoon from 3.00 until 5.00 pm.
So, is there sufficient interest?
If there is, which day would people prefer? I can't do Tuesday or Wednesday because it would clash with my Well Known Tunes at a Steady Pace sessions in the Middle Earth (I haven't seen a programme, so I've no idea what else is on at that time on Monday or Thursday.
The slight difficulty is it prevents anyone coming in early to get a seat for the eurosession.
And then the logistics of getting the first lot out... Sorry to sound negative. Maybe half an hour earlier for the slot?
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Does it have to be organised by Pikey, to be in the Elsinore?
Sir John
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Does it have to be organised by Pikey, to be in the Elsinore?
No it doesn't, but The Elsinore is usually heaving. It is difficult to get a seat and impossible to get a comfortable one. This wouldn't be a problem in The George because we could have the cellar bar to ourselves, with plenty of room and a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. but if people prefer The Elsinore....
Mike makes a valid point about allowing time to change over from the melnet session to the Euro-session, so, if we decide we want a melnet session in The George, 12.30 - 2.30 might be a better time slot, If Euro-sessioners arrive early, there is plenty of room for them to have a drink and a chat in the very large main bar.
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I would vote for the George, Elsinore has been very crowded at recent Melnet sessions, (also puts me on the spot for the Euro session ;D).
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I was thinking more of the climb up that bloody hill. (It's me age guv' )
SJ
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I was thinking more of the climb up that bloody hill. (It's me age guv' )
SJ
??? The George isn't up the hill - it's opposite the railway station and the Coliseum Centre! ???
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Bob and anyone else who knows both: would you prefer the basement of the George or the back room of the Golden Lion for the flat key session, assuming the time is 1pm-3pm on Tuesday as before?
The Golden Lion was big enough (just), but for me at least, not having to move pubs for the Eurosession would be a plus.
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I was thinking more of the climb up that bloody hill. (It's me age guv' )
SJ
??? The George isn't up the hill - it's opposite the railway station and the Coliseum Centre! ???
This I know, but my digs are up the hill, and so is the Con Club, where I steward.
SJ
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I would vote for the George, Elsinore has been very crowded at recent Melnet sessions, (also puts me on the spot for the Euro session ;D).
That's because lots of Melnetters turned up ......
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Bob and anyone else who knows both: would you prefer the basement of the George or the back room of the Golden Lion for the flat key session, assuming the time is 1pm-3pm on Tuesday as before?
The Golden Lion was big enough (just), but for me at least, not having to move pubs for the Eurosession would be a plus.
Either is ok for me .
Btw , what keys do they play in at the Euro session ? Do I need a GC box as well as the DG and BbEb?
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GC is the commonest kind of melodeon for French music, and there are a heck of a lot of tunes in A minor. So I'd say bring it if you've got it.
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Most of the melodeons that turn up are D/G but also some G/C and C/F. Hurdy gurdies tend towards odd keys!
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I wish my Streb had arrived ...... ;)
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"some day my Streb may come" ... A lot better song than some I might mention! >:E
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I wish my Streb had arrived ...... ;)
Me too, another whole year to go! :(
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The English Music Sessions I will be hosting at Whitby Folk Week 2017 are...
Sat 19th Aug 1.00 - 3.00pm Middle Earth
Tues 22nd Aug 5.30 - 7.00pm Spa Theatre Bar - Upstairs
Fri 25th Aug 5.00 - 7.00pm Middle Earth
See you there? :||:
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And I'll be involved in the following Whitby sessions:
Monday at 1300 - Dearman, Gammon & Harrison at the Middle Earth (tunes & songs) - event 182
Tuesday at 1400 - Dearman, Gammon & Harrison at the Star (singaround) - event 294
Thursday at 1300 - Phoenix (inc Rod Stradling) at the Conservative Club bar (tunes) - event 483
In addition:
Annie Dearman, Vic Gammon & Steve Harrison will be doing concert spots on Saturday, Sunday & Monday (events 33, 106, 124, 217)
Phoenix will be doing concert spots on Tues, Weds & Thurs (events 300, 320, 422, 483 & 518)
Cheers
Steve
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I'm not sensing much enthusiasm for a melnet get-together. Perhaps there is just too much else on and maybe we should leave it for this year??
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Well I'd like to see one happen.
SJ
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I'm not sensing much enthusiasm for a melnet get-together. Perhaps there is just too much else on and maybe we should leave it for this year??
It is a tricky balance...there is such a lot going on.... I will try and go if it is on, but would be keen to have a bit more time to talk and socialize rather than play all the time. (I can do that anywhere else and without a richesse of melodeons!).
M
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Yes, Mike, I agree entirely about the opportunity to talk. It is one of the reasons why I suggested holding it in The George, which is conducive to talking as well as playing, rather than The Elsinore, where it is difficult to talk.
I phoned The George today to check that it is still available on Thursday from 12.30 to 2.45, but the person I need to speak to wasn't there. Apparently, she will be on duty from 11.00 tomorrow, so I'll confirm things one way or another after I have spoken to her.
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OK, folks, it's booked! A Whitby melnet meeting will take place in the cellar bar of The George Inn, 38 Baxtergate, on Thursday from 12.30 to 14.45. I'll be there and I hope other melnetters will join me for a chat and to play a few tunes. If Pikey can't make it, Delilah may not happen. :o
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Why why why?
SJ
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Diary duly noted. :||:
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Ebor fiddler will play Delilah on my behalf (:)
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So has anybody rounded up all the melodeon events into a readable format?
Sir John
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Add: flat key session, Tuesday 22nd, cellar bar of the George Hotel, 1pm to 3pm.
Not just melodeons - clarinets, saxes, brass...
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BTW. When I mentioned on the WFW FB page, that it might be a good idea to be able to select events by instrument. I was told that this is being worked on, at the moment.
Sir John
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Shaky egg Events ??
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There'll be repercussions Pikey.
SJ
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Just back home from Whitby Folk Week 2017.
What a fabulous week! As good as any I can remember. It was lovely to meet up with so many old friends and make new ones too.
Great sessions with brilliant music! The mid-week thunderstorm was spectacular but fortunately short-lived, and otherwise we were blessed with dry and mostly sunny weather.
Many thanks to all who came to my melodeon workshops and who made such lovely comments. Even one of the folk week organisers was impressed, so I must be doing something right. :Ph
Also, a great chance to try out the very fine new Castagnari 'Jilly' on the Acorn Instruments trade stand (covered in another thread).
Hope you all got back home safely...
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It certainly was a spectacular storm - I was in it! I got so completely soaked, that I went into the wrong workshop and didn't notice until somebody handed me a page of sheet music which was far more simple than I expected. It turned out that I had gone into a workshop on arrangement - which i thoroughly enjoyed and found very helpful. The best bits for me were the Euro Sessions, which finally ran out last night in The Middle Earth and was extremely enjoyable.
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As usual after Whitby I am tempted to never pick up a melodeon again, having spent a week surrounded by such a wealth of talented people. No doubt this will soon wear off! High spots for me were Steve's one row workshop and some outstanding playing in the Elsinor and the Board, along with the Euro sessions. It was a pity so few made it to the melnet session but half the usual suspects were with me at the Phoenix session. A question did emerge on session etiquette - is the increasing trend for shouting "change" etc a good thing or should people listen to each other enough to tell when the tune changes? Discuss >:E
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I avoid shouting "change" like the plague. A simple "hup" will suffice or better still, make eye contact with the principal players.
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I avoid shouting "change" like the plague. A simple "hup" will suffice or better still, make eye contact with the principal players.
Agreed (though I tend to use 'ay'). I work on the basis that the tune leader should only need to communicate that something (change of tune/ end of set) is about to happen; it's then up to others to listen out for what will happen.
Cheers
Steve
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"I avoid shouting "change" like the plague. A simple "hup" will suffice"
I don't expect to ever be in the position to utilise the advice (?) here, but surely any vocalisation should at least be understandable? And "change" is certainly that, whereas "hup" could easily be mistaken for some sort of vocal "tic"! I cannot see why a nonsensical word should be preferred over a "real" word, if, indeed, a word is required? Mind you, the whole situation sounds quite disorganised and difficult to manage without some sort of definite instruction or agreed formula, even Rees's making "eye contact" sounds like a recipe for disaster to me (the ignorant contributor; I know!).
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I know 'hup' is commonly used in Irish sessions - I've always yelled 'change' simply it means what I say ! Sometimes the standard three times through doesn't feel right, so 'one more time' is useful. Practically, it took me years to learn to talk and play at the same time anyway so I reckon saying anything is an achievement... ::)
J
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"Change", "Hup", or nothing?
I find it depends upon the session size,dynamics and where in the room I am.
At Whitby, I played in the Board a few lunchtimes and evenings and those sessions were populated by people who listened and followed. Friday evening's session in particular was a lovely mix of tunes and instruments, and I don't recall Messrs Hup and Change being mentioned once :)
The two sessions I went to in Middle Earth were different, lots of instruments, poor acoustics if you were not in the middle, and lots of people playing and not listening. Some people played single tunes, usually 3 times through, but sometimes 2 or 4, some played tune sets. On both occasions, I felt a quick shout was a useful nudge to get people listening for my forthcoming tune change.
'tis horses for courses.......
PS Due to my duties playing for a team (Rumworth), I missed all the Melnet-flagged sessions (meet up, Flat, Euro). I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to put more faces to names. For those in the Board, I was playing either my Oakwood Dino or my Lilly. A belated 'Hi' to everyone :)
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. A question did emerge on session etiquette - is the increasing trend for shouting "change" etc a good thing or should people listen to each other enough to tell when the tune changes? Discuss >:E
Normally eye contact will do but I think Whitby sessions are an exception - with 30+ melodeons all playing at once I think shouting change or leaping up and down is acceptable and preferable to tunes getting out of sync.
Agree with all previous comments about how great Whitby 2017 was , and would like to thank Steve D and Bob Ellis for their stand out workshops on 1 row technique and Yorkshire Dales tunes.
See you all next year
Paul
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Whitby was great, but I'm ready for a rest! Not much chance of that, though, with family and museum commitments during the week and then Settle Folk Festival next weekend.
Thanks to all who came to my workshops and sessions. I hope you enjoyed them. The new venue for the Euro-sessions worked well; they were well attended and there was a good atmosphere. Chris and I will be reviewing the sessions over the next few days, so please PM me with any feedback - positive or negative.
I enjoyed Steve's one-row workshop and must find time to add Dick Iris's Hornpipe to my repertoire.
The melnet meeting was small, but it was nice to be in a venue where we could chat and play tunes in a relaxed environment. Nevertheless, I wonder whether the Whitby and Sidmouth melnet meetings have run their course. Both were sparsely attended. Initially, they provided an opportunity to put faces to names and to get to know fellow melnetters a little better, but the usual suspects now know one another reasonably well, so maybe the melnet meetings have outlived their usefulness.
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Perhaps next year, Melnet members could just have a wee get together before the Euro session, as this year, but allocating a shorter time to it?
I enjoyed the Euro Sessions, and the dancing was fun too. I struggled along with an awful lot of tunes I'd never heard before, but enjoyed doing so.
Thanks Bob for finding the venue.
Sir John
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The melnet meeting was small, but it was nice to be in a venue where we could chat and play tunes in a relaxed environment. Nevertheless, I wonder whether the Whitby and Sidmouth melnet meetings have run their course. Both were sparsely attended. Initially, they provided an opportunity to put faces to names and to get to know fellow melnetters a little better, but the usual suspects now know one another reasonably well, so maybe the melnet meetings have outlived their usefulness.
I think you may be right, Bob. Apologies again for not making the meet, I was kidnapped to play elsewhere. I think this typifies the dilemma at something so big as Whitby, where there are so many events one wants to go to. Can I just say how friendly and welcoming everyone was at the euros, from which I again learned a lot.
M
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I had a great time meeting old friends and making new ones . Sorry I wasn't at the Melnet very , but I wanted to see Will Duke at his session .
We had two good evenings in the Elsinore , I think a few of us will be going there every evening next year . There's more space , and it's a good mix of styles and instruments. Maybe that can become the Whitby equivalent of the Sidmouth Radway?
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Back from another Whitby Folk Week...
Thanks to all the people who came to my English Music Sessions at Middle Earth and the Spa Theatre Bar - Upstairs.
I hope you all enjoyed them as much as I did. :||: :|glug (:)
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I came to all three and enjoyed them all immensely. Thank you Ken (:) I think they were all a bit different and although the last one at Middle Earth, for me, was a great way to end the festival, but on reflection I think I liked the one upstairs at the Spa best.
Best memories: Duke of Cornwall's Reel - thanks Steve_freereeder
Sally Sloane/Trip to Cottingham at the final Middle Earth -Whoah! Who is that behind me? Oh it's Pikey! I thought I died and gone to Melodeon heaven ;) :||:
See you next year X
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I didn't make Whitby but was at Sidmouth as part of a booked morris side so that blew my chances for a Melnet meet as we were busy every day.
My reply is to make the point that I found Sidmouth a most peculiar festival this year.
I'm not surprised that the Melnet meeting was quiet, I felt *everywhere* was quiet.
Bob and I managed to bump into one another outside the Squeezebox stall and he was saying the Rugby club sessions were busy, yet the 3 times I popped into the Radway it was dead. not even folkie friends to yap too.
Leaving the mud question to one side ( if you were there you'll know what I mean! ) I felt the whole Sidmouth week was quiet.
Yet from the sounds of it on this thread I'm thinking Whitby was a good enjoyable week?
Overall well attended?
Q
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I came to all three and enjoyed them all immensely. Thank you Ken (:) I think they were all a bit different and although the last one at Middle Earth, for me, was a great way to end the festival, but on reflection I think I liked the one upstairs at the Spa best.
Best memories: Duke of Cornwall's Reel - thanks Steve_freereeder
Sally Sloane/Trip to Cottingham at the final Middle Earth -Whoah! Who is that behind me? Oh it's Pikey! I thought I died and gone to Melodeon heaven ;) :||:
See you next year X
;D
And I wasn't playing Delilah ! ;)
My new Mike Rowbotham special does sound rather nice, with Hohner professional reeds on aluminium plates from a Club BS, LMM with 12 basses .
I'll be taking it to Melodeons in Wensleydale , along with my new Castagnari Jilly
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I heard you play Delilah, on a Castagnari Jilly. So don't try to deceive the nice people. They might think you'd given up playing it.
Sir John
(I didn't buy a copy of the lovely Panards music book, as I can't do dots. Can anybody point me in the direction of some of them on You Tube, and such like, please?)
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Delilah, on a Castagnari Jilly.
[ shudder ] brain bleach, please...
Re Whitby generally: 6 concert spots in 3 days and the logistics of getting assorted instruments safely from one place to another meant I didn't get to any melnet sessions.
I found Sidmouth a most peculiar festival this year.
I'm not surprised that the Melnet meeting was quiet, I felt *everywhere* was quiet.
Whitby seemed quieter than usual Tuesday to Thursday when I was there. The initial weekend would have been chaos because of the regatta but I was at Folk East so didn't experience that.
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'Brain bleach....' - love it!
Interesting that you thought Whitby quiet too.
Friends are returning from Towersey soon so will ask them as well.
Wonder if folk festivals are having a dip in numbers across the board this year?
Certainly the Sidmouth campsite issues will have a major impact for the worse I suspect on next year's attendees. :(
Q
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The dip in attendance at festivals is surely to do with the fact that there are too many of them. You can't bloody move for folk festivals nowadays.
That in turn has led to the growth of large folk groups, which only festivals have the space, and the cash, to book.
The closure of some well established folk clubs (eg Herga), is I think attributable in no small part, to the increasing number of festivals.
Just my twopenn'orth.
Sir John
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I only managed one day (Tues) at Whitby (my first visit ever).
I managed the flat session, usefully followed by the eurosession. The latter consisted of many tunes I did not know, but found many of them easy to follow. I particularly enjoyed Steve F playing the clarinet - adds a real feel to the tune, and his obvious enjoyment of tunes and his interaction with Mike (?) sat next to him.
A good 4 hours of melodeon time.
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Perhaps, I'm not sure if new ones have sprung up and crowded the marketplace.
The main ones, Sidmouth, Whitby, Towersey and Shrewsburt are well established and I wonder if a dip has affected those in particular.
Certainly the price for season tickets seem to be increasing rapidly.
Q
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Thanks to all the people who came to my English Music Sessions at Middle Earth and the Spa Theatre Bar - Upstairs.
I hope you all enjoyed them as much as I did. :||: :|glug (:)
Oh yes - always a highlight of the week, Ken, thank you! :|glug
The final tune pair: Harlequin Air and Shropshire Lass in the Middle Earth on the Friday evening were something quite special and a fitting end to the week.
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Best memories: Duke of Cornwall's Reel - thanks Steve_freereeder
You're welcome Jean. It's a great tune! (:)
I particularly enjoyed Steve F playing the clarinet - adds a real feel to the tune, and his obvious enjoyment of tunes and his interaction with Mike (?) sat next to him.
Thanks Brian. I spent most of my afternoons in the Eurosessions playing my C clarinet. If nothing else, it certainly toughened up my embouchure ready for my autumn run of orchestral rehearsals and concerts. It also was a nice change from playing melodeon and meant that I could be very flexible in terms of keys: it was refreshing to play in Am, Dm and Gm as well as the usual C, F, D and G majors on the single compact instrument.
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Names please. ( I know Jack, Pikey, & Helen )
SJ
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"Wonder if folk festivals are having a dip in numbers across the board this year?"
As someone who, sadly, has never managed to get to a folk festival yet, maybe I shouldn't comment. But, as ignorance and inexperience has never stopped me before, I'll chuck my tuppence in anyway.
It seems to me, as I attend local folkie gatherings now and then, that there is a distinct lack of young people who are not professional, or at least semi-professional, performers. Everyone else seems to be an old f**t, like me. Consequently, the numbers attending festivals will surely diminish as our generation(s) go the "way of all flesh".
While I'm on, although I know very few Melnetters personally, I'm deeply indebted to quite a number and would relish the idea of meeting them in person. I would therefore be sad to see the Melnetter festival gatherings cease, as even though I haven't yet managed to get to one, it is a goal that I would love to achieve at some point. I believe that they are also a valuable addition to the festivals, in that they might well encourage other people in my sort of position to try to attend such larger events, which may be faltering.
.
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At Sidmouth this year we commented on the number of young people around, so the festivals aren't an excuse for the people to escape the old people's home for a while! There are some good young morris and rapper sides getting going, I just hope they continue in their dancing lives.
What is difficult is to get the word out there that a folk festival is essentially a whole load of fun. My daughter has introduced her new non-folkie boyfriend to two this summer and he really has enjoyed himself. We have mutual friends his age and over a pint I asked whether he thought these youngsters would enjoy it and his reply was 'yes absolutely....'
The folk world and festivals is almost like a parallel universe once people cross through they almost always have a great time.
Q
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Names please. ( I know Jack, Pikey, & Helen )
SJ
I'm the one playing a liliput upside down immediatly opposite...
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Names please. ( I know Jack, Pikey, & Helen )
SJ
(:) I'll admit to playing the Bb/Eb Liliput with the Remembrance Poppy on the grille :|||: ;D
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For me there is a definite feel that the concerts are attended by older people at Whitby but I think there is a thriving "fringe" festival going on in the pubs for younger players. There are a few younger acts across the festival but they do seem to be in a minority compared to the older established acts.
It is a difficult balance for the Whitby organisers as they still need to cater for the regular, older members who actually pay for season tickets and keep the thing going. Each festival has it's own vibe and after having had several conversations about the very same issue with a younger pub player who said he had met with younger players in Sidmouth, then Dartmore and then Whitby who followed a circuit! He wasn't interested what was going on in the main festival at Whitby.
The cool thing fo me at Whitby is that it is both a listeners and players festival. The organisers will at some point have to think about the next generation of people coming as listeners though.....
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I suspect I know some of those that go from festival to festival!
The ceilidh scene is well attended at Sidmouth by youngsters who then go to the Late Night Extra and stay on in the lounge til the wee hours.... That is their festival enjoyment and tend not to frequent concerts.
Q
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I only attend sessions and workshops, not concerts but Whitby seemed pretty full up until Friday when lots of people moved onto Towersey. Plenty of young performers but not much of a young audience. Perhaps the future if one of young performers going into care homes to find their audience ;)
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I thought Steve F's embrochure had gone a bit soft .....
;)
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Are you certain you mean embrochure Kev? :|glug
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To quote a certain K. Williams esq.
'Oooer matron!'
;D