Finisterre
We drove over the huge bridge at Ribadeo and into Galicia, then went down to look at Lugo, which Bill had thought was a small Roman town much like Silchester! However it's a very busy city with a small touristy area enclosed by Roman walls, making it very difficult to park. In the end we found a dodgy space on a yellow line - didn't get caught though ;-)
The walls were good to walk around, having a wide path on the top. THere was also a good museum in the town, Museo Provincial, displaying pieces on seemingly every aspect of Galician life and history.
The drive to Finisterre was fraught, as we ended up in A Coruna thanks to the awkward Spanish road-signing, but we made it to the End of the World in the end - a little drive from Finisterre town up the Cabo Fisterra brought us to our hotel, the pousada 'O Semaphoro', the old semaphore house of Finisterre, right next to the lighthouse. We watched the sun go down from the cliff edge, magnificent, and watched as various pilgrims reached their final point on the Camino de Santiago and celebrated. We had the restaurant to ourselves, but the menu del dia was excellent value and delicious, especially enjoyed the scallops and the cheesecake. We also sampled some of the local white wine, Albarino, Bill liked it even though he's not a white wine drinker!
The rooms were unfussy, pretty and full of character - ours was called Soto Vente and had gorgeous sea views, with shutter to keep the lighthouse light out. But to my dismay there was fog in the night and the foghorn from the lighthouse kept blasting out! Was completely shattered the next day!!
Finisterre town was a hardworking fishing port, much as I'd suspected, there were some posh restaurants for tourists, some down-to-earth cafe-bars for fishermen, but the food at the pousada was so good that we ate there both nights. We explored some of the towns along the Costa da Morte, most of them disappointingly over-developed but some nice things to see, like the Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Barca in Muxia, where the Virgin Mary supposedly arrived in a stone boat. Inland, we found the medieval castle at Vimianzo, restored at the cost of millions of euros, with all the information boards in Galego - not even in Spanish!! There were also lots of local craftsmen inside - lacemakers, woodturners and leatherworkers to name but a few. Bill was tempted by a handwoven basket but how would we have got it home?
Later, we found a dolmen near Berdoyas, and took it in turns to sit on top for pictures.
Quick stop for souvenirs, Bill bought a Finisterre t-shirt with Celtic designs and I bought a necklace with a scallop-shell pendant, then we headed off on the road to Santiago!
Santiago de Compostela
Worst nightmare of hotel-finding as Bill did not have a map showing the hotel on, the name of the village it was in, or any directions! The hotel was Hotel Congreso , 3km along the Estrada road (the only address that we had, confusing as Estrada also means street in Spanish!). Hotel Congreso was a big modern hotel, catering mainly for coach parties, the food and service was fine but it was a pity the pool wasn't open till after we left. It was a fair way out of town, so Bill drove to the outskirts of Santiago and we walked into the centre.
The Cathedral of St James was everything I'd expected and more - queues of pilgrims filing behind the breathtaking golden, laquered Baroque altar to kiss the bejewelled St James (I did as well, yes I know I'm an atheist but I couldn't resisit!). The vaulted building was packed with important works of art, and deeply meaningful religious iconograpy, including (conspiracy theorists please note) a Masonic all-seeing eye in a triangle above the altar.
There were many other interesting buildings and plazas to see, all with interesting histories, so we nearly wore our shoes out around town. Cafe Casino in Rua Do Vilar did the best raciones, cakes and coffee.
Time to hand in the car, and take the plane back from Santiago to Stansted - the airport was quite big, compared with Santander, and there wer a few weary pilgrims also waiting around - a good flight with views of France, Jersey and the Isle of Wight back to Stanstead, then train journey home in the rain.
Never long enough, holidays...
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Spanish Holiday Part 2 - Asturias
Arenas de Cabrales
The Cabrales mountains were gentler than the snow-capped Picos near Potes but still very beautiful. We found a short walk which Bill had copied out of the guidebook, along a river to a bathing pool by an ancient bridge, wonderfully cooling after the hot drive in the car. The hotel in Arenas was easy to find and very friendly, although we had to laugh at the piped 'easy listening' music in our room! The restaurant in town was very good, we sampled local veal and Cabrales cheese (Bill loved it). At a local bar we bought delicious local scrumpy (sidra) for one euro a bottle, and witnessed the Asturian pouring phenomenon. The waiter holds the bottle above his/her head and pours a little into a wide glass as far as possible below (without looking!). The customer is then expected to knock back the cider within 10 seconds, whilst the cider remains fizzy. You'd think that at 6% we'd get piised quite quickly, but attempts to pour it ourselves limited intake!
Next day we attempted the famous Ruta de Cares, from Puente Poncebos to Cain through the Cares Gorge. The path exists because of a water channel tunnelled through the mountains, and I often had to stop to splash myself with cool water from there as it was a blisteringly hot day. The path climbs up and up till there's a sheer drop of hundreds of feet down the side to the river below, but the path, by then carved into the mountainside, is so wide that you don't feel scared - unless you deliberately look over the edge. We saw that the local goats manage the steep mountainsides effortlessly. A few scary bridges across as well, not the wobbly type though, thank goodness! We made it to Cain for a well earned ice-cold lager at a bar with a shady terrace, then we went back the same way, experienceing different views.
After a good shower and night's sleep we loaded the car with cider, cheese and chorizo then set off for Oviedo and the contrasting City life...
Oviedo
Finding the Gran Hotel Espana was relatively easy but parking was a problem - we parked across the road in a public carpark whilst we checked in and ended up being charged 3 euros! Spanish lesson No. 1 - libre does not mean free!!! Ended up paying 9 euros a night to park in the hotel carpark.
We wandered around Oviedo in the evening, admiring the beautiful cathedral and the medieval palaces around it, now mostly Government buildings. Had some lovely food at El Raitan - baby squid in black bean sauce was, err, interesting! Then it was off to the sidrerias in the nearby Cider Quarter for some more tutellage on pouring technique! Great fun.
Next day we visited the Cathedral, where allegedly some of Jesus' nappies are kept. 2000 year old nappies?!!? The inside was beautifully restored, with a magnificent Baroque altar and the remains of many of the kings of Asturias in the impressive Camara Santa. The park and shops were next on the list, but try as we might we couldn't find a CD shop! Apparently they are only to be found in malls on the outskirts of town. Luckily we visited a sidreria noted for its support of Celtic folk music, and asked where we might purchase some Asturian folk music - the barman had good English and pointed us in the direction of a good souvenir shop! No Celtas Cortos but bought some Llan de Cubel and various others, all good.
Most annoying thing - long, boring walk to Los Monumentos on a hot day only to find that the visitor centre was closed! The palace is more of a folly, being built in the mid 1800s, and the ancient church heavily restored. The church, which we visited last, was open but this was unexpected, leading us to miss the bus back into town. Another long walk - bah! Still, more delicious food and cider down town soon restored my mood.
Had a walk around Aviles on the way to Luarca, well worth a look, beautiful medieval buildings and peaceful atmosphere (away from the industrial bits!).
Luarca
This was my choice to stay, as I fancied a few days by the beach. A cute little fishing town, it reminded me of Looe in Cornwall. We stayed at the Hotel Gayoso, reputedly the oldest hotel in Spain but heavily refurbished in 70s style, never mind. Bill panicked as the man on the desk took his passport - but this was returned later in the evening. Unfortunately this was when the weather started to break, so I didn't get much of a tan. Spent the morning driving around trying to find the Playa del Tauran, as reccommended in Footprints, but there's no public access from Luarca or from the campsite - update your guidebook, please!! Had to settle for the rather smelly, grey beach in Luarca. Next day we fared better, discovering the beaches to the west of Luarca towards Tapia de Casariego, but it was too cold to wear a bikini, we just settled for romantic walks by the sea.
Meal of the holiday at the Meson de Mar - a black paella (Arroz Negra) - monkfisk, prawns, calamares, crab, rice and red wine with the addition of squid ink, creating a delicious meal that looked like a pool of tar!! More cider at the Govara(?) de Po
and Galician beer at the pretty El Cambaral. A good cafe in the plaza as well, with delicious cakes!
The Cabrales mountains were gentler than the snow-capped Picos near Potes but still very beautiful. We found a short walk which Bill had copied out of the guidebook, along a river to a bathing pool by an ancient bridge, wonderfully cooling after the hot drive in the car. The hotel in Arenas was easy to find and very friendly, although we had to laugh at the piped 'easy listening' music in our room! The restaurant in town was very good, we sampled local veal and Cabrales cheese (Bill loved it). At a local bar we bought delicious local scrumpy (sidra) for one euro a bottle, and witnessed the Asturian pouring phenomenon. The waiter holds the bottle above his/her head and pours a little into a wide glass as far as possible below (without looking!). The customer is then expected to knock back the cider within 10 seconds, whilst the cider remains fizzy. You'd think that at 6% we'd get piised quite quickly, but attempts to pour it ourselves limited intake!
Next day we attempted the famous Ruta de Cares, from Puente Poncebos to Cain through the Cares Gorge. The path exists because of a water channel tunnelled through the mountains, and I often had to stop to splash myself with cool water from there as it was a blisteringly hot day. The path climbs up and up till there's a sheer drop of hundreds of feet down the side to the river below, but the path, by then carved into the mountainside, is so wide that you don't feel scared - unless you deliberately look over the edge. We saw that the local goats manage the steep mountainsides effortlessly. A few scary bridges across as well, not the wobbly type though, thank goodness! We made it to Cain for a well earned ice-cold lager at a bar with a shady terrace, then we went back the same way, experienceing different views.
After a good shower and night's sleep we loaded the car with cider, cheese and chorizo then set off for Oviedo and the contrasting City life...
Oviedo
Finding the Gran Hotel Espana was relatively easy but parking was a problem - we parked across the road in a public carpark whilst we checked in and ended up being charged 3 euros! Spanish lesson No. 1 - libre does not mean free!!! Ended up paying 9 euros a night to park in the hotel carpark.
We wandered around Oviedo in the evening, admiring the beautiful cathedral and the medieval palaces around it, now mostly Government buildings. Had some lovely food at El Raitan - baby squid in black bean sauce was, err, interesting! Then it was off to the sidrerias in the nearby Cider Quarter for some more tutellage on pouring technique! Great fun.
Next day we visited the Cathedral, where allegedly some of Jesus' nappies are kept. 2000 year old nappies?!!? The inside was beautifully restored, with a magnificent Baroque altar and the remains of many of the kings of Asturias in the impressive Camara Santa. The park and shops were next on the list, but try as we might we couldn't find a CD shop! Apparently they are only to be found in malls on the outskirts of town. Luckily we visited a sidreria noted for its support of Celtic folk music, and asked where we might purchase some Asturian folk music - the barman had good English and pointed us in the direction of a good souvenir shop! No Celtas Cortos but bought some Llan de Cubel and various others, all good.
Most annoying thing - long, boring walk to Los Monumentos on a hot day only to find that the visitor centre was closed! The palace is more of a folly, being built in the mid 1800s, and the ancient church heavily restored. The church, which we visited last, was open but this was unexpected, leading us to miss the bus back into town. Another long walk - bah! Still, more delicious food and cider down town soon restored my mood.
Had a walk around Aviles on the way to Luarca, well worth a look, beautiful medieval buildings and peaceful atmosphere (away from the industrial bits!).
Luarca
This was my choice to stay, as I fancied a few days by the beach. A cute little fishing town, it reminded me of Looe in Cornwall. We stayed at the Hotel Gayoso, reputedly the oldest hotel in Spain but heavily refurbished in 70s style, never mind. Bill panicked as the man on the desk took his passport - but this was returned later in the evening. Unfortunately this was when the weather started to break, so I didn't get much of a tan. Spent the morning driving around trying to find the Playa del Tauran, as reccommended in Footprints, but there's no public access from Luarca or from the campsite - update your guidebook, please!! Had to settle for the rather smelly, grey beach in Luarca. Next day we fared better, discovering the beaches to the west of Luarca towards Tapia de Casariego, but it was too cold to wear a bikini, we just settled for romantic walks by the sea.
Meal of the holiday at the Meson de Mar - a black paella (Arroz Negra) - monkfisk, prawns, calamares, crab, rice and red wine with the addition of squid ink, creating a delicious meal that looked like a pool of tar!! More cider at the Govara(?) de Po
and Galician beer at the pretty El Cambaral. A good cafe in the plaza as well, with delicious cakes!
Spanish Holiday Part 1 - Cantabria
Came back from hols last week, driving and walking around Northern Spain. Here's what I've been up to...
Santander
Arrived at Santander, stepped out of the little Ryanair 747 to warmth and susnshine, great!! Hubby was very stressed, we went to get the car from Hertz and they kept trying to get him to upgrade - but he insisted on the little Kia which he'd booked originally. Just as well, as it turned out later. After only a short time to get the hang of the Kia and driving on the other side of the road, we had to try and find the hotel, only a short distance from the airport but easier said than done, as it was in a side street. We found it by fluke, after getting lost, but it was a relief! After Bill had had time to chill, we headed into Santander and walked along the cliffs to the beach, which was beautiful despite development, and almost empty. Nice little park nearby as well with traditional boats diplayed, also a small zoo with seals and penguins.
In the evening we found a friendly bodega for a meal - the only tapas we had whilst in Spain! The waitress brought over free liqueurs and a map of Santander, even though she spoke no English and we spoke no Spanish - what a lovely lady.
Potes
It was a stunningly beautiful drive from Santander to Potes, up into the mountains along a breathtakingly sheer gorge. We arrived at Tama and headed up a little concrete track, much to Bill's skepticism, and arrived at Casa Gustavo, a very special guesthouse. The building is owned by an English couple, Mike and Lisa, who restored it from a wreck - it's medieval or maybe even earlier, with lots of wooden beams, wood floors and doors, and stunning views up the valley to the Picos di Eupropa mountains. The food was excellent, served at 9pm Spanish-style. It was all locally sourced and imaginitively prepared - we were on full board and ate arond the table, chatting to Mike and Lisa and the other guests. Jugs of local wine were on the table, and liqueurs to finish, ensuring we never got to bed early!
We found some really good walks, thanks to a guide book that we borrowed from another guest. The first was a cable-ride up to Fuente De, then a walk back down - as it was all downhill it really took it's toll on our legs. Fantastic views though, spotted some mountain choughs and a Chamois deer, as well as the infamous 'Blue Daffodil' ;-) The second was a walk around the Berdoya Valley - Bill was annoyed that we were accompanied most of the way by a dog from a village, but I thought it was rather sweet! I bet he does it with lots of hikers!
The only disappointing thing was the trip down to the local bar in Tama to watch the UEFA cup - Middlesborough lost 4-0 to Seville. Pants!
Santander
Arrived at Santander, stepped out of the little Ryanair 747 to warmth and susnshine, great!! Hubby was very stressed, we went to get the car from Hertz and they kept trying to get him to upgrade - but he insisted on the little Kia which he'd booked originally. Just as well, as it turned out later. After only a short time to get the hang of the Kia and driving on the other side of the road, we had to try and find the hotel, only a short distance from the airport but easier said than done, as it was in a side street. We found it by fluke, after getting lost, but it was a relief! After Bill had had time to chill, we headed into Santander and walked along the cliffs to the beach, which was beautiful despite development, and almost empty. Nice little park nearby as well with traditional boats diplayed, also a small zoo with seals and penguins.
In the evening we found a friendly bodega for a meal - the only tapas we had whilst in Spain! The waitress brought over free liqueurs and a map of Santander, even though she spoke no English and we spoke no Spanish - what a lovely lady.
Potes
It was a stunningly beautiful drive from Santander to Potes, up into the mountains along a breathtakingly sheer gorge. We arrived at Tama and headed up a little concrete track, much to Bill's skepticism, and arrived at Casa Gustavo, a very special guesthouse. The building is owned by an English couple, Mike and Lisa, who restored it from a wreck - it's medieval or maybe even earlier, with lots of wooden beams, wood floors and doors, and stunning views up the valley to the Picos di Eupropa mountains. The food was excellent, served at 9pm Spanish-style. It was all locally sourced and imaginitively prepared - we were on full board and ate arond the table, chatting to Mike and Lisa and the other guests. Jugs of local wine were on the table, and liqueurs to finish, ensuring we never got to bed early!
We found some really good walks, thanks to a guide book that we borrowed from another guest. The first was a cable-ride up to Fuente De, then a walk back down - as it was all downhill it really took it's toll on our legs. Fantastic views though, spotted some mountain choughs and a Chamois deer, as well as the infamous 'Blue Daffodil' ;-) The second was a walk around the Berdoya Valley - Bill was annoyed that we were accompanied most of the way by a dog from a village, but I thought it was rather sweet! I bet he does it with lots of hikers!
The only disappointing thing was the trip down to the local bar in Tama to watch the UEFA cup - Middlesborough lost 4-0 to Seville. Pants!
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Rare Quiet Weekend
Yesterday I made my first completely solo roast meal!! Roast pork with crackling, broccoli and leek with vegetable gravy. The roast potatoes were a bit overdone and the crackling was slightly burned, but all was edible and I felt rather proud.
I am as sick as a dog today though - can't be my cooking as Bill Badger is fine. We were planning to go and see Boo Hewardine tonight but I'll probably be too ill.
Oh well, back to bed :-(
I am as sick as a dog today though - can't be my cooking as Bill Badger is fine. We were planning to go and see Boo Hewardine tonight but I'll probably be too ill.
Oh well, back to bed :-(
Monday, May 01, 2006
Guildford Vox at the May Day Parade, Guildford
The second gig for my choir.
Well it was dry but rather cold! Was glad I bought my fleece. The dress code we'd decided on was plain black, blue and/or green. I was determined to wear my green skirt from Monsoon, so had to buy plain black top, tights and shoes to go with it!! But the fleece was light blue, bit of a clash. Mindyou some people cheated with brown coats or white trainers, so we ended up looking like a bit of a motley crew.
We patiently waited for the parade to get to the top of the high street, and watched some Morris dancing and clog dancing before we got to sing. Anna changed the set slightly, so we sang 'As I me walked out one May morning, I heard a bird sing - CUCKOO!' (a round) which went down well. However 'Puit D'Amour', a French bourree (spelling?) seemed out of place with the very English dancers, plus something seemed to go wrong, could see Anna frowning as she was conducting, and the crowd losing interest. More dancing, and we sampled the racked-bright Hogs Back TEA which the Pilgrim Morris were carrying around with them! Also Fertility Cake was on offer, very tasty too.
Next we walked down to the Castle Green where the men erected the Maypole (amidst much innuendo), and the Morris teams danced around it, although not with the ribbons. We committed a faux pas by facing away from the May King and Queen and towards the crowd, though I thought that was more sensible. We sang another couple of songs; 'Hey Ho' a folky round went down well.
Next we filed into the Star, where the Chelsea/Man Utd match was on - very loud. Luckily the noise didn't penetrate to the back room, where we squeezed in to sample more beer and a very good buffet. Disappointingly, we didn't get as long a set as we'd been promised, as all the individual Morris people seemed to want to sing (some better than others). 'Bright Morning Star' and Abba's 'The Name of the Game' went down very well, and the Zulu wedding song, 'Hamba Lulu' got a huge round of applause although some of the Morris people were clearly thinking 'WTF??' ;-D
We had to vacate the pub by 2.30pm so the Morris dancer went on to frolic by the White House, whilst I caught the train to Reading to meet Bill and our CAMRA friends at the Reading Beer Festival. Was good fun too. My beer of the festival was Twickenham Spring Ale, which has fantastic tangerine and grapefruit flavours from the American hops that are used.
Was rather hung over the next day though!
Well it was dry but rather cold! Was glad I bought my fleece. The dress code we'd decided on was plain black, blue and/or green. I was determined to wear my green skirt from Monsoon, so had to buy plain black top, tights and shoes to go with it!! But the fleece was light blue, bit of a clash. Mindyou some people cheated with brown coats or white trainers, so we ended up looking like a bit of a motley crew.
We patiently waited for the parade to get to the top of the high street, and watched some Morris dancing and clog dancing before we got to sing. Anna changed the set slightly, so we sang 'As I me walked out one May morning, I heard a bird sing - CUCKOO!' (a round) which went down well. However 'Puit D'Amour', a French bourree (spelling?) seemed out of place with the very English dancers, plus something seemed to go wrong, could see Anna frowning as she was conducting, and the crowd losing interest. More dancing, and we sampled the racked-bright Hogs Back TEA which the Pilgrim Morris were carrying around with them! Also Fertility Cake was on offer, very tasty too.
Next we walked down to the Castle Green where the men erected the Maypole (amidst much innuendo), and the Morris teams danced around it, although not with the ribbons. We committed a faux pas by facing away from the May King and Queen and towards the crowd, though I thought that was more sensible. We sang another couple of songs; 'Hey Ho' a folky round went down well.
Next we filed into the Star, where the Chelsea/Man Utd match was on - very loud. Luckily the noise didn't penetrate to the back room, where we squeezed in to sample more beer and a very good buffet. Disappointingly, we didn't get as long a set as we'd been promised, as all the individual Morris people seemed to want to sing (some better than others). 'Bright Morning Star' and Abba's 'The Name of the Game' went down very well, and the Zulu wedding song, 'Hamba Lulu' got a huge round of applause although some of the Morris people were clearly thinking 'WTF??' ;-D
We had to vacate the pub by 2.30pm so the Morris dancer went on to frolic by the White House, whilst I caught the train to Reading to meet Bill and our CAMRA friends at the Reading Beer Festival. Was good fun too. My beer of the festival was Twickenham Spring Ale, which has fantastic tangerine and grapefruit flavours from the American hops that are used.
Was rather hung over the next day though!
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Val on Myspace
Hi all,
You can now visit me on Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/valtrav
Lots of cool friends!!
You can now visit me on Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/valtrav
Lots of cool friends!!
John Kirkpatrick at Guildford Institute
I hadn't seen John Kirkpatrick before and didn't know quite what to expect, thought an evening of squeezebox playing might be boring - how wrong I was. Not only was John an accomplished melodeon, concertina and accordion but an entertaining folk singer and raconteur. Excellent songs about Brunel - even making the Clifton Suspension Bridge sound interesting and 'Bright String of Pearls' which went down well as I suspect a lot of folkies are trainspotters as well :-/
THe song of St George got everyone singing along patriotically, whilst 'Arthur McBride', the anti-recruiting song from Norfolk got me all skeptical again 'The Queen wouldn't scruple to send us to France, where we would be shot in the morning' - so wise!
And a jolly time was had by all ;-D
THe song of St George got everyone singing along patriotically, whilst 'Arthur McBride', the anti-recruiting song from Norfolk got me all skeptical again 'The Queen wouldn't scruple to send us to France, where we would be shot in the morning' - so wise!
And a jolly time was had by all ;-D
Fareham and Gosport Folk Festival, Easter 2006
Better late than never, here's Val's F&GFF folk awards!
Best Performance - Dave Swarbrick, Swarb's Lazarus. Doing remarkably well considering he'd been so ill with emphysema that he'd had his obituary published in the Telegraph. The new lungs seem to have taken to him well, though there was a frightening moment when he had to pop outside for a cough. His fiddle playing was stunning, sometimes exhilaratingly fast and sometimes slow and soulful, but always faultless. His joy at playing was obvious - so good to see him back on the stage again, and I expect he feels the same way!
Best Person I hadn't heard of yet - David Ferrard, a superb singer with unusual, uplifting songs, mostly his own material.
Tip for the Future - Isambarde, a new band from Coventry.
Best band I hadn't seen before - Uiscedwr, liked their material and their performance was great as well. Micheal McGoldrick Band were very good as well, similar material to Capercaillie.
Funniest Act - Les Barker just pipping it in front of Last Night's Fun
Biggest Disappointment - Dave Newey from Arlen, not quite as good at vocals as songwriting.
Band I thought I wouldn't like but did - Saw Doctors who I didn't like last time. However the sound man did a superb job and we could hear all of the (very catchy) lyrics this time. Bought the CD as well.
Best Performance - Dave Swarbrick, Swarb's Lazarus. Doing remarkably well considering he'd been so ill with emphysema that he'd had his obituary published in the Telegraph. The new lungs seem to have taken to him well, though there was a frightening moment when he had to pop outside for a cough. His fiddle playing was stunning, sometimes exhilaratingly fast and sometimes slow and soulful, but always faultless. His joy at playing was obvious - so good to see him back on the stage again, and I expect he feels the same way!
Best Person I hadn't heard of yet - David Ferrard, a superb singer with unusual, uplifting songs, mostly his own material.
Tip for the Future - Isambarde, a new band from Coventry.
Best band I hadn't seen before - Uiscedwr, liked their material and their performance was great as well. Micheal McGoldrick Band were very good as well, similar material to Capercaillie.
Funniest Act - Les Barker just pipping it in front of Last Night's Fun
Biggest Disappointment - Dave Newey from Arlen, not quite as good at vocals as songwriting.
Band I thought I wouldn't like but did - Saw Doctors who I didn't like last time. However the sound man did a superb job and we could hear all of the (very catchy) lyrics this time. Bought the CD as well.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
The Levellers at Dorking Halls 30/03/06
I can only apologize for not posting for so long! Someone introduced me to Myspace and I've been busy trying to suss that out, also been away (more about that later).
We missed the support due to traffic problems, which was just as well as he wasn't very good. Simon Friend accompanied him but even that didn't help as he played and sang out of rhythm.
Briefly saw Neil of Chanticleer and his wife, who'd got free tickets, and Angie and Gill from the Board at the end, unfortunately Bill Badger was keen to go by then fearing more traffic jams.
The Levellers were on good form, belting out non-stop dancey sing-ey music whilst the fans down in the mosh-pit went wild, pogoing and slam-reeling ecstatically. The volume was a little loud even for me - I was in the balcony near the back, but when I left my ears were ringing as if I'd been standing next to the speakers. Mark Chadwick sent a little girl away from her front spot because she was holding her ears and saying 'ow' - I'm sure it wasn't because she hated the music!
The band didn't let the fans down and played their greatest hit and signature tune 'One Way' which had the whole hall singing. Fabulous night out!
We missed the support due to traffic problems, which was just as well as he wasn't very good. Simon Friend accompanied him but even that didn't help as he played and sang out of rhythm.
Briefly saw Neil of Chanticleer and his wife, who'd got free tickets, and Angie and Gill from the Board at the end, unfortunately Bill Badger was keen to go by then fearing more traffic jams.
The Levellers were on good form, belting out non-stop dancey sing-ey music whilst the fans down in the mosh-pit went wild, pogoing and slam-reeling ecstatically. The volume was a little loud even for me - I was in the balcony near the back, but when I left my ears were ringing as if I'd been standing next to the speakers. Mark Chadwick sent a little girl away from her front spot because she was holding her ears and saying 'ow' - I'm sure it wasn't because she hated the music!
The band didn't let the fans down and played their greatest hit and signature tune 'One Way' which had the whole hall singing. Fabulous night out!
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Martha Tilston at Farnham Maltings
Bill, Other Val and I braved the cold to see Martha Tilston (Steve Tilston's daughter) at Farnham Maltings. We thought Steve Winchester would be supporting, but he was unavailable, so we were treated to a set by Andy Steadman of Sequoia, more of a Coldplay-like indie band than a folk band. However Andy's acoustic set fitted in fine with the evening, and his thoughtful songs with their catchy melodies were very well received. Darren needn't have worried about ticket sales, the little venue was crowded and more chairs had to be fetched!
When Martha came on stage I could see that she'd changed, become more confident and serious. Tim Cotterill (ex Legacy) also joined her, playing mandolin and fiddle, with the occasional accompaniment of Luke Parker on guitar.
Her new material seemed far more mature and rounded, perhaps travelling to Africa and India has helped her to grow.
She started her set with 'Cycles' - a song about doomed relationships that follow a very familiar pattern, an experience I'm sure many people can relate to. Somewhat different from the rose-tinted romanticism of her 'Mouse Tales' days. THere were still many romantic songs in her set, including 'Queen Jane' about an uncharacteristically affectionate Henry VIII mourning his wife who died in childbirth, and 'Seagulls' - a song about falling in love in Brighton. Her trademark quirkiness was evident (I'm glad to say!) with an adaption of the traditional song 'A Blacksmith Courted Me' to tell the story of an ex about to get married as 'A Surfer Courted Me' and also 'Red Riding Hood' where the wild girl from the wood tames the Wolf with the power of her love, ably assisted by all the angels in Heaven. 'Willy of Winsbury' was a traditional song that I'd remembered from previous gigs, Martha's version is about a girl who gets pregnant, her father is at first angry but when he meets her boyfriend Willy he quite fancies him himself!
A very enjoyable and uplifting set, made all the better for the occasional sad song in amongst the romance.
When Martha came on stage I could see that she'd changed, become more confident and serious. Tim Cotterill (ex Legacy) also joined her, playing mandolin and fiddle, with the occasional accompaniment of Luke Parker on guitar.
Her new material seemed far more mature and rounded, perhaps travelling to Africa and India has helped her to grow.
She started her set with 'Cycles' - a song about doomed relationships that follow a very familiar pattern, an experience I'm sure many people can relate to. Somewhat different from the rose-tinted romanticism of her 'Mouse Tales' days. THere were still many romantic songs in her set, including 'Queen Jane' about an uncharacteristically affectionate Henry VIII mourning his wife who died in childbirth, and 'Seagulls' - a song about falling in love in Brighton. Her trademark quirkiness was evident (I'm glad to say!) with an adaption of the traditional song 'A Blacksmith Courted Me' to tell the story of an ex about to get married as 'A Surfer Courted Me' and also 'Red Riding Hood' where the wild girl from the wood tames the Wolf with the power of her love, ably assisted by all the angels in Heaven. 'Willy of Winsbury' was a traditional song that I'd remembered from previous gigs, Martha's version is about a girl who gets pregnant, her father is at first angry but when he meets her boyfriend Willy he quite fancies him himself!
A very enjoyable and uplifting set, made all the better for the occasional sad song in amongst the romance.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
The Oysterband at Forest Folk
Hosting the Oysterband at Forest Folk was a very brave decision by Charles Gale. Forest Folk is located in a little scout-hut type building in the hamlet of Boarhunt near Bishops Waltham, with a tiny bar and pool table at the back. Charles had planned to leave some room for dancing but everyone expected chairs (nice, comfy new chairs, by the way, courtesy of the National Lottery).
Oysterband kicked off with a brand new track, 'The Generals are Born Again' which left the audience in no doubt as to their views on war and organised religion. THen they played 'Native Son' an anthemic and supremely dancey number which is a firm favourite with their fans. The cheeky drinking song 'Our Lady of the Bottles' and crazily fast '20th of April' came next. Temptation became too much for some, and a small group of people started to dance at the front, which blocked the view for the seated folkies. Poor Charles had to tell them to sit down, I felt sorry for him, caught in a no-win situation.
The Oysterband slackened off the pace a little with slower songs until half-time. However they were surprised to be interrupted mid-song with Charles thrusting a bit of paper at them with a car registration on. Apparently one of the floor-spot artists, a night-shift worker, had been wedged in by a Vauxhall and couldn't get home to bed! I think it must have been a bit of a culture shock for the band as well, JJ admitting that it had been a long time since they'd played a folk club.
The second half started off with solos by Alan Prosser and Chopper, giving them the chance to showcase their talents. Then the band returned somewhat ironically with 'Another Quiet Night in England' which it certainly wasn't! The band played more of their political songs, then to finish played the irresitibly dancey 'Blood Wedding' to which more fans leapt up to pogo to at the front. Charles was had no chance of stopping them (us!) this time, and sat disconsolately on the edge of the stage till the Oysterband played an encore and finished. They weren't given the chance of a second encore but there seemed to be no hard feelings, and the band came out afterwards to meet the fans and chat.
So many people shook hands with Charles on the way out and thanked him for a fantastic evening that perhaps he thought the Oysterband weren't so bad after all!
Oysterband kicked off with a brand new track, 'The Generals are Born Again' which left the audience in no doubt as to their views on war and organised religion. THen they played 'Native Son' an anthemic and supremely dancey number which is a firm favourite with their fans. The cheeky drinking song 'Our Lady of the Bottles' and crazily fast '20th of April' came next. Temptation became too much for some, and a small group of people started to dance at the front, which blocked the view for the seated folkies. Poor Charles had to tell them to sit down, I felt sorry for him, caught in a no-win situation.
The Oysterband slackened off the pace a little with slower songs until half-time. However they were surprised to be interrupted mid-song with Charles thrusting a bit of paper at them with a car registration on. Apparently one of the floor-spot artists, a night-shift worker, had been wedged in by a Vauxhall and couldn't get home to bed! I think it must have been a bit of a culture shock for the band as well, JJ admitting that it had been a long time since they'd played a folk club.
The second half started off with solos by Alan Prosser and Chopper, giving them the chance to showcase their talents. Then the band returned somewhat ironically with 'Another Quiet Night in England' which it certainly wasn't! The band played more of their political songs, then to finish played the irresitibly dancey 'Blood Wedding' to which more fans leapt up to pogo to at the front. Charles was had no chance of stopping them (us!) this time, and sat disconsolately on the edge of the stage till the Oysterband played an encore and finished. They weren't given the chance of a second encore but there seemed to be no hard feelings, and the band came out afterwards to meet the fans and chat.
So many people shook hands with Charles on the way out and thanked him for a fantastic evening that perhaps he thought the Oysterband weren't so bad after all!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Folk Brittannia - BBC4
Have been feeling both mentally and physically exhausted recently, so have not had time to go out much - but have watched lots of telly. So I thought I'd post about the Folk Britannia series on British folk music instead...
1: BALLADS & BLUES
Friday 3 February 9pm-10pm
From the post-war, highly politicised folk clubs to the 1950s skiffle scene that captured the imagination of the nation's youth.
This was rather boring, starting off with American folk music roots - Leadbelly, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and the like. All very well, but it's not like the Yanks invented OUR folk music!!
Why did they not start off with Britain at the time music was just starting to be written down, times of trauma when folk songs provided expression of the hopes and fears of the ordinary people - for instance pagan times, Normans v Saxons v Celts, the English Civil War, Nelson, Revenuers, highwaymen...would have been far more interesting. I bet Martin Carthy could really have gone to town.
The programme also really stuck the knife into Euan MacColl, which I thought was rather unfair. Euan MacColl did so much for the 60s folk revival, he was made out to be a real purist but he wrote many 'new' folk songs, beautiful ones too - a very unusual thing to do at the time, including surely the best love song of all time "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". He had a genuine love and understanding of the ordinary working people. There's also worse things to be than a Marxist in my opinion!
2: FOLK ROOTS, NEW ROUTES
Friday 10 February 9pm-10pm
In the 1960s the folk boom takes hold, and bands like Fairport
Convention and Pentangle bring the music into unexpected new places.
Bands experimented with crossover music - tut tut!! But then surely we are a crossover culture - Normans, Anglo-Saxons, Celts (a misnomer in itself), Danes, Jutes, and now Asians, Africans, Eastern Europeans all living here and thinking of themselves as British. June Tabor got sniffy at the drum-and-bass merchants, who are still unwelcome in most folk clubs today, but then she is often accompanied by a piano which as I've said is not really a folk instrument. People in glass houses...
This episode was far more interesting and informative. It was great to hear about Fairport, Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny and the seminal 'Liege and Lief' album.
One of my earliest memories is Steeleye Span singing 'All Around My Hat' - all due credit to them for pioneering folk-rock. Maddy Prior had/has the voice of an angel!
Also to hear about Davy Graham whom Phil Beer keeps mentioning and who wrote the theme music for Folk Britannia - 'Angi'. But if you ask me, Paul Downes plays the
definitive version!!
3: BETWEEN THE WARS
Friday 17 February 9pm-10pm
Folk-rock enters the 1970s mainstream, a political edge returns to music in Thatcher's Britain and, today, two very different scenes see folk music flourishing once more.
Ah, them were't days, the late 80s/early 90s - when I first started getting into folk music without even realising it. I loved Kirsty MacColl's album Kite, I loved the Pogues (even though my sister and I used to tease each other that we fancied Shane MacGowan), and of course I was the Levellers biggest fan back in the days when they were a political band. Nice to see the Levellers getting some recognition for a change.
Wasn't really into Billy Bragg but knew he was a top bloke. If only I'd discovered Christy Moore back then - love his work now, of course. But then folk was a 4-letter word back then.
Laughed at Jim Moray's reception at the BBC Folk Awards - I can well imagine it from them museum-pieces in the audience!! I agreed that certain folk clubs need to be more inclusive - next cold snap they will lose all their old-fogey members!! Folk music is far broader than the finger-in-ear purists think. It is OUR music, the people's music, after all, not exclusively Martin Carthy's or Fairport's style of music. That said, some folk clubs are better than others, and some festivals have a broader scope than others.
Comments/discussion welcome, as always!
1: BALLADS & BLUES
Friday 3 February 9pm-10pm
From the post-war, highly politicised folk clubs to the 1950s skiffle scene that captured the imagination of the nation's youth.
This was rather boring, starting off with American folk music roots - Leadbelly, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and the like. All very well, but it's not like the Yanks invented OUR folk music!!
Why did they not start off with Britain at the time music was just starting to be written down, times of trauma when folk songs provided expression of the hopes and fears of the ordinary people - for instance pagan times, Normans v Saxons v Celts, the English Civil War, Nelson, Revenuers, highwaymen...would have been far more interesting. I bet Martin Carthy could really have gone to town.
The programme also really stuck the knife into Euan MacColl, which I thought was rather unfair. Euan MacColl did so much for the 60s folk revival, he was made out to be a real purist but he wrote many 'new' folk songs, beautiful ones too - a very unusual thing to do at the time, including surely the best love song of all time "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". He had a genuine love and understanding of the ordinary working people. There's also worse things to be than a Marxist in my opinion!
2: FOLK ROOTS, NEW ROUTES
Friday 10 February 9pm-10pm
In the 1960s the folk boom takes hold, and bands like Fairport
Convention and Pentangle bring the music into unexpected new places.
Bands experimented with crossover music - tut tut!! But then surely we are a crossover culture - Normans, Anglo-Saxons, Celts (a misnomer in itself), Danes, Jutes, and now Asians, Africans, Eastern Europeans all living here and thinking of themselves as British. June Tabor got sniffy at the drum-and-bass merchants, who are still unwelcome in most folk clubs today, but then she is often accompanied by a piano which as I've said is not really a folk instrument. People in glass houses...
This episode was far more interesting and informative. It was great to hear about Fairport, Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny and the seminal 'Liege and Lief' album.
One of my earliest memories is Steeleye Span singing 'All Around My Hat' - all due credit to them for pioneering folk-rock. Maddy Prior had/has the voice of an angel!
Also to hear about Davy Graham whom Phil Beer keeps mentioning and who wrote the theme music for Folk Britannia - 'Angi'. But if you ask me, Paul Downes plays the
definitive version!!
3: BETWEEN THE WARS
Friday 17 February 9pm-10pm
Folk-rock enters the 1970s mainstream, a political edge returns to music in Thatcher's Britain and, today, two very different scenes see folk music flourishing once more.
Ah, them were't days, the late 80s/early 90s - when I first started getting into folk music without even realising it. I loved Kirsty MacColl's album Kite, I loved the Pogues (even though my sister and I used to tease each other that we fancied Shane MacGowan), and of course I was the Levellers biggest fan back in the days when they were a political band. Nice to see the Levellers getting some recognition for a change.
Wasn't really into Billy Bragg but knew he was a top bloke. If only I'd discovered Christy Moore back then - love his work now, of course. But then folk was a 4-letter word back then.
Laughed at Jim Moray's reception at the BBC Folk Awards - I can well imagine it from them museum-pieces in the audience!! I agreed that certain folk clubs need to be more inclusive - next cold snap they will lose all their old-fogey members!! Folk music is far broader than the finger-in-ear purists think. It is OUR music, the people's music, after all, not exclusively Martin Carthy's or Fairport's style of music. That said, some folk clubs are better than others, and some festivals have a broader scope than others.
Comments/discussion welcome, as always!
Saturday, February 04, 2006
'Daughters of Albion' at the Barbican
What a horrible venue! A concrete and plastic monstrosity in the middle of an urban jungle. Not a good setting for folk music, you might think, and the sell out crowd of hippies young and old didn't look very comfortable. Bill and I hadn't eaten, but there was a queue for the cafe and a bouncer on the door.
However the seats were nice and confortable, and we had a good view despite being in the cheap seats, on the far left at the front. We could see the artists arriving on stage, and as the BBC were recording, were being filmed each time clapping in the background.
The Daughters of Albion were June Tabor, Norma Waterson, Eliza Carthy, Kathryn Williams, Sheila Chandra & Lou Rhodes, with a surprise appearance from Vashti Bunyan. Far from being enslav'd and weeping as in the Blake poem, the ladies were feisty and romantic, performing a variety of songs, some from women composers such as Lal Waterson, Kirsty MacColl and PJ Harvey, some written themselves, and some anonymous traditional songs from the women's perspective. Eliza Carthy was an excellent compere and my favourite of the seven - she has such a powerful, expressive voice and cheerful stage presence. Hadn't seen Sheila Chandra before - she used to be in a band called Monsoon whom I'd vaguely heard of - but was very impressed with her version of Reynardine. Kathryn Williams was very heavily pregnant, and did a rather breathy version of 'This Woman's Work' which is apparently about childbirth. Lucky her waters DIDN'T break on stage - that would have been embarrassing!!
June Tabor sang accompanied by the piano, which I don't quite agree with - it's not a folk instrument, not unless it's a badly-tuned pub joanna! But enjoyed her version of Lili Marlene. Norma Warterson was very good as well, although Eliza did tend to drown her out during their duets. Lou Rodes has a lovely deep voice, think she should have put her shoes on, there's a lot of discarded takeaways and dog poo on the streets of London! Vashti Bunyan was a bit disappointing, she only had a weak voice and she made a mistake during her song, coming in too early on one line. Perhaps she was just nervous though.
The concert had a great atmosphere - you could see that the performers liked and supported each other - and it was nice to feel the sisterly vibes coming from the audience as well.
The ladies got a standing ovation at the end, well deserved too!
However the seats were nice and confortable, and we had a good view despite being in the cheap seats, on the far left at the front. We could see the artists arriving on stage, and as the BBC were recording, were being filmed each time clapping in the background.
The Daughters of Albion were June Tabor, Norma Waterson, Eliza Carthy, Kathryn Williams, Sheila Chandra & Lou Rhodes, with a surprise appearance from Vashti Bunyan. Far from being enslav'd and weeping as in the Blake poem, the ladies were feisty and romantic, performing a variety of songs, some from women composers such as Lal Waterson, Kirsty MacColl and PJ Harvey, some written themselves, and some anonymous traditional songs from the women's perspective. Eliza Carthy was an excellent compere and my favourite of the seven - she has such a powerful, expressive voice and cheerful stage presence. Hadn't seen Sheila Chandra before - she used to be in a band called Monsoon whom I'd vaguely heard of - but was very impressed with her version of Reynardine. Kathryn Williams was very heavily pregnant, and did a rather breathy version of 'This Woman's Work' which is apparently about childbirth. Lucky her waters DIDN'T break on stage - that would have been embarrassing!!
June Tabor sang accompanied by the piano, which I don't quite agree with - it's not a folk instrument, not unless it's a badly-tuned pub joanna! But enjoyed her version of Lili Marlene. Norma Warterson was very good as well, although Eliza did tend to drown her out during their duets. Lou Rodes has a lovely deep voice, think she should have put her shoes on, there's a lot of discarded takeaways and dog poo on the streets of London! Vashti Bunyan was a bit disappointing, she only had a weak voice and she made a mistake during her song, coming in too early on one line. Perhaps she was just nervous though.
The concert had a great atmosphere - you could see that the performers liked and supported each other - and it was nice to feel the sisterly vibes coming from the audience as well.
The ladies got a standing ovation at the end, well deserved too!
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Richard Thompson at the Anvil, Basingstoke
Some trauma getting there. Just as I was on the train to Ash, my mate Mike Whittall whom I hadn't seen in ages texted me to say he'd meet me in the Squirrel. However I'd already asked Simon and Jane for a lift to the Anvil from Ash, where they live.
I'd told Simon that I wanted to be picked up either at Ash station or the Dovers Arms. So I texted back to say 'meet me in the Dover's instead' which he duly did. But then I hadn't realised that while Simon was picking me up from the station, Helen was driving us all from Simon and Jane's house! So in the end I had about 2 minutes in the pub with Mike and his work colleague before dashing out to meet a rather annoyed Simon.
Then, just as we were heading up past Frimley, Jane realised she'd left the tickets at home, so we had to drive all the way back. Helen seemed more annoyed with Simon though, for being so unhelpful!
Whilst Other Val and Bill Badger were in the Cricketers, Simon, Jane and myself found our seats and listened to the support act, Jeb. He played blues, it was a bit samey but OK, not as awful as some support acts can be.
We met Bill and Other Val, then shuffled in for Richard Thompson at 8pm, and he played right through to 11pm - great!
Richard has an amazing stage presence - you can tell straight away that he's a superstar. And his playing! Astounding! I'd love to see a guitar-off between him and Martin Simpson. The songs he'd written were all top quality. He played Vincent Black Lightning and Beeswing which are amongst my favourites of his. Didn't like the jazzy stuff so much, but as least I could watch his skilled fingers on the guitar. The double-bassist he had accompanying him (also called Thompson!) was very good as well.
A great night out, well worth £19.50!!
I'd told Simon that I wanted to be picked up either at Ash station or the Dovers Arms. So I texted back to say 'meet me in the Dover's instead' which he duly did. But then I hadn't realised that while Simon was picking me up from the station, Helen was driving us all from Simon and Jane's house! So in the end I had about 2 minutes in the pub with Mike and his work colleague before dashing out to meet a rather annoyed Simon.
Then, just as we were heading up past Frimley, Jane realised she'd left the tickets at home, so we had to drive all the way back. Helen seemed more annoyed with Simon though, for being so unhelpful!
Whilst Other Val and Bill Badger were in the Cricketers, Simon, Jane and myself found our seats and listened to the support act, Jeb. He played blues, it was a bit samey but OK, not as awful as some support acts can be.
We met Bill and Other Val, then shuffled in for Richard Thompson at 8pm, and he played right through to 11pm - great!
Richard has an amazing stage presence - you can tell straight away that he's a superstar. And his playing! Astounding! I'd love to see a guitar-off between him and Martin Simpson. The songs he'd written were all top quality. He played Vincent Black Lightning and Beeswing which are amongst my favourites of his. Didn't like the jazzy stuff so much, but as least I could watch his skilled fingers on the guitar. The double-bassist he had accompanying him (also called Thompson!) was very good as well.
A great night out, well worth £19.50!!
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Last Night's Fun at Electric Theatre, Guildford
Bill Badger and I had seen Last Night's Fun at Fareham and Gosport Folk Festival before, but he wasn't that keen on them, although I thought they were a hoot. So I persuaded him to get 2 tickets for the gig, and was glad I did.
A few years ago Last Night's Fun just did jigs and reels, they were really an Irish pub session band, except better musicians than most. Now they do a balance of songs and Irish dance music, with ample opportunity to show off Denny Bartley's and Nick Scott's undoubted talent, as well as Chris Sherburn's dry Yorkshire humour! So Hubby enjoyed himself after all. Chris is rather easy on the eye as well, I have to say ;-)
Denny's slowed-down ballad version of 'Whisky in the Jar' was masterful, but Nick Scott did a breathtaking solo on the Uillean pipes, which was the highlight of the evening for me.
Cheered me up on a dark Winter's day!
A few years ago Last Night's Fun just did jigs and reels, they were really an Irish pub session band, except better musicians than most. Now they do a balance of songs and Irish dance music, with ample opportunity to show off Denny Bartley's and Nick Scott's undoubted talent, as well as Chris Sherburn's dry Yorkshire humour! So Hubby enjoyed himself after all. Chris is rather easy on the eye as well, I have to say ;-)
Denny's slowed-down ballad version of 'Whisky in the Jar' was masterful, but Nick Scott did a breathtaking solo on the Uillean pipes, which was the highlight of the evening for me.
Cheered me up on a dark Winter's day!
Boo Hewerdine at West End Centre, Aldershot
Kev and I went to see Boo Hewerdine (ex The Bible and collaborator with Eddi Reader and kd lang, amongst others) by bike and train - brr chilly!
It's debatable as to whether Boo's music is folk or blues, but I'd say don't worry about labels - just go and enjoy. He is a genius at acoustic guitar, a pleasure to listen to. Songs of his that I recognised were 'Bell, Book and Candle' (apparently featured on Emmerdale) and 'Try The Patience Of Angels'. Boo is pretty successful - it's great that he still plays at little places like the West End Centre. His stage banter is very entertaining as well, he's got a very dry sense of humour and is pretty good at one-liners. Didn't fancy winning a CD by dancing to his danciest song though, and nobody else did!
It's debatable as to whether Boo's music is folk or blues, but I'd say don't worry about labels - just go and enjoy. He is a genius at acoustic guitar, a pleasure to listen to. Songs of his that I recognised were 'Bell, Book and Candle' (apparently featured on Emmerdale) and 'Try The Patience Of Angels'. Boo is pretty successful - it's great that he still plays at little places like the West End Centre. His stage banter is very entertaining as well, he's got a very dry sense of humour and is pretty good at one-liners. Didn't fancy winning a CD by dancing to his danciest song though, and nobody else did!
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Tom Robinson's Castaway Party, Clapham
Always good fun, the Castaway parties. Tom started doing these free concerts as a thankyou to his fans, but now since he's become a Radio 6 DJ these are the only concerts he does. He often invites old friends such as Raphael Doyle to join in his music, also Tom invites young, relatively unknown artists that he likes to showcase their talents. Some of these I also like!! This year there weren't any guest acts I disliked, and I really enjoyed Tom Robinson Band as well. Guests included Chris T-T who had an excellent song/poem about the Countryside Commission (not very complimentary ;-) ), Stoney (a rock band from Sheffield) and the lovely Lee Griffiths, who is a bit of a regular.
Other Val travelled down with us, and joined us for Sunday Lunch in the Priory Arms, Stockwell before the Party and for drinkees at the White Horse (Sloany Pony?!), Parsons Green afterwards. Met Magnus and June from CAMRA there, as well as regular attendees Len and Sue, who are also big Bluehorses fans.
Bill Badger took lots of photos, although we couldn't find anyone famous to pose with the News and Ale. I'll put them in the gallery when he gets around to downloading them ;-)
Other Val travelled down with us, and joined us for Sunday Lunch in the Priory Arms, Stockwell before the Party and for drinkees at the White Horse (Sloany Pony?!), Parsons Green afterwards. Met Magnus and June from CAMRA there, as well as regular attendees Len and Sue, who are also big Bluehorses fans.
Bill Badger took lots of photos, although we couldn't find anyone famous to pose with the News and Ale. I'll put them in the gallery when he gets around to downloading them ;-)
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Tabbush Sisters at Cranleigh
Went to see the Tabbush Sisters at Cranleigh Arts Centre, since Anna sold the gig to us so well (not too heavily, mind you!). I don't normally like unaccopmanied a capella type singing but the Tabbush Sisters (Anna, Freya and Nonny) did far more interesting songs than most, and sang rounds etc rather than non-stop barbershop type stuff. They sang everything from Elvis to Cyril Tawney to Tracy Chapman, with a few of their parent's (Carolyn Robson and Paul Tabbush's) favourite trad. folk songs as well. Didn't think Anna looked like her sisters, but Freya and Nonny (Veronica) were very much alike. Anna refused to say how old they were, only that they had a combined age of 70. A lot of people from my choir (and Anna's other choirs and Freya's choir!) were there - Nonny may have to give in and start one in Cardiff, she said!
After the gig, met up with Darren Beech who happens to be a good friend of Nick Burbridge. I hope Darren can persuade McDermott's 2 Hours to come to Farnham Maltings, that would be ace! Also put in a good word for the fellas with Laurence of Electric Voices (as did Darren).
Very good concert - I just hope Anna is not going to teach us any of her more difficult songs!
After the gig, met up with Darren Beech who happens to be a good friend of Nick Burbridge. I hope Darren can persuade McDermott's 2 Hours to come to Farnham Maltings, that would be ace! Also put in a good word for the fellas with Laurence of Electric Voices (as did Darren).
Very good concert - I just hope Anna is not going to teach us any of her more difficult songs!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Ceilidh at Godalming
Bill and I decided to see the New Year in with a ceilidh, rather than our usual fancy-dress evening down at the Prince of Wales. The band was Bursledon Village Band, who were very good, and had made lots of effort with sparkly waistcoats, flashing hats, Bridge Violin etc! We could bring our own booze, which worked out much cheaper, and there was a nice buffet in one of the back rooms. The time flew with something to do, other than sit in the pub drinking beer.
The caller was not as good as one's we've previously experienced - he seemed rather too serious, and missed the midnight moment because he was determined to teach us 2 more dances. Somehow did my back in, not used to being pushed around on the dance floor I guess. Still, we had a great time and met some nice people.
The caller was not as good as one's we've previously experienced - he seemed rather too serious, and missed the midnight moment because he was determined to teach us 2 more dances. Somehow did my back in, not used to being pushed around on the dance floor I guess. Still, we had a great time and met some nice people.
Friday, December 23, 2005
First Gig - Guildford Vox
Or two, to be precise!
Our first spot was outside the Friary in Guildford, at the concrete circle where the merry-go-round usually is. About 30 of us turned up, which was good - not many sopranos though. A small group of friends and relations appeared, but we didn't get many passers-by as it was a little off the main shopping route. Guildford was quite quiet for late-night shoppers anyway. Also it was rather noisy because of the lorries and buses heading up North Road. Still, we sang out as best we could. I was struggling as I had a sore throat, I probably wasn't singing my best but I was there!
Our set list included:
Jubilate Deo
The Holly and the Ivy
Whim-Away (Um Boubai)
Winter Wonderland
The Boar's Head Carol
Fly, Fly, Fly
Gaudete
The Reindeer Calling Song
Then there was time for a quick freshly-made doughnut from the stall on the High Street before heading to Holy Trinity Church for the second spot. Unfortunately there was already a brass band playing in the Tunsgate Arch, which threatened to clash with our singing (we didn't have the words to their carols, sadly). However after a quick negotiation Anna persuaded them to be quiet for a bit while we sang.
We do have a CD available, just for a donation to charity - but I couldn't get one as David had disappeared into the Three Pigeons! Oh well, hopefully there'll be some left for the New Year.
That's all for now!
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY READERS!
Our first spot was outside the Friary in Guildford, at the concrete circle where the merry-go-round usually is. About 30 of us turned up, which was good - not many sopranos though. A small group of friends and relations appeared, but we didn't get many passers-by as it was a little off the main shopping route. Guildford was quite quiet for late-night shoppers anyway. Also it was rather noisy because of the lorries and buses heading up North Road. Still, we sang out as best we could. I was struggling as I had a sore throat, I probably wasn't singing my best but I was there!
Our set list included:
Jubilate Deo
The Holly and the Ivy
Whim-Away (Um Boubai)
Winter Wonderland
The Boar's Head Carol
Fly, Fly, Fly
Gaudete
The Reindeer Calling Song
Then there was time for a quick freshly-made doughnut from the stall on the High Street before heading to Holy Trinity Church for the second spot. Unfortunately there was already a brass band playing in the Tunsgate Arch, which threatened to clash with our singing (we didn't have the words to their carols, sadly). However after a quick negotiation Anna persuaded them to be quiet for a bit while we sang.
We do have a CD available, just for a donation to charity - but I couldn't get one as David had disappeared into the Three Pigeons! Oh well, hopefully there'll be some left for the New Year.
That's all for now!
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY READERS!
Monday, December 19, 2005
Folk-Punk Crawl of Brighton and Portsmouth
Bill Badger was away last weekend looking after his father, leaving me to entertain myself. As the train line was down between Farnborough North and Portsmouth, I thought I'd go via Clapham Junction to Brighton, do some shopping, drinking and catch some live music.
Got up at crack of sparrow, and trains were all running fine towards Brighton, arrived at 11.30am before the Evening Star was open, so had a browse down Queen Street and a quick look at the sea. Then back for the Evening Star Beer Festival and Robb Johnson's gig. The pub was packed and a lot of people were singing along to Robb's songs, so I guess at last he is developing the following he deserves! 'Breakfast in Kamnitz' and 'This Song is a Rose' were amongst his set. Got chatting to a bloke sharing a table with me, who is a friend of Maggie Holland (must keep an eye out for her) and Twiggy!
Drank some Dark Star Hophead, Nottingham Stout and Eastwood & Sanders Porter, then headed off to the Bugle in St Martins Street and had some Harveys Best (they also had Taylor Landlord and another ale). I'd got there too early, so had to wander round North Laines in a state of pisstitude - luckily I didn't buy anything too wacky! Had coffee and cake at the Rotunda before heading back.
Nick Burbridge was at the Bugle playing the Irish Session which takes place from 4-6pm every Sunday. He was pleased to see me, I'm helping out with festival-pestering for McDermott's 2 Hours, also moderating their messageboard. The 2 fiddle players whom Nick was playing with were also very good. Recognised some of the songs, especially 'Dicey Riley' and 'Bone's Farewell' from the new album. An old boy was doing Pink Panther type dancing in front of the band which was funny - Nick looked amused as well!
Wandered back to the station - had just missed a train so I headed back to the Star for some Dark Star Rods and Mochas at 7.3%.
Got to the Levellers concert in time to see Seth Lakeman's set - recognised his brother and Ben the bass player but not new guy on bodhran - very good! The Levellers were on their last gig and were putting lots of effort into it, dancing and playing their best. Simon forgot the words to 'This Garden', tsk tsk. Boaksey was in a kilt, pink suspenders and pink feather boa with luminous makeup. As he did his Marylin Monroe impression over the fan and high-kicks to the audience, was glad he's not a true Scotsman!
A cracking good day! Must do it again sometime :-D
Got up at crack of sparrow, and trains were all running fine towards Brighton, arrived at 11.30am before the Evening Star was open, so had a browse down Queen Street and a quick look at the sea. Then back for the Evening Star Beer Festival and Robb Johnson's gig. The pub was packed and a lot of people were singing along to Robb's songs, so I guess at last he is developing the following he deserves! 'Breakfast in Kamnitz' and 'This Song is a Rose' were amongst his set. Got chatting to a bloke sharing a table with me, who is a friend of Maggie Holland (must keep an eye out for her) and Twiggy!
Drank some Dark Star Hophead, Nottingham Stout and Eastwood & Sanders Porter, then headed off to the Bugle in St Martins Street and had some Harveys Best (they also had Taylor Landlord and another ale). I'd got there too early, so had to wander round North Laines in a state of pisstitude - luckily I didn't buy anything too wacky! Had coffee and cake at the Rotunda before heading back.
Nick Burbridge was at the Bugle playing the Irish Session which takes place from 4-6pm every Sunday. He was pleased to see me, I'm helping out with festival-pestering for McDermott's 2 Hours, also moderating their messageboard. The 2 fiddle players whom Nick was playing with were also very good. Recognised some of the songs, especially 'Dicey Riley' and 'Bone's Farewell' from the new album. An old boy was doing Pink Panther type dancing in front of the band which was funny - Nick looked amused as well!
Wandered back to the station - had just missed a train so I headed back to the Star for some Dark Star Rods and Mochas at 7.3%.
Got to the Levellers concert in time to see Seth Lakeman's set - recognised his brother and Ben the bass player but not new guy on bodhran - very good! The Levellers were on their last gig and were putting lots of effort into it, dancing and playing their best. Simon forgot the words to 'This Garden', tsk tsk. Boaksey was in a kilt, pink suspenders and pink feather boa with luminous makeup. As he did his Marylin Monroe impression over the fan and high-kicks to the audience, was glad he's not a true Scotsman!
A cracking good day! Must do it again sometime :-D
Friday, December 09, 2005
Martyn Joseph at the Brook
Other Val and Matt accompanied Bill and myself to the Brook to see Wales's answer to Bruce Springsteen once more ;-) Martyn was accompanied by his keyboard player Matt, and I'm pleased to say the sound quality was excellent. Glad that the Brook also sorted out their sound problems as well as refurbishing. They stil haven't got any interesting beer though - c'mon Brook, ditch that Courage Best for something nice by Hampshire Brewery, please!
Martyn gave a faultless performance, we arrived a song-and-a-half too late and came in as he was singing Dic Penderyn, which has a superb chorus, especially for us mezzo-sopranos to sing along to! Songs which Martyn virtually left the Brook to sing were the covers - What If God Was One Of Us and Stuck In A Moment originally by U2.
Martyn has a new album out, Deep Blue, which we purchased - unfortunately could not get near Martyn at the end for an autograph. He played many songs from this - my favourite being Proud Valley Boy.
After the interval, Martyn did his spontaneous song-composing, about a dark-haired woman in the upstairs bit who had shouted 'bad sales pitch' to him as he'd been excessively modest about his new album - and he'd heard 'selfish'! Then played some requests at the end including Dolphins, one of his chart hits.
A good, spiritually-uplifting gig - we will return to see Martyn here again no doubt.
Martyn gave a faultless performance, we arrived a song-and-a-half too late and came in as he was singing Dic Penderyn, which has a superb chorus, especially for us mezzo-sopranos to sing along to! Songs which Martyn virtually left the Brook to sing were the covers - What If God Was One Of Us and Stuck In A Moment originally by U2.
Martyn has a new album out, Deep Blue, which we purchased - unfortunately could not get near Martyn at the end for an autograph. He played many songs from this - my favourite being Proud Valley Boy.
After the interval, Martyn did his spontaneous song-composing, about a dark-haired woman in the upstairs bit who had shouted 'bad sales pitch' to him as he'd been excessively modest about his new album - and he'd heard 'selfish'! Then played some requests at the end including Dolphins, one of his chart hits.
A good, spiritually-uplifting gig - we will return to see Martyn here again no doubt.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Bill Badger's 40th Birthday
Today Bill Badger, my lovely hubby, reached his 40th Birthday (which he kept pretty quiet!) He has been working at the Great Welsh Beer Festival in Cardiff, and travelled back especially to go on the 'Arford By Bus' pub crawl. The Crown in Arford was my favourite, a very nice pub, had some excellent beer there and a nice plate of nachos. The Mill Tavern in Shottermill, West Sussex was very good as well.
Val and Matt picked us up at the final pub, the Crown and Cushion in Haslemere, and took us to West Chiltington Village Hall to see ColvinQuarmby. Val is friendly with the band, so asked for a request for Bill - and he kind of got two! Jerry mentioned people who turn 40 when he played 'I look the same but I have changed' and also dedicated 'it could only happen in America' to Bill as well!
We were also able to stop for a drink on the way back, thanks to the remarkably civilized new licencing hours. Cheers, Tony!
Hubby has got loads of cards and prezzies which just goes to show what a popular guy he is. Val and Matt gave beer and homemade (unusual!) chutneys, and Simon and Jane gave a cup-and-saucer and some liquorice. I gave a book and some 'taste the difference' bikkies which Bill seemed to appreciate!!
Happy birthday, dearest! xxxx
Val and Matt picked us up at the final pub, the Crown and Cushion in Haslemere, and took us to West Chiltington Village Hall to see ColvinQuarmby. Val is friendly with the band, so asked for a request for Bill - and he kind of got two! Jerry mentioned people who turn 40 when he played 'I look the same but I have changed' and also dedicated 'it could only happen in America' to Bill as well!
We were also able to stop for a drink on the way back, thanks to the remarkably civilized new licencing hours. Cheers, Tony!
Hubby has got loads of cards and prezzies which just goes to show what a popular guy he is. Val and Matt gave beer and homemade (unusual!) chutneys, and Simon and Jane gave a cup-and-saucer and some liquorice. I gave a book and some 'taste the difference' bikkies which Bill seemed to appreciate!!
Happy birthday, dearest! xxxx
Monday, November 28, 2005
The Copper Family at Guildford Institute
Just Bill and myself to see the Copper Family, who arrived a little late due to work commitments (but quickly found their way to the bar!) They are one of the few families who still pass on folk-singing from generation to generation, and have done so in the village of Rottingdean since time immemorial. They were one of the first families to have been 'collected' from, and pass on stories of the old days of ploughing with horses, running pubs etc. as well. They are not trained singers and so maybe a bit rough around the edges, but great fun and very interesting to listen to. Long may they multiply and do their best!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Siansa at Farnham Maltings
Went to see Siansa with Bill and Val - Ken was also there, a regular reader of my blog!
Steve Winchester was suporting, and played 5 cool songs to start with, including an Irish song which Siansa thought was terrific :-D
Siansa kicked off with 3 jigs, excellently played, then some traditional songs. I amused myself by trying to pick the best musician of the outfit. It was close, but I picked Peter O'Brien, the bodhran player from Belfast, after effortlessly providing intricate rhythms for a set of Irish polkas. Turns out he was all-Ireland champion! Fantastic. Tim O'Dowd was very good on the pipes and low whistle, but I didn't like his singing voice. Other Tim was very good as well, on pipes and whistles, despite not having rehearsed with the band (they played a few tricks on him - not deliberately though!)
Geoffrey Pollett, the fiddle player, sang a few of his own songs, good ones too. He sounds terribly well-spoken English, sounding very odd in an Irish band! The harp player, Harriet Earis, was excellent - it's a rare thing to hear someone playing the Irish harp round our way.
Dave Henderson, the guitar/mandola player, was also by far the best singer, but only got to sing the one song!
Also, as a surprise, they had a top Irish dancer, Martin, who used to be lead dancer in The Lord Of The Dance (Riverdance's successor). He was truly amazing, lightning on his feet, but wrecked the door on whih he was supposed to have danced and had to hammer the floor instead!
The atmosphere was great at the gig, but at about 10 past 11 the fire alarms went off in the middle of a set of reels and, althogh Darren told us there was no fire, there was no way we could hear the music over the din. Me and Bill decided to call it a night at this point. Felt sorry for the band though.
Val won a folking.com waistcoat on the raffle - I look forward to seeing her wearing it :-D
Steve Winchester was suporting, and played 5 cool songs to start with, including an Irish song which Siansa thought was terrific :-D
Siansa kicked off with 3 jigs, excellently played, then some traditional songs. I amused myself by trying to pick the best musician of the outfit. It was close, but I picked Peter O'Brien, the bodhran player from Belfast, after effortlessly providing intricate rhythms for a set of Irish polkas. Turns out he was all-Ireland champion! Fantastic. Tim O'Dowd was very good on the pipes and low whistle, but I didn't like his singing voice. Other Tim was very good as well, on pipes and whistles, despite not having rehearsed with the band (they played a few tricks on him - not deliberately though!)
Geoffrey Pollett, the fiddle player, sang a few of his own songs, good ones too. He sounds terribly well-spoken English, sounding very odd in an Irish band! The harp player, Harriet Earis, was excellent - it's a rare thing to hear someone playing the Irish harp round our way.
Dave Henderson, the guitar/mandola player, was also by far the best singer, but only got to sing the one song!
Also, as a surprise, they had a top Irish dancer, Martin, who used to be lead dancer in The Lord Of The Dance (Riverdance's successor). He was truly amazing, lightning on his feet, but wrecked the door on whih he was supposed to have danced and had to hammer the floor instead!
The atmosphere was great at the gig, but at about 10 past 11 the fire alarms went off in the middle of a set of reels and, althogh Darren told us there was no fire, there was no way we could hear the music over the din. Me and Bill decided to call it a night at this point. Felt sorry for the band though.
Val won a folking.com waistcoat on the raffle - I look forward to seeing her wearing it :-D
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Guildford Vox
Don't laugh - I have joined a choir!
Yesterday night I went along to Anna Tabbush's Guildford Vox choir taster night (she of Meridian and Tabbush Sisters fame) along wth about 20 other people! First of all we did warm-up exercises - a bit like aerobics, then we did some voice exercises, designed to get us singing effectively. It ws very interesting to learn how to do it properly - learning diaphragm control, the correct way to breathe in, etc. Then Anna taught us some rounds, including Jubilate Deo. Then we had to sort ourselves from low singers to high singers, bass to alto. I ended up as a mezzo-soprano, rightly or wrongly! We sang harmonies to Whim-Away, The Boar's Head Carol, and a Finnish reindeer-calling song, but I kept wanting to sing other people's tunes - very confusing! Anna was very positive and enthusiastic, and danced as she was conducting. Everyone seemed nice and I had a lot of fun, though my lungs were aching afterwards. Will definitely go back next Monday :-)
Yesterday night I went along to Anna Tabbush's Guildford Vox choir taster night (she of Meridian and Tabbush Sisters fame) along wth about 20 other people! First of all we did warm-up exercises - a bit like aerobics, then we did some voice exercises, designed to get us singing effectively. It ws very interesting to learn how to do it properly - learning diaphragm control, the correct way to breathe in, etc. Then Anna taught us some rounds, including Jubilate Deo. Then we had to sort ourselves from low singers to high singers, bass to alto. I ended up as a mezzo-soprano, rightly or wrongly! We sang harmonies to Whim-Away, The Boar's Head Carol, and a Finnish reindeer-calling song, but I kept wanting to sing other people's tunes - very confusing! Anna was very positive and enthusiastic, and danced as she was conducting. Everyone seemed nice and I had a lot of fun, though my lungs were aching afterwards. Will definitely go back next Monday :-)
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Weeping Willow?
Was merrily browsing through the board this morning when I heard our neighbour's teenage son and daughter out in the garden. I opened the curtains, and - bloody hell! A huge branch of a willow tree 2 doors down (No. 104) has crashed down - over our garden and both our neighbour's gardens! :o It has wrecked the shed at No. 106, luckily there wasn't anything valuable in there. At No. 104 the shed is bearing a lot of weight but hasn't collapsed yet.
Mike, the guy at 104, has tried phoning tree surgeons and his insurance (Direct Line Insurance), but none of them are open at the weekend!! Surprising really - who are you supposed to contact in an emergency?
Just as well no-one was out there really! That tree is also very near the railway line - again, very luckily there's no trains today due to engineering works.
Mike, the guy at 104, has tried phoning tree surgeons and his insurance (Direct Line Insurance), but none of them are open at the weekend!! Surprising really - who are you supposed to contact in an emergency?
Just as well no-one was out there really! That tree is also very near the railway line - again, very luckily there's no trains today due to engineering works.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Folk at the Fall - QE Hall Foyer, London
Bill and I took the train to Waterloo and firstly headed past Festival Hall to Covent Garden - yay! I'll make a shopper of Bill yet. There was a food and drink market going on, as well as the usual crafts in the Apple Market, so we tried some crepes and Moroccan savouries before heading off to the Sir John Soanes museum.
This museum was amazing! It was crammed full of bits of carved stone and marble which Sir John (architect of the House of Lords, anongst other things) had collected. There was everything from Roman gods to an Egyptian sarcophagus - and in the midst a bust of Sir John himself - a la Julius Caesar! There were also quite a few Hogarths, in the cellar the famous Rake's Progress. The house itself has been preserved in all its 18th Century glory.
I went shopping for boots in Neal Street on the way back, and Bill went to the concert. Sadly I missed most of Mawkin, an Essex-based fiddle/melodeon/guitar/bass outfit, who were very good. Gog Magog Molly were around in the intervals to entertain us with their modern take on Cambridgeshire molly-dancing. With their bright costumes and silly hats I at first thought they were clowns!
The Devil's Interval were next, but despite their cool name I found them a bit boring. But then a lot of their songs were a capella which isn't my cup of tea. They did a dirty song at the end though ;-)
Last on were Meridian - Richard Jones (piano-accordion/guitar), Anna Tabbush (fiddle/flute/vocals), and Chris Walshaw (pipes/flute/whistles). They did a superb set, playing 'At the break of day/The Glimmering) which was my favourite. Anna's voice was at it's soaring best, and the sound quality was far better than at Bridgnorth. Chris wowed the audience with his French Pipe skills, playing schottiches and other French dance tunes, a few people quietly danced at the back!
Singing Robb Johnson's 'London Eye' on the train home again to Farnborough.
This museum was amazing! It was crammed full of bits of carved stone and marble which Sir John (architect of the House of Lords, anongst other things) had collected. There was everything from Roman gods to an Egyptian sarcophagus - and in the midst a bust of Sir John himself - a la Julius Caesar! There were also quite a few Hogarths, in the cellar the famous Rake's Progress. The house itself has been preserved in all its 18th Century glory.
I went shopping for boots in Neal Street on the way back, and Bill went to the concert. Sadly I missed most of Mawkin, an Essex-based fiddle/melodeon/guitar/bass outfit, who were very good. Gog Magog Molly were around in the intervals to entertain us with their modern take on Cambridgeshire molly-dancing. With their bright costumes and silly hats I at first thought they were clowns!
The Devil's Interval were next, but despite their cool name I found them a bit boring. But then a lot of their songs were a capella which isn't my cup of tea. They did a dirty song at the end though ;-)
Last on were Meridian - Richard Jones (piano-accordion/guitar), Anna Tabbush (fiddle/flute/vocals), and Chris Walshaw (pipes/flute/whistles). They did a superb set, playing 'At the break of day/The Glimmering) which was my favourite. Anna's voice was at it's soaring best, and the sound quality was far better than at Bridgnorth. Chris wowed the audience with his French Pipe skills, playing schottiches and other French dance tunes, a few people quietly danced at the back!
Singing Robb Johnson's 'London Eye' on the train home again to Farnborough.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Redhill Beer Festival
Which was actually at Merstham Village Hall. The hall was never packed, having at most 120 punters at a time, the festival having been limited to 150 punters at a time by the Hall committee. The food on offer consisted of huge baguettes, sausage rools, Scotch eggs or crisps, with free food for workers.
Things were very quiet on the Membership and Products side (of which myself and Claire were in charge) – probably due to the bad location of the tables on the stage, which some punters thought was out-of-bounds. However we did manage to sell 10 CAMRA memberships, the baby’s bibs, a teddy, and quite a few East and Mid Surrey Pub Guides (these are excellent, despite what Bruning-skimreader says!). I was restricting myself to a half a day, so had to choose well and sip it very slowly. The B&T Edwin Taylor Stout was the beer of the festival for me. We sold out of beer by 7pm on the last day, but still had plenty of cider left over. I don’t think Surrey folk are big cider-drinkers. In the end we gave away the cider in takeaway containers, before returning the empties.
It was good to catch up with all the gossip from the Welsh contingency (Claire, Kathy, Daigy and Keith) as well as to see the East and Mid Surrey crowd again. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves – apart from the kind of people that always pick holes. Thanks to Sally Gingell in particular for doing most of the work to make the festival such a success!
Things were very quiet on the Membership and Products side (of which myself and Claire were in charge) – probably due to the bad location of the tables on the stage, which some punters thought was out-of-bounds. However we did manage to sell 10 CAMRA memberships, the baby’s bibs, a teddy, and quite a few East and Mid Surrey Pub Guides (these are excellent, despite what Bruning-skimreader says!). I was restricting myself to a half a day, so had to choose well and sip it very slowly. The B&T Edwin Taylor Stout was the beer of the festival for me. We sold out of beer by 7pm on the last day, but still had plenty of cider left over. I don’t think Surrey folk are big cider-drinkers. In the end we gave away the cider in takeaway containers, before returning the empties.
It was good to catch up with all the gossip from the Welsh contingency (Claire, Kathy, Daigy and Keith) as well as to see the East and Mid Surrey crowd again. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves – apart from the kind of people that always pick holes. Thanks to Sally Gingell in particular for doing most of the work to make the festival such a success!
Show of Hands at Norden Farm
Steve and Phil gave yet another superb performance at Norden Farm, and really seemed to be enjoying themselves. Someone called Bill heckled them for being late on stage, but they seemed to know the guy so they took it in good spirit. Apparently they have played more at Norden Farm than anywhere else! It is a good venue though.
They played old favourites like Cousin Jack, Santiago, Widdecombe Fair (they seem to have given up on Phil sneaking up on the audience with his fiddle!) and my favourite at the moment, The Setting/Mary of Dungloe. Steve also tried out a few new tunes, he didn’t mention titles so I’m guessing Dreamers and Lost. He has changed Dreamers so that it makes less sense to me – I thought the boyfriend steals a car and gets beaten up, forcing the couple to stay in Axmouth – but he has changed it so that it was a friend. Why stay then? Lost was about Steve visiting an attic where he finds everything he’s ever lost. Bill liked this – he’s such a hoarder! Roots was played as the encore, it’s a great protest song, a rallying-cry for all us folkies to defend our English culture. Was pretty tired by the time we got back home though, had to go to work early the next day as well...
They played old favourites like Cousin Jack, Santiago, Widdecombe Fair (they seem to have given up on Phil sneaking up on the audience with his fiddle!) and my favourite at the moment, The Setting/Mary of Dungloe. Steve also tried out a few new tunes, he didn’t mention titles so I’m guessing Dreamers and Lost. He has changed Dreamers so that it makes less sense to me – I thought the boyfriend steals a car and gets beaten up, forcing the couple to stay in Axmouth – but he has changed it so that it was a friend. Why stay then? Lost was about Steve visiting an attic where he finds everything he’s ever lost. Bill liked this – he’s such a hoarder! Roots was played as the encore, it’s a great protest song, a rallying-cry for all us folkies to defend our English culture. Was pretty tired by the time we got back home though, had to go to work early the next day as well...
Friday, October 21, 2005
Oysterband at the Brook
Last night was Other Val’s birthday so she’d decided on a girlie night out in Southampton, with myself and Julie. Bill Badger would normally be an honorary girl, but he is away at the moment at a conference in Birmingham (he made do with a boy’s night out with Patrick).
The Brook had changed a little since I last went there to see Martyn Joseph. The place looked a lot less dingy, all in greens and stained wood, with the downstairs bar moved over to the far side and the upstairs bar refurbished with lots more seating. I wasn’t tempted by the lone real ale (Courage Best) but Other Val had no complaints.
Other Val and I headed down to the mosh pit whilst Julie stayed upstairs on the fag! There wasn’t a lot of dancing though, perhaps because of the lack of space. The sound was excellent though, and the Oysterband as energetic and skillful as ever (not turning up pissed like a band I’ve seen recently (Atishdrunkinpublichoo) although JJ did forget the words to ‘The Raven’ We met some nice people (as often happens with Other Val around) and had a bloody good time. Favourite song of the evening – ‘Northern Light’ (Other Val voted for ‘Milford Haven’ and Julie for the instrumentals)
Thanks to Other Val for driving on her birthday!
The Brook had changed a little since I last went there to see Martyn Joseph. The place looked a lot less dingy, all in greens and stained wood, with the downstairs bar moved over to the far side and the upstairs bar refurbished with lots more seating. I wasn’t tempted by the lone real ale (Courage Best) but Other Val had no complaints.
Other Val and I headed down to the mosh pit whilst Julie stayed upstairs on the fag! There wasn’t a lot of dancing though, perhaps because of the lack of space. The sound was excellent though, and the Oysterband as energetic and skillful as ever (not turning up pissed like a band I’ve seen recently (Atishdrunkinpublichoo) although JJ did forget the words to ‘The Raven’ We met some nice people (as often happens with Other Val around) and had a bloody good time. Favourite song of the evening – ‘Northern Light’ (Other Val voted for ‘Milford Haven’ and Julie for the instrumentals)
Thanks to Other Val for driving on her birthday!
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Spiers and Boden, Good Old Way Folk Club
My 100th Post!It was my, Bill’s, Other Val’s and Matt’s first time at our very own folk club of which we are members. People seemed friendly without being too OTT. The room, in the Guildford Institute building of the University of Surrey, was rather small but decorated with interesting pictures, and retaining quite a lot of original ‘Art Nouveau’ features. A grand piano stood at the ‘stage’ end, leaving not a lot of room for any big bands! There were bottles of Hogs Back TEA available, but the catch was, there were no beer glasses! Drinking a bottle-conditioned beer from the neck without drinking any of the sediment proved to be a bit of a challenge.
The first floor-spot was a very traditional singer, so I hoped that wasn’t going to be the tone of the folk club. Next came Spiers and Boden, who were fabulous, with many new songs from their album appropriately entitled ‘Songs’ (we bought a copy which Jon and John signed for us). They too are a very ‘traditional’ act, but they don’t perform the songs 100% ‘straight’, adding a certain something to them which makes them catchy and enjoyable. They are usually quite gory as well. Was whistling the song about chopping up the
wild woman for ages afterwards!
The next floor spot, to my delight, was Anna Tabbush, who helps run the club. I have a CD of her in ‘Meridian’, called ‘Prime’ – her vocals are amazing. She also teaches R & B – bit different from folk music!
More Spiers and Boden, had a bit of a sing, especially ‘Happy Birthday’ to one of the other folkies who had travelled a long way to see the lads. Only a matter of time before they need a fan club!
Didn’t win anything on the raffle, but there’s plenty of time. Now we are regulars, we are sure to win more ;-)
The first floor-spot was a very traditional singer, so I hoped that wasn’t going to be the tone of the folk club. Next came Spiers and Boden, who were fabulous, with many new songs from their album appropriately entitled ‘Songs’ (we bought a copy which Jon and John signed for us). They too are a very ‘traditional’ act, but they don’t perform the songs 100% ‘straight’, adding a certain something to them which makes them catchy and enjoyable. They are usually quite gory as well. Was whistling the song about chopping up the
wild woman for ages afterwards!
The next floor spot, to my delight, was Anna Tabbush, who helps run the club. I have a CD of her in ‘Meridian’, called ‘Prime’ – her vocals are amazing. She also teaches R & B – bit different from folk music!
More Spiers and Boden, had a bit of a sing, especially ‘Happy Birthday’ to one of the other folkies who had travelled a long way to see the lads. Only a matter of time before they need a fan club!
Didn’t win anything on the raffle, but there’s plenty of time. Now we are regulars, we are sure to win more ;-)
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Plymouth and Gunnislake Weekend
The Magnificent Seven (Ian, Brian, Social Bob, Magnus, June, Bill and me) met up for an attempt on the Tamar Valley Rail Ale Passport, 19 pubs accessible by rail on the Plumouth to Gunnislake line. Was in a foul mood most of the weekend due to sinusitis and inner ear infection – but after a few beers I cheered up a bit and the constant boat-motion seemed less noticeable! On the Friday we had a four-hour train journey to Plymouth in a nice comfy South West Train. There were some great views of the sea around Dawlish but fog closed in as we approached the Tamar valley. Spent the evening visiting a few pubs in Devonport and Plymouth, the most memorable ones being the Dolphin (‘accepts all comers and frequently gets them’) and the Minerva (good vibes, good live saxophonist). Next day six of us went on a walk around Gunnislake to see the historic mineworkings, lock, lime kiln etc, then in to the Tavistock for some delicious local cider. Next stop was the Rising Sun for some stonking Betty Stoggs, but was miffed that they weren’t serving food. Half an hours’ walk to the Rifle Volunteer, where Bill, Brian and I sampled the (very good) food – well earned after climbing uphill quite a lot!
Then it was all the way back down the hill to the Cornishman and another pub before the inevitable climb back to the station.
Next stop on the train was Calstock where we found the lovely Tamar Inn, enjoying some good beer there. Unfortunately the Riverside Restaurant wasn’t serving beer, but we had an excellent cream tea there, homemade scones with lashings of jam and cream :-p The other pub in town, the Boat, was very nice too, they serve a lovely bag of Burts crisps!
I was pretty tired by the time we got back to Plymouth and moaned about the 10-minute uphill walk to the ‘nearby’ Fortescue, which did not have a good range of beers. Ian, Bill and I attempted to find the ‘nearby’ Sutton Brewery tap, but were scuppered by an early-closing bridge.
Sunday Bill and I visited the National Aquarium whilst the more dedicated CAMRA members continued the ale trail. All those cod, scampi etc. made me hungry so we had traditional pasties and fudge in the Hoe park.
Nice weekend, beer wasn’t up to much in some of the pubs but it was good to have a change of scenery.
Then it was all the way back down the hill to the Cornishman and another pub before the inevitable climb back to the station.
Next stop on the train was Calstock where we found the lovely Tamar Inn, enjoying some good beer there. Unfortunately the Riverside Restaurant wasn’t serving beer, but we had an excellent cream tea there, homemade scones with lashings of jam and cream :-p The other pub in town, the Boat, was very nice too, they serve a lovely bag of Burts crisps!
I was pretty tired by the time we got back to Plymouth and moaned about the 10-minute uphill walk to the ‘nearby’ Fortescue, which did not have a good range of beers. Ian, Bill and I attempted to find the ‘nearby’ Sutton Brewery tap, but were scuppered by an early-closing bridge.
Sunday Bill and I visited the National Aquarium whilst the more dedicated CAMRA members continued the ale trail. All those cod, scampi etc. made me hungry so we had traditional pasties and fudge in the Hoe park.
Nice weekend, beer wasn’t up to much in some of the pubs but it was good to have a change of scenery.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Paul Downes at Dorking Folk Club
Bill and I went to see Paul Downes (Other Val being at Farnham Maltings to see Last Night’s Fun). Steve Winchester was also there as a floor spot, which was a pleasant surprise.
Paul is an excellent guitarist and performs some great songs. He played ‘The Moth’ my favourite from his repertoire, also ‘Cursed Anna’ which was Bill’s favourite. He had everyone singing with ‘There but for Fortune’ (written by Phil Ochs) and ‘On a Monday Morning’ by the late Cyril Tawney.
Also caught up on the gossip about Show of Hands – apparently one of the songs Steve Knightley wrote for ‘The Path’ (concept album about the South-West Coastal Path) was originally going to be called ‘Spaniard’s Knob’ after a well-known landmark along the way! The other gossip was that Paul’s ex-wife is one of the ladies from ‘Dangerous Curves’ – wonder which one? Bet Other Val would know.
Nice music, shame about the beer in the club that night - tired Ringwood Best.
Paul is an excellent guitarist and performs some great songs. He played ‘The Moth’ my favourite from his repertoire, also ‘Cursed Anna’ which was Bill’s favourite. He had everyone singing with ‘There but for Fortune’ (written by Phil Ochs) and ‘On a Monday Morning’ by the late Cyril Tawney.
Also caught up on the gossip about Show of Hands – apparently one of the songs Steve Knightley wrote for ‘The Path’ (concept album about the South-West Coastal Path) was originally going to be called ‘Spaniard’s Knob’ after a well-known landmark along the way! The other gossip was that Paul’s ex-wife is one of the ladies from ‘Dangerous Curves’ – wonder which one? Bet Other Val would know.
Nice music, shame about the beer in the club that night - tired Ringwood Best.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Canal Weekend
We were invited to spend last weekend aboard a narrowboat with our friend Patrick, who is a bit of a canal expert. It was not his boat, just one he was looking after, usually home to a lady called Nikki whom we have never met. The narrowboat was 52-foot, battleship grey (easier to maintain that way, apparently) and tastefully furnished, and came complete with a young cat, Amy! Amy was somewhat disconcerted with 3 people aboard her habitat, none of which were her owner, but was unfazed by the change of towpath scenery each night.
We met Patrick at Wolverhampton, and found the Great Western pub where we sampled some delicious Holdens beers. We settled in, slept, ate bacon sandwiches next morning, then sallied forth towards Stourbridge. Bill settled in to the steering and lock-opening straight away, but it took me a little while to become confident once more. A pleasant day and some nice pubs in Stourport, my favourite of those we visited being the Royal Exchange.
The next leg was up Delph locks (with short break for baguettes and Bathams at the Vine) towards Birmingham. There was a bit of drama as Pat nearly got himself squashed in a lock trying to retrieve a hat I'd thrown towards the boat and missed! Luckily Pat only got his shirt wet.
We arrived about 6pm and Patrick was dismayed to find a canal festival near where he'd planned to moor, but it was in the process of packing up. Bill and I had our plans for getting home thrown, as a bus did not turn up and we had to walk 1/2 hour to the station, not getting home till past midnight.
A wonderful, relaxing weekend despite it being hard work at times!
We met Patrick at Wolverhampton, and found the Great Western pub where we sampled some delicious Holdens beers. We settled in, slept, ate bacon sandwiches next morning, then sallied forth towards Stourbridge. Bill settled in to the steering and lock-opening straight away, but it took me a little while to become confident once more. A pleasant day and some nice pubs in Stourport, my favourite of those we visited being the Royal Exchange.
The next leg was up Delph locks (with short break for baguettes and Bathams at the Vine) towards Birmingham. There was a bit of drama as Pat nearly got himself squashed in a lock trying to retrieve a hat I'd thrown towards the boat and missed! Luckily Pat only got his shirt wet.
We arrived about 6pm and Patrick was dismayed to find a canal festival near where he'd planned to moor, but it was in the process of packing up. Bill and I had our plans for getting home thrown, as a bus did not turn up and we had to walk 1/2 hour to the station, not getting home till past midnight.
A wonderful, relaxing weekend despite it being hard work at times!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Hobbs Farm Music Festival, Saturday
I got a lift down to Hobbs Farm, near Yapton in West Sussex, with Matt and Other Val. It’s always a pleasure to travel through the downs – I navigated Val through Petworth and over Duncton Hill, fantastic views. The farm was a pretty, typically Sussex place with flint stone walls, oak beams etc – there were a few craft stalls, a real ale bar with ales from Gribble, cheese stall, music stall, hog roast and corn roast (for the veggies!)
We arrived, put the tent and deckchairs up, then we immediately tucked in to some of my Westons Dry Cider, aarrr!
First music session we went to was a French band with Breton pipes, hurdy-gurdy and melodeon. It was all French dance tunes, no singing, so I became slowly hypnotised by the turning disc on the hurdy-gurdy. Next there was a young man on his own, playing acoustic rock – we sat outside in the sunshine and listened from afar, as he was rather loud. Eating cheese and fruitcake and supping Val’s Hogsback Autumn Seer was very pleasant indeed!
Next up was Nick Burbridge, playing with Mal Simms (bodhran), to my surprise and pleasure – Mal used to attempt to teach me bodhran at Fareham and Gosport Folk Festival. Poor Mal seemed to be struggling to keep up with the fast tempo of Nick’s songs, which made me laugh! The crowd was a bit thin, but then if you don’t put it on the gig list on your website, Mr B (or Mr B's webmaster)!
Nick played a lot of my favourites including ‘Refugees’, ‘Darkness and Sail’ and ‘Dicey Riley’, finishing of course with Dirty Davey. Perhaps ‘Summer Song’ was not such a good idea with so many kids in the audience – hope they didn’t get any nightmares! Nick came up for a chat afterwards, as me, Val and Matt were cooing over some piglets, probably because I was wearing a McDermott’s 2 Hours t-shirt, but he may have recognised me from Glastonwick. He’s a nice chap, and it’s good when someone you admire likes you! I also had a chat to Mal as we were in the queue for the hog roast – half of his band Legacy had moved to Eire but he had a new band – and Tim Cotterell, the violinist, was touring with Martha Tilston.
Next were a not-very-good Irish band and more bands of talented youths, so I voted to slope off to the Good Beer Guide pub in Yapton, the Maypole. Had some very nice Berrow S’Port (appropriate for England on the way to winning the Ashes), then it was time to catch the train to Shirl’s.
We arrived, put the tent and deckchairs up, then we immediately tucked in to some of my Westons Dry Cider, aarrr!
First music session we went to was a French band with Breton pipes, hurdy-gurdy and melodeon. It was all French dance tunes, no singing, so I became slowly hypnotised by the turning disc on the hurdy-gurdy. Next there was a young man on his own, playing acoustic rock – we sat outside in the sunshine and listened from afar, as he was rather loud. Eating cheese and fruitcake and supping Val’s Hogsback Autumn Seer was very pleasant indeed!
Next up was Nick Burbridge, playing with Mal Simms (bodhran), to my surprise and pleasure – Mal used to attempt to teach me bodhran at Fareham and Gosport Folk Festival. Poor Mal seemed to be struggling to keep up with the fast tempo of Nick’s songs, which made me laugh! The crowd was a bit thin, but then if you don’t put it on the gig list on your website, Mr B (or Mr B's webmaster)!
Nick played a lot of my favourites including ‘Refugees’, ‘Darkness and Sail’ and ‘Dicey Riley’, finishing of course with Dirty Davey. Perhaps ‘Summer Song’ was not such a good idea with so many kids in the audience – hope they didn’t get any nightmares! Nick came up for a chat afterwards, as me, Val and Matt were cooing over some piglets, probably because I was wearing a McDermott’s 2 Hours t-shirt, but he may have recognised me from Glastonwick. He’s a nice chap, and it’s good when someone you admire likes you! I also had a chat to Mal as we were in the queue for the hog roast – half of his band Legacy had moved to Eire but he had a new band – and Tim Cotterell, the violinist, was touring with Martha Tilston.
Next were a not-very-good Irish band and more bands of talented youths, so I voted to slope off to the Good Beer Guide pub in Yapton, the Maypole. Had some very nice Berrow S’Port (appropriate for England on the way to winning the Ashes), then it was time to catch the train to Shirl’s.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Wallingford Bunkfest - Sunday
Bill and I visited Wallingford Bunkfest in Oxfordshire for the first time, just for the Sunday as we'd visited George and Eileen on the Saturday. The weather was fantastic (at first) and the atmos was friendly.
A 'Singing Train' on the Wallingford Bunk line was included in the ticket price, so we tried that first - it just went one stop, but very slowly, taking an hour (no change from modern train services, you might think). The music consisted of a singaround, but due to the carriage being long and narrow you had to be sitting with the musicians in order to hear properly. The best musicians were a violinist and a woodwind player who also sang harmonies, but they had a small child with them who kept trying to talk to them through the performance!
Next Bill went to the main tent and I disappeared to see 3 Daft Monkeys on the Singing Boat, for which I had to pay £5 extra. But I had heard good things about them on www.otf.org.uk and thought it would be worth it to hear them and to escape the stifling heat on the River Thames. And indeed it was! Also met up with 2-in-a-VW and Riff-Raff from the OTF board and caught up on the news. Was very impressed with 3DM and bought both their albums (£15 bargain).
I then joined Bill in the main tent for Cloudstreet, the Aussie duo we'd seen at Bridgnorth, and Eliza Carthy and the Ratcatchers who were brilliant as ever. Jon Spiers kept winding Eliza up, as she was out of tune on (Mr. Boden's) violin, which was amusing - she has inherited a fair amount of Waterson scariness!
Fininshed off the might with Mad Dog MCREA, an Irish/Bluegrass band and had a bit of a dance - but the stifling heat became a spectacular storm. Bill had to drive home through the pelting rain and lightning which was entertaining. It took us a bit longer to get home but we made it!
A 'Singing Train' on the Wallingford Bunk line was included in the ticket price, so we tried that first - it just went one stop, but very slowly, taking an hour (no change from modern train services, you might think). The music consisted of a singaround, but due to the carriage being long and narrow you had to be sitting with the musicians in order to hear properly. The best musicians were a violinist and a woodwind player who also sang harmonies, but they had a small child with them who kept trying to talk to them through the performance!
Next Bill went to the main tent and I disappeared to see 3 Daft Monkeys on the Singing Boat, for which I had to pay £5 extra. But I had heard good things about them on www.otf.org.uk and thought it would be worth it to hear them and to escape the stifling heat on the River Thames. And indeed it was! Also met up with 2-in-a-VW and Riff-Raff from the OTF board and caught up on the news. Was very impressed with 3DM and bought both their albums (£15 bargain).
I then joined Bill in the main tent for Cloudstreet, the Aussie duo we'd seen at Bridgnorth, and Eliza Carthy and the Ratcatchers who were brilliant as ever. Jon Spiers kept winding Eliza up, as she was out of tune on (Mr. Boden's) violin, which was amusing - she has inherited a fair amount of Waterson scariness!
Fininshed off the might with Mad Dog MCREA, an Irish/Bluegrass band and had a bit of a dance - but the stifling heat became a spectacular storm. Bill had to drive home through the pelting rain and lightning which was entertaining. It took us a bit longer to get home but we made it!
Friday, September 02, 2005
Bridgnorth Folk Festival 2005
Had a good time in Bridgnorth, where we met up with Other Val and Matt, Viv and Harry, Claudine and other friends from the folk scene. Can’t remember all the bands that we saw but Bellowhead (John Spiers, John Boden with Benji Kirkpatrick with a brass band and other random accompaniment) and ColvinQuarmby were the highlights. It was a shame the tent was so packed I couldn’t get out from my seat to dance! Show of Hands also packed out the main tent – they’re always good but were a bit more subdued, less chatty than normal. Blue Horses (folk-goths) playing in Bridgnorth High Street were also very good – youngsters were pouring out of the pubs to see them! Also bought the Meridian CD, ‘Prime’ – mainly because of Anna Tabbush’s stunning voice, and the beautiful ‘At the Break of Day/The Glimmering)
Got to meet Jerry Colvin again – and stroke his shirt – woo hoo! Other Val kindly prepared us a meal and we and the others shared beer, wine, cider and snacks – great fun, I almost wished we’d camped! But the lovely landlady of Bearwood Lodge b&b took pity on us on the last day and gave us a lift to the festival, saving us from walking down and up Bridgnorth’s formidable hills. Then Matt gave us a lift all the way back home – star man!
Got to meet Jerry Colvin again – and stroke his shirt – woo hoo! Other Val kindly prepared us a meal and we and the others shared beer, wine, cider and snacks – great fun, I almost wished we’d camped! But the lovely landlady of Bearwood Lodge b&b took pity on us on the last day and gave us a lift to the festival, saving us from walking down and up Bridgnorth’s formidable hills. Then Matt gave us a lift all the way back home – star man!
Porthmadog
Gareth kindly dropped us off at Llechwedd Slate Mining Museum near Blaenau Ffestiniog before saying good-bye. We both had all our luggage with us, but the guides allowed us to leave it in the gear-house – as long as there were no bombs in there! I had been down the mine before, but Shirley hadn’t been down any mines so it was a novel experience for her. There was also the cottage of a famous harpist preserved (he bore a strong resemblance to Gareth!) and a replica miner’s pub – which did not serve any CAMRA-approved beer but dished up a delicious homemade soup called lobscows. By chance we discovered a free bus which took us from Llechwedd to the steam train station in Blaenau – far better than having to walk down with all our stuff! A stunning journey from Blaenau to Porthmadog on the train – but the sky was becoming overcast with ragged little clouds…
We had a quick drink in Spooners Bar in the station, which also had a steam train on tracks in there, found the b&b, Harbour Court, then went out for a Chinese meal.
During the night we were kept awake by gales and drumming rain, but Yvette, our landlady, assured us that things would clear up by the afternoon. We decided to take the bus to Portmeirion, which I had been to before but had lots of shops and cafes to hang out in during showers. As promised, the weather got better and we were able to wander round the gardens and eccentrically-designed houses. Sadly the tide was in, so our beach balls that we’d won at Llandudno Pier didn’t get the chance to chase us around Portmeirion’s beach! We walked back to Minfordd and took the steam train back to Porthmadog. Took Shirl to the Ship near the harbour for an excellent evening meal (the pub was owned by the owner of the next-door bistro), we did the Times T2 crossword together – one of the answers was Knobble which Shirl didn’t believe was a word!
On the last day I thought I’d try something I HADN’T done before – so I researched bus times to Rhyd Ddu, then train to Caernarfon. We missed the train in Rhyd Ddu due to the bus running late, but did get a chance to meet Mojo the Cat in the café there. Another stunning steam-railway journey on the West Highland Railway took us to Caernarfon, during which I realised I’d already visited the castle, which I’d found quite boring anyhow. Shirl and I didn’t have much time in Caernarfon but we did a little of the town trail and found a really nice café for lunch, called RhiKas.
Next morning our last personally-cooked breakfast from Yvette then the long journey back for Shirl, (slightly shorter journey across to Bridgnorth for me) which we shared as far as Crewe, playing cards and looking at the scenery. Shirl said goodbye and said she’d enjoyed the holiday – then I got the bus to Bridgnorth to meet my much-missed husband!
We had a quick drink in Spooners Bar in the station, which also had a steam train on tracks in there, found the b&b, Harbour Court, then went out for a Chinese meal.
During the night we were kept awake by gales and drumming rain, but Yvette, our landlady, assured us that things would clear up by the afternoon. We decided to take the bus to Portmeirion, which I had been to before but had lots of shops and cafes to hang out in during showers. As promised, the weather got better and we were able to wander round the gardens and eccentrically-designed houses. Sadly the tide was in, so our beach balls that we’d won at Llandudno Pier didn’t get the chance to chase us around Portmeirion’s beach! We walked back to Minfordd and took the steam train back to Porthmadog. Took Shirl to the Ship near the harbour for an excellent evening meal (the pub was owned by the owner of the next-door bistro), we did the Times T2 crossword together – one of the answers was Knobble which Shirl didn’t believe was a word!
On the last day I thought I’d try something I HADN’T done before – so I researched bus times to Rhyd Ddu, then train to Caernarfon. We missed the train in Rhyd Ddu due to the bus running late, but did get a chance to meet Mojo the Cat in the café there. Another stunning steam-railway journey on the West Highland Railway took us to Caernarfon, during which I realised I’d already visited the castle, which I’d found quite boring anyhow. Shirl and I didn’t have much time in Caernarfon but we did a little of the town trail and found a really nice café for lunch, called RhiKas.
Next morning our last personally-cooked breakfast from Yvette then the long journey back for Shirl, (slightly shorter journey across to Bridgnorth for me) which we shared as far as Crewe, playing cards and looking at the scenery. Shirl said goodbye and said she’d enjoyed the holiday – then I got the bus to Bridgnorth to meet my much-missed husband!
Llandudno
Llandudno was the first for of call of my Welsh holiday – thanks to lovely hubby’s train organising skills I arrived at 4pm after a hassle-free journey. Soon afterwards I got a text from my sister saying that she and her boyfriend had just crossed the Severn Bridge! Alarm bells immediately rang, even though I’m not a driver myself, as I was sure that the better way was to stay on the English side of Offa’s Dyke then turn left and head across. Hubby agreed – the M6 towards Birmingham being the more usual route from somewhere like Southampton – but my sister had faith in the AA routefinder. Meanwhile I went for a walk across the prom and pier, sussing out the good pubs, shops and eateries in town.
Four and a half hours later Shirl and Gareth arrived in Llandudno, poor Gareth being a teensy bit stressed after all that driving and both being ravenously hungry. We wandered down Mostyn Street till we found a little Italian restaurant called Romeros which was still open at 9pm on Sunday night. We had lovely pizza and pasta there, and all began to relax a little.
Next day Gareth drove us to Conwy where we visited the beautiful Conwy Castle, with superb views of Conwy and the sea. Gareth took many photos, being a keen photographer, both with an antique camera and a high-spec digital one. A tame herring-gull featured in a few – think it was more interested in pinching people’s sandwiches though! We had lunch at the Kings Head (not as good as I’d expected) then headed up the Great Orme by tram (cable car out of action). Shirl and Gareth enjoyed the views, and making ‘HSBC’ out of rocks at the quarry. Unfortunately I didn’t have a trail map, so we missed a lot of the archaeological sites – but then Shirl and Gareth didn’t want to do a lot of walking anyway.
Another meal out in the fish n chip restaurant, a few pints in the Cross Keys – then it was bye-bye to Gareth and off to Porthmadog for us sisters for the next 3 days.
Four and a half hours later Shirl and Gareth arrived in Llandudno, poor Gareth being a teensy bit stressed after all that driving and both being ravenously hungry. We wandered down Mostyn Street till we found a little Italian restaurant called Romeros which was still open at 9pm on Sunday night. We had lovely pizza and pasta there, and all began to relax a little.
Next day Gareth drove us to Conwy where we visited the beautiful Conwy Castle, with superb views of Conwy and the sea. Gareth took many photos, being a keen photographer, both with an antique camera and a high-spec digital one. A tame herring-gull featured in a few – think it was more interested in pinching people’s sandwiches though! We had lunch at the Kings Head (not as good as I’d expected) then headed up the Great Orme by tram (cable car out of action). Shirl and Gareth enjoyed the views, and making ‘HSBC’ out of rocks at the quarry. Unfortunately I didn’t have a trail map, so we missed a lot of the archaeological sites – but then Shirl and Gareth didn’t want to do a lot of walking anyway.
Another meal out in the fish n chip restaurant, a few pints in the Cross Keys – then it was bye-bye to Gareth and off to Porthmadog for us sisters for the next 3 days.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Robert Muller on being my 1000th visitor! I'll buy you a pint next time we have a work trip to the pub ;-D
Pennine Way Weekend 3
An easier journey to Glossop and more of the Pennine Way - this time with Bill Badger, Graham and Johnny P! John did really well, we all agreed, being as how all his kit was brand new and he had never done any hiking before. I met them after they'd walked Standedge to Crowden, all looked fit and well.
We had a nice evening meal in the 'O Sole Mio' Italian Restaurant (yes, it really was called that). The guys set off early to walk from Crowden to Edale, I joined them at Snake Pass to walk the last bit, over Kinder Scout down into Edale, as did Jane, Andy and family, Simon for a bit. Bill said he felt like Ellen McArthur coming home from her round the world yacht race, suddenly everyone wanted to get in on the historic Moment!
The weather was superb on the last day, with great views from Kinder Scout, including an impromptu air display from the local mountain rescue guys. Despite Jane and I waving, we did not get airlifted away by hunky blokes in a helicopter. Nice to dream though! Nice pints of squash and huge slices of cake were available at a farm along the way, before climbing the last annoying hillock and coming to Edale Village. The official end was the official start of the walk, the Nag's Head which served some lovely beer - Graham had the Gray's Bitter! Simon also handed around a hip flask of dangerously tasty cask-strength Laphroaig.
Back to work, back to reality for Bill but on to North Wales and five days hubby-free holiday for me!
We had a nice evening meal in the 'O Sole Mio' Italian Restaurant (yes, it really was called that). The guys set off early to walk from Crowden to Edale, I joined them at Snake Pass to walk the last bit, over Kinder Scout down into Edale, as did Jane, Andy and family, Simon for a bit. Bill said he felt like Ellen McArthur coming home from her round the world yacht race, suddenly everyone wanted to get in on the historic Moment!
The weather was superb on the last day, with great views from Kinder Scout, including an impromptu air display from the local mountain rescue guys. Despite Jane and I waving, we did not get airlifted away by hunky blokes in a helicopter. Nice to dream though! Nice pints of squash and huge slices of cake were available at a farm along the way, before climbing the last annoying hillock and coming to Edale Village. The official end was the official start of the walk, the Nag's Head which served some lovely beer - Graham had the Gray's Bitter! Simon also handed around a hip flask of dangerously tasty cask-strength Laphroaig.
Back to work, back to reality for Bill but on to North Wales and five days hubby-free holiday for me!
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Pennine Way Weekend 2
Another complicated journey from Farnborough Main to Vauxhall, underground to Kings Cross, Kings Cross to Leeds, Leeds to Hellifield then Hellifield to Ribblehead. Had a look at the famous Ribblehead Viaduct before walking up the Dales Way towards the Pennine Way to meet hubby and Graham.
The first day of walking was not that scenic as it was drizzly, glad to get to the Golden Lion in Horton-in-Ribblesdale for a hot meal and some Taylors Landlord beer. David and Gwen, relations of hubby, joined us and kindly paid for the meal and drinks as an early birthday present for him! Was also impressed by the pints of tea or coffee and the hot buttered Chorley cakes on offer at the Pen-Y-Ghent Cafe.
The second day however showed us some stunning scenery - firstly the 360-degree view from the top of Pen-Y-Ghent mountain (didn't like the steep descent on the other side though) then the views of Malham Tarn and Malham Cove. The limestone pavement on the cliffs above Malham was very pretty but not so nice to walk on! Another steep descent down into the village, but at least there were good steps.
We stayed in a 1670's former cafe (the b&b name 'Malham Cafe' caused us confusion, as there was another one still open!) and had superb meals and beer at the Lister Arms. The lads also tried the Buck Inn, also good for beer, whilst I got an early night.
Next day I declined to walk as I had nasty blisters on both feet, then wished I had as the bus didn't turn up. This was the only one that I could catch to get me to Gargrave station in time for the train home, but I was in a bit of a dilemma because I wasn't sure I could afford a taxi from Skipton with the cash that I had. Nor could I get a signal on my mobile to get hold of hubby! I tried walking along the Pennine Way even though I knew I wouldn't get there in time, then finally got a signal, and hubby told me to go back to Malham and he'd pay the taxi fare. Buses, I hate em!
The first day of walking was not that scenic as it was drizzly, glad to get to the Golden Lion in Horton-in-Ribblesdale for a hot meal and some Taylors Landlord beer. David and Gwen, relations of hubby, joined us and kindly paid for the meal and drinks as an early birthday present for him! Was also impressed by the pints of tea or coffee and the hot buttered Chorley cakes on offer at the Pen-Y-Ghent Cafe.
The second day however showed us some stunning scenery - firstly the 360-degree view from the top of Pen-Y-Ghent mountain (didn't like the steep descent on the other side though) then the views of Malham Tarn and Malham Cove. The limestone pavement on the cliffs above Malham was very pretty but not so nice to walk on! Another steep descent down into the village, but at least there were good steps.
We stayed in a 1670's former cafe (the b&b name 'Malham Cafe' caused us confusion, as there was another one still open!) and had superb meals and beer at the Lister Arms. The lads also tried the Buck Inn, also good for beer, whilst I got an early night.
Next day I declined to walk as I had nasty blisters on both feet, then wished I had as the bus didn't turn up. This was the only one that I could catch to get me to Gargrave station in time for the train home, but I was in a bit of a dilemma because I wasn't sure I could afford a taxi from Skipton with the cash that I had. Nor could I get a signal on my mobile to get hold of hubby! I tried walking along the Pennine Way even though I knew I wouldn't get there in time, then finally got a signal, and hubby told me to go back to Malham and he'd pay the taxi fare. Buses, I hate em!
Friday, August 12, 2005
Pennine Way Weekend 1
Last weekend I joined Bill Badger on his Pennine Pub Crawl (new blogspot address BTW - http://www.penninepubcrawl.blogspot.com due to access problems). After a series of bus and train rides (Haltwhistle to Brampton bus ride particularly scenic) I arrived at Alston for the start of my walk, Bill and Graham being already a third of the way through theirs, the whole of the Pennine Way north to south.
Alston to Garrigill was an easy 5 mile walk, uneventful apart from some glaring bullocks. We checked in at the Post Office b&b but I wasn't overly impressed - our room was rather smelly and there were lots of little 'do not' signs everywhere. Saying that though, the landlady was friendly and the breakfast was very good.
Next day I chickened out of the 17-mile walk from Garrigill to Dufton via Cross Fell, as I was feeling unwell and shattered, not having slept much on the rock-hard bed. I had to walk the 5 miles back to Alston, facing the bullocks and horned cows on my own! Got the bus from Alston to Penrith (slept through most of the ride) had lunch and a quick look round Penrith and then got the bus from Penrith to Dufton. Found the b&b, luckily the landlady was in, and settled down with a huge pot of tea and waited for the lads to arrive. Also met a south-to-norther called Tony, from Steyning!
Later we went to the Stag for dinner but had to wait 1 1/2 hours till we were served! None of us were impressed. Beer was nice though.
Next day (Sunday) a harder walk from Dufton to Langdon Beck, taking in High Cup Nick and Cauldron Snout. Views from Nichol Chair amazing. Graham created his own Pennine Way, not crossing the Maize Beck but having to cross later at Langdon Beck village. We attempted to ford Maize Beck, ignoring the perfectly good bridge, in the name of correctness but gave in after 10 minutes! Bit of a scramble down Cauldron Snout which did indeed look like a witch's brew, then some tricky ankle-twisting rocks most of the way to Langdon.
B&b, Outdales, was up the hill a bit but very friendly - they even offered us a lift to the pub and back! The pub being the Langdon Beck Inn, which had superb food and beer (Jarrow Bitter) as well as newspapers to catch up on the Test scores.
Last walk (Monday) was Langdon Beck to Middleton, past High Force and Low Force waterfalls. The path was very good, lots of opportunities to admire the falls and the river. The weather was very sunny - a superb walk. Lunch and icecream in Middleton before heading back. Got the bus to Darlington, where I picked up some cheap, quality groceries from the market and had a swift half of Sam Smiths in the Glittering Star. Then train journey back to Farnborough and my own lovely bed!
Alston to Garrigill was an easy 5 mile walk, uneventful apart from some glaring bullocks. We checked in at the Post Office b&b but I wasn't overly impressed - our room was rather smelly and there were lots of little 'do not' signs everywhere. Saying that though, the landlady was friendly and the breakfast was very good.
Next day I chickened out of the 17-mile walk from Garrigill to Dufton via Cross Fell, as I was feeling unwell and shattered, not having slept much on the rock-hard bed. I had to walk the 5 miles back to Alston, facing the bullocks and horned cows on my own! Got the bus from Alston to Penrith (slept through most of the ride) had lunch and a quick look round Penrith and then got the bus from Penrith to Dufton. Found the b&b, luckily the landlady was in, and settled down with a huge pot of tea and waited for the lads to arrive. Also met a south-to-norther called Tony, from Steyning!
Later we went to the Stag for dinner but had to wait 1 1/2 hours till we were served! None of us were impressed. Beer was nice though.
Next day (Sunday) a harder walk from Dufton to Langdon Beck, taking in High Cup Nick and Cauldron Snout. Views from Nichol Chair amazing. Graham created his own Pennine Way, not crossing the Maize Beck but having to cross later at Langdon Beck village. We attempted to ford Maize Beck, ignoring the perfectly good bridge, in the name of correctness but gave in after 10 minutes! Bit of a scramble down Cauldron Snout which did indeed look like a witch's brew, then some tricky ankle-twisting rocks most of the way to Langdon.
B&b, Outdales, was up the hill a bit but very friendly - they even offered us a lift to the pub and back! The pub being the Langdon Beck Inn, which had superb food and beer (Jarrow Bitter) as well as newspapers to catch up on the Test scores.
Last walk (Monday) was Langdon Beck to Middleton, past High Force and Low Force waterfalls. The path was very good, lots of opportunities to admire the falls and the river. The weather was very sunny - a superb walk. Lunch and icecream in Middleton before heading back. Got the bus to Darlington, where I picked up some cheap, quality groceries from the market and had a swift half of Sam Smiths in the Glittering Star. Then train journey back to Farnborough and my own lovely bed!
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Great British Beer Festival - Tuesday
Had to get up at 6am yesterday to get the train to Kensington Olympia for the Champion Beer of Britain Briefing Meeting, which was to be held at 9.30am. Just as well I did, for there was some confusion over badges. Arrived at the famous Gate B, the staff entrance. My bag was searched and tagged, then I wandered up to the Staffing Office for a badge. But, shock horror, I should have been given one at the gate! They didn't have any judges' badges at Staffing for some reason, and referred me to the Press Office, which was locked. After a while someone found some visitor's badges and I acquired one of these. Didn't get an actual badge till 10 minutes before the debrief, reason being that some of the badges had printing errors, like Raplh McTell's 2004 (sic) version :-D and had to be reprinted at the last moment.
To my delight I was chosen to taste the Golden Ales, a brand new category of golden, hoppy beers of less than 5.3%. I love hops, me. Doug Fish, a fellow branch member, was given Best Bitters to judge. The other Golden boys and girls were Chris Smith from XFM, Keith Bott from Titanic Brewery, Fiona Shoop from Fresh Magazine, Nina Bates from Flying Firkin and the chairman Phil Roberts from Exeter and East Devon CAMRA. We did comment we were maybe such a girly panel (Keith had a pink shirt on) as Golden Ales appealed especially to women!
To explain the rules: there are 6 tasters to a table for the category tastings, usually with the two CAMRA people at either end. The tasters are usually from different backgrounds - some brewers, some suppliers, some beer writers and some MPs/DJs etc with no beer tasting experience (and therefore less prejudices!). Seven beers are tasted from each category. The CAMRA tasters try to let everyone have a say and discourage people from guessing the beers etc. Marks are given out of 10 for appearance, aroma, taste and aftertaste. The top 3 beers on average score win Gold, Silver and Bronze in their category, and the Gold medallists (9 of them this year) go forward to the final panel to find the Champion Beer of Britain.
The first beer up was brown rather than golden, which was a bad start, and had a serious haze on it which was another! There was some discussion with the Best Bitter tasters, who had a rogue golden beer amongst their brown offerings, but apparently there were no changelings and we'd been given the correct beers.
However the next beer was absolutely superb - golden, flowery and citrussy, with a fantastic hoppy aftertaste. The fourth beer was very nice with a delicious aftertaste. The fifth absolutely reeked of sulphur and tasted sulphury as well, overwhelming and hop or malt character which might have been present. A shame, I thought, if it were in better condition it might have been a really good beer.
We all agreed that we weren't quite sure whether to go for the second one, so we ordered some more of it, just to make sure ;-) Number four was another contender so we tried a bit more of that as well. Then Phil handed our score sheets in.
After a quick dash to the Ladies we adjourned to the buffet whilst the Final Panel sat to judge the Champion Beer. There must have been fierce arguments (not just Ralph McTell and David Davies, heh heh) because the announcement wasn't made till 3pm! Also on the final panel were Nigel Bardon DJ and 4 CAMRA bods, including the ever-popular Roger Protz.
The results:
Champion Beer of Britain: Crouch Vale Brewers Gold
(our nomination won! Quite right too)
Second: Grainstore Rutland Panther
Third: Woodforde’s Wherry
Mild Category
Gold: Grainstore Rutland Panther (Rutland)
Silver: Brains Dark (Cardiff)
Bronze: Elgood’s Black Dog (Cambridgeshire)
Bitter Category
Gold: Woodforde’s Wherry (Norfolk)
Silver: Holdens Black Country Bitter (West Midlands)
Joint Bronze: RCH PG Steam (Somerset)
Belvoir Star (Leicestershire)
Best Bitter Category
Gold: Harveys Sussex Bitter (East Sussex)
Joint Silver: Mighty Oak Burntwood Bitter (Essex)
Joint Bronze: Timothy Taylor Landlord (Yorkshire)
Olde Swan Entire (West Midlands)
Golden Ales Category
Gold: Crouch Vale Brewers Gold (Essex)
Silver: Jarrow Rivet Catcher (Tyne and Wear)
Bronze: Oakham JHB (Cambridgeshire)
(I love all these beers so I was well pleased with the outcome)
Strong Ale Category
Gold: Hanby Nutcracker (Shropshire)
Silver: Bullmastiff Son of a Bitch (Cardiff)
Bronze: Fuller’s ESB (Fullers)
Speciality Category
Gold: Cairngorm Tradewinds (Inverness-shire)
Silver: Young’s Waggledance (London)
Joint Bronze: Daleside Morrocco (North Yorkshire)
Ridleys Rumpus (Essex)
Real Ale in a Bottle category
Gold: Durham Evensong (Durham)
Silver: Young’s Special London Ale (London)
Bronze: Titanic Stout (Staffordshire)
Shame that Triple fff Pressed Rat & Warthog didn't win, it was absolutely superb at GBBF, but the trouble is, it's not a classic mild...I wouldn't change it for the world though!
Met up with Martin, Jenny and Roy from East and Mid Surrey, Julie and William from Surrey/Hants Borders, and also bumped into loads of friends as one does including the Lash Brothers, Kath Gammon and Dan Barr (who kindly gave me a huge bundle of beermats he'd won on the tombola).
I won a GBBF 2002 t-shirt, just a BIT too big for me at XXL (think I'll give it to Bill) and a Battersea Beer Festival sweater (size L, much better). I ate a very nice pork and chive sausage hot-dog with spinach instead of onion, then got more beer - but I forgot what I'd bought!! It was definitely time to go home so I caught the 18.17 train back towards home.
Was so drunk that I walked home, went for a lie-down till 10pm, then realised I'd left my bike at the station! Had to get dressed again and go and get it!! I'm such a lush :-)
To my delight I was chosen to taste the Golden Ales, a brand new category of golden, hoppy beers of less than 5.3%. I love hops, me. Doug Fish, a fellow branch member, was given Best Bitters to judge. The other Golden boys and girls were Chris Smith from XFM, Keith Bott from Titanic Brewery, Fiona Shoop from Fresh Magazine, Nina Bates from Flying Firkin and the chairman Phil Roberts from Exeter and East Devon CAMRA. We did comment we were maybe such a girly panel (Keith had a pink shirt on) as Golden Ales appealed especially to women!
To explain the rules: there are 6 tasters to a table for the category tastings, usually with the two CAMRA people at either end. The tasters are usually from different backgrounds - some brewers, some suppliers, some beer writers and some MPs/DJs etc with no beer tasting experience (and therefore less prejudices!). Seven beers are tasted from each category. The CAMRA tasters try to let everyone have a say and discourage people from guessing the beers etc. Marks are given out of 10 for appearance, aroma, taste and aftertaste. The top 3 beers on average score win Gold, Silver and Bronze in their category, and the Gold medallists (9 of them this year) go forward to the final panel to find the Champion Beer of Britain.
The first beer up was brown rather than golden, which was a bad start, and had a serious haze on it which was another! There was some discussion with the Best Bitter tasters, who had a rogue golden beer amongst their brown offerings, but apparently there were no changelings and we'd been given the correct beers.
However the next beer was absolutely superb - golden, flowery and citrussy, with a fantastic hoppy aftertaste. The fourth beer was very nice with a delicious aftertaste. The fifth absolutely reeked of sulphur and tasted sulphury as well, overwhelming and hop or malt character which might have been present. A shame, I thought, if it were in better condition it might have been a really good beer.
We all agreed that we weren't quite sure whether to go for the second one, so we ordered some more of it, just to make sure ;-) Number four was another contender so we tried a bit more of that as well. Then Phil handed our score sheets in.
After a quick dash to the Ladies we adjourned to the buffet whilst the Final Panel sat to judge the Champion Beer. There must have been fierce arguments (not just Ralph McTell and David Davies, heh heh) because the announcement wasn't made till 3pm! Also on the final panel were Nigel Bardon DJ and 4 CAMRA bods, including the ever-popular Roger Protz.
The results:
Champion Beer of Britain: Crouch Vale Brewers Gold
(our nomination won! Quite right too)
Second: Grainstore Rutland Panther
Third: Woodforde’s Wherry
Mild Category
Gold: Grainstore Rutland Panther (Rutland)
Silver: Brains Dark (Cardiff)
Bronze: Elgood’s Black Dog (Cambridgeshire)
Bitter Category
Gold: Woodforde’s Wherry (Norfolk)
Silver: Holdens Black Country Bitter (West Midlands)
Joint Bronze: RCH PG Steam (Somerset)
Belvoir Star (Leicestershire)
Best Bitter Category
Gold: Harveys Sussex Bitter (East Sussex)
Joint Silver: Mighty Oak Burntwood Bitter (Essex)
Joint Bronze: Timothy Taylor Landlord (Yorkshire)
Olde Swan Entire (West Midlands)
Golden Ales Category
Gold: Crouch Vale Brewers Gold (Essex)
Silver: Jarrow Rivet Catcher (Tyne and Wear)
Bronze: Oakham JHB (Cambridgeshire)
(I love all these beers so I was well pleased with the outcome)
Strong Ale Category
Gold: Hanby Nutcracker (Shropshire)
Silver: Bullmastiff Son of a Bitch (Cardiff)
Bronze: Fuller’s ESB (Fullers)
Speciality Category
Gold: Cairngorm Tradewinds (Inverness-shire)
Silver: Young’s Waggledance (London)
Joint Bronze: Daleside Morrocco (North Yorkshire)
Ridleys Rumpus (Essex)
Real Ale in a Bottle category
Gold: Durham Evensong (Durham)
Silver: Young’s Special London Ale (London)
Bronze: Titanic Stout (Staffordshire)
Shame that Triple fff Pressed Rat & Warthog didn't win, it was absolutely superb at GBBF, but the trouble is, it's not a classic mild...I wouldn't change it for the world though!
Met up with Martin, Jenny and Roy from East and Mid Surrey, Julie and William from Surrey/Hants Borders, and also bumped into loads of friends as one does including the Lash Brothers, Kath Gammon and Dan Barr (who kindly gave me a huge bundle of beermats he'd won on the tombola).
I won a GBBF 2002 t-shirt, just a BIT too big for me at XXL (think I'll give it to Bill) and a Battersea Beer Festival sweater (size L, much better). I ate a very nice pork and chive sausage hot-dog with spinach instead of onion, then got more beer - but I forgot what I'd bought!! It was definitely time to go home so I caught the 18.17 train back towards home.
Was so drunk that I walked home, went for a lie-down till 10pm, then realised I'd left my bike at the station! Had to get dressed again and go and get it!! I'm such a lush :-)
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
London to Cambridge Bike Ride 24/07/05
Bill took me by car to the start of the ride, the M25 wasn’t that busy of a Sunday morning and it didn’t take long to sort the bike out, so I started at about 9am. At the start there was some argy-bargy in the peloton, with the male racing-bike riders trying to get past the girlies and MTBs by rudely snapping at us and pushing! And this a charity ride that isn’t supposed to be a race!!
I was still very wary of my new cycling cleats, after having got one shoe stuck to the pedal yesterday, and having to walk through Halfords with one shoe on and the other still on the bike to get it removed :-[ So I was freeing myself in plenty of time for junctions and along the crowded gravel track through Lee Park.
I knew the weather was going to be bad – so I wasn’t that worried when, just a few miles from the start, it began to rain. I put my pac-a-mac on, and my gore-tex helmet cover, and kept going. By the time I reached the second food point (never stop at the first one!) it was raining quite heavily, and the riders were crammed into the tea-tent trying to shelter. I had a cup of tea, a banana, a doughnut and a pee, and also asked the mechanics to sort out the brakes on my front wheel, which were loose and in contact with the tyre.
The route was rather undulating, not as flat as I’d been expecting. There were some pretty villages that the route took us through, such as Roydon and Clavering, but with the raindrops on my glasses and the steam from my breath, I couldn’t really appreciate my surroundings.
By the time I got to Ickleton I was completely saturated, right down to my undies. I was cycling past another official food stop, the Red Lion, when I saw a sign ‘Beer Festival and BBQ’ – bingo! I grabbed a seat, queued for the loo and got myself a beer (Tom Wood’s Bomber County, lovely). The queue for the food was quite long, in the rain again (I’d stupidly left my coat on the chair) but the cheeseburger was huge and only £2.50. A funny team of cycling guys in the pub – all with Foska tops on and one wrapped in a tin foil cape!
Then it was only 10 miles to Cambridge but I was knackered by then. I pushed the bike up the last big hill not because it was particularly steep but because I couldn’t face cycling it! The rain was now very fine but still heavy, some people had their lights on so that they would be visible to the cars, as the road into town was quite busy. I was merrily following a cycle path into town and saw a sign that said ‘cyclists please dismount’, but could not be bothered to struggle out of the cleats. The cars coming out of the side road were stationary so I cycled behind a big BMW – only to nearly get run over by a car trying to cut round it on the left (where there was no room to get through anyway)! I had to grab the back of the BMW to stop myself – bet the driver was not at all impressed! However despite their drawbacks the cleats provided excellent grip in the rain, I think I’ll keep them on the bike for now.
I made it to the finish line at Midsummer Common, Cambridge at about 3pm – huzzah! I soon became cold once I’d stopped, and just wanted to get back home, so I did not stop to enjoy the beer tent and massage, and got staight on the lovely warm 15.30 coach.
The coach’s windscreen wipers broke down in the rain on the M11, and I thought I’d be stuck there – but 4 lycra lads jumped out and fixed it, to loud cheers from the rest of the coach! Got back to London and found my bike, which had been a bit battered in it’s lorry, – will have to get the gears fixed now. :-( Next time I will take the train. Thanks to lovely Bill for coming and picking me up again!
Can’t say I enjoyed it but it was certainly an achievement – cycling 50 miles in the rain!
I was still very wary of my new cycling cleats, after having got one shoe stuck to the pedal yesterday, and having to walk through Halfords with one shoe on and the other still on the bike to get it removed :-[ So I was freeing myself in plenty of time for junctions and along the crowded gravel track through Lee Park.
I knew the weather was going to be bad – so I wasn’t that worried when, just a few miles from the start, it began to rain. I put my pac-a-mac on, and my gore-tex helmet cover, and kept going. By the time I reached the second food point (never stop at the first one!) it was raining quite heavily, and the riders were crammed into the tea-tent trying to shelter. I had a cup of tea, a banana, a doughnut and a pee, and also asked the mechanics to sort out the brakes on my front wheel, which were loose and in contact with the tyre.
The route was rather undulating, not as flat as I’d been expecting. There were some pretty villages that the route took us through, such as Roydon and Clavering, but with the raindrops on my glasses and the steam from my breath, I couldn’t really appreciate my surroundings.
By the time I got to Ickleton I was completely saturated, right down to my undies. I was cycling past another official food stop, the Red Lion, when I saw a sign ‘Beer Festival and BBQ’ – bingo! I grabbed a seat, queued for the loo and got myself a beer (Tom Wood’s Bomber County, lovely). The queue for the food was quite long, in the rain again (I’d stupidly left my coat on the chair) but the cheeseburger was huge and only £2.50. A funny team of cycling guys in the pub – all with Foska tops on and one wrapped in a tin foil cape!
Then it was only 10 miles to Cambridge but I was knackered by then. I pushed the bike up the last big hill not because it was particularly steep but because I couldn’t face cycling it! The rain was now very fine but still heavy, some people had their lights on so that they would be visible to the cars, as the road into town was quite busy. I was merrily following a cycle path into town and saw a sign that said ‘cyclists please dismount’, but could not be bothered to struggle out of the cleats. The cars coming out of the side road were stationary so I cycled behind a big BMW – only to nearly get run over by a car trying to cut round it on the left (where there was no room to get through anyway)! I had to grab the back of the BMW to stop myself – bet the driver was not at all impressed! However despite their drawbacks the cleats provided excellent grip in the rain, I think I’ll keep them on the bike for now.
I made it to the finish line at Midsummer Common, Cambridge at about 3pm – huzzah! I soon became cold once I’d stopped, and just wanted to get back home, so I did not stop to enjoy the beer tent and massage, and got staight on the lovely warm 15.30 coach.
The coach’s windscreen wipers broke down in the rain on the M11, and I thought I’d be stuck there – but 4 lycra lads jumped out and fixed it, to loud cheers from the rest of the coach! Got back to London and found my bike, which had been a bit battered in it’s lorry, – will have to get the gears fixed now. :-( Next time I will take the train. Thanks to lovely Bill for coming and picking me up again!
Can’t say I enjoyed it but it was certainly an achievement – cycling 50 miles in the rain!
Monday, July 25, 2005
Puss Cat – Good News
Good news about the cat that Bill ran over, she is now reunited with her owner. We had a phone call late on Friday just as we were about to pop down the Prince of Wales with Simon and Jane, it was the cat’s owner who was already at the pub! The message we left behind the bar on Sunday had worked. Bill told the man where the cat was, and he then asked his wife to go and pick her up from the vets, but he was still in the pub when we arrived. He was really nice about it, luckily. He explained that the cat (called Womble) liked to follow him to the pub, and was used to living in a cul-de-sac where cars drove more slowly and had time to get out of the way. Poor Womble, I hope she’s learnt her lesson now!
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Redhill Beer Festival Meeting 20/07/05
It was a hot evening and I thought I’d take the opportunity for a longer cycle ride before meeting up with Kath in town, so I cycled along Route 21 to the Inn on the Pond, where I had a lovely half of Harveys Best, sitting outside watching the sun setting over the North Downs. Was late to meet Kath though – she’d told me 7pm in the Sun and I thought she’d said 7.30pm. She didn’t seem too annoyed though. Had a mediocre half of W J King’s Summer something-or-other there before heading off to sup the outstanding Harvey’s beers at the Garland. Martini the cat greeted me with a loud meiow, always nice when the owner recognises you! On the beer front, the Armada and Tom Paine were particularly superb.
The meeting really dragged but progress was seemingly made – at least there were no troublemakers, in contrast to Cardiff meetings of old! 3 of us from the old days of Cardiff Beer Festival were there (me, Kath, Martin) out of only 5.
Smooth journey home for a change, with Martin as far as Reigate.
The meeting really dragged but progress was seemingly made – at least there were no troublemakers, in contrast to Cardiff meetings of old! 3 of us from the old days of Cardiff Beer Festival were there (me, Kath, Martin) out of only 5.
Smooth journey home for a change, with Martin as far as Reigate.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Steve Knightley at Forest Folk, 18/07/05
The little scout hut at Boarhunt was packed, a rare occurrence.
Bill and I were almost drumming our fingers through the floor-spot acts, even though the last one was 2 members of the Reivers who were brave enough to play a Show of Hands song! Steve was fantastic (as regular readers would expect) – his gigs are somewhat different when he is without Phil, more introspective and confessional. He talked a little about the Cuatro, which is quite similar to the Ukulele, wonder if I could one day play Steve’s version of Widdecombe Fair on it.
Free strawbs and pizza slices at half time, the only moan would be the queue at the bar again with locals obviously being given precedence. The Ruddles County was a bit rough, according to Bill, who doesn’t like it anyway. Forest Folk is still one of my favourite venues though.
Bill and I were almost drumming our fingers through the floor-spot acts, even though the last one was 2 members of the Reivers who were brave enough to play a Show of Hands song! Steve was fantastic (as regular readers would expect) – his gigs are somewhat different when he is without Phil, more introspective and confessional. He talked a little about the Cuatro, which is quite similar to the Ukulele, wonder if I could one day play Steve’s version of Widdecombe Fair on it.
Free strawbs and pizza slices at half time, the only moan would be the queue at the bar again with locals obviously being given precedence. The Ruddles County was a bit rough, according to Bill, who doesn’t like it anyway. Forest Folk is still one of my favourite venues though.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Guifest 2005
Superb weather throughout – I got sunburnt on the Saturday though which was not pleasant. I’d assumed I had sufficient base tan and therefore didn’t need to put on sun cream! Bill laughed though, he’d used sun cream and had not burnt, despite being much fairer.
Friday : The Twelve Sullivans played an excellent set, but were half an hour earlier than in the programme. They were giving out free Guinness providing you downed it in one during one of their Irish drinking songs (I cheated and sipped most of mine before).
The Pogues were the headliners of Friday. There was some speculation as to whether Shane McGowan would be joining them, as he had apparently been double-booked for a gig with the Popes, and also had to cancel a lot of gigs due to ‘stomach problems’ (a euphemism for being paralytically drunk?) However Shane was there, and was sober enough to sing and walk just about! He kept wandering back and forth with a huge bucket of water, presumably the band had given it to him to help him sober up. Maybe when he wandered off stage there was somebody pushing him back on again! The rest of the band were very skilled though and the crowd had a great time with old faves like The Irish Rover.
Saturday: Paul Weller was the headliner, and being a local boy (from Woking!) he was very popular. He is very mellow these days, and only played That’s Entertainment from his Jam days whilst I was there. You Do Something To Me is a great song though. Got sunburnt, sunstruck and blisters on Saturday, so wasn’t in dancing mood anyway!
Bought a little red Ukulele (my Grandad Naylor would have been proud) but needed a tuning whistle which the stall didn’t supply. Hope to have fun with it in future though. Amazing how many musicians stopped to chat to me whilst I was strumming it! Embarrassing!
Sunday: Probably the most fun day, with Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain to kick off. Daniel Bledingfield was surprisingly good, at least he writes his own stuff and can sing . Shame about all the screaming 13-year-old girls! Lulu was as good as ever at 55, looked fab. Men were shouting ‘I love you’ to her! Was surprised that she wrote The Man Who Sold The World, that’s one of my favourite songs. Preferred David Bowie’s version though.
I took part in the World Record for Air Guitar, shame Bill didn’t want to put his name down. We air-guitared to Sweet Child O’ Mine accompanied by 2 world champion air-guitarists - one dressed as a farmer and the other as Slash from Guns N Roses!
Bill listened to headliners Status Quo, who were, well, Status Quo. I wandered off to see Hayseed Dixie but couldn’t get near enough to hear them, then visited the local band’s stage to listen to some heavy metal merchants. Popular with the lads though.
Couldn’t ask for a better weekend, £75 well spent I say!
On the way back from Guilfest a cat ran out in front of the car and Bill unfortunately hit it. There was a loud bump and we were horrified to see the cat still as death in the middle of the road. I ran back to the cat, meanwhile another car passed over it without hitting it and picked the cat up in my fleece so that it didn’t get run over again.
Whilst Bill found the emergency vet’s number, the cat came round and tried to stand up, but I spoke soothingly to it. I picked it up like a baby and took it round some of the houses nearby to see if anyone recognised it, with no luck.
There was an anxious 6-mile drive to the vets, the cat looking around confusedly from my fleece but not meiowing or struggling. Thankfully, when the vet checked it over there were no broken bones, just a few cuts and bruises. We are now waiting to see if anyone claims her.
Friday : The Twelve Sullivans played an excellent set, but were half an hour earlier than in the programme. They were giving out free Guinness providing you downed it in one during one of their Irish drinking songs (I cheated and sipped most of mine before).
The Pogues were the headliners of Friday. There was some speculation as to whether Shane McGowan would be joining them, as he had apparently been double-booked for a gig with the Popes, and also had to cancel a lot of gigs due to ‘stomach problems’ (a euphemism for being paralytically drunk?) However Shane was there, and was sober enough to sing and walk just about! He kept wandering back and forth with a huge bucket of water, presumably the band had given it to him to help him sober up. Maybe when he wandered off stage there was somebody pushing him back on again! The rest of the band were very skilled though and the crowd had a great time with old faves like The Irish Rover.
Saturday: Paul Weller was the headliner, and being a local boy (from Woking!) he was very popular. He is very mellow these days, and only played That’s Entertainment from his Jam days whilst I was there. You Do Something To Me is a great song though. Got sunburnt, sunstruck and blisters on Saturday, so wasn’t in dancing mood anyway!
Bought a little red Ukulele (my Grandad Naylor would have been proud) but needed a tuning whistle which the stall didn’t supply. Hope to have fun with it in future though. Amazing how many musicians stopped to chat to me whilst I was strumming it! Embarrassing!
Sunday: Probably the most fun day, with Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain to kick off. Daniel Bledingfield was surprisingly good, at least he writes his own stuff and can sing . Shame about all the screaming 13-year-old girls! Lulu was as good as ever at 55, looked fab. Men were shouting ‘I love you’ to her! Was surprised that she wrote The Man Who Sold The World, that’s one of my favourite songs. Preferred David Bowie’s version though.
I took part in the World Record for Air Guitar, shame Bill didn’t want to put his name down. We air-guitared to Sweet Child O’ Mine accompanied by 2 world champion air-guitarists - one dressed as a farmer and the other as Slash from Guns N Roses!
Bill listened to headliners Status Quo, who were, well, Status Quo. I wandered off to see Hayseed Dixie but couldn’t get near enough to hear them, then visited the local band’s stage to listen to some heavy metal merchants. Popular with the lads though.
Couldn’t ask for a better weekend, £75 well spent I say!
On the way back from Guilfest a cat ran out in front of the car and Bill unfortunately hit it. There was a loud bump and we were horrified to see the cat still as death in the middle of the road. I ran back to the cat, meanwhile another car passed over it without hitting it and picked the cat up in my fleece so that it didn’t get run over again.
Whilst Bill found the emergency vet’s number, the cat came round and tried to stand up, but I spoke soothingly to it. I picked it up like a baby and took it round some of the houses nearby to see if anyone recognised it, with no luck.
There was an anxious 6-mile drive to the vets, the cat looking around confusedly from my fleece but not meiowing or struggling. Thankfully, when the vet checked it over there were no broken bones, just a few cuts and bruises. We are now waiting to see if anyone claims her.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Westerham Brewery Visit
Keith from East and Mid Surrey CAMRA had emailed me details of the Westerham Brewery Open Evening - £5 drink as much as you want sounded pretty good to me! The event started at 6.30pm, and it was easy to get to the brewery by train after work to Edenbridge and then cycle to Grange Farm in Crockham Hill. I thought I’d get a snack in Edenbridge on the way up, but there didn’t seem to be any fast food near the station.
I soon found out why Crockham Hill was called Crockham Hill, and had to push the bike up into the village! Still no takeaways to reward me, so I cycled on to the brewery, and was relieved to see sausages sizzling away on a big barbie round the back.
The beers were great and there was a large range on offer, served in glass jugs. I tried Summer Perle, British Bulldog, Black Eagle SPA, Little Scotney Ale, Grasshopper, 7X and 1965 Special, but Summer Perle was my favourite.
I met some lovely people there – there were 2 people from Maidstone CAMRA and some well-educated bikers (much like my friend Simon) from Biggin Hill who kept me entertained, they were joined later by the Vicar of Biggin Hill. This led to a rather drunken conversation on whether God exists, whereupon the Vicar told me there’s no real ale in Hell. Time to worry I think!!
The lady on the desk, I assume Robert Wick’s wife, was also very interesting and knowledgeable about the brewery. Whilst she was standing there alone for most of the evening, you couldn’t get near Robert to ask any questions, but then people often overlook us women!
I also tried the sausages, which were made with Westerham beer by Priory Farm, and had won a Silver Medal. Delicious!
Wobbled back to the station and made it home somehow!
I soon found out why Crockham Hill was called Crockham Hill, and had to push the bike up into the village! Still no takeaways to reward me, so I cycled on to the brewery, and was relieved to see sausages sizzling away on a big barbie round the back.
The beers were great and there was a large range on offer, served in glass jugs. I tried Summer Perle, British Bulldog, Black Eagle SPA, Little Scotney Ale, Grasshopper, 7X and 1965 Special, but Summer Perle was my favourite.
I met some lovely people there – there were 2 people from Maidstone CAMRA and some well-educated bikers (much like my friend Simon) from Biggin Hill who kept me entertained, they were joined later by the Vicar of Biggin Hill. This led to a rather drunken conversation on whether God exists, whereupon the Vicar told me there’s no real ale in Hell. Time to worry I think!!
The lady on the desk, I assume Robert Wick’s wife, was also very interesting and knowledgeable about the brewery. Whilst she was standing there alone for most of the evening, you couldn’t get near Robert to ask any questions, but then people often overlook us women!
I also tried the sausages, which were made with Westerham beer by Priory Farm, and had won a Silver Medal. Delicious!
Wobbled back to the station and made it home somehow!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Priddy Folk Festival - 10/7/05
Priddy good one!
Just a little village festival, with a lot of the profits seeming to go back to the community - which is how it should be. THe atmosphere was very laid back. Beer from Hidden Brewery, also cider from local producers. Nice bacon sarnies too.
Wandering Soles were good, Steve Tilston http://www.steve-tilston.co.uk/ on fine form and Seth Lakeman Trio http://www.sethlakeman.co.uk/ excellent. Out in the (much cooler) club tent, Christina Crosby and Andrew Bazley were both very good, the former being a Joan Baez type and the latter being an excellent blues-guitarist.
Loscoe State Opera http://www.loscoestateopera.com/ (don't worry they're a far cry from opera!) were the surprise of the event, being much like the Levellers but with a flute and an accordion. They did spiced-up versions of traditional songs and went down a storm, a great way to finish off the festival.
Just a little village festival, with a lot of the profits seeming to go back to the community - which is how it should be. THe atmosphere was very laid back. Beer from Hidden Brewery, also cider from local producers. Nice bacon sarnies too.
Wandering Soles were good, Steve Tilston http://www.steve-tilston.co.uk/ on fine form and Seth Lakeman Trio http://www.sethlakeman.co.uk/ excellent. Out in the (much cooler) club tent, Christina Crosby and Andrew Bazley were both very good, the former being a Joan Baez type and the latter being an excellent blues-guitarist.
Loscoe State Opera http://www.loscoestateopera.com/ (don't worry they're a far cry from opera!) were the surprise of the event, being much like the Levellers but with a flute and an accordion. They did spiced-up versions of traditional songs and went down a storm, a great way to finish off the festival.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Abbotsbury Family Festival 2005
First we stopped off in Dorset to see Bill’s Dad George, who hadn’t been well, and to take him and girlfriend Eileen out for lunch. There was a slight detour down the Bride Valley, as Bill couldn’t remember where the pub was! Luckily we came across it in Litton Cheney. It was a Palmers pub, called the White Horse, and served good, cheap food – shame about the beer quality though.
George and Eileen seemed to enjoy their meals and the scenic ride. We caught up on family news as well, before heading back to Abbotsbury Gardens to meet up with Other Val and Matt. Also bumped in to Darren from folking.com, who was sitting just in front.
There is a running joke at Abbotsbury Folk Festival that Steve Knightley is in fact a rain god, and if he sings Tall Ships (plenty of rain lyrics including ‘so we look for a storm in the sky’) he can bring on the bad weather. This year he was forbidden to do so, as last year it absolutely tipped it down right on cue!
However he did sing The Preacher (‘she was running through the rain’) and Widdecombe Fair (‘we waited in the rain, but the boy never came’) and that was enough to bring a couple of light showers.
The next band was Karine Polwart’s band. Karine has a very powerful voice with a strong Stirling accent, and sung some interesting songs. One to look out for in future.
Next was a turntable artist from Afro Celts. The music he played was good but without any song titles, and rather loud. It would have been nice to chat to each other without having to move away from the speakers!
Next, thankfully, Messrs Spiers and Boden, celebrated step dancer/singer and amazing accordionist! They are a duo that seem to get better and better (much like Phil and Steve) – and had us all singing along.
Lastly, Show of Hands to finish. Steve played a couple of new songs, which were superb – The Dive (not about Nettlebed but a father-and-son diving team) and Roots (about politicians/media killing folk music). This time no rain! Another fab day out.
George and Eileen seemed to enjoy their meals and the scenic ride. We caught up on family news as well, before heading back to Abbotsbury Gardens to meet up with Other Val and Matt. Also bumped in to Darren from folking.com, who was sitting just in front.
There is a running joke at Abbotsbury Folk Festival that Steve Knightley is in fact a rain god, and if he sings Tall Ships (plenty of rain lyrics including ‘so we look for a storm in the sky’) he can bring on the bad weather. This year he was forbidden to do so, as last year it absolutely tipped it down right on cue!
However he did sing The Preacher (‘she was running through the rain’) and Widdecombe Fair (‘we waited in the rain, but the boy never came’) and that was enough to bring a couple of light showers.
The next band was Karine Polwart’s band. Karine has a very powerful voice with a strong Stirling accent, and sung some interesting songs. One to look out for in future.
Next was a turntable artist from Afro Celts. The music he played was good but without any song titles, and rather loud. It would have been nice to chat to each other without having to move away from the speakers!
Next, thankfully, Messrs Spiers and Boden, celebrated step dancer/singer and amazing accordionist! They are a duo that seem to get better and better (much like Phil and Steve) – and had us all singing along.
Lastly, Show of Hands to finish. Steve played a couple of new songs, which were superb – The Dive (not about Nettlebed but a father-and-son diving team) and Roots (about politicians/media killing folk music). This time no rain! Another fab day out.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
London's Burning
Well, today we had our very own 9/11, but we were oddly stoical about it, in total contrast to the Americans. People at work just said 'Shocking, isn't it' and 'It makes my stomach go cold'. The only people who showed any high emotion were the foreign students, one of whose boyfriend was due to be in London sightseeing (but got stuck in lovely Redhill instead).
I was worried that it would take a long time to get home and that the trains would be absolutely packed. But the 17.14 was only a few minutes late. Was relieved that Rachel, John and Chinese Chris were OK, not all that worried about Clive - only the good die young. Again the mood on the train was oddly subdued, no-one even mentioning the disaster till Chinese Chris said, 'Bad news' and it took me a few seconds to work out what he meant. He knew some people working near Edgware Road, so I hoped they were OK. Some people whinged a little about the inconvenience. But it was as if it was bad taste to pay any attention to it.
The older people are immured to bombings because of all the IRA bombings we had a while ago. And we are a very stoical, resillient country.
Hubby has now gone to a meeting in Woking, not allowing the b*stards to get him down, in his own words. He has had only one apology for abscence.
We Brits are great eh :-)
I was worried that it would take a long time to get home and that the trains would be absolutely packed. But the 17.14 was only a few minutes late. Was relieved that Rachel, John and Chinese Chris were OK, not all that worried about Clive - only the good die young. Again the mood on the train was oddly subdued, no-one even mentioning the disaster till Chinese Chris said, 'Bad news' and it took me a few seconds to work out what he meant. He knew some people working near Edgware Road, so I hoped they were OK. Some people whinged a little about the inconvenience. But it was as if it was bad taste to pay any attention to it.
The older people are immured to bombings because of all the IRA bombings we had a while ago. And we are a very stoical, resillient country.
Hubby has now gone to a meeting in Woking, not allowing the b*stards to get him down, in his own words. He has had only one apology for abscence.
We Brits are great eh :-)
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Farnham Library Gardens Tea Party 2/7/05
Doesn't sound wildly exciting does it? Well it was a fete supposedly designed to get people to volunteer for various local charities - as a result not many people turned up! But luckily Bill had forwarded me an email from Darren Beech, the folking.com guy who organises the Farnham Maltings folk club, to say that Jo Quinn and Paul Taylor from Mary Jane would be providing the musical entertainment along with some others. And it was free!
I fancied a cycle ride that Saturday, as Bill was away visiting his Dad in Dorset, so I cycled to Farnham via the Blackwater Valley Path. Got a bit lost and ended up as the track ran out in Tongham, so I cycled (with a lot of willpower) past Hogs Back Brewery under the A-road to Runsfold then into Farnham. I was a little late for the 1pm kickoff but as it happened Penelope Keith (who was due to open the fete) got stuck in traffic too, so they hadn't started the music.
Andy Stedman, a local singer-songwriter, was first up, with his guitar. He apparently "offers an indie calm with floating melodies, delicate vocals and strong lyrics" - personally I found it a bit boring, nothing I hadn't already heard. Nice clothes though. I wandered around the fete, tried some free cake, entered the local conservation group's quiz and failed to win any decent booze on the tombolas.
Next were Jo Quinn and Paul Taylor. Jo has a superb voice and is a good actor too, which makes her performances stand out. A few of the worthies sat and listened to their set, and they got lots of applause at the end.
Next were a band led by Naama Hillman, whose style I didn't like that much - too poppy. By this time I was hungry, the fete not including the usual BBQ stall, so I strolled across the road to Cafe Piccolo and had Spinach, Cheese and Rice Soup, very nice too.
Arrived back just in time for Siansa an Irish group, no harpist this time but a flautist, an electric fiddle player, a bouzouki/guitar player and a uillean piper. These were very good and had the largest audience - some people's kids even danced to the fast jigs. I had won a can of Boddingtons and was happily sipping it and tapping my foot to the rhythm. When I ran out of beer Darren Beech kindly shared some of his with me "as you're a regular"!! What a lovely guy.
I really wanted a CD - but had spent all my money on the soup and charities! I went over to Darren and asked how long he was staying till and if he'd save me a CD, he said yes no problem and so I stayed till the end of Siansa's gig. Cycled fast into town, grabbed some money out of the cashpoint, cycled back again! Very happy with my CD, would love to see Siansa again at the Maltings in November - hope it doesn't clash with anything.
I fancied a cycle ride that Saturday, as Bill was away visiting his Dad in Dorset, so I cycled to Farnham via the Blackwater Valley Path. Got a bit lost and ended up as the track ran out in Tongham, so I cycled (with a lot of willpower) past Hogs Back Brewery under the A-road to Runsfold then into Farnham. I was a little late for the 1pm kickoff but as it happened Penelope Keith (who was due to open the fete) got stuck in traffic too, so they hadn't started the music.
Andy Stedman, a local singer-songwriter, was first up, with his guitar. He apparently "offers an indie calm with floating melodies, delicate vocals and strong lyrics" - personally I found it a bit boring, nothing I hadn't already heard. Nice clothes though. I wandered around the fete, tried some free cake, entered the local conservation group's quiz and failed to win any decent booze on the tombolas.
Next were Jo Quinn and Paul Taylor. Jo has a superb voice and is a good actor too, which makes her performances stand out. A few of the worthies sat and listened to their set, and they got lots of applause at the end.
Next were a band led by Naama Hillman, whose style I didn't like that much - too poppy. By this time I was hungry, the fete not including the usual BBQ stall, so I strolled across the road to Cafe Piccolo and had Spinach, Cheese and Rice Soup, very nice too.
Arrived back just in time for Siansa an Irish group, no harpist this time but a flautist, an electric fiddle player, a bouzouki/guitar player and a uillean piper. These were very good and had the largest audience - some people's kids even danced to the fast jigs. I had won a can of Boddingtons and was happily sipping it and tapping my foot to the rhythm. When I ran out of beer Darren Beech kindly shared some of his with me "as you're a regular"!! What a lovely guy.
I really wanted a CD - but had spent all my money on the soup and charities! I went over to Darren and asked how long he was staying till and if he'd save me a CD, he said yes no problem and so I stayed till the end of Siansa's gig. Cycled fast into town, grabbed some money out of the cashpoint, cycled back again! Very happy with my CD, would love to see Siansa again at the Maltings in November - hope it doesn't clash with anything.
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