|
Post by frkeith on May 9, 2008 15:21:28 GMT
The UK Retreat is off the ground - Whirlow Grange in Sheffield is now booked for 5-7 December 2008, which was the only weekend when all the accommodation was available, but at least it gives us plenty of time to save up and get some practice in, as well as avoiding the holiday season.
I've reserved 30 rooms for accomodation, and there is a selection of rooms avalable to use for jamming. There is a big non residential group in for a meal on the saturday evening so the largest of the rooms will be unavailable to us then, but apart from that they're pretty flexible and we'll probably break up into smaller groups anyway. (I like the sound of the garden room).
It's down to us to work out the format between us - nobody will be organising us or telling us what to do. It will just be a great opportunity to relax and have fun sharing music. It might be a good idea if we put together 'core' set of songs that we can all at least be familiar with though.
Whirlow have been pretty good letting me provisionally book all the rooms when I don't know at this stage how many people want to go, but I'll need to start taking deposits soon.
I'll probably set up a google group or something where those going can discuss plans without it being open for all the world to see - I know not everyone wants to advertise when they're away! It's going to be a few days before I get around to that - after playing up for ages my computer finally refused to boot at all today so I'm setting up from scratch.
|
|
|
Post by craftsman on May 9, 2008 18:10:53 GMT
Unfortunately I'm off to Oz in december Never mind, you'll have to take plenty of videos..,
|
|
mark
Full Member
Posts: 133
|
Post by mark on May 9, 2008 18:55:26 GMT
any idea of approximate costs ?
|
|
|
Post by frkeith on May 9, 2008 19:34:55 GMT
Cost - approx £125. Current rate is just over £60 per night (inc. food) but there's an increase of approx 3% due in July. It's not bad when you look at the facilities we get.
Andrew - sorry you won't be able to make it. There were only a few earlier dates available and the number of rooms were limited. Maybe we should plan early for a 2009 weekend.
|
|
|
Post by craftsman on May 10, 2008 0:01:53 GMT
Andrew - sorry you won't be able to make it. There were only a few earlier dates available and the number of rooms were limited. Maybe we should plan early for a 2009 weekend. Thanks Father Keith, I also have to address my confidence issues before I can face public gatherings, a lack of self esteem has been a big issue with me in the past, one which seems insurmountable sometimes! I am really glad though that someone has stepped up to the plate and has committed their time to it as you have done. Best wishes for the retreat... Andrew
|
|
|
Post by Danny on May 10, 2008 19:04:03 GMT
Andrew - sorry you won't be able to make it. There were only a few earlier dates available and the number of rooms were limited. Maybe we should plan early for a 2009 weekend. Thanks Father Keith, I also have to address my confidence issues before I can face public gatherings, a lack of self esteem has been a big issue with me in the past, one which seems insurmountable sometimes! I am really glad though that someone has stepped up to the plate and has committed their time to it as you have done. Best wishes for the retreat... Andrew I fully agree with what you said Andrew, self confidence is a BIG problem for me too. (Combination of depression and 12 years of being bullied every single day) I doubt I'll be able to make it. The chances of me getting to Sheffield (I don't drive and am on government sick pay only) is remote. But, like Andrew, I expect a FULL report, with vids if possible. Finally kudos to Father Keith for setting this up, you've earned some karma from me good sir, plus quite possible your boss ;-) You'rs, hopeing for a lottery win so I can come Your Ever Lovin' Mod Danny
|
|
dick
New Member
Posts: 47
|
Post by dick on May 10, 2008 19:25:23 GMT
Well done Keith. I'm up for it.
Dick
|
|
|
Post by Danny on May 10, 2008 19:51:05 GMT
Good on ya Dick, hopefully we'll be able to meet at last
|
|
|
Post by Camio on May 10, 2008 20:47:36 GMT
Perfect dates for us. We'll be there.
Thanks a lot for planning it
Camilo & Carlos
|
|
Wolfgang
Junior Member
Frailer from Kiel
Posts: 54
|
Post by Wolfgang on May 10, 2008 22:05:02 GMT
Trying to make it possible for me. But to the guys who are reluctant: The Crisfield retreat was not at all for people who wanted to "show" their musicianship but for those who wanted to join in the spirit of music. There were guys who began practising the bump-ditty and by this showed others new ways of playing and there were guys who had the basics down and showed others some licks. Nobody should say "I cannot play in that league." There is no league! It´s all about seeing, hearing, having fun - for anybody! If you think you "cannot" play this or that song - just wait and see (and hear) - you will bring something home for sure.
|
|
|
Post by Clangabell on May 11, 2008 11:16:09 GMT
Keith Count me in, and well done setting it all up Thanks Colin
|
|
|
Post by Clangabell on May 11, 2008 11:41:58 GMT
To all of you folkies out there who are unsure of their ability, and are in two mind whether to commit or not, please read Wolfgangs comments again, he has hit the nail right on the head, the retreat is not the place to show off your talents. Most of the people who attended the Crisfield retreat learned something about themselves, they ranged from absolute beginners to the likes of Kelly who plays banjo in a professional Irish band. Most of the learning was done by sitting around in little groups among ourselves, and although Pat and Patrick were on hand they did not do a lot a really intensive workshops. It really is all about having a good time, putting faces to name, making friendships and hoping you pick up a few tips along the way. And another good thing that I found out at Crisfied, with 20 banjos playing at the same time, you can play as many bum notes as you want, and nobody will hear you and if Dick brings his pipes you wont even be able to hear the banjos at all Colin
|
|
|
Post by frkeith on May 11, 2008 17:16:25 GMT
I reckon we're all in the same boat when it comes to lack of confidence in our ability. I was hesitant about going to the Crisfield retreat because I'd not been playing long and didn't know many songs. I kept saying I'd go to the next one when I'd had more practice, but deep down I really did want to go and knew I'd regret it if I didn't. When I got there ( thanks to Colin and Dick who waited three hours after I missed my connecting flight ) there was nothing to worry about other than where to buy beer in Crisfield! We spent a lot of time in small groups - looking through books - finding simple songs with G, C and D chords so that everybody could join in. (That was the only reason I suggested putting a list together of songs together - not that we have to be any good at them - just so we spend less time looking for them). Pick a simple song - murder it as many times as neccessary - suddenly it clicks and you're jamming! Not a stage performance, but a great feeling after all the times you've heard others and though 'I wish I could do that'. As Colin said, you can hardly hear yourself play when there are a few of you, so you don't have to worry about mistakes. But really who cares? nobody is paying to listen.
If my wife hadn't srongly encouraged (i.e pushed!) me to go to Crisfield, then Wolfgang, Dick, Colin, Camilo and Carlos would just be names I've read on various blogs - but now I'm looking forward to a reunion with some of the nicest folk I've ever met.
If you want a weekend of musical excellence, this probably isn't the thing for you. If you can look on it as an opportunity to relax over a few beers and have laugh with a bunch of strangers who'll become friends, then you won't regret it. I'm sure you'll go home a better musician as well, but for me that's just a bonus.
Keith
(By the way - Colin, Wolfgang, Dick, Camilo - if you're reading this I lost your email adresses when I had to restore my computer - send me a quick email when you've got time. )
|
|
|
Post by Danny on May 11, 2008 18:35:40 GMT
I sure hope me and Max (my guitar) can make it Fr Keith
|
|
mark
Full Member
Posts: 133
|
Post by mark on May 12, 2008 12:58:31 GMT
Cost - approx £125. Current rate is just over £60 per night (inc. food) but there's an increase of approx 3% due in July. It's not bad when you look at the facilities we get. Andrew - sorry you won't be able to make it. There were only a few earlier dates available and the number of rooms were limited. Maybe we should plan early for a 2009 weekend. Thanks. Gonna have to go to work on the missus for a pass, might have to leave it a week or so before I approach her about it though as I am just about to head off for a week's golfing with the lads
|
|