TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

FAIRPORT (ACOUSTIC) CONVENTION
15TH NOVEMBER 2005
THE FAT SURFER
GRAYS WORKING MENS CLUB
79, LONDON ROAD, GRAYS ESSEX
RM17 5YF


Here at the fat Surfer we’ve been pulling a few strings.
Acoustic strings to be precise; managing to wangle  FAIRPORT CONVENTION to our little venue.
‘Big Deal’ you may think; but for me, and all the rest of us that work here, it’s a crowning achievement of 5 years of hard graft getting this club up and running and fit to host excellent bands such as these.

In fact, the bands manager and sound engineer, Mr Rob Braviner, thought we were having a joke with him when I sent him the begging e-mail!!

I explained the arrangement and reassured him that the venue wouldn’t be full of spiky haircuts and ripped jeans (hang on, maybe there will??) meaning the gig would not be a ‘normal’ Fat Surfer night.

Perhaps I should explain.

Over five years ago, a friend of mine, Steve Lawrence, also a musician, said that he thought that our local area was missing a decent music venue and did I want to help in putting that right?

 I jumped at the chance.

It turned out that there was a working men’s’ club hall just nearby that was a bit down on its luck and wanted us to host some bands to get some beer money over the bar. We wouldn’t be charged for the hall and they would provide extra staff.
The first Gig we did was obviously a low turnout; a few people standing about wondering what was going on.
 
That was five years ago.

Now the place is packed every Friday night.

We provide a venue for all the local (and not so local) bands. They come here and play to an enthusiastic audience, and they get a few bob for their trouble. The people get to see a great up and coming band and also get to hear their favourite tunes. We get some money to bay back the loan for the new PA system!! Everybody’s happy.

We have hosted Bad Manners, Million Dead, Hayseed Dixie and are looking forward to seeing The Beat and Jerry Dammers from The Specials, along with The Levellers and hopefully the Sultans of Ping F.C.!
It’s been hard work. All the funds we raised on the door was put towards new gear and, gradually, we amassed the equipment and expertise we have now.

There’s one other thing.

The club isn’t run as a business; we are more like a family of musicians blowing our trumpets and having fun. None of us get paid. Girls on the till, guys doing the stage, people rushing around; we ALL do it because we love it; and I think that’s why we’ve come so far.

As we work under the umbrella of the workingmen’s club this also means the beers cheap; guaranteed to bring in the punters.

Other reasons why we have done so well is because of our position in the town, away from dwellings but only 2 minutes walk from the railway station.
We have a massive car park nearby which is empty after 6pm (and free after this time) and we are situated right opposite a petrol station, which has proved very handy when running out of cigarettes, food, tape etc!

Our aim is to provide Thurrock with a quality music venue and I think were just about there, judging by what people are telling me.

So what’s the Fairport angle then?
Well, yours truly is a full-on Fairport fan; so much so I run one of the fan sites on the Internet, Fairport fans.
Being a musician myself, I always enjoyed the Cropredy festival in Oxfordshire and its laid back family atmosphere, and have been going to that festival since 1989. Many times I watched the band play and though how great it would be to see them near our own home; and this did indeed come true a few years ago, as some of you may remember, as they played at the Hassenbrook school in Stanford le hope, which was, incidentally, my old stamping ground!!!

It was a great gig, and once we got the club up and running I vowed I would try and get the boys to play here.

Now I have.

All I need now are all you people out there to join me fulfilling my dream of putting on my favourite band at my own music venue.
Its going to be a fantastic night, as I guarantee you WONT see the boys this close up anywhere else around (except, perhaps at the bar!!).
It’s a very intimate venue (capacity 250), but there is a large bar and a friendly atmosphere, so whip those cheque-books out and send me £15 (per person) for your ticket to:

Fairport Grays Tickets
245, Crawley Close
Corringham
Essex
SS17 7JU

Make the cheque out to Mr J Henderson

Make sure you include a stamped addressed envelope and as soon as your cheque is cleared, we’ll send your tickets. Due to the nature of the booking I’m afraid we CANT sell any tickets at the door, so don’t leave it too late!!!

Have a look at www.thefatsurfer.com for more information on the gig and the venue in general, and to check our location.

I look forward to seeing you all soon.

This is probably going to be a one-off so don’t miss this opportunity to see the boys in action!!

Dont forget, don’t leave it too late!!!

Cheerio

Jim Henderson

Sound Engineer, the Fat Surfer Music Venue

P.S. i suppose youve all woked out that obviously i'm trying to drum up sales, and who can blame me? I'm taking a big personal financial risk here.  i'm sure i'll sell all the tickets and all will be well wit the world. Also, if i didnt advertise here and you missed the gig and wanted to go, you wouldnt be very happy would you? So here it is.
I am not worried about profit; this is my dream come true so as long as i cover the bands fee im fine!!! ;D

P.P.S. If theres enough demand i'll get the bar manager to put on some cask ales especially for the night. let me know if you think this will be a good idea, and if yes, what should we have? 6X???

Good luck, sounds like it'll be a great night!

Received my tickets for this last week!  ;) Good on yer!  ;D

Prepare for a squeeze. Rumour has it that Gerry is playing on all of the Acoustic gigs.  ;D

Sorry, already booked that night to see live acting entertainment featuring one of our young village lads. Good luck for the evening.

What time's kick-off? And is there any support act?

Hi Jim!  Looking forward to this one - sent you a cheque last week!!!

My missus has just called me to ask you to put some decent cider on!!!  I hate the stuff  :P, so 6X for me if there are enough takers!!! If not I'll try and drink it on my own, just to help you out of course ;D

See you there,

Kris

Ah yes...Jim...can I suggest a small brewer in South Woodham Ferrers for some beer? Champion Beer 2005 and all that. I'm a bit biased cos I work there. Crouch Vale Brewery 01245 322744.

Hopefully you got an email from me with a vague enquiry about a support slot. C'mon people....tell him we're nice.

Oh yes!!! Great idea! SftBH - very good indeed!!!! That would be excellent!  8)

Great idea about SftBH, book them now.

Jackdaw

Yup I'll third that!!

Jude

...and me... book them...

Good luck with the ale James, old boy, but isn't PJ Wright supporting on the tour... ???
Skirky

Isn't that the Winter tour? Or is this Autumn tour the same thing as the Winter tour?

I can't work it out...............

Jude

Quite correct Jude, PJ on winter tour  ;)

So is Fairport Acoustic (with or without Gerry  ::)) the Autumn Tour or the Wintour then????

Autumn tour JJ  [;-)

Thanks BD - therefore there may be a space for SftBH??  ??? ;D

Unlikely - FC usually play the whole evening, roughly two 1-hour sets.

Oh, and of course, bloody well done Jim and congratulations on an ambition ticked off  :)  [;-) Looks like all the hard work paid off  :D I'll make a point of keeping an eye on the site for expeditions to make in future.
Cheers
Skirky

So what makes it "Accoustic" then? I suppose that Simon leaves his electric guitar at home, and the band drop any visual gags.

SteveK

FAC = No Gerry, Simon uses the acoustic more but he has been known to use the Strat occasionally on FAC tours

It's a shame Peggy doesn't seem to have that lovely Crafter acoustic bass any more.  I fell totally in love with that instrument and that would make the band almost "really" acoustic (apart from actually having a PA of course...)

Jim, I need a week or so to work on "himself" - will show him this thread when we get broadband at home.  I hope there'll still be a ticket or two...  {:-)

Hurrah!  Pass issued for 15th November!

Now, are there any tickets left?  Soundmanjim, IM in your tray...  {:-)

Hi all

blimey! lots of messages!

erm, yes quite correct, the boys are doing the whole evening, they didnt want/need a support, shame as i had one or two really good acts lined up including the brilliant ROY METTE who has been trying to get on the Festival list for ages!! (bless 'im)

Not looking good on the beer front as landlord says theres no room for stillages (?) but we will try and get loads of bottled ales in (at least that will be something).

The new dmx lighting rig has just gone up and its looking fantastic, so just in case any of the guys are reading this, dont worry, it wont be like a school disco light wise!!!

there are loads of tickets left (really), in fact i need to get shot of at least another 50 before i actuyally break even, so spread the word about please!!!

Also, if any of you are into folk clubs etc, you may be interested in a posting ive put in the events/gigs /whatever section!!

see youi all soon

jimbo

Cheque's in the post! ;D

C'mon chaps and chapesses, Essex crew - where are you, you wouldn't want me  {:-) and JJ  {:-) to be the only tiaras in the room would you? Not to forget Kris  [;-) of course!

(Is that tiara smiley bald?)

Getting all excited already... @

Do I have to wear a  [;-)


I haven't got one.................  Besides - i like to remain anonymous at gigs in case I embarrass myself [remembers Morris dancing with paper tissues amongst a crowd of Germans in Kellinghusen last year.....] ::)

hoy!

nothing wrong with morris dancing; i was a member of the Royal Liberty Morris men (the heavy metal morris men) for a year; and it was GREAT FUN. what wasnt fun was waking up after passing out in train at upminster sidings!!!

i also was part of a bike club, and i was a member of the sealed knot so i was a busy bunny about 10 years ago!!!

SO THAT WAS YOUUUUUU?
I think I have some photos somewhere

***[size=08pt]whispers: 50 quit for each negative[/size]

I know - but I was doing it really drunkenly and badly - as the photos will probably show.............


I know someone that was in a morris group that used to dance in purple thongs and masks... and nothing else :o  ;D tell me it's not the same group.....

Hey Kris, you don't have to wear a  [;-) if you don't want to...  I'll probably wear my rainbow striped Cropredy jumper, so won't be in need of a tiara either...

Ooh, there's something I forgot to ask!  Jim - is the venue standing or sitting or a bit of both or what?  I now need to know!  Cos if I bring that  jumper I'll need somewhere to put it after about 2 minutes when it gets too hot!

Heavy metal morris men eh?  I saw a fantastic band up north (Skeggy way), ooh, years ago now.  Sheamus (?maybe) Somebody and the Megadeth Morris Men...  GREAT fun!  Anything to do with you Jim?  We were at a "youth group" thing and all the kids loved it too, talk about crossing the barriers!

You certainly ARE anonymous...  even sitting in front of us in Adderbury Church with Ric!!!!

Even your avatar is anonymous!!! ;D ;D

AmyJen

Believe me - you wouldn't want to see my face in that picture.....  That's me slaving over a mixing desk at 3 in the morning!  ^-^ ^-^

PS And I would have embarrassed myself at Adderbury Church if the wife would have let me.........

Don't worry about it Kris, I don't think I'm ever going to get over embarrassing myself at Cropredy...  Perhaps I'd better not wear the jumper, someone might recognise me.  :-[

The technology exists to take the avatar and clean it up and show your face, Kris, if desired.

its all going according to plan; stage is tidied up; lights are working; tickets are not exactly flying out the door but are selling at a steady dribble!!

now i have to negotiate with Mr braviner about their rider for the gig otherwise thats going to be even more cash i wont have! Hargh!
 
at least they don't want pairs of socks and towels like some bands seem to want!

So if you haven't made your mind up wether you fancy coming to Grays, , please do it quickly as I'm going to stop the ticket posting in a couple of weeks as they may not get to their destinations in time. i may be able to take reservations but i must obviously have the cash on the night.

Hopefully see some of you on the night.

cheerio!

So Fairport have a rider for their gigs eh, what do you reckon,

A supply of incense sticks and himilayan spring water for Chris
Nicotene patches for Gerry
Various bandanas, baseball caps etc for Ric
Videos of Countdown and theWeakest Link for quiz show fiend Simon
Small glass of lemonade and a tin red leather polish for Peggy

Jackdaw ;)

Rider? Fairport? Chug-a-Lug!! (historical joke)

Socks?

You sure he didn't mean rydeR?

Paul

ok people, no more cheques please, if you want tickets phone me (07711 306812) and i'll reserve them for you to collect on the door. only 40 tickets left. check the website for details on getting to gryas and info of the general area and the club at this link:

http://www.fatsurfer.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/DIRECTIONS.htm

hope to see you all next week.

actually the rider is sandwiches, a few bottles of wine and some mineral water, in case anyone was wondering!!!

Good work Jim! Looks like you might get away without having to remortgage.... ;D
Have a great night and, obviously, if there's any tapes from the desk going afterwards..... ::)

Í'm looking forward to this.
My last going to a Fairport gig was the beer festival at Pump Bottom Farm more than a year ago.
The Beer was great.
The Fairport fans were very friendly.
Finally the gig was great.
Looks like this is going to be just as good.
Bertil B

I'll see all and sundry there!  If it's as cold as today I will be wearing my rainbow striped jumper!

OK, no rainbow jumper, it wouldn't fit into my bag.  2005 Cropredy t-shirt instead (that'll be for camoflage then).  I'm gonna try to be there well early, so I can find somewhere to get out of the thermal bike gear.  So with any luck I'll be in the bar already when everyone else arrives! 

Have fun you lot!  ;D

Will look out for you at the bar then Anna! See you later.

just to let you all know i have officially broken even!! hurrah!

also we have tickets that can be purchased on the door so if you still haven't got yours, theres about 40 left that can be picked up tonight.
must go, got to buy a coffee maker and make some sandwiches!!!

see you all tonight, I'll be the one looking worried with the hair and the beard!

Many congratulations and have a great night. Don't worry so much that you forget to enjoy it :)

rachel

Greetings from Germany to everybody.  {:-)
Have a great night  :-*

Have a good one everybody who's going tonight... I'll be lurking in the shadows as usual....... ;)

I’m off to see my fav’rites
The wonderful Fairport at Grays
With soundmanjim and you, me and them
We’ll have a marvellous time
Tonight, today, a marvellous time!
They’re happy as kings, they crowd’s there too
With us, and them, and fun, and friends
Fair-port!!! With the excellent music they play
I’m off to see my fav’rites
The wonderful Fairport at Grays


OK, coat's on, I'm sooooo outta here!

Have a great time all of you.. you lucky things!!!

AmyJen

wow! what an amazing gig! and i finally got to meet the inimitable mr braviner. a really decent chap, i had a chat with the guys after the gig and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves, as did we.

i spent most of the night shaking hands with people!

lovely to meet Bertil from sweden, and again i apologise to Fairport as this place is flippin' hard to find!!
poor old gerry went around the roundabout outside the club in his volvo about four times before i realised it was him . bless!

actually got to play with the faders for 2 minutes while Rob went to the bog.( Imagine that on my CV....did sound for fairport blah blah!!)

Hope ric managed to find somewhere to stash all the rasins and nuts i bought for them (honestly he's like a hampster!)

all in all it was a fantastic night and im pretty sure the boys all know who i am now!!! looking forward to linking up with them again in the summer. (and i know who theyve got lined up for croppers but im sworn to secrecy; lets just say my jaw dropped when they told me . Heh!! i love secrets!!!) you just wait! you WILL be amazed. i am!

thats it. im off to bed!!

oh by the way; i took some pretty poor pictures tonight; does anyone on here who went have any they can send me? i would be most grateful as i'd like a few nice ones to put on the website.

cheerio until the next time!

Well Jim, after eventually finding the club ourselves after walking the streets  ;)  we had a supurb evening which looked to me to be very well attended. We were lucky enough to walk in and get front row seats. Met Anna from this Board, saw Bertil too during the interval (I think) standing near the stage?

Fairport were so relaxed and obviously enjoying this great atmosphere! This was the best Fairport evening I have ever been to, the crowd were so responsive, it felt like a Cropredy convention, there were so many t.shirts worn by Festival attenders who clapped and cheered and responded so well.

The chaps were seated throughout, although I felt Ric found this quite hard!!! Hiring Fair is always a favourite for me but for it to continue with the most amazing fiddle playing and then to drift into 'Summer Time' was breathtaking. But to see Gerry 'close up' was so good, the man is a genius, watching him play so well with all his 'tinkly' bits and hand movements made me realise just how much of him we miss when he is further back on the stage!

Thanks to top class musicians, a great venue, a wonderful evening! Well done Soundmanjim! (I have some photos which I am e-mailing to you)

Matty is still on sabbatical!

Ooh you tease you! :o  ;) ;D

FAB!!!

Wanted to catch up with you after, soundmanjim, but once I'd got changed back into the bike gear I really couldn't hang around inside for very long...  And you were upstairs.  But next time we meet I'll definitely get you a pint or three.  And thanks for the use of the store room for getting changed.  It makes all the difference not having to cart the bike kit around all the time. :)

I'll write a full review later when I've got a bit more time, but for now - FAB!!!  2nd everything JJ said.

"The Rosehip" is now my next target for trying to persuade my band to play...  So long as it's in one of the songbooks!

We got lost trying to find this place but everyone was very warm and welcoming when we finally arrived.

No 'Over the Lancashire Hills' which was a disappointment but we had John Gaudie instead to make up for it.

High points - Summertime, Now Be Thankful, I'm Already There and Here There Everywhere.

Low point - Close to the Wind.  I love this song but I think something went wrong in the middle.

Well done to soundmanjim for organising this gig and to the boys for a crackin' performance!

Quick hint Jim - if you tell people you're opposite Morrisons  petrol station, rather than just a  petrol station, it'll probably make you easier to find.  You can't miss Morrisons, it's mostly is  Grays...

We came, we lurked, we danced at the back to John Gaudie!  ;D ;D ;D

Great night, congratulations to Jim!  You have a great venue with great sound and atmosphere.

PS Nice to meet you Anna, very briefly at the end!

Kris, sorry!  I forgot to put you in my reivew - you got culled along with my conversation with Ric!  Haven't I seen you somewhere else too?  You were probably in Lurk mode though, so we didn't get introduced.  It's sooo easy to do that.  I'm never the person who's brave enough to say "are you..." I'm not even sure if jim had worked out that I was me when I first arrived, and I didn't get to see him at the end.

Thanks Jim for a great night at The Fat Surfer. Lovely atmosphere with great musicians in a small and intimate venue.
The Hiring Fair/Summertime was really superb. Sometimes you feel that just one moment can be worth all the travelling across Europe and this was definitely such a moment.
Me and my son were to 4 concerts and 2 Premier League games during a week in the UK, this night was definitely one of the best.
Bertil B

Hi ya Bertil..good to see you are still about and attending gigs, missed you at Croppers this year, in fact havn't seen you since pumpbottom farm.  maybe we will see you next year?

Angela

Good to hear from you Angela.
I was busy going to Sidmouth, Eastleigh and Broadstairs last summer.
Will be back next year, don't know when and where yet but I really love going to festivals.
Bertil B