TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Well, I know it's a bit previous, and I won't be able to contribute to it until after next Monday, but we need to prepare the ground for whoever is lucky enough to be at the opening night!  :)

I noticed from the gig list on the newsletter that the tour is 30 nights on the trot - that's pretty impressive (if not to say foolhardy...), so I wish them good weather (oh dear already), good health and plenty of stamina!

I'm waiting for a review of the first night, folks. How was it?

Fine, thanks Ulla.

(Possibly the briefest, most unhelpful review eveer posted...)

Onwards!

no , no, simon, 'fine' is succinct, and no news is always good news, or something, and that has come straight from the horses mouth.............

(ps - i'm properly miffed about fairport at wellingborough clashing with the other thing at the dearngate for which we bought tickets *months* ago, i haven't been to see fairport locally since kettering about 5 years ago!)

hope it's a good gig there. ;D

More than just fine - it was brilliant (including the inevitable first-night glitches).

Although the set list will obviously appear here as the Tour progresses, we wouldn't want to spoil the surprises  - and there were quite a few - for others. Suffice to say that the back catalogue was well trawled and Chris almost got a standing ovation mid-set for one particular rendition!

If you haven't booked - get on the phone now!


Steve&Julia

Such as shame that the keyboard doesn't allow for inflection.

Thank you very much, Mr. N.
What a review  ;)

Should there be a thread where the band review the audience? Hoping for a "fine" show tonight in St Albans. Have a safe journey.

I will be there in St Albans tonight.  If I can think of anything helpful to say post gig I will let you know.  If an other TAWs see me there, please feel free to say hello (or possibly more).

Can we open a thread (similar to the Aggies) of spoliers, just so those who don't wish to know the set list etc, don't see it.

Ollie

Will I recognise you from the suit and tie?

DC

Good plan, Ollie



Edit: Please do not change the title of threads half way through  >:(

It was obviously a court appearance that day.  I will dress suitably for the occasion tonight.

Heavens! Did they let you off?

As I was only wearing a load shirt and tie in a public place, a caution seemed sufficient.

Wot??

No trousers??

 :o

Its like newsreaders, in court they can only see the top half.

Me too, seeing as I have to drive past Wellingborough to get there. My flippin' dad - wanting gigs where Maddy Prior is singing for birthday presents ::)


Looking forward to the Stables gig next week ;D

Edit: Please do not change the title of threads half way through  >:(
[/quote]

I didn't - must have hit an inadvertent keystroke somewhere, as the "new title" was the final exclamation mark which should have been in the post quoting Ollie.

This also explains the duplication of the post.

Whatever it was I did, I'll try not to do it again ;)

DC

For anyone vacillating about going to see the boys on this tour - buy your tickets now, the set is absolutely fabulous!

DC

Well, I enjoyed the first night in Tewkesbury, but it's difficult to review without mentioning the setlist!

I'll try & retrievesome photos from the camera tomorrow, but I'm on a borrowed laptop & don't knowwhether there's resizing software on it....

Steve Ashley came along though. And Rob B isn't well, so Gareth Wiliams is back where he started with Fairport as one of the Cossacks in the previous century! No Tristan on backline either, he's got a proper job in Liverpool.

Oh and Ric wasn't wearing horrible plastic shoes!

Good news at last.

We all really enjoyed the gig last night.  The performance was not as polished and perfect as we're used to but I think it was the better for it.  I liked the surprise of not knowing what was coming next as I hadn't seen a set list.  It was adventurous/brave of Fairport to do it, so hat's off to them.  

Generally speaking, I liked the modern treatment of the old songs and instrumentals but not in absolutely every case.  In my (I hope humble) opinion, Mayfair needs that weaker, thinner, less accomplished voice to sound right.  You may disagree and that's fine.  There were some real delights but you'll have to go to a gig and discover them for yourself because I'm not giving anything away here.  (If you've been over to the FC site, you should have worked out Mayfair! ::))

The audience were what I'd call reserved - a bit like me really, so I can't complain!  

Lots of banter between band members.  In fact, I think some regressed in direct proportion to the age of the song - bottom pinching indeed!

One sweet bit early on, between two songs, was when Dave Pegg's grandson called out from the audience - GRANDAD!  (It might have been Grandpa.)  I don't think he heard it but Chris Leslie did.

Completely off topic, but, can I offer Mortimer the Award for Smartest Folkie since records began?

Back on topic, here's Anthony John Clarke & Gerry.....

[attachment deleted by admin]

And Ric & Chris.....

[attachment deleted by admin]

what can I say! For me it was one of the best fairport gigs ever! I even cried tears of joy at some of the songs.  ;D I hadn't read the spoilers before hand so the set list was a total suprise and boy what a suprise. All I can say is Thankyou guys! And a special thanks to Chris for stopping to speak to my 9 yr old daughter who admired his playing throughout especialy his versatility. She plays the violin and he asked her if she'd named it yet. She said no but has now called it "Chric" after Chris and Ric who are now her heroes! ;D

Again off topic but thanks PLW.  If there is a Hadcock award for that category I am willing to accept but only if Kate Rusby can be persuaded to award it to me.

A ***** review of the St Albans gig in The Independent today - submitted as part of their "You Write the Reviews" feature.  Must get my tix for Bristol...

Paul, I'm hoping that is a 5 star review, and not a really terrible one which can only be expressed as a very rude word!  ;)

Here's the answer

www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/you-write-the-reviews-fairport-convention-alban-arena-st-albans-778504.html

Beat me to it Mortimer! ;D ;)

I wondered that too  :o :o

Actually a very good review from some one who is obviously a Fairport fan.  One of us lot perhaps? Come on own up or Sir Robert will have to interview you.   [;-)

A great joke from Ric:
Peggy has a new shampoo. It's called "Shoulders"  ;D

Oooo, a bit near the knuckle for Mr Sanders...

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2008/02/06/old-ish-but-bold-86081-20440905/

Here's one from Day 6 at LBT Huddersfield

He may be scalped ::)

Anyone got any more photos?

A fabulous evening in Cambridge last night  ;D  John Anthony is great and started the evening off well with his humour good stories and fun songs with audience participation!

Thank you Fairport one and all!  Bought the DVD and the band signed it.  8) There they all were, superstars, mingling with the crowd as usual!  {:-)

Met Ollie and his Dad, Delfini and Martin Driver. Good to see you!

Watch out Wales tonight, they are on top form lots of fun. Simon practised his Welsh  :D  and said "Thanks for coming out to our little annual extravaganza!"

Didn't see Brav?

Thanks for that JJ - can't wait for tonight! ;D

Simon practising his Welsh, eh? That should be interesting. 8)

Well, this was my 4th Wintour and it was by far the best. AJC was OK, but not really my cup of tea. Very funny tho!

Fairport were amazing. :D  Faultless performance (apart from the sound was very muddy at the beginning, but that's the Corn Exhange's fault) and all the band were on top form. Great banter between them. Simon seemed to be away with the faeries! He did a very long intro to one song, and when we thought he'd finished, he forgot how it started, and had a bit of a ramble again. The look on Ric's face was priceless  ;D Chris was in fine voice, the best I've heard him. I'll post a better review in the spoilers, as I can mention song names. If you haven't got tickets yet, GET THEM NOW. You won't be disappointed.

Ollie

I'll be there on Monday. I'm worried about being disappointed in the band. I'm worried about them being disappointed in us!  :-\

Pontardawe last night was extremely enjoyable. Wendy, me, Pippa and Pippa's friend Becky joined Gower Flower and daughter-of, plus PauleD of these parts in the downstairs (unseated) part of the hall.  Whilst those seated in the gallery no doubt had a great time, our position was somewhat better, IMHO.

A lovely chat with simon started our evening, he is a gracious and unpretentious man whose talent makes his demeanour all the more suprising to the usually cynical amongst us.

Anthony John Clark was very amusing and his songs were highly entertaining. We met and chatted with him and wife Julia later on, another unjustifiably modest man.

The chaps setlist was much as before, albeit with some drunken fool shouting out for Matty Groves (the only song that the chaps sing everynight, after all) from almost the first moment. Ric dealt kindly with him, as did Simon. Later on more audience entertainment ensued, which I will leave Shirley to describe ;D

Wendy and I prefer the folk-rolk numbers to the slow stuff which predominated the first set, the Babbacombe Lee songs were great to hear and when Simon gets going on his geetar, there ain't no stopping everyone from getting into that groove.

Peggy was on top form, too. And Simon told a new "joke", which he asked to be written down. No, Simon, just put it down and don't pick it up again! ;D

Gerry was on fine form too behind his bright red kit (is that new? Don't remember seeing it at Cropredy), Chris weighed in with his usual terrific contribution and all-in-all, a great time was had by all.

In a quick chat I asked Simon about the possible return of the screen at Cropredy. He said that a lot depends upon ticket sales (March 1st, ladies and gents) but if it does reappear this year it may only be for back projection of films, as live camera work requires live cameramen - who don't work for free! He also said that costs are really kept as low as possible in order to live within a budget - so if we want screens, be prepared for another £1 on the ticket next year. I also enquired as to the mystery Irish guest and he was kind enough to confirm that it isn't the Corrs! ;D

Thanks chaps, the DVD will get played tonight.

Such a pity. I am always impressed by their talent.

I've just noticed a rather glaring error in my comment above. It should have been "I'm not worried about being disappointed in the band. I'm worried about them being disappointed in us!" Oops.  :-[

I did wonder about that, GubGub: I was worried that you were worrying a bit too much!

 ;D Sounds like me!

Hi to everyone. Im a newcomer to the site but not a newcomer to Fairport Im pleased to say.

Just wanted to say a big thank you again to the band for a tremendous set at Pontardawe last night! Thouroughly enjoyed every second of the concert and having been to Cropredy several times (which in itself is a fantastic experience) it was equally fantastic to be able to get up so "close and personal" to the band  in what turned out to be (in my opinion) a most excellent and truly intimate venue.

My only fear and worry is that I may have been the drunken idiot Andy (Leslie) refers to! I hope I wasn't but if it was a blonde bespectacled drunk then please accept my apologies - although I hope my enthusiasm (albeit alcohol induced!) for the tune in question can be forgiven this once, since  it is not only one of my all time favourites but also one which got me hooked me on the band and their music in the first place.

Looking forward to Cropredy and gald to be counting the days! ;)

Well that was a jolly good night out!

A wonderful time was had by all at the Arts Centre last night. Fairport deservedly received rapturous applause.

It was very pleasant to chat with Simon before the gig. He was interested to hear what we thought of the Cropredy line-up. Good of him to take such an interest. We also chatted about the DVD. “I’ve spent two hours in the office this morning, sending them out” he said. Blimey! The rock-star life, eh? ;)

The evening kicked off with an amusing set by Anthony John Clarke.  Very early on he said “So, the rugby went well then?” This was met by roars of approval from the audience. He had them in the palm of his hand.

An interesting and innovative set was presented as Fairport trawled through the back catalogue.

I won’t post set list details – it’s all there in the Spoilers Thread. Chris Leslie thrilled with a rendition of a Fairport classic which I have not heard him sing before. Some songs not heard live in many a year were in place, and of course some more recent material from the latest CD was included.

The musicianship was of the highest order, the humour was well-worn (the rugby remark was repeated, to more roars of approval)

The Chaps looked to be having a thoroughly good time too – let’s hope they come back.

On a personal note, this wonderful evening was just what I needed after a very difficult week. Music eh? What would we do without it?

“Long may you keep it live, and always play it well.”

Thanks Chaps. :-*

(p.s. thank you Peggy for the dedication!)

Are you referring to this?
If so, let this lay your fears to rest:

Not at all, unless you're a burly bloke who kept on shouting out "Matty Groves!" between every song. Which you're not. Obviously. Welcome to the board and please stick around - we're a friendly bunch....

Angie - are you the lady who insisted on dancing with me and Amy? LOL!

Globbits  >:(
Can't get to Worthing tomorrow. It will have to be Croydon.

I almost forgot that we met up with Martin Driver too, nice to see you again, mate.

not me gower flower! must have been another drunken blonde!

Whoops my wife has posted on my user name.  :-[ Angie j was the drunken blonde - not me.... and if anyone was wondering I wasn't the drunken burley bloke calling for Matty Groves. He was steading behind me - he had a head like an egg.  

Worthing review posted on the Wintour spoilers thread because I wanted to mention specific songs. If you don't want to know the answers, look away now..... :)

Fairport review Wellingborough 13/2/08

Why do we do it?

Why did we drive almost 90 miles each way to see this band?

Why did we set off later than we should have, thinking that two hours would give us plenty of time.. only to find the traffic on the M1 was crawling along for miles and miles.. and then to be enveloped in fog!

What is there about this time of year that gets us all excited and determined to put ourselves through this to see our favourite band?

It could have been worse.. the weather might been snowy or windy or rainy or icy.. but it was just foggy.. yuk!  At least we got there.. the Tomtom (John Cleese) was very useful.. we found The Castle (venue) and slipped into our seats just as Ric finished introducing Anthony John Clarke.. never been that late before! And it was at that moment that I knew why we travel for Fairport!  They always deliver.. as simple as that.. they are magic!  AJC was an excellent choice of support.. very relaxed, his set was well worth a second sitting.

Then the band came on and here we were.. enthralled again as we have been so many times before..  I will mention set highlights in the Spoilers thread.. but wow.. there were some stunners!

During the interval we looked around to play ‘spot the TAWer’.. there was only one that we knew (Chris Bates) .. so we had a chat.  We met the lovely Vo Fletcher too and talked re the RSG gigs.  Our seats on the second row gave us a superb view.. pity we didn’t have the camera with us!

After the show we chatted to each of the chaps.. Chris was delighted when I told him that the Aggies had won the Best Live Act Hancock.. I hope he knew what I was talking about! Ric asked when he is next playing for us.. and I told him the wrong date!  Simon said they would have to alter the set list for the Chesterfield gig as that’s where we will be!

The programme has some interesting items within its pages..  the countdown to Cropredy 07 is fascinating.  What a nightmare those floods caused Gareth Williams and the rest of the organisation.. but good to be reassured that they had viable contingency plans all in place!

Then as ever, all too soon we were out again into the night for the long foggy drive home… 90 miles went by sans hitch and the cats shot out of the house as soon as we opened the door at 1am. Safely home with a very memorable evening behind us.. and two more to come on this tour!!  Thanks Chaps!

 ;D :-* ;D :-* ;D :-*

We had a great night at Canterbury tonight.  It was very different to Tunbridge Wells - different set list, different sound, different jokes and a different atmosphere altogether.  I loved every song and and every tune. 8)

I cannot add anything to Katy's Mum's superb review (on the wintour spoilers thread).  It was a magical evening, and this is what happened before the show!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R6wKocA2Zk

Excellent!

Peggy at the end "get yer 'air cut!"

How does he do it? First FoF now FC. Do you just ask or what?

Brilliant Angela.. congrats to Dennis!!

 ;D ;D ;D

the boys going to be a star

The door of the van is always open.. so they say...  ;D ;D

Watch Peggy's eyes in the last few bars of the tune. Remember it was he who did the selection off videos for the Cropredy acts for 20 years or so. ;) ;D

All right, as a family friend I know I am biased, but so what!!! Rock on, Dennis. ;D

Last night at the Marlowe

[attachment deleted by admin]

Gerry plays bass!

[attachment deleted by admin]

what can I say!

[attachment deleted by admin]

the end of a brilliant evening.

[attachment deleted by admin]

Nice one Dennis :D

Angela, was it Dennis who was asked, at an acoustic gig, if he had his passport with him?  I think FC were leaving for the USA at the end of that week.

I just felt compelled to say what a great show it was tonight (well, last night) at Burnley Mechanics.
Magnificent!

Yes, that was him.  he didn't at the time, but keeps hoping they will ask him again!  ;D  ;)

We had another FAB night with Fairport at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield last night...

Here are a few piccies..  (I hope..)

[attachment deleted by admin]

...and a couple more...

[attachment deleted by admin]

Whee hee!!  Great pics.
Just heading off now to Edinburgh, Inverness and Glenfarg...looking forwards, etc, etc..
More when back.
Jack

Thanks Jack.. have a great night!

Caught the Edinburgh & Glenfarg shows & can only echo what has been said by most of you - the band are absolutely at the top of their game on this tour.    

Two different set lists as well & what a great choice of gems from the back catalogue.  My only quibble was that we got something of a truncated show at Glenfarg with a few songs missing - no doubt due to the late start set by the promoter with the band then struggling to get as much as they could in before chucking out time!

The venue itself was very nice - slightly bigger room than the Bein Inn (& much better bar service!) - however while the Bein Inn was perfect for the acoustic show I have my reservations about this type of venue for the full Wintour show.  Very nice chandeliers though!

I am delighted, though, that Scotland has got back on the tour itinerary over the last couple of years.  They'll always be welcome on this sort of form.

Went to Cleethorpes tonight.

Really enjoyed it and Anthony John Clarke IMHO did a great support act.

Downside, was it was bloody freezing and the serving at the bar  was very slow.

The publicity for this gig left a lot to be desired. When I phoned up this afternoon and asked if tickets were left, they said they had only sold 120 tickets.

Anyway its nice to know FC didn't miss us out in Lincolnshire. Thanks guys.

Hey guys, you made the earth move.

Really glad we didn't have the earthquake whilst we were on the pier :-)

We always knew those chaps could make the earth move!!

 ;D ;D ;)

Having been slightly disappointed with the set (B?) at Weston Super Mare a couple of weeks ago - the sound wasn't too good, too much reverb and a bit harsh - I am pleased to say redemption came last night at St George's in Bristol. A splendid evening, the sound was very good (I was really afraid of a repeat of the excessive echo which, in St Georges is really not necessary as it has it's own unique reveberating sound) the set list was the alternative set (A?) once they got going. Simon mistakenly announced the opener as Happy Man causing much confusion on stage, embarrassed, he gave in to do "the song on the list".  The chaps' humour and banter was great fun. We had a slightly obscured view from the balcony so couldn't see much of Ric. Looking left constantly resulted in the onset of an aching neck. So half way through the second set we moved to stand at the back of the stalls, much better and could even have a bit of a shuffle about, couldn't call it dancing!! Thanks Fairport, for a great evening.

great show last night at Fairfield Halls.we were in the front row on the aisle right between Ric and Simon .Anthony John Clarke  was very funny but i can do without the constant attempts to get the audience to sing.

nice version of Reynardine,i didn't realise (ducks) that Chris Leslie was such a good singer.i also enjoyed the Babbacombe Lee songs and Eynsham Poacher amongst others.

Croydon is a good venue for us - back home in about 15 minutes.the only sour note was the bloke sitting next to my wife who played about with his all singing/all dancing mobile phone/camera far too often for my liking.we left our camera at home so as not to annoy anyone.

Aaahhh.....I know who you are billy....I was sat just up the row under Simon's nose last night.

No one at Cleethorpes then?.....

Worked out which night that was? And what else happened that night?...

Some amusing tales from the band & crew....

come and shake hands next time and call a truce ? i noticed another chap,or at least his massive camera.was he an official photographer ? like i say i would have liked to have  taken  a couple of photos but  didn't want to bother anyone.

The chap with the big camera was me! NOT the guy to my left that you complained about....

i would have said hello but i couldn't see you behind the camera ! the other blokes was all flashing blue lights.i am too old to argue with these people any more so just suffer in silence.

i rounded off a good night by picking this up on ebay for £3.19....................

Fairport Convention Cropredy Festival 2001 (DVD 2002)

Good DVD that apaart from the annoying slo mo black and white bits, youll see what i mean. ;)

I went to Cleethorpes. It was last Tuesday night.

I enjoyed the show very much.

I am not in on the in so to speak, but personally, I think it was badly publicised. So many people didn't know it was on. I was told 120 tickets sold. I got 90 at Faldingworth Live which is very rural, for Jez Lowe & Kate Bramley and I could have sold more, but we have a limit on numbers. So I was very surprised at the numbers there. I am only 30 minute drive from Cleethorpes, so it was an excellent venue for me.

It was bloody cold in the Pier building and serving of booze very very slow.

Managed to get a chat with Anthony John Clarke and Peggy (one of the first things he said to me was "which part of Birmingham are you from"). Just can't get rid of the accent :-)

I am glad I went.

Wished I was back in good old Brum now, so I could go to the show tonight.

How did it go in Brum then?

Absoloutely wonderful!!

The gig was as bril as all the rest of them this tour.. I loved every minute.

Maart came out to play Simon's electric on MOTL; Ian Campbell was spotted in the bar and later hauled on stage also for MOTL.

There were a few spare seats and we went and sat at the back because of playing bobble heads all through the first half.

There was a small handful of TAWs there.. that we saw at least...  Diane was with us; Mr Bates was there with his trusty camera; Martin Driver came and chatted; Graeme H and Simon Frisby too.  Last (although we met him first) but by no means least was a very very happy BIG DAVE!!

The journey home was a bit hairy in places due to the strong winds and very heavy rain.. but we rolled in at 1am.

How soon will I get wintour withdrawal symptoms I wonder.

Thanks chaps for a really superb wintour!!

..and now can we have the dates of the Springtour ::) ;D {:-)

31st May at Chipping Norton Theatre is their local one - tickets on sale tomorrow for friends of the theatre, Monday week for everyone else.

What a simply superb tour that was - I think the best one this century! Both band & crew workedtheir ar*es off - and it showed!
Congratulations from me, and I suspect from everyone else here. Anthony John Clarke is now a favourite, I shall certainly be looking out for hissolo dates.....

Now, I'm getting withdrawl symptoms already.....can't go to the Spanish date, so Scandinavia here I come....

Any of your photos for us Chris..please??

All that I am going to say is .........WOW!  ;D Best I have seen/heard in ages.  After the physical setbacks I have had over the last 18 months or so it was good to be out and about again.  Sorry to all if my enthusiasm proved a bit OTT.
 [;-) [;-) [;-)

We'll forgive you BD...  ;) ;) ;)

Good gig at Brum - saw Chris and said hi and I think I may hacespotted som eothers across a crowded bar but was with some other chums so sorry for not saying hello.

Just a few comments about the chaps IMHO:

Simon's electric was too far down in the mix for my liking - maybe due to the limitations of the room but if you're going to bring out the strat lets hear it properly.

Ric seemed a bit marginalised - especially at the end in Best Wishes, but I thought his playing was more sensitive and incorporated  into the whole band sound than in ages.

Chris is an astonishingly good singer now, he's really come on since joining Fairport and the Cropredy ticket price will be worth every penny as long as they do Reynardine with him singing it - an amazing performance.

Peggy is simply sublime - he makes the bass so much more than simply a rhythm instrument throughout. The man is a genius, and looking great and happy to boot.

Gerry - the man sings, he plays bass (ish) and he still looks embarassed when he has to introduce song. Oh yes, and he 's a damn fine tub thumper as well.

All in all as good as I have seen them in many a year - cheers chaps.

David W

Still without a proper PC, so yes, as soon as I can borrow a laptop.....

Great night @ Brum last Friday - the best Wintour show I've seen for a few years.  My mate Phil - an FC "virgin", though he's had a CD of L&L for years - came out totally enthused, and remarked that it didn't feel like a gig to him, it felt more like a family gathering.  From the mouths of (relative) babes, etc.

Thank you Fairport for yet another great tour, and please can we have Off The Desk Vol 2?

Have to agree with the above, absolutley cracking gig, probably the best ive seen the chaps in the Winter Tour setting they all seemed to be really up for it. Highlights for me include-

1-Meeting some of you lot, nice to see you to see you nice.
2-Renardine, Chris was just perfect sing this would sound even better at Cropredy.
3-Babbacombe Lee trilogy, just good to hear some of this album done live, brilliant version of the Hanging Song.
4-The Sound, really crisp and clear probably the best ive heard it on the winter tours.

All in all it was great wasnt it.  ;D ;D

There's really not much we can add to that - managed to catch the chaps three times and it just got better and better. Town Hall was an absolutely brilliant conclusion, great venue, great sound, great music.

...........and for completists - Simon's setlist from Birmingham (in English, rather than the Tewkesbury version which was apparently in French!)

How Many Times
Happy Man
Doctor of Physick
Banks of the Sweet
South Dakota
Journeymans Grace
Eynsham Poachers
Mock Morris

Rocky Road
Reynardine
Inst.85/Wise Maid
Breakfast in Mayfair
Cell Song
Hanging Song
Who Knows
Hawkwood's Army
Matty/Bowmans

Best Wishes/Meet

S&J
(Anxiously awaiting delivery of Cropredy tickets.....)

Just spotted this review of The Winding Wheel,Chesterfield show-
http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/times-out-no2/Fairport-continue-to-weave-their.3856567.jp

http://fairport-67206.piczo.com/?g=32778510&cr=2

My review(I wrote it in 10 minutes)

Hell's teeth, man....you're singlehandedly keeping the band afloat.  Good on you  :)

"I left with not only a smile on my face, but a copy of the fantastic 'Fairport@Forty' DVD signed by the band, The Fairport Convention Winter tour 2008 Programme signed by the band, A Fairport Convention Poster signed by the band as well as Fairport's new T-Shirt, the revised version of Maart Allcock's Fairport songbook and a Jethro Tull CD Broadsword And The Beast.

Dan "

Just what I was thinking David, Dan must have an extremely lucrative paper round to enable him to afford all those goodies ;)  it's an excellently written review too, well done Dan.

Thanks! :) ;)

Great review Dan.. really made me wish the wintour was still ongoing!  

Here's hoping next year's wintour will be as good...  (sure it will be... ;D)