Ashington Folk Club



Date: 07 December 2011	Comment:
Name: Bill Harries	Hi Ya Folks Further to my earlier comments on said club and those that appeared there. I now believe it was Paul Simon who sang at the club c1963. Around these times he was doing small club touring & gaining material for his subsequent song book. He may of even gone from the Lampglass Cellar Club to Scarborough & in consequence may of penned S/Fair. Some of your commentators seem to believe the club started later than c1963 and before the Cadwells ran it. I married in 1965 having met my wife in '63 and she never went there with me as I was single and unattached before that time. I do remember getting Brahms & Lizst on cider in said club, and ended with my head in the “gutter” in the outside toilets, so figure it would be earlier in 1963. Jim Wright was one of the founder members when we all shifted from the Portland hotel (browse Bill Kell’s books on his time running the hotel) - found In Al’s Emporium at the top of Northseaton Road, Ashington and where I saw copies recently. Would welcome any comments on the foregoing and from anyone who might know me. Keep well all and best wishes for the coming festive season of 2011/2012. Bill Harries aka gaandeep undawata, LOL
Email: perry.38@hotmail.co.uk
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Date: 21 August 2009	Comment:
Name: Kevin Wilde	Hi there I too was a regular at the Cellar or Lampglass club in the mid sixties going most Saturday nights for a couple of years between my 17th and 19th birthdays. At the time as I recall it cost us 6 shilling to get in as long as you were a member. Despite being under age I did manage to get a membership before my 18th birthday. Most popular groups or bands as I recall were the Von Dykes, the Jazz Board and the Gasboard all based in Newcastle. All seemed to play a lot of American soul. They all had at least one Saxophone player. Favourite song for many of us was Diddly diddly diddly daddy by the Von Dykes. Opening words were " I got a girl whose 6 feet tall sleeps in the kitchen with her feet in the hall Diddly diddly diddly daddy" In my view the cellar was one of the best music venues in the area and despite the competition from Newcastle nightclubs there was regularly a crowd of people who came over to Ashington from Newcastle to go to the Cellar club. Fond memories Kevin Wilde
Email: kevwilde1@waitrose.com
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Date: 05 February 2009	Comment:
Name: Roy Thompson	Hi there, I´m not sure if this counts as spam but I have a couple of Geordie songs I´d like your members to hear. They can access them under www.myspace.com/cannychanta I´m a Geordie in Germany and will be writing now and again once I find my way around the site. Best wishes Roy Thompson
Email: Thompsonryton@aol.com
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Date: 06 June 2008	Comment:
Name: Bill Harries	Hi Ya Having been one of the earliest attendees to the Ashington Cellar club when it began as a development brought from the Portland Hotel c1961/62 - a little before Doug Caldwell and his wife "Doreen (?) became involved - most of the earliest members would of gone to the St Andrews Sunday night youth Club - namely the Cairns sisters Angela and Diane, Jim Wright and many others my memories banks refuse to divulge. I do believe that we had an appearance of either Art Garfunkel or Paul Simon (I favour AG) as a travelling musician at the club and before fame overtook them both. A guy called Mike Davison was doorman at the Cellar for a time (sadly I heard had died relatively young) while working down south at hospital. When my near 70 years colander/sieve grey matter gives up any further info I will email it to your site. Regards Bill Harries
Email: bill.perry.harries@talktalk.net
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Date: 13 March 2008	Comment:
Name: Nick Burgoyne	Hi There, I read with great sadness of the passing of Esther Marshall in Feb 2006 on your site. I was a regular at The Albert Folk Club in Middlesbrough in the mid 80’s and developed a wonderful friendship with Esther. And her voice – Angelic. Spine Tingling. Heart breaking. If anyone has any photos of Esther, or better still, recordings of her singing, I’d be grateful if they’d contact me. It’s been nearly 20 years since I was on ‘The Circuit’ but I still miss it and the camaraderie of the N.E. folk scene. Love, Nick Burgoyne Bali, Indonesia
Email: nick@nickburgoyne.com
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Date: 20 January 2008	Comment:
Name: John Jeffrey	Hello Jimmy & Val, Just a note to say I'm pleased that I met Jimmy & Val (jiva), at the Bluestone Folk Club, some months back. When I mentioned that I was going to try my hand at running an unplugged night at Whitley Bay Comrades Club they were one of the first to promise, along with most members of Beeswing to come along and support the event. The night went well and I'm organising another one with a similar format on 8th March (2008) when jiva have again promised their support. Thanks Jimmy & Val for helping to re-ignite my love of Folk Music and for the very welcome help you have given! Cheers John Jeffrey
Email: johnejeffrey@aol.com
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Date: 23 November 2007	Comment:
Name: Phil Graham	If your club is as well run and organised as this website, and I'm sure it is, I can't wait for an opportunity to come along meet you all. My "proper" job gets in the way, though, but I'll definitely sort something out in 2008.
Email: phil@filmar.co.uk
Web: www.filmar.co.uk www.myspace.com/philmaharg

Date: 16 March 2007	Comment:
Name: jiva	Special Guests - Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby Thanks to Cathryn & Brian for a great show and for the easy-going and warm outlook too. Being invited on-stage to share the encore of 'Will The Circle Be Unbroken' was the icing on the cake...
Email: jiva@jiva.co.uk
Web: www.jiva.co.uk www.myspace.com/jivauk

Date: 29 August 2006	Comment:
Name: Maria Laws	Hello-just found your website and am looking forward to receiving your Newsletter. I am disappointed to find that many venues no longer are involved, and am eager for something to be re-introduced in the Bedlington area of the world! Too bad about the Dun Cow location--it would have been nice and close, as my husband walks with difficulty and with a cane. Anything promising for our area? Thank you.
Email: mariabuccino@yahoo.ca
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Date: 20 August 2006	Comment:
Name: Jenny Brown	If anyone sees this and knows guitarist Terry Docherty, would you tell him that Sarah Brown has lost his new address and would love it if he got in touch..... please - thank you
Email: jenny.brown8@btopenworld.com
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Date: 09 May 2006	Comment:
Name: Geordy Rosenthal	Hi ya. Well if you receive this I'll be very surprised. Good night on Thursday, some nice songs and tunes. Can't even sign in to my e-mail now see if you can help!! See you's Thursday next. Cheers
Email: geordyrosen@hotmail.co.uk
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Date: 27 February 2006	Comment:
Name: Walter Bell (Seattle, USA)	I've just found your site while idly wasting time at work. Some things never change. I was a member of the Cellar and a regular resident artist from 1970 through 1974. I was still at school and well under the age of legal participation (the drink, that is), but was tolerated and welcomed into the fascinating folk otherworld. I worked behind the bar on Thursdays and Saturdays and cut my adult teeth in the murky, smoke filled nooks and crannies of the cellar. I have many wonderful memories of that club, the people and the artists, too many to name here. Terry Docherty was my hero (still is), as well as old Bill Conroy. I play a lot of tunes Bill did and think of him every time. I owe my continued interest and playing to the folk club at Ashington, and I am thrilled it is still going strong. I don't get back to the UK very often, but the next time I'm home, I'll be sure to call in. Give my regards to Doug if you see him.
Email: wbell@rei.com
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Date: 09 February 2006	Comment:
Name: jiva	Allan Taylor in Concert Thanks to everyone for supporting this venture, it was wonderful to see the Bothal Suite packed with old friends and new faces. Special mention to Mike and Hazel Jessop for manning the door and looking after visitors and for a glowing review of the night. Allan Taylor did us proud - he was brilliant.
Email: jiva@jiva.co.uk
Web: www.jiva.co.uk

Date: 09 February 2006	Comment:
Name: Alan Smith	Spent many great evening in the Cellar during the sixties and heard many great singers. Delighted to discover the club is alive and well. Keep up the good work.
Email: fieldsmith@btinternet.com
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Date: 26 January 2006	Comment:
Name: Neil Morgan	I lived near Ashington from 83 till 95. I often visited Ashington FC but never played. I've yet to find a better club on my travels. Big hello to Dave Donohue, We used to jam together regularly. I used to learn guitar from the late Aidan Murray who was a club regular. I remember some great nights there watching John Renbourne, Isaac Guillory, Carolina Shout and others. If any of you are ever in South East Wales be sure to visit the hen & Chicks FC in Abergavenny. Every other Thursday.
Email: neil.morgan@gwent.wales.nhs.uk
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Date: 06 January 2006	Comment:
Name: Michael Potts (Pennsylvania USA)	I grew up in Bedlington and then Newbiggin. I just found your site and had great fun listening to the lads and lasses performing. I'll keep the site handy and will check in from time to time and when I come back over the pond I'll be sure to borrow a 12 string and come play you some tunes. Good luck to all.
Email: himalaya72@gmail.com
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Date: 18 December 2005	Comment:
Name: Ray Derrick	Another great year. Thanks to your efforts we really enjoyed Thursday night. Keep up the great work, and good luck for next year. Any chance of a couple of pictures please? Ray and Margaret
Email: raymond.derrick@btinternet.com
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Date: 12 November 2005	Comment:
Name: Marilyn Browne (Adey)	I used to be a regular at the club in the late 60s, I moved to Glasgow in 1970 and lost touch with everyone. Those were happy times for me and the music was inspiring. John Robson and John Ross were particular friends. I would be thrilled to hear from anyone I knew then.
Email: mari@lineone.net
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Date: 27 October 2005	Comment:
Name: Ian Southworth	Dear all at Ashington FC I thought you may find the following of interest. Next month, we launch a legal folk music download site. The site is now fully functional and can be found at http://www.wovenwheatwhispers.co.uk
Email: ammoniteuk@yahoo.co.uk
Web: www.wovenwheatwhispers.co.uk

Date: 24 August 2005	Comment:
Name: Dave Gibson	From the "CELLAR" to the "TUTE" enjoyed it all. Anybody care to contact me to share memories of the old days, please feel free.
Email: maxie141@aol.com
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Date: 23 August 2005	Comment:
Name: Jane, Paul & Stephen Snow	We had a brilliant time on our holiday & really enjoyed visiting your club, so we hope to get up to the area again eventually so we can come again.
Email:
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Date: 28 July 2005	Comment:
Name: Diane Green	Am really missing the nights at the 'tute. Hope all are well and making lovely music. I'll be back when the summer and all of my gallivanting is over. Until then gan canny bonny lasses and lads.
Email: diane.dianegreen@gmail.com
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Date: 26 July 2005	Comment:
Name: Rick	Live sound clips! Woohoo, way to go! I might even come and play myself
Email:
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Date: 9 May 2005	Comment:
Name: Jimmy Powells	Your web site must be the best in the country with so much detail, colour and information. Well done to both of you. Suggestions: Leave a questionnaire for all to complete at the break or next week or whenever and try to see which type of guests your regulars want and how much they would be prepared to pay. Cramlington's £4 may be putting people off I think but £4 is Ok for someone who doesn't come too regularly or has good references. References from other clubs would be much better than Cds sent. Cheers Jimmy
Email: jim.powells@btopenworld.com
Web: http://www.btinternet.com/~jim.powells

Date: 15 February 2005	Comment:
Name: Jeanne	I enjoyed seeing this, Ann is a cousin (once removed?) Wish I could hear her play. .
Email: laheriot@sfcn.org
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Date: 18 October 2004	Comment:
Name: Diane Green	Good luck to Pat, Ben and the Magick Circle! I'm very disappointed to find that I can't be there on the night.
Email: dgreen@northland.ac.uk
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Date: 07 September 2004	Comment:
Name: mickey douglas	Yeah I went to see Tom Gilfelon, great peformance, I hope he comes back soon. I have some of his records, never so him on Top of the Pops though.
Email:
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Date: 19 August 2004	Comment:
Name: Wilf Roberts	Think it was a bad idea to book such an overtly unpopular political band in the first place and this probably explains the low turn out. The other bands mentioned as being possibles in the Informer would have drew a much healthier crowd.
Email: hadlandburns@aol.com
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Date: 16 August 2004	Comment:
Name: Phil Hanns	Went to the Chumbawamba gig - brilliant gig . With the different styles from punk to acapella and folky tunes and the humour and politics - fantastic. Just a pity more didn't turn out. Thanks for putting on this great band.
Email:
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Date: 11 July 2004	Comment:
Name: "Butch" (Stuart Butchert)	I used to share the MC spots with Mick Darwin, John Robson 1967-1970. I have some photos from that time. Once made a movie of the Amazing Bean Bag Band which unfortunately disappeared whilst on loan to someone.
Email: stubutchert@basco.fsbusiness.co.uk
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Date: 25 May 2004	Comment:
Name: hardwick hobbs	have you heard of a band called sleeping dogz? try their web site, you will be surprised, i'd like to see them. enjoy the shows i can get to - keep up the good work. thank you hardwick
Email: naughtynorman@mail2uk.com
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Date: 21 May 2004	Comment:
Name: Robson	I was a member of The Amazing Bean Bag Band and one of the residents when the Lampglass club moved from the Portland Hotel to the Cellar in 67. We supported everyone from arlo Guthrie to Billy Connelly. I am currently compiling a book of lyrics etc from the 67 - 71 period.
Email: thebeanbagband@hotmail.com
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Date: 13 May 2004	Comment:
Name: William West	Love the site, good to see a pic of Jack and Doc john doin there thing. I hope to get to the next singers night. keep up the good work. All the best Will..
Email:
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Date: 10 May 2004	Comment:
Name: John Robinson	Hello there. Came across your site while searching for 'Northumbrian Poets'. Very good. I have a rather weird website. Check it out if you want.
Email: robbiejohnbob@aol.com
Web: www.robbiejohnbob.bravehost.com

Date: 08 May 2004	Comment:
Name: Alice Metherell	Calling all singers who are reading this excellent web site. Have you ever thought of singing in harmony? The film Cold Mountain featured Shape Note music and you can join in a Special Singing Open Night for Newcomers to Shape Note. These early American folk hymns from the Sacred Harp 1991 edition are sung a cappella and with enthusiasm. The vibrant four part harmonies and frequent fuguing of the tunes make them a special delight to sing. So come and have fun singing with us on: Tuesday 1 June 2004 7.30 – 10pm at the Coleman Education Centre, St Oswald’s Hospice, Regent Avenue, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1EE. Entrance Free. Pre-book if possible by contacting Alice Metherell on alice@metherell.org.uk or 0191 284 2438 with contact details or just come on the night.
Email: alice@metherell.org.uk
Web: Shape Note Singing

Date: 31 January 2004	Comment:
Name: Ann Lunam-Cowan	Loved the Website, very easy to use and understand. Will visit it often.
Email: Ann@dualsport.com
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Date: 30 January 2004	Comment:
Name: Matty Ditchburn	Great web site, only hope that during my too infrequent visits back home that I can meet up with some dear pals. Meanwhile if anybody is planning a visit doon sooth, drop me a line.
Email: matthew.ditchburn@siemens.com
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Date: 20 January 2004	Comment:
Name: jiva	We like the new Ashington Folk Club website - we should do, we designed it! Let's hope others do too...
Email: jiva@jiva.co.uk
Web: www.jiva.co.uk