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Watch the video of a typical relaxing day at the 2006 summer camp, with plenty
of informal sessions. You'll get an idea of how it works and meet some of the
regulars.
Shot
in the 'Blair Witch Project' style, the video of the evening camp fire session
is slightly less frightening and even more wobbly! We hope you'll be tempted to
come along.
(Videos by
)
How do I find more information on the Old-time Camps?
If
you are a recent member of FOAOTMAD you won't know much about the Old-time camps
held annually near Peterborough at Sacrewell Farm & Country Centre. Some information
may be found on FOAOTMAD's website at www.foaotmad.org.uk
and some on the Sacrewell Online site at MyFamily.com (see INTRODUCTION TO THE
SACREWELL ONLINE SITE at the bottom). Below is my attempt to fill you in more.
If further info is needed please contact the FOAOTMAD Secretary at or contact them for a brochure:
Sacrewell Farm & Country Centre, Thornhaugh, Peterborough, PE8 6HJ. (at the
A47/A1 junction near Wansford)
Telephone/fax 44 (0)1780 782254
Email:
When is it?
Sacrewell Spring Camp -
Friday to Sunday Spring Bank Holiday
Sacrewell Summer Camp - August 8th to
17th 2008
How did the Old Time Camps originate?
The camps
have evolved from a desire to have our own gathering for socialising with like-minded
players, singers and dancers of Old Time music. We looked for something that was
more family and communal orientated, that would be a holiday with a musical theme,
rather than previously piggybacking onto other festivals and events that invariably
only ran at weekends, had a different agenda and were often expensive. Sacrewell
Country Farm fitted the bill perfectly and we haven't looked back since.
What are the rules?
The
only rules are the Country Farm rules for over-night residents. The fees and rules
are box-standard for any campsite and are on display in the centre. Fees for FOAOTMAD
members last year were discounted to £5 per adult per night, £3 for children and
that includes unlimited access to the Farm Centre. We will post the prices for
2007 as soon as they are available.
What is the nightly campfire
session?
We have unique permission for lighting a campfire that
we must manage responsibly. The sessions are open to all; tune leaders rotate
by consensus and all are encouraged to join in. Non-participants can enjoy the
music and campfire camaraderie or simply count the falling stars. There are no
restrictions on alcohol or tobacco use but coarse language in the presence of
children would be discouraged, and off course, tidying up your trash afterwards
would be appreciated.
What about the Henhouse and Stone Barn?
We have the option, with the centre's permission, to assemble until 12
midnight in both the Henhouse and the Stone Barn (the famous Henhouse though,
may be demolished in 2006). Initially used when weather conditions were unsuitable
for campfire sessions they have now become standard irrespective.
What
is the late session demarcation?
Those wishing peaceful or early
nights are advised to camp outside the taped-off area for late sessions.
Who do I see if I have concerns?
A FOAOTMAD representative
is usually on hand (who collects the over-night fees) and would address any of
your concerns.
Can I play my tunes?
We would love to hear them by all means, so that we can learn from you. As we
all have different ways of playing the participants (those not leading the tune)
are obliged to learn from the one who leads.
As a woman,
will I be safe on my own?
Many regulars are women on
their own and there has never been any trouble of this sort. From knowing just
about everybody who goes I just could not imagine it. (You might have to
risk Colm singing though - Nick)
How are the workshops run?
There are no official workshops. Some workshops spontaneously spring up and
the word goes around, while others are more planned. Anybody can initiate a workshop,
but usually a few learners get together and then ask an experienced player to
give them a workshop. In a sense the whole time there is a loose workshop in itself
because of the freedom to associate with those you can learn from. Sometimes touring
luminaries visit but not in order to give formal workshops, they too just want
to associate.
For how long have the camps being
going?
The first Old-Time Camp was, I think, in 1998 but I'm
not sure. There are now two camps a year, the Spring Bank Holiday weekend and
in the summer a whole week (inclusive of both weekends). Some come earlier and
some also stay longer, but the discounted rates for FOAOTMAD members does not
apply outside the allotted times. Some only come on a day visit, some for only
a few days, and others have come to every camp, as I have.
What else is there to do?
The centre provides
several local activities for children and a play area open throughout the day
that is within view from the camping area. Many spontaneous and voluntarily pursuits
pop up, like trips to the river for freshwater cockles; treasure hunts for the
kids etc; not forgetting the essential daily routine of hunting for firewood (known
a WOODING). There are daily tractor rides around the farm and interesting farm
museums and animals.
What's outside the campsite?
Many breakaway options are available; like going on fishing trips, eating
out in style or at the nearby Stibington truckers cafe, finding real ale pubs,
busking in local towns, shopping in Peterborough and Stamford, or just exploring
the fabulous surrounding Rutland countryside. Within walking distance are the
beautiful banks of the river Nene and the village of Wansford. Further afield
is the historic town of Stamford and the Welland Valley viaduct. There are several
historic manor estates and gardens to visit too and many an ancient church. The
farm centre's shop provides ample guides.
What is there
for families?
The site is geared particularly for whole families.
The children and even teenagers love it too, and some are promising players too.
Those above the toddler age enjoy great freedom, given the security of its location
far away from public roads. For its day job, the farm is a well run country park
and working farm with excellent picnic areas, walks, wildlife, rare breed farm
animals, a cafeteria serving hot meals and snacks, and a shop open until 5pm.
Showers and toilet facilities are open around the clock and there are wheelchair
facilities too. Dogs on leads are allowed.
INTRODUCTION
TO THE SACREWELL ONLINE SITE
What is the Sacrewell
Online Site?
The Sacrewell Online website was set up
as a common resource for our camping recordings and photographs. It has been functioning
for almost as long as the camps themselves and now houses many hundreds of files
often stretching beyond the limits of the camps themselves. The host company
are called MyFamily.Com and they charge a small annual fee (which is paid for
by FOAOTMAD).
How is it run?
It was founded by Colm Daly and now runs in association with FOAOTMAD and is free
to all whether FOAOTMAD members or not.
What will I find there?
Photograph Section - hosting hundreds of photographs in thumbnail view,
mostly from the camps.
File Cabinet - hosting hundreds of mp3, mpeg, avi etc
recordings, mostly taken at the camps.
Calendar Section - listing forthcoming
events, tours etc. by date and location that have an Old Time element.
News
Section - for information, discussions, scandal etc on any subject.
Can I browse there?
No, this is a Login and Password
site so you need to register first. Send your name and email address to and he'll initiate your membership.
Can I send messages and upload my stuff?
Certainly,
this fully interactive site is designed exactly for that purpose.
How
do I pre-view it first?
Simply follow this link www.sacrewell.myfamily.com
and use the visitor username of 'sacrewell_camp' (note the underscore) and use
'visitor' as the password. There are several restrictions using this login so
if it looks good to you then simply sign yourself up as a New Member and get to
enjoy all the benefits.
How do I upload a file?
Just press the Add button for the section you want to upload to. Alternatively,
you can email your message or uploads as attachments by using this email address
How do I download a file?
Just click the
file and then click the Download button.
Can I undo?
Any item you add or upload you alone can edit or delete afterwards. Occasionally
either of the two administrators (Colm Daly and Ray Banks) may tidy up duplicates
and errors.
Can I upload my MP3 collection?
At the moment yes, so long as it is relevant to other members. However, in the
foreseeable future space may not allow for such large quantities of large files,
but in anticipation of greater demand we are already working on finding another
solution specifically for MP3s.
Can I invite my friends to join?
Of course, so long as their interests are the same. |