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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. Below is my attempt to fill you in more. If further
info is needed please contact any committee
member:
Sacrewell Farm & Country Centre, Thornhaugh, Peterborough, PE8
6HJ. (at the A47/A1 junction near Wansford)
Telephone/fax 44 (0)1780 782254
Email:
Website: HERE
When is it?
Sacrewell Spring Camp - Friday
1st June – Tuesday 5th June 2012 (Spring / Jubilee
Bank Holiday ) Site to be cleared by noon
Sacrewell Summer Camp - Friday
10th August – Sunday 19th August 2012
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 in 2011 were discounted at
£7 per adult per night, reduction for children and that includes unlimited
access to the Farm Centre. Non-members were charged £8 per adult
per night and reduction
for children.
What is the nightly campfire session?
We have unique permission for lighting a campfire that we must manage
responsibly. Over the years the wood-gatherers have made their mark
and now FOAOTMAD buys in wood for the fire until natural stocks are
replensihed!. 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 Stone Barn?
We have the option, with the centre's permission, to assemble until
12 midnight the Stone Barn, which is especially welcome in the unlikely
event of bad weather!.
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.
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 welcome.
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