The Club *Page*
You can comment but can't post! See our website at:
http://www.conwyfolkclub.org.uk
Conwy
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Conwy Folk Club Announcements - Cyhoeddiadau Clwb Gwerin Conwy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Clwb Gwerin Conwy Folk Club began in 1996. There had been a Folk Club on Sunday evenings in Llandudno, which many of our members had frequented for many years, but it was in decline. In it's last years it had had a lot of trouble finding a venue in Llandudno that would support a club. A group of Musicians and Singers used to come for a sing around session at the "Rhoslan Hotel" on the West Shore, Llandudno, on Wednesday evenings.
A floating bar restaurant had recently moved in from Conwy Harbour, and it was proposed by one of the group that this would make an ideal venue for a Folk Club. The ship was known as the "Frigate Conwy" and it was agreed that a steering group approach the Management of the Frigate with the view of starting a Folk Club in the "Orlop Bar", that being the lowest of her decks. This proposal was welcomed, and with borrowed P.A. equipment and a great deal of faith, the first Folk Club night was set for Monday 12th August 1996.
This sounds as if it was easy, but actually involved much heated debate. First a day had to be chosen that did not conflict with other Clubs and sessions in the area. We finally chose Monday, almost against our better judgement, by a process of elimination, but did so with grave doubts of the viability of a Monday Club. Then came the arguments over funding - to charge or not to charge, that was the question. It was decided that a door charge might exclude the unwaged and these people could be our main supporters in an area renowned for it's seasonal workers.
We opted for a "Raffle and a Hat Pass", both of which would be optional, so that if necessary a person could come, sit with a glass of water all night and pay nothing, we therefore relied on those that could pay supporting the Club. In hindsight this was the right decision, we now have a healthy bank balance and attract quite a few people who would be deterred by door charges.More discussion ensued over format, it was decided from the outset that there would be no resident singer, duo or band, that all would be equal with no one hogging the limelight. Hosting of the Club would be shared on a rota.
