Sacrewell old-time camps and website

From information supplied by Colm Daly:

INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TIME CAMPS AND THE ONLINE SITE

How do I find 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 this link.

Where is it?

It's practically on the river Nene near Peterborough set in beautiful countryside. A good starting point would be to visit the campsite's official website. They won't know much about the conventions of the Old Time Camps but they'll fill you in on the facilities, the children's events, farm tours etc. www.sacrewell.org.uk 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: this link

When is it?

Sacrewell Spring Camp - 26th to 29th May 2006
Sacrewell Summer Camp - 11th to 20th August 2006

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 are currently discounted to £3.50 per adult per night, £2.50 for children and that includes unlimited access to the Farm Centre.

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 colmdaly@ntlworld.com 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 1606C9@Send2MyFamily.com

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.