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Document Sample
50p No. 88 Winter 2008/2009
Another blossoming side in Devon’s borders
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2
Contents
All articles, letters,
photos, and diary What’s Afoot No. 88
dates & listings My Grandfather Had One Of Those 4
diary entries free Re Calling 7
Local Treasure - Bill Crawford 8
Please send to Parkinson’s Fundraiser 11
Colin Andrews N.Y.F.T.E. 12
Bonny Green, Footnotes 13
Morchard Bishop, Musical Feast 14
Crediton, EX17 6PG Barking Mad 15
Tel/fax 01363 877216 Devon Folk News 16
bonnygreen@btinternet.com Devon Folk Committee 17
Contacts: dance, music & song clubs 18 - 22
Copy Dates Diary Dates 25 - 29
1st Feb for 1st April Contacts: display, festivals, bands, callers 30 - 35
1st June for 1st Aug Reviews 36 - 49
1st Oct for 1st Dec Morris Matters 54
Advertising The question has been asked from time to time as to why What’s
Enquiries & copy to: Afoot is published three times a year instead of quarterly. To some
extent it is historical (traditional?) dating back to its launch when
Dick Little it replaced the Devon District ‘Fixture List’ and Bulletin. The
Collaton Grange, main reason, however, is down to logistics and nance. It takes a
Malborough. considerable amount of (unpaid) time to put the magazine together,
Kingsbridge TQ7 3DJ which even with a possibly slimmed down quarterly publication,
Tel/fax 01548 561352 would not be signicantly reduced. The printing and posting
Rates costs per issue would also remain substantially the same, and it is
Full page £27 Half £16.50 questionable whether advertisers would cough up the extra money
Quarter £10 Eighth* £5 for an extra issue. Some time ago we did actually try running four
Lineage* £3 for 15 words issues in one year, and found that the extra effort and expense was
(*min. 3 issues) really not justied.
Please enclose cheque The publication dates were also reviewed many years ago, and, if
payable to “Devon Folk” with I remember correctly, changed to the current arrangement, which
all orders and adverts seemed more advantageous for distribution, coverage of festivals,
and diary dates.
Distribution &
Subscriptions As regular subscribers will know, various changes in format and
Jean Warren content have been considered and implemented. Comments and
51, Green Park Road, suggestions are always welcome!
Plymstock, Plymouth, Colin Andrews
PL9 9HU Cover photograph : Borderline Morris from North Devon
01752 401732
What’s Afoot is published 3 times a year by Devon Folk.
Individual copies Please note that the views expressed are not necessarily
50p + S.A.E. /45 p A5 those of the Editor nor of Devon Folk. Devon Folk is
Subscription (see form) an afliate of the English Folk Dance & Song Society
£3 per 3 issues) (registered charity number 305999). The Editor & Devon
Folk accept no liability for the content of copy supplied
Bulk orders (pre-paid) by advertisers
£5 per 10 incl. p&p
Printed by Hedgerow Print, Crediton. Tel. 01363 777595
3
My Grandfather had one of those
A guide to those old squeezeboxes found in the air button on its own near the thumb) push the
attic and for people considering purchasing one rst button (nearest index nger) of the rst row
for the rst time. (nearest one’s palm), and match it to a known note
on a pitch pipe, piano. or other instrument. Repeat
I’ve heard this – or something similar, like
with the rst button of the 2nd (or middle row, if
an uncle – on a number of occasions from a
3 rows). Older instruments may not be in concert
member of the audience when I’ve been playing
pitch, especially if they have lain idle for several
a squeezebox for dancing or in a pub session. It’s
years, but one should be able to get a pretty good
still not unusual to nd a family who have an old
approximation. The scale, for the most part, is
squeezebox languishing unplayed in their attic,
obtained by working along the row, pushing
unaware of its musical characteristics or potential
and pulling with each button in turn, much like
value. Some of them nd their way into junk
blowing and sucking on a mouth organ.
shops from house clearances and some appear on
Ebay, where a quality instrument will usually be A basic Anglo can be purchased very reasonably
recognised despite an uncertain description . for around £100, but don’t expect much in the
way of quality. Generally the more garish the
Most people would probably recognise a piano
colour, the poorer the quality. Paradoxically, the
accordion from its keyboard layout on the right
best quality Anglos fetch the highest prices on
hand but if the squeezebox is all buttons then it
Ebay - £4000 plus is not unheard of.
may be described by anyone unfamiliar with
the instruments as an accordion, melodeon or Like the Anglo, the straps on a duet concertina rest
concertina regardless of its true identity. This on the back of the hand, allowing all four ngers
article will, I hope, aid recognition. to access the buttons. Duet concertinas, however,
are fully chromatic, and play the same note on
If the squeezebox is small with hexagonal or, less
push and pull, with bass notes on the left side and
commonly, octagonal ends then you are looking
treble notes played by the right hand. This allows
at a concertina. These particular instruments have
chords or counter-melody to be played easily with
become particularly popular in recent years, and a
the tune. To add to the confusion, there’s more
good quality model even in need of some attention
than one kind of arrangement of the notes, but the
can command a four gure price at auction. But
most common are the McCann system and the
you need to know what you’re looking at, in
Crane system. Both have the ‘black’ notes – the
order to assess its value if you are selling, and
sharps and ats – on the two outside columns (the
its suitability for your purpose if you’re in the
lines of buttons going from palm to ngertip), and
market for buying one for the rst time, for there
the ‘white’ notes in four columns in the McCann,
are three very different types of concertina – the
and three columns in the Crane (a far more logical
Anglo, the English, and the Duet.
system, in my opinion). Cranes tend to be more
The Anglo will usually have two or three rows harder to come by on the second-hand market,
of buttons on each side, and buttons will give and thus are likely to be more expensive; think
a different note depending on whether you push four gures instead of three for a Crane, although
or pull on the bellows with the button depressed. the make and model naturally affects the cost.
These instruments are set in two denite keys,
English concertinas have four columns of buttons,
C/G, or G/D being the most common, but other
again with the sharps and ats on the outside.
combinations (such as Bb, F) are not unusual.
Usually there is no broad strap for the hand,
The two row models are denitely not fully
however, but on each side a thumb strap and a
chromatic, and while the three row models may
small metal plate on which the little nger rests.
have all the other notes not in the major scale of
The notes are the same on push and pull, and a
the two given keys, it is much more difcult to
scale is obtained by playing alternately right
play in another key. To determine the keys of the
hand and left hand. Limited range instruments
instrument, on the right hand side (there’s a small
4
can be obtained relatively cheaply, but the full
range models will again cost from a few hundred
to two or three thousand pounds or more.
Names to look out for (usually found on an oval AMYCROFTERS
insert, on one end, or sometimes on the strap)
in the second-hand market are Jefferies (very BAND
sought after!), Wheatstone (after the inventor or
the instrument), and Lachenal (most commonly
available), and Crabb. If buying unseen, as on Lively & Fun for Barn Dances,
Ebay, check the description carefully and the
seller’s feedback (cocoa111 is very reliable). Folk Dances & Folk Dance Clubs
www.concertina.net is a very informative website
on all aspects of the instrument, including buying
and selling. Ideally, try out an instrument before CALLER AVAILABLE
you buy. The bellows should not leak ; hold the IF REQUIRED
instrument up by one end, and they should expand
only slowly under their own weight. Check that
all the notes sound clearly, both on push and pull,
Contact
with no wheezing, or sticking.
A good quality instrument is worth restoring even Andrews Mycroft
if it does have some dodgy notes or leaky bellows.
In Devon, Nigel Sture in the South Hams does a 01404 46451
very good job (see display advert), while Colin
Dipper in Wiltshire has an enviable reputation
nationally (and internationally) as a concertina
maker and repairer. There are other modern
manufacturers of good quality instruments – of
Nigel Sture Concertinas
anglos in particular – and reputable restorers
around the country. It’s worth getting the advice
of a concertina player if you are thinking of Repairs and restoration
acquiring one yourself for the rst time.
t’s quite possible that one may come across a Expert tuning, valving, re-padding
concertina that doesn’t seem to correspond to any Bellows repaired
that I have described above. There are certainly
some other obsolete or unusual ngering systems
New bellows made to order
around, and the odd hybrid between a duet and
an anglo. A square ended anglo was recently Concertinas also bought and sold
advertised on Ebay.
Good squeezing !
Colin Andrews Nigel Sture Concertinas
Hillside Cottage, Frogmore,
Subsequent issues will consider melodeons and Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2NR
other squeezeboxes
Tel. 01548 531525
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Re calling
Aillen Wills looks back at her early days as a
caller, and asks how new callers can best be
helped to develop their skills
The Devon Folk Committee is hoping to organise
a day course for Callers if there is enough support
for one. In order to strike a happy medium, we
need to know what type of Callers’ Course would
be most popular - true beginners wishing to start
and to learn the basics - a desire perhaps to call
within one’s own dance club - how to arrange a
good mixed programme - maybe understand the
rhythms, numbers of bars, etc - or a wish to call at
public dances. We must remember, however, that
we cannot run before we can walk !
I personally feel, from those people who have
spoken to me, that a general course for new callers
and for those with limited knowledge is the way
to start. The Devon Folk Committee, however,
would like to hear the wishes of everybody with
an interest in this area.
Thinking of Callers’ Courses brings me to
NOSTALGIA ! When I took an interest in calling
more stringent since the Society was grant aided
in my late teens, the word as such had not arrived.
by them. I was sent rst to youth clubs - not such a
“Calling” came in with the square dance boom in
bad option as it might be these days ! I might add
the 1960’s. We went to day, residential weekend
that the same rigmarole went on with musicians,
or week long courses for “Teachers and Leaders”.
hence we had nothing like the number of bands
If we took a public dance we were “M.C.s”
and callers we now have.
Amplication had mostly not arrived either. Things
were different then ! The English Folk Dance & Back to today. Don’t be put off ! Anyone who has
Song Society was a very prominent organisation a desire to call or play can do so. The Society is
with paid full time members of staff. There were more or less just a name now in our area. There
Area Organisers and at least one member of staff will be no public criticism, only helpful advice,
in most counties. In the South West our organiser and no formal approval. As condence grows it
was based in Exeter, and Devon for the most part will get easier and easier. Come on, have a go
had two or three paid members of staff. They set if you have an urge to do so. Just let a member
up clubs run by local organisations, e.g. Women’s of the Devon Folk Committee (details, page 19)
Institutes. If you hoped to do some teaching in know if you are interested, and what type of
these clubs you had to be “approved” by the Callers’ Course would appeal to you most, and
Society. This meant attending several courses, we will do our best to cover it. Alternatively tell
showing that you could teach the dance to a good me directly when you see me or give me a ring on
standard as well as, as we say now, calling the 01392 258719.
gures. Shapes and rhythms were an important
Aileen Wills
factor. On these courses we were picked to pieces
by staff as well as our peers ! Finally we were let
loose under some supervision. If you wanted to
take classes for the Local Authority it was even
7
Local Treasure : Bill Crawford
Melanie and Ross travelled to Bridgwater on Fair day to talk to Bill Crawford
What are your Devon ‘roots’?
I was born in Sandford Street in Exeter in 1947. I have traced my mother’s side back to 1690, farming
in Merton, North Devon. My father’s family originate from Sidmouth via Bridgwater, hence I sing
“Bridgwater Fair”. After attending Hele’s School, I went to work for Devon County Council in the
highway materials testing laboratory. I used to travel all over Devon and I really learned to appreciate
it.
How did you get involved with folk song?
It was one Friday night in 1963 when I went to The Left Bank, a record shop and coffee bar at the top
of Paris Street, Exeter. Ken Penney, Dave Robbins and Cyril Tawney would sing there. It soon moved
to Tuesday nights at The Jolly Porter. I sang on both the opening and the last nights of the Jolly Porter
– Paul Simon sang there once. I met Dave Lowry there and we formed The Oakleaves with Dave
Wigston and Lyn Batten, which preceded Isca Fayre. We did an annual Christmas Mummers play in
Barnstaple and Plymouth. I went on to become MC there before I moved away in 1969.
Where did life lead you after moving away from Devon?
I worked for Buckinghamshire County Council for three years and I married Jude (in Romsey Abbey).
We lived in Aylesbury and became involved with Amersham Folk Club. We moved to Hertfordshire
where I graduated as a civil engineer in 1976. Our sons Henry and Edward were born in 1978 and
1981 in Hitchin. We were involved in Stevenage Folk Club and with the Mummers there. Jude played
hammer dulcimer and bowed psaltery, we sang together and with other people in groups. I ended up
working in Somerset in 1990. I did my Masters degree in 2000, then took early retirement in 2003 to
look after Jude who had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Wherever I was I got immersed in the
local folk scene. I missed Devon and I still drink from the pewter tankard that the Jolly Porter gave
me when I left in 1969!
Tell us about your song sources
My early inuences were Dylan, The Journeymen and the older traditional singers like Bob Cann,
Charlie Bate and George Edworthy. Cyril Tawney is my all-time favourite singer/songwriter. I learned
everything by ear and I remember getting a hunting song, “Once I was a-Living in Somersetshire”
(also known as “Poor Bitch Fox”) from The Tankards of Falmouth which included Alison McMorland
and Alan Robinson, on my tape recorder. Jude read music, but now I use a keyboard to work things
out. I draw largely on the Baring Gould manuscripts and Cecil Sharp collections for songs from the
West Country.
Have you had other involvement in folk?
Just before I left Exeter in 1969 a group of us became interested in Morris dancing and the core
members went on to become Great Western Morris. Through Stevenage Folk Club I met Brian Kell
who resurrected the Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival (which I always attend along with the one in
Waldürn, Germany). Brian was a rapper dancer from the North East; he started Stevenage Sword
Dancers and I became the side ‘Tommy’. It has taken me all over Europe since 1975, but I have always
said that I was a singer rst. I have had a lifetime’s interest in folk song, dance and customs. Folk
song got me interested in the way of life of the people who sang and on to family history research. I
spent my 42nd First of May down at Padstow this year. My favourite part is the night singing. Taffy
Thomas taught me re-eating down there and this led to Jude and I becoming street entertainers with
Traveller’s Bag – which is appearing again at After the Fair this year. We belonged to Eddie Upton’s
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Stanchester Quire, I became Chairman of the Friends of
Folk South West and we ran the Bridgwater Folk Club.
Do you have other hobbies?
I am involved with the Sedgemoor and Devon Family
History Societies and with Bridgwater Arts Centre. I am
a keen walker, having just completed the Coast to Coast
route. I am an organic gardener and joined the Henry
Doubleday Research Association in the 1970’s.
Tell us some of your best memories
Without a doubt, being present at the birth of my two
sons. In folk music: being asked by Rosemary Tawney
to be part of the Cyril Tawney Celebration Day in Cecil
Sharp House and my invitation to be an Honorary
Padstow Caroller at the Shefeld village carol festival.
My biggest audience moment was years ago in the Great
Hall of Exeter University when the Oakleaves performed
in a concert alongside The Watersons, Bert Jansch,
Fred Jordan and The Journeymen. At the Cecil Sharp
Centenary Festival George Withers, as John England,
sang “The Seeds of Love” and I didn’t recognise some
of it. When I asked him about it afterwards he said, “No
boy, I forgot the words, but I just made ‘em up; I don’t
think anybody noticed!”
8.00 - 11.30 pm in the Village Hall
December 20th Dee Chapman, Silver & Gold
December 31st (Wed.) Jane Thomas & Philip Worth, Meltdown
January 10th Ted Farmer, Bridgwater Band
February 14th Ryan Roberts, Reel Thing
March 14th Carol Hewson, Kelly’s Eye
Admission £4.00 Bring & share supper Raffle
Contact: Mary Marker 01626 854141
9
Who would you choose to have a pint with?
I would love to have met Baring Gould – then I could be one up on Martin Graebe! Dave and Gill
Lowry have been my rock for the last few years and one of the best evenings ever was spent with Jude
at their house with Cyril and Rosemary Tawney, just talking about Cyril’s song collecting.
What are your hopes for the future?
One of the hardest things for me has been coming to terms with being a solo singer again after thirty
ve years. I am determined to learn the concertina, perhaps to accompany myself. I would like to do
more with Dave Lowry and contribute to more festivals. Travelling is also something I am enjoying.
Would you like to see any changes?
I am an unaccompanied singer and when I am singing on my own, I don’t like instruments joining
in. I also think that if a song is worth singing, then learn the words, don’t look at them. I would like
more venues at fringe festival events to be specically for unaccompanied singing; it is hard to nd
somewhere for singers only.
For you, what is special about Devon?
Dartmoor, its people and its traditions. I am a member of the Dartmoor Preservation Association.
One farm I visit has been tenanted by the same family of Cokers for 160 years and I sing “Child the
Hunter” collected from Jonas Coker by Baring Gould. Also for me, it is memories of the Jolly Porter
days and making life-long friendships.
Can you share a favourite song with us?
All songs are for sharing! But I think I have two. One is “Singing in the May” written by Mike
O’Connor. It is not traditional, but it is about the night singing at Padstow. It was rst sung by Mike
in our at in Padstow on 2nd May 1998. The other one is a short lullaby which I want to perpetuate;
it is the only studio recording I’ve got of Jude singing. Dave Lowry collected it from Mrs Atkinson in
Plymstock as sung by her grandfather who came from Cornwall and it is called “Pretty Cow”.
Bill Crawford and Dave Lowry are appearing at Minehead Folk Club in January
10
PARKINSON’S FUNDRAISER
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease three Drugs can alleviate many of the symptoms, but
years ago, although I had shown symptoms for hopefully, with adequate funding, medication will
some considerable time prior to this. PD is a improve and a cure will be found in the not too
chronic condition which is often considered to be distant future and this disease can be relegated
a disease of old age, but it can affect people much to the history books. This can only happen with
earlier in life, including young people with young adequate money for research.
families.
It seems appropriate, therefore, that I should hold
Thc main symptoms of PD are slowness of a dance in order to raise money to support the
movement, stiffness and tremor, although there Parkinson’s Disease Society. This will be held
can be many other symptoms, including a loss of at The Elizabethan, Westward Ho! On Saturday
balance. 6th December, with Bloatertown Band: I will be
calling.
Most people, when they think of PD, think of the
tremor, but this is not always present. In fact it has Tickets for this event may be reserved by phoning
often been described as “the designer disease”, me on 01237 476632
as it affects everyone differently and at different
John Blackburn.
levels of intensity.
Luckily, I am “tremor dominant” and at this Keyboard & Amplier
moment in time, with medication, nd the
condition annoying rather than incapacitating,
Servicing
although my melodeon playing and Morris
dancing are not what they were, but it has not Yamaha, Roland, Technics, etc.
curtailed my activities or affected my ability to
Plus most amplier makes
do what I enjoy most of all, calling at ceilidhs. Geoff Mitchell
Others are not so fortunate. Dozing Dog Ltd
This year, Winkleigh Morris are raising funds for 01598 710177
the Parkinson’s Disease Society, which supports www.dozingdog.co.uk
people with PD as well as funding research.
Bloatertown Irish
Set Dancing
Classes
to book us contact
John Blackburn
at Bideford Wednesdays
01237 476632 8 pm
OR John Stevens
at Barnstaple
01271 346279
Function
For further information visit our Room
website: www.bloatertown.co.uk Jolly Farmer
Market Street
North Devon s Premier Country Dance Band Newton Abbot
11
N.Y.F.T.E. Shammick Acoustic Sessions
The Castle Inn, Combe Martin
Replace a third of a folk display team with Second & fourth Saturdays @ 8pm
newcomers, to some of whom ‘rapper’ just
means a popular musician, ‘ranting’ is throwing
a wobbly, and ‘hankies’ are things used by their 13th Dec. Open Night
grandparents to blow their noses. Now you have 27th Dec. Closed
one week to integrate these people into the team, 10th Jan. Open Night
and prepare two hours of diverse display items. 24th Jan. Brian Peters
It sounds like a brief for a TV reality show, and, (daytime: workshop - Sing the song, tell
given the challenges involved, you might doubt the story. Evening: concert)
that it could be done successfully: but NYFTE 14th Feb. Open Night
has been doing it for years. 28th Feb. Hughie Jones
NYFTE (pronounced ‘nifty’) is the National 14th Mar. Open Night
Youth Folklore Troupe of England. The team was 28th Mar. Askew Sisters
founded in 1990 with the aim of encouraging
teenagers to discover or maintain an interest Contact: Tom or Barbara Brown
in folk dance, music and song. Always wide- Tel: 01271 882366 or e-mail –
ranging, the dance repertoire currently includes tomandbarbarabrown@umbermusic.co.uk
Cotswold, Border and North West Morris, Social www.umbermusic.co.uk/shammick.htm
Dance, Garland, Clog, Rapper and Longsword.
A visit to the website www.nyfte.org.uk gives
photographic evidence of many of these styles in
performance. FRIENDLY FOLK
The team welcomes members from 10 to 18 years
old, drawn from all over the country. There are
DANCE BAND
currently thirty-one, including twelve newcomers.
Folk Dance Clubs
Obviously this raises logistical challenges of how
to gather them all together for rehearsals. This Folk Dances Contras
year has been particularly tricky as the Easter Resident band at Bampton FDC
school holidays varied across the regions, so the
team met for intensive training over a couple of
weekends and the long Easter weekend.
07885 427116
NYFTE are regular performers (and caravan
Enquiries about membership are always welcome,
site stewards) at Chippenham Folk Festival, and
or perhaps you might be prepared to hold a rafe
this season they also performed at the Chepstow
or an event in support of the team. There are more
Two Rivers and Otley Folk Festivals. I love the
details on the website, or contact Dave Leverton
energy of their dancing; give them a large space
at ‘Heathers’, Stanton Wick, Pensford, Bristol,
and they’ll make the most of it - all that youthful
BS39 4BZ. Telephone 01761 490236,
spring in their legs ! They really do put us adults
to shame sometimes. Huw Francis
NYFTE has a truly wonderful, dedicated group (This article was originally published in Set &
of adult leaders, and calls on other experts to Turn Single). It’s been several years since there
assist with the teaching of specic skills. The has been someone from Devon in the team.
older teenagers are encouraged to participate in Devon Folk Committee are prepared to offer
the leadership of the team, and there is a team some assistance to any young person from the
council to make sure that any issues are dealt county who wishes to apply for membership of
with or suggestions for changes discussed. NYFTE
12
FOOTNOTES See club listings, and www.devonfolk.co.uk for
the most recent updates. If you are a walking
EXMOUTH CHILDREN DANCING or cycling enthusiast, you may stumble across a
Several Primary Schools in Exmouth came music session at the Yarde Cafe, near Torrington,
together in July to enjoy an afternoon of Country on the Tarka Trail. Last Sunday afternoon of the
Dancing. Led by teacher, Jenny Dunn, the children month is the most likely time, but singers and
enjoyed dancing together, and some schools musicians are welcome at other times (NB - cafe
chose to demonstrate a dance they had learned only opens at weekends during winter months).
beforehand. Judging by the smiles on their faces,
the children were all having a wonderful time. FESTIVAL SPIRIT NOT DAMPENED
Despite some pretty awful weather for Devon’s
Patricia Reid, of Devon Folk, spent a few sessions folk festivals this last summer, the spirit was as
in Jenny’s school offering help and advice with good as ever. Sidmouth didn’t suffer the deluge
dance instructions and music. Members of Devon that had been forecast, and although conditions
Folk are able to offer support to school teachers on the campsite had a touch of the Glastonburys
and youth groups in the County, and are also about them. the wide range of festival events were
available to take sessions of folk activities, to very well supported. Campers at Dartmoor fared
include dance, music and song. Further details little better, and, being just a weekend festival, it
from Devon Folk secretary, Rhona Hitchcock on probably suffered worse from our ckle climate,
01752 265869. with few braving the strong winds and rain to
linger on the main festival eld on the Saturday.
SQUEEZED OUT Bideford was magic - even the sun broke through
Unfortunately, the Big Squeeze day of workshops at times - and all credit to the festival organisers
and concert, organised by the Devon Squeezebox and their band of helpers for producing a cracking
Foundation, had to be cancelled due to insuficient good week of entertainment.
advance bookings. However, the melodeon and
accordion workshops are continuing, and, from
November to April there will be a ceilidh at
Cheriton Bishop Village Hall on the 3rd Friday,
featuring popular local bands.
CLUB UPDATES
The Exe Folk Club at the 3 Horseshoes, Cowley,
failed to revive after the summer break. The
music session on the 2nd Monday has become
rmly established at the Bell, Chittlehampton
after moving from Umberleigh. Bampton
Folk Club is undergoing a revival in support,
with Clare Penney as organiser. The Queens
Arms, Dartington is now closed. Tradewinds
at Scoriton is still without its village pub but is
continuing to operate successfully in the village
hall. Exmouth Folk Song Club is going well
at the Manor Hotel, with fortnightly meetings as
from the New Year, as well as a series of concerts.
Gittisham Folk Dance Club has also expanded
to fortnightly meetings. Music, singaround and
open mike sessions in pubs seem to be on the
increase, though it’s always worth checking that
an event is on before making a special journey.
13
Musical Feast
After a long sabbatical Pauls Hutchinson DEVON SQUEEZEBOX FOUNDATION
(accordion) and Sartin (vocals, ddle and oboe)
make a welcome return as the irrepressible
Belshazzar’s Feast. Paul Sartin explains.
FRIDAY CEILIDHS
We had time off for paternity leave, at Her
Cheriton Bishop Village Hall
Majesty’s Pleasure of course. We also both have 8 pm
other projects – Hoover the Dog, Okavango,
Bellowhead, Faustus, and a load of teaching, as Dec. 19th The New Vintage Band
well as moonlighting as swimwear models.
Jan 16th Hips and Haws
We’ve got tours and festivals in the pipeline,
having already gone out on the road a few times. Feb. 20th Home Brew Band
We did Sidmouth and an Autumn tour and we’ve Mar. 20th Fox Amongst The Chickens
another tour lined up for the Spring. In the
meantime, we just try to keep out of trouble. And Apr. 17th Bloatertown
Hutch needs to get his hair cut.
Bring your own drink & bite.
Earlier this year we released a double album on
Tickets £6
WildGoose - one studio and one live disc – called
from Ed Rennie 01363 774426
The Food of Love. Hutch read a quote somewhere
- ‘If music be the food of love, I’m stuffed’ – and
as we’re both known for our gourmet tastes we
thought we’d use it. It also gave us an excuse to The
do a nice themed photo shoot with lots of fruit.
Our repertoire covers a range of music from
English trad to Beethoven to Mark Knoper
Barn Owls
which makes us quitedifcult to pigeonhole. As Country Dance Band
we come from both classical and trad backgrounds
we draw upon them, but always with a view to East Cornwall
making the music interesting, spicing and mixing
it up, and being entertaining. Sometimes it works!
I suppose we’re folk cabaret, but we’re not too
Dennis Cook
bothered with labels, just doing good music and 01822 832003
having fun. Which we certainly do!
when I’m bored. When not together we spend a
We’ve both worked in church music. Hutch used
lot of time sobering up.
to be a church organist – how the mighty have
fallen - and I was a choral scholar and still sing We met through being put in touch with a
regularly at Winchester Cathedral, where I gets Newbury-based band called The Life of Reilly, in
to wear a nice frock. Hutch formed the hugely 1995. We didn’t speak to each other for months,
inuential Old Push and Pull dance band, who and now wish we’d left it that way. Eventually
were responsible for the start of the Anchor we formed our duo, then did a load of ceilidhs
Gardens ceilidhs at Sidmouth, and has specialised and social dances, as well as wheedling our way
in dance music. As well as playing a bit of into the club and concert scenes.
country, he now does lots of community concerts,
For their latest news see www.belshazzarsfeast.
workshops and tuition. I teach a lot, conduct
co.uk. Belshazzar’s Feast appear at the Acorn
the Andover Museum Loft Singers, and also
Folk Club, Minehead in February, and Topsham
do community projects and dabble in academia
Folk Club in March
14
Barking Mad
The Serious, Silly and Surreal verses of Les
Barker performed by Jeanette Nicholls and
Friends at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth on
Saturday, 6th September 2008
This was an unusual event, in that none of the
participants, apart from the producer and compiler
Jeanette Nicholls, knew anything of Les Barker or
his work before she proposed the show, and nor, I
suspect did any of the audience. I wondered, with
some trepidation, what it would be like to hear the
inimitable words spoken by anyone but the man
himself, and by non-folkies at that. Well, my fears
were unfounded.
Jeanette was a stalwart of our early Plymouth Folk
Song Clubs, and of the West of England Folk
Centre in the 1960s, but her rst taste of Les was
last year at “Celebrating Cyril” in London. She
immediately became an admirer, and has since
caught most of his West Country appearances. As
Chairman of the theatre support group (TRAC)
she produces an annual fundraising show news Of The Iceberg?, Spot Of The Antarctic and
comprising parodies of Shakespeare’s works, but Cosmo The Fairly Accurate Knife Thrower. There
this year she decided to give the Barker œuvre were sections on ‘Unrequited Love’ (Reg The
an airing. She introduced each item and read Lonely Glow-worm was particularly poignant),
a couple of poems herself, but her friends Bill ‘Food’ and ‘Senior Moments’. It didn’t take the
Stone - a former professional actor who is now audience long to realise that there were lots of
drama critic at the Plymouth Evening Herald, bits they could join in with, and the atmosphere
Edward Murch - a published poet and playwright, soon became as relaxed as we are used to at folk
Dorothy Pailthorpe and Tony Morrell - long concerts.
time actors with local drama groups, were the
main participants, reading some of the items to The only item which was actually sung was the
specially composed backing tracks by John Fiske. closing one - Will The Turtle Be Unbroken?-
Fortunately, they didn’t attempt to replicate for which the cast donned black Stetsons and
Les’s accent, but spoke in straightforward non- American accents. Nothing could follow that,
declamatory RP, with just some necessary touches except (I hope) another Barker selection next
of vowel changes to accommodate rhymes. It year
was obvious that all of them had acquired an
appreciation of the writer’s skill with words, and Rosemary Tawney
of his unique sense of humour, with its touches of
pathos and underlying seriousness. LATE EXTRA
The show got off to a good start with the audience, Otterfest have booked Strawhead for a concert
which consisted mainly of TRAC members, joining at the Bridge inn, Topsham on Thursday,
in the chorus of Earwigo like a seasoned football 16th April, 2009. Tickets are available from
crowd. Many old favourites followed including Martin & Jan on 01404 41182. Numbers are
Please Don’t kill the Krill, Have You Got Any limited, so book early !
15
Devon Folk News
Annual General Meeting Do they want to be able to join with others of their
The next AGM of Devon Folk will take place on own age to have fun playing, dancing and singing
Saturday 25th April 2009 in Budleigh Salterton. together? If after reading the article about NYFTE
Nominations are invited for a President and (The National Youth Folk Team of England) in
Treasurer (both elected annually) and for new this edition of What’s Afoot they feel they would
or present committee members seeking re- like to go to the ‘Auditions’ being held during
election (if they are one of the six due to retire the Chippenham Festival next year and try for a
by rotation). A nomination form is included place in the team and they would like some help
below and photocopies will also be accepted. All towards travelling expenses to Chippenham and
nominations together with details of Proposer and back, let myself or a member of the committee
Seconder, should be sent to me by the 31st March know. Our young folk are important to us and
2009. The AGM will be preceded by a Music deserve our encouragement
Workshop for Folk Dance Musicians led by Pete
Mac. He will also lead the massed workshop band Rhona Hitchcock
in playing for the evening dance after the AGM
with caller Nicole Mac.
Great with hops Full of spirit Goes down well
Keeping up to date.
If you are unable to nd information about folk
Home Brew
events organised within Devon in a current issue Country Dance Band
of What’s Afoot and have access to the internet,
Colin Andrews
you may well nd what you are looking for on the
Bonny Green, Morchard Bishop Crediton,
much improved Devon Folk website which our
EX17 6PG . Tel. 01363 877216
new webmaster Trevor Paul updates frequently
on our behalf. Give it a try!
enquiry@homebrewband.co,.uk
www.homebrewband.co.uk
Youthful folk New CD now available
Do you know anyone between 10 and 16 interested
in Folk music, dancing or song?
DEVON FOLK COMMITTEE NOMINATION FORM
Nominee ........................................................................................................
Proposed by ...................................................................................................
Seconded by ...................................................................................................
I, the undersigned, am willing to stand for election to the Devon Folk Committee
Name ..........................................................................................................
Address ..........................................................................................................
Signature .........................................................................................................
Please return this form by 31st March, 2009, to
Rhona Hitchcock, 1, Anstis Street, Wyndham Square, Plymouth, PL1 5JP
16
Devon Folk Committee* Euphine Bromell
Rosala, 39, Blandford Road, Lower Compton,
President Plymouth, PL3 5DS. 01752 221557
Terry Underhill John Brooke
Flat 2, 4, High street, Totnes, TQ9 5RY 01803
Vice- Presidents 863802
Dennis Darke Aileen Wills
Jo Trapnell Sheila Chappell
2, Penstone Barns, Lease Hill, Hele, Exeter. EX5
Treasurer 4QA. 01392 882156
Brian Chappell Eileen Conway
2, Penstone Barns, Lease Hill, Hele, Exeter, EX5 151, Kingsdown Crescent, Dawlish, EX7 0HB.
4QA. 01392 882156 01626 862312
Jean Foster
Members of the Committee 29, Highweek Village, Newton Abbot, TQ12
1QA. 01626 363887
Chairman
Anne Gill Steve Gill
Maleth, 11, Cleveland Road, Torquay, TQ2 5BD Maleth, 11, Cleveland Road, Torquay, TQ2 5BD.
01803 290427 01803 290427.
Dick Little
Vice Chairman Collaton Grange, Collaton, Malborough,
Frances Franklin Kingsbridge, TQ7 3DJ. 01548 561352
3, Stabb Close, Paignton, TQ4 7JA. 01803
843402 Nicole Mac
31, Scott Drive, Exmouth, EX8 3LF. 01395
266553. nicolemac@onetel.com
Secretary
Rhona Hitchcock Pete Mac
1, Anstis Street, Plymouth, PL1 5JP. 01752 31, Scott Drive, Exmouth, EX8 3LF. 01395
265869 266553. pete.mac@onetel.com
Membership Secretary Mary Marker
Pat Kenworthy 57, Great Hill, Chudleigh, TQ13 0JS. 01626
5, Allenstyle Road, Yelland, Barnstaple, EX31 854141. ammarker5@btinternet.com
3DX. 01271 860193
Co-opted
Minutes Secretary Jean Warren
Patricia Reid 51, Green Park Road, Plymstock, Plymouth,
47, Sherwood Drive, Exmouth, EX8 4PX. 01395 PL9 9HU. 01752 401732
265520
Webmaster
Elected Members Trevor Paul
Colin Andrews trevor@axey-green.co.uk
Bonny Green, Morchard Bishop, Crediton, EX17
What’s Afoot operates a magazine exchange
6PG 01363 877216
with other folk publications from outside the
Alan Bromell county. Copies of similar magazines from other
Rosala, 39, Blandford Road, Lower Compton, areas are always welcome. Please contact the
Plymouth, PL3 5DS 01752 221557 Editor (address on page 3).
17
Folk dance contacts
*Afliated to EFDSS Ridd, 01884 820438
Wk weekly, Fn fortnightly, M monthly Beacon Wheel Chair Dancers
Sue Cummings 01803 554799
Social Dance - quick guide Bideford Ceilidh Club*
MONDAY Fri. Bideford Athletic Club, The Pill. John
Honiton Folk Dance Club Wk Blackburn, 01237 476632
Marldon, MADCAPS Wk Bideford Folk Dance Club*
Sidford, Scottish Wk Wed. Northam Hall. Miss Pat Kenworthy, 5,
Northam, Third Age Fn Allenstyle Road, Yelland, Barnstaple. 01271
TUESDAY 860193
Kingsteignton Folk Dance Club Fn Chard Folk Dance Club
Launceston Folk Dance Club Wk Alt. Thurs., Combe St Nicholas VH. 8 pm.
Liverton. Lucky 7 Folk Dance Club Fn Details: 01460 61996
Plymouth, Country Dance Plymouth Wk Country Dance, Plymouth*
Sidford Folk Dance Club Wk Tues., Trinity United Reform Church Hall, Tor
Totnes Scottish Folk Dance Classes Wk Lane, Hartley, Plymouth. 8 pm. Jacqui Joint
WEDNESDAY 01752 774484
Bideford Folk Dance Club Wk D’Accord*
Exmouth YWCA Wk 3rd Fri. 8 pm. French & Breton dances, Ide VH,
Gittisham Folk Dance Club Fn nr. Exeter. Pat Tomkins 01392 811593
Halsway Manor Folk Dance Club Fn, 1&3 Dartington Folk*
Newton Abbot Irish Set Dance Wk Most Fridays, Dartington VH, 7.30 pm. John
South Hams Folk Dance Club Wk Gibson, 33, Grange Park, Bishopsteignton, TQ14
THURSDAY 9TS. 01626 778058
Chard Folk Dance Club Fn Devon Playford Club*
Exmouth Folk Dance Club Wk Monthy, sat. 2.30 pm. Bowhill Primary Sch.,
Tavistock Folk Dance Club Wk Buddle Lane, Exeter. Miss E. Conway, 151,
Totnes Folk Dance Club M, 3rd Kingsdown Crescent, Dawlish, EX7 0HB 01626
Willand Folk Dance Club Fn 862312
FRIDAY Devon Set Dancers
Aylesbeare Folk Dance Club Fn Mrs. Q. Daniel, 6, Balmoral Close, Newton
Bampton Folk Dance Club M, last Abbot, TQ12 4BJ
Bideford Ceilidh Club Wk Exeter Folk Dance Group*
Dartington Folk Dance Club Wk Last Fri. 7.45 pm Baptist Church centre, Palace
Exeter(Ide) D’Accord French Dances M, 3rd Gate, Exeter. Mr. Chris Miles, 01395 275592
Exeter Folk Dance Club M, 4th
Exmouth Folk Dance Group*
Salcombe Regis Folk Dance Club Wk
Thurs., Withycombe Methodist Church Hall. 8 -
SATURDAY 10 pm. Mr Chris Miles, 25, Old Bystock Drive,
Exeter, Devon Playford Club M Exmouth, EX8 5RB. 01395 275592
Exmouth, Isca Scottish Dancers
Social Dance - details Classes Tues & Wed, Sept - May. Mr & Mrs V.J.
Aylesbeare Folk Dance Club Tyler, 66, Ivydale, Exmouth. 01395 276913
Alt. Fri, Aylesbeare VH. Ted Farmer, 01392 Exmouth YWCA*
466326. Wed. 2.30 pm. Alexandra House, 57, Imperial
Bampton Folk Dance Club Road. Mainly Playford. Mrs S. Harper, Flat 3, 6,
Last Fri. St.Michael’s Hall, Station Road. Hazel Carlton Hill, Exmouth, EX8 2AJ. 01395 267171
18
Folk dance contacts
Gittisham Folk Dance Club* South Hams Folk Dance Club*
Wed, fortnightly (usu. 2nd & last). Gittisham Wed. West Charleton VH. Philip Worth,
VH., nr. Honiton. Douglas Jones, Golden Square Greenbank, Hope Cove, TQ7 3HP. 01548
Farm, Stockland, Honiton, EX14 9LG www. 561415
seered.co.uk/gittisham.htm South Brent Folk
Great Western Ceilidhs* Mrs K. Reynolds, High Leigh, Coach House,
Sat. Monthly, Bowhill Primary School, Buddle South Brent, TQ10 9DS.
Lane, Exeter. Pete Langley 01392 491228 The Sunday Club
Halsway Folk Dance Club Usually monthly in winter, Exminster VH, 2 pm
1st & 3rd Wed. Halsway Manor, Crocombe, Mixed couples with dance experience. Peter
Somerset. Boskett, 01392 468462. peterandcynthia@tiscali.
Honiton Folk Dance Club co.uk
Mon. British Legion Club, Dowell Street, Tavistock Folk Dance Club*
Honiton. 8 pm. Andrew Mycroft, 4, Sycamore Thurs. St Peter’s School. (not July & August).
Close, Hontion, EX14 2XP. 01404 46451 Mrs Margaret Holt, 3, Copperelds, Horrabridge,
andrew.mycroft@btinternet.com Yelverton, PL20 7VB. 01822 855858
Kingsteignton Country Dance Club* Teign Playford Club*
Tues, twice monthly. Church Hall. Mrs. M. Jean Foster , 29 Highweek Village, Newton
Sainsbury, 202, Exeter Road, Kingsteignton. Abbot, TQ12 1QA 01626 363887
01626 367615 Totnes Folk Dance Club*
Launceston Folk Dance Club 3rd Thurs. Methodist Church Hall, 8 pm (Not
Tues. St Johns Ambulance Hall, 8 pm (Not July June, July, August). Mr. H. Lowe, 12, Benedicts
& August). 01579 362423 Road, Liverton, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6JL. 01626
Lucky 7 Folk Dance Club* 821045
Alt. Tues. Liverton VH. 8 pm. Mrs Margaret Totnes Scottish Folk Dance
Moxom, 7, Newcourt Road, Topsham, Exeter. Dance classes, Tues. King Edward VI School,
01392 873606 7.15 pm. Details: 01803 557821
Marldon & District Country & Playford University of Exeter Folk Dance Club
Society (MADCAPS)* Richard Mason, 3, Kingsher Drive, Exeter, EX4
Mon. Marldon VH. Mrs Jean Fillan, 29, 4SN. 01392 411434
Droridge, Dartington. 01803 866380
Willand Folk Dance Club*
Newton Abbot Alt. Thurs. Willand VH. Mary Marker, 57, Great
Wed. Irish set dancing, Jolly Farmer, Market Hill, Chudleigh. TQ13 0JS. 01626 854141
Street. Maggie Daniel 01626 204350
Plymouth Group
Miss Patricia Day, 90, Shirburn Road, Plymouth, Jigs for Gigs
PL6 5PH. 01752 771259
Highly experienced
Salcombe Regis Folk Dance Club*
Fri. Sidmouth College. Mrs D. Cooper, 6, Darnell Melodeon-led Dance/Ceilidh
Close, Sidmouth. 01395 513131 band. Duo, trio or more as
Sidford Folk Dance Club* required.
Tues. Sidford VH, Byes Lane. J. Westwood, Guaranteed to get you
01404 813863, B. Bacon 01395 515186
Sidford Scottish Folk Dance Club
dancing!
Mon. Sidford VH, Byes Lane. 8 pm. Brian 01460 241326
Martin, 01404 850416
19
Folk music & song contacts
Song & Music - quick guide FRIDAY
Folk song clubs (FC) and sessions (SE) are FC Bodmin, Barley Sheaf Wk
sometimes forced to change venue at short SE Ermington, Crooked Spire M, last
notice due to change in management at a FC Exeter, Barneld Theatre M, 1st
pub. Please check with given contact if in
FC Exeter, Globe Inn M, 2nd
doubt. See also www.devonfolk. co.uk for
latest updates. FC Kennford, 7 Stars M, last
SE Luxborough, Royal Oak M, 2nd
MONDAY FC Scoriton, Village Hall M, 3rd
SE Chittlehampton, Bell Inn M,2nd
FM Exeter, Globe Inn M, 4th
SE Exmouth, Phoenix Wk
SATURDAY
TUESDAY SE Brendon, Staghunters Inn M, 3rd
FC Bampton Bridge House Hotel Fn,2&4
FC Combe Martin, Castle Inn Fn, 2&4
SE? Bradninch, Castle Inn Fn
FC Minehead, Old Ship Aground M, 1st
FC Exmouth, Manor Hotel 1,3,5
SE Tuckenhay, Maltsters M, 2nd
SE Chulmleigh, Court House (Irish) M, 2nd
SE? Plymouth, Artillery Arms Fn SUNDAY
SE? Plymouth, Fortescue Wk SE Bere Ferrers, Old Plough (Irish) M, 2nd
SE? South Brent, Pack Horse Fn SE Bere Ferrers, Old Plough M, 3rd
FC Tiverton, Racehorse M, 1st FC Bude, Falcon Inn Fn
SE Totnes, Royal 7 Stars ? SE Dawlish, Swan Inn M
SE Exeter, Old Fire House Wk?
WEDNESDAY SE Heddon Mouth, Hunters Inn M, 4th
SE Bow, White Hart (Irish) M, 1st
SE Lee (Ilfracombe), Grampus Wk?
SE Dawlish, South Devon Inn M, last
FC Lee Mill, Westward Inn Wk
SE Ipplepen, Wellington Inn M, 1st
FC Okehampton, Plymouth Inn M, last
FC? Lympstone, Globe Inn M, 2nd
SE Petrockstowe, Laurels Inn M, 3rd
SE Malborough, Royal Oak Wk?
SE Plympton, George Inn M, last
FC Pennymoor, Cruwys Arms M, 3rd
SE Sticklepath, Devonshire Inn M, 1st
SE Plymouth, Hyde, Mutley M, 2nd
FC Topsham, Globe Inn Wk
FC? Seaton, Grove Inn M, 3rd
SE Yarde (Nr Torrington). Afternoon M
SE Sidmouth, Volunteer (song) M, 1st
SE Sidmouth, Volunteer (music) M, 3rd
Song & Music - details
THURSDAY
Bampton
FC Bideford, Joiners Arms Wk
2nd & 4th Tues. Bridge House Hotel.Clare
SE Exeter, First & Last Inn (Irish) M, 1st
Penney, 01884 860023
SE Exmouth, Bicton Inn M, 2nd
Bere Ferrers
SE Denbury, Union Inn Wk
3rd Sun. Old Plough. 01822 841064
SE Frogmore, Globe M, 3rd
SE Horns Cross nr Bideford (Irish) M, 3rd Bideford Folk Club*
SE? Kingsbridge, Crabshell Inn M, 1st Thurs. Joiners Arms, Market Place. Jerry &
SE Plymouth, Blue Peter, Pomphlett M, 1st Hilary Bix, 36, Lower Gunstone, Bideford. Tel/
SE Princetown, Prince of Wales M, 4th fax 01237 470792
SE South Brent, Royal Oak M, 3rd Bodmin Folk Club*
SE Teignmouth, Devon Arms M, 3rd Fri. Barley Sheaf Inn, PL31 2JX. Mike Freemantle
FC Teignmouth, Devon Arms M, last 01726 816454. www.bodminfolk.co.uk
FC Totnes, Dartmouth Inn M, 2nd Bradninch
FM Willand Band Club Fn, 1&3 Alt. Tues. Castle Hotel. 8.30 pm. Rob Reeves,
01392 881014
20
Folk music & song contacts
Brendon Kingsbridge
3rd Sat, Staghunters. Carole Henderson-Begg, 1st Thurs. Crabshell Inn. Bob & Brenda Burnside,
01769 540581 01548 853351
Bude Luxborough.
Sun, twice monthly. Falcon Hotel. Lucy Burrow, 2nd Fri. Royal Oak. George Ody 01643 704347
01288 341582 Lympstone
Chittlehampton 2nd Wed. Globe Inn. Music, song & stories. Brian
1st Fri. concerts, usually in Parish Church. Pre- Mather 01395 278594
concert supper if pre-booked. 01769 540581 or Minehead
540887. events@chumpchurches.org.uk 1st Sat. Acorn Folk Club, Old Ship Aground.
Combe Martin Eileen Ann 01643 709394.
2nd & 4th Sat, Shammick Acoustic, Castle Inn. www.acornfolkclub.co.uk
Tom & Barbara Brown, 01271 882366. Okehampton
Dawlish Last Sun. Plymouth Inn. Music & song. Details:
Sun. Swan Inn. Mixed folk session. Details: Wren 01837 53754
01626 208116 Pennymoor Singaround*
Denbury 3rd Wed. Cruwys Arms, Pennymoor. Clare
Thurs. Union Inn. Acoustic mixed sessions. Penney, 01884 860023
Vic Connell, 01803 812535 Petrockstowe
Ermington Usually 3rd Sun. Laurels Inn. English music
Last Fri. Crooked Spire. 07990 863135. session. Kate Nye 01837 810566.
Exeter, Barneld Theatre Plymouth, Artillery Arms
1st Fri. Bedford Room. Acoustic open mike Alt Tues. Artillery Arms, Pound Street,
session. Jerry 07843 419178 Stonehouse. Geoff Rodd, 36, Downham Gardens,
Exeter, Globe Tamerton Foliot, Plymouth. 01752 709809.
2nd Fri. Traditional song. 4th Fri. music session. Plymouth, Fortescue (Mutley).
Globe Inn, Newtown. Tues. Basement bar, 8.30 pm. Joe Higman 01752
Exeter, Guitar Club. 227086
2nd Fri. Whipton Community Centre. Roger Plymouth, Folk Roots
Hutton, 01392 873729 2nd Wed. Hyde, Mutley. Ali 01752 662002
Exeter, Old Fire House Plympton
Sun. Music session, Old Fire House, New North Last Sun. George Inn.
Road. davidjgray@hotmail.com Scoriton
Exmouth 3rd Fri. Tradesman’s Arms or VH. Sue &
1st, 3rd & 5th Tues. 8.30 pm. Manor Hotel, Simon Williams 01364 631308. Check for latest
Beacon, Exmouth. Jeff Lewis 01395 269232 details).
Folk On The Moor Seaton
Sun. Westward Inn, Lee Mill. Anton Horwich, 3, 3rd Wed. Grove Inn. 01297 20064
Woodside Cottages, Milton Combe, Yelverton, Sidmouth
Plymouth. 01752 261669(w), 01822 853620 (h) 1st Wed. traditonal song. 3rd Wed music session.
Halsway Manor (Crocombe) Volunteer Inn.
1st Sun. Song & music session in the bar lounge. South Brent
Brendon Room. Details: 01984 618324 Pack Horse Hotel. Alt. Tues. mostly song. Keith
Kennford Beeby 01364 72587. Every Wed. mostly music.
Last Fri. 7 Stars . Peter Cornelius 01392 210983 Caroline 01364 631308
21
Folk dance, music & song contacts
Sticklepath (Okehampton) Eddie Upton, The Stables, Montacute House,
1st Sun. Devonshire Inn. Bill Murray 01647 Montacute, TA15 6XP. 01935 822911. Fax 01395
231286 822024 folksw@folksw.org.uk
Teignmouth Halsway Manor Magazine
Last Thurs. Devon Arms Hotel, Northumberland Alan Corkett, Greengarth, Nether Stowey,
Place. Martyn Hillstead, 01626 778071. Somerset. 01278 732202 alan@bcorkett.
Tiverton Folk Club freeserve.co.uk
1st Tues. Racehorse Inn. Susannah Billeter, Puddingstone (Herts.)
01884 821286 Libby Byne-Grey 01920 460553
Topsham Scrumpy’n’ Western
Sun. Globe. 8.30 pm (guest nights 8 pm). Tickets 4, Kew Lodge, Crookes Lane, Kewstoke,
for guest nights availabe one month in advance Weston-Super-Mare, BS22 9XL 07890 305585
from John Nettleton 01395 267029. www. scrumpynwestern@aol.com
topshamfolkclub.co.uk Shreds & Patches (Shropshire)
Totnes Folk Song Club Sheila Mainwaring, 1, Herbert Avenue,
2nd Thurs. Dartmouth Inn. Steve & Anne Gill, Wellington, Telford, TF1 2BT. 01952 240989
01803 290427. mainwaring@enta.net
Willand Club Band Workshop Somerset & Dorset
Alt. Thurs. Willand Chapel, Gables Road. Mary www.folkmusicsomerset.co.uk. www.sadfolk.
Marker 01626 854141 co.uk Tony & Peter’s Folk Diary - email for list:
Yarde (Nr Torrington) sanchobramble@hotmail.com
Occasional afternoon music sessions at Cafe (on Taplas (Wales)
Tarka Trail), usually last Sun. Kate Nye 01837 Keith Hudson, 182, Broadway, Roath, Cardiff,
810566 or David Job 07972 786306 CF24 1QJ 02920 499759
Wiltshire Folk
Storytelling Geoff Elwell, 3, Sarum Avenue, Melksham,
Totnes Storytell SN12 6BJ. 01225 703650
Quarterly, Kingsbridge Inn. Mavis Hewett, 01364 Also www.wiltshirefolkarts.org.uk
72972. Ruth Clarke 01803 732312 Worcestershire Folk
Rosie McMinn 01905 771440
Regional Contacts
Dorset Folk
Steve Hunt, Meadow Cottage, Chapel Lane,
Woodlands, Wimborne, BH12 8LU 01202
814858
Folklife West
Sam Simmonds, 16, Barrett Rise, Malvern,
WR14 2UJ. 01684 575704 editor@folklife-west.
org.uk
Folk London
Sheila Finn, 4a, Kenilworth Road, Petts Wood,
Kent, BR5 1DY. 01689 825263
Folknews Kernow
Chris Ridley, Trenillocs, St Columb, Cornwall.
TR9 6JN 01637 880394
Folk South West
22
folk music & song
at TOPSHAM FOLK CLUB
Sunday evenings at The Globe Hotel
Spring concerts 2009 Singers
Sunday 18 January 2009
Jackie Oates with
nights
James Dumbelton Apart from concer
Full of Shirley Collins intonations,
t
nights all other
her voice is persuasively rustic and Sunday nights are
style distinctly English – she takes
singers nights start
the great leap forward with this second solo album and adds ing
conviction, confidence and variety to natural charm. – Colin Irwin at 8.30pm and held
in the dining room
.
Sunday 8 March 2009 Admission is free.
Belshazzar's Feast If you would like
to
Paul Hutchinson and Paul Sartin sing or play on on
play like no-one else you've ever
e
of these nights,
heard.Their music is breathtaking
come along and
and wickedly inventive and the
between-tunes interchange as intelligent and hilarious as the make yourself
music. But don't let me give you the impression they're a known to the
lightweight comedy act: they finish the set with a haunting piece evening’s compère
.
of oboe and accordion magic which has the audience spellbound. People normally
– Mike Harding perfor m two songs
or tunes within a
To reserve concert tickets phone 10 minute slot.
John Nettleton on 01395 267029 Don't wor ry, it's
Concerts start at 8.00pm and take place in the not compulsory to
Globe Malthouse which is a 90 seater venue
perfor m! You’re
To find out more about us visit our website welcome just to
www.topshamfolkclub.co.uk
come along
and listen.
The Globe Hotel, Fore Street,
Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HR
Tel: 01392 873471 23
ber
Novem day
oli
2008 H ut,
Sold O w
no
Book 9
0
for 20
6th - 9th Nov 2009
Wessex Hotel
High Street, Street,
Nr Glastonbury, Somerset
Located near to Clarks
Shopping Village, Street.
only £159pp including Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Friday - The Pete Mac Band with Caller, Nicole
Saturday - Mike Courthold with The Pete Mac Band
Sunday - The Yetties
Saturday morning workshop with Nicole.
Sunday morning workshop with Mike Courthold.
For more details and booking:
•
Tel: 01395 223645 e-mail: info@edennights.co.uk
or book online: www.holidays4dancers.com
24
Diary Dates (1) CONCERT Ariel Centre, Totnes.
Conservatoire Folk Ensemble with
The details in this section are believed to be Joe Broughton.
correct at the time of compilation, and the editor SONG Acorn FSC, Hobby Horse
accepts no responsibility for subsequent changes. Hotel, Minehead (Note venue change)
For weekly clubs with no guest & other sessions Tom McConville, David Wood.
see quick guide. Regular venue for club is given Sun 7 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
in club listings where not specied below. Inn, Lee Mill. Steve Tilston
SONG Topsham FSC
November SONG Devonshire Inn, Sticklepath
CONCERT Corn Exchange, Exeter.
Fri 28 DANCE Exeter FDC.
Show of Hands.
SONG Bampton FSC
Mon 8 DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
SONG 7 Stars, Kennford.
Hall, Wendy & Shirley, Home Brew.
Sat 29 PLAYFORD Music Workshop &
DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
dance (3 – 5 pm), St Michael’s Hall,
MUSIC Bell Inn, Chittlehampton
Kingsteignton. Details: Mary Marker,
Tue 9 DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Nicole
01626 854141
& Pete Mac
DANCE Filleigh VH. Oggle Band
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
CONCERT for prostate cancer chari-
Trinity UR Ch. H. Gil Jefferies.
ties. St David’s Church, Hele Road,
SONG Bampton , Bridge House Inn
Exeter. Details: Wren 01837 53754
Wed 10 DANCE Gittisham FDC at VH.
Sun 30 SONG Folk on the Moor
Eileen Nightingale.
SONG Plymouth Inn, Okehampton
SONG Globe, Lympstone
CONCERT Corn Exchange, Exeter.
Thu 11 DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Aileen
Oyster Band.
Wills & Pete Mac.
DANCE Exmouth FDC, Withycombe
December Meth. Ch. Hall. Muriel Forrest
Mon 1 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
SONG Totnes FSC, Dartmouth Inn.
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br.Legion
Dalla.
Hall. Ray Goodswen, Amycrofters.
Fri 12 DANCE Exeter FDC, Baptist Centre,
Tue 2 DANCE Sidford FDC Jane Thomas.
Palace Gate. Christmas Party with
DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
Chris Miles & Muriel Forrest.
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
CONCERT Manor Hotel, Exmouth.
Trinity UR Ch. H. Chris Thorne.
Stanchester Choir.
SONG Tiverton FSC, Racehorse
SONG Globe, Exeter.
Wed 3 SONG Volunteer, Sidmouth
Sat 13 CEILIDH (Great Western) , Bowhill
MUSIC Irish, White Hart, Bow
Primary, Exeter. Flash Company.
Thu 4 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Withycombe
DANCE Totnes FDC Christmas Party
Meth. Ch. H. Aileen Wills, Pete Mac.
Meth. Ch. Hall
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
Sch. Ray Buckingham.
Inn, Combe Martin.
MUSIC Willand Band Workshop,
Sun 14 DANCE Sunday Club, Exminster VH
Willand Chapel, Gables Rd.
2 -5 . Mixed couples with some dance
SONG, Crabshell, Kingsbridge
experience.
Fri 5 SONG Exeter Barneld
SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Sat 6 DANCE Elizabethan, Westward Ho!.
Inn, Lee Mill. Colvin Quarmby.
Bloatertown Band (In aid of Parkin-
Mon 15 DANCE MADCAPS Club Christmas
son’s Disease charities)
Party, Marldon VH, 7.45 pm. Nicole
DANCE Civic Hall, Totnes. Jane
& Pete Mac
Thomas, Pete Mac Band.
25
Diary Dates (2) Tue
Hall. Aileen Wills, Amycrofters.
6 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
DANCE Honiton FDC Christmas DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Doreen
Party, British Legion Hall. Eileen Cooper.
Nightingale, Amycrofters. DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Tue 16 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC Christmas Trinity URC Hall. Gil Jefferies
Party, Liverton VH. SONG Tiverton FSC, Racehorse Inn
DANCE Sidford FDC Christmas Wed 7 SONG Volunteer, Sidmouth
Party at VH. Aileen Wills, Ivor Hyde MUSIC Irish. White Hart, Bow.
& Holly. Thu 8 DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Jane
Wed 17 DANCE Gittisham FDC at VH. Thomas, Stick The Fiddle.
Aileen Wills. DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
SONG Pennymoor Singaround, Withycombe. Wendy Hoare.
Cruwys Arms. DANCE Tavistock FDC. John Estall.
SONG Grove Inn, Seaton. SONG Totnes FSC, Dartmouth Inn
Thu 18 DANCE Tavistock FDC Christmas Fri 9 SONG Globe, Exeter.
Party, St Peter’s School. John Estall. Sat 10 DANCE Willand VH. Ted Farmer,
DANCE Exmouth FDC Christmas Bridgwater Band.
Party, Withycombe Meth. Ch. H. CEILIDH (Great Western ), Bowhill
Bring & share. Primary, Exeter. Old Swan Band.
MUSIC Willand Band Club, Willand SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
Chapel, Gables Road. Inn, Combe Martin.
Fri 19 CEILIDH Cheriton Bishop VH. New Sun 11 SONG Folk On The Moor, Westward
Vintage Band.. (Devon Squeezebox) Inn, Lee Mill. Thorn & Roses
DANCE D’Accord French, Ide VH Mon 12 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
SONG Tradewinds, Scoriton VH DANCE Honiton FDC, Ray
Sat 20 DANCE Willand VH. Dee Chapman, Goodswen, Stick The Fiddle.
Silver & Gold MUSIC Bell Inn, Chittlehampton
Sun 21 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward Tue 13 DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Inn, Lee Mill. Christmas Party. Alan & Marion Finch.
Sat 27 CEILIDH Ashburton Town Hall. DANCE Sidford FDC. Aileen Wills.
3DB& Analogue Man. Tickets: 01803 SONG Bampton Bridge House Inn
86239 Wed 14 SONG Globe, Lympstone
Mon 29 DANCE Gittisham FDC ‘In Between’ Thu 15 DANCE Exmouth FDC Meth Ch H
Party. Bring & share. Live music. Withycombe. Nicole & Pete Mac
Wed 31 DANCE Willand VH. Jane Thomas, DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
Philip Worth, Meltdown. Sch. Ted Farmer.
CONCERT Okehampton Charter MUSIC Globe Inn, Frogmore
Hall. Paul & Marilyn Tucker & MUSIC Willand Band Club, Chapel,
friends. Details: 01837 53754 Gables Road.
DANCE Totnes FDC, Meth Ch H.
January 2009 Fri 16 CEILIDH Cheriton Bishop VH
Fri 2 SONG Barneld, Exeter. Hips & Haws. (Devon Squeezebox)
Sat 3 DANCE Civic Hall, Totnes. Nicole SONG Tradewinds, Scoriton VH
& Pete Mac Band. DANCE D’Accord French, Ide VH
SONG Acorn FSC, Minehead. Bill Sat 17 PLAYFORD Devon Playford Club
Crawford & Dave Lowry Bowhill Primary, Exeter, 2.30 pm.
Sun 4 SONG Devonshire Inn, Sticklepath Sue Horsham, Gwyn George.
SONG Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill CONCERT Manor Hotel, Exmouth
Mon 5 DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion Cole Stacey.
SONG Staghunters, Brendon.
26
Diary Dates (3 February
Sun 1 SONG Devonshire Inn, Sticklepath
Sun 18 SONG Old Plough, Bere Ferrers SONG Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill
SONG Topsham FSC, Globe. Jackie Mon 2 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
Oates & James Dumbleton. DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Mon 19 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm Hall. Peter Moxom, Amycrofters
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion Tue 3 SONG Tiverton FSC, Racehorse Inn
Hall. Tony Dore, Amycrofters. DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
Tue 20 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC Liverton VH DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Nicole
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Harry & Pete Mac.
Turner, Amycrofters. DANCE Country Dance Plymouth
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth, Trinity URC Hall. Ray Buckingham
Trinity URC Hall. Chris Thorne. Wed 4 MUSIC Irish. White Hart, Bow
Wed 21 SONG Seaton FSC, Grove. SONG Volunteer, Sidmouth
SONG Pennymoor Singaround, Thu 5 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Peter
Cruwys Arms. Moxom, Amycrofters.
Thu 22 DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Roger DANCE Tavistock FDC, John Estall.
Quartly, Petronella. Scottish evening SONG Bideford FSC, Joiners Arms
DANCE Exmouth FDC. Aileen Wills Tom Bliss.
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s SONG Crabshell, Kingsbridge
Sch. Alan & Marion Finch. MUSIC Willand Band Workshop,
SONG Princetown, Prince of Wales Chapel, Gables Road.
Fri 23 MUSIC Globe, Exeter. Fri 6 SONG Barneld, Exeter
Sat 24 SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle Sat 7 DANCE Civic Hall, Totnes. Jane
Inn, Combe Martin. Brian Peters. Day Thomas, Bridgwater Band.
workshop, evening concert. SONG Acorn FSC, Old Ship Aground
DANCE Fremington VH. Bloater- Minehead. Belshazzar’s Feast.
town Sun 8 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Sun 25 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward Inn, Lee Mill. Tom Kitching & Gren
Inn, Lee Mill. Brian Peters. Bartley.
SONG Plymouth Inn, Okehampton Mon 9 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
SONG George, Plympton DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Mon 26 DANCE Honiton FDC , Hare & Hall. Graham Barrett, Meltdown
Hounds. Ron Rudd, Amycrofters. Tue 10 DANCE Sidford FDC. Peter Moxom
Tue 27 SONG Bampton, Bridge House Inn DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Jane Trinity URC Hall. Frances Oates.
Thomas SONG Bampton Bridge House Inn
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth, Wed 11 SONG Globe, Lympstone
Trinity URC Hall. Gil Jefferies. Thu 12 SONG Totnes FSC, Dartmouth Inn.
Thu 29 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H Jim Moray
Withycombe. Ted Farmer. DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Ted
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s Farmer, Andrew & June Mycroft.
Sch. Gil Jefferies. DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
SONG Teignmouth FC, Devon Arms Sch. Chris Thorne.
Fri 30 DANCE Exeter FDC Bapt. Ch H, DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
Palace Gate. Ryan Roberts. Withycombe. Chris Miles.
DANCE Bampton FDC, St Michaels Fri 13 SONG Globe, Exeter
Hall Sat 14 CEILIDH Great Western Ceilidh
SONG 7 Stars, Kennford. Bowhill Primary, Exeter. Gloworms
27
Diary Dates (4) Fri
SONG Princetown, Prince of Wales
27 DANCE Exeter FDC, Baptist Ch. H
DANCE Willand VH. Ryan Roberts, Palace Gate. Pam Hayes.
Reel Thing. DANCE Bampton FDC, St Michaels
CONCERT Manor Hotel, Exmouth. Hall
Tim Laycock & Steve Waters. SONG 7 Stars, Kennford
SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle FESTIVAL Inter-Varsity Folk Dance
Inn, Combe Martin. Festival, Exeter. See display advert.
Sun 15 SONG Old Plough, Bere Ferrers. Sat 28 CALLER’S SWAP Eagle Hotel,
SONG Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill. Launceston. 10.30 - 1, 2 - 4.30 pm
Mon 16 DANCE MADCAPS, Marldon VH, PLAYFORD Teign Playford Club,
7.45 pm Philip Worth, Gwyn George. Kingsteignton Comm. Hall, 2.30 - 6.
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion Jean Foster, Bob Franklin, Gwyn
Hall. Frances Oates, Friendly Folk. George.
Tue 17 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC Anniversary, SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
Liverton VH. Inn, Combe Martin. Hughie Jones.
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Eileen FESTIVAL IVFDF, Exeter. See ad.
Nightingale.
Wed 18 SONG Grove, Seaton. March
SONG Pennymoor Singaround, Sun 1 FESTIVAL IVFDF, Exeter. See ad.
Cruwys Arms. SONG Devonshire Inn, Sticklepath
Thu 19 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Club callers. SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
DANCE Tavistock FDC John Estall. Inn, Lee Mill. Kenny & Judy.
DANCE Totnes FDC, Meth. Ch.Hall Mon 2 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
MUSIC Willand Band Workshop, DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Chapel, Gables Road. Hall. Peter Moxom, Amycrofters
Fri 20 CEILIDH Cheriton Bishop VH. Tue 3 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
Colin Andrews, Home Brew Band. DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Aileen
DANCE D’Accord French, Ide VH Wills, Pete Mac.
SONG Tradewinds, Scoriton VH DANCE Country Dance Plymouth
Sat 21 PLAYFORD Devon Playford Club, Trinity URC Hall. Chris Thorne
Bowhill Primary, Exeter, 2.30 pm. SONG Tiverton FSC, Racehorse Inn.
Frances Oates, Gwyn George. Wed 4 SONG Volunteer, Sidmouth
Sun 22 SONG Plymouth Inn, Okehampton Thu 5 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward Withycombe. Jane Thomas
Inn, Lee Mill. Queensberry Rules. DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
Mon 23 DANCE MADCAPS Club 7.45 pm Sch. Aileen Wills.
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion SONG Crabshell, Kingsbridge
Hall. Harry Turner, Amycrofters MUSIC Willand Band Workshop,
Tue 24 SONG Bampton, Bridge House Inn Chapel, Gables Road.
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Muriel Fri 6 SONG Barneld, Exeter
Forrest. Sat 7 DANCE Civic Hall, Totnes. Sarah
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth, Bazeley, Dartmoor Pixie Band.
Trinity URC Hall. Gil Jefferies. FESTIVAL Piping Hot bagpipes,
Thu 26 DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Jane Okehampton. See display advert.
Thomas, Friendly Folk. SONG Acorn FSC, Minehead.
DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H Geoffrey Bowman.
Withycombe. Muriel Forrest. Sun 8 SONG Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s SONG Topsham FSC, Globe Inn.
Sch. Frances Oates. Belshazzah’s Feast.
SONG Teignmouth FSC Devon Arms FESTIVAL Piping Hot Okehampton.
28
Diary Dates (5) SONG Tradewinds, Scoriton VH
DANCE D’Accord French, Ide VH
Sat 21 PLAYFORD Devon Playford Club,
Mon 9 DANCE MADCAPS, Marldon VH,
Bowhill Primary, Exeter, 2.30 pm
7.45. Peter Moxom, Gwyn George.
Rosemary Hunt, Gwyn George.
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
SONG Staghunters, Brendon
Hall. Frances Hilson, Ivor Hyde.
Sun 22 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Tue 10 DANCE Sidford FDC. Peter Moxom
Inn, Lee Mill. Askew sisters.
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Mon 23 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
Trinity URC Hall. Frances Oates.
DINNER & DANCE Honiton FDC,
SONG Bampton, Bridge House Inn
Br. Legion Hall. Eileen Nightingale,
Wed 11 SONG Globe, Lympstone
Amycrofters. Ticket only.
Thu 12 DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Ryan
Tue 24 DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Doreen
Roberts, Squeezum.
Cooper
DANCE Exmouth FDC, Denis Warry
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
DANCE Tavistock FDC, Jim Reade.
Trinity URC Hall. Ray Buckingham
SONG Totnes FSC, Dartmouth Inn
SONG Bampton, Bridge House Inn
Fri 13 SONG Globe, Exeter.
Thu 26 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
Sat 14 CEILIDH Elizabethan, Westward Ho
Withycombe. Jean Hackston
Random.
DANCE Tavistock FDC, John Estall.
CEILIDH Great Western Ceilidh,
SONG Teignmouth FC, Devon Arms
Bowhill Primary, Exeter. Florida.
SONG Princetown, Prince of Wales
DANCE Willand VH. Carol Hewson,
Fri 27 DANCE Exeter FDC, Baptist Ch H
Kelly’s Eye.
Chris Miles & Muriel Forrest.
CONCERT Manor Hotel, Exmouth.
DANCE Bampton FDC, St Michaels
Mick Groves.
Hall.
SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
SONG 7 Stars, Kennford
Inn, Combe Martin.
MUSIC Globe, Exeter.
Sun 15 DANCE Sunday Club, Exminster VH
Sat 28 DANCE Pensilva FDC, Liskeard
2 - 5 pm Mixed couples with some
Public Hall. Les Burden, Silver &
dance experience.
Gold. See display advert.
SONG Old Plough, Bere Ferrers.
SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
SONG Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill.
Inn, Combe Martin. Askew sisters.
Mon 16 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
Sun 29 SONG Plymouth Inn, Okehampton
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Hall. Jane Thomas Jigs for Gigs.
Inn, Lee Mill. Tom McConville.
Tue 17 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
Mon 30 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Ted
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Farmer, Amycrofters.
Hall. Richard Mason, Pete Mac.
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Tue 31 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
Trinity URC Hall. Gil Jefferies.
DANCE Sidford FDC. Aileen Wills.
Wed 18 SONG Grove, Seaton
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth
SONG Pennymoor Singaround,
Alan & Marion Finch
Cruwys Arms.
Thu 19 DANCE Totnes FDC, Meth Ch H.
DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
April
Thu 2 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
Withycombe. Aileen Wills, Pete Mac
Withycombe. Frances Hilson
DANCE Tavistock FDC, Ted Farmer
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
MUSIC Willand Band Workshop,
Sch. Alan & Marion Finch.
Gables Road Chapel.
Sun 5 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Fri 20 CEILIDH Cheriton Bishop VH
Inn, Lee Mill. John Kirkpatrick.
Fox Amongst The Chickens.
29
Useful contacts (5)
Ritual & Display Groups Great Western Morris Men
Trevor Cook, 1, Croft Cottage, Church Lane,
Alive & Kicking
Cheriton Bishop, EX6 6JU. 01647 24307.
Appalachian. Julie Page 07815 966838
bagman@great-western.org.uk
Beltane
Bruce Johnstone-Lane, 40, Walkers Gate,
Green Willow Clog
Sue Fildes 07768 625333
Wellington, TA21 8DJ 01823 669875
brucejlowe@btopenworld.com Grimspound Border Morris
Don McMillan 01626 207600 don.mcmillan@
Bideford Phoenix Morris
btinternet.com
Sue Jones, 01237 477047
Blackawton Morris Harberton Navy
Nonnie Duncan, Little Cholwell, Harberton,
Chris Janman, 1, Castle Lane, Blackawton,
Totnes. 01803 867650
Totnes. 01803 712362
Black Bess Heather & Gorse
Jenny Gill, 01626 779795
Suzanne Lovell 01803 873908
Bovey Tracey Mummers Ilfracombe Red Petticoats
Janet Ellis 01271 342351
Rod Wilkins 01803 812581
Cat’s Eye Border Kings Arms Pace Egg & Mummers
Dave Denford, The Cottage, Ramsley, South
Pauline McKeough 01208 821323
Zeal, EX10 2LD
Cogs & Wheels
Lodestone Border
Alison Cruse, Waterside, Cleave Hill, Sticklepath,
Brian Cunningham 01822 853856
EX20 2NH. 01837 840070 alisoncruse@hotmail.
com Newton Bushel Morris Men
Anthony Job, 29, Innerbrook Road, Chelston,
Dartmoor Border
Torquay. 01803 607987
Kath Tregaskis, 34, Cramber Close, Belliver,
Plymouth PL6 7AZ. 01752 299700 bagman@ North Devon Mummers
dartmoorbordermorris.com Francis & Barbara Verdigi, 01271 813843
Dartington Morris Men Plymouth Maids
Iain Davison, 07841 087669 Jean Hawkins 01752 303939 jean.hawkins@
iain.davison@dataharvest.co.uk blueyonder.co.uk
Exeter Morris Men Plymouth Morris Men
Mike Painter, Grassroots, 102, Gras Lawn, Exeter, Peter Watson 01752 330249
EX2 4ST. 01392 426743 mike@painter53. Porthleven Morris Men
freeserve.co.uk Max Williams 01326 572101
Exmoor Border Morris Raddon Hill Clog Morris
Heather Holt. hholt.exmoor@btopenworld.com Jane Hewitt, 53, Kingsway, Exeter, EX2 5EN
Flaming Morris 01392 660646
Colin Payne 01404 850503 Shufe The Deck
Firestone Appalachian. Jenny Draper, Ladywell, Grange
(Appalachian & Irish). Richard Mason, 3, Road, Buckfast, TQ11 0EH. 01364 643320
Kingsher Drive, Exeter, EX4 4SN. 01392 Sidmouth Steppers NW Morris
411434 Ruth Lewis 01404 44498 FunnFolk@aol.com
Glory of the West Morris Sidmouth Traditional Mummers
Carol Mantell, Beggars Roost, Higher Ashton, Henry Piper, 21B, Broad Street, Ottery St Mary,
Exeter, EX6 7QR 01647 252740 01404 811491 henry.piper@zoom.co.uk
30
Useful contacts (6)
Sunrise Border Morris Pennymoor Song & Ale
Martyn 07768 613894 Early June. Clare Penney 01884 860023
Tarka Morris Men Plymouth Folk Festival
Daemon Billing, daemon@billing.euro1net.com Marilyn Goldsbrough 01752 564847
Tinners Morris Men Sidmouth Folk Week
Mike Palmer 01647 433464 August www.sidmouthfolkweek.org.uk
Trigg Morris Men Sourton Song Weekend
Roger Hancock, 01208 73907 Fox & Hounds, May. Jon Heslop & Kathy Wallis
Uplyme Morris Men 01579 363505 Kathy.wallis@nasuwt.net
Timothy Fox 01297 443072 Teignmouth Folk Festival
Tudor Dance Group June. www.teignmouthfolk.co.uk Anne Gill,
Elizabeth Thurgood, Brookeld, Combe Water, 01803 290427
Cotleigh, Honiton, EX14 9SQ. 01404 831512 Wadebridge
Wheal Soa NW Morris August Bank Holiday weekend. 01208 812230)
Colin Baker 01404 841359 Westcountry Storytelling Festival
Winkleigh Morris August, Aller Park, Dartington. 01803 863790
Angela Haines, Hollacote, Hollocombe, West Somerset Folk Festival
Chulmleigh, EX18 7QE 01837 83219 www.westsomersetfolkfestival.co.uk
Festivals National Organisations
Bampton After The Fair English Folk Dance & Song Society
End of October. Clare Penney 01884 860023 Cecil Sharp House, 2, Regents Park Road,
Baring-Gould Festival London, NW1 7AY. 020 7485 2206. info@efdss.
End of October. Wren 01837 53754 info@ org www.efdss.org
wrenmusic.co.uk The Morris Federation
Bideford Folk Festival Fee Lock,28, Fairstone Close, Hastings, Sussex.
August Jerry Bix 01237 470792 01424 436052. www.morrisfed.org.uk
Bude Folk Festival The Morris Ring
May . Lucy Burrow 01288 341582 Charlie Corcoran, 70, Greengate Lane, Birstall,
Burnham Folkfest Leicestershire, LE4 3DL. Tel/fax 0116 267 5654
August. www.folkfest.co.uk www.themorrisring.org.
Crediton Folk Festival Open Morris
April. creditonfolkfestival@yahoo.co.uk Pete Tracey Good 01507 608364. secretaryoform@
Lister 01363 775695 aol.com
Dartmoor Folk Festival National Youth Folklore Troupe of
Mrs J White, Sunnyhill, South Zeal, EX20 2JL.
England*
Dave Leverton, Heathers, Stanton Wick, Pensford,
01837 840102 www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk.
Bristol, BS39 4BZ. 01761 490236 daveleverton@
August
lycos.co.uk
Exmoor Folk Festival
May. 01598 741279 g.linley@virgin.net
Folk in the Attic
Intervarsity Folk Dance Festival
Richard Mason 01392 411434 27/2 - 1/3 2009
Old music manuscripts, song & dance books,
Malborough Music Festival folk albums, musical instruments, etc. may be of
August. malborough.festival@ukonline.co.uk value - don’t throw them out without checking !
31
Totnes Folk Club
Dances at the Civic Hall, Totnes, 2008 - 2009
8.00 pm - 11.30 pm Refreshments available
December 6th Jane Thomas & The Pete Mac Band
January 3rd Nicole & Pete Mac
February 7th Jane Thomas & The Bridgwater Band
March 7th Sarah Bazeley & The Dartmoor Pixie Band
All warmly welcomed
Admission £4.00 Members £3.50
More information: June Prowse 01803 862435 Harry Lowe 01626 821045
Club Nights at the Methodist Church hall, Fore Street, Totnes, 8 pm to 10 pm. Admission £1
On the 3rd Thursday of the month, except June, July & August
32
Bands Oggle Band
Old Boys
01271 865030
01726 837432
Other Band 01326 563564
Those in bold text have an advert elsewehere in
Park Bench Aristocrats 01548 810038
this magazine. * EFDSS afliated.
Perfect Cure 01823 432642
3dB Ceilidh Band 01803 862393
Pete Mac Band 01395 266553
4 Feet First 07854 725399
Petronella 01626 854141
4 Reel Drive 01363 877216
Pieces of Eight 01395 513877
Amycrofters Band 01404 46451
Pigs Might Fly 01392 411434
Autumn Gold 01840 261708
Pig’s Whisper 01392 250355
Babelsh 01769 550408
Phoenix 01392 833088
Barn Owls 01822 832002
Quantock Quarenders 01984 656459
Barnstormers 01392 882036
Red Shed 01363 774339
Bloatertown Band 01237 476632
Redwing 01409 211492
Bridgwater Band 01823 491662
Redwing Duo 01395 266553
Cavaliers 01822 832507
Reel Thing 01460 240411
Choughed to Bits 01752 851990
Rumpus 01548 531525
Country Style 01803 813555
Rusty Buckets 01398 323494
Dartmoor Pixie Band* 01837 840775
Rusty Gulley 01803 290427
Devil’s Footsteps 01626 866257
Shams Band 01548 842231
Devonians 01752 221557
Sheer Hopody 01769 520595
Eel Grinders 01647 440020
Silver & Gold 01752 265869
Fiery Clockface 01822 612281
Slack Ma Girdle 01823 680523
Flash Company 01392 274135
Slapjack 01823 601583
Folk Two 01548 550004
Smileyboots 01752 364596
Footloose 01647 433464
Somersets 01749 812207
Fox Amongst The Chickens 01579 351201
Spinach For Norman 01837 83347
Fresh Aire 01823 257488
Squeezum 01823 333567
Friendly Folk 01643 707294
Steve Gill & Andy Clarke 01803 290427
Grumbling Old Men 01278 732202
Stick The Fiddle 01884 243295
Haymakers 01288 361625
Sundowners 01647 440754
Hips & Haws 01884 855638
Tinners 01736 787951
Hobson’s Choice 01823 272537
Walter Shortage & Hosepipe Band 01837 52174
Home Brew 01363 877216
Weston Country Dance Band 01934 813326
Hot Punch 01271 373128
Woodshed Band 01803 558929
Housewive’s Choice 01363 774426
Wunjo! Ceilidh Band 01364 644131
Ivor Hyde’s Band 01460 65159
Jigs For Gigs 01460 241326
Jiggerypipery 01647 433390 NEW CD
Jocosity 01752 350799
Long Odds & Short Straws 01460 61996
HOLIDAY FOLK WEEK
Lucy Lastic 01884 881385 DANCE MUSIC VOL. 2
Mac’s Maggot 01752 404821
Meltdown 01278 732202 Aidan Broadbridge & Rod Stradling
Mooncoin Ceilidh Band* 01803 290427 leading the group of players in a selection of
More The Merrier 01884 820438 tunes with a Christmas avour.
Mrs Crotty’s Ceilidh Band 01803 762645
Mullachabu 01626 871260 £10 (+ £1 p&p)
Newlyn Reelers 01736 366284 www.rodstradling.com
Occasion Ceilidh Band 01752 337501
01543 257419
33
34
Callers
Note: some callers will work with different bands,
but others only with specic or single bands.
Seven Stars Folk &
Likewise, some bands will only work with certain Acoustic Music Club
callers. Check when you book !
Tom Addison 01392 420694 Seven Stars Inn,
Colin Andrews 01363 877216 Kennford
Graham Barrett 01823 461632 Near Exeter (off A38)
Sarah Bazeley 01837 840775
Robert Blackborow 01823 491662
John Blackburn 01237 476632 Last Friday of the Month
Peter Boskett 01392 468462 8:00pm
Adrian Brayley 07791 703009
Helen Brayley 01392 882036 All musicians welcome
Linda Breeze 01363 776184
Tom Brown 01271 882366
Les Burden 01840 261708 FREE Admission
Dick Carlyon 01458 272933
Dennis Cook 01822 832002 For more information
Ted Farmer 01392 466326 contact:
Judy Forrow 01626 864042
Ray Goodswen 01278 424332 The Cornelius Family
Sue Hamer-Moss 01805 601323 (01392) 210983
Susan Heard 01823 462936
Jan Hewett 01404 41182
Martin Hodge 01392 217827
Gil Jefferies
Chris Jewell
01752 844138
01237 475138 CHRIS JEWELL
Beryl Jukes 01209 712357 Caller & Musician
Rosie Longhurst 01579 351201
Nicole Mac 01395 266553
Also professional piano tuner
Mary Marker 01626 854141 for North Devon
Richard Mason 01392 411434
Barry Moule
Peter Moxom
01288 361625
01392 873606
01237 475138
Eileen Nightingale 07811 367966 chrisjewell99@hotmail.co.uk
Frances Oates 01209 217918
Mike & Shelagh Palmer 01647 433464
Kate Powell 01626 866257 4 FEET FIRST
Tom Stevens 01872 240826
John Tarling 01297 34804 Energetic Ceilidh Band
Jane Thomas 01884 855267
Garry Thompson 01271 865030 Caller, ddle, accordion, guitar, percussion
Les Thompson 01803 962393 Plymouth & area
Chris Thorne 01726 823275
Harry Turner 01823 664745 Alison 01752 662002
Deni 07854 725399
35
Reviews
AS I WENT DOWN TO HORSHAM
Mullachabú
Mabs & Gordon Hall VT115 CD A lively traditional dance band
and caller for ceilidhs, barn
WILD WILD BERRY: dances, weddings,
The songs of Ray Driscoll Artension CD
103 parties and fundraisers
Receiving these two albums for review within a
short time period is particularly appropriate and 01626 871 260
there is much value in considering them together.
Both reect the time before the folk song revival of the sense of history and uniqueness of their
of the mid twentieth century; both reect a time family tradition. The songs came from the family
before the prime concern was the audience, a singing tradition at parties and celebrations.
time when singing was relaxed, a way of life. The There are some wonderful tracks, unknown to
singing is effortless: the listener is transported the majority of people, for example The Royal
into the company of the singers. The delight George about the sinking of the ship in 1782, The
of the singers in their songs is conveyed by the Bitter Whaling Ground, and Banks of Inverness,
easy style in which they sing. Ray Driscoll and and two First War songs, Salonika and Blandford
Gordon Hall carried a tradition that would have in the Mud. Gordon also sings full versions of
excited Baring-Gould or Sharp into the 21st The Outlandish Knight and The Horsham Ram,
century, while Mabs, Gordon’s mother, passed elsewhere known as The Derby Ram. Songs
away in 1992. when Mabs and Gordon sing together, such as
The material on both CDs comprises classic Come Write Me Down, the close attachment that
ballads, folk songs, Victoriana and musical they have to each other is tangible.
hall songs plus a selection from the what some With the CD comes a 20 page booklet, giving
might consider the periphery of the traditional biographies, details of songs, pictures and all the
song genre such as football chants, fragments, other stuff that Veteran does so well. The words
nonsense rhymes. It is probably true to say that to the songs can be found at www.veteran.co.uk
most of the population would be able to sing
something appropriate although whether they Ray Driscoll was born in County Mayo in 1922,
would be willing to do so when faced with the singer on Wild, Wild, Berry, moved to London
a specic request is not so sure. It would be with his family, was evacuated to Shropshire,
rare, however, to nd anyone with the range of served in the Royal Navy before returning to
material and even rarer to nd someone who London and then to Shropshire, where he died in
had learned them from other family members. If 2005. He was aware of the songs importance and
asked to produce a recording, they would practice the contemporary audience to which he warmed,
to create a performance style. while still retaining the unforced performance.
Versions of Sir Patrick Spens, and The Death
Looking rst at As I Went Down to Horsham of Queen Jane, and the very rare Oh Mariners
Town, Mabs Hall was born in 1899 and had a hard All are delightful. There are signs of the Irish
life. When these recordings were made she was connection with Glen Swili and The Irish Soldier
well into her 80s, a fact that shows in her voice, Boy. Hopping Down in Kent is obviously from
which was likely to have been stronger when she London days, as is We are the Peckham Boys,
was in her prime. Mabs died in 1992. Gordon which was a widespread localised song while
(1932 – 2000), her son, worked at various self- the Shropshire Football Song and the Hanwood
employed and labouring jobs over the years and Carols, come from his time in Shropshire.
had retired by the time the recordings were made.
He had become interested in the songs, was in More comprehensive sleeve notes would be
touch with the revival and is more conscious greatly appreciated, for Wild, Wild, Berry.
36
Freeman (try listening to Bus and you will see
what I mean!). I found that the CD really grows
on you, as you discover more and more subtleties
RUMPUS
and interesting sub-themes buried in each
(seemingly simple) tune. This is hardly surprising
as the band now includes some ‘slightly known’
Dance Band newcomers on melodeon – Saul Rose (Waterson
Carthy/ Faustus/ numerous Morris dance teams
etc.) and Simon Care (Tickled Pink etc etc).
Traditional music for folk Some of my favourite tracks are Crisps which
dance, ceilidh, barn dance has a rich, lively folky appeal, lots of sax and a
great contrasting ‘slows’ section in the middle.
I also liked Mayday, which is a haunting cittern
Weddings, functions, etc. melody in contrast to the up tempo style of
other tracks. Moustache has some fantastically
Fiddle, concertina, melodeon, guitar. intricate rhythms and arrangements – taking you
on a journey from a ceilidh dance style to 70’s
glam rock and back to ceilidh dance. There are
Contact Nigel or Sarah plenty of ‘traditional’ Whap tunes to enjoy – title
track Colour and Ticket’to name but two.
01548 531525
This is a CD of contrasts, surprises, superb
musicianship, lots of brass and sophisticated
arrangements with never a dull moment. It will
grow on you the more you listen to it.
Veteran, the label under which the recording As Sue Hamer-Moss
I Went Down to Horsham Town is issued, excel
in this eld. Both CDs are excellent for their SWEET NIGHTINGALE
content and effortless performance. If you enjoy Trio Threlfall (Jane & Amanda Threlfall with
a simple style, good source material, and a sense Roger Edwards)
of timelessness, you will enjoy these albums.
I should probably declare that I believe that the
Jacqueline Patten Threlfalls’ ‘Gown Of Green’, was and is one of
the nest Folk CDs ever recorded. So it was with
COLOUR interest that I listened to ‘Sweet Nightingale’ and
Whapweasel www.whapweasel.com horror that I discovered that ‘Gown of Green’ has
If variety and diversity of genre is what you seek, been deleted.
look no further than the new Whaps CD – Colour. Sweet Nightingale is another ne collection
Building on the high energy ska-like tunes from of English traditional folk songs delivered by
earlier albums, ‘Colour’ encapsulates the band’s Jane and Amanda, two of the nest singers of
desire to broaden out into the concert scene, while English folk song. The CD opens with Yellow
keeping to their roots as a dance band. Some of Handkerchief, a nely paced rendition with a
you might have experienced their explosive set lively accompaniment followed by No My Love
opening this year’s Cropredy festival. If so, you Not I, beautifully sung and simply arranged.
will love this album. These two songs epitomise the whole CD, Jane
If you haven’t seen their concert set, you might and Amanda manage to keep the integrity of the
nd some of the arrangements a bit surprising at song and the beauty of the melody, their harmonies
rst – almost as if you were transported back to and vocal arrangements shine throughout.
the halcyon Radio 1 days with John Peel and Alan Roger Edwards provides sympathetic
37
Meltdown
We play music to make you dance!
At Halsway Manor, Honiton & Willand & beyond
Halsway 22nd Dec Dinner/Dance Party 2008
Willand New Year’s Eve 31 Dec 2008
(Performed at Sidmouth 06 & 07; Chippenham 08 & Alcester Jul 08)
The band for your club dances, weddings, parties, festivals
or special celebrations. (Contras a speciality!)
Line up - fiddles, accordion & keyboard.
Contact Alan - 07790 863 309
arrangements and beautiful musicianship to the THE DAGGER AND THE DOVE
songs aided and abetted by Jane and Amanda. Nicola Clarke www.myspace.com/nicolasings
The two tracks of tunes played by the trio make a
As a live performer, Nicola is a must to see. I have
pleasant interlude placed carefully in the running
seen her bring silence to a rowdy pub session
order to heighten the enjoyment.
with her beautiful voice and later have everyone
Ophelia’s Song is particularly interesting; from in ts of laughter with a well-crafted, irreverent
Shakespeares play Hamlet. Brian Bedford who song. I wondered whether the strength of her
recorded the CD has multi-tracked Jane and performance would transfer to a recording.
Amanda into a beautiful choir – a very short
I love this CD. All the tracks on The Dagger and
song but perfectly formed. Followed by The Bold
the Dove, were written by Nicola over a 17 year
Grenadier – wonderful.
period and are dedicated with a - ‘thank you to
This CD will inspire folk club singers to add those few men who have inspired these songs’.
many of these songs to their repertoire. Songs I suppose you could say they are about seeking,
of special note; Once I Courted a Damsel, nding, falling and not falling in love with
Rosemary Lane, Once I Had a True Love, Banks tenderness, heartbreak, fun and humour.
of Sweet Primroses and of course the title track
Nicola’s clear, pure, voice rings out from the very
Sweet Nightingale.
rst track, accompanied by her very accomplished,
The CD cover has extensive notes to accompany guitar playing. Unlike many singer/songwriters
the songs for those who like to know where whose words and melodies are very similar,
and when songs were written, performed and these songs are very varied in pace and rhythm,
collected. light and shade, and are perfectly suited to her
voice. They vary from the sensitively crafted,
This is a collection of songs without which your
I’m Falling for you, a song that was written to
folk collection will not be complete.
be performed at a cancer charity event, to The
Andy Knight Unicorn, risqué, irreverent, and great fun.
38
Nicola has, for several years written for a revue
group, Kulture Brake and the tracks, Smart
Arse” Having a Laugh and The Unicorn have a
delightful touch of the Music Hall reminiscent of
some of the songs of Jake Thakeray.
Other tracks, like the slightly bluesy, Wind Will
Always Blow and, Always For You, accompanied
only by a drum, are thoughtfully and poetically
written.
Nicola is a poet, songwriter and performer and
the lovely, CD booklet artwork is also hers. Go
to her myspace site on the internet where you can
hear 4 tracks from this CD, nd out where she
is performing and read the following description
from west country songwriter, Mike O’Connor -
“...she occupies that area between Purcell, Edith
Piaf and Arthur Askey.”…. and then buy the CD
Hilary Bix
THE WHIRLIGIG OF TIME
Steve Turner The Tradition Bearers
I suspect that the name Steve Turner is not one
greatly familiar to lovers of traditional British
music here in the South West. After an absence
of about eleven years, Steve heralds his welcome
Accordions return to the folk scene with an excellent CD.
South West In the accompanying notes we’re told that the
CD took three years to complete, and, looking at
the array of guest artists - Kevin Brown, Miranda
Bellever, Crosspark, Totnes, TQ9 5BQ
Sykes, Gill Redmond, Nancy Kerr, Oliver Knight,
Martin Carthy, James Fagan, Peter Flood and
hire & sales: Riki Gerardy - I well understand why.
top instruments, bottom prices There is no mention in the notes of the the type of
concertina which Steve plays. However, from the
picture and the range, I believe it to be an English
repairs & tuning: system 56-key tenor treble, which gives a clue to
transform your instrument the range of the singer’s voice and the versatility
of his musicianship.
workshops & tuition The rst of the eleven tracks, The isle of St
transform your playing! Helena, has, for me, truly got that ‘wow’ factor.
It is without question the best interpretation
that I have ever heard of this wonderful
www.squeezydoesit.com song. Throughout the CD, Steve’s concertina
01803 862393 accompaniment is technically amazing - and then
to combine it with a slide guitar, as in The Dry
Cardrona, is inspirational.
39
resort to studio gizmochology. The nal track
3 piece dance band on this recording, Thomas Brassey, is one of
those rare exceptions. Here in the closing bars
Accordion, Fiddle, Keyboard of the song a contrapuntal effect/type duet, with
himself, is achieved by double-tracking. But in
PETRONELLA any event, it’s not a mega addition, a mere twenty
ve nal seconds of the total track time of 4.44
minutes.
For all occasions: Of the fourteen tracks, ten of them are Mick
Barn Dances Ryan’s own compositions. Each and all of them
perfectly crafted, to the degree that it’s almost
Saturday Dances possible to believe that he has intimate knowledge
Scottish, Playford, of the subject matter, and Green Island, is a
perfect example of this.
Contra Paul Downes musical contribution to this recording
is far greater than that of an accompanist. He is
Contact a musician who believes in his own outstanding
ability and his input into this recording cannot be
Mary overstated. He is, so to speak, the cherry on the
01626 854141 cake. Sorry about the analogy, Paul.
The CD opens with the title track, Grand
Conversation, and a beautiful obligato from Paul,
leading into a compulsive driving tempo, sets the
I love the balancing of Bonnie George Campbell, high standard for the rest of the recording. No
and also of The Rambling Beauty, and The doubt, the reader of this review will have heard
Glendy Burke. The latter are two relatively some of the songs before. But in all instances,
sobering songs, a four and a half minute Scots they have been given a fresh interpretation. Not
ballad, followed by a rollicking, bouncy Steven least of all, by the input of Paul Downes, e.g. The
Foster song. Brilliant ! Bell Ringing, with Paul’s banjo accompaniment.
And it works perfectly.
On initial listening, I thought that some of the
tracks were over orchestrated, but after mulitple This CD is Mick Ryan singing at his very best.
playings, I now believe that all tracks are perfect To hear Mick Ryan sing, his phrasing, his breath
for listening. All, that is, except the nal track, control, his clarity of diction, it is a singing
Where E’er You Walk, by Handel. Nah, good lesson in itself. This CD is a fusion of two highly
attempt, Steve, but don’t go there ! talented artists.
Ken Hinchliffe Ken Hinchliffe.
GRAND CONVERSATION. UNDER NO ILLUSION
Mick Ryan & Paul Downes. WGS355CD Folkus Pocus EFDSS CD16
One of the principle aspects of Mick Ryan’s I get the impression that many of the excellent
recordings, which I greatly admire, is whatever young folk musicians who play for dancing strive
you hear on CD, is invariably replicated in a perhaps a little too hard to create ‘interesting’ and
live performance, perfectly. By that, I mean, over-complicated arrangements. It comes as a
no recordings littered with guest singers and very pleasant and refreshing change therefore to
musicians with this man. Rarely, rarely does he be introduced to the unfussy but melodic style of
Folkus Pocus.
40
Dan and Caroline Hollingshurst, who met while
‘Oggle
studying music at Cardiff University, use violin,
ute or recorder and piano accompaniment to
play for folk dancers, The number of repeats and
playing time for each of the seventeen tracks
Band’
is clearly given, and the sleeve notes include
the notation for some previously unpublished
dances, including Hazel Moir’s White Wheat.
There’s plenty of variety to more than ll a dance The Oggle Band’s concert repertoire
club evening, with reels and jigs for American
fuses traditional music with elements
contras, Playford style dances include Parson’s
of jazz, rock and world influences.
Farewell, Well Hall, Red House (the tune is a
minor version of Ty Coch Caerdydd), and Bouzer
The five piece,
Castle. The traditonal favourite, Morpeth Rant,,
multi-instrumental line up
with a second, less well-known version and John
Chapman’s ever popular Clopton Bridge, to the
creates a rich and varied sound,
tune of Swinging Safari (very effective, I might ranging from soft melodic numbers to
add !) and a number of other modern composed lively jigs, reels and other energetic
dances are also featured tunes and songs.
While primarily intended for use for dancing, it’s On the dance front, the band has
also enjoyable to listen to, though in this respect established a reputation as one of the
Bouzer Castle, delightful tune as it us, tends liveliest, most entertaining ceilidh
to pall by the 9th time through. (Interestingly, bands in the South West,
Bouzer is believed to be the local pronunciation playing high energy music which
of Bolsover, in Derbyshire). Instrumentally, I’m
defies you to keep still!
particularly partial to the opening track, a set of
American reels, where the solid piano rhythm & The line up consists of:
ddle melody is reminiscent of some of the best
Edward - guitar, whistle, saxophone
of the New England bands.
and clarinet
If I were still using recorded music for calling, I’d Garry - melodeon, percussion and
be very happy to have this CD in my collection. caller for the dancing
But I’m not passing it on to another caller - it’s Rhys - melodeon, guitar
good to play just by itself. Keith - drums
Colin Andrews Jo – fiddle
As well as playing regularly at
local venues, the band has performed
John Tarling for ceilidhs and in concert
at various festivals
Calling and for other events
to recorded or live music beyond their North Devon home.
Beginners to experienced
Family dances a speciality For bookings and further information
contact:
Up to one hour’s drive from Axminster Garry Thompson 01271 865030
e-mail garry.thomp@btinternet.com
Tel. 01297 34804
41
Reviews disorders, is by Nick Burbridge with additions
from Robert Kennedy. Undeniably well written
and thoughtful, it gives the album a loosely
ALL KINDS OF DISORDER
conceptual stance. For those that like their poetry
Nick Burbridge & Jon Sevink
to never be too clear as to their deeper meanings,
For years the folk music scene has been witness to to allow for personal introspection, this will serve
a close relationship between folk song and poetry, you well. The spoken word is delivered well,
from the many recitals heard uttered by Ashley sometimes subtly, other times very aggressively.
Hutchings in the Albion Band’s Christmas shows, It is rather dark material though, and the eerie
to Johnny Coppin’s collaboration with poet, musical background keeps things uneasy.
Laurie Lee, to Roddy Woomble’s more recent
Jon Sevink’s contribution is quite understated,
album, Ballads of the Book.
far from the frenetic ddling that has become his
All Kinds of Disorder, an album featuring trademark with Punk-Folkers, The Levellers. So
Nick Burbridge (of McDermott’s 2hrs ) and reserved is his playing at times that he’s sometimes
Jon Sevink (the ddler from The Levellers), is not noticeable. The album does feature two
continues the trend of blending Poetry with instrumental tracks, the opening Overture and
music, folk or otherwise, but it does take things the middle track, Reprise, which is essentially a
a step further, devoting almost its entire running reprise of the Overture. These are perhaps the two
time to spoken word against a musical backdrop. most melodic tracks on the album and provide a
There is a distinct emphasis on the words and moment for Sevink to shine.For good and bad,
the poetry, rather than the music, which serves this was a very different album to listen to and
only as a background to the spoken word. The one that would fall into the “like it or loathe it”
music, therefore, is about ambience rather than category. If you’re prepared to listen with an open
melody., and, like the album title suggests it is mind and a real appreciation for poetry then this
rather disordered, which is both tting and rather album is for you. If, not, there is probably little
awkward at the same time. that could sustain your interest.
People looking for a pure folk album of sorts are All that said, this album is a brave, if daring,
going to be sorely disappointed and techno dance experiment and in its own unusual way works
rhythms of the album’s fourth track, Oi! are very well, but at the expense of general audience
going to provoke a few cringes amongst certain appeal.
listeners. In fact there is little on the album that
Martyn Cornelius
can be perceived as particularly folk-orientated.
Listeners are sure to be divided between those Available from www.burbridgearts.com or from
who like the music but hate the poetry and vice The Leveller’s site, at www.levellers.com
versa. I would concur that if you don’t like or
THE PIGEON ON THE GATE
even appreciate poetry, you should really avoid
Melodeon Players from East Anglia
this album at all costs.
VTDC 11CD www.veteran.co.uk
I will probably nnot be alone in nding this
Earlier this year the publication of a tune book
album quite difcult to listen to, and it is one that
(When The Night Was Out) of traditional music
takes a long time to ease into the consciousness.
from East Anglia featured many of the musicians
Despite, an appreciation of poetry, I tend to listen
who can be heard on this double CD collection.
to the music before the lyrics, and this album
challenged this. The music didn’t interest me It’s probably not something you’d want to put on
enough, unfortunately, and didn’t help me listen for casual background music, with background
to the poetry either. Avant-garde, jazz, dance and noises off from pub recordings and several
folk provide much of the backing but sometimes snatches of popular melodies, like the title tune,
what is happening distracts from the speech.. with slightly different versions. It is, however,
an absolute goldmine of information to dip into,
The poetry, telling stories of life’s many
42
Come and join us .....
TAVISTOCK FOLK
DANCE CLUB
for an evening of folk dancing.
We meet on a Thursday evening at
ST PETERS SCHOOL Greenland Estate
8.00 pm - 10.00 pm (Not July & August)
Beginners welcome
Forthcoming events at Tavistock Town Hall
Saturday 21st March Frances Oates, Silver & Gold
Saturday 22nd November Ted Farmer, Bridgwater Band
to hear the authentic grass roots East Anglian This album is, I think, their best yet, with the
style, and to appreciate the various nuances that nautical theme offering a splendid variety of
different players give to their instrument and to largely less well known traditional songs, of
the tunes. Of the featured musicians, Oscar Woods which I especially enjoyed Little Fishes and The
and Percy Brown are rightfully given a generous Spirits of George’s Bank. Even The Blackbird
chunk of disc space, and, apart from Harry was a poignant minor-key variation on the almost
Cox, are the only ones whose names would be music hall sounding familiar version. The Bonny
generally familiar outside East Anglia. Harry De Sailor Laddie is another song where a real gem
Caux is the one box player I actually have heard of a tune hides behind an unremarkable title.
live, in Norfolk in the 70’s and as a musician with There’s ample light relief from the perils of the
Isca Morris in the 90’s. deep, transportation and unrequited love in The
Herring’s Head, and the medley of short songs.
With over 100 tracks, and 28 musicians it is Tom’s own compositions, Padstow Bar to Lundy
certainly excellent value - though you might have Light & Wreck of the Montagu are also particularly
to be patient to locate a particular item ! Highly pleasing, with strong local connections.
recommended for all you squeezers !
With unaccompanied pieces, two-part harmony,
Colin Andrews Tom’s own accomplished guitar, melodeon and
concertina accompaniment (also the harpelek
BEYOND THE QUAY whatever that may be !), and support from Keith
Tom & Barbara Brown WGS358CD Kendrick, the Askew sisters, etc. on various
Although they live just up the road at Combe instruments, this is a very well balanced album
Martin, it’s quite rarely that I hear Tom & Barbara that further enhances Tom & Barbara’s already
sing, and it often takes a CD such as this to remind strong reputation as ne singers of great songs.
me what accomplished performers they are. Colin Andrews
43
Reviews
The BEFORE THE RUIN
Drever, McCusker & Woomble
Mooncoin
Those reading this review will probably be
Ceilidh familiar with the names of Kris Drever and
Band John McCusker, two of the members of this new
Scottish folk trio, but maybe less so with Roddy
Woomble, so here is a brief history lesson.
South Devon based band playing Roddy Woomble is currently living two lives.
lively dance music with a In one he is the front man for Scottish rockers,
strong Irish flavour - Own Caller Idlewild, who have made 5 albums in their rst
Available for Weddings, 10 years. In the other he is an equally assured
Barn Dances Anniversaries, Confer- singer/songwriter in the folk genre, whose debut
ences etc. album, My Secret is my Silence, released in 2006,
was heralded with lauded praise from both music
consumers and critics alike. Featuring help from
such artistes as Kate Rusby, Karine Polwart, John
Demo CD available McCusker, Andy Cutting, Ian Carr, Dave Burland
To book the band please contact and Michael McGoldrick, the album was a huge
Anne & Steve Gill 01803 290427 success, rising to the top of the UK folk charts.
annemgill@tiscali.co.uk Roddy has also collaborated with Kate Rusby on
some of her songs, including No Names, and has
appeared on her album, The Girl Who Couldn’t
Fly, as well as being the instigator behind the
acclaimed album, Ballads of the Book, that
blended music of all kinds with poetry.
Totnes Before the Ruin is less a Roddy Woomble album,
however, than the debut album of Roddy’s new
Folk Song Club folk group, which sees him teamed up with John
2nd Thursday of the Month – 8.00pm McCusker and Kris Drever. The collaboration
works very well, each of them contributing to the
The Dartmouth Inn songs on the album with inuences that are clear
for all to hear.
The Plains, Totnes
th Much of Roddy’s rst album sounded not
11 Dec - Guest Night unlike one from Idlewild save for the folk
“Dalla” instrumentation and a little inuence from
th
8 Jan – Singers Night Karine Polwart and John McCusker. This one
12th Feb – Guest Night sounds quite different , which is good,, proving
that Woomble’s songwriting hasn’t become stuck
“Jim Moray” in a rut. The music uses Roddy’s lyrics in a way
12th March – Singers Night that is refreshing, mixing folk with some other
For more information phone musical inuences, which include a little jazz,
Anne & Steve Gill 01803 290427 thrown in for goods measure, along with leanings
Andy Clarke 01803 732312 toward a more traditional folk approach. The
Drever vocal-led The Poorest Company, one of
the album’s highlights, might have been dug up
from the disused repertoire of Dick Gaughan.
44
Before the Ruin is a little more stripped down than
My Secret is my Silence, though is not in any way
under-produced. Many of the songs are led by
FOOTLOOSE
the sound of Drever’s acoustic guitar, and much BARN DANCE BAND
of the album is quite gentle, the kind of music
that you could curl up to. Largely missing, save FOUR PIECE BAND
for the title track, is the electric guitar, That, in OWN CALLER
itself, creates for a slightly more pure folk record,
if such a thing exists. The stripped down sound Mike & Shelagh 01647 433464
allows for Woomble’s lyrics to penetrate and
become a prime focus. The blending of Woomble
Trevor 01769 520595
and Drever’s earthly rich vocals are a joy to hear
and the harmonies are simple, but pitch-perfect. SAILORS, DAUGHTERS , LADS AND
Though the focus of the album is on the new LOVERS PAL CD003
trio, it does feature help from an unusual band Michelle Holding & J.P. Slidewell
of collaborators ranging from Cappercaillie Although I don’t think JP Slidewell has appeared
keyboardist, Donald Shaw, Heidi Talbot (vocals), at any of the Devon folk clubs or festivals, I’ve
Teenage Fanclub members, Norman Blake given a favourable review to a previous solo
(vocals) and Francis MacDonald (drums / vocals) album in What’s Afoot. This new CD offers a
and Radiohead’s drummer, Phil Selway, and promising new dimension, however, with a duo
also Andy Cutting and Michael McGoldrick on whose talents complement each other very well,
accordion and utes/whistles. This makes the and who deserve recognition in the South-West
album sound more like the work of a group, rather far from their native Lancashire.
than a trio, and this helps to create a wonderfully
rich sound,that otherwise would have been lost. The album’s title is taken from four of the songs.
Opening with Dark Eyed Sailor, JP provides an
3 years ago it would seem that some would attractive guitar accompaiment to Michelle’s
have found the rock star in Roddy to be an measured, unaffected singing of this traditional
unwelcome intrusion in the folk world but all that song. Annan Water, The Female Drummer, and
is now forgotten. Roddy has effortlessly made the her own composition, Song for James, also
transformation and not many artistes can claim demonstrate the clear quality of her voice. JP
to achieve equal fortune in two distinctively has a powerful delivery well suited to ballads like
different musical genres, as he has done. Also the Reed Cutter’s Daughter and Little Musgrave,
impressive is how the Idlewild rock fan base [and though a gentler side can be seen in Ewan
that is huge!] have embraced Roddy’s solo career McCall’s Trafford Road Ballad. Their publicity
wholeheartedly, newly seduced by the sounds yer mentions sweet harmonies, and though
of folk music, a genre that many of them may there are some examples of the duo singing in
have previously assumed to be quite alienating harmony, the emphasis on this album is on solo
to them. voice, occasionally unaccompanied but usually
As for the future, it seems another folk super- with well thought out guitar backing.
trio may have been born and, this collaboration If the performance on the CD is anything to go
hopefully will not merely be a ash in the pan. by, I’d look forward to seeing them in a live
Certainly, with a tour already in progress, and performance. Certainly a duo to look out for.
another scheduled for early next year, it would
seem that they mean business. Colin Andrews
Martyn Cornelius
Further details : holdingslidewell@hotmail.com
For more information see their website phone 07984 743294, or Palatine Music 01617
www.drevermccuskerwoomble.com 935441
45
Reviews
DOWN ‘PON OLE DARTYMOOR
Fiery Clockface
Bill Murray & Friends Wren CD013
Fiddle & Melodeon etc.
Irish, English & more
I admit that I was a little worried when asked to Pubs, Concerts, Parties, etc.
review this CD since I thought it would be almost First Class Support Band
impossible to re-create the unique character of
Bill’s live performance. Wren, however, have Demo CD available
achieved the miracle with this double album of a
concert recorded live at the Church House, South Phone 01822 612281
Tawton in January 2008.
Though not a native of Dartmoor, Bill has DUSTY DIAMONDS
spent most of his life absorbing the songs and Martin & Shan Graebe WGS 359CD
traditions of the area. As one might expect, there
are familiar favourites such as Tavvystock Goozie When I reviewed Martin & Shan’s rst album,
Vair, Widecombe Fair, and Buttercup Joe, Bob ‘Parallel Strands’, I didn’t think it could be
Cann’s Craftsmen of the Moor, and a couple of bettered. It hasn’t, but ‘Dusty Diamonds’ is in
Jan Stewer (A.J. Coles) compositions. Bill’s other every way its equal !
songs, complete with his trade-mark idiosyncratic Martin is widely acclaimed as a ne songwriter
introductions, are gleaned from a wide range and as an authority on the Baring-Gould
of sources and also include some of his own collection, and it is from the latter that most of
material (The Farmer’s Alphabet, for example) the songs on this CD are sourced. With crystal
and adaptations (e.g. The Bondleigh Canal). The clear voices, beautifully blending harmonies,
sleeve notes, too, are very interesting. Martin & Shan are a delight to listen to, and
Of the 35 tracks, about one-third feature Bill’s appropriate instrumental & vocal support from
friends - a song from Jim Causley, instrumentals Keith Kendrick, Nick Wyke, Becki Driscoll and
from the Dartmoor Pixie Band, Mike Bond, Rob Sylvia Needham give added interest on many
Murch, Matt Norman, bones from Dave Alford, tracks.
and from blacksmith Dave Denford, singing With such a high standard overall, it’s almost
in rich Devon accent, The Mortal Unlucky Old unfair to single out particular tracks, but Adam
Chap and Seven Nights Drunk. As with any live the Poacher, with its haunting tune, the lovely
recording, there are a few ‘noises off’, the odd Setting of the Sun ( a version of Polly Vaughan),
false start or uffed words - and even a chaotic and, despite its morbid title, perhaps the best of
scene in Grandfather’s Clock from a dropped all, My Cofn Shall Be Black, The album title is
microphone - but it all goes to create a fantastic taken from Down In The Coal Mine, a cheerful
atmosphere. It’s almost like having the best of song collected by Sharp in Somerset - where the
Bill Murray’s evenings at the Devonshire Inn, last pit closed as late as 1973.
Sticklepath in one’s own front room. As one
often nds at the ‘Devvy’, Bill, Jason Rice and Two of Martin’s own songs are featured, one
Matt Norman demonstrate some Dartmoor Step about the Shropshire Union canal, and the other,
Dancing, accompanied by Mark Bazeley. My with a rollicking good chorus, The Great Galleon
only regret is that the album is sound only rather of Plymouth, a song with a fantasy theme similar
than a DVD to capture all visual entertainment ! to The Derby Ram or Martin Said To His Man.
An absolute ‘must-buy’ for Devon folkies - and it Once again the Graebes, together with WildGoose
ought to go down well with the grockles too! have come up with a gem from dusty archives!
Colin Andrews Colin Andrews
47
Reviews
LANDING PARTY
Teignmouth
Babelsh
This CD from the North Devon Band, Babelsh Folk Club
(or Marisco in another incarnation) was rst
released a couple of years ago, but, with their
presence at both Sidmouth and Bideford festivals
this year, they are becoming more widely
Last Thursday of every month
known. at
Babelsh are a lively ceilidh band with some
punchy original tunes from Lisa Sture on ddle, The Devon Arms Hotel
solid rhythm guitar from Chris Millington, and
imaginative work from John Hextall on sax,
Northumberland Place
clarinet & English bagpipes. Teighmouth
Babelsh are also an accomplished concert act, 8.00 pm
with powerfully delivered self-composed songs
from Chris, as well as traditional and contemporay For further details contact:
songs & tunes in which they use quite a range of Martyn Hillstead
other instruments between them. 01626 778071
I really enjoyed their concert spot in the Anchor martyngh@aol.com
Gardens at Sidmouth, and their ceilidh music.
However, while their CD certainly reects their
range of material and style in live performance for slower paced ballads and songs. Each one
somehow it doesn’t seem do them justice. Perhaps is a joy to listen to, but it does give the CD a
because they offer such a wide range of material, rather low-key feel overall, with little contrast.
it’s difcult to pigeon-hole or to recognise a clear This should not be regarded as a criticism, but
genre in the album overall. Generally, I preferred rather a caution to anyone who likes their folk
the instrumental tracks, and in particular the song with attitude.
French Reel & Gaspee Reel, in which the
bagpipes are very effective. It’s quite appropriate that Mary Humphreys has
worked with Jack on this album for they both
Colin Andrews come over as singers who genuinely have a feel
for their material and enjoyment in singing.
PRIDE OF THE SEASON When Fishes Fly , for example, features in both
Jack Crawford WGS 357CD their repertoires. Since Nic Jones made Annan
For traditional songs simply and sympathetically Water popular years ago, many singers have
delivered in a rich, clear, unaffected voice, one been attracted to it, and Jack treats it respectfully.
would have to rate Jack Crawford as one of The Slave’s Lament (words attributed to Roberts
the best, judging from his peformance on this Burns) stands out, with haunting words & tune.
CD. Normally he sings unaccompanied but he Jack hails from Derbyshire, where he is a resident
is joined on some tracks by his friends Mary at a folk club in Long Eaton. After many years of
Humphreys and Anahata, who provide vocal & Morris, as a fool & musician, he has refocussed
instrumental backing with melodeon, concertina, on his rst interest as a singer and researcher.
cello, and banjo. He is a member of the National Executive of
Don’t expect anything in the way of bawdy, jolly EFDSS.
chorus songs, for Jack clearly has a preference Colin Andrews
48
Reviews FOR SALE
NINE WITCH KNOTS Amplication Equipment
Rubus WildGoose & Accordions
This CD Consists of a collection of songs, mostly
traditional ballads, sung by Emily Portman, along
with musical accompaniment skilfully played. P.A. Systems for Hire
This compilation represents her own interpretation ideal for folkies
of songs, many of which she collected from a
variety of people, including Chris Coe, George
Withers and a host of traditional singers. She has
Portable Appliance Testing
also gone to a considerable amount of trouble to Make sure your kit is safe
check out source material wherever possible. Have your kit accepted at any venue
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It is most encouraging and pleasing to hear such
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a young singer present this kind of material so
well, when it is notoriously difcult to perform,
requiring a very special kind of maturity in Contact Andrew at
approach.
SOUNDS DIRECT
These songs are performed with feeling and 4, Sycamore Close, Honiton,
sensitivity, and Emily’s voice has a simple clarity,
and an almost ethereal resonance, which brings
Devon, EX14 2XP
them to life without a word being lost. The Tel. 01404 46451
accompaniment, played with skill and sensitivity andrew.mycroft@btinternet.com
by David Newey on guitar, Christi Andropulous
on ddle and viola and Will Scrimshaw on drums,
adds considerably to the appeal of these songs. LAUNCESTON
I particularly like her rendition of Golden Ball”, FOLK DANCE CLUB
a variation of Prickle Eye Bush, in which the
aforementioned bush is replaced by a Linden Tree Tuesday Club Nights
and the heroine’s saviour is her grandmother! (not July & August)
In addition to the ballads, there are other old 8.00 - 10.00 pm
favourites, such as The Watchet Sailor and She’s St Johns Ambulance Hall
Like a Swallow.
For my own part, I would encourage the listener Launceston Town Hall
to enjoy the CD in small doses rather than all in Dances
one go, as many of the songs are very similar in 8.00 - 11.30 pm
style. Perhaps a little more variety in the type of 25th Apr. Sarah Bazeley & The Pixie Band
song may have enhanced the overall appeal. 14th Nov. Ivan Aitken, Silver & Gold
That said, the CD is an excellent collection of Caller’s Swap
traditional material, beautifully sung and ably Saturday 28th February
assisted by ne accompaniment. Eagle House Hotel
10.30 am - 1.00 pm & 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm
John Blackburn.
For further information ring
Mr. Ron Bright, Hon. Secretary
01579 362423
49
Morris Matters
BORDERLINE MORRIS REPORTS ...
We have completed our rst dance season and
have been received well by all and the rst AGM
was completed with no major changes. Our kit
using the Devon colours has proved distinctive
and aroused interest at festivals and when
dancing out. We have made contact with other
sides, most notably the ‘other’ Borderline based
in Oxfordshire. We are now practising hard to
develop new dances for next season and making
changes to the existing repertoire. As always we
are looking for new members to dance and play. Caption competition - entries to Editor by next
copy date. Prize: one year What’s Afoot free !
RING MEETINGS IN DEVON (Large copy of photo can be emailed on request)
The meeting organised by the Dartington Morris
details please let What’s Afoot Editor know !
Men at Totnes at the beginning of September was
widely acclaimed to have been one of the best
CHALLENGE
ever. Despite torrential rain elsewhere, the sun
Many years ago Exeter Morris Men set a record by
shone on the Morrismen ! Exeter Morris Men
dancing at 90 pubs in one evening to raise money
will be hosting a Ring Meeting at Topsham from
for Children in Need. It’s not been challenged,
24th - 26th July 2009.
yet. Or what about a combined effort to dance at
as many pubs in the County as possible during a
UPDATES
12 hour period?
If your club has changed bagman or contact
December 11th Aileen Wills, Pete Mac Band (b&s supper)
January 8th Jane Thomas, Stick The Fiddle (
January 22nd Roger Quartly, Petronella (Scottish evening)
February 12th Ted Farmer, Andrew & June Mycroft
February 26th Jane Thomas, Friendly Folk
March 12th Ryan Roberts, Squeezum
March 26th Ted Farmer, Jigs for Gigs
Members £2.00, Non-members £2.50
Contact Mary Marker 01626 854141
50
EVENTS 2008
1st – 5th - December - December Dancing Week
th th
30 November – 5 December - Violin Bow Making Course
7th DECEMBER
Christmas Craft Fayre
14th DECEMBER
Carvery - Harp Concert - Carol Concert
23rd – 27th December Christmas at Halsway
29th Dec- 2nd January New Year House Party
EVENTS 2009
2nd -4th January Wassail House Party
5th – 9th January Mid Winter Traditions
16th -19th January Scottish Weekend
6th – 8th February Historic Dance Taster
20th – 22nd February Yetties Weekend
6th – 9th March Northumbrian Pipers
27th – 29th March Halsway Playford Style
Weekend
For more information or to request a brochure:
Tel 01984 618274
E-mail office@halswaymanor.org.uk www.halswaymanor.org.uk
Halsway Manor Society Ltd
Halsway Manor, Crowcombe, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4BD
Company Registered No: 849615 – Charity No: 247230
