FolkWorkshops October Newsletter

It has been a busy month here in the hills and there are a lot of events coming up you should know about. You might also like to know what has been happening in this busy month.

But first, many thanks to those of you who have said how much you appreciate this e-Newsletter. Sometimes when we get asked what is going on or a disappointed individual has missed an event, we begin to wonder whether the attachment ever gets clicked. Many thanks also go to all those music shops we have visited. This month they include Hobgoblin Music in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music in Birmingham, Trefor Davies Music in Leominster and Marcus Music at Tredegar House. These are all excellent sources of instruments and advice, and what is more, they are welcoming places where you can buy in confidence. Marcus Music specialises in drums and makes a range of concertinas as well restoring and repairing instruments. If you are visiting the National Trust’s Tredegar House their workshop is in the row of shops near the ticket office.

Thanks also go to Sam Simmons, the editor of Folk Life, who has asked us to be correspondents for South West Herefordshire. Previously known as Folk Life West this re-launched publication is acquiring a wide circulation which currently covers the North West, Wales, the Midlands and the South West as far as the Scilly Isles. If you have any folk news please e-mail us.
Best wishes,
John and Jane Baxter


Past Events

On Thursday 6th September we went to our first session with the Black Hill Tune Club organised by Judy Mabe. Three flutes, a mandolin, guitar, banjo, a barum and wooden spoons combined to make a wonderful sound in a garden with a fine view of the Black Hill itself. Many thanks to Rhiannon for her hospitality and those who helped with the lunch. Subsequent sessions will be held at the Crown Inn, Longtown. For details of what instruments are played and the levels of ability please get in touch.
The following Sunday, singers from Black Hill Folk attended the St. Margaret’s Church, Family Harvest Festival, to sing the Guist Ploughman. With  singing from the Children’s Choir and a good mixture of Harvest hymns from the congregation, a very musical morning was  enjoyed by all.
We have also had two really good Folk Music Evenings at the Crown, Longtown, ( 3rd Tuesday of the month), the one on the 18th being attended by 21 singers and musicians. In a new departure several of us met up for a meal before the music started. By the time the first order was served there were nine of us dining together. It was agreed we would try to make this a regular option, possibly with a Folk Night Special being added for ordering in advance. More details will follow before our next session on October 16th.

We also had a different sort of Folk Music Evening at Newton Church Room on Tuesday September 11th. The evening started with the shock of the smoke alarm going off. Since there was no smoke to bring this about suspicion fell upon Bob’s Melodeon. Whatever the cause, tables had to be used to gain access to the stop button. With the result that to late comers it looked as though a meeting was being held. ‘Looks like a séance’, one was heard to remark. The tables did prove useful however since lyric sheets could be spread out and the appearance of the book, ‘101 Folk Songs for Buskers’ triggered an evening of singing down memory lane and generally ‘Goofing Around’. A most enjoyable evening was the verdict.

Finally, a small number attended the Black Hill Folk singing practice the following Tuesday at the same venue. Bob led the session very effectively by returning to our regular repertoire for general improvement in unison singing. Starting together and keeping time were emphasised and notes were taken so that all those attending next time will know where we have got to. For details of Black Hill Folk sessions ring John Biggs on 01981510629

Other Events: several supporters took part in the Craswall Fringe concert at Craswall Church where folk song was well represented among a variety of acts.
 Judy Mabe took part in the singing Flash Mob for hEnergy in High Town, Hereford on 22nd  September when 128 people gathered outside the Butter Market to entertain a large crowd with their harmony singing.
 Finally, Judy and Bob attended the music workshop at the Globe, Hay-on-Wye on Saturday 29th. A report will appear next month.


Future Events
Abergavenny Scottish Country Dancers Wednesday Evenings 7.30 - 9.15 started on 19th Sept. For details ring 01873 850847
Saturday 6th October THE VILLAGE QUIRE  will be performing their programme High Days And Holidays On the Welsh Marches with reader Phil Smith  7.30 p.m.  at  ST JAMES' CHURCH,  LLANGUA (just on the Welsh side of the Monnow Bridge near Pontrilas). Tickets  £10.00, to include a glass of wine during the interval. Further details and tickets from Eric Locke, 01981 241084. For full details of this and other Village Quire events visit http://www.villagequire.org.uk/gigs.php

Monday 8th October: ‘House Concert Abergavenny’. starting at around 7.30 pm.
Saskia Tomkins and Brandon Scott Besharah (www.2ish.net) are on tour. They play a range of instruments which include violin, nyckelharpa, guitar and hurdy gurdy and one description of their music is “heavy wood”.
If you are new to the idea of a house concert, it is a social evening where the focus is a concert.  People come prepared to make a “donation” (all proceeds will go to the performers) of around £10.00 per each. You can put in more or less per head as you choose as this isn’t as formal ‘proper’ concert and we’ll provide the space, a range of chairs and some light refreshments (to include a glass of wine or soft drinks).  Saskia and Brandon will no doubt have some CDs for sale.

Saturday 13th October: The Lock in Dance Show in Brecon, Theatr Brycheinioga, Brecon.
Billed as English Folk’s answer to Riverdance this show is coming to Brecon early in its long National Tour so now is your opportunity to see where modern folk dance is going. For tour dates click  http://www.thelockindanceshow.co.uk/tour-dates

October 16th: Folk at the Crown Inn, Longtown. Starts from 8pm onwards but why not come early for a meal. Look out for the Folk Night Special from the Specials Board. Details to follow.

Saturday 20th October at 7.30 pm: Rapsquillian: A concert at St Margaret's Church in aid of church funds. Featuring this well known Shropshire based folk singing group performing songs from many lands, some with a harvest theme. They have had a busy summer on the festival circuit and we are fortunate to have them with us on this date. Tickets: £8

During the afternoon before the concert they will be holding a SINGING WORKSHOP from 2.30 pm in the School Room at Upper Maescoed Methodist Chapel which will be open to all. Tickets: £3
If you intend staying on after the Workshop to attend the Concert at 7.30 there will be a light supper available. There will be no charge but a donation would be much appreciated.
Please ring  01981 510629 to reserve tickets, book supper or for further details.

Tuesday 23 October, 7.30pm: Maddy Prior, Giles Lewin and Hannah James A  grouping which in its pedigree includes Steeleye Span, The Carnival Band, After Hours, Kerfuffle, Demon Barbers and Hannah James and Sam Sweeney.  A folk song and music evening with clogs on!  £16 / £15 www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk  Box Office 01584 878141

Wanted and For Sale: e-mail us, and we’ll put you in touch

Wanted: Affordable Hard Case for a student’s dreadnought acoustic guitar

For Sale: Old, fully restored 4/4 violin complete with a new bow and hard case. Available for inspection in Longtown

For sale: unpadded guitar bag suitable for up to dreadnought size. £8.  It keeps the dust off!  Likewise a 5 String Banjo bag, £5.