tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-615101837670315132024-03-13T21:23:19.395-07:00Tales from under Black HillViews from the hills of urban life and the relationship with the countryside while sounding off about politics and the obstacles in the line of living.
Also containing FolkWorkshop newsletters and other articles about folk music under tag "FolkWorkshops".Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-58449211103963500752012-12-07T05:25:00.001-08:002012-12-07T06:41:29.796-08:00FolkWorkshops at the Crown<em>‘We get together to sing folk songs and play instruments in a tolerant and relaxed atmosphere of mutual encouragement and support’.</em><br />
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<b>Christmas at The Crown Inn, Longtown, Herefordshire,Tuesday 18th December 2012</b><br />
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With various troubadours, and supporters of Black Hill Folk, Black Hill Tune Club and the Black Mountain Blues Workshop in attendance.<br />
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Dining from 6pm with Music and Singing starting from approx 8pm.<br />
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This month’s Folk Night Special will be Turkey and Vegetable Pie at £7.95 for those wishing to limber up for the Festive Season. With all other Main Menu items, Specials and Vegetarian options to choose from you should not go hungry.<br />
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You can ring in your order in advance by ringing 01873 860217 or visit <a href="http://www.crowninnlongtown.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.crowninnlongtown.co.uk</a><br />
Fine Real Ales also in attendance.<br />
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All singers, musicians and listeners, especially newcomers, welcome, as they should be, during this Season of Goodwill. Brush up that Christmas Party Piece but all styles and songs as welcome as ever.<br />
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How about this for a genuine unsolicited comment: <br />
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<em><strong>‘This is one of the most relaxed and enjoyable pub folk venues I have been to for a long time’</strong></em></div>
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Collection in aid of CrisisDacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-80117049289850402732012-11-25T08:19:00.000-08:002012-12-07T06:40:10.698-08:00FolkWorkshops Christmas Newsletter 2012<b><i>We get together to sing folk songs & play instruments in a tolerant & relaxed atmosphere of mutual encouragement and support.</i></b><br />
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As the Olympic Summer fades it would be rather good if someone remembered one element in the opening tableau. Did we really see some country dancing and Morris Men? Is this a sort of recognition of an old English Tradition? Why is it that the English are so embarrassed by their ju own heritage? The Scots, Irish and Welsh don’t seem to have these hang ups. Sadly, we suspect that the patronising attitudes towards our folklore will continue, not withstanding that many of England’s composers drew heavily upon this heritage and would no doubt be just as puzzled as we are. It seems that the new age of the petrol head, loud mouthed crass critique of tradition is more likely to be favoured and the BBC has not done itself any credit by shutting down local folk music programmes or ‘modernising’ Mike Harding’s programme by giving him the sack. They didn’t even offer a period during which he ‘stepped aside’. This is why we think that listener supported radio like Folk RadioUK is a welcome development. Whilst grants are all very nice the folk community has in the main not only survived but has thrived on self help and long may it continue to do so. It may have to.<br />
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Having been thinking about ‘folk heritage’ for a while it was a great pleasure to be invited by Mike Newell to join the <b>Village Quire</b> guest list as they took part in the centenary celebration of the publication of The Folk-lore of Herefordshire by Ella Mary Leather. Having been a friend of both Ralph Vaughan Williams and Cecil Sharp her book is part of the literature right at the beginning of the preservation and revival of English folk music and dance which eventually saw the founding of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, the building of Cecil Sharpe House and the creation of the Ralph Vaughan Williams Memorial Library. Our job was to try and record the events as part of our local and folk music history.<br />
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So, the 10th of November saw us following Leominster Morris and Foxwhelp Morris along the narrow roads between Weobley, Dilwyn and Leominster marking the day with dances outside Ella’s house in Weobley, the New Inn at Pembridge and at the Cross Inn at Eardisland. A Grand Morris and Ceilidh followed at Dilwyn Village Hall in the evening. A full account for the record will appear on Tales from Under Black Hill in due course. Our thanks go to all those who made the day such a great success, especially Tony Handy of Leominster Morris http://www.leominstermorris.co.uk/ who organised the event, and folklorist Roy Palmer who read extracts from the book between songs from the Village Quire. The latter performing some new pieces in yet another brilliant performance. If all this were not enough, Hop Pickers Feast punctuated the evening with pieces from their wide and interesting repertoire and then, just as we thought the day was over, the announcement was made, ‘And now it’s Ceilidh time’!<br />
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While preparing this Newsletter we realised that it was in November three years ago, prompted by our daughter Mary that we advertised and held our first Folk Workshop at Newton Church Room. The founding participants at that evening have gradually been joined by many new friends to make the folk music community which has developed. Here is a blog recording the event: <a href="http://blackhilltales.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/folk-music-workshop-in-hills.html">Folk music workshop in hills</a><br />
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And finally <b>Hobgoblin Music</b> has circulated the following note marking a great success for common sense:<br />
‘Many of you will be aware of the campaign against the music licensing elements of the 2003 Licensing Act, which made it illegal for venues to host any form of live music without a license. This replaced the previous '3 in a bar' rule, which wasn't much better.<br />
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This week saw a fantastic development in music licensing law, as it became legal for live unamplified music to be played in any location (without a license), and for amplified music to be played in unlicensed venues with a capacity of 200 or less.<br />
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We are very optimistic that this will help to reverse the trend of folk clubs and sessions being closed down by zealous local authorities, as has been happening for many, many years’<br />
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With such a good piece of news all that remains to be said is to thank John and Bridget for hosting Black Hill Folk and Sheila and all her staff at the Crown Inn Longtown for continuing to make us so welcome, and to wish all supporters a Happy and Musical Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. <br />
John and Jane Baxter<br />
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With so much dancing we were rather pleased to see this in our EFDSS magazine:<br />
‘<i><b>Dancing’, he said, ‘is most strengthening, livening, and courting movement, ‘specially with a little beverage added’!</b></i><br />
Mr Spinks at the Tranters Christmas Party, Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy (1872)<br />
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<b>Past Events:</b> There has been quite a lot going on. We are happy to report that the <b>Rapsqillian </b>Workshop and Concert at St. Margaret’s Church was a great success. It was very heartening to see some new faces at both events. <br />
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We were greatly entertained by the <b>Village Choir </b>when we saw them perform their programme High Days and Holidays on the Welsh Marches with reader Phil Smith at the unspoilt church of St.James at Llangua back on 6th October. Having seen the first performance of this programme back in April 20011 ( see <a href="http://blackhilltales.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/review-village-quire-high-days-and.html">Village Quire High Days</a> for a review) this was our third hearing and was delivered with the usual high standards under the direction of Dave Newell. If you haven’t seen them see their Christmas schedule below.<br />
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FolkWorkshops supporters put a great deal of effort into making the Evening of Remembrance at St. Margaret’s Church on Saturday 10th a moving experience for all attending this unique mixture of poetry, folk song, and meditations. We have had three really good Folk Nights at the Crown Inn sessions with good attendances for the pre-session meal and a variety of singers and players making it an entertaining evening. We had 30 people at the session on the 20th November and again it was great to see so many new faces. See below for next month’s details. <br />
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<b>Black Hill Folk</b> continue their weekly practices. Having performed at both of the events at St. Margaret’s Church they are currently rehearsing pieces from their Christmas and Wassail repertoire in readiness for the weeks ahead. For more details ring John Biggs 01981 510629.<br />
<b>Black Hill Tune Club</b>: Judy Mabe reports s that seven musicians gathered at the Crown Inn, Longtown in the afternoon on Thursday 8th November. ‘This month we were developing harmonies within some of our existing tunes and working on some arrangements. We made a pretty good sound’, a view confirmed by Sheila, the landlady, who was doing her book work somewhere nearby.<br />
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<b>Future Events</b>: With things getting a bit busy just at the moment we thought a Christmas Newsletter might be a good option. If there is something which you think should be drawn to the attention of FolkWorkshops supporters please e-mail us. If there is an important event that has gone unnoticed we can always put out a brief e-mail message.<br />
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<b>Black Hill Folk</b>: next practice Tuesday 27th November at 800pm. <br />
For details ring John Biggs 01981 510629<br />
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<b>Black Mountain Blues:</b> Wednesday 12th December <br />
This is the latest spin-off from 'Folkworkshops.' Last Wednesday saw a gathering of nine for 'Blues Workshop No1' . The event was kindly hosted by Bob Burson in Longtown. Participants shared their early experiences of blues music and talked about how they hoped to develop their playing and vocal skills through the workshop model. This was followed by some guitar, bass, and harmonica jamming, and some vocals, based mostly on simple 12 bar blues patterns. The verdict? Ok, plenty of work to be done but it was a lot of fun. More telling is that a date was set for 'Blues Workshop No2.<br />
This will take place at Peterchurch Fire Station on Wednesday 12th December from 2pm -4pm. There is an outline plan for the group to meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month thereafter.<br />
Players and vocalists of all abilities are welcome. If you are interested in playing blues music but can't make the workshops we can put you in touch with others who also meet outside the workshop setting.<br />
For more information please contact Alan McCardle 01981 510510.<br />
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<b>Folk Nights at the Crown Inn</b>, Longtown, Tuesday 18th December: This is the time of year when a night out singing is so much more attractive than late night shopping, so venture out and sing and join us for our last session of 2012. While you are about it why not join the growing number of us who like to have a meal before the music starts? We aim to get the music started just after 8pm. You can ring in your order in advance by ringing 01873 860217 visit <a href="http://www.crowninnlongtown.co.uk/">www.crowninnlongtown.co.uk</a>.<br />
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<strong>Harpsongs</strong>: Phil Tipton, who is a loyal supporter of our sessions at the Crown, reports that at the session on 17th November the future of Harpsongs was discussed. There had been a very low turnout in the previous month and, as they had been running the sessions for 2 years, Phil thought it was time to take stock. Various ideas were put forward and adopted. We are very pleased to confirm that Harpsongs will continue as usual on every 3rd Saturday at 8.30pm but with various adjustments. So, like us, you will have to get along there to see what they are. Don’t forget to offer a car share if you can.<br />
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<b>Black Hill Tune Club</b> meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Crown Inn, Longtown at 2 pm and the next one (the 6th meeting) is on 6th December. Judy writes, ‘As we didn’t play any new tunes last month someone is bringing a new Welsh tune for us to learn. If anyone wants to have some idea what tunes we have been playing together, I’m happy to send them our Tune list. <br />
I am in touch with another Tune Club in Ledbury and they are holding a Workshop led by John Kirkpatrick. He is very keen to help promote folk music workshops, and as long as they can attract about 20 people the ticket price should be quite modest. The possible dates being considered are March 2nd or 9th. If you are interested in this event or in Black Hill Tune Club please contact us.<br />
<b>Christmas Concerts with the Village Quire and actor Phil Smith</b><br />
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‘Imagine a Christmas before the inflatable plastic Santa was invented; before the flashing, LED-illuminated Rudolph and the fibre-optic Christmas tree. Imagine a time of fable, folklore and time-honoured custom, when stories were told by candlelight and, by the glow of the blazing Yuletide brand, those gathered in hearthside’s ease could sing a good old tune in four-part harmony, fine and full. <br />
This Christmas The Village Quire and actor Phil Smith bring you songs and stories of mumming and wassailing, of misrule and mirth; rousing West Gallery anthems and intimate festive miniatures to melt your heart – an older Christmas, more stark, more true, glimpsed in the glimmering light of candle flames’<br />
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<b>On Saturday 1st Decembe</b>r we return to bring our Village Christmas to All Saints’ Church, Cwmbach, Glasbury. This year’s show will have lots of new mid-winter songs and stories to melt your heart, plus a good smattering of real, old Village Quire favourites. If you have never seen A Village Christmas before, then you are in for a treat; if you have, then we still hope to surprise and delight you. All will be atmospheric and candlelit and rich with the aroma of Tony and LizAnn’s excellent mulled wine – a great way to get you in the mood for the festive season! Full details are below and we look forward to seeing you there. Don’t forget to buy your tickets early as this annual concert is very popular and seating is limited. Full details: Saturday 1st December, 7.30 pm at All Saints’ Church, Glasbury (Radnor). Tickets £7 (£5 under 18s) to include mulled wine & mince pies, from Tony & LizAnn Laurie-Chiswell 01874 754308. <br />
All proceeds to All Saints’ Church. <br />
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And if you can't make the 1st December then you've not missed us.<b> </b><br />
<b>Our full list of December dates are as follows: </b><br />
14/12/12 Llanbedr Village Hall, 7.30 pm - tickets from 01873 810436<br />
15/12/12 Glanfa Stage, Wales Millennium Centre (Glanfa Stage 6.15 - 7..15 pm (FREE performance)<br />
22/12/12 Shammick Acoustic (folk club), Pack O' Cards, Combe Martin, Devon, 8 pm - tickets from 01271 882366 (well, you might be on holiday in Devon!)<br />
23/12/12 The Globe, Hay on Wye, 7.30 pm - tickets from 01497 821762: The Holly Bears The Crown: by Candlelight Tickets £6/£7/£8 – 01497 821762 www.globeathay.co.uk <br />
FULL DETAILS OF THESE CONCERTS ARE ON OUR WEBSITE <a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/">www.villagequire.org.uk</a> or telephone 01497 847676<br />
<b>Vital Spark at Clodock Church: Friday 28th December</b> at 7 pm. Entrance free with hot punch and mince pies afterwards. However, there will be a retiring collection. Vital Spark is a large group of singers from Malvern who sing West Gallery music and have been coming to Clodock for some years to sing in the magnificent West Gallery. This is an excellent opportunity to hear old English Carol’s by candlelight as they would have been sung before the style was replaced due to changes in fashion, and, it must be admitted, the over- fondness by some choirs for long practice sessions in the pub. You can find an article on West Gallery singing on the blog by clicking: <a href="http://blackhilltales.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/folk-music-harmony-singing-and-west.html">Folk music harmony singing and west</a><br />
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<b>Miscellaneous</b><br />
18th December, The King and Queen, Public House, London: Bob Dylan’s Tour,50 Years On: In December 1962 Bob Dylan was in London filming Madhouse on Castle Street for the BBC ( since wiped, the film, not the Beeb) and on 18th December he started a month long tour of London folk clubs. To mark this event Tim Chipping has organised an evening at one of the pubs he visited 50 years ago. Wizz Jones will be among the guests. We have it on good authority that when Bob got to the Troubadour in Earls Court he had to pay to get in as he was not a booked guest.<br />
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<b>Nearby upcoming Festivals to not</b>e: Gloucester Cajun,25-27th January, Cheltenham 8th-10th Feb: Nic Jones has been booked: Porthcawl Interceltic Festival 1st-3rd March. <br />
Clog Dancing Course in Lancashire: We thought you might like to plan something to look forward to in February should your head not have cleared. Take a look at this if you would like some cheering up before you start the dreaded run up to Christmas. Well worth checking out the <a href="http://www.lancashirewallopers.co.uk/index.php?page=2" target="_blank">Lancashire Wallopers Dancing Horse</a><br />
<b>Sacred Harp Singing:</b> With the Church of England having replaced West Gallery singing and other older forms in the mid 19th century, it will come as no surprise that similar forms of singing survived in parts of the United States. So, yes you’ve got it, it is now coming back to us. Our London correspondent spotted this and thought it would be of interest. As the site observes: <br />
<em>‘This singing tradition preserved forms, devices and harmonic tastes that were swept away in Europe as classical choral and sacred music evolved. In that way, I suppose it is a paradox and an anachronism – “early music” from the New World.’</em> <br />
<a href="http://londonsacredharp.org/">http://londonsacredharp.org/</a><br />
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Don't Forget: <b>Pete Coe in Concert </b>16th March, 2013, Black Hill Tune Club and FolkWorkshops, in association with the Globe Hay on Wye present this veteran of the club and festival circuiet. <br />
Not to be messed. Tickets £10. More details later when you all need reminding again.Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-88662120959224582332012-10-04T12:37:00.003-07:002012-12-07T06:44:31.133-08:00FolkWorkshops October NewsletterIt 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
Best wishes,<br />
John and Jane Baxter<br />
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<b>Past Events</b><br />
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On <b>Thursday 6th September</b> 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. <br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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<br />
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<b>Other Events</b>: several supporters took part in the Craswall Fringe concert at Craswall Church where folk song was well represented among a variety of acts.<br />
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.<br />
Finally, Judy and Bob attended the music workshop at the Globe, Hay-on-Wye on Saturday 29th. A report will appear next month.<br />
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<b>Future Events</b><br />
Abergavenny Scottish Country Dancers Wednesday Evenings 7.30 - 9.15 started on 19th Sept. For details ring 01873 850847<br />
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://<a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/gigs.php">www.villagequire.org.uk/gigs.php</a> <br />
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<b>Monday 8th October</b>: ‘House Concert Abergavenny’. starting at around 7.30 pm. <br />
Saskia Tomkins and Brandon Scott Besharah (<a href="http://www.2ish.net/">www.2ish.net</a>) 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”.<br />
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. <br />
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<b>Saturday 13th October: </b>The Lock in Dance Show in Brecon, Theatr Brycheinioga, Brecon.<br />
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 <a href="http://www.thelockindanceshow.co.uk/tour-dates/#.UGXvzK62_q4">http://www.thelockindanceshow.co.uk/tour-dates</a> <br />
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<b>October 16th:</b> 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.<br />
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<b>Saturday 20th October</b> 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<br />
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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<br />
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.<br />
Please ring 01981 510629 to reserve tickets, book supper or for further details.<br />
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<b>Tuesday 23 October, </b>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 <a href="http://www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk/">www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk</a> Box Office 01584 878141<br />
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<b>Wanted and For Sale</b>: e-mail us, and we’ll put you in touch<br />
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Wanted: Affordable Hard Case for a student’s dreadnought acoustic guitar<br />
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For Sale: Old, fully restored 4/4 violin complete with a new bow and hard case. Available for inspection in Longtown<br />
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For sale: unpadded guitar bag suitable for up to dreadnought size. £8. It keeps the dust off! Likewise a 5 String Banjo bag, £5.<br />
<br />Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-35423024741784728552012-08-31T14:50:00.001-07:002012-12-07T06:47:22.565-08:00FolkWorkshops Early September NewsletterBeing born in the town or country doesn’t always mean your preference will remain with your birthplace. There are however a lot of people who don’t like the countryside at all or don’t want to stay there for long. Like medical emergencies often happening after 4 am, the urban itch usually kicks in after a predictable 18 months to two years. Many of our folk songs are about the countryside but many are now about every kind of place and person. You will see where this is going if you have a look at this: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/c37fyzh">http://tinyurl.com/c37fyzh</a> By the time you read this nonsense we should have written and performed our first draft of a song based on this story.<br />
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That said, whether town or country, not enough people get out and do things together as part of a community. Are we losing the knack of living together in a community? Judging by some of the dormitory villages we seem to have acquired in recent years that could be happening. Surely TV isn’t that good to keep you away from a good pub, choir, WI, or other communal activity? Sadly it often is, especially when some people will have spent up to 4 hours a day commuting to Cardiff, Swansea, or Worcester. Not mention the demands on those who work locally and especially during lambing, hay making and harvest times. The chance to get out for an evening would be a luxury. So, whether you live in a town or the country, we all need to get out more. Provided we can drive or can get a lift our rural location doesn’t stop us getting to all sorts of folk events of the sort listed below. <br />
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John and Jane <br />
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PS: this newsletter has taken so long to prepare it is going out now! Look out for the low flying typos.<br />
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<b>Events</b>: <br />
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<b><br />Jim Neale tells us of a Food and Craft Fair at Broome Farm</b>: on Sunday 2nd September, starts at 10.00am Free Entry Take the A49 towards Ross-on-Wye . Enter the village of Peterstow; the first LEFT turn (immediate) is to Peterstow Church; the second Left Turn (30 metres) is to Broome Farm. Down the lane for 200m and turn Right into the Farm...Stewards on duty. The Food and Craft fair A Swing Band plays mid morning. Fiddle Guitar and Double Bass.It was brilliant in previous years. <br />
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<b>Singing Lessons in Garway</b><br />
Individual tuition with experienced teacher<br />
All ages and levels of ability welcome<br />
Piano lessons (to Grade 3) and music theory (to Grade 5) also offered<br />
For further information, or to arrange a no-obligation introductory lesson, contact: Jane Bovell, BA(Hons), Dip ABRSM Tel: 01600 750700 Mob: 07904 530641<br />
<b><br />Folk Evenings at the Crown Inn, Longtown</b>: 3rd Tuesday of the month from 8.pm. All singers and musicians will be made very welcome at this sing around session. The next meet is Tuesday 18th September. <br />
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<b>Harp Songs: Harp Inn, Glasbury</b> 3rd Saturday of the Month: Next meeting 15th September:with a good contact through Phill Tipton and his visits to the Crown Inn Longtown every 3rd Tuesday, there are regular visits from this side of the boarder. Their Basque Musicians Evening achieved full house. All those who were there said it was a great evening and were brilliant. Four of us went this last Saturday and had a very pleasant evening with a few other singers just dropping in for the first time. An excellent landlord and good lighting.<br />
Many thanks to Phil for making contact with us for the sessions at the Crown Inn. He always has new and interesting songs and his methods of getting to Longtown have gained everyone’s respect. He has also kindly passed on all the details of this FolkWorkshops Newletter, our Blogs and our <a href="https://twitter.com/FolkWorkshops">@FolkWorkshops</a> twitter feed on his own e-circular for Harp Songs regulars.<br />
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<b>Rapsqillian:</b> publicity has now been placed in several outlets and posters will soon be available. John Biggs writes, ‘On the evening of <b>SATURDAY OCTOBER 20TH</b> we shall be holding a concert in St Margaret's Church which will feature the well known Shropshire based folk singing group, 'RAPSQUILLION'. Seven singers and instrumentalists will perform songs from many lands loosely based around the theme of harvest. They will have had a busy summer on the music festival circuit and we are indeed fortunate to have them with us on this date.<br />
All proceeds will go towards the proposed improvements to facilities at St Margaret's Church.<br />
During the afternoon before the concert they have agreed to hold a SINGING WORKSHOP in the School Room at Upper Maescoed Methodist Chapel which will be open to all.<br />
Further details of times and charges of both of these events will appear in the September FolkWorkshops Newsletter. If however you want to reserve tickets in advance please telephone 01981 510629 .<br />
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<b>Flash Mob for hEnergy High Town, Hereford 22nd September</b><br />
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Look out for a massive harmony singing flash mob for High Town on Saturday 22 Sep as part of a hEnergy event. There will be a free two hour workshop 10am to 12 mid day at the Shire Hall, led by Neil Pigott and Jess Ryan-Phillips, to teach a four part song which will then appear in High Town as a flash mob at 12.30 (just after the clock strikes!).<br />
While we would like to have members from local singing groups involved we also want it to be entirely open to anyone who fancies a go.<br />
Any ideas you have that could assist us in spreading the word would be welcome and please do come and join us in any case. We will be singing a very beautiful and powerful four part harmony piece reflecting the local environment and landscapes. Neil Pigott <br />
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<b>The Courtyard Hereford: Spiers and Boden,</b> 25th September at 8pm. It looks as though Nightjar has survived and is back for the winter, so check the publicity from the Courtyard.<br />
The Globe, Hay on Wye: 29th September There is going to be a Welsh Tune Workshop at the Globe Theatre in Hay on Saturday 29 September. (2 classes: Beginners and more advanced) The workshop will be in the afternoon and this will be followed by an ‘open’ evening session. Gary Northeast, melodeon player is probably going to run the beginners class; this is to be confirmed. This looks like it will be a big event for those learning an instrument within the range of instruments being catered for. More details later’<br />
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<b>Early Notice: PETE COE at the Globe, Hay on Wye Saturday 16th March 2013</b>: With a session after. More details later but keep this evening clear if you want to hear a true troubadour from the club and festival scene. This event is a joint promotion by Black Hill Tunes and FolkWorkshops in association with the Globe, Hay on Wye.<br />
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<b>Black Hill Folk</b>: continue to get together for group singing rehearsals and for the sessions at the Crown Inn, Longtown every 3rd Tuesday of the month. New singers always welcome. For details ring John Biggs on 01981510629<br />
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<b>The Black Hill Tune Club </b>meets on the first Thursday of the month. This is a fast growing group attracting several supporters wanting to develop their playing skills for playing instruments together. The next meeting will be at Rhiannon and Simon Taylor’s house near Longtown on Thursday 6, September at the earlier time of 11.30. (Light lunch provided £3. Wine £1.50) Subsequent Thursday meetings will be at The Crown, Longtown 2-4pm. For details of what instruments are played and the levels of ability.<br />
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<b>EFDSS</b>: Why not sign up for their e-Newsletter. Lots of interesting things going on this winter especially if you are planning a pre-Christmas trip to London. We have just received our quarterly magazine from HQ & there is so much going on it reinforces what has just been said about any plans you might have for venturing forth, whether locally or further afield.<br />
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<b>Halsway Manor:</b> A National Study Centre: check this place out on Google if you would like a weekend residential folk music course of some kind. Details are on the internet and we now follow each other on twitter.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/FolkWorkshops">@FolkWorkshops</a></b> For those who might have any interest, our twitter feed, has now reached over 100 followers. For those who don’t ‘get’ twitter a good deal of information is available to folk enthusiasts via this medium as an examination of our followers list will show. It is up to the subscriber what they want to use it for and how much they want from it.<br />
<br />Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-85908872342281789682012-08-07T09:47:00.000-07:002012-12-07T06:49:49.700-08:00FolkWorkshops August Newsletter<i>We get together to sing folk songs & play instruments in a tolerant & relaxed atmosphere of mutual encouragement and support. </i><br />
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<b>Stop Press: Earth Oven Building 8th to 10th of August at Trewern Outdoor Centre. </b><br />
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It has been a rather odd ‘summer’ both as to strange weather, never ending sporting and Jubilee events and various missing or flooded out Folk Festivals. We are now planning for autumn and beyond and thinking of what musical activities could be undertaken. As well as the usual sessions and practices it is hoped to organise some special events but individuals who have ideas for sessions should not be slow in coming forward. Prime movers always welcome.<br />
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As far as teaching yourself something musical the Internet provides incredible resources to those who want to develop their skills. A quick look at Amazon’s book holdings is a good example. We recently did searches for books on Learning to Sing, Learning to play Slide Guitar, and various other topics and were spoilt for choice. At least with the books on singing you already have your instrument! So if you have any musical ambitions now is the time to start planning what you want to do when the dark evenings return. In our household both the English Concertina and the Anglo Concertina are currently being learnt. We both fear that the slimness of each tutor book does not indicate ease of learning. Things are a bit noisy at times.<br />
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We are always interested to hear from others trying to learn a folk instrument or from those who teach an instrument or are singing teachers. We already have a small network of contacts with about 8 people learning. More details of those offering to teach would be most welcome. Should you be such a person please get in touch stating your terms and we will add you to our growing list of contacts.<br />
FolkWorkshops is a network of people who want to enjoy folk music in its various forms and the internet makes possible the achievement of its full potential. It is therefore very pleasing that our twitter feed, <a href="https://twitter.com/FolkWorkshops">@FolkWorkshops</a>, is approaching 100 followers, that the FolkWorkshops Mailing List continues to grow steadily and that regular visits to Folk Music blogs continue within an overall page viewing rate of over 500 last month. Submissions for publication are always welcome.<br />
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<i><b>So now is the time to make your autumn and winter plans. Here are some if the many activities which are currently on offer more locally</b></i>:<br />
<b><br />Folk Evenings at the Crown Inn, Longtown:</b> 3rd Tuesday of the month from 8.pm. All singers and musicians will be made very welcome at this sing around session. The next meet is Tuesday 21st August<br />
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<b>Folk Sessions at Newton Church Room and Upper Maes Coed Chapel Room: </b>Next session at Newton Church Room, Tuesday 14th August 8.00 p.m.<br />
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<b>Harp Songs at the Harp, </b>Glasbury on Wye, sing around sessions are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month. That means that this month it will be on Saturday 18th August, starting at about 8.30 p.m. All singers and instrumentalists welcome.<br />
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STOP PRESS: EXTRA HARP EVENT: SATURDAY 11th AUGUST Three young players from the Basque country will be performing their special brand of fiery music, with some interesting and unusual instruments on show. They were appearing at a small festival near Merthyr Tydfil a few weeks ago and had such a good time they came back. Phil says, ‘I've seen them twice now and been left breathless each time!’<br />
There will also be support from a group of Welsh musicians. Please bring a supporting donation.<br />
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<b>Black Hill Folk Singers</b>: Our next get together will be at the Folk Session Newton Church Room, Tuesday 14th August 8.00 p.m. All welcome.<br />
<b><br />Foxwhelp Morris</b> ended their summer tour round the pubs of Herefordshire by returning to their base at The Yew Tree, Preston on Wye, on Tuesday 24th. It was a most enjoyable evening in this traditional country pub made all the more enjoyable by some excellent well kept real ale and complimentary roasted potato and sausage snacks from the landlord. With many thanks to the landlord.<br />
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Regular practice evenings are held on Tuesday evenings in Moccas so the Yew Tree is almost their local. If you have any interest in taking up the activity or have an interest in Morris tunes check them out on Google.<br />
<b><br />The Black Hill Tune Club</b> meets on the first Thursday of the month. The next meeting will be at Rhiannon and Simon Taylor’s house near Longtown on Thursday 6, September at the earlier time of 11.30. (Light lunch provided £3. Wine £1.50) <br />
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Subsequent Thursday meetings will be at The Crown, Longtown 2-4pm. To get in touch leave your contact details in the Comments box. These will be passed on and not published.<br />
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<b>Clera Traditional Welsh Tune Workshops at The Globe Theatre, Hay on Wye</b><br />
£7.50 (Student £5, Family £12) <br />
Tutors: <br />
Donald Stewart plays guitar, banjo, mandolin and whistle. Class for less experienced players<br />
Bernard Kilbride, fiddle player. Class for more experienced melody players<br />
Further details on <a href="http://www.sesiwn.com/">www.sesiwn.com</a>; pleasetelephone 029 20628300 for a booking form<br />
£7.50 (Student £5 and Family £12) <br />
1.30pm Registration <br />
2.00pm - 4.30pm Workshops <br />
5.30pm - 6.30 Whole Group Session <br />
7.00pm Evening Session in the Globe Theatre main bar<br />
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<b><br />FOLK WORKSHOP CONCERT FOR ST MARGARET'S CHURCH and SINGING WORKSHOP to be given by RAPSQUILLIAN</b><br />
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On the evening of SATURDAY OCTOBER 20TH we shall be holding a concert in St Margaret's Church which will feature the well known Shropshire based folk singing group, 'RAPSQUILLION'. Seven singers and instrumentalists will perform songs from many lands loosely based around the theme of harvest. They will have had a busy summer on the music festival circuit and we are indeed fortunate to have them with us on this date.<br />
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All proceeds will go towards the proposed improvements to facilities at St Margaret's Church.<br />
During the afternoon before the concert they have agreed to hold a SINGING WORKSHOP in the School Room at Upper Maescoed Methodist Chapel which will be open to all.<br />
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Further details of times and charges of both of these events will appear in the September FolkWorkshops Newsletter. If however you want to reserve tickets in advance please leave contact details in Comments box.These will not be published.<br />
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Hope to see you at some of the above. In the meantime we hope to make a leisurely trip down south to do some folk music things.<br />
Hoping for an Indian summer,<br />
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John and Jane BaxterDacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-82051248743371540862012-06-22T13:43:00.002-07:002012-12-07T06:50:52.236-08:00STOP PRESS FOR 22nd/23rd June:Summer Solstice EventDear Supporters,<br />
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Stop Press<br />
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The Summer Solstice event is still going ahead but with a change of venue as it looks as though the weather has forgotten which season we are in. Please bring a donation towards the cost of hiring the hall and refreshments. There will be a lot of new faces from far and wide, weather permitting, including Anne Lister and many others.<br />
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John and Bridget at the Griggs have been following the weather all week and here is their conclusion:<br />
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‘It will probably come as no surprise when I tell you that, due to the appalling weather and arctic temperatures, we have decided to abandon the plan for a mid-summer barbeque in the garden tomorrow night, and have moved the venue for the evenings singing to the nearby School Room at Upper Maes Coed Chapel where our May Day evening was so successful.<br />
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In place of the b.b.q., we plan to make refreshments available throughout the evening, along with beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee, so any contributions of refreshments will be most welcome.<br />
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The Room will be open from 7.00 p.m. and we hope to get started by 7.30 p.m. as we have a lot of singers to fit in.<br />
This will be an evening to remember, See you there,<br />
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John and Bridget’<br />
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Our thanks go to John and Bridget for taking on the organisation of what will be a great evening. We also, will see you there!<br />
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John and Jane Baxter <br />
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DIRECTIONS: Leave the B4348 at Vowchurch at the turning signposted for Turnastone and Michaelchurch. This road climbs up out of the valley for approximately 3 miles to Upper Maescoed Chapel which is on your left on the second turning you come to after crossing a common on your right.<br />
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Please also see the above attachments regarding a Cajun Cruise on the River Severn on Sunday 8th July.<br />
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Also on 8th July there will be a A Service of Evening Prayer as Thomas Hardy would have known it. This will take place at 6.30pm at Clodock Church, just down the valley from Longtown. Vital Spark, a group of singers and musicians from Malvern who specialise in re-creating the West Gallery style of church music, will be taking the musical lead as part of a traditional service on Evening Prayer. Clodock Church has a particularly fine surviving West Gallery which makes this the ideal setting for the performance of a style of church music phased out during the 19th century. The church organ, congregational singing and the more formal polyphonic singing developed from pre-reformation traditions replaced the more rustic style of the West Gallery Choirs. This is a rare opportunity to hear this style of church singing as part of a church service and from an authentic West Gallery.Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-15396283565973512872012-05-14T13:13:00.004-07:002012-12-07T06:51:52.216-08:00FolkWorkshops May/ June Newsletter<br />
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<i>We get together to sing folk songs & play instruments in a tolerant & relaxed atmosphere of mutual encouragement and support. </i><br />
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<i><a href="http://blackhilltales.blogspot.com/search/label/FolkWorkshops">http://blackhilltales.blogspot.com/search/label/FolkWorkshops</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/folkworkshops" target="_blank">@FolkWorkshops</a></i><b> </b><br />
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<b>A word of explanation</b> is probably overdue for new readers of this e-Newsletter regarding what FolkWorkshops is about and what it is. The answer may seem rather unfocussed to some because it really can be all things to all people. If you want it to be no more than a way of keeping in touch with other folk music enthusiasts along the Welsh Marches and beyond, then that’s what it is. If you want it to be a way of getting a group of singers or musicians together for an informal session then it can be that as well. If you want to find a group of people with a particular musical interest then this could be the starting point for your search. We could go on but suffice it to say if you have an idea you want to develop you just might find some fellow spirits here. Or, you might like to come along to one of our Folk Club Nights or give group singing a go with Black Hill Folk. We have no membership, and no committee, but through our collective efforts we all have a musical future.<br />
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<b>Support Your Local Music Shops:</b> Living a good few miles from large towns the Internet with all its tempting content is a great resource for singers and musicians. However, we can’t help feeling guilty when buying on-line when local record shops and music shops are closing, so one or two of us try to share out our modest expenditures between net and neighbour, so to speak. We also avoid a long round trip of up to 30 miles, but, Hannah’s Music Shop in Abergavenny closed earlier this year, so we should not take the existence of specialist shops for granted. We do of course still have the excellent Davron Music in Abergavenny Market Hall every Tuesday and Saturday, and three music shops in Hereford.<br />
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Without local shops there would be no personal service and advice or trying or reading the goods before you buy. Having visited all the music and independent record shops in the area from time to time we are very lucky to have them. We are therefore very pleased to tell you one of them, Nilam Music, in Aubrey Street, Hereford (<a href="mailto:sales@nilammusic.co.uk" target="_blank">sales@nilammusic.co.uk</a>), now receives this e-Newsletter. Please let us know if you find any other music retailers or individuals who would like to be added to the list. All you have to do is ask & if they don’t like it we can easily take them off the list. <br />
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<b>Things Past:</b> We have had so many enjoyable evenings recently at the Crown Inn Longtown and at the church and chapel rooms in Newton and St. Margarets it is difficult to know where to start. To cut a long report short there were two highlights. Firstly the visit of Rapsquillian complete with a mini-workshop and a good bit of singing from them and from Black Hill Folk. Black Hill Folk learnt a lot from the evening and are now thinking of what’s next in their development. A return visit by Rapsquillian is being planned so watch this space.<br />
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The other highlight was <b>May Day</b>. John Biggs was a true FolkWorkshops hero and joined the intrepid Foxwhelp Morris at Arthur’s Stone on Dorstone Hill for what was rumoured to be a sunrise somewhere among the horizontal rain causing floods in the Golden Valley below. <br />
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By the evening a fine collection of folk had assembled at the Upper Maes Chapel Room in St.Margarets for a May Day Sing Around. Many thanks to all those who travelled from far and wide through some terrible driving conditions and who made the evening such a success. If we had a prizes for the longest travelled supporter the contestants would be Susie Stockton-Link from Builth, Sally Stamford from Almeley and Sue from Abergavenny. Perhaps we should set such a prize up for special occasions.<br />
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Many thanks to all for all the appreciative e-mails and messages on Facebook. As John Biggs commented, ‘We must be doing something right’. <br />
<b><br />Things Future: </b>The festival season is now well and truly under way. Should you need to keep up with all that is going on, Colin Mathews <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/folkorbit" target="_blank">@folkorbit</a> is an excellent source of information. In our own part of the world those wanting to develop their singing and have a bit of a change should investigate:<br />
<ul>
<li><b><i>Hereford Harmony Singing Camp</i></b> in Tenbury Wells on 15th to 18th June see <a href="http://www.hereforshireharmony.org.uk/">www.hereforshireharmony.org.uk</a> Adult ticket £110, Child £40, Non-camping £80 <i><b> </b></i></li>
<li><i><b>Rise Up Singing</b></i>, Dartmoor July 21st-29th: This covers a wide range of singing and covers all sorts of things from writing songs through to performance led by experienced teachers. Full details on <a href="http://www.riseupsinging.co.uk/">www.riseupsinging.co.uk</a></li>
</ul>
<b>Black Hill Folk: </b>singing practice continues regularly at the Griggs. Full details on 0191 510629. If weather allows practices will be in the garden. All at 8pm. Please bring a donation towards funds.<br />
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Singing Practices will be held on 26th June, 10th July, and 31st July. <br />
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<b>Folk Club Nights </b>at Newton Church Room and Upper Maes Coed Chapel Room: <br />
Please bring a donation towards funds/ hire of the hall.<br />
<ul>
<li>22nd June (Friday) <i><b>Summer Solstice Sing Around</b></i>, in the garden at The Griggs (Upper Maescoed Chapel Room if wet)</li>
<li>3rd July <b><i>Folk Club Night</i></b>, Newton Church Room. 8.pm</li>
<li>7th August <b><i>Folk Club Night</i></b>, Newton Church Room. 8 pm</li>
</ul>
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<b>Folk Nights at the Crown Inn</b>, Longtown: Every third Tuesday in the month: Next sessions 15th May, 19th June and 17th July. Starting at 8pm. NB, 24th June below<br />
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<b>Foxwhelp Morris at the Crown Inn</b>, Longtown: 24th July Starting at 7.30. See <a href="http://foxwhelpmorris.wordpress.com/dancing-out-2/">http://foxwhelpmorris.wordpress.com/dancing-out-2/</a> for a full list of fixtures. <br />
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<b>Things Instrumental:</b><br />
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<i><b>Lessons and Workshops:</b></i> Jim Neale is now available to give lessons in guitar, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass guitar. For more details ring him on his mobile 07909524171.<br />
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Please get in touch if you are able to offer singing or instrumental lessons.<br />
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<i><b>Folk Music Tune Club</b></i><br />
If you’d like to learn new tunes, improve your skills, and have fun playing music with others. Please come along to the new Tune Club on:<br />
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Thursday 31 May at 2 pm at Upper Maescoed Chapel Room, St.Margarets.<br />
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All abilities welcome. Cost £2 (to cover the cost of hiring the room)<br />
(MP3 files and sheet music for 3 simple Welsh tunes can be sent to you beforehand)<br />
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<i><b>Thinking of taking up a Folk Instrument (or starting again):</b></i><br />
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<b>Introductions to Folk Instruments: </b>We can arrange short introductions as to what is involved, where to buy and what problems are common with a particular instrument. We have several instruments available to try during the session. All ages welcome but juniors to bring a parent. The costs is £3 towards FolkWorkshops funds. These sessions can happen subject to mutual convenience and again might be something to do on a evening or afternoon.<br />
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<b>Jam Sessions?</b> Those of musicians who are interested in playing instruments together for a change and personal development, rather than conventional sing arounds or club singing, might be inspired by the Tune Club above to start some occasional instrumental sessions, whether folk, blues, or anything else. We seem to be gradually collecting a list of venues where you could get together and they need only be occasional to start with. We are already doing our bit in supporting two local halls and a pub, but there is always room for more types of event and venue. Prime mover needed.<br />
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<b>Country Dancing?</b> Anyone with the enthusiasm, knowledge is invited to make use of our network to get this started on occasional evenings during the winter. There is a convenient venue off the B4348 which might do for this or even a Ceilidh, although a supporting team would be need to get this organised. Prime mover needed.<br />
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<b>Got something to say?</b> Why not write something for our blog. A short series on Memories of Pubs before the ‘Improvements’ is being prepared so if you have a story about such places and venues send an e-mail to us with it attached. A folk music connection is not essential as many of these old houses have already passed into the folk memory. All submissions welcome.<br />
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<b>Got an event you would like mentioned? </b>This came to us from Cas of the brilliant Gigs Guide. See attachment above. Anyone feel like doing one for this side of the Border, or is there one already and we have missed it?<br />
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<b>Harp Songs HARPSONGS</b><br />
Join us for a regular informal singaround at The Harp Inn, Glasbury near Hay on Wye<br />
3rd Saturday each month at 8.30 p.m. Admission free. Bring your own songs, join in or just listen. Acoustic instruments welcome.<br />
<br />Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-60789448425178580832012-04-15T07:23:00.002-07:002012-05-14T22:22:30.335-07:00Village Quire Launch New CD: Good Old Way<a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/images/logo4gow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/images/logo4gow.jpg" vspace="12" width="125" /></a>Having spent a very pleasant evening at Stretford Church yesterday evening being entertained by the Village Quire we can report that The Good Old Way is now available in the form of their debut CD. This morning has been spent listening to this excellent collection of songs and readings which among other things documents the demise of the West Gallery Choir as well as the coming of the enclosures. For full details of this CD go to <a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/GoodOldWay">http://www.villagequire.org.uk/GoodOldWay</a> So, as the song says, ‘don’t delay’ get your copy of The Good Old Way CD before they sell out, as we suspect that is not far off judging by the way they were going last night.<br />
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Congratulations to all the Village Quire for a great recording and a great concert. Keep it up. Here are details of how to buy and what you get:<br />
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On sale from 14 April 2012, the entire <i>Good Old Way</i> show is now available on CD from the <i>Genuine Folk</i> label <i><a href="http://www.genuinefolk.com/" target="_blank">www.genuinefolk.com</a></i><br />
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<b style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/psalm_100.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Track listing</a></b> – Click on the titles to see the lyrics.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 1: <b><i>Mellstock Gallery </i></b> from <i>Under the Greenwood Tree </i>by Thomas Hardy</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/psalm_100.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Psalm 100 </a></i></b>Joseph Watts of Fenny Compton (1749) © Shelwin Music, Oxford 2005</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 2: <b><i>Dick in Love </i></b>from <i>Under the Greenwood Tree </i>by Thomas Hardy</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/deryn_du.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Deryn Du</a></i></b> Trad. arr. Paul Guppy (2009) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 3: <b><i>The New Pa'son </i></b>from <i>Under the Greenwood Tree </i>by Thomas Hardy</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/giberalter.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Giberalter </a></i></b>Words: Isaac Watts Psalm 72; Music W. J. White of St. Albans (ca. 1830)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 4: <b><i>Gallery vs Nave</i></b> from <i>Under the Greenwood Tree </i>by Thomas Hardy</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/psalm_40.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Psalm 40</a></i></b> Joseph Watts of Fenny Compton (1749) © Shelwin Music, Oxford 2005</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 5: <b><i>Fancy Makes Her Debut</i></b> from <i>Under the Greenwood Tree </i>by Thomas Hardy</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/the_good_old_way.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">The Good Old Way</a></i></b> Oral transmission <i>(from the singing of The Watersons)</i> Arr. Dave Newell</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 6: <b><i>Enclosure is Mooted</i></b> from <i>Hawthorn Hedge Country </i>by Fred Archer</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/psalm_9.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Psalm 9 – Thorpe Tune</a></i></b> William Knapp from William East's <i>The Voice Of Melody</i> (1748)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 7: <b><i>The Effects of Enclosure</i></b> from <i>Hawthorn Hedge Country </i>by Fred Archer</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/jordan.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Jordan </a></i></b>Trad. arr. Dave Newell Reading 8: <i><b>Bredon Hill </b>by A E Housman</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/psalm_15th.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Psalm 15th – Bishop's Castle Funeral Hymn</a> </i></b>John Symons (ca. 1816) Transcribed by Gordon Ashman (1990)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 9: <b>Richard Surman Ties a Knot </b>from <i>Hawthorn Hedge Country </i>by Fred Archer</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/burton_bradstock.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Psalm 128 - Burton Bradstock </a></i></b>Anon, transcribed by Rollo Woods (1981)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 10: <i>From the <b>Diary of Parson James Woodforde 1740 – 1803</b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/spanking_rodger.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Spanking Roger </a></i></b>James Nuttall (1745–1806) Transcribed/edited by Jean Seymour (1991)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 11: <i>From the <b>Diary of Parson James Woodforde 1740 –1803</b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/old_sye.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Old Sye </a></i></b>Thomas Healey (ca. 1830) Transcribed/edited by Jean Seymour (1994)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 12: <b><i>Saturday 7th May 1870</i></b> from <i>The Diary of Francis Kilvert</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/one_may_morning_early.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">One May Morning Early </a></i></b>Oral transmission <i>(from the singing of the Copper family)</i> Arr. Dave Newell</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading 13: <b><i>Sunday</i></b> from <i>Cider with Rosie</i> by Laurie Lee</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><a href="http://www.villagequire.org.uk/lyrics/hail_shining_morn.html?iframe=true" rel="prettyPhoto[iframe]">Hail Shining Morn </a></i></b>Reginald Spofforth (1810)</span><br />
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We were also entertained by the Eardisland Village Band with a selection of period pieces most fitting for the occasion. We were both heartened to see two English System Concertina’s playing away. Even better, one was a Baritone. Yes, we know, it’s sad isn’t it, but that’s the way music gets us sometimes.<br />
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The concert was a sell out fundraiser for this interesting ‘farm yard church’ which is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. It is dedicated to St. Cosmas and St. Damian, the patron saints of doctors. We shall say no more for fear of spoiling your visit.Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-26167515252129789102012-04-09T14:21:00.010-07:002012-04-12T07:02:34.358-07:00FolkWorkshops: How to get to our VenuesFolkWorkshops currently operates in the hills above the Golden Valley, just below the Cats Back and Black Hill which form the border between England and Wales on the eastern edge of the Black Mountains. We are comparatively remote, in unspoilt countryside but we are very welcoming to all those who make the journey.You will see that many of our villages and parishes have Welsh names although the pronunciation will no doubt prove amusing or irritating to the Welsh speaker.<br /><br />We hold all sorts of events including workshops and folk evening but if our supporters want to put something on then that is encouraged. We have no membership requirements, no committee but lots of enthusiasm to see our objective of getting more folk music into our part of the borders achieved.<br /><br />We have a Folk Music Evening every 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Crown Inn Longtown from about 8 pm onwards. This is a very informal sing around and a useful session for musicians wanting to join in when appropriate ie, when a performer has no problem with an accompaniment.<br /><br />Finding The Crown in Longtown is easy by either finding your way there from the Hereford to Abergavenny Road from either Pandy or Pontrilas. You can also get to Longtown from the B4348 at Vowchurch via Michalchurch. In all cases Sat Nav ( not always available) or an OS Map is advisable.<br /><br />We also meet at two church rooms as a way of supporting hard pressed local facilities. The Nat. Grid Ref of the two church rooms is as follows<br /><br />Newton Church Room SO 348329<br /><br />Upper Maes Coed Chapel SO 326351<br /><br />Best Map is O.S.1/50,OOO Abergavenny and Black Mountains<br /><br />Please bring a donation towards costs and refreshments. Again this is an informal evening and we try to make the rooms feel more like a folk club than most institutional building.<br /><br />You will be made welcome at all events and you should not feel uncomfortable if you use printed words and/or music in order to perform but it is worth buying a cheap music stand if you do not have one.<br /><br />If you need any more help with directions ring 01981 510629 in advance iof the evening. Also please let us have your e.mail contact should you want regular updates. You can use the comments section for this but your details will be deleted once added to our e-mailing list and will not be published.<br /><br />Folk Evening at Newtom Church Room this Tuesday 10th<br /><br />Folk Singing Evening: Tuesday April 24th Upper Maes Coed Chapel Room. We are being visited by the singing group, RAPSQUILLION from Clun. It is very good of these guys to agree to making such a long journey for an evenings singing with us, so we need a good turnout of our supporters to welcome them.<br /><br />Tuesday May 1st, MAY DAY 8.00 p.m. Upper Maes Coed Chapel Room. One of the big days in the Folk Music calendar happens to fall conveniently on a Tuesday, so we need to make the most of it with as many singers and musicians as possible.Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-10396241416026678482012-03-30T11:00:00.005-07:002012-03-30T11:38:46.924-07:00FolkWorkshops Newsletter April 2012The ‘Song Goes On’ up here in the hills and is gradually gaining momentum. You will see from the events list below that our supporters are taking all sorts of initiatives. This is great news as it shows that our small group has a lot of energy to carry out the task of bringing more folk music to the area and encouraging people to sing and/or play an instrument.<br /><br />STOP PRESS<br /><br />Sunday 8th April (Easter Sunday) from 2.00pm. Jim Neale is organising a free mini festival in the garden at the Red Lion on the Ross road on the A49 after Harewood End and just before Peterstow, on the left hand side of the road heading towards Ross.<br /><br />There will be three bands:<br />the 'Bucket Band', the 'Malvern HillBillies' and 'Toby's Blues Band'. This is a find raiser<br />for the MS Society and there will a 'Charity Bucket' collectors coming round for donations. A similar event organised by Jim last years was a very enjoyable affair.<br /><br /><br />Workshops<br /><br />It was very encouraging that we had such a great Guitar/Bass Workshop at Peterchurch Fire Station for which we thank Jim Neale for being the leader and to Steve Woskit for organising the venue. The provision of a cup of coffee and toast as people arrived proved to be a popular welcome and one which we will repeat at other morning workshops of this kind.<br /><br />With <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Black Hill Folk </span>now well established as our singing section with regular practices the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Instrumental Workshops</span> could expand as and when enough people say they would like one. With the guitar being such a popular instrument it was not surprising that we had such a good turnout. However, a workshop does not have to be large to be viable. All that is needed is a small group of people prepared to learn and share their skills, tips or current difficulties with their fellow players. This is particularly important for beginners. Knowing that you are not alone in trying to master a new instrument is very important and a time always comes when it is great to meet up, and hopefully play a tune or two. As the group has developed to date we have people who play, (or are learning to play), the harmonica, the concertina, the melodeon, guitar, slide guitar, bass guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, ukulele, dulcimer, psaltery and tin whistle! So if you would like some company in your struggles please let us know and we will see what you and the group together can do. At a very simple level supporters often meet up with other players to swap ideas and tips on techniques and songs that might be tried. Being in our network and meeting up at one of our folk sessions makes this sort of thing possible.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Banjo/Ukelele Workshop:</span> There was some interest in the Banjo Workshop which helped one supporter in buying an instrument and in getting them started on basic chords and picks. There is also some interest in a Basic Ukelele Workshop. Again, get in touch if this might be useful.<br /><br />Dancing It often forgotten that folk music provides an important accompaniment. A brief look at the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s magazine quickly shows how much of this is going on. You should keep a look out for appearances of Foxwhelp Morris as the months go by as well as letting us know of any Ceilidhs that our supporters might like to support. If there is anyone who would like to organise a bit of country, square of step dancing, then I am sure we could drum up some support.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thinking of Buying a Folk Instrument Workshop</span>: If you are not sure which instrument you would like to take up then it would be very easy to run a workshop with a range of instruments available so that the limitations and difficulty of an instrument could be discussed as well as how to buy one and what it would cost.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Events</span><br /><br />Folk Club Evenings: We now have two venues we use which add to the support we want to give our village halls. With a bit of soft lighting and table cloths it is surprisingly easy to create a relaxing club type atmosphere. Please bring a donation toward costs.<br /><br />Tues 10th April Folk Club Evening, Newton Church Room 8.00 p.m.<br /><br />Tues 1st May May Day Folk Club Eevening, Upper Maescoed Chapel Room 8.00 p.m. Please note: the venue may change if demand is high.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Folk at the Crown Inn, Longtown</span>: We had been trying to keep these to the third Tuesday of the Month but you will see that we have moved the latest one to a Wednesday. These sessions are a mixture of group and solo singing and give singers and instrumentalists alike a chance to hone their skills. Such sessions are really useful for new players to get session experience. If that’s not enough the hospitality and beer is brilliant!<br /><br /><br />Tues 17th April The Crown, Longtown. 8.00 p.m.<br /><br />Tues 15th May The Crown, Longtown. 8.00 p.m.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Black Hill Folk Singing Practices</span>: All at The Griggs, Newton 8.00 p.m. Phone 01981510629 for directions if you would like to join in. usually on a weekly basis but ring for details. <span style="font-weight: bold;">ALSO</span>: Ring this number if you are interested in a nearly new Yamaha Keyboard. Full details will be provided.<br /><br />Tues 24th April Singing Practice<br /><br />Tues 8th May Singing Practice.<br /><br /><br />There may be a bit of a gap before the next Newsletter due to John having an op at the QE Brum anytime now. Our thanks go to all the well wishers who have been in touch.<br /><br />We are both hoping to be out and about for May Day, but we will see, so<br />in the meantime keep on strumming, singing and generally raising a ruckus,<br /><br />John and Jane Baxter<br /><br />PS: If you would like to be on our e-mailing list please leave contact details as a comment. These will not be published.Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-55120306136639764202012-01-27T15:35:00.000-08:002012-12-07T06:53:27.836-08:00FolkWorkshops Newsletter: January 2012<span style="font-weight: bold;">Stop Press</span>: we have just heard from the Rev Nicholas Lowton about a concert at Craswall Church on Saturday 4th February, 7.30 pm, to be given by the award winning folk artist Sam Lee. Entrance will be free with a retiring collection. To learn more about Sam and his career to date aee the previous blog.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Other News</span>: Congratulations to Black Hill Folk for raising £275.65 for Crisis at Christmas at the singing at the Cornewell Arms and at our Folk Night at the Crown. Black Hill Folk, their partners and guests had a very successful Burns Night at the Crown Inn Longtown on January 24th with Jim Neale and his band in attendance to provide some excellent Scottish music. Our thanks go to Sheila and her staff for providing a most enjoyable spread. Our thanks also go to John Biggs for getting everything together and to all those who helped in various ways, sang, played and recited. Following on from the Wassail with Foxwhelp Morris at the Yew Tree Inn, Preston on Wye, the previous week, as Mr Kipling of Cakes fame might have said, ‘these two events seem to have belatedly rung in the New Year in a most splendid and exceedingly good manner’.<br />
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If you would like a change in your radio listening then why not try the internet radio station Folk Radio UK. This is funded by donations from the listeners and a wide variety of music is broadcast. Their website also has a great deal of news and you can subscribe to their Newsletter. Donations may be one off or on a regular basis.<br />
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Black Hill Folk will be resuming their singing practices at the Griggs by invitation of John and Bridget on Tuesday 31st January starting 7.30 - 8 p.m. and then on Wednesday 15th February starting 7.30 - 8 p.m. Should you want to join in or know someone who would, please make contact via this e-mail address.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Folk Music Nights</span>: NEWTON CHURCH ROOM, 7th February, 7.30 p.m. Free but donation requested. All welcome, and likewise at THE CROWN, LONGTOWN Tuesday 21st February 8.00 p.m.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Visiting other Folk Clubs and Venues</span>: Several interesting clubs have been tracked down within an hours drive so we will be reporting on any planned trips should anyone want a car share. Should you be interested in seeing the full range of clubs in this category and beyond you could start by Googling Chepstow Folk Club which will take you to the Chepstow Accoutic Music Club. Their motto is ‘Strength in Community, Quality and Consideration’<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Workshops:</span> Interest in these has proved encouraging. Other workshops can be arranged on other topics so let us know your musical interest. Should you have an idea for a workshop or would like to run one or know someone who would, then get in touch.<br />
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Bass Guitar and Guitar Workshop: Peterchurch Fire Station 18th February. Bookings are now coming in for this session. Please spread the word on this as it is open to all ages and abilities. Jim Neale holds the necessary certificate etc should under 18’s wish to attend. Full details on thia site.<br />
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Banjo and Ukulele Workshops: this is being made available depending on demand. It includes advice on purchasing an instrument, basic techniques and where to find worthwhile and free, You Tube Lessons. For those who want to practice without disturbing the household or the neighbourhood we now have ‘practice mutes’ available’. For more details make contact by e-mail.<br />
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A Workshop entitled, ‘An Introduction to Folk Music Instruments’ is also available depending on demand.<br />
And Finally: This came in from the ever active and comprehensive Cas Smith of the Gigs Guide: Hallsway Manor is well worth checking out as it is a residential centre in Somerset running all kinds of events and weekend schools throughout the year. Here is Cas’s recommendation:<br />
To mark the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the original West Somerset Railway between Norton Fitzwarren Junction, near Taunton, and Watchet in 1862 our neighbours at Halsway Manor, Crowcombe, are holding a weekend called Songs, Steam and Stories of the Quantocks between May 11th and 13th. There are top-line acts booked including Taffy Thomas, Tim Laycock, Tom and Barbara Brown and the Hotwells Howlers. For more information about what promises to be an excellent weekend in a wonderful Quantocks keep an eye on <a href="http://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/">www.halswaymanor.org.uk</a>.<br />
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From: John Simms <br />
Subject: WORDS ABOUT THE HALSWAY MANOR WEEKEND<br />
Yours Sincerely<br />
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John Simms<br />
Commercial Department<br />
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This is probably quite enough for one Newsletter. We are sure there will be quite a lot more happening in the year to come.Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-77104222962551069202012-01-27T07:06:00.000-08:002012-01-27T07:26:59.330-08:00Sam Lee in Concert<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Sam Lee in Concert at Craswall Church, Herefordshire,<br />Saturday Feb 4th at 7.30<br /><br />Entrance will be free with a retiring collection<br /></div><br /><br />Sam Lee, folk singer, promoter and animateur will in late 2011 be releasing his debut album “Ground Of Its Own” a musical manifesto recognising the unique artistic journey Sam has taken and the less than conventional route getting there. Although a gifted singer, this was completely unknown to him until his first encounter with folk song some 5 years ago. This discovery of an unheard music compelled him to abandon his then career as a trained visual artist, teacher of wilderness survival and moonlighter as a burlesque dancer and embark on a journey into the songs of The British Isles. Sam is fast becoming accepted as one of the new pioneers defining the sound, sight and texture of contemporary folksong. This was reflected in his winning the 2011 Arts Foundation Award winner, which for the first time this year, honoured folk music amongst its art forms. Likewise his live band carves an new acoustic with their homemade and mongrelised instrumentation and unconventional arrangements that challenge any preconceptions of what ʻtraditionʼ should sounds like.<br /><br />Sam is also an award-winning promoter and live events producer through his 2010 BBC Folk club of the year ʻThe Magpieʼs Nestʼ. The Nest has played a key role in the resurgence of the creative live folk music scene and is behind many innovative concerts across London, festival stages around the UK and radio and television appearances. He also helped organise (and modelled for) the first ʻfolk featureʼ in Julyʼs edition of Vogue UK.<br /><br />On an experiential note, Samʼs only real musical training has come via a unique 4 year apprenticeship under the legendary and sadly late Scottish Traveller Stanley Robertson last of the great ballad singers. Sam became the musical ʻnext of kinʼ to Stanleyʼs vast repertoire of songs and an ancient, idiosyncratic Traveller singing craft. While travelling himself he is also to be found creating ground breaking research documenting the music and stories of the Romany Gypsy and Irish Traveller communities.<br /><br />Sam is a regular teacher at Newcastle University, Goldsmiths College, the EFDSS and despite failings by both Cecil Sharp and Vaughan William’s to gain permission, holds the accolade as the first folk singer ever to teach and sing at the Royal College of Music.Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-69859963931649308462011-12-08T06:18:00.000-08:002012-01-04T16:28:22.145-08:00Bass Guitar and Guitar Workshop on Saturday 18th<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> 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unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.65pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";font-family:";" >We now have full details of the</span><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";font-family:";" > </span><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";font-family:";" >Bass guitar and Guitar workshop to he held on 18th February</span><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";font-family:";" >. We are very lucky to have Jim Neale as the workshop leader who will draw on his own learning and teaching experience as well as his work with ceilidh bands. Jim plays bass guitar, guitar, mandolin and fiddle as well as being a singer.<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.65pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";font-family:";" ></span><b style=""><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";font-family:";" ><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:49.65pt"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" >FolkWorkshops Acoustic Guitar and Bass Workshop for Beginners of any age</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" >Attention to all budding, acoustic guitar players and singers. I, Jim Neale, propose to organise a community workshop at the Fire Station, Peterchurch on Saturday 18th February 2012. You only need to bring an Acoustic Guitar or Bass Guitar with you. If your Bass is electric, you will need a Bass amplifier; although I have a spare Bass amplifier to share (even electric Bass guitars can be played without an amplifier!).</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" >I would like to start with the Bass guitarists, (either acoustic or electric) at 10.00am,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">an hour</b> before the acoustic six string guitarists arrive at 11.00. I feel confident that the Bass players will be able to enhance the sound of the guitars and add the ‘deep notes’ to keep us together! So when you ‘sign up’ below, please let me know your requirements. (No extra charge for Bass Players joining the acoustic guitar workshop at 11.00 am)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" >I have carefully chosen songs that are ideal starting points which embellish both Guitar and Bass. I will provide all material including a CD so that you can practise on your own to perfect your skills. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" >The aim of the Workshop is to get people playing and singing together, the most important part of creating music. With that in mind, the morning’s session is broken down into the following elements:</span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt; mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:Verdana;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language: EN-GBfont-family:";" >1) Tuning the strings in standard pitch (both guitar and Bass)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language: EN-GBfont-family:";" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt; mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:Verdana;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language: EN-GBfont-family:";" > 2) Introducing the simplest chords on the guitar and Bass pattern</span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt; mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:Verdana;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language: EN-GBfont-family:";" >3) Using a plectrum and creating the rhythm pattern for the songs</span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt; mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:Verdana;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language: EN-GBfont-family:";" >4) Introducing the ‘extra’ notes for the more adventurous player </span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt; mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:Verdana;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">5.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language: EN-GBfont-family:";" > 5) Playing together to create a community of ‘sound and song’</span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" >Please note: The number of songs we manage in the workshop is unknown at our first session. However, the method used will provide any beginner or moderate guitar player the means to play along with others and follow most guitar books with greater understanding. There will be a fee of £5.00 (students and job seekers free) to provide the CD, printing and refreshment.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;font-family:Symbol;" >To sign up for a place on this Workshop please cut and paste the the following registration details and send a printed versions to the address shown, together with a cheque for £5</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;font-family:Symbol;" >............................................................................................................................................................................................</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:35.45pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" > I wish to enrol for the Bass session. I understand it starts at 10.00am and finishes at 11.00am, Saturday 18 February. Please tick here...... (also tick below if you also want to attend the guitar session at no extra cost) </span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language: EN-GBfont-family:";" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi- mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:Symbol;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" >I I wish to enrol for the acoustic guitar session starting at 11.00am and finishing at 12.30pm Saturday 18<sup>th</sup> February. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>Please tick here........</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:";" >My Name:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" >My Email:</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:";" >My Address:<span style=""><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><span style=""><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My Phone/Mob:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=" Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" >Please return these details with a cheque to the value of £5.00 to: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Jim Neale</b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GBfont-family:";" >1 Meadow Heights, St.Owens Cross, Hereford, HR2 8NP</span></b><span style="Verdana","sans-serif";mso-ansi-language: EN-GBfont-family:";" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>info:Mob(07909524171)</span></span></p>Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-51403130260966422122011-11-15T02:08:00.000-08:002011-11-15T02:21:16.386-08:00Revew: A Grand Folk Concert, Shire Hall, Hereford, Saturday November 12th: 7 to 11 pm<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Performers</span>: My draw to this concert was to hear Roy Bailey for the first time. The reputation of this left wing singer and song writer reached me well before I had seen him perform. It is an odd thing how some artists seem to have passed one by. This is hardly surprising. Work, commuting and family life does tend to prevent one from ‘getting out more’. It was well worth the wait however since this is a man who holds values I have no difficulty identifying with. Songs and stories which were at times both very moving and amusing added up to an excellent performance. His style of guitar playing was varied and fascinating to an old ‘3 chorder’ like me. If I could have a voice like Roy’s when I reach his age I will have no complaints, and neither should my audience.<br /><br />Memorable among the supporting artists was Martyn Wyndham-Read whose collection of Australian songs and stories has got me returning to this repertoire. With Remembrance Sunday just an evening away his choice of material, including references to the loss of his father in Normandy in 1944, was apt and poignant. This is a man well worth visiting on Google. For reasons which will become clear below I cannot name the other supporting artists as I had not intended to review this event so did not take a note pad. It will also become apparent why I have written this review. Consequently I can only report that the opening act, I think he was Eddie Upton as he is the only other name on the flyer I have, was an excellent starter with a good voice, guitar technique and material. I apologise for not doing him justice through lack of detail but a brief printed programme would have been nice. A fund raising opportunity, along with others, lost.<br /><br />The same absence of details applies to the troupe of French singers and musicians who brought some World Music to the evening. It was very, very good, but not my cup of tea and suffered from what I regard as a failing of World Music: they never know quite when to stop. The couple from Devon, who managed to survive the failure of the PA system, sang a version of Henry Martin which sounded a bit too jolly. The absent bag pipe player referred to in their intro would no doubt have put this right. They both had strong voices and the harmonies worked very well.<br />Martyn Windham-Read then returned for his second set which was equally impressive but for the reasons expressed below I had to leave the event before his set ended and before Roy Bailey returned to the stage for the final set. Musically this was a lovely evening, but...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Organisation of the Event:</span> this was very weak and did not do justice either to the talented performers and the good causes being supported, let alone those who had paid £15 each and probably travelled some distance to hear Roy Bailey. We were assured by the person at the contact number that there would be no problem with admission on the door. This was true as, despite an impressive turn out there was room for us, but no tickets! It seemed that if one needed to take a break outside it was clearly to be done on trust. Furthermore, we were told that there was no drinks licence and so drinls were to be acquired by donation. Also, there was something mumbled about the Vegan Buffet not actually being on sale, but donations could be given. No notices about recommended donations were displayed and the dreamy youngsters behind the bar had to be reminded why they were that side of the counter. By the time we reached the barrel, the beer had run out, my friend had had a glass of wine spilt over his trousers by a member of the bar crew and I was thinking of going back to reclaim some of my donation as it now seemed excessive for 3 apple juices and a glass of bio-dynamic wine, but a moment’s thought about the good causes brought me back to my senses.<br /><br />This was a pity really as my senses were about to be assaulted in several unexpected ways. Firstly, is it obligatory that children at folk or artistic events of this kind have parents who wish their kids to demonstrate the extent of their free spirits by running all over the place and talking during the performances? As did some of the adults I would add. All this, with the backing chatter from the customers and assistants at the catering tables. The announcements were unpredictable in their audibility anyway due to the intermittent failings of the PA system and the great door to the hall often being left open meant we could hear even more noise from the free spirits playing in the entrance hall below. Surely someone from the Woodcraft Folk could have organised a training evening for ‘Occupy London’ or something? If there isn’t a local group, why not? On top of all this there was no programme at all, let alone one with some biographical details about the artists (hence my limited review above) and the running order seemed to be evolving as the evening went on. Having started late the inevitable consequence was that Roy Bailey’s final set didn’t end to well past midnight. This was too late for many judging by the reduced numbers in the room. This seems disrespectful of Roy Bailey and those artists who had commitments elsewhere on Sunday. Let alone the audience. I will now stop this report on the evenings missing production values.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Venue</span>: I am prepared to put up with quite a bit of discomfort for a good cause but there are limits. The Shire Hall, although it was very grand in the past, is now looking rather sad and shows all the signs of a municipal white elephant. The lighting was awful. I have had a more relaxing evening with institutional lighting while waiting in the arrivals hall of Terminal Five. This was not helped by someone forgetting to put the rear lighting back down after the first surge to the bar and vegan buffet. The PA system, when working, coped well with this barn of a place, but even with most of the seats occupied it still felt a bit like having a concert in a defunct Victorian baths complex.<br /><br />This discomfort was compounded by the steel chairs. To those who complain about hard pews at church and chapel events I say, ‘You ain’t felt nothin yet’. If you are going to a concert at this venue two good cushions for back and posterior protection are essential. The seating in the entrance hall downstairs for those attending court is luxurious by comparison. My free advice ( no consultancy fees here) to Herefordshire Council is to check the price of scrap metal and see what replacements can be bought on the modern commercial chair market. In the meantime I feel as though hard punishments are not confined to the court rooms below. Such was my accumulated discomforts that my endurance ran out before Roy Bailey’s last set.<br /><br />Conclusion: I understand that this concert was part of a birthday celebration which had been going on for much of the afternoon. I have no problem with that, but when you invite paying members of the public, albeit for good causes, everyone deserves better. Amateur organisation and an uncomfortable venue nearly spoilt the evening for me but some great artists came to the rescue. Those planning public events on this scale should take advice from someone with experience. But I repeat my specific advice to anyone going to the Shire Hall. Don’t forget to take the cushions and possibly the shades, unless, of course, you are appearing in court.<br /><br />DacierDacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-24212588991659554362011-11-05T06:42:00.000-07:002011-11-05T06:50:39.112-07:00FolkWorkshops Newsletter for October/November 2011Dear Supporter,<br /><br />Ooops! What happened to October? There is no shortage of things happening. Our Tuesday practice evenings for the Black Hill Folk are now under way. It has been assumed that this would fit in with various work commitments and other meetings but please let us know if this is wrong. You will also see from below that the 2nd Tuesday of the month will be taken up by the new session at the Crown Inn, so Susie’s Song School will still be possible. Check on the Village Quire website for details of the Song School. That said, it would be a pity if anyone was excluded by inflexible meetings. Talking of sessions, the 11 of us who made it to the Longtown WI evening on the 18th October really enjoyed the experience and by all accounts so did many of the audience who came up to express their thanks afterwards. Well done everyone.<br /><br />Just in case there is not enough going on for you it is always worth checking out the e-newsletters from the Borough Theatre Abergavenny and the Courtyard Hereford. There seems to be a regular supply of musical surprises. Since these can be very varied we will do nothing more than draw your attention to these excellent publications. Also, welcome to all our new followers of @FolkWorkshops. We now have 62 followers from elsewhere but only 2 from this mailing list (now numbering 60) as far as I can see. By exploring who follows us and who we follow you can build your own collection of information sources on Folk Music events throughout the border counties and beyond. Don’t forget to let us know if you think an event should be posted with us.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upcoming Events</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sing Out and Sing Around Evenings at The Crown Inn, Longtown</span> on Tuesday 8th November and every 2nd Tuesday of the month thereafter, weather permitting. We have always been made very welcome by Phil & Sheila at this excellent pub so let’s hope the sessions take off. Solo’s, duo’s, ensemble, instrumental performers and listeners all very welcome.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grand Charity Folk Concert in aid of Oxfam, Water Aid, and Friends of the Earth, with ROY BAILEY</span> and a host of others. Lots of interesting refreshments for sale including bio-dynamic Red and White Wine etc. Hereford Shire Hall: Sat 12th November, 7 p.m. ‘till late. Tickets ( £15 adults, children under 12 free) from Outback Records, Church Street, Hereford.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday 11th November, Armistice Day, at St. Margaret's Church 7.30 p.m. </span> Black Hill Folk will be taking part in this evening of readings, song and meditation on the theme of Memories and Remembrance. Jim Neale will be joining us. We aim to end by 8.45 to give time for hot drinks and a chat with friends, new and old, afterwards. Entrance is Free, but all donations will be given to Royal British Legion.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lanveynoe Church, Winter Warmer Concert, 25th November, Clodock Church, at 7.30 pm</span>: The Pax Singers from Malvern will be signing a wide ranging selection including spirituals and folk songs. Tickets £10 ( children under 12 free). To include a glass of punch & a minced pie. Contact the Churchwardens or tickets on the door.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Carols & Crumpets at Brilley Village Hall, Fri 9th December 7.30 p.m.</span> If you enjoyed the recent John Kirkpatrick concert, or are sorry that you missed it, he is performing at this evening of music for Christmas and Midwinter. At the moment we do not have a contact phone number, but we will post more details on @FolkWorkshops and pass the word in the usual way.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Village Quire in Concert Saturday 10th December, All Saints Church, Cwmbach, Glasbury 7.30:</span> Performing their annual concert of music and readings for Christmas this is an evening not to be missed. More details on their website. Simply Google Village Quire Glasbury. Please note this concert will also be staged again at the Globe, Hay on Wye on the 23rd December, also at 7.30<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annual Black Mountains Group Church Choir Coach Trip to St. David’s Hall Cardiff:14th December</span> If you have never been to this event it is well worth the trip to hear the combined Welsh Hospitals Choirs, the Brass Ensemble of the Royal Welsh Regiment, and a celebrity guest. The latter is not usually known until nearer the date. Pick ups at Longtown Village, Clodock Church and Pandy. If you would like more details contact Bob Burson. We can always forward your e-mail if you send your request via FolkWorkhops.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas Carol Singing at the Crown Inn Longtown: Friday 23rd December: From 8 pm </span>As last year the Reverend Nicholas Lowton will be taking his keyboard to the Crown Inn Longtown to lead some Carol Singing, aided and abetted by Black Hill Folk with a few party pieces of their own. As this is the evening at the end of the last working week before Christmas it should be quite busy.<br /><br />We hope to have some voice left for a quiet family Christmas and the two usual Carol Services. Will we be battling through the snow as in recent years?<br /><br />So, if you are seeking a traditional Christmas there is loads of the stuff on your doorstep, hopefully with not too much of the white stuff. This seems all a bit tiring at this point but the trick is to make a happy selection. In the meantime our thanks go to John and Bridget Biggs who provided much of the above information and who are taking on some much appreciated organising due to the roller coaster ride we have had since September.<br /><br />Best wishes from,<br />John & Jane Baxter<br /><br />To receive this e-mail directly or for any details please send your e-mail via the Comments. Your address will be collected before monitoring and will not be publishedDacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-6250343893325742702011-09-21T04:29:00.000-07:002011-09-21T04:37:00.642-07:00FolkWorkshops September NewsletterSeptember is the month which marks the slowing down of the festival season and the settling down for the winter evening sessions. This is not to say that things are any quieter on the events front as you can see from the various events guides. But first a quick look back at the month just gone.<br /><br />Sian and I made two trips to Kent. The first to buy an upgrade banjo and the second to hear our great niece sing with the Wallingford Choir during their week’s residency at Canterbury Cathedral. On both occasions Jane and I sang at the Faversham Folk Club’s singaround evenings (by invitation in the sense we invited ourselves: that is how it works), and it confirmed the value of the informal and tolerant approach. The second session was made up of totally different people to the first, but the talents were equally impressive with people travelling from various parts of the county to attend. On both occasions it was clear that a lot of original writing is going on as well as songs being passed on from one singer to another without any clear indication of where they have come from. There were no inhibitions about reading the words from a sheet on a music stand, (apparently some Folk Clubs can be quite snooty about this) or coming along with homemade instruments or exotic instruments. Jane and I did a number with the banjo and psaltery; another couple did several pieces with dulcimer and guitar while another couple sang beautiful harmonies and original songs to a homemade amplified electric lute!<br /><br /> Incidentally, some of us are beginning to take the ‘workshop’ idea a bit further. John is in the process of getting the things together to build a ‘dulcijo’ while another is tracking down plans for building a ‘cigar box’ guitar. However, don’t hold your breath as such things take a while!<br />We have had some encouraging feedback regarding our singing at the Songs and Poems Among the Flowers evening at St.Margarets and there are plans for other occasional events of this kind. Thank you again to all those who took part.<br /><br />The other highlight of the summer was our caravan/stand at the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Longtown Show</span> (complete with the new @FolkWorkshops banner) which drew a lot of people, including a good few youngsters. It got a bit hectic at times but it was most rewarding and we made some new friends. One husband may well find that he will building a dulcimer for his wife as a Christmas present while one youngster is looking forward to a banjo in his Christmas stocking if Dad keeps his promise. Thanks to all those who turned up to help and sing and to all those visitors who made it worthwhile. We have been asked back for next year if we can make it.<br />Various plans are being made to resume our evenings at Newton Church Room and occasional evenings at the Crown in Longtown and elsewhere. Regular singers have already been given the new collection of songs for our winter programme. It is never too late to start so let us know if you want to be added to the list of those to be notified of rehearsal sessions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">EVENTS</span><br /><br />The first events will of course be the Workshop with the Village Quire at St. John’s Newton on Wednesday 28th September at 7.30 and their concert in St. Margaret’s Church on Saturday 1st October at 7.30.If you want to take part in beautiful harmonising please come to the workshop. Tickets are £5 for the workshop and £10 for the concert. A combined ticket is £13. You can reserve your tickets by phoning John on either 01981510629 or 01981510388. We have attached a poster if you have room to display it somewhere such as in your car etc.<br />Our other fixture is a FolkWorkshops session with the Longtown WI on Tuesday 18th September at 7.30. The aim will be to get as many people singing as possible as incited by our regular singers and songs, aided and abetted by a glass of wine or two. In between songs there will be short explanations of the folk repertoire and instruments. We will take as many instruments with us as possible by way of display items as well as for accompaniment. Sadly, the ‘dulcijo’ is not expected to be ready by then.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Susie’s Song School the Song School</span> again on Wednesday, October 5th, 7.30 - 9.30, and will run fortnightly. If there are any songs that you fancy doing, or any queries, please let Susie know. Details will be avaia;lable on the Viggae Quire Website.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">John Kirkpatrick Workshop and Concert, 15th October:</span> John Kirkpatrick<br />Vocal workshop and concert<br />The Victorian Farmer’s Year in Song<br />Gwernyfed High School, Three Cocks<br />LD3 0SG Contact: Dave or Cheryl on 01497 847676<br />Workshop 2 - 5 pm<br />Concert 7.30 pmTickets £7.50 concert only / £10 workshop only / £15 combined workshop and concert.This will be a brilliant event for those wanting to learn more about folk song and to have a pleasant evening out. For booking details visit http://www.villagequire.org.uk<br /><br /><br />So, at the beginning of our third year, let’s hope we continue to grow, get more people singing and playing, but most important of all, that we have an enjoyable time in the process. Perhaps you will be encouraged by the following quote from the latest English Folk Dance and Song Society Magazine in an article written by Sarah Morgan of Craig Morgan Robson regarding one aspect of our activities. I know it strikes a familiar note for some of us,<br /><br />‘The community choir movement is one of the huge musical success stories of our time. Underpinned by egalitarian principles that singing is our birthright, and that everyone’s voice is of value...these open access choirs (which anyone can join without an audition or music reading skills) can be found the length and breadth of the country...many do not even use the term ‘choir’ lest it should be off-putting for those whose experience of singing in schools was to be told ‘stand at the back and mime’.<br /><br /><br />Keep on singing and strumming!Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-19002744424596123972011-08-22T12:57:00.000-07:002012-05-15T16:54:41.963-07:00Welcome to Our Tales<br />
While you are here why not try our search facility and see what else might interest you. Looking back over the subject covered we seem to be a wide ranging sort of blog. I am not sure I still agree with some of the older articles on politics and elections but they are part of the record and it would be against my instincts to delete them. I have always found librarians who want to get rid of some of their holdings rather disconcerting as how do they know what might be of interest in the years to come. On the other hand I have snapped up a few treasures thanks to their shortsightedness.
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DacierDacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-3358830970046063592011-08-15T04:41:00.000-07:002011-08-15T12:51:15.233-07:00The Night the Weasels Took Over Debenhams<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> 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<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Having spent a pleasant day with our daughter in Birmingham last Monday we went our separate ways when she caught her train back to London at 18.57. Not long after we had a call from her saying that police were being deployed in Birmingham city centre so we abandoned any ideas of eating out at Jamie’s for the first time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Earlier in the day we had joked about the Tottenham riot spreading to Ealing where she now lives. Rather like Bournemouth voting Labour we thought. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Little did we know. When my daughter went to catch her bus home at Ealing Broadway Tube station, 15 minutes before the shops opposite were trashed, the police presence amounted to two normally clad officers and a van. Whether this meagre presence was a look out posting or an advance party we do not know. But, such was the speed of the descending looters and the absence of advance notice on the part of the police, the results were a ‘free for all’ in Ealing Broadway and<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>other Boroughs. There were no police<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>deployed in many areas where<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>they were needed. West Ealing for example, just along the Uxbridge Road, seems to have become a help yourself festival.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Later that evening when we were <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>back home in the hills we watched the footage of the Debenhams Store in Clapham being looted, rather like an early Christmas sale, and it brought to mind the images from Wind in the Willows and<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>the occupation of Toad Hall by the Weasels from the Wild Wood. Even then I couldn’t help totting up the bill which the Metropolitan Police were going to be presented with under the Riot Damages Act 1886. It now seems that the costs to be borne by the police, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>and the Met in particular, are going to be much wider. I am however prepared for it to be argued that looting, was not in law a riot.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All this has made me wonder whether the police are suffering from a loss of institutional memory. Yes, responses to public disorder take a time, but not being ready by Monday evening? <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This recent festival of looting was a unique event. Since the founding of the new police with the Metropolitan Police Act 1928, there is nothing in the books of<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>this scale. But, this is the second time the police have been caught on the hop recently. The first was the slow response to the Millbank invasion. By contrast the riots of 1981 were responded too quite quickly with the Mutual Support system being activated to deal with riots in several major cities during one weekend.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" > By the time of the Miners strike of 1984 Mutual Support had come into its own as a means of dealing with flying pickets, aided and abetted by<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>inventive, and sometimes illegal<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>interpretations of ‘an, anticipated breach of the peace’. On the other hand, few people knew how few police were left on duty in non mining areas.Very few in fact.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >On Monday evening the ‘Flying Looters’ were much more difficult to deal with due to their speed of travel, their modern communications, and a large amount of cheek. The penny had dropped in the twisted minds of gang leaders and aspirational thieves alike, namely, that when the mob strikes quickly<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>in large numbers, in several locations, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>the police cannot cope. The slower the police are in responding, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>the bigger the impact on property and individuals.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >That the mob can quickly get the upper hand can be seen from the Castle Morton Festival beneath the Malvern Hills<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>in 1992 which started with one or two vans arriving on a Friday afternoon. These were the first of a convoy moving into Worcestershire from Gloucestershire. The result, as explained by local residents in the part of the Committal Proceedings in a prosecution for common law Public Nuisance, I attended, was that by the next day a small town had been created which not only damaged resident’s property but in effect made them frightened prisoners in their own homes for nearly the following week. In the meantime the mob ruled, the common became a no-go area to the police and a major drug exchange seems to have been set up. The West Mercia Constabulary recognised the power of the mob and explained their observing role as, ‘taking a low profile’. By mid-day Saturday they had little choice.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" > ( <span style="font-style: italic;">As far as I am aware this case was the last prosecution for common law public nuisance before it was replaced by a statutory offence. A trial was eventually held in Stoke on Trent but I lost track of it due to an illness. If anyone has any information with regard to the outcome please leave a comment as this will probably prove to have been the last spontaneous public assembly of its kind.</span>)
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<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >So, if there was an institutional memory, if there was someone somewhere on duty who possessed some of it, I would have expected various contingency plans to be triggered on the Saturday. Yes, this was a ‘public order’ issue, but these often spill over into periods of opportunist looting. Prime Minister Cameron’s purported claim to having made some kind of difference at his first Cobra meeting when he claims tactics apparently went onto a crime fighting agenda is a distinction without a difference, and a claim now disputed by senior police officers. Whatever the parties to this spat might say the facts speak for themselves. A small peaceful vigil marked the beginning of a mobilisation of the mob.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Could there be a connection with all this and the many early retirements, cost cutting already implemented and low police morale? Does the Prime Minister's obvious wish to import an American cop as the new Metropolitan Commissioner stem from a low opinion of British policing and an ignorance of what has been achieved in policing since 1981? I for one, as a policing critic, do not think that there is anything fundamentally wrong with the model. More often than not problems arise from ethical and resource deficiencies. Is Prime Minster Cameron's wish to import an American policeman to Britain's top policing job now saying that the police have deficiencies in the human resources department as well? Present Government policies will do nothing to help any of these deficiencies.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Whatever the causal links, the fact remains that the events of Saturday 6th August 2011 did not bring any more police into London through Mutual Support until Tuesday and by the time they did arrive the scenes of Clapham and Croydon were already emblazoned in our minds. Large scale destruction of this kind is not supposed to happen in Britain. The looters knew they were in control, the police knew they were in trouble, but PM Cameron also apparently knows things will be better next time round, even though there will be fewer police. Such is his knowledge of the history of policing since 1981 he thinks that an American cop, who actually increased police numbers in New York, can come to the rescue with regard to one of the suspected causes of the problem. Unfortunately he has no idea of the lead time for a cure for gang culture. I can also tell you now, he will not like the advice his American buddy will give and I will have no sympathy for him. Those who live by the gimmick often die by the gimmick and our current Prime Minister seems to have a plentiful supply.</span></p> Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-45276005359404346182011-08-12T14:50:00.000-07:002011-08-13T02:10:09.307-07:00Why it is wrong to use Homelessness as a PunishmentWhilst the desire to do something about rioters now the smoke is clearing is understandable, I fear that the Government, led by the PM, are letting their enthusiasm for draconian punishment get the better of them. I have no problem with individual responsibility but there is usually a well established way in which the law can bring that about for the individual concerned. Neither do I have any trouble with parents taking responsibility for the acts of their children, but there are positive ways and negative ways in which this can be brought about.
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<br />My particular concern is with parents being evicted as part of this process of attributing responsibility when their child has been charged or convicted with a public order offence. Leaving aside the presumption of innocence, as some have already done, this is wrong. This is because it is a vicarious punishment imposed by way of strict liability.
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<br />Since we are told that the Government believes in the family, although not yet enough to give them some tax breaks, I find it difficult to see how making a mother and her child homeless achieves any relevant purpose. If a tenant had been a nuisance to neighbours and has a record of anti-social behaviour, then having a recently convicted 'rioter' in the house could well be the last straw for the landlord and the other neighbours, in which case one might ask why an eviction has not already been sought. If however this is the only cause then to make the family homeless is disproportionate and damaging to any family unit, or what is left of it.
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<br />Some of the parents seen on television swearing at reporters as they leave court with their children do not evoke much sympathy, and may well deserve eviction for other reasons. However, when asked where they expect such people to go after they have been evicted the PM simply says the private sector and they should have thought about that, before the child went off to a riot. I suppose this is at least better than ignoring the question as has been the result of my as yet unanswered enquuries of the Housing Minister @grantshapps.
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<br />To be vague or silent about these consequences is not only to reveal an ignorance of how traumatic homelessness can be, it is also tantamount to writing people off in the heat of the moment. If a dysfunctional family is at least in their home, there is a possibility, albeit slim in some cases, that there is something to build on. There is at least a chance that worthwhile lives can be built.
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<br />If the Government is saying that is nothing to do with them, then they might as well write off an awful lot of dysfunctional people, wash their hands of them, and hope they go away. They may do so for a while, they may be out of sight, but in such instances, unless someone can help achieve a breakthrough in providing hope for such ‘punished’ human beings, yet another seed is sown for a whirlwind which will inevitably return. This harsh, disproportionate and indiscriminate punishment not only shows a degree of callousness, it is also marks the absence of governmental compassion from people who probably never have been, and never will be, homeless. It lowers Government to the level of the thoughtless and unfeeling looters who cared nothing for their fellow citizens’ property or lives.
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<br />DacierDacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-76021895822948980712011-08-10T14:41:00.000-07:002011-08-11T04:23:42.884-07:00Understand Looting? No thanks: it’s much easier to CondemnTrying to explain the new phenomenon of ‘consumer looting’, is often seen by some, as condoning it. This is clearly nonsense and often comes from people who are strong on condemnation generally and short of the talents required to explain. Sadly, Prime Minister Cameron and Home Secretary May, reveal this failing when they say that the disorder on the shopping streets is, ‘crime, pure and simple’. If only it were. Anyone who has eavesdropped on conversations between young street people or taken vox pop interviews of unemployed youngsters seriously, will soon realise that many of them are suffering from a serious disconnection from what no doubt Cameron and May would describe as ‘the standards of normal society’. Having seen quite a few employed ‘adults’, of whom it is tempting to say should have known better, leaving court, I think the problem goes back across several governments.
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<br />Unfortunately in the world of disaffected youth and their parents, or parent, the standards of comfortable Britain are difficult to find. Serial bad parenting over two or more generations can produce a very different person to that which members of ‘normal society’ would like to have living next door. How many people in ‘comfortable Britain’ have heard of the need to teach some failing parents basic parenting skills like how to wash themselves or prepare food. This might explain why such places on such courses, if they still exist, are very hard to find by hard pressed social workers trying to help the disfunctional families among their impossible case load.
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<br />The range of factors causing the cultural disconnection is wide and runs from the inability to read, through to an inability to escape the hold of the local gang, drug addiction, let alone an inability to find or keep a job. And all this takes place in a context of materialism and its attendant advertising based on the notion that to be worth anything you must have the product being advertised. No wonder levels of self esteem and hope plummet. Such an individual has no future and nothing to lose.
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<br />Excluded people looking in on ‘normal society’ from the outside, sooner or later, will be tempted to break in, or break it up, in some way, you break themselves up. Some get a lucky break but they are hard to come by. Aspirational looting, as I have heard it described today, is now one way of achieving both the break in and having a ‘smashing time’, all at the same time in the company of similarly disconnected youngsters possibly in your gang. These youngsters get some feeling of worth according to their own distorted view of where they are.
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<br />To those in normal society they are ‘feckless’, ‘anti-social’, ‘a-social’, ‘a-moral’ and many other things. Judging by the values of the Cameron Government they do not appear to be a sub-class worth investing in. Condemning their social origins as sick Dr Cameron is easy. Do you have a modern Dr Finlay to find a cure? Like so many of the cuts I fear there will be rather a lot of false economies in the pipeline. John Major said we should ‘... condemn more and understand less’. His wish seems to be coming true. Unfortunately, failing to understand something through fecklessness or ignorance, or both, usually has a big price.
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<br />DacierDacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-10357169602137400902011-08-09T14:04:00.000-07:002011-08-10T02:52:36.703-07:00FolkWorkshops August NewsletterDear Supporter,
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<br />Let’s start by welcoming all of you who have just joined the mailing list. We hope you will be able to come along to some of the events mentioned here and that you might have an instrument you would like to play or a voice to get into condition. If you have neither then as always come along to develop you’re listening skills, your knowledge of folk music, and have a pleasant evening or two out. As always, if at any time anyone wants to be taken off the list then please let us know. Equally if you know of anyone who might like to be on the list then get them to send in an e-mail request.
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<br />Let’s end by thanking all of those who turned up and sang at the Songs and Poems Among the Flowers evening at St. Margaret’s Church on July 18th. This was very much an experiment but very favourable feedback has come in and it looks as though another evening for early November is planned with the provisional theme of Memories and Remembrance. A big thank you goes to our singers, Black Hill Folk for doing such a good job. Don’t be surprised if we get asked to do a few more things at St .Margaret’s. Thanks also go to Jim Neale for singing songs which were just right. I think he had better consider organising a fan club up here in the hills.
<br />We are just about to go off on a trip to the Somerset, Devon and Cornwall in search of some Folk Clubs to sing at so see you later in the month. In the meantime should any of you feel like buying the Bridge Inn at Michaelchurch we are sure that FolkWorkshops supporters will be only too pleased to boost your sales.
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<br />Keeping the dream alive,
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<br />Regards from all @FolkWorkshops
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Events:</span>
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<br />Wednesday 17th August: Newton Church Room 7.30 pm: Turn up and Sing Evening. John Biggs has a new song we might like so he will bring along a CD player to get us started. Dont forget to bring your song files with you. New members should not be put off by this as we can always find some lyrics for you.
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<br />Saturday 20th August: Longtown Show: FolkWorkshops Stall & Caravan: Look out for the sign and drop in for a chat and a drink. We will have various promotional leaflets from the English Folk Dance and Song Society, a display of musical instruments, and literature. A CD player playing folk music will provide the background music. Depending on who turns up, occasional outbursts of song and strumming on the hour from 2pm, will occur.
<br />If you have any promotional material you would like to add to our collection then get it to us by Friday 19th or on the day of the show. Flyers, posters, and cards can all be found a place. Old books on music or artists you no longer want can also go on display for sale on your terms. If you have any old musical instruments you would like to sell or just bring along to add to the display, feel free. If it’s raining we will take shelter in the caravan! If it’s also blowing a gale we will see at the Crown Inn later getting warm and sampling the Butty Bach. It is August after all. If you have any ideas we have missed for the stall please let us know. We have no idea what to expect but we are looking forward to it!
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<br />Wednesday 28th September: Newton Church and Room 7.30 pm: Singing Workshop with the Village Quire: Your chance to try out part singing. Absolute beginners and above welcome. This is an evening which can really convince you that it is worth giving your vocal chords an outing. Tickets £5. All proceeds of this event as well as the concert below will be shared between the two churches.
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<br />Saturday 1st October: St.Margarets Church 7.30: Concert by the Village Quire High days and Holidays Along the Welsh Border Marches if you come to nothing else during the next twelve months this is the event not to miss. You can read a review of this concert on our tag link below. Heard in the setting of St. Margaret’s Church in sight of the Cat’s Back as it forms the sky line from Hay Bluff, via Black Hill and Red Darren to Hatterall Hill, we cannot imagine a better setting. Tickets £10. Combine it with the Workshop ticket and pay £13. To reserve any ticket either send your request to john.baxter87@virgin.net or telephone John on either 019812510388 or 01981 510629
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<br />Saturday 15th October John Kirkpatrick presents
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Victorian Farmer’s Year in Song</span>
<br />Songs about farmers, and songs sung by farmers; songs about the work on the farm, and songs to make that work easier; songs celebrating particular days in the country calendar, and songs celebrating the daily miracle of life, death, and renewal. And the world we are shown here is not a romantic pastoral idyll viewed through rose-tinted spectacles—this is a world full of sweat and muck, a world with dirt under the fingernails, a world full of snorting, and grunting and heaving. And then there’s the animals ...
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<br />John Kirkpatrick, winner of the ‘Musician of the Year’ award at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. In the popular TV series Victorian Farm John popped up now and again contributing folk songs, squeezebox tunes, dances and snippets of information about folklore and traditional customs.
<br />Saturday 15th October, 7.30 pm at Gwernyfed School Drama Studio, Three Cocks, Nr Hay on Wye LD3 0SG. Cost £7.50
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<br />Folk Harmony Singing Workshop - John will also be running a vocal workshop from 2 - 5 pm at the school. Suitable for anyone who likes a good sing and can hold a tune! 'Dots' will be available if needed, but the afternoon will be suitable for those who prefer to learn 'by ear'. Cost £10 or combined workshop / concert ticket just £15. Workshop places must be booked in advance.
<br />Tickets and further details from 01497 847676 or any member of the Village Quire / www.villagequire.org.ukDacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-12109447519359498082011-08-05T16:26:00.000-07:002011-08-05T16:30:05.576-07:00What is FolkWorkshops?We are an informal group of people who like music from the Folk Music Tradition. Some of us play musical instruments, some of us sing, while others like coming along to listen. We hold regular folk music evenings at Newton Church Room and at other locations such as the Crown Inn Longtown.<br /><br />Singing: We are not a choir, although when we sing as a group we are known as Blackhill Folk. We also hold regular rehearsals when we have been asked to sing at a particular event. Supporters regularly attend Susie’s Song School near Glasbury during the winter months. We are also strong supporters of the Village Quire from Glasbury who organise occasional singing workshops. There is no need to be able to read music.<br /><br />Singing Workshops: The Village Quire organise occasional guests to run these in Glasbury and also lead workshops themselves. Please see the Newsletter for the latest details.<br />Instrumental Workshops: We hope to run occasional workshops for specific instruments at beginners and improvers level as the number of players increase. We will be holding a Guitar Workshop sometime during the winter and other instruments will be added when possible.<br />Events: We are not a Folk Club but we can look like one at times. We have organised events such as our own Ceilidh, and helped with last year’s Concert and Workshop by the Village Quire from Glasbury in association with St. Margaret’s and St. John’s Churches.<br />Dancing: some of our supporters are folk dance enthusiasts and most of us try to support events run by Foxwhelp Morris whenever we can. Our members also attend singing workshops organised by other groups and individuals.<br /><br />The e-Newsletter: through this and our twitter feed @FolkWorkshops we keep in touch with the growing number of fellow enthusiasts. We try to give early notice of folk music events and car sharing is often possible. We receive mailings from the English Folk Dance and Song Society as well as other groups. To register for the e-Newslettter send a request to john.baxter87@virgin.netDacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-70330311480947883082011-07-20T15:26:00.000-07:002011-07-20T15:55:49.673-07:00Six Ways kill a Village Pub: Or the Murder of The Old AlbionI was brought up in a pub, I have served in a pub and have changed the occasional old wooden barrel. The first time I struck that brass tap with a wooden mallet I hoped that disaster would not also strike. The thought of a barrel of best bitter flooding the cellar did not bare thinking about. Although my pub life came to end shortly before my 19th birthday I had enough experience of customers to learn quite a bit about ordinary people, both the wicked, sad, reliable and occasionally heroic.<br /><br />Our pub was a town centre house, killed off by the sudden obsession with television and property prices. But it had at its centre a loyal and interesting mix of customers and a house tradition of being run simply, but well. Keg beers? What were they? My father had taken over the pub from my maternal grandfather who had been running pubs since he retired from the army before the First War. My mother and her four sisters had been helping their father run the pun. In my mother’s case since she was 14. He had risen from a raw recruit to be the RSM for the Royal West Kent Regiment. He had quite a reputation as a local character having fort in the Boar War as a first generation Dutch immigrant to Essex, been mentioned in dispatches and had led the force that ended a riot at the local prison. His customers knew he would brook no nonsense. Despite his reputation in the town, all these pub girls took a while to find husbands suitable from the RSM’s viewpoint. Unfortunately some suitors would have been discouraged from marrying a publican’s daughter. One of my aunts had to wait some 15 years before her boy friend’s father died, such was his opposition to the marriage. I had no idea of this prejudice growing up in the 1950’s and have only recently come learn of the stigma attached to my family's trade.<br /><br />With my background I have always thought, until recently, that I was perfectly qualified to baldy state that if you take me to a ‘bad’ or ‘dying pub’, I will be able to introduce you to a bad landlord. I say until recently because rather a lot of things have changed so that various exceptions have to be noted, but outside of these exceptions I still think I know why many village pubs across the country are now dying or being killed, sometimes with malice aforethought. A common cause for closure in some urban areas is that there are too many pubs for the potential customers. Re-housing has left many pubs with a smaller market nut this not so common in a rural community, unless the second home level is so high, the winter brings too many dark properties. I must add that in my own county there are many excellent village pubs who serve as examples of how it should be done, even though trading conditions are continually being made worse by the decisions of Government and the recession. Suffice it to say, if I make a return visit to a pub it is usually because I like it, unless of course it is so bad I have to see it again to believe it.<br /><br />The accessory before the fact for ‘pubicide’ is Government. High alcohol duties and the smoking ban have made a tough situation worse. Smokers have to be outside which means that non-smokers have to go inside to avoid smoke and they in turn often lose the pleasures of drinking outside. When I was a kid a pub with a Children’s Room was a great change to sitting outside by myself with a lemonade and a packet of crisps. Now, once they have tired of any ‘Jungle Room’ facility children join their parents in the restaurant area and run amuck. I haven’t seen a children room for years. Why couldn’t a Smokers Room have been developed so that drinks were bought into a well ventilated separate bar area by the smokers themselves? ‘Smoking damages your health’, I hear you say. So does drinking, so why not close the pub in that case?<br />Publicans have had to put up with the high alcohol duty as unlike the supermarkets they have little room to sell lost leaders. Combine this with the higher costs of the multinational drinks industry, often advertising third rate beverages, and a whole raft of overheads for the publican, is it little wonder that margins are narrow? However, these are the main causes of death which will often be found at the pub’s post mortem:<br /><br />1) Not understanding the word ‘hospitality’: I am now going to be accused of being as snob, mainly the people taking on a pub have no idea of what the term ‘hospitality’ means. Is there a question that brewers put to tenants along the lines, ‘Do you like people?’ If so it would seem that the qualifying answer is, ‘No’. Did Basil Faulty open a charm school for prospective landlords I wonder? There don’t seem to be ‘the right sort’ new landlords about nowadays. Some of them seem to have no idea what they are up to.<br /><br />2) Serving rubbish or pretentious food: both inappropriately priced. Serving fry ups and grill ups straight from the freezer might well be a speciality of the Basil Faulty School of Catering if there were one. Luckily the standard of pub catering is usually very good, although I draw the line at pretentious menus with yuppy age central London prices. Somewhere between these two, most catering landlords, and of course landladies have struck a happy balance between cost and quality, often making sure that much of the menu is locally sourced. There is nothing wrong with good honest pub grub. Get rid of that and another nail goes in the pub’s coffin.<br /><br />3) Not selling local real ales and cider: why do some publicans think they are running a milk bar or soda bar with only nitrogen infused fizzy pop bears or just bottled beer? I do that at home with a bottle opener or a can with a widget device built in. What I don’t want to do is install a hand pump in my living room and a micro brewery in my non-existent cellar. Furthermore if I want to drink Norfolk, Suffolk or Somerset Ciders in Herefordshire I’ll take the trouble of trying the bottled versions from the supermarket or make a trip to try the real stuff on its home territory. So called ‘locals pubs’ that serve a range of fizzy drinks from away are missing the point, and as for local produce, forget.<br /><br />4) Not opening regularly: opening just at the weekend or from Thursday to Sunday seems to be lazy and not caring about the community. These limited opening times are the first sign of a loss of will on the part of the landlord. If opening the premises becomes a matter of the landlord’s convenience, but they still survive, they have again missed the point. They are supposed to be running a village pub not a minimalist investment company or a retirement cottage.<br /><br />5) Making sure that the local community is not welcome: failing to have quizzes, providing a meeting place for local groups or a folk session once a month and not encouraging local customers through special promotions. Little things like not displaying posters for local events is a guaranteed sign of not being part of the community. Some pubs seem to think that the high value customers in the tourist season will do. This might well serve the proprietors long term plans for the building but the concept of the village pub has already being put to death by such proprietors. Which brings me to my final method of killing a village pub.<br /><br />6) Not wanting to run the property as a pub at all: planning to apply for a change of use either to a private residence or for building development is the most common ulterior motive for the deliberate running down of a business. There are extreme cases of landlords turning away customers or regular folk singers so as to prepare poor accounts in readiness for the planning application. In one case, having lost a planning appeal for a housing development, the landlord actually demolished the building and the last time I saw the site it had been fenced off for nearly two years. If in the future there is any opportunity left to object to such a change of use, the claim that the business was not viable should be met with evidence to show that it was the landlord who was not viable, being a person unsuited to run a village pub because they wanted to convert it. A private house is worth so much more. In such cases I would say, ‘Show me a bad pub and will show you a deliberately bad landlord’.<br /><br />‘Herein lies the plot of the Old Albion’ RIPDacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-50425774871883885312011-07-18T16:40:00.000-07:002011-07-18T16:44:00.434-07:00FolkWorkshops NewsletterDear FolkWorkshops Supporter,<br /><br />A great deal of things seem to be going on. A quick look at Broad Sheep says it all. Supporters are gradually increasing on this e-mail list and so by the time the dark winter evenings arrive there should be a few more of us. Our Twitter followers are also steadily increasing but, ironically, not from among our own supporters. Since there seems to be a lot of people out there who are interested in what we do we shall continue to run the account as well as the FolkWorkshops tag for the Blackhilltales Blog which gets about a hundred visits a month. Since a major insurance company I know of only gets 900 visits a month with the aid of a vast advertising budget this tag connection seems to do very well with just the aid of the @FolkWorkshops account. If you would like to send in a review or article for publication then please e-mail it to us. This newsletter is always posted on the FolkWorkshops tag. ( see signature bit below if you were wondering what it was) Equally if you hear of an event which is worth publicising then that can be easily posted on Twitter if you let us know.<br /><br />We will continue to have evenings at Newton Church Room. If we can have one or two sessions like the Wednesday 11th May evening then the winter months will soon pass by. Many thanks to Jim Neale once again and he sends his thanks to all of you who have supported the various events to fund his sons trip to Cambodia to do some teaching. We have also been made very welcome at the Crown Inn, Longtown, and so look out for announcements of regular sessions there as well.<br /><br />Our singers who went to the Help the Heroes event in Peterchurch did exceptionally well. One of our group was in the audience and will give us some constructive feedback which will be useful for the next time we do this sort of thing. The general feedback from the organisers and members of the audience was very positive. As most singers had not performed before up on a stage with microphones, among all the cable, drums and amps, I think they should all be highly commended for that alone. Although at times the evening was a bit daunting in prospect it was one of those experiences which was well worth it. We have made a few more friends as a result and we have been invited back for next year. At the last count they had raised about £900.<br /><br />Foxwhelp Morris: Now the light evenings are with us you may be looking for an outing. Why not combine support of a local hostelry with watching a bit of Morris Dancing. Here is Foxwhelps itinerary for places nearby. Full details can be found at: http://foxwhelpmorris.wordpress.com However, just a reminder that they will be at The Crown, Longtown this Tues 19th July from 7.30 pm and at The Yew Tree, Preston-on-Wye on 26th July.<br /><br />Village Quire Visit: Make sure you put these dates in your diary. Workshop and Concert at St. John’s Newton and St.Margarets Church on September 28th and October 1st. This is a jint effort between FolkWorkshops and the two PCC’s so all offers of help welcome.<br /><br />There are lots more events coming up in the Autumn and we hope to get most of this information to you in due course. In the meantime the August Newsletter may be delayed. Jane and I will be visiting a few folk clubs this August and a festival or two but we will be in back for our FolkWorkshops stand at the Longtown Show on the 20th August. We are then off again as our great niece is singing at Canterbury Cathedral and rather more mundanely we will be joining the sing around at Faversham Folk Club. It’s a long story but suffice it to say we were in Faversham, Kent, earlier this month buying another banjo and we were made very welcome at the local club when we made contact via e-mail in advance. It must have been reasonable as they have asked us back!<br /><br />Finally, by visiting other singers and venues we have learnt quite a few things about developing our activities. Sing Arounds are a good way for individual singers and duos or quartets etc to develop their confidence and ability; whether singing or instrumental. There is nothing wrong in getting together separately to rehearse such contributions but such efforts should be given room to perform at the sing arounds without a group expectation that everyone should be able to join in with the whole piece. If there is a chorus, then all well and good, but individual performers need room to build their confidence and thereby add to the group experience. Equally, instrumental sessions, if run properly, can allow the beginners and improvers to learn from the more experienced in a way which allows them to learn from their mistakes without embarrassment. Several of the clubs we have come across make such sessions a regular event, separate from the main ‘club night’. This was the case with us in Faversham but as we were travelling back to our caravan in Walton-on-Thames that night via the M2, M20, M26 and M25 the invitation to try the new banjo out in the main bar with half a dozen instrumentalists the following night had to be declined! Consequently any players who are beginners or improvers should keep a look out for any instrumental workshop sessions which may be organised by individual supporters in the coming months.<br /><br />If you can drop in at a local club when you are on your travels it can be quite a worthwhile experience, and in any case, you can always leave early.Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61510183767031513.post-46291288594841469882011-07-11T13:20:00.000-07:002011-07-12T01:51:46.527-07:00What my Parish Church means to me?<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628385312995087874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFo9Zdf25xY/ThwKnygZFgI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/0mgFJAZrRLA/s320/st_margarets_church.jpg" /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Since the church referred to in this article sits in the beautiful country beneath the Cats Back, the ridge which is the location of our part of the Offa's Dyke Path, and is in sight of Black Hill, we thought this was a more than fitting place to reproduce this article which was originally written for the Hereford Diocesan Newspaper.<br /><br />A 'sense of place' is a phrase which I suspect does not feature in many people's vocabulary in this ever changing world. The only constant seems to be our ancient buildings and the continuous spawning of new supermarkets at the expense of old fashioned things like local shops. I think this article captures what I understand to be 'a sense of place' which many of us experience when visiting 'special places'. In all honesty however I must confess to knowing the author very well so I am not an objective critic in this matter.<br /><br />Dacier<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></div></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br /><div>I love our parish church of St.Margarets. It sits in the landscape as it has always done surrounded by trees and fields. I am surprised when visitors say how beautiful it is. Every interested visitor makes me look anew at the ancient building.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">With so many medieval churches, the temptation is to speak of the glories of the architecture. In our case the Rood Screen, Texts and the East Window are our main treasures. Wonderful though these features are, it is the people, past and present who have given meaning to the wood and stone which form the building. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Others will say, ‘My village church is always there, it’s my constant in life through all my ups and downs. It is somewhere to go home to’. Particularly important to those who can no longer live and work in one place, the ‘journeymen Christians’, who become members of successive congregations, but who always have the constant affection for their spiritual home. Like the belief that sustains them, having a constant in their life means so much.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">When I sit in the church on Sunday I look around at the people with me and remember those who used to be there. The green man on the rood screen still leers at the vicar in the same old way, and the light still shines through the coloured glass window with Saint Margaret holding our church in her arms, but I am also picturing my parents sitting in a pew on an old bit of carpet. The carpet has gone now but it was noticeable that if we were late someone else would be sitting there grateful for the warmth this unsightly article provided. I remember the largest family in the parish with all the boys dressed in their red jumpers at Christmas, teenagers then, but grey-haired now. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">But to the present. Happily, although most of our congregation are of pensionable age, we still have a toddler who mostly dozes through the service but occasionally wails when deserted by a parent who has gone to read a lesson. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">There is a groove worn in the grass from our organist’s house to the church where she walks to unlock the medieval door every morning and to lock it again at dusk. You would think it was a cat’s path but I know better. She says the church is a life-line and a refuge for her. And of course that is what many people need in their lives.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">When entering a church you are suddenly no longer alone. One visitor described our church as being soaked in the prayers of centuries. No fooling that visitor with the wrapping. It is a special place and I am pleased to say that it is not just me who has that feeling.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Jane</span></span></div>Dacier Outtenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15569112695629367330noreply@blogger.com0