Dear Supporters,
Stop Press
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.
John and Bridget at the Griggs have been following the weather all week and here is their conclusion:
‘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.
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.
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.
This will be an evening to remember, See you there,
John and Bridget’
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!
John and Jane Baxter
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.
Please also see the above attachments regarding a Cajun Cruise on the River Severn on Sunday 8th July.
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.
Friday, 22 June 2012
Monday, 14 May 2012
FolkWorkshops May/ June Newsletter
http://blackhilltales.blogspot.com/search/label/FolkWorkshops
@FolkWorkshops
A word of explanation 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.
Support Your Local Music Shops: 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.
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 (sales@nilammusic.co.uk), 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.
Things Past: 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.
The other highlight was May Day. 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.
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.
Many thanks to all for all the appreciative e-mails and messages on Facebook. As John Biggs commented, ‘We must be doing something right’.
Things Future: The festival season is now well and truly under way. Should you need to keep up with all that is going on, Colin Mathews @folkorbit 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:
- Hereford Harmony Singing Camp in Tenbury Wells on 15th to 18th June see www.hereforshireharmony.org.uk Adult ticket £110, Child £40, Non-camping £80
- Rise Up Singing, 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 www.riseupsinging.co.uk
Singing Practices will be held on 26th June, 10th July, and 31st July.
Folk Club Nights at Newton Church Room and Upper Maes Coed Chapel Room:
Please bring a donation towards funds/ hire of the hall.
- 22nd June (Friday) Summer Solstice Sing Around, in the garden at The Griggs (Upper Maescoed Chapel Room if wet)
- 3rd July Folk Club Night, Newton Church Room. 8.pm
- 7th August Folk Club Night, Newton Church Room. 8 pm
Folk Nights at the Crown Inn, Longtown: Every third Tuesday in the month: Next sessions 15th May, 19th June and 17th July. Starting at 8pm. NB, 24th June below
Foxwhelp Morris at the Crown Inn, Longtown: 24th July Starting at 7.30. See http://foxwhelpmorris.wordpress.com/dancing-out-2/ for a full list of fixtures.
Things Instrumental:
Lessons and Workshops: 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.
Please get in touch if you are able to offer singing or instrumental lessons.
Folk Music Tune Club
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:
Thursday 31 May at 2 pm at Upper Maescoed Chapel Room, St.Margarets.
All abilities welcome. Cost £2 (to cover the cost of hiring the room)
(MP3 files and sheet music for 3 simple Welsh tunes can be sent to you beforehand)
Thinking of taking up a Folk Instrument (or starting again):
Introductions to Folk Instruments: 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.
Jam Sessions? 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.
Country Dancing? 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.
Got something to say? 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.
Got an event you would like mentioned? 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?
Harp Songs HARPSONGS
Join us for a regular informal singaround at The Harp Inn, Glasbury near Hay on Wye
3rd Saturday each month at 8.30 p.m. Admission free. Bring your own songs, join in or just listen. Acoustic instruments welcome.
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Village Quire Launch New CD: Good Old Way
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 http://www.villagequire.org.uk/GoodOldWay 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.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:
On sale from 14 April 2012, the entire Good Old Way show is now available on CD from the Genuine Folk label www.genuinefolk.com
Reading 1: Mellstock Gallery from Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy
Psalm 100 Joseph Watts of Fenny Compton (1749) © Shelwin Music, Oxford 2005
Reading 2: Dick in Love from Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy
Deryn Du Trad. arr. Paul Guppy (2009)
Reading 3: The New Pa'son from Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy
Giberalter Words: Isaac Watts Psalm 72; Music W. J. White of St. Albans (ca. 1830)
Reading 4: Gallery vs Nave from Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy
Psalm 40 Joseph Watts of Fenny Compton (1749) © Shelwin Music, Oxford 2005
Reading 5: Fancy Makes Her Debut from Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy
The Good Old Way Oral transmission (from the singing of The Watersons) Arr. Dave Newell
Reading 6: Enclosure is Mooted from Hawthorn Hedge Country by Fred Archer
Psalm 9 – Thorpe Tune William Knapp from William East's The Voice Of Melody (1748)
Reading 7: The Effects of Enclosure from Hawthorn Hedge Country by Fred Archer
Jordan Trad. arr. Dave Newell Reading 8: Bredon Hill by A E Housman
Psalm 15th – Bishop's Castle Funeral Hymn John Symons (ca. 1816) Transcribed by Gordon Ashman (1990)
Reading 9: Richard Surman Ties a Knot from Hawthorn Hedge Country by Fred Archer
Psalm 128 - Burton Bradstock Anon, transcribed by Rollo Woods (1981)
Reading 10: From the Diary of Parson James Woodforde 1740 – 1803
Spanking Roger James Nuttall (1745–1806) Transcribed/edited by Jean Seymour (1991)
Reading 11: From the Diary of Parson James Woodforde 1740 –1803
Old Sye Thomas Healey (ca. 1830) Transcribed/edited by Jean Seymour (1994)
Reading 12: Saturday 7th May 1870 from The Diary of Francis Kilvert
One May Morning Early Oral transmission (from the singing of the Copper family) Arr. Dave Newell
Reading 13: Sunday from Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee
Hail Shining Morn Reginald Spofforth (1810)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.
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.
Monday, 9 April 2012
FolkWorkshops: How to get to our Venues
FolkWorkshops 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Newton Church Room SO 348329
Upper Maes Coed Chapel SO 326351
Best Map is O.S.1/50,OOO Abergavenny and Black Mountains
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.
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.
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.
Folk Evening at Newtom Church Room this Tuesday 10th
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Newton Church Room SO 348329
Upper Maes Coed Chapel SO 326351
Best Map is O.S.1/50,OOO Abergavenny and Black Mountains
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.
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.
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.
Folk Evening at Newtom Church Room this Tuesday 10th
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.
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.
Friday, 30 March 2012
FolkWorkshops Newsletter April 2012
The ‘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.
STOP PRESS
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.
There will be three bands:
the 'Bucket Band', the 'Malvern HillBillies' and 'Toby's Blues Band'. This is a find raiser
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.
Workshops
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.
With Black Hill Folk now well established as our singing section with regular practices the Instrumental Workshops 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.
Banjo/Ukelele Workshop: 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.
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.
Thinking of Buying a Folk Instrument Workshop: 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.
Events
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.
Tues 10th April Folk Club Evening, Newton Church Room 8.00 p.m.
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.
Folk at the Crown Inn, Longtown: 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!
Tues 17th April The Crown, Longtown. 8.00 p.m.
Tues 15th May The Crown, Longtown. 8.00 p.m.
Black Hill Folk Singing Practices: 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. ALSO: Ring this number if you are interested in a nearly new Yamaha Keyboard. Full details will be provided.
Tues 24th April Singing Practice
Tues 8th May Singing Practice.
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.
We are both hoping to be out and about for May Day, but we will see, so
in the meantime keep on strumming, singing and generally raising a ruckus,
John and Jane Baxter
PS: If you would like to be on our e-mailing list please leave contact details as a comment. These will not be published.
STOP PRESS
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.
There will be three bands:
the 'Bucket Band', the 'Malvern HillBillies' and 'Toby's Blues Band'. This is a find raiser
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.
Workshops
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.
With Black Hill Folk now well established as our singing section with regular practices the Instrumental Workshops 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.
Banjo/Ukelele Workshop: 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.
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.
Thinking of Buying a Folk Instrument Workshop: 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.
Events
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.
Tues 10th April Folk Club Evening, Newton Church Room 8.00 p.m.
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.
Folk at the Crown Inn, Longtown: 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!
Tues 17th April The Crown, Longtown. 8.00 p.m.
Tues 15th May The Crown, Longtown. 8.00 p.m.
Black Hill Folk Singing Practices: 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. ALSO: Ring this number if you are interested in a nearly new Yamaha Keyboard. Full details will be provided.
Tues 24th April Singing Practice
Tues 8th May Singing Practice.
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.
We are both hoping to be out and about for May Day, but we will see, so
in the meantime keep on strumming, singing and generally raising a ruckus,
John and Jane Baxter
PS: If you would like to be on our e-mailing list please leave contact details as a comment. These will not be published.
Friday, 27 January 2012
FolkWorkshops Newsletter: January 2012
Stop Press: 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.
Other News: 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’.
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.
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.
Folk Music Nights: 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.
Visiting other Folk Clubs and Venues: 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’
Workshops: 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.
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.
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.
A Workshop entitled, ‘An Introduction to Folk Music Instruments’ is also available depending on demand.
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:
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 www.halswaymanor.org.uk.
From: John Simms
Subject: WORDS ABOUT THE HALSWAY MANOR WEEKEND
Yours Sincerely
John Simms
Commercial Department
This is probably quite enough for one Newsletter. We are sure there will be quite a lot more happening in the year to come.
Other News: 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’.
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.
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.
Folk Music Nights: 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.
Visiting other Folk Clubs and Venues: 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’
Workshops: 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.
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.
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.
A Workshop entitled, ‘An Introduction to Folk Music Instruments’ is also available depending on demand.
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:
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 www.halswaymanor.org.uk.
From: John Simms
Subject: WORDS ABOUT THE HALSWAY MANOR WEEKEND
Yours Sincerely
John Simms
Commercial Department
This is probably quite enough for one Newsletter. We are sure there will be quite a lot more happening in the year to come.
Sam Lee in Concert
Sam Lee in Concert at Craswall Church, Herefordshire,
Saturday Feb 4th at 7.30
Entrance will be free with a retiring collection
Saturday Feb 4th at 7.30
Entrance will be free with a retiring collection
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.
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.
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.
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.
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