unicorn magazine issue 134

It finally feels like winter is on the wain here at Unicorn Central! Its seemed like a long, hard slog over the few months since the last issue came out, but things now seem to be getting brighter generally in all respects.

We are delighted to say that this issue marks our largest outing to-date a mammoth affair of 56 information-packed pages! We nearly had to go to 60 pages but avoided this by some judicious culling of normal material: no song / tune or advertiser information this time around unfortunately... but fear not, they will return in issue 135!

This issue welcomes lots of new advertisers and contributors joining the usual Unicorn family, plus the return of some familiar faces such as PJ Music (see his ad on page 5). This mix of the old and new coming together into a coherent whole is one of the delights of putting together a magazine such as this as well as being a rather convenient allegory for the convergence of tradition and innovation that so often happens in the world of folk.

We also see the regular seasonal return of the Morris Diary in this issue (pages 4850: a whopping three pages of Morris-related fun and frolics), another surefire sign that warmer times are on their way...

Our solitary CD review (the next offering from local trio Said The Maiden) shows that we had far fewer CDs submitted for review this time around. This may a result of our rigorous local only policy for reviews finally hitting home, or simply a one-off dip in new releases. We are always looking for guest reviewers for any CDs that do come in however, so please get in touch if you fancy being on our list of contacts.

Finally, we are pleased to say that our recent call for help with distribution evoked a very positive response, with many people offering their support and practical assistance. We thank you all, particularly with this heavy issue hot off the press and eager to reach your club or session!

As ever, we hope to see you round the clubs!

Simon & Clive

Editorial Staff:

Simon Bailes07807 535110unicornmagazine @hotmail.co.uk

Clive Batkin07771 [email protected]

Contact address:

10 Chapel Street, Dunton, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8RW

Printed by KJB UK Ltd

Editorial 1

Contents 1

Chatterbox 5

Round the Clubs 5

CD Review: Said The Maiden 9

Feature: 40 years of Redbornstoke Morris 10

Folk Bloke 12

Sessions 14

Feature: Kimpton Folk Festival is Born 16

Feature: Singaround or Session? 20

Shall We Dance? 22

Club Profile: Strummers Folk Collective 23

Unicorn Diary 25 27

Club Index 28

Feature: 25 Years of Burwell Bash 33

Feature: Star of the Transatlantic Sessions 33

The Morris Page 42

Morris Diary 48 50

Broadside by Long Lankin 52

1UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 134

ViSit oUr wEbSitE at www.UniCornMagazinE.org

Unicorn Magazine 2016CB1297 April 2016

We take great care to ensure all elements of Unicorn Magazine are accurate. However, we accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes that appear. The views and opinions expressed in submitted articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Any personal views expressed in submitted articles are the writers own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Unicorn editorial team. It will be assumed that any letters sent to the magazine are intended for publication unless otherwise obviously stated.

Front cover photo by Al Rogers (www.alanrogersimages.co.uk)

Instruments In Peril #7: Perfect Pitch: chucking folk instruments into a skip from 30 paces

* Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

Doors open 7.30pm

Tickets available from

Simon 01767 310 424

follow us

on twitterwww.duntonfolk.co.uk

St Mary Magdalene Church, Dunton, Biggleswade, SG18 8RR.

15th October

Keith Donnelly

17th September

Bob Fox

25th June

Sam Kelly Trio

28th MayDave Ellis & Boo Howard

Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage

30th April

Miranda Sykes

and Rex Preston

Dunton Folk 2016Fantastic Venue - Real Ale and Cider - Superb Music

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February 14 - The Ostrich, PeterboroughFebruary 26 - Royston Folk ClubMarch 20 - Tap & Kitchen, OundleMarch 28 - Joules Yard, Market HarboroughApril 1 -The Swiss Cottage, PeterboroughApril 16 - The Palmerston Arms Peterborough May 10 - Hertford White Horse Folk Club June 1 - Baldock & Letchworth Folk ClubJune 29 - The Headland, Northampton July 1 - Flummoxed Festival near BletchleyJuly 2 - Bury Folk FestivalJuly 16 - Extonbury Festival, Exton

NEW ALBUM OUT MARCH 4TH 2016

THE MALINGERERS WINE AND LIES Vintage dust bowl era Americana, British Folk and a sprinkling of early Country, Jazz and Blues influences

AMERICANA UK 7/10 MAVERICK UNCUT MAGAZINE 7/10

TEL:07525 184 941 E:[email protected] W:THEMALINGERERS.CO.UK F:FACEBOOK.COM/THEMALINGERERS T:@THEMALINGERERS

3UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 134 WWW.UnICORnMAGAzInE.ORG

Apr 06 Tom McConville** 8/9/10 hp://www.tommcconville.co.uk Apr 13 Louise Jordon 8/9/10 hp://louisejordan.co.uk Apr 20 Open oor performers free 3 audience Join us to enjoy an evening of music and song from local and not-so-local talent. Apr 27 Twisted Routes** 8/9/10 www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvs7bVb8g5U May 04 Baldock Fesval Special: John E Cash with support 6 May 11 Feature night 6

Amii Dawes hps://soundcloud.com/amiidawes Greg Cave & Nick Ellison www.greggcave.com

May 18 Mean Mary (USA) 8/9/10 hp://meanmary.com May 25 Feature night 6

Ma Kelly & Gary Woolley www.kellyandwoolley.co.uk Said the Maiden www.saidthemaiden.co.uk

Jne 01 Malingerers 8/9/10 themalingerers.co.uk Jne 08 Michael Messers Mitra 8/9/10 michaelmesser.co.uk/michael-messer-s-mitra Jne 15 Gary Fletcher of the Bluesband 10/12/15 www.garyetcher.net Jne 22 Open oor performers free 3 audience Join us to enjoy an evening of music and song from local and not-so-local talent. Jne 29 Jez Lowe 8/9/10 www.jezlowe.com

BBaallddoocckk && LLeettcchhwwoorrtthh BBlluueess,, FFoollkk && RRoooottss 88..3300ppmm WWeeddnneessddaayyss aaccccoommppaanniieedd uunnddeerr 1166ss ffrreeee

SSeeee oouurr wweebbssiittee wwwwww..mmaaddnnaannnnyy ffoorr ddeettaaiilleedd iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn

The club is sponsored by Tilly's Boarding Caery hp://llys-boarding-caery.co.uk/

Tillys Boarding Caery is a high quality caery in Bedfordshire, close to the A1. As cat lovers, we aim to

provide a luxury caery experience at aordable prices, because warmth, comfort, safety, care and

aenon, and space to play are the very least that you should expect from a caery.

We believe we oer the ideal cat boarding experience.

Have a look around our site for more about the caery, the boarding facilies, our boarding prices and of

course about us, and why were the safest and best place to leave your cats while youre away.

Wed love you to come and look around the caery, and see for yourself.

To nd out how we can help you, to arrange a visit or make a booking,

call us on 01767 692654 or email [email protected]

The Orange Tree, Norton Rd, Baldock, SG7 5AW www.madnanny.co.uk 01767 683583 [email protected] ** indicates underwrien for nancial assistance by the Arts Council for North Herordshire.

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Unicorn News: Apart from the issue-specific amends mentioned in the Editorial (page 1), the main tweak we have made this issue is in regard to our A4 posters, used to tell readers, club-goers and the like that the latest issue is now available! Several users have asked us to incorporate a blank space on the poster that they can use to write specific instructions for collection of the magazine. Lo and behold... we have listened and responded! Let us know if you find this new feature useful?

Acoustic Festival of Britain: (Uttoxeter, June 3, 4, 5 2016). The national acoustic and un-plugged festival returns to the racecourse in Uttoxeter this year over the second weekend of spring bank holiday, with another eclectic mix of artists. The festival theme this year is Steam Punk, and the Victorian Fantasia dress look will provide a very interesting look to this much loved family event. The organisers have made more emphasis on the festive arts and creative look than in previous years, and will see open aired morris, belly and clog dancing and dozens of hysterical colourful walkabouts, free body and face painting plus many craft workshops for the customers. The festival dates falling into the school holiday break creates an affordable outlet for families, as children are only 5 per day and only 1 for toddlers, with dozens of childrens facilities on hand. Tickets and info at www.acousticfestival.co.uk. See their ad on page 15 of this issue its a bit off our normal patch but at least one of the bands appearing hails from our area, as the Swan Vesta Social Club (featured in Unicorn Magazine Issue 131) return to play there for the second year running.

Strummers Folk Collective: In addition to being the subject of this issues Club Focus (page 23) Strummers have just told us that there is a feature on them on Cambridge TV that says a lot about what theyre about. Watch it here: www.cambridge-tv.co.uk/the-mac-ep19 (the clip is about three and half minutes long and starts roughly a minute in).

Watford Folk Club Song Competition: its that time of year again! Watford Folk Club are pleased to announce their fifth annual competition for songwriters, this year with the theme of Crime and Punishment. From April 1st onwards, they

are inviting songs of Highwaymen and Robbers, Murders and Executions! Indeed every facet of that dark underside of humanity. The competition will remain open throughout the summer with the closing date for entries on Saturday October 1st and The Grand Final being held on Friday november 18th. Details of how to enter and competition rules will be available on their website http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com from April 1st or contact them via Facebook and email: [email protected].

St Neots Folk Clubs Grant: The Club has been given a donation of money that they wish to use as a grant to be awarded to a local folk guitarist / singer to help develop their talent, such as with lessons, workshops or even assistance in purchasing an instrument. Anyone who feels they could put a grant to a suitable use, please contact Roger Pitt on 01234 376278 or via email on [email protected] to discuss further details.

Apr 2 Polkaworks + Aiden HansellMay 7 Albireo + Lisa HeywoodJun 4 All Stars Event with MC

Gareth Kiddier + NYFTEMusicians + Aiden Hansell

Apr 2 Andy CuttingMay 7 Jeff Warner + Joe Allen &

FriendsJun 4 Jackie Oates with Tristan

Seume

CEILIDHSat Haddenham Village Hall

Near Aylesbury, Bucks. HP17 8EE

HADDENHAM

Details 07717 047 039 [email protected]

www.haddenhamceilidhs.co.uk

CONCERTS

5WWW.UnICORnMAGAzInE.ORGUniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 134

ENQUIRIES FROM DANCERS OR MUSICIANS ALWAYS WELCOME: WE PRACTICE MONDAY EVE-NINGS

ST ALBANS MORRIS

MONDAY EVENING PRACTICE SESSIONS IN ST ALBANS UNTIL 25 APRIL. MEN AND WOMEN WELCOME TO DANCE MIXED COTSWOLD. COME AND TRY US OUT

CONTACT: ANDREW TORRINGTON 01727 833028OR TREVOR ADAMS 01707 883476

WWW.STALBANSMORRIS MEN.ORG.UK

UM134 UM3 St Albans Morris Ad 1.indd 1 9/2/16 23:59:42

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Contact us via Facebook

and email: [email protected] or visit us at http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com

1st April Singaround -4

8th April Spotlight Singaround with Andrew Clewlow-4

15th April Spotlight Singaround with Piers Haslam - 4

22nd April GEORGE PAPAVGERIS -8

29th April Singaround -4

6th May Spotlight Singaround with EMMA McGRATH-4

13th May FLOYD,HARTWELL,HINES -6

20TH May Spotlight Singaround with Steve Paige -4

27th May Singaround -4

3rd June Singaround -4

10th June GILMORE & ROBERTS - 10

17th June Singaround - 4

24th June JULIAN MOUNT -6

The Best of Folk, Roots and Acoustic Music

WHATS COMING UP:


Said The Maiden Of Maids And Mariners

The lovely ladies of Said The Maiden emailed me the MP3 files for their

recently released EP Of Maids and Mariners this morning, and what a delight their offering is. Just as you do at the start of a board meeting, I need to register an interest in Said The Maiden at the start of this review as I fear I am a little biased. We have had Said The Maiden at Dunton Folk twice, first as a support act when they blew the audience away with their youthful performance, and then as a main act when they went down a storm. On both occasions their performance held the audience (and me) spell bound. I hope well see them at Dunton Folk again soon.

So, having expressed a bias towards Said The Maiden I can now get into telling how great their EP is. On the basis that they were awarded the Isambard Folk Award in 2015 and were also voted Best Act by the audience at the Great British Folk Festivals introducing stage, it is not a surprise that their recent release is more than competent. My only criticism of the release is that it is too short. I got the end of the EPs four tracks and I simply wanted more. Still, I suppose the art of great performers is to leave their fans wanting more. I cant wait for the next release from these talented women.

The first two tracks are recorded in the studio (recorded and produced by Stu Hanna of Megson) and both are flawless and demonstrate the basic talent of the trio. The Soldier and the Maiden has also been filmed as a video that is worth having a look at. The acapella version of Dolly Partons Jolene is a triumph! The second two tracks were recorded at Redborn Folk Club and showcase their talents in a live setting. Even the audience managed to sing along in tune and in time!!

The gig list this year is looking busy for Said The Maiden so there will be plenty of opportunities to see them locally. The EP is available from their web site (www.saidthemaiden.co.uk) at the bargain price of 5.00 plus postage.

Simon Bailes

REDBOURN FOLKwww.redbournfolkclub.org.uk

APRIL 7th PAT CRILLY

& GREG CAMBURN

APRIL 21st SI BARRON MAY 5th TOM MC CONVILLE

MAY 26th ANDY MATHEWSON JUNE 9th NINEBARROW JUNE 12th FOLK ON THE COMMON JUNE 23rd PETE COE

other dates are Open Stage nights

THURSDAYS 8pm

The Hollybush, Church End, Redbourn

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40 years of Redbornstoke Morris

Redbornstoke Morris celebrates 40 years of dancing in 2016. The team was started in 1976 by David Adcock, a teacher at Redborne School in Ampthill, taking its name from the old Bedfordshire Hundred of Redbornstoke.

With help from Bedford and Whitchurch Morris teams, Redbornstoke learnt Cotswold traditions, including Fieldtown, Bledington and Adderbury. Redbornstoke continued to dance Cotswold traditions for a number of years, with an excursion into Rapper sword dance along the way. However, in the mid-1980s, the team decided to develop its own tradition and the distinctive Ampthill tradition was born. Whilst loosely based on the Cotswold traditions, it includes unique figures, often danced in groups of three, and the trademark Ampthill hover.

After dancing one legendary Plough Monday, when it was so cold that the beer started to freeze, the team decided that lower impact dances were needed during the colder months. Thus a second tradition was developed in the mid-1990s: Marston. Marston is based on the Ampthill approach, but with a distinctive twirl instead of the high leaps, and a different kit, with black, warmer clothes, coloured ribbons and black hat decorated with greenery.

Finally, the Scouthall tradition emerged in the early 2000s. This has more in common with the Cotswold traditions, though includes a few distinctive Redbornstoke features.

Over the years, Redbornstoke have performed at many folk festivals, including Sidmouth, Whitby, Chippenham, Towersey and Shrewsbury. The team has also travelled overseas, with visits to Bruges in Belgium, festivals in Tralee and Brae in Ireland and most recently to Ampthills twin town nissan-Lez-Enserune in the South of France.

Locally there are a number of annual events that have become part of the team tradition. The year starts with Plough Monday at Pulloxhill, with dancing followed by the Plough Play performed by the Brafont

Guizers, formed by members of the team. May Day is celebrated at sunrise at Catherines Cross in Ampthill Park, dancing overlooking the old brickfields of Marston Vale. The legendary Toddington Tour takes place in July, during which Redbornstoke and their guests dance at all the pubs in the village. This was more of a challenge in the early days when there were 8 pubs in the village, though this has reduced to a more manageable five! The dancing year ends on Boxing Day, performing the Marston dances in Silsoe, with local villagers coming out in force to close the road, watch the

dancing and the performance of a mummers play by the Guizers.

Redbornstoke Morris has arranged a number of events to celebrate 40 years. On the weekend of 1st 3rd July there is a dancing weekend based in Ampthill, when the team will be joined by 150-200 dancers from around the country. On the weekend of 16-17th April, the team will be hosting Les Danseurs Occitane from Ampthills twin town in France,

dancing around the local area.

Looking forward, Redbornstoke Morris hopes to pass their unique dances on to a new generation. With this in mind they recently taught their dances to students at Redborne School and hope that this might eventually lead to the formation of a youthful team to take on the dances and develop them further. If anyone is interested in being part of this exciting project, please contact the team.

After 40 years of dancing, singing and playing in the pub, laughter, comradeship and friendship, we look forward to the next chapter of Redbornstoke Morris.

For further information see www.redbornstoke.com or follow us on Facebook.

Bagman Charlie Leslie t: 01234 750829

e: [email protected]

Hovering in ampthill Pa

rk, May Day 2009

1st Dance out at redborne School 1976

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Summer 2016

1 Apr Bob Lilley 8 Apr Colin Hume and FF Band 15 Apr Chris Turner & Spring Greens 22 Apr Bob Barrett and Mollie, Colin, Susan and Harold 29 Apr Mike Ruff and FF Band 6 May Nigel Close & Spring Greens 7 May Saturday Special at Samuel Ryder - Cis Hinkle (USA) and Mollie & Ali 13 May Wendy Harrup and musicians 20 May Mark Elvins and FF Band 27 May Closed 3 Jun Paul Garner 10 Jun Dave Kerridge 17 Jun Mike Bennett and FF Band 24 Jun Bob Barrett

If you enjoy a lively barn dance,

you'll find Friday Folk is a great way

to meet like-minded people and

have fun. Newcomers are

always welcome. And there's no need to bring a partner.

Meeting Fridays from 7:45 to 10:00 pm at The Church Hall, Marlborough Road,

St Albans, AL1 3XG. www.fridayfolk.org.uk 01727 856508

Standard Friday admission 3


Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road,

Northampton NN1 5LL

_______________________

Dancing from 8pm to 11pm

Adults 9; Student 5; Accompanied under

16s FREE ; Group of 6 ( paying) one free

Licenced Bar Free Car Park

Ruth 01933 397767, Valerie 01604 711536

John 07760 197921 www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk

SATURDAY 26 March Ceilidh Band: Gig CB

Caller: Chris Shaw

SATURDAY, 30 April Ceilidh Band: Simon Care Band

Caller: Will Hall

SATURDAY, 4 June Contra Band: Double Dichotomy Caller: Mark Elvins


Our callers KATHRYN & DAVID WRIGHT

The musicians VICKI SWAN, JONNY DYER & JOHN DIPPER as PURCELLS POLYPHONIC PARTY.

Special Guests KEN SHEFFIELD, JOHN GRAHAM & The Quarry Turners, PENNY KEMPSONS FIRE CLOG DANCERS, HEADINGTON QUARRY MORRIS with JULIE & ALAN KIMBER-NICKELSON.

No choices so nothing missed! An action packed weekend of Dance, Music & Song in the Heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.Two Special Events introduced by KATHRYN & DAVID; a celebration of the life of Oxfords WILLIAM KIMBER who inspired the work of Cecil Sharp, and a celebration of the work of our very own KEN SHEFFIELD whose new book The Century Collection is shortly to be published by CDSS.

Weekend Ticket 52 includes lunches. efdss members will have a discount of 5 on the cost of the weekend ticket Saturday only Ticket 33 includes lunch Sunday only Ticket 22 includes lunch

Friday Evening Ceilidh 8pm 11pm 8.50 Saturday Evening Dance 8pm 11pm 8.50 Sunday Afternoon Dance 2.15pm 4.30pm - 6.50 CAMPING PERMIT 3 NIGHTS 12.00 PER UNIT

Booking & more information [email protected] or 01295 730271

The weekend programme can be found on www.stonesfieldfolkdance.danceorg.uk

Venue - Stoneseld Village Hall, Field Close, Stoneseld, Oxon. OX29 8EF

th


SUnDay LUnCHtiMES STOnY STRATFORD Vaults Bar (Weekly): Jane Armour, 01908 566407

SUnDay EVEningS WESTOn TURVILLE The Chandos (3rd): Roger Dorman, 01296 613742

MILTOn KEYnES see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly)

MILTOn KEYnES new Bradwell Sports Club, new Bradwell (1st): Patsy, 07932 157610

ST ALBAnS Farmers Boy, London Rd (1st): nick, 020 8953 5231

ST ALBAnS Lower Red Lion, Fishpool Street (2nd): Pub 01727 855669

LEIGHTOn BUzzARD The Swan, northall (1st)

MonDay EVEningS ASHWELL Rose & Crown (1st): Ian Chandler, 01462 743091

CHATTERIS Chatteris Folk Club, Honest John, 24a South Park St, PE16 6AR (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868

SOHAM Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): Claire White, 01353 720550

STEVEnAGE Our Mutual Friend (2nd): Gary Moyle, 07960 953778

TOTTERnHOE Old Farm Inn (8.30pm, weekly): Contact, 01582 661294 (pub)

tUESDay EVEningS ABInGTOn PIGOTTS Village Hall, SG8 0SH (8-10.30pm, 3rd, admission 2 per person): George norris, 01763 853062

AMPTHILL The Albion, Dunstable Street (2nd): Rod Ward, 01763 852 377

DUnSTABLE Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): Maureen, 01582 512300

DUnTOn March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub)

GT WILBRAHAM Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): Dave, 01440 783280

HISTOn Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Dave Benford, 01223 880553

MARCH Georges Folk Club, 61 High Street, PE15 9JJ (1st), Acoustic music and song: Mark Gibson, 01354 652868

RICKMAnSWORTH Conservative Club, Bury Lane (2nd): Michael, 01923 770425

ST ALBAnS King Harry, King Harry Lane (1st, songs & tunes): Jenny, 01582 793164

TRInG Kings Arms, (8.30pm, 1st, trad Irish songs & tunes, led by Chan Reid/fiddle, John Devine/pipes, neil Stanton/guitar): Rob Muirhead (landlord), 01442 823318

WOOTTOn (Beds) The Cock MK43 9JT (8.00pm, broad acoustic & folk): Mike Carter Jones, 01234 768555, Pub (Karen), 01234 930034

wEDnESDay EVEningS BARTOn-LE-CLAY Waggon & Horses (8.30pm, fortnightly): Ann, 01582 560815

BEnInGTOn (Stevenage) The Bell (1st): Kit Burgess, 01438 869435

CAMBRIDGE Six Bells, Covent Garden (8.30pm, 2nd, Bluegrass & Old Time): Jim, 07803 158084

ELY Kings Arms, St Marys St (last): Liam, [email protected], 07905 044932

MARCH March Folk Club, Royal British Legion Club, Rookswood, 27 West End, PE15 8DP (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868

MOGGERHAnGER Moggerhanger Village Hall (7.30pm, 1st): Chris, 01767 640 242

RADLETT Cat & Fiddle, Cobden Hill, WD7 7JR (8.00pm, 2nd): nick, 020 8207 3057

ST ALBAnS White Swan, Dagnall St (8.30pm, weekly, mainly music): Rick Payman, 01727 852976

TEBWORTH Queens Head, LU7 9QB (Every 4th Wednesday): Richard Chatterley, 07790 023220

TOWERSEY Village Hall (7.30 for 8.00pm, 3rd): Andrew Leleux, 01296 615160

WELHAM GREEn north Mymms Social Club, AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758

LITTLE WYMOnDLEY The Bucks Head, Stevenage Road (1st): Kerry, 07877 930201

tHUrSDay EVEningS HERTFORD Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): Keith Acheson, 07979 841079

HUnTOn BRIDGE Kings Head (4th): Tim, 01923 264536

KIMPTOn White Horse (2nd & 4th): Doug, 07973 751039, [email protected]

LUTOn Castle PH LU1 3AA (weekly): nigel Bailey, 07788 431470

TOWERSEY Three Horseshoes (last): Grant, 01844 212322

WOBURn SAnDS Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660

FriDay EVEningS AYLESBURY Queens park Arts Centre (1st, 3rd and 5th): Amanda Diamond, 01296 424332

ST nEOTS Chequers, St Marys St, PE19 2TA (2nd, 8.30pm, tunes): Sarah, 07857 311834, [email protected]

STEEPLE CLAYDOn Prince of Wales MK18 2nP (2nd, Open Mic): Charlie, 07925 145062


I can pinpoint the precise moment it hit home that our ambitious dream of staging a folk festival in the Hertfordshire village of Kimpton would become a reality.

A few of us from the organising committee had been to a club to see the folk and bluegrass trio Jaywalkers, one of the acts we were interested in booking. They were brilliant. We signed them up during the interval, and at the end of the gig they announced to the packed audience that theyd be back in the summer on Saturday, July 9 to appear in the Kimpton Folk Festival. There was no going back now.

Kimpton has a thriving music scene built around a nucleus of local musicians and singers but also attracting talented visitors from as far away as Australia and even Harpenden. Other small communities have staged highly successful folk festivals, so why shouldnt we? How difficult could it possibly be?

Well, quite difficult, it turned out.

Scouting for acts, booking top performers like our headliners nancy Kerr and James Fagan, or signing up great local talent like Kelly Oliver and George Papavgeris, was the easy bit. We quickly learned that there would be a thousand and one other things to sort out our legal constitution, funding and sponsorship, staging, lighting and sound systems, ticketing, security, entertainment and bar licensing, first-aid, parking Morris dancing.

For many months now, about a dozen of us have been meeting fortnightly to try to design the festival. Meetings drag on for hours, but are held in our terrific local pub, The Boot, so nobody minds too much. There are endless questions to address. What venues should we use? Will the 1st Kimpton Scout Group suffice as security or do we need Hells Angels? How much should we charge? What happens if it rains? What do we do if its too hot? What if nobody comes?

Slowly but surely the problems have been wrestled to the ground and a plan for an exciting multi-venue event has emerged, receiving both practical

and financial support from Kimpton Parish Council, north Herts District Council and even our own May Festival Committee. Theres going to be something for everyone. The main ticketed shows will be in the Memorial Hall and in our beautiful village church, but lots more entertainment will be free. Under a giant open marquee on the village green there will be local bands singers and musicians, a ceilidh band and Morris dancing. Other attractions include craft and food stalls, open mic sessions at The Boot and fiddle, guitar and ukulele workshops in the Dacre Rooms. We hope there will even be pony and trap rides around the village.

Weve made great progress with the arrangements, but there is still plenty to do.

Weve had a stunningly successful fund-raising barn dance in the Memorial Hall and

on Saturday, April 23 were staging a curtain-raiser concert with Wild Willy Barretts French Connection, who will be returning to play in the main festival on July 9.

Its an ambitious project, and we hope that everyone who comes will have a

great time and return the following year for an even bigger and better event.

The argument over what exactly is and isnt folk music rages on. I hope that in years to come people will say: Folk music? Its what they play at Kimpton Folk Festival.

Visit the website to find out more and book tickets: www.kimptonfolk.uk or email: [email protected].

Brian King


Join us FOR the first EVER

A one day folk festival in the Hertfordshire village

of Kimpton

For tickets and information visit:

www.kimptonfolk.uk or email: [email protected]

Nancy Kerr AND James Fagan, Wild WIlly Barretts LOOSE CONNECTION,

Worry Dolls, John Dipper and Dave Malkin, Kelly Oliver, Jacquelyn Hynes Trio, EMILY SLADE,

Will McNicol and Luke Selby, Jaywalkers, George Papavgeris, Ben Smith, The Foxglove Trio,

BATKIN Hill, Bootcamp ...and MorE

Pub sessions, dancing, CEILidh street stalls, workshops

Seth Lakeman Show of Hands Sharon Shannon and BandMartin Simpson & Dom Flemons The John McCusker BandOysters 3 Kathryn Tickell & Superfolkus Blazin Fiddles

Le Vent Du Nord Shooglenifty Nancy Kerr & James FaganThe Watershed Band featuring Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin

Riccardo Tesi & Banditaliana Anna & Elizabeth Lynched Stick In The WheelJohn Kirkpatrick Blackbeards Tea Party Manran The Young Uns Jez Lowe Kirkophany

Robin Dranseld Melrose Quartet Pete Coe Lady Maisery WhapweaselJamie Smiths Mabon Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman The Rheingans Sisters Bob Fox

Len Graham & Jack Lynch Wizz Jones Trio Dhoore Three Cane Whale Tymon DoggHot Vultures Dead Rat Orchestra Mad Dog Mcrea Hannah James JigDoll Brian Peters

Robyn Stapleton Talisk Bayou SecoHannah Sanders Cock & Bull Band Sam Kelly Trio Ciaran Algar

More headliners to be announced

Pre-Festival SpecialsThursday 28 July Steeleye Span

Friday 29 July Port Isaacs Fishermans Friends

Concerts CeilidhsFolk Dances Roots Parties

Dance Spectaculars fRoots presents A Cellar Full of Folkadelia

EFDSS presents Folk Rising PlusChildrens Festival Huge Workshop Programme

Early Bird Season Tickets available now. No Booking Fees. www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk

or call the box office 01395 577952

Sharon Shannon and Band

Lynched

Martin Simpson & Dom Flemons

Steeleye Span

shirefolk ad_Layout 1 25/01/2016 09:10 Page 1


Singaround Or Session?

Imagine the scene you have spent hours practicing and perfecting a song; youve got the guitar part just right, learned the lyrics, and now feel ready for the local singaround. It comes to your turn, and youve just finished the intro when you hear a plink-plink from somewhere in the room youre a bit distracted, but you carry on, then halfway through the first verse the plink-plink starts up again its someone with a ukulele, trying to find what key youre in. Becoming more confident, he plays a little louder not full volume, but enough to be distracting. Plus his instrument isnt quite in tune, but hes happy enough

Emboldened by this, a couple of guitarists hurriedly pick up their instruments - capos are adjusted, and more slightly-out-of-tune strumming ensues, half-drowning your own carefully arranged and rehearsed efforts. In the worst-case scenario, they are joined by a banjo, or even a squeeze-box and your performance is drowned out by people who think for some reason that their contribution will enhance your song

now this may sound a bit extreme, but Ive experienced similar things in the Unicorn area and beyond on one occasion, I sat open-mouthed while the owner of an electric guitar thought it would be a good idea to play along with an unaccompanied ballad

So why do people behave in this way? Is it simply a case of showing off and boosting their own ego? This is surely part of it, but do they genuinely think theyre improving someone elses performance, and that its somehow acceptable? And most importantly, how do they get away with it?

The answer lies with the organiser he / she should really make it clear whether it is a singaround, round the room, etc, or a free-for-all the latter system works well when its a full-on Irish session, for example, but when people are trying to play more sensitive or quiet material its annoying and distracting, not to say downright RUDE (every bit as rude as talking while people are performing but thats another story).

The trouble would seem to be that some folkie types who run singarounds are gentle, quiet souls

who dont have what it takes to keep things under control meaning the rude, insensitive types get away with it time and again.

A simple rule would be: Please feel free to join in when invited to do so. At least youd think that would be simple enough but on more than one occasion Ive invited everyone to Join in on the chorus youll soon pick the words up, only to find this is taken as an invitation to thrash various instruments throughout the whole song!

Of course, if youre part of a duo or trio its even more annoying, as you will inevitably have worked out more complex arrangements, harmonies, etc, only to have them drowned out in a frantic out-of-tune who-can-play-loudest contest...

I have often fantasised about retaliating using extreme measures if anyone played over me uninvited, I could wait for their next turn and then join in with a slightly out-of-tune accordion/bagpipes/tuba at full volume but then Im too polite.

Does anyone out there have any ideas?

Son Of Barleycorn


wow, controversial!

Many thanks to Son for sending us this bit of thought-provoking editorial.

as ever wed welcome comments / feedback on this, or indeed any item, that we publish.

Simon & Clive

Sat 2 Polkaworks with caller Aiden Hansell HC

Sat 9 The Forest Band with caller Arnold Stem wFD

Mon 11 Guest caller Chris Turner SCDMon 18 Guest caller Jeanie Byron-Williams

SCDFri 29 Montys Maggot with caller Barry

Goodman UCSat 23 Afternoon Dutch crossing longsword

workshop (Booking necessary) CFa Evening Mollie and Ali with caller

Mark Elvins CFaSat 30 Simon Care Band with caller Will Hall

nC

Sat 7 Mollie and Ali with caller Cis Hinkle (USA) FF

Albireo with caller Lisa Heywood HCSat 14 Keeping Thyme with caller Ron Coxall

bFD The Forest Band with caller Andrea

Stodell wFDSat 21 The Forest Band with caller Ivan Aitken

SaaFri 27 Cock and Bull with caller Mary Panton

UC

Sat 4 All star event with MC Gareth Kiddie, nYFTE Musicians and caller Aiden Hansell HC

Double Dichotomy with caller Mark Elvins nC

Sat 11 The Forest Band with caller Bob Barrett wFD

Fri 24 Fat Harry with caller Adam Hughes UC

bFD Bedford Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Putnoe Heights, Bedford, MK41 8EB Ron Law 01234 825 574

CFa Chiltern Folk Association: Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Ave, HP6 5AH Judith Inman 01628 486845, www.chilternfolk.org.uk

FF Friday Folk The Church Hall, Marlborough Road, St Albans, AL1 3XG www.fridayfolk.org.uk, 01727 856508

HC Haddenham Ceilidhs Haddenham Village Hall, near Aylesbury, Bucks, HP17 8EE John Heydon 07717 047 039, [email protected], www.haddenhamceilidhs.co.uk

nC Northampton Ceilidhs Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, northampton nn1 5LL John Green 07760 197921, 01933 397767, www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk

Saa St Albans Abbey Folk Dance Club Homewood Road United Reform Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans, AL1 4BH Brian Hancock 01727 834 977

SCD Staplers Country Dance Club St Johns Community Centre, St Johns Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9JP Cecilia Mills 01582 881966

UC Unicorn Ceilidhs St Marys Hall, Church Street, Baldock, SG7 5AE Tel: 01582 724261, 07946 439095, www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

wFD Winchmore Folk Dance Club Trinity Church, Church Street, Enfield, En2 6An John Wood 020 8926 7293

The Swan pub at Flitwick is starting a

New Folk Club! Singers and musicians of all abilities come and

practice and play!

Lets put the soul of Flitwick into the heart

of Flitwick!

Call Stepn on 07825448448 or Facebook The Swan at Flitwick


Formed in January 2016, Strummers is passionate about music and the way it can enhance and change lives. With an emphasis on music with a social conscience, this new venture aims to promote enjoyable music, engage with

the local community, foster links with other Cambridge folk venues and encourage local musicians, whilst at the same time bringing artists of national and international renown to Cambridge venues.

Strummers launched on 30th January 2016 at CB2 with a very strong bill of local acts. Our second event was at the Golden Hind on 4th February, when we hosted Canadian indie-folk singer-songwriter Jenny Ritter and her band, supported by fine young local acts EdwardAlice and Holly Jean. Coming up we have gigs with Robin Gillan, Robb Johnson, Marina Florance and Grace Petrie.

Strummers home is the basement at CB2, a small venue with a great atmosphere, holding 40 or so. However, for larger gigs we move to the Golden Hind, which has a capacity of around 100. Doors open 7.30, music starts at 8.00pm.

Music type:Folk & acoustic music special emphasis on the makers of music with a social conscience

Meets:Saturday a month at CB2 plus occasional gigs at the Golden Hind.

admission charge:normally 8.00 / 6.00 concessions

guests:Upcoming local, national and international acts

Venue name:CB2 Cafe (The Golden Hind for larger gigs)

Venue address:5 norfolk Street, Cambridge CB1 2LD (355 Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1SP)

Parking:no charge in the evening in the surrounding streets. The Grafton Centre car park is quite close

Club contact:Les Ray 07903 521412 [email protected]


Still interested?Contact Martin on 01767 627 566or email [email protected]

Aspiring Concertina Players WantedNo experience required!

The Chiltern Concertina Groupbased in Maulden, Beds.

is looking for new members.We can teach absolute beginners

to play English orto play English or Anglo concertinaand we have a limited number

of instruments for short term loan.

We meet on the second or thirdSunday of the monthfrom 14:00 to 18:00

in Maulden Church Hall.

Interested? Please visit our website www.chiltinas.org.ukfor further information and exact dates of meetings.If under 18 you will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.


Fri 1 CAMBRIDGE COnTRA Dance night CAMBRIDGE Stella Hensley and

Chris newman FRIDAY FOLK Bob Lilley WATFORD SingaroundSat 2 HADDEnHAM Concert: Andy Cutting HADDEnHAM Ceilidh: Polkaworks and

Aiden HansellSun 3 BLACK FEn Mayflower folk club visit the

Black Fen HITCHIn Miranda Sykes and Rex PrestonMon 4 HERGA Open Stage HITCHIn STAPLERS Denise Devonald WALTHAM ABBEY John ConnollyTue 5 ST nEOTS ninebarrowWed 6 EnGLISH MISCELLAnY Morris LInSLEIGHDERS Club Callers MOGGERHAnGER Village Folk Session BALDOCK Tom McConvilleThu 7 BEDFORD FDC Caller Roger Dover BEDFORD Singers night REDBOURn Pat Crilly and Greg Camburn ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD Rosas

Lovely DaughtersFri 8 CAMBRIDGE Open Stage with Melody Causton FRIDAY FOLK Colin Hume and FF Band ROYSTOn Showcase Session featuring

Roughage Quartet WATFORD Spotlight Singaround with

Andrew ClewlewSun 10 BLACK FEn Open Stage HITCHIn Luke Jackson, Greg Russell

and Ciaran AlgarMon 11 HERGA The Skeptics HITCHIn STAPLERS Guest Caller

Chris Turner WALTHAM ABBEY SingaroundTue 12 HERTFORD David Savage and Breakfast

with Liz Taylor ST nEOTS QuicksilverWed 13 ELY Lucy Ward EnGLISH MISCELLAnY Country LInSLEIGHDERS Club Callers BALDOCK Louise JordanThu 14 BEDFORD FDC Caller Kevin Prigmore BEDFORD Local Singers and Musicians REDBOURn Open Stage ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD David GibbFri 15 BEDFORD FInE Club night, Visitors Welcome BEnSLOW Weekend Workshop

The Soul of Hungarian Gypsy Music CAMBRIDGE COnTRA Dance night CAMBRIDGE Jess Morgan Trio FRIDAY FOLK Chris Turner and Spring Greens FOREST FOLK Tinderbox WATFORD Spotlight Singaround with

Piers Haslam

Sat 16 MALTInGS Silent Sessions: Shakespeares The Tempest

Sun 17 BLACK FEn Open Stage EnGLISH MISCELLAnY Morris and Mumming HITCHIn Double Header: Dovetail Trio

and TinderboxMon 18 HERGA Open Stage LEASIDERS Club Caller HITCHIn STAPLERS Guest Caller

Jeanie Byron-Williams WALTHAM ABBEY SingaroundTue 19 ST nEOTS The Worthys and Karen Johnson

and Tony ClarkWed 20 EnGLISH MISCELLAnY Country LInSLEIGHDERS Caller Judith Inman BALDOCK Open FloorThu 21 BEDFORD FDC Caller George Hearnden BEDFORD Singaround REDBOURn Si Barron ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD Joh Waterson

(Fake Thackray)Fri 22 BEDFORD FInE Club night, Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE Allan Taylor FRIDAY FOLK Bob Barrett and Mollie,

Colin, Susan and Harold WATFORD George PapavgerisSat 23 BEDFORD PLACE QuicksilverSun 24 BLACK FEn Booking TBC HITCHIn Show of Hands (sold out)Mon 25 HERGA Open Stage LEASIDERS Club Caller HITCHIn STAPLERS Bernard Higgs WALTHAM ABBEY SingaroundTue 26 HERTFORD na-Mara ST nEOTS Around The RoomWed 27 EnGLISH MISCELLAnY Country LInSLEIGHDERS Club Callers BALDOCK Twisted RoutesThu 28 BEDFORD FDC Caller Charles Day BEDFORD Singers night REDBOURn Open Stage ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD Rob BarratFri 29 BEDFORD FInE Club night, Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE COnTRA Dance night CAMBRIDGE The Willows FRIDAY FOLK Mike Ruff and FF Band ROYSTOn Concert Brooks Williams WATFORD Singaround


Sun 1 BLACK FEn Open Stage BEDFORD PLACE The Clarion Two HITCHIn The Askew SistersTue 3 ST nEOTS Open StageWed 4 EnGLISH MISCELLAnY Morris LInSLEIGHDERS Club Callers MOGGERHAnGER Village Folk Session BALDOCK Baldock Festival: John E CashThu 5 BEDFORD FDC Caller Graham Foster BEDFORD Spring Singaround REDBOURn Tom McConville BISHOPS STORTFORD Beth Gifford

and Friends BEDFORD PLACE Blair DunlopFri 6 MALTInGS Phil King plus others TBC BEDFORD FInE Club night, Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE Open Stage with nicky Vere-

Compton and Jeremy Harmer FRIDAY FOLK nigel Close and Spring Greens WATFORD Spotlight Singaround with

Emma McgrathSat 7 HADDEnHAM Concert: Jeff Warner with

Joe Allen and Friends HADDEnHAM Ceilidh: Albireo with

Lisa HeywoodSun 8 BLACK FEn Jeff Warner HITCHIn Josienne Clarke and Ben WalkerMon 9 HERGA Open Stage LEASIDERS Club Caller HITCHIn STAPLERS Club Evening WALTHAM ABBEY SingaroundTue 10 HERTFORD The Malingerers ST nEOTS Jimmy Aldridge and Sid GoldsmithWed 11 EnGLISH MISCELLAnY Country LInSLEIGHDERS Club Callers BALDOCK Feature night: Amii Dawes,

Greg Cave and nick EllisonThu 12 BEDFORD FDC Caller John Green BEDFORD Singers night REDBOURn Open Stage ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD Singers nightFri 13 BEDFORD FInE Club night, Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE COnTRA Dance night CAMBRIDGE Landermason FRIDAY FOLK Wendy Harrup and musicians FOREST FOLK 1st Anniversary bash with

Sicknote Steve ROYSTOn Super Showcase Session

featuring Thursdays Band WATFORD Floyd, Hartwell, HinesSun 15 BLACK FEn Open Stage EnGLISH MISCELLAnY Morris and Mumming HITCHIn Gilmore and RobertsMon 16 HERGA Sally Ironmonger LEASIDERS Club Caller HITCHIn STAPLERS Club Evening WALTHAM ABBEY Delta Ladies and Alan GlenTue 17 ST nEOTS Clive Gregson

Wed 18 ELY Ange Hardy and Lukas Drinkwater EnGLISH MISCELLAnY Country LInSLEIGHDERS Guest Caller Peter Bridgman BALDOCK Mean Mary (USA)Thu 19 BEDFORD FDC Caller Lorraine and

Ced Morgan BEDFORD Local Singers and Musicians REDBOURn Open Stage ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD Stanley Accrington BEDFORD PLACE Belshazzars FeastFri 20 BEDFORD FInE Club night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE Bright Season FRIDAY FOLK Mark Elvins and FF Band WATFORD Spotlight Singaround with

Steve PaigeSun 22 BLACK FEn Booking TBC HITCHIn Brooks WilliamsMon 23 HERGA Open Stage LEASIDERS Club Caller HITCHIn STAPLERS Club Evening WALTHAM ABBEY SingaroundTue 24 HERTFORD Causation Walker ST nEOTS Jeff WarnerWed 25 EnGLISH MISCELLAnY Country LInSLEIGHDERS Club Callers BALDOCK Feature night: Matt Kelly

and Gary Woolley, Said The MaidenThu 26 BEDFORD FDC Caller TBA BEDFORD Singaround REDBOURn Andy Mathewson ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD Two Coats ColderFri 27 BEDFORD FInE Club night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE COnTRA Dance night CAMBRIDGE Barluath ROYSTOn Double Header Concert: Hannah

Sanders and Sheri Kershaw WATFORD SingaroundSun 29 BLACK FEn Open Stage HITCHIn Lady MaiseryTue 31 ST nEOTS Round The Room


we desperately need help to distribute copies of Unicorn Magazine to the 60 or so distribution

locations on our list.

If you could help by taking copies to your club, session

or venue every quarter, please contact us.

Even small deliveries will help reduce the crippling postage & petrol bills!

Wed 1 LInSLEIGHDERS Club Callers MOGGERHAnGER Village Folk Session BALDOCK MalingerersThu 2 BEDFORD FDC Caller Jane Edmett BEDFORD Singers night REDBOURn Open Stage ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD Kara with

special guestsFri 3 MALTInGS Where are the Barricades

Leon Rosselson BEnSLOW Weekend Workshop

Folk Fiddling by Ear CAMBRIDGE Open Stage with Bertie Buck FRIDAY FOLK Paul Garner WATFORD SingaroundSat 4 HADDEnHAM Concert: Jackie Oates

with Tristan Seume HADDEnHAM Ceilidh: All Stars Event

with MC Gareth Kiddier, nYFTE Musicians and Aiden Hansell

Sun 5 BLACK FEn Open Stage HITCHIn Chris and Kellie WhileMon 6 HERGA Jeff Warner LEASIDERS Club Caller HITCHIn STAPLERS Club Evening WALTHAM ABBEY SingaroundTue 7 ST nEOTS Pete MortonWed 8 LInSLEIGHDERS Club Callers BALDOCK Michael Messers MitraThu 9 BEDFORD FDC Caller Keith Harrup BEDFORD Singaround REDBOURn ninebarrow ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD Pete MortonFri 10 BEDFORD FInE Club night, Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE COnTRA Dance night CAMBRIDGE Showcase: The Lights,

Steve Logan, Liz Cotton FRIDAY FOLK Dave Kerridge ROYSTOn Showcase Session featuring

Ben Smith WATFORD Gilmore and Roberts ST nEOTS Folk FestivalSat 11 ST nEOTS Folk FestivalSun 12 BLACK FEn Folk Day TBC REDBOURn 12th Folk on the Common HITCHIn Martyn Joseph ST nEOTS Folk FestivalMon 13 BEnSLOW Workshop Summer

Klezmer Course HERGA Open Stage LEASIDERS Club Caller HITCHIn STAPLERS Club Evening WALTHAM ABBEY Fools GoldTue 14 HERTFORD Sam Inglis ST nEOTS Dave GibbWed 15 ELY Jez Lowe LInSLEIGHDERS Guest Caller norman Hayes

BALDOCK Gary Fletcher of the Blues BandThu 16 BEDFORD FDC Caller Kevin Prigmore BEDFORD Local Singers and Musicians REDBOURn Open Stage ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD Chris FleggFri 17 BEDFORD FInE Club night, Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE Pete Coe FRIDAY FOLK Mike Bennett and FF Band FOREST FOLK Artist TBC WATFORD SingaroundSat 18 MALTInGS Lady Maisery, Black Scarr

and new Roots Finalist MALTInGS St Albans Folk Festival Day

of Dance MALTInGS St Albans Folk Festival

performances, singarounds and sessions in local pubs

Sun 19 MALTInGS St Albans Folk Festival singarounds and sessions in local pubs

BLACK FEn Open StageMon 20 HERGA Open Stage HITCHIn STAPLERS Club Evening WALTHAM ABBEY SingaroundTue 21 ST nEOTS TaliskWed 22 LInSLEIGHDERS Club Callers BALDOCK Open FloorThu 23 BEDFORD FDC Caller Roger Dover BEDFORD Midsummer Singaround REDBOURn Pete Coe ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD Face FurnitureFri 24 BEDFORD FInE Club night, Visitors Welcome BEnSLOW Weekend Workshop

Tango Techniques and Style BEnSLOW Weekend Workshop

Folk Orchestra CAMBRIDGE COnTRA Dance night CAMBRIDGE Tim Edey FRIDAY FOLK Bob Barrett ROYSTOn Concert: Richard Digence WALTHAM ABBEY Summer Sing Weekend WATFORD Julian MountMon 27 HERGA Open Stage LEASIDERS Club Caller HITCHIn STAPLERS Club Evening WALTHAM ABBEY SingaroundTue 28 HERTFORD Phil Hewett ST nEOTS Round The RoomWed 29 LInSLEIGHDERS Club Callers BALDOCK Jez LoweThu 30 BEDFORD FDC Caller Ann Gibson BEDFORD Singers night REDBOURn Open Stage ROUnDABOUTERS Club Evening BISHOPS STORTFORD Richard Grainger

(TBC) BEDFORD PLACE Jonathan Byrd

and My Girl By The River


baLDoCK Baldock and Letchworth Blues, Folk and RootsThe Orange Tree, norton Road, Baldock, SG7 5AWContact: Alan Hewson, 01767 683 583, [email protected]

bEDForD FDC Bedford Folk Dance ClubPutnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EBContact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com

bEDForD Bedford Folk Music ClubKempston Hammers Sports and Social Club, 134 High Street, Kempston, Bedfordshire MK42 7Bn Tel: 01234 853262Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 see us on Facebook

bEDForD Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance ClubHazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Rd, Bedford MK41 9ATContact: David Cooke, 01234 823920 www.finecompanions.synthasite.com

bEDForD MorriS Bedford Morris MenContact: Ian Daye, 01582 883 009, www.bedfordmorrismen.org.uk

bEDForD PLaCE The Place TheatreBradgate Road, Bedford, MK40 3DEContact: Laura Pottinger, 01234 354321, www.theplacebedford.org.uk

bEnSLow Benslow MusicBenslow Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RBContact: 01462 459 446, www.benslowmusic.org

biSHoPS StortForD StortfolkRoyal British Legion, 28 Windhill, Bishops Stortford CM23 2nGContact: Jon & Hilary Mcnamara, 01279 656664 www.beerfordbury.co.uk

bLaCK FEn Black Fen Folk ClubThe Boathouse, 14 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 3AXContact: Robin Gillan, 07847 680 560, www.blackfenfolkclub.com

CaMbriDgE Cambridge Folk ClubGolden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SPContact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986 www.cambridgefolkclub.org

CaMbriDgE Cambridge Contra DanceSt Andrews Hall, St Andrews Rd, Chesterton CB4 1DHContact: Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641, www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra

ELy Ely Folk ClubThe Old Dispensary, St Marys Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4ER (no bar)Contact: Ruth Bramley / Andy Wall, 01353 740999 / 01353 664706 www.elyfolkclub.co.uk

EngLiSH MiSCELLany East Hyde Village Hall, Lower Harpenden Rd (B653), nr Luton LU2 9QBContact: Eileen Heylin, 01442 255862 www.englishmiscellany.com

ForESt FoLK Forest Folk and RootsThe College Arms, College Road, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0SRContact: Trevor Dove, 07931 859 737, www.forestfolkandroots.weebly.com

FriDay FoLK Friday Folk Social Dance ClubMethodist Church, Marlborough Rd, St Albans AL1 3XGContact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508 www.fridayfolk.org.uk

HaDDEnHaM Haddenham Ceilidhs & Concerts, FestivalHaddenham Village Hall, near Aylesbury, Bucks HP17 8EEContact: John Heydon, 07717 047 039, [email protected] www.haddenhamceilidhs.co.uk

HErga Herga Folk ClubGreenwood Hall, Rickmansworth Rd, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3TJContact: George Papavgeris, 07747 768868 www.hergafolk.org

HErtForD The White Horse Folk ClubWhite Horse PH, Castle St, Hertford SG14 1HHContact: Pat Crilly 07971 804418, [email protected]

HitCHin Hitchin Folk ClubSun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, SG5 1AFContact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk

HitCHin StaPLErS Staplers Country Dance ClubSt Johns Community Centre, St Johns Rd, Hitchin SG4 9JPContact: Cecilia Mills, 01582 881966, www.staplers.org.uk

LEaSiDErS Leasiders Folk Dance ClubBlenheim Baptist Church Hall, Blenheim Cres, Luton LU3 1HBContact: Brian or Liz Patrick, 01582 732656

LinSLaDE LinsleighdersForster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade LU7 2nRContact: Mrs E.A. Corser, 01525 378010

MaLtingS Folk at the Maltings and St Albans Folk FestivalContact: Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852 111, www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk

MoggErHangEr Village FolkMoggerhanger Village Hall, Blunham Rd, Moggerhanger, MK44 3RDContact: Chris Bashford, 01767 640242 [email protected]

rEDboUrn Redbourn Folk ClubOld School Room, Hollybush PH, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DUContact: Jenny Mcnaught, 01582 793164 www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk

roUnDaboUtErSFriends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UPContact: Lorna Sharpe, 01438 727 293, [email protected], www.roundabouters.org.uk

roySton Royston Folk ClubOld Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston SG8 9AWContact: Mark Gamon (showcases) 07738 183158, Chris Walls (concerts) 01763 260 556, www.roystonfolk.org

St nEotS St Neots Folk ClubPriory Centre, Priory Lane, St neots PE19 2BHContact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278, www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk

UnDEr tHE briDgE A Celebration of the Acoustic Guitar

Skoulding Suite, March Town Hall, Market Place, March, PE15 9JFContact: 01354 651 396

waLtHaM abbEy Waltham Abbey Folk ClubRoyal British Legion, Brooker Rd, Waltham Abbey En9 1HYContact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987, www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com,

watForD Watford Folk ClubPump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JPContact: Julian Mount, 07778 526489, www.folkatthepumphouse.webs.com,


At the heart of English folk

2 Regents Park Road, London, NW1 7AY

Spring-Summer 2016

Boo

kin

g f

ees

ap

ply

.

Promoter Supporters

cecilsharphouse.org | 0207 485 2206

@cecilsharphouse/cecilsharphouse @cecilsharphouse

Tom Robinson: Home in the Morning TourThursday 12 May, 7.30pm, 25

Lucy WardWednesday 20 April, 7.30pm, 12

Moore Moss RutterWednesday 13 April, 7.30pm, 12

Dan WalshWednesday 4 May, 7.30pm, 12

Simpson Cutting KerrThursday 16 June, 7.30pm, 17

John McCusker 25th Anniversary tourAndy Cutting, Adam Holmes, Innes White & Toby Shaer, with Heidi Talbot & special guests

Thursday 28 April, 7.30pm, 16.50


Sat 02 apr Bella hardy

Tue 12 apr The cat empire

Sat 16 apr NIGHT [NEPAL]

Tue 19 Apr TREACHEROUS ORCHESTRA

Thu 21 apr Criolo [brazil]

Tue 26 apr John mccusker

Thu 28 apr HOLY MOLY & THE CRACKERS

Sat 07 may Freds house

Wed 11 may Chris wood

Mon 23 may Son of dave

Wed 25 may 9bach

Cambridge junction, clifton way, Cambridge cb1 7gxJunction.co.uk | 01223 511 511

Cambridge Junction


25 Years of Burwell Bash

In 1991, a group of fenland fiddle players inspired by the teaching of renowned Shetland fiddle player Tom Anderson set up a summer school in rural Cambridge. Based in the idyllic village of Burwell, they spent 5 days of the year coming together and learning from master musicians in the grounds of the majestic Burwell House. Having come from the social musical experiment of Duxford Workshop, the radical musical innovators quickly built up a strong base of members from all over Britain, and in time all over the world.

While Tom Anderson was the original inspiration, his passing in 1992 meant that he never made the trip to Burwell. For a number of years his protg Catriona MacDonland was the tutor, however over time the course evolved bringing more musicians and more instruments to the course. In 1992, piano accordions came under Ian Lowthian, followed by flutes and whistles with Brian Finnegan in 1994 and guitars with Ed Boyd in 1998. Since then such names as nancy Kerr, Kathryn Tickell, zoe Conway, Liz Doherty, Sam Pirt and most recently Jock Tyldesley, Tola Custy and Andy Cutting have carried the torch for the course.

A family affair, the course has been run by and for families with adults and children learning side by side with all ages and abilities catered for. It is a common sight to see children, including those of the tutors, playing in the grounds of the house. Initially run by Hazel and Greg Smith, the course changed hands a number of times before being taken by Stephen and Marian Bardwell and their family in 2001 who made it their own. After fifteen years of happy guardianship they parted from the course last year bringing in a new team of loyal volunteers to take on the task of running the course, securing its future for many more years to come.

While remaining steadfast in its constant belief that music is, and should be, for everyone the course has evolved over the years, taking on new challenges and ideas and even inspiring groups such as The Rheingans Sisters and the Teacups. As it approaches its 25th anniversary this coming August the tutors and members remain dedicated to this very special and entirely unique course. Brian Finnegan, a tutor from the very beginning,

continues to promote the course and support the community of players, mentioning his very favourite week whenever possible. He and the fraternity of players continue to be proud of all they have accomplished together.

Ellie Smith


See their the ad on page 40

Sparrow Violins

A folkie Luthier for folkies

Set-Ups and Repairs for Fiddles, Violas, Cellos and Hardanger Fiddles.

Fiddles and Hardangers made to commission. Hand made contemporary Fiddles for sale.

Tim J. Sparrow

St.Neots, Cambridgeshire (Workshop open by appointment)

Tel: 07704 836 170 Email: [email protected] www.sparrow-violins.co.uk www.facebook.com/SparrowViolins


Abbots Langley Winter Acoustic Concertshttp://www.oldtimetim.com/alwac.htm

Evening of 10.00 Monday 4th July 2016 at 8pm In conjunction with the Royal British Legion

as part of the Abbots Langley Festival of the Arts

John Kirkpatrick Tunes from the Trenches

Abbots Langley & District Men's Club

21 Trowley Rise, Abbots Langley, Herts WD5 0LNLicensed Bar

Enquiries to [email protected]

Or call Tim and Lesley Brooks on 01923 264536

Wednesday 13th AprilLucy Ward11 (10 advance)

Wednesday 18th MayAnge Hardy and

Lukas Drinkwater11 (10 advance)

Wednesday 15th JuneJez Lowe

11 (10 advance)

Old Dispensary, 13 St Marys St., ElyCB7 4ER

01353 740999/664706www.elyfolkclub.co.uk

Ely Folk Clubpresents


With its cavalcade of traditional music luminaries performing under the masterful direction of Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas, the 2016 Transatlantic Sessions concert at The Southbank Centre was never going to be anything other than a joy to be at. In fact, I thought it was the most entertaining Transatlantic Sessions live or on TV - that Id ever seen. Also on the stage that night was a person unfamiliar to me a black woman in a red dress, who went on to set the whole show alight.

You probably who Im talking about Rhiannon Giddens, of The Carolina Chocolate Drops. I know who she is now, as does every member of that audience, almost all of whom leapt to their feel in

a tidal wave of enraptured applause at the end of each of her sets. Her first song introduction forged an instant emotional connection an intimation of the difficulty of singing about the slave era in the deep South. Then came the song Julie and wham! Her voice, all ferocity and perfection, matched a completely compelling stage presence. It is fair to say that we all got the song.

Reflecting now, I guess thats really the aim of all singers, particularly in this traditional genre. We have stories to tell and in telling them, we are conduits. The stories are ours to put our mark on, without ever being about us. I would argue that while its not impossible, its certainly very hard to do this when youre reading words from a piece of paper. You need the lyrics in your head and in your heart then youre free to concentrate on other dynamics of performance. But I may be wrong. If, next year, we see Karen Matheson, Cara Dillon or John Doyle walk out to the front of the stage carrying a music stand, I guess Ill just have to eat my words.

Doug Jenner

Frog on a Bike

Ceilidh Band Energetic English folk music

thats guaranteed to get you up and dancing.

Call: 01775 640585

www.thefrogonabikeceilidhband.moonfruit.com www.facebook.com/frogonabike

http://frogonabikeceilidhband.bandcamp.com


STACEY BANJOS

REPAIRS SET-UPS & RESTORATION TO:

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Summer belongs to Cotswold Morris. This is the Morris style most people think of as Morris dancing and the one most likely to be revered or ridiculed in the public mind. The earliest mentions of Morris (or Morrisk, Moreys, Morisse) are 15th century, as part of a court entertainment, and spread down the social scale, however William Kempes nine day Morris from London to norwich in 1600 was not a dance as such but a series of various steps a sort of improvised jig.

The style of dancing is typified by a mix of double and single stepping often with jumps and more complex and showy steps such capers and hook-legs. Arm movements are also an important part of the style usually with large handkerchiefs held in the hands to accentuate the movement. Usually for six or eight dancers the figures are common to other forms of traditional dance or country dances: back-to backs, heys or reels, lines crossing over etc.

The set dances we now know as Cotswold Morris developed over the 17th19th centuries and were collected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in villages in and around the Cotswold Hills. Today the term it is also applied to the general style of dancing, thus teams may describe themselves as dancing Cotswold Morris or dancing in the Cotswold Style.

This distinction may not be apparent to most audiences but they are formed by two opposing pressures on the teams: on the one hand there is the desire to preserve dances and traditions, on the other is the desire to create something distinctive from what everyone else is doing. At one extreme are teams that perform sets of dances collected from particular villages and seek to follow as closely as possible the original collected notation, at the other are teams that have created their own sets of figures and dances. Most teams lie between these two: performing the collected dances but take a freer line in interpreting and adapting the steps and figures or doing a mix of collected and created dances.

The basic costume is usually either all white or white shirts with black, or coloured trousers or breeches. Most sides have waistcoats and/or baldricks . Some sides wear hats decorated with ribbons. The general appearance of a Cotswold side is usually much more uniform than that of a Border Morris or Molly side.

In mediaeval times May Day processions would have been dedicated to the Virgin Mary: her statue would be taken out of the parish church, crowned and decorated with flowers and then paraded around the streets. Over the centuries this has been adapted and secularised into the May Queen and other practices and associations have evolved with garlands, jacks-in-the-green and chimney sweeps. Some events, particularly the larger ones, have shifted from May Day itself to the early May Bank Holiday creating a further shift in the tradition. Whether any of these events and traditions have a direct link back to the pre-Christian Beltane celebrations is a matter of debate and conjecture. Although Morris dancers often appeared as part of the May Day celebrations they were never central to it.

Dancing at sunrise is a comparatively modern tradition for those who like an early rise and a pub breakfast it is an opportunity to indulge!

Here is a list of some May Day morning events in order of (approximate) start time.

5:00am: Cassiobury Park, Watford, Herts Woodside Morris Men

5:30am: Brackley Town Centre, Bucks Brackley Morris & northampton Morris

5:30am: The Red Lion, Penn, Bucks Grand Union Morris Men & Whitethorn Morris

5:45am: Ampthill Park (by Catherines Cross), Ampthill, Beds Redbornstoke Morris & Hemlock Morris

6:00am: Town hall, St Albans, Herts St Albans Morris Men

6.15am: By the pond, Aldbury, Herts Aldbury Morris men

6:30am: Ickwell Green, Beds Bedford Morris, Letchworth Morris, Offley Morris

Chas Leslie


One of the most bravely adventurous festivals The Guardian

www.towerseyfestival.com 01629 827016Coverage on

Tom Robinson BanD Nizlopi Andy KershawNell Bryden Kris Drever & Ian Carr Edward II 9BACH TradArrr Nancy Kerr & James Fagan LynchedChris Sherburn & Denny Bartley Steve Tilston & Jez LoweRory McLeod & The Familiar Strangers Damien OKane The Elephant Sessions Topette Bob Fox (Warhorse Songman) Rusty Shackle The Younguns Urban Folk QuartetWhapweasel JosieNne Clarke & Ben Walker Conservatoire Folk Ensemble FARA Roy Bailey Tickled Pink

and much more

Billy Bragg MIDGE URE The Wonder stuff Kate Rusby THE Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

The Original Independent Festival Where Music Has Roots

TF2016_Sig_poster_A5_BW.indd 1 11/02/2016 11:44



Ticketed events will include fundraising concert, more concerts, barn dance, special shows, workshops, meet the guests, folk clubs, etc. Free events stage, dance displays, procession, song and music sessions, street theatre, etc.

Tenterden folk f 2016 Tenterden, the Jewel of the Weald

Thursday 29th September to Sunday 2nd October

Morris sides and dance display teams:

CONTACT INFORMATION: Alan Castle, 15 Repton Manor Road,

Ashford, Kent TN23 3HA

Paul Cumberland T:01795 532370

Chief stewards: Kathy & Bob Drage,

Dance co-ordinator:

Guests so far: The Claque, Jim Mageean & Graeme Knights, Keith Kendrick & Sylvia Needham, Mike Wilson & Damien Barber, Nick Dow, Pete Castle, Phil Hare, Scolds Bridle, Steve Turner, The Tonic with caller Keith Leech plus more to conrm Thursday concert: To be announced shortly Free music stage & other showcase guests: sairs (Belgium), Earwig Corner, Endless Knot, Invicta Ukulele Club Band and many more Plus our popular regular/local guests: Adrian O, Bob Kenward, Chris Roche, Gavin & Julie Atkin, Malcolm Ward, Mark Gibson, Marsh Warblers, Morrigan, Peter Collins, Roger Resch, Spare Parts, Sue Watson, & Lizzi Stephens, Travelling Folk, Vic & Tina Smith and more to conrm. Plus up to 60 Morris sides, Appalachian dancers, other folk dance display teams and street theatre.


Sat 1 12pm BALDOCK Thriplow Daffodil Festival

Tue 5 8pm WICKET BROOD Border Morris Practice

Wed 6 8pm WOODSIDE Morris Practice



Sat 16 All Day WICKET BROOD Folk Weekend, Oxford



Sat 23 All Day WHITCHURCH Day of Dance, Aylesbury

All Day WOODSIDE St Georges Tour, South Bank, London and Lords Cricket Ground

Tue 26 8pm WHITCHURCH The Anglers Retreat, Marsworth

8pm WICKET BROOD Border Morris Practice


Sat 30 All Day BALDOCK Rochester Sweeps Fair

Sun 1 pm BALDOCK Letchworth and Baldock

6.30am LETCHWORTH Ickwell Maypole

2pm LETCHWORTH Letchworth May Festival, Howard Gardens, Letchworth

5am WOODSIDE Cassiobury Park, Watford

12.30pm WOODSIDE Harrow on the Hill Trust May Day Festival

Mon 2 6.30am WHITCHURCH Coombe Hill Monument near Wendover

9am WHITCHURCH The Hampden Arms, Great Hampden

10.30am WHITCHURCH Worlds End Garden Centre, Wendover

12.00pm WHITCHURCH May Fair, Whitchurch

2.15pm WHITCHURCH Pitstone Green Farm Museum, Leighton Buzzard

Wed 4 7.45pm BEDFORD Fox and Hounds, Riseley

8pm WOODSIDE Morris Practice

Thu 5 8.15pm LETCHWORTH March Hare, Dunton

Sun 8 All Day LETCHWORTH Ashwell at Home

Tue 10 8pm WHITCHURCH The Five Elms, Weedon

8pm WICKET BROOD The Sun Inn, Lemsford

Wed 11 7.45pm BEDFORD The Anchor Inn, Great Barford

8pm WOODSIDE Falcon, Denham

Thu 12 8.15pm LETCHWORTH Lytton Arms, Knebworth

Sat 14 10-4 BALDOCK Baldock Day of Dance

10-4 LETCHWORTH Baldock Day of Dance

Tue 17 8pm BALDOCK Robin Hood Tonwell

8pm WHITCHURCH The Chandos Arms, Weston Turville


8pm WICKET BROOD The Rising Sun, Berkhamsted

Wed 18 7.45pm BEDFORD Bell and Bear, Emberton

8pm WOODSIDE Red Lion, Penn

Thu 19 8.15pm LETCHWORTH Cricketers, Weston

9.15pm LETCHWORTH Rising Sun, Halls Green

Sat 21 All Day WICKET BROOD Private Workshop

Sun 22 PM LETCHWORTH Walsworth Festival, Hitchin

Tue 24 8pm BALDOCK Lordship Arms, Bennington

8pm WHITCHURCH The Black Boy, Oving

8pm WICKET BROOD The White Horse, Harpenden

Wed 25 7.45pm BEDFORD Busking in Bedford, locations TBC

8pm WOODSIDE Kings Head, Hunton Bridge

9.15pm WOODSIDE Old Palace, Kings Langley

Thu 26 8.15 LETCHWORTH Crown, Buntingford

9.15 LETCHWORTH Sword Inn Hand, Westmill

Sat 28 Weekend WHITCHURCH Yorkshire Dales hosted by Leeds Morris Men

Tue 31 8pm BALDOCK Bushel and Strike, Ashwell

June

Wed 1 8pm BEDFORD The Fox, Carlton

8pm WOODSIDE Plough, Sleapshyde

9.15pm WOODSIDE Crooked Billet, Colney Heath

Thu 2 w/e BALDOCK 20th anniversary celebration, Exeter, Devon.

8.15pm LETCHWORTH Cock, Broom

9.15pm LETCHWORTH Five Bells, Henlow

Sat 4 All Day WHITCHURCH Thaxted Ring Meeting

1pm WOODSIDE St Leonards Fete, Tring

Tue 7 8pm BALDOCK Stone Jug, Clophill

8pm WHITCHURCH The Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne

8pm WICKET BROOD The Papermill, Apsley

Wed 8 8pm BEDFORD The Cricket Club Pavilion, Ickwell

8pm WOODSIDE Full Moon, Hawridge Common

9.15pm WOODSIDE Blue Ball, Asheridge, Chesham

Thu 9 8.15pm LETCHWORTH Plume of Feathers, Ickleford.

9.15pm LETCHWORTH Old George, Ickleford

Sat 11 All Day LETCHWORTH JMO Regional Day of Dance, Letchworth Town Centre

All Day WHITCHURCH JMO Regional Day of Dance, Letchworth Town Centre

Weekend WICKET BROOD Wimborne Minster Folk Festival

UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 134 WWW.UnICORnMAGAzInE.ORG 47

Tue 14 8pm BALDOCK The Fox, Pirton

8pm WHITCHURCH The White Swan, Whitchurch

Wed 15 8pm BEDFORD The Bell, ODell

8pm WOODSIDE Swan, Ley Hill

9.15pm WOODSIDE Hen and Chickens, Botley

Thu 16 8.15pm LETCHWORTH Crown, Shillington

9.15pm LETCHWORTH White Hart, Campton

Sat 18 All Day WICKET BROOD St Albans Day of Dance

All Day WOODSIDE St Albans Day of Dance

Tue 21 8pm BALDOCK The Lytton Arms, Knebworth

8pm LETCHWORTH John Bunyan, Coleman Green

8pm WICKET BROOD John Bunyam, Coleman Green

8pm WHITCHURCH The Plough, Cadsden

Wed 22 8pm BEDFORD The Polhill Arms, Renhold

8pm WOODSIDE Case is Altered, Eastcote

9.15pm WOODSIDE Old Orchard, Harefield

Tue 28 8pm BALDOCK The Half Moon, Hitchin

8pm WHITCHURCH The Rose and Crown, Wingrave

8pm WICKET BROOD The Spotted Dog, Flamstead

Wed 29 8pm BEDFORD The Bedford Arms, Souldrop

8pm WOODSIDE Rising Sun, Berkhamstead

baLDoCK Midnight Morris Cotswold, Border, MixedContact: Julie Dawson 01462 712 818 www.baldockmidnightmorris.org.uk

bEDForD Morris Men Cotswold Contact: Ian Daye 01582 883 009 / Phil nicholson 01234 772 295, www.bedfordmorrismen.org.uk

LEtCHwortH Morris Men CotswoldContact: Andrew Harper 01462 440 683 [email protected] www.letchworthmorris.org.uk

wooDSiDE Morris Men CotswoldContact: nick Wilson 07860 663 033 www.woodsidemorrismen.com

wHitCHUrCH Morris Men CotswoldBagman: John Bush 01296 641 [email protected] www.whitchurchmorris.org.uk

wiCKEt brooD Border MorrisSt Stephen Parish Centre, Station Rd, Bricket Wood AL2 3PJContact: Penny Simpson Giles [email protected] www.wicketbrood.org.uk


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One of the odd things about visiting Great Aunt Dorcus is that the conversations can set off such strange lines of thought. The obituary column is one of her great delights, so that she can tick-off who she has outlasted people who are significantly younger than her give her most pleasure. So it was that I was reading the paper to her over her afternoon bowl of breakfast cereal and mentioned that somebody or other had passed on.

Is he dead? she replied, I didnt even know he was alive.

It made me think back to a visit to a sing-around at a folk club when one of the performers mentioned in his introduction that he was singing a particular song as a tribute to somebody or other who had recently died, my immediate thought was that I had no idea who he was talking about. It then made me think that we each have our own heroes, people who have` influenced the songs we sing, the music we play and the way we perform them.

That in turn made me realise that my twin uncles Cain and Abel (the family has always been keen on biblical names) must have been more influential on the folk scene than I had thought. I am thinking specifically of the habit of having an instrumental break in a song, usually before the last verse, or every ten verses in the case of a Child ballad. This seems to be a common habit today, especially amongst those guitar players favouring blues or contemporary folk material.

Uncles Cain and Abel, who were doyens of the Folk revival back in the 1950s and 60s, probably pioneered this practice. Cain (playing ukulele, descant banjo and nose flute) and Abel (on the

angular concertina, maracas and any drugs he could get hold of) were part of the folk duo known as The Genesis Four. Their usual arrangement, in an attempt to avoid sibling rivalry, was to split the song between them but because of poor memories they often forgot to come in and would continue to play while they argued over who was meant to sing the next verse or looked up the words. Their instrumentals were not especially good but they were welcomed by the audience: the arguments were entertaining and it at least provided relief from their singing.

Anyway, Cain and Abel also came to realise that because of the vagaries of folk club organisers, they were paid by length of the spot, not the number of songs in the set. By inserting instrumentals they could drag out the material they had and thus save themselves the bother of learning too much new stuff. They once tried to get into the Guinness Book of records with a 49min performance of Mary Hamilton (Child 173), but failed because it had been split by on-stage fights over which variant they were singing and whose turn it was to play the instrumental break.

Since realising all this I have been playing a guessing game, which you can also try next time you are at a folk club or a song session. When a performer does an instrumental break try working out whether it is a vanity project to show off a new fingering skill, whether they have simply forgotten the words, or whether they have worked out that they wont get another turn that evening and are trying to extend the turn they have.

Long Lankin


the Connected thoughts of Long Lankin

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WWW.FOLKBYTHEOAK.COMOR CALL THE BOX OFFICE ON: 01432 355 416

BRING A BOTTLE AND A PICNIC!Family friendly Craft tent

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Storytelling

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AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEMCARA DILLON & FRIENDS

LAUFALSE LIGHTS

SWEET LIBERTIESMARTIN SIMPSON & DOM FLEMONS

EMILY PORTMAN & THE CORACLE BAND

CALAN LYNCHED CARDBOARD FOXTHE RHEINGANS SISTERS KELLY OLIVER

LONDON YOUTH FOLK ENSEMBLE

A festival of folks finest acts gathered in beautiful leafy parkland for one uplifting summer day of music.

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unicorn magazine issue 134

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