New Year ...

I wonder if we have a volunteer to lead this song before we leave tomorrow evening?



There will be no fireworks, and we won't be in Sydney.
(Well Annie might be!)
Neither do we anticipate the company of an internationally reknowned symphony orchestra, 'singers and chorus', but traditional choreographic instruction will be welcome.

Now, did you know that Rabbie Burns wrote FIVE verses for this song?
I worry somewhat about "We'll tak a right guid-willie-waught ...", in the final verse!

A Message From Lynda.

A big thank you to Colin, Jane and Ken for setting out the hall so beautifully last Friday.  It looked so welcoming and festive, and helped to make the occasion really special. 

 

We must also thank La Fish in The Hornet, Chichester, for their excellent service (and generous discount!) in cooking and delivering the food, and their patience when I added to or subtracted from the original order on several occasions right up to the last minute. 

 

We're so lucky to have David, Colin and Ken at the helm, as well as all of the regulars at the City Folk Club, to give us another year's worth of fantastic entertainment!

 

Happy Christmas, and see you next year,

 

Lynda

Being The 17th Of December 2010.

I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas:  David
Hey Jude: Paul
The Holly Bears A Berry: Sylvia
Sweet Thames Flow Softly: John
The Boars Head Carol: Colin/Laura
As I Sat on a Sunny Bank: Bill 1:1/Jenny/Colin
Sweet Bells: Jenny/Bill 1:1
Santa Baby: Maggie
Ist Ein Ros': Laura/Lorna/Colin
Come The Day: Les
While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks By Night: Angela/Beatrice
Good Ale: Roland
The 12 Days of Diwali: Pam
In The Bleak Midwinter: Robin
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: Margaret
Catch The Wind: Mike P.
The Snows They Melt The Soonest: Lynda
Oh, Little Town Of Bethlehem: Mick
Jesus: Jane/David
Most Highly Favoured Lady: Mave
The Good Old Way: Jane/Colin
Love Letters Straight From Your Heart: Lucy/Roger
Everytime We Say Goodbye: Paul/Roger
The Seven Joys of Mary: Bill 1:1
A Poem: Lorna
I Saw Three Ships: Angela
Kites: Margaret
Shepherds Arise: Full Cast

A Seasonal Message from South Africa ...

I recently received a Christmas e-greeting from our friend, Gigi, from South Africa.
I have every confidence that she intended that her generous thoughts should be shared.
She wrote ...

My Christmas wish for you

Is not a simple one

For I wish you hope and joy and peace

Days filled with warmth and sun

I wish you love and friendship too

Throughout the coming year

Lots of laughter and happiness

To fill your world with cheer

May you count your blessings, one by one

And when totalled by the lot

May you find all you've been given

Much more than you sought

May your journeys be short, your burdens light

May your spirit never grow old

May all your clouds have silver linings

And your rainbows pots of gold

I wish you all this and so much more

May all your dreams come true

May you have a wonderful Christmas

And a happy New Year too.

Lots of love,

Gigi.

Gigi also wrote, "Will see you soon in the coming year."
Now, if I know Gigi, that's not a threat ...
"Be not afraid!" sayeth some Biblical apparition.
It's a PROMISE!

Beat the Freeze!

The Hobbs's have just taken delivery of their new vehicle. We'll never be stuck in the snow again!
Best wishes for a Merry Xmas and a Peaceful, Healthy, Happy and Musical New Year to all City Folk Clubbers, wherever you are: New Zealand, South Africa, Bognor...

Thank You ...

I am moved to thank those seven courageous souls who responded to the invitation to come along on Friday to support ‘Carols on the Meadow’ in Bosham.

Yes, I know it was cold, but that mulled wine helped!

I have heard from a committee member who wrote as follows:

“So glad that you all enjoyed the occasion and the volume was certainly enhanced. I am sure that we would like to work together again. Seasonal greetings …”

We fulfilled our remit!

Thank you ... you know who you are!

Being The 10th Of December 2010.

Heart: David/Colin
Lark In The Clear Air: Colin
In The Early Morning Rain: Lynda/Paul
Shoals Of Herring: Laura/Lorna
There Ain't No Grave: Eddie
King Of The Fairies: Marion/Mick/Richard
A Letter From Mr. Arkwright To The Tax Man: Barry
With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm: Sheila
Freeborn Man: John
Strange Rain: Les
Rambling Pitchfork: Mick/Mike P.
Tracks of My Tears: Sheena
Dirty Old Town: Mike P.
Romeo and Juliette: Roger
Old Time Dancing Club: Mave
The Galaxy Song: Ken
The Magpies Nest: Bill 1:1
Warlike Seaman: Roland
Noah: Paul
When The Spring Has Come: David/Roger
Venezuela: Laura/Colin
How Can I Keep From Singing?: Lynda
Xmas Medley: Lorna
I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas: Eddie
Coloured Aristocrasy +? : Stoney Ridge Band
All My Trials: Les
One More Cup Of Coffee: Sheena/Mick/Mike P.
The Echo: Mike P.
Try To Remember: Margaret
Dimming Of The Day: Roger
Da Sixereen/Willafjord: Bill 1:1
A 1000 Years: Paul
Can You Dance The Polka? : Stoney Ridge Band

Memoirs of a Folk-Song Collector (continued)

Miss Letitia has returned from Squire Charlesworth's farm, after meeting some farmhands at lunch-time.

An evening in the Horne Goat
That evening, some twenty young men thronged the bar of The Horne Goat, quaffing their beer after a hard day’s labour. They had heard that I was interested in ‘something in the old manner’, from my lunchtime companions, and were eager to make my acquaintance. After dinner, which I had caused to be brought to my room, on account of my headache, I went down and joined them in the bar. As is customary in such remote areas, women do not go into bars, but these gallant labourers seemed gladly to make exception for me. Indeed, their generosity was remarkable: I was not allowed to go thirsty, for my cup was continually replenished, even before it was empty. When I enquired which of them could render for me any songs of their fathers, or grandfathers, there was much argument and dispute amongst them as to who should sing first. One sang of lambs separated from their ewes and said that he was my lamb and I should let him snuggle up to me as a lamb to its ewe. Another sang of the loneliness of the shepherd, and the gladsomeness when he returned to his sweetheart. Others sang of hunting the black hare, of their old sporting gun, and one of some farm machinery and its ‘reciprocating motion’. When I required of him an explanation of this, there was much jollity and he said he needed my help to demonstrate it. Everyone was much amused by my attempts to follow his instructions, and I found it a mirthful and pleasing occupation. I do not recall getting to bed, nor undressed, but I do recall them all promising to return the following evening with more of this fascinating rustic culture.
to be continued

Being The 3rd Of December 2010.

When The Spring Has Come: David
Demon Lover: Colin
Lonesome Town: Berry/Ken
Blackbird: Paul//Mick
Still I Love Him: Jenny
To Be A Farmer's Boy: Bill 1:1
The House That Jack Built: Paul
I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles: David
It's You: Berry
Chatterton Doris: Ken
Anderson's Coast: Mave
Blair Atholl: Mick
Abroad For Pleasure As I Was Walking: Jenny/Bill 1:1
North Country Fair: Paul
All Along The Watchtower: David
The Snow It Melts The Soonest: Colin
Creeping Jane: Bill 1:1
I'm So Lonesome Everyday: Berry/Paul

Carols on the Meadow ...

The Friends of the Old Bridge Meadow have invited us to attend Carols on the Meadow, beginning at 6.00pm on Friday 17th December.
Our remit is to ‘support and give some volume to the carols and in so-doing encourage those there to sing up with enthusiasm.’
We can do that, can’t we?

"What meadow?" you may ask ...
It’s the one alongside the A259 adjacent to the roundabout at Bosham, opposite Memories of India, PO18 8PG, near what was once The White Swan pub:

Look out for the brightly illuminated tree:

Mulled wine and other seasonal refreshments will be available, but you are required to supply your own thermal underwear.
There will be a Salvation Army band playing well-known carols, and hymn-sheets will be provided.
Father Christmas has been booked.

“But ... ” I hear you exclaim, “That’s our fish-and-chip evening!”

So it is … yet, be not afraid!
The meadow event is scheduled to finish at 7.20pm and I have said that we MUST be away by then.
That gives us plenty of time to get to the Guide Hall by 8.00 for a prompt start to our usual musical activities.

The Guide Hall will already have been set up during the afternoon, but, if you are not attending the carols and arrive early at the hall, you might have to wait for a key-holder to arrive. Please have patience!

By the way, Lynda needs to know your orders for fish-and-chips by Friday this week - see earlier post at fish 'n chips.

CHILDREN IN NEED- CFC are FANTASTIC!!!

Thanks to all of you, and a top-up by the City Folk Club, Children in Need is now FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS better off.

A magnificent effort. Words cannot express our thanks. The appeal has reached over 18 million, and your 500 quid goes on top of that.

Be Proud of yourselves!

Thoughts about next summer ...

A couple of weeks ago, on a glorious autumn afternoon, I walked along the sea-front in Bognor.
I came across this magnificent piece of Victorian municipal architecture ...

It took me several days, and a new piece of hardware, (well - a USB cable that those kind people at Vodaphone gave me for nothing!) to work out how to retrieve this image from my new mobile phone.

"Wouldn't that be a wonderful alfresco venue for a folk club?" I thought.

I shared this outrageous notion with our MC.
"Hmm..." said he!

Children in Need Night - fantastic!

A most enjoyable night, making music, having fun, and digging in our pockets for Children in Need. Enormous thanks to all who participated, especially some very generous souls (you know who you are!).

Final counting is still going on, but we passed and surpassed last year's total in a rough count part-way through the evening. More news to follow when we've got the final total.

There are not enough superlatives to adequately express the magnitude of the effort, and the great result.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You're marvelous!

Being The 19th Of November 2010.

Come Here: David/Colin
Come Write Me Down: Colin/Jane
Amazing Grace: Margaret
I'll See You In My Dreams: Berry
Under The Bridges Of Paris: Maggie
Dancing With You: Eddie
The Air That I Breath: Lynda/Paul
Famous Blue Rain Coat: Jane/David
You Do Something To Me: Brenda/Berry
Poor Old Horse: Bill 1:1
Rear View Mirror: Roger
Anniversary Waltz: Lorna/Laura
Greensleeves: Laura/Lorna/Colin
Everybody's Talking: Mick/Marion
I'll Fly Away: Angela/Roland
Donna, Donna: Phine/Colin
King of Rome: Lucy
2 Ships: Jane W.
Children In Need Tonight: Ken/Mave
Mary Skeffington: Paul
Bottom Of The Bottle: David
Martin Said To His Man: Colin
Plaisir d'Amore: Margaret
Have A Drink On Me/Rail Road ?: Ken/Berry
Union Miners: Eddie
The Brisk Lad: Lynda
You & Me: Beheld
Jack O'Ryan: Bill 1:1/Mick
Romeo and Juliette: Roger
My Clinch Mountain Home: Angela/Roland
Crazy: Brenda/Berry
Who Knows Where The Time Goes: Lucy
Waiting At The Church: Mave
Pinball Wizard: Ken
Wonderful Life: Paul
When All Men Sing: Colin
Further Along: Roger
Your Cheating Heart: Full Cast

WARNING!

The post regarding the Club Raffle in aid of Children in Need indicates that some tomatoes are offered as a prize. Please be advised that bringing tomatoes and other soft fruit into the club is in contravention of Club Rules. This is for the protection of performers.

More Prizes ...

You people at The City Folk Club are so incredibly generous.
Here are some more desirable items, donated by Berry and Brenda, that you could win in our raffle for Children in Need ...

Tomatoes!

A useful timing device ...

Something called 'Martin' in medium size ...





A souvenir for petrol-heads ...

Best of all ...



... an original picture, by Brenda, cleverly demonstrating the subliminal spectre of a photographer.

Look carefully, now.

This is destined to become a highly-prized collectors' piece.

Show how much you covet these pieces.

Be there on Friday, 19th, 8.00pm for a prompt start.

Purchase dozens of raffle tickets from my charming assistant.

Being The 12th Of November 2010.

Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens: David
Scarecrow: Colin
Lay Me Low: Lynda
Shepherds Hey: Lorna
Have You Ever Been Lonely?: Berry
Morning Town Ride: Yvonne
As Time Goes By: Brenda/Berry
It Takes A Worried Man: Mike
Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag: Roger
O'Carolan's Draft: Mick
I'll Take You Dancing Again: Mave
Going For A Soldier Jenny Dear: Ken
Torn Between Two Lovers: Phine
The Storms Are On The Ocean: Angela
Dancing At Whitsun: Jane
Andrew Rose: Roland
Pilot Of The Air Waves: Paul
See Me Run: David
The Trees They Do Grow High: Colin
The False Bride: Lynda
Young Collins: Lorna
I Only Want To Be With You: Yvonne
All Of Me: Brenda/Berry
? : Mike
The Story Of Issac: Roger
The Rambling Pitchfork: Mick
The Manchester Rambler: Mave
Things We Said Today: Ken/Berry/Paul
Where Have All The Flowers Gone?: Angela
Only Remembered: Jane
The Day Is Done: Margaret

Children in Need Update ...

Thank you, everyone!

So far our gathering has generated £68.00 for this charitable enterprise.
Most of that is for sponsored requests. I have collated 42 so far, and one promissory note.
I hope to circulate performers soon after close-of-play next Friday.
Please do not be disappointed if your don't hear your chosen piece on the night, or if you don't have the opportunity to perform. The music will be there in future weeks, but our CiN bank closes at midnight on the 19th.

Many of you have subscribed to Pudsey's sweep-stake, but there are still gaps to be filled.
You stand to win a voucher for £20.00 for HMV.

Then there's the raffle. Only £6.00 so far, and I know we'll do better.
Some desirable prizes have been illustrated in an earlier post.
Here's another one generously provided by Pam and Les ...

There are more promised, and my thanks to those generous people who have already donated/promised prizes.

CiN has always proved an enjoyable evening at the City Folk Club.
This year we will be entertaining some important guests representing the Guiding Movement.
Let's behave well and showcase our talent.

Please be involved.
Throw money, preferably folded.
Don't forget ... SHOW YOUR SPOTS!
Here are mine ...

Being The 5th Of November 2010.

From the Underworld: David
Oh, Very Young: Paul
I Shall Be Released: Sheena
The Maid Of Culmore: Lynda
Verdant Braes Of Skreen: Jane/Colin/David
Now That She Is In The Club: Tony
Song For A Winters Night: Martin/Anne/Alan
Kilamona Barn Dance: Mick/Mike P.
When I Leave Berlin: Mike P.
November The 5th: Ken
Love Is Life: Mave
Devil Woman: Berry
Blaydon Races: Lorna
Tennessee Waltz: George
Swing Low Sweet Chariot: Robin/Jane
I'm Not Afraid To Die: Roger
We Dreamed Our Dreams: Colin
Grandad: Les
Fly Me To The North: Martin/Anne/Alan
It Must Be True: David
All The Things You Are: Paul//George
Child In Need: Les
You've Got A Friend: Sheena
High Germany: Lynda
?: Shipwrecked
Pat Cannie's Reel: Mick/Mike P.
Gypsy: Mike P.
Chocolate (?): Ken
I'll Go No More A Rovin': Mave
Waltz For A Wedding: Lorna
Jim Kissing You: Robin
? : Jane
Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy: Roger/Colin
Lovely Starry Night: Shipwrecked

THE CITY FOLK CLUB’S VERY EXCITING FISH & CHIP EVENING ...

On Friday 17th December, in anticipation of the festive season, we will be hosting a Fish and Chip Supper at the Guide Hall.

We plan that our caterers, (La Fish,) will deliver at 21.00hrs.

We need to know numbers and requirements by 3rd December, so BOOK NOW!

There will not be a pot collection on the evening, but we ask that you contribute the not-unreasonable sum of £2.00 towards the food at the time of booking.

The club will supply paper plates, napkins, cutlery, condiments and sauces in-house.
You will, as usual, bring your own beverages.

(This event will NOT be publicised beyond our usual gathering, and we may have to restrict numbers. Of course there may be people who have difficulty thinking ahead, or just turn up without telling us in advance. They will be welcome to enjoy the music but, unless we generously share a chip or two, they’ll just have to watch us eat!)

So, if you plan to come and eat, please supply the information requested below and pass it on, with your £2.00, to Lynda, or let her know as soon as you can …
01243 783211 or 07740 434554
lynda.stone49@btinternet.com

Name. …………………………………………………………………………..


Telephone number and/or email address. …………………………………………………...

Please tick ONE item from the following menu: 

• Cod …
• Haddock ...
• Scampi …
• Chicken quarter -  leg ... or wing ...
• Sausage - battered ... or naked ...
• Beef-burger in a bun with coleslaw … or mixed salad …
• Veggie-burger in a bun with coleslaw … or mixed salad … 

Then answer these simple questions:

• Do you want chips? – YES/NO?
• Would you like mushy peas? – YES/NO? 

I declare that I have committed to memory precisely what I have ordered, and I understand that my £2.00 contribution is non-refundable!

Signed …………………..

Hard copy of the above legal document will be circulated at the club next Friday.

I hope that Lynda will be in attendance to receive your completed responses ... and your money!

Being The 29th Of October 2010.

Come Here: David/Colin
The Hand Weaver and the Factory Maid: Colin
The Queen's Jig/Sellinger's Round: Lorna/Laura
Planxty Irwin/Star of the County Down: Natalie
The Autumn Song: Anne/Alan
The Ballad of Bethnal Green: Sylvia
Winster's Gallop: John
How Happy We Will Be: Les
Monster Mash: Ken
Watching You Sleep: Mave
The Carnival Is Over: Phine
My Clinch Mountain Home: Angela/Roland
?/Rocky Road To Dublin: Bill 1:1
Solitude: Lucy
Terror Time: Anne/Alan
In The Smoke: David/Colin
She Moved Through The Fair: Colin
Dalesman's Litany: Laura/Colin
Good Advice: Lorna
Over The Hills And Far Away: Natalie
Slumber My Darling: Anne/Alan
Little Polly Perkins: Sylvia
The Full Haul: John
Isn't It Grand To Be Bloody Well Dead: Les
?: Ken
I Wonder If Anyone Will Marry Me Now: Mave
Autumn Leaves: Phine
When The Saints Go Marching In: Angela/Roland
What's The Life Of A Man?: Bill 1:1
St. James Hospital: Lucy
Things: Paul
The Bay of Biscay: Anne
January Man/Jumbo The Elephant: Paul

More about the Children in Need raffle ...

OK, to tempt you further, here are some more highly desirable prizes to be won in our raffle in aid of Children in Need:

A hardly-used electro-acoustic Mandolin that looks a bit like this …

This huge Teddy Bear …

An electronic tuner/metronome …

Then, we have this book, written and generously donated by our resident author, Phine ...

You can read about this novel at Phine's website

Raffle tickets at 20 pence each (£1.00 per strip) will be available to purchase at the club every week until 19th November. If you purchase tickets beforehand, and suddenly realise that you won’t be able to make it on the night, phone me (01243 574021) or email to dbsandw@googlemail.com, and let me know the colour and number/s of your tickets, and your first choice of prize.

In your absence, if you’re a winner, we might not be able to give you the prize of your choice, but we’ll do our best to find something suitable.

Then again, what is your excuse for not being there?

Being The 22nd Of October 2010.

At The Bottom Of This Bottle: David
The Butcher Boy: Lynda
Have A Drink On Me/Lost John: Ken/Berry
Only A Bird In A Gilded Cage: Mave
Keep Your Hands Off Her: Adrian
Pretend: Berry
Farewell Sorrow: Jane
Both Sides Now: Margaret/Paul
Brave Wolfe: Roger
I'm Going To Do It All: Mike P.
Zepplin: Mick
Texas Ranger: Angela
Full Many A Glorious Morning: Roland
Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me: Jane
Anything That's Part Of You: Paul
Late October: David
Birds: Lynda
By The Time: Ken
With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm: Mave
The Secret Of Life: Adrian
Help Me Make It Through The Night: Lucy/Berry/Paul
Fare Thee Well Dearest Nancy: Jane/David
The Carnival Is Over: Margaret
Wrong Side Of Midnight: Roger
Where Have All The Flowers Gone?: Mike P.
?: Mick/Mike P.
I Come Like A Begger: Jane
April Come She Will: Lucy
If You Loved Me: Paul

The Amazing Mr. Brock ...

Wouldn’t you like to own these truly wonderful images?

The above colour-plate by H. M. Brock, R.I., faces page 56 in that vintage ‘Book of Old Ballads’ described in my earlier post about Children in Need.
It illustrates a ballad entitled 'The Boy and the Mantle.'

Then there's this one ...

For the ladies, I hope you’ll be titillated by this image of Beverley Nichols ...

Raffle tickets, sold in aid of Children in Need, for this major prize will be on sale as from Friday 29th October at the club.
I have a book of 500 raffle tickets to sell.
I intend to purchase all those left over when you've finished!

Being The 15th Of October 2010.

Beheld: David/Colin
Hessle Road: Colin
Banks and Braes of Bonny Doon: Laura/Lorna
Lowlands of Holland: Jane/Dave
Barclay Girl: Berry
The Owl and the Pussy Cat: Roger
The Dutchman: Bill 1:2
Umbrella Man: Mave
Walls: Derek
The Brisk Lad: Lynda
Vesta Pol: Mick
West Virginia Mining Disaster: Angela
Seeing My Father Crying: Les
I Can't Stop Loving You: Berry/Paul
I Don't Want To Grow Up: David
Lish Young Buy A Broom: Colin/Laura
Michael Row The Boat Ashore: Lorna
Fairytale Lullaby: Jane/Dave
When You're Smiling: Berry
Roll On John: Roger
Ferry Across The Mersey: Bill 1:2
Play Me: Margaret
Just A Song At Twilight: Mave
As Far As The Eye Can See: Derek
Hush-a-by Mountain: Lynda
Boolie House Jig/The Butterfly: Mick
Lover's Farewell: Angela
Selsey Blues: Roland
Silver Wings: Les
Raining In My Heart: Paul

Show Your Spots ...

As in previous years, The City Folk Club will be supporting the annual Children in Need appeal.
This will be held on Friday, 19th November.

While the rest of the world is watching Sir Tel on telly, we will be at the Guide Hall raising money.

How will we do this?

• Sponsored requests.
• Sweepstake.
• Raffle.

(You will be able to get involved with these efforts at the club from 29th October onwards.)

• Fines, at the MC’s discretion for any perceived misbehaviour or use of forbidden words.
• The entire pot contribution for that evening will be donated to CiN, so be generous.

How can you help?

• Come along to the club and see what’s going on.
• Bring a raffle prize on the evening. Several prizes have already been offered. Here's one desirable treasure, published in 1934 ...

We can use more, preferably new or near-new. Those hideous socks that Granny sent you for Christmas will suffice, as long as they are unworn and in original packaging.
• Encourage participants by filling in request forms; that’ll cost you £1.00 for each request. No guarantees. No refunds!
• Bring money. We’ll extract it, even if we have to turn you upside-down!

• Be there!

By the way, Pudsey’s theme this year is ‘Show Your Spots’.
(And I thought I’d outgrown that traumatic period of adolescence!)

Being The 8th Of October 2010.

Beheld: David
The Verdant Braes of Skreen: Colin
Gunner Joe: Sylvia
It Was Memorable Meal: John
?: Geoff
Lady of Beauty: Eddie
Lord of the Dance: Yvonne
Angel Face: Berry
A Rake and Rambling Boy: Margaret
Fotheringay: Mike
Barbary Ellen: Jane
I've Got You Under My Skin: Brenda/Berry
Maid Of Culmore: Lynda
White Groves: Les
Alzheimer's Waltz: Melvin
Let No Man Steal Your Tyme: Mavis
Don't You Be Foolish Pray: Ken
Candyman: Mick
Why Do You Treat Me Like You Do: Mike P.
The Swallow Song: Anne
John Hardy: Angela/Roland
?: Jane
Lullaby of Birdland: Lucy
Take These Chains From My Heart: Paul//Berry
?: Eddie
Remember When: Les
Butterflies: Mike/Yvonne
Last Night Another Soldier: Melvin
Down By The Riverside: Ken/Berry
Vinegar: Geoff
Dark-haired True Lover: Angela/Roland
Heart: David/Colin
Passing Through: Roger
Finnish Polka: Mick/Mike P.
The Cityist People: Lucy
The House That Jack Built: Paul
The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood: Anne

Wukulele Festival 2010.

I've mentioned (to anyone within earshot) the uke festival several times in past weeks.
I'm M.C.ing the Fringe Festival event on Saturday the 9th October starting at 13:00 in the Wheatsheaf Pub.
Tthe first act on the bill is (oh, what a surprise) Jane, Colin and myself now working under the name (subject to confirmation) 'Beheld'.

At the risk of pushing it a bit to far, here's all the official information anyone could ask for:

WUKULELE FESTIVAL
South Coast International Ukulele Festival
www.wukulelefestival.com
8th, 9th and 10th October 2010 in Worthing, West Sussex.
Venues: St. Paul’s Centre and Assembly Hall, Worthing.
Box office: Tel: 01903 751752.
Book online at http://www.worthingtheatres.co.uk/

By now everybody's aware of the incredible and ever-increasing popularity
of the ukulele. It's an instrument that anyone, it seems, can pick up and
learn for fun. Ukulele jams have sprung up all over the country, providing
homespun entertainment for a generation of DIY enthusiasts. What's not so
obvious is that in the hands of a virtuoso, the instrument can produce
spellbinding and truly beautiful music. With the WUKULELE FESTIVAL, the
British ukulele scene comes of age.

LINE UP:
Friday 8 October: Sean O'Hagan: Music for Sixty Ukuleles and Sixty
Schoolchildren. Performed by pupils of Whytemead First Primary School.
Commission supported by PRS for Music Foundation.

Saturday 9 October: Bob Brozman (USA); Sophie Madeleine (UK); U.K.E.
featuring Lionel K. Hubert (France); The Half Sisters (UK); Ukulelezaza
(Belgium).

Sunday 10 October: Richard Durrant (UK); The Re-entrants (UK); Yan Yalego
(France); The Bobby McGees (UK); The Uke Box (Holland).
PLUS:
Workshops for all levels, extensive fringe, stalls, more.

Believe me when I say 'this is going to be BIG'
(The festival I mean. Not the ukulele which will remain quite small.)

Being The 1st Of October 2010.

I Don't Want To Grow Up: David
Dreaming: Paul
It's To Late Baby: Sheena
Don't You Be Foolish Prey: Ken
Four Strong Winds: Les
Take Me Back To ? One More Time: Marion/Mick
Rosyanna: Jane/Colin/David
?: Duncan
I'm Bound For The Mountains And The Sea: Lynda
Just A Closer Walk With Thee: Berry
Greensleeves: Laura/Lorna
King Of The Sea: Roland
Pancho And Lefty: Kerry
Two Ships: Jane
Seashore: Mick
Betsy The Serving Maid: Colin
Come Here: David/Colin
Steal Away: Paul
V.F.D. : Sheena
Ruins By The Shore: Ken
The Calico Printers Clerk: Mave
Now The Buffalo Have Gone: Les
Can't Do Right For Doing Wrong: Mick/Marion
I Send My Love To You: Jane/Colin/David
Kyinka: Duncan
I Remember Dublin City: Lynda
Worried Man Blues/Cumberland Gap: Ken/Berry
La Cucaracha: Lorna
Spanish Lady: Laura
Wreck Of Old 97: Roland
Mind Your Own Back Yard: Kerry
Country Maid: Jane
When All Men Sing: Colin

Being The 27th September 2010

This Small Stone: David/Colin
Help Me Make It Through The Night: Paul
Lady Of Beauty: Eddie
I Send My Love To You: Jane/Colin/David
An Englishman In New York: Tony
Snorkel: Mick
Awake, Awake: Angela
?: Jenny
Fair Lovely Nelly To The Wake Did Go: Bill 1:1
Orphan Girl: Lynda
Aeolian Medley: Colin
When The Spring Has Come: David
Your Mother And I: Paul
Miners Welfare: Eddie
Wayfaring Stranger: Jane/Colin/David
Julia Clifford/Din Tarrent's Polka: Mick
There Were Three Sailors From Bristol City: Angela
Hear The Wind Blow: Jenny
The Full Dressed Ship: Bill 1:1
Molly Ban: Lynda
Morton Bay: Colin
Flower Of The Valley: David
Bird On A Wire: Paul
Love Hurts: Lucy/Paul

Two Ships

On Friday 1st October we were treated to an original 'take' on the tale of Lord John Franklin.
A relatively new participant, Jane Wickenden, performed her own composition.
Jane kindly wrote out a transcription for me, and has given permission for it to be published here ...

Two Ships
Jane Wickenden

The Terror and the Erebus,
Under ice they lie,
Lost in the northern waters,
And frozen to the sky.

Anchored to the icebergs,
Their spars on the deep sea bed,
Crewed by seals and polar bears,
While stars roll overhead.

Sunk by their lead-lined coffins,
John Franklin’s men lie deep.
Until the sea gives up its dead,
They sleep as the living sleep.

But Franklin’s men will rise again
And set hand to the oar,
Bound for the port of Paradise,
And coming back no more.

In giving permission, Jane offered the following explanatory notes ...

"I wrote the original version of this in the late 80s after seeing a programme on BBC2 about Sir John Franklin who, with over 60 of the crew of HMSs Erebus & Terror, died in the mid-19th century (of scurvy/starvation/cold/lead-poisoning from faulty tinned food) while searching for the North West Passage. I recently decided it might be worth singing and re-wrote it - the tune is what I know as Dives and Lazarus (Star of County Down / Van Diemen's Land)."

Well done, Jane!

Memoirs of another collector of folk songs ...

Many years ago, 1969 I think, a young gentleman stumbled into Cecil Sharp House, home of EFDSS.

In the shop he selected a disk of the vinyl variety recorded by The Watersons and, as you could in those days, he asked for a demonstration.

The kind retail assistant complied.
She wound up a machine and carefully applied diamond stylus to rotating device.
The adenoidal output was excruciating.
It posed a health-threat to the tympanic membranes.

Discerning shopper screwed up his face, holding hands to his ears.
Assistant, before vacating the room, smiled and said, “Yes, it’s an acquired taste, isn’t it?”

Forty years on, the taste is acquired, and that buxom employee of EFDSS remains a fond and distant memory.

Being The 17th September 2010

When I'm Cleaning Windows: David
The Blackbird: Colin
Hang On The Bell Nelly: Sylvia
Near To You: John
Take Your Time: Geoff
Sloop John B.: The Crazy Gang
September Song: George/Paul
I Give You The Morning: Jasmin
Waltz In E: Mick
Wall Of Death: Mike P.
What Shall I Write?: Phine
Shake That Thing: Roland
The Snows They Melt The Soonest: Lynda
Blues In E: Jane
Carters Blues:Angela
To Soon To Know: Paul
Heart: David
The Female Cabin Boy: Colin
My God You Do Look Queer: Sylvia
Violence: John
The Lesson: Geoff
I Fell Out Of An Olive Tree: Josie
Your Cold Cold Heart: George/Jasmin
Itzikel: Mick/Mick P.
Waterlily: Mike P.
Autumn Leaves: Phine
Ten Years Ago: George
Diamonds And Rust: Jasmin
How's The World Treating You?: Lynda
Wrecking Ball: Jane/David
German Clock Winder: Angela
Good Ale: Roland
To Ramona: Paul

Being The 10th September 2010

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds: David
Mr Rock n' Roll: Paul
Time In A Bottle: Jane/David
Tickle Dew: Mick
Woodstock: Sheena
Where Do You Go To My Lovely?: Mike
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes: George
Weave And Worry: Jane/Colin
?: Mick/Marion
The Ruins By The Shore: Ken
A Song of Innocence And Experience: Tony
Peg n'All: Angela/Roland
I Know my Love: Lynda
Primrose Polka/Jenny's ?: Bill 1:1
Tom Bowling: Colin
I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles: David
North Country Fair: Paul
Cloud Factory: Jane/David
Killamona Barndance: Mick/Mike
Make It With You: Sheena
Wild Flying Dove: Mike
When You're Down: Jane/Colin
Fishing Song: Mick/Marion
Young At Heart: Berry
Now I Has To Call Him Father: Mave
Sloop John B.: Ken/Berry
Rosemary's Song: Lynda
Old Billy Reilly: Bill 1:1
John Ball: Colin
High Part Of The Town: Colin/Jane

Being The 3rd September 2010

In The Smoke: David
All Among The Barley: Colin
Just In Case: Sylvia
Drag Queen Blues: John
What About Me?: Berry
Further Along: Roger
The Grey Cockerel: Anne
Whip Jamboree: Mike
I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside: Mave
Pick A Bale Of Cotton/Lonesome Traveller: Ken/Berry
What Y'like Rag: Mick
Log Cabin/Down South: Lorna
Outward Bound: Lynda
She Cut Off Her Long Silken Hair: Jane/David
Beware O, Take Care: Angela
Louis Collins: Roland
Early One Evening: Robin
Steal Away: Jane
Wonderful Life: Paul
A Fine Romance: Brenda/Berry
The Ballad Of The Lost Prophet: David
The Bold Poachers: Colin
Abroad As I Was Walking: Anne
Hand On The Bird: Biz
Sea Fret: Sylvia
Never Be Tempted By Water: John
I'll See You In My Dreams: Berry
Things About Going My Way: Roger
What Are You Waiting For: Mike
A Little Of What You Fancy Does You Good: Mave
Pad Canny's Reel: Mick/Mike
The Old Rustic Bridge: Lorna
What Ever Happened To Saturday Night?: Lynda
Famous Blue Raincoat: Jane/David
The Vicar And The Frog: Robin
The Waters Of Tyne: Jane
Battle Of New Orleans: Paul
You Do Something To Me: Brenda/Berry

Being The 27th of August 2010

Come Here: David
Lark In The Clear Air: Colin
Christ In My Life: Dougie
The Yorkshire Couple: Sylvia/John
Grey Funnel Line: Malcolm
Early One Morning: Lorna
All Things Are Quite Silent: Laura
The Brisk Lad: Lynda
Rosianna: Jane/David
All Over The World: Phine
Come By The Hills: Mave
Humpback Whale: Ken
Love Thy Neighbour: Adrian
The White Funnel Line: Wendy
My Tiny Husband: Angela
Staggerlee: Roland
Bluebell Polka: Bill 1:1
In The Mood: Mick
I'll Never Find Another You: Berry
This Small Stone: David
Here's A Health To The Company: Colin
Weather: Sylvia
My First Ship Wreck At Sea: John
?: Malcolm/Sylvia
Messing About On The River: Laura/Lorna
Amarose: Lynda
Joleen: Jane/David
For The Goodtimes: Phine
Stately As Two Galleons: Mave
Pick A Bale Of Cotton/Lonesome Traveller: Ken/Berry
Hornbeam: Adrian
Billy O'Rorke: Wendy
When The Saints Go Marching In: Angela/Roland
Peggy And The Soldier: Bill 1:1
Two Slip Jigs: Mick
It's A Sin To Tell A Lie: Berry

Being The 20th of August 2010

When I'm Cleaning Windows: David
Long Lankin: Colin
Early Morning Rain: Lynda/Paul
Moth: Laura/Lorna
Home Lads, Home: Ray
Mustn't Grumble: Berry
Oats and Beans: Stoney Ridge Band
Spellbound: Mick
Sally Free And Easy: Frank
Just As The Tide Was Flowing: Sue
I Want To Be A Mole In A Hole: Paul
King Of The Fairies: Stoney Ridge Band
People Get Ready: David
Row On: Colin
Annabel: Lynda
Jimmy Allan: Lorna
Black Jack Davey: Laura
My Old Man Said Follow The Van: Ray
She's Not You: Berry
Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness: Stoney Ridge Band
Rambling Pitch-Fork: Mick
Morton Bay: Sue
His Eye Is On The Sparrow: Paul
All My Lovin': Berry
Gentleman Soldier: Laura
?: Stoney River Band
The Parting Glass: Frank/Full Cast

Being The 13th of August 2010

Oh, Balloon: David
Willy Taylor: Colin
Traveling Day: Marion/Mick
You Do Something To Me: Brenda/Berry
Rodney You Dipstick: Chris
Sweet Thames Flow Softly: Mave
People Will Say We're In Love: Berry
I'll Never Find Another You: Phine
Whabisum: Roland
Gypsy Girl: Angela
Monday Morning: Jane
I'll Follow The Sun: Paul
Callin': Marion/Mick
Daisy Bell: David
Weary Cutters: Colin
Going On: Mick/Marion
Tsana, Tasna, Tsana: Berry/Starship Enterprise
Ruins By The Shore: Ken
50 Long Years On The Line: Mave
Anytime: Brenda/Berry
When Will The Good Apples Fall?: Phine
Worried Man Blues: Roland
Tear In My Eye: Angela/Roland
?: Jane/David
Nowhere Man: Paul
You Are My Sunshine: Mick/Marion

Memoirs of a Folk Song Collector (continued)

Miss de Hyde is making her first visit to Squire Charlesworth’s farm.

The Squire pressed me to come up to the farmhouse, as the labourers would still be at their work. In the house’s large kitchen, I encountered a striking young man, bent over the range. Digby Charlesworth was the squire’s son, and he greeted me with a shy and charming smile, and waved me to a chair at the large oak table. Over a cup of tea, the Squire and Digby regaled me with tales of their rustic farm life. I ventured that the house must be quite old. The Squire suggested to Digby that he show me over the house’s more antiquarian features, but excused himself as having to attend to some livestock. “We have a priest-hole”, said Digby, “would you like to see it?”. I murmured that I would be most intrigued, and he led me upstairs to a large bedroom. He brought me to a corner, where stood a wardrobe. He flung back the doors, and, reaching inside, pulled the rear panelling of the wardrobe to one side. Digby indicated a dim cavity: “It’s said that two could hide in here at once”, and taking my hand, led me into the priest-hole, which proved indeed to accommodate two, albeit rather snugly.

After some three-quarters of an hour, I smoothed my dress down, re-arranged my hair and went out into the farmyard. Digby remained behind, preferring to doze on the four-poster bed, clutching some piece of fabric in his hand. In the yard, the Squire’s retriever came and nuzzled me again, and after ten minutes I pushed it away, feeling slightly flushed, and remembered where I’d left my britches. I quickly dashed back to the room with the priest-hole to find Digby rousing himself. “I think these are yours”, he said, showing again that shy, charming smile. Nearly thirty more minutes passed, before I was able to extricate myself and go in search of the farm workers, reminding myself of the object of my visit. “You seem quite at ease, my dear”, said the Squire, startling me so, that I ceased my blithe humming in surprise. “My state of relaxation is brought about by your quiet rural circumstance, sir. Would it be opportune for me to accost your workers, and enquire of their bucolic music?”. “Most opportune, my dear, they have but a few moments ago laid down their implements and begun to break their fast. But, I pray you, do not detain them past their hour, for the hours after noon seems to pass more swiftly, and nightfall hastens on, and they must provoke themselves to their labours. You’ll find them even now behind the large hayrick yonder”. Promising in accordance, I ventured forth to the hayrick, where I found three or four yokels in smocks and gaiters, sitting on the ground near the rick, with bread, cheese and beer set out on a chequered cloth. As I approached, they started to their feet, touching their forelocks, or caps, but I enjoined them to refrain from such ceremony. As I explained the purpose of my interrupting their repast, they made a space for me on a mound of hay, which I found most comfortable. They pressed me to share their humble meal, of which I took but little on account of the noonday heat, but gladly quenched my thirst, of which I had been up to then unaware, on their cider and beer, which eased my discomfort and lightened my mood, and theirs. These young men with their ruddy faces and strong, muscular arms, with the sun reflecting in their bright, blue eyes became quite jocular, and suggested we play a game common in those rural parts, which they called ‘hunt the vole’. I found the rules to say the least confusing, and I cannot remember clearly what transpired, but at the end, they declared that each of us had won, and that it had been a most satisfactory game. As they withdrew to their appointed tasks in the fields, I stretched out on the hay and fell blissfully asleep, the sun warm on my thighs, my having lost my britches on account of one of the game’s quaint, but inexplicable, rules.

(to be continued)

Books And Book People.

Between 16th and 21st of August Waterstone's Book Shop (go to Chichester and ask) are hosting a Local Author week style happening.

'Of what possible interest can this be to us?' I hear you say in a slightly aggressive and maybe even condescending  tone.
Well, non other than City Folk Club regular and top hot chick Phine, or Josephine Chia as she's billed in the bumf, will have the cruel spot-light of public scrutiny directed toward her.

Phine, author of such indispensable tomes as 'Your Body', 'Body And Mind Sculpture' & Rasa Singapura/Taste of Singapore will be pleased to flog you a book and, I suspect, will probably sign it while you ask her all sorts of personal questions that are really non of your business.

Be there or be oblong.

A Folk Song A Day.

Word reaches the City Folk Club Hot Desk (from Angela) That John Boden (out of Bellowhead) has set himself the task of recording a folk song a day and posting them on the electric magic television interwebs.
Follow this link:
A Folk Song A Day.

He's been at it since Midsummer's day so there's already plenty to wrap your ears round.

Being The 6th of August 2010

If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day: David
People Are Crazy: Les
Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor: Adrian
The Glory Of Love: Berry
Jesus Saviour Pilot Me: Jane/David
The Joys Of Love: Margaret
A Song Of Innocence And Experience: Tony
Silky: Josie
Out Of The Blue: Mick
Body And Soul: George
Awake, Awake: Angela
Lonesome Road Blues: Roland
Micheal In The Garden: Paul
Peggy And The Soldier: Anne/Dean
Come Here: David
Bound For South Australia: Les
Montana: Adrian
In Dreams: Berry
A Poor Wayfaring Stranger: Jane/David
Hush Little Baby: Josie
O'Carrolan's Draft: Mick
As Time Goes By: George/Paul
The Birds Were Singing For You: Angela
I'm On My Way To Cannan's Land: Roland/Angela
The Sisters Of Mercy: Paul
Two Butchers/Streets Of Forbes: Anne/Dean

Being The 30th of July 2010

Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens: David
Worried Man/Cumberland Gap: Ken/Berry
Genesis Hall: Mike
Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor: Roger
Angi: Mick
Still I Have Love: Jenny
The Cuckoo: Bill 1:1
The Patriot Game: Lynda
One Night With You: Berry
Father And Son: Paul
This Small Stone: David
Sloop John B./Down By The Riverside: Ken/Berry
Sporting Life Blues: Mike P.
Dimming Of The Day: Roger
You Are My Sunshine: Roland
Weeping Willow Tree: Angela
Tobin's Jig/Lark In The Morning: Mick/Mike P.
Sally Gardens: Jenny
Sweeny Todd The Barber: Bill 1:1
The Wind That Shook The Barley: Lynda
Goodbye: Paul
I'm Going Home: David

Being The 23rd Of July 2010.

Fallen Moon: David
A Whiter Shade Of Pale: Brenda/Berry
I Walk The Line: Paul
Have A Drink On Me/Lost John: Ken/Berry
Oh Lord It's Hard To Be Humble: Ray
Seeds Of Love: Mave
The Unquiet Grave: Lynda
Here's The Tender Coming: Jane
Green, Green Fields: Phine
Uncle Dan McCann: Mick/Marion
Air On A G String: Mick
She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain: Lorna
Once I Had A True Love: Margaret
John Barleycorn: Colin
This Small Stone: David
A Picture Of You: Paul
I Wonder If Anyone Will Marry Me Now?: Mave
Crazy: Brenda/Berry
3 Score and Ten: Lynda
Worried Man/Cumberland Gap: Ken/Berry
She Cut Off Her Long Silken Hair: Jane/David
Down By The Dockyard Wall: Ray
Silver Threads and Golden Needles: Phine
Hardtimes: Marion/Mick
Bretton Gavote: Mick
Log Cabin: Lorna
4 Strong Winds: Margaret
Whip Jamboree: Colin

Being The 16th of July 2010.

See Me Run: David
The Oggy Man: Colin
In A Fool's Paradise: Berry
I will Love her till I die : Ged
The Carnival Is Over: Les
The Night Is Young: Eddie
Norwegian Wood: Mick/Paul
The Nights Are Long: Mike
Follow The Heron Home: Cath
Pure Heart: Bill 1:3
I'll Do My Crying In The Rain: Phine
Feel Free: Tony
Lover's Farewell: Angela
Row Bullys Row: Roland
The Cliffs of Duneen: Bill 1:1
She's Like A Swallow: Lucy
Crying, Waiting Hoping: Paul
You & Me: David
? : Colin
I'll Never Find Another You: Berry
Fathom The Bowl: Ged
This Land Is Your Land: Les
Thousands Or More: Eddie
Sad Ending: Mick
Big Boots: Mike P.
Billy Reilly: Cath
The Shirt: Tony
Old Virginny: Angela/Roland
Tiddle Toddle: Bill 1:1
Who Knows Where The Time Goes: Lucy
For No One: Paul//Mick
Beauty Of Cashmire: Ged

Free Evening - Friday 6th August

We anticipate that the absences of Dogsbody, Minister-without-Portfolio and our Token Sensible Person on Friday 6th August will attract a huge and near-unmanageable turn-out from the remaining regulars, (and possibly others if we publicise this widely.)

David has had this wonderful idea ...

There will be no pot collection on that evening, thus enhancing his personal popularity at the cost of absentees.
David goes on to suggest that  "... we shall then light torches, burst forth and sack Chichester ..."

I'm not sure that's quite such a good idea!

One Of The Club Highlights From 16/07/10

Mick and Paul perform The Beatles' 'Norwegian Wood':

Gone man, solid gone...

Whip Jamboree

Here's a 'joiny-inny' number we could include in CFC's Song Book ...

Whip Jamboree

Whip Jamboree, whip Jamboree!
You pig-tailed sailors, hanging down behind.
Whip Jamboree, whip Jamboree!
Jenny get your oatcakes done.

 Now me lads be of good cheer,
To the lrish coast we’ll soon draw near.
Then we’ll set a course for old Cape Clear.
Jenny get your oatcakes done.

Whip Jamboree …

And now Cape Clear it is in sight,
We’ll be off Holyhead by tomorrow night,
And we’ll steer a course for the old Rock Light.
Jenny get your oatcakes done.

Whip Jamboree …

And now me lads we’re off Holyhead,
No more salt beef or weevily bread,
One man in the chains for to heave the lead.
Jenny get your oatcakes done.

Whip Jamboree …

And next we’re rounding Fort Perch Rock,
All hammocks lashed and all chests locked.
We’ll haul her into Waterloo Dock.
Jenny get your oatcakes done.

Whip Jamboree …

And now, me lads, we’re all in dock.
We’ll be off to Dan Lowry’s on the spot,
And there we’ll shop a big pint pot.
Jenny get your oatcakes done.

Whip Jamboree ...

This will be performed a capella, (my thanks to MwP for telling me how to spell that!)
The first ‘whip’ in lines 1 and 3 of the chorus are 'ejaculated', rather than sung.

There are several variants of this musical aid for illiterate navigators of the Irish Sea. A particularly interesting one has in the chorus – You long-tailed black man, poke it up behind. I think that's better avoided, even if it is simply an archaic and innocent nautical metaphor. (Citation needed.)

Here's my Manx YouTube friend with his rendition.
This man has a wide repertoire, well worth exploring.

Santiano - (more like this, please ...)

Friday 9th was a well-attended and memorable evening of quality music, not least because Roland and Angela brought along some charming French visitors. I resisted the temptation to sing Drink Old England Dry.

Anne-Marie, assisted by Claire and Beatrice, with some delightful counterpoint from Angela, sang Santiano.
Roland generously distributed text for the chorus.
Despite our appalling accents, we all expectorated 'hiss et ho' with great enthusiasm.
Here it is ...

(Chorus)

Tiens bon la vague et tiens bon le vent.

Hiss et ho, Santiano!

Si Dieu veut toujours droit devant,

Nous irons jusqu’a San Francisco.

(Last chorus)

Tiens bon la vague et tiens bon le vent.

Hiss et ho, Santiano!

Sur la mer qui fait le gros dos,

Nous irons jusqu’a San Francisco.

It was so good, I felt it worthy of preservation on the blog.
There are a few renditions on YouTube; click on this one, it's got lyrics: Santiano - Hugues Aufray.
Those who have a penchant for peroxide-blonde males wearing skirts and silver tights might prefer to look at Hugues Aufray/Tri Yann.

(Now, I must go out and buy that bombarde!)

The Hen's March To The Midden. A Stern Warning.

I have been fascinated by the tune title 'The Hen's March To The Midden' (or any variant on this journey).
I did a YouTube search and found this:


This what can happen to people who end up taking folk-music far to seriously.
I laughed till I was sat in a puddle.

Being the 9th of July 2010.

In The Smoke: David
Greenland Whale Fisheries: Colin/Bill
Stars Fell On Alabama Last Night: George/Paul
St. Louis Tickle: Mick
Say, Old Man: The Stoney Ridge Band
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: Margaret
Santiano! : Beatrice/Claire/Anne Marie/Angela
Chawin' Chewin' Gum: Angela
Rocky Top: Roland/Angela/Ken
A British Man o'War: Bob
William Bloat: Ken
The Callico Printer's Clerk: Mave
The Lark In The Morning: Jenny
When Adam Was First Created: Bill 1:1/Colin
Hush-a-by Mountain: Lynda
I'm Only Sleeping: Paul
It Must Be True: David
Twa Corbies: Colin
It Ain't Me Babe: Margaret
Paper Moon: George
Jer The Rigger: Mick
Cripple Creek/Old Joe Clark/Dinah: The Stoney Ridge Band
?: Beatrice/Claire
No Telephone In Heaven: Angela/Roland/Paul
Oh, Champs Elysees: Anne-Marie
When The Moon Steps On Tiptoe: Bob
Henry Martin: Ken
Cathy's Song: Lynda/Mick
Heart Beat: Paul
All For My Grog: The Stoney Ridge Band

Being the 2nd of July 2010

Everything Is Fine: David
Farewell to Tarwaihie: Colin
Now Is The Cool Of The Day: Mave
Grey Hawk: Ken
A Woman Is A Sometime Thing: Maggie
The Swimming Song: Mike P.
Verdi Cried: Jane
She's Like A Swan: Lynda
Seashore: Mick
Can't Weld A Body: Anne
Diamonds In The Rough: Angela/Roland
Corrina Corrina: Roland
Wicked Gander/The Hen's March Across The Miden: Bill 1:1
If I Were A Carpenter: Paul
A Tree Song: Colin
That Daring Young Man On The Flying Trapeze: Mave
Indian Lass: Ken
The Last Thing On My Mind: Maggie
I'm A Dreamer: Mike P.
Banks Of The Ohio: Phine
Song To The Siren: Jane/David
Most Of Us: Lynda
Itzkel: Mick/Mike P.
The Last House On The Street: Anne
Galway Shawl: Bill 1:1
Haul Away: Paul

Being the 25th Day Of June 2010.

I'm Throwing Rice: David
Steal Away: Paul
Take A Message To Mary: Lucy/Paul
I Loved A Lass: Mave
I'm So Afraid of Losing You Again: Phine
The Boulie House Jig/The Butterfly: Mick
Fond Affection: Angela/Roland
Gin You Kiss My Wife I'll Tell The Minister: Bill 1:1
I'm A Poor Wayfaring Stranger: Colin
Matty Groves: David
I'll Be There: Paul
I Know Where I'm Going: Lucy
The Deserter: Bill 1:1
Buddy Can You Spare A Dime: Roger
The Boy I Love Is Up In The Gallery: Mave
Love Changes Everything: Phine
The Black Fox: Mick
Engine 143: Angela
Lonesome Valley: Roland
White Cockade: Colin
The Stars In Your Eyes: David
Moon Shadow: Paul
Devoted To You: Lucy/Paul
Dream River: Roger/Lucy
Let's Keep It That Way: Phine
Cripple Creek Ferry: Mick
Wildwood Flower: Angela/Roland
The Parting Glass: Colin+Full Cast

Memoirs of a Folk-Song Collector in Rural England

Miss de Hyde has arrived at Lingham Peveril in search of rustic folk songs.

The next morning, I made my way up to Turmut-top Farm, where I hoped to meet some of the rustics who worked there. From these, I hoped, if not to obtain some songs directly, then at least to gain introduction to such of their fellows who might be able to furnish me with the objects of my quest. I was greeted at the entrance to the farm by a ruddy-faced man in a leather jerkin, who hailed me thus: “What the fizzing blue blazes dost thee want here, then?”. Squire Charlesworth, the owner of the farm, for it was he, on my introducing myself and my purpose, became almost conciliatory, exhorting me to roam his property at my will, only to avoid disturbing his hands at their work, for there was much to be done at this time of year in the fields and barns. Apparently, they were likely to be unoccupied with their labours in the of necessity brief luncheon period, and, though it was obvious the Squire regretted it, during the hours of darkness also. During this discourse, the Squire’s large retriever had taken to nuzzling me quite enthusiastically, and I was glad that I had decided to wear my strongest britches under my petticoats.
(to be continued)

Aids to Memory ...

In the past I have attended folk clubs where the use of paper was frowned upon.
The idea was, “If the song is worth singing, then commit it to memory before you perform it!”
I used to share that opinion, but read on ...

At CFC we regularly see enthusiastic participants come along armed with great ring-binders full of musical material that must have taken decades to amass. I am full of admiration.
We have one performer who regularly scrolls through a hand-held computer to find the words. Once we witnessed someone who sang from text saved on a mobile phone. On another occasion a performer even sang while accompanying himself by music reproduced by such an invention of the evil one. That was novel, and amusing!

In youth I would have scorned such activity as being 'unauthentic', but age has tempered that opinion.

Oh, how frail we become; how transient those neurones, ganglia and synapses!
Along with my eligibility for a bus-pass, the persistence of memory has become a myth - nothing more than a surrealist painting, of great value, by some Catalan guy whose name I've already forgotten.

So, if you need paper, by all means bring it. After all, that’s why we provide a music stand. However, the club has no intention of supplying computers and portable communication devices for all to use.

A word of advice here, from my own limited experience ...
If you’re going to perform from memory, shut the book or leave the paper at home.
Just 'go for it'!
If you need to resort to paper, or other aids to recollection, that’s fine. Rely on it, because you know that you transcribed it in a rare interval of sobriety. Concentrate on in throughout your performance.
So often have I come along with a piece of paper that I regard as a 'safety net', then thought, “I know this!”
Such self-confidence is always misplaced. I hit the ‘block’. My cortical neuro-transmitting chemicals fail.
I go back to the paper. (Now where did I put it?)
I search my pockets for my mobile phone, only to discover I've brought the TV remote control instead. (That'll sabotage Jane's viewing of Eastenders!)
Then I realise I’ve left my spectacles at home. (Anyway, where was I in that text?!)

Oh, this folk-singing thing is such a hazardous undertaking!

Annie's Venture; a FREE concert

This free concert is organised by our own Annie Winter. It's on Tomorrow - the FIRST of JULY. Spread the word, turn up, enjoy!

CFC's Short Story Competition ...

CFC participants are invited to create a short and entertaining story/documentary/essay based on one of David’s chronicles of CFC’s song lists on the blog.

Submissions are limited to one per household and must:

1. Occupy no more than one side of A4 in large print.
2. Be entirely original and not have been published elsewhere prior to the winning announcement.
3. Refer to only one specific song list blog post, and allude to at least 50% of the material performed.
4. Contain no Anglo-Saxon expletives or unforgivable personal abuse.
5. Be accompanied by a donation of £1.00 to Children in Need.

The winning entry, as adjudged by an unsuspecting volunteer (TBA) who has the time, will be read by the contributor while everyone else eats fish and chips at the Christmas party.

The winner will receive a memorable award from CFC, and be immortalised by having his/her literary efforts published on this blog!

Opening date for entries - 29th October.
Closing date - 19th November. (That's Children in Need evening.)
Announcement - 17th December. (CFC's fish & chip night.)

An inferior example of what is expected, relating to 18th June song list is as follows ...

Of course we noticed you, David.
We also saw William stone Colin.
We witnessed Louise Yannaway cavorting with Les.
The jury's out regarding what Eddie was actually doing with Joan of Arc down by the dockyard wall.
We remain unconvinced that they were bidding farewell to Lynda on her way, over the deep-blue sea, to Philadelphia, while expressing sorrow.

(Submissions from DBS&W and MwP will be immediately disqualified owing to their demonstrable literary incontinence!)

So, watch the blog, or take copious notes when you attend.
It could be YOU!

Being The 18th Day of June 2010.

Did You Notice: David
William Stone: Colin
Louisiana Way: Les
Down By The Dockyard Wall: Eddie
Joan Of Arc: Jane/David
Sailing To Philadelphia: Lynda
There'll Be No Sorrow: Sharon/Angela/Roland
Sailing On The Deep Blue Sea: Sharon/Angela/Roland
Mary Skeffington: Paul
If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day: David
I Was A Young Man I Was A Rover: Colin
Don't Close Your Eyes: Les
The Mermaid: Eddie
I Will Never Marry: Jane
The Boatman & Me: Lynda
A Canadian Paddle Boat Song: Sharon
I'll Fly Away: Angela/Roland
Boulder To Birmingham: Paul
Bottom Of The Bottle: David
Bonny Portmore: Colin
Della and the Dealer: Les
Keep the Peace: Eddie
Hurt: Jane/David
Never Again: Lynda
Dip, Dip & Swing: Sharon
The Sun's Gonna Shine In My Backdoor Someday: Angela/Roland
Folsome Prison Blues: Roland
I Wish I Was 18 Again: Paul
The Drowned Lovers: David
The Musical Lovers: Colin
Suds In The Bucket: Les

Ray's out of hospital!

Ray Hedges rang today to tell us that he's back at home. He feels he'd like some time to settle in and adjust, but I expect he'll appreciate visitors before too long. Best 'phone first.

Being The Eleventh Of June 2010.

Going Home: David
Sweet Gene Vincent: Ken
Football Crazy: Yvonne
Listening to the Radio: Mike
My Flower, My Companion and Me: Eddie
Tickledew: Mick
10,000 Mile: Anne
Donna, Donna, Donna: Jo
She's Like The Swallow: Lynda
The Shaking of the Pocky/Princess Beatrice: Bill 1:1
Meeting of the Waters: Colin
The Good Old Summertime: Mave
Willy o'Winsbury: David
A Rooster Came Into Our Yard: Ken
I Wonder If Anyone Will Marry Me Now?: Mave
Do You Remember: Mike
Somewhere Along The Road: Eddie
Rambling Pitch Fork: Mick/Mike P.
A Bodhran Solo: Mike P.
Silver Dagger: Anne
Polly Garter's Song: Jo
Stewball Was A Racehorse: Lynda
No Sir, No: Bill 1:1
When All Men Sing: Colin
You & Me (alt. version): David
Farewell: Anne

Ray Hedges: operation a success, now back in St. Richard's

Ray is back in St. Dick's after a successful operation at Sotton Gen. I've repeated below the info. posted earlier on how to put in a request for Ray, and Visiting Hours. Ray is banned from accordion-playing for 3 months, and we're counting the days until he's fully-recovered and amongst us on a Friday night once again, squeezing and singing. I want to request "The Market Gardner" for Ray's return night.

You can easily request something to be played for Ray on Chichester Hospital Radio. See www.chr1431.org.uk/request.html or send an email to studio@chr1431.org.uk containing the following details:

Request for: Ray Hedges

In Ward: Charlton

Requested by:

1st choice:

2nd choice:

Preferred date to be played:

Additional information:

Visiting hours for Charlton Ward are 3pm-5pm and 6.30pm-8pm. You can phone to see if he's still in, on 01243 788122 ext. 5101/2 or 01243 831568.

Now Hear This.

For a while now I've been wondering how to share the recorded performances of club members.
I'm not keen on lumbering the planet with anymore C.D.s and the burning/distribution takes up more time than I'm willing or able to contemplate.
So, I've decided to experiment with mp3. format downloads.
The first set can be downloaded here.

The track listing is as follows:

• The Bold Fisherman: Jane/Dave
• The Night is Young: Eddie
• She Moved Through The Fair: Paul/David
• In No Strange Land: Roger
• Jack Orion: Bill 1:1/Mick
• Positivley Forth Street: David
• Sea Shore: Mick
• As Time Goes By: Brenda/Berry
• Butterflies: Mike/Yvonne
• Diego's Bold Shore: Anne
• All Thing Are Quite Silent: Cotillion

Being The Forth of June 2010.

Between The Lines: David
For No One: Mick
Roses of No Man's Land: Eddie
Georgia: George
I Want to Marry A Lighthouse Keeper: Yvonne
Sat In A Circle In The Sun: Mike
Sad and Beautiful World: Jane/David
T'was A Lover and His Lass: Tony
Raglan Road: Lynda
3 Tunes: The Stony Ridge Band
No Telephone In Heaven: Angela/Bill 1:1
Police Sargent Blues: Roland
Love Is Pleasing: Jenny
Blow The Man Down: Bill 1:1
Follow The Heron Home: Anne
I Don't Care Where They Bury My Body: Paul
Come Here: David
Julia Clifford's Polka/Din Tarrant: Mick
The Night Is Young: Eddie
How It's Meant To Be: Margaret/Mick/Yvonne
Till There Was You: George/Paul
English Country Garden: Yvonne
Four Strong Winds: Mike
New Partner: Jane/David
Annabel: Lynda
How To Paint A Portrait: Tony
Searching For Lambs: Bill 1:1
The Cockerel: Anne
Bird On The Wire: Paul
Big Finish: The Stony Ridge Band

Being The TwentyNinth of May 2010.

Dem Bones: David
Big Yellow Taxi: Paul
The Logger: Roger
The Battle of the Somme: Anne/Alan
Lavenders Blue: Yvonne
Lucky The Man: Mike
Down In The Willow Garden: Jane
? : Duncan
Lost In The Maze: Mick
Pack Up Your Sorrows: Anne/Alan
Once I had a Sweetheart: Angela
Louis Collins: Roland
Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me: Lucy
Dancing At Whitsun: Colin
You and Me: David
?: Paul/Roger
Sussex Bonny Whisper/?: Anne/Alan
Cry Me A River: Lucy/Roger
Strong: Yvonne
Vincent Volvo and the Scrapyard Angels: Mike
The Long And Winding Road: Lynda
Let My People Go: Duncan
Available Light: Roger
Moth: Anne/Alan
Pat Canny's Reel: Mick
Sayr Fyeld Hinny: Colin
Handbags and Gladrags: Mick/David
To Ramona: Paul
Country Garden: Lucy
Need Your Love So Bad: Roger
Ramble In The New Mown Hay: Alan
Whiskery Bob: Mike/Yvonne
Wild Flying Dove: Lynda
Your Ghost: Jane/David
?: Duncan

Being The Twentyfirst of May 2010.

I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles: David
Young At Heart: Berry
That One/The Other One: Richard/Marion/Mick
You Push A Little Button: Yvonne
The ? Shuffle: Mike
Blackwaterside: Lynda
Jesus Saviour: Jane/David
Waltz In Z: Mick
Both Sides Now: Sheena/Paul
? : Jasmin
Mr. Tambourine Man: Mike P.
Wild Wood Flower; Angela/Roland
I'll Lay You Down: Eddie
Though I Live Not Where I Love: Mave
Canadee I O: Ken
Sir John ? Is The Flower of Us All/Katie ?: Bill 1:1
September: Margaret
The Bold Grenadier: Colin
The Road Away: David
Just Out of Reach: Berry
Across The Great Divide: Richard/Mick/Marion
Butterflies: Mike/Yvonne
How's The World Treating You?: Lynda
Your Ghost: Jane/David
Handbags and Gladrags: Mick/David
Love In Vain: Sheena/Paul
The Lincolnshire Poacher: Eddie
Hey Baby: Ken/Berry
Black Is My True Love's Hair: Margaret
?: Colin
Medley In D: Richard/Mick/Marion

Being The Fourteenth of May 2010.

What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?: David
The Seeds of Love: Colin
Peg n'all: Mick/Marion
Black Velvet Band: Angela/Roland
?: Sharon/Angela
All I Want: Eddie
I Send My Love To You: Jane/David
The Wind That Shakes The Barley: Lynda
You're Drifting Away: Les
A Poem: Elizabeth
Can I Have This Dance For The Rest of My Life?: Phine
Mr. Bojangles: Mike P.
Hold The Past With Love: Roger
12 String Tune In Dropped D: Mick
Parody Selection: Ken
Sweet Thames Flow Softly: Mave
The Shepherd of Aberdovy: Bill 1:1
Solitude: Dave
Willie McBride: Jane
What Is This Thing Called Love: Lucy
Everytime We Say Goodbye: Paul/Roger
Daisy Bell: David
The Drovers: Colin
Keep Each Other Warm: Mick/Marion
Will The Circle Be Unbroken: Angela/Roland
Time and Tide: Sharon/Angela
Dancing With You: Eddie
The Ship Song: Jane/David
Most of Us Are Sad: Lynda
Going Back To The Blue Ridge Mountains: Les
The Last Thing On My Mind: Mike P.
?: Mick/Mike P.
Stately As Two Galleons: Mave
Mr. Harding's Garden: Cathy
The Bonny Black Hare: Bill 1:1
The Maid With The Bonny Brown Hair: Jane/Dave
Diddy Wha Diddy: Paul
Love Letters Straight From Your Heart: Lucy/Roger

Being The Seventh of May 2010

What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?: David
Searching For Lambs/The North Hill May Song: Colin
Long Gone: Les
The Wind and Rain: Tony
Kilamona Barndance: Mick
The Muffin Man/? : Lorna
Echo Beach: Angela
Learning The Game: Paul
Wild Thing: Jack
Come Here: David
Spanish Ladies: Colin
Long Black Veil: Les
I Can't Help Falling In Love With You: Tony
? : Mick
Oh! Susanna/Old Joe Clark: Lorna
In Five Years Time: Angela
Your Mother and I: Paul
Late October: David
The Streams of Lovely Nancy: Colin
? : Les
In The Still of the Night: Tony
Mother Nature's Son: Mick
? : Lorna
Babes In The Wood: Angela
What Goes On: Paul
Daisy Bell: David
The Black Bird: Colin
Mr. Man In The Moon: Les
Here Comes The Sun: Mick
Matha and Amos: Angela
If You Loved Me: Paul

Ray Hedges: operation postponed until June 10th

Ray is in Southampton General, for his triple-bypass operation. This has been postponed until Thursday. The City Folk Club wishes Ray well, and hopes for a speedy recovery, and that he'll be back amongst us, singing and playing, very soon.

You can send in a request to Southampton Hospital Broadcasting Association: call 023 8078 5151.

Through the Keyhole ...

Now, who lives in a house like this?

Have you heard of Stoney Ridge?
Should I have?
Is it famous?

The answer to the leading question is Lord and Lady National Trust of Uppark.
To the other three, your corresponding rhetorical answers could reasonably be ...
“Is that a geological feature?”
“Where is it?"
"Why not?"

Allow me to enlighten the reader …
The Stoney Ridge Band comprises Mick and Marion Tipper (guitar and bass), Barry Gordon (banjo) and their fiddlin’ accomplice, Richard.
We are regularly privileged to enjoy Mick and Marion’s company and music at the City Folk Club.
Occasionally, all too infrequently, we see/hear Barry.
Last week, (oh, joy!) Richard came along.
All are accomplished and talented musicians, as well as being extraordinarily delightful people.

One has to ask, “What are they doing coming all the way from Portsmouth to be in such dubious company as the City Folk Club?”
“Have they nothing better to do on a Friday evening?!”

While it is not the function of this blog to promote commercial events, on this occasion, I give myself permission to celebrate the musical enterprise of CFC’s deservedly popular participants.

The Stoney Ridge Band will be performing for a barn dance at Uppark House, (pictured above,) on Saturday 10th July, 7.00 – 11.00pm.
Tickets in advance are £15.00 (to include supper) from Uppark House.
Telephone: 01730 825857.
Website: Uppark House and Garden. You have to navigate through 'events' on the menu, and I doubt you’ll be able to book on-line.

Shall we all go?