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