Being the Ninth day of September, 2016 ...

A significant turn-out for the evening ...

Here is the company at half-time.
We had to send for extra chairs.

And what a plethora of instruments ...

Notice the guitar-shaped item adjacent to the
mandolin.
That's Sylvia's new toy: an electric bass ukelele.

Paul, having been released from the penitentiary for the evening, accompanied Lucy in a lament ...

Don't tell Mary!

Bryan poetically related his opinions of the occupants of a certain house of government ...

No wonder the country is in such turmoil!

Ken sang something unsavoury about the back end of a horse, later followed by an account of the front end of a floatation-aid ...

How big?

The evening being over we shared Paul's farewell rendition in hopes that God might be by our sides

Haul away down channel ...

About the Picnic ...

Yesterday, 4th September, some stalwart CFC souls attended a family picnic held by The Friends of the Old Bosham Meadow in Bosham.
Here's some of the company ...

OK, you might think that some are sleeping.
In reality, no!
They are imbibing wonderful music
through the pores of their very souls.

The weather was fair, albeit with an unpredictable breeze.
Here's Laura and Colin of The Airborne Music Stand Duo ...

No, we weren't singing Blowing in the Wind!

Paul W was a welcome asset.
He suffered a small haemorrhage from his strumming hand while opening a bottle of questionable beverage.
After some first-aid, administered by Jane, he was still able to competently handle twelve strings ...

Use your teeth, next time, Paul!

And here's delightful Debbie ...

Elayne was charming, as usual ...

Then there was Frank, perhaps not a regular CFC participant, who provided a rousing conclusion to our music ...

Soon the morning Sun will rise ...

Marian came along to give loyal support ...

Thank you, Marian.

None of us knew quite what to expect.
PA amplification was a new venture for some us.
Actually, flying music-stands aside, it all went very well.
Picnickers, having consumed their sandwiches, were observed to sit quietly and listen attentively.
Applause was more than courteous ... indeed, occasionally ... enthusiastic!

I received much affirmative feedback, (no, I don't mean through the PA system,) and there was some significant interest in the whereabouts and doings of The City Folk Club.
One small boy commented, "The music is great. Will you come again?"
(Perhaps small boy should have known better!)
"Well ... err ... maybe, if invited, but not this year," was my response.

My personal thanks to you all for entering the great unknown alongside me.
I know that you all gave of your best.
I was proud of you all, and felt privileged to be in company of such wonderful people.

Many thanks, too, to Richard Spong, (FOBM sec.,) and his army of helpers who orchestrated the event and set up the infrastructure, and gave us such encouragement.

THANK YOU!

Colin.

Being Friday the Fifth day of August, 2016 ...

Dogsbody appears unwell  ...

This condition is known as
'verdant auricular hypertrophy'.
"You need not worry; it's not infectious!"

He, bravely occupying the seat of quasi-authority, was pleased to welcome a vast gathering of musical enthusiasts.

Paul and Jenny W. have returned from over-wintering in Spain.
Daryl paid a welcome visit from Bedfordshire.

Tony read his newspaper over a full English breakfast somewhere posh in London ...

Somebody asked Bob, "Where is Athenry?"

By a lonely castle wall ...
Actually, it's in Co. Galway.

Although there were premonitions, no real deaths were recorded.

Dogsbody, on the other hand, lost all emotional continence on hearing account of a lady who fell into a lake along with her prize possessions ...

Blub-lub, bub-lub ...

"... but I can't swim!" says Teddy.

Despite the presence of the usual hecklers, nobody took serious offence ... did they?

Angela and Paul D. helped us weather the storm before sending us all home intact ...

I'm anchored in love divine ...
Avtually, that's in Shoreham-by-Sea!

About a Picnic ...

We have received an gracious invitation.

The Friends of Old Bridge Meadow in Bosham are holding a family picnic on Sunday, 4th September from 2.00 - 6.00 pm.
They are hoping for some folk music.

Some of you may recall that we enjoyed similar adventures in 2010 and 2011.

It will be an informal event: come-and-go as you please.
Bring something to sit on, eatables and beverages, sun-protection for the optimistic, as well as your music.

What if the weather is unkind?
Fear not ... the foul weather alternative is to occupy St Nicholas Church Hall in Brooks Lane.

Here's a map ...

PO18 8PG will get you near to the meadow by SatNav.
(That's the post-code of an excellent Indian Restaurant just across the road.
They do an economic all-you-can-eat Sunday lunch-deal.)

I know that some have other commitments that weekend, but I would find it helpful and encouraging to know which of our club participants might be prepared to come along in support.

Email: cityfolkclub@gmail.com or phone Dogsbody: 01243 574021.