What’s on at the Cutty Wren

Every Tuesday at The Redcar Borough Park Bowling Club

Hi,all! We’ll be well into the New Year by the time you read this, so let’s dive in. We’re having our annual Burns’ Night Evening on January 24th. This will be hosted by our own Gordon Mallory, who always does an excellent job. There’ll obviously be a Scottish theme to the night, and we hope to arrange the traditional Haggis, Tatties and Neaps. But bearing in mind Burns’ words about “The best laid plans of mice and men...” do check at the Club the week before or email our Secretary Nigel a day or two before the night. We’ll have one of our regular “Singers and Musicians” nights on the 31st January. On these evenings – also often called “Singarounds”anyone who wishes can stand up and sing or play a couple of folk-related numbers. That covers a very wide field from old English traditional, singer songwriter, modern Americana, Irish and even something continental. And more. We have a core of very good regulars, but also many other welcome performers who drop in from time to time and bring something new. And if you just want to listen, that’s fine as well.

February 7th will also be “Singers and Musicians”, and then on February 14th we have a Hot Spot with John Dunleavy. Hot Spots are nights when we ask a usually-local singer to do a longer spot of half an hour or so. It’s practice for those perhaps newer to performing, and gives those with more time in the trade a chance to show more of their repertoire. John has been around a while and has a very varied and interesting repertoire of well-chosen and less-usual songs so come along and have a listen.

“Singers and Musicians” on the 21st, and then on February 28th we welcome Carrie Martin. She’s a singer-songwriter from Hull, and has been highly recommended by the great Gordon Giltrap. Unsurprisingly, she’s a fine finger- picking guitarist, has a voice that has been compared to Kate Bush’s and has been noted for the strength of her songs. That all sounds pretty good, and I’m very much looking forward to the night.

Looking ahead a little, do make a note of a Hot Spot with Chris Downs on March 14th and a guest night with Fil Campbell and Tom McFarland from Ulster on the 28th.

Looking back, we had an excellent night of songs with Judith Haswell and Trish McLean

S.A.R.A.

in November. They have fine voices, a great repertoire, including their own songs, and great stage presence, so how could we fail to have a great time? The Singarounds have been well attended this season, and we’ve had some marvellous performances. And, as ever, the Christmas Party was a great success. I reckon we should have more top quality music in 2023, and our Secretary Nigel reports that plenty of folk performers are after bookings at the Club!

So – come and join in if you haven’t been before. We meet every Tuesday at the Redcar Borough Park Bowling Club, Thwaites Lane, off Redcar Lane, TS10 2FD. Turn off Redcar Lane at the big red racecourse sign and we’re at the end and a bit to the left through the gates. There’s plenty of parking space, and we’re in a comfortable modern Club room with a fine bar. Doors open about 7-30 p.m., singing starts about 7-45 p.m., and we finish at 10-45 p.m. For those who can’t be there in person, or fancy a double dose, we still have the SingaZoomaround sessions online on Thursday evenings. They begin about 7-45 p.m., and end about 9-45 p.m. There’s a good attendance

Saving And Re-Homing Animals

The Ann Prosser Foundation Registered Charity No. 1051037 / ww.s-a-r-a.org.uk

Sara Important Message

Meetings for S.A.R.A. supporters and the general public will now be held every TWO MONTHS instead of monthly but will continue to be on a Tuesday.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 7th February 2023 at 7.00pm and will be held at the Arundel Centre at Foxrush Farm, Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar. Hot drinks available and dogs welcome. Everyone welcome to hear news and updates of the charity.

The Shop and Cafe situated in the Arundel Centre will open each Saturday and Sunday 10.00am – 3.00pm. Please join us for great bargains and banter. Dogs welcome and friendly atmosphere.

There are no events planned for February.

from Britain and beyond, and you’ll hear lots of new singers and material. To get the link, email our Secretary, Nigel Carden at info@ cuttywrenfolkclub.com That’s also our general email contact, and we have a website at www. cuttywrefolkclub.com You can also ring me on 01642 471769.

Thanks as ever to our kind hosts at the Bowls Club for accommodating us this past year, and especially our wonderful bar lady Gemma. And also to the committee, M.C.’s, guests and singers who all help to this great music alive.

See you soon George F