W
elcome to the first issue under new management. Let’s set out our stall, starting with the introductions.
Simon lives in Biggleswade with wife Amanda and children Chloe and James. An inveterate folk club member and festival visitor, he recently joined Letchworth Morris Men, and with Andy Barwell started Dunton Folk, which holds concerts throughout the year, sessions on the first Tuesday of the month, and a wassail each January in partnership with Dunton Cider. See www.duntonfolk.co.uk and the Dunton Cider website, www.duntoncider.co.uk. Clive, from St Albans, is another long-time supporter of local folk music. He teaches, runs music workshops, and plays guitar and mandolin with a variety of musicians. As the unofficial ‘marketing arm’ of the St Albans Folk Festival, Clive creates all their logos, design, print and web materials. He also runs his own design and creative consultancy – see his general blog at www.clivebatkin.wordpress.com and his guitar site www.clivebatkin.com. Mike has lived in the Bedford area for many years, playing and studying a range of music before settling contentedly into folk. He works as a music librarian and plays fretted strings – bouzouki with Ragged Staff (www.ragged-staff. co.uk), mandola and tenor banjo at local clubs and sessions, including Bedford FC and NAF Club, Silsoe.
Why have we joined Unicorn? The folk world’s rich variety of clubs, sessions, concerts and festivals are invariably open, relaxed and informal, creating an atmosphere in which old friends can catch up, while newcomers are welcomed and encouraged to perform. We support folk as an accessible and inclusive tradition which also happens to be great fun, and we believe Unicorn is a small but valuable part of the local tradition. What are our plans? You’ll have noticed changes to Unicorn’s appearance – some are dictated by our new production process, but others are designed to update the look of Unicorn while preserving its essential character. We plan to develop the content similarly, through evolution rather than revolution. In all this, the views of readers will be paramount, so do please keep your comments and suggestions coming. We must end with a note of appreciation. Throughout the handover Alan and Theo have been unfailingly supportive with advice, constructive criticism and encouragement – not forgetting a compendious selection of real ales. Perhaps we may have managed without them, but it would have been vastly more difficult and much less fun. Thanks very much, chaps. See you round the clubs… Simon, Clive & Mike
Editorial
1
Review: Kara
Contents
1
Club Profile: Bedford Folk Music Club 24
Chatterbox
5
Feature: FolkEast
26
Feature: Folkstock
8
Advertiser Information
27
Sessions
10
Shall We Dance?
28
11
Feature: WoodWorks
31
Front cover photo by Al Rogers (no fiddles were harmed in the taking of this photo!)
Broadside by Long Lankin
32
Printed by KJB UK Ltd
Review: Lucy Ward Morris Diary
12 – 13
Unicorn Diary
15 – 17
Club Index
18
Review: New Roots
20
Song: The March Hare
20
22
Editorial Staff: Simon Bailes Clive Batkin Mike Nacey
© Unicorn Magazine 2013 CB1029 • June 2013
Visit our new website at www.unicornmagazine.org Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Concerts at St Mary Magdalene Church, Dunton, Biggleswade. 7.30 for 8.00pm - £10 (Children free) Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar – Saturday 20th July Winners of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, 2013, Greg and Ciaran are a duo with an amazing level of energy, ability and stagecraft.
Monthly Sessions First Tuesday of every month. March Hare, Dunton, Biggleswade, 8.00pm. Andy 01767 316 124 Simon 01767 310 424 duntonfolk@hotmail.co.uk
Megson – Saturday 7th September Husband and wife duo, Stu and Debbie Hanna have an infectious sound of heavenly vocals, lush harmonies and driving rhythmic guitars.
Pete Morton – Saturday 19th October Pete’s shows are dynamic and intense, while remaining approachable and fun loving. His songs are an unruly mix of humour, politics and love.
www.duntonfolk.co.uk
Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
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STACEY BANJOS REPAIRS SET-UPS & RESTORATION TO: ACOUSTIC GUITARS ELECTRIC GUITARS CLASSICAL GUITARS BANJOS & MANDOLINS BANJOS BUILT TO ORDER
DAVE STACEY
Museum of East Anglian Life Stowmarket, Suffolk 11am - 5.30pm A fabulously eclectic day of traditional music, dance & song in a magical setting, featuring:
Martin Carthy Debs Newbold Jeff Warner Con O’Drisceoil Jerry O’Reilly Liam Robinson Band Music & Song Sessions Stepdancing & Ceilidh Concerts & Talks Jig Dolls Storytelling Ballad Corner Comic Songs + mini beer festival
www.eatmt.org.uk or ring 01449 771090 4
Scottish / English dance 4:15–8pm Sunday 7 July 2013 The Beaconsfield School Wattleton Road, HP9 1SJ
Superb music provided by Mollie Koenigsberger (fiddle)&Vic Smith (accordion) 01494 672782 www.mcf107.com
East Anglian Traditional Music Trust
Saturday 31st August 2013
cordially invite their dancing friends to another
Traditional Music Day
19 FIELD LANE LETCHWORTH HERTS SG6 3LF 01462 683074
Ian & Val McFarlane
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Hertfordshire Folk Association will hold their annual Children’s Summer Folk Dance Festival on 6th July at Sherrardswood School, Lockley, Welwyn (www.hertsfolkassn.org.uk). August sees the staging of the annual Snape Proms in the scenic setting of Snape Maltings, near Aldeburgh. Lau will appear on 5th August, while on 11th Jon Boden will premiere The Ballad of Little Musgrave, his retelling of the folk ballad as a music drama. He returns on 15th August with Bellowhead. Folk Radio: John Devine, wizard of the whistle, pipes and much else, has since 2011 been entertaining Irish music enthusiasts with his Monday evening show on Radio Verulam. John told Unicorn he is “connecting the local Irish community with the old country through the finest contemporary and traditional Irish music”. As well as news on sessions and concerts, and live studio guests, John features weekly contributions from ‘Man about London Town’ James McDonald and Joe Giltrap of the Irish Post. Now joining John on the airwaves is Daria Kulesh, hosting a new show on Radio Dacorum covering folk, acoustic and world music. The show airs 5 – 7pm on Sundays and Daria tells us she is “showcasing the best of folk, acoustic and world music in a fun, engaging manner, with live sessions every week”. See www.radioverulam.com and www.facebook. com/radiodacorum.org. P J Books have taken delivery of a new range of books. These include the Living History series, covering “the rich history of music through the centuries”, several books by or about Pat Shaw and his music, dances and songs, and Scottish Country Dancing guides for beginners and younger dancers. A new English Concertina Tutor from Mally is awaited (see their advert on page 21). St Michael’s Street folk evening will be held in St Michael’s Street, St Albans on Wednesday July 3, with dancing in the street and music in its three pubs (01727 852111). At the St Albans Folk Festival, English Miscellany will be dancing with a Czech group called Dubrava. Following the success of their Song Competition last year, the Watford Folk Club are running another in 2013 (see their advert on page 14).
Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Cleckheaton: 5 – 7 July Ely: 12 – 14 July Woburn Sands: 13 July Folk by the Oak (Hatfield House): 21 July Warwick: 25 – 28 July Sidmouth: 2 – 9 August Saltburn: 9 – 11 August Broadstairs: 9 – 16 August Whitby: 7 – 23 August Folk East (Glenham Hall, Suffolk): 23 – 25 August
Towersey: 23 – 26 August Shrewsbury: 23 – 26 August New Forest: 30 August – 1st September Tenterden: 3 – 6 October Harwich International Sea Shanty Festival: 11 – 13 October
Entries are already coming in, and committee members Alison Raymond and Kim Olyett are busy even now planning for November’s Grand Final. Winchmore Folk Dance Club is holding dancing sessions on Tuesday mornings 10.00am to 12 noon at Grange Park Methodist Church, Park Drive. Contact John Wood, 020 8926 7293.
A lban Arena: Seth Lakeman 5th October, Show of Hands 14th Novovember. T he Junction, Cambridge: Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick 16th September, Lisa Knapp 23rd Septempber, Megson & The Young ‘Uns 28th October, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman 18th November. T he Stables: Cara Dillon 23rd October, The Full English Project 30th Octber.
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Sparrow Violins
A folkie Luthier for folkies! Set-Ups and Repairs for Fiddles, Violas, Cellos and Hardanger Fiddles. Fiddles, Violas and Hardanger Fiddles made to commission. Hand made Fiddles for sale. Tim J. Sparrow St.Neots, Cambridgeshire (Workshop open by appointment) Tel: 07704836170 Email: timjsparrow@aol.com www.sparrow-violins.co.uk www.facebook.com/SparrowViolins
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
23-24-25-26 August 2013 @shrewsburyfolk PHOTO BY: DEREK HOUGHTON
^ŚƌĞǁƐďƵƌLJ &ŽůŬ &ĞƐƟ ǀĂů
System d Folk n u o S t l e C Music ps Afro o r D e t la Choco a n i l o r >> CEILIDH BANDS >> MORRIS TEAMS Ca anyas T d >> REFOLKUS ĨŽƌ ϭϮͲϮϱ LJĞĂƌ ŽůĚƐ o o e G >> CHILDREN’S EVENTS T he B r e d a e R >> SINGAROUNDS & SESSIONS i E dd d n a b >> WORKSHOPS >> CRAFT FAIR r e Oyst ac r A ’ d >> CATERERS i d Ni e i l l >> REAL ALE BARS s i t a s c e r Gu l C ap e a i c >> GREAT CAMPSITE e p S bot and l a T i d i >> STEVE KNIGHTLEY & JOHN JONES He d n a >> BARNSTAR WITH MARK ERELLI B n Brie >> NIC JONES TRIO >> MARTYN JOSEPH T im O ’
tel: 01743 892800
>> JEZ LOWE >> FAY HIELD & THE HURRICANE PARTY >> NANCY KERR & JAMES FAGAN >> BLUE ROSE CODE >> COLVINQUARMBY >> DOYLE & DEBBIE >> ELBOW JANE >> JESS & RICHARD ARROWSMITH >> KEITH DONNELLY >> LUCY WARD >> LORI WATSON & THE RULE OF THREE >> LUKE JACKSON >> MELROSE QUARTET >> MOORE MOSS & RUTTER >> SAM CARTER >> JAMES RILEY >> SOMETHING NASTY IN THE WOODSHED ...
more acts to be announced!!! see website for latest
SHREWSBURY
www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk www.
F
olkstock Arts Foundation aims to provide selected musicians, of all ages and experience levels, with the blend of marketing and musical support they need to become established in their chosen vocation. This newly-formed Community Interest Company is led by Helen Meissner and a committee of ten, all volunteers. Helen’s own interests similarly combine markets and music – she won Hertfordshire Businesswoman of the Year 1991 for her work in communications, training and development, and achieved Grade 7 in piano and violin. Folkstock uses industry professionals to support artists through mentoring, masterclasses and workshops, and coaching in online marketing. Speaking to Unicorn recently, Helen stressed that this is no mass-production line, rather a “wholly genuine amplification of the skills and attributes of the artist”, tailored to the artists’ needs at this point in their careers. Live performance is central to the programme, and a series of events and mini-festival workshops will culminate in a new Folkstock festival at Aldenham Country Park, Elstree on 21st September. Hertfordshire’s answer to the Cambridge Folk Festival, says Helen, “aims to offer an affordable, inclusive, and familyfriendly environment for experienced and novice musicians, and folk who love good music”. How can local performers and enthusiasts get involved? The programme runs from June to December, and Helen anticipates starting another in January. To be selected, Helen insists that artists should demonstrate competence as performers, also a firm commitment to music, and “responsive, clear and transparent communication in their dealings with me from the application process onwards”.
Though a recent convert to folk music, Helen is convinced of its potential. She recalls being captivated by an early performance of her daughter’s band, The Folk, whose direct, expressive appeal contrasts strikingly with the saccharine blandness of so much mainstream music. This inspired her determination to “generate a community of authentic musicians” to help develop acoustic folk and roots music, and to “connect with their communities”, encouraging them to go and listen to live music they’ve never heard before. The scope of Folkstock is ambitious, and promises to be a significant and potentially ground-breaking boost for folk music in our region. For more details see the Folkstock website wwwfolkstockartsfoundation.com. Mike Nacey Stop Press: Dave Swarbrick has just been named as Folkstock Arts Foundation’s Patron…
3rd English Mutton Country Music Workshop Weekend Ian Dedic (Committee Band), Flos Headford, Jo Freya (Old Swan) Sat 5 & Sun 6 Oct 2013 Shoulder of Mutton, Wantage, Oxfordshire Suitable for all levels of musician
• • •
Mornings: Tune & Technique. Free reeds — Ian, Fiddle —Flos, Wind & all other instruments —Jo Afternoons: Playing in dance bands — feel, lift, tempo, simple arrangements Sat early evening: Playing for dancers followed by evening session
Folkstock seeks volunteers too, and would particularly like to hear from experienced stage managers, as well as stewards from all walks of life.
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See www.montysmaggot.co.uk email jeremy@tozerofdevon.net call 07717 461972
Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
since 1976
BRITAIN’S FOLK & ACOUSTIC SPECIALISTS Our nine shops stock all kinds of acoustic & folky musical instruments from Britain and around the world! Expert staff are always on hand to give you free, friendly advice. Try the intruments for yourself! Each shop has a huge and varied stock of new and secondhand instruments SUPPO R MUSIC TING LIVE Sidmo FESTIVALS u Crawle th, Cornwall , y Riseley , Oxford, BM , Ten G, Broads terden, St Ive tairs an s d more ,
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Order online or call 0845 130 9500
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
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Sunday Lunchtimes STONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar (Weekly): Jane Armour, 01908 566407 HANSLOPE • Hanslope Working Men’s Club, High St, MK19 7LQ (1st): Peter, 07596 547686
Sunday Evenings MILTON KEYNES • see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly) RADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Watling St (5pm, 4th): Nick, 020 8953 5231 MILTON KEYNES • New Inn, New Bradwell (1st): Patsy, 07932 157610 HANSLOPE • Hanslope Working Men’s Club (3rd): Ivor Sayer, 01908 265902 ELSTREE • Waggon & Horses (last, 5 – 8pm): Nick, 020 8953 5231 ST ALBANS • Farmers Boy, London Rd (1st): Nick, 020 8953 5231 ASTON CLINTON • Oak PH (3rd): Roger, 01296 613742
Monday Evenings SOHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (1st): Graham, 01353 778655 TOTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (9pm, weekly): 01582 661294 (pub) BERKHAMSTED • George & Dragon, Northchurch (1st & 3rd – Open Mic): Mick, 01442 864533 (pub) STONY STRATFORD • Bull Hotel (1st): Peter, www.mksessions.blogspot.com ASHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): Ian Chandler, 01462 743091 COTTENHAM • Cottenham Club (2nd): Graham, 01353 778655
Tuesday Evenings DUNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): Maureen, 01582 512300 DUNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub) HISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Dave Benford, 01223 880553 ST ALBANS • King Harry, St Albans (1st): Jenny, 01582 793164 BENINGTON • The Bell (4th): 01438 869270 ELY • Royal Standard (2nd – French): stephen@sprezzaturra.com RICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane (3rd): Michael, 01923 770425 GT WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): Dave, 01440 783280 TRING • Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, HP23 5QE (1st, Trad Irish): Mick Bushnell, 01442 891400
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Wednesday Evenings S T ALBANS • White Lion, Sopwell Lane (Weekly, mainly music): Trevor Hacking, 01923 351739 B ARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses (8.30pm, 10/7,24/7,7/8,21/8,4/9,18/9): Ann, 01582 560815 E LSTREE • Waggon & Horses (2nd): Nick, 020 8953 5231 T OWERSEY • Village Hall (3rd): Roger, 01296 613742 E LY • Royal Standard (last): Liam, laimdebrun@outlook.co.uk, 07905 044932 W ELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758
Thursday Evenings W OBURN SANDS • Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660 K IMPTON • White Horse (2nd): Doug, 07973 751039, jennerdouglas@me.com F ULBOURN • Fulbourn Sports & Social Club, nr Cambridge (3rd): Barry, 01223 722927 H UNTON BRIDGE • King’s Head (4th): Tim, 01923 264536 T OWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): Grant, 01844 212322 H ERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): Alan Francis, 01992 410380 C ROXLEY GREEN • The Shed, rear of Sportsman PH (8.30 – 11.00, 1st, song & acoustic music): Paul K, 07970 188026 F ULBOURN • Fulbourn Folk Club, Fulbourn Sports & Social Club (1st): Robert, 01223 411187 L UTON • Castle PH, LU1 3AA (weekly): Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470
Friday Evenings M ELBOURN • Black Horse, SG8 6BP (2nd): Hilary, 01763 226046 (pub) P OTTON • Red Lion (8.30, 3rd): Phil, 01767 260041 R OYSTON • Old Bull Inn SG8 9AW (2nd): Michael Farrow, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org S T NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA (8.30pm, 14/6, 12/7, none in Aug, 13/9): Sarah, 07857 311834, ssennett@theiet.org S TEEPLE CLAYDON • Prince of Wales, MK18 2NP (2nd – Open Mic): Charlie, 07925 145062
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Thames Valley Productions presents...
Lucy Ward at Dunton Folk, April 2013
W
alking into St Mary Magdalene for her first appearance at Dunton Folk, Lucy’s first word was “Wow!” This fine 14th century church is not only a beautiful setting, its acoustics are also particularly well suited to folk music, adding vibrancy and energy so that even the quietest piece fills the space. Starting her performance, Lucy’s voice and guitar soared from the stage to swirl among the musical angels holding up the roof. Lucy led us through the gamut of emotions – we wept, were stirred to anger, we laughed. At other times she kept us perfectly silent, enthralled by the performance and tense with anticipation – even children on the front row were spellbound. Mixed feelings of joy and despair were apparent on all faces during Lucy’s self-penned Bricks and Love, a song incorporating the chorus of the Eriskay Love Lilt. The poignancy of such songs can be lost in repeated, routine performances, but Lucy captures a man’s anguish on losing a loved one – reduced to tears, he watches others go happily to the bar while a floor singer works his way through ‘Eriskay’. In more raucous songs, laughter and singing rose in equal measure. The irreverent Canny Lads had the audience giving their all during the choruses. I came away from the gig with a big grin and a sense of well-being. Lucy is now at the top of my list of people to see again, so if you get the chance do go and see her perform. You won’t be disappointed. For more information visit her website at www.lucywardsings.com. Simon Bailes
Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
With some of England’s most highly regarded artists including:-
John Kirkpatrick Jackie Oates Fraser Sisters Outside Capering Crew Monty’s Maggot Hammersmith Morris Men
2 5 J ULY box office
01628 820140 Venue Stubbings Estate, Henley Road, Maidenhead, BERKSHIRE, SL6 6QL
www.tvfolk.co.uk www.unicornmagazine.org
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Tuesday
20.00
WHITCHURCH • Hare, Southcott Village, Linslade LU7 2PR
20.00
BALDOCK • Chequers, Barley SG8 8JQ
Wednesday
3
19.30
WOODSIDE • St Michaels Festival, St Albans
Thursday
4
20.15
LETCHWORTH • Buntingford Tour
Friday
5
20.00
OFFLEY • White Lion, Walkern
Saturday
6
14.30
EDBORNSTOKE • Woburn Abbey, Woburn Park, Beds MK17 9WA, R with Beds Lace and Les Dançaires d’Oc
Weekend
5/7
—
LETCHWORTH • Martlets Morris Meeting, Chichester
Weekend
6/7
—
WHITCHURCH • Weekend of Dance with Martlet Sword & Morris Men (Chichester)
7
14.00 – 17.00
Sunday
Tuesday
12
2
9
BALDOCK • Willian Village Fair SG6 2AP
11.30
REDBORNSTOKE • Ampthill Market Square, with Beds Lace and Les Dançaires d’Oc
12.30
REDBORNSTOKE • Procession + Ampthill Gala, with Beds Lace and Les Dançaires d’Oc
20.00
WHITCHURCH • Half Moon, Wilstone HP23 4PD
20.00
BALDOCK • Waggoners, Ayot Green, Welwyn AL6 9AA with Tappalachian
20.00
REDBORNSTOKE • White Hart, Flitton MK45 5EJ
Wednesday
10
20.00
WOODSIDE • Bushey Festival @ The Swan
Thursday
11
20.15
LETCHWORTH • George / Plume of Feathers, Ickleford
Friday
12
20.00
OFFLEY • Chequers, Woolmer Green
Tuesday
16
20.00
WHITCHURCH • Betsey Wynne, Swanbourne MK17 0SH
20.00
BALDOCK • Lordship Arms, Bennington SG2 7BX
20.00
WOODSIDE • Bright Star, Peters Green, with Caddington Blues
21.15
WOODSIDE • Red Cow, Harpenden, with Caddington Blues
20.00
BALDOCK • Toddington Tour
20.00
EDBORNSTOKE • Toddington Tour: Griffin (LU5 6BN), Bell, Oddfellows R Arms, Angel, with Royal Oak, Windsor, Old Mother Redcaps
Wednesday
17
Thursday
18
20.00
LETCHWORTH • Pig & Abbott, Abington Piggots, with Devil’s Dyke MM
Friday
19
20.00
OFFLEY • Plough, Ley Green
Saturday
20
PM
Tuesday
23
20.00
WHITCHURCH • Rose & Crown, Wingrave HP22 4PD
20.00
BALDOCK • Half Moon, Hitchin SG4 9TZ with Phoenix Morris
20.00
WOODSIDE • Paper Mill, Apsley
21.15
WOODSIDE • Old Palace, Kings Langley
20.00
LETCHWORTH • Stone Jug, Clophill, with Bedford MM
Wednesday
24
Thursday
25
LETCHWORTH • Letchworth Lions Fun Day, Kennedy Gardens
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Friday
26
20.00
OFFLEY • Motte & Bailey, Pirton
Tuesday
30
20.00
WHITCHURCH • Red Lion, Little Missenden HP7 0QZ
20.00
BALDOCK • Orange Tree, Baldock SG7 5AW with Beds Lace
Wednesday
31
20.00
WOODSIDE • Jolly Cricketers, Seer Green
21.15
WOODSIDE • Royal Standard, Forty Green
Friday
2
20.00
OFFLEY • Cricketers, Weston
Friday
9
20.00
OFFLEY • Lordship Arms, Bennington
Thursday
15
20.15
LETCHWORTH • Windmill, Charlton / Half Moon, Hitchin
Friday
16
20.00
OFFLEY • Jolly Waggoner, Ardley
Thursday
22
20.15
LETCHWORTH • Jolly Waggoner, Ardley / Sword Inn Hand, Westmill
Friday
23
20.00
OFFLEY • Waggon & Horses, Graveley
Friday
30
20.00
OFFLEY • Musgrave Arms, Shillington
Sunday
1
12.30
WOODSIDE • Woodman, Wild Hill
12.30
LETCHWORTH • Orange Tree, Baldock, with Baldock Midnight Morris
Wednesday
4
20.00
WOODSIDE • Horns, Watford
Saturday
7
2.15
LETCHWORTH • Potton Show
3.15
LETCHWORTH • Wrestlingworth Fete
Weekend Sunday
7/8 15
— DAY
BALDOCK • Swanage Folk Festival BALDOCK • Beds Steam & Country Fair, Shuttleworth Park SG18 9EP
12.30
LETCHWORTH • Fox / Three Horseshoes, Willian
Monday
16
20.15
REDBORNSTOKE • ‘Give It A Try’: Open Practice, Redborne Upper School, North Site, Ampthill MK45 2NU – with you?
Wednesday
18
20.00
WOODSIDE • Open Practice Night, Pump House, Watford
Sunday
22
12.30
LETCHWORTH • Green Man, Stanford
Thursday
26
20.00
LETCHWORTH • First Practice Night, Radwell Village Hall
Saturday
28
DAY
Sunday
29
12.30
REDBORNSTOKE • Morris Federation Day of Dance, Shrewsbury WOODSIDE • White Horse, Hedgerley
BALDOCK Midnight Morris – Mixed Cotswold Contact: Joyce Ormrod • 01525 630 546 www.baldockmidnightmorris.org.uk
OFFLEY Morris – Men’s Cotswold Bagman: Bill Davis • 01462 624 210 www.offleymorris.org.uk
WHITCHURCH Morris – Men’s Cotswold Bagman: John Bush • 01296 641 382 www.whitchurchmorris.org.uk
LETCHWORTH Morris – Men’s Cotswold Bagman: Theo Thomas • 01582 882 831 www.letchworthmorris.org.uk
REDBOURNSTOKE Morris – Men’s Cotswold Bagman: Charles Leslie • 01234 750 829 www.redbornstoke.com
WOODSIDE Morris – Men’s Cotswold Bagman: Nick Wilson • 07860 663 033 www.woodsidemorrismen.com
Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
www.unicornmagazine.org
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Dance the night away . . . No ceilidhs in July & August - happy holidays!
FRIDAY 28th JUNE
Liam Robinson Band
C E I L I D H S
FRIDAY 27th SEPTEMBER
with
Liam Robinson Liam has been successfully playing and calling for some time now with many of the top bands, and he's now fronting his own band. Melodeon / concertina, piano, and percussion / brass combine to impel you effortlessly on to the dance floor!
www.facebook.com/TheLiamRobinson DanceBand Interval: Letchworth Morris
IN THE MONTH LAST FRIDAY ceilidhs.org.uk rn www.unico
Unicorn
Captain Swing with
Mike Griffiths
The second visit for this great 5 piece band, playing traditional and new tunes on mel odeon, concertina, saxophone, recorder, guitar, bass and percussion. Excellent arrangements and a really tight sound! www.captainswing.org.uk Mike started calling ceilidhs in his university days, when still in his early twenties, and is the permanent caller for Captain Swing. Mike is a skilled dancer himself, and danced with Downes Morris. Interval: Tappalachian
Tickets only £10.00 - Singles & groups welcome The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH
REAL ALE BAR
Doors open 7.30 p.m. 8.00 - 11.30 p.m.
presents
Write a Folk Song Competition 2013 “This Working Life” Could you write a new folk song? Well this is your opportunity… The Watford Folk Club invites entries for its second annual competition for song writers. For 2013 our theme will be: ‘This working life’. Industry, Agriculture, The Military, Life at Sea – it’s your choice. Entry details, forms and competition rules are available at: http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com/songcompetition2013.htm
FUTURE GUEST ARTISTS INCLUDE: George Papavgeris, Black Scarr, Mick Ryan & Paul Downes, Pete Morton, Na-Mara, Pete Atkin, James Clark-Jones, James Hickman & Dan Cassidy and Fake Thackeray. (Dates in Unicorn Diary)
SINGAROUNDS EVERY FRIDAY DURING AUGUST! Further details at: http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/watfordfolkclub/
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Monday 1 CHESHAM • Singers HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Maypole Evening, Pirton: Chris Turner & Cloudburst, 7.30 LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 2 ST.NEOTS • Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer Wednesday 3 LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players and listeners Thursday 4 BEDFORD • Independence Day Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller – Terry Elvins BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers Night REDBOURN • Open Stage Friday 5 BEDFORD FINE • AGM CAMBRIDGE • The Cyriacs FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Lilley WATFORD • Spotlight singaround with Chris Knott and Fridayends Sunday 7 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open Stage Monday 8 CHESHAM • John Kirkpatrick £8/£10 HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Terry Elvins LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 9 ST.NEOTS • Salvation Jane (Australia) Wednesday 10 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • AGM, dancing before and after Thursday 11 BEDFORD • Local Singers & Musicians BEDFORD FDC • Caller – George Hearnden BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Mike Sharp: Sidney Carter Songs / For Alzheimer’s REDBOURN • Open Stage Friday 12 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night – visitors welcome CAMBRIDGE • Jess Morgan FRIDAY FOLK • Chris Turner & Friday Folk Band WATFORD • George Papavgeris Sunday 14 HITCHIN • Mid Summer Special – Hitchin Festival: Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open Stage Monday 15 CHESHAM • Singers HERGA • Joe Danks (Folk Roots finalist) HITCHIN STAPLERS • Joan Rutt LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround
Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Tuesday 16 ST.NEOTS • Open Stage Wednesday 17 ELY • Luke Jackson ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group Thursday 18 BEDFORD • Singers Night BEDFORD FDC • Caller – Bob Lilley BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Last Singaround before Summer break REDBOURN • Open Stage Friday 19 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night – visitors welcome CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with David Savage FRIDAY FOLK • Madeleine Smith & Vic WATFORD • Singaround Sunday 21 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Local talent double bill: Hannah Sanders & tbc ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Section Practice Monday 22 CHESHAM • Dave Ellis & Bo Howard £7/£10 HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • BBQ, Red Bull, Preston, 7.30. Nick Plum / Derek Boothby LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 23 ST.NEOTS • Les Barker Wednesday 24 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group Thursday 25 BEDFORD • Schools Out Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller – John Green BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Closed REDBOURN • Open Stage Friday 26 BEDFORD FINE • No Club – holidays CAMBRIDGE • Hosting Club Tent at Cambridge Folk Festival FRIDAY FOLK • Garden Dance with Spring Greens (phone for details) ROYSTON • Headline TBA, support Piefinger WATFORD • Black Scarr Monday 29 CHESHAM • Singers HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • Fake Thackray Tuesday 30 ST.NEOTS • Round the Room
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Thursday 1 BEDFORD • Singers Night BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Closed REDBOURN • Closed Friday 2 BEDFORD FINE • Closed CAMBRIDGE • Closed FRIDAY FOLK • Closed WATFORD • Singaround Sunday 4 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Closed Monday 5 CHESHAM • Singers Night featuring Swift as He HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 6 ST.NEOTS • Closed Wednesday 7 LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players and listeners Thursday 8 BEDFORD • Local Singers & Musicians BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Closed REDBOURN • Closed Friday 9 BEDFORD FINE • Closed CAMBRIDGE • Closed FRIDAY FOLK • Closed WATFORD • Singaround Sunday 11 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Closed Monday 12 CHESHAM • Singers HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 13 ST.NEOTS • Closed Wednesday 14 ELY • Closed LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group Thursday 15 BEDFORD • Holiday Singaround BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Closed REDBOURN • Closed Friday 16 BEDFORD FINE • Closed CAMBRIDGE • Closed FRIDAY FOLK • Closed WATFORD • Singaround Sunday 18 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Closed CAMBRIDGE CB2 • CB2 Restaurant Café, Pete Seeger evening with Jamie McLaren Lachman 7pm Monday 19 CHESHAM • Feature Night TBC HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 20 ST.NEOTS • Closed Wednesday 21 LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group
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Thursday 22 BEDFORD • Singers Night BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Closed REDBOURN • Closed Friday 23 BEDFORD FINE • Closed CAMBRIDGE • Closed FRIDAY FOLK • Closed WATFORD • Singaround Sunday 25 BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Stortfolk One Day Mini-Festival, details 01279 656664 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Closed Monday 26 CHESHAM • Closed HERGA • Closed HITCHIN STAPLERS • Closed LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 27 ST.NEOTS • Closed Wednesday 28 LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group Thursday 29 BEDFORD • Local Singers & Musicians BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Closed REDBOURN • Closed Friday 30 BEDFORD FINE • Closed CAMBRIDGE • Closed FRIDAY FOLK • Closed ROYSTON • Boo Hewardine, support Gary Smith WATFORD • Singaround
We desperately need help to distribute copies of our new Unicorn Magazine to some of 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 our crippling postage & petrol bills!
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Sunday 1 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open Stage Monday 2 CHESHAM • Singers HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club caller LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 3 ST.NEOTS • Jeff Warner Wednesday 4 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Section Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players and listeners Thursday 5 BEDFORD • Singers Night BEDFORD FDC • Caller – TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Closed REDBOURN • Open Stage Friday 6 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night – visitors welcome CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage FRIDAY FOLK • Barrie Bullimore WATFORD • Pete Morton Sunday 8 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open Stage HITCHIN • Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies Monday 9 CHESHAM • Feature Night TBA HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 10 ST.NEOTS • Showcase Night Wednesday 11 LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group Thursday 12 BEDFORD • Autumn Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller – TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Richard Grainger REDBOURN • Pat Crilly & Greg Camburn, plus floor spots Friday 13 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night – visitors welcome CAMBRIDGE • Erik Fransden FRIDAY FOLK • Mark Elvins & Friday Folk Band WATFORD • Spotlight Singaround with Bob Templeman and Annette Burrows Sunday 15 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open Stage HITCHIN • Lucy Ward Monday 16 CHESHAM • Singers, Theme – Bad Taste Night HERGA • John Conolly HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 17 ST.NEOTS • Steve Ashley
Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Wednesday 18 ELY • Tom McConville & David Newey ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Guest caller TBA Thursday 19 BEDFORD • Local Singers & Musicians BEDFORD FDC • Caller – TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers Night REDBOURN • Open Stage Friday 20 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night – visitors welcome CAMBRIDGE • Tom McConville FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Lilley WATFORD • Singaround Sunday 22 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Steve Tilston ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Section Practice HITCHIN • Blair Dunlop plus Luke Jackson Monday 23 CHESHAM • Nancy Kerr & James Fagan HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Jez Lowe Tuesday 24 ST.NEOTS • Round the Room Wednesday 25 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group Thursday 26 BEDFORD • Singers Night BEDFORD FDC • Caller – TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Jon Harvison REDBOURN • Liz Simcock, plus floor spots Friday 27 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night – visitors welcome BIGGLESWADE UNICORN • Captain Swing / Mike Griffiths. Interval: Tappalachian CAMBRIDGE • Samantha Horwill, Gill Sandell, Broadside Boys FRIDAY FOLK • Club Callers and AGM ROYSTON • Two Coats Colder, support Sky West WATFORD • Paul Downes & Mick Ryan Sunday 29 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open Stage HITCHIN • Vin Garbutt plus Sunjay Brayne Monday 30 CHESHAM • AGM HERGA • Open evening LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround
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BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Club Griffin PH, 174 Bedford Rd, Kempston MK42 8BL Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 or 01525 404304 See us on Facebook
BEDFORD FDC • Bedford Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB Contact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574
BEDFORD FINE • Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club Hazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Rd, Bedford MK41 9AT Contact: David Cooke, 01234 823920 www.finecompanions.synthasite.com
BIGGLESWADE UNICORN • Unicorn Ceilidhs Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Biggleswade SG18 8JH Contact: Alan Creamer, 07946 439095, 01582 724261 (h) www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk
BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Stortfolk Royal British Legion, 28 Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2NG Contact: Jon & Hilary McNamara, 01279 656664 www.beerfordbury.co.uk
CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Folk Club Golden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SP Contact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986, www.cambridgefolkclub.org
CAMBRIDGE CONTRA URC Hall, Cherry Hinton Rd, Cambridge CB1 7UB Contact: Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641 www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra
CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND: Portland Arms PH, 129 Chesterton Rd, Cambridge CB4 3BA Contact: Robin Gillan, 07847 680 560
CHESHAM • Chesham Folk & Acoustic Music Club (Tudor Folk) Whitehill Centre, Chesham HP5 1AG Contact: Bob Templeman, 07771 727943 www.tudorfolkclub.org.uk
ELY • Ely Folk Club The Old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4ER Contact: Ruth Bramley / Andy Wall, 01353 740999, www.elyfolkclub.co.uk
ENGLISH MISCELLANY: East Hyde Village Hall, Lower Harpenden Rd (B653), nr Luton LU2 9QB Contact: Helen Stamp, 020 8386 3779 www.englishmiscellany.com
FRIDAY FOLK • Friday Folk Social Dance Club Methodist Church, Marlborough Rd, St Albans AL1 3XG Contact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508, www.fridayfolk.org.uk
HADDENHAM • Action Folk Village Hall Complex, Haddenham, nr Aylesbury HP17 8EE Contact: John Heydon, 01296 415333, www.haddenhamceilidhs.co.uk
HERGA • Herga Folk Club Pinner Green Social Club, Rickmansworth Rd, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3TJ Contact: George Papavgeris 07747 768868, www.hergafolk.org
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HITCHIN • Hitchin Folk Club Sun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, SG5 1AF Contact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk
HITCHIN STAPLERS • Staplers Country Dance Club St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin SG4 9JP Contact: Cecilia Mills, 01582 881966, www.staplers.org.uk
LEASIDERS • Leasiders Folk Dance Club Blenheim Baptist Church Hall, Blenheim Cres, Luton LU3 1HB Contact: Liz Patrick, 01582 732656
LINSLEIGHDERS: Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade LU7 2LW Contact: Mrs E.A. Corser, 01525 378010
OXFORD • Oxfolk Kennington Village Hall, Kennington Rd, Oxford OX1 5PG Contact: Jane Bird, 07866 804220, www.oxfolk.org.uk
REDBOURN • Redbourn Folk Club Old Schoolroom, Hollybush PH, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DU Contact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk
ROYSTON • Royston Folk Club Old Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston SG8 9AW Contact: Michael, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org
ST ALBANS • Folk at The Maltings / Festival Maltings Arts Centre, St Albans AL1 3HL, plus various venues in July Contact: Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk
ST NEOTS • St Neots Folk Club Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH Contact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278, www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk
STEVENAGE • Roundabouters Country Dance Club Friends’ Meeting House, Cuttys La, Stevenage SG1 1UP Contact: Sandra Welch, 01438 239 402 www.roundabouters.org.uk
STONY STRATFORD • Song Loft Cock Hotel, High St, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1AH Contact: Jane Armour, 01908 566407 www.myspace.com/songloft
VILLAGE FOLK • Moggerhanger Village Hall Blunham Rd, MK44 3RB. Contact: Chris Bashford, chris@mainlinksystems.co.uk
WALTHAM ABBEY • Waltham Abbey Folk Club Royal British Legion, Brooker Rd, Waltham Abbey EN9 1HY Contact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987 or 07799 407363 www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com
WATFORD • Watford Folk Club Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JP Contact: Helen Chinn, 07913 430205 http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com
WATFORD WOODSIDE • Woodside Morris Men Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JP Contact: Nick Wilson, 07860 663033 www.woodsidemorrismen.org.uk
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
THE SUN HOTEL SUN STREET HITCHIN HERTS SG5 1AF EVERY SUNDAY 8.15 - 11.00pm
JULY MID SUMMER SPECIAL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HITCHIN FESTIVAL ON JULY 14TH MIRANDA SYKES & REX PRESTON
SEPTEMBER 8th 15th 22nd 29th
JEZ LOWE AND THE BAD PENNIES LUCY WARD BLAIR DUNLOP plus LUKE JACKSON VIN GARBUTT plus SUNJAY BRAYNE
OCTOBER 6th 13th 20th 27th
SLAID CLEEVES (This is an all ticket event) CHRIS WHILE & JULIE MATTHEWS JOHN TAMS & BARRY COOPE URBAN FOLK QUARTET
If you would like a full copy of the programme, send us an email and we will put you on our emailshot list. For further details phone Maureen Jones on Hitchin (01462) 812391 goodmusic@hitchinfolkclub.co.uk www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk
Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
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Tanglesteps are another young band with a great ensemble sound. We loved the mix of sax, accordion and cahon – street music to lift the mood!
I
was delighted when Alison Macfarlane asked me to help judge this year’s New Roots competition for young folk musicians, along with Simon Care, David Delarre and Julian Mount. We heard some fabulous music, and the concerts were compered by the affably entertaining Barry Goodman. First was Joe Danks, a 17-year-old songwriter and already an experienced performer. His material and stage presence were confident and engaging. The four piece Windlatter gave us beautiful harmonies and good instrumental riffs. Their style on the first two numbers was great. 16-year-old Abbie Rechert has a lovely voice and her thoughtful self-penned songs will win many hearts. Trio Swift as He really warmed up through their set, using low whistle with guitars to good effect. Billy Hill, a 14-year-old fiddler, has a quietly confident, attractive stage presence. Massive potential – watch his progress!
The over-18s concert started with Tandem, an excellent, tightly connected fiddle and guitar duo. Their performance was full of different textures and their ‘math nerd’ introductions were very funny. Briarheart hooked us from the start. Their instrumental skills, blend of guitar, banjo and bodhran, and Sam Kelly’s wondrously fluid, controlled voice were finely judged. Soloist Matt Quinn is at ease and comfortably in control of his tightly rhythmic melodeon and beautiful song arrangements. Broken Boat is a band built around the clever, quirky songwriting of Daniel Bahrami – echoes of Bob Dylan and Suzanne Vega – with nice harmonies, accordion, drumkit and banjo. It was an enjoyable musical experience for the judges, though we missed Lynne Heraud and hope she will return next year. Participants in New Roots 2013 have won slots on festival concerts and folk club programmes – go hear them! Well done and big thanks to Alison and Barry for organising this great showcase for new folk acts. Janet Russell
THE MARCH HARE MUSIC BY GRAEME MEEK
LIVELY
A tune named after a pub in Dunton, Bedfordshire, where a monthly music session began in 2011 Copyright © Graeme Meek 2013 Graeme Meek is a member of song duo Life and Times and dance band Time of Your Life. see www.lifeandtimes.info, www.lifeandtimes.me.uk & www.myspace.com/broadsidesrevisited
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
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JAMES S FINDLAY & OLLIE KING th F Friday 6 Sep ptember 8pm
BBC Radio 2 Young Follk Award Winne er
Tickets: £ £12.50 / £10.5 50 concession ns SUMME ER CEILIDH: Sa at 20 Jul, 8pm Tickets: £ £10
I
recently had the pleasure of watching a new band on the circuit, KARA. Daria Kulesh, the host of Radio Dacorum’s Folk DJ show, formed the band, with Kate Rouse (hammered dulcimer), Ben Simon (guitar) and Gary Holbrook (accordion). Combine the natural entertainer of the lead singer, with winning a place on the mentoring and marketing programme run by the Folkstock Arts Foundation, and their quirky selection of songs will quickly find an appreciative audience. If today’s reaction was anything to go by, KARA capture the imagination and keep people enthralled with their theatrical, lively performances. Anyone who has heard Daria’s rich delivery of Russian folk songs (with a twist!) will know that this is a band who are not going to stay ‘new‘ for long. KARA are full of promise and don’t take themselves too seriously – catch them where you can. Find them on www.facebook.com/ KaraFolkBand. Helen Meissner (MD Folkstock Arts Foundation)
Chesham Folk Club White Hill, Chesham HP5 1AG
Every Monday 8.15 to 11.00 10 June
Vinn Garbutt
£10.00 £12.00
A Living Legend, makes you laugh and then cry in a minute
24 June
Al Parish
£8.00
£10.00
£8.00
£10.00
£7.00
£9.00
£3.00
£4.00
£3.00
£4.00
Canada’s finest, Ex Tanglewood, talented, entertaining
8 July
John Kirkpatrick The king of squeeze, always warm, always brilliant.
22 July
Dave Ellis and Bo Howard Beautiful voices, songs, musicianship and soundscapes.
5 Aug
New Roots Feature Broken Boat A chance to show the best in new talent
19 Aug
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Feature Night TBC Closed August Bank Holiday Monday
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
The Priory Centre, St. Neots, PE19 2BH Every Tuesday 8.15pm
Email – stneotsfolkclub@aol.com Telephone - 01234 376278 www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk
July July July July July
2 Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer Sept 3 Jeff Warner 9 Salvation Jane (Australia) Sept 10 Showcase Night 16 Open Stage Sept 17 Steve Ashley 23 Les Barker Sept 24 Round the Room 30 Round the Room AUGUST CLUB CLOSED
Summer 2013 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. From 7:45 to 10:00 pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Marlborough Road, St Albans, AL1 3XG. www.fridayfolk.org.uk – 01727 856508 Standard Friday admission £3
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5 Jul Bob Lilley 12 Jul Chris Turner and Friday Folk Band 19 Jul Madeleine Smith and Vic 26 Jul Garden Dance with Spring Greens (phone for details)
Autumn 2013 6 Sep Barrie Bullimore 13 Sep Mark Elvins and Friday Folk Band 20 Sep Bob Lilley 27 Sep Club Callers and AGM
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Redbornstoke Morris Welcomes new members Friendly tuition given No experience necessary! Come and see us over the summer months, generally at a local pub on a Monday night (see the morris diary), including the highlight, the Toddington Tour on Thursday 18th July. We practise from September on Monday nights at Redborne Upper School Hall Call Charlie for a chat on 01234 750829 or e-mail chas.redbornstoke@btinternet.com See www.redbornstoke.com for further details or find us on Facebook
Bedfordshire Lace Morris New Dancers (female) and Musicians of both sexes are always welcome. Why not come along and have a go? We practise through the Winter & Spring terms on Tuesday evenings at 8pm, Redborne School Gym (South) Ampthill Beds Contact Lesley on 01234 293532 email:secretary@bedfordshirelace.org.uk www.bedfordshirelace.org.uk
W Music type: No bias at all – trad to blues to rock – as long as it’s acoustic Admission charge: Totally free until the funds run out! Guests: No guests anymore, just glorious singarounds and chatarounds Venue name: The Griffin PH Venue address: 174 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BL Parking: Smallish car park at rear or on the road Club contact: Mike Blair • 01525 404513 • mikeblairuk@yahoo.co.uk • Facebook Group: Bedford Folk and Acoustic Club
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elcome to the Sunny Acres Retirement Home for Distressed Gentlefolkies – where those who still remember the Folk Revival, if not always their words, can exchange songs and witty banter. As you may gather, particularly if you have read our weekly reports on Facebook, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. However, we have great respect for each other’s music and the effort that goes into learning it. Everyone has equal billing, and there are no stars. Whatever your level of competence or confidence, you will always be made very welcome. Our younger members (there are a few) are not deterred, but actively encouraged, so they keep coming back from all over the area and from many other clubs. We never close except for Christmas Day, because the effort of remembering non-club weeks would be too much for most of us. So join us at our new and comfortable venue, The Griffin in Kempston, any Thursday between 8.00 and 11.00pm – we look forward to it!
Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
London Barndance Saturday 13th July 8 p.m. John Turner Weston Country Dance Band Saturday 14th September 8 p.m. Rhodri Davies Vertical Expression Saturday 19th October 8 p.m. Mark Elvins Corporate Fiddle
All dances are held at Cecil Sharp House 2 Regents Park Road London NW1 7AY Further details from Andrew and Jane: 01628 633962 home@barndance.org
Tickets: £10 (EFDSS £9, LBC & concs £8) www.barndance.org
Ely Folk Club presents
Wednesday 17th July
Luke Jackson £9 (£8 advance)
August
Closed Wednesday 18th September
Tom McConville & David Newey £10 (£9 advance)
******* NEW VENUE ******* Old Dispensary, 13 St Mary’s St., Ely CB7 4ER 01353 740999/664706
www.elyfolkclub.co.uk Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
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his August bank holiday weekend the Suffolk festival, FolkEast, will spring into life at its new site in the historic parkland surrounding the stately Glemham Hall. The line-up places FolkEast firmly among some of the country’s best-loved folk festivals. With an accompanying programme of activities, workshops, performances and exhibits – including jam sessions, traditional dance classes, dhol drumming 101s, a vintage fair and mobile cinema – it promises to keep all ages entertained and involved over a long weekend. Collectively, the artists span all that could be considered folk. The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain perform on Friday evening in a bill capped by the spectacular Demon Barbers. On Saturday, British folk doyenne Eliza Carthy will perform with fellow grandee, Jim Moray, before you’ll find yourself struggling to stand still during the prodigious sound of the Dhol Foundation. On Sunday the enigmatic Penguin Cafe will build up the atmosphere before headliners Steeleye Span take the stage to perform their classics. As producer, John Marshall-Potter, put it, “we are unashamedly excited about this year’s line-up. It’s such an eclectic mix of innovative artists representing folk music past and present with influences from around the world.” What’s more local award winning microbrewery, Bartrams, are even launching a special festival ale. With plenty of space for camping, why not spend a summer weekend in Suffolk. Find out more at www.folkeast.co.uk. Nick Sanderson
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Advertisement Sizes: Please note that from March 2013 we changed our adverts sizes and prices to the following shown below. Prices are for supplied, correctlysized, press-ready artwork: Quarter page (portrait) £22.00 Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 92mm (H) Half page (landscape) £35.00 Trim size: 134mm (W) x 92mm (H) Half page (portrait) £35.00 Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 191mm (H) Full Inner page (no border) £55.00 Trim size: 134mm (W) x 191mm (H) Full Inner page (with border) £60.00 Trim size: 148 x 210mm Bleed size: 151 x 216mm Inside Front or Back Cover (with or without border) £67.00 • No border: Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H) • With border: Trim size: 148mm (W) x 210mm Bleed size: 154mm (W) x 216mm (H) Back Cover (with or without border) £75.00 • No border: Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H) • With border: Trim size: 148 x 210mm (no bleed) Bleed size: 154 x 216mm Front Cover Banner Trim size: 148 x 50mm Bleed size: 154 x 56mm
£50.00
Diary Entries These include free entry in the Club Index. Price per quarter: £13.00 Bespoke Advert sizes If you have a specific size or shape of advert in mind, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will accommodate you if we can and give you a quotation. Advertorial We can also offer advertorial features if required – please contact us for further information or to discuss your exact requirements.
Advert Size Explanation: Here are some brief explanations of the Trim, Bleed and Recommended Safe Area categories and how they should be applied to your advertisements: Trim Size: This is the final / actual size of the ad, either when it is placed within the bounding box (for stand alone ads), or after the publication has been cut to size (148mm (W) x 210mm (H)) for those ads with bleed. Bleed Size: For ads that have elements that extend to the very edge of the trimmed page, 5mm of ‘bleed’ needs to be added, which is then trimmed off when the publication is cut to size). Recommended Safe Area: To prevent any areas of the ads from being obscured by the bounding box, we recommend (but do not insist) that any important items such as text, photos etc that do not bleed off etc, are kept within a 3–5mm border from the inside trim size of the ad. The dotted red line shown on the ads in this document shows a sample 3mm safe area within each trim size. Full page (with bleed) ads we have suggested use a 7mm recommended safe area. Bounding Box Shapes As part of the new design, look and feel for the publication, we have introduced a couple of options for the boxes your ad will sit within (Options 1 & 2, as shown on page 13 of the Media Pack). You can either specify which you prefer, or we will apply these at our discretion. As a preference we will be using the rounded corner version of the box (Option 1), so please bear this in mind when designing your ad. Please note that we will be adding the black line around the box shape in-house – it is therefore preferred that you leave this off you ad design.
Artwork Formats: All artwork is printed in mono / grayscale, ideally at 300dpi. Acceptable artwork formats include (in order of preference): • Press Ready PDF • Packaged InDesign Files • .EPS files (Adobe Illustrator or similar vector formats / software) • TIFFs • High Res JPEGS • .PSD files (Adobe Photoshop format) • Packaged Quark files • Word files (please also include with the file any images / graphics / photos / logos / fonts used) • We can also scan from a correct size mono print (although please note we cannot be held responsible for the quality of the reproduction from this process) lease note we also cannot P guarantee the accuracy of artwork reproduction unless any file is accompanied by a PDF proof, screen grab, or printed proof sent to us by post. Advert Design: We can design and typeset advertisements for you to produce a professional and eye-catching layout. Charges for this are £20.00 per ad, per edition – please contact Clive to discuss your exact requirement. Advert ‘Helpdesk’: If you need any help in setting your ad, preparing it for print or simply need a bit of guidance / advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time and we will help you through the process. Advert Templates: To help you put your ads together, we have ready-made templates for all the ad sizes, in a variety of acceptable formats. Please visit the website to download these, or contact us directly and we will send them to you.
Take advantage of our 10% discount for four issues booked and paid for in advance – any size! Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
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Stortfolk Mini-Festival Sunday August 25th
JULY Mon 1 M aypole Evening, Pirton: Chris Turner & Cloudburst, 7.30 • ST Sun 7 M ollie K and Vic S with Val & Ian McFarlane • VIF Sat 13 R osemary Hunt with The Forest Band • WF Sat 13 P ublic Dance, Frances Richardson with Kelly’s Eye, 7.30 – 11.00, £7.00, food available • BF Sat 20 A mber Willow with Jane Bird • QP AUGUST Sat 10 J ohn Wood with The Forest Band • WF
A DAY OF SUNSHINE* AND SONG REAL ALE BAR - BARBECUE Booked to appear - so far: George Papavgeris, Louise Jordan, Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner, Mike Deavin, Tony Winn, Karen Johnson & Tony Clark, Chris Flegg, Les Elvin, Raven, Fools Gold, Kara, Foxen & the Andy Smythe Trio
SEPTEMBER Sat 14 A rnold Stem with The Forest Band • WF
Details/info: stortfolk.minifest@gmail.com * Not guaranteed!
Sat 14 P ublic Dance, Ivan Aitken with Julie & Chris Dewhurst, 7.30 – 11.00, £7.00, food available • BF Fri 27 C aptain Swing with Mike Griffiths. Interval: Tappalachian • UC
BF Bedford Fine Companions: Newnham Middle School, Polhill Ave, Bedford. 01462 306943 QP Queens Park Arts Centre Folk: Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury HP21 7RT. 01296 424332 ST Staplers Country Dance Club: St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin SG4 9JP. 01582 881966 UC U nicorn Ceilidhs: Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Biggleswade SG18 8JH. 01582 724261, 07946 439095, www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk
We have a new website & a new web address – please check it out (& update your records)
WF Winchmore Folk Dance Club: Trinity Church Hall, Church St, Enfield EN2 6AN. 020 8926 7293 VIF V al & Ian’s Scottish / English Party: Beaconsfield School, Wattleton Rd, HP9 1SJ. 01494 672782
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
A FESTIVAL OF FOLK’S FINEST ACTS GATHERED IN BEAUTIFUL LEAFY PARKLAND FOR ONE UPLIFTING SUMMER DAY OF MUSIC.
KATE RUSBY
OYSTERBAND LAU CARTHY, HARDY, FARRELL & YOUNG JIM MORAY & THE DORET ENSEMBLE FAY HIELD & THE HURRICANE PARTY WITH MARTIN SIMPSON GILMORE & ROBERTS BRING A BOTTLE AND A PICNIC! FAMILY FRIENDLY • CRAFT TENT MUSIC STALLS • RECYCLED GIFTS DELICIOUS FOOD STALLS REAL ALE BAR CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES STORYTELLING
WWW.FOLKBYTHEOAK.COM OR CALL THE BOX OFFICE ON: 01432 355 416
“A LINK IN THE CHAIN” Performed by Jamie McLaren Lachman
An evening of songs and stories to celebrate the life of Pete Seeger, the American folksinger and activist.
CB2 RESTAURANT CAFE SUNDAY, 18 AUGUST @ 7:00 PM (to approx. 9PM) 5/7 NORFOLK ST, CAMBRIDGE CB1 2LD
Pay What You Can
(£5 Suggested Donation) Come and Sing Along! Contact: 01223 353 742 jamie@cwbsa.org
Suitable For ALL AGES Portion of proceeds go towards Clowns Without Borders South Africa - an NGO that provides laughter and emotional relief to children affected by crisis in Africa (www.cwbsa.org)
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
W
oodWorks returns to the Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine on the weekend of 7th / 8th September. Billed as “the best little festival you may not have heard of”, this annual bash features a full programme of entertainment, exhibitions, craft stalls and refreshments. Amid the sheepdogs and falcons, the storytellers and Dark Age villagers, will be the live music marquee. Producer and Stage Manager, Michele Read (www.fabnights.co.uk), started at the Forest Centre as a volunteer in 2000, and after planting trees and clearing scrub went on to organise the music for WoodWorks 2004.
Michele told Unicorn: “It is the highlight of my year – I get to book the best musicians, meet some wonderful people, have fun and enjoy a whole weekend of the live music I love, and share it with other people – brilliant!” Michele’s enthusiasm is reflected in the quality and variety of the folk & roots music lineup, featuring festival favourites along with local performers. Headliners on Saturday are The Demon Barbers, a “high-energy jamboree of song, dance and musical surprise”, while topping the bill on Sunday are The Urban Folk Quartet, who are rapidly establishing a formidable reputation in UK and European folk; percussionist Tom Chapman
hails from this area and also appeared at WoodWorks two years ago with The Old Dance School. Music, as well as dance, will also be provided by Hemlock Morris (www.hemlockmorris. com). Their Squire and Bagman, Andrew Miller, told us that as Bedford’s first mixed side, they “dress and dance with a Border attitude but perform mainly Cotswoldstyle dances.” In their fourth appearance at WoodWorks, Hemlock will dance for a few hours from 2.00pm all over the site, whenever and wherever a crowd gathers. See the advertisement below and their website: www.marstonvale.org/music/ Mike Nacey
The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park 'PSFTU PG .BSTUPO 7BMF t #FEGPSETIJSF ., 13
Saturday opening until 6.30pm – more band for your buck!
t Come and join us in the family friendly music tent – we look forward to seeing you
Saturday September 7th
Sunday September 8th
11.45am ~ Out of The Hat This local duo span everything from Christy Moore to The Jam. Whatever your taste they manage to pull a good time “Out of the Hat”.
11.45am ~ Martin Kaszak Often performing with just an acoustic guitar or two, Martin gently dips between folk and blues influences to create a sound that’s often atmospheric and always easy on the ear, and a great start to Sunday morning.
1.00pm ~ Landermason WoodWork’s favourites Fiona Lander and Paul Mason combine both traditional and contemporary folk with jazz and other styles in their beautiful and striking arrangements. 2.15pm ~ The Half Moon Drum Circle Effectively WoodWork’s house band, The Circle will perform a few of their party pieces – then it’s over to you to have a go! A great fun experience guaranteed with brilliant drum meister Chris Puleston. 3.30pm ~ Barron Brady Ros and Si have been WoodWorks favourites for some years – not surprising as Ros’s singing has a delicacy which demands attention and reaches into people’s hearts whilst Simon’s guitar playing displays formidable technical ability. Beautiful to listen to. 5.00pm ~ The Demon Barbers “…one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. If you get a chance to see them – don’t miss it – they are brilliant’. Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2.
1.00pm ~ Ragged Staff With a focus on intricate arrangements and the use of a broad range of instruments such as guitar, fiddle, mandola, whistle, bodhran and uilleann pipes, this talented local band offer a host of tunes and songs to entertain you. 2.15pm ~ BURP (Berkhamsted Ukulele Random Players) It does what it says on the can! 3.30pm ~ The Urban Folk Quartet Joe Broughton, Paloma Trigás, Frank Moon and (local boy made good!) Tom Chapman are The Urban Folk Quartet. Four highly accomplished musicians, a dozen instruments and four voices coming together to craft a knockout show of globallyinfluenced, electrifying acoustic music that has been taking the international folk scene by storm.
£6.00 entry for adults per day, plus concessions
www.marstonvale.org/woodworks
UM3 Woodworks ad V4.indd 1 Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
3/6/13 12:43:40 www.unicornmagazine.org
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For Summer is a Coming
O
ne of the joys of not being a Morris Dancer is that you can choose where to go for May Day rather than being committed to rising early to dance on some frost covered, godforsaken village green. So this May Day found me in Cornwall and a rare opportunity to visit and enjoy one of the May Day traditions of the area. This year I got to the lesser known “House washing” tradition in the twin villages of Treslankinessik and St Zachary Haven. These two villages of white-washed cottages nestle on either side of a bay on what is euphemistically known as the East Coast of Cornwall. Indeed, a is promoted as the “Cornish Skegness”. Here, at sunrise on May Day morning, the people of St Zachary tidy their award winning gardens and wash their houses to clean off the accumulated grime of the previous winter. Then, around 10.00am, they process across to Treslankinessik; led by a host of banjos and bodhrans and carrying mops and buckets they sing their May song (see opposite) to celebrate the start of the new tourist season. The procession around Treslankinessik continues until all the residents have been cowed into cleaning up the place. The villagers of Treslankinessik return the favour a week later with their Floral Dance. This takes the form of a step dance in waltz time which the young people perform in a sort of “conga line” formation, processing around St Zachery collecting the hanging baskets, which they balance on their heads, and dancing over all the flowerbeds. The festivities end at sunset with a torch lit procession when all the hanging baskets are taken to the end of the pier in and thrown into the harbour.
The Treslankinessik May Song Chorus: Wash and then wipe, lets wash and then wipe, For the dirt must be remove-ed today, And wherever we are going we will wash and wipe, For the tourists they are coming today. Verse 1: The young men of Zachery will wash all the walls, For the dirt… And if they will not do it the girls will crush their b***s, For the tourists they are… Verse 2: Arise Mr *** and bring out your mops, For the dirt… And if you do not wash your house we’ll drown you in the slops, For the tourists they are… Verse 3: Arise Mrs *** and fetch your scrubbing brush, For the dirt… And scrub your walls and steps and remove that old dead thrush, For the tourists they are… Verse 4: Oh where is the Tourist, Oh where is he-O, He’s stuck behind a caravan all on the A-Three-nine-O, The stress levels up for the baby’s been sick-O, And Johnny’s had a nose bleed all over the cold box-O.
Enjoy your Summer! (The last verse is sung slow, they then repeat the chorus and sing whole song again ad nauseam)
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 123
Programme July to September 2013 Every Friday*, 8pm, The Golden Hind, 355 Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1SP. Tickets for main acts on our website, www.cambridgefolkclub.org or phone 01638 603986.
www.unicornmagazine.org
Acoustic Festival Gates open at 10.30 am st
Saturday 21 September 2013 Award winning acoustic and folk acts talented local musicians music and dance - arts and crafts tea and cakes - beer and banter Tickets ÂŁ25 adult concessions available Please see website
Promoter : Folkstock Arts Foundation c.i.c
www.folkstockartsfoundation.com
www.folkstockfestival.com