Unicorn Magazine Issue 125 by Unicorn Folk

s the weather turns wintry, thoughts turn to the New Year and what it might bring our folk community. The economic climate has been equally chilly of late, but hard-pressed performers and organisers may take some seasonal cheer from the Bank of England – if its claim that the UK is now in a “sustained recovery” proves correct, there should be more money in the pockets of consumers, who may in turn spend more on folk entertainment. It seems unlikely, though, that 2014 will see any such recovery in public funding. Swingeing budget cuts have forced public bodies to focus on what they perceive as their core activities, and the arts have come to be seen as desirable rather than essential. Together with the shift of music education towards the fringes of the school curriculum (more next issue) this suggests that a new “hands-off” model of public support for the arts is emerging, one based on facilitation rather than finance. All is not lost. A Spanish musician friend said what he most admired about this country was that we don’t wait to be organised by officials – we just get on with it. A flick through these pages shows that, come recession or official indifference, we folkies will indeed just get on

with it, organising our own clubs, bands and events with whatever resources are available. Moreover, this traditional resilience is allied to a striking enthusiasm for recent technology, through specialist websites (see page14), folk internet radio stations, home recording and internet distribution. Not to be outdone, we at Unicorn plan to keep pace by developing our blog – see Chatterbox (page 5). Further encouragement comes from the wealth of exciting young talent coming into folk music. BBC Radio 2’s Folk Awards nominees include many emerging performers, not least Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker from our region, whose cd we will review next time. Like The Foxglove Trio and The Willows, also reviewed in Unicorn, they epitomise a new wave of inventive and accomplished young ensembles which promise to sustain and revitalise the folk tradition through the New Year and beyond. All things considered, we at Unicorn look forward expectantly to 2014, and we wish you all a Happy New Year.

Simon, Clive & Mike

Editorial

Club Index

Editorial Staff:

Contents

Tune: The Bedfordshire Regiment

Feature: Mumming

Equipment Review: Robert Hill Guitar

Chatterbox

Shall We Dance?

Simon Bailes 07808 535110 unicornmagazine@hotmail.co.uk

Club Profile: NAF Club

Interview: The Willows

Book Review: Welsh Fiddle Tunes

8 10

CD Reviews: Treewind Music & Suburban Dirts

Sessions Feature: Wassailing

Interview: Megson

Feature: Keeping Up To Date

Advertiser Information

Feature: Watford FC Song Competition

CD Reviews: The Willows & Dave Jolly

Broadside by Long Lankin

21 – 23

Unicorn Diary

Front cover photo by Al Rogers “Sheep on the line!”

Clive Batkin 07771 822414 clive@cbatkin.plus.com Mike Nacey 07879 024193 mi.ken@hotmail.co.uk Contact address: 10 Chapel Street, Dunton, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8RW Printed by KJB UK Ltd

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

Christmas is Mumming!

t’s midwinter. Groups of oddly-clad characters invade streets, pubs and even houses to perform archaic dramas. Heroes slay villains, only to see them revived by the dubious cures of a dodgy doctor. Old Father Christmas might appear, Turkish knights and other odd characters pop up and say their piece, till someone asks the audience for a small donation, the whole group bursts into song, and then they vanish “until the next year”. It’s the Mummers, of course, part of an Englishlanguage tradition at least 300 years old. In pre-industrial times, winter meant real hardship. Without work, labourers and their families struggled. Mumming (and wassailing) provided means to gather some small income, in cash or kind, from the better-off members of the community, in return for some simple entertainment. Mummers, always men and/or boys, would disguise themselves, symbolically at least, and visit the large houses of their village, performing a simple play. The plays and the players were unsophisticated, “Rude Mechanicals” rather than RADA. Probably, few Mummers saw any other theatre, except the odd travelling show, so acting skills were not stellar. “Big and broad” best describes the style.

There were a number of basic texts, but they were usually transmitted orally, and variations appeared over time – the folk process in action! Often, local jokes and allusions were inserted Characters changed too; the Hero might be Saint, King or Prince George, and the villain a generic bogeyman, or just whoever England was fighting at the time. The Doctor’s “cure” was always a mixture of folk medicine and mumbo-jumbo, perhaps because doctors were often regarded with suspicion. Extra characters, such as Beelzebub or Little Jack Sweep, let more performers take part. St Alban’s Mummers play takes the headcount to extremes. St George gets to fight a Dragon, a Turk and a Giant, while the Lord of Misrule, Old Father Christmas and even the King of Egypt also appear alongside the Doctor. Most current Mummers groups are revivals or introductions, with many linked to morris sides or folk clubs. They’re not exclusively male, they typically appear in public spaces, and their collections are usually made for charity. Fortunately (?), their jokes have rarely improved with age. There are around twenty Mummers groups in the Unicorn area. MasterMummers (www. mastermummers.org) has a list of groups by county, with details of their programmes and links to their websites. There’s almost certain to be a group near you, so look them up, and go watch them perform. Better still, ask how you can get involved; next year, YOU might be declaiming “I open the door, I enter in”.

We call the plays “Hero-Combat” – widespread in Britain, though quite scarce in our area.

Sandy Glover

St Alban’s Mummers @ St Albans Abbey 2012 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

Unicorn Blog: What a busy lot you are. At 48 pages this is our biggest issue so far, but still we struggle to fit in all the news. So we’ve decided to make more use of our blog – to provide more space, allow us to make better use of graphics and weblinks, and to include music tracks. We already use the blog for news snippets and lighter articles, but keep an eye out for further developments from January at www.unicornmagazine.wordpress.com. Woodworks: This annual festival has been wound up after 11 years. The music tent provided a wealth of fine folk music, and its popularity was testament to the enthusiasm and ability of organiser Michele Read, together with her excellent sound crew. Visitors and performers alike will be disappointed at its demise, but may take some hope from the fact that alternative events are planned. See www. marstonvale.org/waving-goodbye-to-woodworks. Folkstock: Together with its Patron Dave Swarbrick, Folkstock is inviting emerging musicians to submit original songs, from which up to six tracks will be selected to feature a fiddle track by the maestro himself. See www.folkstockartsfoundation.com/?p=1005. The Folkstock Festival was hugely enjoyable, but Folkstock MD Helen Meissner tells Unicorn she has no immediate plans to stage another. “It was intended as a one-off celebration of independent acoustic, folk and roots musicians from all over the country, and as the flagship event for Folkstock Arts Foundation musicians”. The Folkstock team is keeping busy, supporting its Foundation artists, launching the Folkstock Records label and a recording studio (see our blog for more details). Storytelling: The folk tradition in many cultures, from Ireland to India, has its roots in the art and craft of the storyteller. The ‘bard’, ‘skald’, ‘rhapsode’, ‘minstrel’ (amongst others) told and re-told tales of traditional lore, their stories evolving to reflect changes in custom, belief and context, and in doing so gaining new depths and perspectives. Bob Elvis upholds and celebrates the best in this rich history in his innovative and lyrical reworking of age old stories and songs. We are pleased to present examples of these on our blog shortly. Unicorn back issues: Former editor Alan Creamer is having a clear-out and has copies of about 95% of issues back to No.1. He’s happy to send copies if you could send an A5 SAE to his home address –

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

66 Wychwood Avenue, Luton LU2 7HU – with a note of which issue / s you want. If you’d like to collect please ring him on 07946 439095.

Bedford FC have made the short return trip to their previous home at Daley’s Club, Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BB, and have resumed meeting there every Thursday. Black Fen Folk Club is the new incarnation of Cambridge Portland FC. The club has moved venue to Hot Numbers Cafe, Gwydir St, Cambridge, and still runs the club on Sundays but may move to Thursdays after Christmas (see our blog for more details). Rockhopper Morris are holding a Raglan Workshop with Bantam Cocks on Saturday 8th March, 2 – 6pm in Kennington Village Hall, Oxford OX1 5PG. To book, email rockhoppermorris@ gmail.com. St Albans Folk festival will be on 21 / 22 June with the main events on Saturday 21st. Concert guests are being booked as we go to press. Folk at the Maltings continues monthly on Fridays, and Pete Coe’s concert on 7th March will be followed by a workshop on Saturday 8th at 10am at the Maltings. See www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk. Staplers Country Dance Club has two special events in March. On Sunday 16th (St Ippolyts Village Hall, 2 – 5pm) an American Square Dance workshop will be led by Geoff Cubitt, with music from Kelly’s Eye. Saturday 29th (Hitchin British Schools, 41 / 42 Queen St, Hitchin, 7.30pm) will see a Memorial Dance for Brian Limbrick, with Ron Coxall and the Orange Valley Band. Tickets in advance, proceeds to the British Schools. Gary Moyle laments there is no session in Stevenage. Gary imagines a monthly / fortnightly informal acoustic traditional session in the Old Town – email him on moyle.mason@ntlworld.com and it just might happen. The session at Towersey is still running and would welcome more support – please pop along to the Village Hall on the third Wednesday of the month. Watford FC’s contact is now Julian Mount on 07778 526489 – the new email address is watfordfolkclub@outlook.com. Website and Facebook addresses remain unchanged.

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world class learning & participation National Youth Music Camps July/August 2014

Each summer young people aged 8 to 17 from throughout the UK and abroad come together to take part in an inspiring week-long musical experience. From orchestral playing to jazz improvisation, from harmonica sessions to steel pan performance, from music theatre production to recorder and rock bands, the National Youth Music Camps has it all. The camps are suitable for all young people interested in music, regardless of playing standard and there is no minimum grade of entry. Young people take part because they love music. Teenage Camps (13-17 years) Sunday 27 July - Saturday 2 August 2014 or Sunday 3 - Saturday 9 August 2014 Junior Camp (8-12 years) Sunday 10 - Saturday 16 August 2014 Fees including all tuition, food and camping facilities: Teenage Camps £295, Junior Camp £275 For further information on how to apply and to download an application form go to www.stables.org/Learning/music_camps

Ceilidh Experience January - March 2014

The Ceilidh Experience is for anyone interested in traditional and folk music who would like the chance to play in a band and play at a ceilidh. During the sessions you’ll learn tunes and come together as small ceilidh bands, getting ready to perform at a final event for dancers and folk fans of all ages. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice with a ‘caller’ and work on a professional stage with sound equipment. Suitable for any instrument, but acoustic instruments are especially welcome. You should already be able to play tunes from memory, ideally at ‘dance speed’, and be prepared to do some tune practice between sessions. Dates: Sundays 26 January, 2 & 9 February, 2 & 9 March, 10am -12.30pm + 16 March afternoon rehearsal (4pm) and evening performance Course fee: £85 (£65 students) for six sessions To book a place please call the box office, 01908 280800

The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes Box office: 01908 280800

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www.stables.org

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

Music type: Folk / Country / Blues / Acoustic Meets First Tuesday of the month; no meeting in January Admission charge: Normally £2.50 on guest nights Guests: Mainly local bands and soloists; 2 – 3 singarounds per year

AF Club was formed in May 2009 to provide a platform for local performers wanting to develop their skills. Despite the name, folk music predominates at NAF, but we also encourage a wide range of genres which bring a rich variety of instruments and voices. NAF doesn’t attract the biggest names, but the standard of guests is high and the emphasis in on entertainment. Singarounds are relaxed and friendly, attracting players from some distance away.

Parking: Ample parking

We meet in a separate club room, which mainly serves as a Chinese restaurant – the décor is interesting and the intriguingly sticky carpet is legendary. Guests have included Fake Thackray, The Devine Family, BURP, Leon, and James O’Grady (Cara Dillon, Oysterband), and the resident band is Ragged Staff.

Club contact: Ned Lawton • 01525 860846 / 07818 812978 • Ned.raggedstaff@hotmail.co.uk • Please see Ragged Staff Facebook page

Organiser Ned is delighted that the club has attracted such a loyal following, including many locals who have honed their talents over the years, and who have often been spurred to take up a new instrument in later life.

Venue name: The George Venue address: High Street, Silsoe, Beds MK45 4EP

Gawkey

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Superb musicianship and songs, very refreshing

Dan McKinnon Canada’s ﬁnest, voice like an angel, superb songs

Ewan Mc Clellen The best of emerging Scottish talent

Jimmy Lee Simple, stark and honest songs delivered with passion

Jo Topping Outstanding songs, voice and guitar

Isla St Clair Still one of the best Scottish singers around

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

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Welsh Fiddle Tunes – 97 traditional pieces for Violin Siân Phillips, Schott Music

he brief introduction to this book and CD anthology throws new light on the history of Welsh traditional tunes and the fiddle in this Celtic country, which we tend to associate more with the magnificence of the male voice choir or the soothing sweetness of the harp. Helpfully, most tune titles are translated into English, but some such as ‘Black as Coal’ and ‘The New Harp’ convey their Welsh origins even when translated. Others are intriguing in themselves, like so many folk tune titles – who could resist trying ‘Kick the World Before Me’ or ‘The Waterfall Dance’? The tunes themselves are written in musical notation, with some bowing marks, which provide an initial guide but aren’t always particularly helpful. The tunes are mostly simple to play, and could be sight-read by a player of about grade 2–3.

The Devine Family

I would have liked some ideas on ornamentation and chords, aspects not addressed in either the notation or the CD. Siân’s solo playing is commendably clear, but an accompaniment would have made playing along much more enjoyable, while also extending the CD’s usefulness beyond an initial learning of the basic tune. However, the CD is not essential for music readers, particularly those with their own accompanist, on guitar, piano – or perhaps even a harp! As the largest collection of Welsh fiddle tunes available, this is a valuable addition to the folk fiddler’s repertoire, and will enable more music from this beautiful country to be heard and enjoyed. Caroline Riches

Irish Family Band

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with The Devine Family @ The Limelight Theatre Queens Park Arts Centre, Aylesbury HP21 7RT Box Office: Tel: 01296 431272 Please visit our website for further live dates www.johndevinemusic.com

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

HADDENHAM CEILIDHS

Friday Night Train Home The new album from Liz Simcock

at Haddenham Village Hall Near Aylesbury, Bucks Jan 4 THE PLAYFORD LIBERATION FRONT with Bob Morgan plus CityClickers Feb 1 CHALKTOWN with Sheena Masson plus Red Kite Dance Group Mar 1 SIMON CARE TRIO with Barry Goodman plus Moulton Morris Apr 5 STEAMCHICKEN with Liam Robinson plus Tæppa’s Tump

“ The sheer simplicity and precise poise of this album takes you right to the heart of her songwriting” FolkWords th Jan Folk in the Barn Kingston  thJan Twickfolk Twickenham  st Jan St Neots Folk Club  th Willows Folk Club Sussex th Feb The Ram Club Surrey th April Hitchin Folk Club

wwwlizsimcock com

CONCERTS

Jan 4 ISLA St. CLAIR Feb 1 MIKE WILSON & DAMIEN BARBER Mar 1 JIM MAGEEAN & GRAEME KNIGHTS Apr 5 BEAUTY OR THE BEAST (Paul Hutchinson & Karen Tweed)

wwwlizsimcock

For more details telephone 01296 415333 email john@actionfolk.co.uk or write to Haddenham Ceilidhs, John’s House 5 Church Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2QP

www.haddenhamceilidhs.co.uk Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

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Sunday Lunchtimes STONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar (Weekly): Jane Armour, 01908 566407

Sunday Evenings ASTON CLINTON • Oak PH (8pm, 3rd): Roger Dorman, 01296 613742 ELSTREE • Waggon & Horses (last, 5 – 8pm): Nick, 020 8953 5231 MILTON KEYNES • see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly) MILTON KEYNES • New Inn, New Bradwell (1st): Patsy, 07932 157610 OLD STRATFORD • The Swan (3rd): Cliff Burt, 01908 564932 RADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Watling St (5pm, 4th): Nick, 020 8953 5231 ST ALBANS • Farmers Boy, London Rd (1st): Nick, 020 8953 5231

Monday Evenings ASHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): Ian Chandler, 01462 743091 BERKHAMSTED • George & Dragon, Northchurch (1st & 3rd – Open Mic): Mick, 01442 864533 (pub) CHATTERIS • Chatteris Folk Club, Honest John, 24a South Park St, PE16 6AR (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 01354 652868 COTTENHAM • The Chequers (2nd): Nigel, 01954 789751 SOHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): Claire White, 01353 720550 STONY STRATFORD • Bull Hotel (1st): Peter, www.mksessions.blogspot.com TOTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (9pm, weekly): 01582 661294 (pub)

Tuesday Evenings BENINGTON • The Bell (4th): Kit Burgess, 01438 869435 DUNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): Maureen, 01582 512300 DUNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub) GT WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): Dave, 01440 783280 HISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Dave Benford, 01223 880553 MARCH • Georges Folk Club, 61 High Street, PE15 9JJ (1st), Acoustic music and song: Mark Gibson, 01354 652868 RICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane (3rd): Michael, 01923 770425 ST ALBANS • King Harry, King Harry Lane (1st, songs & tunes): Jenny, 01582 793164 TRING • Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, HP23 5QE (1st, Trad Irish): Mick Bushnell, 01442 891400 WOOTTON (Beds) • The Cock, MK43 9JT (8pm, broad acoustic & folk): Mike Carter Jones, 01234 768555

Wednesday Evenings MPTHILL • Albion, MK45 2JT (2nd), A trad English music: Taz: taztarry@btinternet.com, 0787 028 1945 BALDOCK • Orange Tree (8.30pm, 22/1): Alan Hewson, 01767 683583 BARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses (8.30pm, 8/1, 22/1, 5/2, 19/2, 5/3, 19/3): Ann 01582 560815 CAMBRIDGE • Six Bells, Covent Garden (8.30pm, 8/1, 19/2, 19/3, Bluegrass & Old Time): Jim, 07803 158084 ELSTREE • Waggon & Horses (2nd): Nick, 020 8953 5231 ELY • Kings Arms , St Marys St (last): Liam, laimdebrun@outlook.co.uk, 07905 044932 MARCH • March Folk Club, Royal British Legion Club, Rookswood, 27 West End, PE15 8DP (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 01354 652868 ST ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall St (8.30pm, weekly, mainly music): Trevor Hacking, 01923 351739 TOWERSEY • Village Hall (3rd): Linda Dorman, 01296 613742 WELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758

Thursday Evenings ROXLEY GREEN • The Shed, rear of Sportsman PH C (8.15 – 11.00, 1st, song & acoustic music): Paul K, 07970 188026 FULBOURN • Fulbourn Folk Club, Fulbourn Sports & Social Club (1st): Robert, 01223 411187 FULBOURN • Fulbourn Sports & Social Club, nr Cambridge (3rd): Barry, 01223 722927 HERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): Keith Acheson, 07979 841079 HUNTON BRIDGE • King’s Head (4th): Tim, 01923 264536 KIMPTON • White Horse (2nd): Doug, 07973 751039, jennerdouglas@me.com LUTON • Castle PH, LU1 3AA (weekly): Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470 TOWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): Grant, 01844 212322 WOBURN SANDS • Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660

Friday Evenings OTTON • Red Lion (8.30, 3rd): P Phil & Jan, 01767 260041 ROYSTON • Old Bull Inn SG8 9AW (2nd): Michael Farrow, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org ST NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA (Jan no session, 7/2 (week earlier than usual), 14/3): Sarah, 07857 311834, ssennett@theiet.org STEEPLE CLAYDON • Prince of Wales, MK18 2NP (2nd – Open Mic): Charlie, 07925 145062

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

English Folk Tunes for Ukulele Colin Tribe

m %NGLISH TRADITIONAL TUNES

m )N BOTH STANDARD NOTATION AND TABLATURE

m !RRANGED WITH ACCOMPANYING Æ GURES FOR Æ NGERSTYLE PLAYING

m 0LAYING INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED A GUIDE FOR PLAYERS GOING BEYOND STRUMMING CHORDS

m !LL TUNES PLAYED BY #OLIN 4RIBE AND 2OBERT 4RIBE INCLUDED ON THE ACCOMPANYING #$

Edition with CD | ED 13569 | £11.99

The Schott World Music series includes titles for Violin, Accordion, Flute, Guitar & Piano visit www.schott-music.co.uk for more details

Available from all good music shops. For more information: T: 020 7534 0740 | E: marketing@schott-music.com Schott Music Ltd, 48 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7BB

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

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Wassailing

n Britain three forms of wassail have been identified. They all occur around Christmas and share similar traditions. First there is the banquet wassail where people gather for a feast to wish each other good health and to celebrate prosperity in the year to come. Second there is the visit wassail where groups of people, often including children visit houses and pubs seeking favours in return for conferring good luck on the householder or landlord (or more perversely, not undertaking mischievous acts). Finally there is the crop (or in some instances livestock) wassail. Often associated with apple orchards this involves a blessing with a view to encouraging a good crop the following summer.

The wassail bowl takes as many forms as the wassails themselves. Each area and even each village has variations on the theme of wassailing and as such the wassail bowl can vary from a very simple plain wooden bowl to hugely ornate ceramic and silver creations. The bowl holds a drink, beer, cider, wine, with or without mulling spices. It is passed among all present and all toast to the forthcoming year. There is increasing interest in wassail customs with a general resurgence in the maintenance and proliferation of traditional events and customs. Two books have been published in 2013 and both are well worth getting hold of. The first is Wassailing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The British Midwinter Blessing Custom, published by Troy Books (www.troybooks.co.uk) and the second is Wassailing by Colin and Karen Cater, published by Headingham Fair (www. headinghamfair.co.uk).

As with many of our traditions, the origin of wassailing is not clear. We know that winter festivities known as wassails have been documented since medieval times, but they were around before then and we just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know their origins. It is also not clear where the word Wassail comes from. Some say it is an AngloSaxon phrase, Waes Hael, a toast used to wish good health. Others link it to a Norse phrase, Ves Haill, to be healthy. Regardless of the source, the phrase is used to toast good health and prosperity in a number of different ways. One fundamental similarity between the three types of wassail is the use of a drink (generally alcoholic) to confer good luck, life power and good health to all those who sup from the wassail bowl.

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Wassails occur across the UK today. Some have long histories and some are recent activities. One such recent wassail is held in Dunton, just outside Biggleswade in Bedfordshire (www. duntonfolk.co.uk). Starting at 6.30pm on 4th January 2014 the third Dunton Wassail will be held in association with the Dunton Community Garden We will have morris dancers, a mummers play and a wassailing ceremony involving the Dunton Wassail Choir, cider soaked toast hung in the tree and the finale of screaming, shouting and generally raising a rumpus to awaken the sleeping apple trees. The evening will be finished off with a session in the March Hare pub in Dunton. Simon Bailes

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

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Keeping up to date

ike other tribes of enthusiasts, we folkies have our own information needs – who’s playing where, new songs and tunes, instrument suppliers and repairers, etc. The internet is a great resource, but where to look? Spiralearth (www.spiralearth.co.uk) is a lively, professionally presented site providing news of tour dates, shows and festivals, and the music industry generally. Visually resembling a physical magazine, it allows access from its front page to a wide range of information: a rolling CD review section going back to 2008, a directory of folk festivals, festival reviews, plus an excellent array of features and blogs from folk journalists on all aspects of the folk music scene. As I write, the site features a tour blog from ahab, Tim Edey talking about overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and less serious pieces like ‘Spiral Firsts’ where artists reveal the first album they bought, instrument they owned, etc. Some readers might be put off by the rolling adverts, but for me they contain information of interest.

Sparrow

FATEA (www.fatea-magazine) is simpler in appearance but rich in content, with a focus on getting new musicians heard. It uses volunteered articles and reviews submitted by enthusiasts and, as such, gains extensive coverage. The site is easy to navigate around with sections for news and reviews: currently it shows around 50 CD reviews for October alone, listed alphabetically, from international stars to local artists. Most are accompanied by a video of the artist. Under the ‘Live’ section, the site reviews between five and ten live performances and festivals a month. Historical material is available via a linked archive. FATEA publishes a seasonal ‘showcase’ album, with tracks from various artists collected under a single title and made available free for download in mp3. I confess to knowing only one artist on the current ‘Watercolours’ showcase – but be sure I’ll know the others soon enough. Paul McNamara (of the duo ‘na-mara’)

Violins

A folkie Luthier for folkies Set-Ups and Repairs for Fiddles, Violas, Cellos and Hardanger Fiddles. Fiddles and Hardangers made to commission. Hand made contemporary Fiddles for sale. Tim J. Sparrow

St.Neots, Cambridgeshire (Workshop open by appointment) Tel: 07704 836 170 Email: timjsparrow@aol.com

www.sparrow-violins.co.uk www.facebook.com/SparrowViolins

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

After a warm up song from each entrant to unwind some nerves, it was time to present their songs. Then the Judges retired to consider their verdict while Sally Barnes performed last year’s winning song, “Way to Go”.

“Write a Folk Song” Final 15th November 2013, Watford Folk Club

t’s 7.30pm and a packed house eagerly awaits, wondering who would take home this wonderful trophy. Its second year saw a new theme – This Working Life – and after 37 entries, 10 finalists and oodles of talent, the decision was now up to the three Guest Judges: Pete Nutkins of Watford Folk Club, singer-songwriter Dan Raza, and Jess Distill of Said the Maiden. As a previous judge I can assure you that when standards are so high it is difficult to assess and comment on each song, before selecting a winner and runner-up.

Sally has since recorded her song, also appearing on radio, supporting major folk guests, and doing press interviews. As her song ended the judges returned with their verdict: a hugely popular winner, to judge by audience reaction, was Emma Scarr, who performs solo and as half of Black Scarr. She was presented with the trophy and a bottle of champagne for her song about a colourful friend, a painter and decorator, entitled Kathy O’Toole. Runner-up Ray Owen shared his father’s story with “The Spitfires and The Hurricanes”.

Winner Emma Scarr recives her trophy from Sally Barnes

With local radio in attendance, Emma reprised her song, which will now be shared with a wider audience, bringing her many opportunities in the coming year. The standard of songwriting and performance from all finalists was very high and we hope they will continue to sing their songs around the clubs. To enter next year contact www. folkatthepumphouse.webs.com or www.facebook.com/groups/ watfordfolkclub. Words: Jan Strapp Photo: Helen Chinn

(a review of our competition appears above)

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

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FOLK NIG GHTS Sat 15 Mar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8pm DEVINE FA AMILY

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

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FRIDAY 31ST JANUARY

Dance the night away . . .

Frog on a bike

FRIDAY 28th FEBRUARY

lyn smith

with

Frog on a Bike are a six-piece band who have played together very successfully for over ten years. They play a mixture of English, Irish and Scots tunes, including some of their own. With two melodeons, whistles, bass, drums and percussion they make a big sound that's guaranteed to have you up and dancing! See www.thefrogonabikeceilidhband. moonfruit.com/ Interval: The Brafront Guisers

haddo

C E I L I D H S

liam robinson

FRIDAY 21st MARCH

BBC Folk Award nominated Will Pound has teamed up with his wife Nicky (fiddle/viola) and Dan Bones (guitar) to form the Haddo Ceilidh Band. Combining rich and exotic melodeon harmonies with the dark tone of the viola, they delight in taking well-known tunes and twisting them 180 degrees. Together Will, Nicky and Dan create an individual take on popular traditional tunes, as well as self-penned compositions. Never the same twice and guaranteed to raise the roof. Get ready to dance your socks off! www.haddofolk.com

with

E MONTH LAST FRIDAY IN TH lidhs.org.uk www.unicorncei

Tickets only ÂŁ10.00 - Singles & groups welcome The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH

Unicorn

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tickled pink

barry goodman Tickled Pink are 25 years old in 2014, are celebrating with a tour - and luckily we were able to book them. They must be in the top 5 bands in the UK, with Simon Care (melodeons), Mark Jolley (violin), Gerald Claridge and Mark Hutchinson (guitars), Rob Kay (keyboards), Trevor Landen (bass) and Guy Fletcher (drums). In styles ranging from rock to reggae to Latin, TP will thrill and move you as no other band can! Interval: Rockhopper Morris

REAL ALE BAR

Doors open 7.30pm 8.00pm till late

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

Wednesday 1 LINSLEIGHDERS • CLUB CLOSED MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players and listeners Thursday 2 BEDFORD • New Year Singaround REDBOURN • Open Stage Friday 3 CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with Cheryl Hillier FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Barrett WATFORD • Singaround Saturday 4 HADDENHAM • Playford Liberation Front with Bob Morris plus City Slickers; Concert: Isla St Clair Sunday 5 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Country Practice Monday 6 CHESHAM • Singers Night HERGA • Open night HITCHIN STAPLERS • Twelfth Night Special LEASIDERS • Closed ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Sing the New Year in Tuesday 7 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • New Year Singaround Wednesday 8 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Club Callers WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm The Pump House Thursday 9 BEDFORD • Local Singers & Musicians BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers Night – Club Re-opens REDBOURN • KARA, plus floor spots STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • Club callers Friday 10 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Vin Garbutt CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra Dance FRIDAY FOLK • Adrian Burrows and Spring Greens ROYSTON • Open Mic STONY STRATFORD • Linda Watkins Band £7 WATFORD • Singaround Sunday 12 HITCHIN • “Treasures of the Heartland” with Life & Times Monday 13 CHESHAM • Gawkey HERGA • Open night HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Guest John Watterson aka Fake Thackray Tuesday 14 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • Showcase Night Wednesday 15 BALDOCK • Phil Beer £10 / £12 / £15 *Tickets Only* ELY • Jackie Oates and Tristan Seume ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Guest caller John Riley WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm, The Pump House Thursday 16 BEDFORD • Singers Night BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Geoff Higginbottom REDBOURN • Open Stage STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • Richard Ball Friday 17 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Sam Carter FRIDAY FOLK • Colin Hume and Friday Folk Band

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

WATFORD • Owen Woods / Broken Boat Sunday 19 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Mumming Practice HITCHIN • John Kirkpatrick Monday 20 CHESHAM • Singers Night HERGA • Open night HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 21 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • Liz Simcock, Dave Ellis & Boo Howard Wednesday 22 BALDOCK • Session, singaround, all welcome, £2 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Club Callers WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm, The Pump House Thursday 23 BEDFORD • Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Jess Vincent HARROW WHITETHORN MORRIS • Taster 8 – 10pm REDBOURN • Gawkey, plus floor spots STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • club callers Friday 24 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with Kevin O’Regan CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra Dance FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Lilley ROYSTON • Jess Vincent Band and Daniel Nestlerode STONY STRATFORD • Performers Evening £2 WATFORD • Chris Flegg Sunday 26 HITCHIN • Bully Wee Band with Phil Beer Monday 27 CHESHAM • Dan McKinnon HERGA • BarlowCree HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers ST ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 28 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • Round the Room Wednesday 29 BALDOCK • Double Headline Night: Gawkey & Louise Petit Band ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Club Callers WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm, The Pump House Thursday 30 BEDFORD • Singers night BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • George Papavgeris REDBOURN • Open Stage STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • Jill Bransby Friday 31 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Brooks Williams FRIDAY FOLK • Suzanne Farmer WATFORD • Gawkey

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Saturday

1 HADDENHAM • Chalktown with Sheena Masson plus Red Kite Dance Group; Concert: Mike Wilson & Damien Barber Sunday 2 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Country Practice HITCHIN • State of the Union (Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams) Monday 3 CHESHAM • Feature Night with Clive Carey HERGA • Open night HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 4 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • Life & Times Wednesday 5 BALDOCK • Said the Maiden ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Club Callers MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players and listeners WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm The Pump House Thursday 6 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Luke Jackson REDBOURN • Chuck & Angela Silverman, plus floor spots STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • club callers Friday 7 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with David Youngs CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra Dance FRIDAY FOLK • Mike Ruff and Spring Greens STONY STRATFORD • Dave Ellis & Boo Howard £7 WATFORD • Malcolm Hobbs WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Annual ‘Ale’ – contact Nick Wilson for invites Sunday 9 HITCHIN • Jim Moray Monday 10 CHESHAM • Ewen McClellen HERGA • Open night HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Feature Sam Kelly & Friends New Roots finalists Tuesday 11 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • Ewen McLennan Wednesday 12 BALDOCK • Phil Underwood ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Club Callers WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm The Pump House Thursday 13 BEDFORD • Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers night REDBOURN • Open Stage STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • Nick Plum Friday 14 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Hérétique FRIDAY FOLK • Brenda Godrich and FF Band ROYSTON • Open Mic WATFORD • Singaround Sunday 16 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Mumming Practice HITCHIN • Vintage British Songwriters – Steve Tilston & Allan Taylor

Monday 17 CHESHAM • Singers Night HERGA • Folk On HITCHIN STAPLERS • Memorial Evening for Hazel Glass: Club Callers & Cloudburst LEASIDERS • Closed ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 18 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • Stuart Forester Wednesday 19 BALDOCK • Wild Willy Barrett’s Sleeping Dogz ELY • Winter Wilson ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Guest caller Richard Ball WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm, The Pump House Thursday 20 BEDFORD • Singers Night BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Ron Truman Border HARROW WHITETHORN MORRIS • Taster 8 – 10pm REDBOURN • Caz Forbes & Ste Moncrieff, plus floor spots STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba Friday 21 BEDFORD FINE • No Club – Half Term CAMBRIDGE • Julie Felix CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra Dance FRIDAY FOLK • Chris Turner STONY STRATFORD • Performers Evening £2 WATFORD • William Cox Sunday 23 HITCHIN • Jackie Oates & Tristan Seume Monday 24 CHESHAM • Jimmy Lee HERGA • Open night HITCHIN STAPLERS • Guest Caller Chris Turner LEASIDERS • Club Callers ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 25 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • Round the Room Wednesday 26 BALDOCK • Bob Hall & Hilary Blythe LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Club Callers WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm, The Pump House Thursday 27 BEDFORD • Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • KARA REDBOURN • Open Stage STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba Friday 28 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • The Lights FRIDAY FOLK • Eileen Sinden ROYSTON • Dude Coopers Band and Woodcut WATFORD • Nigel Wesson

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

Saturday

1 HADDENHAM • Simon Care Trio with Barry Goodman plus Moulton Morris, Concert: Jim Mageean & Graeme Knights Sunday 2 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Country Practice HITCHIN • Martin Simpson Monday 3 CHESHAM • Feature Night with Tim Brookes HERGA • Open night HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 4 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • Steve & Kristi Nebel (USA) Wednesday 5 BALDOCK • James Delarre & Saul Rose £8 / £10 / £12 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Club Callers MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players and listeners WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm, The Pump House Thursday 6 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers night REDBOURN • Strangeworld, plus floor spots STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba Friday 7 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Michael J Tinker CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra Dance FRIDAY FOLK • Mark Elvins and FF Band STONY STRATFORD • Flossie Malaville £7 WATFORD • Singaround Sunday 9 HITCHIN • Lady Maisery plus The Askew Sisters Monday 10 CHESHAM • Jo Topping HERGA • Open night HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Guests Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner Tuesday 11 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • Lucy Ward Wednesday 12 BALDOCK • Dan Walsh ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Club Callers WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm The Pump House Thursday 13 BEDFORD • Singers Night – all welcome BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Forbes-Moncrieff (The Raven) REDBOURN • Andy Mathewson, plus floor spots STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba Friday 14 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage FRIDAY FOLK • Dave Parsons and Mike Ruff ROYSTON • Open Mic WATFORD • James Findlay Sunday 16 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Mumming Practice HITCHIN • Craobh Rua Monday 17 CHESHAM • Singers Night

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

HERGA • Port and Brandy HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 18 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • Judy Cook (USA) Wednesday 19 BALDOCK • Irish Night featuring Pat Crilly, Greg Camburn & friends ELY • Keith Donnelly ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Guest Caller Mike Ruff WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm The Pump House Thursday 20 BEDFORD • Spring at last Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Steve and Kristi Nebel HARROW WHITETHORN MORRIS • Taster 8 – 10pm REDBOURN • Open Stage STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba Friday 21 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Luke Jackson FRIDAY FOLK • Club Callers STONY STRATFORD • Performers Evening £2 WATFORD • Singaround Sunday 23 HITCHIN • Gilmore Roberts Monday 24 CHESHAM • Isla St Clair HERGA • Open night HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Tuesday 25 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm ST.NEOTS • Round the Room Wednesday 26 BALDOCK • Mairi Campbell £8 / £9 / £10 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Club Callers WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm The Pump House Thursday 27 BEDFORD • Singers Night BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Chris Flegg REDBOURN • George Papavgeris, plus floor spots STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba Friday 28 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage FRIDAY FOLK • Mike Bennett, Mollie and friends ROYSTON • Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby & Annie Dressner WATFORD • Gren Bartley Sunday 30 HITCHIN • The Young ’Uns Monday 31 CHESHAM • Singers Night HERGA • Open night HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround

We desperately need help to distribute copies of our new Unicorn Magazine to 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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BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH The Orange Tree, Norton Rd, Baldock, SG7 5AW Contact: Tel: 01767 683583 email: alan@madnanny.co.uk BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Club Daley’s Club, Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BB Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 or 01525 404304 See us on Facebook

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

BEDFORD FDC • Bedford Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB Contact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574

LEASIDERS • Leasiders Folk Dance Club Blenheim Baptist Church Hall, Blenheim Cres, Luton LU3 1HB Contact: Liz Patrick, 01582 732656

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

LINSLEIGHDERS: Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade LU7 2LW Contact: Mrs E.A. Corser, 01525 378010

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 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 (no bar) Contact: Ruth Bramley 01353 740999 / 664706 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 CEILIDHS Haddenham Village Hall, nr Aylesbury Contact: 01296 415333, john@actionfolk.co.uk HARROW • Whitethorn Morris (Ladies North West) 6th Harrow Scout Group Headquarters, 1A Walton Road, Harrow HA1 4UX Contact: secretary@whitethornmorris.com, 01908 613644 07752 289026, www.whitethornmorris.com

HERGA • Herga Folk Club Pinner Green Social Club, Rickmansworth Rd, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3TJ Contact: George Papavgeris 07747 768868, www.hergafolk.org

HITCHIN • Hitchin Folk Club Sun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, SG5 1AF Contact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk

MOGGERHANGER • Village Folk Moggerhanger Village Hall, Blunham Rd, Moggerhanger, MK44 3RD Contact: Chris Bashford, 01767 640242 chris@mainlinksystems.co.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 MORRIS MEN (Men’s Cotswold) Riverside Road, St Albans Contact: Bagman, Andrew Torrington, 01727 833028, www.stalbansmorrismen.org.uk STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS FDC Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage SG1 1UP Contact: Margaret Newton, 01438 351819 www.roundabouters.org.uk STONY STRATFORD • The Song Loft Cock Hotel, High St, Stony Stratford, MK11 1AH Contact: Jane Armour, 01908 566407, www.thesongloft.co.uk ST NEOTS • St Neots Folk Club Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH Contact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278, www.stneotsfolkclub.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, see us on Facebook WATFORD • Watford Folk Club Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JP Contact: Julian Mount, 07778 526489, watfordfolkclub@outlook. com, www.folkatthepumphouse.webs.com, www.facebook.com/groups/watfordfolkclub/ WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Woodside Morris Men Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JP Contact: Nick Wilson, 07860 663033 www.woodsidemorrismen.org.uk WICKET BROOD • Wicket Brood Border Morris St Stephen Parish Centre, Station Rd, Bricket Wood AL2 3PJ Contact: Gill Clough, bagman@wicketbrood.org.uk www.wicketbrood.org.uk

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

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The George, High Street, Silsoe, Beds MK45 4EP 4th 4th 1st 6th

Feb. Mar. Apr. May.

The Foxglove Trio The Devine Family KARA Singaround

Admission £2.50. Starts 8pm. Floor Singers always welcome. Contact Ned: 01525 860846

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

Rakes

The BARN DANCES TREFUSIS, CECIL SHARP HOUSE 2 REGENT’S PARK ROAD, NW1 7AY

Call: 0 2 0 8 5 2 7 8 4 1 9

£7 on the night 2013 doors open 7.30pm start 8pm -11pm Wednesdays Spring 2014

29th January . 26th February 26th March . 16th April Reg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross & Ken Lees are joined for this new series of dances by caller Steve Roud + guest callers & song spots LICENCED BAR

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

www.unicornmagazine.org

IVAL

FEST K L O F S N LBA

ST A21

14 st & 22 20 June nd

WW W.

ST AL BA

ST IV FO LK FE

AL .C O.

Saturday June 21st

• Free music in the Old Town Hall • Festival concert

• Day of Dance in the City Centre For further details see web site

Wednesday July 2nd

• St Michaelʼs Street folk evening: Dancing in the street and music in its three pubs Email: info@stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk Web: www.stalbansfolkfestival.co.uk Enquiries: 01727 852111/ 833028

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January 3

Malcolm Hobbs Alison Raymond Whinlatter

January 31

The Devine Family plus Matt Tighe

March 7

Pete Coe plus Broken Boat

April 4

Across the Pond & Back Again with Tappalachian

8.00pm at the Maltings Arts Theatre The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL Tickets £10, student concessions £8 from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo 0844 870 0887 St Albans Tourist and Information Centre

Further information: W: www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk E: info@stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk

If you are under 25 and play traditionally based music... this is for you

25/11/13 00:21:36 2 AliMcf Quarter Page (portrait).indd 1

25/11/13 00:52:0

There are two categories: under 18 and 18 – 24. The judges, Carolyn Robson, Gavin Davenport, Andy Stafford and Lynne Heraud will give helpful advice and award performance opportunities.

Closing date: January 31 2014 Finals: Sunday April 6 2014 @ Trestle Arts Base, St Albans www.new-roots.org.uk info@stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk

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To enter, send a CD with up to 15 minutes of your music to: Alison Macfarlane 40 Warwick Road St Albans Herts AL1 4DL

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

A modern take on a classic design December 2013

obert Hill, a recent Product Design graduate of New Bucks University, put his training to work in designing this innovative acoustic, nylonstrung guitar. It has a four-octave range (24 frets), Planetary geared tuners, a Richlite fretboard and carbon fibre struts to support the back and soundboard. The fretboard stands free of the soundboard in the upper range, aiding the vibration of the soundboard and producing a strong, resonant tone. The bridge is moved along the soundboard, positioned similar to that of a steel-string guitar. Let’s look at a few of the more revolutionary features in more detail: Raised, Richlite fretboard:

Planetary geared tuners: These are a revelation to most people, who associate them with violins, violas and cellos rather than guitars. Looking like old-fashioned pegs, these are actually geared tuners, with an innovative pressure adjustment mechanism to make tuning smooth and particularly accurate. Carbon fibre Used throughout the instrument, in structural elements, trim, purfling and general decoration. Overall, this is a fascinating guitar to look at, to play and to hear. It is loud, with a wonderfully resonant bass sound coupled with clear and penetrating trebles.

Richlite is an eco-friendly fibre composite material made from partially recycled paper and phenolic resin. With a high strength-toweight ratio, low thermal expansion and high compressive strength and durability, it’s ideal for making strong, stable guitar fretboards.

The prototype is played live by Robert’s father, well-known player and teacher Richard Hill, who used it at the 2013 Shrewsbury Folk Festival.

Robert’s deep fretboard works well with the flat neck profile, and the neck itself is very easy to play – the frets are well seated and finished, and the Richlite feels surprisingly natural. The raised fretboard intensifies the bass notes while instilling the treble strings with a sweet sound.

For more information, including details of both options and price, contact Robert at:

I am sure we will see and hear many more of Roberts’s models in future.

robhillguitars@hotmail.co.uk.

Clive Batkin

Will McNicol

Guitarist Magazine’s Acoustic Guitarist of the Year 2011, interviewed playing the guitar in June 2013

Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

Richard Hill with the prototype guitar

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The Willows www.thewillowsband.com

March Spring Tour 2014 Sat 1st - The Crossroads, Radwinter, Essex Sat 8th - Dunton Folk Club, Bedfordshire Wed 12th - The White Horse, Stonesfield, Oxon Thur 20th - Arts Centre, Norwich Thur 27th -The Junction 2, Cambridge More dates to be confirmed BOB HARRIS -

"How lovely is that, tender, delicate and very beautiful music from the Willows" MIKE HARDING,

"They sort of straddle the worlds between Americana and English roots music...I think it's really amazing!"

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

ONE WEEK – EIGHT ARTISTS NEW MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE ELIZABETHAN AGE

MARTIN SIMPSON NANCY KERR JIM MORAY BELLA HARDY JOHN SMITH HANNAH JAMES RACHEL NEWTON EMILY ASKEW Thursday 20 March 2014

Saturday 22 March 2014

The Old Palace, Hatfield House Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5NQ London, NW1 7AY Tickets £16* Tickets £16* www.folkbytheoak/TES • 01432 355 416 www.cecilsharphouse.org • 0844 888 9991

* Booking fees applicable

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Wed 1 Sat 4

Sat 11 Sat 11 Sat 18 Wed 29

Fri 31

Sat 1 Sat 8 Sat 22 Sun 23 Wed 26

Fri 28

Sat 8

A nglo-Scottish Dance with Andrew Kellet & Mary Bryan, Resident Band, The Forest Band • WFD F orest Band with Phyllis Chapman, John & Ann Symmonds, NOTE 4 – 7pm, £10, free raffle, plate of food to share • CFA C aller Paul Garner, Band John Hymas & Paul Hutchinson, £7, Food available • BFC C yril’s Birthday Dance, with invited callers and The Forest Band • WFD H airy Marys with Sue Mallinson, 7.30 – 11pm, £7, accompanied U16’s free, bar, parking • WS R eg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross, Ken Lees, Caller Steve Roud, guest callers, song spots, £7 on the night, 8 – 11pm, doors 7.30pm • RBD F rog on a Bike with Lyn Smith • UC

Mollie K & Vic Smith, Caller Geoff Cubitt • SCD Carol Hewson with The Forest Band • WFD Oxford & Cambridge Highland Ball, Luke Brady’s Scottish Dance Band with Caller Edmund Croft • CU Family Dance, Toucan Play & Ted Morse 2.30 – 5.30pm, children with adults free, adults £6.00 • CFA Reg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross, Ken Lees, Caller Steve Roud, guest callers, song spots, £7 on the night, 8 – 11pm, doors 7.30pm • RBD Haddo with Liam Robinson • UC

Raglan Dance Workshop, 2 – 6pm, Guests Bantam Cocks Morris with Rockhopper. £5 Adults, £2.50 Students. EXTRA! From 8pm in the village hall, Oxfolk Ceilidh with Brio and caller Nick Walden, only £8 for workshop attendees • RM Callers Kathryn & David Wright, Band Chris & Julie Dewhurst, £7, Food available • BFC

Sat 8 Sat 15 Sun 16 Fri 21 Wed 26

Sat 29

M ary Bryan with The Forest Band

• WFD

B arn Rat Band with Alison Heywood, 7.30 – 11pm, £7, accompanied U16’s free, bar, parking • WS A merican Square Dance workshop led by Geoff Cubitt, music Kelly’s Eye, 2 – 5pm • SCD T ickled Pink with Barry Goodman • UC R eg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross, Ken Lees, Caller Steve Roud, guest callers, song spots £7 on the night, 8 – 11pm, doors 7.30pm • RBD M emorial Dance for Brian Limbrick, Ron Coxall with the Orange Valley Band, 7.30pm, tickets in advance, venue Hitchin British Schools, 41 / 42 Queen Street, Hitchin • SCD

BFC B edford Fine Companions: Newnham Middle School, Polhill Ave, Bedford MK41 9DT. 01234 823920, finecompanions@huntspath.plus.com CFA Chiltern Folk Assoc.: Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Avenue, HP6 5AH. 01628 486845 CU Cambridge University Strathspey & Reel Club: Chesterton Community College, Gilbert Road, Cambridge CB4 3NY ewc20@cam.ac.uk (preferred) or 07837 648198 RBD Rakes Barn Dances: Trefusis, Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, NW1 7AY. 020 8527 8419 RM Rockhopper Morris: Kennington Village Hall, Kennington Road, Kennington, Oxford OX1 5PG rockhopper.morris@gmail.com SCD Staplers Country Dance Club: Parish Hall, Waterdell Lane, St. Ippolytts, SG4 7RB. 01582 881966 UC Unicorn Ceilidhs: Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH. 01582 724261, 07946 439095 www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk WFD Winchmore Folk Dance Club: Trinity Church Hall, Church Street / Gentleman’s Row, Enfield EN2 6AN John Wood 020 8926 7293 WS Woburn Sands Ceilidhs: Summerlin Centre, 138 Station Road, Woburn Sands MK17 8SG 01905 582660, victor.longhorn@btinternet.com

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

Meeting The Willows October 2013

ive at Camden’s intimate Green Note venue, the Willows are an absorbing and entertaining presence. Active since 2010, the Cambridge five piece cite influences as diverse as Steve Earl and Gram Parsons, the 60s UK folk revival, and Americana. But if the Willows embrace music styles from both sides of the Atlantic they do so with a style all their own, in which their home city remains important. “There is so much diversity in the Cambridge music scene, so many hidden gems”, they say. “Cambridge Folk Club has given us massive support” while the Portland (now Black Fen) club also holds a special place in their hearts. Another key source of inspiration close to home is the Full English Digital Archive. Says Ben Savage, “We use lyrical samples and emphasise geography in trying to bring back pride in local identities.” Their music journeys across some dark ground, with themes of escape, injustice and mortality, but there is also great imagination and ambiguity. “We sing something dark, but intriguing” says lead singer Jade Ward.

uplifting, mournful and gutsy, Jade’s voice floats over driving instrumentation, as husband Cliff and Ben interplay guitar, banjo or dobro seamlessly over Steve MacLachlan’s driving percussion. Cliff’s sister Prue’s beautiful vocals add richness to the texture, while her violin brings an often dramatic finishing touch to the sound. The band finds different ways to reach a new audience. “People discover music on Youtube – Mike Harding found us there” says Ben. The video for their song ‘Bella’s Fury’ was directed by Steve MacLachlan. Filmed in Thetford Forest, it gives it a whole new presentation to what is already a dramatic song, without losing sight of its essence. If you get the chance to see them live, I strongly recommend you do so. Robert Roots

The Willows

Their 2013 album, ‘Beneath our Humble Soil’ is reviewed elsewhere in this publication, but the experience of producing the record shows how serious the band is about developing its sound. “The songs are right in your head after two years of gigging. It’s hard to think about how we can change them for a record”, they say. They turned to Stu Hanna of Megson. “We produced the record but needed someone from the outside with fresh eyes. Stu brought patience and helped us to re-think our songs”. On stage, Jade and Ben take turns to relate the background to the songs. The Lakeman brothers helped develop their stage act, while a period supporting Lau provided insight into performance technique, but it was supporting Rory Mcleod which gave them their greatest inspiration. They have a warm, relaxed relationship with their audience, and musically are at the top of their game, with real depth to their live sound. Haunting and

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Out of Reach Treewind Music

his compilation of session favourites comes from a group of musicians based around Reach in Cambridgeshire. The band comprises Anahata (melodeon, cello, concertina), Chris Sullivan (mandola), Danny Gallagher (melodeon), David Dolby (fiddle, mandolin), Mary Humphries (concertina, banjo) and Simon George Kelso (guitar, vocal). Well-researched sleeve notes trace the origins of the material, drawn mostly from the English tradition and featuring several works by John Clare. It’s no surprise to find sparkling squeezeboxes well to the fore, while the range of instruments provides plentiful harmonies and a satisfyingly varied texture. The playing is relaxed and well-

paced, with a cohesive ensemble feel which captures the sound, if not quite the atmosphere, of a live pub session. My favourite tunes include ‘Jack Robinson / Mount Hills’, with its tasteful banjo adornments, and the muscular, Morrisinspired ‘South Downs / Linnen Hall’. Amid the instrumental hurly-burly, ‘We are Forced to be Contented’ provides a reflective interlude. Words from a nineteenth century broadside, set to an original tune by Ron Flanagan, convey a message which still resonates today: in times of austerity the rich continue to “do just as they please”. The gentle lead vocal lends clarity to the lyric, while simple but effective vocal harmonies bring an anthem-like richness to the choruses, evoking the quiet dignity of the impoverished but ‘Contented’ populace. This cd is a valuable resource for session players, and although more casual listeners may find it one to dip into rather than play repeatedly, they will also find much to enjoy. It’s all in a good cause too, proceeds going to Cancer Research UK in memory of Danny Gallagher’s late wife, Sarah. Mike Nacey

A Tiny Little Island in a Big Bad Sea Suburban Dirts

his is the Hertfordshire based Suburban Dirts second album. It is a well-rounded recording that showcases the depth of their talent. The CD is carefully crafted, with varied styles and shades of atmosphere throughout. There are still elements that suit the Bob Dylan label that was attached to their first album, but I think that you can also add flavours of Del Amitri, Hothouse Flowers and the Waterboys to their base of alt country, folk and blues. All of the tracks on this album are excellent in their own way. I like the sentiment of Occasionally Drunk and the driving electric blues of Hose Ban Blues. My favourite, however, is All of This simply because after the contrasts of the other ten tracks it is a beautiful, simple end to a fantastic album. Released in mid November 2013 this album certainly goes onto my list of must-buy albums for 2013. Simon Bailes

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Megson November 2013

egson (Stu and Debbie Hanna), though originally from the North East now live in Hertfordshire. They met whilst singing in the Cleveland Youth choir and moved south when Debbie secured a place to study music in London. Neither were particularly involved in folk music (Stu played electric guitar in a punk band for a while) and while they were aware of the folk and acoustic scene in the north east, they fell into the London folk scene almost by accident. When Stu started writing his own material and they worked on some traditional songs that Debbie was familiar with from her studies, they found a sound and style that was their own. Starting to perform in London’s folk and acoustic clubs in 2003, they toured with Seth Lakeman in 2005 have been entertaining the folk world since. I caught up with Stu and chatted about what has been happening to Megson recently… Life as self employed musicians is pretty much the same as any self employed person. Stu said, “Ensuring your product is of the best quality and that it is presented to your customers in a professional manner is only part of the job. Rehearsing and performing probably only take up half of our time, with the other half taken up with the day to day organising of a business. Song writing, rehearsing, recording and performing – the creative stuff – is great, but the other stuff is important in breaking up the creative sessions. I might play the guitar all day when rehearsing for a new album or a tour but spending time with Lola (their daughter) or helping Debs with organising tour dates gives me a really useful break.” A busy diary with gigs and festivals interspersed recently with a series of family folk shows keeps both Deb and Stu very busy. “The Family Folk Show gigs were the most rowdy gigs we’ve ever done; there were mosh pits and stage invasions! Under-fives can be loud and lively… I think they liked it, judging by the singing along – and their parents seemed to. I wish someone else would do something similar so we could take our toddler – it’s got to be better than a trip to the Soft Play!” Mixed in with their hectic gigging schedule Stu also finds time to produce artists such as Show of Hands, Lucy Ward, the Young Uns and Cambridgeshire band The Willows.

I asked Stu about what makes a good gig. “Atmosphere” was his immediate response. “It doesn’t really matter where the gig is, folk club, theatre, festival. Whether a gig is great or not depends on the interaction between the audience, the venue, the organisers and the performer. If one or other of these fails to contribute to the atmosphere it can feel flat. Get all of these working together and the atmosphere can be electric.” Megson recorded a live album at Hitchin Folk Club which was released in the autumn of 2013. Why a live album rather than another studio album? “Atmosphere” was the response again. “Studio albums are great, but live albums give a taste of a concert as a whole. The noise of the crowd, the feel of the venue, the interaction between the performer and the audience all come across in a live recording to give a completely different feel to the songs. With this album, the live setting has given a different dimension to some of our songs and we think they sound better than the studio recordings. Hitchin Folk Club is a great club and venue. Keiron and Maureen do a fantastic job organising their events and it was great that we recorded our live album there.” The live album contains a version of Tally-I-O the Grinder previously unavailable on Megson’s albums. It has become their encore song and they often leave the stage to the sound of the audience repeating the chorus. Have a look at the Megson website – www.megsonmusic.co.uk – for gig listings for 2014 Simon Bailes

Megson 40

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The Willows

Dave Jolly

“Beneath Our Humble Soil”

“By Land And By Sea”

Proper Records

he Willows are a family folk band, based in Cambridgeshire. Beneath Our Humble Soil is their debut CD, launched earlier this year. Since then they have received high praise from among others Bob Harris and Mike Harding and the band have become regulars on the Festival circuit. They are very good. It is difficult to find anything wrong with the musical arrangements of their own original songs which show many influences from Britain and the US. The whole gorgeous package is fronted (mainly) by the great vocals of Jade Rhiannon although all of the five regular members – Cliff Ward on guitar and banjo, Ben Savage on guitar and dobro, Stephen MacLachlan on percussion and piano and Prue Ward on violin – can more than hold a tune both as lead and as harmony singers. The effect is a sumptuous mix of voices and instruments, reflective as in the opening track “Out at Sea” and on more upbeat tracks like “Worker’s War”. The whole CD is enhanced by a steady hand at production by the band itself and some guest players on bass, cello and melodeon. Special mention is also due for “Numb”, “Absent Friends” and the wonderful “This Book of Ours” among 11 terrific tracks on an album which is in my opinion a candidate for Album of the Year. I can’t wait to catch them live. If they don’t win awards this year, there is no justice. www.thewillowsband.co.uk Mel Pitts

ave Jolly has been playing squeezable instruments for forty years and just released his first album. Dave runs Jolly Box in Northampton (www. jollybox.co.uk) providing sales and service for melodeons, accordions and concertinas. He also owns a set of bagpipes, but being a gentleman he doesn’t play them! The album is a collection of Dave’s favourite tunes and songs. His tastes are very similar to mine so the track listing appeared very familiar and homely, before I had even opened the CD case. I find that when I listen to a tune or song that I really like but performed by someone I am not familiar with, there is a sense of apprehension. Am I going to like it? Will it be different to what I am familiar with but better, or will it just not hit the mark? Dave has exceeded my expectations with his clean and confident approach to these songs and tunes. The mixture of familiar songs and tunes with some of Dave’s own compositions works very well. My favourite song is “Farewell to the Gold”. Written by Paul Metsers and featured on the Nic Jones album Penguin Eggs, Dave’s strong voice tells the story over a light accompaniment. The tunes that tickle my fancy are “Hamish McTavish” and “Yer Pigs on Fire”, partly because they are great tunes, but also because of the origin of the name for the second tune. Dave was playing at a gig in a barn when the hog roast caught fire. When he shouted to the organiser “Hey mate, your pig’s on fire!” the name of the tune was born. I have had this CD playing in my car for the last couple of weeks and I am absolutely hooked. I do a lot of miles and Dave’s music has made a number of long journeys pleasurable. The CD is available at £11.50 inc UK Postage from dave@jollybox.co.uk or give Dave a call on 01604 711536. Simon Bailes

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ike most others, the turn of the year is traditionally the time the Lankin clan look back on what the old year has brought us and forward on what might be coming. The Lankins have had their own share of seers and prophets. Martha “the Mad” Lankin, accurately predicted that her husband would come to a sticky end, though how anyone could have foreseen the explosion at the glue factory I’ll never know. She also predicted the financial disaster of the family business, fleeing to Spain with the savings just a day before the bailiffs turned up. Then there was Old Bertha Lankin who predicted the great disaster of 1914 (referring of course to the storm that brought down the roof of the pig pen and killing Obadiah’s prize pig – the family have never won a rosette at the annual show since). Bertha also foretold 1939 as the end of the world. Unfortunately she did not foresee that this was a train time not the year and she was knocked down by the 7.39 evening “up” train while stealing sleepers from the track. That’s the trouble with predictions, they are often worded so vaguely that they could mean almost anything and people only read the actual event into it after it has happened. Nostradamus of course predicted most things. This for example some people believe is his prediction of Hurricane Katerina and the New Orleans floods of 2005:

Be that as it may, everybody else is making predictions for 2014 so the Lankins might as well add their pennyworth. My cousin, Zilpah Lankin, has also inherited Old Bertha’s habit of muttering vague threats, as well as her fetish for large bits of wood, so here are Zilpah’s predictions for 2014. What they predict we will not know until this time next year: I n summer there will be a great squeezing and a burning of strings until even the cat cries out. B ells will walk the streets like a monstrous centipede, yet the bats will stay in the belfry and nothing much will come of it in the end. A fter St Jude’s day the country will burn and even the sky will be filled with fire. T he Unicorn will rise higher and travel freely about the countryside to the great amazement of all. S omething new will arise and be acclaimed by many while something old will be missed and lamented. T he bottle will be emptied and all will be darkness… At this point Zilpah keeled over in a drunken stupor. The one thing I can predict with accuracy is that the editors won’t pay me for the bottle of malt whisky (mine!) that she consumed before I got these predictions out of her. Happy New Year – unless you know different.

“The cities of Tours, Orleans, Blois, Angers, Reims and Nantes are troubled by sudden change. Tents will be pitched by (people) of foreign tongues; Rivers, darts at Rennes, shaking of land and sea.” Well “Orleans” is in there (although that could be the one in France) but there was no shaking of land or sudden changes reported in the other cities – did I miss the 2005 darts tournament in Rennes?

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music dance education library art cafe bar

At the heart of English folk 2 Regent’s Park Rd, London, NW1 7AY cecilsharphouse.org | 0844 888 9991

Winter highlights

Family Barn Dance

Maz O’Connor

Sunday 12 January, 3 - 5pm

With Jim Moray, Elly Lucas and Rowan Rheingans Thursday 30 January, 7.30pm

Enjoy fun and lively dances from the British Isles.

A ‘must see’ artist, singing traditional and original folk songs with great beauty and depth. Tickets* £10

Tickets* £6 adults | £4 child | Free under 2s

David Gibb & Elly Lucas

Thursday 16 January, 7.30pm

Fun With Folk Dance:

Accomplished folk duo, playing a mixture of original and traditional music.

Half Term Course Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 February, 10am - 12.30pm

Tickets* £10

Fee £15 | £12 concessions education@efdss.org 020 7241 8953

John Spiers

Up Close and Acoustic Sunday 19 January, 7.30pm

Get Your Folk On! Juniors

A rare and intimate acoustic, solo gig.

Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 February, 2 - 4.30pm

Tickets* £14

Fee £15 | £12 concessions education@efdss.org 020 7241 8953

Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker

Saturday 25 January, 7.30pm

The Broadside Day

Blending re-imagined traditional songs and new folk.

Saturday 22 February, 10am - 5.30pm

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Celebrate street literature and other forms of printed materials from past centuries.

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Folk Song in England:

Level 2/3 Wednesdays 29 January | 5, 12, 26 February | 5, 12 March, 7 - 9pm Fee £78 | £62 concessions education@efdss.org 020 7241 8953

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