Unicorn Magazine Issue 135 by Unicorn Folk

fter three years and twelve issues, it is with much regret that I have decided to step away from the Unicorn Magazine. The pressures of running two businesses (management consulting and cider making), a young (ish) family and a couple of other hobbies have resulted in a case of too many things to do but not enough time.

children. Those of us organising folk clubs, dances, morris sides, mummers plays, wassails, festivals, gigs, showcases and all manner of other events, don’t do it for the money and fame. I’m sure that sometimes, when freezing in a wet tent worrying whether the wind will finally carry everything away, we wonder why we do it at all, but do it we do and we should be proud of that.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Clive and Mike and liaising with all of our contributors to coordinate the adverts, diary entries and miscellaneous other items that we have included. The magazine is an invaluable resource for folk and traditional music and other events in our area and I hope that you will all rally round and give Clive the support that he needs to keep it going (see his article about this on page 3).

I will continue to run Dunton Folk and to dance with Letchworth Morris Men when I can and I hope I will also be able to contribute occasionally to the magazine, but my time as editor is done. Thank you very much for the support that you have all given the magazine during the time that I have been involved. Please continue to support Clive and I hope that the magazine continues to flourish. As ever, I hope to (still) see you round the clubs!

Across our region we have a wealth of traditional activities that we should all protect and support so that they are around for our children’s

Simon Bailes

Editorial

Club Profile: Folk @ The Maltings

Contents

Unicorn Diary

Special Editorial Feature

Club Index

Chatterbox

The Morris Page

Round the Clubs

CD Reviews: Chris Flegg / The Mellstock Band

Feature: How To Make A Folk Festival

Folk Bloke

Sessions

Shall We Dance?

Morris Diary Broadside by Long Lankin

17 – 19

34 – 35 36

Editorial Staff: Simon Bailes

Clive Batkin 07771 822414 clive@cbatkin.plus.com unicornmagazine @hotmail.co.uk Contact address: 2 Hill Close, Harpenden, Herts AL5 5JE Printed by KJB UK Ltd

Front cover photo by Al Rogers (www.alanrogersimages.co.uk)

“Lyre, Lyre” Music stand from the collection of Charles Paget Wade, Snowshill Manor

We take great care to ensure all elements of Unicorn Magazine are accurate. However, we accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes that appear. The views and opinions expressed in submitted articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Any personal views expressed in submitted articles are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Unicorn editorial team. It will be assumed that any letters sent to the magazine are intended for publication unless otherwise obviously stated.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.UNICORNMAGAZINE.ORG UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

STACEY BANJOS

Ely Folk Club presents

Wednesday 13th July

REPAIRS SET-UPS & RESTORATION TO: ACOUSTIC GUITARS ELECTRIC GUITARS CLASSICAL GUITARS BANJOS & MANDOLINS

DAVE STACEY

LETCHWORTH HERTS SG6 3LF 01462 683074 staceybanjos@hotmail.com

Andy Wall, Ruth Bramley & Ann Biggs £11 (£10 advance)

Wednesday 17th August

Closed - no folk club! Wednesday 14th September

Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar £11 (£10 advance)

Old Dispensary, 13 St Mary’s St., Ely CB7 4ER 01353 740999/664706

www.elyfolkclub.co.uk

ST ALBANS MORRIS

MONDAY EVENING PRACTICE SESSIONS IN ST ALBANS FROM SEPTEMBER. MEN AND WOMEN WELCOME TO DANCE MIXED COTSWOLD. COME AND TRY US OUT CONTACT: ANDREW TORRINGTON 01727 833028 OR TREVOR ADAMS 01707 883476 WWW.STALBANSMORRIS MEN.ORG.UK UM135 UM3 St Albans Morris Ad 1.indd 1 2

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31/5/16 01:31:13 UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

s you may have read in the opening editorial, Simon is regrettably standing down as editor of Unicorn Magazine – a sad but completely understandable situation. Producing Unicorn every quarter is truly a double edged sword – both hugely rewarding yet incredibly draining in equal measure. How the original team did if for 30 plus years fills me with nothing but admiration and wonder! The news now leaves me with a quandary as to the future of the publication, however. Much as I would love to continue it in its current form (in 2013 the ‘new order’ of Mike, Simon and myself invested a lot of time and energy into the revised look and feel of the magazine and I am loathe to simply let all that hard work die out) I wonder if I have the skills and time to produce the magazine all by myself.

I regret these likely changes (and I know they will be greeted with dismay by some of you) but if the publication has any chance at all of continuing, the current format is simply unviable (and indeed probably has been for a while...). It may be of course that Unicorn Magazine has run its course and ceases to serve a useful purpose? Alternatively, and if you would like to see the publication continue, then I would ask for your patience and help over the next few issues. Finally, if anyone out there would like to become involved in the publication, then please give me a call / email to discuss the necessary functions and how you can help? Onwards and upwards! Clive

My current thinking on a way forward for the magazine therefore goes as follows: T he next issue (Issue 136, taking us to the end of the year) I’ll endeavour to produce solo (as much as anything to see if this is a feasible way to create the magazine going forward?) and to ensure that we fulfill our obligations to existing advertisers. If this process proves a success then I will continue the publication – if not then I’ll have no option but to close it down. W ith this in mind, Issue 136 will, through necessity, most likely be a very different beast – in particular the way in which it is circulated. The primary method of distribution will be online – we’ve been pushing this method of delivery for a while and it seems to be working well. I ’ll continue to print the magazine (albeit it in reduced quantities) which will be distributed to a few key players / clubs (details to follow...) T hose wishing to receive printed copies may alternatively have to collect them from a central hub (again, details to follow...) Y ou can have a quantity of the magazine couriered to you directly but there will be a additional fee to cover this

UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

The Swan pub at Flitwick is starting a

New Folk Club! Singers and musicians of all abilities come and practice and play!

Lets put the soul of Flitwick into the heart of Flitwick! Call Stepn on 07825448448 or Facebook The Swan at Flitwick

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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

Unicorn News: Please keep signing up to our mailing list and blog so that we can keep you informed of up-to-the-minute news and information. We have had lots of positive comments from readers about how useful they have found these notifications and we feel these are likely to be even more widely used in the future. St Michael’s Street Folk Evening: Wednesday July 6th sees this years’ St Michael’s Street folk evening. There will be dancing in the street, music in the two remaining pubs and the churchyard and on ‘overture’ by St Michael’s bellringers. It’s a delightful event (weather not withstanding!) and more details can be found here: www.stmichaelsfolkevening.org.uk. Richard Scruton: We were terribly saddened to hear of the death of local folk stalwart Richard Scruton recently. Richard was known by many from his frequent appearances, both solo and with others –he will be greatly missed by all who knew him or saw him perform. Knebworth Folk Roots Festival: We have just been told about this event, happening as part of the new Knebworth Country Show to be held on 9/10th July 2016. No exact details seem to exist as to the line up / format as yet but the general event will have countryside activities, championship events, entertainment and first class demonstrations in the spectacular setting of Knebworth Park. Arena events will include sheep racing, the Devil’s Horsemen display team and the Rockwood Dog Display team. There will also be a clay pigeon shooting festival, gun dog championships and a ‘Terrier & Lurcher’ show. There will be plenty of family fun activities, plus traditional rural crafts and the Knebworth Folk Roots Festival itself. More details of the events planned for the weekend will follow shortly. Tickets prices are: Advanced: Adult: £13 Child (Under 16 Years): Free of Charge. On the Gate: Adult One Day Ticket: £15, Adult Two Day Ticket: £24. Child (Under 16 Years): Free of Charge. More details from: www.knebworthhouse.com. Harpenden Folk Festival: Another new folk event on the horizon is happening on 27th August at the Harpenden Public Halls. Line up includes Lindisfarne, Julie Felix, Dexeter, Polly and the Billets Doux, Lindae Em, plus local acts Said The Maiden and Delta Ladies. More information and tickets available from their website here: www.harpendenfolkfestival.co.uk. UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

Watford Folk Club Song Competition: Watford Folk Club’s fifth annual Folk Song Competition is now open and full details and competition rules are on their website: http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com. Closing date for entries is Friday 1st October 2016 with the Grand Final on Friday 18 November 2016 with three celebrity judges to choose the winner. This is always a popular event, so mark the date in your dairy for the Grand Final on Friday 13 November 2015. They look forward to receiving your entry and to seeing you there! (See their adverts on pages 12 & 13 of this issue for more information).

REDBOURN FOLK www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk UPCOMING HGHLIGHTS JULY 7

JULY 21

Goffee, Brown & Hyams, plus floor spots

Chuck & Angie Silverman, plus floor spots

AUGUST SEPT. 8

Closed for the Summer

SEPT. 22

My Sweet Patoutie, plus floor spots

Said the Maiden, plus floor spots

OTHER DATES ARE OPEN STAGE THURSDAYS 8pm

The Hollybush, Church End, Redbourn

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“How To Make a Folk Festival”

n the past 18 months I’ve learnt how to make a folk festival. Fancy making your own folk festival? It’s a piece of cake. Here’s your simple, five-step guide. 1 See if anyone else is interested in making a folk festival. If they’re not, tell them that it won’t be all that difficult. Just a few meetings, a few phone calls, that kind of thing. If they swallow this, move on to step 2. 2 Find a good pub to meet in, then assemble your committee there. Ply them with beer and goodwill and try to catch them off guard when the jobs are being given out. 3 Befriend people on your Parish Council and ask them out for a beer, on exactly the same evening that your committee is meeting. At the meeting, ply them with more beer and ask them for twice the amount of money you really want. 4 Respond to the invitation to attend the Parish Council meeting, plead your case and ask for half the amount you mentioned in the pub. When they ask for a business plan, say you are busy drawing one up, then go home and google ‘business plan’. 5 Write a business plan. Book some high profile musicians. Book a sound engineer. Investigate charitable status for your organisation, write some terms and conditions, argue, write funding applications, disagree, agree, get a graphic designer, get a web designer, get a website, get a copywriter, get a pr agent, get 50 volunteers, get three stages, organise workshops, book some catering vans, book a brewery, get lots of leaflets, give them all out, get more, give them all out, argue, get 10 teenagers to play traditional tunes for the first time, get some press coverage, write a health & safety policy, get advertisers, do risk assessments, get a Radio 3 presenter to be your Patron, get a half hour BBC studio interview, get insurance, get first aid, get bunting, organise a fund-raising barn dance, get a 16-page

festival programme, agree, disagree, get a music legend to do a fundraising concert, argue, disagree, agree, join the Association of Festival Organisers, liaise with residents, get a parking field, get some portaloos, get a storyteller, get a festival office, get clean underwear, get a therapist. So there we are. Obviously, this five-point plan is a bit of an over-simplication, but I hope it helps. Now please come to the Kimpton Folk Festival that we have made for you, happening on 9th July 2016. We have Kerr / Fagan, Wild Wily Barrett, Worry Dolls, Dipper / Malkin, Jacquelyn Hynes, Jaywalkers, Ben Smith, McNichol / Selby, Kelly Oliver, Emily Slade, George Papavgeris, The Foxglove Trio, Batkin•Hill, Malcolm Hobbs plus some beer-drinking nervous wrecks: www.kimptonfolk.uk Cheers! Doug Jenner Chairman, Kimpton Folk Events

S W! M ES ET NO RO OR CK E F ST TI AL AND ER S E RN N N O I CO

L ON TON P M KI

Enj oy a day of outsta entertain nding ment wit h som brighte st stars in the e of the and acoust ic music sce UK folk ne

AN EXCITING NEW al tiv one-day MUSIC fes RDSHIRE IN KIMPTON, HERTFO

Nestling in a corne countryside, Kimp r of the beautiful Hertfordsh ire with everything ton village launches its first festiv from traditional dance to high English folk music al energ and in a relaxed, friend y foot-tapping Americana and blues ly and welcoming village setting.

MAIN STAG E

Nancy Kerr AND James Fagan

JAYWALKERS

JOHN DIPPER AND& DAVE MALKIN

WORRY DOLLS

CERT 1

Jame s Faga n

THE CHURCH

The Foxglove Y KELLSTAGE Trio 2 1pm - 5pm OLIVER

Enjoy an aftern oon of captiva ting song and instru mental music in the intimate conce rt setting of our beautiful 13th Century church Ticket allows multiple .

the afternoon.

entry throughout

WORKSHO

Dacre

MALCOLM HOBBS

EMILY SLADE

CONCERT 2

12noon - 2.45pm

Rooms 12.30p GEORGE m - 5.30pm Works .Hill hops led byPAPA skillfuVGERIS Batkin l tutors Will McNicol and among others John Dipper , will develop and hone help you on fiddle, ukulel your skills e and guitar. See website for updates

4pm - 6.45pm

Ben Smith Kelly Oliver John Dipper & Dave Malkin

Nancy Kerr AND

BEN SMITH

Memorial Hall Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, folk artists in the two of the most UK and multip acclaimed le are joined by a stunning line-up winners of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, emerging young of talent from aroundboth established favourites and the UK. All concer ts seated. CON

WILL MCNICOL AND LUKE SELBY

wild willy barrets loose connecti on

15 min break between

Worry Dolls Will McNicol & Luke Selby Wild Willy Barret Loose Connectiont’s

sets

JACQUELYN HYNES TRIO

VILLAGE GRE EN

STAGE

3 12noon Relax and enjoy - 7.30pm free entertainme with a real ale bar and food stalls.nt open marquee An will host lively music and dance from the best of local culminating in a summer ceilidh talent, for all.

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FESTIVAL PATRO FIONA TALKIN N: GTON Writer, broadcaster and presenter of Sony Gold Award programme Late -winning Junction on BBC Radio 3.

TICKETS DAN RAZA

MAIN STAGE Concert 1: £8 Concert 2 : £12 Concert 3: £16 Children under 12 Free

For tickets and

VILLAGE GREEN THE CHURCH Free £5 on the door WORKSHOPS £3 on the door All tickets availab online or from le Kimpton Corner ALL-DAY Stores. TICKET

more inform

ation visit our websi www.kimpton folk.uk te: or email: hello@ kimptonfolk.u k

CONCERT 3

8pm - 11.15pm Jaywalkers Jacquelyn Hynes Trio Nancy Kerr & James Fagan

£27

Entry to all events Limited availability

UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

Tenterden folk f

2016

“Tenterden, the Jewel of the Weald”

Thursday 29 September to Sunday 2

October

Ticketed events will include fundraising concert, more concerts, barn dance, special shows, workshops, meet the guests, folk clubs, etc. Free events stage, dance displays, procession, song and music sessions, street theatre, etc. Guests so far: The Claque, Jim Mageean & Graeme Knights, Keith Kendrick & Sylvia Needham, Steve Turner, The Tonic with caller Keith Leech plus more to conﬁrm Thursday concert: Free music stage & other showcase guests: Ashford Folk Band, Captain Patch & the Mermaid Henry Sparks, Invicta Ukulele Band, Old Country Crows, United Folk Orchestras and many more Plus our popular regular/local guests: Adrian O, Bob Kenward, Chris Roche, Gavin & Julie Atkin, Malcolm Ward, Mark Gibson, Marsh Warblers, Morrigan, Peter Collins, Roger Resch, Spare Parts, Sue Watson, & Lizzi Stephens, Travelling Folk, Vic & Tina Smith and more to conﬁrm. Plus up to 60 Morris sides, Appalachian dancers, folk dance display teams and street theatre Morris sides and dance display teams:

*** A Day’s Work *** A musical drama by Mick Ryan Saturday 26th November 2016

CONTACT INFORMATION: Alan Castle, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 3HA Paul Cumberland T:01795 532370 Chief stewards: Kathy & Bob Drage, Dance co-ordinator:

UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

world class music & entertainment June to October season now on sale!

Leveret

Dougie Maclean

De Temps Antan

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill

Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys

Gilmore & Roberts

Boo Hewerdine & Dan Whtehouse

SaraBeth

The Lindisfarne Story

Box Office: 01908 280800

www.stables.org

The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU

UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

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SUNDAY LUNCHTIMES S TONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar (Weekly): Jane Armour, 01908 566407

SUNDAY EVENINGS W ESTON TURVILLE • The Chandos (3rd): Roger Dorman, 01296 613742 M ILTON KEYNES • see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly) M ILTON KEYNES • New Bradwell Sports Club, New Bradwell (1st): Patsy, 07932 157610 S T ALBANS • Farmers Boy, London Rd (1st): Nick, 020 8953 5231 S T ALBANS • Lower Red Lion, Fishpool Street (2nd): Pub 01727 855669 L EIGHTON BUZZARD • The Swan, Northall (1st)

MONDAY EVENINGS A SHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): Ian Chandler, 01462 743091 C HATTERIS • Chatteris Folk Club, Honest John, 24a South Park St, PE16 6AR (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868 S OHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): Claire White, 01353 720550 S TEVENAGE • Our Mutual Friend (2nd): Gary Moyle, 07960 953778 T OTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (8.30pm, weekly): Contact, 01582 661294 (pub)

TUESDAY EVENINGS A BINGTON PIGOTTS • Village Hall, SG8 0SH (8-10.30pm, 3rd, admission £2 per person): George Norris, 01763 853062 A MPTHILL • The Albion, Dunstable Street (2nd): Rod Ward, 01763 852 377 D UNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): Maureen, 01582 512300 D UNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub) G T WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): Dave, 01440 783280 H ISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Dave Benford, 01223 880553 M ARCH • Georges Folk Club, 61 High Street, PE15 9JJ (1st), Acoustic music and song: Mark Gibson, 01354 652868 R ICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane (2nd): Michael, 01923 770425 S T ALBANS • King Harry, King Harry Lane (1st, songs & tunes): Jenny, 01582 793164 W OOTTON (Beds) • The Cock MK43 9JT (8.00pm, broad acoustic & folk): Mike Carter Jones, 01234 768555, Pub (Karen), 01234 930034

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS B ARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses (8.30pm, fortnightly): Ann, 01582 560815 B ENINGTON (Stevenage) • The Bell (1st): Kit Burgess, 01438 869435 C AMBRIDGE • Six Bells, Covent Garden (8.30pm, 2nd, Bluegrass & Old Time): Jim, 07803 158084 E LY • Kings Arms, St Marys St (last): Liam, laimdebrun@outlook.co.uk, 07905 044932 M ARCH • March Folk Club, Royal British Legion Club, Rookswood, 27 West End, PE15 8DP (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868 M OGGERHANGER • Moggerhanger Village Hall (7.30pm, 1st): Chris, 01767 640 242 R ADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Cobden Hill, WD7 7JR (8.00pm, 2nd): Nick, 020 8207 3057 S T ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall St (8.30pm, weekly, mainly music): Rick Payman, 01727 852976 T EBWORTH • Queens Head, LU7 9QB (Every 4th Wednesday): Richard Chatterley, 07790 023220 T OWERSEY • Village Hall (7.30 for 8.00pm, 3rd): Andrew Leleux, 01296 615160 W ELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758 L ITTLE WYMONDLEY • The Bucks Head, Stevenage Road (1st): Kerry, 07877 930201

THURSDAY EVENINGS H ERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): Keith Acheson, 07979 841079 H UNTON BRIDGE • King’s Head (4th): Tim, 01923 264536 K IMPTON • The Boot (2nd & 4th): Doug, 07973 751039, jennerdouglas@me.com L UTON • Castle PH LU1 3AA (weekly): Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470 T OWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): Grant, 01844 212322 W OBURN SANDS • Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660

FRIDAY EVENINGS A YLESBURY • Queens Park Arts Centre (1st, 3rd and 5th): Amanda Diamond, 01296 424332 S T NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA (2nd, 8.30pm, tunes): 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 135

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The Best of Folk, Roots and Acoustic Music WHAT’S COMING UP: 1st July

Spotlight Singaround with Steve Warner - £4

8th July

WARP AND WEFT - £6

15th July

HAMISH CURRIE- £6

22nd July

BLACK SCARR - £7

29th July

WINDBORNE (from USA) - £7

5th August

Closed for Holidays/Festivals

12thAugust

Closed for Holidays/Festivals

19th August

Closed for Holidays/Festivals

26th August

Closed for Holidays/Festivals

2nd September

Singaround - £4

9th September

STEVE TURNER- £8

16th September

Singaround - £4

23rd September

KIRSTY BROMLEY - £8

30th September

New Roots Night - £5

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UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

FOLK SONG COMPETITION 2016 Could you write a new folk song? Well here is your opportunity… The 2016 Watford Folk Club Folk Song Contest is on now! This year's theme is "Crime & Punishment” — Murder most foul or fraud in glass towers? A one-way trip to the colonies or a dance with Jack Ketch?

Full details and competition rules are on our website. http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com Closing date for entries is Friday 1st October 2016. Grand Final on Friday 18 November 2016 with three Celebrity Judges

See our diary entries for FUTURE GUEST ARTIST dates including:

Windborne (from USA), Kirsty Bromley and Bob Fox Don’t forget our LEGENDARY SINGAROUNDS too!

Find us on Facebook and Google or contact us via email: WatfordFolkClub@outlook.com

Redbornstoke Morris Are looking for new recruits No experience necessary Friendly tuition given Come and see us in action over the summer on our regular pub nights - see website for details or at the weekend of dance celebrating our 40th Anniversary on 1st -3rd July. We practise on Monday nights during winter months at Redborne Upper School, North Site, Ampthill, MK45 2NU from 8.15pm, starting with “Give it a try” open night on 12th Sept - so come and have a go with no obligation! For further details contact Charlie: t: 01234 750829, e: chas.redbornstoke@btinternet.com See www.redbornstoke.com for programme and further details or follow us on Facebook

UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

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Fri 1 D ance with caller Suzanne Farmer • FF Mon 4 A merican Evening with club callers • SCD Thu 7 R oots School Band • RS D ance with caller John Green • BFD Fri 8 D ance with club caller • FF Sat 9 F orest Band with caller Anne Dunn • WFD Mon 11 D ance with caller Marlen Harrison-Jones • SCD Thu 14 D ance with caller Charles Day • BFD Fri 15 F riday Folk Band with callers David and Rebecca Capron • FF Mon 18 D ance with caller Lorraine Morgan • SCD Thu 21 R oots School Band • RS D ance with caller George Hearnden • BFD Fri 22 G arden Dance with Spring Greens • FF Mon 25 D ance with caller Joan Rutt • SCD Thu 28 D ance with caller Keith Harrup • BFD

G arden Evening • SCD R oots School Band • RS G arden Evening • SCD F orest Band with caller Judith Inman • WFD Mon 15 G arden Evening • SCD Thu 18 R oots School Band • RS Mon 22 G arden Evening • SCD Mon 1 Thu 4 Mon 8 Sat 13

BFD B edford Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Putnoe Heights, Bedford MK41 8EB • Ron Law 01234 825 574 CFA Chiltern Folk Association: Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Ave, HP6 5AH • Judith Inman 01628 486845, www.chilternfolk.org.uk FCS Friends of Cecil Sharp House 2 Regent’s Park Road, London NW1 7AY • Liz Hall 020 8731 8083, 07896 465 848, FF Friday Folk The Church Hall, Marlborough Road, St Albans AL1 3XG • 01727 856508, www.fridayfolk.org.uk RS Roots School Community Center, Britten Grove, Old Farm Park, Milton Keynes, MK7 8QU • John Timpany 07981 161 261 SCD Staplers Country Dance Club St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 9JP • Cecilia Mills 01582 881966 UC Unicorn Ceilidhs St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Baldock, SG7 5AE • Tel: 01582 724261, 07946 439095, www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk WFD Winchmore Folk Dance Club Trinity Church, Church Street, Enfield, EN2 6AN • John Wood 020 8926 7293

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Thu 1 R oots School Band • RS Fri 2 D ance TBC • FF Sat 3 F orest Band with callers Carol Hewson and Playford Ball • CFA Mon 5 D ance with club callers • SCD Thu 8 D ance with caller TBC • BFD Fri 9 D ance with caller Mike Bennett • FF H ornpipe Band with caller Barry Goodman • UC Sat 10 F orest Band with caller John Wood • WFD Mon 12 D ance with club callers • SCD

Thu 15 R oots School Band • RS D ance with caller TBC • BFD Fri 16 F riday Folk Band with Colin Hulme • FF Sat 17 F at Harry with caller Mark Elvins • FCS Mon 19 D ance with club callers • SCD Thu 22 D ance with caller TBC • BFD Fri 23 C lub callers and AGM • FF Mon 26 D ance with club callers • SCD Thu 29 D ance with caller TBC • BFD Fri 30 Z esty Playford with John Sweeney • FF

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Music type: Folk & acoustic music Meets: Usually first Friday of every month Admission charge: £10.00, £8.00 students, £6.00 under 16 Guests: Upcoming local and national acts Venue name: The Maltings Arts Theatre Venue address: Level 2, The Maltings, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3HL Parking: In shopping centre car park or on street nearby Contact: Alison MacFarlane 01727 852111 • info@stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk

UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

olk at the Maltings is a monthly concert series. Some concerts feature up to three local performers and others feature a national guest with local support. There is also usually a finalist from the annual New Roots event for young musicians on the bill. Most concerts are performed acoustically, although PA can be used when essential. The Maltings has an excellent auditorium with a fantastic atmosphere, tiered seating and highly effective stage lighting. The venue also has an attractive bar and café area open on the concert evenings. Doors open 7.30pm, music starts at 8.00pm.

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UC advert Jun-Sept 2016:Layout 1

17/5/16

17:57

Page 1

Dance the night away . . . FRIDAY 24th JUNE

fat harry with caller

adam hughes

Fiddle, accordion and keyboards from Mollie, Alison and Vic produce a full energetic sound with celtic and blues influences. Adam Hughes has been calling for English, Scottish and American dances for more years than he is likely to admit, with clarity, variety, enthusiasm - and a hint of mischief. This promises to be a great night to round off the season!

We’re changing to the SECOND FRIDAY in the month from September see website for all the dates to June 2017. No ceilidhs in July and August - have a great summer, and see you in September! www.unicornceilidhs.or g.uk Don’t forget our great New Year’s Eve Ceilidh put it in your diaries now! Banter with Barry Goodman calling - it’s a perfect end to the year!

Tickets only £10.00 - Singles & groups welcome St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Baldock SG7 5AE

FULL BAR with REAL ALE

Unicorn C E I L I D H S

FRIDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER

nd Hosepipe Ba with caller barry goodman

This 4-piece band’s been playing since the early 80’s, withs, mandola, bass guitar, melodeon, concertina, hurdy gurdy, flute recorder, bagpipes, saxophone, bells & hammered dulcimer between them! Really polished, varied and up-beat music. www.hosepipeband.co.uk us, Barry’s called many times for and has the perfect mix of a dances for all occasions. It’ll be top evening! Doors open 7.30 p.m. Dancing 8.00 to 11.00 p.m.

Frog on a Bike

Ceilidh Band

Energetic English folk music that’s guaranteed to get you up and dancing. Call: 01775 640585 www.thefrogonabikeceilidhband.moonfruit.com www.facebook.com/frogonabike http://frogonabikeceilidhband.bandcamp.com

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Fri

1 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with Dave Jenkins FRIDAY FOLK • Suzanne Farmer WATFORD • Spotlight singaround with Steve Warner Sun 3 BLACK FEN • Banjo Nick and Friends ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Mumming Mon 4 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Clog HERGA • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround HITCHIN STAPLERS • American Evening – Club Callers Tue 5 ST NEOTS • Open Stage Wed 6 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers MOGGERHANGER • Village Folk Session Thu 7 BEDFORD • Singers Night BEDFORD FDC • Caller John Green REDBOURN • Goffee, Brown and Hyams plus floor spots ROUNDABOUTERS • Club Callers STORTFOLK • Jason Rosser (Moose!) Fri 8 BEDFORD FINE • AGM CAMBRIDGE • George Breakfast FRIDAY FOLK • Club Callers ROYSTON • Showcase featuring Dave Oxley and Dave Haynes, Purple Mondays and others WATFORD • Warp and Weft Sun 10 BLACK FEN • Open Stage Mon 11 HERGA • Young Roots Finalist WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround HITCHIN STAPLERS • Guest Caller Marlen Harrison-Jones Tue 12 ST NEOTS • Kim Lowings and The Greenwood WHITE HORSE • Peter Crossley Wed 13 ELY • Andy Wall, Ruth Bramley and Ann Biggs ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country LINSLEIGHDERS • AGM – Club Callers Thu 14 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians BEDFORD FDC • Caller Charles Day ROUNDABOUTERS • Club Callers STORTFOLK • Terence Blacker Fri 15 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Smorgasballad: Vicki Swann and Jonny Dyer FOREST FOLK • Elephant in the Room and Fern Teather FRIDAY FOLK • David and Rebecca Capron and Friday Folk Band

UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

WATFORD • Hamish Currie BLACK FEN • Gig TBC Sun 17 STRUMMERS1 • Histon Festival - Tuesday Night Tea Club, Christian Smith Band, Priority, Isadora Mon 18 HERGA • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround HITCHIN STAPLERS • Lorraine Morgan Tue 19 ST NEOTS • Maire NiChathasaigh and Chris Newman Wed 20 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Club Practice – All Sections LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers Thu 21 BEDFORD • Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller George Hearnden REDBOURN • Chuck and Angie Silverman plus floor spots ROUNDABOUTERS • Club Callers STORTFOLK • Summer Singers Night (TBC) Fri 22 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Pre Festival Concert see website for details FRIDAY FOLK • Garden Dance with Spring Greens (phone for details) WATFORD • Black Scarr Sun 24 BLACK FEN • Open Stage Mon 25 HERGA • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Feature Ben Moss New Roots Finalists HITCHIN STAPLERS • Joan Rutt Tue 26 ST NEOTS • Round the Room WHITE HORSE • Kaszak and Afifi, Jeremy Harmer Wed 27 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers Thu 28 BEDFORD • Singers Night BEDFORD FDC • Caller Keith Harrup Fri 29 CAMBRIDGE • Club tent at Cambridge Folk Festival ROYSTON • Concert - David Youngs. Support from Old Grey Dogs WATFORD • Windborne (from USA) Sun 31 HITCHIN • Club tent at Cambridge Folk Festival

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Mon 1 HERGA • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening Wed 3 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers MOGGERHANGER • Village Folk Session Thu 4 BEDFORD • Holiday Singaround Fri 5 BENSLOW • John Playford in the 21st Century Mon 8 HERGA • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Simply tell us what size advert you want, HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening supply all the relevant content (text, photos, Tue 9 WHITE HORSE • Karen Johnson contact details etc) and for just £20.00 per ad we will create an eye-catching and effective and Tony Clark design – no more worries about sizing, Wed 10 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers specifications or artwork technicalities... Thu 11 BEDFORD • Singers Night Fri 12 FRIDAY FOLK • Barbeque (phone for details) ROYSTON • Showcase featuring Thursday’s Band, Martin Kaszak and others Mon 15 HERGA • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening Fri 16 BENSLOW • Ukulele and Singing Weekend Wed 17 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers Thu 18 BEDFORD • Singaround Contact the Unicorn Team for more information Fri 19 BENSLOW • Discovering the Sounds or to discuss your requirements. of Brazil Or visit our website Mon 22 HERGA • Open Stage www.unicornmagazine.org for full details WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround and examples of what we can do for you. HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening Tue 23 WHITE HORSE • Red Velvet and The Fog Wed 24 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers Thu 25 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians Fri 26 ROYSTON • Concert - Pat Crilly and Greg UM ad design service ad.indd 1 21/11/13 16:45:23 Cambourn, Daniel Nestlerode, Liz Cotton Wed 31 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers

We desperately need help to distribute copies of 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 the crippling postage & petrol bills!

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Thu 1 BEDFORD • Singers Night Fri 2 CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage FRIDAY FOLK • TBA WATFORD • Singaround Sat 3 STRUMMERS2 • Young Performers Showcase – James White, Emma McGrath, Gina Leonard Sun 4 BLACK FEN • Open Stage HITCHIN • Richard Digence Mon 5 HERGA • Terence Blacker, Chriss Flegg, George Papavgeris WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller Tue 6 ST NEOTS • Dana and Susan Robinson Wed 7 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers MOGGERHANGER • Village Folk Session Thu 8 BEDFORD • Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller TBC REDBOURN • My Sweet Patootie plus floor spots ROUNDABOUTERS • Club Callers Fri 9 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Marina Florence and Ben Smith FRIDAY FOLK • Mike Bennett ROYSTON • Showcase featuring Bill Tarran, Colin Frid and others WATFORD • Steve Turner Sun 11 BLACK FEN • Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage HITCHIN • Chris Newman and Maire NiChathasaigh plus Rosie Hood and Ollie King Mon 12 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Clog HERGA • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller Tue 13 ST NEOTS • My Sweet Patootie WHITE HORSE • The Where’s Spot Band Wed 14 ELY • Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers Thu 15 BEDFORD • Singers Night BEDFORD FDC • Caller TBC ROUNDABOUTERS • Club Callers Fri 16 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Showcase see website for details FOREST FOLK • John Emil plus support FRIDAY FOLK • Colin Hume and Friday Folk Band WATFORD • Singaround Sat 17 STRUMMERS3 • A Retrospective of the Music of Bryan Causton UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

Sun 18 BLACK FEN • Open Stage HITCHIN • Phil Beer plus Emily Slade Mon 19 HERGA • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller Tue 20 ST NEOTS • Damien Barber and Mike Wilson Wed 21 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country LINSLEIGHDERS • Guest Caller – TBC Thu 22 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians BEDFORD FDC • Caller TBC REDBOURN • Said The Maiden plus floor spots ROUNDABOUTERS • Club Callers Fri 23 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Daniel Nesterode, Gerry Colvin and Kim Rails FRIDAY FOLK • Club Callers and AGM WATFORD • Kirsty Bromley Sun 25 BLACK FEN • Gig TBC HITCHIN • Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin Mon 26 HERGA • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Guests Mike Wilson amd Damian Barber HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller Tue 27 ST NEOTS • Round the Room WHITE HORSE • Fake Thackray Wed 28 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers Thu 29 BEDFORD • Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller TBC ROUNDABOUTERS • Club Callers Fri 30 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Clark and Zuppardi FRIDAY FOLK • Zesty Playford with John Sweeney ROYSTON • Concert – Two coats colder, Chris Fox WATFORD • New Roots Night

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

MOGGERHANGER • Village Folk Moggerhanger Village Hall, Blunham Rd, Moggerhanger, MK44 3RD Contact: Chris Bashford, 01767 640242 chris@mainlinksystems.co.uk

BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Club Kempston Hammers Sports and Social Club, 134 High Street, Kempston, Bedfordshire MK42 7BN Tel: 01234 853262 Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 – see us on Facebook

REDBOURN • Redbourn Folk Club Old School Room, Hollybush PH, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DU Contact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk

BEDFORD • Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club Hazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Rd, Bedford MK41 9AT Contact: David Cooke, 01234 823920 www.finecompanions.synthasite.com

ROUNDABOUTERS Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP Contact: Lorna Sharpe, 01438 727 293, roundabouters@live.co.uk, www.roundabouters.org.uk

BENSLOW • Benslow Music Benslow Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB Contact: 01462 459 446, www.benslowmusic.org

ROYSTON • Royston Folk Club Old Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston SG8 9AW Contact: Mark Gamon (showcases) 07738 183158, Chris Walls (concerts) 01763 260 556, www.roystonfolk.org

BLACK FEN • Black Fen Folk Club The Boathouse, 14 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 3AX Contact: Robin Gillan, 07847 680 560, www.blackfenfolkclub.com CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Folk Club Golden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SP Contact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986 www.cambridgefolkclub.org ELY • Ely Folk Club The Old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4ER (no bar) Contact: Ruth Bramley / Andy Wall, 01353 740999 / 01353 664706 www.elyfolkclub.co.uk ENGLISH MISCELLANY East Hyde Village Hall, Lower Harpenden Rd (B653), nr Luton LU2 9QB Contact: Eileen Heylin, 01442 255862 www.englishmiscellany.com FOREST FOLK • Forest Folk and Roots The College Arms, College Road, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0SR Contact: Trevor Dove, 07931 859 737, www.forestfolkandroots.weebly.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

ST NEOTS • St Neots Folk Club Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH Contact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278, www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk STRUMMERS1 • Acoustic Greenstage Histon and Impington Summer Festival, Histon Recreation Ground Contact: Les Ray, 07903 521412, www.strummers.org STRUMMERS2 • Young Performers Showcase Golden Hind, Milton Road, Cambridge Contact: Les Ray, 07903 521412, www.strummers.org STRUMMERS3 • CB2, Norfolk Street, Cambridge Contact: Les Ray, 07903 521412, www.strummers.org WALTHAM ABBEY • Waltham Abbey Folk Club Royal British Legion, Brooker Rd, Waltham Abbey EN9 1HY Contact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987, www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com, WATFORD • Watford Folk Club Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JP Contact: Julian Mount, 07778 526489, www.folkatthepumphouse.webs.com,

HERGA • Herga Folk Club Greenwood Hall, Rickmansworth Rd, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3TJ Contact: George Papavgeris, 07747 768868 www.hergafolk.org HERTFORD • The White Horse Folk Club White Horse PH, Castle St, Hertford SG14 1HH Contact: Pat Crilly 07971 804418, patcrilly@hotmail.com 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

Unfortunately, due to space restrictions in this issue, we have had to remove our normal section showing ad sizes, prices and formats. If you need this information, please visit our website and download our Media Pack for complete details, or just drop us a line.

LINSLADE • Linsleighders Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade LU7 2NR Contact: Mrs E.A. Corser, 01525 378010

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Baldock & Letchworth Blues, Folk & Roots 8.30pm Wednesdays accompanied under 16s free

See our website www.madnanny.co.uk for detailed information Sep 7 Fred's House £8/9/10 http://fredshousemusic.co.uk “Great sound,very ﬁne harmonies, Fred's House sounds like a nice place to be!” - BBC Radio

Sep 14 Open ﬂoor performers free /audience £3 An stylistically varied evening of music, from some great local and not-so-local talent. Spots can be booked in advance by calling or emailing Alan or Sue.

Sep 21 Brooks Williams (USA) £9/10/12

www.brookswilliams.com

Blues and Americana legend Brooks Williams is fantastic singer, songwriter who is ranked one of the world’s Top 100 Acoustic Guitarists. “…classy, tasteful, bright and hugely enjoyable!” - Blues Matters

Sep 28 Feature night: Two acts - all tickets £6 Mark and Cindy Lemaire (USA) “A masterclass in ﬁnger style and harmony singing”

www.marklemaire.com - Don Hurley, Ruskin House Folk Club

Malcolm Hobbs (UK) A ﬁne singer, multi-instrumentalist and mostly a bit of a wag… Malcolm is praised and loved wherever he plays. A welcome contributor to our club since 1999.

The Orange Tree, Norton Rd, Baldock, SG7 5AW www.madnanny.co.uk 01767 683583

alan@madnanny.co.uk

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Summer 2016 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. Meeting Fridays from 7:45 to 10:00 pm at The Church Hall, Marlborough Road, St Albans, AL1 3XG. www.fridayfolk.org.uk – 01727 856508 Standard Friday admission £3

1 Jul Suzanne Farmer 8 Jul Club callers 15 Jul David & Rebecca Capron and Friday Folk Band 22 Jul Garden Dance with Spring Greens (phone for details) 12 Aug Barbecue (phone for details) 2 Sep TBA 9 Sep Mike Bennett 16 Sep Colin Hume and Friday Folk Band 23 Sep Club callers and AGM 30 Sep Zesty Playford with John Sweeney

30th Anniversary Day of Dance Saturday, 17 September 2016

Play an Instrument? Dance? Sing? Want to perform?

Ramrugge Morris Interested in giving it a go?

Telephone: Cherry Carter 01438 724919 Email: info@ramrugge.co.uk Website:www.ramrugge.org.uk

Join English Miscellany. English Miscellany – the performance group – is looking for additional musicians for dance and song, dancers and singers; Country, Playford, Cotswold, North West, Mumming and Traditional Song. Weekly practices – friendly group – overseas tours – display locally – loads of fun – lots of support. Call 01442 255862 Mike or Eileen to find out more and extend your range.

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The White Horse Folk Club Castle Street Hertford, SG14 1HH 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the Month. Floor Spots available.

Music starts at 8pm FREE ADMISSION

Contact Pat Crilly - 07971804418 Email - patcrilly@hotmail.com

Headline Acts

July 12th –Peter Crossley

Local musician, “Peter Crossley”, plays fiddle and guitar and is blessed with a fine voice and guitar skills. His songs are contemporary with great hooks and lyrics and we’ll be well entertained.

July 26th – Kaszak & Afifi and Jeremy Harmer

We have a double headline this week. “Martin Kaszak & Faradena Afifi” are a duo performing a wide variety of acoustic music in a variety of genres. Martin fingerpicks guitar & sings and Faradena sings and plays viola and cello. Jeremy is a well-known singer-songwriter both at home and abroad. His original material reflects his experiences and he sings well in both English and Spanish, good warm guitar playing too. Songs to make you think!

August 9th – Karen Johnson & Tony Clark

“Karen and Tony” are a very well respected duo from Bishop’s Stortford. Karen has a great voice and plays a wee harmonium, Tony is an excellent guitarist and singer and they blend together perfectly. Songs range from original material to folk, contemporary and music hall. Expect choruses! Another fine evening promised!

August 23rd – Red Velvet and The Fog

We have a double headline tonight. Cambridge folk scene stalwarts “Red Velvet” are singers Deidre Murphy and Les Ray who perform a wide variety of styles including blues, jazz and folk. Les writes great songs and performs with guitar. Deirdre has a passionate and powerful bluesy voice. “The Fog” are one of Hertfordshire’s best kept secrets and one of the best (if not the best) bands around. Centred around Jeff Carpenter’s multi instrumentalism and great blues voice the band are high energy and great fun. Accompanied by Graham Ansbridge on uke bass and Frog on cajon and washboard Jeff’s take on old standards and his own compositions will have us wanting more. Highly recommended!

September 13th – The Wheres Spot Band

The “Wheres Spot Band” are a quartet whose repertoire covers trad. and contemporary folk, Americana and a bit of country. Songs range from their acapella version of a Beatles medley through to arrangements of songs from Nic Jones, Nickel Creek, Shawn Colvin, Crosby Stills & Nash, Alison Krauss, The Strawbs etc, excellent voices and musicianship. Very Entertaining!

September 27th – Fake Thackray

Ian Bembridge dons his cords and tweed jacket once again and will perform Jake Thackeray songs to highly entertain us. He’s got the voice and guitar style so come along and have a great time.

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      % 

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     

  email: johnny.pritchett@outlook.com

Real Ale

Real Cider

UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

Real Music

Real Pub

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ontinuing the outline of the different styles of Morris dance, let’s look at North West or Clog Morris. The clue is in the name: it originated in the North West of England, especially in the cotton towns and the key element of the costume are clogs, though originally shoes or boots might also have been worn.

To my knowledge there appears to be comparatively few North West sides in the Unicorn area with only Rose & Castle, Ramrugge and Chiltern Hundreds coming to mind, though some sides, such as Bedford Morris men, also perform North West as a “second string”. Further afield there is Mason’s Apron in Oxfordshire and Black Horse & Standard in Walthamstow.

It originated in the early 19th century with large scale industrialisation and the growth of the mill and mill towns. Initially it was associated with various local events such as rush carts processions, carnivals or “Wakes” (holiday weeks when the local mills closed). Later as the tradition moved away from the mills and into local societies and chapels, it may also have become associated with the Whitsun Walks. Originally the group would have been part of the larger procession, stopping as opportunity arose to dance a figure. As such the dances are very often “processional” in their character even if they are now danced at a single spot.

Just to complicate the picture, North West or Clog Morris is not to be confused with “Clog Dance”. These latter groups perform what are essentially step dances that developed in various styles across the North and Midlands and are related more to other step dance traditions such as those of the South West and Ireland. To confuse the matter further, it is also not to be confused with “Fluffy” or “Carnival Morris” which evolved from North West Morris (and is mainly found in that region) but today is more akin to cheerleading.

Rather than handkerchiefs or sticks, the dancers tend to carry short decorated batons, or sometimes cotton bobbins, which are shaken; slings that are spun or garlanded hoops depending upon the team’s preference or dance being performed. Costumes can vary – for women it is often based on a mill girl’s outfit while the men tend towards breeches, white shirts and broad sashes (and often waistbands as well). Hats decorated with flowers is also a common element. The emphasis in the dances seems to be on the figures and precision in movement. Rather than the intricate stepping you see in Cotswold. The stepping is often a stylised march with knees brought up or a rant /polka step, the stamping of the metal trimmed clogs adding a percussive element to the dancing. Originally, when as part of the Wakes procession of example, the music might have been provided by the town band. Today North West sides will usually have a band of sorts depending upon what is available but including a bass drum. The tunes used are as likely to be popular as traditional.

Chas Leslie

Here are some clever music-related conceptual photos sent to us by Tim Edwards of Kimpton. We love the vibe of them, as well as seeing them very reminiscent of some of our cover photos. To see more of Tim’s work (in full colour and full size), contact him on: edwards1812 @gmail.com

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Sparrow

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 135

“The Road to the Rainbows End” Chris Flegg

“The Thomas Hardy Song Book”

The Serpent Press SER12

his is the third album of Chris’s I have been asked to review since 2008, and my admiration of his fine jazz guitar playing, relaxed singing voice and song writing continues to grow. On this, his 10th album, he has just three other musicians with him, flute player Paul Chapman, double bassist Harvey Weston and percussionist Rod Brown. For me, paring the number down to three from the eight on his 2010 album “Time Precious Time” produces a much tighter and purposeful feel to the whole collection. Simple thoughts are beautifully crafted, in a conversational style – far more difficult to achieve than it sounds. Playing in a jazz trio has certainly honed his rhythmic and arrangement skills, from the playful “Somebody or Nobody”, and the sophistication of “Faraway Places” to the simplicity of “No More a Working Man” and “The Coin”, about his grandmother’s life as a scullery maid. There is a fine re-working of “There’s a Sound” from an earlier album “The Sound of Life”; and a future classic “Everybody Gets the Blues Sometime”. Culminating in a delicious, new jazz “standard”, “I Guess I’ll Have to Call it a Day”, Chris has once again produced a beautifully played collection of enjoyable and deceptively simple songs – with generous words and sleeve notes for would-be imitators like me! The CD is available for £10.00 via www.chrisflegg. com or as a download from I-tunes. Mike Blair

huge thank you to everyone out there who sends us their CDs for review and comment. We constantly get sent a good number and are sorry to have such limited space in each issue for reviewing them. To help in that regard, we have a (relatively)

UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

The Mellstock Band

n orchestral circles, the quest for historicallyinformed performance has greatly enriched our understanding and enjoyment of the music of bygone ages. The Mellstock Band takes a similarly rigorous approach to the music of Thomas Hardy’s childhood, collecting and arranging a typical programme by researching sources such as Hardy’s own musical notes, his family songbook, and collections of traditional Dorset folk songs. Director Dave Townsend (concertina) is joined by regular collaborators Tim Hill (clarinet) and Phil Humphries (trombone, serpent), plus Caroline Butler (baroque violin). All four sing, as do guests Ian Giles and Mandy Townsend, while Michael Taylor adds bass drum. The blend of instruments helps create a convincing period feel, in which the serpent (a curious brass-woodwind mongrel) strikes a particularly distinctive note, gruff but warm like a socially awkward country squire. The singing is equally evocative, not polished and precise but lusty and informal - more music hall than concert hall. The result is a hugely entertaining melee of songs, carols and dance tunes, punctuated by readings (by Charles Spicer) of extracts from Hardy’s novels. If forced to pick a favourite track I’d plump for ‘The Cobbler’s Song/ Fancy Lad’, but this album is best appreciated as a whole programme. I hesitate to pronounce it authentic – a term fraught with difficulty – but this sounds exactly like I would imagine a village-green gathering in Hardy’s time, with all its bustle, colour and vibrancy. Mike Nacey strict policy for which CDs we review. As with most areas of the magazine, we tend to only feature recordings made by artists living in, working in or having a significant link with our covering area. When you send in CDs, it would therefore help us greatly if you could outline how your offering fits within our criteria.

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Sat

Weekend

Tue

8pm

BALDOCK • Orange Tree, Baldock

8pm

WHITCHURCH • The Ggeorge and Dragon, Quainton, HP22 4AR

8pm

BEDFORD • The Cock, Broom

8pm

WICKET BROOD • St Michael’s Folk Evening, St Albans

7pm

WHITCHURCH • St Michaels Folk Evening, St Albans, AL3 4SH

Wed

Thu

Sat

Tue

Wed

Thu

Sat

Tue

8.15pm

LETCHWORTH • Three Tuns, Ashwell, SG7 5NL

9.15pm

LETCHWORTH • Bushel and Strike, Ashwell, SG7 5LY WHITCHURCH • Bushey Parish Fair, WD23 1BD

8pm

BALDOCK • The Chequers, Stotfold. Guests Hemlock Morris

8pm

WHITCHURCH • The Hampden Arms, Great Hampden, HP16 9RQ

8pm

WICKET BROOD • The Cricketers, Redbourn, AL3 7NO

8pm

BEDFORD • The Sun Inn, Felmersham

8pm

WHITCHURCH • The Swan, Bushey, WD23 3EE

8.15pm

LETCHWORTH • The Fox, Willian, SG6 2AE

9.15pm

LETCHWORTH • The Three Horseshoes, Willian, SG6 2AE

1pm All Day

Wed

Thu

Wed

Sat

WICKET BROOD • Day of Dance, St Albans BALDOCK • The North Star, Welwyn. Guests Tappalation

8pm

WHITCHURCH • The Half Moon, Wilstone, HP23 4PD

8pm

WICKET BROOD • The Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, HP23 5QE

8pm

WHITCHURCH • The Green Man, Sandridge, AL4 9DD

TBC

WHITCHURCH • The Queens Head, Sandridge, AL4 9DD BEDFORD • Toddington Tour

7.45pm

LETCHWORTH • Tour of Toddington - guests of Redbornstoke Morris

8pm

BALDOCK • Fighting Cocks, St Albans. Guests of Wicket Brood Morris

8pm

WHITCHURCH • The Broad Leys, Wendover Road, Aylesbury, H21 9LB

8pm

WICKET BROOD • Ye Ole Fighting Cocks, St Albans, AL3 4HE

8pm

WHITCHURCH • Three Blackbirds, Flamstead, AL3 8BS

9.15pm Thu

BALDOCK • Berden Fete

8pm

9.15pm

Tue

WICKET BROOD • Potty Festival, Sheringham, Norfolk

8pm

WHITCHURCH • The Chequers, Caddington, LU1 4AF (with Caddington Blues) BEDFORD • The Stone Jug, Clophill

8.15pm

LETCHWORTH • Stone Jug, Clophill, MK45 4BY

All Day

BALDOCK • Phoenix Day of Dance, Rickmansworth

All Day

WICKET BROOD • Phoenix Day of Dance, Rickmansworth

All Day

WHITCHURCH • Rickmansworth Folk Day

All Day

WICKET BROOD • Phoenix Day of Dance, Rickmansworth

All Day

WHITCHURCH • Rickmansworth Folk Day

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Tue

8pm

BEDFORD • The Pheasant, Bedford

8pm

WHITCHURCH • The Old Farm Inn, Totternhoe, LU6 1RE

8pm

WICKET BROOD • The White Hart, Whelpley Hill, HP5 3RL

Sat

Tue

8pm

WICKET BROOD • Private Ceilidh, Toddington

Thu

8.15pm

LETCHWORTH • Pig and Abbott, Abington Pigotts, SG8 0SD

Sat

All Day

WICKET BROOD • Scarecrow Festival, Flamstead

Sun

All Day

BALDOCK • Wimpole Hall

Tue

8pm

Thu

8.15pm

LETCHWORTH • Lordship Arms, Benington, SG2 7BX

Wed

8pm

WHITCHURCH • The White Horse, Hedgerley, SL2 3UY

Sat

TBA

WHITCHURCH • Framlinham - Ring Meeting hosted by East Suffolk Morris Men

Mon

8pm

WHITCHURCH • White Hart Tap, St Albans, AL1 1LQ (guests of St Albans Morris Men)

Tue

8pm

WICKET BROOD • Border Morris Practice

Thu

Week

BALDOCK • 20th Anniversary Tour, Guernsey

Sat

Weekend

WICKET BROOD • Swanage Folk Festival

Sun

12.30pm

WHITCHURCH • The Woodman, Wil Hill, AL9 6EA

Tue

8pm

Sat

Weekend

Sat

All Day

Tue

8pm

WICKET BROOD • Border Morris Practice

Wed

8pm

WHITCHURCH • Woodside Open Evening, Pump House, WD17 2JP

Tue

8pm

WICKET BROOD • Border Morris Practice

Wed

8pm

WHITCHURCH • Morris Practice, Pump House, WD17 2JP

WICKET BROOD • The Kings Head, Hunton Bridge, WD4 8RE

WICKET BROOD • the Gate, Bricket Wood

WICKET BROOD • Border Morris Practice BALDOCK • Bedfordshire Steam Fair, Old Warden, Bedfordshire LETCHWORTH • Ramrugge Day of Dance, North Herts

BALDOCK Midnight Morris – Cotswold, Border, Raglan, Mixed Contact: Julie Dawson • 01462 712 818 www.baldockmidnightmorris.org.uk

LETCHWORTH Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: Andrew Harper • 01462 440 683 bagman@letchworthmorris.org.uk www.letchworthmorris.org.uk

WHITCHURCH Morris Men – Cotswold Bagman: John Bush • 01296 641 382 info@whitchurchmorris.org.uk www.whitchurchmorris.org.uk

BEDFORD Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: Ian Daye • 01582 883 009 / Phil Nicholson • 01234 772 295, www.bedfordmorrismen.org.uk

WOODSIDE Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: Nick Wilson • 07860 663 033 www.woodsidemorrismen.com

WICKET BROOD – Border Morris St Stephen Parish Centre, Station Rd, Bricket Wood AL2 3PJ Contact: Penny Simpson Giles bagman@wicketbrood.org.uk www.wicketbrood.org.uk

UNICORN MAGAZINE: ISSUE 135

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recent rummage through the family archive has uncovered the lost dances of the Piddle-on-the-Wall Morris Men who disappeared while on a dance tour in 1866. I have been asked to share them in the hope that somebody can reconstruct and restore this long lost set of dances in what is the 150th anniversary of the incident. Certainly the tradition has never been performed since that fatal tour and was never properly collected. Yet there are references to it in the books of antiquarians: Boswell for example, in his little known Tour of the Scottish Borderlands described the dances as a “most sublime and perfect demonstration of border manhood” while the Duke of Morpeth (or at least the pub’s regulars) maintained it was “a glorious demonstration of will over adversity”. There appears to be two, possibly four, dances. Certainly there are notes for two chorus figures and it seems as if each could be done with or without sticks depending upon whether or not the dancers had been disarmed by the local constabulary. The dances generally follow the usual Cotswold pattern and the notes describe them as “not unlikened to Bledington but without the fancy bits and more robust in the attack”. The double steps are noted as being “as one would expect of a spring lamb” while the single stepping is “more unto a cycling parson than a rat-stamping farmer”. All the dances have the same figures:

• Up and Down – as if shadowing your opponent • Gypsy – firm of eye yet without staring down your opponent • Back unto Back – firm and stiff of movement • Around – neither giving nor taking ground yet keeping your place • Finish – all facing the musician and shouting – no obscenities. Sticking: For the stick dances, the sticking pattern is vague with the only instruction being to “strike alternately at every opportunity yet in time to the music” and to “block as needed so as not to be struck”. While dancing the sticks are held “at the ready”. There is little direction about the music beyond “it is desirable and aids the dancers” and that it is “preferably a tune the musician knows”. For authenticity they ought, I suppose to be tunes with a Border / North Eastern association. I would be interested to hear from any side that thinks it could recreate these dances. Long Lankin

Lankin’s Knot Chorus – First Fit

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The first dance is noted as Lankin’s Knot. For the first half (or Fit) of the chorus the notes refer to “four counts of four” •O n the first count of four first corners swap places •O n the second count of four first corners turn to face up & down the set while second corners change places. •T hird count of four the middles pass shoulders and turn out while the second corners turn to face up and down the set •O n the last count of four the middles turn so that the whole set has realigned on the horizontal The second half of the chorus is less clear stating “All return to place as best ye can with corners making as if to star and the middles going out and around like the hands of a clock” The second dance, Lankin’s Gauntlet, has a much simpler chorus and appears to be progressive. The bottom pair “dance between and around their respective middle and top pairs, striking and blocking as they pass. They thence cast out and up between the middle and top pair striking as before and ending in top place on the opposite side”. Note for simplicity only the track of no.6 is shown. The next chorus begins with a new bottom pair.

Lankin’s Gauntlet No. 5 does the same

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Dunton Folk 2016 Fantastic Venue - Real Ale and Cider - Superb Music

17th September Bob Fox

15th October Keith Donnelly 19th November The Dovetail Trio 17th December A Winter Union 7th January 2017 Dunton Wassail Church Farm, Dunton St Mary Magdalene Church, Dunton, Biggleswade, SG18 8RR. Doors open 7.30pm Tickets available from Simon 01767 310 424