50p No. 88 Winter 2008/2009 - Devon Folk

50p No. 88 Winter 2008/2009
Another blossoming side in Devon’s borders
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All articles, letters,
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dates & listings
diary entries free
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Colin Andrews
Bonny Green,
Morchard Bishop,
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Contents What’s Afoot No. 88
My Grandfather Had One Of Those 4
Re Calling 7
Local Treasure - Bill Crawford 8
Parkinson’s Fundraiser 11
N.Y.F.T.E. 12
Footnotes 13
Musical Feast 14
Barking Mad 15
Devon Folk News 16
Devon Folk Committee 17
Contacts: dance, music & song clubs 18 - 22
Diary Dates 25 - 29
Contacts: display, festivals, bands, callers 30 - 35
Reviews 36 - 49
Morris Matters 54
The question has been asked from time to time as to why What’s
Afoot is published three times a year instead of quarterly. To some
extent it is historical (traditional) dating back to its launch when
it replaced the Devon District ‘Fixture List’ and Bulletin. The
main reason, however, is down to logistics and nance. It takes a
considerable amount of (unpaid) time to put the magazine together,
which even with a possibly slimmed down quarterly publication,
would not be signicantly reduced. The printing and posting
costs per issue would also remain substantially the same, and it is
questionable whether advertisers would cough up the extra money
for an extra issue. Some time ago we did actually try running four
issues in one year, and found that the extra effort and expense was
really not justied.
The publication dates were also reviewed many years ago, and, if
I remember correctly, changed to the current arrangement, which
seemed more advantageous for distribution, coverage of festivals,
and diary dates.
As regular subscribers will know, various changes in format and
content have been considered and implemented. Comments and
suggestions are always welcome!
Colin Andrews
Cover photograph : Borderline Morris from North Devon
What’s Afoot is published 3 times a year by Devon Folk.
Please note that the views expressed are not necessarily
those of the Editor nor of Devon Folk. Devon Folk is
an afliate of the English Folk Dance & Song Society
(registered charity number 305999). The Editor & Devon
Folk accept no liability for the content of copy supplied
by advertisers
Printed by Hedgerow Print, Crediton. Tel. 01363 777595
3

My Grandfather had one of those
A guide to those old squeezeboxes found in the
attic and for people considering purchasing one
for the rst time.
I’ve heard this – or something similar, like
an uncle – on a number of occasions from a
member of the audience when I’ve been playing
a squeezebox for dancing or in a pub session. It’s
still not unusual to nd a family who have an old
squeezebox languishing unplayed in their attic,
unaware of its musical characteristics or potential
value. Some of them nd their way into junk
shops from house clearances and some appear on
Ebay, where a quality instrument will usually be
recognised despite an uncertain description .
Most people would probably recognise a piano
accordion from its keyboard layout on the right
hand but if the squeezebox is all buttons then it
may be described by anyone unfamiliar with
the instruments as an accordion, melodeon or
concertina regardless of its true identity. This
article will, I hope, aid recognition.
If the squeezebox is small with hexagonal or, less
commonly, octagonal ends then you are looking
at a concertina. These particular instruments have
become particularly popular in recent years, and a
good quality model even in need of some attention
can command a four gure price at auction. But
you need to know what you’re looking at, in
order to assess its value if you are selling, and
its suitability for your purpose if you’re in the
market for buying one for the rst time, for there
are three very different types of concertina – the
Anglo, the English, and the Duet.
The Anglo will usually have two or three rows
of buttons on each side, and buttons will give
a different note depending on whether you push
or pull on the bellows with the button depressed.
These instruments are set in two denite keys,
C/G, or G/D being the most common, but other
combinations (such as Bb, F) are not unusual.
The two row models are denitely not fully
chromatic, and while the three row models may
have all the other notes not in the major scale of
the two given keys, it is much more difcult to
play in another key. To determine the keys of the
instrument, on the right hand side (there’s a small
4
air button on its own near the thumb) push the
rst button (nearest index nger) of the rst row
(nearest one’s palm), and match it to a known note
on a pitch pipe, piano. or other instrument. Repeat
with the rst button of the 2nd (or middle row, if
3 rows). Older instruments may not be in concert
pitch, especially if they have lain idle for several
years, but one should be able to get a pretty good
approximation. The scale, for the most part, is
obtained by working along the row, pushing
and pulling with each button in turn, much like
blowing and sucking on a mouth organ.
A basic Anglo can be purchased very reasonably
for around £100, but don’t expect much in the
way of quality. Generally the more garish the
colour, the poorer the quality. Paradoxically, the
best quality Anglos fetch the highest prices on
Ebay - £4000 plus is not unheard of.
Like the Anglo, the straps on a duet concertina rest
on the back of the hand, allowing all four ngers
to access the buttons. Duet concertinas, however,
are fully chromatic, and play the same note on
push and pull, with bass notes on the left side and
treble notes played by the right hand. This allows
chords or counter-melody to be played easily with
the tune. To add to the confusion, there’s more
than one kind of arrangement of the notes, but the
most common are the McCann system and the
Crane system. Both have the ‘black’ notes – the
sharps and ats – on the two outside columns (the
lines of buttons going from palm to ngertip), and
the ‘white’ notes in four columns in the McCann,
and three columns in the Crane (a far more logical
system, in my opinion). Cranes tend to be more
harder to come by on the second-hand market,
and thus are likely to be more expensive; think
four gures instead of three for a Crane, although
the make and model naturally affects the cost.
English concertinas have four columns of buttons,
again with the sharps and ats on the outside.
Usually there is no broad strap for the hand,
however, but on each side a thumb strap and a
small metal plate on which the little nger rests.
The notes are the same on push and pull, and a
scale is obtained by playing alternately right
hand and left hand. Limited range instruments

can be obtained relatively cheaply, but the full
range models will again cost from a few hundred
to two or three thousand pounds or more.
Names to look out for (usually found on an oval
insert, on one end, or sometimes on the strap)
in the second-hand market are Jefferies (very
sought after!), Wheatstone (after the inventor or
the instrument), and Lachenal (most commonly
available), and Crabb. If buying unseen, as on
Ebay, check the description carefully and the
seller’s feedback (cocoa111 is very reliable).
www.concertina.net is a very informative website
on all aspects of the instrument, including buying
and selling. Ideally, try out an instrument before
you buy. The bellows should not leak ; hold the
instrument up by one end, and they should expand
only slowly under their own weight. Check that
all the notes sound clearly, both on push and pull,
with no wheezing, or sticking.
A good quality instrument is worth restoring even
if it does have some dodgy notes or leaky bellows.
In Devon, Nigel Sture in the South Hams does a
very good job (see display advert), while Colin
Dipper in Wiltshire has an enviable reputation
nationally (and internationally) as a concertina
maker and repairer. There are other modern
manufacturers of good quality instruments – of
anglos in particular – and reputable restorers
around the country. It’s worth getting the advice
of a concertina player if you are thinking of
acquiring one yourself for the rst time.
t’s quite possible that one may come across a
concertina that doesn’t seem to correspond to any
that I have described above. There are certainly
some other obsolete or unusual ngering systems
around, and the odd hybrid between a duet and
an anglo. A square ended anglo was recently
advertised on Ebay.
Good squeezing !
Colin Andrews
Subsequent issues will consider melodeons and
other squeezeboxes
5
AMYCROFTERS
BAND
Lively & Fun for Barn Dances,
Folk Dances & Folk Dance Clubs
CALLER AVAILABLE
IF REQUIRED
Contact
Andrews Mycroft
01404 46451
Nigel Sture Concertinas
Repairs and restoration
Expert tuning, valving, re-padding
Bellows repaired
New bellows made to order
Concertinas also bought and sold
Nigel Sture Concertinas
Hillside Cottage, Frogmore,
Kingsbridge, Devon,TQ7 2NR
Tel. 01548 531525

Re calling
Aillen Wills looks back at her early days as a
caller, and asks how new callers can best be
helped to develop their skills
The Devon Folk Committee is hoping to organise
a day course for Callers if there is enough support
for one. In order to strike a happy medium, we
need to know what type of Callers’ Course would
be most popular - true beginners wishing to start
and to learn the basics - a desire perhaps to call
within one’s own dance club - how to arrange a
good mixed programme - maybe understand the
rhythms, numbers of bars, etc - or a wish to call at
public dances. We must remember, however, that
we cannot run before we can walk !
I personally feel, from those people who have
spoken to me, that a general course for new callers
and for those with limited knowledge is the way
to start. The Devon Folk Committee, however,
would like to hear the wishes of everybody with
an interest in this area.
Thinking of Callers’ Courses brings me to
NOSTALGIA ! When I took an interest in calling
in my late teens, the word as such had not arrived.
“Calling” came in with the square dance boom in
the 1960’s. We went to day, residential weekend
or week long courses for “Teachers and Leaders”.
If we took a public dance we were “M.C.s”
Amplication had mostly not arrived either. Things
were different then ! The English Folk Dance &
Song Society was a very prominent organisation
with paid full time members of staff. There were
Area Organisers and at least one member of staff
in most counties. In the South West our organiser
was based in Exeter, and Devon for the most part
had two or three paid members of staff. They set
up clubs run by local organisations, e.g. Women’s
Institutes. If you hoped to do some teaching in
these clubs you had to be “approved” by the
Society. This meant attending several courses,
showing that you could teach the dance to a good
standard as well as, as we say now, calling the
gures. Shapes and rhythms were an important
factor. On these courses we were picked to pieces
by staff as well as our peers ! Finally we were let
loose under some supervision. If you wanted to
take classes for the Local Authority it was even
7
more stringent since the Society was grant aided
by them. I was sent rst to youth clubs - not such a
bad option as it might be these days ! I might add
that the same rigmarole went on with musicians,
hence we had nothing like the number of bands
and callers we now have.
Back to today. Don’t be put off ! Anyone who has
a desire to call or play can do so. The Society is
more or less just a name now in our area. There
will be no public criticism, only helpful advice,
and no formal approval. As condence grows it
will get easier and easier. Come on, have a go
if you have an urge to do so. Just let a member
of the Devon Folk Committee (details, page 19)
know if you are interested, and what type of
Callers’ Course would appeal to you most, and
we will do our best to cover it. Alternatively tell
me directly when you see me or give me a ring on
01392 258719.
Aileen Wills

Local Treasure : Bill Crawford
Melanie and Ross travelled to Bridgwater on Fair day to talk to Bill Crawford
What are your Devon ‘roots’
I was born in Sandford Street in Exeter in 1947. I have traced my mother’s side back to 1690, farming
in Merton, North Devon. My father’s family originate from Sidmouth via Bridgwater, hence I sing
“Bridgwater Fair”. After attending Hele’s School, I went to work for Devon County Council in the
highway materials testing laboratory. I used to travel all over Devon and I really learned to appreciate
it.
How did you get involved with folk song
It was one Friday night in 1963 when I went to The Left Bank, a record shop and coffee bar at the top
of Paris Street, Exeter. Ken Penney, Dave Robbins and Cyril Tawney would sing there. It soon moved
to Tuesday nights at The Jolly Porter. I sang on both the opening and the last nights of the Jolly Porter
– Paul Simon sang there once. I met Dave Lowry there and we formed The Oakleaves with Dave
Wigston and Lyn Batten, which preceded Isca Fayre. We did an annual Christmas Mummers play in
Barnstaple and Plymouth. I went on to become MC there before I moved away in 1969.
Where did life lead you after moving away from Devon
I worked for Buckinghamshire County Council for three years and I married Jude (in Romsey Abbey).
We lived in Aylesbury and became involved with Amersham Folk Club. We moved to Hertfordshire
where I graduated as a civil engineer in 1976. Our sons Henry and Edward were born in 1978 and
1981 in Hitchin. We were involved in Stevenage Folk Club and with the Mummers there. Jude played
hammer dulcimer and bowed psaltery, we sang together and with other people in groups. I ended up
working in Somerset in 1990. I did my Masters degree in 2000, then took early retirement in 2003 to
look after Jude who had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Wherever I was I got immersed in the
local folk scene. I missed Devon and I still drink from the pewter tankard that the Jolly Porter gave
me when I left in 1969!
Tell us about your song sources
My early inuences were Dylan, The Journeymen and the older traditional singers like Bob Cann,
Charlie Bate and George Edworthy. Cyril Tawney is my all-time favourite singer/songwriter. I learned
everything by ear and I remember getting a hunting song, “Once I was a-Living in Somersetshire”
(also known as “Poor Bitch Fox”) from The Tankards of Falmouth which included Alison McMorland
and Alan Robinson, on my tape recorder. Jude read music, but now I use a keyboard to work things
out. I draw largely on the Baring Gould manuscripts and Cecil Sharp collections for songs from the
West Country.
Have you had other involvement in folk
Just before I left Exeter in 1969 a group of us became interested in Morris dancing and the core
members went on to become Great Western Morris. Through Stevenage Folk Club I met Brian Kell
who resurrected the Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival (which I always attend along with the one in
Waldürn, Germany). Brian was a rapper dancer from the North East; he started Stevenage Sword
Dancers and I became the side ‘Tommy’. It has taken me all over Europe since 1975, but I have always
said that I was a singer rst. I have had a lifetime’s interest in folk song, dance and customs. Folk
song got me interested in the way of life of the people who sang and on to family history research. I
spent my 42nd First of May down at Padstow this year. My favourite part is the night singing. Taffy
Thomas taught me re-eating down there and this led to Jude and I becoming street entertainers with
Traveller’s Bag – which is appearing again at After the Fair this year. We belonged to Eddie Upton’s
8

Stanchester Quire, I became Chairman of the Friends of
Folk South West and we ran the Bridgwater Folk Club.
Do you have other hobbies
I am involved with the Sedgemoor and Devon Family
History Societies and with Bridgwater Arts Centre. I am
a keen walker, having just completed the Coast to Coast
route. I am an organic gardener and joined the Henry
Doubleday Research Association in the 1970’s.
Tell us some of your best memories
Without a doubt, being present at the birth of my two
sons. In folk music: being asked by Rosemary Tawney
to be part of the Cyril Tawney Celebration Day in Cecil
Sharp House and my invitation to be an Honorary
Padstow Caroller at the Shefeld village carol festival.
My biggest audience moment was years ago in the Great
Hall of Exeter University when the Oakleaves performed
in a concert alongside The Watersons, Bert Jansch,
Fred Jordan and The Journeymen. At the Cecil Sharp
Centenary Festival George Withers, as John England,
sang “The Seeds of Love” and I didn’t recognise some
of it. When I asked him about it afterwards he said, “No
boy, I forgot the words, but I just made ‘em up; I don’t
think anybody noticed!”
8.00 - 11.30 pm in the Village Hall
December 20th Dee Chapman, Silver & Gold
December 31st (Wed.) Jane Thomas & Philip Worth, Meltdown
January 10th Ted Farmer, Bridgwater Band
February 14th Ryan Roberts, Reel Thing
March 14th Carol Hewson, Kelly’s Eye
Admission £4.00 Bring & share supper Raffle
Contact: Mary Marker 01626 854141
9

Who would you choose to have a pint with
I would love to have met Baring Gould – then I could be one up on Martin Graebe! Dave and Gill
Lowry have been my rock for the last few years and one of the best evenings ever was spent with Jude
at their house with Cyril and Rosemary Tawney, just talking about Cyril’s song collecting.
What are your hopes for the future
One of the hardest things for me has been coming to terms with being a solo singer again after thirty
ve years. I am determined to learn the concertina, perhaps to accompany myself. I would like to do
more with Dave Lowry and contribute to more festivals. Travelling is also something I am enjoying.
Would you like to see any changes
I am an unaccompanied singer and when I am singing on my own, I don’t like instruments joining
in. I also think that if a song is worth singing, then learn the words, don’t look at them. I would like
more venues at fringe festival events to be specically for unaccompanied singing; it is hard to nd
somewhere for singers only.
For you, what is special about Devon
Dartmoor, its people and its traditions. I am a member of the Dartmoor Preservation Association.
One farm I visit has been tenanted by the same family of Cokers for 160 years and I sing “Child the
Hunter” collected from Jonas Coker by Baring Gould. Also for me, it is memories of the Jolly Porter
days and making life-long friendships.
Can you share a favourite song with us
All songs are for sharing! But I think I have two. One is “Singing in the May” written by Mike
O’Connor. It is not traditional, but it is about the night singing at Padstow. It was rst sung by Mike
in our at in Padstow on 2nd May 1998. The other one is a short lullaby which I want to perpetuate;
it is the only studio recording I’ve got of Jude singing. Dave Lowry collected it from Mrs Atkinson in
Plymstock as sung by her grandfather who came from Cornwall and it is called “Pretty Cow”.
Bill Crawford and Dave Lowry are appearing at Minehead Folk Club in January
10

PARKINSON’S FUNDRAISER
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease three
years ago, although I had shown symptoms for
some considerable time prior to this. PD is a
chronic condition which is often considered to be
a disease of old age, but it can affect people much
earlier in life, including young people with young
families.
Thc main symptoms of PD are slowness of
movement, stiffness and tremor, although there
can be many other symptoms, including a loss of
balance.
Most people, when they think of PD, think of the
tremor, but this is not always present. In fact it has
often been described as “the designer disease”,
as it affects everyone differently and at different
levels of intensity.
Luckily, I am “tremor dominant” and at this
moment in time, with medication, nd the
condition annoying rather than incapacitating,
although my melodeon playing and Morris
dancing are not what they were, but it has not
curtailed my activities or affected my ability to
do what I enjoy most of all, calling at ceilidhs.
Others are not so fortunate.
This year, Winkleigh Morris are raising funds for
the Parkinson’s Disease Society, which supports
people with PD as well as funding research.
Drugs can alleviate many of the symptoms, but
hopefully, with adequate funding, medication will
improve and a cure will be found in the not too
distant future and this disease can be relegated
to the history books. This can only happen with
adequate money for research.
It seems appropriate, therefore, that I should hold
a dance in order to raise money to support the
Parkinson’s Disease Society. This will be held
at The Elizabethan, Westward Ho! On Saturday
6th December, with Bloatertown Band: I will be
calling.
Tickets for this event may be reserved by phoning
me on 01237 476632
John Blackburn.
Keyboard & Amplier
Servicing
Yamaha, Roland, Technics, etc.
Plus most amplier makes
Geoff Mitchell
Dozing Dog Ltd
01598 710177
www.dozingdog.co.uk
Bloatertown
to book us contact
John Blackburn
at Bideford
01237 476632 John Stevens
OR
at Barnstaple
01271 346279
For further information visit our
website: www.bloatertown.co.uk
North Devons Premier Country Dance Band
11
Irish
Set Dancing
Classes
Wednesdays
8 pm
Function
Room
Jolly Farmer
Market Street
Newton Abbot

N.Y.F.T.E.
Replace a third of a folk display team with
newcomers, to some of whom ‘rapper’ just
means a popular musician, ‘ranting’ is throwing
a wobbly, and ‘hankies’ are things used by their
grandparents to blow their noses. Now you have
one week to integrate these people into the team,
and prepare two hours of diverse display items.
It sounds like a brief for a TV reality show, and,
given the challenges involved, you might doubt
that it could be done successfully: but NYFTE
has been doing it for years.
NYFTE (pronounced ‘nifty’) is the National
Youth Folklore Troupe of England. The team was
founded in 1990 with the aim of encouraging
teenagers to discover or maintain an interest
in folk dance, music and song. Always wideranging,
the dance repertoire currently includes
Cotswold, Border and North West Morris, Social
Dance, Garland, Clog, Rapper and Longsword.
A visit to the website www.nyfte.org.uk gives
photographic evidence of many of these styles in
performance.
The team welcomes members from 10 to 18 years
old, drawn from all over the country. There are
currently thirty-one, including twelve newcomers.
Obviously this raises logistical challenges of how
to gather them all together for rehearsals. This
year has been particularly tricky as the Easter
school holidays varied across the regions, so the
team met for intensive training over a couple of
weekends and the long Easter weekend.
NYFTE are regular performers (and caravan
site stewards) at Chippenham Folk Festival, and
this season they also performed at the Chepstow
Two Rivers and Otley Folk Festivals. I love the
energy of their dancing; give them a large space
and they’ll make the most of it - all that youthful
spring in their legs ! They really do put us adults
to shame sometimes.
NYFTE has a truly wonderful, dedicated group
of adult leaders, and calls on other experts to
assist with the teaching of specic skills. The
older teenagers are encouraged to participate in
the leadership of the team, and there is a team
council to make sure that any issues are dealt
with or suggestions for changes discussed.
12
Shammick Acoustic Sessions
The Castle Inn, Combe Martin
Second & fourth Saturdays @ 8pm
13th Dec. Open Night
27th Dec. Closed
10th Jan. Open Night
24th Jan. Brian Peters
(daytime: workshop - Sing the song, tell
the story. Evening: concert)
14th Feb. Open Night
28th Feb. Hughie Jones
14th Mar. Open Night
28th Mar. Askew Sisters
Contact: Tom or Barbara Brown
Tel: 01271 882366 or e-mail –
tomandbarbarabrown@umbermusic.co.uk
www.umbermusic.co.uk/shammick.htm
FRIENDLY FOLK
DANCE BAND
Folk Dance Clubs
Folk Dances Contras
Resident band at Bampton FDC
07885 427116
Enquiries about membership are always welcome,
or perhaps you might be prepared to hold a rafe
or an event in support of the team. There are more
details on the website, or contact Dave Leverton
at ‘Heathers’, Stanton Wick, Pensford, Bristol,
BS39 4BZ. Telephone 01761 490236,
Huw Francis
(This article was originally published in Set &
Turn Single). It’s been several years since there
has been someone from Devon in the team.
Devon Folk Committee are prepared to offer
some assistance to any young person from the
county who wishes to apply for membership of
NYFTE

FOOTNOTES
EXMOUTH CHILDREN DANCING
Several Primary Schools in Exmouth came
together in July to enjoy an afternoon of Country
Dancing. Led by teacher, Jenny Dunn, the children
enjoyed dancing together, and some schools
chose to demonstrate a dance they had learned
beforehand. Judging by the smiles on their faces,
the children were all having a wonderful time.
Patricia Reid, of Devon Folk, spent a few sessions
in Jenny’s school offering help and advice with
dance instructions and music. Members of Devon
Folk are able to offer support to school teachers
and youth groups in the County, and are also
available to take sessions of folk activities, to
include dance, music and song. Further details
from Devon Folk secretary, Rhona Hitchcock on
01752 265869.
SQUEEZED OUT
Unfortunately, the Big Squeeze day of workshops
and concert, organised by the Devon Squeezebox
Foundation, had to be cancelled due to insuficient
advance bookings. However, the melodeon and
accordion workshops are continuing, and, from
November to April there will be a ceilidh at
Cheriton Bishop Village Hall on the 3rd Friday,
featuring popular local bands.
See club listings, and www.devonfolk.co.uk for
the most recent updates. If you are a walking
or cycling enthusiast, you may stumble across a
music session at the Yarde Cafe, near Torrington,
on the Tarka Trail. Last Sunday afternoon of the
month is the most likely time, but singers and
musicians are welcome at other times (NB - cafe
only opens at weekends during winter months).
FESTIVAL SPIRIT NOT DAMPENED
Despite some pretty awful weather for Devon’s
folk festivals this last summer, the spirit was as
good as ever. Sidmouth didn’t suffer the deluge
that had been forecast, and although conditions
on the campsite had a touch of the Glastonburys
about them. the wide range of festival events were
very well supported. Campers at Dartmoor fared
little better, and, being just a weekend festival, it
probably suffered worse from our ckle climate,
with few braving the strong winds and rain to
linger on the main festival eld on the Saturday.
Bideford was magic - even the sun broke through
at times - and all credit to the festival organisers
and their band of helpers for producing a cracking
good week of entertainment.
CLUB UPDATES
The Exe Folk Club at the 3 Horseshoes, Cowley,
failed to revive after the summer break. The
music session on the 2nd Monday has become
rmly established at the Bell, Chittlehampton
after moving from Umberleigh. Bampton
Folk Club is undergoing a revival in support,
with Clare Penney as organiser. The Queens
Arms, Dartington is now closed. Tradewinds
at Scoriton is still without its village pub but is
continuing to operate successfully in the village
hall. Exmouth Folk Song Club is going well
at the Manor Hotel, with fortnightly meetings as
from the New Year, as well as a series of concerts.
Gittisham Folk Dance Club has also expanded
to fortnightly meetings. Music, singaround and
open mike sessions in pubs seem to be on the
increase, though it’s always worth checking that
an event is on before making a special journey.
13

Musical Feast
After a long sabbatical Pauls Hutchinson
(accordion) and Sartin (vocals, ddle and oboe)
make a welcome return as the irrepressible
Belshazzar’s Feast. Paul Sartin explains.
We had time off for paternity leave, at Her
Majesty’s Pleasure of course. We also both have
other projects – Hoover the Dog, Okavango,
Bellowhead, Faustus, and a load of teaching, as
well as moonlighting as swimwear models.
We’ve got tours and festivals in the pipeline,
having already gone out on the road a few times.
We did Sidmouth and an Autumn tour and we’ve
another tour lined up for the Spring. In the
meantime, we just try to keep out of trouble. And
Hutch needs to get his hair cut.
Earlier this year we released a double album on
WildGoose - one studio and one live disc – called
The Food of Love. Hutch read a quote somewhere
- ‘If music be the food of love, I’m stuffed’ – and
as we’re both known for our gourmet tastes we
thought we’d use it. It also gave us an excuse to
do a nice themed photo shoot with lots of fruit.
Our repertoire covers a range of music from
English trad to Beethoven to Mark Knoper
which makes us quitedifcult to pigeonhole. As
we come from both classical and trad backgrounds
we draw upon them, but always with a view to
making the music interesting, spicing and mixing
it up, and being entertaining. Sometimes it works!
I suppose we’re folk cabaret, but we’re not too
bothered with labels, just doing good music and
having fun. Which we certainly do!
We’ve both worked in church music. Hutch used
to be a church organist – how the mighty have
fallen - and I was a choral scholar and still sing
regularly at Winchester Cathedral, where I gets
to wear a nice frock. Hutch formed the hugely
inuential Old Push and Pull dance band, who
were responsible for the start of the Anchor
Gardens ceilidhs at Sidmouth, and has specialised
in dance music. As well as playing a bit of
country, he now does lots of community concerts,
workshops and tuition. I teach a lot, conduct
the Andover Museum Loft Singers, and also
do community projects and dabble in academia
14
DEVON SQUEEZEBOX FOUNDATION
FRIDAY CEILIDHS
Cheriton Bishop Village Hall
8 pm
Dec. 19th The New Vintage Band
Jan 16th Hips and Haws
Feb. 20th Home Brew Band
Mar. 20th Fox Amongst The Chickens
Apr. 17th Bloatertown
Bring your own drink & bite.
Tickets £6
from Ed Rennie 01363 774426
The
Barn Owls
Country Dance Band
East Cornwall
Dennis Cook
01822 832003
when I’m bored. When not together we spend a
lot of time sobering up.
We met through being put in touch with a
Newbury-based band called The Life of Reilly, in
1995. We didn’t speak to each other for months,
and now wish we’d left it that way. Eventually
we formed our duo, then did a load of ceilidhs
and social dances, as well as wheedling our way
into the club and concert scenes.
For their latest news see www.belshazzarsfeast.
co.uk. Belshazzar’s Feast appear at the Acorn
Folk Club, Minehead in February, and Topsham
Folk Club in March

Barking Mad
The Serious, Silly and Surreal verses of Les
Barker performed by Jeanette Nicholls and
Friends at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth on
Saturday, 6th September 2008
This was an unusual event, in that none of the
participants, apart from the producer and compiler
Jeanette Nicholls, knew anything of Les Barker or
his work before she proposed the show, and nor, I
suspect did any of the audience. I wondered, with
some trepidation, what it would be like to hear the
inimitable words spoken by anyone but the man
himself, and by non-folkies at that. Well, my fears
were unfounded.
Jeanette was a stalwart of our early Plymouth Folk
Song Clubs, and of the West of England Folk
Centre in the 1960s, but her rst taste of Les was
last year at “Celebrating Cyril” in London. She
immediately became an admirer, and has since
caught most of his West Country appearances. As
Chairman of the theatre support group (TRAC)
she produces an annual fundraising show
comprising parodies of Shakespeare’s works, but
this year she decided to give the Barker œuvre
an airing. She introduced each item and read
a couple of poems herself, but her friends Bill
Stone - a former professional actor who is now
drama critic at the Plymouth Evening Herald,
Edward Murch - a published poet and playwright,
Dorothy Pailthorpe and Tony Morrell - long
time actors with local drama groups, were the
main participants, reading some of the items to
specially composed backing tracks by John Fiske.
Fortunately, they didn’t attempt to replicate
Les’s accent, but spoke in straightforward nondeclamatory
RP, with just some necessary touches
of vowel changes to accommodate rhymes. It
was obvious that all of them had acquired an
appreciation of the writer’s skill with words, and
of his unique sense of humour, with its touches of
pathos and underlying seriousness.
The show got off to a good start with the audience,
which consisted mainly of TRAC members, joining
in the chorus of Earwigo like a seasoned football
crowd. Many old favourites followed including
Please Don’t kill the Krill, Have You Got Any
news Of The Iceberg, Spot Of The Antarctic and
Cosmo The Fairly Accurate Knife Thrower. There
were sections on ‘Unrequited Love’ (Reg The
Lonely Glow-worm was particularly poignant),
‘Food’ and ‘Senior Moments’. It didn’t take the
audience long to realise that there were lots of
bits they could join in with, and the atmosphere
soon became as relaxed as we are used to at folk
concerts.
The only item which was actually sung was the
closing one - Will The Turtle Be Unbroken-
for which the cast donned black Stetsons and
American accents. Nothing could follow that,
except (I hope) another Barker selection next
year
LATE EXTRA
Rosemary Tawney
Otterfest have booked Strawhead for a concert
at the Bridge inn, Topsham on Thursday,
16th April, 2009. Tickets are available from
Martin & Jan on 01404 41182. Numbers are
limited, so book early !
15

Annual General Meeting
The next AGM of Devon Folk will take place on
Saturday 25th April 2009 in Budleigh Salterton.
Nominations are invited for a President and
Treasurer (both elected annually) and for new
or present committee members seeking reelection
(if they are one of the six due to retire
by rotation). A nomination form is included
below and photocopies will also be accepted. All
nominations together with details of Proposer and
Seconder, should be sent to me by the 31st March
2009. The AGM will be preceded by a Music
Workshop for Folk Dance Musicians led by Pete
Mac. He will also lead the massed workshop band
in playing for the evening dance after the AGM
with caller Nicole Mac.
Keeping up to date.
If you are unable to nd information about folk
events organised within Devon in a current issue
of What’s Afoot and have access to the internet,
you may well nd what you are looking for on the
much improved Devon Folk website which our
new webmaster Trevor Paul updates frequently
on our behalf. Give it a try!
Youthful folk
Do you know anyone between 10 and 16 interested
in Folk music, dancing or song
Devon Folk News
Do they want to be able to join with others of their
own age to have fun playing, dancing and singing
together If after reading the article about NYFTE
(The National Youth Folk Team of England) in
this edition of What’s Afoot they feel they would
like to go to the ‘Auditions’ being held during
the Chippenham Festival next year and try for a
place in the team and they would like some help
towards travelling expenses to Chippenham and
back, let myself or a member of the committee
know. Our young folk are important to us and
deserve our encouragement
Rhona Hitchcock
Great with hops Full of spirit Goes down well
Home Brew
Country Dance Band
Colin Andrews
Bonny Green, Morchard Bishop Crediton,
EX17 6PG . Tel. 01363 877216
enquiry@homebrewband.co,.uk
www.homebrewband.co.uk
New CD now available
DEVON FOLK COMMITTEE NOMINATION FORM
Nominee ........................................................................................................
Proposed by ...................................................................................................
Seconded by ...................................................................................................
I, the undersigned, am willing to stand for election to the Devon Folk Committee
Name ..........................................................................................................
Address ..........................................................................................................
Signature .........................................................................................................
Please return this form by 31st March, 2009, to
Rhona Hitchcock, 1, Anstis Street, Wyndham Square, Plymouth, PL1 5JP
16

Devon Folk Committee*
President
Terry Underhill
Vice- Presidents
Dennis Darke
Jo Trapnell
Aileen Wills
Treasurer
Brian Chappell
2, Penstone Barns, Lease Hill, Hele, Exeter, EX5
4QA. 01392 882156
Members of the Committee
Chairman
Anne Gill
Maleth, 11, Cleveland Road, Torquay, TQ2 5BD
01803 290427
Vice Chairman
Frances Franklin
3, Stabb Close, Paignton, TQ4 7JA. 01803
843402
Secretary
Rhona Hitchcock
1, Anstis Street, Plymouth, PL1 5JP. 01752
265869
Membership Secretary
Pat Kenworthy
5, Allenstyle Road, Yelland, Barnstaple, EX31
3DX. 01271 860193
Minutes Secretary
Patricia Reid
47, Sherwood Drive, Exmouth, EX8 4PX. 01395
265520
Elected Members
Colin Andrews
Bonny Green, Morchard Bishop, Crediton, EX17
6PG 01363 877216
Alan Bromell
Rosala, 39, Blandford Road, Lower Compton,
Plymouth, PL3 5DS 01752 221557
17
Euphine Bromell
Rosala, 39, Blandford Road, Lower Compton,
Plymouth, PL3 5DS. 01752 221557
John Brooke
Flat 2, 4, High street, Totnes, TQ9 5RY 01803
863802
Sheila Chappell
2, Penstone Barns, Lease Hill, Hele, Exeter. EX5
4QA. 01392 882156
Eileen Conway
151, Kingsdown Crescent, Dawlish, EX7 0HB.
01626 862312
Jean Foster
29, Highweek Village, Newton Abbot, TQ12
1QA. 01626 363887
Steve Gill
Maleth, 11, Cleveland Road, Torquay, TQ2 5BD.
01803 290427.
Dick Little
Collaton Grange, Collaton, Malborough,
Kingsbridge, TQ7 3DJ. 01548 561352
Nicole Mac
31, Scott Drive, Exmouth, EX8 3LF. 01395
266553. nicolemac@onetel.com
Pete Mac
31, Scott Drive, Exmouth, EX8 3LF. 01395
266553. pete.mac@onetel.com
Mary Marker
57, Great Hill, Chudleigh, TQ13 0JS. 01626
854141. ammarker5@btinternet.com
Co-opted
Jean Warren
51, Green Park Road, Plymstock, Plymouth,
PL9 9HU. 01752 401732
Webmaster
Trevor Paul
trevor@axey-green.co.uk
What’s Afoot operates a magazine exchange
with other folk publications from outside the
county. Copies of similar magazines from other
areas are always welcome. Please contact the
Editor (address on page 3).

Folk dance contacts
*Afliated to EFDSS
Wk weekly, Fn fortnightly, M monthly
Social Dance - quick guide
MONDAY
Honiton Folk Dance Club
Wk
Marldon, MADCAPS
Wk
Sidford, Scottish
Wk
Northam, Third Age
Fn
TUESDAY
Kingsteignton Folk Dance Club Fn
Launceston Folk Dance Club Wk
Liverton. Lucky 7 Folk Dance Club Fn
Plymouth, Country Dance Plymouth Wk
Sidford Folk Dance Club
Wk
Totnes Scottish Folk Dance Classes Wk
WEDNESDAY
Bideford Folk Dance Club
Wk
Exmouth YWCA
Wk
Gittisham Folk Dance Club Fn
Halsway Manor Folk Dance Club Fn, 1&3
Newton Abbot Irish Set Dance Wk
South Hams Folk Dance Club Wk
THURSDAY
Chard Folk Dance Club
Fn
Exmouth Folk Dance Club
Wk
Tavistock Folk Dance Club
Wk
Totnes Folk Dance Club
M, 3rd
Willand Folk Dance Club
Fn
FRIDAY
Aylesbeare Folk Dance Club Fn
Bampton Folk Dance Club
M, last
Bideford Ceilidh Club
Wk
Dartington Folk Dance Club Wk
Exeter(Ide) D’Accord French Dances M, 3rd
Exeter Folk Dance Club
M, 4th
Salcombe Regis Folk Dance Club Wk
SATURDAY
Exeter, Devon Playford Club M
Social Dance - details
Aylesbeare Folk Dance Club
Alt. Fri, Aylesbeare VH. Ted Farmer, 01392
466326.
Bampton Folk Dance Club
Last Fri. St.Michael’s Hall, Station Road. Hazel
18
Ridd, 01884 820438
Beacon Wheel Chair Dancers
Sue Cummings 01803 554799
Bideford Ceilidh Club*
Fri. Bideford Athletic Club, The Pill. John
Blackburn, 01237 476632
Bideford Folk Dance Club*
Wed. Northam Hall. Miss Pat Kenworthy, 5,
Allenstyle Road, Yelland, Barnstaple. 01271
860193
Chard Folk Dance Club
Alt. Thurs., Combe St Nicholas VH. 8 pm.
Details: 01460 61996
Country Dance, Plymouth*
Tues., Trinity United Reform Church Hall, Tor
Lane, Hartley, Plymouth. 8 pm. Jacqui Joint
01752 774484
D’Accord*
3rd Fri. 8 pm. French & Breton dances, Ide VH,
nr. Exeter. Pat Tomkins 01392 811593
Dartington Folk*
Most Fridays, Dartington VH, 7.30 pm. John
Gibson, 33, Grange Park, Bishopsteignton, TQ14
9TS. 01626 778058
Devon Playford Club*
Monthy, sat. 2.30 pm. Bowhill Primary Sch.,
Buddle Lane, Exeter. Miss E. Conway, 151,
Kingsdown Crescent, Dawlish, EX7 0HB 01626
862312
Devon Set Dancers
Mrs. Q. Daniel, 6, Balmoral Close, Newton
Abbot, TQ12 4BJ
Exeter Folk Dance Group*
Last Fri. 7.45 pm Baptist Church centre, Palace
Gate, Exeter. Mr. Chris Miles, 01395 275592
Exmouth Folk Dance Group*
Thurs., Withycombe Methodist Church Hall. 8 -
10 pm. Mr Chris Miles, 25, Old Bystock Drive,
Exmouth, EX8 5RB. 01395 275592
Exmouth, Isca Scottish Dancers
Classes Tues & Wed, Sept - May. Mr & Mrs V.J.
Tyler, 66, Ivydale, Exmouth. 01395 276913
Exmouth YWCA*
Wed. 2.30 pm. Alexandra House, 57, Imperial
Road. Mainly Playford. Mrs S. Harper, Flat 3, 6,
Carlton Hill, Exmouth, EX8 2AJ. 01395 267171

Folk dance contacts
Gittisham Folk Dance Club*
Wed, fortnightly (usu. 2nd & last). Gittisham
VH., nr. Honiton. Douglas Jones, Golden Square
Farm, Stockland, Honiton, EX14 9LG www.
seered.co.uk/gittisham.htm
Great Western Ceilidhs*
Sat. Monthly, Bowhill Primary School, Buddle
Lane, Exeter. Pete Langley 01392 491228
Halsway Folk Dance Club
1st & 3rd Wed. Halsway Manor, Crocombe,
Somerset.
Honiton Folk Dance Club
Mon. British Legion Club, Dowell Street,
Honiton. 8 pm. Andrew Mycroft, 4, Sycamore
Close, Hontion, EX14 2XP. 01404 46451
andrew.mycroft@btinternet.com
Kingsteignton Country Dance Club*
Tues, twice monthly. Church Hall. Mrs. M.
Sainsbury, 202, Exeter Road, Kingsteignton.
01626 367615
Launceston Folk Dance Club
Tues. St Johns Ambulance Hall, 8 pm (Not July
& August). 01579 362423
Lucky 7 Folk Dance Club*
Alt. Tues. Liverton VH. 8 pm. Mrs Margaret
Moxom, 7, Newcourt Road, Topsham, Exeter.
01392 873606
Marldon & District Country & Playford
Society (MADCAPS)*
Mon. Marldon VH. Mrs Jean Fillan, 29,
Droridge, Dartington. 01803 866380
Newton Abbot
Wed. Irish set dancing, Jolly Farmer, Market
Street. Maggie Daniel 01626 204350
Plymouth Group
Miss Patricia Day, 90, Shirburn Road, Plymouth,
PL6 5PH. 01752 771259
Salcombe Regis Folk Dance Club*
Fri. Sidmouth College. Mrs D. Cooper, 6, Darnell
Close, Sidmouth. 01395 513131
Sidford Folk Dance Club*
Tues. Sidford VH, Byes Lane. J. Westwood,
01404 813863, B. Bacon 01395 515186
Sidford Scottish Folk Dance Club
Mon. Sidford VH, Byes Lane. 8 pm. Brian
Martin, 01404 850416
19
South Hams Folk Dance Club*
Wed. West Charleton VH. Philip Worth,
Greenbank, Hope Cove, TQ7 3HP. 01548
561415
South Brent Folk
Mrs K. Reynolds, High Leigh, Coach House,
South Brent, TQ10 9DS.
The Sunday Club
Usually monthly in winter, Exminster VH, 2 pm
Mixed couples with dance experience. Peter
Boskett, 01392 468462. peterandcynthia@tiscali.
co.uk
Tavistock Folk Dance Club*
Thurs. St Peter’s School. (not July & August).
Mrs Margaret Holt, 3, Copperelds, Horrabridge,
Yelverton, PL20 7VB. 01822 855858
Teign Playford Club*
Jean Foster , 29 Highweek Village, Newton
Abbot, TQ12 1QA 01626 363887
Totnes Folk Dance Club*
3rd Thurs. Methodist Church Hall, 8 pm (Not
June, July, August). Mr. H. Lowe, 12, Benedicts
Road, Liverton, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6JL. 01626
821045
Totnes Scottish Folk Dance
Dance classes, Tues. King Edward VI School,
7.15 pm. Details: 01803 557821
University of Exeter Folk Dance Club
Richard Mason, 3, Kingsher Drive, Exeter, EX4
4SN. 01392 411434
Willand Folk Dance Club*
Alt. Thurs. Willand VH. Mary Marker, 57, Great
Hill, Chudleigh. TQ13 0JS. 01626 854141
Jigs for Gigs
Highly experienced
Melodeon-led Dance/Ceilidh
band. Duo, trio or more as
required.
Guaranteed to get you
dancing!
01460 241326

Folk music & song contacts
Song & Music - quick guide
Folk song clubs (FC) and sessions (SE) are
sometimes forced to change venue at short
notice due to change in management at a
pub. Please check with given contact if in
doubt. See also www.devonfolk. co.uk for
latest updates.
MONDAY
SE Chittlehampton, Bell Inn M,2nd
SE Exmouth, Phoenix
Wk
TUESDAY
FC Bampton Bridge House Hotel Fn,2&4
SE Bradninch, Castle Inn
Fn
FC Exmouth, Manor Hotel 1,3,5
SE Chulmleigh, Court House (Irish) M, 2nd
SE Plymouth, Artillery Arms Fn
SE Plymouth, Fortescue
Wk
SE South Brent, Pack Horse Fn
FC Tiverton, Racehorse
M, 1st
SE Totnes, Royal 7 Stars
WEDNESDAY
SE Bow, White Hart (Irish) M, 1st
SE Dawlish, South Devon Inn M, last
SE Ipplepen, Wellington Inn M, 1st
FC Lympstone, Globe Inn
M, 2nd
SE Malborough, Royal Oak Wk
FC Pennymoor, Cruwys Arms M, 3rd
SE Plymouth, Hyde, Mutley M, 2nd
FC Seaton, Grove Inn
M, 3rd
SE Sidmouth, Volunteer (song) M, 1st
SE Sidmouth, Volunteer (music) M, 3rd
THURSDAY
FC Bideford, Joiners Arms Wk
SE Exeter, First & Last Inn (Irish) M, 1st
SE Exmouth, Bicton Inn
M, 2nd
SE Denbury, Union Inn
Wk
SE Frogmore, Globe
M, 3rd
SE Horns Cross nr Bideford (Irish) M, 3rd
SE Kingsbridge, Crabshell Inn M, 1st
SE Plymouth, Blue Peter, Pomphlett M, 1st
SE Princetown, Prince of Wales M, 4th
SE South Brent, Royal Oak M, 3rd
SE Teignmouth, Devon Arms M, 3rd
FC Teignmouth, Devon Arms M, last
FC Totnes, Dartmouth Inn
M, 2nd
FM Willand Band Club Fn, 1&3
20
FRIDAY
FC Bodmin, Barley Sheaf
Wk
SE Ermington, Crooked Spire M, last
FC Exeter, Barneld Theatre M, 1st
FC Exeter, Globe Inn
M, 2nd
FC Kennford, 7 Stars
M, last
SE Luxborough, Royal Oak M, 2nd
FC Scoriton, Village Hall
M, 3rd
FM Exeter, Globe Inn
M, 4th
SATURDAY
SE Brendon, Staghunters Inn M, 3rd
FC Combe Martin, Castle Inn Fn, 2&4
FC Minehead, Old Ship Aground M, 1st
SE Tuckenhay, Maltsters
M, 2nd
SUNDAY
SE Bere Ferrers, Old Plough (Irish) M, 2nd
SE Bere Ferrers, Old Plough M, 3rd
FC Bude, Falcon Inn
Fn
SE Dawlish, Swan Inn
M
SE Exeter, Old Fire House
Wk
SE Heddon Mouth, Hunters Inn M, 4th
SE Lee (Ilfracombe), Grampus Wk
FC Lee Mill, Westward Inn Wk
FC Okehampton, Plymouth Inn M, last
SE Petrockstowe, Laurels Inn M, 3rd
SE Plympton, George Inn
M, last
SE Sticklepath, Devonshire Inn M, 1st
FC Topsham, Globe Inn
Wk
SE Yarde (Nr Torrington). Afternoon M
Song & Music - details
Bampton
2nd & 4th Tues. Bridge House Hotel.Clare
Penney, 01884 860023
Bere Ferrers
3rd Sun. Old Plough. 01822 841064
Bideford Folk Club*
Thurs. Joiners Arms, Market Place. Jerry &
Hilary Bix, 36, Lower Gunstone, Bideford. Tel/
fax 01237 470792
Bodmin Folk Club*
Fri. Barley Sheaf Inn, PL31 2JX. Mike Freemantle
01726 816454. www.bodminfolk.co.uk
Bradninch
Alt. Tues. Castle Hotel. 8.30 pm. Rob Reeves,
01392 881014

Folk music & song contacts
Brendon
3rd Sat, Staghunters. Carole Henderson-Begg,
01769 540581
Bude
Sun, twice monthly. Falcon Hotel. Lucy Burrow,
01288 341582
Chittlehampton
1st Fri. concerts, usually in Parish Church. Preconcert
supper if pre-booked. 01769 540581 or
540887. events@chumpchurches.org.uk
Combe Martin
2nd & 4th Sat, Shammick Acoustic, Castle Inn.
Tom & Barbara Brown, 01271 882366.
Dawlish
Sun. Swan Inn. Mixed folk session. Details:
01626 208116
Denbury
Thurs. Union Inn. Acoustic mixed sessions.
Vic Connell, 01803 812535
Ermington
Last Fri. Crooked Spire. 07990 863135.
Exeter, Barneld Theatre
1st Fri. Bedford Room. Acoustic open mike
session. Jerry 07843 419178
Exeter, Globe
2nd Fri. Traditional song. 4th Fri. music session.
Globe Inn, Newtown.
Exeter, Guitar Club.
2nd Fri. Whipton Community Centre. Roger
Hutton, 01392 873729
Exeter, Old Fire House
Sun. Music session, Old Fire House, New North
Road. davidjgray@hotmail.com
Exmouth
1st, 3rd & 5th Tues. 8.30 pm. Manor Hotel,
Beacon, Exmouth. Jeff Lewis 01395 269232
Folk On The Moor
Sun. Westward Inn, Lee Mill. Anton Horwich, 3,
Woodside Cottages, Milton Combe, Yelverton,
Plymouth. 01752 261669(w), 01822 853620 (h)
Halsway Manor (Crocombe)
1st Sun. Song & music session in the bar lounge.
Brendon Room. Details: 01984 618324
Kennford
Last Fri. 7 Stars . Peter Cornelius 01392 210983
21
Kingsbridge
1st Thurs. Crabshell Inn. Bob & Brenda Burnside,
01548 853351
Luxborough.
2nd Fri. Royal Oak. George Ody 01643 704347
Lympstone
2nd Wed. Globe Inn. Music, song & stories. Brian
Mather 01395 278594
Minehead
1st Sat. Acorn Folk Club, Old Ship Aground.
Eileen Ann 01643 709394.
www.acornfolkclub.co.uk
Okehampton
Last Sun. Plymouth Inn. Music & song. Details:
Wren 01837 53754
Pennymoor Singaround*
3rd Wed. Cruwys Arms, Pennymoor. Clare
Penney, 01884 860023
Petrockstowe
Usually 3rd Sun. Laurels Inn. English music
session. Kate Nye 01837 810566.
Plymouth, Artillery Arms
Alt Tues. Artillery Arms, Pound Street,
Stonehouse. Geoff Rodd, 36, Downham Gardens,
Tamerton Foliot, Plymouth. 01752 709809.
Plymouth, Fortescue (Mutley).
Tues. Basement bar, 8.30 pm. Joe Higman 01752
227086
Plymouth, Folk Roots
2nd Wed. Hyde, Mutley. Ali 01752 662002
Plympton
Last Sun. George Inn.
Scoriton
3rd Fri. Tradesman’s Arms or VH. Sue &
Simon Williams 01364 631308. Check for latest
details).
Seaton
3rd Wed. Grove Inn. 01297 20064
Sidmouth
1st Wed. traditonal song. 3rd Wed music session.
Volunteer Inn.
South Brent
Pack Horse Hotel. Alt. Tues. mostly song. Keith
Beeby 01364 72587. Every Wed. mostly music.
Caroline 01364 631308

Folk dance, music & song contacts
Sticklepath (Okehampton)
1st Sun. Devonshire Inn. Bill Murray 01647
231286
Teignmouth
Last Thurs. Devon Arms Hotel, Northumberland
Place. Martyn Hillstead, 01626 778071.
Tiverton Folk Club
1st Tues. Racehorse Inn. Susannah Billeter,
01884 821286
Topsham
Sun. Globe. 8.30 pm (guest nights 8 pm). Tickets
for guest nights availabe one month in advance
from John Nettleton 01395 267029. www.
topshamfolkclub.co.uk
Totnes Folk Song Club
2nd Thurs. Dartmouth Inn. Steve & Anne Gill,
01803 290427.
Willand Club Band Workshop
Alt. Thurs. Willand Chapel, Gables Road. Mary
Marker 01626 854141
Yarde (Nr Torrington)
Occasional afternoon music sessions at Cafe (on
Tarka Trail), usually last Sun. Kate Nye 01837
810566 or David Job 07972 786306
Storytelling
Totnes Storytell
Quarterly, Kingsbridge Inn. Mavis Hewett, 01364
72972. Ruth Clarke 01803 732312
Regional Contacts
Dorset Folk
Steve Hunt, Meadow Cottage, Chapel Lane,
Woodlands, Wimborne, BH12 8LU 01202
814858
Folklife West
Sam Simmonds, 16, Barrett Rise, Malvern,
WR14 2UJ. 01684 575704 editor@folklife-west.
org.uk
Folk London
Sheila Finn, 4a, Kenilworth Road, Petts Wood,
Kent, BR5 1DY. 01689 825263
Folknews Kernow
Chris Ridley, Trenillocs, St Columb, Cornwall.
TR9 6JN 01637 880394
Folk South West
Eddie Upton, The Stables, Montacute House,
Montacute, TA15 6XP. 01935 822911. Fax 01395
822024 folksw@folksw.org.uk
Halsway Manor Magazine
Alan Corkett, Greengarth, Nether Stowey,
Somerset. 01278 732202 alan@bcorkett.
freeserve.co.uk
Puddingstone (Herts.)
Libby Byne-Grey 01920 460553
Scrumpy’n’ Western
4, Kew Lodge, Crookes Lane, Kewstoke,
Weston-Super-Mare, BS22 9XL 07890 305585
scrumpynwestern@aol.com
Shreds & Patches (Shropshire)
Sheila Mainwaring, 1, Herbert Avenue,
Wellington, Telford, TF1 2BT. 01952 240989
mainwaring@enta.net
Somerset & Dorset
www.folkmusicsomerset.co.uk. www.sadfolk.
co.uk Tony & Peter’s Folk Diary - email for list:
sanchobramble@hotmail.com
Taplas (Wales)
Keith Hudson, 182, Broadway, Roath, Cardiff,
CF24 1QJ 02920 499759
Wiltshire Folk
Geoff Elwell, 3, Sarum Avenue, Melksham,
SN12 6BJ. 01225 703650
Also www.wiltshirefolkarts.org.uk
Worcestershire Folk
Rosie McMinn 01905 771440
22

folk at
music & song
TOPSHAM FOLK CLUB
Sunday evenings at The Globe Hotel
Spring concerts 2009
Sunday 18 January 2009
Jackie Oates with
James Dumbelton
Full of Shirley Collins intonations,
her voice is persuasively rustic and
style distinctly English – she takes
the great leap forward with this second solo album and adds
conviction, confidence and variety to natural charm. – Colin Irwin
Sunday 8 March 2009
Belshazzar's Feast
Paul Hutchinson and Paul Sartin
play like no-one else you've ever
heard.Their music is breathtaking
and wickedly inventive and the
between-tunes interchange as intelligent and hilarious as the
music. But don't let me give you the impression they're a
lightweight comedy act: they finish the set with a haunting piece
of oboe and accordion magic which has the audience spellbound.
– Mike Harding
To reserve concert tickets phone
John Nettleton on 01395 267029
Concerts start at 8.00pm and take place in the
Globe Malthouse which is a 90 seater venue
To find out more about us visit our website
www.topshamfolkclub.co.uk
The Globe Hotel, Fore Street,
Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HR
Tel: 01392 873471 23
Singers
nights
Apart from concert
nights all other
Sunday nights are
singers nights starting
at 8.30pm and held
in the dining room.
Admission is free.
If you would like to
sing or play on one
of these nights,
come along and
make yourself
known to the
evening’s compère.
People normally
perform two songs
or tunes within a
10 minute slot.
Don't worry, it's
not compulsory to
perform! You’re
welcome just to
come along
and listen.

November
2008 Holiday
Sold Out,
Book now
for 2009
6th - 9th Nov 2009
Wessex Hotel
High Street, Street,
Nr Glastonbury, Somerset
Located near to Clarks
Shopping Village, Street.
only £159pp including Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Friday - The Pete Mac Band with Caller, Nicole
Saturday - Mike Courthold with The Pete Mac Band
Sunday - The Yetties
Saturday morning workshop with Nicole.
Sunday morning workshop with Mike Courthold.
For more details and booking:
Tel: 01395 223645 • e-mail: info@edennights.co.uk
or book online: www.holidays4dancers.com
24

Diary Dates (1)
The details in this section are believed to be
correct at the time of compilation, and the editor
accepts no responsibility for subsequent changes.
For weekly clubs with no guest & other sessions
see quick guide. Regular venue for club is given
in club listings where not specied below.
November
Fri
Sat
28 DANCE Exeter FDC.
SONG Bampton FSC
SONG 7 Stars, Kennford.
29 PLAYFORD Music Workshop &
dance (3 – 5 pm), St Michael’s Hall,
Kingsteignton. Details: Mary Marker,
01626 854141
DANCE Filleigh VH. Oggle Band
CONCERT for prostate cancer charities.
St David’s Church, Hele Road,
Exeter. Details: Wren 01837 53754
Sun 30 SONG Folk on the Moor
SONG Plymouth Inn, Okehampton
CONCERT Corn Exchange, Exeter.
Oyster Band.
December
Mon 1 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br.Legion
Hall. Ray Goodswen, Amycrofters.
Tue 2 DANCE Sidford FDC Jane Thomas.
DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Trinity UR Ch. H. Chris Thorne.
SONG Tiverton FSC, Racehorse
Wed 3 SONG Volunteer, Sidmouth
MUSIC Irish, White Hart, Bow
Thu 4 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Withycombe
Meth. Ch. H. Aileen Wills, Pete Mac.
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
Sch. Ray Buckingham.
MUSIC Willand Band Workshop,
Willand Chapel, Gables Rd.
SONG, Crabshell, Kingsbridge
Fri
Sat
5 SONG Exeter Barneld
6 DANCE Elizabethan, Westward Ho!.
Bloatertown Band (In aid of Parkinson’s
Disease charities)
DANCE Civic Hall, Totnes. Jane
Thomas, Pete Mac Band.
25
CONCERT Ariel Centre, Totnes.
Conservatoire Folk Ensemble with
Joe Broughton.
SONG Acorn FSC, Hobby Horse
Hotel, Minehead (Note venue change)
Tom McConville, David Wood.
Sun 7 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Inn, Lee Mill. Steve Tilston
SONG Topsham FSC
SONG Devonshire Inn, Sticklepath
CONCERT Corn Exchange, Exeter.
Show of Hands.
Mon 8 DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Hall, Wendy & Shirley, Home Brew.
DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
MUSIC Bell Inn, Chittlehampton
Tue
9 DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Nicole
& Pete Mac
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Trinity UR Ch. H. Gil Jefferies.
SONG Bampton , Bridge House Inn
Wed 10 DANCE Gittisham FDC at VH.
Eileen Nightingale.
SONG Globe, Lympstone
Thu 11 DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Aileen
Wills & Pete Mac.
DANCE Exmouth FDC, Withycombe
Meth. Ch. Hall. Muriel Forrest
SONG Totnes FSC, Dartmouth Inn.
Dalla.
Fri
Sat
12 DANCE Exeter FDC, Baptist Centre,
Palace Gate. Christmas Party with
Chris Miles & Muriel Forrest.
CONCERT Manor Hotel, Exmouth.
Stanchester Choir.
SONG Globe, Exeter.
13 CEILIDH (Great Western) , Bowhill
Primary, Exeter. Flash Company.
DANCE Totnes FDC Christmas Party
Meth. Ch. Hall
SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
Inn, Combe Martin.
Sun 14 DANCE Sunday Club, Exminster VH
2 -5 . Mixed couples with some dance
experience.
SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Inn, Lee Mill. Colvin Quarmby.
Mon 15 DANCE MADCAPS Club Christmas
Party, Marldon VH, 7.45 pm. Nicole
& Pete Mac

Diary Dates (2)
DANCE Honiton FDC Christmas
Party, British Legion Hall. Eileen
Tue
Nightingale, Amycrofters.
16 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC Christmas
Party, Liverton VH.
DANCE Sidford FDC Christmas
Party at VH. Aileen Wills, Ivor Hyde
& Holly.
Wed 17 DANCE Gittisham FDC at VH.
Aileen Wills.
SONG Pennymoor Singaround,
Cruwys Arms.
SONG Grove Inn, Seaton.
Thu 18 DANCE Tavistock FDC Christmas
Party, St Peter’s School. John Estall.
DANCE Exmouth FDC Christmas
Party, Withycombe Meth. Ch. H.
Bring & share.
MUSIC Willand Band Club, Willand
Chapel, Gables Road.
Fri
19 CEILIDH Cheriton Bishop VH. New
Vintage Band.. (Devon Squeezebox)
DANCE D’Accord French, Ide VH
SONG Tradewinds, Scoriton VH
Sat 20 DANCE Willand VH. Dee Chapman,
Silver & Gold
Sun 21 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Sat
Inn, Lee Mill. Christmas Party.
27 CEILIDH Ashburton Town Hall.
3DB& Analogue Man. Tickets: 01803
86239
Mon 29 DANCE Gittisham FDC ‘In Between’
Party. Bring & share. Live music.
Wed 31 DANCE Willand VH. Jane Thomas,
Philip Worth, Meltdown.
CONCERT Okehampton Charter
Hall. Paul & Marilyn Tucker &
friends. Details: 01837 53754
January 2009
Fri 2 SONG Barneld, Exeter.
Sat 3 DANCE Civic Hall, Totnes. Nicole
& Pete Mac Band.
SONG Acorn FSC, Minehead. Bill
Crawford & Dave Lowry
Sun 4 SONG Devonshire Inn, Sticklepath
SONG Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill
Mon 5 DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
26
Hall. Aileen Wills, Amycrofters.
Tue 6 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Doreen
Cooper.
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Trinity URC Hall. Gil Jefferies
SONG Tiverton FSC, Racehorse Inn
Wed 7 SONG Volunteer, Sidmouth
MUSIC Irish. White Hart, Bow.
Thu 8 DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Jane
Thomas, Stick The Fiddle.
DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
Withycombe. Wendy Hoare.
DANCE Tavistock FDC. John Estall.
SONG Totnes FSC, Dartmouth Inn
Fri 9 SONG Globe, Exeter.
Sat 10 DANCE Willand VH. Ted Farmer,
Bridgwater Band.
CEILIDH (Great Western ), Bowhill
Primary, Exeter. Old Swan Band.
SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
Inn, Combe Martin.
Sun 11 SONG Folk On The Moor, Westward
Inn, Lee Mill. Thorn & Roses
Mon 12 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
DANCE Honiton FDC, Ray
Goodswen, Stick The Fiddle.
Tue
MUSIC Bell Inn, Chittlehampton
13 DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Alan & Marion Finch.
DANCE Sidford FDC. Aileen Wills.
SONG Bampton Bridge House Inn
Wed 14 SONG Globe, Lympstone
Thu 15 DANCE Exmouth FDC Meth Ch H
Withycombe. Nicole & Pete Mac
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
Sch. Ted Farmer.
MUSIC Globe Inn, Frogmore
MUSIC Willand Band Club, Chapel,
Gables Road.
DANCE Totnes FDC, Meth Ch H.
Fri
Sat
16 CEILIDH Cheriton Bishop VH
Hips & Haws. (Devon Squeezebox)
SONG Tradewinds, Scoriton VH
DANCE D’Accord French, Ide VH
17 PLAYFORD Devon Playford Club
Bowhill Primary, Exeter, 2.30 pm.
Sue Horsham, Gwyn George.
CONCERT Manor Hotel, Exmouth
Cole Stacey.
SONG Staghunters, Brendon.

Diary Dates (3
Sun 18 SONG Old Plough, Bere Ferrers
SONG Topsham FSC, Globe. Jackie
Oates & James Dumbleton.
Mon 19 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Hall. Tony Dore, Amycrofters.
Tue
20 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC Liverton VH
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Harry
Turner, Amycrofters.
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Trinity URC Hall. Chris Thorne.
Wed 21 SONG Seaton FSC, Grove.
SONG Pennymoor Singaround,
Cruwys Arms.
Thu 22 DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Roger
Quartly, Petronella. Scottish evening
DANCE Exmouth FDC. Aileen Wills
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
Sch. Alan & Marion Finch.
SONG Princetown, Prince of Wales
Fri
Sat
23 MUSIC Globe, Exeter.
24 SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
Inn, Combe Martin. Brian Peters. Day
workshop, evening concert.
DANCE Fremington VH. Bloatertown
Sun 25 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Inn, Lee Mill. Brian Peters.
SONG Plymouth Inn, Okehampton
SONG George, Plympton
Mon 26 DANCE Honiton FDC , Hare &
Hounds. Ron Rudd, Amycrofters.
Tue
27 SONG Bampton, Bridge House Inn
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Jane
Thomas
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Trinity URC Hall. Gil Jefferies.
Thu 29 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
Withycombe. Ted Farmer.
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
Sch. Gil Jefferies.
SONG Teignmouth FC, Devon Arms
Fri 30 DANCE Exeter FDC Bapt. Ch H,
Palace Gate. Ryan Roberts.
DANCE Bampton FDC, St Michaels
Hall
SONG 7 Stars, Kennford.
February
Sun 1 SONG Devonshire Inn, Sticklepath
SONG Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill
Mon 2 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Hall. Peter Moxom, Amycrofters
Tue 3 SONG Tiverton FSC, Racehorse Inn
DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Nicole
& Pete Mac.
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth
Trinity URC Hall. Ray Buckingham
Wed 4 MUSIC Irish. White Hart, Bow
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
SONG Volunteer, Sidmouth
5 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Peter
Moxom, Amycrofters.
DANCE Tavistock FDC, John Estall.
SONG Bideford FSC, Joiners Arms
Tom Bliss.
SONG Crabshell, Kingsbridge
MUSIC Willand Band Workshop,
Chapel, Gables Road.
6 SONG Barneld, Exeter
7 DANCE Civic Hall, Totnes. Jane
Thomas, Bridgwater Band.
SONG Acorn FSC, Old Ship Aground
Minehead. Belshazzar’s Feast.
8 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Inn, Lee Mill. Tom Kitching & Gren
Bartley.
Mon 9 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Hall. Graham Barrett, Meltdown
Tue
10 DANCE Sidford FDC. Peter Moxom
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Trinity URC Hall. Frances Oates.
SONG Bampton Bridge House Inn
Wed 11 SONG Globe, Lympstone
Thu 12 SONG Totnes FSC, Dartmouth Inn.
Jim Moray
DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Ted
Farmer, Andrew & June Mycroft.
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
Sch. Chris Thorne.
DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
Withycombe. Chris Miles.
Fri
Sat
13 SONG Globe, Exeter
14 CEILIDH Great Western Ceilidh
Bowhill Primary, Exeter. Gloworms
27

Diary Dates (4)
DANCE Willand VH. Ryan Roberts,
Reel Thing.
CONCERT Manor Hotel, Exmouth.
Tim Laycock & Steve Waters.
SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
Inn, Combe Martin.
Sun 15 SONG Old Plough, Bere Ferrers.
SONG Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill.
Mon 16 DANCE MADCAPS, Marldon VH,
7.45 pm Philip Worth, Gwyn George.
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Hall. Frances Oates, Friendly Folk.
Tue
17 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC Anniversary,
Liverton VH.
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Eileen
Nightingale.
Wed 18 SONG Grove, Seaton.
SONG Pennymoor Singaround,
Cruwys Arms.
Thu 19 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Club callers.
DANCE Tavistock FDC John Estall.
DANCE Totnes FDC, Meth. Ch.Hall
MUSIC Willand Band Workshop,
Chapel, Gables Road.
Fri
Sat
20 CEILIDH Cheriton Bishop VH.
Colin Andrews, Home Brew Band.
DANCE D’Accord French, Ide VH
SONG Tradewinds, Scoriton VH
21 PLAYFORD Devon Playford Club,
Bowhill Primary, Exeter, 2.30 pm.
Frances Oates, Gwyn George.
Sun 22 SONG Plymouth Inn, Okehampton
SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Inn, Lee Mill. Queensberry Rules.
Mon 23 DANCE MADCAPS Club 7.45 pm
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Hall. Harry Turner, Amycrofters
Tue
24 SONG Bampton, Bridge House Inn
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Muriel
Forrest.
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Trinity URC Hall. Gil Jefferies.
Thu 26 DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Jane
Thomas, Friendly Folk.
DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
Withycombe. Muriel Forrest.
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
Sch. Frances Oates.
SONG Teignmouth FSC Devon Arms
28
Fri
Sat
March
SONG Princetown, Prince of Wales
27 DANCE Exeter FDC, Baptist Ch. H
Palace Gate. Pam Hayes.
DANCE Bampton FDC, St Michaels
Hall
SONG 7 Stars, Kennford
FESTIVAL Inter-Varsity Folk Dance
Festival, Exeter. See display advert.
28 CALLER’S SWAP Eagle Hotel,
Launceston. 10.30 - 1, 2 - 4.30 pm
PLAYFORD Teign Playford Club,
Kingsteignton Comm. Hall, 2.30 - 6.
Jean Foster, Bob Franklin, Gwyn
George.
SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
Inn, Combe Martin. Hughie Jones.
FESTIVAL IVFDF, Exeter. See ad.
Sun 1 FESTIVAL IVFDF, Exeter. See ad.
SONG Devonshire Inn, Sticklepath
SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Inn, Lee Mill. Kenny & Judy.
Mon 2 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Hall. Peter Moxom, Amycrofters
Tue 3 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Aileen
Wills, Pete Mac.
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth
Trinity URC Hall. Chris Thorne
SONG Tiverton FSC, Racehorse Inn.
Wed 4 SONG Volunteer, Sidmouth
Thu 5 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
Withycombe. Jane Thomas
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
Sch. Aileen Wills.
SONG Crabshell, Kingsbridge
MUSIC Willand Band Workshop,
Chapel, Gables Road.
Fri
Sat
Sun
6 SONG Barneld, Exeter
7 DANCE Civic Hall, Totnes. Sarah
Bazeley, Dartmoor Pixie Band.
FESTIVAL Piping Hot bagpipes,
Okehampton. See display advert.
SONG Acorn FSC, Minehead.
Geoffrey Bowman.
8 SONG Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill
SONG Topsham FSC, Globe Inn.
Belshazzah’s Feast.
FESTIVAL Piping Hot Okehampton.

Diary Dates (5)
Mon 9 DANCE MADCAPS, Marldon VH,
7.45. Peter Moxom, Gwyn George.
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Hall. Frances Hilson, Ivor Hyde.
Tue
10 DANCE Sidford FDC. Peter Moxom
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Trinity URC Hall. Frances Oates.
SONG Bampton, Bridge House Inn
Wed 11 SONG Globe, Lympstone
Thu 12 DANCE Willand FDC at VH. Ryan
Roberts, Squeezum.
DANCE Exmouth FDC, Denis Warry
DANCE Tavistock FDC, Jim Reade.
SONG Totnes FSC, Dartmouth Inn
Fri
Sat
13 SONG Globe, Exeter.
14 CEILIDH Elizabethan, Westward Ho
Random.
CEILIDH Great Western Ceilidh,
Bowhill Primary, Exeter. Florida.
DANCE Willand VH. Carol Hewson,
Kelly’s Eye.
CONCERT Manor Hotel, Exmouth.
Mick Groves.
SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
Inn, Combe Martin.
Sun 15 DANCE Sunday Club, Exminster VH
2 - 5 pm Mixed couples with some
dance experience.
SONG Old Plough, Bere Ferrers.
SONG Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill.
Mon 16 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Hall. Jane Thomas Jigs for Gigs.
Tue
17 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Ted
Farmer, Amycrofters.
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Trinity URC Hall. Gil Jefferies.
Wed 18 SONG Grove, Seaton
SONG Pennymoor Singaround,
Cruwys Arms.
Thu 19 DANCE Totnes FDC, Meth Ch H.
DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
Withycombe. Aileen Wills, Pete Mac
DANCE Tavistock FDC, Ted Farmer
MUSIC Willand Band Workshop,
Gables Road Chapel.
Fri
20 CEILIDH Cheriton Bishop VH
Fox Amongst The Chickens.
29
SONG Tradewinds, Scoriton VH
DANCE D’Accord French, Ide VH
Sat 21 PLAYFORD Devon Playford Club,
Bowhill Primary, Exeter, 2.30 pm
Rosemary Hunt, Gwyn George.
SONG Staghunters, Brendon
Sun 22 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Inn, Lee Mill. Askew sisters.
Mon 23 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
DINNER & DANCE Honiton FDC,
Br. Legion Hall. Eileen Nightingale,
Tue
Amycrofters. Ticket only.
24 DANCE Sidford FDC at VH. Doreen
Cooper
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth,
Trinity URC Hall. Ray Buckingham
SONG Bampton, Bridge House Inn
Thu 26 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
Withycombe. Jean Hackston
DANCE Tavistock FDC, John Estall.
SONG Teignmouth FC, Devon Arms
SONG Princetown, Prince of Wales
Fri
Sat
27 DANCE Exeter FDC, Baptist Ch H
Chris Miles & Muriel Forrest.
DANCE Bampton FDC, St Michaels
Hall.
SONG 7 Stars, Kennford
MUSIC Globe, Exeter.
28 DANCE Pensilva FDC, Liskeard
Public Hall. Les Burden, Silver &
Gold. See display advert.
SONG Shammick Acoustic, Castle
Inn, Combe Martin. Askew sisters.
Sun 29 SONG Plymouth Inn, Okehampton
SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Inn, Lee Mill. Tom McConville.
Mon 30 DANCE MADCAPS Club, 7.45 pm
DANCE Honiton FDC, Br. Legion
Hall. Richard Mason, Pete Mac.
Tue
31 DANCE Lucky 7 FDC, Liverton VH
DANCE Sidford FDC. Aileen Wills.
DANCE Country Dance Plymouth
Alan & Marion Finch
April
Thu 2 DANCE Exmouth FDC, Meth Ch H
Withycombe. Frances Hilson
DANCE Tavistock FDC, St Peter’s
Sch. Alan & Marion Finch.
Sun 5 SONG Folk on the Moor, Westward
Inn, Lee Mill. John Kirkpatrick.

Useful contacts (5)
Ritual & Display Groups
Alive & Kicking
Appalachian. Julie Page 07815 966838
Beltane
Bruce Johnstone-Lane, 40, Walkers Gate,
Wellington, TA21 8DJ 01823 669875
brucejlowe@btopenworld.com
Bideford Phoenix Morris
Sue Jones, 01237 477047
Blackawton Morris
Chris Janman, 1, Castle Lane, Blackawton,
Totnes. 01803 712362
Black Bess
Suzanne Lovell 01803 873908
Bovey Tracey Mummers
Rod Wilkins 01803 812581
Cat’s Eye Border
Pauline McKeough 01208 821323
Cogs & Wheels
Alison Cruse, Waterside, Cleave Hill, Sticklepath,
EX20 2NH. 01837 840070 alisoncruse@hotmail.
com
Dartmoor Border
Kath Tregaskis, 34, Cramber Close, Belliver,
Plymouth PL6 7AZ. 01752 299700 bagman@
dartmoorbordermorris.com
Dartington Morris Men
Iain Davison, 07841 087669
iain.davison@dataharvest.co.uk
Exeter Morris Men
Mike Painter, Grassroots, 102, Gras Lawn, Exeter,
EX2 4ST. 01392 426743 mike@painter53.
freeserve.co.uk
Exmoor Border Morris
Heather Holt. hholt.exmoor@btopenworld.com
Flaming Morris
Colin Payne 01404 850503
Firestone
(Appalachian & Irish). Richard Mason, 3,
Kingsher Drive, Exeter, EX4 4SN. 01392
411434
Glory of the West Morris
Carol Mantell, Beggars Roost, Higher Ashton,
Exeter, EX6 7QR 01647 252740
30
Great Western Morris Men
Trevor Cook, 1, Croft Cottage, Church Lane,
Cheriton Bishop, EX6 6JU. 01647 24307.
bagman@great-western.org.uk
Green Willow Clog
Sue Fildes 07768 625333
Grimspound Border Morris
Don McMillan 01626 207600 don.mcmillan@
btinternet.com
Harberton Navy
Nonnie Duncan, Little Cholwell, Harberton,
Totnes. 01803 867650
Heather & Gorse
Jenny Gill, 01626 779795
Ilfracombe Red Petticoats
Janet Ellis 01271 342351
Kings Arms Pace Egg & Mummers
Dave Denford, The Cottage, Ramsley, South
Zeal, EX10 2LD
Lodestone Border
Brian Cunningham 01822 853856
Newton Bushel Morris Men
Anthony Job, 29, Innerbrook Road, Chelston,
Torquay. 01803 607987
North Devon Mummers
Francis & Barbara Verdigi, 01271 813843
Plymouth Maids
Jean Hawkins 01752 303939 jean.hawkins@
blueyonder.co.uk
Plymouth Morris Men
Peter Watson 01752 330249
Porthleven Morris Men
Max Williams 01326 572101
Raddon Hill Clog Morris
Jane Hewitt, 53, Kingsway, Exeter, EX2 5EN
01392 660646
Shufe The Deck
Appalachian. Jenny Draper, Ladywell, Grange
Road, Buckfast, TQ11 0EH. 01364 643320
Sidmouth Steppers NW Morris
Ruth Lewis 01404 44498 FunnFolk@aol.com
Sidmouth Traditional Mummers
Henry Piper, 21B, Broad Street, Ottery St Mary,
01404 811491 henry.piper@zoom.co.uk

Useful contacts (6)
Sunrise Border Morris
Martyn 07768 613894
Tarka Morris Men
Daemon Billing, daemon@billing.euro1net.com
Tinners Morris Men
Mike Palmer 01647 433464
Trigg Morris Men
Roger Hancock, 01208 73907
Uplyme Morris Men
Timothy Fox 01297 443072
Tudor Dance Group
Elizabeth Thurgood, Brookeld, Combe Water,
Cotleigh, Honiton, EX14 9SQ. 01404 831512
Wheal Soa NW Morris
Colin Baker 01404 841359
Winkleigh Morris
Angela Haines, Hollacote, Hollocombe,
Chulmleigh, EX18 7QE 01837 83219
Festivals
Bampton After The Fair
End of October. Clare Penney 01884 860023
Baring-Gould Festival
End of October. Wren 01837 53754 info@
wrenmusic.co.uk
Bideford Folk Festival
August Jerry Bix 01237 470792
Bude Folk Festival
May . Lucy Burrow 01288 341582
Burnham Folkfest
August. www.folkfest.co.uk
Crediton Folk Festival
April. creditonfolkfestival@yahoo.co.uk Pete
Lister 01363 775695
Dartmoor Folk Festival
Mrs J White, Sunnyhill, South Zeal, EX20 2JL.
01837 840102 www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk.
August
Exmoor Folk Festival
May. 01598 741279 g.linley@virgin.net
Intervarsity Folk Dance Festival
Richard Mason 01392 411434 27/2 - 1/3 2009
Malborough Music Festival
August. malborough.festival@ukonline.co.uk
31
Pennymoor Song & Ale
Early June. Clare Penney 01884 860023
Plymouth Folk Festival
Marilyn Goldsbrough 01752 564847
Sidmouth Folk Week
August www.sidmouthfolkweek.org.uk
Sourton Song Weekend
Fox & Hounds, May. Jon Heslop & Kathy Wallis
01579 363505 Kathy.wallis@nasuwt.net
Teignmouth Folk Festival
June. www.teignmouthfolk.co.uk Anne Gill,
01803 290427
Wadebridge
August Bank Holiday weekend. 01208 812230)
Westcountry Storytelling Festival
August, Aller Park, Dartington. 01803 863790
West Somerset Folk Festival
www.westsomersetfolkfestival.co.uk
National Organisations
English Folk Dance & Song Society
Cecil Sharp House, 2, Regents Park Road,
London, NW1 7AY. 020 7485 2206. info@efdss.
org www.efdss.org
The Morris Federation
Fee Lock,28, Fairstone Close, Hastings, Sussex.
01424 436052. www.morrisfed.org.uk
The Morris Ring
Charlie Corcoran, 70, Greengate Lane, Birstall,
Leicestershire, LE4 3DL. Tel/fax 0116 267 5654
www.themorrisring.org.
Open Morris
Tracey Good 01507 608364. secretaryoform@
aol.com
National Youth Folklore Troupe of
England*
Dave Leverton, Heathers, Stanton Wick, Pensford,
Bristol, BS39 4BZ. 01761 490236 daveleverton@
lycos.co.uk
Folk in the Attic
Old music manuscripts, song & dance books,
folk albums, musical instruments, etc. may be of
value - don’t throw them out without checking !

Totnes Folk Club
Dances at the Civic Hall, Totnes, 2008 - 2009
8.00 pm - 11.30 pm Refreshments available
December 6th Jane Thomas & The Pete Mac Band
January 3rd Nicole & Pete Mac
February 7th Jane Thomas & The Bridgwater Band
March 7th Sarah Bazeley & The Dartmoor Pixie Band
All warmly welcomed
Admission £4.00 Members £3.50
More information: June Prowse 01803 862435 Harry Lowe 01626 821045
Club Nights at the Methodist Church hall, Fore Street, Totnes, 8 pm to 10 pm. Admission £1
On the 3rd Thursday of the month, except June, July & August
32

Bands
Those in bold text have an advert elsewehere in
this magazine. * EFDSS afliated.
3dB Ceilidh Band 01803 862393
4 Feet First 07854 725399
4 Reel Drive 01363 877216
Amycrofters Band 01404 46451
Autumn Gold 01840 261708
Babelsh 01769 550408
Barn Owls 01822 832002
Barnstormers 01392 882036
Bloatertown Band 01237 476632
Bridgwater Band 01823 491662
Cavaliers 01822 832507
Choughed to Bits 01752 851990
Country Style 01803 813555
Dartmoor Pixie Band* 01837 840775
Devil’s Footsteps 01626 866257
Devonians 01752 221557
Eel Grinders 01647 440020
Fiery Clockface 01822 612281
Flash Company 01392 274135
Folk Two 01548 550004
Footloose 01647 433464
Fox Amongst The Chickens 01579 351201
Fresh Aire 01823 257488
Friendly Folk 01643 707294
Grumbling Old Men 01278 732202
Haymakers 01288 361625
Hips & Haws 01884 855638
Hobson’s Choice 01823 272537
Home Brew 01363 877216
Hot Punch 01271 373128
Housewive’s Choice 01363 774426
Ivor Hyde’s Band 01460 65159
Jigs For Gigs 01460 241326
Jiggerypipery 01647 433390
Jocosity 01752 350799
Long Odds & Short Straws 01460 61996
Lucy Lastic 01884 881385
Mac’s Maggot 01752 404821
Meltdown 01278 732202
Mooncoin Ceilidh Band* 01803 290427
More The Merrier 01884 820438
Mrs Crotty’s Ceilidh Band 01803 762645
Mullachabu 01626 871260
Newlyn Reelers 01736 366284
Occasion Ceilidh Band 01752 337501
33
Oggle Band 01271 865030
Old Boys 01726 837432
Other Band 01326 563564
Park Bench Aristocrats 01548 810038
Perfect Cure 01823 432642
Pete Mac Band 01395 266553
Petronella 01626 854141
Pieces of Eight 01395 513877
Pigs Might Fly 01392 411434
Pig’s Whisper 01392 250355
Phoenix 01392 833088
Quantock Quarenders 01984 656459
Red Shed 01363 774339
Redwing 01409 211492
Redwing Duo 01395 266553
Reel Thing 01460 240411
Rumpus 01548 531525
Rusty Buckets 01398 323494
Rusty Gulley 01803 290427
Shams Band 01548 842231
Sheer Hopody 01769 520595
Silver & Gold 01752 265869
Slack Ma Girdle 01823 680523
Slapjack 01823 601583
Smileyboots 01752 364596
Somersets 01749 812207
Spinach For Norman 01837 83347
Squeezum 01823 333567
Steve Gill & Andy Clarke 01803 290427
Stick The Fiddle 01884 243295
Sundowners 01647 440754
Tinners 01736 787951
Walter Shortage & Hosepipe Band 01837 52174
Weston Country Dance Band 01934 813326
Woodshed Band 01803 558929
Wunjo! Ceilidh Band 01364 644131
NEW CD
HOLIDAY FOLK WEEK
DANCE MUSIC VOL. 2
Aidan Broadbridge & Rod Stradling
leading the group of players in a selection of
tunes with a Christmas avour.
£10 (+ £1 p&p)
www.rodstradling.com
01543 257419

34

Callers
Note: some callers will work with different bands,
but others only with specic or single bands.
Likewise, some bands will only work with certain
callers. Check when you book !
Tom Addison 01392 420694
Colin Andrews 01363 877216
Graham Barrett 01823 461632
Sarah Bazeley 01837 840775
Robert Blackborow 01823 491662
John Blackburn 01237 476632
Peter Boskett 01392 468462
Adrian Brayley 07791 703009
Helen Brayley 01392 882036
Linda Breeze 01363 776184
Tom Brown 01271 882366
Les Burden 01840 261708
Dick Carlyon 01458 272933
Dennis Cook 01822 832002
Ted Farmer 01392 466326
Judy Forrow 01626 864042
Ray Goodswen 01278 424332
Sue Hamer-Moss 01805 601323
Susan Heard 01823 462936
Jan Hewett 01404 41182
Martin Hodge 01392 217827
Gil Jefferies 01752 844138
Chris Jewell 01237 475138
Beryl Jukes 01209 712357
Rosie Longhurst 01579 351201
Nicole Mac 01395 266553
Mary Marker 01626 854141
Richard Mason 01392 411434
Barry Moule 01288 361625
Peter Moxom 01392 873606
Eileen Nightingale 07811 367966
Frances Oates 01209 217918
Mike & Shelagh Palmer 01647 433464
Kate Powell 01626 866257
Tom Stevens 01872 240826
John Tarling 01297 34804
Jane Thomas 01884 855267
Garry Thompson 01271 865030
Les Thompson 01803 962393
Chris Thorne 01726 823275
Harry Turner 01823 664745
Seven Stars Folk &
Acoustic Music Club
Seven Stars Inn,
Kennford
Near Exeter (off A38)
Last Friday of the Month
8:00pm
All musicians welcome
FREE Admission
For more information
contact:
The Cornelius Family
(01392) 210983
CHRIS JEWELL
Caller & Musician
Also professional piano tuner
for North Devon
01237 475138
chrisjewell99@hotmail.co.uk
4 FEET FIRST
Energetic Ceilidh Band
Caller, ddle, accordion, guitar, percussion
Plymouth & area
Alison 01752 662002
Deni 07854 725399
35

Reviews
AS I WENT DOWN TO HORSHAM
Mabs & Gordon Hall VT115 CD
WILD WILD BERRY:
The songs of Ray Driscoll Artension CD
103
Receiving these two albums for review within a
short time period is particularly appropriate and
there is much value in considering them together.
Both reect the time before the folk song revival
of the mid twentieth century; both reect a time
before the prime concern was the audience, a
time when singing was relaxed, a way of life. The
singing is effortless: the listener is transported
into the company of the singers. The delight
of the singers in their songs is conveyed by the
easy style in which they sing. Ray Driscoll and
Gordon Hall carried a tradition that would have
excited Baring-Gould or Sharp into the 21st
century, while Mabs, Gordon’s mother, passed
away in 1992.
The material on both CDs comprises classic
ballads, folk songs, Victoriana and musical
hall songs plus a selection from the what some
might consider the periphery of the traditional
song genre such as football chants, fragments,
nonsense rhymes. It is probably true to say that
most of the population would be able to sing
something appropriate although whether they
would be willing to do so when faced with
a specic request is not so sure. It would be
rare, however, to nd anyone with the range of
material and even rarer to nd someone who
had learned them from other family members. If
asked to produce a recording, they would practice
to create a performance style.
Looking rst at As I Went Down to Horsham
Town, Mabs Hall was born in 1899 and had a hard
life. When these recordings were made she was
well into her 80s, a fact that shows in her voice,
which was likely to have been stronger when she
was in her prime. Mabs died in 1992. Gordon
(1932 – 2000), her son, worked at various selfemployed
and labouring jobs over the years and
had retired by the time the recordings were made.
He had become interested in the songs, was in
touch with the revival and is more conscious
36
Mullachabú
A lively traditional dance band
and caller for ceilidhs, barn
dances, weddings,
parties and fundraisers
01626 871 260
of the sense of history and uniqueness of their
family tradition. The songs came from the family
singing tradition at parties and celebrations.
There are some wonderful tracks, unknown to
the majority of people, for example The Royal
George about the sinking of the ship in 1782, The
Bitter Whaling Ground, and Banks of Inverness,
and two First War songs, Salonika and Blandford
in the Mud. Gordon also sings full versions of
The Outlandish Knight and The Horsham Ram,
elsewhere known as The Derby Ram. Songs
when Mabs and Gordon sing together, such as
Come Write Me Down, the close attachment that
they have to each other is tangible.
With the CD comes a 20 page booklet, giving
biographies, details of songs, pictures and all the
other stuff that Veteran does so well. The words
to the songs can be found at www.veteran.co.uk
Ray Driscoll was born in County Mayo in 1922,
the singer on Wild, Wild, Berry, moved to London
with his family, was evacuated to Shropshire,
served in the Royal Navy before returning to
London and then to Shropshire, where he died in
2005. He was aware of the songs importance and
the contemporary audience to which he warmed,
while still retaining the unforced performance.
Versions of Sir Patrick Spens, and The Death
of Queen Jane, and the very rare Oh Mariners
All are delightful. There are signs of the Irish
connection with Glen Swili and The Irish Soldier
Boy. Hopping Down in Kent is obviously from
London days, as is We are the Peckham Boys,
which was a widespread localised song while
the Shropshire Football Song and the Hanwood
Carols, come from his time in Shropshire.
More comprehensive sleeve notes would be
greatly appreciated, for Wild, Wild, Berry.

RUMPUS
Dance Band
Traditional music for folk
dance, ceilidh, barn dance
Weddings, functions, etc.
Fiddle, concertina, melodeon, guitar.
Contact Nigel or Sarah
01548 531525
Veteran, the label under which the recording As
I Went Down to Horsham Town is issued, excel
in this eld. Both CDs are excellent for their
content and effortless performance. If you enjoy
a simple style, good source material, and a sense
of timelessness, you will enjoy these albums.
Jacqueline Patten
COLOUR
Whapweasel www.whapweasel.com
If variety and diversity of genre is what you seek,
look no further than the new Whaps CD – Colour.
Building on the high energy ska-like tunes from
earlier albums, ‘Colour’ encapsulates the band’s
desire to broaden out into the concert scene, while
keeping to their roots as a dance band. Some of
you might have experienced their explosive set
opening this year’s Cropredy festival. If so, you
will love this album.
If you haven’t seen their concert set, you might
nd some of the arrangements a bit surprising at
rst – almost as if you were transported back to
the halcyon Radio 1 days with John Peel and Alan
37
Freeman (try listening to Bus and you will see
what I mean!). I found that the CD really grows
on you, as you discover more and more subtleties
and interesting sub-themes buried in each
(seemingly simple) tune. This is hardly surprising
as the band now includes some ‘slightly known’
newcomers on melodeon – Saul Rose (Waterson
Carthy/ Faustus/ numerous Morris dance teams
etc.) and Simon Care (Tickled Pink etc etc).
Some of my favourite tracks are Crisps which
has a rich, lively folky appeal, lots of sax and a
great contrasting ‘slows’ section in the middle.
I also liked Mayday, which is a haunting cittern
melody in contrast to the up tempo style of
other tracks. Moustache has some fantastically
intricate rhythms and arrangements – taking you
on a journey from a ceilidh dance style to 70’s
glam rock and back to ceilidh dance. There are
plenty of ‘traditional’ Whap tunes to enjoy – title
track Colour and Ticket’to name but two.
This is a CD of contrasts, surprises, superb
musicianship, lots of brass and sophisticated
arrangements with never a dull moment. It will
grow on you the more you listen to it.
Sue Hamer-Moss
SWEET NIGHTINGALE
Trio Threlfall (Jane & Amanda Threlfall with
Roger Edwards)
I should probably declare that I believe that the
Threlfalls’ ‘Gown Of Green’, was and is one of
the nest Folk CDs ever recorded. So it was with
interest that I listened to ‘Sweet Nightingale’ and
horror that I discovered that ‘Gown of Green’ has
been deleted.
Sweet Nightingale is another ne collection
of English traditional folk songs delivered by
Jane and Amanda, two of the nest singers of
English folk song. The CD opens with Yellow
Handkerchief, a nely paced rendition with a
lively accompaniment followed by No My Love
Not I, beautifully sung and simply arranged.
These two songs epitomise the whole CD, Jane
and Amanda manage to keep the integrity of the
song and the beauty of the melody, their harmonies
and vocal arrangements shine throughout.
Roger Edwards provides sympathetic

Meltdown
We play music to make you dance!
At Halsway Manor, Honiton & Willand & beyond
Halsway 22nd Dec Dinner/Dance Party 2008
Willand New Year’s Eve 31 Dec 2008
(Performed at Sidmouth 06 & 07; Chippenham 08 & Alcester Jul 08)
The band for your club dances, weddings, parties, festivals
or special celebrations. (Contras a speciality!)
Line up - fiddles, accordion & keyboard.
Contact Alan - 07790 863 309
arrangements and beautiful musicianship to the
songs aided and abetted by Jane and Amanda.
The two tracks of tunes played by the trio make a
pleasant interlude placed carefully in the running
order to heighten the enjoyment.
Ophelia’s Song is particularly interesting; from
Shakespeares play Hamlet. Brian Bedford who
recorded the CD has multi-tracked Jane and
Amanda into a beautiful choir – a very short
song but perfectly formed. Followed by The Bold
Grenadier – wonderful.
This CD will inspire folk club singers to add
many of these songs to their repertoire. Songs
of special note; Once I Courted a Damsel,
Rosemary Lane, Once I Had a True Love, Banks
of Sweet Primroses and of course the title track
Sweet Nightingale.
The CD cover has extensive notes to accompany
the songs for those who like to know where
and when songs were written, performed and
collected.
This is a collection of songs without which your
folk collection will not be complete.
Andy Knight
THE DAGGER AND THE DOVE
Nicola Clarke www.myspace.com/nicolasings
As a live performer, Nicola is a must to see. I have
seen her bring silence to a rowdy pub session
with her beautiful voice and later have everyone
in ts of laughter with a well-crafted, irreverent
song. I wondered whether the strength of her
performance would transfer to a recording.
I love this CD. All the tracks on The Dagger and
the Dove, were written by Nicola over a 17 year
period and are dedicated with a - ‘thank you to
those few men who have inspired these songs’.
I suppose you could say they are about seeking,
nding, falling and not falling in love with
tenderness, heartbreak, fun and humour.
Nicola’s clear, pure, voice rings out from the very
rst track, accompanied by her very accomplished,
guitar playing. Unlike many singer/songwriters
whose words and melodies are very similar,
these songs are very varied in pace and rhythm,
light and shade, and are perfectly suited to her
voice. They vary from the sensitively crafted,
I’m Falling for you, a song that was written to
be performed at a cancer charity event, to The
Unicorn, risqué, irreverent, and great fun.
38

Nicola has, for several years written for a revue
group, Kulture Brake and the tracks, Smart
Arse” Having a Laugh and The Unicorn have a
delightful touch of the Music Hall reminiscent of
some of the songs of Jake Thakeray.
Other tracks, like the slightly bluesy, Wind Will
Always Blow and, Always For You, accompanied
only by a drum, are thoughtfully and poetically
written.
Nicola is a poet, songwriter and performer and
the lovely, CD booklet artwork is also hers. Go
to her myspace site on the internet where you can
hear 4 tracks from this CD, nd out where she
is performing and read the following description
from west country songwriter, Mike O’Connor -
“...she occupies that area between Purcell, Edith
Piaf and Arthur Askey.”…. and then buy the CD
Accordions
South West
Bellever, Crosspark, Totnes, TQ9 5BQ
hire & sales:
top instruments, bottom prices
repairs & tuning:
transform your instrument
workshops & tuition
transform your playing!
www.squeezydoesit.com
01803 862393
39
Hilary Bix
THE WHIRLIGIG OF TIME
Steve Turner The Tradition Bearers
I suspect that the name Steve Turner is not one
greatly familiar to lovers of traditional British
music here in the South West. After an absence
of about eleven years, Steve heralds his welcome
return to the folk scene with an excellent CD.
In the accompanying notes we’re told that the
CD took three years to complete, and, looking at
the array of guest artists - Kevin Brown, Miranda
Sykes, Gill Redmond, Nancy Kerr, Oliver Knight,
Martin Carthy, James Fagan, Peter Flood and
Riki Gerardy - I well understand why.
There is no mention in the notes of the the type of
concertina which Steve plays. However, from the
picture and the range, I believe it to be an English
system 56-key tenor treble, which gives a clue to
the range of the singer’s voice and the versatility
of his musicianship.
The rst of the eleven tracks, The isle of St
Helena, has, for me, truly got that ‘wow’ factor.
It is without question the best interpretation
that I have ever heard of this wonderful
song. Throughout the CD, Steve’s concertina
accompaniment is technically amazing - and then
to combine it with a slide guitar, as in The Dry
Cardrona, is inspirational.

3 piece dance band
Accordion, Fiddle, Keyboard
PETRONELLA
For all occasions:
Barn Dances
Saturday Dances
Scottish, Playford,
Contra
Contact
Mary
01626 854141
I love the balancing of Bonnie George Campbell,
and also of The Rambling Beauty, and The
Glendy Burke. The latter are two relatively
sobering songs, a four and a half minute Scots
ballad, followed by a rollicking, bouncy Steven
Foster song. Brilliant !
On initial listening, I thought that some of the
tracks were over orchestrated, but after mulitple
playings, I now believe that all tracks are perfect
for listening. All, that is, except the nal track,
Where E’er You Walk, by Handel. Nah, good
attempt, Steve, but don’t go there !
Ken Hinchliffe
resort to studio gizmochology. The nal track
on this recording, Thomas Brassey, is one of
those rare exceptions. Here in the closing bars
of the song a contrapuntal effect/type duet, with
himself, is achieved by double-tracking. But in
any event, it’s not a mega addition, a mere twenty
ve nal seconds of the total track time of 4.44
minutes.
Of the fourteen tracks, ten of them are Mick
Ryan’s own compositions. Each and all of them
perfectly crafted, to the degree that it’s almost
possible to believe that he has intimate knowledge
of the subject matter, and Green Island, is a
perfect example of this.
Paul Downes musical contribution to this recording
is far greater than that of an accompanist. He is
a musician who believes in his own outstanding
ability and his input into this recording cannot be
overstated. He is, so to speak, the cherry on the
cake. Sorry about the analogy, Paul.
The CD opens with the title track, Grand
Conversation, and a beautiful obligato from Paul,
leading into a compulsive driving tempo, sets the
high standard for the rest of the recording. No
doubt, the reader of this review will have heard
some of the songs before. But in all instances,
they have been given a fresh interpretation. Not
least of all, by the input of Paul Downes, e.g. The
Bell Ringing, with Paul’s banjo accompaniment.
And it works perfectly.
This CD is Mick Ryan singing at his very best.
To hear Mick Ryan sing, his phrasing, his breath
control, his clarity of diction, it is a singing
lesson in itself. This CD is a fusion of two highly
talented artists.
Ken Hinchliffe.
GRAND CONVERSATION.
Mick Ryan & Paul Downes. WGS355CD
One of the principle aspects of Mick Ryan’s
recordings, which I greatly admire, is whatever
you hear on CD, is invariably replicated in a
live performance, perfectly. By that, I mean,
no recordings littered with guest singers and
musicians with this man. Rarely, rarely does he
40
UNDER NO ILLUSION
Folkus Pocus EFDSS CD16
I get the impression that many of the excellent
young folk musicians who play for dancing strive
perhaps a little too hard to create ‘interesting’ and
over-complicated arrangements. It comes as a
very pleasant and refreshing change therefore to
be introduced to the unfussy but melodic style of
Folkus Pocus.

Dan and Caroline Hollingshurst, who met while
studying music at Cardiff University, use violin,
ute or recorder and piano accompaniment to
play for folk dancers, The number of repeats and
playing time for each of the seventeen tracks
is clearly given, and the sleeve notes include
the notation for some previously unpublished
dances, including Hazel Moir’s White Wheat.
There’s plenty of variety to more than ll a dance
club evening, with reels and jigs for American
contras, Playford style dances include Parson’s
Farewell, Well Hall, Red House (the tune is a
minor version of Ty Coch Caerdydd), and Bouzer
Castle. The traditonal favourite, Morpeth Rant,,
with a second, less well-known version and John
Chapman’s ever popular Clopton Bridge, to the
tune of Swinging Safari (very effective, I might
add !) and a number of other modern composed
dances are also featured
While primarily intended for use for dancing, it’s
also enjoyable to listen to, though in this respect
Bouzer Castle, delightful tune as it us, tends
to pall by the 9th time through. (Interestingly,
Bouzer is believed to be the local pronunciation
of Bolsover, in Derbyshire). Instrumentally, I’m
particularly partial to the opening track, a set of
American reels, where the solid piano rhythm &
ddle melody is reminiscent of some of the best
of the New England bands.
If I were still using recorded music for calling, I’d
be very happy to have this CD in my collection.
But I’m not passing it on to another caller - it’s
good to play just by itself.
John Tarling
Colin Andrews
Calling
to recorded or live music
Beginners to experienced
Family dances a speciality
Up to one hour’s drive from Axminster
Tel. 01297 34804
‘Oggle
Band’
The Oggle Band’s concert repertoire
fuses traditional music with elements
of jazz, rock and world influences.
The five piece,
multi-instrumental line up
creates a rich and varied sound,
ranging from soft melodic numbers to
lively jigs, reels and other energetic
tunes and songs.
On the dance front, the band has
established a reputation as one of the
liveliest, most entertaining ceilidh
bands in the South West,
playing high energy music which
defies you to keep still!
The line up consists of:
Edward - guitar, whistle, saxophone
and clarinet
Garry - melodeon, percussion and
caller for the dancing
Rhys - melodeon, guitar
Keith - drums
Jo – fiddle
As well as playing regularly at
local venues, the band has performed
for ceilidhs and in concert
at various festivals
and for other events
beyond their North Devon home.
For bookings and further information
contact:
Garry Thompson 01271 865030
e-mail garry.thomp@btinternet.com
41

Reviews
ALL KINDS OF DISORDER
Nick Burbridge & Jon Sevink
For years the folk music scene has been witness to
a close relationship between folk song and poetry,
from the many recitals heard uttered by Ashley
Hutchings in the Albion Band’s Christmas shows,
to Johnny Coppin’s collaboration with poet,
Laurie Lee, to Roddy Woomble’s more recent
album, Ballads of the Book.
All Kinds of Disorder, an album featuring
Nick Burbridge (of McDermott’s 2hrs ) and
Jon Sevink (the ddler from The Levellers),
continues the trend of blending Poetry with
music, folk or otherwise, but it does take things
a step further, devoting almost its entire running
time to spoken word against a musical backdrop.
There is a distinct emphasis on the words and
the poetry, rather than the music, which serves
only as a background to the spoken word. The
music, therefore, is about ambience rather than
melody., and, like the album title suggests it is
rather disordered, which is both tting and rather
awkward at the same time.
People looking for a pure folk album of sorts are
going to be sorely disappointed and techno dance
rhythms of the album’s fourth track, Oi! are
going to provoke a few cringes amongst certain
listeners. In fact there is little on the album that
can be perceived as particularly folk-orientated.
Listeners are sure to be divided between those
who like the music but hate the poetry and vice
versa. I would concur that if you don’t like or
even appreciate poetry, you should really avoid
this album at all costs.
I will probably nnot be alone in nding this
album quite difcult to listen to, and it is one that
takes a long time to ease into the consciousness.
Despite, an appreciation of poetry, I tend to listen
to the music before the lyrics, and this album
challenged this. The music didn’t interest me
enough, unfortunately, and didn’t help me listen
to the poetry either. Avant-garde, jazz, dance and
folk provide much of the backing but sometimes
what is happening distracts from the speech..
The poetry, telling stories of life’s many
42
disorders, is by Nick Burbridge with additions
from Robert Kennedy. Undeniably well written
and thoughtful, it gives the album a loosely
conceptual stance. For those that like their poetry
to never be too clear as to their deeper meanings,
to allow for personal introspection, this will serve
you well. The spoken word is delivered well,
sometimes subtly, other times very aggressively.
It is rather dark material though, and the eerie
musical background keeps things uneasy.
Jon Sevink’s contribution is quite understated,
far from the frenetic ddling that has become his
trademark with Punk-Folkers, The Levellers. So
reserved is his playing at times that he’s sometimes
is not noticeable. The album does feature two
instrumental tracks, the opening Overture and
the middle track, Reprise, which is essentially a
reprise of the Overture. These are perhaps the two
most melodic tracks on the album and provide a
moment for Sevink to shine.For good and bad,
this was a very different album to listen to and
one that would fall into the “like it or loathe it”
category. If you’re prepared to listen with an open
mind and a real appreciation for poetry then this
album is for you. If, not, there is probably little
that could sustain your interest.
All that said, this album is a brave, if daring,
experiment and in its own unusual way works
very well, but at the expense of general audience
appeal.
Martyn Cornelius
Available from www.burbridgearts.com or from
The Leveller’s site, at www.levellers.com
THE PIGEON ON THE GATE
Melodeon Players from East Anglia
VTDC 11CD www.veteran.co.uk
Earlier this year the publication of a tune book
(When The Night Was Out) of traditional music
from East Anglia featured many of the musicians
who can be heard on this double CD collection.
It’s probably not something you’d want to put on
for casual background music, with background
noises off from pub recordings and several
snatches of popular melodies, like the title tune,
with slightly different versions. It is, however,
an absolute goldmine of information to dip into,

Come and join us .....
TAVISTOCK FOLK
DANCE CLUB
for an evening of folk dancing.
We meet on a Thursday evening at
ST PETERS SCHOOL Greenland Estate
8.00 pm - 10.00 pm (Not July & August)
Beginners welcome
Forthcoming events at Tavistock Town Hall
Saturday 21st March
Frances Oates, Silver & Gold
Saturday 22nd November Ted Farmer, Bridgwater Band
to hear the authentic grass roots East Anglian
style, and to appreciate the various nuances that
different players give to their instrument and to
the tunes. Of the featured musicians, Oscar Woods
and Percy Brown are rightfully given a generous
chunk of disc space, and, apart from Harry
Cox, are the only ones whose names would be
generally familiar outside East Anglia. Harry De
Caux is the one box player I actually have heard
live, in Norfolk in the 70’s and as a musician with
Isca Morris in the 90’s.
With over 100 tracks, and 28 musicians it is
certainly excellent value - though you might have
to be patient to locate a particular item ! Highly
recommended for all you squeezers !
Colin Andrews
BEYOND THE QUAY
Tom & Barbara Brown WGS358CD
Although they live just up the road at Combe
Martin, it’s quite rarely that I hear Tom & Barbara
sing, and it often takes a CD such as this to remind
me what accomplished performers they are.
This album is, I think, their best yet, with the
nautical theme offering a splendid variety of
largely less well known traditional songs, of
which I especially enjoyed Little Fishes and The
Spirits of George’s Bank. Even The Blackbird
was a poignant minor-key variation on the almost
music hall sounding familiar version. The Bonny
Sailor Laddie is another song where a real gem
of a tune hides behind an unremarkable title.
There’s ample light relief from the perils of the
deep, transportation and unrequited love in The
Herring’s Head, and the medley of short songs.
Tom’s own compositions, Padstow Bar to Lundy
Light & Wreck of the Montagu are also particularly
pleasing, with strong local connections.
With unaccompanied pieces, two-part harmony,
Tom’s own accomplished guitar, melodeon and
concertina accompaniment (also the harpelek
whatever that may be !), and support from Keith
Kendrick, the Askew sisters, etc. on various
instruments, this is a very well balanced album
that further enhances Tom & Barbara’s already
strong reputation as ne singers of great songs.
Colin Andrews
43

The
Mooncoin
Ceilidh
Band
South Devon based band playing
lively dance music with a
strong Irish flavour - Own Caller
Available for Weddings,
Barn Dances Anniversaries, Conferences
etc.
Demo CD available
To book the band please contact
Anne & Steve Gill 01803 290427
annemgill@tiscali.co.uk
Totnes
Folk Song Club
2nd Thursday of the Month – 8.00pm
The Dartmouth Inn
The Plains, Totnes
11 th Dec - Guest Night
“Dalla”
8 th Jan – Singers Night
12 th Feb – Guest Night
“Jim Moray”
12 th March – Singers Night
For more information phone
Anne & Steve Gill 01803 290427
Andy Clarke 01803 732312
Reviews
BEFORE THE RUIN
Drever, McCusker & Woomble
Those reading this review will probably be
familiar with the names of Kris Drever and
John McCusker, two of the members of this new
Scottish folk trio, but maybe less so with Roddy
Woomble, so here is a brief history lesson.
Roddy Woomble is currently living two lives.
In one he is the front man for Scottish rockers,
Idlewild, who have made 5 albums in their rst
10 years. In the other he is an equally assured
singer/songwriter in the folk genre, whose debut
album, My Secret is my Silence, released in 2006,
was heralded with lauded praise from both music
consumers and critics alike. Featuring help from
such artistes as Kate Rusby, Karine Polwart, John
McCusker, Andy Cutting, Ian Carr, Dave Burland
and Michael McGoldrick, the album was a huge
success, rising to the top of the UK folk charts.
Roddy has also collaborated with Kate Rusby on
some of her songs, including No Names, and has
appeared on her album, The Girl Who Couldn’t
Fly, as well as being the instigator behind the
acclaimed album, Ballads of the Book, that
blended music of all kinds with poetry.
Before the Ruin is less a Roddy Woomble album,
however, than the debut album of Roddy’s new
folk group, which sees him teamed up with John
McCusker and Kris Drever. The collaboration
works very well, each of them contributing to the
songs on the album with inuences that are clear
for all to hear.
Much of Roddy’s rst album sounded not
unlike one from Idlewild save for the folk
instrumentation and a little inuence from
Karine Polwart and John McCusker. This one
sounds quite different , which is good,, proving
that Woomble’s songwriting hasn’t become stuck
in a rut. The music uses Roddy’s lyrics in a way
that is refreshing, mixing folk with some other
musical inuences, which include a little jazz,
thrown in for goods measure, along with leanings
toward a more traditional folk approach. The
Drever vocal-led The Poorest Company, one of
the album’s highlights, might have been dug up
from the disused repertoire of Dick Gaughan.
44

Before the Ruin is a little more stripped down than
My Secret is my Silence, though is not in any way
under-produced. Many of the songs are led by
the sound of Drever’s acoustic guitar, and much
of the album is quite gentle, the kind of music
that you could curl up to. Largely missing, save
for the title track, is the electric guitar, That, in
itself, creates for a slightly more pure folk record,
if such a thing exists. The stripped down sound
allows for Woomble’s lyrics to penetrate and
become a prime focus. The blending of Woomble
and Drever’s earthly rich vocals are a joy to hear
and the harmonies are simple, but pitch-perfect.
Though the focus of the album is on the new
trio, it does feature help from an unusual band
of collaborators ranging from Cappercaillie
keyboardist, Donald Shaw, Heidi Talbot (vocals),
Teenage Fanclub members, Norman Blake
(vocals) and Francis MacDonald (drums / vocals)
and Radiohead’s drummer, Phil Selway, and
also Andy Cutting and Michael McGoldrick on
accordion and utes/whistles. This makes the
album sound more like the work of a group, rather
than a trio, and this helps to create a wonderfully
rich sound,that otherwise would have been lost.
3 years ago it would seem that some would
have found the rock star in Roddy to be an
unwelcome intrusion in the folk world but all that
is now forgotten. Roddy has effortlessly made the
transformation and not many artistes can claim
to achieve equal fortune in two distinctively
different musical genres, as he has done. Also
impressive is how the Idlewild rock fan base [and
that is huge!] have embraced Roddy’s solo career
wholeheartedly, newly seduced by the sounds
of folk music, a genre that many of them may
have previously assumed to be quite alienating
to them.
As for the future, it seems another folk supertrio
may have been born and, this collaboration
hopefully will not merely be a ash in the pan.
Certainly, with a tour already in progress, and
another scheduled for early next year, it would
seem that they mean business.
Martyn Cornelius
For more information see their website
www.drevermccuskerwoomble.com
FOOTLOOSE
BARN DANCE BAND
FOUR PIECE BAND
OWN CALLER
Mike & Shelagh 01647 433464
Trevor 01769 520595
SAILORS, DAUGHTERS , LADS AND
LOVERS
PAL CD003
Michelle Holding & J.P. Slidewell
Although I don’t think JP Slidewell has appeared
at any of the Devon folk clubs or festivals, I’ve
given a favourable review to a previous solo
album in What’s Afoot. This new CD offers a
promising new dimension, however, with a duo
whose talents complement each other very well,
and who deserve recognition in the South-West
far from their native Lancashire.
The album’s title is taken from four of the songs.
Opening with Dark Eyed Sailor, JP provides an
attractive guitar accompaiment to Michelle’s
measured, unaffected singing of this traditional
song. Annan Water, The Female Drummer, and
her own composition, Song for James, also
demonstrate the clear quality of her voice. JP
has a powerful delivery well suited to ballads like
the Reed Cutter’s Daughter and Little Musgrave,
though a gentler side can be seen in Ewan
McCall’s Trafford Road Ballad. Their publicity
yer mentions sweet harmonies, and though
there are some examples of the duo singing in
harmony, the emphasis on this album is on solo
voice, occasionally unaccompanied but usually
with well thought out guitar backing.
If the performance on the CD is anything to go
by, I’d look forward to seeing them in a live
performance. Certainly a duo to look out for.
Colin Andrews
Further details : holdingslidewell@hotmail.com
phone 07984 743294, or Palatine Music 01617
935441
45

Reviews
DOWN ‘PON OLE DARTYMOOR
Bill Murray & Friends Wren CD013
I admit that I was a little worried when asked to
review this CD since I thought it would be almost
impossible to re-create the unique character of
Bill’s live performance. Wren, however, have
achieved the miracle with this double album of a
concert recorded live at the Church House, South
Tawton in January 2008.
Though not a native of Dartmoor, Bill has
spent most of his life absorbing the songs and
traditions of the area. As one might expect, there
are familiar favourites such as Tavvystock Goozie
Vair, Widecombe Fair, and Buttercup Joe, Bob
Cann’s Craftsmen of the Moor, and a couple of
Jan Stewer (A.J. Coles) compositions. Bill’s other
songs, complete with his trade-mark idiosyncratic
introductions, are gleaned from a wide range
of sources and also include some of his own
material (The Farmer’s Alphabet, for example)
and adaptations (e.g. The Bondleigh Canal). The
sleeve notes, too, are very interesting.
Of the 35 tracks, about one-third feature Bill’s
friends - a song from Jim Causley, instrumentals
from the Dartmoor Pixie Band, Mike Bond, Rob
Murch, Matt Norman, bones from Dave Alford,
and from blacksmith Dave Denford, singing
in rich Devon accent, The Mortal Unlucky Old
Chap and Seven Nights Drunk. As with any live
recording, there are a few ‘noises off’, the odd
false start or uffed words - and even a chaotic
scene in Grandfather’s Clock from a dropped
microphone - but it all goes to create a fantastic
atmosphere. It’s almost like having the best of
Bill Murray’s evenings at the Devonshire Inn,
Sticklepath in one’s own front room. As one
often nds at the ‘Devvy’, Bill, Jason Rice and
Matt Norman demonstrate some Dartmoor Step
Dancing, accompanied by Mark Bazeley. My
only regret is that the album is sound only rather
than a DVD to capture all visual entertainment !
An absolute ‘must-buy’ for Devon folkies - and it
ought to go down well with the grockles too!
Colin Andrews
Fiery Clockface
Fiddle & Melodeon etc.
Irish, English & more
Pubs, Concerts, Parties, etc.
First Class Support Band
Demo CD available
Phone 01822 612281
DUSTY DIAMONDS
Martin & Shan Graebe WGS 359CD
When I reviewed Martin & Shan’s rst album,
‘Parallel Strands’, I didn’t think it could be
bettered. It hasn’t, but ‘Dusty Diamonds’ is in
every way its equal !
Martin is widely acclaimed as a ne songwriter
and as an authority on the Baring-Gould
collection, and it is from the latter that most of
the songs on this CD are sourced. With crystal
clear voices, beautifully blending harmonies,
Martin & Shan are a delight to listen to, and
appropriate instrumental & vocal support from
Keith Kendrick, Nick Wyke, Becki Driscoll and
Sylvia Needham give added interest on many
tracks.
With such a high standard overall, it’s almost
unfair to single out particular tracks, but Adam
the Poacher, with its haunting tune, the lovely
Setting of the Sun ( a version of Polly Vaughan),
and, despite its morbid title, perhaps the best of
all, My Cofn Shall Be Black, The album title is
taken from Down In The Coal Mine, a cheerful
song collected by Sharp in Somerset - where the
last pit closed as late as 1973.
Two of Martin’s own songs are featured, one
about the Shropshire Union canal, and the other,
with a rollicking good chorus, The Great Galleon
of Plymouth, a song with a fantasy theme similar
to The Derby Ram or Martin Said To His Man.
Once again the Graebes, together with WildGoose
have come up with a gem from dusty archives!
Colin Andrews
47

Reviews
LANDING PARTY
Babelsh
This CD from the North Devon Band, Babelsh
(or Marisco in another incarnation) was rst
released a couple of years ago, but, with their
presence at both Sidmouth and Bideford festivals
this year, they are becoming more widely
known.
Babelsh are a lively ceilidh band with some
punchy original tunes from Lisa Sture on ddle,
solid rhythm guitar from Chris Millington, and
imaginative work from John Hextall on sax,
clarinet & English bagpipes.
Babelsh are also an accomplished concert act,
with powerfully delivered self-composed songs
from Chris, as well as traditional and contemporay
songs & tunes in which they use quite a range of
other instruments between them.
I really enjoyed their concert spot in the Anchor
Gardens at Sidmouth, and their ceilidh music.
However, while their CD certainly reects their
range of material and style in live performance
somehow it doesn’t seem do them justice. Perhaps
because they offer such a wide range of material,
it’s difcult to pigeon-hole or to recognise a clear
genre in the album overall. Generally, I preferred
the instrumental tracks, and in particular the
French Reel & Gaspee Reel, in which the
bagpipes are very effective.
Colin Andrews
PRIDE OF THE SEASON
Jack Crawford
WGS 357CD
For traditional songs simply and sympathetically
delivered in a rich, clear, unaffected voice, one
would have to rate Jack Crawford as one of
the best, judging from his peformance on this
CD. Normally he sings unaccompanied but he
is joined on some tracks by his friends Mary
Humphreys and Anahata, who provide vocal &
instrumental backing with melodeon, concertina,
cello, and banjo.
Don’t expect anything in the way of bawdy, jolly
chorus songs, for Jack clearly has a preference
48
Teignmouth
Folk Club
Last Thursday of every month
at
The Devon Arms Hotel
Northumberland Place
Teighmouth
8.00 pm
For further details contact:
Martyn Hillstead
01626 778071
martyngh@aol.com
for slower paced ballads and songs. Each one
is a joy to listen to, but it does give the CD a
rather low-key feel overall, with little contrast.
This should not be regarded as a criticism, but
rather a caution to anyone who likes their folk
song with attitude.
It’s quite appropriate that Mary Humphreys has
worked with Jack on this album for they both
come over as singers who genuinely have a feel
for their material and enjoyment in singing.
When Fishes Fly , for example, features in both
their repertoires. Since Nic Jones made Annan
Water popular years ago, many singers have
been attracted to it, and Jack treats it respectfully.
The Slave’s Lament (words attributed to Roberts
Burns) stands out, with haunting words & tune.
Jack hails from Derbyshire, where he is a resident
at a folk club in Long Eaton. After many years of
Morris, as a fool & musician, he has refocussed
on his rst interest as a singer and researcher.
He is a member of the National Executive of
EFDSS.
Colin Andrews

Reviews
NINE WITCH KNOTS
Rubus
WildGoose
This CD Consists of a collection of songs, mostly
traditional ballads, sung by Emily Portman, along
with musical accompaniment skilfully played.
This compilation represents her own interpretation
of songs, many of which she collected from a
variety of people, including Chris Coe, George
Withers and a host of traditional singers. She has
also gone to a considerable amount of trouble to
check out source material wherever possible.
It is most encouraging and pleasing to hear such
a young singer present this kind of material so
well, when it is notoriously difcult to perform,
requiring a very special kind of maturity in
approach.
These songs are performed with feeling and
sensitivity, and Emily’s voice has a simple clarity,
and an almost ethereal resonance, which brings
them to life without a word being lost. The
accompaniment, played with skill and sensitivity
by David Newey on guitar, Christi Andropulous
on ddle and viola and Will Scrimshaw on drums,
adds considerably to the appeal of these songs.
I particularly like her rendition of Golden Ball”,
a variation of Prickle Eye Bush, in which the
aforementioned bush is replaced by a Linden Tree
and the heroine’s saviour is her grandmother!
In addition to the ballads, there are other old
favourites, such as The Watchet Sailor and She’s
Like a Swallow.
For my own part, I would encourage the listener
to enjoy the CD in small doses rather than all in
one go, as many of the songs are very similar in
style. Perhaps a little more variety in the type of
song may have enhanced the overall appeal.
That said, the CD is an excellent collection of
traditional material, beautifully sung and ably
assisted by ne accompaniment.
John Blackburn.
49
FOR SALE
Amplication Equipment
& Accordions
P.A. Systems for Hire
ideal for folkies
Portable Appliance Testing
Make sure your kit is safe
Have your kit accepted at any venue
Be sure your insurance is valid
Use free EFDSS insurance
Contact Andrew at
SOUNDS DIRECT
4, Sycamore Close, Honiton,
Devon, EX14 2XP
Tel. 01404 46451
andrew.mycroft@btinternet.com
LAUNCESTON
FOLK DANCE CLUB
Tuesday Club Nights
(not July & August)
8.00 - 10.00 pm
St Johns Ambulance Hall
Launceston Town Hall
Dances
8.00 - 11.30 pm
25th Apr. Sarah Bazeley & The Pixie Band
14th Nov. Ivan Aitken, Silver & Gold
Caller’s Swap
Saturday 28th February
Eagle House Hotel
10.30 am - 1.00 pm & 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm
For further information ring
Mr. Ron Bright, Hon. Secretary
01579 362423

Morris Matters
BORDERLINE MORRIS REPORTS ...
We have completed our rst dance season and
have been received well by all and the rst AGM
was completed with no major changes. Our kit
using the Devon colours has proved distinctive
and aroused interest at festivals and when
dancing out. We have made contact with other
sides, most notably the ‘other’ Borderline based
in Oxfordshire. We are now practising hard to
develop new dances for next season and making
changes to the existing repertoire. As always we
are looking for new members to dance and play.
RING MEETINGS IN DEVON
The meeting organised by the Dartington Morris
Men at Totnes at the beginning of September was
widely acclaimed to have been one of the best
ever. Despite torrential rain elsewhere, the sun
shone on the Morrismen ! Exeter Morris Men
will be hosting a Ring Meeting at Topsham from
24th - 26th July 2009.
UPDATES
If your club has changed bagman or contact
Caption competition - entries to Editor by next
copy date. Prize: one year What’s Afoot free !
(Large copy of photo can be emailed on request)
details please let What’s Afoot Editor know !
CHALLENGE
Many years ago Exeter Morris Men set a record by
dancing at 90 pubs in one evening to raise money
for Children in Need. It’s not been challenged,
yet. Or what about a combined effort to dance at
as many pubs in the County as possible during a
12 hour period
December 11th Aileen Wills, Pete Mac Band (b&s supper)
January 8th Jane Thomas, Stick The Fiddle (
January 22nd Roger Quartly, Petronella (Scottish evening)
February 12th Ted Farmer, Andrew & June Mycroft
February 26th Jane Thomas, Friendly Folk
March 12th Ryan Roberts, Squeezum
March 26th Ted Farmer, Jigs for Gigs
Members £2.00, Non-members £2.50
Contact Mary Marker 01626 854141
50

EVENTS 2008
1st – 5th - December -
December Dancing Week
30 th November – 5 th December - Violin Bow Making Course
7 th DECEMBER
Christmas Craft Fayre
14 th DECEMBER
Carvery - Harp Concert - Carol Concert
23 rd – 27 th December Christmas at Halsway
29 th Dec- 2 nd January New Year House Party
EVENTS 2009
2 nd -4 th January Wassail House Party
5 th – 9 th January Mid Winter Traditions
16 th -19 th January Scottish Weekend
6 th – 8 th February Historic Dance Taster
20 th – 22 nd February Yetties Weekend
6 th – 9 th March Northumbrian Pipers
27 th – 29 th March Halsway Playford Style
Weekend
For more information or to request a brochure:
Tel 01984 618274
E-mail office@halswaymanor.org.uk www.halswaymanor.org.uk
Halsway Manor Society Ltd
Halsway Manor, Crowcombe, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4BD
Company Registered No: 849615 – Charity No: 247230