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

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.
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