Unicorn Magazine Issue 131

Wow, another three months has rushed past since Issue 130 (and what a behemoth of an issue that was..!).

Summer is nearly here, things are growing on the allotment, and the world of the folk arts continues to both revolve and evolve in all its glory.

Summer always means that the ‘revolving’ Festival Season is nearly upon us again – we are looking forward to seeing what transpires at the several ‘full on’ and ‘day only’ events that are occurring in the Unicorn area in the coming months. Here are a few tasters...

The St Albans Folk Festival, June 27th / 28th, in addition to the normal participation of local musicians and dance groups, will feature on the Saturday one of the (sadly) last few gigs of Brass Monkey. Not to be missed!

The Towersey Festival (see ad page 7), after some 50 years in the same location, this year moves to a new home – will the change alter the mood and atmosphere of this wonderful event or take it to new heights? We’ll run a rundown of this in the next issue.

(Clive’s running a few guitar workshops again this year so be sure to go say ‘Hi’ if you’re there).

Folk by The Oak on 19th July has yet another stellar line up and as ever we will be there to review the goings on.

Tenterden Folk Festival is on again with a packed programme of events (see their ad on page 18).

...not to mention the numerous folk cubs, concerts, dance events and general folk-ishness that occur every day in our wonderfully talented Unicorn area, naturally...

As to ‘evolution’, this issue is bursting to the seams with yet more exciting innovations – check out Chatterbox on page 5 for a full run down. As ever, do send us your thoughts and comments about what we can do to make your Unicorn the magazine you want to read...

See you round the clubs!

Simon & Clive

Editorial 1

Contents 1

Chatterbox 5

Round the Clubs 5

Sessions 8

Folk Bloke 11

Shall We Dance? 16

Review: New Roots 2015 17

Club Profile: Redbourn Folk Club 19

Unicorn Diary 21 – 23

Club Index 24

The Morris Page 26

Editorial Staff:

Simon Bailes07807 535110unicornmagazine @hotmail.co.uk

Clive Batkin07771 [email protected]

Contact address:

10 Chapel Street, Dunton, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8RW

Printed by KJB UK Ltd

Song: The Sinking of the Northfleet 28

Advertiser Information 29

Feature: Sessions... Where the Folk 30 Music Thrives & Grows | Part I

CD Review: The Foxglove Trio / na-mara 31

Interview: The Swanvesta Social Club 33

Morris Diary 34 – 36

Book Review: My Shed and How It 36 Was Built

Feature: Martyn Wyndham-Read 37 Comes to St Albans

Feature: Home or Away? 38

Broadside by Long Lankin 44

UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131

ViSit oUr wEbSitE at www.UniCornMagazinE.org

1

© Unicorn Magazine 2015CB1222 • July 2015

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

Instrument In Peril #4: “Who Did The Washing Up!?”

Doors open 7.30pmTickets available fromSimon 01767 310 424

follow us on twitterwww.duntonfolk.co.uk

St Mary Magdalene Church, Dunton, Biggleswade, SG18 8RR.

5th DecemberLucy Ward

Support - Rita Payne

14th NovemberSaid The Maiden

and Floyd Hartwell HinesSupport - Helen Sanderson White

17th OctoberLuke Jackson

Support - David Youngs

Support - Tom and Jessica

19th SeptemberMegson

18th JulyWhere’s Spot Band

Support - Claude Bourbon

Dunton Folk 2015Fantastic Venue - Real Ale and Cider - Superb Music

Redbornstoke MorrisAre looking for new recruits

No experience necessary

Friendly tuition given

Come and see us in action over the summer on ourregular pub nights - see website for details - including the famous 5 stop Toddington pub tour onThurs 23rd July.

We practise on Monday nights during winter months at Redborne Upper School,North Site, Ampthill, MK45 2NU from 8.15pm, starting with “Give it a try” open

night on 14th Sept - so come and have a go with no obligation!

For further details contact Charlie: t: 01234 750829, e: [email protected] See www.redbornstoke.com for programme and further details or follow us on Facebook

UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131 UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131PLEASE MENTIoN UNICoRN MAGAzINE WHEN REPLyING To ADS WWW.UNICoRNMAGAzINE.oRG2 3

Unicorn news: We are glad to say that our run of new inclusions and features continues unabated in this issue:

• This issue sees a new regular column, The Morris Page, (see page 26) conceived and written by Chas Leslie which we will hope will interest and delight the dancers amongst the readership, Chas has several ideas for the future so we look forward to seeing how his column develops in issues to come – welcome on board, Chas!

• We also have ‘Folk Bloke’, a cartoon from our genius cover photographer Al Rogers (look him up – he’s dead famous) featuring the whimsical (and we hope good natured) antics of an ‘average’ folk family... Remind you of anyone?!

• In the next issue we hope to have another regular columnist join us (Doug Jenner of Kimpton Session fame – check out his Featurette on page 30), as well as lots of other contributors, both old and new, popping up here and there.

• our dedicated YouTube channel is now up and running, with several artists supplying us with links to their videos. Do keep sending these in and help us grow this exciting new feature.

Uncle Bob Scruton: We were very sorry to hear of the recent death of ‘Uncle’ Bob, a truly unique and well-loved stalwart of the folk and blues scene in the Unicorn area. A memorial concert for Bob took place on the 14th June in St Albans – we will publish a review of this plus some more details of Bob’s life and contribution to music in the next issue. He will be sadly missed...

Aylesbury Folk Club: As of September, Queens Park Arts Centre will become the home of Aylesbury Folk Club, with a new weekly club starting on Friday evenings, hosted by the Centre’s resident singer Amanda Diamond. The new club will encompass plenty of activities with three main strands:

Folk in the Annex (1st and 3rd Friday of the month) will offer folk fans the chance to meet, chat, have a drink, enjoy some great music and even get up and perform themselves.

The 2nd Friday of the month sees Aylesbury Folk Club take over the Queens Park open Mic Nights,

an opportunity for singers, dancers, comedians, musicians, jugglers, poets and entertainers of all kinds to take to the Limelight Theatre stage.

The 4th Friday will also take place in the Limelight Theatre, and will be a chance to catch some of the best folk acts in the UK in action. The Autumn season will see Gilmore & Roberts and Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer perform, as well as one more act to be confirmed in due course.

The Annex and open Mic sessions cost just £2.50 for performers and £4.50 for spectators (U16s £3.50). Tickets to the theatre shows are £12.50 / £10.50 concessions.

Watford Folk Club: Windborne from the USA are appearing at Watford Folk Club on July 24th. Specialising in close harmony singing, the quartet has a vibrant energy and a strong connection, which is evident in their engaging performance. Their repertoire includes music from the Republic of Georgia, Corsica, Bulgaria, the Basque region, and Quebec, but they remain deeply rooted in American folk singing traditions as well. This is a rare opportunity to see this outstanding band during their brief UK tour.

www.clivebatkindesign.com

Design & Creative Services (musicians a speciality)

• design • logos • posters • • business cards • flyers • • adverts • websites • • print & photography •

UM CB ad.indd 1 7/5/13 14:34:10WWW.UNICoRNMAGAzINE.oRGUniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131PLEASE MENTIoN UNICoRN MAGAzINE WHEN REPLyING To ADS 54

Wednesday 15th JulyKirsty Bromley Trio

£10 (£9 advance)

Wednesday 16th SeptemberVicki Swann &

Jonny Dyer£10 (£9 advance)

Wednesday 14th OctoberGren Bartley Trio

£10 (£19 advance)

Old Dispensary, 13 St Mary’s St., ElyCB7 4ER

01353 740999/664706www.elyfolkclub.co.uk

Ely Folk Clubpresents

Cambridge-basedfolk / blues band seek:

PERCUSSIONIST

ACCORDION / MELODEON PLAYER...to take their music in a more bluesy / jazzy direction.

The band plays a mixture of own materialand select covers

Mostly paid gigs in Cambs, Herts and beyond...

PLEASE MENTIoN UNICoRN MAGAzINE WHEN REPLyING To ADS WWW.UNICoRNMAGAzINE.oRGUniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131 UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 1316 7

SUnday LUnChtiMES STONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar (Weekly): Jane Armour, 01908 566407

SUnday EVEningS ASTON CLINTON • oak PH (8pm, 3rd): Roger Dorman, 01296 613742

MILTON KEYNES • see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly)

MILTON KEYNES • New Inn, New Bradwell (1st): Patsy, 07932 157610

OLD STRATFORD • The Swan (3rd): Cliff Burt, 01908 564392

ST ALBANS • Farmers Boy, London Rd (1st): Nick, 020 8953 5231

Monday EVEningS ASHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): Ian Chandler, 01462 743091

CHATTERIS • Chatteris Folk Club, Honest John, 24a South Park St, PE16 6AR (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 01354 652868

SOHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): Claire White, 01353 720550

TOTTERNHOE • old Farm Inn (8.30pm, weekly): 01582 661294 (pub)

tUESday EVEningS ABINGTON PIGOTTS • Village Hall, SG8 0SH (8.00–10.30pm, 3rd, admission £2 per person): George Norris, 01763 853062

DUNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): Maureen, 01582 512300

DUNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub)

GT WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): Dave, 01440 783280

HISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Dave Benford, 01223 880553

MARCH • Georges Folk Club, 61 High Street, PE15 9JJ (1st), Acoustic music and song: Mark Gibson, 01354 652868

RICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane (3rd): Michael, 01923 770425

ST ALBANS • King Harry, King Harry Lane (1st, songs & tunes): Jenny, 01582 793164, Alison, 01727 852111

TRING • Kings Arms, (8.30pm, 1st, trad Irish songs & tunes Led by Chan Reid / fiddle, John Devine / pipes, Neil Stanton / guitar), Rob Muirhead (landlord), 01442 823318

WOOTTON (Beds) • The Cock, MK43 9JT (8.00pm, broad acoustic & folk): Mike Carter Jones, 01234 768555, Pub (Karen), 01234 930034

wEdnESday EVEningS BARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses (8.30pm, fortnightly): Ann, 01582 560815

BENNINGTON (Stevenage) • The Bell (1st): Kit Burgess, 01438 869435

CAMBRIDGE • Six Bells, Covent Garden (8.30pm, 2nd, Bluegrass & old Time): Jim, 07803 158084

ELY • Kings Arms , St Marys St (last): Liam, [email protected], 07905 044932

MARCH • March Folk Club, Royal British Legion Club, Rookswood, 27 West End, PE15 8DP (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 01354 652868

RADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Cobden Hill, WD7 7JR (8pm, 2nd): Nick, 020 8207 3057

ST ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall St (8.30pm, weekly, mainly music): Rick Payman, 01727 852976

TOWERSEY • Village Hall (7.30 for 8pm, 3rd): Andrew Leleux, 01296 615160

WELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758

thUrSday EVEningS CROXLEY GREEN • The Shed, rear of Sportsman PH (8.15 – 11.00, 1st, song & acoustic music): Paul K, 07970 188026

HERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): Keith Acheson, 07979 841079

HUNTON BRIDGE • King’s Head (4th): Tim, 01923 264536

KIMPTON • The Boot (2nd & 4th): Doug, 07973 751039

LUTON • Castle PH, LU1 3AA (weekly): Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470

TOWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): Grant, 01844 212322

WOBURN SANDS • Royal oak (2nd & 4th): Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660

Friday EVEningS ROYSTON • old Bull Inn SG8 9AW (2nd): Michael Farrow, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org

ST NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA (2nd, 8.30pm, tunes): Sarah, 07857 311834, [email protected]

STEEPLE CLAYDON • Prince of Wales, MK18 2NP (2nd – open Mic): Charlie, 07925 145062

Wed 29 July

Fiver unplugged: Cambridge folk festival warm up show

Thu 24 sepMartin simpson, andy cutting & nancy kerr

Wed 30 Sep The furrow collective

Thu 01 oct Blue rose code

Sat 10 oct Martin carthy & dave swarbrick

Mon 02 nov Moulettes & nizlopi

Sun 08 nov Andy mckee

Mon 09 nov Jamie smith’s mabon

Tue 10 nov Lau

Sun 15 nov Carthy, oates, Farrell & young

Mon 16 nov Katzenjammer

Mon 23 NovJim boyes with Belinda o’hooley: sensations of a wound

Tue 24 nov Sweet liberties

Tue 24 nov Martin Harley

Sat 12 dec ezio

Cambridge junction, clifton way, Cambridge cb1 7gxJunction.co.uk | 01223 511 511

Cambridge Junction


From the Unicorn teamWe are only getting half a dozen or so updates for the Session listings each issue, so some of the shown information could be out of date. We hope to fully re-vamp the listing before Issue 132 – please let us know if you spot anything that is incorrect?

NEW MEN AND WOMEN, DANCERS OR MUSICIANS,ALWAYS WELCOMEWe practise Monday evenings in St Albans.Taster Session: Monday 28 September 8.00pm.

CONTACT: Andrew Torrington 01727 833028WEBSITE: www.stalbansmorrismen.org.uk

UM131 UM3 St Albans Morris Ad 1.indd 1 14/5/15 10:20:41

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Museum of East Anglian Life Stowmarket, Suffolk

11am - 5.30pm

Saturday 5th September

2015

www.eatmt.org.uk ring 01449 771090

or

Stepdancing Day & Evening Concerts

Talks & ExhibitionsJig Dolls

Afternoon CeilidhBallads & Stories

+ mini beer festival

“A really special, lovely festival, simply the best time I’ve had

for ages.”- Shirley Collins

Kevin & Ellen Mitchell

Les Barker

Peter & Barbara Snape

Ollie King

Darren Breslin

Orlaith & Brogan McAuliffe

Proper English


Contact Ned: 01525 860846

7 July - Singaround 4 August - Peter Morton 1 Sept - Singaround

Admission £2.50. Starts 8.15pm. Floor Singers always welcome.

30 August - NAF FEST

The Star & Garter, High StreetSilsoe, Beds. MK45 4DR


A final chance to see two great acts which are both ending their partnerships at the end of this year

The New Rope String Band Sunday 11th October 3pm

Life and Times Sunday 8th November 3pm

"Where the Working Boats Went"

Abbots Langley Winter Acoustic Concertshttp://www.oldtimetim.com/alwac.htm

Enquiries to [email protected] Or call Tim and Lesley Brooks on 01923 264536

£10 Ticket includes tea or coffee & cake in the interval

advance reservation recommended

na-maraNavajos & Pirates

This new album includes self-penned songs and traditional material drawing on themes of history, justice and love lost.

“…elegant and skilled musicians…” Folk Monthly

“…that’s what na-mara do best, tell stories to whichyou can’t but listen…” Rock and Reel

na-mara’s third album is now available

27 Jun Saturday Special Dance with Chris Turner and Ali, Meg & Bill from Momentum. At Samuel Ryder Academy. £8. 3 Jul Bob Lilley 10 Jul Colin Hume and FF Band 17 Jul Jive with Bob Barrett

24 Jul Garden Dance with Mike Ruff*

14 Aug Friday evening BBQ*

4 Sep New term begins

* Please phone for full details

If you enjoy a lively barn dance,

you'll find Friday Folk is a great way

to meet like-minded people and

have fun. Newcomers are

always welcome. And there's no need to bring a partner.

Meeting Fridays from 7:45 to 10:00 pm at The Church Hall, Marlborough Road,

St Albans, AL1 3XG. www.fridayfolk.org.uk – 01727 856508

Standard Friday admission £3

Summer 2015

WWW.UNICoRNMAGAzINE.oRGPLEASE MENTIoN UNICoRN MAGAzINE WHEN REPLyING To ADS UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131 UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131 1514

bFC Bedford Fine Companions: Newnham Middle School, Polhill Ave, Bedford MK41 9DT • David Cooke 01234 823 920

CFa Chiltern Folk Ass: Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Ave, HP6 5AH • Judith Inman 01628 486845, chilternfolk.org.uk

FCS Friends of Cecil Sharp House: Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London, NW1 7Ay • Liz Hall, 020 8731 8083, 07896 465 848848

NC Northampton Ceilidhs: Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Northampton NN1 5LL • John Green, 07760 197921, 01933 397767, www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk

UC Unicorn Ceilidhs: Town Hall, High St, Baldock SG7 6AX • Tel: 01582 724261, 07946 439095, www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

wFd Winchmore Folk Dance Club: Trinity Church Hall, Church Street / Gentleman’s Row Enfield EN2 6AN • John Wood, 020 8926 7293 (Also Tues mornings 10–12 noon, Grange Park Methodist Church N21)

Sat 5 Fat Harry • FCSSat 11 Arnold Stem, 7.30pm • wFdSat 11 Stradivarious, caller Madeline Smith,

7.30pm • bFC

Sat 8 Suzanne Harper, 7.30pm • wFd

Sat 5 Forest Band • CFaSat 12 Mary Bryan, 7.30pm • wFdSat 12 Stickshift, caller Barrie Bullimore,

7.30pm • bFCFri 25 Diatonics, caller Lisa Heywood,

7.30pm • UCSat 26 Kelly’s Eye, caller Kevin Prigmore • nC

By about 10.30am on Sunday 19th April 2015, the Trestle Arts Centre in St Albans, Hertfordshire, was buzzing with excitement

and the sound of instruments being tuned. This was the morning of the sixteenth New Roots competition, a national competition for singers and musicians under the age of twenty-five with their roots in traditional music and song. This annual gathering of some of the most talented young people in Britain was the brainwave of the inimitable Alison Macfarlane, who works tirelessly to promote traditional music and song.

The judges this year were Alistair Anderson, Miranda Rutter, Andy Stafford and Lynne Heraud and, as usual, the ‘prizes’ for those shortlisted to take part in the competition, were performance opportunities at clubs, concerts and festivals up and down the country. As always, the day was wonderfully compèred by Barry Goodman

The competition started with the Under 18’s and the first performer was Billy Hill, no stranger to New Roots, and a superb fiddle player, tutored by Pete Cooper. on this occasion Billy had a guitar accompanist, although the judges felt that no contribution to his fiddle playing was actually needed as his playing is very assured and confident. Following Billy was the youngest finalist, Arthur Coates, aged 13 and from Aberdeenshire. Arthur stunned us all with his pipe playing and said that he had taught himself to play the pipes – very impressive! His fiddle playing was technically very proficient. Finishing the under 18’s section was Saul Bailey playing the melodeon. Saul is a superb musician and his arrangements were first class. Communication with the audience was excellent.

We started the 18-24 section with Tim’s Band. The name needs some explanation as ‘Tim’ isn’t actually in the band! The band members are John Selby, guitar, and Sonia Tong, fiddle. There was great communication between the two musicians and a good rapport with the audience. It was a most enjoyable performance. Next to take the stage was Penny Kempson and Piers Haslam, who engaged well with the audience and got us all singing. The balance between instruments and voices was good although the judges suggested

that balance of material is something to consider. Following Penny and Piers was Molly Evans who sang a mixture of traditional and contemporary songs. Molly’s fiddle playing had a very mellow tone and she has a beautiful rounded singing voice. Anna Mullens and Beth Gifford followed. They are a violin and viola duo who also sing. Their harmony singing and instrumental harmonies were very good and Beth’s self-penned song Summer Sun was beautiful. Beth and Anna clearly enjoyed playing together and this was conveyed to the audience. The last act before lunch was Hannah Cumming, who has a lovely voice. Her fiddle arrangements were innovative and her choice of material was absolutely right for her. She connected well with the audience.

Lunch!

The first to take the stage after lunch was Daisy Vaughan, a singer-songwriter who has as beautiful commanding voice and great potential as a songwriter. The judges suggested that Daisy might tell the audience something about her songs. Jon Dyer and Alfie Gidley followed with Jon on Flute and Alfie on guitar. There was great rapport with the audience and lovely melodic playing. Great unison playing and super technique from both. Next up were the Barber Sisters – Lydia, Isobel and Eleanor who play arrangements of Scottish and original tunes on fiddle and viola. It was absolutely riveting and a very well chosen set. There were good introductions to the tunes and the audience enjoyed every minute of the performance. Last but in no way least was the Rachel Hamer Band comprising of Rachel Hamer, Graeme Armstrong, Sam Partridge and Grace Smith. They had a very good stage presence and great rapport with the audience. The arrangements put the song at the centre every time and the balance of the instruments was just right, bearing in mind that this was an acoustic performance. Each band member had a chance to shine and Rachel and Grace’s harmonies were particularly impressive and definitely left us wanting more.

When the judges left the theatre to deliberate and discuss their feedback, the performers got together for an impromptu music session.

As always, it was a great day with a good atmosphere and it was nice to see club and festival organisers in the audience as well and friends and family members of the performers.

Lynne Heraud

Northampton Ceilidhs Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road,

Northampton NN1 5LL

SATURDAY, 26 September Ceilidh Band: Kelly's Eye

Caller: Kevin Prigmore

SATURDAY, 31 October Contra Band: Moonlighting

Caller: Mary Devlin

SATURDAY, 28 NovemberCeilidh Band: The Occasional Few

Caller: John Green

Dancing from 8pm to 11pm

Adults £9; Student £5; Accompanied under

16s FREE ; Group of 6 (paying) one free

Licenced Bar Free Car Park

Ruth 1933 397767, Valerie 01604 7115360

John 07760 197921www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk

STACEY BANJOS

REPAIRS SET-UPS & RESTORATION TO:

ACOUSTIC GUITARS

ELECTRIC GUITARS

CLASSICAL GUITARS

BANJOS & MANDOLINS

BANJOS BUILT TO ORDER

DAVE STACEY19 FIELD LANELETCHWORTHHERTS SG6 3LF01462 683074

C

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UM2 Quarter Page (portrait) STACEY BANJOS 2.pdf 24/4/13 11:32:08


The club was started at The Engineer pub in

Harpenden in the 1980s by Linda Fryd.

A few years later it moved to the Hollybush in Redbourn and took its name from the pub. After a brief sojourn at

The Cricketers in Redbourn, (by which time it was being run by Jan Strapp and given its current name) it moved back to The Hollybush but kept the new name.

In 2013 Jan Strapp gave up running the club and Jenny McNaught took over the reins helped by a group of interested members.

Generally speaking, alternate weeks are singers’ nights where all are welcome and there are usually four or five floor spots available on guest nights (regulars are given preference on these nights). We no longer have support slots on guest nights but sometimes give “feature spots” to up and coming artists on singers’ nights.

Recent guests have included Andy Irvine, Bruce Molsky, Jonny Dyer & Vicky Swann and Daniel Nestlerode. Acts to comer later in 2015 include Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, Jez Lowe, Fred’s House and The Rheingens Sisters.

Music type:All sorts! Contemporary and traditional folk, old time, blues and sounds from further afield

Meets:Every Thursday except in August. 8pm to 10.45pm

admission charge:£5–£10 for guest nights and £3 for singers nights

guests:Both established local acts and newcomers as well as major acts from the wider folk scene

Venue name:old School House

Venue address:The Hollybush, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DU

Parking:Pub car park & plenty nearby

Club contact:Jenny McNaught• 01582 793164• [email protected]• www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk

Ticketed events include concerts, barn dance, workshops, meet the guests, folk clubs, etc.

procession, song and music sessions, street theatre, etc.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Alan Castle, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford,

TN23 3HA

Paul Cumberland T:01795 532370 E: [email protected] Chief stewards: Kathy & Bob Drage,

Dance co-ordinator:

Tenterden folk f 2015 “Tenterden, the Jewel of the Weald”

Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th October

Guests include: Askew Sisters, Bing Lyle, Dick Miles, Gordon Tyrrall, Jim Bainbridge, Mick Ryan & Paul Downes, Paul & Liz Davenport, Pete Castle, Phoenix Dance Band with caller Vic Smith, Roy Clinging, Scolds Bridle, Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer Thursday concert: Jez Lowe, Hudson & Cutler and Mark Gibson Marquee & other showcase guests: Corsairs (Belgium), Earwig Corner, Green Diesel, Kim Lowings & The Green-woods, The Portraits, United Folk Orchestras (Yardarm & Sussex ) Plus our popular regular/local guests: Bob Kenward, Chris Harrison, Chris Roche, Gavin & Julie Atkin, Hard Pressed, Malcolm Ward, Mark Gibson, Marsh Warblers, Morrigan, Peter Collins, Roger Resch, Spare Parts, Sue Watson, & Lizzi Stephens, Swinging the Lead, The Tonic, Travelling Folk, Vic & Tina Smith, Vic Ellis Plus up to 60 Morris sides, Appalachian dancers, Slovakian dancers, other folk dance display teams and street theatre

For�more�info,�see:

or�call�Godfrey�on:��01462�790343

www.offleymorris.co.uk

We�need�Musiciansto�keep�the�morris

tradition�aliveTo�keep�the�tradition�alive,�whetheryou're�a�dancer�or�musician,�come�andjoin�the�local

On�Fridays,�in�the�Summer�we�can�beseen�in�and�around�Hitchin�pubs�and

other�venues�and�in�thewinter�we�practice�inHolwell�village�hall.

Offley�Morris�Men.

We�are�actively�seeking –preferably�with�some�experience�ofCotswold�Morris�tunes.

musicians

Come�alongand�try�it.www.benslowmusic.org

Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RBT: 01462 459446 E: [email protected]

A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no 408404. Reg Charity no 313663

folk music courses for 2015

summertime klezmer, balkan and eastern european jazz, john playford weekend, clarsach, fiddle music of scotland and

ireland, accordion day, introduction to storytelling and more...

Unicorn Mag_Dec Ed.indd 1 12/02/2015 11:38:10PLEASE MENTIoN UNICoRN MAGAzINE WHEN REPLyING To ADS WWW.UNICoRNMAGAzINE.oRGUniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131 UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 13118 19

Wed 1 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers MoGGERHANGER • Singers, players

and listenersThu 2 MILToN KEyNES RooTS SCHooL •

Roots guitar, fiddle and whistle tuition REDBoURN • open Stage BISHoP SToRTFoRD • Singers Night BEDFoRD • Singers Night BEDFoRD FDC • Terry ElvinsFri 3 WATFoRD • Moses and the Ref BEDFoRD FINE • AGM CAMBRIDGE • open stage with

Laura Cherry and Simon Atherly FRIDAy FoLK • Bob LilleySun 5 BLACK FEN FoLK CLUB • open Stage ENGLISH MISCELLANy • Morris and

Mumming PracticeMon 6 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Guest Caller:

John Green WALTHAM ABBEy • Singaround HERGA • open Stage LEASIDERS • Club CallerTue 7 ST NEoTS • Ranagri, Support: Edward AliceWed 8 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers/AGM ENGLISH MISCELLANy • Country PracticeThu 9 REDBoURN • John Connolly, plus

floor spots BISHoP SToRTFoRD • Si Barron BEDFoRD • Local Singers and Musicians BEDFoRD FDC • Charles DayFri 10 RoySToN • Showcase feat Sky West,

Melody Causton WATFoRD • Spotlight singaround featuring

Mike Excell BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night,

Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Showcase with Freddie Hall

and Tilly Dalgish FRIDAy FoLK • Colin Hume and FF BandSun 12 HITCHIN • Alan West and Steve Black

plus Sunjay Brayne BLACK FEN FoLK CLUB • open StageMon 13 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Jacqueline and

Stuart Beattie WALTHAM ABBEy • Singaround HERGA • open Stage LEASIDERS • Club CallerTue 14 ST NEoTS • The Foxglove Trio,

Support: Matthew Dames HERTFoRD • Gemma KhawajaWed 15 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers

ELy • Kirsty Bromley Trio, support: Edward Alice

ENGLISH MISCELLANy • Country PracticeThu 16 MILToN KEyNES RooTS SCHooL •

Roots guitar, fiddle and whistle tuition REDBoURN • Whinlatter, plus floor spots BISHoP SToRTFoRD • Landermason BEDFoRD • Singaround BEDFoRD FDC • John GreenFri 17 WATFoRD • Spotlight singaround featuring

Floyd, Hartwell, Hines WALTHAM ABBEy • Folk Fest at Bewl Water BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night,

Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Fred’s House FRIDAy FoLK • Jive with Bob BarrettSat 18 WALTHAM ABBEy • Folk Fest at Bewl WaterSun 19 BLACK FEN FoLK CLUB • open StageMon 20 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Guest Caller:

Wendy Harrup and Stapler’s Musicians WALTHAM ABBEy • Singaround HERGA • New Roots Finalist LEASIDERS • Club CallerTue 21 ST NEoTS • Richard DiganceWed 22 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers BEDFoRD PLACE • Artisan ENGLISH MISCELLANy • Club PracticeThu 23 REDBoURN • open Stage BISHoP SToRTFoRD • Singers Night BEDFoRD • Singers Night BEDFoRD FDC • Kevin PrigmoreFri 24 WATFoRD • Windborne CAMBRIDGE • open stage with Steve Logan FRIDAy FoLK • Garden Dance with

Mike RuffSun 26 BLACK FEN FoLK CLUB • open StageMon 27 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Lorraine Morgan WALTHAM ABBEy • Singaround HERGA • open StageTue 28 ST NEoTS • Round the room HERTFoRD • The FogWed 29 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club CallersThu 30 REDBoURN • Michelle Holding and Bonz,

plus floor spots BEDFoRD • Local Singers and MusiciansFri 31 RoySToN • Concert Garry Smith,

oka Vanga, Jackson Creek Band WATFoRD • Singaround CAMBRIDGE • Hosting the club tent

at Cambridge Folk Festival

GUITAR TUITION, SINGING AND

PERFORMANCECOACHING.

£20 Per Hour

Contact Pete

07974 214987

[email protected]


Mon 3 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening WALTHAM ABBEy • Singaround HERGA • open StageWed 5 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers MoGGERHANGER • Singers, players

and listenersThu 6 MILToN KEyNES RooTS SCHooL •

Roots guitar, fiddle and whistle tuition BEDFoRD • SingaroundMon 10 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening WALTHAM ABBEy • Singaround HERGA • open StageTue 11 HERTFoRD • David Savage / Tim MellorWed 12 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club CallersThu 13 BEDFoRD • Singers NightFri 14 RoySToN • Showcase feat Ragged Staff,

Martin Kaszak FRIDAy FoLK • Friday Evening BBQSun 16 ENGLISH MISCELLANy • Morris Practice BLACK FEN FoLK CLUB • open StageMon 17 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening WALTHAM ABBEy • Singaround HERGA • open StageWed 19 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANy • Country PracticeThu 20 MILToN KEyNES RooTS SCHooL •

Roots guitar, fiddle and whistle tuition BEDFoRD • Local Singers and MusiciansSun 23 BLACK FEN FoLK CLUB • open StageMon 24 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Garden Evening WALTHAM ABBEy • Singaround HERGA • open StageTue 25 HERTFoRD • Lizzie J TaylorWed 26 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANy • Country PracticeThu 27 BEDFoRD • SingaroundFri 28 RoySToN • Josienne Clark and Ben Walker,

Support Thursday’s BandSun 30 BLACK FEN FoLK CLUB • open Stage

Tue 1 ST NEoTS • open StageWed 2 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers MoGGERHANGER • Singers, players

and listenersThu 3 REDBoURN • open Stage MILToN KEyNES RooTS SCHooL •

Roots guitar, fiddle and whistle tuition BISHoP SToRTFoRD • Union Jill BEDFoRD • Singers Night BEDFoRD FDC • TBCFri 4 WATFoRD • Singaround BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night,

Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • open stage with

Melody Causton FRIDAy FoLK • New Term BeginsSun 6 BLACK FEN FoLK CLUB • Booking TBC HITCHIN • Jez Lowe and the Bad PenniesMon 7 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller WALTHAM ABBEy • Singaround HERGA • open Stage LEASIDERS • Club CallerTue 8 ST NEoTS • John Kirkpatrick HERTFoRD • Ben SavageWed 9 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club CallersThu 10 REDBoURN • Nancy Kerr and

James Fagan, plus floor spots BISHoP SToRTFoRD • Singers Night BEDFoRD FDC • TBC BEDFoRD • SingaroundFri 11 RoySToN • Showcase feat Raintown Seers,

Daniel Nestlerode WATFoRD • Pete Morton BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night,

Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Showcase with Paul McClure

and other local artistsSun 13 BLACK FEN FoLK CLUB • open Stage HITCHIN • Martin SimpsonMon 14 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller WALTHAM ABBEy • Where’s Spot HERGA • open Stage LEASIDERS • Club CallerTue 15 ST NEoTS • Harpeth RisingWed 16 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers ELy • Vicki Swann and Jonny Dyer present

Smorgasballad, support: Hannah Sanders ENGLISH MISCELLANy • Country PracticeThu 17 MILToN KEyNES RooTS SCHooL • Roots

guitar, fiddle and whistle tuition REDBoURN • open Stage BISHoP SToRTFoRD • Moirai

BEDFoRD • Local Singers and Musicians BEDFoRD FDC • TBCFri 18 WATFoRD • Spotlight singaround featuring

Steve McLennon BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night,

Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Steve TurnerSun 20 BLACK FEN FoLK CLUB • open Stage HITCHIN • Boo Hewerdine plus Robin AuldMon 21 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller WALTHAM ABBEy • Singaround HERGA • Pete Grassby LEASIDERS • Club CallerTue 22 ST NEoTS • Moirai HERTFoRD • Robin GillanWed 23 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANy • Country PracticeThu 24 REDBoURN • Kim Lowings and the

Greenwood, plus floor spots BISHoP SToRTFoRD • Liz Simcock BEDFoRD • Singers Night BEDFoRD FDC • TBCFri 25 RoySToN • Concert: Thursday’s Band,

Floyd, Hartwell, Hines, Martin Kaszak WATFoRD • Singaround BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night,

Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Pete MortonSun 27 BLACK FEN FoLK CLUB • open Stage HITCHIN • The young ‘UnsMon 28 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller WALTHAM ABBEy • Singaround HERGA • open Stage LEASIDERS • Club CallerTue 29 ST NEoTS • Round the roomWed 30 LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANy • Country Practice

Simply tell us what size advert you want, supply all the relevant content (text, photos,

contact details etc) and for just £20.00 per ad we will create an eye-catching and effective

design – no more worries about sizing, specifi cations or artwork technicalities...

Contact the Unicorn Team for more informationor to discuss your requirements.

Or visit our websitewww.unicornmagazine.org for full detailsand examples of what we can do for you.

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we desperately need help to distribute copies of Unicorn Magazine to the 60 or so distribution locations on our list.

If you could help by taking copies to your club, session or venue every quarter, please contact us.

Even small deliveries will help reduce the crippling postage & petrol bills!

bEdFord FdC • Bedford Folk Dance ClubPutnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EBContact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com

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

bEdFord • Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance ClubHazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Rd, Bedford MK41 9ATContact: David Cooke, 01234 823920 www.finecompanions.synthasite.com

bEdFord PLaCE • The Place TheatreBradgate Road, Bedford, MK40 3DEContact: 01234 354321, www.theplacebedford.org.uk

biShoP’S StortFord • StortfolkRoyal British Legion, 28 Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2NGContact: Jon & Hilary McNamara, 01279 656664 www.beerfordbury.co.uk

bLaCK FEn FoLK CLUbHot Numbers Café, Units 5 / 6 Dales Brewery, Gwydir St, Cambridge CB1 2LJContact: Robin Gillan, 07847 680560 www.blackfenfolkclub.com

CaMbridgE • Cambridge Folk ClubGolden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SPContact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986 www.cambridgefolkclub.org

ELy • Ely Folk ClubThe old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4ER (no bar)Contact: Ruth Bramley / Andy Wall, 01353 740999 / 01353 664706 www.elyfolkclub.co.uk

EngLiSh MiSCELLany East Hyde Village Hall, Lower Harpenden Rd (B653), nr Luton LU2 9QBContact: Helen Stamp, 020 8386 3779 www.englishmiscellany.com

Friday FoLK • Friday Folk Social Dance ClubMethodist Church, Marlborough Rd, St Albans AL1 3XGContact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508 www.fridayfolk.org.uk

hErga • Herga Folk ClubGreenwood Hall, Rickmansworth Rd, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3TJContact: George Papavgeris, 07747 768868 www.hergafolk.org

hErtFord • The White Horse Folk ClubWhite Horse PH, Castle St, Hertford SG14 1HHContact: Pat Crilly 07971 804418, [email protected]

hitChin • Hitchin Folk ClubSun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, SG5 1AFContact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk

hitChin StaPLErS • Staplers Country Dance ClubSt John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin SG4 9JPContact: Cecilia Mills, 01582 881966, www.staplers.org.uk

LEaSidErS • Leasiders Folk Dance ClubBlenheim Baptist Church Hall, Blenheim Cres, Luton LU3 1HBContact: Brian or Liz Patrick, 01582 732656

LinSLadE • LinsleighdersForster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade LU7 2NRContact: Mrs E.A. Corser, 01525 378010

MiLton KEynES • Milton Keynes Roots SchoolCommunity Centre, Britten Grove, old Farm Park, MK7 8QUContact: John Timpany, 07981 161261, www.mkamc.co.uk

MoggErhangEr • Village FolkMoggerhanger Village Hall, Blunham Rd, Moggerhanger, MK44 3RDContact: Chris Bashford, 01767 640242 [email protected]

rEdboUrn • Redbourn Folk Clubold School Room, Hollybush PH, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DUContact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk

roySton • Royston Folk Clubold Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston SG8 9AWContact: Mark Gamon (showcases) 07738 183158, Chris Walls (concerts) 01763 260 556, www.roystonfolk.org

St nEotS • St Neots Folk ClubPriory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BHContact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278, www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk

waLthaM abbEy • Waltham Abbey Folk ClubRoyal British Legion, Brooker Rd, Waltham Abbey EN9 1HyContact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987, www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com, see us on Facebook

watFord • Watford Folk ClubPump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JPContact: Julian Mount, 07778 526489, [email protected], www.folkatthepumphouse.webs.com, www.facebook.com/groups/watfordfolkclub


welcome to what we hope will be a regular feature on Morris and associated activities in the Unicorn area.

September is when most groups start their “practice season” so it is also a good time to take it up or just to try it to see if you like

it. There is a wealth and wide variety of dance sides in the region which between them can cater for just about all ages; tastes, from the Goth, to the neo-pagan to the traditionalist; abilities and approaches from the highly disciplined to the downright chaotic.

Briefly there is:

• Cotswold: What we all probably all think of first, some sides focus on the “collected dances”, others have developed their own variations and styles.

• Border: Typified by painted faces, ragged coats, sticks and noise.

• North West: Usually danced in clogs, hence its alternative name of “Clog Morris”.

• Molly: Costumes tend to be old farmworkers’ clothes or fantastical outfits.

• Sword: Self-explanatory really.

Why do it? For much the same reason some people will kick a ball around a field on a Sunday morning or go to an aerobics or zumba class. It is a good way of getting some exercise or staying fit. It is a sociable activity and there is the satisfaction of being part of a team: there is also the buzz of performing in public. Then there is often the opportunity to travel: performing at folk festivals around the country or going on foreign exchanges to visit twin towns.

It’s not all men only either: some, such as old Mother Redcap and Hertfordshire Holly are women only; others (e.g. Baldock Midnight, Hemlock, Chiltern Hundreds and Pig Dyke Molly) are mixed. There are some men only groups (e.g. Letchworth, Coton Morris) but this is often simply a matter of the dance style or side history. So depending upon what you want there are opportunities to get away from your partner, to go with your partner or for you both to pursue the activity separately.

Morris is not just for “older people”. There are plenty of young people involved and they are bringing a new look, new energy and innovative ideas to Morris dancing. If you don’t believe me go to these sites, amongst others, and see what is possible.

• Fools Gambit: www.foolsgambitmorris.co.uk/videos

• Harlequin Morris: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkAwMqirK60

• Pecsaetan Morris: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hajJ8weFwz4

• Dog Rose Morris: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwXQmC8W_AM

• Morris Offspring: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbcRnMcoCo4

The summer is a good time for seeing the Morris sides in your area whether during an evening at a pub (see the Morris Diary on pages 34–36 of this issue) or at school and village fetes. If you are going to a festival you might also get the chance to have a go as some of the invited Morris groups may be running workshops as part of the festival programme. Closer to home Redbornstoke Morris will be running a children’s workshop in Ampthill Park as part of the Town Council’s Family Fun Week (20–24 July 2015).

While most groups will take new members throughout the year, many sides offer open practices or taster sessions during September and october – some of these are advertised elsewhere in this issue. Go along, see what it is like: to find Morris sides near to you go to http://finder.morrisfed.org.uk and key in you postcode. There is no commitment in attending these and they are usually free so what have you got to lose?

Chas Leslie

Next issue I will be looking at the Boxing Day performances around the region (including Mummer’s Plays). If your Morris side or Guizer team are out on 26th December send me details via Unicorn and I will try to include them.

Summer 2015 -‐ Headline Acts July 14th – Gemma Khawaja First time at the club for Gemma who comes all the way from Cromer with a beautiful voice to sing traditional songs for us and accompanying herself on tenor & six string guitar or “a cappella”.

July 28th – The Fog The Fog are an acoustic trio from Bishop’s Stortford performing an eclectic mix of original, blues & surprising fun covers. We’ll have virtuoso taro patch & ukulele playing. There’ll be cajon and uke bass too. In my opinion one of the most energetic and entertaining bands around and we’re lucky to have them!!

August 11th – David Savage / Tim Mellor Yet again the club has invited two fine performers from the Cambridge folk scene to present a double headline. David Savage is a very fine performer of traditional songs with concertina, Appalachian dulcimer or just “a cappella”. Tim Mellor is another excellent traditional singer who accompanies himself on guitar, concertina & Northumbrian pipes. We’ve had them before so it’ll be another great night

August 25th – Lizzie J. Taylor We’ve had Lizzie B. before so we know she’s wonderful. Will she be solo or will it be with her trio? We’ll have to wait and see. Beautiful clever, original and self penned songs usually based on her reflections on life. If you have to pigeonhole the style think “Americana”, there will be some traditional songs thrown in too I’m sure. Lizzie J. is another capture from the Cambridge folk scene.

September 8th – Ben Savage Ben Savage is one of the new breed of folksingers on the scene. In addition to performing as a guitarist with “The Willows “and accompanying “Hannah Sanders” he is an excellent performer with an extensive range of contemporary and traditional songs. Lots of different guitar tunings and dobro. Looking forward to it already!

September 22nd – Robin Gillan A much sought after Cambridge session musician Robin is a fine singer and performer on fiddle, banjo, guitar and mandolin. He has a large repertoire of traditional American and European songs and tunes which he performs in a traditional style. He has a very warm and inviting personality and it will be another great evening.

The White Horse Folk Club Castle Street

Hertford, SG14 1HH 2nd and 4th Tuesdays

of the Month. Floor Spots available. Music starts at 8pm FREE ADMISSION

Contact Pat Crilly 07971804418 Email -‐ [email protected]


advertisement Sizes:Please note that from March 2013 we changed our adverts sizes and prices to the following shown below.

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taKE adVantagE oF oUr 10% diSCoUnt For FoUr iSSUES booKEd & Paid For in adVanCE – any SizE!

The Northfleet was an emigrant ship which sank following a

collision with a steamer in 1873. The disaster caused a national outcry and as a result a permanent lifeboat was based at Dungeness in Kent.

the Song:The Northfleet sailed from the Gravesend shoreIn 1873Three hundred souls and eighty moreBound for Antipode

Railway men, that gallant bandTheir families and wivesTo lay the road in Van Diemen’s landTo make new lives

Chorus:oh Murillo, don’t you hear the drowning cry?oh Murillo, Will you sail on by?

Round foreland head past the Dover lightThat Blackwall sailed awayTo anchor off Dungeness that nightIn the lee of Romney Bay

With lights burning clear in the masts so highThe travellers took their restBut the Spaniard Murillo was drawing nighFull steam from the southwest

That steamer she cut the old blackwallFrom waterline to deckReversed her screws and let the Northfleet fallA wreck

The clipper Corona was moored nearbyHer watch was fast asleepThat sailor never heard the drowning cryThey perished in the deep

The City of London and the Mary tooThey came to Northfleet’s aidA lugger named Princess picked up a fewThe rest in graveyards laid Three hundred lives and twenty moreWere lost that very night at seaWhen the Northfleet sank to the ocean floor in 1873.

Many thanks to Alison for sending in this song – you can also watch / listen

to the video of for it on the Unicorn Magazine YouTube channel!

REDBOURN FOLK

www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

9 July John Connolly 16 July Whinlatter 30 July Michelle Holding and Bonz 10 Sept Nancy Kerr & James Fagan 24 Sept Kim Lowings & The Greenwood

Other dates are Open Stage nights Thursdays 8.00pm

in the Old School Room Hollybush Pub

Church End Redbourn

WWW.UNICoRNMAGAzINE.oRGUniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131 2928 PLEASE MENTIoN UNICoRN MAGAzINE WHEN REPLyING To ADS UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131

© Alison Raymond 2015

The Foxglove Trio“These Gathered Branches”

The Foxglove Trio is a group of multi-

instrumentalists who perform folk songs from around the British Isles.

Gathering material from sessions, published song collections and contemporary artists, these talented musicians are making a name for themselves on the UK folk scene for their beautiful harmonies, creative new arrangements and engaging live performances.

As the organiser of Dunton Folk I have had the pleasure of booking The Foxglove Trio twice. on their first visit they were to provide the support for Vin Garbutt. Unfortunately during the sound check it became apparent that Vin would not be able to sing. Ffion, Cathy and Patrick stepped into the breach and performed two full forty five minute sets. They went down so well that we booked them again the following year for a headline spot.

I reviewed the Foxglove Trio’s debut EP, Like Diamond Glances, in a previous issue of the Unicorn Magazine and stated that it was a must buy item. These Gathered Branches, their first full album, is even better. Not only should you buy a copy, but you should also buy a copy for a friend.

It’s difficult to know how to describe this album without resorting to words such as spellbinding, mesmerising, hypnotising and bewitching. I have played the album in the car, in my laptop whilst working on the train and on my ipod and I just can’t get enough of it. Three very talented musicians come together with such a clarity of sound and depth of harmonies that is just so compelling you can’t fail to listen again and again.

While preparing this review I thought about picking one or two of my favourite tracks to wax lyrical about, but just as it is impossible to choose your favourite child I couldn’t single any of them out for special mention... oh, except for Stars and Bells. There’s always one you like best!

Simon Bailes

na-mara“Navajos & Pirates”

This Herts-based duo comprises Paul

McNamara on vocals and guitar, and Rob Garcia on mandolin, octave mandola, classical guitar and backing vocals. In their quest for material they cast the net wider than most, drawing on a variety of well-researched sources from Quebec to France and Spain. They perform translations and arrangements of traditional material, as well as original works written in a sympathetic style.

Their third CD features a selection of ballads dealing with familiar themes, but viewed from a fresh international and historical perspective. opening the CD, the foot-tapping title track pays tribute to those who resisted the rise of fascism in 1930s Germany. The story is presented with the clarity which has become na-mara’s hallmark: Paul’s precise guitar rhythms anchoring the piece, his measured vocal giving full weight to the words, and Rob’s fluent, unfussy mandolin providing colour and punctuation. Allied to a similarly restrained production approach, the result is a good ‘live’ feel.

‘Garden of England’ caught my attention with a nice change of pace. It opens with a stately drumbeat and plaintive modal melody, harking back to early music, before the tempo picks up as the song starts in earnest, with its message that slavery is not yet consigned to those bygone days.

These weighty tales are balanced by lively tune sets, including several examples of the Galician muiñeira, a sprightly 6/8 dance tune related to the jig. The muiñeira set comprising ‘Morrazo’ and ‘Lugo’ is especially jolly, a rare excursion into a major key which allows the musicians to let off some instrumental fireworks.

‘Navajos and Pirates’ captures na-mara’s live sound admirably, and will surely enhance the duo’s burgeoning reputation.

Mike Nacey

It’s great to see so many young folk musicians on the scene now, many of whom are becoming

quite widely known. Hard-working promoters of the music are helping all this to happen, and us folkies have cause to be grateful for the higher public profile this gives our music. Perhaps more than any other genre, folk music is rooted in community. All around the world, people gather in bars and other public places to share tunes, stories and songs. These sessions have long been the cradle of the music, where it develops, thrives and grows. Even if you’re a seasoned and successful pro, the session is your natural home because this is where your music lives.

Sessions are wonderfully organic things. They can, to some extent, be guided, but not really shaped. They take on a form of their own and the most enjoyable ones for me are the most open-ended.

In a good session, the regulars develop a keen sense of what less confident players need, and they learn to encourage without being too pushy.

It’s an absolute delight to see, at first hand, how sessions nurture performers. In the 30 or so years I’ve been attending sessions – in Australia and the UK – I’ve witnessed it time and again. Newcomers, comfortably anonymous at the back, gradually absorb the music. Imperceptibly, they find themselves closer to the centre, until one day, quite naturally, they’re leading a tune or singing a song. In this milieu, where learning is social and we pick things up by hearing melodies made by others, the session is rich soil indeed.

Doug Jenner

...read ‘Part ii’ of this Feature in issue 132

FOLK SONG COMPETITION 2015Could you write a new folk song? Well here is your opportunity…

The 2015 Watford Folk Club Folk Song Contest is on now!

This year's theme is "Lovers and Losers - The highs and the lows of loving".

Full details and competition rules are on our website. Closing date for entries is Friday 16 October 2015.

Grand Final on Friday 13 November 2015.

See our diary entries for FUTURE GUEST ARTIST dates including the 2014 Song Competition winner and runner-up

and WINDBORNE from the USA with one of their few UK gigs. Don’t forget our LEGENDARY SINGAROUNDS too!

To contact The Watford Folk Club please search on Facebook and Google or email: [email protected]

here’s the first of a two-part featurette from Kimpton Session organiser doug Jenner. Stay tuned for a regular column from

doug on all aspects of roots / acoustic / folk music, not to mention his particular take on current music events...

PLEASE MENTIoN UNICoRN MAGAzINE WHEN REPLyING To ADS UniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 13130 WWW.UNICoRNMAGAzINE.oRGUniCorn MagazinE: iSSUE 131 31

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So… for anyone who has not seen the band, how would you describe it?

Probably the most accurate description would be “an Anglo Cuban party experience” – a more poetic one could be “a double-strength Mohito for the ears!”

how did you came up with the concept for the band?

My wife Anna and I were watching the film Beuna Vista Social Club on TV one Christmas – that inspired us to take a holiday to Cuba the following year and we were instantly struck by the universality of the music there. We particularly loved the way that the music was often very ‘home made’ in feel, the musicians working with whatever instruments they had to hand. We were also interested in the way that the music seemed to start from a rhythmic, rather than the melodic, stand point. When we got home we instantly started putting together some ideas for how such a band could work in our home town!

you’ve had quite a few personnel changes over the years. what’s the current line up and how do you go about finding the right players?

It’s pretty much a process of trial and error to be honest. We’ve been going for over eight years now, and people naturally move on and get replaced by others. The current line up feels really strong, with lots of musicians from a wide variety of backgrounds. Myself (keys / vocals) and Anneliesa Annaconda (flute / vocals) have played together in ‘originals’ bands for years – our bass player El Gnomo loves jazz whilst Miami Miguel (guitar) has a rock background. our lead percussionist Baby Boom-Boom has a folky heritage, having played for over 20 years in a ceilidh band. The other percussionists – Leonardo los Claves, El Kato & El Spiko – have a variety of influences to their playing, as do our brass section (Jaro “Labios” Kulha & El Viento). our soundman Pedro Technico is also an integral part of both the band and our sound – he’s more from a dance music background believe it or not! It’s more about fitting in with the ‘vibe’ of the band and what it is we are trying to convey.

how do you organise all the various aspects of keeping such a large band running (writing new material, choosing cover versions, getting gigs...)

We have an informal nucleus of four that cover

all the bases of artistic direction, song choice, gig-getting, writing to Festivals & logistics. I tend to write the new material, but we all have a democratic input into song arrangements and rehearsals.

you play a lot of folk festivals / folk-related gigs (the acoustic Festival of britain, the St Michael’s Street Folk Evening etc). how do traditional ‘folky’ audiences react to your music?A lot of our set is folk music, just from other countries and cultures. Guantanamera and Life is a Carnival for example are both well-known folk anthems. our sound is also quite acoustic which I think folk audiences relate well to.

you seem to be in a vibrant new phase with the band – what can we expect in the year to come.

We are just finishing our first album in four years, recorded in a live and ‘inauthentic’ manner. We are also releasing a DVD to go with it which is very exciting (a teaser clip of this can be seen on the Unicorn Magazine youTube Channel! Ed).

Finally, a lot folkies tend to drink real ale...what’s the favoured tipple of choices for the average Swanvesta?

I should say Mohitos with an umbrella, but a lot of us are closet real ale drinkers too, to be honest!

www.lemonrock.com/swanvesta

Clive Batkin

Photograph © Howard Key Photography 2014

8.00pm WooDSIDE • Green Man, Sandridge

8.00pm BEDFoRD • The Bell, odell

Thu 23 7.45pm LETCHWoRTH • Toddington Tour (guests of Redbornstoke Morris Men)

7.30pm BALDoCK • Toddington Tour (guests of Redbornstoke Morris Men)

Fri 24 8.00pm oFFLEy • Lordship Arms, Bennington

Sat 25 11.30am ST ALBANS • Linslade Canal Festival, LU7 2AF

Weekend WHITCHURCH • Ulverston, Cumbria, guests of Furness Morris

Mon 27 8.15pm ST ALBANS • Black Boy, Bushey, WD23 1NB (with Tappalachia and ETC Morris)

Tue 28 8.00pm BALDoCK • orange Tree, Baldock

Wed 29 8.00pm WooDSIDE • Rising Sun, Berkhamsted

8.00pm BEDFoRD • The Bedford Arms, Souldrop

Thu 30 8.15pm LETCHWoRTH • Half Moon, Hitchin, SG4 9Tz

Fri 31 8.00pm oFFLEy • Red Lion, Preston

Mon 3 8.45pm Alford Arms, Frithsden, HP1 3DD

Tue 4 8.00pm WICKET BRooD • ye olde Fighting Cocks, 16 Abbey Mill Lane, St Albans, AL3 4HE

Fri 7 8.00pm oFFLEy • White Lion, Walkern

Tue 11 8.00pm WICKET BRooD • The Waggoners, Ayot Green, Welwyn, AL6 9AA

Thu 13 8.15pm LETCHWoRTH • Pig and Abbot, Abington Piggots, SG8 0SD

Fri 14 8.00pm oFFLEy • Musgrave Arms, Shillington

Tue 18 WICKET BRooD • The Three Horseshoes, The Green, Letchmore Heath, WD25 8ER

Thu 20 8.15pm LETCHWoRTH • Lordship Arms, Bennington, SG2 7BX (with Standon Morris)

Fri 21 8.00pm oFFLEy • Jolly Waggoner, Ardeley

Fri 28 7.30pm oFFLEy • Lilley Arms, Lilley

Wed 2 8.00pm WooDSIDE • The Horns, Watford

Fri 4 7.30pm oFFLEy • Motte and Bailey, Pirton

Weekend LETCHWoRTH • Anker 40th Anniversary Meeting, Nuneaton

Mon 7 8.15pm ST ALBANS • old Town Hall, St Albans, AL3 5DJ

9.15pm ST ALBANS • White Hart Tap, AL1 1QL

Wed 9 8.00pm WooDSIDE • Woodman, Wildhill, Essendon

Fri 11 Weekend WooDSIDE • Swanage Folk Festival

Weekend WICKET BRooD • Swanage Folk Festival

Sat 12 Weekend ST ALBANS • St Albans Abbey Heritage Day

Weekend BALDoCK • Bedfordshire Stean and Country Fair, old Warden, Biggleswade (TBC)

Sun 13 12.30pm LETCHWoRTH • Church farm, Ardeley, SG2 7AH

1.30pm LETCHWoRTH • Jolly Waggoners, Ardeley, SG2 7AH

Sat 19 WICKET BRooD • Wild Hunt Day of Dance, Greenwich

Wed 1 7.30pm WooDSIDE • St Michaels Village Folk Evening

8.00pm ST ALBANS • St Michaels Festival, AL3 4SH

WICKET BRooD • St Michaels Folk Evening, St Albans

8.00pm BEDFoRD • The Cock, Broom

Thu 2 7.00pm WooDSIDE • Bull Hotel, Gerrards Cross

8.00pm WICKET BRooD • The Three Horseshoes, Winkwell, HP1 2Rz

8.15pm LETCHWoRTH • Brewery Tap, Shefford, SG17 5DH

9.15pm LETCHWoRTH • White Hart, Campton, SG17 5NX

Fri 3 8.00pm oFFLEy • Lytton Arms, Knebworth

Sat 4 2.00pm ST ALBANS • Harpenden Fete, AL5 1PD

Mon 6 8.15pm ST ALBANS • Cross Keys, Harpenden, AL5 1PD

Tue 7 8.00pm LETCHWoRTH • White Hart, Flitton, MK45 5EJ (with Redbornstoke Morris)

8.00pm BALDoCK • Bushel and Strike, Ashwell

8.00pm WHITCHURCH • The Broad Leys, Wendover Road, Aylesbury, HP21 9LB

Wed 8 8.00pm WooDSIDE • Swan, Bushey

8.00pm BEDFoRD • The Anchor Inn, Great Barford

Fri 10 8.00pm oFFLEy • Plough, Ley Green

Sat 11 WICKET BRooD • with English Miscellany, Day of Dance, St Albans and Harpenden

Afternoon LETCHWoRTH • Shrepreth Fete, Recreation ground, SG8 6Pz

2.00pm BALDoCK • Berden Village fete, Berden, Essex

Sun 12 1.00pm ST ALBANS • Wheathampsted Fete

Mon 13 8.15pm Black Horse, Barnet, EN5 4Hy (with ETC Morris)

Tue 14 WICKET BRooD • The Cricketers, East Common, Redbourn, AL3 7No

8.00pm BALDoCK • Half Moon, Hitchin

8.00pm WHITCHURCH • The Betsey Wynne, Swanbourne, MK17 0SH

Wed 15 8.00pm WooDSIDE • Bright Star, Peters Green, Kimpton

9.15pm WooDSIDE • oak tree, Harpenden (with Caddington Blues)

Thu 16 8.15pm LETCHWoRTH • Stone Jug, Clophill, MK45 4By (with Bedford Morris Men)

8.00pm BEDFoRD • The Stone Jug, Clophill

Fri 17 8.00pm oFFLEy • Windmill, Charlton

Sat 18 WooDSIDE • Rickmansworth Folk Festival

Weekend BALDoCK • Guests of Sompting. West Sussex

Mon 20 8.15pm ST ALBANS • old Town Hall, St Albans, AL3 5DJ

9.30pm Fighting Cocks, St Albans, AL3 4HE

Tue 21 8.00pm WICKET BRooD • John Bunyan, Coleman Green, Wheathampstead, AL4 8ES

8.00pm BALDoCK • North Star, Martin Hill, Welwyn (with Tappalation)

8.00pm WHITCHURCH • The Chandos Arms, Weston Turville, HP22 5RR

Wed 22 8.00pm WooDSIDE • Queens Head, Sandridge

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Sun 20 11.30am LETCHWoRTH • Standalone Farm, Letchworth, SG6 4JN

1.00pm LETCHWoRTH • Standalone Farm, Letchworth, SG6 4JN

2.30pm LETCHWoRTH • old George, Ickleford, SG5 3UX

Wed 23 8.15PM WooDSIDE • open Night, Pump House, Watford

Sat 26 All Day ST ALBANS • St Albans Morris Day of Dance

Mon 28 8.00pm ST ALBANS • Taster Session, Scout Hut, Riverside Road, St Albans, AL1 1SE

baLdoCK Midnight Morris – Cotswold, Border, Raglan, MixedContact: Anna Draper • 07957 035 469 www.baldockmidnightmorris.org.uk

bEdFord Morris Men – Cotswold, Border and North WestContact: Phil Nicholson • 01234 772 295 www.bedfordmorrismen.org.uk

LEtChworth Morris Men – CotswoldContact: Andrew Harper • 01462 440 683 [email protected] www.letchworthmorris.org.uk

oFFLEy Morris Men – CotswoldContact: Godfrey Leak • 01462 790 343 www.offleymorris.org.uk

St aLbanS Morris Men – CotswoldContact: Andrew Torrington, 01727 833 028, www.stalbansmorrismen.org.uk

woodSidE Morris Men – CotswoldContact: Nick Wilson • 07860 663 033 www.woodsidemorrismen.com

whitChUrCh Morris Men – CotswoldBagman: John Bush • 01296 641 [email protected] www.whitchurchmorris.org.uk

wiCKEt brood – Border MorrisSt Stephen Parish Centre, Station Road, Bricket Wood AL2 3PJContact: Gill Clough [email protected] www.wicketbrood.org.uk

So why is a book about shed culture being reviewed in a magazine

primarily about folk music / dance, we hear you cry? Well, from even a cursory glance of this new book by St Albans-based photographer / writer Donato Cinicolo, a lot of ‘sheddies’ are also ‘folkies’, it would seem. There are definitely corollarys between the two cultures in numerous instances. ‘My Shed...” delves into the murky works of shed-ownership, with a focus on the ways a lot of these seemingly ramshackle (surely a great name for a folk band?) edifices are constructed.

Not only that but this attractive hardback features Unicorn’s very own Clive Batkin on the cover, and amongst the 50 or so other men and women shed

owners you will also spot Jo and Sean (from folk band The Handymen), Wocko (stalwart of the Kimpton session amongst others), guitar maker Paul from Redbourn, plus several other musicians, poets and crafts people, all very much in the ‘folky’ vein.

The book is beautifully photographed, with Donato focussing on the essence of each shed, the quirks that make them so individual and the often subtle touches that reflect the personality of the owner.

In his introduction, Donato says that “‘Shed’ is a wonderful four letter word, that is difficult to pin down an exact definition for...”. Sounds like another well known four letter word to me! (“Folk”, not the other one...).

The book is available from all good bookshops, or from the publisher’s website here: www.littlebrown.co.uk/

books/detail.page?isbn=9781845285630

Chapstone Barre

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Martyn wyndham-read comes to St albans

Martyn Wyndham-Read, one of the world’s most respected and best-loved folk singers, returns to St Albans for a very

special concert presentation at The Maltings Arts Theatre on october 2nd this year.

Martyn is perhaps best known for bringing the folk music of Australia to British audiences. His St Albans show is a presentation of the life and work of the Australian poet and storyteller Henry Lawson, through the musical settings of his poems that have become familiar to folk audiences the world over. These songs, many of which will be familiar to fans of Martyn’s work, tell the poignant and often funny story of a man who came to be known as ‘the voice of Australia’.

Joining Martyn in this presentation is singer and fiddler Doug Jenner. Doug, who manages and tours with ‘Buckley’s Chance’

(www.buckleyschancemusic.com), the UK’s only traditional Aussie bush band, also runs a popular fortnightly session at The Boot in Kimpton, Hertfordshire. In the 1990s, Doug performed and recorded in Australia with the late Chris Kempster, a leading authority on the songs of Henry Lawson.

The show also features actor and musician Roland Taylor, one half of the acclaimed comedy duo Classical Mayhem (www.classicalmayhem.com) along with Martyn’s regular accordionist Iris Bishop (www.discogs.com/artist/711987-Iris-Bishop) and renowned instrumentalist Jon Wigg.(http://jonwigg.com/)

Advance tickets can be purchased through St Albans Folk Music: www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk

Clive Batkin

Voice of a new nation The life of Australia’s Henry Lawsonin story and song

Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans

Friday 2nd October, 2015

Martyn Wyndham-Read of the world’s best loved

folk singers, shares the pathos, comedy and

poignancy of Australia’s greatest storyteller,

through his most celebrated songs and anecdotes.

Featuring: Roland Taylor, Iris Bishop & Jon Wigg.

Tickets: St Albans Folk Music: www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk

Mar tyn Wyndham-Read & Doug Jenner

DougJenner

Mar tin Wyhnham-Read

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In late 2010, we released our second album (na-mara, The Bite), recorded at a professional

studio in oxfordshire. Despite having enjoyed the studio experience and being very pleased with the outcome, when the time came to record our third album Navajos & Pirates, for reasons of convenience and increased control we took the decision to do so at home. Having recently completed that process and launched the new album, it seems timely to reflect on the home recording experience in the hope that this might prove of assistance to any Unicorn readers currently considering whether to take the home recording route.

There are probably two considerations that influence any decision on this. The first is about having a genuine interest in sound recording and production itself. If the practicalities of setting up a studio or learning and operating sometimes complex software are not for you, then you will naturally be drawn toward using a professional studio.

The second consideration is the willingness to ‘invest’ in the process. This doesn’t just mean money – although this is certainly something that needs to be recognised given the costs of acquiring necessary hardware and software. It also relates to your willingness to invest substantial amounts of time in immersing yourself in the theory and practicalities of sound recording and production.

I had spent a fair amount of time on sound recording in the years before Navajos & Pirates. However, once we had decided to record the new album at home – and before a note was recorded – I committed myself to reading and reviewing as much information as I could about all the aspects of sound recording and production relevant to what we were seeking to achieve. Thinking back, most of my spare time in 2013 including holidays was spent ‘boning up’ on the most appropriate recording equipment for our needs, the best recording techniques for our types of instruments and voices, and the compendious ins and outs of the particular

recording software (Cubase) we were operating. Text books, specialist internet forums and training videos were my constant companions throughout that time.

The process was made a little easier for us given our desire to use a light touch for Navajos & Pirates. our aim throughout was to recreate the intimacy of playing in a folk club. This meant we had little need or desire to explore the wilder reaches of what current recording software can do.

A clear concern for anyone considering taking a home recording route is to achieve the highest level of recording quality possible. Naturally, we wanted Navajos & Pirates to stand comparison with professionally-produced peers and to help us achieve this we persistently sought critical feedback. Musician friends played their part but we also employed a qualified sound engineer to review our draft recordings and advise us on getting the best from the material recorded. We mixed and edited the album but were always clear it would be mastered independently. So, ahead of the final mastering, we also sent completed tracks to our mastering engineer for his critical review.

As with The Bite, we are pleased with what we’ve achieved with Navajos & Pirates – it wouldn’t be out yet if we weren’t! It has been a lot of hard work but we’ve learned a tremendous amount, all of which we feel confident will be of great use to us going forward. Whichever route – happy recording!

Paul McNamarawww.na-mara.com

navajos & Pirates was released on 1st May 2015. you can read a review of the Cd on Page 31 of this issue and see na-mara playing the title track live on the Unicorn Magazine youtube channel.

Home or Away?A discussion on the merits and failings of home recording from one half of na-mara


At the heart of English folk

2 Regent’s Park Road, London, NW1 7AY

Now on saleCecil Sharp House ChoirSaturday 4 July, 7pm, £6

Summer Concert and CD Launch

The Takeover! Sunday 12 July, 7pm, Free, booking required

Free concert showcasing London’s emerging young folk talent

Fun with Folk27 & 28 July, 10am – 4pm, 6-9 years

A fun filled course of folk dance and music

Get Your Folk On! Juniors29 & 30 July, 10am – 4pm, 9–12 years

An exciting introduction to folk music

Get Your Folk On!Monday 17 to Friday 21 August, 12-18 years

A creative course of fabulous folk making

The Stray BirdsWednesday 19 August, 7.30pm, £14

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Promoter Supporters

cecilsharphouse.org | 0207 485 2206

@cecilsharphouse/cecilsharphouse @cecilsharphouse

Summer

Course

Summer

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Summer

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July10th Leveret, Said the Maiden andNew Roots fi nalist Saul Bailey

Oct 2nd Voice of a new nation: The life of Australia’s Henry Lawson in story and song with Martyn Wyndham-Read, Doug Jenner, Roland Taylor,Iris Bishop and Jon Wigg

8.00pm at the Maltings Arts TheatreThe Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL

Tickets online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo, or from St Albans Tourist & Information Centre, 01727 864511, or on the door.

Further information:W: www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.ukE: [email protected]

131 FAM Quarter Page (portrait).indd 1 1/6/15 12:20:08


at The Constitutional Club, 12 Guildhall Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1PRor The Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1FD

Event List: July – September 2015Friends of The Milkmaid receive £2 off Ticket Prices

JulyFriday 3rd Chris Wood support Sound Tradition Con Club Tickets £14 Friday 17th The Gerry Colvin Band support TBC Con Club Tickets £10 Friday 24th John Ward & Mario support TBC Con Club Tickets £10 Sunday 26th Doogie McLean support in the bar TBC The Apex Tickets £20

August….Resting

SeptemberFriday 4th The Young’uns support The 3 J’s Con Club Tickets £12 Tuesday 8th Sam Sweeney’s Fiddle Made in the Great War support in the bar TBC The Apex Tickets £17Friday 18th The Dryad support All Fingers & Thumbs Con Club Tickets £6 Wednesday 23rd Rura support in the bar Erin Brown & Matt Cudby The Apex Tickets £15 Friday 25th Artisan support Stef & Ron Con Club Tickets £12

OctoberThursday 1st Morris On support in the bar Milkmaid Molly The ApexTickets £16 Friday 2nd Harpeth Rising (USA) support Brian & Friends Con ClubTickets £10Friday 9th Chris Sherburn & Colin Napier support TBC Con ClubTickets £10 Friday 16th Vin Garbutt support TBC Con Club Tickets £12Friday 30th Hudson & Cutler support The Bounty Hounds Con Club Tickets £10

Box Office Tel: 01284 758000 Email; [email protected]

www.milkmaidcentre.com www.theapex.co.uk Tel: Milkmaid 01284 488279 or Con Club 01284 399562

MILKMAID FOLK CLUB www.milkmaidmusic.co.uk Supporting Disadvantaged & Vulnerable People access the Folk Arts!Please support us at www.milkmaid.charitycheckout.co.ukThe Milkmaid Folk Arts Centre CIC

4 Baxter Court, High Baxter Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1ES Tel: 01284 488279….Mbl: 07749 299377….E: [email protected]

The specially designed and bespoke venue will seat 120 people and have 3 workshop areas for various activitiesand a refreshment area which will be licenced.

The whole cost of the refurbishment is £540,000 and we have raised £175,700 so far.

Donations can be made through our website www.milkmaidcentre.com or go straight to https://milkmaid.charitycheckout.co.uk/

You can donate a ‘one off amount’ or sign up to a monthly standing order which will give us a regular amount coming in through the year. Anything you can afford from £1 –millions will be gratefully received.

Go on our website www.milkmaidcentre.com to see the work we do with disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

www.milkmaid.charitycheckout.com

PLEASE help us raise money to refurbish part of Bury St Edmunds railway station and turn it into a Folk based Arts Centre for the Region. It will accommodate people with disabilities and mental health issues and help them access folk music, song and dance during the day. Evenings and week-ends will be for the whole community to enjoy.


With the election over Uncle Hezekiah has been staring into his balls – his crystal balls that is. As well as running the

folk club at the “Dog & Sausage”, Hezekiah is also something of a seer and he wanted to know what he is letting himself in for now that the Conservatives are back in town.

As the new government’s policies take effect over the coming years he foresees another outpouring of doom and gloom in the folk clubs as singers dust off their songs of despondency which in turn will give rise to a wave of militancy. others, with the lead up to the E.U. referendum, will wrap themselves in songs of nationalism. Here then are his predictions – tick them off as you hear them: first prize for a complete list with dates, venues and names of performers is a pint at the “Dog & Sausage” (if you can find it).

As the benefits cuts and other welfare reforms take effect expect to hear:

• Hard Times of old England

• Hard Times Come Again No More

• When This old Hat Was New

The militant backlash to this will be signalled by the appearance of songs such as:

• Rolling Home, Don’t Let Them Grind you Down, and any other John Tams song

• you Gentlemen of England

• Any song by Alex Glasgow

• Any Union song

• The World Turned Upside Down – better known as “That song by Billy Bragg about the Diggers”

• Any Woody Guthrie song

Nationalism and “Little Englanders” will come to the fore during the EU referendum with flag-waving favourites such as

• Drink old England Dry

• There’ll Always be an England (sung ironically)

• There’ll Always be an England (not sung ironically)

• The Scarlet & the Blue (any of them)

Scots Nationalists will also be asserting themselves – even in English clubs – as they bring their fight South to Westminster. However, don’t expect things like Kenneth McKellar style “Scotland the Brave”, or even Braveheart type Celtishness. This will be a more populist Scottishness to appeal to us southerners while retaining an “edge”, so expect:

• Any song by Matt McGinn

• Any song by Hamish Imlach

• Any song by Billy Connolly

• Any song or poem by Hamish Henderson

• Lots of songs sung with a mock Scottish accent.

Don’t expect Conservative singers to be quiet about their victory. They are likely to give away their allegiance by singing Music Hall favourites such as:

• Champagne Charlie

• Here We Are. Here We Are, Here We Are Again

• Any Hunting song

• A Fine old English Gentleman.

By and large though Hezekiah thinks they will seek to divert us by singing nostalgic songs about how wonderful and simple life used to be. There will also be songs about true love, false love, violence, murder and death. Much in fact like the content of those TV soaps that pretend to reflect “real life” and substitute for it.

of course the cynics amongst us will just try to blot out the coming years so you can also expect lots of drinking songs, songs about drunkards and songs sung by drunkards.

My personal favourites for the next five years are going to be Nancy Whiskey and Beer, Boys, Beer.

Long Lankin

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the Future of Folk Song – LL delves into the murky days to come

Documents

Unicorn Magazine Issue 131