kent folk kent folk Your FREE Guide to Folk Events in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and beyond around Issue 120 December 2023 / January 2024 Published by Tenterden Folk Festival, Charity No 1038663 Promoting folk song, music, dance, crafts and traditions. ISSN 2634-7830 (Print) ISSN 2634-7849 (Online)
Welcome to issue 120 December 2023/January 2024 issue of AKF Around Kent Folk celebrates its 20th anniversary with issue 120 for December 2023 / January 2024. I’m sure that when Kathy and Bob Drage started AKF in 2003 they never expected it to still be going strong 20 years later. Kathy and Bob compiled and edited the magazine from issue 1 to issue 84 which came out in 2017. Following their sad deaths, I took over as editor from issue 85 for February / March 2018 so have now been doing it for almost six of those 20 years. Andy Wood at Anmar has been printing the magazine since its inception so thank you Andy for all your hard work. With the support of all our readers, advertisers and contributors long may it continue. If you still have a copy of issue one of AKF I would love to see it. Alan Castle (Editor) PS: You can make a donation to Tenterden Folk Festival or this magazine via our websites or by post (see payment details on last page). Thank you. www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk www.aroundkentfolk.org.uk Front cover: Pete Coe. Photo: Philip L Hinton Find us online at www.aroundkentfolk.org.uk and on Twitter as @AroundKentFolk, where you can always fi nd a link to the latest and past issues of AKF. Please pass this link on to your mailing lists and place it on your social media so that as many as possible of our regular readers can fi nd AKF online until we are able to get back to a full print run and physical distribution of the printed magazine. Stay well and take care in these diffi cult times Donate Now
Scene & Heard The turning of the year beckons in an October heatwave, shorts and festival shirts... much to report and more to look forward to.. Out and about in the West Swanage reminded me of the Broadstairs seafront Saturdays all those years ago, when Jack Hamilton’s vision of a celebration of dance came to fruition and concerts were open-air in Pierremont Park... deckchairs and all... Bob and his blue trombone with Marlings and getting pegged by Loose Women... don’t ask... Combe Martin for the celebration of Tom Brown’s life followed, of which more later. Pleasant & Delightful rang out in the hearty voices of 250 or so harmonious singers and the following gathering at the Castle was a real tribute to the life of a man who gave so much to so many in the folk world. Barbara’s hospitality graced the occasion and reminded us all of the grand times when they hosted the Broadstairs singarounds with friendly encouragement, and amicably grilled the great and good in their morning Face The Music slot... always looking to bring out the best and thereby inform and advise their audience. A real delight to spend a while with Sylvia Watts and Mike Warman: Rise Like Larks has to be one of my favourite CDs which stands the test of time- the tunes are so rich and the lyrics so striking. Seasons Turn has been widely sung in Kent, well worth seeking out Blackberry Wine and Breezing Down The Reaches... it also has Lynne Heraud and Pat Turner.. recorded by Peter Collins.. we spoke of Leslie Sarony... Bodmin had Calum Sands, his customary anecdotal wit later at Dartford. Busy times brought a Skynfl ynt revival to Crabble Mill, rolling back the years to a full house.. I enjoyed Sue Blaskett’s own songs among the strong fl oor spots. Chris’s recorder in full fi pple, Rob’s banjo, red bass, Rob’s banjo, Al’s highly listenable vocals and Rob’s banjo brought back happy festival memories... Barrie & Ingrid Temple brought the Eee-factor to Deal, plenty of chorus to a singing crowdanother club with plentiful fi ne fl oor singers. Faversham saw Edwina Hayes delightfully and quietly charming an audience boosted by those who had enjoyed her Zoom sessions. I missed Katie Spencer thanks to ASLEF; her set was well received, and the soundscapes she creates on her CD are haunting. At Tonbridge a variety of guests is rebuilding the club- Bruce Watson brought Australian comment, especially interesting when he revealed family connections. The Rabbits from Norfolk were intriguing- again
landscapes of guitar/mandolin and abstract lyrics reminiscent of distant luminaries... I was also reminded of Bon Iver... Rosslyn Court continues its broad and forward-looking programme with Mossy Christian and James Kerry for lovers of the developing tradition. CJ and Dave Raey, festival stalwarts, guested recently; check Morag’s site for many eclectic delights in store... the Woodshed theme sessions at the Wrotham continue to surprise and delight... Frolics December 3. Great to see the pictures of Swing The Bridge in action at Tenterden, a galaxy of talent, and I can’t wait to catch the Erin Mansfi eld/ Granny’s Attic barn dance experience... from Deal’s Zoom came Dave Mason, a real song-crafter and a pleasure to meet in person. Kentish presence at Harwich Shanty Fest included Roger Resch and Liz Randall... our congratulations to Travelling Folk who celebrate their 40th anniversary this month. Dartford are 50 and ran a special night as Joe Whittaker explains elsewhere... ever a top club. Great to see the pictures of Swing The Bridge in action at Tenterden, a galaxy of talent, and I can’t wait to catch the Erin Mansfi eld/ Granny’s Attic barn dance experience... from Deal’s Zoom came Dave Mason, a real song-crafter and a pleasure to meet in person. Amongst powerful competition I must single out Brian Peters’ set at the Limes: 2x45 saw top quality tunes and songs on squeezes and guitar: driving pace for Child ballad No.1, intriguing older versions of songs made popular in the 1960s, deeply assertive and melodramatic broadsides, mole catching advice (... garlic...), Lancastrian comic, all with fascinating asides and historical insights. An evening to cherish. That’s the way to do it! I’ll hold over for next time full congratulations to the Festival Band, whose fundraising deserves recognition. Talking at the cheque presentation (over £10,000) with several Hospice residents certainly puts everything into perspective. Smiles and tapping feet. Good show. CJ’s excellent Open Mic Nights each month deserve their excellent reputation: 2nd Wednesday the Hare at Blean, 3rd Friday The Anchor at Wingham and on the last Saturday of the month at the White Horse at Chilham. CJ and Dave Raey are also all about the county…. Amazing energy! Glad to hear of a new folk venue in Tunbridge Wells : the Royal Oak monthly on the second Tuesday of the month, where John & Di Cullen (former patrons of the much-loved Beacon), Paul Stepto and I ventured in October. Three invited guest acts each time in a superb pub... And so from mellow fruitfulness to frosts and the rise of Mummers, Hoodeners, Howlers and Guisers- the recent Maidstone Museum show demonstrated many a modern take on the old customs. As long as the songs bring cheer and the plays overcome the ipsy and pipsy, all will be well. Stay warm and well, and all best wishes from all of us howsomever you celebrate... Wassail! Bob Kenward
Live Music Venue Folk Blues Jazz 6 2 Swe y n Road, Clif tonville, Mar g ate CT9 2D D It's alwa y s g reat live music at Rosl y n Cour t DECEMBER 3rd Wednesday- Jazz with Tony Hudd and guests 8pm £10 Last Monday- Scratch Band with James Kerry 6.30 - 8.30 £10 any instruments, work on a tune with like-minded musicians at all levels. Satisfying + good fun. Rosslyn Court is a small, quirky, seated venue on one level with a bar. Please support live music. JANUARY 7 Sam Brothers plays Bob Dylan - all your favourites! 14 Bob Kenward and Steve Morehan return to delight us with beautifully performed modern and traditional songs of Kent and beyond. Engaging with a wicked sense of humour. 21 Something seasonal tba . We will deck the hall.... 11 Gabriel Moreno & Ned Cartwright irirresistibly engaging performer, Gabriel combines a latin exuberance and passion with a rare lyrical calibre...accompanied by virtuoso pianist, Ned Cartwright. Great songs. 18 Anthony John Clarke and Julia Porter -the DVD tourfilmed with Dave Pegg at Rosslyn Court- bound to be a ridiculously entertaining evening. 25 Burns Night- Traditional Music and food, aye. MONTHLY www.rosslyncourt.com/events
CD Review Bryony Griffi th and Alice Jones - Wesselbobs SYNMCD010 It seems a bit premature to be sitting listening to Christmas songs in October but Bryony and Alice actually call this collection winter songs and tunes so perhaps that makes it alright. They have collected together this selection of songs from Yorkshire where they both originate from and have named the album Wesselbob after the local tradition of wassailers or carol singers carrying decorated tree boughs on aspherical frames, from door to door. You can certainly imagine singing these songs on a cold and frosty evening. Alice and Bryony both provide lead and backing vocals as well as fi ddle, harmonium, guitar and percussion. The 12 tracks include Yorkshire versions of some well-known songs and some much lesser known but equally good ones and include Early Pearly, I traced her little footmarks in the snow, The tailor’s britches, Time to remember the poor, King Christmas. The comprehensive insert includes a selection of seasonal illustrations but more importantly several paragraphs about each song or tune and all the words to the songs. Since this album dropped on the mat I’ve already played it several times and will certainly be listening to it several more times over the coming winter and Christmas. Highly recommend evening if you are not a lover of Christmas! Alan Castle (Editor)
December - January Yes, Faversham Folk Club is open every Wednesday, 8 pm til 1030... we welcome performers and audience to our popular Singers’ Nights. On Guest nights, fl oor spots are welcomed by M/Cs if you arrive soon enough. A warm welcome is always available at The Limes! Upcoming: February 7 - Shake Me Up Sally, 21 Feb - Ian K Brown, 6 March - Steve Turner ... and many more! All other nights Singers £2 - all welcome We’ve had a full programme this year- hoorah! And well done Pat, our Booking offi cer! Tell us who you’d like to see at the club and we’ll see what we can do. 29 Nov Damien Barber - Tradition at its fi nest from a master... bringing the past alive and making it relevant. £9/£10 13 Dec Jim Causley - Seasonal songs from poem settings to bouncy revelry- bound to be a night to remember. £10/£11 27 Dec Closed. Happy New Year! 10 Jan 2024 Morrigan - Cracking quartet: harmony, chorus, tradition and bonhomie to drive the winter away. £7/£8 24 Jan Liz Simcock - Always entertaining, fresh songs of modern times and the way of the world. £7/£8
4th December Gavin & Julie Atkin 18th December Bob Kenward 15th January Capella 5th February Daria Kulesh 19th February Ian K Brown 4th March Aeryn Mansfi eld Tonbridge Folk Club (Nellie’s) Ye Olde Chequers Inn, 122 High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1AS First and third Mondays of each month, 7.30 - 10.30 pm Subject to the Covid 19 emergency, please check our website for the latest information tonbridgefolkclub.org Tel: 01892 822945 [email protected] www.tonbridgefolkclub.org flffi fflff fi !!" fifi #!$ flffi ffl ff ffi fi ffi ! " # $ %&' &fi( )* ' +' ,( dŚĞ ĂƌͲ^ƚĞǁĂƌĚ ^ŽŶƐ ŽĨ sĂů ŽŽŶŝĐĂŶ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ϮŶĚ ĞĐ ʹ 'ƵůďĞŶŬŝĂŶ͕ ĂŶƚĞƌďƵƌLJ &Ƶůů WƌŝĐĞ άϭϴ ͕ hϮϱ άϵ ^ƚ ŐŶĞƐ &ŽƵŶƚĂŝŶ dƵĞƐĚĂLJ ϭϮƚŚ ĞĐ ʹ ĂŶƚĞƌďƵƌLJ ĂƚŚĞĚƌĂů >ŽĚŐĞ KŶůŝŶĞ άϮϬ͘ϱϬ͕ hϮϱ άϭϬ ůďŝŽŶ ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ ĂŶĚ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ϭϲƚŚ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ʹ 'ƵůďĞŶŬŝĂŶ͕ ĂŶƚĞƌďƵƌLJ &Ƶůů WƌŝĐĞ άϮϯ͕ hϮϱ άϭϭ ϮϬϮϰ ƌŽƚŚĞƌƐ 'ŝůůĞƐƉŝĞ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ϲƚŚ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ʹ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ ĂƌŶ &Ƶůů WƌŝĐĞ άϭϱ͕ hϮϱ άϴ DĂƌƚLJŶ :ŽƐĞƉŚ ^ƵŶĚĂLJ ϮϴƚŚ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ʹ ĂŶƚĞƌďƵƌLJ ĂƚŚĞĚƌĂů >ŽĚŐĞ &Ƶůů WƌŝĐĞ άϮϬ͕ hϮϱ άϭϬ 0HUU\ &KULVWPDV ǁǁǁ͘ĨŽůŬŝŶƚŚĞďĂƌŶ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ
Egerton Folk and Blues Club The George Inn, Egerton (TN27 9DJ) NOTE we now meet every first Thursday of the month, from 7pm. All welcome. No paid guest performers, just residents, itinerants and wayfaring strangers (rich or poor). PA available if you need it. Hat collection (if you need one). Contact details: Jerry ‘Hatrick’ Crossley Phone - 07387 382050 Facebook - EgertonFolkandBluesClub
Four days of hot sunshine with no rain and temperatures reaching 24c. You would think I was describing the weather in August during Sidmouth, Broadstairs or Whitby Folk Festivals but no, it was the 30th Tenterden Folk Festival in October. The fi rst of the small and hardworking workforce, lead by Richard Cartwright, started to arrive on Tuesday to settle into the picturesque temporary campsite. On Wednesday they were busy supervising the set up of the marquees on the Recreation Ground and the arrival of portable toilets, skips, etc. and setting up all the other festival equipment and signage around the town and all the venues. The rest of the volunteer workforce and stewards arrived and checked in on Thursday. Volunteer came from as far away as New Zealand and Jerusalem as well as close by in Tenterden and Ashford as well as other parts of the UK. The festival kicked off on Thursday evening with a small concert in the Tenterden Club featuring the ever-popular Pete Coe and the four-piece harmony group Sound Tradition, who proved to be one of the hits of the weekend. Friday saw an infl ux of visitors and participants including guest artists, Morris sides, stallholders and festival goers. The lovely weather encouraged more people to stay on the campsite in a farmer’s fi eld just beyond the steam railway and we ended up with well over 120 caravans, campervans and tents by the end of the weekend. All Friday’s events were successful with concerts, workshops, meet the guests and a barn dance encouraging festival goers and locals indoors out of the sunshine. The gap between events a couple of events in a couple of venues was quite short as a result of the re-programming when the Town Hall suddenly became un-available just a few weeks before the festival due to a structural issue with the fi re escape, but it all worked out fi ne. Saturday is always the busy day for outdoor events in and around the town centre. The 30th Tenterden Folk Festival
Morris sides were out dancing in the early sunshine before 10:00 a.m. and the 50 odd stalls in and around the craft fair marquee on the Recreation Ground were attracting customers throughout Saturday and Sunday. Our stalls organiser Margaret White does an amazing job. The adjacent free music stage and dance stage also proved popular in the sunshine. It was nice to see a mix of festival guests and local performers on the stage ranging in age from the folk band from Highworth Girls School to the U3A folk group. Very inclusive. Thanks to Spud Jones hard work we had over 25 Morris sides and dance display teams performing on Saturday and the procession was again a highlight for the town with the High Street (A28) closed while all the dancers processed through the town. The public thronged the pavements and road to see the spectacle. There are some great photo and videos already on YouTube. Just search for Tenterden Folk Festival 2023. Sunday was a bit quieter but there were still plenty of Morris sides around as well as Slovakian and Bulgarian dancers and plenty of concerts, workshops and special events to attend. The music sessions and sing-arounds were well attended throughout the weekend and there was standing room only in the Saddlery for several of these. There were just too many successful events and great guest to mention every one! Despite the very diffi cult economic times, and the diffi culties with getting grants and sponsorship for music and arts events, we were determined to make the 30th Tenterden Folk Festival special and we think we did. With overall ticket sales and street collections exceeding our expectations the projected defi cit looks like being less than we originally expected so we will be able to start planning for 2024 with a degree of confi dence. Finally, a huge thankyou to ALL the committee, volunteers, performers, dancers, stallholders, guests, participants and visitors who made it all possible. Special thanks go to the people of Tenterden, three local councils, the supporters, funders and sponsors without whom we could not run the festival. If you would like to support us or get involved next year it is never to early to get in touch. Alan Castle Trustee and Festival Director [email protected]
MELTING VINYL LIVE meltingvinyl.co.uk creativefolkestone.org.uk FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2024 + SPECIAL GUESTS “Stornoway’s new record is a joy.” **** The Sunday Times
FOR UPDATES AND FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE & FACEBOOK PAGES DARTFORD WORKING MENS CLUB Essex Road, DA1 2AU EVERY TUESDAY 8.00 TILL 10.30 FEATURED GUESTS 05 Dec - Allan Taylor 12 Dec - Phil Beer and his special guest Miranda Sykes 19 Dec - Churchfi tters 26 Dec - **FESTIVE GREETINGS !!** Sorry we are closed! 02 Jan 2024 - Come All Ye Join us for a ‘New Year’ Singaround! 09 Jan - Four Gone Confusion 16 Jan - Anthony John Clarke 23 Jan - Hilary Spencer 30 Jan - Counter’s Creek Dartford Folk Club BBC Radio 2 Best Folk Club of the year 2008 www.dartfordfolk.org.uk Enquiries: [email protected] FLOOR SINGERS WELCOME (PLEASE BOOK) *** PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW START TIME OF 8PM *** DOORS OPEN AT 7.15PM
Lewes Saturday Folk Club Traditional music every Saturday night Elephant & Castle, White Hill, Lewes BN7 2DJ 8.00 – 11.00 www.lewessaturdayfolkclub.org [email protected] 01273 476757 Loyalty card: 6 evening visits = £5 off an evening All payments in cash on the day please Dec 2 Jim Causley Songs from Devon with accordion £12 Dec 9 Shepherds Arise! Old Sussex carols & more £8 Dec 16 Robb Johnson Powerful songwriter & guitarist £10 Dec 23 Christmas Party, fire & candlelight, mince pies £6 Bring a seasonal party piece or choose a carol from our book for everyone to sing. Ball gowns & vintage evening dress encouraged. Dec 30 To Drive The Cold Winter Away Winter songs & tunes £5 Jan 6 Copper Family £15 Email to reserve seats Jan 13 Wassail, fire, candlelight, wassail bowl, Twelfth Cake £6 Jan 20 Sussex All-Day Singaround 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. First an hour of informal tunes while people arrive. Then the singing starts, with a break from 6.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m., finishing with a good hour of glorious choruses. Ballads & the occasional instrumental party piece will be very welcome too. The open fire will burn throughout & we’ll light candles for the evening session. Admission with collection - £1 suggested. Food on sale until 7:30 p.m. Jan 21 Tunes session noon – 3:00. Jan 27 Seb Stone Fine young trad singer, uilleann pipes £9
Sussex Folk News With December upon us, all the folk clubs are turning their thoughts to Christmas; none more so than the Lewes Saturday folk club at the Elephant & Castle, White Hill, Lewes BN7 2DJ where every one of their fi ve meetings in the month are devoted to the festive season. Jim Causley will be bringing his show “A Causley Christmas” there on the 2nd when his glorious voice, accordion, charm & humour bring the traditional songs of Devon to life. He also writes his own excellent songs & makes tunes for the poems of his ancestor Charles Causley. No Christmas at the Elly would be complete without an evening devoted to the “Shepherds Arise” show and this year it will be there on the 9th with Old Sussex carols from church manuscript books & oral tradition, tunes & readings from Sussex sources, Sussex Mummers’ Play. Voices, fl ute, clarinet, concertina, bassoon, whistles, serpent. That excellent singer/songwriter Robb Johnson will be there on the following Saturday, the 19th with his alternative look at Christmas entitled “Bah! Humbug!” Their club Christmas party takes place on 23rd and the theme of their fi nal meeting of this year is called “To Drive The Cold Winter Away” with participants asked to bring songs tunes and stories suitable for the occasion. Moving into the new year, Bob Copper’s birthday (6th January) has been celebrated in folk clubs in Lewes with the man present on those annual occurrences. Nearly 20 years after his death The Copper family now make up from Bob’s son and daughter John and Jill, his son-in-law Jon Dudley and their respective children, Mark, Andy Sean, Ben, Lucy and Tom. Recently Bob’s great grandson Flinn has joined the line-up thus making it the eighth consecutive known generation of The Copper Family to sing. As always it will be a treat. Another special day will be on 20th January when the Sussex All-Day singaround takes place at the Elephant and Castle running from 11am until 11pm with a 90 minute break in the middle; Phew! Eastbourne Folk Club meets at an historic pub, the Lamb in the heart of the Old Town on the fi rst and third Wednesdays of the month. In these two months they have Open Stage nights with no guest singers on the fi rst Wednesdays which leaves me two guest nights to mention. Their Christmas party will feature the popular local band, Black Strap Molasses on the 20th December then on 17th January, Anthony John Clarke will be making a return visit. This singer-songwriter has been an integral part of the UK music scene for 30 years. Originally from Belfast, AJ is now one of the most humorous and entertaining acts around, as was proved when he visited in 2022. Horsham Folk Club meets on Sunday evenings at the Normandy Centre, Denne Road, West Sussex RH12 1JF. This song club has always had a close association with the Broadwood Morris Men and that dance team will be providing song and dance for them on 10th November then the following week there is more social dancing as well as songs in their Christmas Party evening. Finally the weekly Monday folk club in Chichester folk club in the Chichester Inn. The club has a good selection of talented resident and fl oor singers and scarcely needs to book guest singers though they usually have one special evening per month. In December this will be their party night on 18th and then in January on the 15th they have booked two evergreens from the folk scene. Dave Ellis & Boo Howard. With regular appearances at festivals and folk clubs, Dave & Boo are now an integral part of the British acoustic folk scene and fi rm favourites with audiences up and down the land. Vic Smith
Peter the Punter Travelling through autumnal Kent in glorious sunshine for the last of 2023’s local festivals… what a year we’ve had! Tenterden has always been renowned for its traditional emphasis, so plenty to look forward to… Soon bumped into Pete Coe in the street, a charm of this weekend being chatting with longestablished denizens of the folk world as you go… in the concert Pete with quartet Sound Tradition led us down the highways and byways of song in most engaging style. Always good to hear songs being sung for their storyline and enhanced by their arrangements, the subtle ST harmonies bringing out the longing in Dancing At Whitsun, PC driving along ballads and tales with appropriate humour and venom. So much choice on a Friday morning… Morrigan’s Vaughan Williams presentation was both informative and sweet on the ear. Four cracking acts in the afternoon concert, the duos Drywood and Milton Hide illustrating how inclusive the defi nition of folk can be- both powerful and deftly instrumented. Brown Boots, Martin and Will, stunned us all again with the uplift and sheer joy melodeon and fi ddle can generate, and Pete Coe rounded off treasonably... depending on who frames the laws… Off then to the museum, where 30 years of famous names were on display… awesome… Oh my Bo, Tantethra and Skynfl ynt long ago… another year perhaps. Down to the Glebe for local artists Sue Watson, John & Di Cullen and Bob Kenward, whose stack of songs from their shows mingled pleasantly with their own repertoires- all folk club organisers, they illustrate the strength of the local scene. Pity to miss Chris Roche, a shantyman who has really sailed around the Horn… Then to the Singaround, comfortably
in the Saddlery this year, joining 40+ voices in setting the world to rights.. Saturday and the jingle-jangle of morris under a sapphire sky… Marlings, Loose, East Kent and many more, coats of all colours and tatters swirling. Another choice- by chance met with Mick Ryan in the Museum, both of us fascinated by Mary Hollis’s 78 show and the songsheets on display, thereby missing Sheila Park on Harry Cox which we’d both earmarked… the concert guests could be caught later if you missed them fi rst time, fortunately. Another singaround, hoping to catch Vic Smith on Scan Tester another time. A bright and busky procession was well supported, grand to see so many from the town out with their children admiring the spectacle. Due to another commitment I had to miss the evening, pity, as I’d looked forward to seeing the mighty Foot Down back in the Vine… A dawn return on Sunday and visit to the Craft Tent past Gavin Atkins’ mid Kent U3A group on the open stage- a cornucopia of instruments hitting the all the right notes- I saw hammer dulcimer and fi ddle, all sorts of strings and squeezes… lovely show. Straw dolls, and craft ciders, stained glass and wood-turning… and the amiable PJ ever ready to sell me a musical titbit… The afternoon round robin featured Jeff and Elaine Gillett from the West, exquisite guitar arrangements and delicate vocals, the rumbustious uncompromising Rattlebag 5-piece, a fascinating set from looping Erin Mansfi eld, setting up tunes and a song with scarum precision ( the double whistle solo a tour de force) … with Mick Ryan’s Strange Fruit and Paul Downes’ instant command to relish. The John Short show in development with Keith Kendrick, Sylvia Needham, Drywood and Moose Rosser I wish every success- a strong story and who better to present it. All passed so quickly: soon Steve Turner was bidding us farewell and the fi nal sing whisked around… time again to thank Alan Castle, all the organisers and volunteers for their goodwill and perseverance… and all the performers, dancers and contributors who make such a weekend to remember. May we all overwinter well.
Dartford’s 50th Celebration To celebrate the Club’s 50th Birthday booking well in advance had been essential to secure the talents of Phil Beer and Paul Downes who came to Dartford originally as Downes & Beer back in 1976 and have appeared no less than 98 times in various combinations. However when Paul called up to say that Bill Zorn would be in the country and “ would we mind “ if Bill joined in for what was as close to a reunion of Arizona Smoke Revue as is possible the answer was Yes. Bruce Watson, from Australia opened, with an entertaining fl oor spot before the lads took the stage and treated a nearly full house to a fi ne selection from their extensive song catalogue including’ Battle of New Orleans ‘, Springsteen’s ‘ Factory ‘, ‘ Mohammed’s Radio ‘, Jimmy Buffet’s ‘ Volcano ‘ , the trad. ‘ Bells of Rhymney ‘ and many more. Marj Mitchell paid tribute to Pam and Alan Colls who saw the Club through its fi rst 40+ years and also to the residents, members, audiences and volunteer team who continue the legacy of live music which Pam and Alan started with the same principles they put in place holding true. As Paul, Phil and Bill played out with ‘ Will The Circle Be Unbroken ‘ and we all headed for our homes the 50 years seemed to have fl own by. The DFC Team Dartford Folk Club BBC Radio 2 Best Folk Club of the year 2008 www.dartfordfolk.org.uk Enquiries: [email protected]
FOLK AT THE DRUM The club meets every Monday evening at The Drum Inn, Stanford, Stone Street (TN25 6DN), between Canterbury and Hythe, from 7 till 10pm. If you enjoy playing or listening to acoustic music of all types (folk, blues, country, rock, etc), you are very welcome to join us in the function room of the pub for a relaxed and entertaining evening. Nominal £2 entry fee. For more information, contact Jeff on 01303 813188
Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th October hursday 3rd to Sunday 6th October 2024 Tenterden “Tenterden the Jewel of the Weald”
Tom Brown 1948-2023 - In Broadstairs and the West For around 30 years Tom & Barbara Brown ran the defi nitive Singaround at the Broadstairs Festival with great good humour, inspiration and understanding. In a variety of venues, from The Crown (initially with Regalia including Charley Yarwood), Neptune’s Hall, Crow Hill, the Charles Dickens and ultimately the Sailing Club, they created an atmosphere of trust and warm appreciation. Apprehensive singers were welcomed, those new to traditional song were encouraged, and occasionally those with delusions of grandeur were quietly reminded that the song and the room came fi rst. Tom’s raised eyebrow was often enough, whilst his chuckle at whimsy or approval at respect for the tradition and sources was high praise. Others have spoken of his lightly-worn scholarship, his robust revival of the Hunting Of The Earl Of Rone in Combe Martin, biscuits and all, his sturdy Soprani, not to mention his individual guitar style derived from playing a right-hander upside down left-handed. Still more have learned their wares from A Sailor’s Life, the book recalling the repertoire of John Short of Watchet, and the three Short Sharp Shanties CDs, essential buys for the fresh-faced mariner. Yet more recall long discussions on this or that, always relevant, and his astute quizzing of festival guests blearily Facing The Musicalways trying to fi nd out more about how, why and when for the benefi t of eager listeners. Always, always kind. For myself, I owe both Tom and Barbara a great deal. Their example informs every Woodshed session I run, and their kindness to strangers who had the temerity to try to add to the tradition I experienced and appreciated. Through their Give Voice! course at Halsway Manor they developed many singers and gave them close expertise from which to learn. I much enjoyed their quick wit, hospitality and good company. But most of all I shall recall the West Country Nights Out, the Tavistock Guzie Fayre, The Farmer’s Boy, especially When Mother And Me Joined In. Our condolences to Barbara, and the wider family: the support seen in September was truly outstanding. So many lives he had touched, so many who came to celebrate a true and genuine talent. Here’s to you, Tom Brown. Bob Kenward
Traditional songs and music with Julie and Gavin Atkin x Julie has just launched her new CD and Bandcamp album of her songs, many with Gavin’s thoughtful accompaniments. https://gavinatkin.bandcamp.com/album/blackbird x Early reactions have been amazing. Mike Norris of the EFDSS Classic Folk podcast said 'Julie's fine singing of our traditional classics … is a real pleasure.' x Keith Kendrick added: 'Julie has a fine voice… this CD shows off her particular and truly amazing skill for interpreting traditional songs and ballads. Of her generation she has surely emerged as one of the best.' x See Singdanceandplay.net for info on our regular Zooms, and local tunes workshops and tune sessions x Contact: [email protected] tel 07985 522734 6 Pleasant View Pl, Farnborough, Orpington, BR6 7BL Th ursdays @ 8.15pm 01959 532 754 020 8325 6513 Website: www.orpingtonfolkclub.org.uk E-mail:[email protected] Orpington Folk Music and Song Club exists to promote folk music and song. It is a non profi t making organisation and is for those who wish to listen to or take part in an informal evening of folk music and song. For those who wish confi rmation of guest(s) nights they can call any of the telephone numbers below. Farnborough Social Club DECEMBER 7th, 28th Singers & Musicians Nights 14th Bob Wood 21st Xmas Party Singers & Musicians Night JANUARY 2024 4th, 11th, 25th Singers & Musicians Night 18th Elizabeth & Jameson All club nights 8.Ͳ0 to 1Ͳ.͵0pm Entrance fee £4.00ȋ Ȍ Enquiries to Chris Wil 07821 606076 Friday 8th December, 2023 - Singers Night Friday 12th January, 2024 - Singers Night MOORE orLESS FOLK CLUB Oast Community Centre, Granary Close, Rainham, Kent, ME8 7SG (next to Rainham railway station)
Since 1976 BRITAIN’S FOLK & ACOUSTIC SPECIALISTS CANTERBURY: 22 LOWER BRIDGE STREET, CT1 2LG, 01227 769484 LONDON: 24 RATHBONE PLACE, W1T 1JA, 020 7323 9040 BIRMINGHAM | BRIGHTON | BRISTOL | LEEDS EDINBURGH (SCAYLES) | MANCHESTER | SOUTHAMPTON YOUR LOCAL MUSIC SHOP - VISIT US OR BUY ONLINE We stock all kinds of acoustic & folk instruments from Britain and around the world, and customers are welcome to try out and compare instruments in our shops. Visit or contact us for friendly, free advice from expert staff. www.hobgoblin.com | 0333 800 9500 OUR TRADITIONAL MUSIC SHOPS ACROSS THE UK:
DEAL FOLK CLUB 1st and 3rd Thursdays 7.15pm-10pm St Andrews Church Hall, West Street, CT14 6DZ December 7 – Dave Ellis & Boo Howard December 21 – Xmas Singers Night January 4 – Singers Night January 18 – Dove’s Vagaries Admission: £8 Guest Nights, £3 Singers Nights Tea & coffee £1 or bring your own drink www.dealfolkclub.org.uk Information 01-304-360877 TENTERDEN FOLK SESSIONS Free folk song, and music sessions at This Ancient Boro 3 East Cross, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6AD The second Monday of every month from 7:30 to 10:30 Tenterden Folk Club has been running consistently since 1993 For informaƟon contact Alan Castle E: info@tenterdenfolkfesƟval.org.uk T: 01233 626805 W: www.tenterdenfolkfesƟval.com/Tenterden-Folk-Sessions/
CD Reviews Re Autumn Skies Were Blue / Jovial Man of Kent In the very early 70’s a friend of mine, Chris Brown, a school teacher, was doing research in the Kent County Library in Maidstone for a project he was getting together. He came across a book called “A Kentish Garland” published in 1881. In it were the words to “Autumn Skies” to be sung to the tune of Jones’ Ale”. He sent me the word so I learned them and started to sing the song around the local clubs in the Medway Towns, Maidstone Faversham and Dartford. I was dancing with Hartley Morris then and introduced it into their repertoire where it is still sung with gusto. I recorded it along with some of their Kent related songs in 1972. Over time it has undergone the folk process with extra verses added which is great, after all it is a living tradition. Phil Burkin Editors note – several versions are available on YouTube. Blazing Fiddles - XXV (BFCD2023) Blazing Fiddles are a six piece band who have been playing traditional and new music from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland for 25 years (XXV). They have even played the BBC Proms at the Albert Hall. This, their 10th album was recorded with all the band in one room as in a live performance with no fancy technical effects, so it gives a good idea of what they sound like at a concert. With four or fi ve fi ddles, guitar and piano they provide a full and exciting sound. Tracks include The Road to Skye, The Devils Polka, and many more lively tunes suitable for playing in concerts or music sessions. Alan Castle (Editor) Jack Rutter - This is Something Constant RUTTCD 027 This CD opens with an upbeat version of the 17th century Yorkshire song “Bold Nevison the Highwayman” which includes the line “He robbed two men in Kent” so it is very appropriate to review the CD here! You can fi nd Jack’s video of Bold Nevison on YouTube. I fi rst saw a young Rutter Jack at Chippenham Folk Festival a few years ago and was impressed by his performance of mainly traditional songs and this album continues in the same vein with mainly traditional songs, the only exception being Edwin Waugh’s Upon the Mountain High. Jack plays guitar bouzouki, harmonica, duet concertina and harmonium but most importantly provides clear and precise vocals. Guests on the album are Mike McGoldrick on pipes, fl utes and whistles and Patsy Reid on fi ddle and viola. Like Bryony and Alice’s Wesselbobs, this album was recorded and produced by Joe Rusby. Other tracks include Sledburn Fair, Lord Maxwell’s Last Goodnight, Ninety Nine and Ninety, and Shepherd on the Mountain. There is no insert with this album but there are brief notes about the songs on the extended CD cover. Another album well worth adding to your collection.
CD Reviews The Rosie Hood Band - A Seed of Gold (LRRCD01) The Rosie Hood band are Robyn Wallace, Rosie Hood, Nicola Beazley and Rosie Buttler-Hall and between them they provide the vocals and play guitar, ukulele, fi ddle, fi ve string fi ddle, melodeon and percussion. The 11 tracks on this CD include their arrangements of traditional songs including The Swallow, and Turtle Dove, as well as songs written by Rosie Hood and others. Rosie Hood also dances with Pescaetan Morris from Sheffi eld. The album includes a small insert with the background and words to each song. An interesting and well presented selection of songs which are well worth listening to. Alan Castle (Editor) The Wilderness Yet – Turn the Year Round It is always nice to review a Seasonal CD at this time of year, particularly when it is as good as this one. The Wilderness Yet are a talented trio of musicians and singers comprising Rowan Piggott (who also recorded and mixed the album) on fi ddle, double-bass & whistle, Rosie Hodgson on banjo & whistle, and Philippe Barnes on guitar fl ute & whistles. The album is a mixture of tunes and songs, both self-penned and traditional, with lovely vocal harmonies weaving throughout. There are many well-known and classic Christmas songs, but all exquisitely performed and each with some new touches which the group have put in to make them their own. They are equally at home with beautiful a capella harmonies to Barrie Temple’s popular Old Jacky Frost, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, The Wren and The Holly and the Ivy, and accompanying well-known traditional songs or Carols such as Drive the Cold Winter Away, Cutty Wren and Deck the Halls. There are some lovely instrumental tracks - In Dulce Jubilo and Sussex Carol, merry Irish Reels The Holly Bush and Christmas Eve, Irish Jig Frost Is All Over and Rowan’s new tune The Cracker. There are also some new songs – a beautiful a capella track Winter Song which is a traditional Swedish psalm tune with words by Anna Tabbush, Winterbound, a new carol written by Rowan for the album, describing the telltale signs that a hard winter is on the way, and the title track Turn the Year Round written by Rosie, which features the wren, the thrush and the robin all making their appearance like characters in a mummers play with their messages for midwinter. This trio really do create magic together. A quality album of seasonal songs all beautifully sung and played, that I shall enjoy listening to in the festive season every year. Sue Watson
This issue of Around Kent Folk was produced by Alan Castle and Andy Wood on behalf of Tenterden Folk Festival. Promoting folk song, music, dance, crafts and traditions. Registered Charity No 1038663 Issue No. 121 February/March COPY DATE: 18th December Then … 18th December 2023 – February / March 18th February 2024 – April / May 18th April 2024 – June / July 18th June 2024 – August / September 18th August 2024 – October / November 18th October 2024 - December / January CURRENT ADVERTISING RATES: Full colour: Back cover: £94 Inside front or back cover: £83 Full page (run of issue): £73 Half page (run of issue): £45 Grayscale: Full page (run of issue): £44 Half page (run of issue): £31 Quarter page (run of issue): £20 Eighth page (run of issue): £12 Size Guide: Full page H 180mm x W 130mm, Half page H 85mm x W 130mm, Quarter page H 85mm x W 60mm, Eighth page H 42mm x W 60mm Series discount: The discount for advance booking and payment of a series of 6 adverts is 15%, but you can still submit new artwork for each advert. Artwork: If advert cannot be supplied at the correct size please add £10 to above rates. We accept adverts by email as high quality PDF, JPEG or TIFF. Email your adverts to AKF with a copy to Anmar Printing Services, details as below. Payment: Cheques payable to “Tenterden Folk Day Trust” (NOT Tenterden Folk Festival or Around Kent Folk). Send cheque and hard copy of advert to the address below. You can also pay by BACS or internet banking. Ask for details. News and Reviews: Please send CD, books, etc. for review to the address below. AKF also welcomes news and reviews of live gigs, festivals, etc. which you have attended. Website and Social Media: www.aroundkentfolk.org.uk twitter.com/AroundKentFolk ● facebook.com/AroundKentFolk Contact details: Alan Castle, Around Kent Folk, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 3HA Email: [email protected] Website: www.arounfkentfolk.org.uk Twitter: @aroundkentfolk Andy Wood, Anmar Printing Services [email protected] Phone 01732 865380 Subscribe to AROUND KENT FOLK and get your copy by post Name ....................................................................................................................................... Address .................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................. Telephone: ......................................................... Email: .......................................................... SUBSCRIPTION £11 for 1 year (6 issues) Cheques payable to “Tenterden Folk Day Trust” Send to: Alan Castle, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 3HA Scan to donate now