Previous reports of Jurassic Folk and Acoustic sessions at the Grove, Seaton
First -16 February 2011
There was so much to report in February that I split it into two newsletters, and before I got it up on the website along came the early March one... sorry if it's all a bit much... skim through it if you like but you might miss something really important...
Newsletter One
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 16 FEBRUARY 2011
Hello and welcome to February's Jurassic Folk - as we have such a lovely large number of performers Peter said that he would just start the evening off with a single song. However, before that he explained that this evening was all about raising money for a new helicopter for the Devon Air Ambulance. Radio Devon are organising a 24 hour marathon folk event to be carried out both at the Plymouth studio and locations outside from 2.00pm on Friday 18 February. Ted, Rob, Mike and Robin (and in the event Ben joined them) had very kindly and nobly agreed to go to Plymouth on Friday evening to perform and he also asked if anyone who would like to perform on the station outside the Orion at Pecorama on Saturday morning, please let him know. We would be taking a collection during the course of the evening (kindly volunteered by Anita). The advertising over with, Peter went on to sing Red Rocking Chair, or Sugar Baby now, which was an excellent start to the evening.
He then called upon Dave as our first contestant who has a penchant for military songs and this evening it was an Australian military song called When the Band played Waltzing Matilda with a chorus - what a good version. He followed that with a more light hearted couple of short songs running together - Liverpool Loo and St Olaf's Gate - thank you very much Dave. (I don't think the song was about the public conveniences of Liverpool, shurely it's "Lou" ? Peter)
Next an introduction for Moses, all the way from Charmouth, with his piano accordion and a tune called Toby Mast, then a Dean Martin tune. Our refugee from Spain, George, on his last (for a very long while I suspect) visit to Jurassic Folk sang I'll See you in my Dreams and was just so lovely. ( A bit of maternal pride creeping in here, methinks..? Peter)
Kay next with a "commercial" about the Middle Bar Singers bash .... taking place this weekend in Sidmouth. She sang, unaccompanied, a 19th century Broadsheet song - she explained that Broadsheets were the forerunner of newspapers and this was a song very popular One Morning for Recreation, then a love song from the Republic of Ireland I Wonder What's Keeping my True Love Tonight. Thank you Kay.
Mike, or Mick depending on who is here, next with Robbie Roberts' numbers - he was apparently a member of Bob Dylan's band - Twilight is the Loneliest Time of the Day (a protest song) followed by chorus songs Mighty Mississippi and Evangeline which proved a bit of a struggle for most of us ! Next to be called upon, Anita, with her usual erudite look at life, this time a poem called The Nightmare by W.C. Gilbert and my goodness, what a nightmare is was but somehow familiar and very funny Anita. Then came another funny saga on How to Wash a Cat (following on from how to give a cat a pill previously relayed to us) written by "Dog" which would explain the suggestion that it is carried out in a lavatory pan.
A welcome to Rog from Tipton who explained that his songs are not really "folky" but this one which he wrote called Trees was on the verge of it. He tried to follow this with Sea in the Sky but abandoned it in favour Ramble which was really good. (It has been noted that a gremlin gets around some evenings causing minds to go blank). Frances back with a couple of poems about Beer - one about the loo situation and the other about the WI Skittles Team and their game at the Social Club - what a laugh.
Next Ben with his guitar and Setting Fire to Sinking Ships - inspired, he said, by all the paraphernalia around the room. Then our wizzard with the harmonica, Johnny Gudge, and some Celtic music The Star of the County Down and he gave us lots more stories about his enormous family in Ireland finishing off with another couple of tunes. With great pleasure, Mitch was welcomed with Today and Highway 51. Next Robin who wowed us last month for the first time, told us a story about being in a field with moles which inspired him to write a song which was wonderful, thank you Robin. Next the Willow Pattern Song and he reminded us that he has a CD for sale and available from his lovely wife.
Now, as we rush into the interval we had the Bard of Seaton, Ted, to give us some of his "specials" - a monologue and story with a moral about buying mackerel from Weymouth on a Sunday when he was a child, called the Mackerel Miracle. To celebrate his wedding anniversary (53 years) a song for his wife, Betty, came next.
Interval, about 5 mins
With little time left we had a series of "shorties" and to kick off the last part of the evening Moses with his piano accordion gave us Blowing Bubbles and Daisy, Daisy - well done. Frances next with a short funny one called Losing It about her misplaced spectacles. Kay with a Christy Moore song Ready for the Storm. Rog from Tipton came and this time made it with Sea in the Sky which was well worth waiting for. Mitch with Some Say the Heart is Just Like a Wheel. Johnny Gudge with a Welsh tune. Robin gave us Moses the Donkey again with apologies to Moses the accordion player. That left Ted to finish off the evening with his "hymn to humanity" song "Who do you Say I am?" (Answer: I am human)
With that, thank you all, as always, for coming to make the evening. Photographic evidence of this month's perpetrators are on http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net/ ( Thanks as always to Jolly for these). We will be convening again next month as usual on the third Wednesday, 16 March just after 8 o-clock.
Thanks for that, Hil. So that's it for this episode... the next installment will be full of the exploits of our gallant Plymouth adventurers on the Friday, and the Pecorama Big Busking show on the Saturday, so don't miss it ! I might get it out today, but on the other hand, it might take a day or two....
Newsletter Part Two
Well I promised you the second installment of the rivetting saga of our week, and here it is ...!!
It is now Friday 18th, Mike G assembles the troops for the assault on the BBC at Plymouth. They are scheduled to do some live spots on the 24 hour marathon being run by Radio Devon in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Appeal. Apart from Mike G himself, the force consists of Robin Nancarrow, Rob Wheaton and the bard himself, Ted Dowse, who has also been put in charge of the loot collected on Wednesday, which had been rounded up to £60. Wanting to avoid being outnumbered, last minute reinforcements were brought up in the shape of Ben Stone, and the contingent, complete with weapons, was shoe-horned into Mike's tank and set off for hostile territories.
Arriving at Plymouth at 18.30 hours they encountered no resistance... in fact they encountered nobody at all, and after a brief reccy they occupied a vacant room and waited.... and waited... Eventually their position was discovered by the enemy, and despite valiant resistance they were captured and frogmarched into a minute cell which was already occupied by one John Govier and his instruments of torture. There they were subjected to repeated brainwashing and compelled to learn by heart and repeat constantly their captors' slogan "Pensylvannia 6 5 Oh Oh Oh",.. (may be lost on others than Glenn Miller fans).
After what seemed like hours of this torture, Ted was "pursuaded" to hand over the £60, and then the evening brightened up. Their captors at last allowed them to sing some songs, one by one, on the understanding that, when they had done so, they would be allowed to escape. So Ted gave them "Who do you Say I Am", Mike rocked through "Wild Mountain Thyme", Robin related the tale of "Moses the Donkey" and Rob delivered his magnificent "Festival Song".
Freedom was now nearly in their grasp, but it was now so late that the captors insisted on peforming the ceremony of Changing the Guard, and it wasn't until a Vic Morgan assumed control that Ben was let loose with "Setting Fire to Sinking Ships" and they were all allowed to flee, which they did so with alacrity fearing their jailers might change their mind. Mike G drove back brilliantly through atrocious conditions, all the time expecting to encounter landmines or missiles attack, but thankful to relate they all returned relatively unscathed. For this exceptional act of collective bravery it is proposed that they are elevated to the highest possible honour.... suggestions please...!!
After all that Saturday was a doddle. To remind you, we had arranged a big busking session at Pecorama on the Beer Victoria Station platform. The day started off a bit misty, but by the time George got there to set up mikes and speakers the sun was coming out and a good day was promised. A goodly crowd assembled with a large number being recognisable Jurassic folkies (gosh, you are so loyal..). BBC Radio Devon's Michael Chequer arrived with his radio car and set up his equipment, various guest stars trickled in and we were ready to go.
Jolly had a great idea of bringing out some chairs which he knew were stacked behind the Orion Pullman Car, and so those were brought out for the added comfort of the audience. Notable among the survivors of last night's ordeal were our Jurassic stars, Rob Wheaton and Robin Nancarrow, who appeared very bright eyed and bushy tailed. and none the worse for wear.. considering... what dedication ! Of the guests, Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin www.myspace.com/philandhannah are a very versatile multi-instrumental duo with some excellent songs to work with. Cole Stacey www.colestacey.net is a young man with a growing reputation as a singer songwriter and he showed he can busk along with the best of them by forming an impromptu band with Phillip and Hannah which sounded great. All the way from Essex came a husband and wife duo, Two Coats Colder www.myspace.com/twocoatscolder with their own distinctive sound which was well appreciated by the lovely audience.
Mike (or Mick to distinguish him from Mike G) finished off the show with assistance from Rob and Peter who just wanted an excuse to get the bass out. Hilary went round rattling her bucket and must have collected something because it got heavier and heavier. We don't know how much was collected because the buckets were whisked away by Michael Chequer, but they have promised to let us know.
So ended a hectic but very worthwhile few days, and I think we can be very satisfied with our efforts to support the Devon Air Ambulance Appeal, and have a bit of fun in the meantime. Pictures of the Pecorama busk are at http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net/ and as I recorded the brilliant contribution of our team in Plymouth I'll probably put that up somewhere as soon as I've got it extracted. March looks a bit quieter, but who can tell? The regular session will take place on Wednesday 16th at the Grove Nite Club, 8.15pm, and as always, free admission, performers very welcome but please be on time to ensure a spot.
Thanks everybody for their support, and in particular the brave lads who, in broaching the defences of Plymouth, did something that the Spanish Armada failed to achieve.... we shall never see their like again... until next month...
And finally, the Early March eBlast
We know you've been having rather a lot of emails from us recently... sorry, but there were lots of things we had to tell you so I hope you found them interesting, and same thing just now.
First, some of us are going along to Thorncombe Village Hall on Saturday March 12th to see an excellent duo called HowdenJones. We had them at Priddy a few years back and they make a very fine sound. You can check them out on their website www.howdenjones.co.uk and if interested in coming you can let me know or contact them direct on info@howdenjones.co.uk or call up Kate on 07983442700.
Next, for all of you who missed hearing the glorious assault on BBC Radio Devon on Friday 18th Feb carried out by our band of Jurassic Folkies, I have extracted from the programme the gems and put them up on http://www.myspace.com/jurassicfolk for your delectation.... enjoy!
Demonstrating that there is no way of escaping the coverage of Jurassic Folk, our erstwhile band leader, Annie, has reported from down under...
We've just caught up with your hilarious and mind-boggling newsletters for which many thanks. What a time you've all been having - congratulations!! It seems very tame here in comparison although it's not so bad! Having done a really enjoyable tour of the coastal area and hinterland south of Perth in the campervan we are now happily settled in a little cabin for three weeks in Byron Bay on the East coast near to where son Alex lives. Please say "hello" to all the gang for us..... See you in April - no worries! Annie and Gerry.
Thanks for that Annie & Gerry, and it's good to know your sentence has been transmuted and that we'll see you soon.
Getting to the end.... reminding you all that the next session at the Grove takes place next week on Wednesday 16th March, 8.15 prompt, and hope you can make it then.
And finally... CAR FOR SALE Beautiful Ferrari Red Corsa 1.8 Sri, 03 reg but only done 39,000 miles. Special edition with a host of extras inc both CD and tape player, rear parking sensors ... no accidents, full service history, goes like the clappers, suit boy or girl racers with taste... a mere £2,950, but as you're folkies make me an offer...
Cheers,
Peter & Hilary
PS.. No news from Radio Devon about how much was in the collecting bins at Peco, or what has happened to Richard Digance and Devon Folk despite my enquiries... we may be told eventually but don't hold your breath....
Next - January 19th 2011
The latest session brought up even more surprises than usual, some great, some not so great... in case you think the worst I'll get over the "not so great" first.... Jolly was suffering from a lurgy and so couldn't get down to take the pictures, and so we brought my camera down, but failed to check what settings somebody had left on it.... so the pics are not that great, but even more annoying was the failure of my fagpacket sound recorder which stubbornly refused to work... so once again all the brilliance of the evening was lost to posterity, and certainly there were moments that night that I would have loved to relive ! Anyhow, the pics, such as they are, are up on the album site http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net/
No matter, Hil will tell you all about all the other good things...
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 19 JANUARY 2011
Peter attempted to get the evening going but was highjacked by Ted who sent everyone to Beirut and announced that he was in charge for the moment and Peter should sit down. The reason for the highjacking, Ted explained, was because 19 January is Peter's birthday and Ted and Robert wanted to pay tribute and especially for the occasion he put new words to a song based on the Old Bread number, The Guitar Man - very clever Ted. He then told a story in rhyme which was also very clever. Thank you so much.
Then .... Peter was able to bid everyone good evening and welcome somewhat later than he had intended. He thanked Ted and began with a song he has sung before but hoped this time to make a better job of it, called Add Me. Next, as Burns' Night is nearly upon us, the 25th, he chose to sing My Love is like a Red Red Rose which is so nice and gentle.
Please welcome Dave who sang the Ballad of the Working Man by Tom Russell followed by an Irish song, Paddy, which he had come across recently.
Our very own Spanish refugee, George, came next (he wont be around Seaton much longer unfortunately) and sang a Jake Thackeray number La De Da which was absolutely wonderful although I think George was a bit disappointed that there were not more laughs from the audience. But Peter enjoyed it and that was the most important thing.
Ben (I think Ted's grandson) was welcomed and performed one of his own tunes on the guitar called The Wait. Then a second one called Downpour on Thanksgiving Day and we all got the message that it was very wet.
Fran (without Anita) gave us If you Miss me at the Back of the Bus followed by a black tale from Tom Leher called Rickity Tickity Tin which she had originally learnt at the age of 16 to celebrate her birthday. Thank you Fran.
Mike followed Fran with a long song with a lot of words by Gordon Lightfoot about a ship wreck in Canada called The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald.
Anita came up to do her stint in the first half with a poem written by Robert William Service in 1874. He was from Preston but moved to Canada. This poem is called The Shooting of Dan Magroo. This was followed by T'was a Month After Christmas but Anita doesn't know who wrote it - all excellent, thank you Anita.
Peter then introduced Robin who has not joined us before. He explained that he used to go to the Folk Club at the Red Lion in Axminster years and years and years ago (that took us back to our old stomping ground). He sang Follow me Down, a song about a lady hoping to inherit from her mother but was a bit put out when the money all went to a donkey called Moses at the Donkey Sanctuary - however the daughter gained a friend called Moses so it was all alright in the end - brilliant, thank you.
Brian came next with a number called Charity Woman and then Dance with the Devil - thank you very much Brian .Robert Wheaton.co.uk next with a John Martin song called Tree Green which he followed with a James Taylor song Close your Eyes - thank you Rob as always.
To finish off the first half to be followed by a very brief second half Ted came and gave a tribute to Annie and Jerry on their way to Australia. It was another excellent example of Ted's take on wanting to be a Wallaby - another Ted "special". Heavy stuff next with a song by Leonard Cohen called Democracy (is coming).Peter attempted to get the evening going but was highjacked by Ted who sent everyone to Beirut and announced that he was in charge for the moment and Peter should sit down. The reason for the highjacking, Ted explained, was because 19 January is Peter's birthday and Ted and Robert wanted to pay tribute and especially for the occasion he put new words to a song based on the Old Bread number, The Guitar Man - very clever Ted. He then told a story in rhyme which was also very clever. Thank you so much.
Then .... Peter was able to bid everyone good evening and welcome somewhat later than he had intended. He thanked Ted and began with a song he has sung before but hoped this time to make a better job of it, called Add Me. Next, as Burns' Night is nearly upon us, the 25th, he chose to sing My Love is like a Red Red Rose which is so nice and gentle.
Please welcome Dave who sang the Ballad of the Working Man by Tom Russell followed by an Irish song, Paddy, which he had come across recently.
Our very own Spanish refugee, George, came next (he wont be around Seaton much longer unfortunately) and sang a Jake Thackeray number La De Da which was absolutely wonderful although I think George was a bit disappointed that there were not more laughs from the audience. But Peter enjoyed it and that was the most important thing.
Ben (I think Ted's grandson) was welcomed and performed one of his own tunes on the guitar called The Wait. Then a second one called Downpour on Thanksgiving Day and we all got the message that it was very wet.
Fran (without Anita) gave us If you Miss me at the Back of the Bus followed by a black tale from Tom Leher called Rickity Tickity Tin which she had originally learnt at the age of 16 to celebrate her birthday. Thank you Fran.
Mike followed Fran with a long song with a lot of words by Gordon Lightfoot about a ship wreck in Canada called The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald.
Anita came up to do her stint in the first half with a poem written by Robert William Service in 1874. He was from Preston but moved to Canada. This poem is called The Shooting of Dan Magroo. This was followed by T'was a Month After Christmas but Anita doesn't know who wrote it - all excellent, thank you Anita.
Peter then introduced Robin who has not joined us before. He explained that he used to go to the Folk Club at the Red Lion in Axminster years and years and years ago (that took us back to our old stomping ground). He sang Follow me Down, a song about a lady hoping to inherit from her mother but was a bit put out when the money all went to a donkey called Moses at the Donkey Sanctuary - however the daughter gained a friend called Moses so it was all alright in the end - brilliant, thank you.
Brian came next with a number called Charity Woman and then Dance with the Devil - thank you very much Brian .Robert Wheaton.co.uk next with a John Martin song called Tree Green which he followed with a James Taylor song Close your Eyes - thank you Rob as always.
Brief Interval
To start the second "half" we were very pleased to welcome back Laurie from Bristol. He wanted to promote his forthcoming CD coming out in a couple of weeks time called Guitar Rags and God's Riches. He began with an instrumental medley of rags and blues and followed it with a traditional song played on an octave mandola called May the Road Rise to Meet You - a blessing on us all.
STOP PRESS: Laurie Burn's CD just out.
Laurie, who has shown us his brilliant ragtime guitar at the Grove, has now produced a CD, Guitar Rags & God's Riches, which is hot off the press. All the profits are going to be shared between the mission in Kenya where Laurie worked last October and his church building fund for Totterdown Baptist Church. So not only is it a great CD you will helping some excellent causes. Full details are at www.laurieguitars.co.uk or you can call Laurie on 0117 941 8326 or email laurieguitars@gmail.com
Charley came next - a new experience for him and for us and what a good one - he performed a song he had written about his cat called She Goes Out Walking. Let's hope he finds himself in Seaton on a Grove Night again.
Fran and Anita, our special girl duo, sang a traditional song made popular by Olivia Newton John called Down by the Banks of the Old Hio, then Last Night I had the Strangest Dream. Thank you both.
Our very busy hurdy gurdy player, Tony, came next and relayed stories of wassailing events all over the west country of late and the history behind the ceremony - he personally went to Whimple which was apparently very good. He also wanted to let us know that he had been to a very good folk club in Exmouth he would like to recommend to us - it is held in the Manor Hotel on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. And, then he talked about the Winifred Community Play he had been auditioning for and followed that with three tunes on his hurdy gurdy.
Robin back with his song You Better Get Moving about dispossessed people and then with an angle on war, Are We Going Now - a reaction song - what a pleasure to have you here Robin. All his songs are on a CD if anyone is interested. (More info about this next month).
Robert next to continue the theme of anti war songs with Universal Soldier by Buffy St Marie then I'll be Fine, one of Rob's own songs about himself.
What better than to finish off the evening with another tribute to Peter's birthday by Ted - reference to the age of 99 and Happy Birthdays and special Bob Dylan songs and I Am Almost Done.
That's it .... lots of thank yous to everyone for coming and making it a jolly evening, especially for Peter, and a special thank you to our Mr Chairman, Ivor/Jan, for being so helpful each month with setting out the chairs - at last I have his email address so that he can see that we do appreciate him. Our next session is on Wednesday 16 February just after 8 oclock.
OK, that's it for this newsletter, but you will be getting another in about a week.... why ? Well we've got lots of things planned round the Radio Devon 24 hour marathon being conducted by Richard Digance in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance, and it's going to be a lot of fun..... So as soon as some of the final details are sorted you'll be getting another missive. But just to confirm the time slot, it will start for us at the usual Feb session on the 16th and carry on to Friday 18th and Saturday 19th when the actual 24 hours will take place from 2pm to 2pm .... watch this space and whatever you do.... don't miss it!
MORE STOP PRESS: More info now on its own page... see Radio Devon Folk Relief Marathon !!
Finally, a note from Henry Piper...
The Sidmouth Traditional Mummers are a group of Sidmouth residents who each year perform the local Christmas mumming play around our area. Over the coming months we are very much involved in a 'community play' written by one of our members, Pete Wilson. This play deals with the effect of the first few months of the 1914-1918 war on a small Devon community, particularly as seen through the eyes of members of the village mumming team.
My wife, Rosie and I have volunteered to coordinate the music and song, which will be part of this production, and for this purpose will be looking to form a small 'pit orchestra' to provide accompaniments during the performances, which will be three in number to take place over the Armistice weekend in November, as well as rehearsals throughout the summer. The music involved will be a mixture of well-known popular songs of the time (e.g. 'Tipperary') with several traditional and contemporary folk songs.
We would like to hear from singers and musicians who might be interested in being part of this project and who live within easy reach of the Sidmouth area, and are willing to put aside the time needed to rehearse.
We would particularly be pleased to hear from a piano/keyboard player and a piano-accordionist, both of whom should be reasonably proficient at both playing by ear and reading some music. The reading element would probably be small, but would prove an advantage. They should also have the ability to get on well in a group situation as they may well be asked to work with people less experienced than themselves. We would also be interested in hearing from a banjo player (rhythm) and fiddler. There would also be opportunity for these people to take small acting roles if they wish.
If you are interested in taking part or just want further information, contact Henry Piper (Old Father Christmas, Sidmouth Trad. Mummers) on 01404 811491 or email henrym.piper@googlemail.com
That's it for now....
Cheers,
Peter & Hilary
Next - the Christmas Party - 15 December 2010
Hello All,
Thanks to everyone who came along to the Christmas Party, super night from which I haven't recovered... so I'll leave all the parish notices to the end when I hope Ill have a bit more time...
So over to our own investigative journalist, Hilary...
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 15 DECEMBER 2010
What a festive ambience - decorations thanks to Jenny I presume, and chairs laid out by our Mr Chairman with the help of the Grove management I imagine. Peter greeted everyone with equal cheer. With a change in tradition Peter invited Mike to take the stand and open the evening for us which he did with Blackbird Singing in the Dead of Night. He followed that with Leaves are Falling which was all very gentle and nice.
To follow on we had our famous refugee from Spain who sang a Tom Waite song accompanied by his guitar, called You are Innocent When you Dream - what a treat, very brilliant (I am a bit biassed of course).
This was quickly followed by Annie and friends with a special little number in Latin called Salva Nos which I am completely unable to comment on. Annie was then joined by her more usual accompanists and gave a rendition of Sway in both Spanish and English - so that was all very well done Annie, thank you.
Next we welcomed Dave with a Christmas song about being in the trenches in World War One called (I think) Fellow Wood which was excellent. He then asked should he do another serious song or a singalong and as a singalong was requested he did Wild Rover which was, of course, robustly joined in with.
Hello to versatile Tony without his hurdy gurdy this evening but instead decked in a fetching hat and ribbon and carrying his magic accoutrement with which he proceeded to astound us - but this is the time for being merry. It is also the time to be thinking of ashen faggots and Dickens and Thomas Hardy so his next act was to sing Hardy's The Mistletoe Bow which had a chorus and other audience participation in the form of ooooh's and ahhh's when prompted pantomime style - so that was all fun.
Mike Gee came next with Lady is a Tramp which was jolly good and he followed by commemorating John Lennon's death 30 years ago with Imagine.
Welcome to Kay who was feeling the cold (actually I think we all were) and sang Shall we Curse the Winter which had a chorus for us all to join in with and then sang Holly and the Ivy which we were also able to join in with for the chorus.
Rob came next with Sunny Afternoon as he had been walking along the beach on such a lovely day and was inspired. Then he performed a song he had written with Bill Gates in mind and apologies to George Formby called When I am Using Windows which certainly struck a chord with most and was excellent, thank you Rob.
Our new female super group - Fran and Anita came next, except that it started with Fran reading King John's Christmas by AA Milne - I do remember this from my childhood although I don't remember it from my children's childhood and it is of course, very good. Then joined by Anita they sang Here's to the Girl who Steals a Kiss and The Landlord Fills the ... bowl.
Then, penultimate to the second half, Ted Dowse with a carol Bethlehem which related to his childhood in Sherborne and the creation of a nativity scene in an area called Bethlehem - we love to hear about this Ted. This was followed by a song about legends of Dartmoor and the Legend of the Hairy Hand which involved a lot of groping so that was a bit of fun.
To finish off our first half Peter introduced Hunt Gamble and Tresize on their twice or thrice yearly visitation but nonetheless most warmly welcomed and they were able to give us four wonderful harmonious unaccompanied songs. They began with King Arriving, next a Bob Cocker song The Copper's Christmas Carol, then Come Lift up Your Glasses which involved a bit of solo operatics from Mr Hunt and then, to cries of encore, a winter song Being At Sea. Thank you three so much for coming.
Much jollity during the interval which was accompanied by "nibbles" both sweet and savoury and thank you all for your donations which were immensely appreciated. Song sheets were handed around so that we could all join in with what was to follow. Annie and her "band" i.e. Mike, Rob, Peter, George, Ted et al, proceeded to go through the list and began with Meet Me on the Corner then The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, Bye By, Dream, Dream, Dream, Country Roads, These Boots, The Gower Wassail Song, Dixie, Put a Little Love in your Life, Roll in my Sweet Baby's Arms and ... to finish off ... We'll be Keeping Christmas.
That was all very wonderful and appropriately seasonal. Thank you all for coming - performers and audience alike. A most merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year to everyone and we look forward to seeing you in January 2011 - usual time, usual place, ie. 3rd Wednesday of the month at just after 8.00pm.
So there you have it, and in glorious colour too if you log on to the usual place to see pictures of the noble cast of performers,http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net, and many thanks as always for Jolly for the pics.
Now we must mention again Radio Devon's Folk Relief in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance: We are keen to do something, and we have had one or two suggestions. But the thing is, we have to raise money, and that is the bit I am not quite sure how to achieve... so keep the ideas coming. For inspiration have a look at www.folkrelief.co.uk
Finally, the play WINEFRED, by Sabine Baring-Gould, a Victorian parson who was an avid collector of folk songs, is due to be performed at Seaton Town Hall in late July, with a probable link to Sidmouth FolkWeek. It is set in and around Seaton at the time of the landslip, and will have lots of folk songs and dancing, and there will be auditions in Seaton on January 17th and 19th. So if you want to take part please call 07972 690581 or check out www.seatonvisitorcentretrust.org which will tell you all about it... so come on all you budding thespians... now's your chance!
So, just about time to wish you all a Very Happy New Year,
Cheers
Peter & Hilary
Next ... Jurassic Folk at The Grove, 17th November 2010
Hello All,
Another packed session this month, both from the viewpoint of audience and performers, including most welcome new faces. Whilst it is marvelous to see so many there for our little sessions it has come to highlight the limitations of the room we are using, particulraly since the Grove changed the layout of some of the fixed seats, which has left many people with their backs to the action. We are going to have a word about this with Jenny ( the lovely Manageress of the Grove who looks after us so well) and see what can be done, so be sure we are on the case.
So straight on to Hilary's version of the night's offerings....
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 17 NOVEMBER 2010
Our wonderfully helpful 'Mr Chairman' had laid out chairs for us again
and we have now discovered that his name is Ivor but otherwise known as
Jan - thank you so much.
Once again Peter welcomed everyone to this, the November session of
Jurassic Folk, and began the proceedings with a jolly chorus song Come
Along with Me accompanied by his mandolin which he followed with a
Donovan song called Sand and Foam - an old favourite and one of
Donovan's better songs.
Welcome to Anita with a reading which my brain failed to unravel but
went something like Forgetterer B forgotten or Forgetterer/rememberer -
but, anyway, it was all true. Then another one, possibly by Anon,
Story of Adam and Eve's pets about how Dog became Dog named by God and
about Cat. It was very funny thank you Anita.
A warm welcome to Dave who has not played with us before. He explained
that he liked Country and Irish and military music and played a
military tribute song The Green Fields of France for us which was
appropriately timed as we were close to November 11th. He followed
that with Making Believe.
A very excited Frances came next announcing that she has just become a
Granny for the first time and gave us a poem she had written a couple of
months ago called Horrible Horace and then a very old one which was
about her daughter (who has just given birth), Amy, when she was two
called Burglar Bunglar. Thank you Frances and many congratulations.
Another newcomer, Adrian, who has just come to live in Beer and was
encouraged to come along by Frances performed a bluesy number Trouble in
Mind which was originally done by Muddy Waters. He followed this with
song from Abby River, a folk band from Scotland. (This could be
another of my mistakes). All excellent, thank you.
Fran came next but not with a song this month, instead she read a bit of
a prayer for growing old gracefully......? Then a couple of verses
from Resolution and Independence by Wordsworth and then a take on John
Masefield's I Must Go Back to the Sea Again called I Must Go Back to a
Vest Again - very funny, thank you Fran.
A warm welcome back to Mitch who we havn't seen for ages with Phoenix
Rising and Bob Dylan's Maggy's Farm in the key of E minor. You have
been missed Mitch.
Colyford's Nightingale, Annie, with a song from the Appalachian
Mountains called Copper Kettle. She was then joined by Mike Gee and
Peter and they performed a traditional song John Riley. Mike Gee
continued on his own with But The Banks are Built of Marble and he
followed that with his very own version of a "Scandinavian Folk Song"
Abba's I've Been Cheated by You Since I Don't Know When... Ma Ma Mia !
which he learnt whilst being snowed up in Wales last winter.
Next giving us a history lesson about the Spanish Civil War and the 26
April 1937 when Guernica was bombed and virtually flattened and was
depicted by Picasso in his famous painting of that name. Anyway, Ted
gave us a poem all about it and was very rude about Picasso ! Then a
song called The Painter all about his Mum. Thank you very much Ted.
To finish off the first half Annie and her band embraced the carnival
season (Annie and Jerry had just been to Glastonbury to see the
Carnival) and performed Carnival Day which was so excellently enhanced
with some sensitive trumpet playing by our visiting "Spaniard" - all
brilliant.
There followed the misnamed "half" time interval.
Peter got things going again with Tom Paxton's take on 'womin' which I am afraid Peter tends to agree with, called Natural Girl.
Dave next to do another one, Travelling Soldier Dixie Chicks. Tony,
Mr Hurdy Gurdy, joined us although he has lost his voice and played the
Horses Brawl. He was followed by the Granny of the week who read Love
in a Blue Light.
Mike Gee again with one of his early (1530's) specials and he was
followed by a super new duo, Anita and Fran, giving us a Dubliners' sea
shanty Home Boys Home and then, pushing their luck, with something I
completely failed to catch the name of but it had something to do with
1794. Anyway, it was brilliant, thank you both.
Adrian from Beer again with another Tom Paxton: Hold on to me Babe which was very nice.
Ted to (almost) finish off the evening with a song we could all join in
with about birthdays. He then told us a bit of social history and a
little tale about his grandfather being a slave on a farm between Yeovil
and Sherborne, which was followed by Mr Tamborine Man, always a
favourite. Then, as the clock rapidly approached 11, a Grand Finale with
Annie's band again, Peter, Mike G and George, this time on mandolin,
playing Joni Mitchell's Carey.
Thank you all for coming once again and see you for the Christmas Special next month on Wednesday 15th December.
Pictorial evidence of the perpetrators can be perused as usual at http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net
and thanks to Jolly for taking the pictures. As Hilary has pointed out,
the December session will be a Christmas Party, and the programme will
no doubt be seasonally slanted, with solo contributions in the first
half and chorussy and other special collaborations in the second half,
and I know several rehearsals have been taking place with various
groups so it it's going to be great fun.
Next, Radio Devon's Folk Relief in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance,
which we have mentioned before: We are keen to do something, and we have
had one or two suggestions. But the thing is, we have to raise money,
and that is the bit I am not quite sure how to achieve... so keep the
ideas coming and no doubt we'll cobble up a plan by Christmas. For
inspiration have a look at www.folkrelief.co.uk
Finally, the play WINEFRED, by Sabine Baring-Gould, a Victorian parson
who was an avid collector of folk songs, is due to be performed at
Seaton Town Hall in late July, with a probable link to Sidmouth
FolkWeek. It is set in and around Seaton at the time of the landslip,
and will have lots of folk songs and dancing, and there will be
auditions in Seaton on January 17th and 19th. So if you want to take
part please call 07972 690581 or check out www.seatonvisitorcentretrust.org which will tell you all about it... so come on all you budding thespians... now's your chance!
I think that is well enough for this month, hope to see you in December.
Cheers
Peter & Hilary
And now the session from October 20th 2010
Hello Everyone,
What a packed session we had last week... very nice to see all these new (and not so new) faces, but it does create a bit of a problem seeing as we are housed in quite a small space and it could be difficult to fit more in... any suggestions will be gratefully received.
It also causes a bit of a problem in trying to fit all the artists in. It was great to see so many but it was also disappointing that some of our regulars didn't get their usual complement of spots. So we have to do something about this, and for a trial we'll ensure that our regular stars get 2 spots, one in the first half and another in the second, while newcomers will get one spot, more if there is time; I think that's fair, don't you? Tell us if you think otherwise.
So with no further ado Hilary will relate the nitty gritty of the night.
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 20 OCTOBER 2010
Whaaaay - loads of people again - how wonderful. However, we were
confronted by a bit of a new layout seating wise which threw Peter and I
a bit but never mind, all was well. And, we seem to have found a
most helpful fellow whose name we don't know, so Mr Chairman will have
to suffice, who has very kindly been helping put out chairs - in the
past this hasn't been too much of a problem but with all these extra
bodies I have found it very supporting.
Anyway, enough of all that. Peter welcomed all the discerning music
lovers and started the proceedings with his little number about
Nottingham, going back a few years, called Nottingham Girl telling tales
of the beautiful girls in Nottingham at that time along with locations
where all discerning people liked to be seen. Jolly good. He then
invited the first of the talent for this evening, Fran, who began by
giving us a traditional song, Scarborough Fair which was very nice and
then, in contrast, a Beatles number Loving You. Thank you very much
Fran.
Next to be called upon was Brian who we have not met before. He came
with a couple of his own songs, the first rather appropriately given
the decor of our venue, called Jack the Pirate. He explained that he
wasn't terribly used to playing to an audience but he seemed to be doing
alright to us - we like to think that we are a friendly platform for
people unused to performing so that they can get accustomed to it.
His next song was called Another Damn Pill which was very funny and oh
so near the truth for lots of us. Thank you.
Peter then welcomed Jan, another we have not seen before, with her
dulcimer which was a magnificent affair and most beautifully played.
Jan did try and explain about the instrument and its tuning and how it
differed from other dulcimers. She played Boo the Vogue (I think I
got that quite wrong) which she followed with a contemporary piece
asking us to close our eyes and imagine gentle rain drops against the
window pane which then went on to become of full blown storm with
thunder and lightening - it certainly lived up to expectation, very
dramatically. Thank you so much.
Our next performer often gives us an insight into his various
instruments and occupations, so Peter warmly welcomed Tony Reader with
his hurdy gurdy. Tony explained that as mining has been rather in the
news lately, he has been looking up mining songs and found something
written in 1969 in New Zealand about Shotover River where they panned
for gold - very excellent. Whilst getting out his beast of an
instrument he regaled us with tales of recent exploits finishing with
one about his recent visit to Windrith Driver Training Centre near
Dorchester (a place several of us are familiar with) and then performed
Four Brawls having decided not to give us a new song.
Next Peter called upon Mike (who came first last month and this month
brought Brian along with him). He sang a Jackson Brown number These
Days followed by a country and western song Kalamazoo.
Kay came next while I was out of the room and sang a song I didn't
catch but she followed it with a chorus song so that we could all join
in, called Eldorado - she claimed her voice was playing up - but it was
very lovely, thank you.
Mike Gee came next talking about the Big Society and so sang Hard Times
of Old England. The next song was recorded by Elvis Presley and
written by Scott Davis called Vicious Circle - Mike's contribution to
the Big Society. Thank you Mike as always.
A warm welcome to Robert who sang first a Paul Simon song called Mi un
Euchlo ???? then a Bob Dylan song Simple Twist of Fate - very wonderful.
Before the very late interval Peter invited our two Bards to entertain
us. Firstly, Frances, with a new poem inspired by the fact that when
one domestic appliance goes awry, so do two or three others at the same
time - something we all know about. This happened to her and all
while her husband was away so a poem all about gremlins was forthcoming
for our amusement. She followed this with one of her old faithfuls
called Room Service - or There's a Mouse in the House which we love to
hear.
To bring a close to this long first half, Ted, who told a tale about
the Harvest Supper (BBQ) which was illuminatiing as ever. Then a song -
Harvest Moon by Neil Young - brilliant.
Interval
Peter unusually began the second half with a poem rather than a song
and this was by the great Les Barker and all about Installing Windows -
not knowing enough about computers I wouldn't know how true to life it
was but it sounded good to me. He then welcomed Annie up to the
front who sang (at Ted's behest) Caledonia She then called her band
(Rob, Mike and Peter) to join her and they performed Alison Krouss's
Simple Love. Mike Gee then sang a Jacobite song and they all sang
Spanish Lady after discussion on which version to perform. Thank you
very much band.
We then welcomed back Jan and her huge dulcimer. It was explained to
us that it is a Hamid dulcimer as opposed to an Appalachian dulcimer
which Annie plays. Jan played Boofard's Waltz which was written by a
hurdy gurdy player. Kay came next with another chorus song called
Dark Island and this time we all did our best to join in.
Ted, to finish off the evening for us, first with a Richard Thompson
song, Take Care the Road You Choose ( I think). Then he called the
band back in the key of G - It's Gonna Come from the Heart - wonderful,
which seemed a good way to end the evening.
So, thank you all for coming - performers and audience alike, and thank
you Mr Chairman for all your help. See you next time .... as usual
the third Wednesday of the month - 17 November (my goodness, then it
will soon be Christmas party time) at 8.15 at the Grove.
So there we have October done and dusted ! All the pics of the night are up at the usual place http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net
and thanks as always to Jolly for these. Four of us went to see Megson
at Talaton Parish Hall on the Friday, and they were magnificent ! For
my money, the best original folk duo on the circuit.... only problem
was the bar ran out of beer by the interval... shome mishcalculation
here shurely... Nothing else I've been asked to bring to your notice
this next month, but as I mentioned in the last newsletter, we would
like to support the Folk Relief event being organised by Radio Devon
Folk in February, but we don't know quite how just yet... all ideas
will be lapped up enthusiastically, If you need any inspiration there
is a developing website at www.folkrelief.co.uk
So to November, hope to see you all then,
Cheers,
Peter & Hilary
Now we have 15 Sept 2010
What a crush there was at our season opening session on Sept 15th... great to see so many new faces, but we must think about what we can do if we continue to get audiences and performers in such numbers, we certainly don't want to deter people by having a "full up" sign do we... thinking caps on...
Our guest performer, the absolutely georgeous Diana Johnstone ( you wouldn't believe me if I told you her age...) was obviously a big factor in filling the room, and it was lovely to hear her gentle and thoughtful songs presented so perfectly. I was also most impressed with the newly acquired Bose PA system which she brought along, so good that it could easily turn me in favour of PAs... we'll see !!
So over to the impeccable shorthand skills of Hilary to give you the nitty gritty...
JURASSIC FOLK & ACOUSTIC AT THE GROVE 15 SEPTEMBER 2010
With standing room only, Peter welcomed everyone to the new season's session of Jurassic Folk and got things going with a little ditty he is still learning called "Add Me" pinched from Chumbwamba which is all about "friends" on Face Book and really quite funny and true. ( Peter's note to himself: perhaps, if you only have room for one song it may be best to sing something you know...)
We were very pleased to welcome again, our friend the famous hurdy gurdy player, Tony. Very sadly he lost his cat and very good companion and friend, Frodo, to a traffic accident and wrote a poem in his memory which he read out. He followed it with a lament on his hurdy gurdy. Then, so we could all dry our eyes, he played a jolly tune for a 4 wheel dance from Dorset. Thank you Tony and we all send you our sympathies.
Colyford's very own Annie next with her orchestra - Mike, Peter with his double bass and Rob. They performed Waily waily followed by the Drinking Gourd about Peg Leg Jo which is a song about how to escape from working on the railway. Thank you very much Annie.
Anita next with some of her "specials" - a poem Noah and the Ark which was very funny indeed and another very funny Benny Hill, the Old Fiddler. Thank you so much Anita.
Mike Gee with a song he thinks is called Fools Rush In. Then a Peter Tosh song - he was a friend of Bob Marley - called Crystal Ball. Peter regaled us with his and Mike's experience as cruise musicians, slightly enhanced, when they entertained passengers aboard boat going up to Lyme Regis (nearly) and back ones summer's evening in July - it was much enjoyed.
The Bard of Beer, Frances, read us her special One Foot in the Grove which is wonderful. Then a new poem for this month called Horrible Horrace. Thank you very much Frances.
Rob with a bit of Rob - one of his own called Come On, I'll Race you to the Chinese Takeaway (influenced by Bruce Springstein, a song he would have written had he lived in Dagenham) Then, at Ted's request, Tom Waite's Ruby's Arms which was brilliant as always.
Richard, a friend of Ted's, new to us, stood up and recited a poem he had written in memory of Princess Diana and commemorating her work on the abolition of land mines. Thank you Richard.
Fred ! (Ted), the Bard of Seaton, to finish off the first half of the evening with the world premier of a song he has written about love still burning (as opposed to all the songs about love dying) called Three Sisters - a love song for Betty. What a lovely story Ted, thank you. He followed that with a poem about a (somewhat foolish) bell ringer whose rope broke - very funny, excellent.
The Interval
For the second half of the evening Peter introduced our guest, Diana Johnstone, who we first met at a folk festival in Fishguard when she was starting out on the folk circuit and it was memorable when, latish, we were wondering what on earth we were going to find to eat, she disappeared off and after a short delay turned up with delicious fish and chips for us all - well, we were so hungry, anything would have been delicious. So, Peter asked us to welcome Diana who began with a song called If I were a Bird followed by Troubled Heart, a song she wrote about her son who was in America at the time and not very happy. She continued with songs all very pertinent in her life, giving us the story behind them all, some new ones she tried out on us and some old favourites - one of which she finished off with - a gospelly one called The Power of Love. That was all very lovely Diana, thank you so much and thank you for coming.
To finish off the evening, the "orchestra" returned - ie. Annie, Mike, Rob and Peter -with If I had a Hammer which was sung by Mike Gee, then, at Peter's request, Rob sang The Festival Song which is so funny as it is as apt now as it was 40 years ago when he wrote it.
So that brought a fabulous evening to a close, with great thanks to Diana for coming down. A collection was taken in the interval and Diana was able to sell a few CDs at the end, so I think we covered her petrol! If you missed getting a CD or if you want to see more about her please have a look at www.dianajohnstone.com
See you next month, as usual at the Grove just after 8.00 on Wednesday 20 October.
Thanks for all that Hilary... keep those pencils sharpened, won't you?
PIctures of this month's extravaganza can be found as usual at http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net
So that's it for this month,
Cheers,
Peter & Hilary
Next... Jurassic Folk at The Grove, 21 July 2010
What a busy month, for all sorts of reasons... first this is what the Mid Week Herald printed about our contribution to the Seaton Cycling Festival on Sunday July 4th...
Fisherman's Gap on Seaton Esplanade, half a SW gale blowing, rain clouds threatening, open to the elements, balanced on some scaffolding are four nitwits clutching musical instruments and trying to sing songs. The microphones in front of them pick up wind noise but little else, which the small but generous crowd applaud wildly. Eventually, to keep warm some of them take to dancing in the road, amazingly avoiding the bemused motorists attempting to negotiate the roundabout. Fantasy? No, just the reality of Jurassic Folk performing on Sunday 4th July in support of the Seaton Cycling Festival, on perhaps the only inclement day in the last 2 months. The nitwits were Annie Bennett, Rob Wheaton, Mike G and Peter Arnold who are now on a mission to find an even worse place to play, if that is at all possible...
Some photos are on the photo website, see below !
Next, to the sell-out (or it would have been if it wasn't free) night at the Grove this month... related in her inimitable style by Hilary...
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 21 JULY 2010
A very warm welcome from Peter to the July session of Jurassic Folk which will be the last before September - giving us a bit of a summer break. As usual he got things going in style with a Joni Mitchell song Circle Game which is so nice. He followed this with the first ever blues song to be published, The St Louis Blues, oh so good. ( Thanks, Hil... extra cuddles due to you - Peter)
Anita was invited to regale us next with a selection of poems. A posh (as she called it) one from Thomas Hardy called The Refined Maid which was very funny Anita and this she followed with her favourite poet McGonnigall's Lines in Reply to the Beautiful Poet who welcomed news of McGonnigall's Departure from Dundee which was wonderful.
After endeavouring to solve a chair problem, Mike came up and performed a Freddy Neil song (he was famous for writing the theme for Midnight Cowboy), and then a James Taylor version of Handy Man all very good Mike, thank you, but we'll have to find another name for you so you don't get confused with Mike G.
The Amy Crofters came next with a couple of announcements:
Saturday 8 August there is to be A MUSICAL JUMBLE SALE at the Boston Tea Party in Honiton starting at 9.00 am.
Saturday 14 August A BARN DANCE with the Amy Crofters at the Boston Tea Party in Honiton from 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Amy Crofters (with June's arm still bound up) then did a set of three jigs in common usage followed by tunes which were reels - Shades of Joplin, Jonathan's Reel and The Unicorn. Thank you very much indeed.
The Bard of Beer, Frances, gave us a new poem called Grockle Time which was very funny - Frances' poems usually are. The next called Sound Advice which was all about the song My Way.
The Larry Adler of East Devon, John Gudge, was welcomed next and gave us a tune called The Star of County Down. He also amused us with stories from Ireland and from his visit to America and of his huge family and with a few jokes mixed in, after which he performed a Scottish Jig - thank you very much John.
Wondering which genre he would choose for us this month, Mike G was welcomed and commenced with a song written in the 1950's called What Have They Done to the Rain? followed by a song by The Who called Wont Get Fooled Again - there we go. Thank you Mike.
It's the night for announcements - Fran came up to tell us about a project in Plymouth called Video Clock - it is a notice to artists which we have put in greater detail at the bottom of the newsletter. She followed on with an unpractised (she said, but sounded pretty slick to us) song based on the rhyme Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor called the Old Maid song, then a Harry Belafonte song called Sipping Cider - excellent Fran, thank you.
Before the interval, the Bard of Seaton, Ted Dowse, had another announcement: Musbury Village Hall in October the Great Musbury Munch and proceeded with a poem all about the mad Marrin of Musbury followed by the Eagle song. Wonderful as always, Ted, thank you.
To start the second half Peter sang his Rowdy Song which is very touching. He then introduced Martin, all the way from Stafford, borrowing Peter's guitar, who sang Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (another holiday song) followed by Mr Bojangles which is one of my favourites. Thank you very much - come to Seaton again !
Anita then told us a so funny story about how to give a cat a pill - most of it is so true. Next a poem about a chair by the fire ..... Very good Anita, thank you so much.
Amy Crofters next with three reels followed by another three tunes - all quite familiar sounding, but I can't remember what they all were.
Mike (not G) back again who sang Dragon's Cloud's, Lonesome when he Goes. John Gudge next with his mouth organ and sang an Irish Anthem It's Lonely Round the Fields followed by another anthem Danny Boy.
Frances read a couple of her old poems, one written for a friend, Sandra, about her cat Eric on Patrol and Love in a Blue Light.
Mike Gee with a Bob Dylan and Ian Younger. Ted with Midsummer Day at St Agnes, Padstow May Day Dance, a chorus song Long Day Dance. And then a humanity hymn I Am the Light - so humanity finished off another excellent evening. Thank you all for coming and see you in September.
Next Jurassic Folk at the Grove on Wednesday 15 September 2010 at 8.15.
Thanks Hil, although I thought she was running out of steam at the end of that report, Newcastle Browns taking their toll? Pics of the evening are now up on http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net and thanks to Jolly for all these.
Now, I'm sorry this newsletter is so long, but we have one more event to relate... the Lyme Bay Cruise..!!
Pushing aside all reservations and fears we had about playing in unfamiliar environments following the harrowing July 4th debacle fully described above, Mike G and I accepted the invitation to play on board "The Pride of Exmouth" for a cruise round Lyme Bay on Sunday July 25th. The hoped for storm ( which would have ensured cancellation) inconveniently failed to turn up, so we duly boarded from the beach at Fisherman's Gap at 5.30pm. We were met by the captain (well he looked like the captain) who immediately plied us with alcoholic beverages, so our spirits rose.
The sea was calm, the sun shone, Donald Campbell did his spiel about the Jurassic coastline over the tannoy, and in between Mike and I banged out a few songs to the accompaniment of the throbbing deisel engine. We soon gathered an enthusiastic crowd about us (see the pics at http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net ). Our top fans were an extended family from mid Devon (it would seem) on a day out, headed by a great patriarchial figure, (see the pics) for whom we performed (twice) a request for his favourite song, "Cigareets & Whusky", which amazingly, due to a misspent middleage, Peter nearly knew. As he insisted on filling our jugs his request could not be refused. In the unlikely event he sees this.... CHEERS !!
And now really finally, here is what Fran was telling us about at the Grove, in the words she emailed me.....
Dear Pete
I thought you
might be interested in a video project that is being put together by
Clive Whyte and Edward Jacobs. Clive is creating a "video clock", which
will be shown in the Drake's Circus shopping mall, towards the end of
this year/start of new year and will show musical video clips on the
hour and half hour. He needs 48 clips and is in the process of
recording now. However, he does not yet have all the slots filled. He
wants to have as diverse a mix of vocal/instrumental styles as
possible. So if you, or anyone you know, has an interesting/unique
sound and would like to showcase their talent in a video recording (in
Plymouth), please could they send a demo file (email) or tape/CD to
Edward Jacobs tel 01297 552935 email jeeveslimos@tiscali.co.uk as soon as possible, so that they can see if they could use
you.
Please pass this on to
any other friends or groups that might be interested
How about that, looks something that could provide an opportunity
for anybody who wants to promote themselves... get it on, gang...
That's not only enough, but far too much for this month, so have a
happy hols season and remember we get back together on Sept 15th.
Cheers,
Peter & Hilary
Next... Jurassic Folk at The Grove, 16 June 2010
Well, I thought this month's session was real cracker, what with an abundance of performers and an equal abundance of audience, which all added up to a most enjoyable evening. After Hil has given her blow by blow account I'll tell you about another event which several of us have been invited to perform on Sunday, July 4th, see below...
But first, here's Hilary...
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 16 JUNE 2010
As everyone sorted themselves out with a seat and drinks Peter welcomed all refugees from the World Cup and as we were quite a crowd there are obviously quite a few non footballers. Anyway, Peter began the proceedings with a wonderful sea shanty as they are currently in vogue - In South Australia - which was very rousing. He followed that with a most lovely, poignant and touching song bringing tears to the eyes, John Condon, which was about the youngest soldier to die during the first World War at the questionable age of 14.
Tony Reader, our famous hurdy gurdy player and court jester entertained us next as he was only passing through without his hurdy gurdy and needed to leave early. He sang Down Derry Down, another excellent unaccompanied song. This was followed with a children's song from his days at Dartington which was a very perky little number High in a Tree of Crows.
Next welcome to Fran with a song about a pyromaniac Tim McQuire - again unaccompanied - poor Tim McQuire. Then Pleasant and Delightful which we were all able to join in with which was very jolly.
A new face and a warm welcome, Mike with his guitar, who gave us a medley of Tim Harding songs from the 1960's and that was followed by Goodnight.
Andrew and June Mycroft gave us Grandfather's Ferret to the tune of Grandfather's Clock - June sang while Andrew played his accordion. Very funny thank you June. Obviously on a certain track they then sang My Breakfast lies over the Ocean to the tune of My Bonny lies over the Ocean and again it was very funny - all about a disastrous sea voyage.
Graham, without his Morris Troupe, sang unaccompanied (seemed to be the taste of the evening) Over the Hills and Far away and Spanish Lady - excellent.
Star of last week's Midweek Herald, Mike Gee, next bucked the unaccompanied traditional trend by giving us a pop song Queen of Hearts followed by another Tim Harding song Misty Roses - you never know with Mike - will it be lute, guitar - contemporary, classical, blues or folk or ? How about some jazz Mike ?
Annie came next with a cautionary tale from the Midlands, Ramble Away. She then brought out her dulcimer with words of warning again to the ladies amongst us, Are you Sleeping Maggie ?
Another member of the Groven Images (?) trio, Robert next with James Taylor's Blossom which was really nice and he followed this with a song of his own called Recurring Dream which was also wonderful.
A warm welcome back to Hunt Gamble and Trezise, a harmony trio we havn't seen for a little while due to their commitments and long distance problems but it is good to see them whenever they can make it - they sang In My Time of Dying and Foggerty's Gold which is a Stan Rogers song.
Ted, in his usual place just before the interval, recited the first poem of the evening which he had written for his friend, Richard, who lives on St Martins called Martin of Toure which was very funny in pigeon french. Then he sang Bramble and Rose, again with a Scillies connection which he heard while walking to a BBQ with his friend on St Martins.
After the interval we welcomed two new ladies, Cath and Sophia with their fiddle and guitar who sang Bonnie Love and then Sophia gave us two reels on her fiddle - Graham was gently joining in with his bodhran which was very good.
New faces galore tonight, John, who borrowed a guitar and sang a Tom Lehrer song Love Song followed by a funny Jake Thackray - what could be better ?
Fran back with a sea shanty, Heave Away, to continue the theme Peter began about trade between England and Australia and then, to add to the Australian flavour we had Walking the Bulldog to the tune of Waltzing Matilda. Andrew played some jigs on his accordion and Graham again joined in with his bodhran - it included I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts which we all recognised ! Graham then came and gave us another couple of songs, the second of which was very touching.
Hunt Gamble and Trezise were back with a Miner's Prayer, then Odd Times followed by Shepherds - thank you very much all three. And then, before asking Ted to close the evening, Annie's orchestra with no name (Six Feet in the Grove, Second Wind ????), i.e. Annie, Rob and Mike, did Baby Blue, Strong Winds and Walking in the Rain - all very brilliant thank you.
Ted .... with a biographical song he wrote a long time ago When I was a Young Boy and then a chorus song to go home with, Green, Green, Green, Green, through the Green Green Trees.
That was it for another very memorable evening until next month, Wednesday 21 July at 8.15 at the Grove. HOWEVER .... there will be some sort of performance by members of Jurassic Folk on the 4th July (cycling weekend) at the Fisherman's Gap at about 12 noon and we look forward to seeing you then.
So there you have it, and to further enliven the narrative don't forget to look at the latest bunch of pictures taken by Jolly, which you can find by clicking http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net
Finally, as Hilary intimated, Annie, Rob, Mike G and me will be playing on Sunday 4th July on a stage which will be put up at Fisherman's Gap on Seaton seafront as part of the Seaton Festival of Cycling, see www.seatonfestivalofcycling.org.uk. Unfortunately, their published programme has our times all wrong... we are not playing on the Saturday at all, but will be playing on the Sunday from 12.30 - 2pm, so if any of you can get along it will be great.
Otherwise, until the next Grove session, all the very bestest...
Peter & Hilary
Next.... JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 19 MAY 2010
A very great welcome to everyone on this our, unbelievably, third anniversary... and ....to celebrate Peter sang Summertime with which he began our first evening and, being May, should hail the start of summer. How lovely.
With loads of performers for the evening, Peter asked for a big hand for Paul Weston, a good friend from our Priddy days and down here on holiday (he has visited us before). He brought along his viola which he explained is usually more of an orchestral instrument rather than a solo instrument but he played three short pieces by Handel for us - very nice.
We next welcomed Frances, our Bard from Beer, who had not forgotten that it was our third anniversary and, of course, had come up trumps and written us an anniversary special - Jurassic Folk. She followed this with a poem she wrote for the Beer concert called Thoughtless - all excellent Frances, as always.
Geoff Lawes was warmly welcomed. He is on holiday in Charmouth (we foolishly thought he was staying in Seaton) and from Hull. He sang, unaccompanied, a song called Oven Mitts about coal mining and a suitcase salesman. Then he sang a song about the R38 disaster in 1921 - when the largest air ship ever built crashed in Hull - called My Sky Sailor and this he accompanied with his squeeze box. Thank you very much Geoff.
Our very own Good Sport, Anita, was gently teased again by Peter and came and gave us a commercial about a talk being given by Mr Marchant on the Development of Seaton. It will take place at the United Reform Church on the 27 May but I didn't get what time. It should be very interesting. Anita then gave us a rendition of The Body Draggers Story which was a complete scream.
Next Flick Lawes, wife of Geoff Laws, with her guitar sang us a traditional Willow Tree which was really good, and followed this with a song by Sydney Carter called Port Mahon - I think I have got that very wrong.
Another newcomer as a performer (she has been in the audience many times) we welcomed Fran who gave us a poem called A Knight in Shining Armour which comes from an anthology by children. This was followed by a Pam Ayres poem called I Wish I Looked After my Teeth. Very funny, Fran, thank you.
The Bard of Seaton, Ted, with a very short poem called May, as we are enjoying a month of it- it went something like I may, I may, I might, I might, perhaps today, maybe tonight ...etc. Then a song he had adapted along the lines of I Wish I was in Seaton. But, he followed this with a Leonard Cohen Do Dum Dum song which we all love.
To finish off the first half we had a special amalgam of Annie, Mike and Rob who had been rehearsing together, but it is a trio without a name - any suggestions? - Groven Images seemed to be one. Whilst they were fiddling about Rob gave us a joke - what do you call two Spanish firemen? Hose A and Hose B. They performed Simple Love by Alison Crowse which was possibly about her grandfather. Next a song I think was called You Say Nothing at All, and this was followed by a Scottish Jacobite song - Annie was on her dulcimer and Mike and Rob with their guitars. Thank you very much all three.
There followed a very short interval.
Peter got things going with Liverpool Lullaby which is an old favourite and always enjoyed. Fran came next and this time gave us an unaccompanied song Once I Had a Sweetheart - very lovely thank you Fran and do come again.
Paul with his viola gave us Big Hill and Little Hill. See you next time Paul and love to Roger and Jacky. Then Mike Gee with There But for Fortune by Philip Ochs and Can She Excuse My Wrongs by John Dowland - written in the 16th century for the lute but he was, apparently, the Bob Dylan of his day.
Frances with Room Service, an oh so true gem. Then Geoff with a song called Dear Fatimer - a story about an asylum seeker in Hull and then a song about fighters who went to the Spanish Civil War from Hull.
Anita with another poem by Charles Winter, The Flying Boat Man - where does she get them? But it was very good.
Robert next with a John Sebastian song Rain on the Roof and one of his very own about how men will blame their partners for their misdemeanours sung in the Country and Western vein - great Rob thank you.
Flick again with a song by John Cooney from the Three Young Ones from Hartlepool - Hartlepool is Blooming. Next another 16th century song - not sung like Mike but also not sung in 16th century style and I think it was called You and I and Anyas. Thank you very much.
Annie, briefly, with a song about horsemen whose name escaped me but thank you Annie as always. And we had Ted to bring on the finale with a poem dedicated to Saint Wheaton of Seaton about Robert and Sue's problems as she has been in a lot of pain of late which we are very sorry about - excellent Ted. And then another Ted special about Samson and Delilah.
A great and very late finish to another brilliant evening and see you all next time - just after 8 at the Grove, Wednesday 16 June.
Now the very observant amongst you may have observed, or failed to observe, any pictures this month... and that is because they are all neatly nestled for your delectation at http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net where they have found a very comfortable home. There are now two albums of pics there, April and May, so just click on whichever and all the pics, suitably annotated, will appear. Many thanks again to Jolly for providing them.
Finally, there are one or two things which may come off in the next week or two, and if they do you'll be getting another newsletter shortly to tell you all about them.
Cheers,
Peter & Hilary
Now to 21st April, 2010
Lots of things happened in April, some good, some less good, but all adding to the rich tapestry of life... or so I hope.
First, we had a good session at the Grove on 21st, Hil's report in a minute, and we then had the Big Night Out in Beer to look forward to on the Saturday 24th... well, I was looking forward to it and then on Saturday morning I got laid low by this virulent tummy bug that's been going round, so I was left at home feeling sorry for myself. However, despite neither of the local papers printing any of the publicity that Frances sent to them, and despite it clashing with a similar and very much better publicised event taking place in Axminster, the turnout was pretty good. From the reports I had, Paul Downes was magnificent and I very much regret having missed him, and I also understand that Annie, Rob and Mike put on a good show to finish what seemed to some people an over-long first half, and Ted, having to step into my shoes at the last minute, made a much better job of compere than I would have done. So it was gratifying for Ted and Frances that they collected a laudable £690 for Shelterbox. Thanks to everyone who helped make it a good night, and in particular again thanks to Paul Downes who'd had to travel from his previous night's gig at Oxford to be with us... we owe you, Paul.
Next, the very observant amongst you will have noticed the absence of any pictures this month... that's not because Jolly's camera has malfunctioned, but because I'm adopting what I hope is a better and easier way to present them, and all you have to do is click on this link http://eastdevonfolk.jalbum.net/April%202010/ and you will be presented with a cornucopia of delight.... covering pictures not only from the Grove session, but also The Big Night Out in Beer and the Bank Holiday Monday do at the Town Hall (mentioned at the bottom of the page... it hadn't happened when we sent out the newsletter.)
So, over to Hilary....
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 21 APRIL 2010
Peter welcomed everyone and to warm up the evening he began the proceedings with Will the Circle be Unbroken - he says he sung this once before when he didn't know it - all that has changed though (??)and we were able to join in with the chorus. He followed this with another new song (to him) which he has only just learnt - actually for last month, St Patrick's Day, when he was unable to sing it, and although not actually Irish, it sounds Irish called Lakes of Pontrechain and is often sung by Irish singers. What a treat.
Next and welcome to Frances with a poem she finished writing about half an hour ago which was inspired by an article in the newspaper and was called Sound Advice - very funny as ever, you are so clever Frances. Next a true story poem for spring called Bird Brain which gets aired each year about a love sick wagtail.
A warm welcome to Annie with a nice song for this time of the year - One April Morning followed by three short cuckoo songs all joined together - had anyone heard a cuckoo yet this year she wondered and low and behold, yes, Vicky from Beer said she had - lucky girl. That was all very lovely.
Our very special Anita was asked up next having been persuaded to go home and get her words in order that she could perform for us this evening - she puts up with such a lot of teasing from Peter with good humour. She began with an old Scottish song about the Bonny Earl of Murray - a sad story indeed. Then we had a rousing Down by the River Side which we could all join in with - whey hey Anita, the Queen of Good Sport, thank you.
Robert next with some James Taylor - Carolina in My Mind followed by You Can Close Your Eyes - all very excellent.
Next to be welcomed, a duo which used to be a trio, called Deep Blue Sea, and who we havn't seen for a while, made up of a fellow with a voice reminiscent of Paul Robson reaching the depths of the very deep and another fellow playing the most gentle guitar music - they began with a song called Poverty Dwells followed with a song from a poem by John Haine called The Highway.
Prior to our interval Ted reminded everyone of the forthcoming concert in Beer on Saturday in aid of Shelter Box and that we all need our tickets - obtainable tonight from Frances. The event was totally ignored by the local press but the Express and Echo did print a bit. There was also a reminder that Paul Downes will be the highlight of the evening and that all performers were contributing free of charge. Ted then announced an anti political broadcast on behalf of the Fat Chance Party - one of Ted's specials. Next a song Election Blues - a traditional protest song.
Interval
Peter had trouble calling everyone to order but was eventually able to give us Zoom Zoom Zoom all about a little boy. Next a Tom Paxton song called Cindy - brilliant.
Frances with Lost written a couple of years ago about misplacing her spectacles (eventually found in her hair) then Love in a Blue Light - thank you Frances.
Annie next with a couple of foreign songs - Zandunga and Ah! Si mon moine voulait danser -Spanish and French I think - Mercie beaucoup.
Anita decided against music in the second half and gave us some poems instead. One about Dick Turpentine was very funny indeed.
Then a surprise act, Ida from Sweden feeling very nervous rose to the challenge and gave us a song by Alanis Morriset - excellent thank you Ida and do please come again.
Our Deep Blue Sea duo sang a love song for the first time in public Thank you for the Flowers, When Love was Young it was like Honey and to finish off Jazzy Jane.
The rest of the evening was handed over to the Bard of Seaton, Ted, who told a joke or two and then sang One Morning in the month of May and to finish off a song pinched from Ray Charles in the key of A, These Things we all Know.
A very good evening again, thank you all for coming and see you next month - Wednesday 19 May just after 8 oclock.
So there we have it, thanks
to Jolly for the pics, as always, which you will find on the link
above, and also to Frances who took the ones in the Town Hall. And this
is what we advertised in the newsletter....
Now, for anybody at a loose end on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd, come on down to Seaton Town Hall where a super-group assembled by Annie will be holding forth as part of the Seaton Art Festival. We'll be in action from about 11am to 1pm, so do please come along and join in
Cheers for now,
Peter & Hilary
Next we have the Grove Session of 17th March 2010
What a super session we had on the 17th, lots of cheery folk and several new performers. As Peter (me) had been suffering from a bout of what was first diagnosed as bronchitis and then as pneumonia, I wasn't feeling too bright but the prolonged applause when I announced that I wasn't going to sing really cheered me up....
Just as well, we had a super turnout, and everybody seemed to latch on to the St Patrick's Day mood with the song, laughter and bonhomie prevailing.... Hilary will tell you what happened.....
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 17 MARCH 2010
Peter introduced himself and welcomed everyone. He explained that he would not be fulfilling his usual role of warming things up by performing the introductory numbers due to the fact that he was a little bit under the weather. So, Peter asked Mike Gee if he wouldn't mind opening the evening on this occasion. Claiming to be taken by surprise (which he was) and as it was St Patrick's Day he began with an Irish flavour and Fair Young Maid followed by We Are Stardust, We Are Golden. Thank you very much Mike.
Anita was welcomed next and to keep the St Patrick feel going (as indeed it was throughout the evening) read William McGonagal's Irish Convicts Return and Irish Toast. Thank you Anita.
We were delighted to see one or two new faces and the first to be invited up was John Gudge with his mouth organ and gave us a very jolly tune together with a potted family history and stories of his Irish connections. There followed another tune that he has known since he was four years old (he explained that in those days he also knew the words) and a third tune - I am sorry I have no names for any of these tunes. But, thank you very much John for giving us a real Irish input.
Our next new face, although a regular visitor to Seaton seeing family, was Terry who sang about a plane leaving for the sun which was really nice. Another song about a dressing-up fetish which told a very funny story. Thank you Terry.
Frances, the Bard of Beer, read a poem Charity Shop and another one written last year, Taking Note - a true story about a friend of hers which kept us well amused.
We were then very pleased to welcome our itinerant hurdy gurdy man, Tony who we havn't seen for a little while. He told a story about Lonnie Donnegan who was one of his heroes and sang one of his Irish ones called Four Brawls. This was followed by a dance tune Horses Brawl. Before leaving he was asked about his hurdy gurdy and its origins. Tony explained the history behind the instrument, bringing in interesting additions to do with his jester which was all very intriguing. Thank you very much indeed Tony.
Rob was next, singing a couple of songs written by his friend, Jonathan Turner from Cardigan, called You Only Get Out what you Put in and Why Can't You Hear Me. Wonderful as always.
Ted, the Bard of Seaton, advertised the forthcoming concert at the Dolphin in Beer on the 24 April in aid of Shelter Box. Tickets available from Steve's Prints and the Beer Post Office, and Frances also has some. It is going to be a great night. He then gave us one of his specials - a poem for St Patrick's night about O'Really O'Reiley - excellent. Next an Irish song It's Lovely round the Fields of Athenry.
Colyford's very own Nightingale to finish off the first half began with a Buffy St Marie song ,The Piney Wood Hills. She was joined by Rob and Mike as they had all been practising Carrick Fergus . How very excellent, thank you Annie and your Orchestra.
"Brief Interval"
Peter invited Terry up to start the second half and he was warmly welcomed and sang us If You Could Read My Mind which was very nice. He then read a poem about the seaside All Along the South Coast by Jeremy Taylor - excellent.
Anita with a couple more poems claiming the that songs she planned to sing had already been sung ! The first poem was very quick by Louis MacNeice Apple Blossom and then The British by H.S. MacKintosh.
Next the harmonica virtuoso, John, gave us Danny Boy and a well known Irish tune which I can't put a name to, and lots of funny stories.
Mike Gee talking about his new found passion for exploring the roots of folk music in the 16th century gave us a couple of tunes and followed that with Mrs McGrath.
Frances followed Mike with a poem she hasn't done for a whole year called The Mystery about Pens and Pencils - as always Frances tells of experiences we all have. Then another true story about her daughter and Bunglar Burglar.
Rob with his magnificent songs - Jim Webb's The Highway Man then Chelsea Morning by Joni Mitchell.
Calling Ted back, Peter felt he should emphasize that Paul Downes is coming to perform at the concert in Beer (for free) and he is a performer of national & international renown, superb guitar, great singer and songwriter and really must not be missed.
Ted than gave us the poem for Annie (who was in Holland before) and a song about Shelter Box and the Tsunami but really about the 70's, and a song by Jackson Brown with a chorus Some of Them Were Dreams.
Annie with her All Stars (i.e. Ted, Mike and Rob) to finish off the evening with all things Irish - The Currah of Kildare and Spanish Lady. Thank you very much all and for taking the trouble to rehearse.
Peter thanked everyone very much for coming and see you all next month, 21 April, as usual about 8.15pm at the Grove.
So, that's March, and apart from our next regular Star Studded Session in April don't forget we have, organised by Ted & Frances, the Concert in Beer in aid of Shelterbox...
Big Night Out In Beer
Saturday 24th April, The Dolphin Hotel, Beer, 8pm
Paul Downes
supported by a host of local talent
Tickets £6 from Beer Post Office, Steve's Print Seaton or phone 01297 22213
All proceeds to Shelterbox
Thanks, as always to Jolly for the pics...
Cheers,
Peter & Hilary
PS Have you had a listen yet to Devon Folk, 5pm - 7pm on Sunday evening ? Hosted by Richard Digance in his own individual style, it has a different and refreshing slant on the local and not so local folk scene and is well worth a listen. I can't usually listen at that time bit I always catch it on iPlayer during the week.
Next in this archive section is the report for February 2010
Hello All,
First of all, here is what was sent to the papers about our February
session...
Always something new and different, that seems to be the
continuing saga of Jurassic Folk. We never know who's going to turn up,
be they performers or audience, so we live in a constant state of
surprise. This month was a to a certain extent a blessed relief after
the rather hectic time we had over Christmas, but what we lacked in
quantity we certainly made up for in quality. Amongst the performers,
Ted, the bard himself, was in cracking form with great songs and
brilliant comic poetry (hear him on the website), Rob Wheaton was
sublime, and Machine Gun Mike G was slightly more relaxed compared to
his frenetic performance last month. Frances, Beer's own bard, kept our
ribs suitably tickled with her endless stories of mysterious and
strange happenings round her house in Beer. And a welcome new face was
Andrew Mycroft who runs the Honiton Folk Dance Club, and he gave us some
enervating dance tunes on the accordion which certainly got our feet
tapping.
But to next month, because some of our team have told me that various plans are developing, and there may be even more surprises coming, could be exciting. All always, everyone is welcome, performers and audience alike, admission is free and more info is available by phoning 01297 20064 or checking out the website www.eastdevonfolk.org
But to next month, because some of our team have told me that various plans are developing, and there may be even more surprises coming, could be exciting. All always, everyone is welcome, performers and audience alike, admission is free and more info is available by phoning 01297 20064 or checking out the website www.eastdevonfolk.org
And next, have
you heard Devon Folk on Radio Devon? It just started up and is being
presented by Richard Digance, and is a cracking show. Its on Sunday
evening from 5pm to 7pm and has all sorts of music, interviews and
reminisces, and what is more, he has asked for news and performers from
the local clubs... He didn't have to ask twice... I've banged off a lot
of stuff about Jurassic so let's see what comes back...
And now here are
the facts on our February session as recorded by our intrepid and
unbribe-able correspondent, Hilary....
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 17 FEBRUARY 2010
It was hello and welcome to the second session of 2010 and Peter introduced himself to those new to the Grove and began by warming up the evening with a good old chorus song called Grandmother's Old Arm Chair telling a tale we could all take note of, possibly. Then, a new song for Peter, called Amelia which was oh so lovely, thank you Peter.
Welcomed next was the Bard of Beer, Frances, with one of her new poems called One Foot in the Grove - this she has touted to the local newspaper who has assured her that it will be included nearer our next gathering so as to encourage people to come along. Well, I hope it does because it jolly well should do - it was very good. Frances followed this one with another of her specials, which we have heard before, to do with a computerised cat.
Next Robert came up with a song called You Weren't There to Tell Me Not to Do It - in the country and western genre - a sorry story. (Peter asked if anyone had listened to the web site to hear one of Robert's songs from last month - there was an enthusiastic affirmation). Next, at Ted's behest, Robert sang Ruby's Arms which was brilliant.
Peter then introduced a stranger to us, Andrew from Honiton who is part of a dance band and is usually joined by his wife who was unfortunately laid low with 'flu. However, he did have his accordion with him and he gave us a wonderful set of three dance tunes followed by a set of jigs from the Cheese Rollers which had something to do with rolling cheeses down a hill in Gloucestershire. He explained that it was quite frightening for him to realise that he was being listened to instead of being danced to. Thank you very much Andrew.
Before asking Ted to come and do his bit before the famous interval, Peter claimed that we had never had so few performers - perhaps because it is half term - even Annie was away in Holland.
Ted and Frances got up to do a "commercial" and to explain that they would like to repeat putting on a charity concert to be held in the Dolphin in Beer on Saturday 17 April. Time 7.30, price £6 and there will be a raffle. Frances explained that the previous charity concert that was held in Beer made £1,070 for the Smile charity and this time it was agreed that proceeds should go to Shelter Box. So .... the request is for any performers who would like to and are willing to take part please let Frances, Ted or Peter know. And, for all to spread the word - more details next month.
With that Ted performed a poem called Going Dutch (appropriate for Annie who is away in Holland and not able to hear it) - Ted explained the origins of this poem and told us a little of his early life - it was really very funny (not his life, the poem). Next he had a tussle with the music stand and then sang Democracy is Coming (but it is far away) followed by Love Song as we have just had Valentine's Day and his and Betty's wedding anniversary and that song was very funny too and had something to do with Benny Hill.
There followed the Interval.
Peter began the second half by girding up everyone's loins with another chorus song he hasn't sung for a long time written by the legendary Ledbelly and called Irene who "got" her in his dreams, not "saw" her. Very wonderful. Then enlisting the help of Ted as accompanist he sang Dirty Old Town which was brilliant.
Next, Peter welcomed back, Andrew with his accordion who gave us some American reels: Uncle Loben Ruben, Boil and Cabbage and Old Joe Clarke - now then, Andrew gave out the names of all his tunes but rather on the assumption that we were all familiar with them but as we all know, with my reputation for getting things right - I am actually quite at sea so .... you will have to forgive me for leaving out information which I should put in, and that which I do put in, being quite wrong. Anyway, it was all most jolly and Andrew followed the reels with three jigs the names of which I completely failed to get but we certainly enjoyed them all.
Next, with the sudden appearance of ("Machine Gun Mike"???) Mike Gee who had been on chauffeur duty earlier began with a Bob Dylan song One More Cup of Coffee For the Road followed by a John Diamond tune - short and sharp - followed by a Leonard Cohen song Sentenced me to Twenty Years of Boredom. Then going Scottish with Wild Mountain Thyme, Ted joined in with his harp, and, thank you very much Mike.
Some gentle poetry was called for next from the Bard of Beer who gave us a couple of "old" ones - The Village Bus and Sprouting Forth - all true and very funny, thank you Frances as always.
Robert next to entertain us, firstly with a Tim Finn of Crowded House called Persuasion and then a Beetles Here, There and Everywhere which was very wonderful, and then another Beatles, And I Love Her - as always Robert manages to choose complete favourites.
Ted came next with another poem Exploding Trousers and a song for all bikers Ride .... Gather Round all you Bikers which was a most extremely sensitive and sad song about a Vincent Motor Bike. Then came a dreadful Irish joke and to finish off Ted sang Roses are Red and it was soooo excellent Ted, thank you.
Peter said short on quantity but certainly not on quality and that's it again for another month - thank you all so much for coming and remember to see Frances for concert details and see you all next in March on Wednesday 17th as usual at the Grove just after 8 o-clock.
So there we are... we have a bit of an idea what happened, and thanks as always to Jolly for taking the pics with his new camera...
Now, Andrew Mycroft, who performed for us on Wednesday, has asked us to let you all know about the Honiton Folk Dance Club which he and his wife June run, and Here it is...
The Club meets every Monday
evening at 8pm in The Turks Head Function Room Honiton. Full details of this
are on the website www.amycrofters.co.uk
Peter & Hilary
And now to January 2010...
This month we have two events to report on... first Seaton Town Hall, Saturday 16th January...
What a super time on Saturday at Seaton Town Hall Community Fair, thanks to the great response from you that we had to our email on Friday morning. We found enough volunteers to man the tea bar, musicians to come along and put on a show and excellent support from all angles.... all in less than 24 hours ! (see picture below )...
Well, after all the excitement of the weekend with Annie's Haiti Benefit do at the Town Hall, one would have thought that our usual session on Wednesday January 20th would have been a bit of an anticlimax.... but far from it... it turned out one of the best.
Just to set the background; Hilary and I had been having a period of very mixed emotions since the New Year, lots of joy but also lots of sadness. The joy was the birth of our first grandchild (about time too...) called Hetty Rose, and as you can imagine has involved a great deal of our time. But then we lost our sister-in-law after a short illness on January 11th, so it was a very difficult time for the family. Then we had all the flurry of Annie's Haiti Aid, and to top it all I celebrated a rather muted **th birthday on the 19th, and finally the funeral, a large gathering, was on Wednesday 20th. All this preamble just to explain why Hilary and other family members weren't able to come along on Wednesday. So that is why I have had to cobble together some sort of account of the first half, but thankfully Anita was able to take over after the interval.
So here goes...
Jurassic Folk & Acoustic Session, 20th January 2010
A larger than ever crowd greeted me when I arrived at the Grove just after 8pm, must be something to do with Marion and her accosting people in the street outside the Town Hall on Saturday! Lots of new faces, and lots of them looking very young... (although I suppose anyone under 69 looks young to me...!!). Peter (that's me) started off the evening as usual with an old favorite, Daisy a Day, which was helped along by a nice gentle chorus, and this was then followed by Bob Dylan's I'll be Your Baby Tonight, which was also helped on its way by the audience.
Next came Ben, a young relation ( I think.. ) of Ted, who hasn't been for quite a while, so it was good to see him livening up the atmosphere with his woolly hat and gentle guitar. He played two guitar pieces but if he told us what they were called I didn't hear it, but most enjoyable.
Frances followed with two cracking new poems: The first called Hanging Offence relates her troubles with a recalcitrant fairy who seemed to resist being placed on the top of the Christmas tree, and the second was Reflected in The Mirror, which tells of Frances' battle with her mirror which, Dorian Gray like, insists on displaying somebody other than the page 3 girl which she knows she really is.... both very funny!
Mike G followed in his customary rebellious mood with his 12 string spraying chords like a machine gun, and he gave his his inovative interpretation of Dylan's Don't Think Twice, and followed this by Eve of Destruction which had us quivering in our seats in fear... great stuff, Mike!
The hero of Saturday, Annie then came on, dulcimerless this week, and sang Reign of the Fair Maid, followed by, in deference to the imminence of Burns Night, Green Grows the Rashes O, both of which were joined in enthusiastically by the audience.
Robert was in particularly good form this month, and he started out with a song which was first called Hippy Song, but he now calls Festival Song: He explained that it was about a festival that he went to some years back, an excellent song and very funny, but he didn't say in so many words that he had written it, but if he did he should be proud of it. He followed up in Mike G mode (well, not quite) with Machine Gun Kelly... more great guitar work.
Then to finish off the first half who else but the Bard of Seaton himself... Ted Dowse. First he declaimed an absolute snorter of a poem about the recent polar weather we have been experiencing (despite those "global warrming" propergandists the Met Office who forecast a mild winter) called Another Artctic Day... it was absolutely brilliant, the funniest thing I've heard for quite a while, and for those who missed it I'll put it up on the website jukebox when I update it. Then he gave us a song written for a charity concert in Bridport some time ago called "Dancing When the Sun Goes Down" and followed this with a Jurassic Folk favourite "This Love Will Carry Me" (which is already on the website)... magnificent, Ted.
And now Anita takes over.... saying... then we had the famous 10 minute interval for folk to get their breath and their drinks ready to throw themselves into the second half.
This was led by Pete singing a Tom Lehrer ditty "The Irish Ballad" but known generally as "Rickity Tickity Tin" which is useful as it tells of the girl who did every one of her family in by various gruesome methods but we were reminded in the last verse that she wouldn't lie as lying was a sin! Peter also acknowledged the coming Burns Night and used it as an excuse to regale us with a Scottish song "Nancy Whisky", a tale of a Calton Weaver with a rousing chorus we could all join in.
Next was Ben who entertained us with two songs "This Could be Love" followed by "I hope You Forget" Sorry if I don't have the correct title for that one. Thanks Ben, hope you'll come again.
Frances - The Bard of Beer - gave us an insight into why her heart still flutters at the sight of a flashing blue light with her poem "Love in a Blue Light". She followed this with an old favourite about her friend Sandra's cat Eric, called "Eric on Patrol".
We were then treated to a Neil Diamond song "Red, Red Wine" from Mike G. He asked Annie & Rob to join him for a Peter, Paul & Mary song "Leaving on a Jet Plane". This was great & had most of us singing the chorus. The Terrific Trio stayed centre stage, this time with Annie leading in a song she assured us we would know - "Every Day" by Buddy Holly. She was right, most of us did. I noticed the younger members of the audience were not joining in - is this why we are called Jurassic Folk?? In the spirit of 'And now for something completely different' Annie led us all in a Blues number "Trouble in Mind". Great Annie, thanks.
Anita then read an amusing poem sent to her via the internet entitled "'Twas the Month After Christmas" sorry, author unknown, regarding the seemingly inevitable Christmas weight gain.
Robert came up for a solo spot, first with "I Know You" a deceptively gentle song written by his friend from Ceredigion in Wales (Cardigan to most of us). We were then treated to two Paul Simon songs "Lincoln Duncan" and "American Tune", both exquisitely performed.
The evening was brought to a close by our own Bard of Seaton - Ted Dowse. First we had a couple of Limericks. One about Nietzsche and another, short enough to repeat here:
"There was a young man from Hong Kong
Who thought that Limericks were far too long."
Yes, it took us a while to get it as well!
This was followed by an amusing poem about Albert Einstein explaining how he arrived at his formula. Ted's first song in this set was "Winter's Shadowy Fingers" gentle but thought provoking. Then we had "Slip Sliding Away" for us all to join in. Ted finished the set and the evening for us with a Joni Mitchell song "Woodstock" with the chorus "We are stardust, we are golden". Indeed we were - after a golden night.
In his closing remarks Pete thanked everyone for coming, audience and performers alike and reminded us all that every Jurassic Folk night was different. We never know who is coming to perform or indeed if anyone will (we've never been without excellent performers yet). All are welcome, new or seasoned performers for poems, songs instruments or whatever or just turn up & swell the audience.
Thanks to all for another terrific Jurassic Folk night. Don't miss the next one - 3rd Wednesday in the month - 17th February. Hopefully you will have Hilary available to put her inimitable style on the evening's report.
Thanks a bundle for all that Anita..
Lastly I have been asked to bring to you notice a couple of upcoming events which could be of interest to you, and you find details of these on the Other Events page.
Roll on spring...
Peter & Hilary
The next Archive is from theChristmas Party on 16th December 2009
Hello All,
What a fun time was had at our Christmas party on 16th December, and as Jolly delivered his pictures on Thursday morning (on his bike, post haste) we were able to bang off this report to the local papers... in the hope that View from Seaton might at last give us a mention... I'm not holding my breath... but anyhow, this is what was sent together with a couple of pics.
The festive season came to the Grove in no uncertain manner last Wednesday as Jurassic Folk celebrated its Christmas Party. Fancy hats, flashing bling and mince pies set the scene for an evening of the special mix of music, song, poetry and frivolity. Much loved regulars such as Frances Lee, Ted Dowse, Annie Bennett, Mike G, Rob Wheaton & Peter Arnold provided the cake with the icing ladled on by the singing vicar, Laurie, who luckily happened to be in Seaton that night with his ragtime guitar and melodic mandolin. The cherry on the cake was provided by local authoress Dee Featherstone who gave us a couple of short but witty poems, please come again Dee. The second half brought everyone together in a riot of sound, playing and singing songs with choruses. The audience were inveigled into joining in by the distribution of kazoos, cymbals, castanets and bells, and they made good use of them. Verdict; roll on the next one, which will welcome in 2010 on Wednesday 20th January at the usual place, The Grove Nite Club, Seaton, and at the usual time of 8.15pm. Everybody is welcome, admission is free, and more details can be had by calling 01297 20064, or looking at the website www.eastdevonfolk.org where, not only can you see pictures of the jollifications, you can now hear some of the performances as well.
Hilary brought along a couple of trays of mincepies and they vanished "toot sweet", and so she was able to concentrate on scribbling her shorthand to produce her usual masterpiece of journalism, which follows herewith....
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE CHRISTMAS PARTY 16 DECEMBER 2009
After quite a bit of sorting ourselves out Peter welcomed everyone and introduced the evening to a jolly good crowd with I'll get by with a little Help from my Friends which was very nice, thank you Peter. He then asked our Nightingale, Annie to follow which she did with Everybody's Talking at me - Echoes of my mind. Then she sang an American carol The Virgin Mary Had a One Son.
To follow Peter welcomed a lady we have not met before but she lives in Seaton. Her name is Dee Featherstone and she introduced herself with a bit of a story about her background in folk. She chose to give us a poem she had written about a friend who had had a dreadful day. She followed this with another poem about an artificially inseminated cow - very funny, thank you Dee.
Robert came next and sang the Irish Rover which he has not sung at the Grove before and he followed that with The City of New Orleans both of which were excellent as ever.
Frances then regaled us with a poem she wrote last week called Can't Knock It - all about skittles. Next her famous Mum's the Word.
A warm welcome back to Laurie from Bristol who this time managed to bring his wife Karen to join in with him. He explained that living in Bristol he saw members of the Carnival Band with Maddy Pryor which inspired him to sing Wake Up Wake Up which was a very lovely Christmas song. Next they sang a very familiar carol, The Holly and the Ivy but to a folksy tune and Laurie accompanied it on his mandolin. Karen then had a rest while Laurie gave us a little tune The Dill Pickle Rag.
Ted then came to finish off the first half for us and began with some of his jokes - a Sam Ware joke (Somewhere... Over the Rainbow), a Laurel and Hardy joke, then something about polar bears and September October Nowonder. Then there was a bit of fun with the cappo and he gave us the Seaton Carol (both a poem and a song) after telling us about his life as a small boy in Sherborne and a nativity scene in the street at Christmas which he had so much enjoyed.
Peter called for the famous interval in which to chat and replenish drinks. Cherry kindly circulated the song sheets so that we could all join in with the second half of the evening.
To reintroduce the proceedings Peter was joined by Anita and they sang Coulters Candy. Then a collective was formed - i.e. Ted, Robert, Annie, Mike Gee (making a late appearance) and Laurie. They began with a Beetles - Across the Universe and Mike did a special of his own Peace, Love and Understanding.
Then we had The Boxer led by Ted, Sloop John B led by Robert, Put a Little Love in your Heart led by Annie, John Barleycorn- Ted, Sixteen - Peter, Calypso Carol - Annie, Mr Tamborine Man (with harmonica) - Ted, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down - Robert, Lord of the Dance - Laurie, Wild Mountain Thyme (with instrumentals) - Peter. Then Wendy put in a request for Wild Rover which Ted led after persuading Peter that it would be OK. The "audience" helped with hearty rendering to all of those songs.
Peter thanked everyone for coming and wished all a very happy Christmas and New Year. At this point, Robert's better half, Sue, caused Peter and Hilary great embarrassment by thanking them for all they do - the sentiments were much appreciated.
Next - New Year - 2010 (how scarey) Wednesday 20 January at the Grove just after 8 oclock. We look forward to seeing you.
Well, that about covers it for 2009. Thanks again to Jolly for the photos, and All that remains is to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Fulfilling New Year...
Peter & Hilary
And now to the session of 18th November 2009
Hello Everybody,
Well, (Peter speaking) after Hilary's enormous success at MCing last month I'd rather hoped she'd do it again, but she refused pointblank and claimed that she couldn't compere and take notes at the same time... funny, I always thought that women were supposed to be able to multi-task.... Anyhow, a goodly crowd once again crammed into the Grove Bar, and though we were a bit down on artists, unlike the previous 2 months, this enabled everyone to have a decent sized spot and even allowed me more than my customary one or two, although that could be regarded by some as a downside...
Enough... let Hilary tell you, with her renowned zeal for the facts, exactly what happened....
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE 18 NOVEMBER 2009
A very warm welcome to everyone. Peter got things going and warmed up by singing an old favourite, Bottle of Wine which was excellent (the wine, presumably, not the song?.. Peter). He followed it with You Never Wanted Me, a song he has had not performed before and is one he has always liked after hearing it sung by Sandy Denny at a folk club in Stratford. There was complete silence and it was very lovely (the silence, presumably, not the song?... as before).
We then welcomed Frances who had a new poem called Things that go Bump ... a true story that we had all read about in the local paper to do with a car finding an inappropriate resting place in the front of her house.
Mike Gee was invited next with his guitar very cleverly sounding like a lute. He played several tunes dating back to the 1500s and the time of the reformation and were originally folk songs classical composers turned into something else. If you would like the names of the tunes, contact Mike as my notes are unreliable as usual. Anyway, they were all very good and very interesting, thank you Mike.
Peter then introduced Kay who, although living close by, has not performed for us before... we clash unfortunately with the Sidmouth fiddle night. She sang a typically traditional "doom and gloom" song, Ginny on the Moor, followed by a Scottish chorus song which I think was called Fare Thee Well my Island my Home ... lovely Kay, thank you.
Next, good favourite Robert with a new to him song Patience of Angels by Boo Hewerdene which Eddi Reader made a hit, followed by a Paul Simon song Lincoln Duncan ... another Robert has not done for us before... then Sweet Baby James, which is not new to us, but one he sings so well ... Robert always manages to choose wonderful songs.
Frances came back with a poem about her computerised cat which is another true story and very amusing as usual.
Before inviting Ted to finish off the first half of the evening, Peter said how much we welcome all performers, and we would particularly like to try and encourage those new to performing, giving them a platform in friendly and unintimidating surroundings. Ted then regaled us with a poem inspired by the acquisition of some fluffy ducklings called Roger and Lilly by his grandson and his new wife ... it was a very exciting and full of tension and suspense, but it all turned out to be a DREAM. He then sung a song about democracy (what's that ?) It's Coming Through a Hole in the Air. Then, the very brilliant hymn to humanity, Leonard Cohen's I Am the Light.
Then we had a famous interval.
Peter explained our late start due to the new parking arrangements in the Co-op car park. So long as you arrive with your car after 8 oclock you will be safe from the watchful eye - 2 hours are permitted during shop opening hours and no time limit at other times. So, in future a more realistic starting time will be 8.15pm. Also .... he brought it to our attention that the next session will be a Christmas one ?????
So, to introduce the second half of our musical and poetical extravaganza Peter sang Green Grow the Laurel followed by a famous epic ballad which he first heard at about the age of seven while living in India, called Abdul Abulbul Amir. Anita very kindly joined in with the singing. How very nice to hear Peter sing some new songs - a great pleasure (wot's wrong with my old songs..? Peter).
Kay was invited next to give us another song - this was in praise of men, Drink to the Ladies and she followed that with a more modern song called Eldorado and we all joined in with the chorus. Excellent Kay, thank you.
Robert was welcomed back with an amazing Tom Waite song I Hope I Don't Fall in Love with You. Then Fences and I Know You both written by his friend, Jonathan Turner who lives in Cardiganshire. Thank you Robert.
Frances gave us a poem about her daughter's first boyfriend which turned out to be a ginger tom cat ! This was followed by Taking the Chair which was quickly scribbled from recollection during the interval.
Mike Gee was next with a Peter Paul and Mary 500 miles, followed by Roads and then a Tim Harding song, How Can We Hang on to a Dream. How many styles does this man have ?
Ted was asked to come and finish off the evening for us which he did in his usual great panache with Marrow Bones which was very funny, and a wassail song which is traditionally sung to ensure a good crop of apples. And then he finished up with Wide Wide River, which he related he'd got from a Cd by the ex-drummer of The Band who has now turned into a traditionalist... (??) Thank you very much Ted.
Out of time but a reminder that we meet next on Wednesday 16 December at 8.15 with our Christmas party costumes. Any ideas for making it a special evening gratefully received. Thank you all for coming and helping to make another good session.
There we have it, that was November, so now to December. Last year we devoted the second half to chorus songs and it has been suggested we do this again. So the idea is that anybody who wants to lead a particular song contacts me with the words etc., and I'll incorporate them into a song sheet for the night from which we will collectively choose what is actually sung on the night. Any other ideas for the evening will also be very welcome, and ofcourse I expect a lot of surprises, both visual as well as musical.
So get back to us with any cunning plans, and we'll usher in Christmas with music and mirth. As always, everybody is welcome so bring along your grannies, babes, boyfriends, ex-husbands (perhaps not..), Uncle Tom Cobley and all.
As always, thanks to Jolly for the pics....
With all the best,
Peter & Hilary.
And now for the October 21st 2009 night...
So that's it.... while I was languishing at home feeling very sorry for myself nursing some sort of lurgy, you were all having a great time at the Grove being entertained by a cast of international stars! And to add injury to insult, I had hoped to at least to relive the night by listening to the recording on my little machine, but horror of horrors... it was not to be, as nothing was recorded at all.... just can't get the staff, nowadays... But as a positive, I have had reports that Hilary emerged as a superb compere, so I should soon be able to pass that job over to her.
Enough of my natter, over to Hilary for all the facts of the night...
JURASSIC FOLK NIGHT AT THE GROVE, 21st October 2009
Of all the nights for Peter to feel unwell ... he was very unfortunate to miss such a gem. Rather at the last minute I had to convey Peter's apologies that he would be unable to be with us tonight and in my dilemma appealed to Graham to start the evening off, which he did very well with Rudigore from Gilbert and Sullivan's High Noon. He then introduced Annie who came on to sing East Virginia. She followed that with the Johnson Boys' Break of Day accompanied by her dulcimer.
Now, you will have to excuse (yet again, but for different reasons) my haphazard approach to getting it right. But, at this point of the evening, because I was in the know, so to speak, I was very pleased to introduce and warmly welcome Ted's friends from St Martins in the Scillies. They came in the form of two ladies, Jenny playing the whistle and Nancy Morton on an assortment of accordions, together with a gentleman, Richard Morton who sang and played the guitar - all coming under the name of Beggars Belief. St Martin was apparently the patron saint of beggars - hence the name - or at least part of it. They claim to sing 1960's pop songs ! However, I think folk songs more like. They began with an Ian Campbell folk song followed by a chorus song, Lizzie Lindsay and then, with a change of accordion, a music hall song recently sung by Eliza Carthy about a damsel possessed by great beauty. All wonderful, thank you.
Frances followed this with a poem about losing things - in particular, her spectacles (they were eventually found on her head - and I thought she was going to say on her nose which I have done before now). She followed this with another poem about Addiction - but this was about the addiction to redecorating the house. Thank you Frances as always.
Mike Gee came next, paying tribute to Mary Traviss of Peter, Paul and Mary fame who died a little while ago. She was someone he held in great esteem and influence. He sang a Tim Harding song and Oh Suzannah in great form.
Next we introduced Pete, unknown to us and apparently on an English break from living in France. He claims to sing mostly old country songs and began with a Jimmy Rogers, King of Country, Standing on the Corner accompanied by his guitar. Then, he produced his flat Whitington guitar (apparently very trendy a the moment) and gave us a 1896 gospel song which did have a refrain. Brilliant.
Welcome back after a long absence, to Hunt, Gamble and Trezise - an unaccompanied trio of great acclaim. They sang Ripe and Bearded Barley followed by Miners Lament - both were utterly brilliant and a real treat, thank you.
Ted was invited to finish off the first half for us and he began with a poem about a hurdy gurdy man so he couldn't decide if he was pleased or sorry that Tony, our own hurdy gurdy man, was not with us tonight. It was all a bit strange but very funny and included lighter fuel and a fire dance and the lack of health and safety. He then sang When I was a Young Boy - thank you Ted.
There followed a somewhat brief interval as I was unable to gauge timing and was afraid of running out of it and to begin the second half Pete from France was invited back and he began with a blues Lickney Hopkins, Ellie May. Then from 1929 Blind Alf Reedy "How Can the Poor Stand Such Times and Live". Thank you so much for coming. (Apparently they don't have folk clubs in France)
Graham came next and sang unaccompanied Mother and Me. Beggars Belief came back with The Leaving of Liverpool (which is almost Wild Rover but not quite) and its almost raucous chorus but it is very good to sing once in a while. They followed that with another 60's song of Donovan's Mellow Yellow - all excellent.
Frances, as one would expect, came on talking appropriately about Halloween and ghosts and gave us a couple of poems about all the ghosts they encountered after moving in to her present cottage in Beer. They really are very funny and quite thought provoking - do they (the ghosts)exist, or do they not ? According to Frances and her family they most certainly do.
Hunt, Gamble and Trezise came back with Cold and Stormy Night (from Brighton station?) followed by a gospel song In My Time of Dying - oh so good.
Mike Gee was in his element and sang Hello, This Heart of Mine and the Irish version of Kilkerry Mountain - whisky in the jar.
As if we hadn't had enough treats tonight, Dave Trezise introduced a long ago friend from the Stepps Folk Club days of yore, David Robert, who lives in America and is over for a visit. He was persuaded to give us a turn and sang a Van Morrison song about civil rights - You Couldn't Take all the tea in China. He followed this with Mr Bo Jangles - a request from Ted - very perfect. Then I have an incomprehensible note - Townsnansant ???? (Anybody know what she is talking about here?- Peter)
To finish off a most perfect (apart from Peter's absence) evening Ted read a poem/rhyme about stone soup - quite a lesson - then he sang By the Lonely Prison Wall. He was then joined by Beggars Belief, Annie, Mike and Hunt, Gamble and Trezise who gave us Long and Dusty Road in the key of G. What a lovely whistle.
A big thank you to all for coming, particularly our visiting performers for making it such a wonderful evening, and see you again next month on Wednesday 18 November, same time, same place, 8 o'clock, The Grove, Seaton.
Well, there you have it... it looked a great night...grrr... thanks Hilary and thanks Jolly, as always for the pics.
Meanwhile, and hot off the press, this afternoon Hilary got a phone call from the Co-op chap she has been badgering for months, to say that they are modifying the car park monitoring so that it is now turned off when the Co-op itself closes at 10pm in the evening. So that means that if we didn't enter the carpark until 8pm we would be OK to park for the evening as the 2 hours time allowed finishes at 10pm. What do you think... should we delay the start by 15 mins to 8.15... ?? Please let us know what you think, so if agreed we can circularise the new start time to everyone.
That's enough for now... I shall continue to sulk...
All the best,
grumpy Peter and ecstatic Hilary.
And now here is the one for September, 2009. .....
Well, what a night we had in September! We needed something to cheer us up after the terrible news of the previous night of the demise of democracy in East Devon...(local contentious matter, won't boor you with it here.) ... the revolution is on its way and not a moment too soon, let's sharpen up the guillotine blades!
But to cheerier things... It is getting somewhat of a truism that every night we have seems to be the best ever, but that was certainly the feeling after this one. The packed bar area, to which we usually confine ourselves, was clearly inadequate to encompass the gyrating, and at sometimes quite frightening, onslaughts of Flaming Morris from Feniton, so for the first time we trooped out into the main arena to enjoy their performance, and at the same time keeping out of the way of their flailing sticks.
However, the majority of the session took place as usual, in that we had sterling performances from all our regulars, and some brilliant contributions from some newcomers, particularly the ragtime guitar picking vicar who was quite a revelation; although he is not local I'd better not mention his name...! The session ran well over time with all the talent we had to fit in, but as usual Jenny, the Grove manager, didn't mind at all.Let Hilary describe the night....
JURASSIC FOLK AT THE GROVE WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2009
Well, it was a warm welcome to everyone at the start of the new season of Jurassic Folk. In anticipation we also warmly welcomed a gaggle (Hil.. I don't think that's the most apt collective noun to describe 4 blokes and a lady!!! - Pete) of Morris Men who will be performing for us later in the evening.
As an experiment, Robert very kindly brought his PA system and with assorted microphones it was decided to see what everyone thought about the idea of being amplified and to give it a go. Our welcoming host, Peter, sang the all time favourite Summertime most beautifully. He went on to sing, unsung by him before, a very lovely song Will the Circle be Unbroken.
Frances was invited to follow with some of her most brilliant poems. She explained that she had recently won 3rd prize for a poem in a competition but as it was one of her rather serious poems she chose, instead, to read the winning one by Patricia Williams which was a funny one about sand in the sandwiches (which we all know about) called A Day at the Seaside. The next was one of Frances' own about medical consultants who are not quite as clever as they think they are. She followed these with a couple more very little poems called the Psychologist and the Rose Grower written while taking part in a creative writing course having pulled the subject out of a hat - very well done Frances I would say.
Then, I took a double take seeing such a familiar face in the wrong place. We were delighted to see an old friend from our Priddy days, Paul Weston, holidaying in the area and able to come and take the stage with his viola and played Boys of Blue Hill - he gave us a bit of background history of violas and then played ... I didn't quite catch it, but something to do with Kate Keering ??? Anyway, thank you very much Paul.
Mike Gee came next and because he had to go after the interval gave us an extra number or 2. He began with Mary Lou followed by Wild Mountain Thyme followed by Mrs McGrath by Bruce Sprigstein which he found on Utube. Thank you Mike.
Welcome to Laurie who performed for us for the first time although he has, apparently, been before. He used to live in Kilmington and has now moved to Bristol but whilst returning to the area to conduct the funeral at Exeter Crematorium of a friend and fellow performer, he felt able to come and see us and give us a turn which he did with a John James ditty about a man who was very rich - but not with money - Ragtime Millionaire. It involved a foot stepping chorus - excellent. Ralph McTell is one of his heroes and he sang the first song written about the first song he ever wrote .... ??? (I really must learn to concentrate) Thank you very much Laurie.
Next, Robert who always sings such wonderful songs, and who provided the amps, began with Spanish Leather followed by a John Martin song Spencer and Rover - thank you Robert. Then Annie asking how to top that, sang Well, Well, Well giving us a chance to have a good sing, followed by All the leaves are brown - Californian Dreaming. Very good Annie, thank you.
In his usual spot before the interval, Ted, the Bard of Seaton, gave us a poem apparently requested by Robert's beautiful lady, Sue, about seagulls - it required audience participation - shape, shifter and change colour ?? But it was brilliant as ever. He then sang a song which he wrote as a result of going to a folk club run by Mitch in the Marshwood Vale called Only One Song - it was self explanatory - and very amusing.
The interval came next followed by the event we had all been waiting for ... namely a very jolly performance by a wonderful Morris troupe called the Flaming Morris of Feniton - they get together every Wednesday in Feniton Village Hall, starting 7 October, 8 o-clock, and welcome newcomers and you don't have to be a man ! One of the Morris men goes by the name of Fiona and very definitely isn't a man. So there you go. In fact, she then came and a bit out of breath, gave us a song something about So You Take this Yellow Handkerchief and Flash Company. Also from the Morris Troupe, Graham, an old friend, sang Spanish Lady.
Here we come to the highlight of the evening, Anita, who unable sadly to give us a song tonight, gave us a poem called Farewell - very poignant and from the heart ! Next we were able to welcome back Laurie - rag time guitar, In My Country Garden - all in my notes but not making a lot of sense but so was the word "excellent" which it was, as was the following instrumental written by Scott Joplin for the piano - Maple Leaf Rag.
Previously unobserved in the corner we were able to recognise and welcome Susannah Billetter, who runs Tiverton FC and who visited us eralier in the year. She sang Donna Donna Donna for us followed by a song she had written a few years ago. All superb, thank you, and hope to see you again. Paul returned with his viola and performed a tune for a squeeze box.
Once again it was a great pleasure to welcome back Robert with an Eric Clapton - If I can Reach the Stars - and the Beatles, Hide your Love Away. Thank you for that and for the not overpowering amplification.
The Nightingale of Colyford, Annie, with another (after Donna, Donna, Donna) Israeli song Evening of Roses. Then on her dulcimer a Romeo and Juliet type tragedy Willie Moor.
We have had such a full evening full of brilliant talent, Peter had to apologise for cutting performers short and getting them out of order but we were able to get Frances back with her poem the Village Bus which was very funny. And, ... we were able to finish off the evening with Ted of course in the key of D and Hey Mr Tamborine Man with a backing band of Laurie, Robert and Annie.
Thank you to everyone for making it such a good evening and see you next month - that is Wednesday 21 October at 8 o-clock.
So, to reinforce the thanks Hilary has already expressed, we were most grateful to have the spectacle of Flaming Morris enlivening the proceedings, which gave us the opportunity to use the main hall of the Grove for this first time. I was sorry we couldn't have given them more time than the three dances they did, but we overran by half an hour to try and fit everyone in as it was... but a big thanks lads & lassie!
And also again many thanks to Robert for bringing along his amp, which in my opinion worked very well. However, I would be glad of any feedback from everyone as to what they felt about it. Its future use would also depend on the willingness of Robert to spend the time and energy to bring it along, set it up, and dismantle it at the end of the evening... a somewhat thankless task! But please let us know what you all think, one way or the other.
Nothing has progressed about any change of venue, but this is ongoing and suggestions are always welcome.
Thanks, as always, to Jolly for the pics...That's it for now, hope to see you all in October,
Peter & Hilary