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What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread
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Subject: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: Ross Date: 01 Oct 07 - 05:24 AM Permathread to highlight What's On in our local/adjoining area. PM - JohnDun if anything needs adding/changing. SESSIONS..........DANCE..........FOLK CLUBS..........SESSIONS..........DANCE..........FOLK CLUBS..........SESSIONS Mondays - Herga Folk Club - Pinner Green Social Club, Pinner. HA5 3TJ. Mondays - Chesham Folk Club - The Whitehill Centre, Chesham. HP5 1AG. Mondays - OFI Session (SAR) - The Old Farm Inn, Totternhoe. LU6 1RE. Mondays - fancy a dance - The Leasiders (7:45-9:45pm school terms only) - Blenheim Crescent Baptist Church, Luton. LU3 1HB. 1st Mon. - Rose & Crown (SAR) - The Rose & Crown, Ashwell. SG7 5NP Alt Mon. - Greenshoots Tune Session - The Black Horse, Melbourn. SG8 6BP. (06 May 13 marker date / see thread) Tuesdays - (EXCEPT 2nd Tues.) - Plough (SAR) - The Plough, Ley Green. SG4 8LA - Details Here Tuesdays - Globe Session (SAR) - The Globe, Dunstable. LU6 1LS..... Pub Details, Tuesdays - St Neots Folk Club - Priory Centre, St Neots. PE19 2BH. Tuesdays - Cock Session (SAR) - The Cock, Wootton. MK43 7NJ. Alt Tues. - Sporty Session (Mixed) - Sportsman's Arms, Wing. LU7 0JX. (14 May 13 marker date / see thread) 1st Tues. - Run of the Mill Session - The King Harry, St Albans. AL3 4BL. 1st Tues. - Dunton Folk Sessions - The March Hare, Dunton. SG18 8RN. 1st Tues. - Irish Tune Session - Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, HP23 5QE 1st Tues. - NAF Club - The George Hotel, Silsoe - open mic 4th Tues. - Bell Session (SAR) - The Bell, Benington. SG2 7LA. Wednesdays - White Lion, Sopwell Lane, St Albans - weekly Wednesdays - Baldock & Letchworth Folk Club - The Orange Tree, Baldock. SG7 5AW.....Some live stuff Wednesdays - Session (SAR) - The Swan, Stewkley. LU7 0HA. - (every 4th Weds, falls between Tues. Sporty session. 24 Apr 13 marker date / see thread) Alt. Weds. - Barton Session (SAR) - The Waggon & Horses, Barton-Le-Clay. MK45 4LP - Alt. Weds. (15 May 13 marker date / see thread) 1st Weds. - MHFC (Open Floor Session)- Moggerhanger Village Hall, MK44 3RB. 2nd Weds. - The Cat (SAR) - The Cat & Fiddle, Radlett. WD7 7JR. - Nick Male & Hertsmere Acoustic Music Club 2nd Weds. - English Tune Session - The Albion, Ampthill. MK45 2JT Thursdays - Redbourn Folk Club - The Hollybush, Redbourn. AL3 7DU. Thursdays - Bedford Folk Club - The Griffin, Kempston. MK42 8BL..... Bedford facebook info Thursdays - Session (SAR) - The Castle, Luton. LU1 3AA. 2nd/4th Thurs. - Session (Mixed) - The Royal Oak, Woburn Sands. MK17 8TA. 1st Thurs. - Celtic Tune Session - The Bedford Arms, Bedford. MK40 2QA. - Info 1st Thurs. - Shed behind the Sportsman pub in Croxley Green, 2nd Thurs. - Session (Mixed) - White Horse, Kimpton. SG4 8RJ. 3rd Thurs. - Session (SAR) - Great Eastern Pub, Hertford ..... Info Fridays - Cambridge Folk Club at the Golden Hind ph. Fridays - fancy a dance - Unicorn Ceilidhs - Hitchin Town Hall - last Friday Ceilidh/dance..... Unicorn Info Fridays - The Song Loft - The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford. MK11 1AH. - Bi-monthly - Check Website. Fridays - Watford Folk Club - The Pump House, Watford. WD17 2JP. 2nd Fri. - Ash's Session (SAR) - Ashwell Arms, Leighton Buzzard. LU7 1BG. 3rd Fri. - Phil & Jan's Session (Mixed) (Ex John O'Gaunt)- The Red Lion, Potton. SG19 2PZ. 3rd Fri. - Irish Tune Session - Gamekeepers Lodge, Chesham. HP5 2NN. Saturdays - Plough acoustic/electric, anything-goes, singaround/jam - The Plough, Ley Green. SG4 8LA - Details Here Saturdays - Dunton Folk Concerts - St Mary Magadalene Church, Dunton. SG18 4RS. Sundays - Hitchin Folk Club - The Sun Hotel, Hitchin. SG5 1AF. 2nd Sun. - Slappers (Mixed) - The Carpenters Arms, Slapton. LU7 9DB. (tiny village just South of L Buzzard)
-Joe Offer- Many apologies for deletion of some very fine comments & REPORTS - keep em coming though |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: Cathie Date: 19 Dec 07 - 10:29 AM Site current theme song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2vJUadjdmo and info from Hitchin John Rock me mama
Regulars music: PM JohnDun if you want your page added Some General Sites Colin's site - http://www.folkorbit.talktalk.net/index.htm IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A CELIDH BAND in the Beds, Herts, Cambs and Bucks Area PM to 'a gud ole bwoy' for information |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: Fidjit Date: 02 Feb 08 - 03:36 AM DANCE..........DANCE..........DANCE..........DANCE..........DANCE..........DANCE..........DANCE..........DANCE..........DANCE FORTHCOMING EVENTS UNICORN CEILIDHS -HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES- Present on every last FRIDAY of the month The monthly ceilidh season continues with various Ceilidh Bands, bringing the very best of English acoustic dance music to the renowned Unicorn Ceilidhs! Callers for the dances are good friend and always most excellent supporter of the Ceilidhs. Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Weatherley Centre Eagle Farm Road Biggleswade Bedfordshire SG18 8JH
Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish entry is only £8.00 for adults and £4 for children under 14. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261 Theres also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks. For more information, visit www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: Cathie Date: 05 Sep 12 - 02:32 PM Hi Folkies - long time no post. I'd just like to tell you about the choir that I joined at Easter, which is expanding the venues where it meets to Stevenage, Ampthill and Milton Keynes. It's got the feel-good factor and I love it. Please pass this info onto friends, rellies and anyone who wants to sing, but not on their own in a singaround. http://www.aliveandsinging.com/ |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: Cathie Date: 13 Oct 12 - 01:18 PM REPORT REPORT REPORT..........The WAGGON and HORSES, Barton Le Clay - 10th October 2012 The move down the road for the Barton Folk Club was successful! Well done Ann for finding another venue at such short notice. The public bar is warm and cosy, though not cramped, as there was plenty of room in the centre of the circle for a near-Morris dance. Ann's keyboard found a table and we were treated to some of Ann's folk classics with moving lyrics. Yvonne led the chorus with her song about drunken Dad and produced music from her Mary Poppins bag for those of us who had forgotten theirs. Oops. Eileen played along. MK Trevor was on the viola and mouth organ and can be reassured we recognised all the tunes. Aaargh , me hearties. Diane's bringing her poems next time. It seems somebody has been calming Go Graham and he gave us some shorter meddlies always good fun. Rob sneaked in a Brown Eyed Girl in Hitchin John's absence, but we knew the words to sing along. We heard Morris tunes, a shanty and a sweet song 'Avondale' from John E. The latter caught the ear of the Gary Barlows in the room, who were imagining that song rolled out elsewhere. Trevor's accordion sparkled with new acoustics and reflective angles of the room and David added some wry poetry to his repertoire , about Senile Dimentia. Roy, George and Maggie's exhuberance and great harmonies provided opportunities for accompaniment and percussion. I played my guitar strapless, and used that excuse to explain away bum notes. Guess what we ended on? Yes Wagon Wheel has crossed the threshold of yet another pub in Beds. Reg, the landlord, was happy and would like support for his Fund Raiser in the main bar on Sunday 11th November for Remembrance Day from 3 - 6pm. The theme is old songs from the First and Second World War periods and have a bit of a singalong. He wasn't too specific though, said he would delight us with his singing and give us beer. Thanks all for lovely evening, back there in a fortnight and bully in the alley. |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: GUEST,buddhuu sans cookie Date: 21 Feb 13 - 02:18 PM There we were, Tuesday night in The Plough, conducting ourselves in an orderly and civilised CLOCKWISE manner when the pub's back door opened and Dunstable poured in. Oooooh, Feck. The whole thing went to shit. My rules were abused, the blackboard upon which I wrote my rules was abused... and I was abused. I was set up and photographed in a compromising position by Sally, who then proceeded to post my shame all over Facebook. I won't go into details; it's too painful to recall - and, to be honest, all a little hazy. On the plus side, the pub was full of singing, playing nutters having a good time, and the management and punters enjoyed themselves just as much. It was extraordinary. A kind of unruly "Twilight Zone". Thanks to Diabolically-Tuned John, Weak Bladder Boy Simon, Sally Paparazza, Richard and his Banging Box, Graham and his Banging Box, Stentorian Chris, Hitchin John, Mark "Oh-dear-I-appear-to-have-fallen-off-the-wagon" Sparrow, Dirty Hughie Dolan the Guitar Fingerer (when he fingers them they stay fingered), Mando Peter, Banjo Kevin, Fiddling Jill and to Geoff H, who sat on the reserves bench in case of injuries or sendings-off. We love you all, and it was (despite your appalling conduct) an absolute fecking pleasure. |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: GUEST Date: 06 Mar 13 - 08:50 AM The Globe was lovely last night and dammit I will do a report - I had got out of the habit of reporting but here one is - Globe Dunstable, The Badlands, 5th March 2013 We were small but beautifully formed. Started off with four of us early on so we erected a small sign saying 'Speed Dating' in an effort to lure some unsuspecting folks in. These are the waifs and strays who turned up - Stevie B and his battered uke-in-a-rucksack entertained us all with a bit of Eddy Grant on uke after which we all had a bit more Hope(Joanna), One Eyed John was our resident local historian of the murky Kensworthian Underworld and fine accompanist to all choruses, Niki played a fantastic self penned number and say like a lark, linnet or nightingale at the dawn of the day, James lurked sans guitar and discussed groaning pipes and school ghosts, Stacey did some Nick Cave and also told of her Silver Dagger - the only thing actually gracing her right and however was a fine pint of Hophead! I brought the light relief in the form of two Karen Dalton borrowed songs Katie Cruel and Ribbon Bow(Death count of 2) and an unaccomplished Nottingham Town. Dennis added to his oeuvre by delighting us all with his vintage stylophones complete with pocket torch and house key tremelo breakdown (It had to be seen to be believed!) and a Graeme Meek song of the canals - I felt almost at home as he conjoured up the images of trolley arching majestically from the murk and the chug of a knackered two-stroke! Malcolm hovered and sang deep down low on the 'armonies and Chris our resident shantyman sang Worms and we all barrelled in to South Australia at the end before we wended our way home feeling much better and looking forward to next week. Twas a small, intimate session, great banter and quality songs - who needs a packed noisy room and only time to do one song? Not I. Ashwell Friday - if you're coming bring cheese - it's a feast night we have decided - or a pork pie John Dun!! ;-D |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: GUEST,buddhuu sans cookie Date: 20 Mar 13 - 05:29 AM Sorry about that ^. I was knackered and anyway the evening surpassed my ability to describe it. I can only hope that blurred images will suffice in the absence of adequate words. The Plough, Ley Green Tuesday session 19/03/2013 -- Incriminating evidence |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: GUEST,Mike Blair Date: 29 Mar 13 - 06:59 PM BEDFORD FOLK CLUB Notes for the 28th March from the prodigal Clubmeister. In the words of one of the BFC's more venerable grandees, Sir Mel of Rothersthorpe, what a "spiffing" evening this was. We were honoured by the annual visit of the St Neot's Club overseas delegation of Clive and Malcolm former BFC regulars and doyens of the accordion and bodhran. They brought with them 2 junior attaches, singer and bodhran player Ruth, and fine fiddler and guitarist Ken. Between them, they created what became known as "Celtic Corner", and the resulting craic was fine indeed. It was good to hear tunes again, and mostly played in friendly keys, so the rest of us could join in. In fact, that was the main thrust of the evening this week loads of songs and tunes we all joined in with. Careful, I hear you say, we're in danger of turning into a session, but no, dear reader, it was just good clean fun! Easter is not an easy theme for which to choose songs, so it came as no surprise to me to discover that my first offering of the night, "Lord of the Dance" caused at least two of our regulars to review their songlists for the evening. As I totally inaccurately stated, I had exercised the folk equivalent of "droit de seigneur", but without the pre-marital connotations and certainly without risking a severe prod from Mrs Clubmeister who was sat on my right ("mon droit"). I was delighted to have many chances to play the 5-string as well, thanks to the aforementioned friendly keys, particularly since it was a last minute request from Mel that I should bring it. Lest you think he was being uncommonly kind in that request, he only wanted to see if his new bouzouki would fit my banjo case. He didn't actually want me to play the thing, but I did manage to sneak in a song called "Sweet Sunny South" and a tune called "Coal Creek March", while he wasn't looking (or listening - ED). This much vaunted new bouzouki was well up to standard, and Mel gave us two great songs on it, Karine Polwart's "Sun's coming over the hill" and "Closing time" by Mary Asquith, who sadly died of cancer in 2009. They were only slightly ruined by my joining in with guitar and some woefully inappropriate harmonies. Feeling somewhat paranoid that David "Biggles" Hardy would arrive after he had sung it, Mel began with an excellent "Pacing the cage" by Bruce Cockburn. For once, Still Seeking managed to get their diaries in sync and all arrived at the same time this week. They proceeded to give us a wonderful "Wimoweh" something about lions and sleep and the much modified but still traditional "Scarborough Fair / Canticle" before creating a veritable musical storm with "Wagon wheel". This was played and sung so lustily by the entire company, that we began to get shouts of "Oi! Keep the noise down!" from the Griffin regulars in the main bar. Bubbles got a similar response from the BFC Orchestra and Choir when we all joined in on everything we could lay our hands on for "Red River Valley", having also given us an unexpected Lonnie Donegan song "Seven golden daffodils". Her piece de resistance this week was undoubtedly her version of "Two magicians" you know the one, dustyrustylusty etc., with which many of us tried to sing the chorus, but with varying degrees of accuracy. Brilliant, and such a memory for words. Karl was in a sweet and sour mood this week, with his lovely version of John Prine's "Hello in there" musically balancing the very silly "To Morrow" (where would we be without the good old English language?) and the slightly bitter "Sidmouth Festival Blues" from the unlikely pen of Scottish folk wizard Ian McCalman. Karl's guitar playing is advancing by stealth to match that of many of us seasoned old hacks no names, no pack drill, as they say and we shall have to start docking him brownie points for practicing. Roger, on the other hand, was in a sour and sweet frame of mind. He introduced one of his songs "You're wondering now", I think it was called, as a "gloomy little ditty", and had us all singing with him on a great version of "Shenandoah". Bruce Springsteen's "Cautious Man" proved a great choice as a starter. Back in Celtic Corner, we had a whole plethora of Scottish and Irish tunes from Clive, Malcolm, Ruth and Ken. I did start writing down titles, but gave up in the end all great tunes, wonderfully played. As if that wasn't sufficient joy from our annual visitors, Ruth (ably accompanied by Ken on guitar) gave us some great songs beautifully sung, "The Lowlands of Holland", "The Lakes of Pontchartrain" and a real favourite of mine "Brigitte O'Malley" so sad. Ann (of Green Gables, Barton), sang a song from the 60s by the Brothers Four some of us remember the impossibly clean cut, sweater wearing combos of that era called "Greenfields", as well as her very good antidote (and little lambs eat ivy) to "Wild Rover", called "Wild Roving". At the end of a generally boisterous night, Ann still managed to find just the right song to send us all home with, and complete just the 3rd round of the room, in the shape of "Goodnight Irene". Wonderful stuff. More wonderful stuff on offer next week, if you're not all sick as dogs from consuming too many Easter eggs. |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: GUEST,Mel Pitts Date: 13 Apr 13 - 10:20 AM BEDFORD FOLK CLUB - Notes on a meeting 11th April 2013. In the absence of the Clubmeister and the Untersturmfόhrer, I was left in control of the assemblage of talents that makes up a BFC evening. The Clubmeister's excuse was that he was repairing potholes in Ampthill (but what with?), and Karl's that he had to repair the front bumper on the Large Hadron Collider. You can take these excuses at face value if you want but let me ask you this:- Have you ever seen those two and Batman and Robin in the same room at the same time? No? Thought not. So maybe they are off saving the World instead of slaking our thirst for Tom Paxton and Ralph McTell songs. Mind you, I don't recall seeing them together in the same room as John Sergeant and Anne Widdecombe either. I'll leave it to you but (touches side of nose with finger) you have been warned. So, left to our (my) own devices we embarked on another evening of fun and frolics. The first surprise of the evening was that almost the first people through the door were STEVE P (he of the Frog Song and the Handlebar moustache) and his carer, the fragrant SUE. It is normal for S & S to only come to the club when the Clubmeister is absent and we all understand why this might be so. (Dag nab it, not again sorry you two! Sub-Ed) Anyway, Steve served up his normal collection of songs from the past (where else?) and also one he had just written - "The Singing of Tipperary" which tells the story of how a song written in 1912 (?) came to be regarded as a song from the trenches of WW1. Also included among others was "APROPERCUPOFCOFFEEFROMAPROPERCUPOFCOFFEEPOT". Great fun and totally supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, as usual. Bedford's loss is the Isle of Wight's gain. Now the rest of these notes may be a little more confused than usual because I asked the lovely MAGGIE REDSHOES to make some notes and unfortunately I am having some trouble reading them. It's not because they are bad notes you understand but because I seem to be seeing things which my memory doesn't hold. (How long have you been having these hallucinations, Mel? Better lay off the caffeine Sub-Ed). For a start, the things which she wrote about my frankly superb set are a little hurtful but I will let that pass. Meanwhile, TRONNER DAVE returned from a ski-trip to the land of "Eh" with news about Laughing Lenny Cohen's muse Suzanne, who apparently is no longer resident in her place by the river. He isn't sure where she's gone, but she isn't there anymore. Tronner had his banjo with him. Just as well, as he did some banjo songs, and very nicely too. KYLE was with us fresh from his 19th birthday (MHR Kyle Sub-Ed) - and gave us a selection of his own and others' songs. He had one of his own "Keeping Great Britain Down" which out Randy Newman-ed Randy Newman. A rare talent Kyle. Next we come to another rare talent JULIE BUBBLES. Always the right songs done in the best way to cheer us all up. Oh, and Bubbles accompanied my version of Mattie Groves and made it sound almost acceptable. She even remembered that I always switch the 52nd and 53rd verses in my arrangement. Thank you. THE FOLK GOD always cheers me up. He did it again last night whether singing solo, with the tin sandwich or joining with GEORGE or the aforementioned Maggie as STILL SEEKING. Roy played some Playford tunes on the harmonica beautifully and Maggie sang a lovely song called "Forever isn't long enough for me" which reminded me of what some old girlfriends had said when breaking up with me. When the third member of SS arrived, they gave us a terrific rendition of the John Denver song "Perhaps Love" or should that be "Perhaps, love" or even "Maybe Baby"? with Maggie as JD and George as Placido Domingo or Quiet Sunday as he is known in Foreign Parts. CALVERT got two goes after turning up early again and showed he has continued to move forward and upward in his singing career. The great thing about Calvert is that whatever he does, he does with a smile. A genuinely nice man. Finally, we had a visit from Folk royalty in the person of the new Co-Editor of Unicorn magazine and doyenne of Friday lunchtime local radio, the great and prodigiously talented MIKE N. Four fantastic tunes, impeccably played with a scouse accent. Which all goes to show that what I have said for some time now is true. There is more talent to be found any night of the week at a local folk club than on a hundred years of Simon Cowell's rubbish. If you agree, telephone 099062 243579621. Calls cost £200 from a BT Landline and from mobile operators, considerably more. All profits will go toward filling in the potholes in Ampthill. Join us for another walk on the wild side next Thursday, same place same time. See you there. |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: JohnDun Date: 19 Apr 13 - 08:11 AM Ross has recently let me take over the thread editing. Please PM me if there is anything you want included or updated in the top few posts. Club/session reports and updates are always welcome as are details of any new clubs/sessions/morris outings etc.... Apologies for removing some wonderful comments and older reports in an effort to keep the thread manageable. Best Regards John |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: buddhuu Date: 23 Apr 13 - 06:09 AM This evening is THE PLOUGH, LEY GREEN. Last Tuesday was bloody amazing, with unexpected accordions, gypsy jazz and unplugged Seattle grunge. I honestly never know what the feck to expect. Anyway, I suppose this will be our St George's day session. All real lovers of England's green and pleasant land are welcome, while racists will be dumped out on their arses (same as any week really). Details at the link above. Love and kisses, buddhuu. PS: No Saturday session this week as we happily step aside for a gig by the brilliant Andy Skelton. I'll be there. |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: GUEST,Mike Blair Date: 26 Apr 13 - 09:47 AM BEDFORD FOLK CLUB Notes for the 25th April from the Clubmeister. Be honest, have any of you actually seen a dragon? No, me neither, and it's all thanks to the ultimate dragon repellent, good old St George sadly taken for granted in these hi-tech days, but still working hard to keep England dragon-free. Can't say the same of Wales, of course, where they still seem to like them. There was a very healthy sprinkling of unaccustomed Englishness this week, with Mel and Karl airing 2 of Ralph McTell's ditties "England" and "England 1914". Sam gave us his own excellent St George song witty and succinct as only an Anglophile Irishman can be whilst first time visitor to the Griffin, Barton's (now Harrold's ) very own Dave, indulged us with an excellent update of "Hard Times of Old England". This seemed to dampen the patriotic fervour and we resumed our normal cosmopolitan generosity appreciating a good song wherever it hails from. Despite being pipped at the post by Bonnie Tyler to take the national humiliation in Malmo, Still Seeking staked their claim to represent the UK in the Eurovision YouVoteForMeandI'llVoteForYou Contest, with a spirited "Puppet on a string". Maggie even brought along a puppet, but it was so highly strung (!) that it refused to appear with them, preferring to save itself for the bigger occasion. They also did a late Seekers (I mean recent, rather than late) song from 2009 called "Guardian angel guiding light", a very pleasant song which was in danger of becoming my earworm of the night, but thankfully has gone now. Appropriately late in the evening, they gave us "Sleep Song" from Secret Garden. Can't tell you much about it, as I was dozing off by then. Bubbles was as bubbly as ever, and she only sang 2 of my repertoire this week "Weyhill Fair" and "Calico Printer's Clerk". You can't afford to look away for a minute these days particularly as she does them exceptionally well. I was really taken, however, by her first song called "The Nottingham Miner" a ghostly tale about phantom dead miners still hewing (good word, hewing) post mortem. Some wag suggested they had probably dug themselves out of their graves to do it. A great song. For those of you of a sympathetic nature, the latest news on the autoharp is that it has a spinal injury, not uncommon in instruments having to support the tension of 3 dozen strings. It is on ibuprofen for the back pain, pending an operation. Kyle (The Boy Wonder) Dobrzanski was clearly in denial this week and sent several of our more delicate flowers into a fit of the vapours with his song protesting his utter ungayness. Never one to court controversy, is our Kyle, and it all started so well, with a lovely Lyle Lovett song "If I needed you" and a bluesy "Motor City man" from the not unrelated Uncle Walt's Band. (Don't ask me I just write this stuff!) It's always good to welcome visiting dignitaries. This week it was no less a personage than Ann Clubmeistrix (© M Pitts) of Barton and her keyboard with inbuilt light show. She chose our St George's Fest to sing 2 excellent Irish songs "Carrigfergus" and "My love came to Dublin" and the classic "There ain't no sweet man that's worth the salt of my tears" (the title is a novel in itself), learned from Norma Waterson. We accurately estimated it to be from the roaring Twenties, since it's a Bix Beiderbecke / Bing Crosby "number" from 1929. A bit unnervingly, Ann seemed to be staring intently at the mandolin I had whipped out at one point (they can't touch you for it), to accompany Mel. It felt as if she was trying to tell me it was out of tune or something, but she explained later that she was trying to see how it's played. No use asking me! Fellow Bartonian Dave was on fine form, and a Les Barker poem about Nelson's corporeal deficiencies went down well. He also sang his own composition "The Great Ouse and the Colne" a family autobiography in song which gained him a well deserved silver medal in a competition. Mel himself, apart from "England", adopted some weird tuning to sing "Spencer the Rover" and a great joiner inner "Santiago", which got the whole hen coop squawking nicely. Our other Bard of Bedford, Karl, continued his McTell theme with a brilliantly played "Winnie's Rag" and the very touching "Yorkshire Romance", to which nobody has apparently laid claim! Sam got us in brief gospel mood with "God's Heaven", and Bill became temporarily Scottish, by creeping over the border this week to sing a Robert Burns song, for which I'm afraid I didn't note the title. Just a warning to those of you considering a check-up, however our Rabbie died in 1795, following a dental extraction! I think that just leaves me. The usual mix of half remembered songs and snatches, ranging from a Paxton to a Conolly, via a Hugh Williams and a Jez Lowe. I'm one of the few people at the club with the courage and gall to abandon a song halfway through, when it's clear I can't really remember it! Thank heavens we are blessed with many others who not only remember their words, but rehearse them. Be there next week to savour more musical delights. |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: JohnDun Date: 30 Apr 13 - 05:58 AM REPORT REPORT REPORT Old Farm Inn...... Mondays I collected the excuses and sick notes from some of our regulars and marked them in the register before letting the class loose on the remnants of the beer festival. The landlord sent all the naughty boys into the front bar, he obviously doesn't trust us to sit still next to 8 barrels of ale with taps attached.... We were graced with the presence of master bollock squeezer Lester Bailey, with only 2 melodeons(D/G, D 4stop). The OFI regulars extended a warm and inviting welcome to Lester (1st time I've ever seen one) by crossing their legs to sing in keys he could play along with. Lester's tune-a-day-for-a-year project is progressing well, although he did admit to starting it before he realised he didn't know 365 tunes... it's a man thing!!! Ray Lilley (founder member of the Patriarchs) has recently been bringing different instruments to confuse us last night was the Banjo's turn, what will next weeks offering be??? A lot of songs and tunes were played in unfamiliar keys (Lester's fault) by myself, Dirty Hughie Dolan the guitar fingere....... One Eyed John, Sally, Graham, Alan L, Simon and Richard + a few audients. This small but select band of musos dominated the front bar by scaring away the local dog owners, music lovers and paper readers. Back to normal??? next week. ;0) |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: JohnDun Date: 04 May 13 - 04:16 PM What Ho, Lester!!! For those that don't know, my work covers the UK and I quite often have my instrument with me to call in on any sessions on my way home. Last night Swansea to Dunstable took me past the Shoulder of Mutton in Wantage, Oxon. Found it HERE. A lovely English(mainly) tune session, 6 fiddles, 2 boxes/concertina, whistles, recorders, mouth organ, etc. WONDERFUL RANGE OF REAL ALES!!! and......... Lester!!!! (a long way from home) The Old Farm Inn last week, Wantage this week, Where next? One of the regulars asked me if we were a double act !!!! You should have seen his face when I told him I was a stalker. ;0) |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: JohnDun Date: 07 May 13 - 08:15 AM For all you Irish music fans out there, Chan Reid sent me this....... Hope you all had a lovely sunny weekend. The First Tuesday Irish session at the Grand Junction Arms is on TONIGHT from 8:30pm. Special guest John Devine on pipes. You lovely people are in for a treat. See you then for a tune. All the best, Chan This is one of the best Irish sessions I've been to, packed with musicians and audience so get there early. ;0) |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: stevi Date: 07 May 13 - 03:34 PM Report Report!!! Last Wednesday was the 3rd Moggerhanger village folk gathering. Again a great night lots of audience and a good raffle. Music ranged from a single recorder to a full band line up we have a PA system in place as it's a village hall. Roy the folk god was there with his bottle top stick shaker and singing trio plus we were graced with the Tottie on tour trio John S and friends who gave us great music. John tells me he and Sally are performing at the Woburn sands folk festival in July So if you want some great music try to get along. The MHFC is run on the first Wednesday of the month there is a bar with beer from the Potton brewery everyone is welcome either to perform or just listen entry is free. Steve |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: GUEST,Karl Hunter Date: 11 May 13 - 04:38 AM Another impeccable despatch from the front from Karl: Bedford Folk Club Report - 9th May 2013 - Notes from Club Henchman BBK. Following on from last week's 'Paul Simon' theme, we had a 'Bob Dylan' theme, a 'Farewell' theme and even a 'Songs That Maggie Hasn't Heard Before' theme! Unfortunately (do I mean that?), with the three 'Farewell' songs in a row, no-one actually went, although Mel did have to leave at half-time to move his Lancaster bomber before the parking meter clicked to 'Penalty'. Brutally wrestling the Unterclubmeister Hat from all-comers, (unfortunately C.M. Mike B. was there in spirit only), I kicked off with the insinuendo-laden (What a delicious new word Sub-Ed) shanty "Bully in the alley", the mood toned down later by Ralph McTell 's evocative "Barges". The first 'farewell' of the evening came with "Love farewell", hopefully still available on the web (by John Tams) in return for a donation to charity. Slipping into Wedlock territory "British railway pies" completed my 'contribution' to the evening's fun. 'Folk God' Roy's performances reminded us of why he got his moniker. He begun with two hugely funny songs, "Flush the magic toilet" by Ian Mills and "The teddy bear's rave-up" by Peewee Hunt; these were a joy for the ears (I shall never see Winnie-the-Pooh in quite the same light again!) They were followed by the marvellous "Ashokan farewell" on the harmonica, and his evening was topped off with the unusually-normal (for Roy) "Haul away Joe", but very much none the worse for that! With the absence of 'Beau' George this week, 'Still Seeking' were not in evidence, but this gave the survivors the chance of performing solo, an opportunity they used to full advantage. Maggie kicked off with the wonderful "Wild mountain thyme", then with "The Sandgate dandling song" (think Cilla Black only much better), before launching into 'close to classical with a hint of Oz' with "Take me to the emerald city". Maggie finished the evening with "Bottle of wine", the impressive Tom Paxton song and supreme ear-worm (I was still whistling it walking over to lunch the following day!) It is always a pleasure to have Bubbles in the room at any folk club, and this week she gave us a rare mix, with the powerful shipwreck song "Let her go down", as written by Peter Knight of Steeleye Span fame, an instrumental version of "Amazing grace" - not usually heard outside the bagpipes (which, of course, are best heard outside Sub-Ed), but splendid on the accordion - finishing with the Flanders & Swann classic, the "Hippopotamus song"; great stuff! Roger 'Happiness is a warm harmonica' S. joined in with the Dylan fun, giving us "Positively Fourth Street" in his own inimitable style. This was after a rendition of Bruce 'The man's a genius!' Springsteen's "Downbound train" and followed by the Beatles' quirky "Rocky Racoon". Another three songs indelibly 'Rogered'! The welcome return of Bob allowed us all the pleasure of listening to, and joining in with the "Sloop John B." and in the second part of the Dylan-fest with the wonderfully acid " Don't think twice it's alright". Bob then sung a fabulous song of his own making, cleverly contrasting the welcome and friendliness in Italy to the scene in war-torn Yugoslavia, so close geographically but a world away at the time! Mel's slightly shortened visit didn't mean that we got a less-than-excellent session; oh no - he reprised his majestic version of "Dancing at Whitsun" (words by Austin John Marshall, apparently) and also gave us John Prine's (I think) atmospheric "Killing the blues", with both the guitar and bouzouki getting an outing! A real pleasure as always! Bill continued his North-East song theme with "Cushy Butterfield" (a bonny lass that likes her beer - what better sort?) and "Byker Hill" (we won't tell about hitting pigs with shovels if you don't!) Both ever-popular and songs with which we joined in with gusto! The evening saw the equally welcome return of David, with his skilful folk-based take on contemporary songs. This week it was the turn of Dave Webber's "Working at the coal face" and Colum Sands' "The man in the cap", a great song about how people can get a bit overlooked. The songs were separated by "Charlie fox", a traditional-sounding song rather surprisingly about a fox! The appearance of 'Tronner' David J. always makes for an occasion, and tonight was no exception. (Two Davids in a row - is this another theme?) This week it was three excellent transatlantic offerings, beginning with "The night Hank Williams came to town" (you could just feel the sweat and taste the Mint Juleps!), the original, 'non-Milton-Berled' or do I mean 'Burl Ivesed' ? "The big rock candy mountain" and the superb Tom Paxton's "I give you the morning". A rare treat indeed! Although not seen for a week or two, Charlie just seems to go from strength to strength, expertly combining both pathos and bawdiness in one evening! His songs went from the haunting "Lee fore brace" via the wistful "The true lover's farewell" to the one about the 'Chalfont'-stricken bird "The little duck". A real joy! As always, it is totally unnecessary to say it was a good evening (oops, I've said it anyway!), as they all are. Whatever people perform, the theme is always good music and great fun. Where will this take us next week - be there to find out! |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: GUEST Date: 11 May 13 - 12:41 PM Is there a plough night tonight? |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: JohnDun Date: 13 May 13 - 06:08 AM Sorry Guest I missed your post. The Saturday Plough Jam's are usually every week and Buddhuu is very good at letting people know. There was a Beer Festival this weekend gone... with music and the blue clicky in the first post should give correct details. This week is the 2nd Tuesday and I believe the Ploughmen are playing. (SEE NEXT POST) |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: buddhuu Date: 13 May 13 - 06:48 AM Morning all. Thanks for fielding the enquiry, John. Sorry I've not been on the ball. Been a bit tied up with family bereavement stuff. ANYWAY... There will be a PLOUGH, LEY GREEN open session this Tuesday (tomorrow), and every Tuesday and Saturday without interruption until the next scheduled Ploughmen gig there which will be Tues June 11th. The Ploughmen's bass player, PJ, is indisposed and the band have decided to bow out for this month. So, open sessions every Tuesday and Saturday until then. All very welcome. |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: JohnDun Date: 13 May 13 - 07:06 AM OLD FARM INN.... Tonight.... 8:30ish start. You never know what will happen at the Farm!! First to arrive can be official finger pointerer... we might even have an impromptu theme night, although such is the clientel they usually revolve around Sex, Beer or Bawdy Limerics!!! Talking about revolving, we haven't had any pole dancers since the Salvation Army ladies visited us. The pole is still there...... and available!!! ;0) |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: JohnDun Date: 13 May 13 - 07:44 AM This week is the ALTERNATE week with... The Sporty Session - Wing (Tuesday) (SAR - Singaround) The Barton Session - Barton-le-Clay (Wednesday) (SAR - Singaround) |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: Keith A of Hertford Date: 13 May 13 - 07:59 AM Keep Thursday clear for Gt.Eastern Hertford. |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: JohnDun Date: 13 May 13 - 10:14 AM Bob Nutley sent me this about tomorrow night (Tuesday) at the Cat & Fiddle, Radlett (see 1st post for pub details) Hi All There is a gig at The Cat and Fiddle tomorrow night to raise money for charity It starts usual time 8.00 and a buffet has been provided All singers and musicians welcome See you there Nick and Bob |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: Keith A of Hertford Date: 16 May 13 - 07:38 AM Gt Eastern Tavern Hertford tonight. Beer and sandwiches free, except the beer. |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: breezy Date: 16 May 13 - 10:49 AM save us a sarnie when do you start? |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: buddhuu Date: 21 May 13 - 09:32 AM Rather late summary of last Tuesday at THE PLOUGH, Ley Green. It should have been The Ploughmen's week, but their bass player has had a paw operated on, and they're always looking for an excuse not to play anyway... So, we stepped in to make some noise in their absence. Short notice, I thought. Going to be a sparse one, I thought. A respectable quorum of regulars turned up, much to my surprise. To be honest, I can't actually remember for certain who was there... It was a week ago, after all (report is late, BTW, thanks to IT blocking my access to Mudcat because it is an "unsafe" site!). As far as I mistily recall, Mark the Sparrow was present, and so were Bareknuckle Graham and Stentorian Chris. I was happy enough with the team - that motley crew has seen the pub through many a cacophonous soiree. As it was scheduled to be a ploughmen week, and few folkies were expected, I decided to play the Judas role, and I took my Strat and amplifier along, just to add a little textural variety. When will I ever learn not to be complacent. Ah... Feck. Just as we were all settling in, bloody Bedfordshire arrived again. The tone of the evening, which was already pretty low, lowered progressively further as DADGAD John, Weak Bladder Boy Simon and Dirty Hughie Dolan the Guitar Fingerer strolled in accompanied by Ray and his guitar-shaped piano. When I say accompanied, I mean he was with them, not that he provided actual musical accompaniment for their entrance. Althought that could work... The Laurel and Hardy "Dance of the Cuckoos", perhaps. Or "Colonel Bogey"... Where was I? Ah, yes - the arrival of the Naughty Boys. If I recall correctly, Hughie brought his own guitar - much to the relief of every other guitar owner in the pub - and I think he actually played more songs than I've ever seen him do in one night, or maybe it just seemed that way. For an evening that should never have been, it was a triumph. Tim, the substitute landlord, asked me to pass on his thanks to all who attended. I add my own to that. We are unfailingly grateful for the company and entertainment that are habitually dumped upon us by a delightful cast of hooligans. You are our extended family and we love you all. It was an absolute, reeking, steaming great fecking pleasure. |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: buddhuu Date: 21 May 13 - 09:33 AM Oh yeah, and it's Plough night again tonight. When will it ever end? |
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Subject: RE: What's On in Herts/Beds, UK; Permathread From: JohnDun Date: 21 May 13 - 11:34 AM Hello Buddhuu!!! Brace yerself boy..... The Naughty Boys numbers are depleted by Hughie attending hospital for a cough and drop exam (I pity the poor nurse that has to do that) and Richard the 'zouk is still chained to the bed. We know this is true because his wife is going to Lesbian Netball tonight and the whimpering coming from his bedroom window is putting Simon's chickens off their laying. The things we Naughty Boys get up to!!! Unfortunately Buddhuu, we've been made an offer we can't refuse tonight. Karen at The Cock, Wootton has tempted us with Directors AND Eternal Love. I know The Plough, The Globe and all the other Tuesday sessions can match the Directors but Karen 'loving us forever' can't be beat. Have a good one tonight and we'll compare reports later. |
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