CLUB PROFILE: Cambridge FC THREE PAGE MORRIS DIARY
BOOK REVIEWS CD REVIEWS
& MUCH MORE…
unicorn colour ad small modified_Layout 1 20/01/2017 16:49 Page 1
Seth Lakeman Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes Oysterband • Ralph McTell & Wizz Jones The Spooky Men’s Chorale • Dervish • Lau Catrin Fin man Martin Carthy & Sam Sweeney • Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita Seth Lake & Seckou Ke ch ita Chris Wood • Yves Lambert Trio • Duncan Chisholm • Rura George Monbiot & Ewan McLennan • Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker • Leveret Roy Bailey • O’Hooley & Tidow • Coope Boyes & Simpson John Kirkpatrick • Daoiri Farrell • Jim Causley Trio • Mawkin • Moirai Ange Hardy • Imar • Attila The Stockbroker • Sara Grey & Kieron Means Sheesham and Lotus & ‘Son • Siobhan Miller Trio • Crows • Grace Petrie Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith • The Changing Room • Rusty Shackle The Drystones • Brighde Chaimbeul • Jen Butterworth & Laura-Beth Salter Rosie Hood • Alden, Patterson & Dashwood • Geoff Lakeman • Thomas McCarthy Alice Jones • Jim & Lynette Eldon • Slow Moving Clouds • Brian O’Leary & Jack Talty
More headliners to be announced Pre-Festival Specials Thursday 3 August Fisherman’s Friends Barbara Dickson & Nick Holland Friday 4 August Michael Morpurgo & Voices At The Door
bert Trio
Yves Lam
Concerts • Ceilidhs • Folk Dances Roots Parties • Dance Spectaculars Children’s Festival • Huge Workshop Programme
Early Bird Season Tickets available now. No Booking Fees.
www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk or call the box office 01395 577952
Josienne Cl arke & Ben Walk er
“The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love colour the most...”
S
pot the difference! This issue of Unicorn Magazine has an amazing ‘Technicolor Dreamcoat’ – with a full colour cover and centre spread... And this is just a taster of things to come. We are delighted to announce that from our next Issue (Issue 139, covering July, August and September 2017) the whole magazine will be printed in glorious full colour! Colour advertisements will cost a bit more than our normal black and white, but please don’t be put off – colour will really make your adverts (and features) come to life and the increased cost isn’t as much as you’d expect. This change to full colour is something that we have been working towards since taking over the magazine a few years ago, and is very much in response to your requests and suggestions. Many of you already supply us with full colour artwork and it’s always been a source of regret that, up until now, we have not been able to use them to the full / their original format.
In the meantime, a huge ‘Thank You’ to those of you who kindly put the issue number on your cheque or online payment reference when you pay us. This really helps us keep track of your payments, so we’d like to ask everyone to do this if possible. Another big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who meets our copy deadlines – we know it can be difficult but please do all you can to get items to us on time – that will give us a fighting chance of getting the magazine out on time... and staying sane! See you round the clubs.
Don’t worry if you want to continue advertising in black and white – that’s no problem and
Sandra & Clive
Editorial
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Club Profile: The Cambridge Folk Club
38
Contents
1
44
Concert & CD Review: Merry Hell
7
Book Reviews: Morris Malarky / English Folk Tunes for Flute
Chatterbox
9
Sessions
14
Gig Review: Tommy Emmanuel & Clive Carroll at the Alban Arena
46
Shall We Dance?
18
CD Review: Rohan Byrt
46
Acoustic Guitar Feature:
25 – 27
Unicorn Diary Club Index Morris Diary Feature: Watford Folk Song Competition
Front cover photo by Clive Batkin
47
CD Review: Oka Vanga
28
Feature: Kimpton Folk Festival 2017
47
32 – 34
The Morris Page: Meet Red Cuthbert
49
Broadside by Long Lankin: A Farewell!
50
37
John Ruskin
those prices will remain unchanged. We will be circulating the new advertising rates very soon, so do make sure you are signed up to our mailing list to ensure you are kept fully informed. We hope you like our new ‘full colour’ concept – as always we would love to hear your comments, so please tell us what you think.
Instruments in Peril #8 “Burn Baby, Burn...”
Editorial Team: Clive Batkin 07771 822414 clive@cbatkin.plus.com unicornmagazine @hotmail.co.uk Sandra Lawes unicornmagazine @hotmail.co.uk Contact address: 2 Hill Close, Harpenden, Herts AL5 5JE
We take great care to ensure all elements of Unicorn Magazine are accurate. However, we accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes that appear. The views and opinions expressed in submitted articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Any personal views expressed in submitted articles are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Unicorn editorial team. It will be assumed that any letters sent to the magazine are intended for publication unless otherwise obviously stated. We reserve the right to edit any material sent to us for style, content or length.
© Unicorn Magazine 2017 CB1379 • April 2017
Visit our website at www.unicornmagazine.org Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
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Whitby Folk Week 2017
Over 600 events for young and old everyone welcome Workshops ; Dances ; Concerts
2017 19 – 25 August 2017
www.whitbyfolk.co.uk
Ticket Sales – 01274 833 669
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The Priory Centre, St. Neots, PE19 2BH Every Tuesday 8.00pm
Email – stneotsfolkclub@aol.com Telephone - 01234 376278 www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk
May May May May May
Apr 4 Askew Sisters Apr 11 Mary Humphreys & Anahata Apr 18 Ollie King Apr 25 Round the Room 2 The Malingerers June 6 Bram Taylor 9 Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman £10 & £12 16 Derek Gifford June 13 Ewan McIntyre Band 23 Ken Nicol June 20 Mike Silver 30 Round the Room June 27 Round the Room
Friday ev: Ceilidh: The Hosepipe Band & Adam Hughes + Music & Song session
Saturday : Day of Dance
Sat. evening: Demon Barbers XL Sunday ev. Landermason +
local talent!
Tickets on the door or from the Club or ticket application form via web site or leaflet
The Priory Centre, St Neots, PE19 2BH For more information see website or ring 01234 376278
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Merry Hell | Concert
O
ur club ‘Strummers – Music with a Social Conscience’ celebrated its first anniversary in January, but back in December at The Golden Hind in Cambridge we ended our first year in style by hosting an evening of exhilarating music and passionate politics from Wigan’s very own Merry Hell, ably supported by local folk / punk outfit Major Rat Run. The band appeared with their trimmed-down “acousticish” line-up, so without drums and keyboards, but still managed to make a very big noise indeed. The audience were treated to a selection of songs from their splendid new album Bloodlines, plus a number of classics from their back catalogue, including “There’s a Ghost in our House” and “Loving the Skin You’re In”. This was Merry Hell’s first gig in Cambridge, although back in the day the Kettle brothers’ previous incarnation, The Tansads, had occasionally ventured to these parts. That evening in December they made us laugh, they made us cry, they got us singing, and even thinking we can change the world for the better.
Green & England Grey” and also Maggie Holland’s “A Place Called England” with its invoking of the Diggers and Levellers. It’s a love song to the land and the seasons, and also a warning against “The robbers, the racists, the breakers of faces who hide behind masks and the red, white and blue”. In saying that only loving can save us, it is indeed the personal and the political perfectly combined. Only three tracks in, and already running out of space, but other highlights on the album are the lovely a cappella “Coming Home Song”, reminiscent of Coope Boyes & Simpson at their best, the sweet and gentle “When We Are Old” and the witty, sexy “Sweet Oblivion” (both the latter written by Virginia Kettle) to round off the album. There is an incredible energy in this album. Anger, yes, at the prejudice and injustice we have to tackle, but also enthusiasm and optimism, just what we need right now! Les Ray
Merry Hell | Album
B
loodlines is Merry Hell’s fourth album, and it finds them at the peak of their powers. In their press release they describe it as their most overtly political to date, yet also their most personal, which I think is a very honest assessment of the CD. The first track, “We Need Each Other Now”, is a powerful statement of intent, a plea for togetherness in these troubled times: “Our bottle gone, we drank the dregs”. Yet the tone is not despairing; rather, this is optimistic, exuberant folk rock. The second track, “Bloodlines”, has a much more traditional feel with its bodhran and fiddle, and delightful vocals from Virginia Kettle, who also penned the song.
“Come On, England!”, written by Bob Kettle, is an alternative national anthem, a state-of-the-nation song, which calls to mind Reg Meuross’ “England
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
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Cambridge Junction
Mon 03 apr
YORKSTON, THORNE, KHAN
Sat 22 apr
Police dog Hogan
Mon 24 apr
The saw doctors
Tue 25 apr
Holy moly & the crackers
Wed 03 MaY
Eddi Reader
Thu 04 MAY
Skinny lister
Sat 06 may
Peatbog faeries
Tue 09 may
Jon boden
Sat 13 may
Plus Noelie McDonnell
New routes
a new regular night presenting Acoustic, Folk and Roots artists
Mon 15 may
Lady maisery
Wed 07 Jun
Thea gilmore
Plus Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith
Cambridge junction, clifton way, Cambridge cb1 7gx Junction.co.uk | 01223 511 511
8
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No Folk Bloke or cover photograph from Al Rogers this edition because he is away celebrating a ‘special birthday’! Many Happy Returns to him (and he will be back...). Since the majority of you are now sending files electronically to us, please remember to include the club’s / organisation’s name somewhere within the filename (e.g. ‘Harpenden_Folk_Club_Diary. doc’ etc) since this will make identifying the huge number of files much easier for us and help avoid any mistakes / losses. Similarly, if you send us emails, please use our normal email addresses (either unicornmagazine@hotmail.co.uk or clive@ cbatkin.plus.com) – please don’t reply to the mass mailings (MailChimp) email that we use to send to remind you of copy dates etc as your messages to that address may never be found! Finally, as mentioned in our opening Editorial, the next issue of the magazine will be in full colour – we will be in touch re the technicalities of this, but do contact us at any point to discuss your thoughts or specific enquiries.
The finals of New Roots 2017 will be at Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans AL4 0JQ on Sunday April 2 from 11am to 3pm. All are welcome to come and hear the folk musicians and singers of the future. Admission is free but donations and / or active participation in the raffle would be appreciated. This year, St Albans Folk Festival will again take place on the Alban weekend, Saturday June 24 and Sunday June 25. On Saturday during the day, there will be a Day of Dance and free performances plus sessions and singarounds in City Centre pubs and other venues. Main guests at the Festival concert will the Furrow Collective. On Sunday June 25, there will be sessions and singarounds in City Centre pubs – see their ad on page 13.
SOME SAD NEWS
F
olk performer and music teacher Richard Smith aka ‘Rick’ (see pic) sadly passed away in January leaving his partner Ellie, pupils and the folk community devastated. Rick was well known around the Hertfordshire clubs for his jaunty bluesy style, playing guitar banjo and occasionally the ukulele often accompanied by Ellie on the violin and sometimes his son Sam on guitar or bass. Back in the mid-90’s Rick and Ellie formed the duo Jus’ S’Posin’ playing at clubs and festivals around the country. This later expanded into a band which had many
He will be particularly remembered for his bluegrassy repertoire most notably Catfish John and Nine Pound Hammer.
Lisa Warburton (who used to work at Rothamsted in Harpenden, before moving away!) wrote to us to say that she and Sue Harris have joined together to form a new hammered dulcimer duo – The English Dulcimer Duo. Hear their stuff at www.reverbnation.com/englishdulcimerduo. Do remember to send us your club news for ‘Round The Clubs’ and we’ll feature it in this section
Black Fen Folk Club are “in state of flux”, and have moved venue to the NCI club, 1 Holland Street, Cambridge, CB4 3DL.
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
incarnations initially a folk blues group but later morphing into a skiffle band complete with tea-chest bass, washboard and banjo. Rick was an accomplished guitarist and singer and was particularly known for his renditions of slow blues songs like Tom Waits’ ‘Another Coat of Paint’, and Rev Gary Davies’ ‘Death Don’t Have No Mercy’. However he also had an immense sense of fun and inspired his pupils to improvise and make songs their own.
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ELY F LK FESTIVAL 32
7-9 JULY 2017 · ELY OUTDOOR CENTRE ELY · CAMBRIDGESHIRE · CB6 2SH
Seth Lakeman · TRADarrr The Spooky Men Chorale Topette!! · O’Hooley & Tidow
Hans Theesink · Brooks Williams Urban Folk Theory · Elvis Fontenot Ross Ainslie & Jarlath Henderson The Elephant Sessions · Jennifer Crook Trio Hot Rock Pilgrims ...and lots more MORRIS DISPLAYS, REAL ALE BAR, TRADE STALLS, WORKSHOPS, DANCES, CHILDRENS’ ENTERTAINMENT * All Artists booked subject to contract • Season tickets £72 (£82 after 31 May) • Concessions available • Children under 12yrs free • Day Tickets available
BOX OFFICE www.elyfolkfestival.co.uk Telephone: 01284 758000
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We would strongly suggest checking with the venue / organiser before attending any of the below since unfortunately we can’t be held responsible for the accuracy of the information
Sunday Lunchtimes S TONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar, High Street (Weekly): Jane Armour, 01908 566407
Sunday Evenings W ESTON TURVILLE • The Chandos (3rd): Roger Dorman, 01296 613742 M ILTON KEYNES • see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly) M ILTON KEYNES • New Bradwell Sports Club, New Bradwell (1st): Patsy, 07932 157610 S T ALBANS • Great Northern, 172 London Road (3rd 6pm). Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 S T ALBANS • Lower Red Lion, Fishpool Street (2nd 7.15pm): John Breeze, 07774 909067 L EIGHTON BUZZARD • The Swan, Northall (1st) Richard Chatterley, 07790 023220
Monday Evenings A SHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): Ian Chandler, 01462 743091 C HATTERIS • Chatteris Folk Club, Honest John, 24a South Park St, PE16 6AR (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868 S OHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): Claire White, 01353 720550 S TEVENAGE • Our Mutual Friend (2nd): Gary Moyle, 07960 953778 T OTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (8.30pm, weekly): Contact, 01582 661294 (pub)
Tuesday Evenings A BINGTON PIGOTTS • Village Hall, SG8 0SH (8-10.30pm, 3rd, admission £2 per person): George Norris, 01763 853062 A MPTHILL • The Albion, Dunstable Street (2nd): Rod Ward, 01763 852 377 B EDFORD • Burnaby Arms, Stanley St (last 7.30pm, tunes) Matthew Rickards, 07791 433456 D UNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): Maureen, 01582 512300 D UNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub) G T WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): Dave, 01440 783280 H ISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Dave Benford, 01223 880553 M ARCH • Georges Folk Club, 61 High Street, PE15 9JJ (1st), Acoustic music and song: Mark Gibson, 01354 652868 R ICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane (2nd): Michael, 01923 770425 S T ALBANS • King Harry, King Harry Lane (1st, songs & tunes): Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 T EWIN • Rose & Crown. (3rd evenings). Acoustic, vocal, instrumental. Kit Burgess, 01438 869435
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T RING • Kings Arms, (8.30, 1st, trad Irish songs & tunes, led by Chan Reid/fiddle, John Devine/pipes, Neil Stanton/guitar): Rob Muirhead (landlord), 01442 823318 W OOTTON (Beds) • The Cock MK43 9JT (8.00pm, broad acoustic & folk): Mike Carter Jones, 01234 768555, Pub (Karen), 01234 930034
Wednesday Evenings B ARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses (8.30pm, fortnightly): Ann, 01582 560815 B ENINGTON (Stevenage) • The Bell (1st): Kit Burgess, 01438 869435 C AMBRIDGE • Six Bells, Covent Garden (8.30pm, 2nd, Bluegrass & Old Time): Jim, 07803 158084 E LY • Kings Arms, St Marys St (last): Liam, laimdebrun@outlook.co.uk, 07905 044932 M ARCH • March Folk Club, Royal British Legion Club, Rookswood, 27 West End, PE15 8DP (3rd), Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 02354 652868 M OGGERHANGER • Moggerhanger Village Hall (7.30pm, 1st): Chris, 01767 640 242 R ADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Cobden Hill, WD7 7JR (8.00pm, 2nd): Nick, 020 8207 3057 S T ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall St (8.30pm, weekly, mainly music): Rick Payman, 01727 852976 T EBWORTH • Queens Head, LU7 9QB (4th, free food): Richard Chatterley, 07790 023220 T OWERSEY • Village Hall (7.30 for 8.00pm, 3rd): Andrew Leleux, 01296 615160 W ELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758 L ITTLE WYMONDLEY • The Bucks Head, Stevenage Road (1st): Kerry, 07877 930201
Thursday Evenings H ERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): Keith Acheson, 07979 841079 H UNTON BRIDGE • King’s Head (4th): Tim, 01923 264536 K IMPTON • The Boot (2nd & 4th): Doug, 07973 751039, jennerdouglas@me.com L UTON • Castle PH LU1 3AA (weekly): Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470 T OWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): Grant, 01844 212322 W OBURN SANDS • Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660
Friday Evenings A YLESBURY • Queens Park Arts Centre (1st, 3rd and 5th): Amanda Diamond, 01296 424332 S T NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA (14 April Good Friday, 12 May & 9th June, 8.30pm, tunes): Sarah, 07857 311834, ssennett@theiet.org S TEEPLE CLAYDON • Prince of Wales MK18 2NP (2nd, Open Mic): Charlie, 07925 145062
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The
25
th
Tenterden folk f “Tenterden, the Jewel of the Weald”
Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th October 2017 Folk song, music, dance,
BUY TICKETS, GET INVOLVED OR TAKE PART:
Ticketed events include: concerts, barn dance, special shows, workshops, meet the guests, folk clubs, etc. Free events include: music stage, dance stage, dance displays, procession, song and music sessions, street theatre, etc. Guests include: Applause Rural Touring, Barrie & Ingrid Temple, Brian Peters, Derek Gifford, Dick Miles, Greg Harper, Jeff Warner, Jezreels Ceilidh Band , JIB (are Barrie & Ingrid Temple with Jim Mageean), Jim Bainbridge, Jim Mageean, Keith Kendrick & Sylvia Needham, Nick Dow, Paul and Liz Davenport, Pete Castle, Si Baron, Snail Tales Storytelling, Steve nounce. Thursday evening concert: Steve Tilston plus support. Free music stage & other showcase guests: To be announced. Plus our popular regular/local guests: To be announced. Plus up to 60 Morris sides, Appalachian dancers, folk dance display teams and street theatre CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR THE FULL LISTS
i CONTACT INFORMATION: Alan Castle, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 3HA Paul Cumberland T:01795 532370 Chief stewards: Kathy & Bob Drage, T: 01843 835694 Dance co-ordinator:
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April Fri
7
Dance with Brenda Goodrich & the Friday Folk Band • FF
Sat
8
Dance with The Forest Band with caller Suzanne Harper • WFD
Sun
9
Dance Workshop with Playford & Pat Shaw, Robert Moir & Ali Messer 2.00pm £9 • FCSH
Fri
21
Ceilidh with Bursledon Village Band with caller Barry Goodman • UC
Friday Folk open • FF
Dance • CCD
Sat
22
Ceilidh with Banter and caller Bubbles • NC
Fri
28
Friday Folk open • FF
May Fri
5
Friday Folk open • FF
Dance • CCD
Fri
Ceilidh with English Contra Dance Band with caller Rhodri Davies • UC
12
Friday Folk open • FF
Sat
Public dance with Deo Volente band and caller Ivan Aitken. £7.00, Bring a plate of food • BFC
13
Dance with The Forest Band with caller John Green • WFD
Fri
Friday Folk open • FF
19
Dance • CCD
Sat
20
Spring Dance with Pete and Sue Hall with caller Frances Richardson • MFDC
Fri
26
Friday Folk open • FF
June
2
Friday Folk open • FF
Fri
Dance • CCD
Sat
3
Ceilidh with Meg ‘N’ More with caller John Turner • NC
Fri
9
Friday Folk open • FF
Sat
10
Dance with The Forest Band with caller Bob Barrett • WFD
Fri
16
Friday Folk open • FF
Dance • CCD
Fri
23
Friday Folk open • FF
Sat
24
Dance with Mollie and Ali with caller Geoff Cubitt • FF
Fri
30
Friday Folk open • FF
18
Dance • CCD
ORGANISERS & VENUES
BFC Bedford Fine Companions Newnham Middle School, Polhill Avenue, Bedford MK41 9DT • David Cooke 01234 823920 https://finecompanions.wordpress.com BFD Bedford Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Putnoe Heights, Bedford MK41 8EB • Ron Law 01234 825 574 CDC Cambridge Contra Dance St Andrew’s Hall, St Andrew’s Road, Cambridge CB4 1DH • Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641 www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra CFA Chiltern Folk Association Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Avenue, HP6 5AH • Judith Inman 01628 486845, www.chilternfolk.org.uk CFDC Chesham Folk Dance Club Guide HQ, Bury Lane, Chesham, HP5 1HX • Judith Inman 01492 783890 FCSH Friends of Cecil Sharp House 2 Regent’s Park Road, London NW1 7AY • Judith De Witt 07949 147165, judith.dewitt@btinternet.com FF Friday Folk Samuel Ryder Academy, Drakes Drive, St Albans, Herts AL1 5AR • Bob Barrett 01727 856508, www.fridayfolk.org.uk LFDC Linsleighders Folk Dance Group 14 Knaves Hill, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 2UD • Elizabeth Corser Secretary 01525 378010 elizabeth.corser@btinternet.com MFDC Marlow Folk Dance Club Hazlemere Community Centre, Rose Avenue, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 7UB •Rita 01494 445829 SWD ORGANISERS &
NC Northampton Ceilidhs Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Abington, Northampton NN1 5LL • John & Ruth Green, 01933 397767 or 07760 197921 www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk RB Roundabouters Country Dance Club The Friends’ Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage, Herts SG1 1UP • Lorna Sharpe, 01438 727239 roundabouters@live.co.uk, www.roundabouters.org.uk SCD Staplers Country Dance Club St Ippolyts Parish Hall, Waterdell Lane, St Ippolyts, Nr Hitchin, Herts SG4 7RB • Cecilia Mills 01582 881966 UC Unicorn Ceilidhs St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Baldock, SG7 5AE • Alan Creamer 01582 724261, 07946 439095 alan@creamer.me.uk, www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk WFD Winchmore Folk Dance Club Trinity Church Hall, Church St / Gentleman’s Row, Enfield, EN2 6AN • John Wood 020 8926 7293
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Summer 2017 If you enjoy a lively barn dance, you'll find Friday Folk is a great way to meet like-minded people and have fun. Newcomers are always welcome. And there's no need to bring a partner. Meeting Fridays from 7:45 to 10:00 pm at The Church Hall, Marlborough Road, St Albans, AL1 3XG. www.fridayfolk.org.uk – 01727 856508 Standard Friday admission £4
31 Mar Club Callers 7 Apr Brenda Godrich and FF Band 14 Apr Closed for Easter The Summer term runs from 21 April to 28 July 2017 inclusive. More details at www.fridayfolk.org.uk Our next Saturday Special Dance
Saturday 24 June 2017
Geoff Cubitt Mollie & Ali At Samuel Ryder Academy, Drakes Drive, St Albans, AL1 5AR. 7:30 to 11:00pm.
SAT, 25 March CEILIDH Kelly's Eye with Kevin Prigmore SAT, 22 April CEILIDH Banter with Bubbles SAT, 3 June CONTRA DANCE John Turner with Meg'N'More SAT, 30 September CEILIDH Band and caller to be confirmed Adults £9 • Student £5 Accompanied under 16s FREE Group of 6 (paying) one free Licenced Bar • Free Car Park Ruth: 01933 397767 • Valerie: 01604 711536 John: 07760 197921
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
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20
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
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21
!
The Old Bull Inn 56 High St (car park Market Hill) Royston SG8 9AW 7:30 for 8pm till 11pm
!
!Concert Nights
Last Friday of EVERY Month !"#$%&' ! th April 2017 Friday 28 ! £15 (£13 in advance) £2 under 25s Ben Smith and Jimmy Brewer local hero with his new musical partner Support – Terance Blacker Friday 26th May 2017 £12 (£10 in advance) £2 under 25s Hickman & Cassidy lively wit, driving guitar, virtuoso fiddle from this transatlantic duo Support – Amii Dawes Friday 30th June 2017 £13 (£12 in advance) £2 under 25s AT THE BUNGALOW (not the Old Bull Inn) Triple Header Concert … The Malingerers eclectic six piece band Old Grey Dogs soulful bluegrass trio Graham Hine dobro slide blues virtuoso Support – Daisy Bell TICKETS FROM THE OLD BULL OR ON THE DOOR (reserve 01763 260556)
! 22
!
www.roystonfolk.org Showcase Nights
Second Friday of EVERY Month !"#$%&' ! Friday 14th April 2017 £4 (£3 performers) £2 under 25s Rohan Byrt Jeremy Harmer Bernard Hoskins (pictured) Red Velvet Mandy Woods Hosted by Mark Gamon
Friday 12th May 2017 £4 (£3 performers) £2 under 25s Sedbuskers Paul Goodwin Solasta The Larks (pictured) Colin Davies Hosted by Mark Gamon
Friday 9th June 2017 £4 (£3 performers) £2 under 25s John Mead (pictured) Kelly and Woolley David Wilson Aidrien Hall Rosanne Moss Pass the Buch Hosted by Mark Gamon
MARK IS NOW BOOKING SHOWCASE SPOTS FOR 2017
“For FOLK Music read … GREAT Music”! Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
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Advert Unicorn Apr-May 17:Layout 2
29/1/17
16:30
Page 1
Dance the night away . . . It's a barn dance - or is it a ceilidh? A ceilidh (say kayley) is your chance to dance English traditional country dances with others. The caller describes all the moves (very simple) and the dancers walk through the whole dance - then the band starts - and a great time is had by all ! Dance as vigorously or as sedately as you wish - and don't worry if you get it wrong. Most dances are for couples, but singles and groups are welcome. There's a break at about 9.15 when we organise a dance display - generally Morris or similar - to entertain you, and a Raffle. Tickets only £10 - singles & groups welcome. See www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk FRIDAY 21ST APRIL
bursledon village bar nd with calle barry goodman e, 4-piece band formed in ‘77 with fiddl ussion, accordion, tuba/keyboards & perc ish they play traditional southern Engl. tunes with verve and precision alBarry calls regularly for us and it’s it! ways a great evening. Don’t miss
St Mary’s Hall, Church St, Baldock SG7 5AE
FRIDAY 12TH MAY
english contra dance band with caller
rhodri davies
Linda Game on fiddle and Gar eth Kiddier on stompy piano prod amazingly full sound which uce an defies you to keep sitting down. Superb! Rhodri is extremely good at guiding new dancers in a friendly and ing way - so don’t miss him. reassurA great night in store!
FULL BAR with REAL ALE
April 6th
There’s no ceilidh in June, so have a great summer and enjoy all the festivals, and we’ll see you back here for the September ceilidh!
Donʼt forget you can now buy tickets in advance on line - see the website for details
Doors open 7.30 p.m. Dancing 8.00 to 11.00 p.m.
LOUISE JORDAN plus floor spots
April 27th na-mara plus floor spots May 11th JED GRIMES plus floor spots May 25th JAMES HICKMAN & DAN CASSIDY plus floor spots June 8th JEZ LOWE plus floor spots June 15th THE KYMERS plus floor spots June 29th KELLY & WOLLEY plus floor spots
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
Sat
1 HADDENHAM • Concert Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar plus Ben Moss HADDENHAM • Ceilidh Jam & Crumpet Band plus Customs & Exiles Sun 2 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Jez Lowe and Steve Tilston TRESTLE ARTS BASE, ST ALBANS • New Roots Finals 10am – 5pm ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris Mon 3 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guests Martin Long & The Watergrain Band HERGA FOLK CLUB • Open Stage STAPLERS • Kim Brosan & Lorraine Morgan Tue 4 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Askew Sisters PLACE THEATRE, BEDFORD • Daoiri Farrell with Marisa, Jack & Davy Wed 5 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Said The Maiden LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Thu 6 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club evening BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround STORTFOLK • Loreley REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Louise Jordan plus floor spots BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Terry Elvins Fri 7 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Easter holiday FRIDAY FOLK • Brenda Goodrich and Friday Folk band WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Liz Simcock £7 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Dick Gaughan (tbc) 7–9 BENSLOW MUSIC • Accordion weekend Sun 9 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar FRIENDS OF CECIL SHARP HOUSE • Dance Workshop: Playford & Pat Shaw, Robert Moir & Ali Messer Mon 10 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround HERGA FOLK CLUB • Iona Fyfe STAPLERS • Club evening – Easter Surprise Tue 11 WHITE HORSE HERTFORD • Bernard Hoskin ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Mary Humphreys & Anahata Wed 12 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Double header Phil Hare and Ben Smith LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Guest caller Judith Inman ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Thu 13 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • No meeting BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night STORTFOLK • Cherrington & Ward REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open stage BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Ann Gibson Fri 14 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Closed for Easter FRIDAY FOLK • Closed for Easter WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Closed for Easter CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Closed for Easter ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase night featuring Red Velvet & Royston Young Artists’ Competition Sun 16 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Dave Ellis & Boo Howard and Liz Simcock Mon 17 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Closed for Easter HERGA FOLK CLUB• Closed for Easter STAPLERS • BANK HOLIDAY – Closed for Easter Tue 18 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club night. Visitors welcome ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Ollie King Wed 19 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Fleetwood Cave ELY FOLK CLUB • Ninebarrow LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris PLACE THEATRE, BEDFORD • Jack Blackman & Pistol Pete Wearn Thu 20 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club evening BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local singers and musicians STORTFOLK • Rosa’s Lovely Daughters REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open stage featuring Hannah Elizabeth & Griff Jameson BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Roger Dover Fri 21 FRIDAY FOLK • Open CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround £4 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open stage with Jacob’s Irregulars Sat 22 STRUMMERS1 • Mitchell, Denny & King – local performers celebrate Joni, Sandy & Carole Sun 23 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Calan plus Dan Wilde Mon 24 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround HERGA FOLK CLUB • Open Stage STAPLERS • Club evening Tue 25 WHITE HORSE HERTFORD • Kevin Hunt / Junkyard Dawg Jug Band ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room singaround STRUMMERS2 • Western Centuries:Cahalen Morrison’s country band Wed 26 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Our 18th birthday party with Pyrates! LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Thu 27 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club evening STORTFOLK • Where’s Spot Band REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • na-mara plus floor spots BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Charles Days 27 – 30 RAUNDS MUSIC FESTIVAL • Steve Tilston & Jez Lowe, The Askew Sisters, The Swing Commanders, Les Barker, Fred’s House and many more! , Concerts, Ceilidh, Community events, Dancing, Song ‘n’ Tune Sessions, Hot Food & Real Ale Bar. Concerts from £5.00, Savers from £50.00 Fri 28 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club night. Visitors welcome FRIDAY FOLK • Open WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer £8 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Showcase with Emily Mae winters, The Larks, No Strings Attached ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert night with Ben Smith & Jimmy Brewer, Terence Blacker 28 – 30 BENSLOW MUSIC • Gundula Gruen Sun 30 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • O’Hooley & Tidow plus Ros Brady ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris
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Mon
1 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Closed for Bank Holiday HERGA FOLK CLUB • Closed for Bank Holiday STAPLERS • Closed for Bank Holiday STRUMMERS3 • May Day Festival. A day of songs and some righteous anger to mark International Workers’ Day Tue 2 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • The Malingerers Wed 3 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Tim Edey LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Practice for Belgium PLACE THEATRE, BEDFORD • Benji Kirkpatrick Thu 4 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • No meeting (local elections) BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night STORTFOLK • na-mara REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open stage BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller George Hearnden Fri 5 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club night. Visitors welcome FRIDAY FOLK • Open FOLK AT THE MALTINGS, ST ALBANS • Geoff Lakeman plus Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner & New Roots finalist Iona Fyfe CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround £4 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open stage with Cruel Folk Sat 6 HADDENHAM • Concert Dave Burland plus Iona Fyfe HADDENHAM • Ceilidh Michelle Holding with The Watch plus Simon & Jo Harmer Sun 7 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Miranda Sykes plus Emily Mae Winters Mon 8 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround HERGA FOLK CLUB • Open Stage STAPLERS • Club evening Tue 9 WHITE HORSE HERTFORD • David Cambridge & Jenna Freeman ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman £10 & £12 Wed 10 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Americano LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP• Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Thu 11 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club evening BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local singers and musicians STORTFOLK • Oka Vanga REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Jed Grimes plus floor spots BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Keith Harrup Fri 12 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club night. Visitors welcome FRIDAY FOLK • Open WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Chris Cleverley £7 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • O’Hooley & Tidow ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase night featuring The Larks & Royston Young Artists’ Competition Sun 14 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Daphne’s Flight (ticket only) Mon 15 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround HERGA FOLK CLUB • Open Stage STAPLERS • Club evening PLACE THEATRE, BEDFORD • Jonathan Byrd with My Girl The River Tue 16 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Derek Gifford Wed 17 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Pete Coe ELY FOLK CLUB • Jenna Witts
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LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Guest caller Kevin Pridmore ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris Thu 18 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club evening BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround STORTFOLK • Si Barron REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open stage featuring Jess Distill & Joe Gore BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Kevin Prigmore Fri 19 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club night. Visitors welcome FRIDAY FOLK • Open WATFORD FOLK CLUB •Singaround £4 CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Gren Bartley 19 – 21 BENSLOW MUSIC • Folk Fiddling with Peter Cooper Sat 20 STRUMMERS1 • Showcase with special invited guests, see www.strummers.org Sun 21 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Emily Smith & Jamie McClennon Mon 22 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Guests James Hickman & Dan Cassidy HERGA FOLK CLUB • Open Stage STAPLERS • Club evening Tue 23 WHITE HORSE HERTFORD • The Where’s Spot Band ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Ken Nicol Wed 24 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Open floor and song cycle with Barry Goodman, Hamish Currie & Mark Gamon LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Thu 25 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club evening BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night STORTFOLK • Louise Jordan (TBC) REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • James Hickman & Dan Cassidy plus floor spots BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller John Green Fri 26 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club night. Visitors welcome FRIDAY FOLK • Open WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Said The Maiden £8 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB •Showcase with Kadia, Nick Barraclough, Dave Jenkins ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert night with Hickman & Cassidy, Amii Dawes (at The Bungalow, call for details) Sun 28 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Luke Jackson Mon 29 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Closed for Bank Holiday HERGA FOLK CLUB • Closed for Bank Holiday STAPLERS • Closed for Bank Holiday Tue 30 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room singaround Wed 31 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Club practice
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
Thu 1 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club evening BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Local singers and musicians STORTFOLK • Nick Dow BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Terry Elvins REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open stage Fri 2 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • No club – half term FRIDAY FOLK • Open FOLK AT THE MALTINGS, ST ALBANS • Suntrap plus others tbc CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Spotlight Singaround with Anthony Burke £4 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts Sat 3 HADDENHAM • Concert Dave Burland plus Anna Mullens & Beth Gifford HADDENHAM • Ceilidh Nick Walden with The Oxford Nags plus Hammersmith Morris Men Sun 4 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Gilmore and Roberts ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris FRIENDS OF CECIL SHARP HOUSE • Dance Workshop: Playford Past & Present caller Madeleine Smith Mon 5 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround HERGA FOLK CLUB • Dan McKinnon STAPLERS • Club evening5-7 BENSLOW MUSIC • Summertime Klezmer Tue 6 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Bram Taylor Wed 7 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Bob Fox LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Thu 8 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club evening BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singaround STORTFOLK • Steve Turner (£8) REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Jez Lowe plus floor spots BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller tba Fri 9 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club night. Visitors welcome FRIDAY FOLK • Open WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround £4 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Open stage ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Showcase night featuring John Meed & Royston Young Artists’ Competition 9 – 11 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Festival Weekend with Demon Barbers XL Show, The Hosepipe Band & Landermason Sat 10 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Ewan McIntyre Sun 11 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Chris and Kellie While Mon 12 HERGA FOLK CLUB • Open Stage STAPLERS • Club evening Tue 13 WHITE HORSE HERTFORD • David Savage Wed 14 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • na-mara ELY FOLK CLUB • Cloudstreet LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Thu 15 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club evening BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night STORTFOLK • Geoff Higgingbottom (£8) REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • The Kymers plus floor spots BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller George Hearnden Fri 16 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club night. Visitors welcome FRIDAY FOLK • Open
CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Rosie Hodgson & Rowan Piggott £7 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Nine Barrow, Liz Simcock 16 – 18 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Summer Sing weekend Sun 18 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Club closed for the summer Mon 19 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround HERGA FOLK CLUB • Kitty Vernon and Derek Burgess STAPLERS • Club evening Tue 20 ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Mike Silver Wed 21 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Open floor and song cycle with Gary Woolley, Pat Crilly & Matt Kelly LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • NW & Cotswold Morris Thu 22 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club evening BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Midsummer singaround STORTFOLK • Liz Simcock REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Open stage BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with caller Graham Foster Fri 23 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club night. Visitors welcome FRIDAY FOLK • Open WATFORD FOLK CLUB • The Foxglove Trio £8 CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Stella Hensley and Friends Sat 24 ST ALBANS FOLK FESTIVAL • See advert and website for details ST ALBANS FOLK FESTIVAL CONCERT • The Furrow Collective plus Alison & Jack & New Roots finalist Sun 25 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB • Club closed for the summer ST ALBANS FOLK FESTIVAL • See advert and website for details Mon 26 WALTHAM ABBEY FOLK CLUB • Singaround HERGA FOLK CLUB • Open Stage STAPLERS • Club evening Tue 27 WHITE HORSE HERTFORD • Liz Cotton ST NEOTS FOLK CLUB • Round the Room singaround Wed 28 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH FOLK CLUB • Stella Hensley & Chris Newman LINSLEIGHDERS FOLK DANCE GROUP • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Thu 29 ROUNDABOUTERS (Stevenage) • Club evening BEDFORD FOLK MUSIC CLUB • Singers Night STORTFOLK • Tildon Kratz (£10) REDBOURN FOLK CLUB • Kelly & Wooley plus floor spots BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB • Dance with callers Lorraine & Ced Morgan Fri 30 BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS • Club night. Visitors welcome FRIDAY FOLK • Open CAMBRIDGE CONTRA DANCE • Dance CAMBRIDGE FOLK CLUB • Morganway (tbc) ROYSTON FOLK CLUB • Concert night with The Malingerers, Old Grey Dogs, Graham Hine (at The Bungalow, call for details) WATFORD FOLK CLUB • Singaround £4
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
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[ Listed alphabetically by location ] BALDOCK • Baldock and Letchworth Blues, Folk and Roots The Orange Tree, Norton Road, Baldock, SG7 5AW Contact: Alan Hewson, 01767 683 583, alan@madnanny.co.uk BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB Contact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com BEDFORD • Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club Hazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Rd, Bedford MK41 9AT Contact: David Cooke, 01234 823920 www.finecompanions.synthasite.com BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Club Kempston Hammers Sports and Social Club, 134 High Street, Kempston, Bedfordshire MK42 7BN Tel: 01234 853262 Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 – see us on Facebook BEDFORD • The Place Theatre Bradgate Road, Bedford, MK40 3DE Contact: Laura Pottinger, 01234 354321, www.theplacebedford.org.uk BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Stortfolk Royal British Legion, 28 Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2NG Contact: Jon & Hilary McNamara, 01279 656664 CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Contra Dance St Andrew’s Hall, St Andrew’s Rd, Chesterton CB4 1DH Contact: Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641, www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Folk Club Golden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SP Contact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986 www.cambridgefolkclub.org CAMBRIDGE • Strummers1 CB2, 5 Norfolk St, Cambridge, CB1 2LD Contact: Les Ray, 07903 521412, www.strummers.org CAMBRIDGE • Strummers2 NCI Club, 16A Orchard St, Cambridge, CB1 1JT Contact: Les Ray, 07903 521412, www.strummers.org CAMBRIDGE • Strummers3 Golden Hind, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge, CB4 1SP Contact: Les Ray, 07903 521412, www.strummers.org ELY • Ely Folk Club The Old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4ER (no bar) Contact: Ruth Bramley / Andy Wall, 01353 740999 / 01353 664706, www.elyfolkclub.co.uk HADDENHAM • Haddenham Ceilidhs & Concerts, Festival Haddenham Village Hall, near Aylesbury, Bucks HP17 8EE Contact: John Heydon, 07717 047 039, john@actionfolk.co.uk www.haddenhamceilidhs.co.uk HERTFORD • The White Horse Folk Club White Horse PH, Castle St, Hertford SG14 1HH Contact: Pat Crilly 07971 804418, patcrilly@hotmail.com HITCHIN • Benslow Music Benslow Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB 01462 459446, info@benslowmusic.org HITCHIN • Hitchin Folk Club Sun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, SG5 1AF Contact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk
LINSLADE • Linsleighders Folk Dance Group The Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2NR Contact: Elizabeth Corser, 01525 378010, Elizabeth.corser@btinternet.com LONDON • FRIENDS OF CECIL SHARP HOUSE 2 Regent’s Park Rd, London NW1 7AY Contact: Judith De Witt, 07949 147165, judith.dewitt@btinternet.com LUTON • English Miscellany East Hyde Village Hall, Lower Harpenden Rd (B653), nr Luton LU2 9QB Contact: Eileen Heylin, 01442 255862 www.englishmiscellany.com PINNER • Herga Folk Club Greenwood Hall, Rickmansworth Rd, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3TJ Contact: George Papavgeris, 07747 768868 www.hergafolk.org RAUNDS • Raunds Music Festival
Raunds, Northants NN9 6LS Contact: Jacky Bright, 07756 015615 www.raundsfestival.com REDBOURN • Redbourn Folk Club Old School Room, Hollybush PH, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DU Contact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk ROYSTON • Royston Folk Club Old Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston SG8 9AW Contact: Mark Gamon (showcases) 07738 183158, Chris Walls (concerts) 01763 260 556, www.roystonfolk.org ST ALBANS • Folk at the Maltings The Maltings Arts Theatre, Level 2, The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL Contact: Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk ST ALBANS • Friday Folk Social Dance Club Methodist Church, Marlborough Rd, St Albans AL1 3XG Contact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508 www.fridayfolk.org.uk ST NEOTS • St Neots Folk Club Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH Contact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278, www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk STEVENAGE • Roundabouters Country Dancing Club Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP Contact: Lorna Sharpe, 01438 727 293, roundabouters@live.co.uk, www.roundabouters.org.uk WALTHAM ABBEY • Waltham Abbey Folk Club Royal British Legion, Brooker Rd, Waltham Abbey EN9 1HY Contact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987, www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com, WATFORD • Watford Folk Club Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JP Contact: www.folkatthepumphouse.webs.com
HITCHIN • Staplers Country Dance Club St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin SG4 9JP Contact: Cecilia Mills, 01582 881966, www.staplers.org.uk
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
! CONCERTS & EVENTS ! at
! St Albans Organ Theatre ! Saturday, April 8th at 7.00 pm – Theatre Organ Concert with Phil Kelsall. * Sunday, April 9th at 2.00 pm – Musical afternoon featuring all the instruments. Sunday, May 7th at 2.00 pm. - Vintage Tea Afternoon.
Advance booking is required for this event – please email Tracy via: stalbansorgantheatre@tjlmarketing.co.uk
Saturday, May 13th – Theatre Organ Concert with Howard Beaumont. * Sunday, May 14th - Musical afternoon featuring all the instruments.
Saturday, June 10th at 7.00 pm – Theatre Organ Concert with Simon Gledhill. * Sunday, June 11th at 2.00 pm - Musical afternoon featuring all the instruments.
* You can reserve your seat for the Theatre Organ Concerts via email: info@stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk and pay for your ticket on the evening.
!!!
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Come and visit this fascinating hidden gem in St Albans! !
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Tues
4
8.00pm
WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice
Weds
5
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice Pump House, Watford WD17 2JP
Tues
11
8.00pm
WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice
Weds
12
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice Pump House, Watford WD17 2JP
Tues
18
8.00pm
WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice
Weds
19
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice Pump House, Watford WD17 2JP
Sat
22
All day
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • Priory Gardens, Dunstable, LU6 3SU
All day
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Oxford Folk Weekend tbc
All day
WICKET BROOD • Oxford Folk Weekend
Various
OLD MOTHER REDCAPS • Guests of Rose & Castle at the St George’s Day celebration at The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne
Sun
23
Tues
25
Weds
26
Sat
29
Lunchtime
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • St George’s Day celebration, Essex Arms, Watford WD17 3EG
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Chandos Arms, Weston Turville, HP22 5RR
8.00pm
WICKET BROOD • Final Border Morris practice of the season
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice Pump House, Watford WD17 2JP
All day
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Rochester Sweeps Festival tbc
2.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Letchworth May Festival, Howard Gardens, Letchworth
Sun
30
12.30pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Harrow on the Hill May Fair, High Street HA1 3NT
Mon
1
6.30am
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Ickwell Green SG18 9EF with Bedford MM and Offley MM
6.30am
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • Ickwell Green, SG 18 9EF
6.30am
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • Coombe Hill Monument near Wendover, SP849066
8.45am
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Hampden Arms, Great Hampden, HP16 9RQ
10.00am
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • World’s End Garden Centre near Wendover, HP22 6BD
11.30am
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • The Crown, Northill, SG18 9AA with Bedford MM
11.30am
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Crown at Northill followed by procession to Ickwell May Festival
1.30pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Procession to Ickwell May Fair
1.30pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Half Moon, Wilstone, HP23 4PD
2-4.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Pirton May Day, Pirton, Herts, tbc
2.15pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • Pitstone Green Farm Museum, LU7 9EY
5.00am
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Dawn in Cassiobury Park, Watford
Late morning
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Watford Town Centre WICKET BROOD • Cassiobury Park May Day Event, Watford
Weds
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3
7.45pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Fox and Hounds, Riseley
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Practice Pump House, Watford WD17 2JP
8.15pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • March Hare, Dunton, SG18 8RN
Thurs
4
Sat
6
Tues
9
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Five Elms, Weedon, HP22 4NL
Weds
10
7.45pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Oakley Arms, Harrold
WICKET BROOD • Hatfield Living Crafts
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
Sat
13
Sun
14
Tues
16
Weds
17
7.30pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Falcon, Denham UB9 5BE
All day
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • JMO Day of Dance Leicester
10am-4.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Day of Dance, Baldock, Herts with guest sides
Noon
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Ashwell at Home – Ashwell Primary School, SG7 5QL
1.30pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Rose & Crown, Ashwell, SG7 5NQ
2.30pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Museum, Ashwell, AL7 5NY
3.15pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Bushell & Strike, Ashwell, SG7 5LY
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Swan, Great Kimble, HP17 9TR as guests of Owlswick
8.00pm
WICKET BROOD • Rising Sun, Berkhamsted with guests New Moon
7.45pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Bell and Bear, Emberton with Brackley Morris Men
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • The Oddfellows, Harpenden, AL5 2TG WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • Celebrating the 50th Anniversary as guests of Towersey
Sat
20
All day
Sun
21
Afternoon
Tues
23
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Robin Hood, Tonwell, Herts
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, HP23 5QE
8.00pm
WICKET BROOD • Three Horseshoes, Letchmore Heath with guests Pumphouse
7.45pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The March Hare, Dunton
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Coach and Horses, Croxley Green WD3 3HX
9.15pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Black Horse, Chorleywood WD3 5EG
8.15pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Admiral, Clifton, SG17 5RJ
9.15pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • White Hart, Campton, SG17 5NX
All days
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • In the Yorkshire Dales, hosted by Leeds Morris Men
Weds
24
Thurs
25
Sat–Mon
27–29
Sat–Sun
27–28
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Walsworth Festival, Walsworth Common, Hitchin, SG4 0AL
WICKET BROOD • Chippenham Folk Festival, Dorset
Sun
28
Tues
30
8.00pm
Weds
31
8.00 /9.15pm
Weekend
2-4
All day
3
tba
OLD MOTHER REDCAPS • The Day of Dance ‘Stony Live’ Stony Stratford
tba
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • St Leonard’s Fete HP23 6NW
Sat
Tues
6
Lunchtime
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
7
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Bushel & Strike, Ashwell, Herts WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Pubs in Seer Green
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Thaxted Morris Weekend
All day
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • At Thaxted for the meeting of the Morris Ring hosted by
8.00pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Half Moon, Hitchin, SG4 9TZ with Baldock Midnight Morris
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • Half Moon, Hitchin, SG4 9TZ with Letchworth Morris
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The George and Dragon, Quainton, HP22 4AR
tba Weds
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Beer festival at The White Horse, Hedgerly, SL2 3UY
WICKET BROOD • The White Hart, Chesham with guests Whitethorn
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Cricket Club Pavilion, Ickwell with Aldbury Morris Men
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • John Bunyan, Coleman Green AL4 8ES
9.15pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Queen’s Head, Sandridge AL4 9DL
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33
Sun
11
tba
Tues
13
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Fox, Pirton, Herts with Hemlock Morris tbc
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Anglers Retreat, Marsworth, HP23 4LJ
Weds
14
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Royal George, Stevington
tbc
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Codicote Steam Fair TBC
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Red Lion, Penn TBC
Sat
17
2.00 & 2.45pm
Tues
20
8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The North Star, Welwyn, Herts with Tappalachian
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Plough, Cadsden, HP27 0NB
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • North West Tour in Bedford, The Three Cups, The Castle, The Cricketers and one other TBC
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Case Is Altered, Eastcote, HA5 2EW
9.15pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Old Orchard, Harefield, UB9 6HJ
Weds
21
Fri
23
tba
Sat
24
Morning tba
Sat/Sun Tues
Thurs
OLD MOTHER REDCAPS • Host their annual ‘Midsummer Madness’ event in The Hub, Central Milton Keynes LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Letchworth Town Centre WICKET BROOD • St Albans Folk Festival
24/25
All weekend
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8.00pm
BALDOCK MIDNIGHT MORRIS • The Lytton Arms, Knebworth, Herts
8.00pm
WHITCHURCH MORRIS MEN • The Rose and Crown, Wingrave, HP22 4PD
tba Weds
OLD MOTHER REDCAPS • Extracare Retirement Home Summer Fair, Shenley, Milton Keynes
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29
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Weekend away, Norwich
WICKET BROOD • The Paper Mill, Hemel Hempstead with guests Phoenix Morris
8.00pm
BEDFORD MORRIS MEN • The Bedford Arms, Souldrop
8.00pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Plough, Sleapshyde, AL4 0SE
9.15pm
WOODSIDE MORRIS MEN • Woodman, Wild Hill, AL9 6EA
8.15pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Plume of Feathers, Ickleford, SG5 3YD
9.15pm
LETCHWORTH MORRIS • Old George, Ickleford, SG5 3UX
BALDOCK Midnight Morris – Cotswold, Border, Raglan, Fieldtown Contact: Steve Murphy • 01763 245355 www.baldockmidnightmorris.org.uk
LETCHWORTH Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: Andrew Harper • 01462 440 683 bagman@letchworthmorris.org.uk www.letchworthmorris.org.uk
WHITCHURCH Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: John King, 01296 420 846 info@whitchurchmorris.org.uk www.whitchurchmorris.org.uk
BEDFORD Morris Men –Cotswold, North West and Border Contact: Phil Nicholson • 01234 772 295, www.bedfordmorrismen.org.uk
WOODSIDE Morris Men – Cotswold Contact: Nick Wilson • 07860 663 033 www.woodsidemorrismen.com
WICKET BROOD – Border Morris Contact: Stella Lewis, bagman@wicketbrood.org.uk www.wicketbrood.org.uk
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Unicorn Magazine: issue 138
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See the ad for the 6th Write a Folk Song Competition on page 16
Watford Folk Club‘s fifth annual ‘Write a Folk Song’ Competition
W
atford Folk Club hosted its fifth annual Write a Folk Song Competition on 18th November 2016. As in previous years, entrants had been given the task of writing a brand new song on a given theme – this year it was ‘Crime and Punishment’ We received 22 entries in total and the folk club committee had an extremely difficult job whittling these down to ten worthy finalists. On the evening of the final we were joined by a raft of talent in the form of Vicki Swan, Paul McNamara and Polly Morris who acted as our judges. After each of the finalists had performed their warm up songs, their competition entries were shared with a most appreciative audience; there was not a spare seat in the house and during the judges’ deliberations speculation about the identity of the winner and runner up buzzed around the Pump House’s Colne River Room. Eventually, the judges returned and congratulated all the entrants on an outstanding evening’s entertainment; the songs, although all written to fit the ‘Crime and Punishment’ theme, were as diverse as they were skilful. From the Hatton Garden Robbery, to corruption in the courtroom and the injustices of the transports. This year’s winners were Alison Frosdick and Jack Burnaby with their song ‘Keziah Burnett‘ which the judges felt had the feel of a traditional song, a real earworm. Mike Excell (a previous winner in 2014) was runner up with his song ‘96’ about the Hillsborough Disaster. The winners received a trophy made by Watford Folk Club committee member, Alison Raymond. 2016 was Alison’s last year on the committee and we would like to thank her for all her hard work and dedication without which scores of new songs would never have been written. Paul McNamara said “The Watford Folk Club can be rightly proud of their folk song competition. Not only does it encourage the authorship of new songs, give space for songwriters to showcase their skills and contribute some excellent new material to the folk canon, it also brings a big folk community together for a night of great and novel folk music. The music and the atmosphere on the night were both first rate.” If you’d like to enter this year’s competition on the theme of ‘Magic and Mystery’, please see the advert in this publication (page 16) for further details. The 2017 Grand Final will be held on Friday 24th November.
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
Jack and Alison receive their trophy from last year’s winner, Emma Scarr, flanked by judges Kim Olyett and Alison Raymond: photo by kind permission of Julian Mount.
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Music type: Acoustic music of all styles: trad to contemp English, American, Scottish & Breton, jazz & blues Meets: Every Friday, from the beginning of September to the end of June (not Xmas or Easter) Admission charge: £4 Open Stage nights, £9.00 Showcase nights, average of £12 for guest nights. Members receive a discount at most gigs Guests: One Open Stage night, one Showcase night and one Guest night each month. Previous guests include Phil Beer, Josienne Clark & Ben Walker, Stefan Grossman, Steve Knightley, Mawkin, Pete Morton’s Magical Christmas Tree Tour, Patch & the Giant, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage ... to name but a few Venue name: The Golden Hind Venue address: 355 Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1SP Parking: Parking at the venue Contact: Marion Treby, Andy Treby 01638 603986 • enquiries@cambridgefolkclub.co.uk • cambridgefolkclub.co.uk • www.facebook.com/ Cambridge-Folk-Club-121633601281110
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he Club, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015, is run by enthusiastic volunteers who care about the future of folk music. At its present location for ten years, it has consistently been involved in the Cambridge Folk Festival, and other musical events in Cambridge. Our varied programme consists of Open Stage, Showcase and Guest nights. We support local musicians at our Open Stage and Showcase nights, and give local acts the chance to launch their CDs with us. As well as 10 minute floor spots at our Open Stage nights, one pre-booked act has a 30 minute slot, so these evenings are amazingly varied. Showcases feature three contrasted local acts; typically, a soloist, a duo and a band, with each act having 45 minutes. We provide PA, encourage a listening ethos, and have been frequently complimented on our friendly and supportive atmosphere. What makes the Club special is the sheer variety of what’s on offer, whether in the structure of the nights, or the music you’ll encounter.
WORKERS’ MUSIC ASSOCIATION SUMMER SCHOOL OF MUSIC – FOLK COURSE I]Z LB6! l]^X] [djcYZY Ide^X GZXdgYh VcY [dg bVcn nZVgh ldg`ZY l^i] bV_dg Ò \jgZh d[ [da` gZk^kVa a^`Z ?d]c =VhiZY! 7Zgi AadnY VcY :lVc BX8daa! ]Vh bdkZY ^ih HjbbZg HX]dda id >c\ZhigZ =Vaa ^c HiV[[dgh]^gZ! h^m b^aZh [gdb HiV[[dgY# DcXZ V\V^c BVg^dc =VgeZg ]Vh V\gZZY id ijidg djg ;da` 8djghZ hd ndj XVc add` [dglVgY id Vc ZmX^i^c\! [jccn! XdaaVWdgVi^kZ VcY Zca^\]iZc^c\ lZZ`# 9ZiV^ah d[ i]Z hjW_ZXih VcY bjh^X id WZ hijY^ZY l^aa WZ dc i]Z lZWh^iZ lll#lbVhjbbZghX]ddad[bjh^X h]dgian# 6iiZcY^c\ djg HjbbZg hX]dda l^aa Vahd \^kZ ndj i]Z X]VcXZ id ZmeZg^ZcXZ V cjbWZg d[ di]Zg bjh^X \ZcgZh ^cXajY^c\! deZgV! _Voo! hdad h^c\^c\! X]dgVa h^c\^c\! WgVhh! X]VbWZg bjh^X VcY Xdbedh^i^dc# I]ZgZ l^aa WZ adih d[ deedgijc^i^Zh [dg ndj id ÈYd ndjg dlc i]^c\É ^c i]Z bVcn ^begdbeij XdcXZgih i]Vi iV`Z eaVXZ Yjg^c\ i]Z lZZ`# Ndj YdcÉi ]VkZ id WZ Vc ÈdaY ]VcYÉ# LZ gZVaan lZaXdbZ cZl eZdeaZ l]d lVci id Ò cY dji bdgZ VWdji i]Z bjh^X i]Zn Zc_dn# LZ ]deZ i]Vi i]Z lZZ` Vi djg HjbbZg HX]dda l^aa WZ ^c[dgbVi^kZ! jea^[i^c\ VcY! bdhi d[ Vaa! ;JC Ndj XVc YdlcadVY Vc Veea^XVi^dc [dgb [gdb i]Z lZWh^iZ# +%#%% YZedh^i hZXjgZh V eaVXZ 6C9 V '%#%% Y^hXdjci ^[ gZXZ^kZY WZ[dgZ :VhiZg# 8dciVXi >haV 8VbZgdc Vi ^haV5lbVhjbbZghX]dda#dg\#j` UM3 Half Page (landscape).indd 1 38
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12/3/17 19:23:57 Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
Ely Folk Club presents
Wednesday 19 th April
Ninebarrow £11 (£10 advance)
Wednesday 17 th May
Jenna Witts £11 (£10 advance)
Wednesday 14 th June
Cloudstreet £11 (£10 advance)
Old Dispensary, 13 St Mary’s St., Ely CB7 4ER 01353 740999/664706
www.elyfolkclub.co.uk
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
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Evenings of live traditional music and dance every month.
If you fancy dancing North East Rapper or Yorkshire Longsword or Medieval Buffens join us on a Tuesday at 8.30-10pm in the Friends Meeting House, Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage, SG1 1UP or email bagman@stevenagesword.org.uk
Monthly events alternating between ceilidhs and concerts. Find us on Facebook for details of each event or contact 01920 877 588 / 870 558.
Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk or on the door Adults: £8 (£6 in advance); Children: £5 (£3.50 in advance) Advanced family ticket (2+2): £15 Refreshments available, bring your own alcohol.
Concert dates for 2017: Doors open from 7pm – music from 7.30pm
Ceilidh dates for 2017: Doors open from 6pm – dancing from 6.30pm
21 May featuring Winter Wilson
18 June with Take the Biscuit ceilidh band
Future concert dates: 16 July 15 October 10 December
Future ceilidh dates: 17 September 19 November
27th–30th April 2017 Steve Tilston & Jez Lowe The Askew Sisters The Swing Commanders Les Barker, Fred's House and many more!
Concerts, Ceilidh, Community events Dancing, Song 'n' Tune Sessions Hot Food and Real Ale Bar
Concerts from £5 Savers from £50
Raunds, Northants NN9 6LS Hotline: 07756015615 www.raundsfestival.com
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
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Morris Malarky BY Marshall Coombs
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t isn’t often I am asked to review a new book about Morris. And as I walked away from our practice, I said to myself, “I am not really qualified to do this.” There is a massive gap in my knowledge regarding the technical aspects of Morris Dancing. I need not have had any doubt about my qualification. The book is a novel published by Hedingham Fair. So what of it? It is an easy read and you could probably despatch its 119 pages as a shortstory in a long evening. Not that you need to get it ‘out-of-the-way.’ My struggle in the first chapters was in getting my head around the names of all of the characters. The story unfolds as a tale about the politics of organising ‘Larksea Morris’ and of the flirtations of some of its members. It is a ‘mixed side.’ It is an unusual side in that it seems to have a plethora
English Folk Tunes for Flute
BY Vicki Swan | SCHOTT ED13842
I
have received and reviewed Schott publications before and have always been very impressed with their products – this latest offering is no exception... The book contains 54 tunes for flute (all for one or two parts), which cover a wide range of folk styles and moods. A helpful and informative introduction by Vicki (who, with her musical background / work probably needs no introduction to a folk audience!) makes a welcome addition to the music itself.
The design and printing of Schott publications are always second to none, and this book is particularly easy to both read and use. The accompanying CD is well produced, and again makes for a useful adjunct to the tunes. You can even download a free-of-charge German and
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of members – at least 12 dancers and three musicians! Oh, the envy setting in: when we have difficulty ourselves in raising four dancers and one and a half musicians. The story describes tensions and doubts of the members. It is nothing new for tensions to exist between members: we have all seen it I am sure but here it may be mildly amusing when the story positions you as a spectator. There are the ‘rule - mongers’ versus the ‘let’s have some fun brigade.’ At Larksea flirting does take place. Flirtatious is not a word that you could use in describing our side; we have fun, we are warm and friendly but flirtatious? Obviously we are a boring lot. It is not until the latter stages of the story that the real action takes place: now, do we call it wife-swapping or husband-swapping? Ray gets to suffer in one of the stick-dances. Then there is quite a bit of suffering before resolution of the situation. The secret is in the detail. A book that will have appeal to Morris and non-Morris reader but the benefit for me was that I learnt a couple of new songs. Ed Broadbridge
French translation of the introduction text should you so wish! The tunes have been arranged to be suitable for players of grades 3–8, and I can imagine would prove a useful teaching aid for those teachers who want to give their student the opportunity to experience a different genre of music. Containing such well-know tunes as Gallopede and The Oyster Girl, there are also lots of lesser-known tunes in the book to keep the player occupied for many an hour. All-in-all it’s a superb publication and well worth the cover price of £13.99. More information on this, or any of the Schott range, can be found at their website: www. schott-music.com.
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Ruth Larbey
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
Tommy Emmanuel / Clive Carroll
Alban Arena, St Albans, 18.1.2017
H
aving seen both of these acoustic guitar legends before, I wasn’t surprised by the excellent turnout at the Alban Arena on a cold Wednesday night in January. What I wasn’t quite so sure of however, was how such a large venue as the Arena (with a stage that, from personal experience, is far larger than it at first seems!) would suit the comparatively small sight and sound of two solo acoustic guitar players. As it turned out, I needn’t have worried and the evening proved to be a very enjoyable and ‘intimate’ affair. The two players had very distinctively different sounds and approaches. Clive Carroll played seated, with a generally ‘calmer’ and more measured approach to his performance. Tommy Emmanuel on the other hand stood up and prowled the stage in his usual energetic and flamboyant way. The contrast in styles worked very well however, and a section towards the end of the concert where the two performers shared the stage was a very nice twist! I’m a huge fan of Clive’s work, and he gave a great performance, playing a lot of tunes off his brand new CD “The Furthest Tree”. His sound is slightly ‘lighter’ and more delicate to my ears than Tommy’s – the highlight for me on the night was his complex ‘concept tune’, “A Renaissance Suite”. Tommy burst energetically into his first piece to “warm up” – a pace he continued for most of his set! My favourite piece of his was a slightly quieter tune written for his daughter, the name of which unfortunately I forgot to write down! All in all, a great night out for both the guitarist and non-guitar player alike, and I found the Arena to be an excellent venue to both see and hear acoustic music . Check out both Clive and Tommy’s sites as below for more information on these amazing players:
“The Main Reason” Rohan Byrt
T
his CD from Codicotebased guitar player Rohan Byrt is not long (five tracks) but is, to my ears at least, pure gold. Formed of elegantly composed, constructed and played acoustic guitar instrumentals, this recording will, I am sure, satisfy any lover of modern, open tuning, fingerstyle guitar playing. I met Rohan for a chat over a coffee before writing this review, which helped clarify some of the things I wondered about whilst listening to his recording. The CD was recorded in a relatively short period, which Rohan used to ‘force himself’ to get it recorded in as live and authentic a way as possible. He used some innovative techniques to get the record exactly as he wanted it, including playing a final mix back very loudly through a PA and re-mastering that feed! Throughout the sound of the guitar is crystal clear without being penetrating – his vibrato and range of finger picked nuances are near faultless. His use of a range of open tunings also ensures that the sound never becomes ‘samey’ or predictable. I think what really impresses me about this CD is that at no point does Rohan let his (clearly impressive) technique take over from the melodies behind the tunes... a rare thing with a lot of guitar players who are often out to impress with dazzling speed or their grasp of weird techniques. I found it hard to pick a favourite track – it’s all sublime! The CD is very professionally produced, as is all his supporting material and website (which also contains a great video of his piece “For The Fallen’ from the CD, recorded live in the Palladian Church at Ayot St Lawrence). More information from www.rohanbyrt.com – I can’t recommend his stuff highly enough!
• www.clivecarroll.co.uk
Clive Batkin
• www.tommyemmanuel.com. Clive Batkin
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Rohan is playing a slot at the Royston Folk Club on Friday 14th April 2017 – see the ad on page 22
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
“Dance of the Copper Trail” Oka Vanga
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his eagerly awaited second album from Angela Meyer and William Cox was released on 31 March. Following the success of their first album ‘Pilgrim’, the eleven tracks on this much-anticipated album take listeners on a creative journey inspired by Angie’s own travels and rooted in folklore. FATEA magazine pronounced Dance of the Copper Trail “Perfect… a brilliant feel-good album” and I would tend to agree. The music is varied, showcasing Angie’s unusual voice which is at times reminiscent of the bell-like tones of the late Sandy Denny but also quite capable of skilled renditions of country style rhythms. Her diction is perfect so you can hear every word of the carefully crafted lyrics – telling metaphorical stories about survival, blending themes of faith, superstition, love, loss, death and everlasting hope. Angie’s vocals and guitar playing are perfectly complemented by her husband William’s distinctive musicianship – coaxing beautiful sounds from his guitar, mandolin and ukulele. They are supported by Oliver Copeland on double bass, Patsy Reid on fiddle and Mark Tucker with percussion design. The music is easy to listen to and the melodies and arrangements offer something to please most tastes. In the main, the tracks are quite short, and I found myself wishing they were much longer. The CD digi-pack is attractively presented with full colour artwork and linear notes. Some tour dates have been announced and you can catch Oka Vanga at Stortfolk in Bishops Stortfolk on Thursday 11 May. Other tour dates may be announced – see their website www.okavanga.com for details.
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ike the difficult second album or novel, planning the second Kimpton Folk Festival (after the success of our inaugural event last year) was always going to be a challenge. Should we stick to a winning formula or try something different, grow the event or keep it small but perfectly proportioned? In the end we’ve decided not to mess with a winning formula. We’ve learned a few lessons from the last event. The first is not to underestimate the drinking capacity of North Herts people so there will be inexhaustible supplies of local real ale. The second is that lots of festival-goers have children, so we’ll be doubling our efforts to provide entertainment for all ages, with story-tellers, face painters and other attractions in every corner of the village. We also have the most fantastic line-up of singers and musicians. In the Memorial Hall, the headline act will be Sam Kelly & the Lost Boys who are rapidly taking the folk world by storm. Other attractions are singer-songwriter Jez Lowe & his Bad Pennies, and making a welcome return, Wild Willy Barrett’s French Connection. They performed last year without St Albans piper John Devine, so it will be great to have them at full strength. Also performing will be the Carrivick Sisters, top septet The New Rain, Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer and (returning by popular request) Ben Smith & Jimmy Brewer. Alden, Patterson & Dashwood will be part of a stunning line-up of guests in the village church, along with Liz Simcock, Ewan McLennan, Emily Slade and a special tribute to Australian bush poet Henry Lawson, by Festival chairman Doug Jenner. Many of the acts will be performing extra sets on the village green as part of a full afternoon of free music and dance, culminating in a mass ceilidh. On top of all this there will be all day sessions in The Boot public house, musician workshops in the Dacre Rooms and food, drink and craft stalls galore. For tickets and more information, visit www. kimptonfolk.uk or email hello@kimptonfolk.uk.
Brian King Sandra Lawes See their ad on page 45
See their ad on Page 35 Jez Lowe & his Bad Pennies
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
Time to meet… Red Cuthbert Morris Who are you?
We are Red Cuthbert Morris. We are a mixed side based in Bedford. We started in 2012 by a group of friends who loved Morris dancing and wanted to continue the old traditions while developing new ideas within Morris. We got our name from the hall where we practice – St Cuthbert’s Hall in Bedford – and the colour we picked to wear! What style / tradition do you dance?
We dance a mix of Cotswold traditions, border dances and dances we’ve developed ourselves. For summer 2017, we are focussing on Adderbury, Bledington and Lichfield. We’re also adding a Bucknell hankie dance, which will be our first foray into the world of hankies, having only danced with sticks until now. We enjoy including border dances in our sets and the dances we have written tend to have a border flavour to them. The process for creating new dances is usually very collaborative, with a member having an idea, then refining with the side as we learn to dance it. How would you describe your approach / general attitude as a side? We are very much a social side. Our attitude is that we dance Morris because we enjoy it. Practice sessions invariably end up in the local pub, The Three Cups, where we have a table with a plaque dedicating it to the side! What is your costume / outfit like? We wear red shirts, black waist coats, black trousers or skirts and black bowler hats. As we develop as a side our kit is developing to be more personalised, with some members adding decoration around the rim of their hat, some keeping the Morris badges they have collected on their waistcoats. Although our kit is fairly uniform in look, there is plenty of scope for personal preference in style of waistcoat and trousers/skirts. Our fool has a much broader licence, showing up with a new psychedelic shirt every other week.
Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
Do you have regular events you organise or go to?
We are slowly building an annual programme of regular events. We danced on Bedford Embankment on May Day morning last year for the first time and hope to do the same this year. We also had our first summer of dance outs, dancing in pubs around Bedford on alternate Thursday evenings, which we will also be repeating this year. We’ve attended the Morris Federation AGM and Day of Dance for the last three years and are looking forward to going to Hull for another one this September. What happens when you’re not dancing? We are all good friends in Morris and, when out often have a few pints of ale together. The side is made of four couples plus other members, many of whose partners form our core audience! We’re very excited as during 2017, we have two weddings of members marrying each other. How can people join? We accept new members at any time of year. Drop our squire an email if you’d like to know more about coming along to practice (squire@ redcuthbert.uk) or take a look at our facebook page (facebook.com/redcuthbertmorris) to see what we’ve been up to lately. This is a new format for the Morris page and we would like to promote other Morris and Molly teams in the area. If you would like your team to be featured please contact us.
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Long Lankin: a man more suffered than suffering
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s one of the few people who actually knew him, it is with a mixture of regret and relief that I have to announce the passing of Nathaniel “Long” Lankin, whose writings have for some years appeared on these pages. This followed a bad fall while competing in the high level stepping competition at the annual Bare Straw festival: he was attempting the “triple caper with hook leg” on the parallel bars when he slipped on a beer spill. The sequence is one usually only attempted by much younger dancers, and then only once – the physical or mental scars being enough to deter further attempts – and the judges did try to dissuade him. It was typical of Long to try it once too often and it illustrates his “I know best” attitude to life. Born in Piddle-on-the-Wall in Northumberland he fled to Bedfordshire following the Little Myopic WI Accordion and Burlesque Band fingering scandal. A noted Morris dancer, he started his career as an apprentice bell polisher to his uncle’s team, rising steadily through the ranks to become Chief Baldrick Brusher to the Inner Ring. He was ultimately forced to resign this appointment, the circumstances of which are still not fully known but no formal charges were ever made. Following this he had a brief acting career: his most noted role was in the Morris Wars series where he appeared as the ill-fated third prison guard in The Ring Strikes Back. However the role he made his own was that of the obligatory manic Morris man in various popular British TV dramas. He developed his writing and his column for the Unicorn late in life as a form of behavioural therapy when he was finally admitted to the high security unit of the Morris Federation’s Home for Recalcitrant Folkies.
Long was a learned and well-read man: reading everything and anything was a habit he developed during his long years in hiding. This made him very knowledgeable on a wide range of topics from Kentish ferret wrestling to the significance of the whelk in the development of the Haiku as a poetry form. He was also known for his generosity: always willing to share his knowledge and views with anyone – whether they wanted them shared or not. It was this habit of holding forth at length, rather than his height, that earned him the nickname he came to be known by. It explains his apparent reclusiveness in later life – he was more avoided than avoiding. It also goes some way to explain why he never married, though he always said that he could never find a woman who met his expected standards (being willing to enter his flat for example). Alone but never lonely he was most happy in his own company, as he often remarked, “It’s the only way I can get a sensible conversation.”
Long leaves an extended family arguing over who will settle his debts, an editor wondering how to fill the back page and a box of sundry papers left behind after a Police raid. The final word is probably best left to the noted folk musician, Long’s life-long friend and drinking companion who, at the news of Long’s passing simply said “Peace at Last!” RIP Long Lankin No flowers or rejoicing. Donations in memoriam to the EFDSS Shelter for Destitute Melodeons. By COSL
It is with a huge sense of sorrow that we say goodbye to the writings of Long Lankin, which have contributed to the magazine for over 20 years. His contributions and humour will always be fondly remembered... Clive & Sandra Apologies to Kevin Hunt who sent us two great songs for use in this issue, but which we had to drop at the very last moment – they will be published in Issue 139...
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Unicorn Magazine: ISSUE 138
A festival of folk’s finest acts gathered in beautiful leafy parkland for one uplifting summer day of music.
LEVELLERS
PERFORMING LEVELLING THE LAND LIVE
KATE RUSBY • ERIC BIBB SHOW OF HANDS
SHAKE THE CHAINS THIS IS THE KIT • LEVERET
ACORN STAGE SAM KELLY & THE LOST BOYS PATCH & THE GIANT
HANNAH SANDERS & BEN SAVAGE THE HUT PEOPLE • FARA • KITTY MACFARLANE LONDON YOUTH FOLK ENSEMBLE Follow us on:
BRING A BOTTLE & A PICNIC JOIN OUR 10TH FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS! Family friendly • Children’s activities Workshops • Craft tent • Vintage tent Music stalls • Delicious Food • Real Ale Bar
Registered charity no. 1106746
WWW.FOLKBYTHEOAK.COM OR CALL THE BOX OFFICE ON: 01432 355 416