Unicorn Magazine Issue 123

Welcome to the first issue under new management. Let’s set out our stall, starting with the introductions.

Simon lives in Biggleswade with wife Amanda and children Chloe and James. An inveterate folk club member and festival visitor, he recently joined Letchworth Morris Men, and with Andy Barwell started Dunton Folk, which holds concerts throughout the year, sessions on the first Tuesday of the month, and a wassail each January in partnership with Dunton Cider. See www.duntonfolk.co.uk and the Dunton Cider website, www.duntoncider.co.uk.

Clive, from St Albans, is another long-time supporter of local folk music. He teaches, runs music workshops, and plays guitar and mandolin with a variety of musicians. As the unofficial ‘marketing arm’ of the St Albans Folk Festival, Clive creates all their logos, design, print and web materials. He also runs his own design and creative consultancy – see his general blog at www.clivebatkin.wordpress.com and his guitar site www.clivebatkin.com.

Mike has lived in the Bedford area for many years, playing and studying a range of music before settling contentedly into folk. He works as a music librarian and plays fretted strings – bouzouki with Ragged Staff (www.ragged-staff.co.uk), mandola and tenor banjo at local clubs and sessions, including Bedford FC and NAF Club, Silsoe.

Why have we joined Unicorn? The folk world’s rich variety of clubs, sessions, concerts and festivals are invariably open, relaxed and informal, creating an atmosphere in which old friends can catch up, while newcomers are welcomed and encouraged to perform. We support folk as an accessible and inclusive tradition which also happens to be great fun, and we believe Unicorn is a small but valuable part of the local tradition.

What are our plans? You’ll have noticed changes to Unicorn’s appearance – some are dictated by our new production process, but others are designed to update the look of Unicorn while preserving its essential character. We plan to develop the content similarly, through evolution rather than revolution.

In all this, the views of readers will be paramount, so do please keep your comments and suggestions coming.

We must end with a note of appreciation. Throughout the handover Alan and Theo have been unfailingly supportive with advice, constructive criticism and encouragement – not forgetting a compendious selection of real ales. Perhaps we may have managed without them, but it would have been vastly more difficult and much less fun. Thanks very much, chaps.

See you round the clubs…

Simon, Clive & Mike

Editorial 1

Contents 1

Chatterbox 5

Feature: Folkstock 8

Sessions 10

Review: Lucy Ward 11

Morris Diary 12 – 13

Unicorn Diary 15 – 17

Club Index 18

Review: New Roots 20

Song: The March Hare 20

Editorial Staff:

Simon BailesClive BatkinMike Nacey

Front cover photo by Al Rogers (no fiddles were harmed in the taking of this photo!)

Printed by KJB UK Ltd

© Unicorn Magazine 2013

CB1029 • June 2013

Review: Kara 22

Club Profile: Bedford Folk Music Club 24

Feature: FolkEast 26

Advertiser Information 27

Shall We Dance? 28

Feature: WoodWorks 31

Broadside by Long Lankin 32

Unicorn Magazine: issUe 123

Visit oUr new website at www.UnicornMagazine.org

1

Unicorn Magazine: issUe 123PLEASE MENTIoN UNICoRN MAgAzINE WHEN REPLYINg To ADS2

Monthly SessionsFirst Tuesday of every month. March Hare, Dunton, Biggleswade, 8.00pm.

Concerts at St Mary Magdalene Church, Dunton, Biggleswade. 7.30 for 8.00pm - £10 (Children free)

www.duntonfolk.co.uk

Andy Simon

01767 316 12401767 310 424

[email protected]

Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar – Saturday 20th July

Winners of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, 2013, Greg and Ciaran are a duo with an amazing level of energy, ability and stagecraft.

Megson – Saturday 7th September

Husband and wife duo, Stu and Debbie Hanna have an infectious sound of heavenly vocals, lush harmonies and driving rhythmic guitars.

Pete Morton – Saturday 19th OctoberPete’s shows are dynamic and intense, while remaining approachable and fun loving. His songs are an unruly mix of humour, politics and love.

New Size

134 x 92

Unicorn Magazine: issUe 123 WWW.UNICoRNMAgAzINE.oRg 3

STACEY BANJOS

REPAIRS SET-UPS & RESTORATION TO:

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Saturday 31st August

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www.eatmt.org.uk ring 01449 771090

or

Music & Song SessionsStepdancing & Ceilidh

Concerts & TalksJig Dolls

StorytellingBallad CornerComic Songs

+ mini beer festival

Martin Carthy

Debs Newbold

Jeff Warner

Con O’Drisceoil

Jerry O’Reilly

Liam Robinson Band

A fabulously eclectic day

of traditional music, dance & song

in a magical setting, featuring:

Ian & Val McFarlane cordially invite their

dancing friends to another Scottish / English

dance 4:15–8pm

Sunday 7 July 2013 The Beaconsfield School Wattleton Road, HP9 1SJ

Superb music provided by

Mollie Koenigsberger (fiddle)&Vic Smith

(accordion) 01494 672782

www.mcf107.com


Hertfordshire Folk Association will hold their annual Children’s Summer Folk Dance Festival on 6th July at Sherrardswood School, Lockley, Welwyn (www.hertsfolkassn.org.uk).

August sees the staging of the annual Snape Proms in the scenic setting of Snape Maltings, near Aldeburgh. Lau will appear on 5th August, while on 11th Jon Boden will premiere The Ballad of Little Musgrave, his retelling of the folk ballad as a music drama. He returns on 15th August with Bellowhead.

Folk Radio: John Devine, wizard of the whistle, pipes and much else, has since 2011 been entertaining Irish music enthusiasts with his Monday evening show on Radio Verulam. John told Unicorn he is “connecting the local Irish community with the old country through the finest contemporary and traditional Irish music”. As well as news on sessions and concerts, and live studio guests, John features weekly contributions from ‘Man about London Town’ James McDonald and Joe giltrap of the Irish Post.

Now joining John on the airwaves is Daria Kulesh, hosting a new show on Radio Dacorum covering folk, acoustic and world music. The show airs 5 – 7pm on Sundays and Daria tells us she is “showcasing the best of folk, acoustic and world music in a fun, engaging manner, with live sessions every week”.

See www.radioverulam.com and www.facebook.com/radiodacorum.org.

P J Books have taken delivery of a new range of books. These include the Living History series, covering “the rich history of music through the centuries”, several books by or about Pat Shaw and his music, dances and songs, and Scottish Country Dancing guides for beginners and younger dancers. A new English Concertina Tutor from Mally is awaited (see their advert on page 21).

St Michael’s Street folk evening will be held in St Michael’s Street, St Albans on Wednesday July 3, with dancing in the street and music in its three pubs (01727 852111).

At the St Albans Folk Festival, English Miscellany will be dancing with a Czech group called Dubrava.

Following the success of their Song Competition last year, the Watford Folk Club are running another in 2013 (see their advert on page 14).

Cleckheaton: 5 – 7 July

Ely: 12 – 14 July

Woburn Sands: 13 July

Folk by the Oak (Hatfield House): 21 July

Warwick: 25 – 28 July

Sidmouth: 2 – 9 August

Saltburn: 9 – 11 August

Broadstairs: 9 – 16 August

Whitby: 7 – 23 August

Folk East (Glenham Hall, Suffolk): 23 – 25 August

Towersey: 23 – 26 August

Shrewsbury: 23 – 26 August

New Forest: 30 August – 1st September

Tenterden: 3 – 6 october

Harwich International Sea Shanty Festival: 11 – 13 october

Entries are already coming in, and committee members Alison Raymond and Kim olyett are busy even now planning for November’s grand Final.

Winchmore Folk Dance Club is holding dancing sessions on Tuesday mornings 10.00am to 12 noon at grange Park Methodist Church, Park Drive. Contact John Wood, 020 8926 7293.

Alban Arena: Seth Lakeman 5th october, Show of Hands 14th Novovember.

The Junction, Cambridge: Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick 16th September, Lisa Knapp 23rd Septempber, Megson & The Young ‘Uns 28th october, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman 18th November.

The Stables: Cara Dillon 23rd october, The Full English Project 30th octber.


Sparrow Violins

A folkie Luthier for folkies!

Set-Ups and Repairs for Fiddles, Violas, Cellos and Hardanger Fiddles.

Fiddles, Violas and Hardanger Fiddles made to commission.

Hand made Fiddles for sale.

Tim J. Sparrow

St.Neots, Cambridgeshire

(Workshop open by appointment)

Tel: 07704836170 Email: [email protected]

www.sparrow-violins.co.uk www.facebook.com/SparrowViolins


23-24-25-26 August 2013

www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk

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tel: 01743 892800

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>> CEILIDH BANDS >> MORRIS TEAMS>> REFOLKUS

>> CHILDREN’S EVENTS>> SINGAROUNDS & SESSIONS

>> WORKSHOPS >> CRAFT FAIR>> CATERERS

>> REAL ALE BARS>> GREAT CAMPSITE

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>> STEVE KNIGHTLEY & JOHN JONES>> BARNSTAR WITH MARK ERELLI

>> NIC JONES TRIO >> MARTYN JOSEPH>> JEZ LOWE >> FAY HIELD & THE HURRICANE PARTY

>> NANCY KERR & JAMES FAGAN >> BLUE ROSE CODE>> COLVINQUARMBY >> DOYLE & DEBBIE

>> ELBOW JANE >> JESS & RICHARD ARROWSMITH>> KEITH DONNELLY >> LUCY WARD

>> LORI WATSON & THE RULE OF THREE >> LUKE JACKSON>> MELROSE QUARTET >> MOORE MOSS & RUTTER

>> SAM CARTER >> JAMES RILEY>> SOMETHING NASTY IN THE WOODSHED

A5 Advert 2013 (Colour).indd 1 13/05/2013 11:44

3rd English Mutton Country Music Workshop Weekend

Ian Dedic (Committee Band),

Flos Headford, Jo Freya (Old Swan)

Sat 5 & Sun 6 Oct 2013 Shoulder of Mutton, Wantage, Oxfordshire

Suitable for all levels of musician

• Mornings: Tune & Technique. Free reeds —Ian, Fiddle —Flos, Wind & all other instruments —Jo

• Afternoons: Playing in dance bands — feel, lift, tempo, simple arrangements

• Sat early evening: Playing for dancers followed by evening session

See www.montysmaggot.co.uk email [email protected]

call 07717 461972

Folkstock Arts Foundation aims to

provide selected musicians, of all ages and experience levels, with the blend of marketing and musical support they need to

become established in their chosen vocation. This newly-formed Community Interest Company is led by Helen Meissner and a committee of ten, all volunteers. Helen’s own interests similarly combine markets and music – she won Hertfordshire Businesswoman of the Year 1991 for her work in communications, training and development, and achieved grade 7 in piano and violin.

Folkstock uses industry professionals to support artists through mentoring, masterclasses and workshops, and coaching in online marketing. Speaking to Unicorn recently, Helen stressed that this is no mass-production line, rather a “wholly genuine amplification of the skills and attributes of the artist”, tailored to the artists’ needs at this point in their careers.

Live performance is central to the programme, and a series of events and mini-festival workshops will culminate in a new Folkstock festival at Aldenham Country Park, Elstree on 21st September. Hertfordshire’s answer to the Cambridge Folk Festival, says Helen, “aims to offer an affordable, inclusive, and family-friendly environment for experienced and novice musicians, and folk who love good music”.

How can local performers and enthusiasts get involved? The programme runs from June to December, and Helen anticipates starting another in January. To be selected, Helen insists that artists should demonstrate competence as performers, also a firm commitment to music, and “responsive, clear and transparent communication in their dealings with me from the application process onwards”.

Folkstock seeks volunteers too, and would particularly like to hear from experienced stage managers, as well as stewards from all walks of life.

Though a recent convert to folk music, Helen is convinced of its potential. She recalls being captivated by an early performance of her daughter’s band, The Folk, whose direct, expressive appeal contrasts strikingly with the saccharine blandness of so much mainstream music. This inspired her determination to “generate a community of authentic musicians” to help develop acoustic folk and roots music, and to “connect with their communities”, encouraging them to go and listen to live music they’ve never heard before.

The scope of Folkstock is ambitious, and promises to be a significant and potentially ground-breaking boost for folk music in our region.

For more details see the Folkstock website wwwfolkstockartsfoundation.com.

Mike Nacey


Stop Press: Dave Swarbrick has just been named as Folkstock Arts Foundation’s Patron…

since 1976

BRITAIN’S FOLK & ACOUSTIC SPECIALISTS

BIRMINGHAM | BRISTOL | CANTERBURY | CRAWLEY |LEEDSLONDON | MANCHESTER | MILTON KEYNES | WADEBRIDGE

Order online or call 0845 130 9500 www.hobgoblin.com

Our nine shops stock allkinds of acoustic & folky

musical instruments from Britain and around

the world!Expert staff are alwayson hand to give you free, friendly advice.

Try the intruments for yourself!Each shop has a huge

and varied stock of new andsecondhand instruments

SUPPORTING LIVEMUSIC FESTIVALSSidmouth, Cornwall,Crawley, Oxford, BMG,Riseley, Tenterden, St Ives,

Broadstairs and more


sUnday LUnchtiMes STONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar (Weekly): Jane Armour, 01908 566407

HANSLOPE • Hanslope Working Men’s Club, High St, MK19 7LQ (1st): Peter, 07596 547686

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

RADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Watling St (5pm, 4th): Nick, 020 8953 5231

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

HANSLOPE • Hanslope Working Men’s Club (3rd): Ivor Sayer, 01908 265902

ELSTREE • Waggon & Horses (last, 5 – 8pm): Nick, 020 8953 5231

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

ASTON CLINTON • oak PH (3rd): Roger, 01296 613742

Monday eVenings SOHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (1st): graham, 01353 778655

TOTTERNHOE • old Farm Inn (9pm, weekly): 01582 661294 (pub)

BERKHAMSTED • george & Dragon, Northchurch (1st & 3rd – open Mic): Mick, 01442 864533 (pub)

STONY STRATFORD • Bull Hotel (1st): Peter, www.mksessions.blogspot.com

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

COTTENHAM • Cottenham Club (2nd): graham, 01353 778655

tUesday eVenings DUNSTABLE • globe, Winfield St (Weekly): Maureen, 01582 512300

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

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

ST ALBANS • King Harry, St Albans (1st): Jenny, 01582 793164

benington • The Bell (4th): 01438 869270 ELY • Royal Standard (2nd – French): [email protected]

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

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

TRING • grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, HP23 5QE (1st, Trad Irish): Mick Bushnell, 01442 891400

wednesday eVenings ST ALBANS • White Lion, Sopwell Lane (Weekly, mainly music): Trevor Hacking, 01923 351739

BARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses (8.30pm, 10/7,24/7,7/8,21/8,4/9,18/9): Ann, 01582 560815

ELSTREE • Waggon & Horses (2nd): Nick, 020 8953 5231

TOWERSEY • Village Hall (3rd): Roger, 01296 613742

ELY • Royal Standard (last): Liam, [email protected], 07905 044932

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

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

KIMPTON • White Horse (2nd): Doug, 07973 751039, [email protected]

FULBOURN • Fulbourn Sports & Social Club, nr Cambridge (3rd): Barry, 01223 722927

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

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

HERTFORD • great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): Alan Francis, 01992 410380

CROXLEY GREEN • The Shed, rear of Sportsman PH (8.30 – 11.00, 1st, song & acoustic music): Paul K, 07970 188026

FULBOURN • Fulbourn Folk Club, Fulbourn Sports & Social Club (1st): Robert, 01223 411187

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

Friday eVenings MELBOURN • Black Horse, Sg8 6BP (2nd): Hilary, 01763 226046 (pub)

POTTON • Red Lion (8.30, 3rd): Phil, 01767 260041 ROYSTON • old Bull Inn Sg8 9AW (2nd): Michael Farrow, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org

ST NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA (8.30pm, 14/6, 12/7, none in Aug, 13/9): Sarah, 07857 311834, [email protected]

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


With some of England’s most highly regarded artists including:-

John Kirkpatrick

Jackie Oates

Fraser Sisters Outside Capering Crew

Monty’s Maggot

Hammersmith Morris Men

Thames Valley Productions presents...

25 JULY box office

01628 820140 Venue

Stubbings Estate, Henley Road, Maidenhead, BERKSHIRE,

SL6 6QL

www.tvfolk.co.uk

Lucy wardat dunton Folk, april 2013

Walking into St Mary

Magdalene for her first appearance

at Dunton Folk, Lucy’s first word was “Wow!” This fine 14th century church is not only a beautiful setting, its acoustics are also particularly well suited to folk music, adding vibrancy and energy so that even the quietest piece fills the space. Starting her performance, Lucy’s voice and guitar soared from the stage to swirl among the musical angels holding up the roof.

Lucy led us through the gamut of emotions – we wept, were stirred to anger, we laughed. At other times she kept us perfectly silent, enthralled by the performance and tense with anticipation – even children on the front row were spellbound.

Mixed feelings of joy and despair were apparent on all faces during Lucy’s self-penned Bricks and Love, a song incorporating the chorus of the Eriskay Love Lilt. The poignancy of such songs can be lost in repeated, routine performances, but Lucy captures a man’s anguish on losing a loved one – reduced to tears, he watches others go happily to the bar while a floor singer works his way through ‘Eriskay’. In more raucous songs, laughter and singing rose in equal measure. The irreverent Canny Lads had the audience giving their all during the choruses.

I came away from the gig with a big grin and a sense of well-being. Lucy is now at the top of my list of people to see again, so if you get the chance do go and see her perform. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information visit her website at www.lucywardsings.com.

Simon Bailes


Tuesday 2 20.00 WHITCHURCH • Hare, Southcott Village, Linslade LU7 2PR

20.00 BALDoCK • Chequers, Barley Sg8 8JQ

Wednesday 3 19.30 WooDSIDE • St Michaels Festival, St Albans

Thursday 4 20.15 LETCHWoRTH • Buntingford Tour

Friday 5 20.00 oFFLEY • White Lion, Walkern

Saturday 6 14.30 REDBoRNSToKE • Woburn Abbey, Woburn Park, Beds MK17 9WA, with Beds Lace and Les Dançaires d’oc

Weekend 5 / 7 — LETCHWoRTH • Martlets Morris Meeting, Chichester

Weekend 6 / 7 —WHITCHURCH • Weekend of Dance with Martlet Sword & Morris Men (Chichester)

Sunday 714.00 – 17.00

BALDoCK • Willian Village Fair Sg6 2AP

11.30REDBoRNSToKE • Ampthill Market Square, with Beds Lace and Les Dançaires d’oc

12.30REDBoRNSToKE • Procession + Ampthill gala, with Beds Lace and Les Dançaires d’oc

Tuesday 9 20.00 WHITCHURCH • Half Moon, Wilstone HP23 4PD

20.00 BALDoCK • Waggoners, Ayot green, Welwyn AL6 9AA with Tappalachian

20.00 REDBoRNSToKE • White Hart, Flitton MK45 5EJ

Wednesday 10 20.00 WooDSIDE • Bushey Festival @ The Swan

Thursday 11 20.15 LETCHWoRTH • george / Plume of Feathers, Ickleford

Friday 12 20.00 oFFLEY • Chequers, Woolmer green

Tuesday 16 20.00 WHITCHURCH • Betsey Wynne, Swanbourne MK17 0SH

20.00 BALDoCK • Lordship Arms, Bennington Sg2 7BX

Wednesday 17 20.00 WooDSIDE • Bright Star, Peters green, with Caddington Blues

21.15 WooDSIDE • Red Cow, Harpenden, with Caddington Blues

Thursday 18 20.00 BALDoCK • Toddington Tour

20.00 REDBoRNSToKE • Toddington Tour: griffin (LU5 6BN), Bell, oddfellows Arms, Angel, with Royal oak, Windsor, old Mother Redcaps

20.00 LETCHWoRTH • Pig & Abbott, Abington Piggots, with Devil’s Dyke MM

Friday 19 20.00 oFFLEY • Plough, Ley green

Saturday 20 PM LETCHWoRTH • Letchworth Lions Fun Day, Kennedy gardens

Tuesday 23 20.00 WHITCHURCH • Rose & Crown, Wingrave HP22 4PD

20.00 BALDoCK • Half Moon, Hitchin Sg4 9Tz with Phoenix Morris

Wednesday 24 20.00 WooDSIDE • Paper Mill, Apsley

21.15 WooDSIDE • old Palace, Kings Langley

Thursday 25 20.00 LETCHWoRTH • Stone Jug, Clophill, with Bedford MM


Friday 26 20.00 oFFLEY • Motte & Bailey, Pirton

Tuesday 30 20.00 WHITCHURCH • Red Lion, Little Missenden HP7 0Qz

20.00 BALDoCK • orange Tree, Baldock Sg7 5AW with Beds Lace

Wednesday 31 20.00 WooDSIDE • Jolly Cricketers, Seer green

21.15 WooDSIDE • Royal Standard, Forty green

Friday 2 20.00 oFFLEY • Cricketers, Weston

Friday 9 20.00 oFFLEY • Lordship Arms, Bennington

Thursday 15 20.15 LETCHWoRTH • Windmill, Charlton / Half Moon, Hitchin

Friday 16 20.00 oFFLEY • Jolly Waggoner, Ardley

Thursday 22 20.15 LETCHWoRTH • Jolly Waggoner, Ardley / Sword Inn Hand, Westmill

Friday 23 20.00 oFFLEY • Waggon & Horses, graveley

Friday 30 20.00 oFFLEY • Musgrave Arms, Shillington

Sunday 1 12.30 WooDSIDE • Woodman, Wild Hill

12.30 LETCHWoRTH • orange Tree, Baldock, with Baldock Midnight Morris

Wednesday 4 20.00 WooDSIDE • Horns, Watford

Saturday 7 2.15 LETCHWoRTH • Potton Show

3.15 LETCHWoRTH • Wrestlingworth Fete

Weekend 7 / 8 — BALDoCK • Swanage Folk Festival

Sunday 15 DAY BALDoCK • Beds Steam & Country Fair, Shuttleworth Park Sg18 9EP

12.30 LETCHWoRTH • Fox / Three Horseshoes, Willian

Monday 16 20.15REDBoRNSToKE • ‘give It A Try’: open Practice, Redborne Upper School, North Site, Ampthill MK45 2NU – with you?

Wednesday 18 20.00 WooDSIDE • open Practice Night, Pump House, Watford

Sunday 22 12.30 LETCHWoRTH • green Man, Stanford

Thursday 26 20.00 LETCHWoRTH • First Practice Night, Radwell Village Hall

Saturday 28 DAY REDBoRNSToKE • Morris Federation Day of Dance, Shrewsbury

Sunday 29 12.30 WooDSIDE • White Horse, Hedgerley

baLdocK Midnight Morris – Mixed CotswoldContact: Joyce ormrod • 01525 630 546www.baldockmidnightmorris.org.uk

Letchworth Morris – Men’s CotswoldBagman: Theo Thomas • 01582 882 831www.letchworthmorris.org.uk

oFFLey Morris – Men’s CotswoldBagman: Bill Davis • 01462 624 210www.offleymorris.org.uk

redboUrnstoKe Morris – Men’s CotswoldBagman: Charles Leslie • 01234 750 829www.redbornstoke.com

whitchUrch Morris – Men’s CotswoldBagman: John Bush • 01296 641 382www.whitchurchmorris.org.uk

woodside Morris – Men’s CotswoldBagman: Nick Wilson • 07860 663 033www.woodsidemorrismen.com


presents

Write a Folk Song Competition 2013 “This Working Life”

Could you write a new folk song? Well this is your opportunity…The Watford Folk Club invites entries for its second annual competition for song writers.

For 2013 our theme will be: ‘This working life’. Industry, Agriculture, The Military, Life at Sea – it’s your choice.

Entry details, forms and competition rules are available at: http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com/songcompetition2013.htm

FUTURE GUEST ARTISTS INCLUDE:

George Papavgeris, Black Scarr, Mick Ryan & Paul Downes, Pete Morton, Na-Mara, Pete Atkin, James Clark-Jones, James Hickman & Dan Cassidy and Fake Thackeray.

(Dates in Unicorn Diary) SINGAROUNDS EVERY FRIDAY DURING AUGUST!

Further details at: http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/watfordfolkclub/

LAST FRIDAY IN THE MONTH

www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

UnicornC E I L I D H S

The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JHDoors open 7.30 p.m.

8.00 - 11.30 p.m.

Tickets only £10.00 - Singles & groups welcome

FRIDAY 27th SEPTEMBER

Captain Swingwith

Mike GriffithsThe second visit for this great 5 piece band, playingtraditional and new tunes on melodeon, concertina,saxophone, recorder, guitar, bass and percussion. Excellentarrangements and a really tight sound!

www.captainswing.org.ukMike started calling ceilidhs in his university days, whenstill in his early twenties, and is the permanent caller forCaptain Swing. Mike is a skilled dancer himself, and dancedwith Downes Morris.

Interval: Tappalachian

REAL ALE BAR

Dance the night away . . .

FRIDAY 28th JUNE

Liam Robinson Bandwith

Liam RobinsonLiam has been successfully playing and

calling for some time now with many of thetop bands, and he's now fronting his ownband. Melodeon / concertina, piano, andpercussion / brass combine to impel youeffortlessly on to the dance floor!

www.facebook.com/TheLiamRobinsonDanceBand

Interval: Letchworth Morris

No ceilidhs in July & August- happy holidays!


Monday 1 CHESHAM • Singers HERgA • open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Maypole

Evening, Pirton: Chris Turner & Cloudburst, 7.30

LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • SingaroundTuesday 2 ST.NEoTS • Vicki Swan & Jonny DyerWednesday 3 LINSLEIgHDERS • Folk Dance group MoggERHANgER • Singers, players

and listenersThursday 4 BEDFoRD • Independence Day

Singaround BEDFoRD FDC • Caller – Terry Elvins BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Singers Night REDBoURN • open StageFriday 5 BEDFoRD FINE • AgM CAMBRIDgE • The Cyriacs FRIDAY FoLK • Bob Lilley WATFoRD • Spotlight singaround

with Chris Knott and FridayendsSunday 7 CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND • open StageMonday 8 CHESHAM • John Kirkpatrick £8/£10 HERgA • open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Terry Elvins LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • SingaroundTuesday 9 ST.NEoTS • Salvation Jane (Australia)Wednesday 10 ENgLISH MISCELLANY • Country

Section Practice LINSLEIgHDERS • AgM, dancing

before and afterThursday 11 BEDFoRD • Local Singers & Musicians BEDFoRD FDC • Caller – george

Hearnden BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Mike Sharp:

Sidney Carter Songs / For Alzheimer’s REDBoURN • open StageFriday 12 BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night –

visitors welcome CAMBRIDgE • Jess Morgan FRIDAY FoLK • Chris Turner

& Friday Folk Band WATFoRD • george PapavgerisSunday 14 HITCHIN • Mid Summer Special –

Hitchin Festival: Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston

CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND • open StageMonday 15 CHESHAM • Singers HERgA • Joe Danks (Folk

Roots finalist) HITCHIN STAPLERS • Joan Rutt LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround

Tuesday 16 ST.NEoTS • open StageWednesday 17 ELY • Luke Jackson ENgLISH MISCELLANY • Country

Section Practice LINSLEIgHDERS • Folk Dance groupThursday 18 BEDFoRD • Singers Night BEDFoRD FDC • Caller – Bob Lilley BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Last Sing-

around before Summer break REDBoURN • open StageFriday 19 BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night –

visitors welcome CAMBRIDgE • open Stage with

David Savage FRIDAY FoLK • Madeleine Smith

& Vic WATFoRD • SingaroundSunday 21 CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND • Local talent

double bill: Hannah Sanders & tbc ENgLISH MISCELLANY • Morris

Section PracticeMonday 22 CHESHAM • Dave Ellis & Bo Howard

£7/£10 HERgA • open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • BBQ,

Red Bull, Preston, 7.30. Nick Plum / Derek Boothby

LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • SingaroundTuesday 23 ST.NEoTS • Les BarkerWednesday 24 ENgLISH MISCELLANY • Country

Section Practice LINSLEIgHDERS • Folk Dance groupThursday 25 BEDFoRD • Schools out Singaround BEDFoRD FDC • Caller – John green BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Closed REDBoURN • open StageFriday 26 BEDFoRD FINE • No Club – holidays CAMBRIDgE • Hosting Club Tent

at Cambridge Folk Festival FRIDAY FoLK • garden Dance with

Spring greens (phone for details) RoYSToN • Headline TBA,

support Piefinger WATFoRD • Black ScarrMonday 29 CHESHAM • Singers HERgA • open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • garden Evening LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • Fake ThackrayTuesday 30 ST.NEoTS • Round the Room


Thursday 1 BEDFoRD • Singers Night BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Closed REDBoURN • ClosedFriday 2 BEDFoRD FINE • Closed CAMBRIDgE • Closed FRIDAY FoLK • Closed WATFoRD • SingaroundSunday 4 CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND • ClosedMonday 5 CHESHAM • Singers Night featuring

Swift as He HERgA • open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • garden Evening LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • SingaroundTuesday 6 ST.NEoTS • ClosedWednesday 7 LINSLEIgHDERS • Folk Dance group MoggERHANgER • Singers, players

and listenersThursday 8 BEDFoRD • Local Singers & Musicians BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Closed REDBoURN • ClosedFriday 9 BEDFoRD FINE • Closed CAMBRIDgE • Closed FRIDAY FoLK • Closed WATFoRD • SingaroundSunday 11 CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND • ClosedMonday 12 CHESHAM • Singers HERgA • open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • garden Evening LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • SingaroundTuesday 13 ST.NEoTS • ClosedWednesday 14 ELY • Closed LINSLEIgHDERS • Folk Dance groupThursday 15 BEDFoRD • Holiday Singaround BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Closed REDBoURN • ClosedFriday 16 BEDFoRD FINE • Closed CAMBRIDgE • Closed FRIDAY FoLK • Closed WATFoRD • SingaroundSunday 18 CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND • Closed CAMBRIDgE CB2 • CB2 Restaurant

Café, Pete Seeger evening with Jamie McLaren Lachman 7pm

Monday 19 CHESHAM • Feature Night TBC HERgA • open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • garden Evening LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • SingaroundTuesday 20 ST.NEoTS • ClosedWednesday 21 LINSLEIgHDERS • Folk Dance group

Thursday 22 BEDFoRD • Singers Night BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Closed REDBoURN • ClosedFriday 23 BEDFoRD FINE • Closed CAMBRIDgE • Closed FRIDAY FoLK • Closed WATFoRD • SingaroundSunday 25 BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Stortfolk

one Day Mini-Festival, details 01279 656664

CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND • ClosedMonday 26 CHESHAM • Closed HERgA • Closed HITCHIN STAPLERS • Closed LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • SingaroundTuesday 27 ST.NEoTS • ClosedWednesday 28 LINSLEIgHDERS • Folk Dance groupThursday 29 BEDFoRD • Local Singers & Musicians BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Closed REDBoURN • ClosedFriday 30 BEDFoRD FINE • Closed CAMBRIDgE • Closed FRIDAY FoLK • Closed RoYSToN • Boo Hewardine,

support gary Smith WATFoRD • Singaround


we desperately need help to distribute copies of our new Unicorn Magazine to some of the 60 or so

distribution locations on our list.

If you could help by taking copies to your club, session or venue every quarter, please contact us. Even small deliveries will help reduce our crippling postage &

petrol bills!

Sunday 1 CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND • open StageMonday 2 CHESHAM • Singers HERgA • open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club caller LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • SingaroundTuesday 3 ST.NEoTS • Jeff WarnerWednesday 4 ENgLISH MISCELLANY • Morris

Section Practice LINSLEIgHDERS • Folk Dance group MoggERHANgER • Singers, players

and listenersThursday 5 BEDFoRD • Singers Night BEDFoRD FDC • Caller – TBA BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Closed REDBoURN • open StageFriday 6 BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night –

visitors welcome CAMBRIDgE • open Stage FRIDAY FoLK • Barrie Bullimore WATFoRD • Pete MortonSunday 8 CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND • open Stage HITCHIN • Jez Lowe &

The Bad PenniesMonday 9 CHESHAM • Feature Night TBA HERgA • open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • SingaroundTuesday 10 ST.NEoTS • Showcase NightWednesday 11 LINSLEIgHDERS • Folk Dance groupThursday 12 BEDFoRD • Autumn Singaround BEDFoRD FDC • Caller – TBA BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD •

Richard grainger REDBoURN • Pat Crilly &

greg Camburn, plus floor spotsFriday 13 BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night –

visitors welcome CAMBRIDgE • Erik Fransden FRIDAY FoLK • Mark Elvins

& Friday Folk Band WATFoRD • Spotlight Singaround with

Bob Templeman and Annette BurrowsSunday 15 CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND • open Stage HITCHIN • Lucy WardMonday 16 CHESHAM • Singers, Theme –

Bad Taste Night HERgA • John Conolly HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • SingaroundTuesday 17 ST.NEoTS • Steve Ashley

Wednesday 18 ELY • Tom McConville & David Newey ENgLISH MISCELLANY • Country

Section Practice LINSLEIgHDERS • guest caller TBAThursday 19 BEDFoRD • Local Singers & Musicians BEDFoRD FDC • Caller – TBA BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Singers Night REDBoURN • open StageFriday 20 BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night –

visitors welcome CAMBRIDgE • Tom McConville FRIDAY FoLK • Bob Lilley WATFoRD • SingaroundSunday 22 CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND •

Steve Tilston ENgLISH MISCELLANY • Morris

Section Practice HITCHIN • Blair Dunlop plus

Luke JacksonMonday 23 CHESHAM • Nancy Kerr &

James Fagan HERgA • open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Jez LoweTuesday 24 ST.NEoTS • Round the RoomWednesday 25 ENgLISH MISCELLANY • Country

Section Practice LINSLEIgHDERS • Folk Dance groupThursday 26 BEDFoRD • Singers Night BEDFoRD FDC • Caller – TBA BISHoP’S SToRTFoRD • Jon Harvison REDBoURN • Liz Simcock, plus

floor spotsFriday 27 BEDFoRD FINE • Club Night –

visitors welcome BIggLESWADE UNICoRN • Captain

Swing / Mike griffiths. Interval: Tappalachian

CAMBRIDgE • Samantha Horwill, gill Sandell, Broadside Boys

FRIDAY FoLK • Club Callers and AgM RoYSToN • Two Coats Colder, support

Sky West WATFoRD • Paul Downes & Mick RyanSunday 29 CAMBRIDgE PoRTLAND • open Stage HITCHIN • Vin garbutt plus

Sunjay BrayneMonday 30 CHESHAM • AgM HERgA • open evening LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround


BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Clubgriffin PH, 174 Bedford Rd, Kempston MK42 8BLcontact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 or 01525 404304 See us on Facebook

BEDFORD FDC • Bedford Folk Dance ClubPutnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EBcontact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574

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

BIGGLESWADE UNICORN • Unicorn CeilidhsWeatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Biggleswade Sg18 8JHcontact: Alan Creamer, 07946 439095, 01582 724261 (h) www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

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

CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Folk Clubgolden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SPcontact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986, www.cambridgefolkclub.org

caMbridge contraURC Hall, Cherry Hinton Rd, Cambridge CB1 7UBcontact: Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641 www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra

caMbridge PortLand:Portland Arms PH, 129 Chesterton Rd, Cambridge CB4 3BAcontact: Robin gillan, 07847 680 560

CHESHAM • Chesham Folk & Acoustic Music Club (Tudor Folk)Whitehill Centre, Chesham HP5 1Agcontact: Bob Templeman, 07771 727943 www.tudorfolkclub.org.uk

ELY • Ely Folk ClubThe old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4ERcontact: Ruth Bramley / Andy Wall, 01353 740999, www.elyfolkclub.co.uk

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

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

HADDENHAM • Action FolkVillage Hall Complex, Haddenham, nr Aylesbury HP17 8EEcontact: John Heydon, 01296 415333, www.haddenhamceilidhs.co.uk

HERGA • Herga Folk ClubPinner green Social Club, Rickmansworth Rd, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3TJcontact: george Papavgeris 07747 768868, www.hergafolk.org

HITCHIN • Hitchin Folk ClubSun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, Sg5 1AFcontact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk

HITCHIN STAPLERS • Staplers Country Dance ClubSt John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin Sg4 9JPcontact: Cecilia Mills, 01582 881966, www.staplers.org.uk

LEASIDERS • Leasiders Folk Dance ClubBlenheim Baptist Church Hall, Blenheim Cres, Luton LU3 1HBcontact: Liz Patrick, 01582 732656

LinsLeighders:Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade LU7 2LWcontact: Mrs E.A. Corser, 01525 378010

OXFORD • OxfolkKennington Village Hall, Kennington Rd, oxford oX1 5Pgcontact: Jane Bird, 07866 804220, www.oxfolk.org.uk

REDBOURN • Redbourn Folk Clubold Schoolroom, Hollybush PH, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DUcontact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk

ROYSTON • Royston Folk Clubold Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston Sg8 9AWcontact: Michael, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org

ST ALBANS • Folk at The Maltings / FestivalMaltings Arts Centre, St Albans AL1 3HL, plus various venues in Julycontact: Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk

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

STEVENAGE • Roundabouters Country Dance ClubFriends’ Meeting House, Cuttys La, Stevenage Sg1 1UPcontact: Sandra Welch, 01438 239 402 www.roundabouters.org.uk

STONY STRATFORD • Song LoftCock Hotel, High St, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1AHcontact: Jane Armour, 01908 566407 www.myspace.com/songloft

VILLAGE FOLK • Moggerhanger Village HallBlunham Rd, MK44 3RB.contact: Chris Bashford, [email protected]

WALTHAM ABBEY • Waltham Abbey Folk ClubRoyal British Legion, Brooker Rd, Waltham Abbey EN9 1HYcontact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987 or 07799 407363 www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com

WATFORD • Watford Folk ClubPump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JPcontact: Helen Chinn, 07913 430205 http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com

WATFORD WOODSIDE • Woodside Morris MenPump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JPcontact: Nick Wilson, 07860 663033 www.woodsidemorrismen.org.uk


JULY MID SUMMER SPECIAL IN

CONJUNCTION WITH THE HITCHIN

FESTIVAL ON JULY 14TH

MIRANDA SYKES & REX PRESTON

SEPTEMBER 8

th JEZ LOWE AND

THE BAD PENNIES

15th

LUCY WARD

22nd

BLAIR DUNLOP plus

LUKE JACKSON

29th

VIN GARBUTT plus

SUNJAY BRAYNE

OCTOBER 6

th SLAID CLEEVES (This is an

all ticket event)

13th

CHRIS WHILE & JULIE

MATTHEWS

20th

JOHN TAMS & BARRY

COOPE

27th

URBAN FOLK QUARTET

If you would like a full copy of the

programme, send us an email and we

will put you on our emailshot list.

For further details phone Maureen Jones

on

Hitchin (01462) 812391

[email protected]

www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk

THE SUN HOTEL

SUN STREET

HITCHIN

HERTS

SG5 1AF

EVERY SUNDAY

8.15 - 11.00pm


THE MARCH HARE

MUSIC BY

LIVELY GRAEME MEEK

A tune named after a pub in Dunton, Bedfordshire, where a monthly music session began in 2011

Copyright © Graeme Meek 2013 Graeme Meek is a member of song duo Life and Times and dance band Time of Your Life.

see www.lifeandtimes.info, www.lifeandtimes.me.uk & www.myspace.com/broadsidesrevisited

I was delighted when Alison Macfarlane asked me to help judge this year’s New Roots competition

for young folk musicians, along with Simon Care, David Delarre and Julian Mount. We heard some fabulous music, and the concerts were compered by the affably entertaining Barry goodman.

First was Joe Danks, a 17-year-old songwriter and already an experienced performer. His material and stage presence were confident and engaging. The four piece Windlatter gave us beautiful harmonies and good instrumental riffs. Their style on the first two numbers was great. 16-year-old Abbie Rechert has a lovely voice and her thoughtful self-penned songs will win many hearts. Trio Swift as He really warmed up through their set, using low whistle with guitars to good effect. Billy Hill, a 14-year-old fiddler, has a quietly confident, attractive stage presence. Massive potential – watch his progress!

Tanglesteps are another young band with a great ensemble sound. We loved the mix of sax, accordion and cahon – street music to lift the mood!

The over-18s concert started with Tandem, an excellent, tightly connected fiddle and guitar duo. Their performance was full of different textures and their ‘math nerd’ introductions were very funny. Briarheart hooked us from the start. Their instrumental skills, blend of guitar, banjo and bodhran, and Sam Kelly’s wondrously fluid, controlled voice were finely judged. Soloist Matt Quinn is at ease and comfortably in control of his tightly rhythmic melodeon and beautiful song arrangements. Broken Boat is a band built around the clever, quirky songwriting of Daniel Bahrami – echoes of Bob Dylan and Suzanne Vega – with nice harmonies, accordion, drumkit and banjo.

It was an enjoyable musical experience for the judges, though we missed Lynne Heraud and hope she will return next year. Participants in New Roots 2013 have won slots on festival concerts and folk club programmes – go hear them! Well done and big thanks to Alison and Barry for organising this great showcase for new folk acts.

Janet Russell


JAMESF

BBC RadTickets: £

SUMME

S FINDLAY & Friday 6th Sep

8pm

io 2 Young Fol£12.50 / £10.5

ER CEILIDH: SaTickets: £

OLLIE KING ptember

lk Award Winne50 concession

at 20 Jul, 8pm £10

erns

10 June Vinn Garbutt £10.00 £12.00 A Living Legend, makes you laugh and then cry in a minute

24 June Al Parish £8.00 £10.00 Canada’s finest, Ex Tanglewood, talented, entertaining

8 July John Kirkpatrick £8.00 £10.00 The king of squeeze, always warm, always brilliant.

22 July Dave Ellis and Bo Howard £7.00 £9.00 Beautiful voices, songs, musicianship and soundscapes.

5 Aug New Roots Feature Broken Boat £3.00 £4.00 A chance to show the best in new talent

19 Aug Feature Night TBC £3.00 £4.00 Closed August Bank Holiday Monday

Chesham Folk Club White Hill, Chesham HP5 1AG

Every Monday 8.15 to 11.00

I recently had the pleasure of watching a new band on the circuit, KARA. Daria Kulesh, the

host of Radio Dacorum’s Folk DJ show, formed the band, with Kate Rouse (hammered dulcimer), Ben Simon (guitar) and gary Holbrook (accordion).

Combine the natural entertainer of the lead singer, with winning a place on the mentoring and marketing programme run by the Folkstock Arts Foundation, and their quirky selection of songs will quickly find an appreciative audience. If today’s reaction was anything to go by, KARA capture the imagination and keep people enthralled with their theatrical, lively performances.

Anyone who has heard Daria’s rich delivery of Russian folk songs (with a twist!) will know that this is a band who are not going to stay ‘new‘ for long. KARA are full of promise and don’t take themselves too seriously – catch them where you can. Find them on www.facebook.com/KaraFolkBand.

Helen Meissner (MD Folkstock Arts Foundation)


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.

From 7:45 to 10:00 pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Marlborough

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

Standard Friday admission £3

Summer 2013

5 Jul Bob Lilley 12 Jul Chris Turner and Friday Folk Band 19 Jul Madeleine Smith and Vic 26 Jul Garden Dance with Spring Greens (phone for details)

Autumn 2013

6 Sep Barrie Bullimore 13 Sep Mark Elvins and Friday Folk Band 20 Sep Bob Lilley 27 Sep Club Callers and AGM

July 2 Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer Sept 3 Jeff Warner July 9 Salvation Jane (Australia) Sept 10 Showcase Night July 16 Open Stage Sept 17 Steve Ashley July 23 Les Barker Sept 24 Round the Room July 30 Round the Room

AUGUST CLUB CLOSED

The Priory Centre, St. Neots, PE19 2BH

Every Tuesday 8.15pm Email – [email protected]

Telephone - 01234 376278

www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk

PDF created with pdfFactory Pro trial version www.software-partners.co.uk


Bedfordshire Lace Morris

New Dancers (female) and Musicians of both sexes are

always welcome.

We practise through the Winter & Spring terms on Tuesday

evenings at 8pm, Redborne School Gym (South)

Ampthill Beds

email:[email protected]

Contact Lesley on 01234 293532

www.bedfordshirelace.org.uk

Why not come along and have a go?

RedbornstokeMorris

Welcomes new members

Come and see us over the summermonths, generally at a local pub on aMonday night (see the morris diary),

including the highlight, the ToddingtonTour on Thursday 18th July.

We practise from September on Mondaynights at Redborne Upper School Hall

Call Charlie for a chat on 01234 750829 or e-mail [email protected] See www.redbornstoke.com for further details

or find us on Facebook

Friendly tuition given No experience necessary!

Music type:No bias at all – trad to blues to rock – as long as it’s acoustic

admission charge:Totally free until the funds run out!

guests:No guests anymore, just glorious singarounds and chatarounds

Venue name:The griffin PH

Venue address:174 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BL

Parking:Smallish car park at rear or on the road

club contact:Mike Blair• 01525 404513• [email protected]• Facebook group: Bedford Folk and Acoustic Club

Welcome to the Sunny Acres Retirement

Home for Distressed gentlefolkies – where those who still remember the Folk Revival, if not always their words, can exchange songs and witty banter.

As you may gather, particularly if you have read our weekly reports on Facebook, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. However, we have great respect for each other’s music and the effort that goes into learning it. Everyone has equal billing, and there are no stars. Whatever your level of competence or confidence, you will always be made very welcome. our younger members (there are a few) are not deterred, but actively encouraged, so they keep coming back from all over the area and from many other clubs.

We never close except for Christmas Day, because the effort of remembering non-club weeks would be too much for most of us. So join us at our new and comfortable venue, The griffin in Kempston, any Thursday between 8.00 and 11.00pm – we look forward to it!

Unicorn Magazine: issUe 12324

London BarndanceSaturday 13th July 8 p.m.

John TurnerWeston Country Dance Band

Saturday 14th September 8 p.m.Rhodri DaviesVertical Expression

Saturday 19th October 8 p.m.Mark ElvinsCorporate Fiddle

Tickets: £10 (EFDSS £9, LBC & concs £8)www.barndance.org

All dances are held at Cecil Sharp House 2 Regents Park Road London NW1 7AYFurther details from Andrew and Jane: 01628 633962 [email protected]

Wednesday 17th JulyLuke Jackson

£9 (£8 advance)

AugustClosed

Wednesday 18th SeptemberTom McConville& David Newey

£10 (£9 advance)

******* NEW VENUE *******Old Dispensary, 13 St Mary’s St., Ely

CB7 4ER01353 740999/664706

www.elyfolkclub.co.uk

Ely Folk Clubpresents


This August bank holiday weekend the Suffolk festival, FolkEast, will spring into

life at its new site in the historic parkland surrounding the stately Glemham Hall.

The line-up places FolkEast firmly among some of the country’s best-loved folk festivals. With an accompanying programme of activities, workshops, performances and exhibits – including jam sessions, traditional dance classes, dhol drumming 101s, a vintage fair and mobile cinema – it promises to keep all ages entertained and involved over a long weekend.

Collectively, the artists span all that could be considered folk. The Ukelele orchestra of great Britain perform on Friday evening in a bill capped by the spectacular Demon Barbers. on Saturday, British folk doyenne Eliza Carthy will perform with fellow grandee, Jim Moray, before you’ll find yourself struggling to stand still during the prodigious sound of the Dhol Foundation. on Sunday the enigmatic Penguin Cafe will build up the atmosphere before headliners Steeleye Span take the stage to perform their classics.

As producer, John Marshall-Potter, put it, “we are unashamedly excited about this year’s line-up. It’s such an eclectic mix of innovative artists representing folk music past and present with influences from around the world.”

What’s more local award winning micro-brewery, Bartrams, are even launching a special festival ale. With plenty of space for camping, why not spend a summer weekend in Suffolk.

Find out more at www.folkeast.co.uk.

Nick Sanderson


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

Prices are for supplied, correctly-sized, press-ready artwork:

Quarter page (portrait) £22.00 Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 92mm (H)

Half page (landscape) £35.00 Trim size: 134mm (W) x 92mm (H)

Half page (portrait) £35.00 Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 191mm (H)

Full Inner page (no border) £55.00 Trim size: 134mm (W) x 191mm (H)

Full Inner page (with border) £60.00 Trim size: 148 x 210mm Bleed size: 151 x 216mm

Inside Front or Back Cover (with or without border) £67.00• No border: Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H)• With border: Trim size: 148mm (W) x 210mm Bleed size: 154mm (W) x 216mm (H)

Back Cover (with or without border) £75.00• No border: Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H)• With border: Trim size: 148 x 210mm (no bleed)Bleed size: 154 x 216mm

Front Cover Banner £50.00 Trim size: 148 x 50mm Bleed size: 154 x 56mm

diary entriesThese include free entry in the Club Index.

Price per quarter: £13.00

Bespoke Advert sizesIf you have a specific size or shape of advert in mind, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will accommodate you if we can and give you a quotation.

AdvertorialWe can also offer advertorial features if required – please contact us for further information or to discuss your exact requirements.

Advert Size Explanation:Here are some brief explanations of the Trim, Bleed and Recommended Safe Area categories and how they should be applied to your advertisements:

trim size:This is the final / actual size of the ad, either when it is placed within the bounding box (for stand alone ads), or after the publication has been cut to size (148mm (W) x 210mm (H)) for those ads with bleed.

bleed size:For ads that have elements that extend to the very edge of the trimmed page, 5mm of ‘bleed’ needs to be added, which is then trimmed off when the publication is cut to size).

recommended safe area:To prevent any areas of the ads from being obscured by the bounding box, we recommend (but do not insist) that any important items such as text, photos etc that do not bleed off etc, are kept within a 3–5mm border from the inside trim size of the ad.

The dotted red line shown on the ads in this document shows a sample 3mm safe area within each trim size.

Full page (with bleed) ads we have suggested use a 7mm recommended safe area.

Bounding Box ShapesAs part of the new design, look and feel for the publication, we have introduced a couple of options for the boxes your ad will sit within (Options 1 & 2, as shown on page 13 of the Media Pack). You can either specify which you prefer, or we will apply these at our discretion.

As a preference we will be using the rounded corner version of the box (Option 1), so please bear this in mind when designing your ad.

Please note that we will be adding the black line around the box shape in-house – it is therefore preferred that you leave this off you ad design.

artwork Formats:All artwork is printed in mono / grayscale, ideally at 300dpi. Acceptable artwork formats include (in order of preference):

• Press Ready PDF• Packaged InDesign Files• .EPS files (Adobe Illustrator

or similar vector formats / software)

• TIFFs• High Res JPEGS• .PSD files (Adobe Photoshop

format)• Packaged Quark files• Word files (please also include

with the file any images / graphics / photos / logos / fonts used)

• We can also scan from a correct size mono print (although please note we cannot be held responsible for the quality of the reproduction from this process)

Please note we also cannot guarantee the accuracy of artwork reproduction unless any file is accompanied by a PDF proof, screen grab, or printed proof sent to us by post.

Advert Design:We can design and typeset advertisements for you to produce a professional and eye-catching layout. Charges for this are £20.00 per ad, per edition – please contact Clive to discuss your exact requirement.

Advert ‘Helpdesk’:If you need any help in setting your ad, preparing it for print or simply need a bit of guidance / advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time and we will help you through the process.

Advert Templates:To help you put your ads together, we have ready-made templates for all the ad sizes, in a variety of acceptable formats. Please visit the website to download these, or contact us directly and we will send them to you.

Take advantage of our 10% discount for four issues booked and paid for in advance – any size!


Stortfolk Mini-FestivalSunday August 25th

A DAY OF SUNSHINE* AND SONGREAL ALE BAR - BARBECUE

* Not guaranteed!

Booked to appear - so far:George Papavgeris, Louise Jordan,

Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner, Mike Deavin,Tony Winn, Karen Johnson & Tony Clark,Chris Flegg, Les Elvin, Raven, Fools Gold,

Kara, Foxen & the Andy Smythe Trio

Details/info:[email protected]

We have anew website& a newweb address –please check it out (& update your records)

UM website ad.indd 1 3/6/13 15:48:27

JULyMon 1 Maypole Evening, Pirton: Chris

Turner & Cloudburst, 7.30 • stSun 7 Mollie K and Vic S with Val & Ian

McFarlane • ViFSat 13 Rosemary Hunt with The Forest

Band • wFSat 13 Public Dance, Frances Richardson

with Kelly’s Eye, 7.30 – 11.00, £7.00, food available • bF

Sat 20 Amber Willow with Jane Bird • QP

aUgUstSat 10 John Wood with The Forest Band

• wF

sePteMberSat 14 Arnold Stem with The Forest Band

• wFSat 14 Public Dance, Ivan Aitken with

Julie & Chris Dewhurst, 7.30 – 11.00, £7.00, food available • bF

Fri 27 Captain Swing with Mike griffiths. Interval: Tappalachian • Uc

bF Bedford Fine Companions: Newnham Middle School, Polhill Ave, Bedford. 01462 306943

QP Queens Park Arts Centre Folk: Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury HP21 7RT. 01296 424332

st Staplers Country Dance Club: St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin Sg4 9JP. 01582 881966

Uc Unicorn Ceilidhs: Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Biggleswade Sg18 8JH. 01582 724261, 07946 439095, www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

wF Winchmore Folk Dance Club: Trinity Church Hall, Church St, Enfield EN2 6AN. 020 8926 7293

ViF Val & Ian’s Scottish / English Party: Beaconsfield School, Wattleton Rd, HP9 1SJ. 01494 672782


WWW.FOLKBYTHEOAK.COMOR CALL THE BOX OFFICE ON: 01432 355 416

A FESTIVAL OF FOLK’S FINEST ACTS GATHERED IN BEAUTIFUL LEAFY PARKLAND FOR ONE UPLIFTING SUMMER DAY OF MUSIC.

BRING A BOTTLE AND A PICNIC!FAMILY FRIENDLY • CRAFT TENT

MUSIC STALLS • RECYCLED GIFTSDELICIOUS FOOD STALLS

REAL ALE BARCHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

STORYTELLING

OYSTERBAND

GILMORE & ROBERTS

KATE RUSBY

LAU

JIM MORAY & THE DORET ENSEMBLE

CARTHY, HARDY, FARRELL & YOUNG

FAY HIELD & THE HURRICANE PARTY WITH MARTIN SIMPSON

FBTO A5 Mono Advert 2013.indd 1 14/2/13 19:11:49

“A LINK IN THE CHAIN”Performed by Jamie McLaren Lachman

CB2 RESTAURANT CAFESUNDAY, 18 AUGUST @ 7:00 PM (to approx. 9PM)5/7 NORFOLK ST, CAMBRIDGE CB1 2LD

Pay What You Can (£5 Suggested Donation)

Portion of proceeds go towards Clowns Without Borders South Africa - an NGO that provides laughter and emotional relief to children affected by crisis in Africa (www.cwbsa.org)

Contact: 01223 353 [email protected]

Come and Sing Along!

Suitable For ALL AGES

An evening of songs and stories to celebrate the life of Pete Seeger, the American folksinger and activist.


Saturday September 7th

11.45am ~ Out of The HatThis local duo span everything from Christy Moore to The Jam. Whatever your taste they manage to pull a good time “Out of the Hat”.

1.00pm ~ LandermasonWoodWork’s favourites Fiona Lander and Paul Mason combine both traditional and contemporary folk with jazz and other styles in their beautiful and striking arrangements.

2.15pm ~ The Half Moon Drum CircleE�ectively WoodWork’s house band, The Circle will perform a few of their party pieces – then it’s over to you to have a go! A great fun experience guaranteed with brilliant drum meister Chris Puleston.

3.30pm ~ Barron BradyRos and Si have been WoodWorks favourites for some years – not surprising as Ros’s singing has a delicacy which demands attention and reaches into people’s hearts whilst Simon’s guitar playing displays formidable technical ability. Beautiful to listen to.

5.00pm ~ The Demon Barbers“…one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. If you get a chance to see them – don’t miss it – they are brilliant’. Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2.

Sunday September 8th

11.45am ~ Martin Kaszak Often performing with just an acoustic guitar or two, Martin gently dips between folk and blues in�uences to create a sound that’s often atmospheric and always easy on the ear, and a great start to Sunday morning.

1.00pm ~ Ragged Sta� With a focus on intricate arrangements and the use of a broad range of instruments such as guitar, �ddle, mandola, whistle, bodhran and uilleann pipes, this talented local band o�er a host of tunes and songs to entertain you.

2.15pm ~ BURP (Berkhamsted Ukulele Random Players)It does what it says on the can!

3.30pm ~ The Urban Folk Quartet Joe Broughton, Paloma Trigás, Frank Moon and (local boy made good!) Tom Chapman are The Urban Folk Quartet. Four highly accomplished musicians, a dozen instruments and four voices coming together to craft a knockout show of globally-in�uenced, electrifying acoustic music that has been taking the international folk scene by storm.

Saturday opening until 6.30pm – more band for your buck! Come and join us in the family friendly music tent – we look forward to seeing you

www.marstonvale.org/woodworks

The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park

£6.00 entry for adults per day, plus concessions

UM3 Woodworks ad V4.indd 1 3/6/13 12:43:40

WoodWorks returns to the Millennium Country

Park, Marston Moretaine on the weekend of 7th / 8th September. Billed as “the best little festival you may not have heard of”, this annual bash features a full programme of entertainment, exhibitions, craft stalls and refreshments.

Amid the sheepdogs and falcons, the storytellers and Dark Age villagers, will be the live music marquee. Producer and Stage Manager, Michele Read (www.fabnights.co.uk), started at the Forest Centre as a volunteer in 2000, and after planting trees and clearing scrub went on to organise the music for WoodWorks 2004.

Michele told Unicorn: “It is the highlight of my year – I get to book the best musicians, meet some wonderful people, have fun and enjoy a whole weekend of the live music I love, and share it with other people – brilliant!”

Michele’s enthusiasm is reflected in the quality and variety of the folk & roots music lineup, featuring festival favourites along with local performers. Headliners on Saturday are The Demon Barbers, a “high-energy jamboree of song, dance and musical surprise”, while topping the bill on Sunday are The Urban Folk Quartet, who are rapidly establishing a formidable reputation in UK and European folk; percussionist Tom Chapman

hails from this area and also appeared at WoodWorks two years ago with The old Dance School.

Music, as well as dance, will also be provided by Hemlock Morris (www.hemlockmorris.com). Their Squire and Bagman, Andrew Miller, told us that as Bedford’s first mixed side, they “dress and dance with a Border attitude but perform mainly Cotswold-style dances.” In their fourth appearance at WoodWorks, Hemlock will dance for a few hours from 2.00pm all over the site, whenever and wherever a crowd gathers.

See the advertisement below and their website: www.marstonvale.org/music/

Mike Nacey


one of the joys of not being a Morris Dancer is that you can choose where to go for May Day rather than being committed to

rising early to dance on some frost covered, god-forsaken village green. So this May Day found me in Cornwall and a rare opportunity to visit and enjoy one of the May Day traditions of the area.

This year I got to the lesser known “House washing” tradition in the twin villages of Treslankinessik and St zachary Haven. These two villages of white-washed cottages nestle on either side of a bay on what is euphemistically known as the East Coast of Cornwall. Indeed, a is promoted as the “Cornish Skegness”.

Here, at sunrise on May Day morning, the people of St zachary tidy their award winning gardens and wash their houses to clean off the accumulated grime of the previous winter. Then, around 10.00am, they process across to Treslankinessik; led by a host of banjos and bodhrans and carrying mops and buckets they sing their May song (see opposite) to celebrate the start of the new tourist season.

The procession around Treslankinessik continues until all the residents have been cowed into cleaning up the place.

The villagers of Treslankinessik return the favour a week later with their Floral Dance. This takes the form of a step dance in waltz time which the young people perform in a sort of “conga line” formation, processing around St zachery collecting the hanging baskets, which they balance on their heads, and dancing over all the flowerbeds.

The festivities end at sunset with a torch lit procession when all the hanging baskets are taken to the end of the pier in and thrown into the harbour.

Enjoy your Summer!

the treslankinessik May song

chorus: Wash and then wipe, lets wash and then wipe,

For the dirt must be remove-ed today, And wherever we are going we will

wash and wipe, For the tourists they are coming today.

Verse 1: The young men of zachery will wash all the walls,

For the dirt… And if they will not do it the girls

will crush their b***s, For the tourists they are…

Verse 2: Arise Mr *** and bring out your mops,

For the dirt… And if you do not wash your house

we’ll drown you in the slops, For the tourists they are…

Verse 3: Arise Mrs *** and fetch your scrubbing brush,

For the dirt… And scrub your walls and steps

and remove that old dead thrush, For the tourists they are…

Verse 4: oh where is the Tourist, oh where is he-o,

He’s stuck behind a caravan all on the A-Three-nine-o,

The stress levels up for the baby’s been sick-o,

And Johnny’s had a nose bleed all over the cold box-o.

For summer is a coming

(The last verse is sung slow, they then repeat the chorus and sing whole song again ad nauseam)


Programme July to September 2013Every Friday*, 8pm, The Golden Hind, 355 Milton Road,

Cambridge CB4 1SP.

Tickets for main acts on our website, www.cambridgefolkclub.org or phone 01638 603986.

WWW.UNICoRNMAgAzINE.oRg

www.folkstockfestival.com Promoter : Folkstock Arts Foundation c.i.c www.folkstockartsfoundation.com

Tickets £25 adult concessions available Please see website

Award winning acoustic and folk actstalented local musicians

music and dance - arts and craftstea and cakes - beer and banter

Saturday 21st

September 2013

Acoustic Festival Gates open at 10.30 am

Unicorn Magazine Issue 123

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Transcript of Unicorn Magazine Issue 123