s the weather turns wintry, thoughts turn with it, organising our own clubs, bands and to the New Year and what it might bring events with whatever resources are available. Aour folk community. The economic climate Moreover, this traditional resilience is allied to has been equally chilly of late, but hard-pressed a striking enthusiasm for recent technology, performers and organisers may take some through specialist websites (see page14), folk seasonal cheer from the Bank of England – internet radio stations, home recording and if its claim that the UK is now in a “sustained internet distribution. Not to be outdone, we at recovery” proves correct, there should be more Unicorn plan to keep pace by developing our blog money in the pockets of consumers, who may in – see Chatterbox (page 5). turn spend more on folk entertainment. Further encouragement comes from the wealth It seems unlikely, though, that 2014 will see of exciting young talent coming into folk music. any such recovery in public funding. Swingeing BBC Radio 2’s Folk Awards nominees include budget cuts have forced public bodies to focus many emerging performers, not least Josienne on what they perceive as their core activities, Clarke & Ben Walker from our region, whose cd and the arts have come to be seen as desirable we will review next time. rather than essential. Together with the shift of music education towards the fringes of Like The Foxglove Trio and The Willows, also the school curriculum (more next issue) this reviewed in Unicorn, they epitomise a new wave suggests that a new “hands-off” model of public of inventive and accomplished young ensembles support for the arts is emerging, one based on which promise to sustain and revitalise the folk facilitation rather than finance. tradition through the New Year and beyond. All is not lost. A Spanish musician friend said All things considered, we at Unicorn look what he most admired about this country was forward expectantly to 2014, and we wish you all that we don’t wait to be organised by officials a Happy New Year. – we just get on with it. A flick through these pages shows that, come recession or official indifference, we folkies will indeed just get on Simon, Clive & Mike

Editorial 1 Club Index 24 Editorial Staff: Contents 1 Tune: The Bedfordshire Regiment 26 Simon Bailes Feature: Mumming 3 Equipment Review: Robert Hill Guitar 29 07808 535110 [email protected] Chatterbox 5 Shall We Dance? 32 Clive Batkin Club Profile: NAF Club 7 Interview: The Willows 33 07771 822414 Book Review: Welsh Fiddle Tunes 8 CD Reviews: Treewind Music 37 [email protected] & Suburban Dirts Sessions 10 Mike Nacey Interview: Megson 40 07879 024193 Feature: Wassailing 12 [email protected] Advertiser Information 41 Feature: Keeping Up To Date 14 Contact address: CD Reviews: The Willows & Dave Jolly 42 Feature: Watford FC Song Competition 17 10 Chapel Street, Dunton, Broadside by Long Lankin 44 Unicorn Diary 21 – 23 Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8RW

Front cover photo by Al Rogers “Sheep on the line!” Printed by KJB UK Ltd

© Unicorn Magazine 2014 CB1051 • January 2014

Visit our website at www.unicornmagazine.org Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 1 There were a number of basic texts, but they were usually transmitted orally, and variations appeared over time – the folk process in action! Often, local jokes and allusions were inserted Christmas is Mumming! Characters changed too; the Hero might be Saint, t’s midwinter. Groups of oddly-clad characters King or Prince George, and the villain a generic invade streets, pubs and even houses to perform bogeyman, or just whoever England was fighting Iarchaic dramas. Heroes slay villains, only to at the time. The Doctor’s “cure” was always a see them revived by the dubious cures of a dodgy mixture of folk medicine and mumbo-jumbo, doctor. Old Father Christmas might appear, Turkish perhaps because doctors were often regarded with knights and other odd characters pop up and say suspicion. Extra characters, such as Beelzebub or their piece, till someone asks the audience for a Little Jack Sweep, let more performers take part. small donation, the whole group bursts into song, and then they vanish “until the next year”. St Alban’s Mummers play takes the headcount to extremes. St George gets to fight a Dragon, a Turk It’s the Mummers, of course, part of an English- and a Giant, while the Lord of Misrule, Old Father language tradition at least 300 years old. Christmas and even the King of Egypt also appear alongside the Doctor. In pre-industrial times, winter meant real hardship. Without work, labourers and their Most current Mummers groups are revivals or families struggled. Mumming (and wassailing) introductions, with many linked to morris sides provided means to gather some small income, or folk clubs. They’re not exclusively male, in cash or kind, from the better-off members they typically appear in public spaces, and their of the community, in return for some simple collections are usually made for charity. entertainment. Fortunately (?), their jokes have rarely improved with age. Mummers, always men and/or boys, would disguise themselves, symbolically at least, and visit the large There are around twenty Mummers groups houses of their village, performing a simple play. in the Unicorn area. MasterMummers (www. mastermummers.org) has a list of groups by The plays and the players were unsophisticated, county, with details of their programmes and links “Rude Mechanicals” rather than RADA. Probably, to their websites. There’s almost certain to be a few Mummers saw any other theatre, except the group near you, so look them up, and go watch odd travelling show, so acting skills were not them perform. Better still, ask how you can get stellar. “Big and broad” best describes the style. involved; next year, YOU might be declaiming “I open the door, I enter in”. We call the plays “Hero-Combat” – widespread in Britain, though quite scarce in our area. Sandy Glover

St Alban’s Mummers @ St Albans Abbey 2012

2 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 3 Unicorn Blog: What a busy lot you are. At 48 66 Wychwood Avenue, Luton LU2 7HU – with a note pages this is our biggest issue so far, but still we of which issue / s you want. If you’d like to collect struggle to fit in all the news. So we’ve decided please ring him on 07946 439095. to make more use of our blog – to provide more space, allow us to make better use of graphics and weblinks, and to include music tracks. We already use the blog for news snippets and lighter articles, Bedford FC have made the short return trip to but keep an eye out for further developments from their previous home at Daley’s Club, Bedford Road, January at www.unicornmagazine.wordpress.com. Kempston MK42 8BB, and have resumed meeting Woodworks: This annual festival has been wound there every Thursday. up after 11 years. The music tent provided a wealth Black Fen Folk Club is the new incarnation of of fine folk music, and its popularity was testament Cambridge Portland FC. The club has moved venue to the enthusiasm and ability of organiser Michele to Hot Numbers Cafe, Gwydir St, Cambridge, and still Read, together with her excellent sound crew. runs the club on Sundays but may move to Thursdays Visitors and performers alike will be disappointed after Christmas (see our blog for more details). at its demise, but may take some hope from the fact that alternative events are planned. See www. Rockhopper Morris are holding a Raglan marstonvale.org/waving-goodbye-to-woodworks. Workshop with Bantam Cocks on Saturday 8th March, 2 – 6pm in Kennington Village Hall, Oxford Folkstock: Together with its Patron Dave OX1 5PG. To book, email rockhoppermorris@ Swarbrick, Folkstock is inviting emerging gmail.com. musicians to submit original songs, from which up to six tracks will be selected to St Albans Folk festival will be on 21 / 22 June with feature a fiddle track by the maestro himself. the main events on Saturday 21st. Concert guests See www.folkstockartsfoundation.com/?p=1005. are being booked as we go to press. The Folkstock Festival was hugely enjoyable, but Folk at the Maltings continues monthly on Fridays, Folkstock MD Helen Meissner tells Unicorn she and Pete Coe’s concert on 7th March will be has no immediate plans to stage another. “It was followed by a workshop on Saturday 8th at 10am at intended as a one-off celebration of independent the Maltings. See www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk. acoustic, folk and roots musicians from all over Staplers Country Dance Club has two special the country, and as the flagship event for Folkstock events in March. On Sunday 16th (St Ippolyts Arts Foundation musicians”. The Folkstock team Village Hall, 2 – 5pm) an American Square Dance is keeping busy, supporting its Foundation artists, workshop will be led by Geoff Cubitt, with music launching the Folkstock Records label and a from Kelly’s Eye. Saturday 29th (Hitchin British recording studio (see our blog for more details). Schools, 41 / 42 Queen St, Hitchin, 7.30pm) will Storytelling: The folk tradition in many cultures, see a Memorial Dance for Brian Limbrick, with from Ireland to India, has its roots in the art Ron Coxall and the Orange Valley Band. Tickets in and craft of the storyteller. The ‘bard’, ‘skald’, advance, proceeds to the British Schools. ‘rhapsode’, ‘minstrel’ (amongst others) told and Gary Moyle laments there is no session in re-told tales of traditional lore, their stories Stevenage. Gary imagines a monthly / fortnightly evolving to reflect changes in custom, belief and informal acoustic traditional session in the Old context, and in doing so gaining new depths and Town – email him on [email protected] perspectives. Bob Elvis upholds and celebrates the and it just might happen. best in this rich history in his innovative and lyrical reworking of age old stories and songs. We are The session at Towersey is still running and would pleased to present examples of these on our blog welcome more support – please pop along to the shortly. Village Hall on the third Wednesday of the month. Unicorn back issues: Former editor Alan Creamer Watford FC’s contact is now Julian Mount on is having a clear-out and has copies of about 95% 07778 526489 – the new email address is of issues back to No.1. He’s happy to send copies [email protected]. Website and if you could send an A5 SAE to his home address – Facebook addresses remain unchanged.

4 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 5 AF Club was formed in NMay 2009 to provide a platform for local performers wanting to develop their skills. Despite the name, folk world class learning & participation music predominates at NAF, Music type: Folk / Country / Blues / Acoustic but we also encourage a wide range of genres which bring a Meets rich variety of instruments and voices. National Youth Music Camps First Tuesday of the month; no meeting in January July/August 2014 Admission charge: NAF doesn’t attract the biggest names, but the standard Normally £2.50 on guest nights of guests is high and the emphasis in on entertainment. Each summer young people aged 8 to 17 from throughout the UK and abroad come Guests: Singarounds are relaxed and friendly, attracting players Mainly local bands and soloists; 2 – 3 singarounds from some distance away. together to take part in an inspiring week-long musical experience. From orchestral playing per year to jazz improvisation, from harmonica sessions to steel pan performance, from music Venue name: We meet in a separate club room, which mainly serves theatre production to recorder and rock bands, the National Youth Music Camps has it all. The George as a Chinese restaurant – the décor is interesting and the intriguingly sticky carpet is legendary. Guests have The camps are suitable for all young people interested in music, regardless of playing standard Venue address: included Fake Thackray, The Devine Family, BURP, and there is no minimum grade of entry. Young people take part because they love music. High Street, Silsoe, Beds MK45 4EP Parking: Leon, and James O’Grady (Cara Dillon, Oysterband), and Teenage Camps (13-17 years) Ample parking the resident band is Ragged Staff. Sunday 27 July - Saturday 2 August 2014 or Sunday 3 - Saturday 9 August 2014 Club contact: Organiser Ned is delighted that the club has attracted Ned Lawton such a loyal following, including many locals who have Junior Camp (8-12 years) • 01525 860846 / 07818 812978 honed their talents over the years, and who have often Sunday 10 - Saturday 16 August 2014 • [email protected] • Please see Ragged Staff Facebook page been spurred to take up a new instrument in later life. Fees including all tuition, food and camping facilities: Teenage Camps £295, Junior Camp £275 For further information on how to apply and to download an application form go to www.stables.org/Learning/music_camps Ceilidh Experience January - March 2014

The Ceilidh Experience is for anyone interested in traditional and folk music who would like the chance to play in a band and play at a ceilidh. Gaw key £7.00 £9.00 Superb musicianship and songs, very refreshing During the sessions you’ll learn tunes and come together as small ceilidh bands, getting ready to perform at a final event for dancers and folk fans of all ages. You’ll also Dan Mc Kinnon £8.00 £10.0 0 have the opportunity to practice with a ‘caller’ and work on a professional stage with sound Canada’s finest, voice like an angel, superb songs equipment. Suitable for any instrument, but acoustic instruments are especially welcome. Ewan M c Clellen £8.00 £10.0 0 You should already be able to play tunes from memory, ideally at ‘dance speed’, The best of emerging Scottish talent and be prepared to do some tune practice between sessions. Jimmy Lee £7.00 £9.00 Dates: Sundays 26 January, 2 & 9 February, 2 & 9 March, 10am -12.30pm Simple, stark and honest songs delivered with passion + 16 March afternoon rehearsal (4pm) and evening performance Jo Topping £8.00 £10.0 0 Course fee: £85 (£65 students) for six sessions Outstanding song s, voice and guitar To book a place please call the box office, 01908 280800 Isla St Clair £8.00 £10.0 0 Still one of the best Scottish singers around The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes Box office: 01908 280800 www.stables.org

6 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 7 I would have liked some ideas on ornamentation Friday Night Train Home and chords, aspects HADDENHAM The new album from Liz Simcock Welsh Fiddle Tunes – not addressed in 97 traditional pieces for Violin either the notation or the CD. Siân’s CEILIDHS Siân Phillips, Schott Music solo playing is at Haddenham Village Hall commendably he brief introduction to this book and CD clear, but an Near Aylesbury, Bucks Tanthology throws new light on the history of accompaniment Welsh traditional tunes and the fiddle in this Celtic would have made country, which we tend to associate more with playing along Jan 4 THE PLAYFORD the magnificence of the male voice choir or the much more soothing sweetness of the harp. Helpfully, most enjoyable, while also LIBERATION FRONT tune titles are translated into English, but some extending the CD’s usefulness beyond with Bob Morgan “ The sheer simplicity and precise poise of such as ‘Black as Coal’ and ‘The New Harp’ convey an initial learning of the basic tune. However, the this album takes you right to the heart of their Welsh origins even when translated. Others CD is not essential for music readers, particularly plus CityClickers her songwriting” FolkWords are intriguing in themselves, like so many folk those with their own accompanist, on guitar, piano tune titles – who could resist trying ‘Kick the World Feb 1 CHALKTOWN with – or perhaps even a harp! th Jan Folk in the Barn Kingston  Before Me’ or ‘The Waterfall Dance’? Sheena Masson plus thJan Twickfolk Twickenham  As the largest collection of Welsh fiddle tunes st Jan St Neots Folk Club The tunes themselves are written in musical Red Kite Dance Group   available, this is a valuable addition to the folk th Willows Folk Club Sussex notation, with some bowing marks, which provide    fiddler’s repertoire, and will enable more music th Feb The Ram Club Surrey an initial guide but aren’t always particularly Mar 1 SIMON CARE TRIO with   from this beautiful country to be heard and enjoyed. th April Hitchin Folk Club helpful. The tunes are mostly simple to play, and Barry Goodman plus   could be sight-read by a player of about grade 2–3. Caroline Riches Moulton Morris www lizsimcock com Apr 5 STEAMCHICKEN with Liam Robinson plus Tæppa’s Tump CONCERTS Jan 4 ISLA St. CLAIR Feb 1 MIKE WILSON & www lizsimcock com DAMIEN BARBER Mar 1 JIM MAGEEAN & GRAEME KNIGHTS Apr 5 BEAUTY OR THE BEAST (Paul Hutchinson & Karen Tweed) The Devine Family Irish Family Band For more details telephone 01296 415333 Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with The Devine Family @ The Limelight Theatre email [email protected] or write to Haddenham Ceilidhs, John’s House Queens Park Arts Centre, Aylesbury HP21 7RT Box Office: Tel: 01296 431272 5 Church Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2QP Please visit our website for further live dates www.johndevinemusic.com www.haddenhamceilidhs.co.uk

8 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 9 Unicorn Jan ORGANISERS PLEASE NoTE: WE NEED QUARTERLY CoNFIRMATIoN To INCLUDE YoUR SESSIoN DETAILS Sunday Lunchtimes Wednesday Evenings STONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar (Weekly): AMPTHILL • Albion, MK45 2JT (2nd), Jane Armour, 01908 566407 trad English music: Taz: [email protected], 0787 028 1945 Sunday Evenings BALDOCK • Orange Tree (8.30pm, 22/1): English Folk Tunes ASTON CLINTON • Oak PH (8pm, 3rd): Alan Hewson, 01767 683583 Roger Dorman, 01296 613742 BARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses ELSTREE • Waggon & Horses (last, 5 – 8pm): (8.30pm, 8/1, 22/1, 5/2, 19/2, 5/3, 19/3): for Ukulele Nick, 020 8953 5231 Ann 01582 560815 MILTON KEYNES • CAMBRIDGE • Six Bells, Covent Garden see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly) (8.30pm, 8/1, 19/2, 19/3, Bluegrass & Old Time): Colin Tribe MILTON KEYNES • New Inn, New Bradwell (1st): Jim, 07803 158084 Patsy, 07932 157610 ELSTREE • Waggon & Horses (2nd): OLD STRATFORD • The Swan (3rd): Nick, 020 8953 5231 Cliff Burt, 01908 564932 ELY • Kings Arms , St Marys St (last): m %NGLISHTRADITIONALTUNES RADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Watling St (5pm, 4th): Liam, [email protected], 07905 044932 Nick, 020 8953 5231 MARCH • March Folk Club, Royal British Legion Club, ST ALBANS • Farmers Boy, London Rd (1st): Rookswood, 27 West End, PE15 8DP (3rd), Nick, 020 8953 5231 Acoustic music and song: Keith Cheale, 01354 652868 m )NBOTHSTANDARDNOTATION Monday Evenings ST ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall St (8.30pm, ANDTABLATURE ASHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): weekly, mainly music): Ian Chandler, 01462 743091 Trevor Hacking, 01923 351739 BERKHAMSTED • George & Dragon, Northchurch TOWERSEY • Village Hall (3rd): (1st & 3rd – Open Mic): Linda Dorman, 01296 613742 Mick, 01442 864533 (pub) WELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, m !RRANGEDWITHACCOMPANYING CHATTERIS • Chatteris Folk Club, Honest John, AL9 7PQ (2nd): 24a South Park St, PE16 6AR (3rd), Acoustic music Alan Francis, 07774 859758 ÆGURESFORÆNGERSTYLEPLAYING and song: Keith Cheale, 01354 652868 Thursday Evenings COTTENHAM • The Chequers (2nd): CROXLEY GREEN • The Shed, rear of Sportsman PH Nigel, 01954 789751 (8.15 – 11.00, 1st, song & acoustic music): m 0LAYINGINSTRUCTIONSINCLUDED  SOHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): Paul K, 07970 188026 Claire White, 01353 720550 FULBOURN • Fulbourn Folk Club, Fulbourn Sports AGUIDEFORPLAYERSGOING STONY STRATFORD • Bull Hotel (1st): & Social Club (1st): BEYONDSTRUMMINGCHORDS Peter, www.mksessions.blogspot.com Robert, 01223 411187 TOTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (9pm, weekly): FULBOURN • Fulbourn Sports & Social Club, 01582 661294 (pub) nr Cambridge (3rd): Barry, 01223 722927 Tuesday Evenings HERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): m !LLTUNESPLAYEDBY Keith Acheson, 07979 841079 BENINGTON • The Bell (4th): #OLIN4RIBEAND Kit Burgess, 01438 869435 HUNTON BRIDGE • King’s Head (4th): Tim, 01923 264536 DUNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): 2OBERT4RIBEINCLUDED Edition with CD | ED 13569 | £11.99 Maureen, 01582 512300 KIMPTON • White Horse (2nd): Doug, 07973 751039, [email protected] ONTHEACCOMPANYING#$ DUNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub) LUTON • Castle PH, LU1 3AA (weekly): Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470 GT WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): Dave, 01440 783280 TOWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): Grant, 01844 212322 HISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Dave Benford, 01223 880553 WOBURN SANDS • Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660 MARCH • Georges Folk Club, 61 High Street, The Schott World Music series includes titles for Violin, Accordion, Flute, Guitar & Piano PE15 9JJ (1st), Acoustic music and song: Friday Evenings Mark Gibson, 01354 652868 visit www.schott-music.co.uk for more details RICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane (3rd): POTTON • Red Lion (8.30, 3rd): Michael, 01923 770425 Phil & Jan, 01767 260041 ST ALBANS • King Harry, King Harry Lane ROYSTON • Old Bull Inn SG8 9AW (2nd): (1st, songs & tunes): Jenny, 01582 793164 Michael Farrow, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org TRING • Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, HP23 5QE ST NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA Available from all good music shops. For more information: (Jan no session, 7/2 (week earlier than usual), 14/3): (1st, Trad Irish): T: 020 7534 0740 | E: [email protected] Mick Bushnell, 01442 891400 Sarah, 07857 311834, [email protected] Schott Music Ltd, 48 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7BB WOOTTON (Beds) • The Cock, MK43 9JT (8pm, broad STEEPLE CLAYDON • Prince of Wales, MK18 2NP acoustic & folk): Mike Carter Jones, 01234 768555 (2nd – Open Mic): Charlie, 07925 145062

10 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 11 The wassail bowl takes as many forms as the wassails themselves. Each area and even each village has variations on the theme of wassailing Wassailing and as such the wassail bowl can vary from a very simple plain wooden bowl to hugely ornate ceramic and silver creations. The bowl holds a n Britain three forms of wassail have been drink, beer, cider, wine, with or without mulling identified. They all occur around Christmas spices. It is passed among all present and all and share similar traditions. First there is the I toast to the forthcoming year. banquet wassail where people gather for a feast to wish each other good health and to celebrate There is increasing interest in wassail customs prosperity in the year to come. Second there is with a general resurgence in the maintenance the visit wassail where groups of people, often and proliferation of traditional events and including children visit houses customs. Two books have and pubs seeking favours in been published in 2013 return for conferring good and both are well worth luck on the householder or getting hold of. The first is landlord (or more perversely, Wassailing – The British not undertaking mischievous Midwinter Blessing Custom, acts). Finally there is the published by Troy Books crop (or in some instances (www.troybooks.co.uk) and the livestock) wassail. Often second is Wassailing by Colin associated with apple and Karen Cater, published orchards this involves a by Headingham Fair (www. blessing with a view to headinghamfair.co.uk). encouraging a good crop the following summer. Wassails occur across the UK today. Some have long As with many of our traditions, histories and some are recent the origin of wassailing is not activities. One such recent clear. We know that winter wassail is held in Dunton, festivities known as wassails just outside Biggleswade have been documented since in Bedfordshire (www. medieval times, but they were duntonfolk.co.uk). around before then and we just don’t know their origins. Starting at 6.30pm on 4th It is also not clear where the January 2014 the third word Wassail comes from. Dunton Wassail will be Some say it is an Anglo- held in association with the Saxon phrase, Waes Hael, Dunton Community Garden a toast used to wish good We will have morris dancers, health. Others link it to a a mummers play and a Norse phrase, Ves Haill, to wassailing ceremony involving be healthy. Regardless of the the Dunton Wassail Choir, source, the phrase is used cider soaked toast hung in to toast good health and the tree and the finale of prosperity in a number of screaming, shouting and different ways. generally raising a rumpus to awaken the sleeping One fundamental similarity apple trees. between the three types of wassail is the use of a drink The evening will be finished (generally alcoholic) to confer off with a session in the March good luck, life power and Hare pub in Dunton. good health to all those who sup from the wassail bowl. Simon Bailes

12 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 13 Keeping up to date ike other tribes of enthusiasts, we folkies have FATEA (www.fatea-magazine) is simpler in Lour own information needs – who’s playing appearance but rich in content, with a focus on where, new songs and tunes, instrument suppliers getting new musicians heard. It uses volunteered and repairers, etc. The internet is a great articles and reviews submitted by enthusiasts resource, but where to look? and, as such, gains extensive coverage. The site is easy to navigate around with sections for news Spiralearth (www.spiralearth.co.uk) is a lively, and reviews: currently it shows around 50 CD professionally presented site providing news of reviews for October alone, listed alphabetically, tour dates, shows and festivals, and the music from international stars to local artists. Most industry generally. Visually resembling a physical are accompanied by a video of the artist. Under magazine, it allows access from its front page to the ‘Live’ section, the site reviews between five a wide range of information: a rolling CD review and ten live performances and festivals a month. section going back to 2008, a directory of folk Historical material is available via a linked archive. festivals, festival reviews, plus an excellent array of features and blogs from folk journalists on all FATEA publishes a seasonal ‘showcase’ album, aspects of the folk music scene. As I write, the site with tracks from various artists collected under a features a tour blog from ahab, Tim Edey talking single title and made available free for download about overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, in mp3. I confess to knowing only one artist on the and less serious pieces like ‘Spiral Firsts’ current ‘Watercolours’ showcase – but be sure I’ll where artists reveal the first album they bought, know the others soon enough. instrument they owned, etc. Some readers might be put off by the rolling adverts, but for me they contain information of interest. Paul McNamara (of the duo ‘na-mara’)

Sparrow Violins

A folkie Luthier for folkies

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

Fiddles and Hardangers made to commission. Hand made contemporary Fiddles for sale.

Tim J. Sparrow St.Neots, Cambridgeshire (Workshop open by appointment) Tel: 07704 836 170 Email: [email protected] www.sparrow-violins.co.uk www.facebook.com/SparrowViolins

14 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 15 After a warm up song from each entrant to unwind some nerves, it was time to present their songs. Then the Judges retired “Write a Folk to consider their verdict while Song” Final Sally Barnes performed last year’s winning song, “Way to Go”. 15th November 2013, Winner Emma Scarr recives Watford Folk Club Sally has since recorded her her trophy from Sally Barnes song, also appearing on radio, t’s 7.30pm and a packed house supporting major folk guests, With local radio in attendance, eagerly awaits, wondering who and doing press interviews. I Emma reprised her song, which would take home this wonderful As her song ended the judges will now be shared with a wider trophy. Its second year saw a new returned with their verdict: a audience, bringing her many theme – This Working Life – and hugely popular winner, to judge opportunities in the coming year. after 37 entries, 10 finalists and by audience reaction, was Emma The standard of songwriting and oodles of talent, the decision Scarr, who performs solo and as performance from all finalists was now up to the three Guest half of Black Scarr. was very high and we hope they Judges: Pete Nutkins of Watford will continue to sing their songs Folk Club, singer-songwriter She was presented with the around the clubs. Dan Raza, and Jess Distill of trophy and a bottle of champagne Said the Maiden. for her song about a colourful To enter next year contact www. friend, a painter and decorator, folkatthepumphouse.webs.com As a previous judge I can assure entitled Kathy O’Toole. or www.facebook.com/groups/ you that when standards are so watfordfolkclub. high it is difficult to assess and Runner-up Ray Owen shared his comment on each song, before father’s story with “The Spitfires Words: Jan Strapp selecting a winner and runner-up. and The Hurricanes”. Photo: Helen Chinn

(a review of our competition appears above)

16 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 17 FOLK NIGHTS Sat 15 Mar – 8pm DEVINE FAMILY Traditional Irish music, Irish dancing and special guests £12.50 / £10.50 concessions

Fri 28 Mar – 8pm PHILIP & HANNAH Haunting roots music from a first class duo £12.50 / £10.50 concessions

$Q,QYLWDWLRQWR-RLQ +HUWIRUGVKLUH+ROO\1RUWK:HVW&ORJ0L[HG0RUULV :HDUHORRNLQJIRUQHZGDQFHUVDQGPXVLFLDQVWRMRLQRXUIULHQGO\ ZHOOHVWDEOLVKHGWHDP :HDUHUXQQLQJWZR6XQGD\WDVWHUZRUNVKRSVLQ QG)HEUXDU\DQG0DUFKSPWRSP 7HDDQGFDNHVSURYLGHG 2UFRPHDQGMRLQRXUUHJXODUSUDFWLFHVHVVLRQVRQ 7KXUVGD\VSPDW+LJK&URVV9LOODJH+DOO +LJK&URVVQHDU:DUH+HUWV6*$1

)RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ ZZZKHUWIRUGVKLUHKROO\RUJXN RUFRQWDFW.DUHQRQ7HO HPDLONDUHQJLOOPRU#EWLQWHUQHWFRP

18 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 19 Dance the night away . . . FRIDAY 31ST JANUARY FRIDAY 28th FEBRUARY Unicorn Frog on a bike Wednesday 1 LINSLEIGHDERS • CLUB CLOSED WATFORD • Owen Woods / Broken Boat with haddo C E I L I D H S MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players Sunday 19 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and and listeners Mumming Practice with lyn smith Thursday 2 BEDFORD • New Year Singaround HITCHIN • John Kirkpatrick FRIDAY 21st MARCH REDBOURN • Open Stage Monday 20 CHESHAM • Singers Night liam robinson Friday 3 CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with Cheryl Hillier HERGA • Open night Frog on a Bike are a six-piece tickled pink FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Barrett HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller BBC Folk Award no band who have played together minated Will Pound has with WATFORD • Singaround LEASIDERS • Club Callers teamed up with his very successfully for over ten wife Nicky (fiddle/viola) Saturday 4 HADDENHAM • Playford Liberation Front ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm and Dan Bones (gu years. They play a mixture of itar) to form the Haddo barry goodman with Bob Morris plus City Slickers; Concert: WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Ceilidh Band. Combin English, Irish and Scots tunes, ing rich and exotic Isla St Clair Tuesday 21 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm melodeon harmonies Tickled Pink are 25 years old in 2014, Sunday 5 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and ST.NEOTS • Liz Simcock, Dave Ellis including some of their own. With with the dark tone of the viola, they deligh are celebrating with a tour - and Country Practice & Boo Howard two melodeons, whistles, bass, t in taking well-known tunes and twistin luckily we were able to book them. Monday 6 CHESHAM • Singers Night Wednesday 22 BALDOCK • Session, singaround, drums and percussion they make g them 180 degrees. Together Will, Nicky and Dan create an They must be in the top 5 bands in the HERGA • Open night all welcome, £2 a big sound that's guaranteed to HITCHIN STAPLERS • Twelfth Night Special ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice individual take on popular traditional UK, with Simon Care (melodeons), have you up and dancing! LEASIDERS • Closed LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, tunes, as well as self-pen Mark Jolley (violin), Gerald Claridge ned compositions. ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm Club Callers See Never the same twice and guaranteed to and Mark Hutchinson (guitars), Rob den (bass) WALTHAM ABBEY • Sing the New Year in WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: www.thefrogonabikeceilidhband. raise the roof. Get ready to dance your Kay (keyboards), Trevor Lan Tuesday 7 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm 8pm, The Pump House moonfruit.com/ socks off! www.haddofolk.com and Guy Fletcher (drums). In styles ST.NEOTS • New Year Singaround Thursday 23 BEDFORD • Singaround ranging from rock to reggae to Latin, Wednesday 8 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA Interval: The Brafront Guisers o other NTH TP will thrill and move you as n LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Jess Vincent FRIDAY IN THE MO band can! Club Callers HARROW WHITETHORN MORRIS • Taster LAST rg.uk .unicornceilidhs.o WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm 8 – 10pm www Interval: Rockhopper Morris The Pump House REDBOURN • Gawkey, plus floor spots Tickets only £10.00 - Singles & groups welcome Thursday 9 BEDFORD • Local Singers & Musicians STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • club callers Doors open 7.30pm BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA Friday 24 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome REAL ALE BAR The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH 8.00pm till late BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers Night – CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with Kevin O’Regan Club Re-opens CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American REDBOURN • KARA, plus floor spots Contra Dance STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • Club callers FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Lilley Friday 10 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome ROYSTON • Jess Vincent Band CAMBRIDGE • Vin Garbutt and Daniel Nestlerode CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American STONY STRATFORD • Performers Evening £2 Contra Dance WATFORD • Chris Flegg FRIDAY FOLK • Adrian Burrows and Sunday 26 HITCHIN • Bully Wee Band with Phil Beer Spring Greens Monday 27 CHESHAM • Dan McKinnon ROYSTON • Open Mic HERGA • BarlowCree STONY STRATFORD • Linda Watkins Band £7 HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller WATFORD • Singaround LEASIDERS • Club Callers Sunday 12 HITCHIN • “Treasures of the Heartland” ST ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice with Life & Times night 8pm Monday 13 CHESHAM • Gawkey WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround HERGA • Open night Tuesday 28 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller ST.NEOTS • Round the Room LEASIDERS • Club Callers Wednesday 29 BALDOCK • Double Headline Night: Gawkey ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm & Louise Petit Band WALTHAM ABBEY • Guest John Watterson aka ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice Fake Thackray LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Tuesday 14 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm Club Callers ST.NEOTS • Showcase Night WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: Wednesday 15 BALDOCK • Phil Beer £10 / £12 / £15 8pm, The Pump House *Tickets Only* Thursday 30 BEDFORD • Singers night ELY • Jackie Oates and Tristan Seume BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice BISHOP’S STORTFORD • George Papavgeris LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, REDBOURN • Open Stage Guest caller John Riley STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • Jill Bransby WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: Friday 31 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome 8pm, The Pump House CAMBRIDGE • Brooks Williams Thursday 16 BEDFORD • Singers Night FRIDAY FOLK • Suzanne Farmer BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA WATFORD • Gawkey BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Geoff Higginbottom REDBOURN • Open Stage STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • Richard Ball Friday 17 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Sam Carter FRIDAY FOLK • Colin Hume and Friday Folk Band

20 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 21 Saturday 1 HADDENHAM • Chalktown with Sheena Monday 17 CHESHAM • Singers Night Saturday 1 HADDENHAM • Simon Care Trio with Barry HERGA • Port and Brandy Masson plus Red Kite Dance Group; Concert: HERGA • Folk On Goodman plus Moulton Morris, Concert: HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller Mike Wilson & Damien Barber HITCHIN STAPLERS • Memorial Evening Jim Mageean & Graeme Knights LEASIDERS • Club Callers Sunday 2 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and for Hazel Glass: Club Callers & Cloudburst Sunday 2 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm Country Practice LEASIDERS • Closed Country Practice WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround HITCHIN • State of the Union (Boo Hewerdine ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm HITCHIN • Martin Simpson Tuesday 18 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm & Brooks Williams) WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Monday 3 CHESHAM • Feature Night with Tim Brookes ST.NEOTS • Judy Cook (USA) Monday 3 CHESHAM • Feature Night with Clive Carey Tuesday 18 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm HERGA • Open night Wednesday 19 BALDOCK • Irish Night featuring Pat Crilly, HERGA • Open night ST.NEOTS • Stuart Forester HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller Greg Camburn & friends HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller Wednesday 19 BALDOCK • Wild Willy Barrett’s Sleeping Dogz LEASIDERS • Club Callers ELY • Keith Donnelly LEASIDERS • Club Callers ELY • Winter Wilson ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Tuesday 4 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm Guest Caller Mike Ruff Tuesday 4 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm Guest caller Richard Ball ST.NEOTS • Steve & Kristi Nebel (USA) WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm ST.NEOTS • Life & Times WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: Wednesday 5 BALDOCK • James Delarre & Saul Rose The Pump House Wednesday 5 BALDOCK • Said the Maiden 8pm, The Pump House £8 / £10 / £12 Thursday 20 BEDFORD • Spring at last Singaround ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice Thursday 20 BEDFORD • Singers Night ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Steve and Club Callers BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Ron Truman Border Club Callers Kristi Nebel MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players HARROW WHITETHORN MORRIS • MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players HARROW WHITETHORN MORRIS • and listeners Taster 8 – 10pm and listeners Taster 8 – 10pm WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm REDBOURN • Caz Forbes & Ste Moncrieff, WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: REDBOURN • Open Stage The Pump House plus floor spots 8pm, The Pump House STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba Thursday 6 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba Thursday 6 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians Friday 21 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA Friday 21 BEDFORD FINE • No Club – Half Term BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA CAMBRIDGE • Luke Jackson BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Luke Jackson CAMBRIDGE • Julie Felix BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers night FRIDAY FOLK • Club Callers REDBOURN • Chuck & Angela Silverman, CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American REDBOURN • Strangeworld, plus floor spots STONY STRATFORD • Performers Evening £2 plus floor spots Contra Dance STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba WATFORD • Singaround STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • club callers FRIDAY FOLK • Chris Turner Friday 7 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome Sunday 23 HITCHIN • Gilmore Roberts Friday 7 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome STONY STRATFORD • Performers Evening £2 CAMBRIDGE • Michael J Tinker Monday 24 CHESHAM • Isla St Clair CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with David Youngs WATFORD • William Cox CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American HERGA • Open night CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Sunday 23 HITCHIN • Jackie Oates & Tristan Seume Contra Dance HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller Contra Dance Monday 24 CHESHAM • Jimmy Lee FRIDAY FOLK • Mark Elvins and FF Band LEASIDERS • Club Callers FRIDAY FOLK • Mike Ruff and Spring Greens HERGA • Open night STONY STRATFORD • Flossie Malaville £7 ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm STONY STRATFORD • Dave Ellis & Boo Howard HITCHIN STAPLERS • Guest Caller WATFORD • Singaround WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround £7 Chris Turner Sunday 9 HITCHIN • Lady Maisery plus Tuesday 25 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm WATFORD • Malcolm Hobbs LEASIDERS • Club Callers The Askew Sisters ST.NEOTS • Round the Room WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Annual ‘Ale’ – ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm Monday 10 CHESHAM • Jo Topping Wednesday 26 BALDOCK • Mairi Campbell £8 / £9 / £10 contact Nick Wilson for invites WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround HERGA • Open night ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice Sunday 9 HITCHIN • Jim Moray Tuesday 25 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Monday 10 CHESHAM • Ewen McClellen ST.NEOTS • Round the Room LEASIDERS • Club Callers Club Callers HERGA • Open night Wednesday 26 BALDOCK • Bob Hall & Hilary Blythe ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, WALTHAM ABBEY • Guests Lynne Heraud The Pump House LEASIDERS • Club Callers Club Callers & Pat Turner Thursday 27 BEDFORD • Singers Night ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: Tuesday 11 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA WALTHAM ABBEY • Feature Sam Kelly 8pm, The Pump House ST.NEOTS • Lucy Ward BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Chris Flegg & Friends New Roots finalists Thursday 27 BEDFORD • Singaround Wednesday 12 BALDOCK • Dan Walsh REDBOURN • George Papavgeris, plus Tuesday 11 WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice floor spots ST.NEOTS • Ewen McLennan BISHOP’S STORTFORD • KARA LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba Wednesday 12 BALDOCK • Phil Underwood REDBOURN • Open Stage Club Callers Friday 28 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Friday 28 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome The Pump House FRIDAY FOLK • Mike Bennett, Mollie Club Callers CAMBRIDGE • The Lights Thursday 13 BEDFORD • Singers Night – all welcome and friends WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Practice: 8pm FRIDAY FOLK • Eileen Sinden BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA ROYSTON • Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby The Pump House ROYSTON • Dude Coopers Band and Woodcut BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Forbes-Moncrieff & Annie Dressner Thursday 13 BEDFORD • Singaround WATFORD • Nigel Wesson (The Raven) WATFORD • Gren Bartley BEDFORD FDC • Caller: TBA REDBOURN • Andy Mathewson, plus Sunday 30 HITCHIN • The Young ’Uns BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers night floor spots Monday 31 CHESHAM • Singers Night REDBOURN • Open Stage STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • tba HERGA • Open night STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS • Nick Plum Friday 14 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller Friday 14 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage LEASIDERS • Club Callers CAMBRIDGE • Hérétique FRIDAY FOLK • Dave Parsons and Mike Ruff ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm FRIDAY FOLK • Brenda Godrich and FF Band ROYSTON • Open Mic WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround ROYSTON • Open Mic WATFORD • James Findlay WATFORD • Singaround Sunday 16 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Sunday 16 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Mumming Practice We desperately need help to distribute copies of our new Unicorn Magazine to the 60 Mumming Practice HITCHIN • Craobh Rua or so distribution locations on our list. HITCHIN • Vintage British Songwriters – Monday 17 CHESHAM • Singers Night If you could help by taking copies to your club, session or venue every quarter, please Steve Tilston & Allan Taylor contact us. Even small deliveries will help reduce our crippling postage & petrol bills!

22 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 23 BALDOCK & LETCHWORTH HITCHIN • Hitchin Folk Club The Orange Tree, Norton Rd, Baldock, SG7 5AW Sun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, SG5 1AF Contact: Tel: 01767 683583 email: [email protected] Contact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Club www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk Daley’s Club, Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BB HITCHIN STAPLERS • Staplers Country Dance Club Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 or 01525 404304 St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin SG4 9JP See us on Facebook Contact: Cecilia Mills, 01582 881966, www.staplers.org.uk BEDFORD FDC • Bedford Folk Dance Club LEASIDERS • Leasiders Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB Blenheim Baptist Church Hall, Blenheim Cres, Luton LU3 1HB Contact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574 Contact: Liz Patrick, 01582 732656 BEDFORD FINE • Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club LINSLEIGHDERS: Hazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Rd, Bedford MK41 9AT Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade LU7 2LW Contact: David Cooke, 01234 823920 Contact: Mrs E.A. Corser, 01525 378010 www.finecompanions.synthasite.com MOGGERHANGER • Village Folk BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Stortfolk Moggerhanger Village Hall, Blunham Rd, Moggerhanger, MK44 3RD Royal British Legion, 28 Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2NG Contact: Chris Bashford, 01767 640242 Contact: Jon & Hilary McNamara, 01279 656664 [email protected] www.beerfordbury.co.uk REDBOURN • Redbourn Folk Club CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Folk Club Old Schoolroom, Hollybush PH, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DU Golden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SP Contact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 Contact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986, www.cambridgefolkclub.org www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk CAMBRIDGE CONTRA ROYSTON • Royston Folk Club URC Hall, Cherry Hinton Rd, Cambridge CB1 7UB Old Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston SG8 9AW Contact: Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641 Contact: Michael, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN (Men’s Cotswold) CHESHAM • Chesham Folk & Acoustic Music Club (Tudor Folk) Riverside Road, St Albans Whitehill Centre, Chesham HP5 1AG Contact: Bagman, Andrew Torrington, 01727 833028, Contact: Bob Templeman, 07771 727943 www.stalbansmorrismen.org.uk www.tudorfolkclub.org.uk STEVENAGE ROUNDABOUTERS FDC ELY • Ely Folk Club Friends Meeting House, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage SG1 1UP The Old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4ER Contact: Margaret Newton, 01438 351819 (no bar) www.roundabouters.org.uk Contact: Ruth Bramley 01353 740999 / 664706 STONY STRATFORD • The Song Loft www.elyfolkclub.co.uk Cock Hotel, High St, Stony Stratford, MK11 1AH ENGLISH MISCELLANY Contact: Jane Armour, 01908 566407, www.thesongloft.co.uk East Hyde Village Hall, Lower Harpenden Rd (B653), ST NEOTS • St Neots Folk Club nr Luton LU2 9QB Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH Contact: Helen Stamp, 020 8386 3779 Contact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278, www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk www.englishmiscellany.com WALTHAM ABBEY • Waltham Abbey Folk Club FRIDAY FOLK • Friday Folk Social Dance Club Royal British Legion, Brooker Rd, Waltham Abbey EN9 1HY Methodist Church, Marlborough Rd, St Albans AL1 3XG Contact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987 or 07799 407363 Contact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508, www.fridayfolk.org.uk www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com, see us on Facebook HADDENHAM CEILIDHS WATFORD • Watford Folk Club Haddenham Village Hall, nr Aylesbury Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JP Contact: 01296 415333, [email protected] Contact: Julian Mount, 07778 526489, watfordfolkclub@outlook. HARROW • Whitethorn Morris (Ladies North West) com, www.folkatthepumphouse.webs.com, 6th Harrow Scout Group Headquarters, 1A Walton Road, www.facebook.com/groups/watfordfolkclub/ Harrow HA1 4UX WATFORD WOODSIDE MORRIS • Woodside Morris Men Contact: [email protected], 01908 613644 Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford WD17 2JP 07752 289026, www.whitethornmorris.com Contact: Nick Wilson, 07860 663033 HERGA • Herga Folk Club www.woodsidemorrismen.org.uk Pinner Green Social Club, Rickmansworth Rd, Pinner, WICKET BROOD • Wicket Brood Border Morris Middlesex HA5 3TJ St Stephen Parish Centre, Station Rd, Bricket Wood AL2 3PJ Contact: George Papavgeris 07747 768868, www.hergafolk.org Contact: Gill Clough, [email protected] www.wicketbrood.org.uk

24 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 25 The BARNRakes DANCES TREFUSIS, CECIL SHARP HOUSE The George, High Street, 2 REGENT’S PARK ROAD, NW1 7AY Silsoe, Beds MK45 4EP Call: 020 8527 8419

th £7 on the night 2013 4 Feb. The Foxglove Trio doors open 7.30pm start 8pm -11pm th 4 Mar. The Devine Family Wednesdays Spring 2014 . 1st Apr. KARA 29th January 26th February 26th March . 16th April 6th May. Singaround Reg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross Admission £2.50. Starts 8pm. & Ken Lees are joined for this new Floor Singers always welcome. series of dances by caller Steve Roud + guest callers & song spots LICENCED BAR Contact Ned: 01525 860846

Emka[
Zq
?jY]e]
E]]c Dan]dq

9
j]_ae]fl
l`Yl
^gm_`l
gf
L`]
O]kl]jf
>jgfl$
Yl
?Yddahgda$
af
AlYdq$
=_qhl
Yf\
HYd]klaf]
\mjaf_
OOA& ;ghqja_`l

?jY]e]
E]]c
*()+ ?jY]e]
E]]c
ak
Y
e]eZ]j
g^
kgf_
\mg
Da^]
Yf\
Lae]k
Yf\
\Yf[]
ZYf\
Lae]
g^
Qgmj
Da^]& K]]
ooo&da^]Yf\lae]k&af^g$
ooo&da^]Yf\lae]k&e]&mc

`llhk2''kgmf\[dgm\&[ge'da^]Yf\lae]k%mc

26 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 27 WWW.STALBANSFOLKFESTIVAL.CO.UK ST ALBANSnd FOLK FESTIVAL st & 22 2014 A modern take on a classic design June 21 December 2013

st Saturday June 21 January 3 Malcolm Hobbs obert Hill, a recent Product Design graduate Planetary geared tuners: Alison Raymond Rof New Bucks University, put his training to These are a revelation to most people, who Free music in the Old Town Hall Whinlatter • work in designing this innovative acoustic, nylon- associate them with violins, violas and cellos Festival concert January 31 The Devine Family strung guitar. rather than guitars. Looking like old-fashioned • plus Matt Tighe Day of Dance in the City Centre pegs, these are actually geared tuners, with an • March 7 Pete Coe plus Broken Boat It has a four-octave range (24 frets), Planetary innovative pressure adjustment mechanism to For further details see web site April 4 Across the Pond & Back Again geared tuners, a Richlite fretboard and carbon make tuning smooth and particularly accurate. with Tappalachian fibre struts to support the back and soundboard. Wednesday July 2nd The fretboard stands free of the soundboard Carbon fibre 8.00pm at the Maltings Arts Theatre in the upper range, aiding the vibration of the The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL Used throughout the instrument, in structural St Michaelʼs Street folk evening: soundboard and producing a strong, resonant • Tickets £10, student concessions £8 from: elements, trim, purfling and general Dancing in the street and music tone. The bridge is moved along the soundboard, www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo positioned similar to that of a steel-string guitar. decoration. in its three pubs 0844 870 0887 St Albans Tourist and Information Centre Let’s look at a few of the more revolutionary Overall, this is a fascinating guitar to look at, features in more detail: to play and to hear. It is loud, with a wonderfully Email: [email protected] resonant bass sound coupled with clear and Web: www.stalbansfolkfestival.co.uk Further information: Raised, Richlite fretboard: penetrating trebles. W: www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk Enquiries: 01727 852111/ 833028 E: [email protected] Richlite is an eco-friendly fibre composite The prototype is played live by Robert’s father, material made from partially recycled paper well-known player and teacher Richard Hill, and phenolic resin. With a high strength-to- who used it at the 2013 Shrewsbury Folk Festival. weight ratio, low thermal expansion and high compressive strength and durability, it’s ideal I am sure we will see and hear many more of 1 AliMcf Quarter Page (portrait).indd 1 25/11/132 AliMcf 00:21:36 QuarterIf Pageyou (portrait).indd are under 1 25 25/11/13 00:52:08 for making strong, stable guitar fretboards. Roberts’s models in future. For more information, and play traditionally including details of both options Robert’s deep fretboard works well with the and price, contact Robert at: based music... flat neck profile, and the neck itself is very this is for you easy to play – the frets are well seated and [email protected]. finished, and the Richlite feels surprisingly Clive Batkin There are two categories: natural. The raised fretboard intensifies the bass notes while instilling the treble strings under 18 and 18 – 24. with a sweet sound. The judges, Carolyn Robson, Gavin Davenport, Andy Stafford and Lynne Heraud will give helpful advice and award performance opportunities.

To enter, send a CD with

up to 15 minutes of your Will McNicol music to: Guitarist Magazine’s Closing date: January 31 2014 Acoustic Guitarist of the Year Alison Macfarlane 2011, interviewed playing the Finals: Sunday April 6 2014 @ 40 Warwick Road guitar in June 2013 Trestle Arts Base, St Albans Richard Hill with www.new-roots.org.uk St Albans the prototype guitar [email protected] Herts AL1 4DL

28 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 29 3 AliMcf Quarter Page (portrait).indd 1 27/11/13 10:33:10 The Willows www.thewillowsband.com March Spring Tour 2014 Sat 1st - The Crossroads, Radwinter, Essex Sat 8th - Dunton Folk Club, Bedfordshire Wed 12th - The White Horse, Stonesfield, Oxon ONE WEEK – EIGHT ARTISTS Thur 20th - Arts Centre, Norwich NEW MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE ELIZABETHAN AGE Thur 27th -The Junction 2, Cambridge More dates to be confirmed MARTIN SIMPSON BOB HARRIS - "How lovely is that, tender, delicate and very beautiful music from the Willows" NANCY KERR MIKE HARDING, JIM MORAY "They sort of straddle the worlds between Americana and English roots music...I think it's really amazing!" BELLA HARDY JOHN SMITH Spring 2014 HANNAH JAMES If you enjoy a 3 Jan Bob Barrett lively barn dance, 10 Jan Adrian Burrows and RACHEL NEWTON Spring Greens you'll find 17 Jan Colin Hume and FF Band EMILY ASKEW Friday Folk is 24 Jan Bob Lilley a great way 31 Jan Suzanne Farmer to meet 7 Feb Mike Ruff and Spring Greens like-minded 14 Feb Brenda Godrich and FF Band Thursday 20 March 2014 Saturday 22 March 2014 people and 21 Feb Chris Turner The Old Palace, Hat eld House Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road have fun. 28 Feb Eileen Sinden Hat eld, Herts, AL9 5NQ London, NW1 7AY Newcomers are 7 Mar Mark Elvins and FF Band Tickets £16* Tickets £16* always welcome. 14 Mar Dave Parsons and Mike Ruff www.folkbytheoak/TES • 01432 355 416 www.cecilsharphouse.org • 0844 888 9991 And there's no need 21 Mar Club Callers to bring a partner. 28 Mar Mike Bennett, Mollie and friends 4 Apr Bob Barrett and Spring Greens From 7:45 to 10:00 pm at the 11 Apr Ron Coxall and FF Band Methodist Church Hall, Marlborough 18 Apr Closed for Easter Road, St Albans, AL1 3XG. www.fridayfolk.org.uk ñ 01727 856508 25 Apr New term starts Standard Friday admission £3 * Booking fees applicable WWW.FOLKBYTHEOAK.COM/TES 30 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125

TES A5 Advert Mono 2014.indd 1 14/10/13 20:03:44 Meeting The Willows Wed 1 Anglo-Scottish Dance with Andrew Sat 8 Mary Bryan with The Forest Band October 2013 Kellet & Mary Bryan, Resident Band, • WFD ive at Camden’s intimate Green Note venue, uplifting, mournful and gutsy, Jade’s voice floats The Forest Band • WFD Sat 15 Barn Rat Band with Alison Heywood, the Willows are an absorbing and entertaining over driving instrumentation, as husband Cliff and Sat 4 Forest Band with Phyllis Chapman, 7.30 – 11pm, £7, accompanied U16’s L presence. Active since 2010, the Cambridge five Ben interplay guitar, banjo or dobro seamlessly over John & Ann Symmonds, NOTE 4 – 7pm, free, bar, parking • WS piece cite influences as diverse as Steve Earl Steve MacLachlan’s driving percussion. Cliff’s sister £10, free raffle, plate of food to share Sun 16 American Square Dance workshop and Gram Parsons, the 60s UK folk revival, Prue’s beautiful vocals add richness to the texture, • CFA led by Geoff Cubitt, music Kelly’s Eye, and Americana. while her violin brings an often dramatic finishing Sat 11 Caller Paul Garner, Band John Hymas 2 – 5pm • SCD touch to the sound. & Paul Hutchinson, £7, Food available Fri 21 Tickled Pink with Barry Goodman • UC But if the Willows embrace music styles from • BFC Wed 26 Reg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross, both sides of the Atlantic they do so with a style The band finds different ways to reach a new Sat 11 Cyril’s Birthday Dance, with invited Ken Lees, Caller Steve Roud, guest all their own, in which their home city remains audience. “People discover music on Youtube – callers and The Forest Band • WFD callers, song spots £7 on the night, important. “There is so much diversity in the Mike Harding found us there” says Ben. Sat 18 Hairy Marys with Sue Mallinson, 8 – 11pm, doors 7.30pm • RBD Cambridge music scene, so many hidden gems”, 7.30 – 11pm, £7, accompanied U16’s Sat 29 Memorial Dance for Brian Limbrick, they say. “Cambridge Folk Club has given us The video for their song ‘Bella’s Fury’ was directed free, bar, parking • WS Ron Coxall with the Orange Valley massive support” while the Portland (now Black by Steve MacLachlan. Filmed in Thetford Forest, it Wed 29 Reg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross, Band, 7.30pm, tickets in advance, Fen) club also holds a special place in their hearts. gives it a whole new presentation to what is already Ken Lees, Caller Steve Roud, guest venue Hitchin British Schools, a dramatic song, without losing sight of its essence. callers, song spots, £7 on the night, 41 / 42 Queen Street, Hitchin • SCD Another key source of inspiration close to home is 8 – 11pm, doors 7.30pm • RBD the Full English Digital Archive. Says Ben Savage, If you get the chance to see them live, I strongly Fri 31 Frog on a Bike with Lyn Smith • UC recommend you do so. BFC Bedford Fine Companions: “We use lyrical samples and emphasise geography Newnham Middle School, Polhill Ave, in trying to bring back pride in local identities.” Bedford MK41 9DT. Robert Roots Sat 1 Mollie K & Vic Smith, Caller Geoff 01234 823920, [email protected] Their music journeys across some dark ground, CFA Chiltern Folk Assoc.: Cubitt • SCD with themes of escape, injustice and mortality, Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Avenue, but there is also great imagination and ambiguity. Sat 8 Carol Hewson with The Forest Band HP6 5AH. • WFD 01628 486845 “We sing something dark, but intriguing” says lead The Willows Sat 22 Oxford & Cambridge Highland Ball, CU Cambridge University Strathspey & Reel Club: singer Jade Ward. Luke Brady’s Scottish Dance Band Chesterton Community College, Gilbert Road, with Caller Edmund Croft • CU Cambridge CB4 3NY Their 2013 album, ‘Beneath our Humble Soil’ is Sun 23 Family Dance, Toucan Play & [email protected] (preferred) or 07837 648198 reviewed elsewhere in this publication, but the Ted Morse 2.30 – 5.30pm, children with RBD Rakes Barn Dances: experience of producing the record shows how Trefusis, Cecil Sharp House, adults free, adults £6.00 • CFA serious the band is about developing its sound. 2 Regents Park Road, NW1 7AY. “The songs are right in your head after two years Wed 26 Reg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross, 020 8527 8419 of gigging. It’s hard to think about how we can Ken Lees, Caller Steve Roud, guest RM Rockhopper Morris: callers, song spots, £7 on the night, Kennington Village Hall, Kennington Road, change them for a record”, they say. 8 – 11pm, doors 7.30pm • RBD Kennington, Oxford OX1 5PG [email protected] They turned to Stu Hanna of Megson. “We produced Fri 28 Haddo with Liam Robinson • UC SCD Staplers Country Dance Club: the record but needed someone from the outside Parish Hall, Waterdell Lane, St. Ippolytts, SG4 7RB. with fresh eyes. Stu brought patience and helped 01582 881966 us to re-think our songs”. Sat 8 Raglan Dance Workshop, 2 – 6pm, UC Unicorn Ceilidhs: Guests Bantam Cocks Morris with Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, On stage, Jade and Ben take turns to relate the Biggleswade SG18 8JH. Rockhopper. £5 Adults, £2.50 Students. 01582 724261, 07946 439095 background to the songs. The Lakeman brothers EXTRA! From 8pm in the village hall, www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk helped develop their stage act, while a period Oxfolk Ceilidh with Brio and caller WFD Winchmore Folk Dance Club: supporting Lau provided insight into performance Nick Walden, only £8 for workshop Trinity Church Hall, Church Street / Gentleman’s technique, but it was supporting Rory Mcleod which attendees • RM Row, Enfield EN2 6AN gave them their greatest inspiration. Sat 8 Callers Kathryn & David Wright, John Wood 020 8926 7293 WS Woburn Sands Ceilidhs: They have a warm, relaxed relationship with their Band Chris & Julie Dewhurst, £7, Summerlin Centre, 138 Station Road, Food available • BFC Woburn Sands MK17 8SG audience, and musically are at the top of their game, 01905 582660, [email protected] with real depth to their live sound. Haunting and

32 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 33 Turvey Mysteries DANCE THE MORRIS WITH ST ALBANS MORRIS MEN

PRACTICES EVERY MONDAY EVENING IN ST ALBANS SEPTEMBER TO APRIL

Try the morris: all levels welcome, dancers & musicians

Please contact Jon (01727 841385) or Andrew (01727 833028) The Nativity UM3 St Albans Morris Ad 1.indd 1 19/8/13 21:22:54 $FRPPXQLW\SURGXFWLRQRIWKHÀUVWRI 7RQ\+DUULVRQ·VFHOHEUDWHGF\FOHRIP\VWHU\SOD\V ZLWKPXVLFFRPSRVHGE\-RKQ7DPVDQG7KH+RPH6HUYLFH 7RWDNHSODFHLQWKHKLVWRULFVHWWLQJRI $OO6DLQWV·&KXUFK7XUYH\%HGIRUGVKLUH WKWK-DQXDU\SP 7LFNHWV  FRQFHVVLRQV $YDLODEOHIURP7LP%UHZVWHU   RULQSHUVRQIURP7XUYH\&HQWUDO6WRUHV :HEVLWHZZZWXUYH\P\VWHULHVRUJXN (0DLOLQIR#WXUYH\P\VWHULHVRUJXN

34 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 35 UM2 Quarter Page (portrait) STACEY BANJOS 2.pdf 24/4/13 11:32:08

paced, with a cohesive ensemble feel which captures the sound, if not quite the atmosphere, STACEY BANJOS of a live pub session. My favourite tunes include ‘Jack Robinson / Mount Hills’, with its tasteful Out of Reach banjo adornments, and the muscular, Morris- Treewind Music inspired ‘South Downs / Linnen Hall’. REPAIRS SET-UPS & Amid the instrumental hurly-burly, ‘We are Forced his compilation of C RESTORATION TO: to be Contented’ provides a reflective interlude. Tsession favourites comes Words from a nineteenth century broadside, set M from a group of musicians to an original tune by Ron Flanagan, convey a ACOUSTIC GUITARS based around Reach in Y message which still resonates today: in times ELECTRIC GUITARS Cambridgeshire. The band of austerity the rich continue to “do just as they CM comprises Anahata (melodeon, cello, concertina), please”. The gentle lead vocal lends clarity to the Chris Sullivan (mandola), Danny Gallagher lyric, while simple but effective vocal harmonies MY CLASSICAL GUITARS (melodeon), David Dolby (fiddle, mandolin), Mary bring an anthem-like richness to the choruses, CY BANJOS & MANDOLINS Humphries (concertina, banjo) and Simon George evoking the quiet dignity of the impoverished but Kelso (guitar, vocal). Well-researched sleeve notes ‘Contented’ populace. CMY BANJOS BUILT TO ORDER trace the origins of the material, drawn mostly This cd is a valuable resource for session players, K from the English tradition and featuring several works by John Clare. and although more casual listeners may find it one DAVE STACEY to dip into rather than play repeatedly, they will It’s no surprise to find sparkling squeezeboxes also find much to enjoy. It’s all in a good cause too, 19 FIELD LANE well to the fore, while the range of instruments proceeds going to Cancer Research UK in memory LETCHWORTH provides plentiful harmonies and a satisfyingly of Danny Gallagher’s late wife, Sarah. varied texture. The playing is relaxed and well- HERTS SG6 3LF Mike Nacey 01462 683074 A Tiny Little Island in a Big Bad Sea Suburban Dirts

his is the Hertfordshire Tbased Suburban Dirts second album. It is a well-rounded recording that showcases the depth of their talent. The CD is carefully crafted, with varied styles and shades of atmosphere throughout. There are still elements that suit ‘For folk music... read good music...’ the Bob Dylan label that was attached to their first album, but I think that you can also add Contemporary. Traditional. Folk. Blues. flavours of Del Amitri, Hothouse Flowers and Bluegrass. Country. Songwriters. Singers. the Waterboys to their base of alt country, folk Instrumentalists. Footstomping dance and blues. bands. Even a well-tempered electric All of the tracks on this album are excellent guitar if it fits... in their own way. I like the sentiment of Occasionally Drunk and the driving electric blues Open Mics: second Friday of the month of Hose Ban Blues. My favourite, however, is All Concerts: last Friday of the month of This simply because after the contrasts of the other ten tracks it is a beautiful, simple end to a www.roystonfolk.org fantastic album. Open mic bookings: Released in mid November 2013 this album 07738 183158 [email protected] certainly goes onto my list of must-buy albums for 2013. Simon Bailes

Whitethirn Gallery Ad 11 TAO.indd 1 21/11/13 00:49:50 36 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 37 Bedfordshire W: www.duntoncider.co.uk Lace DUNTON E: [email protected] Cider T: 01767 316 124 (Andy) Morris 01767 310 424 (Simon) New Dancers (female) and Musicians of both sexes are always welcome. Why not come along and have a go?

We practise through the Winter &

S Spring terms on Tuesday T S I evenings at 8pm, K C O Redborne School Gym (South) T S Ampthill Beds & Y IT Contact Lesley on 01234 293532 IL C AB ON AIL TACT US FOR AV email:[email protected] A HIGH QUALITY CIDER, MADE FROM LOCALLY www.bedfordshirelace.org.uk SOURCED PRODUCE, SOLD TO A LOCAL MARKET

Dunton Cider Quarter Page (portrait).indd 1 25/4/13 17:11:04

Traditional & Contemporary Folk Music For more information about Ragged Staff, or to make a booking, please contact: Simply tell us what size advert you want, supply all the relevant content (text, photos, Ned Lawton contact details etc) and for just £20.00 per ad T: 01525 860846 / 07818 812978 we will create an eye-catching and effective E: [email protected] design – no more worries about sizing, specifi cations or artwork technicalities... W: www.ragged-staff.couk

Contact the Unicorn Team for more information or to discuss your requirements. Or visit our website www.unicornmagazine.org for full details and examples of what we can do for you.

UM2 QuarterUni Pagecorn (portrait).inddMagazine: issue 1 125 17/4/13 10:43:59www.unicornmagazine.org 39 UM ad design service ad.indd 1 21/11/13 16:45:23 ‘ QR`VT[ ‘ Y\T\` ‘ ]\`aR_` ‘ ‘ Ob`V[R`` PN_Q` ‘ ËfR_` ‘ Megson ‘ NQcR_a` ‘ dRO`VaR` ‘ November 2013 ‘ ]_V[a  ]U\a\T_N]Uf ‘

egson (Stu and Debbie Hanna), though originally from the North East now live in Hertfordshire. MThey met whilst singing in the Cleveland Youth choir and moved south when Debbie secured a place to study music in London. Neither were particularly involved in folk music (Stu played electric guitar in a punk band for a while) and while they were aware of the folk and acoustic scene in the north east, they fell into the London folk scene almost by accident. When Stu started writing his own material and they worked on some traditional songs that Debbie was familiar with from her studies, they found a sound and style that was their own. Starting to perform in London’s folk and acoustic clubs in 2003, they toured with Seth Lakeman in 2005 have been entertaining the folk world since. I caught up with Stu and chatted about what has been happening to Megson recently… Design & Creative Services Life as self employed musicians is pretty much I asked Stu about what makes a good gig. the same as any self employed person. Stu said, “Atmosphere” was his immediate response. (musicians a speciality) “Ensuring your product is of the best quality “It doesn’t really matter where the gig is, folk and that it is presented to your customers in club, theatre, festival. Whether a gig is great a professional manner is only part of the job. or not depends on the interaction between Rehearsing and performing probably only the audience, the venue, the organisers and take up half of our time, with the other half the performer. If one or other of these fails to taken up with the day to day organising of a contribute to the atmosphere it can feel flat. business. Song writing, rehearsing, recording Get all of these working together and www.clivebatkindesign.com and performing – the creative stuff – is great, the atmosphere can be electric.” but the other stuff is important in breaking up the creative sessions. I might play the guitar all Megson recorded a live album at Hitchin Folk day when rehearsing for a new album or a tour Club which was released in the autumn of UM CB ad.indd 1 7/5/13 14:34:10 but spending time with Lola (their daughter) or 2013. Why a live album rather than another helping Debs with organising tour dates gives studio album? “Atmosphere” was the response again. “Studio albums are great, but live For a complete guide to advertising with us, including a full set of technical specifications and suggestions to me a really useful break.” A busy diary with gigs ensure your ad looks as good as possible, please downlaod a copy of our Media Pack, available from our website. and festivals interspersed recently with a series albums give a taste of a concert as a whole. of family folk shows keeps both Deb and Stu The noise of the crowd, the feel of the venue, Advertisement Sizes: • With border: Trim size: 148mm (W) x 210mm very busy. “The Family Folk Show gigs were the the interaction between the performer and the Please note that from March 2013 we changed our adverts sizes and prices to the following shown below. Bleed size: 154mm (W) x 216mm (H) most rowdy gigs we’ve ever done; there were audience all come across in a live recording to give a completely different feel to the songs. mosh pits and stage invasions! Under-fives can Prices are for supplied, correctly-sized, press-ready Back Cover (with or without border) £75.00 be loud and lively… I think they liked it, judging With this album, the live setting has given a artwork: • No border: different dimension to some of our songs and Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H) by the singing along – and their parents seemed Quarter page (portrait) £22.00 we think they sound better than the studio • With border: to. I wish someone else would do something Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 92mm (H) similar so we could recordings. Hitchin Folk Club is a great club and Trim size: 148 x 210mm (no bleed) take our toddler – venue. Keiron and Maureen do a fantastic job Half page (landscape) £35.00 Bleed size: 154 x 216mm organising their events and it was great that we Trim size: 134mm (W) x 92mm (H) it’s got to be better Front Cover Banner £50.00 recorded our live album there.” The live album than a trip to the Half page (portrait) £35.00 Trim size: 148 x 50mm Soft Play!” contains a version of Tally-I-O the Grinder Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 191mm (H) Bleed size: 154 x 56mm previously unavailable on Megson’s albums. Mixed in with their It has become their encore song and they often Full Inner page (no border) £55.00 All artwork is printed in mono / grayscale – preferrred hectic gigging leave the stage to the sound of the audience Trim size: 134mm (W) x 191mm (H) formats are high res (300dpi) PFDs, with all fonts embedded (see the Media Pack for more information). schedule Stu also repeating the chorus. Full Inner page (with border) £60.00 finds time to produce Trim size: 148 x 210mm Please note that we will be adding the black line around artists such as Show Have a look at the Megson website – Bleed size: 151 x 216mm ad box shapes in-house – please leave any border lines off your ad design. of Hands, Lucy Ward, www.megsonmusic.co.uk – for gig listings for 2014 Inside Front or Back Cover £67.00 the Young Uns and (with or without border) Diary Entries These include free entry in the Club Index. Cambridgeshire • No border: band The Willows. Simon Bailes Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H) Price per quarter: £13.00 Megson Take advantage of our 10% discount for four issues booked & paid for in advance – any size!

40 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 41 The Willows Dave Jolly “Beneath Our “By Land since 1976 Humble Soil” And By Sea” RITAIN S OLK COUSTIC PECIALISTS Proper Records B ’ F & A S ave Jolly has been he Willows are a Dplaying squeezable Tfamily folk band, instruments for forty Our nine shops stock all based in Cambridgeshire. Beneath Our Humble years and just released his first album. Soil is their debut CD, launched earlier this Dave runs Jolly Box in Northampton (www. kinds of acoustic & folky year. Since then they have received high praise jollybox.co.uk) providing sales and service from among others Bob Harris and Mike for melodeons, accordions and concertinas. musical instruments Harding and the band have become regulars He also owns a set of bagpipes, but being a on the Festival circuit. gentleman he doesn’t play them! from Britain and around They are very good. It is difficult to find anything The album is a collection of Dave’s favourite wrong with the musical arrangements of their tunes and songs. His tastes are very similar the world! own original songs which show many influences to mine so the track listing appeared very from Britain and the US. familiar and homely, before I had even opened the CD case. I find that when I listen to a tune Expert staff are always The whole gorgeous package is fronted (mainly) or song that I really like but performed by on hand to give you by the great vocals of Jade Rhiannon although someone I am not familiar with, there is a all of the five regular members – Cliff Ward on sense of apprehension. Am I going to like it? free, friendly advice. guitar and banjo, Ben Savage on guitar Will it be different to what I am familiar with but and dobro, Stephen MacLachlan on percussion better, or will it just not hit the mark? Dave has and piano and Prue Ward on violin – can more exceeded my expectations with his clean and Try the intruments for yourself! than hold a tune both as lead and as harmony confident approach to these songs and tunes. singers. The effect is a sumptuous mix of voices Each shop has a huge and instruments, reflective as in the opening The mixture of familiar songs and tunes with and varied stock of new and track “Out at Sea” and on more upbeat tracks some of Dave’s own compositions works very like “Worker’s War”. well. My favourite song is “Farewell to the Gold”. Written by Paul Metsers and featured secondhand instruments The whole CD is enhanced by a steady hand at on the Nic Jones album Penguin Eggs, production by the band itself and some guest Dave’s strong voice tells the story over a light SUPPORTING LI players on bass, cello and melodeon. accompaniment. The tunes that tickle my MUSIC FESTIV VE fancy are “Hamish McTavish” and “Yer Pigs Special mention is also due for “Numb”, on Fire”, partly because they are great tunes, Sidmouth, CornwAaLlSl, “Absent Friends” and the wonderful “This Book but also because of the origin of the name for Crawley of Ours” among 11 terrific tracks on an album the second tune. Dave was playing at a gig in a , Oxford, BMG, which is in my opinion a candidate for Album Risele barn when the hog roast caught fire. When he y, Tent of the Year. Broadstairse radnedn ,more shouted to the organiser “Hey mate, your pig’s St Ives I can’t wait to catch them live. If they don’t win on fire!” the name of the tune was born. , awards this year, there is no justice. I have had this CD playing in my car for the last www.thewillowsband.co.uk couple of weeks and I am absolutely hooked. I do a lot of miles and Dave’s music has made a Mel Pitts number of long journeys pleasurable. BIRMINGHAM | BRISTOL | CANTERBURY | CRAWLEY |LEEDS The CD is available at £11.50 inc UK Postage LONDON | MANCHESTER | MILTON KEYNES | WADEBRIDGE from [email protected] or give Dave a call on 01604 711536. Order online or call 0845 130 9500 Simon Bailes www.hobgoblin.com

42 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 www.unicornmagazine.org 43 ike most others, the turn of the year is Be that as it may, everybody else is making traditionally the time the Lankin clan look predictions for 2014 so the Lankins might as well Lback on what the old year has brought us add their pennyworth. My cousin, Zilpah Lankin, and forward on what might be coming. has also inherited Old Bertha’s habit of muttering vague threats, as well as her fetish for large bits The Lankins have had their own share of of wood, so here are Zilpah’s predictions for 2014. seers and prophets. Martha “the Mad” Lankin, What they predict we will not know until this time accurately predicted that her husband would next year: come to a sticky end, though how anyone could have foreseen the explosion at the glue factory In summer there will be a great squeezing and I’ll never know. She also predicted the financial a burning of strings until even the cat cries out. disaster of the family business, fleeing to Spain with the savings just a day before the bailiffs Bells will walk the streets like a monstrous turned up. centipede, yet the bats will stay in the belfry and nothing much will come of it in the end. Then there was Old Bertha Lankin who predicted the great disaster of 1914 (referring of course to After St Jude’s day the country will burn the storm that brought down the roof of the pig and even the sky will be filled with fire. pen and killing Obadiah’s prize pig – the family The Unicorn will rise higher and travel freely have never won a rosette at the annual show about the countryside to the great amazement since). Bertha also foretold 1939 as the end of of all. the world. Unfortunately she did not foresee that this was a train time not the year and she was Something new will arise and be acclaimed knocked down by the 7.39 evening “up” train while by many while something old will be missed stealing sleepers from the track. and lamented. That’s the trouble with predictions, they are often The bottle will be emptied and all will worded so vaguely that they could mean almost be darkness… anything and people only read the actual event At this point Zilpah keeled over in a drunken into it after it has happened. stupor. The one thing I can predict with accuracy Nostradamus of course predicted most things. is that the editors won’t pay me for the bottle of This for example some people believe is his malt whisky (mine!) that she consumed before I prediction of Hurricane Katerina and the New got these predictions out of her. Orleans floods of 2005: Happy New Year – unless you know different. “The cities of Tours, Orleans, Blois, Angers, Reims and Nantes are troubled by sudden change. Tents will be pitched by (people) of foreign tongues; Rivers, darts at Rennes, shaking of land and sea.” Well “Orleans” is in there (although that could be the one in France) but there was no shaking of land or sudden changes reported in the other cities – did I miss the 2005 darts tournament in Rennes?

www.unicornmagazine.org 44 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 125 music At the heart of English folk dance education 2 Regent’s Park Rd, London, NW1 7AY library art cecilsharphouse.org | 0844 888 9991 cafe bar Winter highlights

Family Barn Dance Maz O’Connor Sunday 12 January, 3 - 5pm With Jim Moray, Elly Lucas Enjoy fun and lively dances and Rowan Rheingans Thursday 30 January, 7.30pm from the British Isles. A ‘must see’ artist, singing Tickets* £6 adults | £4 child | Free under 2s traditional and original folk songs with great beauty and depth. David Gibb Tickets* £10 & Elly Lucas Thursday 16 January, 7.30pm Fun With Folk Dance: Accomplished folk duo, Half Term Course playing a mixture of original Monday 17 and Tuesday and traditional music. 18 February, 10am - 12.30pm Tickets* £10 Fee £15 | £12 concessions [email protected] John Spiers 020 7241 8953 Up Close and Acoustic Sunday 19 January, 7.30pm Get Your Folk A rare and intimate On! Juniors acoustic, solo gig. Monday 17 and Tuesday Tickets* £14 18 February, 2 - 4.30pm Fee £15 | £12 concessions Josienne Clarke [email protected] 020 7241 8953 & Ben Walker Saturday 25 January, 7.30pm Blending re-imagined traditional The Broadside Day Saturday 22 February, songs and new folk. 10am - 5.30pm Tickets* £10 Celebrate street literature and other forms of printed Folk Song in England: materials from past centuries. Level 2/3 Tickets* £12 | £10 Wednesdays 29 January | 5, EFDSS and TFS members 12, 26 February | 5, 12 March, 7 - 9pm Promoter Supporters Fee £78 | £62 concessions [email protected] 020 7241 8953

/cecilsharphouse @cecilsharphouse *Booking fees apply.