Established 1959 October 2016 Australian

Print Post Approved PP335169/00012 Reg No A2511Y

NEWSLETTER OF THE VICTORIAN FOLK MUSIC CLUB INCORPORATED

In This Issue ... OUR WATTLE DAY Item Page Club Events/Next Guest 2 Guest Artist Review 4 Dance Pages 6 Croydon U3A: 9/10/16 8 Our VP / Wattle Day 3/9 9 C.J. Dennis Festival 11 Martyn W-R Concert 12

Woolshed Ball 13 BLACKBERRY JAM Quiz / Concert Party 14 (photo by Trevor Voake) Other Clubs/ VFMC info 15

COMING UP ON SATURDAY 8th OCTOBER: THE WOOLSHED BALL See inside on page 13 for details Please send your contributions for NOVEMBER Newsletter by: Friday 21st OCTOBER 2016 to: [email protected]

The views expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the VFMC October 2016 2 Australian Tradition Club Event Calendar • Club Sessions first Thursday, 8.00pm (at Harry’s place) Tuesdays, 7.30—10.15 pm, East • Second Tuesday, 10:15 pm (after Ringwood Community Hall (enter from the Ringwood Folk Guest Night Knaith Road, off Dublin Road) (Melway 50B8). Supportive round-robin sessions • Every Monday, 8:00 pm, ( where all are welcome for playing, and at Harry’s place.) singing, reciting, performing, workshops • Most Saturdays, 11:00am, all etc. $5.members, $6 non-members. instruments and singing, busking Contact Don (0407-737-202)/ opposite the railway station in www.vfmc.org.au Ringwood East Guest Performer Concert Harry Gardner: (03) 9870 8998, 0408 708 998 / On the second Tuesday of the month www.vfmc.org.au (instead of the weekly session) a concert is held featuring top acoustic performers. Ringwood Colonial Dance Ringwood East Community Hall. Family Bush Dance, first Saturday of Concerts start with open stage acts at every month except January 8-11pm at 7.45pm, finishing 10.15pm. $12. $10 the Ringwood East Senior Citizens Hall, conces and members, kids no charge. Laurence Grove. A different band is Contact 0407 737 202 / featured each month and all ages are www.vfmc.org.au welcome. $12, $10 concession and By-Ear Sessions members, kids no charge. Contact: Jane Join us to learn how to play by following 9762-1389 / www.vfmc.org.au someone on: Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat

30th Oct 31st Oct 1st Nov 2nd Nov 3rd Nov 4th Nov 1st Fiddles Club Session By-Ear Session VFMC dance Borderline Kaylee BB

2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th Fiddles Club Session

9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th Fiddles Guest Night

16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd Fiddles Club Session

23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th Fiddles Club Session

Australian Tradition 3 October 2016

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October 2016 4 Australian Tradition

Guest Artist Night, September 2016

Our host for this evening was Greg Woodruff who welcomed our audience and read out the Acknowledgement of Country.

First up was our well-loved reciter Jim Smith who performed a short humorous poem by the Boys from the Lough about a drunk at a pig market. He followed with the classic: Man from Snowy River.

Alex read his latest poem -The Starter House – renovators delight. Then John joined him as they both played ukuleles and sang Johnny Cash’s hit -Walk the Line.

Colin McLaren on along with John on twelve string entertained the crowd with two Scottish tunes. The traditional ballad The Water is Wide and a more modern McCartney tune Mull of Kintyre.

Stephen Whiteside recited his rap style poem about the life and death of Ned Kelly. Then he was joined on stage by Maggie Somerville. C J Dennis published a poem in 1922 about a well-known Melbourne criminal – Squizzy Taylor. Maggie has set the poem ‘The Surrender’ to music and she and Stephen sang and acted out the song to the great amusement of the audience singing out ‘ Squizzy’s not in Town Boys.’

As a tribute to our poet guest artist David Campbell, Maggie set one of his poems to music and performed it along with Maree on harp and vocal harmony and Don Fraser on accordion. The narrative poem had a nautical theme and was called Shadow on the Water. A sad poem of a shipwreck, with the audience joining in singing the haunting refrain- Do you love me Mary-Ellen?

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Guest Artist Night, September 2016

Well known traditional poet, storyteller, teacher and writer David Campbell was our first guest artist for the evening. He told us that poetry should have rhyme and rhythm, sometimes it called for musicality and lightness; other times it may be serious and sad. During his performance this evening he recited poems which echoed all of these sentiments. David explained that as C J Dennis used to write topical poems for the newspapers, he liked to do the same. He recited for us a poem inspired by the news photograph of the five year boy in the ambulance in Alleppo. Sad and poignant, this poem touched all of us present. Dementia was another subject which he mentioned as his mother suffered from this sad illness. He is the 2011 winner of the Bronze Swagman award for his poem Wasteland detailing the various ways his mother and other family members struggled with the many and varied aspects of this condition. David stated that this experience has resulted in him being a supporter of euthanasia for extreme cases. On a lighter note, a poem about whether there should be school for politicians. Then a poem about nursing homes: where lives are held by a slender thread, why keep me alive when I want death? Poets muse must still be found to anchor us to solid ground. David’s final light- hearted offering: It’s bloody hard to be a bloke, Women’s rules are always shifting- left all of the women chuckling and the men wisely nodding in agreement. Sherarer’s Tally comprises three very talented musicians. Ian Gary and Lionel play an array of instruments between them and immediately had toes tapping with a lively jig played by the boys on , guitar and bodhran. Then an old favourite - The Ryebuck Shearer with accompaniment. A bluegrass number followed where Gary demonstrated his expertise playing the spoons. The entire audience sang along as the men serenaded their Beautiful Fergie Tractor. Gary recited an Outback Poem then all joined in to sing of Molly Malone. Ian and Lionel played duelling while Gary accompanied them on a metallic washboard type tie which was a gift from New Orleans. Another jig was followed by The Road to Gundagai then a John Hartford song about The Mississippi Queen. Then a song about Lionel’s fiddle which had been passed down through generations. Then a Chad Morgan song about the Fatal Wedding: The bride she died at the altar, the bridegroom died the next day… The group finished the evening as the audience joined them in singing the Seeker’s hit: I am, you are, we are Australian. Next month is A’capella night with 3 groups.

- report by Bette Martin ; photos by Stephen Whiteside & Wal Tiedeman October 2016 6 Australian Tradition The Dance Page

Diary dates for October: Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

30th 31st 1st VFMC Dance Borderline Kaylee

2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th TSDAV Irish or English Irish or Colonial V.F.M.C. Dance Scottish Colonials Beginners Woolshed Ball Workshop

9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th Contra Irish or English Irish or Scottish Bendigo East Scottish Colonials Hop

16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd Claddagh Irish or English Irish or Colonials Welsh Scottish Colonials

23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th Irish or English Irish or Scottish Colonials

Diary Dates for early Nov 2016:- 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th English Irish or VFMC Dance Colonials Comhaltas SPRING DANCE 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Irish Irish or Scottish English Colonials Scottish Scottish WEEKEND

SPRING DANCE WEEKEND—Portarlington, 4th-6th November 2016

Contact: Norm Ellis 9888-5332

Australian Tradition 7 October 2016 The Dance Page

Claddagh Irish set dancing at St Georges Anglican Church, Warncliffe Rd, Ivanhoe. Sunday 2-5pm . Contact: Rod 9497-1793 VFMC Colonial Dance at Ringwood East Elderly Citizens Hall, Laurence Grove, Ringwood East, 8-11 pm. Contact: Jane 9762-1389 Irish Monday Dancing at The Quiet Man pub, Racecourse Road, Flemington, 8-10 p.m. Contact: Marie 9471-0690 Irish Wednesday Irish dancing at St. Phillips Church, Hoddle St, Collingwood, 8-10pm. Contact: Marie 9471-0690 English Dancing at Bennettswood Neighbourhood House, 7 Greenwood Street, Burwood, 8-10pm. Contact: George 9890-5650 Colonial Wednesday Social dance classes at Collingwood Senior Citizens Hall, Eddy Crt, Abbotsford, 8-10pm. Contact: Coral 9885-6109 Colonial Thursday & Australian Colonial/Bush Dance: Ashburton Uniting Church, Colonial Beginners 3 Ashburn Grove, Ashburton, 7.30-10pm. Contact: Coral 9885-6109 Welsh Dancing at Church of Christ Hall, 1 The Avenue, Surrey Hills. 2-4.30pm. Contact: Ian 9878-2414 TSDAV Sunday: The Eleventh Hour Theatre Hall, cnr Gore & Leicester Sts, Fitzroy. Contact: Norm Ellis 9888-5332 Contra Dance Northcote Uniting Church Hall, 251 High St, Northcote, 7.30 -10.30pm. Contact: George 9890-5650 / Gary 9481-3386 Contra Dance Malvern Community Arts Centre, 29 Burke Rd, Malvern East. Info: 0422 932 532 www.onlymelbourne.com.au Scottish Mon. & Sat. Paton Memorial Hall, Deepdene Uniting Church, 958 Burke Road, Deepdene, 8 pm Contact: [email protected] Scottish Thursday Taggerty Hall, Maroondah Highway at Taggerty, corner of Thornton Rd. 7-9pm. Contact: Di Gaylard 5963-3277 or [email protected]

Bendigo East Hop Bendigo East Progress Hall Lansell Street, Bendigo. Contact Dianne: [email protected] ______

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October 2016 8 Australian Tradition

CROYDON U3A

Spectacular Seniors

Variety Show and Display: Ballroom dancers, choirs, guitar and ukulele group, line dancers and play group

Sunday 9th October, 1-4 pm

Melba College Community Theatre, Bretnall Rd, Croydon (Melways 50E3)

Tickets $5.00 now on sale at U3A Office, Keystone Complex, 1 Civic Square, Croydon (10 am to 12.30 pm Monday—Friday) Door tickets available until house full

DON’T MISS THIS FUN-FILLED DAY!

Australian Tradition 9 October 2016

INTRODUCING YOUR VICE-PRESIDENT: TREVOR VOAKE

Trevor 's interest in folk music started after seeing a movie on TV in the early 70s in which an African American & a white American were in their cell singing Black Velvet Band. Also in 1971 ABC TV ran a weekly series called A Big Country which had a program on the Nariel Creek Festival. Trevor happened to mention the program to a friend of his sister who said, "Oh yes we go there every year plus we also go dancing at the Women's Athletic Association club rooms in Royal Park". Trevor decided to go along to one of these dances where the late life member Phyllis McDonald took him under her wing and made sure he learnt the dances. From then on Trevor was hooked on folk dancing.

Around the same time Trevor also joined the Youth Hostels Association bushwalking group. Here he met a group of people who used to meet weekly to play folk dance music. Trevor at that time was a dancer not a musician so took up the lagerphone, made himself a bodhran and became their percussionist. This group went on to become Patersons Curse Bush band who ran their own highly successful monthly dances for approximately 8 years. They had to change their hall twice to cater for the increasing crowds of young dancers. This was at a time when "bush dances" were very popular. The band's dances were very popular in the Eastern suburbs but they also played throughout Victoria and into Southern NSW. Some of those dancers credit Trevor with teaching them how to dance and still go along to the various dances.

By this time Trevor had met Margie who, having a solid background in old-time and classic dance music, encouraged Trevor to take up a musical instrument—so he started learning the . Trevor and Margie pulled out of Paterson’s Curse when Margie was pregnant and was having difficulty either reaching the keyboard or balancing her accordion on her lap. In the mid 80’s Trevor was having a coffee in a shopping centre when Geoff Coles (a current life member) walked past, stopped at his table and asked if he was interested in taking his place in the band that later became Barcoo Bush Band. Trevor took Geoff’s position as caller and percussionist when Geoff moved down to Mallacoota.

October 2016 10 Australian Tradition

As his family got older Trevor became less active in the club but still retained his membership making sure that he & Margie always got along to the woolshed balls. and the occasional family bush dance where he usually danced with the smallest daughter on his back. His youngest daughter, Naomi, says her earliest memory is being curled up on the stage wrapped in a blanket watching Trevor call dances. As the girls got a little older he taught them to waltz by balancing them on his feet and waltzing around the lounge room. They then started coming to the monthly dances on a regular basis as well as attending the Woolshed Balls. His oldest daughter Bec was one of founding members of Borderline Kaylee and Naomi joined the band soon after it started as a dancer but as she was prevailed upon to play percussion she picked up Trevor's old bodhran.

When Borderline Kaylee played at the National Folk Festival, Trevor saw the quality of the bodhrans being sold commercially and thought he could produce just as good a quality, the result being that over the last 10 years he has been either making or repairing bodhrans for different people, including making one for Kevin Kelly from the Damien Leith band. Once Trevor retired he was able to devote a lot more time to the club and to his music. As well as being vice- president and the membership officer, he also helps with organizing Billabong Band gigs in which he always takes an active role - playing either mandolin, tenor banjo or lagerphone. When he isn't playing music he loves to be out in the bush photographing wildflowers.

- from information supplied by Trevor Voake

VFMC Wattle Day Festival: Sunday 3rd September – Ringwood East

National Wattle Day celebrates all things Australian. This was the fifth year the VFMC has celebrated Wattle Day with music and dance workshops. There was a lively and happy atmosphere present all day amongst participants. Forty-two people registered for workshops and around seventy people attended the Family Bush Dance in the evening. Thank you to the following Workshop Convenors: Tony O’Neill & Ray Mundy: Australian bush songs, Tony O’Neill and support singers: Sea chanties (a very popular workshop), Denis O’Leary and Bill Buttler: Fingerstyle guitar, Maggie Somerville: , Don Fraser: Ukulele, Alan Musgrove and Rob: Australian dance music, Colleen Buttler: Children’s music, Michael Crichton and Frances Lester: Children’s activities.

Photos and workshops feedback next issue. - report by Maree Buttler

Australian Tradition 11 October 2016

October 2016 12 Australian Tradition

MARTYN WYNDHAM-READ: HOUSE CONCERT, PARK ORCHARDS

Forty –two devoted fans gathered in Park Orchards on Sunday 18th September to attend a performance by the renowned English folk-singer Martyn Wyndham-Read. Martyn is a well-known as a collector and singer of Australian folk songs. This passion sprang from his time in the 1960’s working as a young jackeroo on Emu Plains Station in South when he first heard the old shearers singing traditional Australian songs. Later he moved on to Melbourne where he was part of the folk revival before eventually returning home to England. Martyn has continued his involvement with Australian folk-music and returns every few years to attend folk festivals and perform to more intimate groups in the form house concerts. At Martin’s request the afternoon began with spot acts from some of the VFMC members present. Mick Kearon played guitar and sand to of his own original works. The Day I was Left Behind a song about a survivor of war who lost all of his mates. Followed by The Old Girl about an old sail schooner which plied the waters between Northern Tasmania and the mainland. Then Greg Woodruff sang The Outcast, a poignant poem by Australian poet and suffragette Mary Fullerton, which has been set to music. Dominic Martin played guitar and invited the audience to join him singing Four Strong Winds and with the permission of our guest, Dominic sang Sailor Home from the Sea—an Australian poem by Dorothy Hewitt which has been set to music by Martyn Wyndham-Read himself. Martyn began the concert with his own personal favourite On the Banks of a Reedy Lagoon then followed with I Drew my Ship into the Harbour. Then a humorous poem about Dypso Dan, an old shearer who had arthritis from using the old broad shears. Far and Fatal was a convict song then we heard Cockle Shells taught to Martyn by Glen Tomasetti and Brian Mooney. A song about horses had the audience singing along: Where the brumbies come to water at the setting of the sun. A poem about old stockmen then we paused for afternoon tea. After the break, Bitty Booker played guitar and sang a lovely old Australian tune - Little Fishies. A nautical song by Martyn was followed by one of Henry Lawson’s poems which has been set to music – Genoa. Then another Lawson poem – Never Never Land set to music by Ian Mc Dougall. Martyn regaled the audience with a poem about the swagman who arrives in heaven. After a lifetime of opening and closing gates he finds himself facing just one more. Then a song from Cornwell about Corny Bill (who smoked a corncob pipe). The an hilarious poem about a rum loving snake. Then the classic Lawson/Kempster song Reedy River. Martyn’s final offer for the afternoon was - How I Wish I Could Talk to Him Now. A great afternoon’s enjoyment and we hope Martyn will grace us with his presence again soon. Many thanks to Don Fraser for being our MC for the afternoon . Photos: Wal Tiedeman. Notes: Bette Martin, Refreshments Maree Buttler, Frances Lester

Australian Tradition 13 October 2016

- Photos by Trevor Voake

October 2016 14 Australian Tradition

FOLK INSTRUMENT QUIZ 1) What other 2 names is a harmonica called? 2) What sort of music is it used in? 3) What is a harmonica? 4) What is the main body of the instrument called? 5) Where & when was the harmonica first developed?

Answers to last quiz: 1) Coburg, Melbourne 2) Empty beer carton 3) Northern Territory 4) Administrator of the N.T. 5) The Drover’s Boy.

CONCERT PARTY REPORT Recent Events: Sunday 28th August – Hurstbridge Wattle Day festival: On Sunday August 28th we attended Hurstbridge Wattle Day festival. This was the fifth year in a row we have done an hour bracket at lunchtime at the festival. We have had a great position at Wattle Place every year right over the road from the railway station. It was a fun hour of entertainment with folk songs and a couple of dances for the attentive audience. Thanks to Trevor, Margie, Joan, Ray, Don Gingrich, Stan Alexander, Stan Ciuchak, Stewart, Rob, Frances, Harry and Maggie. Thanks also to Bill for setting up the small sound system. One of the challenges performing in the open air is to be heard by all. Tuesday 20th September – Wild Colonial Boy Exhibition: Recently, the Club was asked to record a version of ‘The Wild Colonial Boy’ for an exhibition at the Old Treasury Building in Spring St. As a follow-up, we were asked to attend the opening night of the exhibition, to provide background music and to sing the theme song for the exhibition, titled ‘Wild Colonial Boys’. This was held in a beautiful old room with high ceilings in the Treasury building with around 70 guests, including former Premier John Cain and wife. The Billabong Band sang bushranger songs with gusto, with several enthusiastic guests joining in. After the speeches, we sang The Wild Colonial Boy and The Kellys, Byrne and Hart, then provided background music until the end of the evening, with our recording featured in a multimedia presentation. Thanks to Don G, Bill, Trevor, Margie, Denis, Greg, Tony & Maree for the practice and to Steve for organising and recording the original song with the Band. Upcoming Events: Saturday 8th October –Woolshed Ball Friday 14th September—Lionsbrae Saturday 3rd December – Ringwood Senior Citizens’ Concert Saturday 3rd December—Ringwood Christmas Bush Dance. - by convenor: Maree Buttleer (9733-0802)

Australian Tradition 15 October 2016 Regular Functions at Other Venues Bendigo Folk Club Gippsland Acoustic Music Club Graham Borrell, 0438 437 680 Barbara Brabets, 03 5174 7403 [email protected] Local musicians and concert opportunities. Feature concert on the 3rd Friday of each 1st Sunday at 7:45 pm, Tyers Hall, Tyers month 8-11pm, under the grandstand at the www.musicclub.org Queen Elizabeth oval, Bendigo Ranges Burrinja Folk Club Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc Andrew Jackson, 03 97567398 or 0402 473 897 Monthly bush dance at Bendigo East, third [email protected] Saturday every month. Contact Dianne Guest artist, last Friday of month Pearse ([email protected]) 5442-1715 or Burrinja Cultural Centre, 351 Glenfern Rd, Mary Smith 5442-1153 Upwey Vic (Mel Ref 75B12) ([email protected]) for www.rangesburrinjafolk.org/home.html details. Selby Folk Club Berwick and District Folk Club David Miller, 03 9751 1218 Edward Nass / Christine Trimnell, [email protected] 03 9702 1223 /0418 535 264 1st Friday every month, at 8:00 pm, Selby [email protected] Community House Minok Reserve Featured artist 3rd Friday February to www.home.aone.net.au/~selbyfolkclub December, The Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick Vic. 3806 Peninsula Folk Club www.badfolk.org.au First Sunday of each month, at the Frankston Boite World Music Cafe Bowling Club on the corner of Yuille Street and Williams Rd, Frankston, from 6:30 pm Therese Virtue,, 03 9417 1983 on. Carparking, great facilities, no stairs. [email protected] Friday & Saturday - March to November, 1 peninsulafolkclub.org.au Mark St, North Fitzroy, www.boite.asn.au Ballarat Folk and Acoustic Music Geelong Folk Music Club Group Ade Kelly (03)5241-3749, First Sunday Every Month from 2 pm, [email protected], Pete Fogarty Venue: Carman Welsh Church Hall, (03)5339-7887. Featuring quality acts from 261 Albert Street, around the country and overseas. Sessions every Thursday at Hotel Max, 2 Gheringhap Sebastopol. St, Geelong. Open Mic. Performance events Enquiries: Arthur: 0438 323 923 first Tuesday at Irish Murphy’s, 30 Graeme: 03 5334 5551 Aberdeen St & 3rd Tuesdays at Hotel Max. Bookings: Paula Grembka 0401 671 1310. http://www.geelongfolkmusicclub.com/

Comhaltas (Collingwood) Joan and Ray Mundy run a session on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month, starts 7.30pm. Supper. Maree: 9471-0690

October 2016 16 Australian Tradition THE VICTORIAN FOLK MUSIC Contacts CLUB INCORPORATED Secretary INVITES YOU TO JOIN THE CLUB Robyn Hammond Telephone: Members of the VFMC are entitled to - Email: [email protected] • The monthly Club Newsletter Ringwood East Folk Club • Concessions at Club events Don Fraser • Discounts on Club publications Telephone: 0407 737 202 • Discounts on Club CD’s and cassettes Email: [email protected] • Affiliation with other organizations Family Bush Dance Jane Bullock VFMC Postal Address Telephone: 9762 1389 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 215, Ringwood East, Vic. 3135 Concert Party Engagements Maree Buttler VFMC Website Telephone: 9733 0802 http://www.vfmc.org.au Email: [email protected]

To join the VFMC, fill in this Application Form and post with MEMBERSHIP TYPE (select ) cheque to: City/Suburban - Single $25 VFMC Secretary, Family $30 P.O. Box 215, Junior $15 Ringwood East, Victoria 3135 Student $20 Single Pensioner $20 Newsletter Delivery: (select ) Pensioner Family $25 (both may be selected if desired) By Email Country - and / or Single $20 By Post Family $25

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