pring brings the promise of new life and A recent Ofsted report found that only a minority rejuvenation. All around our patch, Morris of pupils now receive a good-quality music sides are girding their loins for a new education, suggesting that in future dancing season, and in this issue our roving may have more difficulty in passing the baton to reporter looks into Morris on May Day, tracing the next generation. One established and highly its history back to its origins in ancient fertility effective way of passing on the techniques and rituals. Folk music itself continually needs new the ethos of folk music is informal coaching blood, and in our last issue we took pride in at the local club, but we also need to replace the healthy state of recruitment – the Radio 2 at least some of the formal tuition previously Folk Awards, where emerging talents competed provided by schools. on broadly equal terms with more established artists, justified our optimism. Many of you already participate in training schemes, some of which involve working with Folk music has benefited from an education schools (as EFDSS does), while others are led system which provided a steady stream of by private concerns like the Stables, by music recruits, many with a good general grounding, trusts and foundations such as Folkstock, or by some with advanced musical proficiency. the many independent teachers in our region. We However, student numbers in formal music believe that education and training will become a education – GCSE and A-level, instrument continuing strand in Unicorn, and we begin with grades, youth orchestras and bands – have some thoughtful observations from readers (see been steadily falling. Teachers suggest various our blog), a news snippet in Chatterbox, and of reasons, such as the rival attractions of sport course with the forthright views of Long Lankin. and socialising, the easy thrill of computer games, and of course the recession. To these If you’d like to join the discussion, drop us a line. factors must now be added the marginalisation Meanwhile, we’ll see you round the clubs and of music in the school curriculum, and the the maypoles. consequent reduction in funding. Simon, Clive & Mike

Editorial 1 Unicorn Diary 23 – 25 Editorial Staff: Contents 1 Club Index 26 Simon Bailes Interview: The Foxglove Trio 3 Tune: St Anne’s at Sunset 29 07807 535110 [email protected] Chatterbox 5 Feature: St Albans Folk Festival 31 Clive Batkin Club Profile: Royston Folk Club 7 Shall We Dance? 34 07771 822414 Book Review: English Folk Tunes for Uke 8 Feature: Towersey Folk Festival 39 [email protected] Sessions 10 Interview: Nikita Strange, Limelight 42 Mike Nacey 07879 024193 Feature: Morris on Mayday 13 Advertiser Information 43 [email protected] Morris Diary 14 – 15 Feature: Folk on Internet Radio 44 Contact address: Feature: Said The Maiden 19 Interview: Dan Evans 47 10 Chapel Street, Dunton, CD Reviews: 20 Broadside by Long Lankin 48 Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8RW

Front cover photo by Al Rogers – “The Dudley Fighting ” Printed by KJB UK Ltd Resonator guitar courtesy of Peter Phipps

© Unicorn Magazine 2014 CB1069 • April 2014

Visit our website at www.unicornmagazine.org Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 1 The Foxglove Trio

he Foxglove Trio make an instant impression. melodeon maestro , plus Oysterband, Seeing them for the first time at St Alban’s Faustus, Lau and Peatbog Faeries. TFolk Day last year, I was struck by their rich sound, their inventive arrangements, and most Another factor, less tangible but equally important of all by their assured approach to performance. in creating a coherent sound, is that the Foxgloves Catching up with them in February at NAF Club, are entirely comfortable in each other’s company, Silsoe, we chatted about what goes into creating both musically and personally. Ffion and Patrick their distinctive performances. were friends at Durham University, and are now married, while Ffion and Cathy began playing The Trio comprises Cathy Mason on guitar and together at 6th form college in south Wales. Ffion cello, Ffion Mair on whistle and bodhran, and went solo after reaching the New Roots finals, and Patrick Dean on melodeon, cello and concertina; turned naturally to her comrades when the band all three also sing. The cellos are deployed in a formed in November 2010. style which evokes a string quartet, whether using double-stopping to create full chords, or weaving The Foxgloves plan to release their first full CD a sinuous counterpoint around the melody. Add to in late summer or autumn. Patrick explains that this Ffion’s precise vocal phrasing and articulation, they intend to include more self-penned songs and the carefully balanced structure of their and reworkings of traditional material, alongside material, and the classical influence is clear. some well-known singalong favourites. Meanwhile Ffion, a native Welsh speaker, has started a blog to How has their formal training contributed explore the rich seam of Welsh song, focusing on to their sound? Ffion suggests that it builds less well-known traditional material. confidence, Cathy adding that it instils discipline in preparation and performance, but they feel The Foxglove Trio are right to assert that their strongly that a more important factor is their music resists categorisation. This elusive quality immersion in music-making from an early age. reflects the sheer diversity of their influences, Ffion began singing in public aged three, entering drawn from their classical training, allied to a competitions and rising to the level demanded keen appreciation of folk music, and informed by the International Eisteddfod. She thus gained by eclectic listening tastes. This potent blend a thorough grounding in the folk tradition, while encourages an approach to innovation which working through the grades in oboe, harp, piano respects convention without being hindered by it, and recorder. Cathy started at about 6 on piano, and I for one look forward to discovering where moving quickly to cello in the school orchestra this will take them next. and the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. Patrick was a late starter, reaching the grand age of seven Mike Nacey before embarking on cello grades, and like Cathy Foxglove Trio website: he moved into folk at 6th form and university. www.thefoxglovetrio.co.uk Welsh folk song blog: What musical influences help shape the sound? caneuongwerin.wordpress.com Ffion is wary of the question: “We try not to base our sound on any one band or musical style.” Patrick amplifies her point, saying “We are as likely to draw inspiration from Radiohead as from ”, while Cathy cites pop band Muse, who “in their use of orchestral interludes and piano solos inspire me not to be scared of experimenting”. Yet they do admit to some folk influences. Ffion admires singers Julie Murphy and for their voice quality, “genuine, understated and always clear”. Patrick’s favourites include Bellowhead cellist Rachael McShane and (L to R) Patrick Dean, Ffion Mair, Cathy Mason

2 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 3 The Full English in MK: Barry Goodman and Dave assures us that his mainspring is still in good Graeme Meek (Beds / Herts based duo Life order, and he plans to spend more time playing his & Times) are working with Patrick Dean (The trusty guitar – perhaps with or mandolin as Foxglove Trio) on the EFDSS Full English project, a new sideline. His many customers will miss his using the society’s recently digitised archive of enthusiasm, unfailing good humour and excellent traditional material to inspire workshops around service, and will no doubt join us in sending him the country. At Loughton School, Milton Keynes, our best wishes. their workshops are augmenting the school’s own Puzzles & competitions: Unicorn reader Clive work on local history. Patrick will help Barry with Brittain muses, as he does, on whether Unicorn the dance element, teaching children a local May could become more interactive. We must admit song collected by Douglas Kennedy; Graeme will that our blog-based photo contest – Unicorn in far- prepare May celebratory paraphernalia such as a flung places – is not over-subscribed, but would hobby horse and May garlands, for Year 3 children readers be more interested in quizzes or puzzles? to decorate. Graeme and Barry will then work And if so, do any of you have skills in that field? with each class to write songs about the area, set Answers, inevitably, on a postcard… to traditional tunes. The project ends in June at Birmingham Town Hall, when all 18 participating CD reviews: While in feedback mode you may like schools in England will present a short to comment on our policy, established by Alan performance, backed by a house band including & Theo, of reviewing only CDs by locally-based Graeme and led by John Kirkpatrick. artists. We have no plans to abandon this local focus, but we receive a steady stream of CDs Folk by the Oak: Tickets are on sale for the 7th from artists outside the region – when time and annual festival on Sunday 20 July – for early space permit, would you like us to review the pick bird tickets see www.folkbytheoak.com. Lineup of these? includes Richard Thompson, , Kathryn Tickell and The Side, Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, and Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker. Also, the Elizabethan Session will create new music inspired by the Elizabethan age, Black Fen FC (formerly Cambridge Portland FC) rounding off a project commissioned by Folk by the has settled at the new venue, Hot Numbers Cafe, Oak and EFDSS – see www.folkbytheoak.com/TES. Gwydir St, Cambridge, and continues to run club nights on Sundays – see Unicorn Diary (P23-25). Folkstock: The recent Herts-based Love Folk Live events drew an impressive array of talented local Unicorn Ceilidhs welcome Panjandrum with acts, awards going to musicians ranging in age Gordon Potts on 27th June. The musicians are The George, High Street, from 16 to 64, and including six female solo and ex-Committee Band members who have a good duos, five male solo or duos, and five mixed acts. following, and Gordon is one of the UK’s top Silsoe, Beds MK45 4EP 10 callers. Next up is ’s solo national tour. Herts-based trio Said the Maiden will open for Watford FC’s Song Competition is now firmly 1st April KARA Swarb, and there is still time for another young established, attracting a record number of entries 6th May Singaround local act to feature in the concert on 24th May at in 2013. They look forward to even more this year, Harpenden Public Halls – but hurry! when the theme “War & Peace” will mark the 3rd June Kelly Oliver www.folkstockartsfoundation.com/dave- centenary of the start of WW1. For details, see the 1st July Singaround swarbrick-tour/ ad on page 32. 5th August Leon Hobgoblin branch closes: Hobgoblin’s Newport Pagnell shop closed on 28th February, when Admission £2.50. Starts 8pm. proprietor Dave Soulsby retired. Dave told Unicorn Floor Singers always welcome. that he had thoroughly enjoyed running the shop, but after 10 years – his longest spell in a job – he felt ready for a change. Awaiting him is, “apparently, a list of domestic things that I must Contact Ned: 01525 860846 follow, long enough to see me through to 2044 or when my mainspring goes, whichever is sooner”.

4 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 5 n 2012 Mike Farrow Iresurrected the defunct Roston Folk Club – to immediate acclaim. Since then the club has gone from strength to strength, Piefinger with concerts and open Music type: mics alternating every two Any type of acoustic music within reason weeks throughout the year. The venue is spacious Meets and salubrious; the sound consistently good and the A FESTIVAL OF FOLK’S FINEST ACTS GATHERED IN BEAUTIFUL LEAFY 2nd Fridays (Open Mics); last Friday (Concerts) audience delightful. PARKLAND FOR ONE UPLIFTING SUMMER DAY OF MUSIC. Admission charge: Open Mic: £4, £3 performers, £2 under 25s; Our concert artists vary from the nationally known (eg Concerts: usually £10, £8 in advance, £2 under 25s Gordon Giltrap & Richard Digance) through to local Guests: breakthrough performers like the Ben Smith Band. RICHARD THOMPSON Nationally known artists; the cream of local artists showcased at support slots and Open Mics Our Open Mics have begun to achieve legendary status – Venue name: popular among artists because we try and give everyone SETH LAKEMAN The Old Bull Inn a fair crack of the whip; and popular with the audience Venue address: because Royston seems to be packed with people who 56 High St, Royston, Herts, SG8 9AW like nothing better than a regular potpourri of fine KATHRYN TICKELL Parking: acoustical music. Open Mics tend to book up early, so Limited venue car park, plenty in car park outsidet new performers need to get in touch well in advance, Club contacts: but they’ll always be sure of two turns (and four songs) & THE SIDE • Chris Walls (Concerts) / Mark Gamon (Open Mics) in the spotlight. • Chris: 01763 260556 / Mark: 07738 183158 THE ELIZABETHAN • [email protected] / [email protected] www.roystonfolk.org or www.facebook.com/groups/621216324567881 SESSION CATRIN FINCH & SECKOU KEITA JOSIENNE CLARKE & BEN WALKER

PAPER AEROPLANES KESTON COBBLERS’ CLUB JAYWALKERS • SALT HOUSE MAZ O’CONNOR LONDON!#/2.34 YOUTH FOLK! E'%NSEMBLE BRING A BOTTLE AND A PICNIC! FAMILY FRIENDLY • CRAFT TENT MUSIC STALLS • RECYCLED GIFTS DELICIOUS FOOD STALLS REAL ALE BAR CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES STORYTELLING WWW.FOLKBYTHEOAK.COM

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FBTO A5 Mono Advert 2014.indd 1 17/2/14 21:10:20 English Folk Tunes for The tunes are presented in a sensible order, gradually bringing in new fretboard tricks, and the Colin Tribe layout is clear and legible. The accompanying CD demonstrates all 37 tunes as written, so if you’re m %NGLISHTRADITIONALTUNES English Folk Tunes not sure how they’re meant to sound the recording for Ukulele – provides the answer. With a pithy introduction and m )NBOTHSTANDARDNOTATION notes about the provenance of the tunes, it’s a ANDTABLATURE 37 Traditional pretty comprehensive package. Pieces m !RRANGEDWITHACCOMPANYING ÆGURESFORÆNGERSTYLEPLAYING Colin Tribe I have minor quibbles. The recording quality is a little variable, and while most tunes are very good, Schott ED13569 m 0LAYINGINSTRUCTIONSINCLUDED  there are a couple where the sound isn’t so hot – AGUIDEFORPLAYERSGOING and there’s no excuse for the one or two where the BEYONDSTRUMMINGCHORDS had a lot of fun uke is not in tune. (“How can you tell? It’s a ukulele” Iwith this book, and I hear the Philistines mumble.) m !LLTUNESPLAYEDBY look forward to more #OLIN4RIBEAND enjoyment from it over Also, some arrangements might be judged 2OBERT4RIBEINCLUDED Edition with CD | ED 13569 | £11.99 ONTHEACCOMPANYING#$ the coming weeks pedestrian, but that would do a disservice to the and months. As you’d expect, the book mostly book’s purpose of introducing melody and finger- comprises transcriptions of folk tunes in standard picking to humble strummers like yours truly. notation and tablature. They’re all very well-known The Schott World Music series includes titles for , Accordion, Flute, Guitar & Piano visit www.schott-music.co.ukand for the more arrangements details are easy to follow, even for Recommended. a simple strummer like me, so it’s a great way to explore the world of finger-picking and melody Available from all good music shops. For more information: Hamish Currie T: 020 7534 0740 | E: [email protected] the uke. That is really its strength: introducing (Founder and leading light of Berkhamsted Ukulele Schott Music Ltd, 48 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7BB some useful techniques in a very accessible way. Random Players (BURP) – www.BURPmusic.com) UM2 Quarter Page (portrait) STACEY 2.pdf 24/4/13 11:32:08

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8 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 9

‘The one indisputable young star of British folk’ - The Times

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 BARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses ASTON CLINTON • Oak PH (8pm, 3rd): (8.30pm, 2/4, 16/4, 30/4, 14/5, 28/5, 11/6, 25/6): Roger Dorman, 01296 613742 Ann 01582 560815 ELSTREE • Waggon & Horses (last, 5 – 8pm): CAMBRIDGE • Six Bells, Covent Garden Nick, 020 8953 5231 (8.30pm, 2/4, 14/5, 11/6, Bluegrass & Old Time): MILTON KEYNES • Jim, 07803 158084 see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly) ELSTREE • Waggon & Horses (2nd): MILTON KEYNES • New Inn, New Bradwell (1st): Nick, 020 8953 5231 Patsy, 07932 157610 ELY • Kings Arms , St Marys St (last): OLD STRATFORD • The Swan (3rd): Liam, [email protected], 07905 044932 Cliff Burt, 01908 564932 MARCH • March Folk Club, Royal British Legion Club, RADLETT • Cat & Fiddle, Watling St (5pm, 4th): Rookswood, 27 West End, PE15 8DP (3rd), Nick, 020 8953 5231 Acoustic music and song: ST ALBANS • Farmers Boy, London Rd (1st): Keith Cheale, 01354 652868 Nick, 020 8953 5231 ST ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall St (8.30pm, weekly, mainly music): Monday Evenings Trevor Hacking, 01923 351739 ASHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): TOWERSEY • Village Hall (7.30 for 8pm, 3rd): Ian Chandler, 01462 743091 Linda Dorman, 01296 613742 BERKHAMSTED • George & Dragon, Northchurch WELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, (1st & 3rd – Open Mic): AL9 7PQ (2nd): Mick, 01442 864533 (pub) Alan Francis, 07774 859758 CHATTERIS • Chatteris Folk Club, Honest John, Thursday Evenings 24a South Park St, PE16 6AR (3rd), Acoustic music and song: CROXLEY GREEN • The Shed, rear of Sportsman PH Keith Cheale, 01354 652868 (8.15 – 11.00, 1st, song & acoustic music): COTTENHAM • The Chequers (2nd): Paul K, 07970 188026 Nigel, 01954 789751 HERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): SOHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): Keith Acheson, 07979 841079 Claire White, 01353 720550 HUNTON BRIDGE • King’s Head (4th): TOTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (9pm, weekly): Tim, 01923 264536 01582 661294 (pub) KIMPTON • White Horse (2nd): Doug, 07973 751039, [email protected] & Tuesday Evenings LUTON • Castle PH, LU1 3AA (weekly): BENINGTON • The Bell (4th): Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470 Kit Burgess, 01438 869435 TOWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): Sunday 27th April 2014 at 8pm DUNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): Grant, 01844 212322 Maureen, 01582 512300 WOBURN SANDS • Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): DUNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade (1st): Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660 John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub) St George’s Church Headstone Friday Evenings GT WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): Dave, 01440 783280 POTTON • Red Lion (8.30, 3rd): Pinner View Harrow HA1 4RJ HISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): Phil & Jan, 01767 260041 Dave Benford, 01223 880553 ROYSTON • Old Bull Inn SG8 9AW (2nd): www.stgeorgeheadstone.org.uk MARCH • Georges Folk Club, 61 High Street, Michael Farrow, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org PE15 9JJ (1st), Acoustic music and song: ST NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA Mark Gibson, 01354 652868 (11/4, 9/5, 13/6): RICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane (3rd): Sarah, 07857 311834, [email protected] Michael, 01923 770425 STEEPLE CLAYDON • Prince of Wales, MK18 2NP ST ALBANS • King Harry, King Harry Lane (2nd – Open Mic): Admission £20 (1st, songs & tunes): Jenny, 01582 793164 Charlie, 07925 145062 TRING • Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, HP23 5QE (1st, Trad Irish): Box Office: 0208 863 8937 Chan Reid, 07962 424 666 WOOTTON (Beds) • The Cock, MK43 9JT (8pm, broad [email protected] acoustic & folk): Pub (Karen), 01234 930034 Sponsored by The Harrow Hotel www.harrow-hotel.co.uk ORGANISERS PLEASE NoTE: WE NEED QUARTERLY CoNFIRMATIoN To INCLUDE YoUR SESSIoN DETAILS

10 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 11 Some more historical stuff It’s easy to see why May Day was the choice for festivities: the crops were planted; it was the first day of summer in the pre-1752 calendar; it falls Morris on May Day – in the first week guaranteed to be after Easter (important in the days of rigorous Lenten fasting). why do we do it? George Long, writing in 1930, suggests that “Maying” might go back to the earliest days orris dancing on May Day was first recorded of agriculture: in mediaeval times, and was certainly well Mestablished enough by Shakespeare’s time “…simple rites were performed to ensure the to warrant a mention in All’s Well that Ends Well. safety of the harvest, fertility of flocks, or the But in our Morris revival age, with only the most success of tribal hunting. …the re-birth of nature tentative links to the ancient, what are people was a time which naturally appealed.” getting up to? Dancing at dawn – a new tradition? Morris teams and their recent customs Despite all this, it seems that dancing at dawn may Bedfordshire’s Redbornstoke and Bedfordshire not be as “traditional” as we might have thought. Lace have danced at dawn at Katharine’s Cross, A survey conducted by the Morris Dancing Ampthill Park, since the mid-1980s. Jenny Howard Discussion List discovered that “the custom arose commented on their choice of location: more or less spontaneously all over the country during the 1970s as teams began to feel it was the “I think just because it’s high up, which seems ‘thing to do’. It seems to have actually started in to be desirable; we actually have a dance called Oxford in the 1920s to accompany the other Oxford ‘Katharine’s Cross’ that we never do there!” early morning celebrations, but only became widespread in the 70s”. At the other end of the spectrum, Pig Dyke Molly can be found at Holme Fen, the lowest point in Pilgrim Morris’ website tells a similar tale, saying: England. Tony Forster explained: “The first recorded incident of Morris dancing at Since 1 May 1988 I have been at Holme Fen at 5.15 dawn on May Day is from 1923. In that year the am. We have no idea why… except that it is nice to Oxford Morris Men decided to join in the May Day get up at sunrise and it is easy to remember 1 May. Dawn celebrations at Magdalen College.” The bucks fizz and breakfast are good... the woods are beautiful… that is reason enough.” The Oxford tradition stems from the 17th Century and the composition of Hymnus Eucharisticus Across the country, similar celebrations take place. by a Fellow of Magdalen College. Since then, the Paula Lazar of Silhill Morris told me about their college’s choir has sung it on the bridge at 6.00am “spring rites” in the grounds of Packwood House: on May Day – perhaps it’s inevitable that the Morris tradition cottoned on to the chance to have a good “Dancing on May Day / Beltane wakes the ground time and incorporated their own revelry. Maybe the to welcome nature to its fullest… then it’s back to only surprise is that it took so long. someone’s house for breakfast.” Sarah Sennett Kennet Morris Men used to dance at Reading Abbey, believed to be the birthplace of the May Day song “Summer is Icumen In” – a manuscript from 1240 was found at Reading and a stone tablet in the Abbey ruins bears an inscription of the song. Sadly, the Abbey has fallen into disrepair and is no longer accessible, but there is the possibility of a Lottery grant on the horizon to enable restoration work.

Photo by Clive Batkin

12 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 13 8pm WICKET BROOD • Cat & Fiddle, Radlett WD7 7JR

Thur 22 8.15pm LETCHWORTH • Bucks Head, Little Wymondley (tbc)

9.15pm LETCHWORTH • Green Man, Great Wymondley Tue 1 8pm WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice, Sat 24 WHITCHURCH • Yorkshire Dales, hosts Leeds Morris Men Fri–Sun 4–6 Weekend LETCHWORTH • Devil’s Dyke Morris Meeting Mon 26 WHITCHURCH • Yorkshire Dales, hosts Leeds Morris Men Sat 5 All day BALDOCK • Thriplow Daffodil Fair, with Bunnies from Hell Tue 27 8pm BALDOCK • Fox, Pirton SG5 3PS (tbc) Tue 8 8pm WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm WICKET BROOD • Green Dragon, London Colney AL2 1RB Thur 10 8pm WICKET BROOD • Keats House, Hampstead NW3 2RR with John Hegley Thur 29 7.30pm LETCHWORTH • Standalone Farm, Letchworth Tue 15 8pm WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8.30pm LETCHWORTH • Three Horseshoes, Norton (tbc) Tue 22 8pm WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 30/5 – Fri–Sun Weekend LETCHWORTH • Thaxted Ring Meeting Wed 23 8pm BALDOCK • Orange Tree, Norton Road, Baldock 1/6 7.30pm OLD MOTHER REDCAPS • Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne Sat 31 WHITCHURCH • Thaxted Ring Meeting, hosts Thaxted Morris Men Fri 25 9.15pm OLD MOTHER REDCAPS • Unicorn Ceilidh Interval Spot Tue 3 8pm BALDOCK • Jolly Waggoner, Ardeley SG2 7AH (tbc) Sat 26 Day LETCHWORTH • Hook Norton Brewery Tour 8pm WHITCHURCH • Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne HP23 5QE Tue 29 8pm WICKET BROOD • Border Morris practice 8pm WICKET BROOD • Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St Albans AL3 4HE Thur 1 7.30am BALDOCK • High St, Baldock, then local schools Thur 5 8.15pm LETCHWORTH • Cock, Broom

LETCHWORTH • Ickwell Green - with Bedford MM and Offley MM 9.15pm LETCHWORTH • Five Bells, Henlow 6.30am (Followed by tour of Letchworth Schools) Tue 10 8pm BALDOCK • Bushel & Strike, Ashwell SG7 5LY (tbc) Sat 3 All day BALDOCK • Rochester Sweeps Festival 8pm WHITCHURCH • Hampden Arms, Great Hampden HP16 9RQ 1pm OLD MOTHER REDCAPS • Campbell Park, Milton Keynes 8pm WICKET BROOD • Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, Tring HP23 5QE Mon 5 12 noon LETCHWORTH • Crown, Northill, with Bedford MM, then Ickwell May Fair Thur 12 8.15pm LETCHWORTH • Fox, Willian 6.30am WHITCHURCH • Coombe Hill Monument near Wendover SP849066 9.15pm LETCHWORTH • Three Horseshoes, Willian 9am WHITCHURCH • Hampden Arms, Great Hampden HP16 9RQ Sat 14 Afternoon LETCHWORTH • Morris Day of Dance, Letchworth Town Centre 10.30am WHITCHURCH • World’s End Garden Centre, near Wendover HP22 6BD Tue 17 8pm BALDOCK • Lordship Arms, Bennington SG2 7BX (tbc)

12.00 noon WHITCHURCH • May Fair, Whitchurch HP22 4JG 8pm WHITCHURCH • George & Dragon, Quainton HP22 4AR

2.15pm WHITCHURCH • Pitstone Green Farm Museum LU7 9EY Thur 19 8.15pm LETCHWORTH • Strathmore Arms, St Pauls Walden

Tue 6 8pm WICKET BROOD • Rising Sun, Berkhamstead HP4 3EG 9.15pm LETCHWORTH • Red Lion, Preston Sat 21 Afternoon BALDOCK • Buntingford Carnival Thur 8 8.15pm LETCHWORTH • March Hare, Dunton Mon 23 7.30pm OLD MOTHER REDCAPS • The Hub Piazza, Central Milton Keynes (tbc) Sat 10 All day BALDOCK • Joint Morris Organisations Day of Dance, Cambridge Tue 24 8pm BALDOCK • Waggoners, Ayot Green AL6 9AA (tbc) Day LETCHWORTH • Joint Morris Organisations Day of Dance, Cambridge 8pm WHITCHURCH • Oak, Aston Clinton HP22 5EU Sun 11 12–4pm LETCHWORTH • Ashwell at Home 8pm WICKET BROOD • Three Horseshoes, Winkwell HP1 2RZ Mon 12 Afternoon LETCHWORTH • Walsworth Festival, Hitchin Thur 26 8pm LETCHWORTH • Ashwell Tour Tue 13 8pm WHITCHURCH • Angler’s Retreat, Marsworth HP23 4LJ BALDOCK Midnight Morris – Mixed Cotswold OLD MOTHER REDCAPS – WICKET BROOD – Border Morris 8pm WICKET BROOD • Cricketers, Redbourn AL3 7ND Contact: Joyce Ormrod Garland, Manx Folk St Stephen Parish Centre, Station Rd, 01525 630 546 • 0759 280 0984 Contact: Catherine Held • 01908 667112 Bricket Wood AL2 3PJ Sat 17 All day BALDOCK • BMM Day of Dance, Baldock [email protected] https://sites.google.com/site/ Contact: Gill Clough oldmotherredcapsmorris/ [email protected] Tue 20 8pm BALDOCK • Lytton Arms, Knebworth SG3 6QB (tbc) LETCHWORTH Morris – Men’s Cotswold www.wicketbrood.org.uk Bagman: Theo Thomas • 01582 882 831 WHITCHURCH Morris – Men’s Cotswold 8pm WHITCHURCH • Plough, Cadsden HP27 0NB www.letchworthmorris.org.uk Bagman: John Bush • 01296 641 382 [email protected] www.whitchurchmorris.org.uk

14 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 15 music At the heart of English folk dance education 2 Regent’s Park Road, London, NW1 7AY library cecilsharphouse.org | 0844 888 9991 art cafe bar An evening of English and Irish Contemporary and Traditional Folk Music Summer highlights

The Patsy Jez Lowe Reid Band Up Close and Acoustic 18 May, 7.30pm 30 April, 7.30pm Pared back, acoustic and Highly accomplished Scottish unmissable. Don’t miss this fiddle player Patsy performs stalwart of songs from her latest , performing in Cecil Sharp The Brightest Path. House’s most intimate space. Tickets* £12 Tickets* £14

May in a Day! 10 May, 2 - 5pm 31 May, 7.30pm Tickets* £6 adults | £4 Celebrating the launch of Blair’s (including nibbles) under 18s | Under 2’s free | highly-anticipated second Family group £18* album, House of Jacks. *A group of 4 including at least Tickets* £14 one child and one adult.

As seen at festivals, folk clubs & pubs with a host of Folklore in Bella Hardy & tunes using a broad range of instruments England: Level 1 The Midnight 14, 21, 28 May | 4, 11, Watch 18 June, 7 - 9pm 5 June, 7.30pm Fee £66 | £54 concessions Join Bella (BBC Radio 2 Folk [email protected] Singer of the Year) as she celebrates her 30th birthday and career highlights to date. A dynamic trio with original songs of love and hope Tickets* £12 mixed with classic Irish songs and traditional Get your Folk Irish music 17 May, 7.30pm One of the world’s greatest on! Juniors acoustic and 11 - 15 August, 2 - 4.30pm Profits to be split between Parkinson’s players performing his Prodigal Son and Kind Letters , An exciting week long introduction UK and Town Mayor’s Charities in their entirety. to folk music. Tickets* £15 Fee £40 | £32 concessions [email protected] Bar Available Box Office 01525 631900

Promoter Supporters /cecilsharphouse Step-free Organised by Flitwick Town Council access now @cecilsharphouse available www.flitwick.gov.uk info@flitwick.gov.uk *Booking fees apply.

16 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 17 This year, Dave Swarbrick were recorded by the artists, then embarks on his first solo UK sent to Dave to embellish with his Tam Lin & caller Al Hewson tour, using it as an opportunity incredible fiddle playing. Celebrate 15 years on the road from to the Shetland Isles to showcase up-and-coming folk Local Band ‘Said The evening will be a slight and welcome you to a and acoustic talent. Through his role as Patron of the Folkstock departure from the normal The Maiden’ to Arts Foundation, Dave has concert, because we are Ceilidh/Barn Dance Tour with Dave discovered a huge pool of new and incorporating an interactive exciting musicians, and he is keen session with Dave, in which he Baldock Arts & Heritage Centre, High St, Baldock SG7 6AR shares anecdotes, plays fiddle th Swarbrick to involve some of this new talent Friday April 11 8 - 11pm in his performances. and answers questions from the audience in his most accessible Adults £10 under 18s £5 Licenced bar aid the Maiden are the new ‘Said The Maiden’ have been tour yet. Info/Tickets: Alan & Sue 01767 683583 [email protected] Sgirls on the block. Friends asked by Dave to tour with him since school, they started Details on tickets and times can as his support act; this will be ************************************************************* performing at Redbourn Folk the group’s first tour. Swarbrick be found at www.folkicons.co.uk/ Club and were astonished at the has also enabled local acts to swarbmenu.htm reaction. This spurred them to get involved, by choosing soloists Jess Distill Baldock & Letchworth Folk Club learn more songs, and bookings or duos to open the shows at Unless otherwise stated: £6 member cons ≤£7 members ≤ £8 non-members ≤ under 16s free at festivals and clubs across selected venues with a three-song 8.30pm Wednesdays See website for full artiste info the country soon came their slot. way. Their voices meld into one Apr 02 Joe Topping www.joetoppingmusic.com in unison singing, and their On top of all this, Dave and Exceptional singer songwriter; a lovely melodious voice & a very fine guitarist. harmonies bring traditional Folkstock are producing an EP, Apr 09 Evie Ladin & Keith Terry www.evieladin.com English songs to life. A capella which will be available to buy from Bursting with talent ; energetic & electrifying clawhammer banjo, bass, percussive dance jostles with guitar, fiddle and flute Dave on the tour, featuring songs from some of his favourite new and songs with nuanced and emotive vocals. to provide an exciting fresh take on these traditional songs. musical discoveries. The songs Apr 16 David Newey & Shona Kipling www.davidandshona.co.uk Accordion, guitar, voice, & two of the finest young musicians in the country. Apr 23 Club’s 15th birthday featuring: Chris Sissons, Dorrie Randall, Dave Stacey, Pat Crilly, Richard Harradine, Robin Harper, Viv Lucas & more Apr 30 Jez Lowe www.jezlowe.com One of the most engaging & entertaining singer song writers in the folk genre. May 07 Pyrates! www.pyrates.co.uk Dressed in pirate costume; sea faring songs an’ all in tha' quay of ARRRR! Wonderful! May 14 Sarah McQuaid www.sarahmcquaid.com Lovely guitar & a voice like malt whiskey, melted chocolate & “honey poured into wine” Minor 7th May 21 John Doyle www.johndoylemusic.com Considered one of the most important guitarists in Irish and acoustic music worldwide, he is also lauded for his singing & songwriting talents. May 28 Louise Jordan http://louisejordan.co.uk “Absolutely, totally and completely brilliant” , BBC Jne 04 The Devine Family www.johndevinemusic.com Irish music with Uilleann Pipes, Whistles, Vocals, Sax, Tenor Banjo, Guitar & more. Jne 11 na-mara www.na-mara.com Traditional & self penned material; great songs with mandolin & guitar. Jne 18 John Kirkpatrick www.johnkirkpatrick.co.uk BBC Folk Musician of the Year 2010 and England’s best love master of the squeezbox. The Orange Tree, Norton Rd, Baldock, SG7 5AW Contact us: Tel: 01767 683583 email: [email protected]

18 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 19 “More than a “Fire & Fortune” little guitar” Josienne Clarke Exploring Folk Fiddle By Daniel & Ben Walker Nestlerode Navigator 082 by Chris Haigh An Introduction to Folk Styles, Techniques and Improvisation wondered why I had not heard Daniel he second full-length album release, Ibefore. With no help from sleeve notes, Tfollowing EPs The Seas are Deep and but rather his excellent website, I now Homemade Heartache, by this young duo know he is American, and only settled in is refined, graceful and intense. Seven new Cambridge (UK) in 2012, having been born in compositions, musing mainly on love’s m !PRACTICAL DOWNTOEARTH  Pennsylvania, and “seasoned” in California, labours, fit comfortably with evocative ANDIN DEPTHTUTORBOOK as he puts it. interpretations of five traditional pieces. COVERINGALLASPECTSOFFOLK This goes a long way to explaining the Their fundamentals are Josienne’s VIOLINTECHNIQUE sound and feel of the five self-penned songs vocalising, emotionally expressive and included in this selection. He is chiefly a technically exact (almost at times to the point mandolinist – and a very good one – hence of being mannered in its articulation and the album title. With due respect to the play phrasing), and Ben’s guitar playing which is m %XPLORINGAHUGEVARIETYOF on words, there is also more than a little exemplary and exquisite in its sensitivity and TECHNICALASPECTSINCLUDING guitar on this CD, again skilfully played by symbiosis with the songs. I challenge anyone Daniel himself. to find greater nuanced delicacy and subtlety ORNAMENTATION MODESAND in a guitar supporting role both in recorded SCALESANDIMPROVISATION In fact, except for a small vocal contribution and live performance. from his producer, Daniel does everything. He sings very well, and plays guitar and The arrangements draw on evident classical three types of mandolin on one of his training and experience in their elegance and m !BROADSELECTIONOF compositions, “Virginia Claire”, a dark sophistication but also include tinctures from song about a murder. I also like his own , flamenco and elsewhere. Josienne’s use TRADITIONALMUSICSTYLESAND “A Winter’s Night”, with a very Denveresque of recorder and saxophone on two pieces and CULTURESAREPRESENTED arrangement, thanks to the mandolins. guest contributions of cello (Jo Silverston), (John Parker) and violin (Basia Good to hear some chopped mandolin on the Bartz), in particular (there is also some up-tempo “Bury Me Beneath the Willow” – piano, drums and bodhran), contribute to the pure bluegrass. “Red River Valley” and “Long m )DEALFORTHEDEVELOPINGFOLK carefully calculated pace and space, textures, MUSICIAN ORCLASSICALPLAYER Edition with CD | ED 13460 | £16.99 Black Veil” are a mite slow for my taste, but warmth and depth of the songs and, above we Brits do tend to speed things up! all, their dramatic setting and atmosphere. LOOKINGFORSOMETHINGALITTLE DIFFERENTÜ If you haven’t seen him yet, you will. He So, if you like purity and honesty in the visited dozens of local folk clubs last year, presentation of the song, -esque either as guest or support. And in case you’re timbres, and melancholy as your prevailing wondering, he performs most of these songs moods, you’ll find plentiful moving and live and brilliantly with just a mandolin. haunting pleasure here. Very excellently m )NCLUDINGA#$OFDEMOANDPLAY ALONGTRACKS More info from www.nestlerode.co.uk. recorded and mixed, with much clarity and brightness, in ‘Ben’s Room’, these two are Mike Blair surely destined for folk fame and fortune.

Kevin T. Ward Available from all good music shops. For more information: T: 020 7534 0740 | E: [email protected] Schott Music Ltd, 48 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7BB

20 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 21 FRIDAY 25th APRIL Dance the night away . . .

the new slide FRIDAY 30th MAY Unicorn Tue 1 ST.NEOTS • Open Stage Thur 17 BEDFORD • Easter Singaround with C E I L I D H S Wed 2 BALDOCK • Joe Topping BEDFORD FDC • Caller: John Green ethel’s cats ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Billy Hill & Friends alex cumming with LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers (TBC) The New Slide are a new young FRIDAY 27th JUNE MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players REDBOURN • Open Stage southern English ceilidh band who alison giles and listeners Fri 18 BEDFORD FINE • Easter holidays – No club play English and French-Canadian Ethel's Cats are a three piece ceilidh panjandrum Thur 3 BEDFORD • Singers Night CAMBRIDGE • Louise Jordan band with tunes. The band consists of Matt operating mostly around Peterborough and BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Keith Harrup FRIDAY FOLK • Closed for Easter Quinn (Melodeons), Tom Redman East Anglia. The name comes from one of gordon potts BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Debra Cowan WATFORD • Good Friday - Closed (Bass Guitar), Nathan Armstrong the dances of Pig Dyke Molly, of which the REDBOURN • Open Stage Sun 20 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Ben Paley (Piano) and Alex Cumming (Caller). band are all members. They are: Anahata: Rising from the ashes of the now sadly Fri 4 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night & Tab Hunter They provide dance music that is melodeon, Mary Humphreys: English defunct Committee Band, Panjandrum Visitors Welcome HITCHIN • Liz Simcock and Dave Ellis lively and energetic, yet still concertina and Dave Parker: Sousaphone. are a band playing for English ceilidh CAMBRIDGE • Tim Edey & Boo Howard maintains a very traditional sound. Their music ranges from traditional to dances with the emphasis on CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Mon 21 CHESHAM • CLOSED - Public Holiday modern, but it's a ble, foot- www.mattquinnmusic.co.uk ll superbly arranged and providing the most dancea Contra Dance HERGA • CLOSED – Public Holiday played, with the emphasis on danceability! tapping music. Their tunes come from FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Barrett & HITCHIN STAPLERS • CLOSED – http://alexcumming.webs.com/bands. all over the place: England, Italy, Spring Greens Public Holiday www.ethelscats.co.uk htm France, Sweden, Finland, Northolt – in WATFORD • Malcolm Hobbs LEASIDERS • Closed fact anywhere that can provide you terval: Old Mother Redcaps Sat 5 HADDENHAM • Steamchicken with Liam WALTHAM ABBEY • CLOSED – In with memorable melodies. MONTH Robinson plus Taeppa’s Tump Public Holiday LAST FRIDAY IN THE Sun 6 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage Tue 22 ST.NEOTS • Where’s Spot Band dhs.org.uk www.panjandrumband.co.uk www.unicornceili ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Wed 23 BALDOCK • Club 15th Birthday Tickets only £10.00 - Singles & groups welcome Country Practice (see advert p18) HITCHIN • & James Fagan ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice Doors open 7.30pm REAL ALE BAR plus Tom Ryder LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH 8.00pm till late Mon 7 CHESHAM • Thur 24 BEDFORD • Come all Ye – HERGA • na-mara everyone welcome HITCHIN STAPLERS • ‘Zesty Playford’ BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Graham Foster evening, Colin Hume & Spring Greens BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Tinderbox (TBC) LEASIDERS • Closed REDBOURN • Jed Grimes WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Fri 25 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Tue 8 ST.NEOTS • Tannahill Weavers Welcome Wed 9 BALDOCK • Evie Ladin & Keith Terry CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with Saul Bailey ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice FRIDAY FOLK • Colin Hume & Mollie K LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers ROYSTON • Richard Digance, support Thur 10 BEDFORD • Local Singers & Musicians Ramon Goose BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Charles Day WATFORD • Saul Rose & James Delarre BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Steve Turner Sun 27 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage REDBOURN • Garry Smith ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Fri 11 BEDFORD FINE • Easter holidays – No club Mumming Practice CAMBRIDGE • Dave Swarbrick HITCHIN • Mairearad Green & Anna FRIDAY FOLK • Ron Coxall & FF Band Massey, plus The Carrivick Sisters ROYSTON • The Legendary Royston Folk Mon 28 CHESHAM • Singers Night featuring Club Open Mic! Hannah Saunders WATFORD • Maggie Boyle & Paul Downes HERGA • Open Stage Sun 13 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller HITCHIN • Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin, LEASIDERS • Club Callers plus Joe Topping & Scott Poley WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Mon 14 CHESHAM • Singers Night Tue 29 ST.NEOTS • Round the Room HERGA • Open Stage Wed 30 BALDOCK • Jez Lowe HITCHIN STAPLERS • Easter ‘All Come Ye’ LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers LEASIDERS • Closed WALTHAM ABBEY • Abbie Rechert, New Roots finalist Tue 15 ST.NEOTS • Bram Taylor Wed 16 BALDOCK • David Newey & Shona Kipling ELY • Vin Garbutt ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice LINSLEIGHDERS • Guest Caller: Judith Inman

22 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 23 Thur 1 BEDFORD • May Day Singaround CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Sun 1 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage REDBOURN • Folk on the Common, BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Richard Spendlove Contra Dance ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Club Practice free outdoor concert 2–6pm BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers Night FRIDAY FOLK • Ced & Lorraine for Nevers Mon 16 CHESHAM • Broken Boat REDBOURN • Open Stage WATFORD • Simon Kempston HITCHIN • HERGA • Steve Turner Fri 2 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Sun 18 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Guest night tbc Mon 2 CHESHAM • Fabian Holland HITCHIN STAPLERS • Maypole Evening, Welcome ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and HERGA • Open Stage Pirton, Chris Turner & Cloudburst CAMBRIDGE • Mentés Másként Trio Mumming Practice HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LEASIDERS • Club Callers CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American HITCHIN • Katherine Roberts & LEASIDERS • Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Contra Dance Sean Lakeman plus Kirsty Bromley WALTHAM ABBEY • Russ Chandler Tue 17 ST.NEOTS • John Conolly FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Barrett & FF Band Mon 19 CHESHAM • Singers Night Tue 3 ST.NEOTS • Maggie Boyle & Paul Downes Wed 18 BALDOCK • John Kirkpatrick WATFORD • Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer HERGA • Open Stage Wed 4 BALDOCK • The Devine Family ELY • Chris Sherburn & Findlay Napier Sat 3 HADDENHAM • Burlesdon Village Band HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice with Hugh Rippon plus The Bar Staff LEASIDERS • Club Callers LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers LINSLEIGHDERS • Guest Caller – Sun 4 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players Norman Hayes HITCHIN • Jim Causley Tue 20 ST.NEOTS • Terence Blackler and listeners Thur 19 BEDFORD • Singers Night Mon 5 CHESHAM • CHESHAM • CLOSED – Wed 21 BALDOCK • John Doyle Thur 5 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians BEDFORD FDC • Caller: George Hearnden Public Holiday ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Lorraine & BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers Night HERGA • CLOSED - Public Holiday LINSLEIGHDERS • Guest Caller – Ced Morgan REDBOURN • Black Scarr HITCHIN STAPLERS • CLOSED – Peter Bridgman BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Two Coats Colder Fri 20 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Public Holiday Thur 22 BEDFORD • Singaround REDBOURN • Jeff Warner Visitors Welcome LEASIDERS • Closed BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Roger Dover Fri 6 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night CAMBRIDGE • Showcase for Young Artists WALTHAM ABBEY • CLOSED – BISHOP’S STORTFORD • David Gibb Visitors Welcome CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Public Holiday REDBOURN • Open Stage CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage Contra Dance Tue 6 ST.NEOTS • Anthony John Clarke Fri 23 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Barrett & Wed 7 BALDOCK • Pyrates! Visitors Welcome Contra Dance Spring Greens ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice CAMBRIDGE • Belshazzar’s Feast FRIDAY FOLK • Dave Kerridge WATFORD • Singaround LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers FRIDAY FOLK • Closed WATFORD • Singaround Sun 22 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players WATFORD • Singaround Fri/Sat 6/7 ST.NEOTS • Festival of Music, Dance & Song Mon 23 CHESHAM • Singers Night featuring KARA and listeners Sun 25 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage (see advert p45) HERGA • Open Stage Thur 8 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians HITCHIN • Les Barker Sat 7 HADDENHAM • Gareth Kiddier All Stars HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Kevin Prigmore Mon 26 CHESHAM • CLOSED - Public Holiday with Aidan Hansell plus Crooked Moon LEASIDERS • Club Callers BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Kyle Carey HERGA • CLOSED - Public Holiday Sun 8 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround REDBOURN • Tom McConville HITCHIN STAPLERS • CLOSED – HITCHIN • Steve Knightly Tue 24 ST.NEOTS • Round the Room Fri 9 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Public Holiday Mon 9 CHESHAM • Singers Night Wed 25 BALDOCK • Session Visitors Welcome LEASIDERS • Closed HERGA • Open Stage ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with Romy WALTHAM ABBEY • CLOSED – HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers FRIDAY FOLK • Rachel & Thomas Bending Public Holiday LEASIDERS • Club Callers Thur 26 BEDFORD • Singaround ROYSTON • The Legendary Royston Folk Tue 27 ST.NEOTS • Round the Room WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Richard Spendlove Club Open Mic! Wed 28 BALDOCK • Louise Jordan Tue 10 ST.NEOTS • Barron Brady BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Victoriana Gaye WATFORD • Singaround ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice Wed 11 BALDOCK • na-mara (TBC) Sun 11 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice REDBOURN • Open Stage HITCHIN • Hannah James & Sam Sweeney Thur 29 BEDFORD • Singers Night LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers Fri 27 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Mon 12 CHESHAM • Eileen McGann & David K BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Terry Elvins Thur 12 BEDFORD • Come all Ye – Welcome HERGA • Chris Flegg BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Issy & David everyone welcome CAMBRIDGE • Winter Wilson HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller Emeney with Kate Riaz BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Keith Harrup FRIDAY FOLK • Paul Garner & FF Band LEASIDERS • Club Callers REDBOURN • GBH BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Rosa’s Very ROYSTON • Gordon Giltrap, support Carrick WALTHAM ABBEY • Chris Parkinson Fri 30 BEDFORD FINE • No Club – Half Term Beautiful Daughters WATFORD • Liz Simcock & Richard Grainger CAMBRIDGE • Matt Woosey, Holly Taymar, REDBOURN • Open Stage Sun 29 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Open Stage Tue 13 ST.NEOTS • The Young ‘uns John Meed Fri 13 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Mon 30 CHESHAM • Singers Night Wed 14 BALDOCK • Sarah McQuaid FRIDAY FOLK • Mike Bennett & FF Band Visitors Welcome HERGA • Open Stage ELY • Adrian Nation ROYSTON • Issey & David Emeney, support CAMBRIDGE • Dave Ellis & Boo Howard HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Caller ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Practice Terry Emm FRIDAY FOLK • Mark Elvins, Barbara LEASIDERS • Club Callers LINSLEIGHDERS • Club Callers WATFORD • Piefinger Burton & Martyn Boardman WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Thur 15 BEDFORD • Singers Night ROYSTON • The Legendary Royston Folk BEDFORD FDC • Caller: John Green Club Open Mic! BISHOP’S STORTFORD • na-mara WATFORD • Kara REDBOURN • Open Stage Sun 15 BLACK FEN, Cambridge • Guest night tbc We desperately need help to distribute copies of our new Fri 16 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris and Unicorn Magazine to the 60 or so distribution locations on our list. Visitors Welcome Mumming Practice If you could help by taking copies to your club, session or venue CAMBRIDGE • Fern Teather Band, Paul HITCHIN • Chris & plus every quarter, please contact us. Even small deliveries will help Goodwin, The Broadside Boys Christene Ledoux reduce our crippling postage & petrol bills!

24 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 25 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 Contact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 Email: [email protected] www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Club HITCHIN STAPLERS • Staplers Club Daley’s Club, Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, MK42 8BB Hitchin SG4 9JP Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 or 01525 404304 Contact: Cecilia Mills, 01582 881966 See us on Facebook 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, Contact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574 Luton LU3 1HB BEDFORD FINE • Bedford Fine Companions Folk Contact: Liz Patrick, 01582 732656 Dance Club LINSLEIGHDERS: Hazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Rd, Bedford Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade LU7 2LW MK41 9AT Contact: Mrs E.A. Corser, 01525 378010 Contact: David Cooke, 01234 823920 MOGGERHANGER • Village Folk www.finecompanions.synthasite.com Moggerhanger Village Hall, Blunham Rd, Moggerhanger, BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Stortfolk MK44 3RD Royal British Legion, 28 Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford Contact: Chris Bashford, 01767 640242 CM23 2NG [email protected] Contact: Jon & Hilary McNamara, 01279 656664 REDBOURN • Redbourn Folk Club www.beerfordbury.co.uk Old Schoolroom, Hollybush PH, Church End, BLACK FEN FOLK CLUB Redbourn AL3 7DU Hot Numbers Café, Units 5 / 6 Dales Brewery, Contact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 Gwydir St, Cambridge CB1 2LJ www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk Contact: Robin Gillan, 07847 680560 ROYSTON • Royston Folk Club www.blackfenfolkclub.com Old Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston SG8 9AW CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Folk Club Contact: Mark Gamon 07738 183158 Golden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SP www.roystonfolk.org Contact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986 STONY STRATFORD • The Song Loft www.cambridgefolkclub.org Cock Hotel, High St, Stony Stratford, MK11 1AH CAMBRIDGE CONTRA Contact: Jane Armour, 01908 566407 URC Hall, Cherry Hinton Rd, Cambridge CB1 7UB www.thesongloft.co.uk Contact: Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641 ST.ALBANS • St Albans Folk Music www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra The Maltings Arts Theatre, Level 2, The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL CHESHAM • Chesham Folk & Acoustic Music Club Contact: Alison Macfarlane, 01727 852111 (Tudor Folk) www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk Whitehill Centre, Chesham HP5 1AG ST NEOTS • St Neots Folk Club Contact: Bob Templeman, 07771 727943 Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH www.tudorfolkclub.org.uk Contact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278 ELY • Ely Folk Club www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk The Old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, WALTHAM ABBEY • Waltham Abbey Folk Club Cambs CB7 4ER (no bar) Royal British Legion, Brooker Rd, Waltham Abbey Contact: Ruth Bramley 01353 740999 / 664706 EN9 1HY www.elyfolkclub.co.uk Contact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987 or 07799 407363 ENGLISH MISCELLANY www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com, see us on Facebook East Hyde Village Hall, Lower Harpenden Rd (B653), WATFORD • Watford Folk Club nr Luton LU2 9QB Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Watford Contact: Helen Stamp, 020 8386 3779 WD17 2JP www.englishmiscellany.com Contact: Julian Mount, 07778 526489, watfordfolkclub@ FRIDAY FOLK • Friday Folk Social Dance Club outlook.com, www.folkatthepumphouse.webs.com, Methodist Church, Marlborough Rd, St Albans AL1 3XG www.facebook.com/groups/watfordfolkclub/ Contact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508 WICKET BROOD • Wicket Brood Border Morris www.fridayfolk.org.uk St Stephen Parish Centre, Station Rd, Bricket Wood HADDENHAM CEILIDHS AL2 3PJ Haddenham Village Hall, nr Aylesbury Contact: Gill Clough, [email protected] Contact: 01296 415333, [email protected] www.wicketbrood.org.uk HERGA • Herga Folk Club Pinner Green Social Club, Rickmansworth Rd, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3TJ Contact: George Papavgeris 07747 768868 www.hergafolk.org

26 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 27 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 29 St Albans Folk Festival

t Albans Folk Festival started in the 1990s Sunday June 22 will be a less eventful day with April 4th Tappalachian in “Across the Pond Sas ‘Folk at the Festival’, attached to a sessions and singarounds, alongside a Council & Back Again” Council run arts festival, but over the past few run event, still at the planning stage, to round plus ‘Uncle Bob’ Scruton years, the arts festival has disappeared and off the Albantide celebrations. May 9th Katrina Gilmore & Jamie Roberts we have become a free-standing event. All the plus New Roots fi nalist events take place in the historic City Centre. For full details of the events, please see our June 6th Songs collected in Chiswell Green web sites, www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk from the Page family and Emily This year the festival will be taking place on and www.stalbansfolkfestival.co.uk. Joiner sung by Steph West, Chuck the weekend of June 21 and 22, now known as & Angela Silverman, Irene Shettle the Albantide weekend, as the Sunday is Alison Macfarlane & Brian Pearson St Albans Day and on the Saturday the Abbey’s 8.00pm at the Maltings Arts Theatre giant puppets will be in the City Centre re- The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL enacting Alban’s life and death. Tickets £10, student concessions £8 from: Most of our events will take place on Saturday www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo 0844 870 0887, St Albans Tourist June 21, when our base for the day will be the & Information Centre Old Town Hall in the Market Place. There will be free music during the day and a concert in Further information: the evening. We have an exciting line-up for W: www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk the concert, with , Haddo, Emma E: [email protected] Scarr, winner of Watford Folk Club’s song writing competition and a New Roots finalist, to be selected at the finals on Sunday April 6. SAID THE MAIDEN

126 Folk at Maltings Quarter Page (portrait).indd 1 10/2/14 10:28:12 Demand for spots in the all day free showcase, Concert Tickets: to be held in the historic 1831 Court Room £14, £8 student concessions. has been considerable and we now have an Available from Tourist Information Centre, excellent mixture of top local performers along Tel 01727 8645111 or online from ST ALBANSnd FOLK FESTIVAL with others who are new to the festival. www.allaroundstalbans.com st & 22 2014 June 21 Down below, in an atmospheric candle lit area by the cells, there will be an opportunity st nd to take part in singarounds. Upstairs in the Saturday June 21 Sunday June 22 Assembly Room during the afternoon, there will be a chance to meet local dance groups • Day of Dance in St • Concert, 7.30pm • Sessions & singarounds and try to do one of their dances. Albans City Centre Jim Moray, Haddo, being arranged This year, the festival is expanding into the • Old Town Hall Folk Day plus Emma Scarr, nd nearby White Swan in Dagnall Street, now Free events during winner of Watford Wednesday July 2 a regular session venue, and there will be the day with showcase Folk Club songwriting sessions between noon and 5pm. • St Michaelʼs Street in the Old Court competition & folk evening Room & singarounds New Roots 2014 This year the Day of Dance will move back onto Dancing in the street & the same day as the other main in the cells. fi nalist (tba) music in its three pubs events. It will start with Festival Sessions in the White a massed display outside Folk Swan, Dagnall Street. the Alban Arena before Albannds the dancers move on to St st 2014 Enquiries: 01727 852111/ 833028 the Maltings, Christopher & 22 Place and the Clock Tower. Email: [email protected] • Web: www.stalbansfolkfestival.co.uk June 21

30 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 31

Spring 2014

4 Apr Bob Barrett and Spring Greens 11 Apr Ron Coxall and FF Band If you enjoy a 18 Apr Closed for Easter lively barn dance, you'll find Summer 2014 Friday Folk is 25 Apr Colin Hume and Mollie K a great way 2 May Bob Barrett and FF Band to meet 9 May Rachel and Thomas Bending like-minded 16 May Ced and Lorraine people and 23 May Closed have fun. 30 May Mike Bennett and FF Band Newcomers are 6 Jun Dave Kerridge always welcome. 13 Jun Mark Elvins, Barbara Burton And there's no need and Martyn Boardman to bring a partner. 20 Jun Bob Barrett and Spring Greens 27 Jun Paul Garner and FF Band From 7:45 to 10:00 pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Marlborough 28 Jun Saturday Dance at Sam Ryder Colin Hume and Stick Shift Road, St Albans, AL1 3XG. www.fridayfolk.org.uk – 01727 856508 4 Jul Friday Special: American Night Standard Friday admission £3 Adam Hughes and Quicksilver

FOLK SONG COMPETITION 2014

Could you write a new folk song? Well this is your opportunity… Watford Folk Club invites entries for its 3rd annual song writer’s competition Our theme for 2014 will be: "WAR AND PEACE" Entry details, forms and competition rules are available at: http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com/songcompetition2014.htm Entries open 28/3/14 & Close 17/10/14. Grand Final on 14/11/14

FUTURE GUEST ARTISTS INCLUDE: James Findlay, Gren Bartley, Saul Rose & James Delarre, Vicki Swann & Jonny Dyer, Simon Kempston, Piefinger and Liz Simcock. Don’t forget our LEGENDARY SINGAROUNDS on non-guest nights! Further details at: http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com

Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/watfordfolkclub/ Email : [email protected] Tel : 07778 526489

32 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 33 Fri 11 Ceilidh / Barn Dance: Tam Lin & caller BFC Bedford Fine Companions: Al Hewson celebrate 15 years on the Newnham Middle School, Polhill Ave, road, Adults £10, u18s £5, Licenced bar, Bedford MK41 9DT Tel: 01234 823920 8 – 11pm • BLFC [email protected] Sat 12 Val & Ian McFarlane, 7.30pm • WFD BFD Bedford Folk Dance Club: Putnoe Heights Church, Putnoe Heights, Fri 25 The New Slide with Alex Cumming, Bedford MK41 8EB 7.30 for 8.00pm • UC Contact: Ron Law, 01234 825574 Sat 26 St George’s Day Celebrations, BLFC Baldock & Letchworth FC: Drake Hall, Amersham HP6 5AH. Baldock Arts & Heritage Centre, High St, Baldock SG7 6AR Caller Madeleine Smith, music Maggie Info / Tickets: Alan & Sue, 01767 683583 Fletcher & Ruth Rose, 7.30pm • CFA [email protected] Sat 26 Gentlemen’s Relish with Caller CC Cambridge Contra Dance Club: Fee Lock, 8 – 11pm • NC Harston Village Hall CB22 7PX Contact: Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641 www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra CFA Chiltern Folk Assoc.: Sat 10 Friendly Folk with Caller Chris Turner, Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Ave, 7.30 – 11pm • BFC HP6 5AH Contact: Judith Inman, 01628 486845 Sat 10 Anne Dunn, 7.30pm • WFD FF Friday Folk: Sat 17 Brian McMinn & Mike Green, Samuel Ryder Academy, Drakes Drive, Caller Frances Richardson • BFD St Albans AL1 5AR Contact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508 Sat 17 Spring Dance with the Forest Band, NC Northampton Ceilidhs: 7.30 – 11pm • SAA Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Northampton NN1 5LL Fri 30 Ethel’s Cats with Alison Giles, Contacts: Ruth 01933 397767, Valerie 01604 711536, 7.30 for 8.00pm • UC John 07760 197921 www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk Sat 31 Contra Dance Band: Folkus Pocus with Caller John Turner, 8 – 11pm • NC Adults £9, Students £5, Accompanied u-16s FREE, Group of 6 (paying) one free Licenced Bar, Free Car Park SAA St Albans Abbey FDC: Sat 7 Anniversary Dance, 100 years EFDSS Homewood Rd UR Church Hall, Sandpit Lane, Cambridge branch, 20 years Harston St Albans AL1 4BH club. Hugh Stewart + Dennis Owen Tel: 01727 834977 calling with Worm-Upping band, SCD Staplers Country Dance Club: Parish Hall, Waterdell Lane, St. Ippolytts SG4 7RB 7.30 – 11pm • CC Tel: 01582 881966 Sat 14 Sue Needham, 7.30pm • WFD UC Unicorn Ceilidhs: Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Mon 16 Maypole Evening, Pirton Village Green, Biggleswade SG18 8JH nr Hitchin SG5 3PS, 7.30pm. Tel: 01582 724261, 07946 439095 Cloudburst with Chris Turner • SCD www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk Fri 27 Panjandrum with Gordon Potts, WFD Winchmore Folk Dance Club: Trinity Church Hall, Church St/Gentleman’s Row, 7.30 for 8.00pm • UC Enfield EN2 6AN Sat 28 Stick Shift with caller Colin Hume • FF Contact: John Wood 020 8926 7293 Membership £7 plus £4.00 per Dance, Guests £6.00 per Dance Dancing also Tuesday 10am-12noon Grange Park Methodist Church N21 2EU

34 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 36 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 37 – the Oxfordshire festival celebrates its Golden Jubilee in 2014

Famed independent festival Towersey celebrates its 50th anniversary this August (Thursday 21 – Monday 25 August 2014) with a very special five-day event. mong those taking to part in the festival’s half- His songs have been recorded by such acts as Acentury birthday celebrations are folk legends The Corrs, REM and Elvis Costello with The Richard Thompson, Seth Lakeman and Lau. LA Times describing him as “the finest rock They’ll be joined by , Eliza Carthy songwriter after [Bob] Dylan and the best electric and , Michael McGoldrick, John guitarist since Hendrix.” He was made an OBE McCusker, Georgia Ruth, Dick Gaughan, in 2011. John Smith, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, The Urban Folk Quartet, and many more, including Over the last decade, Seth Lakeman has released The Bootleg Beatles, who’ll be headlining the a string of critically acclaimed albums, including opening night spectacular. the nominated Kitty Jay. 2014 sees the violinist and multi-instrumentalist release his It was way back in 1965 that locals, looking for sixth studio album, Word Of Mouth. ways to fund urgent renovations to the village hall, decided to launch a festival. From a one-day event, A stunning live act, three-piece Lau have won it was soon expanded to three days and a major, the Best Band title at the BBC Radio 2 Folk arts festival was born. Awards four times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2013), their subtle blend of traditional instruments with Music has always been at the heart of the loops and effects pushing the folk genre into new festivities, but the modern day Towersey Festival exciting directions. also embraces poetry, comedy, theatre, circus performers, visual arts, films, workshops, dances, Tickets for the full festival start from £55–£120, storytelling and great food. with under 5s free. Camping available. Day tickets (Fri–Mon) £10–£40. Towersey’s Children’s Festival is a major attraction, featuring everything from drop-in craft For further information and to book tickets, call activities to baby reflexology, while other highlights 023 8071 1818 or see: www.towerseyfestival.com. include Shooting Roots, a programme of activities dedicated to, and run by, young people, and a Real Ale and Cider Festival, featuring a range of artisan beers and ciders, many from the surrounding area.

“We’re very proud indeed to be celebrating Towersey Festival’s Golden Jubilee,” says Festival Director Joe Heap, whose grandfather was one of the festival founders. “The annual event has grown considerably since those early days, but it remains one of the most welcoming and friendly festivals in the UK.

“We’re looking forward to marking 50 years with some very special guests and announcements, and also welcoming friends both old and new.”

A cornerstone of British music since the 1960s, guitarist and songwriter Richard Thompson found RICHARD THOMPSON fame as cofounder of .

Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 39 since 1976

AlecMaker of fine Anness stringed instruments Luthier since 1980 BRITAIN’S FOLK & ACOUSTIC SPECIALISTS

Custom made chromatic & diatonic autoharps, hammered dulcimers & banjo’s. Made from high quality quarter sawn tonewoods & fi ttings. Our nine shops stock all Accessories including hard cases, tuning wrenches, hammers, fully adjustable stands, kinds of acoustic & folky damper bar systems for hammered dulcimers & sets of strings. Chord bar felts, tuning pins & sets of strings for autoharps. musical instruments Restoration of vintage instruments, custom inlays,re-fretting, re-fi nishing & set ups. from Britain and around the world! [t] 01353 863 442 [m] 07837 507 425 www.alecanness.co.uk Expert staff are always on hand to give you free, friendly advice.

Alec Anness - Unicorn Magazine.indd 1 20/12/2013 09:07 Try the intruments for yourself! Bedfordshire Each shop has a huge Lace and varied stock of new and secondhand instruments Morris Fri 11 Apr – 8pm LUCY WARD SUPPORTING LI Will be dancing this Spring and Winner of Horizon Award at Summer. Radio 2 Folk Awards 2012 MUSIC FESTIV VE Come and see us dance — £12.50 / £10.50 concessions , CornwAaLlSl, you may be enthused to join us Crawley Fri 16 May – 8pm , Oxford, BMG, next September for our Winter Rise DAVE SWARBRICK ley, Ten Practice Season! The legendary master fiddler terde Broadstairs andn ,m Sot rIev £12.50 / £10.50 concessions es, Look at our website for details of Sat 14 Jun – 8pm where we are dancing. WILD WILLY BARRETT’S FRENCH CONNECTION BIRMINGHAM | BRISTOL | CANTERBURY | CRAWLEY |LEEDS www.bedfordshirelace.org.uk The Frenchified alternative folk quartet £13.50 / £11.50 concessions LONDON | MANCHESTER | MILTON KEYNES | WADEBRIDGE

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Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 41 about the place. As Nikita took me through the art exhibition areas, into the theatre and then on a tour of the various workshops on the site, people were bustling about. Some of them busy, some Interview with Nikita Strange, merely chatting, some working hard and others Marketing Manager of the Queens Park relaxing, but all of them contributed to the feeling Arts Centre and Limelight Theatre. of well being at the Centre. Sparrow met up with Nikita on a rainy day in November. I I stopped and chatted with Pippa North who Ihadn’t been to the Arts Centre before and I was has been selected as the Artist in residence taken aback as I drove into the car park that the developing a participatory arts experience called building looked just like an old school. I hoped that the Wander House and she explained that she will the inside didn’t continue to give off that image, create a variety of hand crafted items made from but as Nikita showed me round I saw that although sustainable materials which will then be used as A folkie Luthier for folkies the building is unmistakeably an old school (it part of a mobile unit that will delivery participatory still has the parquet flooring that many of us sat experiences to both large and small audiences. Set-Ups and Repairs for Fiddles, Violas, Cellos and Hardanger Fiddles. cross legged on as children) the innovative use of This seemed to sum up what the Arts Centre is all the hall, classrooms and offices has developed about. With workshops in lace making, pottery, Fiddles and Hardangers made to commission. circus skills, children’s activities there is literally an atmosphere of creativity and energy that was Hand made contemporary Fiddles for sale. almost tangible. We chatted in the coffee bar something for everyone. which, Nikita explained, doubles as a bar serving I came away thinking that the perfect use wines, beers and soft drinks on nights when the Tim J. Sparrow of an old school building tucked away in the middle Limelight Theatre is being used. St.Neots, Cambridgeshire of a residential area. It is a fantastic resource for (Workshop open by appointment) The Queens Park Arts Centre and Limelight the residents of Aylesbury and the surrounding Tel: 07704 836 170 Email: [email protected] Theatre are based in the former Queens Park areas. Although partly funded by grants, the www.sparrow-violins.co.uk www.facebook.com/SparrowViolins School in the centre of Aylesbury. Founded in in majority of the funding is raised by the workshops, 1980 the Arts centre had a mission to provide, classes and theatre events. There are more than promote and develop participatory arts to the eighty volunteers involved with the Centre which people of Aylesbury and the surrounding areas. is testament to (or possibly the cause of) the great Pay as you go workshops were set up with the atmosphere and positive energy of the place. support of paid tutors and volunteers and these As they say in their publicity; “The fact that have continued for over thirty years providing the Centre is so treasured in this way, is truly For a complete guide to advertising with us, including a full set of technical specifications and suggestions to opportunities for people of all ages and levels ensure your ad looks as good as possible, please downlaod a copy of our Media Pack, available from our website. something the celebrate.” of expertise. Advertisement Sizes: • With border: For further details have a look at the Arts Centre Trim size: 148mm (W) x 210mm Some time later the Limelight Theatre was Please note that from March 2013 we changed our adverts web site www.qpc.org. sizes and prices to the following shown below. Bleed size: 154mm (W) x 216mm (H) developed in the old school hall providing a120 seat theatre for productions of all sorts. There Back Cover (with or without border) £75.00 Simon Bailes Prices are for supplied, correctly-sized, press-ready is raked seating running down to either a flat artwork: • No border: Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H) or raised stage depending on the production. Quarter page (portrait) £22.00 • With border: When not is use the seating folds back to allow the Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 92mm (H) hall to be used for other activities. Lighting and Trim size: 148 x 210mm (no bleed) sound engineers are provided by the Theatre for Half page (landscape) £35.00 Bleed size: 154 x 216mm Trim size: 134mm (W) x 92mm (H) all events. Front Cover Banner £50.00 Half page (portrait) £35.00 Trim size: 148 x 50mm Most Fridays and Saturdays see music, comedy or Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 191mm (H) Bleed size: 154 x 56mm theatre productions at the Theatre covering a wide Full Inner page (no border) £55.00 range of genres. The music covers folk, blues, All artwork is printed in mono / grayscale – preferrred Trim size: 134mm (W) x 191mm (H) formats are high res (300dpi) PFDs, with all fonts rock and soul and is an eclectic mix of styles with embedded (see the Media Pack for more information). artists such as Lucy Ward, Dave Swarbrick and Full Inner page (with border) £60.00 Please note that we will be adding the black line around and Rex Preston due to perform Trim size: 148 x 210mm Bleed size: 151 x 216mm ad box shapes in-house – please leave any border during 2014. lines off youR ad design. Inside Front or Back Cover £67.00 The energy of the Centre comes from the people (with or without border) Diary Entries These include free entry in the Club Index. in it and the activities taking place. Even on the • No border: mid week afternoon that I visited there was a buzz Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H) Price per quarter: £13.00 Take advantage of our 10% discount for four issues booked & paid for in advance – any size!

42 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 43 Folk on Internet Radio ever one to leap Warwickshire, Falmouth or indeed Canada, they Ncourageously into the are all available at your convenience. Furthermore, scary world of technology, the presenters can never be charged with coming I recently surprised myself from the same mould – John Devine as good as by taking an instant shine cuddles you as he invites you to share his passion to the feast of musical for jigs and reels, while Daria’s approach is lively, delights that is the internet infectious and altogether inspiring. radio folk show. I suspect many of you share my Don’t let me stop you there. Try Tamsin Rosewell increasing disenchantment on Radio Warwickshire and be impressed by with mainstream stations who regurgitate her talent to educate and to explain the context; performers from a select, established menu, but her themed shows are so well crafted that they a plethora of community and independent stations make you proud to be involved ‘at the other end’. are eager to serve up an appealingly diverse array Or sample Brian Player’s ‘Acoustic Cafe’ as he of distinctive dishes. Enough of the analogy but spreads his soothing tones and respected views hopefully you get my drift. across multiple on-line sites, including Radio Basingstoke and Acoustic Spectrum. My first encounter with internet radio was the John Devine Irish Traditional Show on Radio I won’t go on [Too true. Ed.] because half the Verulam. Our band had a new album to promote, fun is trawling the search engine of your choice so John invited us into his bijou studio and was and discovering some new, enlightened Folk DJ the perfect host. I know the station airs on FM92.6 extolling the virtues of some talented local band. but the signal hasn’t the strength to rise above Sharpenhoe Clappers so dies horribly before I was late coming to all this, but just try and stop reaching my crystal set in distant Silsoe. Picking me now, Mr. Radcliffe. up our interview later, via the ‘Listen Again’ feature on the Verulam website, was a revelation Ned Lawton and immediately hooked me on this user-friendly, flexible form of entertainment.

An interview on Radio Dacorum soon followed, with the lovely Daria Kulesh - how can one individual possess so much energy? No faffing with Frequency Modulation for this Folk DJ, here John Devine, Radio Verulam: we had the full-blown, listen now or listen later Monday 7 – 9pm • www.radioverulam.com experience – as she succinctly put it, “why do I ‘Listen Now’ or ‘Listen Again’ on the website. need FM when so many people own computers?” Daria Kulesh, Radio Dacorum: This while taking a digital photograph of us, and Sunday 5 – 7pm • radiodacorum.org.uk simultaneously interacting with her audience via ‘Listen Now’ or later on Mixcloud Facebook, text, twitter and the next befuddling www.mixcloud.com/dariakulesh. communication thingy that I haven’t yet heard of. Oh, and for good measure she also accompanied Tamsin Rosewell, Radio Warwickshire: us on bodhran as we thrashed out ‘The Star of Wednesday 8 – 9.30pm • the County Down’ – ‘Star of the Internet DJ’s’, www.radiowarwickshire.com ‘Listen Live’ or later more like. on Mixcloud, www.mixcloud.com/tamsinrosewell.

Spurred on by the sheer accessibility of internet Brian Player: radio and its accommodating DJ’s who love to www.brianplayermusic.wordpress.com. encourage emerging bands and soloists, I searched the ether for more cyber folk. Forget that the show may come from

44 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 45 Folk Festival @shrewsburyfolk for the album in Nashville with American dulcimer Dan Evans virtuoso Stephen Seifert. native of the northeast, >> CEILIDH BANDS >> MORRIS TEAMS Middlesbrough, to Another of the strings to Dan’s bow are the >> REFOLKUS for 11-20 year olds A workshops that he leads on singing and CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS be precise, Dan Evans >> >> has lived in Olney, performance techniques. Dan’s philosophy follows SINGAROUNDS & SESSIONS >> Buckinghamshire for the that of the Chinese proverb that a teacher should CRAFT FAIR CATERERS >> >> past twenty years. During open the door but the pupil must enter of their own REAL ALE BARS GREAT CAMPSITE >> >> more than thirty five years accord. He is careful to avoid criticism but instead as a performer Dan has builds on the energy of the music, feeding on the developed his own style of creativity of the individual singers. He creates a finger picking on both the supportive atmosphere where singers of all levels guitar and mountain dulcimer. Since making his are able to bloom and develop their confidence first dulcimer, at the age of fifteen, while at school thereby developing their singing talents. Dan has become the UK’s foremost dulcimer player, having toured both the UK and USA. What struck me most when chatting to Dan was Influenced by luminaries such as John Martyn, his energy and enthusiasm for what he was talking Gryphon and the Pentangle, Dan has recorded four about. When you discuss something with someone CDs and a fifth is in production. He also teaches who is so obviously passionate about the subject guitar, dulcimer and singing. their enthusiasm is infectious. I only talked to Dan for an hour or so but I came away wanting Having cut his teeth in the UKs folk clubs while to sing all the way home, to grab my guitar or my still holding down a proper job, Dan became a accordion and practice for the five or six hours professional musician in 1992 primarily as a guitar a day that Dan says he practiced to develop his playing singer. Over time, however, he developed completely self taught style. Some people have the the dulcimer content of his performances until the ability to enthuse others with their positivity. Dan Tel: 01743 892 800 dulcimer became his primary instrument. has this in bucket loads. I haven’t been on one of Seth Lakeman his singing workshops but I intend to book one this Dan’s first four albums are a collection of year (if there are spaces - there are often waiting Bellowhead Four Men and a Dog instrumental and vocal tracks covering well known lists). To top this all off, Dan is a nice chap. Martin Simpson Karine Polwart tunes, self penned items and other traditional Lau The Dhol Foundation Trio Bella Hardy titles. I like the simple nature of the dulcimer, Simon Bailes Molotov Jukebox Moulettes brought to life by Dan’s playing supporting his Madison Violet confident, baritone voice. He often collaborates ’s Duncan McFarlane Band with other musicians on these recordings to give Huw Williams & a varied tone picture. If you haven’t come across The Chair Dan’s CDs they are well worth listening to. They Megson Andy Cutting The Full English are available on iTunes and Amazon as well as Rex Preston & Miranda Sykes directly from Dan’s web site. Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin Matt Gordon & Leonard Podolak Cara Luft J P Hoe The Wilsons The Young‘uns Sunjay Brayne Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar Recording for Dan’s new and fifth CD entitled Steve Turner The Harvesters Carole Palmer & Maria Barham Aux Vieux Moulin is under way. Inspired by an old Dance Bands: Sue Brown & Lorraine Irwing Cupola Take Two French water mill that he recently stayed at and the time he spent in France as a child. The new CD Old Swan Band Peeping Tom will include some recently penned French tunes Blackbeards Tea Party Polkaworks more acts to be announced! along with some English and American songs and see website for latest... tunes. In collaboration with international jazz bass player & guitarist Andy Crowdy and actor & singer Rebecca Hallworth Dan has already recorded www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk some of the tracks with the remaining tracks to be recorded and then mixed during the spring and summer. Dan has a summer tour to Kentucky and Tennessee where he will record the final tracks

SFF 2014 Unicorn Magazine Advert.indd 1 06/02/2014 13:47

46 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 Unicorn Magazine: issue 126 www.unicornmagazine.org 47 Once more unto the classroom! Long Lankin returns to the chalkface

he problem with schools and education is has even led to the children performing in public that we have all been through it and so we as part of a folk event. Though laudable, these are Tall think we are experts in it. isolated activities which have little impact beyond the schools directly involved. “Let’s put folk music back in the classroom!” I hear people cry. What they really mean is that If we are going to get folk music into the teachers should be making more use of it. For classroom to encourage and motivate a new what? The syllabus, even in primary schools, is generation it needs to be done much more so closely controlled that it is difficult to pursue systematically and strategically – and it has to be personal interest. Even if a teacher wanted to on a national basis because that is the level the there is little teaching material around that education system operates at. We need to develop makes use of folk song, music and dance in a way and promote materials and approaches relevant that is applicable, and with the planning, marking to the Key Stages and to subjects that can be used and recording they need to do, most teachers do by teachers themselves. not have time to develop their own materials. Of course, the alternative is to forget schools Of course teachers would use folk music if the and focus on other organisations providing child teaching resources using it existed and their and youth activities. Let’s get the Woodcraft pupils found it interesting and stimulating. Folk performing mummer plays; let’s get a folk tradition badge for the Scouts and Guides; let’s Face it – folk music is just one of many genres get the Bedfordshire Music Trust to form a youth of music, and not one that is widely heard in the folk band and run classes on how to play the popular culture. If kids are not familiar with it melodeon and concertina. But ultimately it is how can we expect them to relate to it? And most us “folkies” who will have to do it with them, by teachers are not going to be that familiar with it providing the instructors and tutors. either. If it is to be used in the classroom teachers need to be shown how it can be used in relation When people complained to my Great Aunt Bertha to the things they need to teach the children, and Lankin about the poor quality of her note-taking then it needs to be introduced to the children in as secretary of the parish cesspit inspection an appropriate way. panel, her response was always to offer to resign saying “Put up or shut up.” And the same rule Furthermore, the teaching of music itself has applies. If you are not willing to do something suffered with successive governments squeezing practical to get children involved in folk music, it out of the curriculum. Recent government either through schools or youth groups, don’t funding cuts have not helped, as councils have moan about other people not doing it. reduced funding for discretionary activities (incl. music teaching) in order to focus on things Class dismissed! they have to do by law. If the teaching of music generally is under threat how can we justify special pleading for one particular genre? There are some good examples of what can be done. Folk songs related to history topics and singers going into the school to perform as part of a show to stimulate further classwork. Morris dancing has also been taught as part of Culture projects or performance art and Mumming plays have figured in drama classes. In some cases this

www.unicornmagazine.org 48 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 126