“There is nothing stable in the world – uproar’s your only music“ John Keats, 1818

ince our first effort hit the streets in July • Our primary focus for content will be we’ve been greatly encouraged by the on and dance, whilst also Smany messages of support you have sent taking an interest in the wider roots us, together with your valuable suggestions for and acoustic scene. developing the magazine. Naturally, some of you • We will promote future events, and will are more equivocal, while others fear that the review recent events where the artists or the changes introduced so far herald the ‘uproar’ venue are likely to be of continuing interest of upheaval – of which, more from the quill of to readers. Long Lankin. • Articles (such as cd, gig and equipment Varied though these reactions are, they share reviews and interviews) will showcase local common themes in a feeling of relief that clubs, artists, organisers and businesses. Unicorn is continuing, together with a sense • We plan to replace the current listings of ownership in Unicorn among the local folk formats with two Diaries covering Music community. We are extremely keen to maintain and Dance respectively. this bond, and feel that we should say more We don’t seek the ‘uproar’ of change for its own about our plans at this early stage of our tenure sake, but rather a process of evolution which as editors. This should also help any of you preserves the essential character of Unicorn. wishing to join our growing list of contributors; If you feel this is in danger of being lost, tell the target word count for articles is 260 words. us – we may disagree, or we may not be able to Here’s the plan: oblige, but let’s have the discussion. • Unicorn will remain a free publication See you round the clubs. financed by advertisers. • Our geographical focus will be on the Simon, Clive & Mike counties of Beds, Bucks, Cambs and Herts, and neighbouring areas.

Editorial 1 Club Profile: The Watford 26 Editorial Staff: Contents 1 Advertiser Information 29 Simon Bailes Chatterbox 5 Shall We Dance? 30 07808 535110 [email protected] Club Profile: Moggerhanger Village Folk 7 CD Review: Ragged Staff 35 Clive Batkin Sessions 10 Broadside by Long Lankin 36 07771 822414 CD Review: The Foxglove Trio 13 [email protected] Feature: A Challenge to Songwriters 14 Front cover photo by Al Rogers Mike Nacey 07879 024193 Review: Dacorum Folk Fest 15 “Instrument in Peril #2: Flute” [email protected] Unicorn Diary 17 – 19 Flute courtesy of Ruth Larbey Contact address: Club Index 20 10 Chapel Street, Dunton, Song: Diamonds in the Dust 22 Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8RW

Printed by KJB UK Ltd

© Unicorn Magazine 2013 CB1039 • September 2013

Visit our website at www.unicornmagazine.org Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 1

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

Pete Morton – Saturday 19th October Pete’s shows are dynamic and intense, while remaining approachable and fun loving. His songs are an unruly mix of humour, politics and love. Kristy Gallacher and Luke Jackson Monthly Sessions Saturday 16th November First Tuesday of every month. March Hare, Dunton Folk’s first double header. Two of the brightest new stars on Dunton, Biggleswade, the scene 8.00pm. Victorian Christmas – Blast From the Past Andy 01767 316 124 th Saturday 7 December Simon 01767 310 424 A festive exploration of the Yuletide the Victorians would have known. An evening of [email protected] music, song, stories and drama from the time of Dickens and Hardy www.duntonfolk.co.uk

Ely Folk Club presents Wednesday 16th October 4Square £9 (£8 advance)

Wednesday 13th November Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, R2 is a bi-monthly magazine packed with folk, roots, , rock, singer-songwriter £9 (£8 advance) and coverage. Our extensive, authoritative review Wednesday 11th December section and entertaining, informative interview features, plus Paul Downes & Mick Ryan FREE cover-mounted Un-Herd CD (every issue) will keep you up to date and in the loop. “Who Stole Christmas” £10 (£9 advance) We’re distributed by Comag and available at WH Smith and all good newsagents. You can also fi nd us in numerous independent record stores Old Dispensary, 13 St Mary’s St., Ely and bookshops across the UK and around the world.

For latest information check out CB7 4ER Alternatively, order direct online: request a single issue or get yourself a special, www.strawbear.org.uk 01353 740999/664706 recession-beating six-issue subscription at only £19.75 – UK rate only) at or ring 01733 208245 www.elyfolkclub.co.uk • www.rock-n-reel.co.uk •

2 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 3

R2 AD_135x93_04.03.13.indd 1 05/03/2013 17:38 The Full English Tour marks the launch of Stevenage Sword Dancers are still going strong the world’s biggest digital archive of English and celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2013. traditional folk music and dance tunes. Seth Founder Brian Kell was recently awarded the Lakeman, , Fay Hield, Nancy Kerr, British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to music Sam Sweeney, Rob Harbron and Ben Nicholls will and to the community of Whittlesea, where he now perform new music inspired by material which lives and where he played a major role in reviving Fay Hield found in the archive. the Straw Bear Festival. Folkstock continues to gather momentum. Unicorn Ceilidhs (advert Page 16) will hold a New The inaugural Festival is attracting great interest, Year’s Eve ceilidh at Pirton Village Hall, with The while the first intake of performers for the Watch and Barry Goodman calling. Tickets are £25 Foundation has been successfully recruited – adults, £10 children including a two course buffet, watch this space for updates… available from Unicorn Ceilidhs or Alan on 07946 439095. See www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk. The Straw Bear Festival (advert Page 2) will take The Devine Family Irish Family Band place in Whittlesey from 10 – 12 January, featuring Ely: The monthly session on the last Wednesday concerts, dancing, mummers, storytelling, poetry, has found a new home at The Kings Arms, a mini melodeon workshop for children, and of St Marys Street. Contact Liam, course the Burning of The Bear. [email protected], 07905 044932. For tour dates, biography, bookings, to hear us or purchase the latest album from the “The Devine Family”, please visit our website: Folk Radio: Your very own Unicorn editors recently Benington: Monthly sessions on 4th Tuesdays will appeared on shows hosted by both John Devine, continue at The Bell, where the keen new manager www.johndevinemusic.com (www.radioverulam.com) and Daria Kulesh has even had the piano tuned. Contact Kit Burgess, [email protected] (www.facebook.com/radiodacorum.org) – you can 01438 869435. ‘listen again’ to the shows on the new Unicorn website, www.unicornmagazine.org. Hemel Hempstead: Leather Bottle Folk now meets every 1st & 3rd Wednesday at The Olde Following a successful exhibition on the history of Leather Bottle, HP3 8QQ, run by Keith White. folk in St Albans, discussions are underway about Text 07847 073462 for details. further archiving work. Please address enquiries to [email protected]. Watford FC’s Song Competition (advert Page 9) The has had a great response, but there’s still time to Rakes Everybody’s Dancing by Judy Barker is a collection submit your entry before it closes on 18th October. of songs for children. Published by Carolina Music The Grand Final on 15th November will be judged BARN DANCES (www.carolinamusic.co.uk) at £16.00, it is a CD by a panel of seasoned folk performers. and handbook with words and chord symbols TREFUSIS, CECIL SHARP HOUSE Unicorn has been spotted as far east as Bury 2 REGENT’S PARK ROAD, NW1 7AY for use by parents, teachers of KS 1 &2 pupils and music group leaders. Well produced, clear St. Edmunds, where the lively Milkmaid club Call: 020 8527 8419 and easy to follow, each tune is accompanied by meets on Fridays. They have a full programme suggested activities. of guests and open mic nights, and will perform £7 on the night 2013 throughout the Bury Christmas Fayre at Moyses doors open 7.30pm start 8pm -11pm Hall. Contact Brian at [email protected], and see the club website at www.milkmaidmusic.co.uk. Wednesdays Autumn 2013 25th September . 30th Ocotober Staplers Country Dance Club are holding St Albans: Wednesday sessions have for the workshop at St Ippolytts Village Hall on Sunday time being moved from the White Lion, Sopwell th . th November 27 18 December 27th October 2 – 5pm ‘More Gary Roodman Lane, to the White Swan, Dagnall Street, where Reg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross Dances’ led by John Turner, music by Paul the landlord also hosts occasional Irish music & Ken Lees are joined for this new Hutchinson, details 01582 881966. sessions and other events led by John Devine. series of dances by caller Steve Roud Cambridge Portland Folk Club are having Plans are in hand for New Roots 2014, the problems with the availability of the Portland and competition for young musicians under the age of + guest callers & song spots may have to move some events to another venue 25. The closing date is 14th January 2014 and the – these are shown in the Unicorn diary as “venue finals will be in April at Trestle Arts Base, LICENCED BAR tbc”. Please check nearer the time at their website St Albans. See www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk. www.portlandfolkclub.com.

4 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 5 rial sessions at Tthe hall early Folk, Roots, World & in 2013 proved a resounding success for Autumn 2013 musicians and players alike.

Sat 12 Oct Moishe’s Bagel We named Music type: ourselves “Village Basically folk - but anything goes! Folk” and continue Tue 15 Oct Devon Sproule & Mike O’Neill Admission charge: meeting on the Free first Wednesday of each month. Players come from far Thu 17 Oct Southern Tenant Folk Union Guests: and wide and locally. Singarounds. Acoustic but open mic available Sat 19 Oct Baka Beyond Venue name: People seem to like our professional but light-hearted Moggerhanger Village Hall and friendly approach where we not only ‘do our own Sun 20 Oct Mary Coughlan Venue address: thing’ but also entertain others who just come to listen. Blunham Road, Moggerhanger, MK44 3RB A licensed, well-stocked and reasonably priced bar adds Tue 22 Oct Martha Tilston & The Scientists Parking: to the attraction of a very enjoyable evening. 12 cars plus plenty of quiet road parking Our monthly Wednesday evenings are for players and Mon 28 Oct Megson & The Young ‘Uns Club contact: Chris Bashford listening friends and all are welcome. Some folk guest • 01767 640242 events are planned, to be run separately on Saturdays Mon 04 Nov Breabach • [email protected] and advertised as such. • www.moggerhangervillagehall.co.uk Tue 05 Nov The Dylan Project (feat. Dave PegG) UM2 Quarter Page (portrait) STACEY BANJOS 2.pdf 24/4/13 11:32:08

Mon 11 Nov Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo

Tue 12 Nov Martyn Joseph STACEY BANJOS Northampton Ceilidhs Mon 18 Nov Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Northampton NN1 5LL Thu 21 Nov Thea Gilmore SATURDAY 26 October Sat 23 Nov Sharon Shannon REPAIRS SET-UPS & Ceilidh Band: The Occasional Few C Caller: John Green RESTORATION TO:

The Leisure Society M Mon 25 Nov ACOUSTIC SATURDAY, 30 November Ceilidh Band: Hit and Miss Gwyneth Herbert Y Tue 26 Nov ELECTRIC GUITARS Caller: Jim Marriott

CM Sat 30 Nov Ballaké Sissoko CLASSICAL GUITARS SATURDAY, 30 November MY Ceilidh Band: Sleeping Moggy Sun 01 Dec Stornoway* CY BANJOS & MANDOLINS Caller: John Turner

CMY Dancing from 8pm to 11pm Fri 13 Dec Adrian Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds* BANJOS BUILT TO ORDER K Adults £9; Student £5; Accompanied under J2 Bar now serving local real ales and ciders DAVE STACEY 16s FREE ; Group of 6 ( paying) one free SEATED shows In j2 theatre (unless marked with *) 19 FIELD LANE Licenced Bar Free Car Park LETCHWORTH Ruth 01933 397767, Valerie 01604 711536 Box Office 01223 511 511 • junction.co.uk HERTS SG6 3LF John 07760 197921 Cambridge junction • clifton way • cambridge • cb1 7gx 01462 683074 www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk

6 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 7

CheCheshamsham FolkFolk ClubClub White Hill, Chesham HP5 1AG White Hill, Chesham HP5 1AG EveEveryry MMondayonday 8.158.15 toto 11.00 11.00

23 Sept Nancy Kerr and James Fagan £10.00 £12.00 One of the best acts on the folk circuit. 28 Oct Crave Rua £10.00 £12.00 A rare chance to see the best in Irish Music in a club setting 11 Nov Jez Lowe £8.00 £10.00 The North’s premier songwriter and performer 25 Nov Ewan Wilkinson and Sandy Brechin £8.00 £10.00 New to the South, Greta songs and tunes 9 Dec Les Barker £8.00 £10.00 Unique, non conformist, side splittingly funny . Other Mondays Singers nights, see Shire Folk Diary Or www.tudorfolkclub.org.uk

Limited floor spots on guest nights. For Tickets 01494 785593 to book a floor spot call 07771 727943 24 June Al Parish £8.00 £10.00 Ex Tanglewood, understated, talented, entertaining 8 July John Kirkpatric £8.00 £10.00 The Sultan of Squeeze, incomparable, warm, brilliant, be there

presents Write a Folk Song Competition 2013 - “THIS WORKING LIFE” Could you write a new folk song? Well this is your opportunity…

The Watford Folk Club invites entries for its second annual competition for song writers. For 2013 our theme will be: ‘This Working Life’. Industry, Agriculture, The Military, Life at Sea –it’s your choice.

Entry details, forms and competition rules are available at: http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com/songcompetition2013.htm (Closing date for entries is Friday, October 18th 2013 with the Grand Final on Friday, November 15th)

STOP PRESS: We already have more entries than at this time last year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FUTURE GUEST ARTISTS INCLUDE: Mick Ryan & Paul Downes, Pete Morton, Na-Mara, Pete Atkin, James Hickman & Dan Cassidy and Fake Thackeray. (Dates in Unicorn Diary) 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/

8 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 9 Sunday Lunchtimes Wednesday Evenings STONY STRATFORD • Vaults Bar (Weekly): BALDOCK • Orange Tree (8.30pm, 27/11, 18/12): Jane Armour, 01908 566407 Alan Hewson, 01767 683583 BARTON-LE-CLAY • Waggon & Horses Sunday Evenings (8.30pm, 2/10, 16/10, 30/10, 13/11, 27/11, 11/12): ASTON CLINTON • Oak PH (3rd): Ann, 01582 560815 Roger, 01296 613742 CAMBRIDGE • Six Bells, Covent Garden HANSLOPE • Hanslope Working Men’s Club (3rd): (8.30pm, 16/10, 13/11, 11/12, Bluegrass & Old Time): Ivor Sayer, 01908 265902 Jim, 07803 158084 MILTON KEYNES • ELSTREE • Waggon & Horses (2nd): see www.mksessions.blogspot.com (Weekly) Nick, 020 8953 5231 MILTON KEYNES • New Inn, New Bradwell (1st): ELY • Kings Arms , St Marys St (last): Patsy, 07932 157610 Liam, [email protected], 07905 044932 ST ALBANS • Farmers Boy, London Rd (1st): ST ALBANS • White Swan, Dagnall St (8.30pm, Nick, 020 8953 5231 weekly, mainly music): Trevor Hacking, 01923 351739 TOWERSEY • Village Hall (3rd): Monday Evenings Roger, 01296 613742 WELHAM GREEN • North Mymms Social Club, ASHWELL • Rose & Crown (1st): AL9 7PQ (2nd): Alan Francis, 07774 859758 Ian Chandler, 01462 743091 BERKHAMSTED • George & Dragon, Northchurch Thursday Evenings (1st & 3rd – Open Mic): Mick, 01442 864533 (pub) COTTENHAM • Cottenham Club (2nd): CROXLEY GREEN • The Shed, rear of Sportsman PH Graham, 01353 778655 (8.30 – 11.00, 1st, song & acoustic music): Paul K, 07970 188026 SOHAM • Cherry Tree, Fordham Rd (3rd): FULBOURN • Fulbourn Folk Club, Fulbourn Sports Claire White, 01353 720550 & Social Club (1st): Robert, 01223 411187 STONY STRATFORD • Bull Hotel (1st): FULBOURN • Fulbourn Sports & Social Club, Peter, www.mksessions.blogspot.com nr Cambridge (3rd): Barry, 01223 722927 TOTTERNHOE • Old Farm Inn (9pm, weekly): HERTFORD • Great Eastern, Railway Place (3rd): Moggerhanger Village Folk 01582 661294 (pub) Alan Francis, 01992 410380 HUNTON BRIDGE • King’s Head (4th): Presents Tuesday Evenings Tim, 01923 264536 BENINGTON • The Bell (4th): KIMPTON • White Horse (2nd): Kit Burgess, 01438 869435 Doug, 07973 751039, [email protected] STRANGEWORLD DUNSTABLE • Globe, Winfield St (Weekly): LUTON • Castle PH, LU1 3AA (weekly): 4-piece Band Maureen, 01582 512300 Nigel Bailey, 07788 431470 DUNTON • March Hare, Dunton, nr Biggleswade TOWERSEY • Three Horseshoes (last): (1st): John Pritchett, 01767 448093 (pub) Grant, 01844 212322 Top class musicians offering the best you will GT WILBRAHAM • Memorial Hall Social Club (3rd): WOBURN SANDS • Royal Oak (2nd & 4th): hear for miles. If you have not heard them, (The Raven) Dave, 01440 783280 Vic Longhorn, 01908 582660 now’s your chance. HISTON • Boot, Histon, nr Cambridge (1st): “A duo of subtlety and understatement. Dave Benford, 01223 880553 Friday Evenings Saturday 12th October at They allow the songs to do the talking” RICKMANSWORTH • Conservative Club, Bury Lane POTTON • Red Lion (8.30, 3rd): Phil & Jan, (3rd): Michael, 01923 770425 01767 260041 Moggerhanger Village Hall 7:00 for 8:00pm Bright Young Folk ST ALBANS • King Harry, King Harry Lane ROYSTON • Old Bull Inn SG8 9AW (2nd): (1st, songs & tunes): Jenny, 01582 793164 ‘The Green Lady’ Michael Farrow, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org Tickets only £10 TRING • Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, HP23 5QE ST NEOTS • Chequers, St Mary’s St, PE19 2TA Weaves beautiful traditional songs (1st, Trad Irish): Mick Bushnell, 01442 891400 Includes a posh ploughman’s plus fruit (2nd, 8.30pm, tunes: 11/10, 8/11, 13/12): with their own unique style. Out in WOOTTON (Beds) • The Cock, MK43 9JT (8pm, broad Sarah, 07857 311834, [email protected] crumbleLicensed Bar November with a special launch gig acoustic & folk): Mike Carter Jones, 01234 768555 STEEPLE CLAYDON • Prince of , MK18 2NP (2nd – Open Mic): Charlie, 07925 145062 at Green Note Camden Contact Chris or Carolyn on 01767-640242 or 640727 for tickets & information on Nov 25th. Email [email protected] www.forbesmoncrieff.co.uk

10 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 11 FL ad.indd 1 19/08/2013 15:43:24 Abbots Langley Winter Acoustic Concerts HADDENHAM www.oldtimetim.com/alwac.htm CEILIDHS The Two special themed concerts at Haddenham Village Hall Foxglove Afternoon of Sunday 13th October “Sharp’s Appalachian Harvest” Trio – Near Aylesbury, Bucks Brian Peters and Jeff Davies “Diamond

th Oct 5 GBBH (Grimes, Brinsford, Glances” Afternoon of Sunday 10 November “The Victorian Farming Year” Burgess & Horsley) with John Kirkpatrick Barry Goodman plus fion’s sparkling voice creates a National Youth Folklore Fchampagne wave of beautiful tones Abbots Langley Community Centre delicately interweaving with the , Troupe of cello and melodeon of Cathy and Patrick Gallows Hill Lane, Abbots Langley, Herts, WD5 0AP to produce a five song journey that left me Nov 2 THE NEW SLIDE with breathless after the first listen. The contrast 3 pm to 5 pm - doors open 2:30pm - £8.00 Alex Cumming plus of the rather forthright Newry Town and CRAFT STALLS Betsy Bell and Mary Grey with the plaintive Hartbeats African Drum Cariad Cyntaf and sublime Bugeilio’r Tea, coffee & cakes in the interval and Dance Group Gwenith Gwyn sandwiching the gentle Sign of the Bonny Blue Bell delivers a very well Enquiries to [email protected] Dec 7 WHAPWEASEL with balanced CD. Or call Tim and Lesley Brooks on 01923 264536 Nick Walden and I confess to have a liking for songs sung in Festival guests Welsh. It is such a lyrical, poetic language when spoken which when sung simply Jan 4 THE PLAYFORD transforms into what can only be described LIBERATION FRONT with as the language of angels. Cariad Cyntaf is a simple declaration of love. Unfortunately HADDENHAM FESTIVAL Bob Morgan plus I get the feeling that the love is unrequited CityClickers and I fear that this unfortunate chap will not Saturday 7th December 2013 realise his passion. At Haddenham Village Hall, near Aylesbury, Bucks Bugeilio’r Gwenith Gwyn finishes the CD CONCERTS and I suggest when you get to the end, just From 4pm to 11.30pm – Doors open at 3pm sit in silence for a few moments and reflect Oct 5 on the sadness of a young man who has had his love taken from him against both A fantastic day of Nov 2 STEVE TURNER their wills. The man leaves his village only returning after dreaming that his love’s new music dance & song Dec 7 Festival See separate husband has died. He finds that it is, in fact, advert his love that is dying of a broken heart. She (In concert and playing for the ceilidh) dies in his arms. Listen to the song again and Whapweasel Jan 4 ISLA St. CLAIR I challenge you not to end up in tears. It is The Magical Christmas Tree! beautiful! In short, buy this CD. And better still go and (Pete Morton, Maggie Boyle & Chris Parkinson) see The Foxglove Trio live. For more details telephone 01296 415333 Tom McConville & David Newey email [email protected] or write to www.thefoxglovetrio.co.uk Sue Brown & Lorraine Irwing and Nick Walden Haddenham Ceilidhs, John’s House Simon Bailes 5 Church Street, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2QP John’s House • 5 Church Street • Aylesbury • Bucks HP20 2QP • Tel: 01296 415333 e-mail: [email protected] • www.haddenhamceilidhs.co.uk

12 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 13 A Challenge to Songwriters oor Hemel Hempstead has had a bad press In the afternoon, Tim Brooks presented his aybe you want to be famous or just to lately, but we folkies are delighted to report CD project ‘A Song for Herts, Bucks & Beds’ impress your friends with your own P M that the town’s first ever folk festival was a big – featuring the finalists of Watford Folk Club’s compositions. Or perhaps you feel you have success! Dacorum Folk Fest, featured some big songwriting competition, held last year. something worthwhile and original to say names in folk in a truly spectacular show: on 10th The CD launch party showcased fantastic local musically. So how do you get started? August, we were treated to a stellar evening line- performers including Said the Maiden, Ffion and I did it the hard way, playing covers for years up of headliners Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin, Patrick from The Foxglove Trio, Julian Mount, while only fiddling with songs of my own, until with George Papavgeris & Jonny Dyer, na-mara, Helen Chinn, Bob Hines, Ray Owen, Elaine Lavery one day it happened – I produced something and KARA. and Daria Kulesh. halfway decent. Encouraged, I began to write The outrageously talented Henry and Martin Planning of Dacorum Folk Fest 2014 has already more regularly, and both the frequency and blew the audience away with their wonderful begun, and organizers Dacorum Arts Partnership the quality of my songs steadily increased. chemistry, haunting and hypnotic songs and a have grand designs for an even better and bigger Nine years on I have collected nearly 100 virtuoso display of musical versatility. Their new event. You can get involved at: songs, most of which I regularly perform album Mynd, yet to be released and described at festivals and folk gigs, and an increasing www.facebook.com/DacorumFolkFest2014. by folk icon as “a modern classic” number of them have been broadcast. was exclusively available to buy at the concert. Daria Kulesh Instead of ploughing a lone furrow as I did, Thanks to the effort of Hemel Hempstead Theatre why not join a songwriting club? I belong Company, the whole evening went without a to the Coventry Singer Songwriters group technical hitch. (CoventrySingerSongwriters.org), formed three years ago by Jon Harrington to get friends of all musical persuasions writing, as well as playing together regularly. The group challenges members to keep writing by every DANCE Bedfordshire month providing a new topic to write on, and Lace each member records a song for inclusion THE MORRIS! on a monthly group CD; a ‘best of year’ CD Morris is also produced. A facebook page allows Local Cotswold group everyone to share ideas on songwriting and welcomes new members. New Dancers (female) and production, and helps overcome the dreaded Musicians of both sexes are writer’s block. We are a friendly male Morris side looking to expand. always welcome. I would love to start a similar group in our region. If any of you singer-songwriters – OPEN NIGHT Why not come along and have a go? actual and potential – might be interested, get in touch and let’s see what we can Thursday 26th September 2013, 8.00 start together! p.m. at Radwell Village Hall (nr Baldock) We practise through the Winter & Mike Carter Jones All men welcome . . . Spring terms on Tuesday ([email protected]) . . . come & have a go! evenings at 8pm, Redborne School Gym (South) For more information see Ampthill Beds www.letchworthmorris.org.uk Contact Lesley on 01234 293532 or call Theo for a chat on

01582 882831 email:[email protected]

- LETCHWORTH MORRIS MEN - www.bedfordshirelace.org.uk

14 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 15 Dance the night away . . . FRIDAY 27th SEPTEMBER FRIDAY 25th OCTOBER Captain Swing Unicorn Tuesday 1 ST.NEOTS • Mike Nicholson LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Coproliters CEILIDHS Wednesday 2 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Section Guest Caller TBA with Practice WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: 8.00 with LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Club The Pump House MIKE GRIFFITHS FRIDAY 29th NOVEMBER Callers Thursday 17 BEDFORD • Singers Night Andy Rouse MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players / listeners BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Lorraine WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: 8.00 & Ced Morgan A welcome return for this great 5 Melodeon, hammered dulcimer, gloworms The Pump House BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers Night with piece band, playing traditional and fiddle, flute and piano combine to Thursday 3 BEDFORD • Singaround REDBOURN • Open Stage new tunes on melodeon, concertina, give a great sound. They play mostly BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Keith Harrup Friday 18 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome CAT KELLY BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Kitty Vernon CAMBRIDGE • na-mara saxophone, recorder, guitar, bass and English tunes, with the occasion al & Derek Burgess CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra percussion. Excellent arrangements Scottish or Irish number mixed in. Gloworms is led by the indefatigable t sound! REDBOURN • Open Stage Dance and a really tigh Hear and see them at Laurel Swift on fiddle, with Colin Friday 4 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Barrett and FF Band www.captainswing.org.uk www.coproliters.co.uk Cotter on banjo and stompbox and Jon CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with Lizzie J Taylor WATFORD • Singaround piano accordion. They’ve & Mark Gamon Sunday 20 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open stage Mike started calling ceilidhs in his Andy has called with Coproliters for Brenner on for ceilidhs for years, and CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra Venue tbc, check club website university days, when still in his early some time, has huge enthusiasm been playing really know what gets people up and Dance ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Section twenties, and is the permanent caller and an excellent rapport with the Practice ncing. Hugely enjoyable music! FRIDAY FOLK • Barry Goodman and Spring for Captain Swing. Mike is a skilled audience. He’s also quite good at da Greens HITCHIN • & Barry Coope gloworms.org.uk dancer himself, and danced with dancing himself... www. WATFORD • Spotlight singaround with Swift Monday 21 CHESHAM • Singers Night Downes Morris. Cat helps to run Oxfolk ceilidhs, and as He (New Roots finalists) HERGA • Open evening Interval: Redborns Saturday 5 HADDENHAM • GBBH with Barry Goodman HITCHIN STAPLERS • Jill Bransby toke Morris (tbc) also plays in a band herself. Excellent & National Youth Folklore Troupe of England; LEASIDERS • Talent Folk Evening INTERVAL: Tappalachian caller and musician - a great night TH concert: Andy Cutting ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm FRIDAY IN THE MON guaranteed! LAST org.uk Sunday 6 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open Stage WALTHAM ABBEY • Special guest Steve Turner nicornceilidhs. ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Section WATFORD CLOG MORRIS • Free Taster www.u Interval: Stevenage Sword Tickets only £10.00 - Singles & groups welcome Practice & Practice HITCHIN • Slaid Cleeves (all ticket) Tuesday 22 ST.NEOTS • Open Stage Doors open 7.30pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH REAL ALE BAR Monday 7 CHESHAM • Singers Night Wednesday 23 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section 8.00pm till late HERGA • James Findlay Practice HITCHIN STAPLERS • AGM LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, LEASIDERS • Club Callers Club Callers ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: 8.00 WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround The Pump House Dance the night YEAR away . . . WATFORD CLOG MORRIS • Free Taster Thursday 24 BEDFORD • Autumn Singaround & Practice BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Richard Spendlove Tuesday 8 ST.NEOTS • Dick Miles BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Phil Hare Unicorn Wednesday 9 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section REDBOURN • The Foxglove Trio, Practice plus floor spots The BIG CEILIDHʼs back! CEILIDHS LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Club Friday 25 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome Callers CAMBRIDGE • Lucy Ward TUESDAY 31st DECEMBER 2013 - 8.00 p.m. to 12.30 a.m. Adults: WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: 8.00 FRIDAY FOLK • Paul Garner only £25.00 The Pump House ROYSTON • Gilly Darbey, support Thursday 10 BEDFORD • Local Singers & Musicians Robin Campbell BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Graham Foster WATFORD • Pete Atkin (£8 adv/£10 door) Children: BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Gavin Atkin Sunday 27 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open stage Venue (under 16 on the night) REDBOURN • More or Less Together, tbc, check club website The WATCH £10 plus floor spots HITCHIN • Urban Folk Quartet Friday 11 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome Monday 28 CHESHAM • Crave Rua with BOOK NOW - CAMBRIDGE • The Goshawk Project HERGA • Open evening FRIDAY FOLK • John and Elaine Meechan HITCHIN STAPLERS • Bridget McRury places limited to and Brian Stone with music from Roger Nicholls 120 ! WATFORD • na-mara (£5) LEASIDERS • Closed Phone Alan on Sunday 13 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Guest night tbc ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm 01582 724 261 HITCHIN • & WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround BARRY GOODMAN Monday 14 CHESHAM • Singers Night WATFORD CLOG MORRIS • Free Taster or 07946 439 095 HERGA • Open evening & Practice HITCHIN STAPLERS • Guest Caller: Tuesday 29 ST.NEOTS • Round the Room Adrian Besant Wednesday 30 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Club Practice � LEASIDERS • Club Callers LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Superb 2-course Buffet Grand Champagne Raffle ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm Club Callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: 8.00 www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk WATFORD CLOG MORRIS • Free Taster The Pump House & Practice Thursday 31 BEDFORD • Local Performers Tuesday 15 ST.NEOTS • Dave Gibb BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Lynne Wapples Pirton Village Hall, High Street, Pirton SG5 3PS, nr HITCHIN REAL ALE BAR Wednesday 16 ELY • 4Square BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Liz Simcock ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section (Solo Gig) Practice REDBOURN • Open Stage

16 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 17 Friday 1 BEDFORD FINE • No Club – Half term Sunday 17 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open stage Sunday 1 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open Stage HERGA • Open evening CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage with Venue tbc, check club website ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Section HITCHIN STAPLERS • Club Callers: The Staycations ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Practice Party Evening CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra Section Practice HITCHIN • LEASIDERS • Xmas Party: Caller Dance HITCHIN • (sold out) Monday 2 CHESHAM • Singers Night Lynne Whapples FRIDAY FOLK • Frances Oates and Monday 18 CHESHAM • Singers Night HERGA • Open evening WALTHAM ABBEY • Christmas Party – The Turnabouts HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN STAPLERS • Terry Elvins Guests tbc WATFORD • Singaround HITCHIN STAPLERS • Colin Hume with music LEASIDERS • Club callers Tuesday 17 ST.NEOTS • Club Christmas Party Saturday 2 HADDENHAM • The New Slide with Alex from Spring Greens ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm Wednesday 18 LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Cumming & Hartbeat African Drum and Dance LEASIDERS • Club callers WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Guest Caller TBA Group; concert: Steve Turner ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WATFORD CLOG MORRIS • Practice Night WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: 8pm Sunday 3 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open stage, WALTHAM ABBEY • Special guests James Tuesday 3 ST.NEOTS • Luke Jackson The Pump House Venue tbc, check club website Hickman & Dan Cassidy Wednesday 4 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Section Thursday 19 BEDFORD • Christmas Carols Night ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Section WATFORD CLOG MORRIS • Practice Night Practice BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Closed for Wassailing Practice Tuesday 19 ST.NEOTS • Mary Humphries & Anahata LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, etc. until Jan 9th HITCHIN • Spiers & Boden (all ticket) Wednesday 20 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section Club Callers REDBOURN • Open Stage Monday 4 CHESHAM • Singers Night Practice MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players Friday 20 BEDFORD FINE • No Club, Christmas Holiday HERGA • Open evening LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, and listeners CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage HITCHIN STAPLERS • Guest Caller: Guest Caller TBA WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: 8pm CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Paul Garner WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: 8pm The Pump House Contra Dance LEASIDERS • Club callers The Pump House Thursday 5 BEDFORD • Singers Night FRIDAY FOLK • Carol Singing around St Albans ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm Thursday 21 BEDFORD • Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Kevin Prigmore WATFORD • Christmas Singaround WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Keith Harrup BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Anthony John Clarke Sunday 22 HITCHIN • Albion Christmas (all ticket) WATFORD CLOG MORRIS • Practice Night BISHOP’S STORTFORD • James Hickman REDBOURN • Open Stage Monday 23 CHESHAM • Singers Night Tuesday 5 ST.NEOTS • Tom Lewis & Dan Cassidy Friday 6 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome HERGA • Christmas Party Wednesday 6 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Morris Section REDBOURN • Open Stage CAMBRIDGE • The Magical Christmas HITCHIN STAPLERS • Closed Practice Friday 22 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome Tree Tour LEASIDERS • Closed LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, CAMBRIDGE • Jody Krushal, Lewis Mokler, CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra WALTHAM ABBEY • Legion closed check Club Callers Carl Hogsden Dance Facebook page for information MOGGERHANGER • Singers, players FRIDAY FOLK • Bea Hawkins FRIDAY FOLK • Jane Pfaff and FF Band Tuesday 24 ST.NEOTS • Closed and listeners WATFORD • James Hickman & Dan Cassidy WATFORD • Helen Chinn: CD Launch (£5) Thursday 26 BEDFORD • CLUB CLOSED for Boxing Day WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: ((£8 adv/£10 door) Saturday 7 HADDENHAM • Whapweasel with Nick Walden WATFORD WOODSIDE • 12.30 The Cricketers, 8.00 The Pump House Sunday 24 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open stage, & Festival Guests; concert: Festival – see Sarratt WD3 6AS Thursday 7 BEDFORD • Singers Night Venue tbc, check club website advert Friday 27 BEDFORD FINE • No Club, Christmas Holiday BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Terry Elvins HITCHIN • Martyn Joseph (all ticket) Sunday 8 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Ceilidh with CAMBRIDGE • Closed BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Vicki Swan Monday 25 CHESHAM • Ewan Wilkinson & Sandy Brechin the Jumping Beans ROYSTON • Xmas Bash: Crownstreet, Said The and Jonny Dyer HERGA • Open evening HITCHIN • Megson Maiden, barn dance with The Jumping Beans REDBOURN • The Low Lamps, plus floor spots HITCHIN STAPLERS • Denise Devonald Monday 9 CHESHAM • Les Barker WATFORD • Closed Friday 8 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome & Barbara Gilder HERGA • Shep Wooley Monday 30 HERGA • Open evening CAMBRIDGE • Gigspanner LEASIDERS • Club callers HITCHIN STAPLERS • Ann Gibson HITCHIN STAPLERS • tba FRIDAY FOLK • Mike Bennett ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm LEASIDERS • Club callers LEASIDERS • Closed WATFORD • Singaround WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WALTHAM ABBEY • Legion closed check Sunday 10 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Guest Night tbc WATFORD CLOG MORRIS • Practice Night WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround Facebook page for information HITCHIN • Richard Digance (all ticket) Tuesday 26 ST.NEOTS • Round the Room WATFORD CLOG MORRIS • Practice Night Monday 11 CHESHAM • Jez Lowe Wednesday 27 ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section Tuesday 10 ST.NEOTS • Martin Simpson HERGA • Liz Simcock Practice Wednesday 11 ELY • Paul Downes & Mick Ryan ‘Who Stole HITCHIN STAPLERS • Barry Goodman LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Christmas?’ LEASIDERS • Club callers Club Callers ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN • Practice night 8pm WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: 8pm Practice WALTHAM ABBEY • Singaround The Pump House LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, WATFORD CLOG MORRIS • Practice Night Thursday 28 BEDFORD • Local Performers, All Welcome Club Callers Tuesday 12 ST.NEOTS • Dana & Susan Robinson BEDFORD FDC • Caller: Charles Day WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: 8pm Wednesday 13 ELY • Steve Tilston BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Sandy Brechin The Pump House ENGLISH MISCELLANY • Country Section & Ewan Wilkinson Thursday 12 BEDFORD • Singaround Practice REDBOURN • Fred’s House, plus floor spots BEDFORD FDC • Caller: John Green (SLIGHTLY EARLIER THAN NORMAL LINSLEIGHDERS • Folk Dance Group, Friday 29 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night, Visitors Welcome BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Singers Night / TO HELP US AVOID THE CHRISTMAS RUSH!) Club Callers CAMBRIDGE • Open Stage Christmas Party WATFORD WOODSIDE • Morris Practice: FRIDAY FOLK • Bob Barrett REDBOURN • Penni McLaren-Walker 8.00 The Pump House ROYSTON • Winter Wilson, support Addison’s & Brian Causton, plus floor spots Thursday 14 BEDFORD • Local Singers and Musicians Uncle Friday 13 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome BEDFORD FDC • Caller: George Hearnden WATFORD • Singaround CAMBRIDGE • Fred’s House, The Larks, BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Nick Dow Ben Smith We desperately need help to distribute copies of our new REDBOURN • Open Stage FRIDAY FOLK • Christmas Special with Colin Friday 15 BEDFORD FINE • Club Night Visitors Welcome Hume and Spring Greens Unicorn Magazine to some of the 60 or so distribution CAMBRIDGE • Stella Hensley & Chris Newman WATFORD • Fake Thackray ((£8 adv/£10 door) locations on our list. CAMBRIDGE CONTRA • American Contra Sunday 15 CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND • Open Stage If you could help by taking copies to your club, session or Dance HITCHIN • St Agnes Fountain (all ticket) venue every quarter, please contact us. Even small deliveries FRIDAY FOLK • Wendy Harrup and FF Band Monday 16 CHESHAM • Singers Night WATFORD • Folk Song Competition Final (£5) will help reduce our crippling postage & petrol bills!

18 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 19 The Song Loft   The Cock Hotel Stony Stratford 

BEDFORD • Bedford Folk Music Club HITCHIN STAPLERS • Staplers Country Dance Club THE SUN HOTEL  Milton Keynes’ Premier Griffin PH, 174 Bedford Rd, Kempston MK42 8BL St John’s Community Centre, St John’s Rd, Hitchin SG4 9JP SUN STREET  Contact: Mike Blair, 01525 404513 or 01525 404304 Contact: Cecilia Mills, 01582 881966, www.staplers.org.uk Music Venue: HITCHIN  See us on Facebook LEASIDERS • Leasiders Folk Dance Club Alternate Fridays 8.15 HERTS Blenheim Baptist Church Hall, Blenheim Cres, Luton LU3 1HB  BEDFORD FDC • Bedford Folk Dance Club SG5 1AF Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB Contact: Liz Patrick, 01582 732656  Contact: Ron D. Law, 01234 825574 LINSLEIGHDERS: September EVERY SUNDAY  BEDFORD FINE • Bedford Fine Companions Forster Institute, Waterloo Rd, Linslade LU7 2LW 8.15 - 11.00pm  Folk Dance Club Contact: Mrs E.A. Corser, 01525 378010 12th Performers Night £2 Hazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Rd, Bedford MK41 9AT MOGGERHANGER • Village Folk Contact: David Cooke, 01234 823920 Moggerhanger Village Hall, Blunham Rd, Moggerhanger 20th Landermason £7 www.finecompanions.synthasite.com MK44 3RD OCTOBER Contact: Chris Bashford, 01767 640242, BISHOP’S STORTFORD • Stortfolk 6th SLAID CLEEVES (This is an Royal British Legion, 28 Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2NG [email protected] October Contact: Jon & Hilary McNamara, 01279 656664 REDBOURN • Redbourn Folk Club all ticket event) www.beerfordbury.co.uk Old Schoolroom, Hollybush PH, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DU 4th Performers Night £2 13th CHRIS WHILE & JULIE CAMBRIDGE • Cambridge Folk Club Contact: Jenny McNaught, 01582 793164 18th Skallagrigg £7 www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk MATTHEWS Golden Hind PH, 355 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1SP th Contact: Marion Treby, 01638 603986, ROYSTON • Royston Folk Club 20 JOHN TAMS & BARRY www.cambridgefolkclub.org Old Bull Inn, 56 High St, Royston SG8 9AW November COOPE th CAMBRIDGE CONTRA Contact: Michael, 01763 249296, www.roystonfolk.org 1st Performers Night £2 27 URBAN FOLK QUARTET URC Hall, Cherry Hinton Rd, Cambridge CB1 7UB ST.ALBANS MORRIS MEN (Men’s Cotswold) 15th Contact: Hugh Stewart, 01223 368641 Riverside Road, St Albans www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra Contact: Bagman, Andrew Torrington, 01727 833028, Trio NOVEMBER CAMBRIDGE PORTLAND: www.stalbansmorrismen.org.uk CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Portland Arms PH, 129 Chesterton Rd, STONY STRATFORD • Song Loft £10 in advance Cambridge CB4 3BA Cock Hotel, High St, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1AH (All “all ticket” events) £12.50 on the door rd Contact: Robin Gillan, 07847 680 560 Contact: Jane Armour, 01908 566407, www.thesongloft.co.uk 3 SPIERS & BODEN CHESHAM • Chesham Folk & Acoustic Music Club ST NEOTS • St Neots Folk Club December Closed 10th RICHARD DIGANCE (Tudor Folk) Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH th Whitehill Centre, Chesham HP5 1AG Contact: Roger Pitt, 01234 376278, www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk 17 SHOW OF HANDS (Sold Out) th Contact: Bob Templeman, 07771 727943 WALTHAM ABBEY • Waltham Abbey Folk Club 24 MARTYN JOSEPH www.tudorfolkclub.org.uk Royal British Legion, Brooker Rd, Waltham Abbey EN9 1HY ELY • Ely Folk Club Contact: Jan Ayres, 01992 613987 or 07799 407363 The Old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, www.walthamabbeyfolkclub.com DECEMBER st Cambs CB7 4ER (no bar) WATFORD • Watford Folk Club 1 CLIVE GREGSON th Contact: Ruth Bramley 01353 740999/664706, Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, 8 MEGSON www.elyfolkclub.co.uk January 2014 Watford WD17 2JP 15th St. AGNES FOUNTAIN (This ENGLISH MISCELLANY: Contact: Helen Chinn, 07913 430205 East Hyde Village Hall, Lower Harpenden Rd (B653), http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com is an all ticket event) 10th Linda Watkins Band £7 nd nr Luton LU2 9QB WATFORD CLOG MORRIS • Pump House Clog Morris 22 ALBION CHRISTMAS (This Contact: Helen Stamp, 020 8386 3779 Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, 24th Performers Night £2 www.englishmiscellany.com is an all ticket event) Watford WD17 2JP Contact: Sue Rawlins, 01727 823791, FRIDAY FOLK • Friday Folk Social Dance Club Floorsingers welcome, advise Methodist Church, Marlborough Rd, St Albans AL1 3XG http://pumphouseclognmorris.couk If you would like a full copy of the Contact: Bob Barrett, 01727 856508, www.fridayfolk.org.uk phone first on guest nights. WATFORD WOODSIDE • Woodside Morris Men programme, send us an email and we HERGA • Herga Folk Club Pump House, Local Board Rd, Lower High St, Contacts: will put you on our emailshot list. Pinner Green Social Club, Rickmansworth Rd, Pinner, Watford WD17 2JP Middlesex HA5 3TJ Contact: Nick Wilson, 07860 663033 www.thesongloft.co.uk For further details phone Maureen Jones Contact: George Papavgeris 07747 768868, www.woodsidemorrismen.org.uk on www.hergafolk.org www.myspace.com/songloft Hitchin (01462) 812391 HITCHIN • Hitchin Folk Club Sun Hotel, Sun St, Hitchin, SG5 1AF [email protected] [email protected] Contact: Maureen Jones, 01462 812391 Jane Armour 01908 566407 www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk www.hitchinfolkclub.co.uk

20 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 21 DANCE THE MORRIS WITH ST ALBANS MORRIS MEN

PRACTICES EVERY MONDAY EVENING IN ST ALBANS SEPTEMBER TO APRIL

Try the morris: all levels welcome, dancers & musicians

Please contact Jon (01727 841385) or Andrew (01727 833028)

UM3 St Albans Morris Ad 1.indd 1 19/8/13 21:22:54

22 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 23 presents

Sparrow Violins Jim Moray The 10th Anniversary Party Performing his groundbreaking debut album Sweet England in full with The Doret Ensemble A folkie Luthier for folkies plus a second set with very special guests

Set-Ups and Repairs for Fiddles, Violas, Cellos and Hardanger Fiddles. The Union Chapel, London N1

Fiddles and Hardangers made to commission. Nov 9th 2013 Hand made contemporary Fiddles for sale. tickets : www.folkbytheoak.co.uk/jimmoray

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

FOLK NIGHTS 10th Anniversary Edition of Sweet England Saturday 19 October – 8pm with sleeve notes, bonus tracks, remixes and WILD WILLY BARRETT’S a limited edition 3D lenticular sleeve available FRENCH CONNECTION from jimmoray.bandcamp.com Tickets: £13 / £11 concessions

Friday 1 November – 8pm GILMORE & ROBERTS Tickets: £12.50 / £10.50 concessions

24 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 atford Folk Club is run Wby a committee of five – all passionate about folk music. We attract large audiences for our guest acts and enthusiastic singers; we have an enviable reputation Music type: for the quality and quantity of our floor singers / players Acoustic, blues, roots, modern & traditional folk and for headlining new and established folk performers. Admission charge: Singarounds: £4, Guest Nights :£8 adv / £10 door Major folk artists have played here and requested return Guests: bookings, while our “home grown” floor singers get Guests & singarounds on alternate weeks better & better. October 2013 marks the Club’s fifth birthday. Venue name: The Colne River Room Club members performed at this summer’s St. Alban’s Venue address: Folk Festival, also playing clubs & festivals around the The Pump House Arts Centre, Local Board Road, three Counties and beyond. Watford, Herts WD17 2J Parking: We are proud to be part of a wonderful musical tradition Free (but spaces can be limited) and our Song Competition is one small contribution to Club contact: this amazing heritage. Helen Chinn • 07913 430205 See the diary section for programme details & to find • http://folkatthepumphouse.webs.com out more, visit our website / facebook pages. Better still, https://www.facebook.com/groups/watfordfolkclub come along one Friday night – we’d love to see you!

The Priory Centre, St. Neots, PE19 2BH Every Tuesday 8.15pm Email – [email protected] Telephone - 01234 376278

www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk

Oct 1 Mike Nicholson Nov 5 Tom Lewis Oct 8 Dick Miles Nov 12 Dana & Susan Robinson Oct 15 Dave Gibb Nov 19 Mary Humphreys & Anahata Oct 22 Open Stage Nov 26 Round the Room Oct 29 Round the Room Dec 3 Luke Jackson Dec 10 Martin Simpson (non-members £14, members £12) Dec 17 Club Christmas Party Dec 24 & 31 – Club Closed

26 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 27

PDF created with pdfFactory Pro trial version www.software-partners.co.uk St Albans Folk Music presents Folk at the Maltings

Oct 4 John Kirkpatrick Tom and Jess Oct 5 John Kirkpatrick 10 am Playing for dancingplus New 2pm Roots Accordion finalists left hand Workshops with Nov 1 Jus’ S’posin, Chris Flegg Tandem

Dec 7 na-mara,plus New Roots GBH, 2013 Linda finalists Fryd

Benefit concert for Spanish Civil War commemorative statue 8pm at the Maltings Arts Theatre, The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL Tickets Concerts £10, Student concessions £8 , Workshops £15, under 25 £5 from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo 0844 870 0887

St Albans Tourist and Information Centre 01727 864511 or on the door

www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk [email protected] St Albans Folk Music presents AllAll Hands hands Around around Folk at the MaltingsIf you are under Lively traditional music in an 25 and play Lively traditional music traditionally Advertisement Sizes: Advert Size Explanation: Artwork Formats: acoustic style for your barn Sunday July 7, 7.30pm Please note that from March 2013 we Here are some brief explanations All artwork is printed in mono in an acoustic style based music, this changed our adverts sizes and prices of the Trim, Bleed and Recommended / grayscale, ideally at 300dpi. dance or ceilidh to the following shown below. Safe Area categories and how Acceptable artwork formats include

for your barn dance or ceilidh Helen Chinnis for you. they should be applied to your (in order of preference):  Prices are for supplied, correctly- advertisements: There areJulian two categories, Mount under 18 and sized, press-ready artwork: • Press Ready PDF Trim Size: • Packaged InDesign Files Quarter page (portrait) £22.00 18-24. TheLoose judges willChange give helpful advice This is the final / actual size of the • .EPS files (Adobe Illustrator Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 92mm (H) and award performance opportunities. ad, either when it is placed within or similar vector formats / Matt Quinn Half page (landscape) £35.00 the bounding box (for stand alone software) Closing date January 31 Trim size: 134mm (W) x 92mm (H) ads), or after the publication has • TIFFs been cut to size (148mm (W) x • High Res JPEGS Half page (portrait) £35.00 210mm (H)) for those ads • .PSD files (Adobe Photoshop To enter, send a CD with up to Trim size: 63.5mm (W) x 191mm (H) with bleed.  format) 15 minutes of your music to:  Maltings Arts Theatre, Full Inner page (no border) £55.00 Bleed Size: • Packaged Quark files Alison Macfarlane, 40 Warwick Road, Trim size: 134mm (W) x 191mm (H) • Word files (please also include  The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL For ads that have elements that St Albans, Herts AL1 4DL. Full Inner page (with border) £60.00 extend to the very edge of the with the file any images / Trim size: 148 x 210mm trimmed page, 3mm of ‘bleed’ graphics / photos / logos / fonts Tickets £10,Finals Student April concessions 2014 £8 from: Bleed size: 151 x 216mm needs to be added, which is then used) www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo trimmed off when the publication • We can also scan from a correct Alison Macfarlane Trestle Arts Base, St Albans Inside Front or Back Cover is cut to size). 07807 521436 size mono print (although Alison Macfarlane Further information: (with or without border) £67.00 please note we cannot be held St Albans (01727) 852111 www.new-roots.org.uk, Recommended Safe Area:  St Albans Tourist and Information Centre • No border: responsible for the quality of St Albans Geoff(01727) Perrin 852111 [email protected]  Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H) To prevent any areas of the ads the reproduction from this from being obscured by the • With border: process) HemelGeoff (01442) Perrin 262320 www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk bounding box, we recommend (but Trim size: 148mm (W) x 210mm [email protected] do not insist) that any important Please note we cannot guarantee Hemel (01442) 262320 Bleed size: 154mm (W) x 216mm items such as text, photos etc the accuracy of artwork (H) that do not bleed off etc, are kept reproduction unless any file is St Albans Folk Music presents Back Cover (with or without border) within a 3–5mm border from the accompanied by a PDF proof, £75.00 inside trim size of the ad. screen grab, or printed proof sent to us by post. Folk at the Maltings • No border: Full page (with bleed) ads Trim size: 134mm (W) x 196mm (H) we suggest have a 7mm Advert Design: Oct 4 John Kirkpatrick Tom and Jess • With border: recommended safe area. We can design and typeset Trim size: 148 x 210mm (no bleed) advertisements for you to produce a Bounding Box Shapes Oct 5 John Kirkpatrick Bleed size: 154 x 216mm professional and eye-catching layout. As part of the new design, look and Charges for this are £20.00 per ad, plus New Roots finalists Front Cover Banner £50.00 10 am Playing for dancing 2pm Accordion left hand feel for the publication, we have per edition – please contact Clive to Trim size: 148 x 50mm Workshops with introduced a couple of options for the discuss your exact requirement. Bleed size: 154 x 56mm boxes your ad will sit within (Options 1 & 2, as shown on page 13 of the Advert ‘Helpdesk’: Nov 1 Jus’ S’posin, Chris Flegg Diary Entries Media Pack). You can either specify These include free entry in the If you need any help in setting your which you prefer, or we will apply Tandem Club Index. ad, preparing it for print or simply these at our discretion. need a bit of guidance / advice, Price per quarter: £13.00 please don’t hesitate to contact us As a preference we will be using the at any time and we will help you plus New Roots 2013 finalists Bespoke Advert sizes rounded corner version of the box Dec 76 na-mara, GBH, Linda Fryd through the process. If you have a specific size or shape (Option 1), so please bear this in of advert in mind, please do not mind when designing your ad. Advert Templates: hesitate to contact us and we will To help you put your ads together, Please note that we will be adding accommodate you if we can and give we have ready-made templates Benefit concert for Spanish Civil War commemorative statue you a quotation. the black line around the box shape in-house – it is therefore preferred for all the ad sizes, in a variety of Advertorial that you leave this off you ad design. acceptable formats. Please visit 8pm at the Maltings Arts Theatre, The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL our website to download these, or We can also offer advertorial contact us directly and we will send Tickets Concerts £10, Student concessions £8 , Workshops £15, under 25 £5 from: features if required – please contact them to you. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo 0844 870 0887 us for further information or to Take advantage of our 10% discuss your exact requirements. discount for four issues St Albans Tourist and Information Centre 01727 864511 or on the door booked & paid for in advance – any size! www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk [email protected] 28 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads If youUnic ornare Magazin undere: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 29 All hands around 25 and play Lively traditional music traditionally in an acoustic style based music, this for your barn dance or ceilidh is for you.  There are two categories, under 18 and 18-24. The judges will give helpful advice and award performance opportunities. Closing date January 31

 To enter, send a CD with up to  15 minutes of your music to:  Alison Macfarlane, 40 Warwick Road, St Albans, Herts AL1 4DL. Finals April 2014 Alison Macfarlane Trestle Arts Base, St Albans St Albans (01727) 852111 www.new-roots.org.uk, Geoff Perrin [email protected] Hemel (01442) 262320 Thur 12 Christmas Dance with Keith Wright & Spring Greens • SAA Wed 18 Reg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross, Ken Lees, Caller Steve Roud, £7 on the Box office:01908 280800 night, 8 – 11pm, doors 7.30pm • RBD Box office:01908 280800 OCTOBER Book online: www.stables.org Sat 28 Christmas Ceilidh with Sleeping Moggy BoxBook office: online:01908 www.stables.org 280800 Sat 5 GBBH with Barry Goodman and and Caller John Turner. 8 – 11pm Book online: www.stables.org National Youth Folklore Troupe of Adults £9, Student £5, Accompanied England; concert: Andy Cutting • HC under 16s FREE, group of 6 paying Deo Volente with Caller Lynn Render THE FULL ENGLISH at The Stables 1 free • NC THE FULL ENGLISH at The Stables • SCD Tue 31 The Big Ceilidh: The Watch with Barry TheTHE Full FULLEnglish is ENGLISH a major new project at The from EFDSSStables (English Folk Dance & Song Society) Sat 19 John Graham and friends with Goodman (at Pirton Village Hall toThe create Full Englishthe world’s is a biggestmajor new free project digital fromarchive EFDSS of traditional (English FolkEnglish Dance folk &songs, Song tunes,Society) Terry Phipps • CC SG5 3PS) • UC Theto create Full English the world’s is a major biggest new free project digital from archive EFDSS of (English traditional Folk English Dance &folk Song songs, Society) tunes, Fri 25 Coproliters with Andy Rouse • UC dances and customs. todances create and the customs.world’s biggest free digital archive of traditional English folk songs, tunes, Sat 26 The Occasional Few with Caller John The Stables is delighted to be working with EFDSS to bring a programme of workshops, dancesThe Stables and customs. is delighted to be working with EFDSS to bring a programme of workshops, Green. 8-11pm Adults £9, Student £5, lectures,The Stables training is delighted and community to be working events with inspired EFDSS byto bringThe Full a programme English to ofthis workshops, region. Accompanied under 16s FREE; group ASJ Adrian & Sally Jones: lectures, training and community events inspired by The Full English to this region. Greenaway School, Garden Walk, lectures, training and community events inspired by The Full English to this region. of 6 paying 1 free • NC Royston SG8 7JF. [email protected] Sun 27 Family Dance, Toucan Play with Val FOLK SONG IN ENGLAND STUDY DAY THE FULL ENGLISH PROJECT BFC Bedford Fine Companions: FOLK SONG IN ENGLAND STUDY DAY THE FULL ENGLISH PROJECT and Ian McFarlane • CAC Newnham Middle School, Polhill Ave, SaturdayFOLK SONG 16 November, IN ENGLAND 10am–4pm STUDY DAY THEWednesday FULL ENGLISH 30 October, PROJECT 8pm Wed 30 Reg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross, Saturday 16 November, 10am–4pm Wednesday 30 October, 8pm Bedford MK41 9DT. 01234 823920 ForSaturday ages 15+16 November, 10am–4pm WednesdayTickets: £21, 30 October,£22.50 8pm Ken Lees, Caller Steve Roud, £7 on the [email protected] Tickets:ForFor agesages £10 15+ 15+ (includes refreshments Tickets:SomeTickets: of£21, the £21, £22.50 top £22.50 names in folk have joined together night, 8 – 11pm, doors 7.30pm • RBD BFD Bedford Folk Dance Club: Some of the top names in folk have joined together Putnoe Heights Church, Putnoe Heights, andTickets:Tickets: sandwich £10 £10 (includes (includes lunch) refreshments refreshments Somefor an of 11-datethe top names tour to in perform folk have music joined inspired together by NOVEMBER Bedford MK41 8EB. Ron Law 01234 825574 Aandand one-day sandwichsandwich course lunch) lunch) aimed primarily at people who forThe foran an11-dateFull 11-date English. tour tour Sethto perform to Lakeman, perform music music Martin inspired inspired Simpson, by by Sat 2  Playford Ball, Shane and Julia Day CAC Chiltern Folk Assoc.: alreadyAA one-dayone-day have course course a liking aimed aimed for, primarily or primarily interest at atin,people people English who who folk TheFayThe Full Hield, Full English. English. Nancy Seth Kerr, Seth Lakeman, Sam Lakeman, Sweeney, Martin Martin Simpson, Rob Simpson, Harbron with Alan Davies • CFA Amersham Common Village Hall, White Lion Rd, Amersham HP7 9JD. 01628 486845 songalreadyalready and have have who a a wouldliking liking for,like for, or toor interest learninterest more in, in, English aboutEnglish folkits folk FayandFay Hield, BenHield, Nancy Nicholls Nancy Kerr, willKerr, Sam perform Sam Sweeney, Sweeney, new Robmusic RobHarbron Harbron The New Slide with Alex Cumming song and who would like to learn more about its and Ben Nicholls will perform new music plus Hartbeat African Drum and Dance CC Chesham Folk Dance Club: roots,song and development who would and like the to learn essential more part about it hasits andand Ben arrangements Nicholls will performinspired newby material music within The Guide HQ, Bury Lane, HP5 1HX. 01494 785191 roots, development and the essential part it has and arrangements inspired by material within Group; concert Steve Turner • HC playedroots, development in communities and inthe this essential country. part it has andthe arrangements archive. inspired by material within CFA Chiltern Folk Assoc.: played in communities in this country. the archive. Turnabouts with Caller Frances Oates Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Ave, Courseplayed inleaders communities Steve Roud in this and country. John Howsen the archive. • SCD HP6 5AH. 01628 486845 areCourseCourse leading leaders leaders collectors, Steve Steve Roud Roudresearchers and and John John and Howsen Howsen writers Sat 9 Orange & Blue with Caller Colin Hume FF Friday Folk: onareare English leadingleading folkcollectors, collectors, music andresearchers researchers traditions. and and writers writers 7.30 – 11pm, £7, Food available • BFC St Albans High School for Girls, Townsend Avenue, onon EnglishEnglish folk folk music music and and traditions. traditions. Tam Lin with Caller Alan Hewson AL1 3SJ, Bob Barrett 01727 856508 • ASJ HC Haddenham Ceilidhs: Haddenham Hall, nr Aylesbury. THE FULL ENGLISH – Sat 16 The Occasional Few with Caller Lynne THE FULL ENGLISH – OTHER GREAT NIGHTS 01296 415333. [email protected] SINGINGTHE FULL WORKSHOP ENGLISH – OTHEROTHER GREAT GREAT NIGHTS NIGHTS Render • BFD LFD Linsleighders Folk Dance Group: SINGING WORKSHOP OF FOLK COMING UP Mollie and Ali with Caller Mark Elvins TraditionalSINGING folk WORKSHOP carols, winter songs and other Wing Hall, Wing, Bucks LU7 0NN. 01525 378010 Traditional folk carols, winter songs and other OFOF FOLK FOLK COMING COMING UP UP • FF NC Northampton Ceilidhs: seasonalTraditional singing folk carols, delights winter songs and other seasonal singing delights AT THE STABLES… Wed 27 Reg Hall, Michael Plunkett, Paul Gross, Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Rd, Sundayseasonal 8 singingDecember, delights 10am–4pm ATAT THE THE STABLES… STABLES… Northampton NN1 5LL. Ruth 01933 397767, Sunday 8 December, 10am–4pm MARTIN TAYLOR & MARTIN SIMPSON Ken Lees, Caller Steve Roud, £7 on the Tickets:Sunday £108 December, (includes 10am–4pm sandwich lunch MARTIN TAYLOR & MARTIN SIMPSON night, 8 – 11pm, doors 7.30pm • RBD Valerie 01604 711536, John 07760 197921, Tickets: £10 (includes sandwich lunch SundayMARTIN 29 TAYLOR September & MARTIN SIMPSON www.northamptonceilidhs.co.uk andTickets: refreshments) £10 (includes sandwich lunch Sunday 29 September Fri 29 Gloworms with Cat Kelly • UC and refreshments) Sunday 29 September PFC Portland Folk Club: Thisand specialrefreshments) day for community choirs and singers AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH AL STEWART Sat 30 Christmas Dance with Momentum This special day for community choirs and singers AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH AL STEWART Portland Arms, 129 Chesterton Rd, This special day for community choirs and singers WednesdayAN ACOUSTIC 9 October EVENING WITH AL STEWART and Caller Chris Turner • LFD Cambridge CB4 3BA. 07847 680560 isis aa chance toto exploreexplore somesome traditional traditional favourites, favourites, Wednesday 9 October is a chance to explore some traditional favourites, Wednesday 9 October Hit and Miss with Caller Jim Marriott. RBD Rakes Barn Dances: as well as some rediscoveredrediscovered songs songs and and brand brand 8 – 11pm Adults £9, Student £5, Trefusis, Cecil Sharp House, as well as some rediscovered songs and brand CARA DILLON new arrangements. TheThe day day will will be be led led by by Sarah Sarah WednesdayCARA DILLON 23 October Accompanied under 16s FREE, group 2 Regents Park Rd, NW1 7AY. 020 8527 8419 new arrangements. The day will be led by Sarah Wednesday 23 October Morgan who brings aa hugehuge amount amount of of experience experience Wednesday 23 October of 6 paying 1 free • NC SAA St Albans Abbey: URBAN FOLK QUARTET Homewood Rd. UR Church Hall, Sandpit Lane, asMorgan a performer, who brings communitycommunity a huge choir choir amount director director of experience and and URBAN FOLK QUARTET AL1 4BH. 01727 834977 WednesdayURBAN FOLK 20 QUARTETNovember DECEMBER folkfolkas a song performer, specialist.specialist. community SuitableSuitable forchoir for community community director andchoir choir Wednesday 20 November SCD Staplers Country Dance Club: Wednesday 20 November Sat 7 Whapweasel with Nick Walden and members,folk song specialist.choir leadersleaders Suitable and and singers singers for community with with an an interest interestchoir OYSTERBAND Festival Guests; concert: Festival – Parish Hall, Waterdell Lane, St. Ippolytts OYSTERBAND SG4 7RB. 01582 881966 inmembers, a cappela choir harmony leaders singing. and singers with an interest OYSTERBAND see separate advert • HC in a cappela harmony singing. WednesdayWednesday 27 27 November November UC Unicorn Ceilidhs: in a cappela harmony singing. Wednesday 27 November Momentum with Caller Andrew Swaine Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Biggleswade Places can be bookedbooked byby calling calling the the Stables Stables OPERAOPERA NORTH: NORTH: CROWS’ CROWS’ BONES BONES • SCD SG18 8JH. 01582 724261, 07946 439095, boxPlaces office. can be booked by calling the Stables MondayMondayOPERA 16 NORTH:16 December December CROWS’ BONES Sun 8 Jumping Beans with Caller tbc • PFC www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk box office. Monday 16 December Handling charges applyapply to to all all concert concert bookings bookings and and online online bookings bookings subject subject to ticketto ticket processing processing fee fee Handling charges apply to all concert bookings and online bookings subject to ticket processing fee 30 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124

Box office:01908 280800 Book online: www.stables.org

THE FULL ENGLISH at The Stables The Full English is a major new project from EFDSS (English Folk Dance & Song Society) to create the world’s biggest free digital archive of traditional English folk songs, tunes, dances and customs. The Stables is delighted to be working with EFDSS to bring a programme of workshops, lectures, training and community events inspired by The Full English to this region.

FOLK SONG IN ENGLAND STUDY DAY THE FULL ENGLISH PROJECT Saturday 16 November, 10am–4pm Wednesday 30 October, 8pm For ages 15+ Tickets: £21, £22.50 Tickets: £10 (includes refreshments Some of the top names in folk have joined together and sandwich lunch) for an 11-date tour to perform music inspired by A one-day course aimed primarily at people who The Full English. Seth Lakeman, Martin Simpson, already have a liking for, or interest in, English folk Fay Hield, Nancy Kerr, Sam Sweeney, Rob Harbron song and who would like to learn more about its and Ben Nicholls will perform new music roots, development and the essential part it has and arrangements inspired by material within played in communities in this country. the archive. Course leaders Steve Roud and John Howsen are leading collectors, researchers and writers on and traditions.

THE FULL ENGLISH – OTHER GREAT NIGHTS SINGING WORKSHOP Traditional folk carols, winter songs and other OF FOLK COMING UP seasonal singing delights AT THE STABLES… Sunday 8 December, 10am–4pm MARTIN TAYLOR & MARTIN SIMPSON Tickets: £10 (includes sandwich lunch Sunday 29 September and refreshments) This special day for community choirs and singers AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH AL STEWART is a chance to explore some traditional favourites, Wednesday 9 October as well as some rediscovered songs and brand CARA DILLON new arrangements. The day will be led by Sarah Wednesday 23 October Morgan who brings a huge amount of experience as a performer, community choir director and URBAN FOLK QUARTET folk song specialist. Suitable for community choir Wednesday 20 November members, choir leaders and singers with an interest OYSTERBAND in a cappela harmony singing. Wednesday 27 November Places can be booked by calling the Stables OPERA NORTH: CROWS’ BONES box office. Monday 16 December

Handling charges apply to all concert bookings and online bookings subject to ticket processing fee YOUNG MISCELLANY FOLK DANCE GROUP OPEN DAY – SUNDAY 6th OCTOBER 2013 since 1976 10.30am to 12.30pm – free to all Park Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2LX BRITAIN’S FOLK & ACOUSTIC SPECIALISTS Come and watch us display, join in the fun and maybe learn some of our dances. North West – Cotswold & Border Morris – Step Clog – Stave Our nine shops stock all Broom Dance – Rapper – Molly – Country – Maypole We are currently keen to welcome new members aged 6 to 18 to join our lively and kinds of acoustic & folky friendly group, either as dancers or as musicians. No dancing experience needed. musical instruments * * * * * * * * * * from Britain and around RAPPER WORKSHOP – SUNDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2013 the world! 10.30am to 12.30pm – venue as above All are welcome, both children and adults, to learn how to do rapper sword-dancing Expert staff are always with an experienced, award winning side. Cost £5 for non-YM Members.

on hand to give you For both events, please contact: Lynda 01707 324413 or Chris 01727 751555 Website: www.youngmiscellany.co.uk free, friendly advice. Try the intruments for yourself! Each shop has a huge and varied stock of new and secondhand instruments SUPPORTING LI MUSIC FESTIV VE Sidmouth, CornwAaLlSl, Crawley , Oxford, BMG, Riseley , Tente Broadstairs radnedn ,m ore St Ives,

BIRMINGHAM | BRISTOL | CANTERBURY | CRAWLEY |LEEDS LONDON | | MILTON KEYNES | WADEBRIDGE Order online or call 0845 130 9500 www.hobgoblin.com

32 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 33 For instance, their version of “Si Bheag Si Mhor” is the best I have heard in a long time, London Barndance Ragged and the subtlety of “Rosebud in June”, sung by Caroline is a joy. An unfamiliar version of Staff – “The Nightingale” – borrowed from Cara Dillon Saturday 19th October 8 p.m. “Kiss – has some wonderful instrumental interludes on fiddle and pipes. And their closing “Never Mark Elvins The Shore” Ending Road” by Loreena McKennitt is simply beautiful. Corporate Fiddle have heard Ragged IStaff a few times When a song demands separate male and Saturday 9th November 8 p.m. live, and am pleased female voices, it can be difficult to find a to report they sound exactly the same on “Kiss key that suits both. I suspect a degree of Adam Hughes the Shore”. This is important, because too many compromise, for instance, on the otherwise acoustic musicians take liberties with their own excellent “Keys of Canterbury”; and I prefer Chesapeake All dances are held at sound – just because the studio allows them to. Ned’s fine voice on his own compositions Cecil Sharp House Apart from some very discreet reverb and the “The Whaler” and “We Drank Mimosas”, than Saturday 14th December 8 p.m. occasional added instrument, this collection is when slightly overstretched, as in “Star of the 2 Regents Park Road au naturel. County Down”. Geoff Cubitt London NW1 7AY With Caroline Riches on fiddle and vocals, Ned But these are minor gripes – they are fine Fat Harry Further details from Lawton on uilleann pipes, whistles and vocals, musicians, with a fine collection of songs and and Mike Nacey on bouzouki, octave mandola tunes. More info on the CD release from Andrew and Jane: and banjo, they have no need of artificial aids. www.ragged-staff.co.uk. Tickets: £10 (EFDSS £9, LBC & concs £8) 01628 633962 They are all consummate musicians in their Mike Blair www.barndance.org [email protected] own right.

• design • logos • posters • Autumn 2013 • business cards • flyers • 4 Oct Barry Goodman and • adverts • websites • If you enjoy a Spring Greens • print & photography • lively barn dance, 11 Oct John and Elaine Meechan and you'll find Brian Stone Friday Folk is 18 Oct Bob Barrett and FF Band a great way 25 Oct Paul Garner to meet 1 Nov Frances Oates and like-minded The Turnabouts people and 8 Nov Mike Bennett 15 Nov Wendy Harrup and FF Band have fun. Newcomers are 16 Nov Saturday Special. Mark Elvins, always welcome. Mollie and Ali. At St Albans And there's no need High School. 19:30 to 23:00 Design & Creative Services (musicians a speciality) to bring a partner. 22 Nov Bea Hawkins From 7:45 to 10:00 pm at the 29 Nov Bob Barrett Methodist Church Hall, Marlborough 6 Dec Jane Pfaff and FF Band Road, St Albans, AL1 3XG. 13 Dec Christmas Special with Colin www.fridayfolk.org.uk – 01727 856508 Hume and Spring Greens 20 Dec Carol Singing around St Albans Standard Friday admission £3 www.clivebatkindesign.com

34 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 www.unicornmagazine.org 35 UM CB ad.indd 1 7/5/13 14:34:10 Feedback Wanted? A delve into Long Lankin’s own post-bag

eople have been very good to the new A few have even refused to accept copies of editors with their feedback on the changes the new look Unicorn, thinking that something Pwrought on the Unicorn. My own “post that flashy cannot possibly be a freebie. These bag” has been a bit more varied and forthright. correspondents wonder how the operation is Surprisingly they are actually printable, mainly being financed – it cannot possibly be from the because most of it was intercepted and deleted advertising revenue – and their conclusions vary – GCHQ do a good job checking my e-mails. from the conspiracy theorist to the downright Of course most readers don’t actually send paranoid. One theory is that it is being funded messages, particularly if they don’t like the by the CIA as a way of identifying left-wing changes. They just sit and brood quietly in a sympathisers (on the vague premise that folk corner over their bitter beer, muttering mutely song is “of the people” and has always been about whatever, with just a few coherent words associated with protest and challenge escaping the black hole of their distaste, “mutter to authority). … mutter… bloody know-alls… mutter… mutter… don’t know a thing… mutter mutter… piss-up in More fanciful is the suggestion from one Fanny a brewery”. Frail that the pages have been treated with a chemical that over time will cause the regular Some readers have been very supportive, “Best readers’ fingers to blister preventing them from thing since sliced bread,” writes Miss Claudy playing their instruments and thus bringing Banks of Green Willow, “perfect with jam or down the whole folk scene. Who might be behind marmalade.” Others though find the newUnicorn such a plot is unclear though if a chemical could less absorbent than before. Most have expressed be developed that selectively had this effect on concern about the quality of the finish. The glossy accordionists and bodhran players, there would paper, the layout, the use of colour is just too be any number of possible suspects. professional for a folk journal. There you go then. It shows a certain guts or The folk scene has always been a bit rough foolhardiness to change things, especially for and ready with a make-do approach: people folkies whose whole reason for living is to keep are quite happy to gather in a pub bar or back the tradition alive. If you are reading this it means room and make their own entertainment. I have managed to fight my way through the Quality is not the issue – the essential element mob of pitchfork and fiery torch armed mob of is participation whether that is playing along, villagers surrounding the Unicorn office to deliver joining in the chorus or “having a go” at singing a this piece to the editors. song. Arbuthnot “Lord” Randal comments, “The FronT coVer Unicorn just does not look like the sort of thing I could knock out on my home printer, not that I ever wanted to but it is nice to think I could!” Others have wondered whether the editors are seeking to broaden the appeal, to attract a wider range of readers and thus advertisers. Miss Jenny Lind of Bampton for example writes, “Mark my words, running profiles about local folk clubs is only the start. Once they have exhausted these as a source of material (and let’s be honest it won’t take long) they will be onto the R&B clubs and Country & Western. Before you know it they will be advertising line dancing.”

CB1029 Unicorn Magazine Issue 123 FOR PRESS (singles).indd 1

13/6/13 11:15:24 www.unicornmagazine.org 36 Please mention UNicorn Magazine when replying to ads Unicorn Magazine: issue 124 Folk London / Unicorn Magazine_Layout 1 05/07/2013 17:50 Page 1

Folk sounds best at Cecil Sharp House www.cecilsharphouse.org 2 Regent's Park Road, London, NW1 7AY Autumn gigs

Rhiannon Giddens Sharon Shannon & Leyla McCalla Thursday 14 November, 7.30pm Thursday 3 October, 7.30pm “Her instrumental technique is remarkable, yet looks effortless; A rare opportunity to see this and her smile could light up a duo, of Carolina Chocolate small fishing village by itself.” – Drops fame, perform in the UK. Tickets £14 Tickets £18 Sam Carter & Chris Wood Catherine McLellan Saturday 16 November, 7.30pm Wednesday 16 October, 7.30pm BBC Folk Singer of the Year Experience Canadian and English 2011 performs songs from his folk music at its best. newly released album, None Tickets £12 The Wiser. Tickets £14 Blowzabella Celebrating 35 Years A Celebration Saturday 12 October, 7.30pm of Graeme Miles This legendary folk ensemble Saturday 23 November, 7.30pm returns to London for an With , The Wilsons, exclusive show celebrating The Young’uns, Martyn Wyndham 35 years together. Read and Iris Bishop, Mike Tickets £15.50 | £5 under 16s Nicholson and Robin Dale. Tickets £18 Martyn Joseph Thursday 28 November, 7.30pm The Full A unique and powerful singer- English Tour songwriter whose music stays Thursday 31 October, 7.30pm with you long after the show Seth Lakeman, Martin Simpson, has ended. Fay Hield, Nancy Kerr, Sam Tickets £15 Sweeney, Rob Harbron and Ben Nicholls. Belshazzar's Feast Tickets £17 Wednesday 11 December, 7.30pm A folk-filled Christmas show from Hot Club this wickedly inventive duo. of Cowtown Tickets £13 Wednesday 6 November, 7.30pm These purveyors of American Ticket info folk bring their www.musicglue.com/cecilsharphouse to London for what is sure to gigantic.com | wegottickets.com be knees-up show! ticketline.co.uk | 0844 888 9991

Tickets £17.50 facebook.com/EFDSS

Promoter Supporters Partners @TheEFDSS | #CecilSharpHouse