Latest News:

15/4/13
Paul McLaughlin, manager of Stroud Subscription Rooms, tells me that sales of tickets for Flossie
Mallavialle  (on Thursday  April 18 at 7.30pm £14 Info: 01453 760900) are a little disappointing. He is trying very hard to put on a good folk programme - do support this if you can!


30.12.12
The Dubliners will be making their last ever public appearance on the Jools Holland TV Hootenanny Show on 31st December. However 'Former members of the Dubliners' are now accepting bookings! (Sean, Eamonn, Patsy, and Gerry O'Connor)


13.10.12
Tony Gibbons tells me he is restarting the music sessions at The Queen's Head, Aston Cross nr Tewkesbury GL20 8LP, on 4th Wednesdays from 8.30pm (not December) - new landlord! may even be refreshments! Next one October 24 Info: tonyjgibbons@btinternet.com


7.10.12
Some people have reported difficulties in obtaining copies of Gerald Tween's new book of scripts for Gloucestershire mumming plays 'Step In' from Amazon. You should have no diffficulty from Waterstones: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/gerald+tween/22step+in22/9291601/ Or why not cut out the middleman, and send me a cheque for £10, or go to Gloucester Folk Museum, or even catch a live performance of Lassington Oak Morris Men!


1.10.12
FOLK MUSIC IN OCTOBER 2012
 
Folk music enthusiasts in Gloucestershire have much to look forward to in October with a record of 275 events to choose from. There are concert appearances by Johnny Coppin & Mike Silver at Bishop’s Cleeve on October 5, Celtish at Hartpury Old Chapel on October 6, Chris Wood at Cheltenham Town Hall also on October 6, Karine Polwart at Stroud Subscription Rooms on October 7, Jinski at Forest Folk Club on the same date, Jan Vaisey & Ian Harvey are at The Wheatsheaf in Cheltenham on October 9, Whalebone at Apperley Village Hall on October 20, Sarah Jones at Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye also on October 20, Joe Penland at Dursley on October 21, and Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes at The Roses Theatre Tewkesbury on October 24.
 
There are ceilidhs and barn dances for the more energetic at Stroud with The Bees Knees Band on October 6, The Geckoes also at Stroud on the same day, a Scottish Dance at The Reddings, Cheltenham on October 13, and a Barn Dance at Tewkesbury with the Free Spirit Band on the same day at Tewkesbury, Stroud Ukulele Ceilidh Band at Avening on October 19, Baily’s Beads in Cheltenham on October 20, Forest Brown Band at Huntley, and The Eelgrinders at Horsley on October 27. There are mid week country dance sessions at Witcombe on October 10, and 24, Bethesda in Cheltenham on 3rd & 17th, Hucclecote every Friday, Holy Trinity in Cheltenham every Monday, Cirencester on 9th, 10th, and 23rd, Apperley on October 25, and May Hill Village Hall on October 31.
 
All the usual folk clubs will be operating – Frampton every Tuesday, Minchinhampton every Thursday, Forest Club on October 7 & 21, Winchcombe on October 2, Stroud Singer’s Club on October 3 and 17, Gloucester on October 8 and 22, Conderton near Tewkesbury on October 10, Mitcheldean on October 11, Lechlade on October 12 & 26, Cheltenham Folk Club have a local’s nights on October 12, and Michelle Soine on October 26.
 
Music and song sessions as always are at pubs all over the county, too numerous to mention individually, but the full and updated listings are always available on line from www.glosfolk.org.uk, and if your event is not mentioned then do let me know!
 
All the many morris and clog dance sides in the county are now getting ready for the spring, and will soon be performing at a fête or pub near you, and they all welcome new members, dancers and musicians. The annual morris dancers conkers championship is at Hayles Fruit Farm, near Winchcombe on October 14 (a sight not to be missed!) Lassington Oak Morris Men are holding a free workshop at Gloucester Folk Museum on October 20 as aprt of the Apple Day festivities
 
Peter Cripps (Glosfolk)


1.7.12
NEW BOOK BY LOCAL MORRISMAN
 
A new book has been written by local morrisman, dance caller and mummer Gerald Tween entitled ‘Step In’. The book, his first, has the detailed scripts of 26 mummer’s plays from Gloucestershire, and has been the subject of considerable research over the years by the author, involving numerous visits to the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library in London, and the Bodleian Library in Oxford, as well as collecting scripts from the many mumming groups active in the county today.
The 107 page book is published by Vale Publishing Services ISBN 978-0-9514743-8, is printed by KM Reprographics of Gloucester, and is available from the author, Amazon, or from all good bookshops price £10.95


25.4.12
"BELIEVED MISSING IN ACTION
David Blick, founder Squire of The Forest of Dean Morris Men, and their present musician responded to Chloe Metcalfe's request for information on Morris costume, which she is undertaking as part of her degree.

During the course of setting down the information for Chloe, David decided to attempt to discover the location, or perhaps find someone who may have seen a rather splendid musicians tabard made for The Forest of Dean Morris in the early 1970's, but which has been mislaid now for quite some time. This was made by Dennis Westrip of Chelmsford, who became a great friend of the FoDMM when he holidayed regularly in the area.

The tabard which was of a sage green colour depicted on the front, crossed swords (old FoD village sides often had a man walk in front of the dances with crossed swords held high), and a miner's axe (relating to the area's mining history). On the back was an embossed crown in purple and gold and a representation of
a bible. The crown related to the Forest of Dean being a Royal Forest since 1066.

David would love to hear from anyone who may know anything about this tabard. He can be contacted on 01531 820687

5.4.12
Just heard the very sad news that 'Banjo' Barney McKenna, founder member of The Dubliners, passed away this morning. He was 72. We luckily saw him at Cheltenham Town Hall on March 9th, and thought he was actually looking better than he had for some time. His singing of 'I wish I had someone to love me', and his stunning banjo playing, that evening brought the house down! Full story  HERE


3.4.12
Risk Assessments:
Astrid & I were asked the other day for a copy of our risk assessment for a little gig we are doing soon. A first! We did not have one! I quickly devised a form, and thought of a few hazards, and how to reduce/eliminate them. Here it is as a MS Word document:       RISK ASSESSMENT FORM.doc  If anyone wants another format please ask (BTW I missed off the 'hanging basket' hazard! - thanks Norma!)


10.2.12
New regular music session:
Tony Gibbons writes - I am starting a new session at ‘The Queen’s Head’ Aston Cross, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury GL20 8LP on Wednesday 22nd February starting at approx 8.30 p.m. This is aimed at musicians NOT singers and will be completely open to music traditions (including foreign). I can promise a good selection from the U.K. Definitely present at this first one to get the ball rolling will be:-  myself (melodeon), Hamish West (guitar, mandolin), Roly Alcock (melodeon) Rod Penlington (concertina). The pub has ‘Doom Bar’ on tap amongst others. Beginners and slow players will be catered for.
 Anyone can ring me if they wish on 01242 232126.


10.2.12
Nearly 50  folk events next week, including Cheltenham Folk Festival all weekend, concerts by the excellent John Kirkpatrick at Clifford’s Mesne, and Arlingham, Dave Swarbrick at Bristol Folk House, Phil Beer and his band at Tewkesbury. The Square Folk dance club have John Boucher with Musical Folk at Witcombe.
 
Cheltenham Folk Song Club have a singer’s night, and Lechlade, Gloucester, Frampton, Roaring Jelly, Stroud  Singer’s and Minchinhampton (at Avening) clubs are all meeting as usual.
 
There are music sessions at Sapperton, Prestbury, Gloucester, Dursley, and  Nailsworth, and Scottish dancing at Montpellier in Cheltenham, and Kingsholm in Gloucester. English country dancing is on at Hucclecote, Holy Apostles and Holy Trinity in Cheltenham.  Cheltenham.
 
All the morris and clog dance sides are practising as usual, and all welcome new members. Full details of all the events can be found HERE


27.1.12
Just heard that the Joe Broughton & Kevin Dempsey gig at The Roses Theatre Tewkesbury next week has been postponed to the autumn, because Kevin has sustained an injury. More details when we get them


20.1.12
Today Lord Clement Jones' Live Music Bill passed the Report stage in the House of Commons.
Although the live music lobby's target of 100 plus MPs were present, things looked decidedly risky when the debate on the Daylight Saving Bill, the first Bill on the list, occupied the entire session and at 1-30 pm the Live Music Bill looked doomed, with not enough time to be debated.

However, at the end of the session the names of the Bills that have not been dealt with are read out, and, if nobody shouts "Objection !", then the Bill can proceed.

It is unusual for a Bill to proceed without objection at this stage, but, this was the case with the Live Music Bill which was passed in about two seconds. "Even Chope said Aye!" tweeted Kerry McCarthy (Labour MP for Bristol East) who has been quite vocal in supporting the Live Musc Bill.

This is perhaps the most difficult obstacle the Live Music Bill has had to overcome and it is difficult to see how the Bill can fail to become law now. More HERE


 

31.12.11 
New Folk Club
Just heard of new (or rather revived, last meeting in 2006!) Folk Club. Gloucester Folk Session & Song Club, The Dick Whittington, Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2PE will meet fortnightly on Mondays from January 9, Info: Mhairi Strauss HERE


18.12.11
Live Music Bill
The Live Music Bill has passed the committee stage in House of Commons, and is likely to become law sometime in the New Year. Two minor technical amendments were agreed during Committee which require the bill to return, briefly, to the House of Lords. But there is every expectation that it will move to Report and 3rd reading in the Commons early next year. If enacted, entertainment licensing would no longer apply to most performances of live music to audiences of up to 200, between 8am and 11pm. In alcohol-licensed premises, that freedom could be subject to conditions if there were problems. No help yet for mummer's plays unfortunately, but live music in pubs and village halls will be greatly helped! More at: http://www.livemusicforum.co.uk/


18.12.11
Cultural Olympiad
This is to alert you to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get involved with the Cultural Olympiad, as the Olympics come to Britain this summer.  Weymouth is hosting the sailing Olympics, and there will be a fabulous cultural event: The Battle of the Winds, centrepiece of the high-profile regional Quest programme.  And you can be part of it.  Jo Bousfield, who is coordinating the Gloucestershire contribution, says:
"Volunteering at the Battle for the Winds Cultural Olympiad event will give people the opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event.  Simply go to the website  www.battleforthewinds.com  and click on 'GET INVOLVED'  You can then tick the boxes showing how you'd like to participate  - including being part of a huge crowd of people wading into the sea with lit torches at dusk on Sat July 28th 2012. The key events in Gloucestershire are May 10th kite flying on Selsley Common, Stroud
April 28th Launch of the Wind Vessel in the Brunel Goodshed Stroud plus awarding of the medals for the creative olympics contest. Details of how to enter from Glosfolk - please submit your original song, dance, or piece of music etc - it would be great to see some folkies getting 'olympic' medals! (Any problems reading it let me know)
May 23rd Creative Carnival at the Torch Relay event Cheltenham Racecourse 7.30 - 9pm


 

26.11.11
The Private Members Bill to liberalise the entertainment licensing has now cleared its Second Reading in the House of Commons, and will start the committee stage probably before Christmas. More details here


2.7.11
Good afternoon of entertainment at National Star College today. Performers included Peter & Astrid Cripps, Tarran Gray, Jan Vaisey & Ian Harvey, Gael Force, and Friggitt.

 


 

18.6.11
David Cameron has at last replied to my letter of 20 April (see 'Dear Prime Minister' on left hand menu) although not personally - he is too busy saving the world! His correspondence officer says that "Mr Cameron very much appreciates your taking the time and trouble to inform him of your views"
So now we know!


14.4.11
Norma Waterson has now been moved to their local hospital at Whitby.
Address for cards: Norma Waterson Carthy, Whitby Community Hospital, Springhill, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1EE


13.3.11
Just heard from Phil Cunningham that filming has now finished for this years 'Transatlantic Sessions' to be broadcast in the autumn hopefully. This time artists include among others Bela Fleck (worlds greatest banjo player) Muireann Nic Ambhlaoidh (Danu) and Sharon Shannon

27.2.11
Judy Cook (on tour from USA) ‘Songs of Women and The Sea’ concert at St Catharine’s Catholic Church, Chipping Campden GL55 6DZ 6.30 – 7.45pm £5 Info: 0845 680 1926 or www.oxboffice.com Her web site:  http://judycook.net

14.2.11
Just heard via Rod Stradling, that Norma Waterson has been transferred to Middlesborough Hospital, and is continuing to make a slow but steady recove. This does mean that she will not be appearing at The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury on 4th March as advertised. However Martin Carthy will still be performing. If you wish to send cards or flowers please find details below:
 
Norma Waterson Carthy,
Ward 9,
James Cook Hospital,
Marton Road,
Middlesborough TS4 3BW
Details of the benefit events are at http://www.mustrad.org.uk/norma.htm

3.1.11 Glosfolk more successful than EFDSS!
 
Yes believe it or not, Glosfolk is much more successful than EFDSS in levels of support. EFDSS has 4000 members (approx) out of a English over 15 population of 51,618,000 – 0.01%. Glosfolk has 275 on the mailing list out of a Gloucestershire over 15 population of 483,000 – 0.06% - so nearly six times more successful! So OK EFDSS members pay for the privilege of membership, and Glosfolk is free! Glosfolk also has a very good track record in lobbying County & District Councils to get folk music represented in publicly supported events, and in lobbying the County's MPs on national issues. Our Directory of performers, and Diary of folk events is the most comprehensive in the county. We are also very democratic, open, and transparent - unlike EFDSS we do publish minutes of all our committee meetings in full, usually within 10 days of the meeting! We also get a bigger proportion of our membership at our AGM!
Of course Glosfolk does not receive a penny in grant funding, has no paid staff, and committee members do not draw any expenses! So how do we do it?


Friday 21st January 2011
 
*Residential folk weekend near Cerne Abbas, Dorset – in the heart of Thomas Hardy country (until 23rd) Songs of Protest and Praise - Folk music and poetry. Led by Gill and Alan McIntosh. An opportunity to sing, play and participate – or just sit back and listen.  There will also be the chance to share in the regular prayer and worship of the Friary and to reflect on the importance of community in today’s world. Brothers and other community members will be involved. £85 for the weekend - Day tickets also available at £20. Info: http://www.hilfieldfriary.org.uk/page2.html


16.12.10

As part of the 'reduction in specialist music' by the BBC, The Folkwaves programme on Radio Derby (also on several other BBClocal radio stations in the Eadt Midlands) is being axed. There is a campaign to oppose this on Facebook - details at http://www.facebook.com/index.php?lh=bd113519135cd71d0622d70761735df7&#!/pages/Save-Folkwaves-on-BBC-Radio-Derby/173039876049804



6.12.10

The winners of the prestigious MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards were announced at a ceremony in Perth Concert Hall last night (Saturday 4 December). 
 
A record 192,000 votes were cast by members of the public for the eighth annual awards which celebrate musicians, community groups and events across all forms of traditional music in Scotland.

Among the winners in the 16 categories are Julie Fowlis and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers who replicated their success of 2007 by collecting the award for Best Album of the Year and Best Live Act of the Year respectively. Read the complete results http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/stma2010-thewinners.html

Musicians who have supported and influenced the development of Scottish traditional music during their lives have also been celebrated by being inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, including Bill Wilkie, the much-deserved recipient of the Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award. Read more about the Hall of Fame http://www.tradmusichall.com/

Minister for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop MSP, who attended this evening's ceremony, said: "The Hands Up for Trad music awards is a key event in Scotland's cultural calendar, which showcases Scottish talent and celebrates the success of our performers in the traditional arts. I'd like to congratulate all those picking up awards this year and the nominees. The diversity and flair of the talent on display from across the traditional music sector is truly remarkable.

"The traditional arts are a fundamental element of Scotland's cultural heritage and of our national identity.  The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the sector to ensure our traditional arts continue to flourish and shape the culture of our future generations.  My response to the Traditional Arts Working Group report outlines future steps and steps already taken to help preserve Scotland's traditional arts.  I have tasked Creative Scotland to work with the sector and partner organisations to take forward many of the recommendations and I'm delighted that £250,000 will be invested in the traditional arts sector to help do just that."    

BBC ALBA will be broadcasting an hour and a half long 'Na Trad' highlights special from the award ceremony on Monday 6 December at 9pm and repeated on Tuesday 7 at 10pm (repeated on Tuesday 7th Decemberat 10pm)

19.11.10

The Roses Theatre Tewkesbury has tickets on sale from 24th November to the general public for: Steve Tilston 25th January, Fairport Convention 28th January,  Phil Beer 22nd February, Martin Carthy & Norma Waterson 4th March, Karen Tweed & Kevin Dempsey 22nd March, Feast of Fiddles 13th April, Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts. (Well done Roses! Other venues take note! ) Info: 01684 295074 - www.therosestheatre.org and on the Glosfolk web site (under 'Diary') Most of these sell out well before the event!
 
The lineup for the Gloucester Docks Victorian Christmas Market 25th - 28th November has been announced, and includes many well known Victorian Folk Performers! Details at  http://www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk/site/whats-on/christmas-in-gloucester/gloucester-victorian-christmas-market
 

Mr Red is doing a programme on Cajun Music (well nobody is perfect!) on Stroud FM at 9pm starting Monday November 22nd Live on 107.9 FM and on line at http://www.stroudfm.co.uk On every fortnight.



17.9.10

You will recall that I posted a bulletin about Keith Glover (ex Gloucestershire Old Spot, Cheltenham Mummers etc) a little time ago. Terry Haines now tells me that Keith is convalescing at Wheatridge Court, 40 Shergar Close, Abbeydale, Gloucester GL4 4AL. He is in very good spirits and would welcome visits and messages. He is expected to stay there until October 4th all being well.

7.9.10

'Feel Good for Pakistan' Festival in Upton now has the legendary Peggy Seeger for a lunchtime concert. Full details at http://feelgoodforpakistan.upton.uk.net/

31.7.10
 
Mike Kean-Price (Ex Glos Old Spot, City of Gloucester Mummers, and Tewkesbury Town Crier) tells me Keith Glover (Cheltenham Mummers etc) is recovering from surgery in Tewkesbury Hospital. He is in good spirits, and would be happy to see visitors.

19.7.10
 
The Roving Crows are Looking for a Bass Player!
 
Semi-professional busy folk-rock band with exciting future
Our influences: The Levellers, Waterboys, Kila, Tradtional Irish
Perform festivals and venues
Enthusiasm, commitment and own transport essential

Call Paul on 07896327069
www.rovingcrows.com


 
19.7.10
 
From Ellen Taylor:
Would you mind putting  out a reminder that Chris Wood is playing at The
Park, University of Gloucestershire on Saturday 24th July as part of the
Cheltenham Guitar Summer School and Festival. For more information on classes
and Festival Events visit:
http://www.glos.ac.uk/events

 
15.7.10 Bath Folk Festival
 
You all maybe aware already of this event - 7th - 15th August, which although 'out of county' is pretty close!
Acts include Martin Simpson, James Fagan & Nancy Kerr, Bella Hardy, Saul Rose, and many more. Also included is an Irish Summer School, with many workshops. Full details and booking at http://www.bathfolkfestival.org/

 
15.7.10 Cheltenham Town Council and The Brewery Complex in Cheltenham are running a couple of events in Cheltenham on Thursday 29th July, and Thursday 5th August, and would like some acoustic acts to play for an hour or so between 1 - 3pm. No money unfortunately, but you get to keep what you earn!
 
If you are interested, would you contact Clara Hambling direct at Clara.Hambling@cheltenham.gov.uk or 01242 237431
 

13.7.10 Interesting article on 'Folk = English' as opposed to 'Folk = Irish' or 'Folk = Scots' etc at http://journalofmusic.com/article/1171

 


13.7.10 Glosfolk AGM
 
At the Glosfolk AGM last week, Paul Stepney & Chris Arscott joined the committee - welcome to them! Gwilym Davies and Tony Davis retired from the committee - grateful thanks for all their good service. Draft Minutes are now available on the web site - follow the links to Diary
 

 
13.7.10 Donations
 
Thanks to Ken Hirons and Gwilym Davies for their very generous donations to our funds - without any grants, we do rely very heavily on donations to keep on with the work.
 

13.7.10 Folk Diary
 
BT who host the Diary section of the web site free of charge for us, have changed contractor, so we have taken the opportunity to make some changes - for the better hopefully! Do keep the dates and details of events coming in - in particualar, do let me know of any changes to regular events - especially summer breaks etc.
 

 
13.7.10 Performance and Fame Opportunity - please contact Ellie direct if you are interested:
 
From: Ellie Jones - Bristol Music Foundation  info@bristolmusicfoundation.com
Subject: Call for artists for international showcase opportunities

We are now looking to gather bands and solo artists from across the South West to feature in our series of events including Music South West 2010 in Bristol in November, SXSW 2011 and the Great Escape 2011.

This will be for possible inclusion on the compilation cd's that are distributed at these events and for possible showcase opportunities.


 
13.7.10 History of Glosfolk
 
If you have any old photos, minute books, memorabilia, recollections of the early days of Glosfolk - or 'The Gloucestershire Folk Association' as it once was, could you contact Gwilym Davies () who has very kindly offered to collate any info, and put it into a document for us. (Does he know what he is letting himself in for?) Even if you think you know when Glosfolk was founded that would be useful!
 

 




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