Folk Updates ~ Keeping Folk In Touch 

www.folklife.uk/updates for Folklife Traditions Journal & Folklife West magazines, & for our online Directory
Mainly Wales, West Country & West Midlands; but all areas, UK & International, are most welcome!
      A summary of the latest Updates is emailed to you from time to time, if you've opted in (Opt-in, on home page)

Your Updates: please send email text (no attachments, no pdf, jpg, etc)

Simply EMAIL TEXT with SUBJECT:  "Journal or  Directory or Folk News  Updates ".    (And as we said, no attachments please).
       • If not already opted-in to our "Updates" emails, please first  Opt-in (on home page),  thanks
  
  • "Journal Updates" for Journal (researched articles). Open to all. Societies, researchers; book publishers. Up to 200 words.
  • "Directory Updates" ~  Venues, Performers, Media, Services.  Open to all, free entries, see Get listed! page 
  • "Folk News Updates" ~ only Folklife Members (Membership details foot of page)  or  all overseas readers (= non-UK/Ireland). For each folk news item (club, session, act, festival), title;  contact, websites, media; + up to 160 words.
email sam@folklife.uk

Updates; emailed summary every few weeks


❗️ Note no email summaries sent between Folklife West deadline & publication (Nov 20 - Jan 1; 20 Mar - 1 May; 20 July - 1 Sep),
       but you're welcome to send updates to post on this webpage at any time, including those times when no emails are sent out.

✅ For more details of 🄵 Folklife members (UK & International), Ø Associate members, see Folklife West.
  • ØØ International (nonUK/Ireland) Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in FW)
  • We also list in Directory, free: 🅄 other UK/Ireland Updates-signups, 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal subscribers & contributors.

Updates email:  the latest updates, for the next summary to be emailed

Thanks to Matt of Reforest Hosting (and Miserden Morris!) - now hosting all our behind-the-scenes domains & redirects from former websites (so if you type in folklife-traditions.uk, it now goes to folklife.uk/traditions, etc), at about half the previous webhost's costs (and thanks to Martin Graebe for suggesting Matt!).   https://www.reforesthosting.com, details previous Update below.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  research Updates 
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(2) Online Directory:  Updates
CYMRU • WALES
VENUES
South-East
🄵 Monday, 2nd   Caerphilly borough BARGOED FOLK AND ACOUSTIC MUSIC CLUB  venue website www.facebook.com/bourtonsbar/
→ Bourtons Live Music Café Bar ,15 High Street , Bargoed, CF81 8RA     Open from 7pm, club gets underway at 8pm. Food served until 9pm (no entry after 9pm).
⇒ Greg & Lindsay Rowlands. Venue phone 07547 356595, venue email bourtonsbar<at>gmail.com.
⊕ An evening of strictly unplugged acoustic singaround, come along and perform, or just have a listen and enjoy some food and drink in a relaxed and musician-focused atmosphere. [Sept 2025, new listing]
PERFORMERS
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG
Pf.1c. Solo
🄵  Caerphilly borough GREG ROWLANDS www.facebook.com/GregFolkRowlands
⇒ Greg Rowlands, email gregfolkrowlands<at>gmail.com
⊕ One of South Wales' most "revered and well loved" musicians; "He conveys the songwriters' art with empathetic understanding." - Folk Wales magazine. Greg plays folk clubs and concert halls, raising the temperature with a voice that echoes to the rafters  [Sept 2025, new listing]
(3a) News Updates: from Folklife members  ~  Cheap publicity (from just £9 a year!) Folklife West print  and online here and  email Updates !
"p6" = Members' folk news, page 6 in the current Folklife West (print & online)
🄵 Appleyard Dancers are hosting an Open session on Thursday 16th October 7.30pm at Earls Croome Village Hall WR8 9DE. Particularly welcoming ladies interested to find out more about dancing. There will be a demonstration, a chance to try dancing and a chat with cake and hot drink. No obligation, all ages welcome. For more info email info4appleyard<at>gmail.com          www.appleyardfolk.co.uk              Sarah Titmuss

🄵 Bodmin Folk Club In addition to Fridays programme published in FW September, the Club will be visiting Dreamers Club on Sunday 26 October.  Here's the October programme in full, on Fridays: 10 Kessenyan,  17 Charity Night, 24th Peter and Barbara Snape, 26th SUNDAY visit to Dreamers Club, 31 Open House with Theme Ghoulies and Ghosties.  www.bodminfolk.co.uk   sylvwatts<at> aol.com, or message on www.facebook.com/bodminfolk

(3b) News Updates: from our ØØ International readers   (all those signed up to our emailed Updates).
Online: free on Updates page and  in email 2-weekly Updates.     Print: in Folklife West - only from 🄵 Folklife Members (£9/year).
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Updates email: emailed Saturday 20 September 

A NEW ADDRESS for the FOLKLIFE TRADITIONS JOURNAL  https://folklife.uk/journal,
We've now moved over half the old site to folklife.uk;  it looks much better!
The initial page is FT Journal & Directory,  and our old web-address  "www.folklife-traditions.uk" now redirects to that page.
"Index to FT Journal webpages" on that page gives links to remaining material on the old site (now https://folklife-traditions.weebly.com)
    Subpages: FTJ this issue, FTJ: contribute (and later, the FTJ Directory * will be copied from old site).
FT Archive, www.folklife.uk/ft-archive, is a separate header, with subpages including Articles Index, and (eventually *) all previous issues.
* The rest of the site will gradually be copied over (unless you'd like to volunteer, to speed things up....).       

MailerLite have announced 'free up to 1000' subscribers will become 'free up to 500'.   Therefore, we will use MailChimp as well, next time.  Probably for all non-members not in UK, plus some others UK if MailerLite delivery problems.  

From 23/7/2025 onwards: several virgin.net emails: not delivered "'mailbox unknown" (message from MailerLite, and when I sent directly). 
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  research Updates 
🄵  VWML Conference: Traditional Tunes and Popular Airs, Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 November, Cecil Sharp House, London.
Organised jointly by the VWML, Julia Bishop (University of Sheffield) and Alice Little (Oxford University), this conference brings together researchers working on ‘traditional’ and ‘popular’ tunes as transmitted and transformed in all manner of musical styles and genres, performance contexts, levels of society, historical periods, and geographical locations. For more information and to book, visit: 

🄵 Traditional Song Forum.   From the September Newsletter :
TSF Autumn Conference 2025
Folk Songs in the archive – Where can we find them and are they safe? 
18 October,  a full day in-person conference. The Dunrossil Centre, Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, Clarence Row, Alvin Street, Gloucester, GL1 3DW, conveniently located for public transport and has ample free car parking for attendees.
    Taking the Archive to mean all the collections, large and small, physical and intangible, in our field, this gathering will address a number of important issues.
    Recent developments have made it clear that the three fundamental elements in archiving – Make it safe, Make it useable, Make it accessible – can never be taken for granted, and need continuous revision and monitoring. Institutional priorities and resources change, technology goes out of date, websites appear and disappear, search engines are re-designed. 
     Many existing collections need to be processed, and personal collections need to be identified and their survival ensured. 
      It is up to us, as creators and primary users, to use our expert knowledge and whatever power we can muster, to maintain, support and monitor our essential materials.  
      Free but booking is required. It would help us a lot if you could book early if you are planning to come, so we can get some idea of numbers. 
     The papers being presented are below, for further details, please check our website https://tradsong.org
Stephen Miller – “My papers: what shall I do with them? The Internet 1.0 researchers and their ‘remaines’ 
Chris Wildridge – Alfred Williams manuscripts as a case-study 
Catherine Ann Cullen – Not Found: There’s a Hole in the Ballad Archive 
Tiffany Hore & Josie Sommer – The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library: Safeguarding Folk for the Folk 
Martin Graebe – The Baring-Gould Manuscripts – Current status   
James Spinney – Folklore and Documentary in Conversation 
Julia Bishop, Mariam Yamin & Catherine Bannister – Finding Folk Song in the Archives of Cultural Tradition, University of Sheffield 
Julia Bishop – Children’s Song and Musical Games in the Archives   
Steve Roud – The State We’re In  
Online meeting 76, 16 Nov. 2025.
The speakers will be: • Paul Mansfield on the Blind Beggar’s Daughter • Vic Gammon • Steve Thompson on disability in Welsh ballads
Save the Dates for our two in person meetings early in 2026: 
• 14 Feb 26 - Broadside Day - Sheffield University  • 18 Apr 26 - Spring Conference - Manchester Portico Library - "Women and Song" 
            Richard Spencer,   TSF Assistant Secretary

(2) Online Directory:  Updates
CYMRU • WALES

PERFFORMWYR : PERFORMERS

Pf.1  CERDDORIAETH A CHÂN
Pf.1c Unawd. 
🅄 Ceredigion CYNEFIN: OWEN SHIERS https://cynefinmusic.wales/cy/home-page-2
⇒ Owen Shiers, owen<at>gemtone.co.uk, 07842 983735,   https://www.facebook.com/cynefinmusic,   https://www.instagram.com/cynefinmusic/,  https://twitter.com/CynefinMusic
⊕ Syniad Owen Shiers, un o frodorion Dyffryn Clettwr yw Cynefin. Mae’n brosiect mapio cerddorol sydd yn tynnu llinell o’r gorffennol i’r presennol – gan gychwyn ym mro ei febyd.  (2025 Medi: newydd)

Pf.1   FOLK MUSIC & SONG
Pf.1c. Solo
🅄 Ceredigion CYNEFIN: OWEN SHIERS  https://cynefinmusic.wales/en/home-page
⇒ Owen Shiers, owen<at>gemtone.co.uk, 07842 983735, https://www.facebook.com/cynefinmusic,   https://www.instagram.com/cynefinmusic/, https://twitter.com/CynefinMusic
⊕ The brain-child of West Wales native Owen Shiers, this Cynefin § is a musical mapping project which traces a line from the past to the present – starting in the Clettwr Valley where Owen grew up, immersed in Welsh music.   (September 2025: new)

       § Cynefin, 'kuh-neh-vin', a Welsh word with no direct equivalent in English, is a journey to discover.   Often translated into English as ‘habitat’, but more than a place in a physical or geographical sense; it's a historic, cultural and social place which has shaped and continues to shape the community which inhabits it.   The word has been included as a core concept within the Schools Curriculum for Wales.  Originally, it meant a habitual sheep-track.  ~ Editor.

Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG Pf.1a Bands/Groups
🄵  Gwynedd NEVER MIND THE BOCS  [website temporarily not available]
⇒ Neil & Meg Browning 01286 677578. neilbrowning26<at>gmail.com www.facebook.com/nevermindthebocs/
⊕ Never Mind the Bocs are an acoustic band from North Wales. Collectively, the range of their experience in roots music (from Cajun to ceilidhs, via Blues and folk-rock) ensures a fresh and unique approach to traditional Welsh music and song.   [Sept 2025, new email; website TBA]
Pf.2 FOLK DANCE     Pf2.b Folk Dance Bands
🄵  Gwynedd BAND Y BRAICHMELYN [website temporarily not available]
⇒ Neil & Meg Browning 01286 677578. neilbrowning26<at>gmail.com
⊕ Ceilidh band, thirty years experience of running successful ceilidhs and twmpathau. The core line-up of the band is button accordion, banjo (and/or guitar), and bass guitar; a punchy, lively sound that can react to the dancers. Experienced caller included. [Sept 2025; new email, website TBA]
WEST COUNTRY (SOUTH-WEST)

VENUES
🅄 Day Varies Cornwall DEVORAN DEVORAN ACOUSTIC SESSIONS www.facebook.com/DevoranSessions
→ Mainly in Devoran Village Hall, Quay Road, Devoran, Truro, TR3 6PW (between Truro & Falmouth, just off A39). Normally October to May, time varies.
⇒ Organiser Ann Cunningham, 07765 423751, devoranvh<at>live.co.uk Tickets: Visit Truro, Boscawen Street, Truro in person, phone 01872 274555, on-line www.visittruro.org.uk
⊕ Bringing top class folk, roots and acoustic artists to a special setting for music events (originally a railway workshop), past artist have included folk ‘royalty’ Martin Carthy and Martin Simpson, along with locally based artists, seating 90.    [2025 Sept, new listing] 

PERFORMERS
Pf.2 FOLK DANCE   Pf2.a Folk Dance Callers
🄵 Glos POLLY  STIRZAKER
⇒ pollyashworth29@googlemail.com. 07854 259093
⊕ Caller. Fun, easy ceilidh dancing for any occasion. Based in North Gloucestershire.   [2025 Sept, new listing] 
SERVICES  
S.4 Design / Website Services; print, illustration
​🅄 Glos REFOREST HOSTING  https://www.reforesthosting.com
⇒ Unit 2b, New Mills, Libby’s Drive, Stroud GL5 1RN.  Email (sales & general enquiries only)  hello<at>reforesthosting.com (support, billing, technical: support ticket from your account)
⊕  Reforest Hosting provides eco-friendly web hosting that gives back to nature. With every hosting package, they sponsor the purchase of land in the UK, helping to restore habitats and protect biodiversity while keeping your website online.   (Sept 2025, new listing)
WEST MIDLANDS

VENUES

WORCS - TUESDAY
🅄 Tuesday, 3rd Worcs BROMSGROVE  BLACKWELL CLUB: FOLK SESSION  Blackwell Club's website: https://blackwellclub.co.uk
→ Blackwell Club, 84 Linthurst Newtown, Blackwell, Bromsgrove B60 1BS (wheelchair access ramp to the rear door).  8pm to 11pm.
⇒ John Yair, email johnyair<at>ymail.com
⊕  From Irish, Scottish, English and French Dance Music to unaccompanied singing, shanties etc including American, both ancient and modern. The main thing is we have fun!!! The Club is very comfortable and welcoming. The beer is always good!  (Sept 2025, new listing)
🅄  Thursday, 1st + 3rd Worcs DROITWICH DROITWICH FOLK CLUB no website
→ The Old Library Centre, 65 Ombersley Street East, Droitwich WR9 8QS.   Starts at 7pm.
⇒ For further details contact Malcolm on droitwichfolk<at>yahoo.com .   YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com@mbmusic2005
⊕  Serving the community since 2016. Join us to perform, listen or just sing along.  Parking very close by (no charge after 6pm), level access for wheelchairs. Tea, coffee, snacks available during break. Admission: £3.00 per person.  (Sept 2025, new listing)

(3a) News Updates: from Folklife members  ~  Cheap publicity (from just £9 a year!) Folklife West print  and online here and  email Updates !
"p6" = Members' folk news, page 6 in the current Folklife West (print & online)

CYMRU:
Y Canolbarth / The Midlands (Mid-Wales)
p6 🄵  BLACK MOUNTAIN BALFOLK     Facebook
Black Mountain Balfolk started up again in the Parish Hall Hay on Wye on Sunday 14 Sept with special Guest Steve Turner.
The next Sunday sessions are 28 Sept 26 October, 9 & 23 November. 4-6.30 pm
BALS for this year: Sunday 12 October with Deux Sans Frontiere 4-8.30 pm
SATURDAY EVENING 6 December in LLANIGON VILLAGE HALL Near Hay on Wye HR3 5QA with music from SHIVELIGHT, the houseband and special guests.
Best wishes,   Andrea Degen

p6 🄵 TWO HOOTS TEAROOM MUSIC SESSIONS
From John Alderslade: Just a quick line to let you know that the sessions up at Devils Bridge have finished  (Two Hoots no longer exists, a long story). 
John is looking for a replacement venue, which we'll post on here. ~ Eds.

ENGLAND, WEST COUNTRY: 
Gloucestershire
p19 🄵 Glos. CHELTENHAM FOLK CLUB  Facebook: Cheltenham Folk Club
Sunday September 21, we have another great evening coming up with a guest spot from the lively, varied instrumentals/vocals of Cobblers Child.
I'm looking forward to hearing this exciting group! And, of course, the floor spots!
Sorry, no dogs.  Music starts 8pm, at the Stanton Hall, Charlton Kings, GL53 8AR.  The hall has great accessibility. Cash-only donations please. BYO food, drink or buy from Coop opposite. Car parking in Church Piece car park and nearby streets.
Judith Email list machteltje<at>gmail.com, 01242 571185 / 577506 

ENGLAND, WEST MIDLANDS: 
Shropshire 
p20 🄵 Shropshire SHREWSBURY MORRIS DANCERS are recruiting! 
Why not learn a new skill this autumn, and have a go at Morris Dancing? 
Maybe you've watched the colour, fun and enthusiasm of Shrewsbury Morris along with enjoying the infectious, foot-tapping music and thought: maybe I could do that? We meet every Thursday evening to hone our skills, before dancing out and about in the spring and summer, so autumn is the ideal time to take up this new interest. 
    Shrewsbury Morris are a large, friendly, group who welcome new members,  no experience needed. Newcomers quickly become part of a group of like-minded people who enjoy this fun form of exercise, which keeps every one fit, healthy and promotes well-being, along with the social side of joining. 
    So come and have a go, any Thursday evening, 8.15pm, Blackburn Theatre, Prestfelde School, London Road, Shrewsbury. A warm welcome awaits. If you are feeling a little bit shy then come with a friend or two? 
    Contact the team via bev.langton<at>talk21.com   www.shrewsburymorris.co.uk
Birmingham
p23 🄵 BLACK DIAMOND FOLK CLUB, Birmingham  https://blackdiamondfolkclub.org.uk
The advert stated TBA for Oct 3rd, now confirmed as  Friday Oct 3rd. Gordon Tyrrall 
       Review: September 5th .
The Black Diamond Folk club welcomed back the multi-talented Brian Peters, who gave a superb evening’s entertainment to a near capacity club. He performed a mixture of songs and tunes played on his Anglo concertina, Accordion and guitar. He also performed one of the songs accompanied by his wife. Not a man to rest on his laurels, many of the songs he had researched from the records at Cecil Sharp House. He treated us to some unusual versions of well known songs.  Alan Franklin
Herefordshire
Hereford Cathedral, 10 October, 7.30pm,  'Never Forgotten', a family concert to commemorate 140 years of SSAFA's support for the Armed Forces community.
With singing and music from: The Herefordshire Veterans Military Choir. Hereford Cathedral Schools Choirs, including the multi-award winning Cantabile, the Senior Chamber Choir and Colla Voce.The Marches Military Wives Choir. Bromyard Symphonic Wind Band.  The Orchestra of the Swan Trio.

SOUTH-EAST: 
Oxfordshire
p33 🄵 Moonrakers at Fawley (Nr Wantage)
Dear Friends,
Greetings. The Autumn winds are blowing but we still have a little of the Summer zeal left. Jon & Jacqui have been down at Benslow Music running our residential Folk Orchestra. There’s another one coming up in Somerset (Halsway Manor) in November. This year Halsway have published one of our tunes in their 60th Anniversary book. Meanwhile, we’ve been looking ahead to the 2026 new album tour - very exciting! We’ll let you know more soon.
But for now - a Friday evening concert near Wantage……
Fri 26 Sep St Mary's Church, Fawley, WANTAGE, OX12 9YW. Dating back 800 years, a great building to visit. 7.30pm £15 (incl.a glass of wine) on the door or reservation at 07766231952  wjbraceyandsons1<at>gmail.com   Help us to keep music live!  Best wishes,Jon, Jacqui, Sarah & Becki
           MoonrakersCelticMusic<at>gmail.com, 01865 769206, www.moonrakers.net
Sussex
p34  🄵 Martyn Wyndham-Read.
Maypoles to Mistletoe is on at The Normandy Centre, Denne Rd, Horsham, RH12 1JF on Saturday December 13th 2025 with 2 performances. 
    Tickets will be available in November, for more information contact us on wyndham.read<at>ntlworld.com 
     The show tracks the year through folk song, narration, music, and Morris dance. Maypoles has been being performed since 1972 and some of the original cast are still with us in the shape of the Broadwood Men and Arkies Toast, now joined by the lovely Magog Ladies, the Maypole Band, Carolyn Robson, Sue Mills and Martyn Wyndham-Read.                    Danni Wyndham-Read
(3b) News Updates: from our ØØ International readers   (all those signed up to our emailed Updates).
Online: free on Updates page and  in email 2-weekly Updates.     Print: in Folklife West - only from 🄵 Folklife Members (£9/year).
International - USA                              International news welcome - send us yours!
Massachusetts
ØØ • Zoom & Live ~ Mass, BOSTON. ~ LYNN NOEL https://sites.google.com/view/crosscurrents-music  
and ZOOM: LIVE FROM THE MERMAID'S TAVERN   Zoom meeting links are MAILING LIST ONLY. Join this mailing list at http://mailinglist.mermaidstavern.com Monthly Zoom sessions usually 1st Sundays 2-4pm ET, special events as the occasion requires.   
Sunday BACAMS ~ BOSTON AREA CHANTEY AND MARITIME SING, The original chantey sing of the greater Boston area is BACK!   Sing sea chanteys and other maritime songs with like-minded folks! Free – open to the public, held in a private house – sing, listen, or request a song. Please join Lynn's mailing list for details.   SUNDAY SEPT 21 2-5PM Sing sea chanteys and other maritime songs with like-minded folks!
CELTIC MUSIC SCHOONER SAIL IN GLOUCESTER HARBOR   SUNDAY SEPT 21 4:30-7PM  Craic* on Deck!  Join singer Michael O'Leary & Friends for a sailing céilí, an evening of traditional tunes, songs 'n sea shanties aboard schooner ARDELLE as she takes a sunset sail around beautiful Gloucester harbor. The musicians are an array of tune players and singers from Cape Ann, the North Shore and greater Boston. (*Irish for Fun!)
Adults(18+) $65, Seniors (65+) & Military w/ valid ID $60. For more info and tix: https://maritimeheritagecharters.com 978.290.7168 or 978.281.0470 Book Here
UPCOMING SCHEDULE  Monthly events on first Sundays and special events as the occasion requires
AUTUMN SESSIONS
  • OCTOBER 5 SPECIAL Apples and Harvest Sing
  • OCTOBER 31 RTFM Antimorris/PBM Oxford Street Souling
  • NOVEMBER 1 The Big All-Day Ballad Sing
  • NOVEMBER 2 Online Ballad Sing and Tam Lin Marathon
  • NO ONLINE SING IN DECEMBER (We will be in New Zealand!)
New York state
ØØ • Zoom & Live ~ NY state, CORNING. ~ VALLEY FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY    www.valleyfolk.org      ZOOMS every Monday see Zooms webpage
LIVE - Valley Folk Music Society, Corning NY USA.    
Upcoming 2025 live concerts (Eastern time zone)
Sun Oct 12 at 2 PM - James Gordon - Canadian singer-songwriter known for writing wonderful songs for Tamarack and has an interesting and varied career.
Sun Nov 9 at 2 PM - Clements Brothers - Young Americana duo with a hint of a bluegrassy jazzy feel and twin brotherly harmonies.
2026 concerts now announced:
Sun Jan 4 at 2 PM Grammy nominated musicians Laura Orshaw (masterful fiddler, vocalist) & Josh Rinkel (originals and guitar) appearing together as First Far West, seamlessly blending bluegrass, country, and roots music, bringing a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and a love for traditional American music. Hailing from Mount Eden, KY this is Laura’s chance to play for her hometown friends, having made it big.
Sun Feb 8 at 2 PM Sean Dagher - Award-winning singer and composer, renowned for his sea shanties with Ubisoft video games Assassin’s Creed and Black Flag. He is also host of the hugely popular YouTube Series, Shanty of the Week and has toured Europe, Ireland, Canada, and the US with renowned UK group, The Longest Johns.
Sat March 28 - Medusa - With their Canadian Folk Music Award (CFMA) Nominated debut album, Medusa’s dynamic arrangement style cross-pollinates the sounds of Middle Eastern, Scandinavian, Celtic, Appalachian, and Eastern European music, as well as original tunes, to create a new string quartet folk fusion sound.
      There are sometimes live sing-arounds - contact us if you will be traveling nearby.
www.valleyfolk.org, info<at>valleyfolk.org, +1 (607) 962-4461
New Hampshire
September 27–28 25th Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival The Web site (https://pmffest.org/) has the schedule, printable posters, a link to reserve concert tickets, and livestream info.

Extracts from earlier Updates

Edited to remove past-dated events, or ongoing events updated with more details above, etc

Updates email: Wednesday 3 September


Folklife West FW 80 Sept 2025. Posted Fri. 22 Aug. PDF-password members emailed Thu. 28 Aug. Copied to this site Sun. 31 Aug.
    Our biggest Sept issue (normally 40 pages) - 48 pages !  ~ New this time - a lot of new news contributors
• Wiltshire: Sian & Rob Colquhoun; The Traditional Sunday Singaround, Swindon
• Gloucestershire: Gloucester Diamonds / Rod Penlington; Cobblers Child
• Worcestershire: The Orchard Band • Festivals & Workshops Diary: Riverfolk Festival
• North-East: New - a North-East Correspondent!, Eileen Richardson
• USA: News from South Carolina
                  Plus!  We contacted many local magazines & listings, and have added those not previously listed below who have replied so far:
Devon: Harberton Folk (S.Devon) • Coventry: CVFolk • Leicestershire: Leicestershire Folk Diary • East of England, & Bucks: Unicorn Folk • Hampshire: FASH (Folk Assoc S Hants) & Solent Waves • Isle of Wight: Folk on Wight • North-West: FolkImages • North-East, & Yorks: Folk Roundabout (Durham, Northumberland, Yorks) • North-East: Northumbria Folk Music Diary • Yorkshire: Sheffield Folk Guide
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  research Updates 
Traditional Song Forum Newsletter August 2025 - more details on the TSF website – www.tradsong.org
    
Folk Song in England Online Classes - Level 2.  Steve Roud and Julia Bishop will be running a second level of their online evening classes called Folk Song in England, for the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library of the EFDSS (6 weekly sessions) in October / November. Watch their website www.efdss.org/vwml for details or to book your place. See also Folklife West page 35, copied online to  England East & South

TSF Oral histories project: Documenting post-war folk song studies.  We are launching a major project to document and preserve the research and collection activity of the post-war generation, starting with recording interviews with major researchers, collectors and traditional singers. The recordings will be transcribed and made available to current and future researchers. If anyone has any recordings that they would be willing to share with us, please let Andy Turner know at andyturner.info<at>gmail.com

East Anglian Traditional Music Day.  There are several interesting presentations (as well as lots of great music) at this year's event in Stowmarket on 27th of September.  'My Fifty Years with Harry Cox',  Christopher Heppa;  "They were the days..."  Collecting oral testimony about Norfolk's traditional music heritage, presented by Chris Holderness;  In The Roud – A Folk Song Podcast live - Roud 164: John Barleycorn with Steve Roud and Belinda Kempster & Fran Foote; Film: Billy Bennington – “I Thought I was the Only One.”

New Release from Veteran. Songs from a West Country travelling family sung by Sophie Legg, Betsy and Charlotte Renals, recorded in 1978 by Pete Coe. With previously unreleased interviews (VTR119).                     Richard Spencer (TSF Assistant Secretary)

Our website.  Moving our "Journal" website (current webhost gone downhill). I did some pages (very time-consuming) and arranged with our webhosts, WebMate, that they would move 8 pages for fixed-rate of £179 in the next 2 weeks. They did one page Monday/Tuesday, but then decided too many entries compared to a normal job, so not economic!!!!So, until such time as we have a volunteer website editor (!) to run a Journal website, it's easier for me to move Journal to folklife.uk site. The Journal website remains www.folklife-traditions.uk, but you can view progress to date on www.folklife.uk/journal
Since I'm not a web-expert and have limited time, it may be a while (sigh...)
(2) Online Directory:  Updates
Venues: England, West Country (South-West)

• Wiltshire
🅄 Wednesdays, 2nd  Wilts  SALISBURY SALISBURY FOLK CLUB  Facebook: Salisbury Folk Club
→ Harnham Community Sports and Social Club, Parsonage Green, Salisbury SP2 8LA.
⇒  salisburyfolkclub<at>hotmail.com
⊕ A new club started in March 2025. Everyone is welcome to come along to sing, play or just listen.   The club is managed by resident band Maerefolk and friends.   [Aug 2025, new entry]
• Gloucestershire
🄵 Tuesday, 1st Glos WINCHCOMBE WINCHCOMBE FOLK SONG NIGHT  (no website)
→ The Gallery Room in The White Hart Inn, High Street, Winchcombe, Glos GL54 5LJ.   8.00pm, all year.
⇒ Contact: Chris Carruthers 01242 602236. Email: 4chriscrs<at>googlemail.com
⊕ Enjoy an evening of quality songs and music! Started in Sept 2012 to bring together strong local singers and musicians, we attract regulars from all over Gloucestershire and beyond. A friendly atmosphere encourages experiment, and welcomes newcomers. No entry fee ! (return to old venue, Aug 2025)
Venues: England, West Midlands
• Staffordshire
🅄 Sadly, Tuesday, 1st, Staffs KINVER TRADITIONAL FOLK SONG CLUB has closed (Aug 2025).

• Warks/Coventry
🄵 THE SHIFTING SUNDAY SESSION (SSS) ... every Sunday, different pub.
Sunday, 4th Warks LOWER QUINTON SHIFTING SUNDAY SESSION: ASTON CANTLOW CLUB  www.sessionfolk.blogspot.com
→ Aston Cantlow Club (01789 488361), Aston Cantlow, Warks B95 6HZ. 7-10pm
⇒ Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕ The Shifting Sunday Session (SSS): weekly folk music sessions in South Warwickshire / North Cotswolds, in four regular venues (different village pubs). Typically around 20 musicians/singers. [Aug 2025, new venue]
• West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire - local magazines & listings.
🅄 ​ONLINE   CVFOLK  Warkwickshire, Coventry  http://www.cvfolk.com/calendar/
​     ⇒ Pete Willow (Co-ordinator of CVFolk), 07887 552896, email: culture<at>cvfolk.com
CVFolk is also on TeamUp, https://teamup.com/ks587swpgt68os9whe  (particularly recommended for smartphone access). 
and has an app, https://eu.jotform.com/app/242126872242352?utm_source=jotform_pwa (updated about 2-3 times a week, includes locations of venues for guest clubs, sessions, etc, in the CV postcode area).
    ⊕ Your guide to folk events in Coventry and Warwickshire.  Email culture<at>cvfolk.com to receive CVFolk's email newsletter, monthly (mostly CVFolk's own events) plus occasional folk news alerts.
Performers: England, West Country (South-West)

Pf.1a Music/Song Bands/Groups

• Wiltshire-based
🅄 Wilts MAEREFOLK    Facebook.com: Maerefolk
⇒ Email: contact<at>maerefolk.co.uk       www.youtube.com/@Maerefolk
⊕ Maerefolk are a Salisbury-based band playing varied music with traditional tunes, thoughtful songs and beautiful harmonies. They are Fiona Hulbert (vocals), Michael Camp (guitar and vocals), Hadrian Cook (bass) and Andrew Fisher (fiddle). Resident band at Salisbury Folk Club.  [Aug 2025, new entry]
Pf.1b Duos

• Dorset-based 
​🄵 Dorset ALONGSHORE www.ledgerdelabald.co.uk
⇒ Ledger de la Bald 07971 859098. Contact alongshore.folk<at>gmail.com  https://alongshore.bandcamp.com/album/diamonds-rubies-emeralds
⊕ Traditional folk singer Vic Baines (Aka Pendlecheek) and poet Ledger De La Bald (Aka Boathouse Bald). Their shared love of storytelling through folk song and poetry is reflected in their debut album, "Diamonds, Rubies And Emeralds". [Aug 2025, contact details / sites updated]
Pf.2c Ceremonial & Dance Display (including Clog, Morris, Sword)
• Cornwall-based ​
​🄵 ​Cornwall TYWARDREATH MORRIS   www.tywardreathmorris.org.uk
→ Dancing on Wednesday evenings at various pubs - see website for details
⇒ Contact details: tywardreathmorris<at>yahoo.co.uk    Facebook: "Tywardreath Morris Dancers".
⊕ Mixed side, dances mainly from Cotswold tradition, a few border style dances. Formed in 2010, sponsored by the New Inn, to which we repair after practice. New members very welcome, come along and give it a try with no commitment. [Aug 2025, revised details]
• Gloucestershire-based
🅄 ​Glos MISERDEN MORRIS www.miserdenmorris.com
→ Every Tuesday, September to April, Stroud Old Town Hall, The Shambles, Stroud GL5 1AP, 7:30PM - 9:30PM
⇒ Contact via webform, https://www.miserdenmorris.com/contact, or enquiries<at>miserdenmorris.com  www.facebook.com/miserdenmorris, www.instagram.com/miserdenmorris/
⊕  Formed in 2017, mixed Cotswold Morris side based around the Stroud valleys in the Cotswolds, specialising in Gloucestershire traditions. We welcome people of all ages and abilities. All you need is some sensible footwear and a willingness to learn! [Aug 2025, new entry]
Performers: England, West Midlands

Pf.1b Duos
• Warwickshire-based
🄵 Warks StrumBellow facebook.com/SBHFolkMusic
⇒ Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕ Paul Bryan and Lol Moran. Playing traditional music with accordion, guitar, concertina and vocals. At The Dirty Duck, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, monthly 1st Fridays,12.30pm, and the Shifting Sunday Sessions (see Warks venues).   [Aug 2025, details changed]
Pf.2c Ceremonial & Dance Display (including Clog, Morris, Sword)
​• Worcestershire-based
🄵 ​Worcs APPLEYARD LADIES TRAD. DANCERS www.Appleyardfolk.co.uk
→ Practice Thursday Earls Croome Village Hall, WR8 9DE 7.30pm to 9.30pm
⇒ Contact Sarah 07757954227, info4appleyard@gmail.com, Fb Appleyard Traditional Dancers
⊕ We are a female dance group, with male and female musicians. We dance traditional folk and morris dances from all over the UK. We are very welcoming, and always keen for potential new dancers and musicians to visit.   [Aug 2025, new contact & revised description]
(3a) News Updates: from Folklife members  ~  Cheap publicity (from just £9 a year!) Folklife West print  and online here and  email Updates !
"p16" = page 16 Members' folk news in the current Folklife West (print & online)
Giff (Derek Gifford)
From Steve Harrison, Lake District Folk, Monday, 1/09/2025:  Giff  passed away last Thursday. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about 2 years ago.   Janet Hale, his wife wants to make sure that the sad news reaches folkie friends who may be spread far and wide. He was active in the folk world about 50 years. Please pass on the news to anyone who knows/knew him. Arrangements still to be made.

Ron Shuttleworth
Dick Dixon has passed on the sad news that Ron died on 27 August.  A founder of the Coventry Mummers in 1966; over 40 years, he amassed an enormous collection of copies of all known references to mummers’ plays throughout Britain & Ireland, which became the ‘Morris Ring Archive on Folk Plays and Mumming’.  An contributor to Folklife's predecessor (from Somers Trad. FC); a well-known singer, as was Jean, his wife, -- and a composer of some wicked folk-song parodies! ~ Sam

Bill Wilkes - Goodbye Old Friend 
From the Grand Union Folk Club (Leicestershire) website:  It is with deep sadness we report the passing of Bill Wilkes.   Bill was one of the founder members of our club - 25 years ago - and the driving force behind the Grand Union Folk Club. He was a powerful and wonderful singer both individually and as part of GU4. Bill had been suffering with health issues and finally succumbed on the 5th of August 2025. He will be sadly missed by many singers and musicians throughout the country. 

Garry Walker - Sad News
From James Eagle, Folk London / Saturday sea songs [Zoom], sent 7 Aug 2025:  Garry Walker, a regular at this singaround since the very early days during lockdown, has died of cancer.Garry was a lovely man, a wonderful singer and a writer of some terrific songs (such as Fifty Years a Sailor, which he recorded with his shanty crew, the HogEye Men). He'll be very much missed.
West Country

p19 🄵 Glos. CHELTENHAM FOLK CLUB
We've now had all the dates confirmed to the end of this year. All guest nights will have time for your excellent floor spots! 
September 21, Cobblers Child.       October 12, Open night.  
November 9, Si Barron.                    November 23, Mick Holditch. 
December 14, Seasonal open night -- bring your seasonal songs and tunes!

       Looking forward to seeing you. And hearing you of course!  Note it's 1st Sunday, not the second, I know, but it's definitely 7th September.
Music starts at 8pm. Stanton Hall, Charlton Kings. GL53 8AR. Car parking in Church Piece car park and nearby streets.  Food and drink -- bring your own or get stuff from the Coop a few yards away.
See you soon! Judith   Email list machteltje<at>gmail.com, 01242 571185 / 577506 Facebook: Cheltenham Folk Club

Updates email: Wednesday 23 July 2025

Read online, as emailed https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/160574952340194375

MailChimp bounced emails are not immediately notified, so if you miss one, please check this page to see what's been sent.

Yippee - just bought and installed a new MacMini & wonderful Apple display, updating software, etc, and busy learning that.

Only trying to help, they say ...
(1) Santander Bank "Not-for-profit organisations play a crucial role in society, which is why we’re dedicated to helping them prosper" , they say, when announcing the non-profits' free banking goes up to £5/month - & 70p per cheque!
(2) The Post Office: "more reliable and sustainable service", they say, when announcing delivery will be only alternate days! and only Mon-Fri!
~ For September issue, no change to our charges; nor to our deadlines; but may change after that.

On a more positive note, I'm delighted we have more new Members, so more news / info for you in our Sept Folklife West. In particular, our first North-East report by Eileen Richardson.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  research Updates 
🄵 Traditional Song Forum  www.tradsong.org    TSF Newsletter 132 - July 2025 - extracts edited by Sam
Dr. Steve Roud
The Open University has announced that our Chair, Steve Roud, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate ‘in recognition of his exceptional contribution to education and culture’. The award will be presented in Birmingham in October—many congratulations on this well-deserved honour.
Brian Peters' Collectomania paper on Cecil Sharp
Brian’s important paper on Cecil Sharp, from our Collectomania! conference last year - 'Not to bury Sharp, but to crucify him': A Critical Appraisal of the Academic Assault on Cecil Sharp's Politics is available for free on his Academia.edu page: https://independent.academia.edu/BrianPeters17
It is an interesting paper, and a useful corrective to those who continue to misinterpret Sharp's motives on the basis of poor research.
   Richard Spencer (TSF Assistant Secretary)  www.tradsong.org

🄵 The Folklore Society  https://folklore-society.com
Next Folklore Society Event: Lying in Legend and Tradition: The Nineteenth Legendary Weekend of The Folklore Society Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, Tullie House, Carlisle, CA3 8TP, details see website
(2) Online Directory:  Updates
VENUES -- LOCAL FOLK MEDIA
North-West: local magazine & listings
RADIO 🄵 ​​Greater Manchester   NEAR AND FAR   www.salfordcityradio.org
→ Tuesdays, 3pm-4pm, with online Listen Again.

​⇒ Rob Dunford, Salford City Radio, Radio House, Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton M27 5AW. info<at>salfordcityradio.org
⊕ Folk, roots, acoustic, studio guests, new releases, diary dates . . . and a bit extra. [Updated, July 2025]
(3a) News Updates: from Folklife members
ENGLAND, WEST COUNTRY:  Wiltshire-based, event in Dorset

p13 🄵 ROSIE UPTON 
Mick Ryan’s musical interpretation The Innocent of the life and unjust death of trade union martyr Thomas Helliker takes place during the afternoon of Branksome Folk Day (Poole) at St Aldhelm’s, Branksome on Saturday 18 October. It features songs and music from Mick Ryan, Steven Faux, Dave Bordewey, Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman, Rosie Upton, Bob and Gill Berry and Bryony McGinty. 
(3b) News Updates: from our ØØ International readers   (all those signed up to our emailed Updates).
Online: free on Updates page and  in email 2-weekly Updates.     Print: in Folklife West - only from 🄵 Folklife Members (£9/year).
International - USA                              International news welcome - send us yours!

CANADA:
Rick Pollay writes:
I was born in the summer of 1940, and as a celebration of my recent 85th birthday, I am sharing a couple of songs with you – one political and one personal. 
     The political one is a cover of Jay Feldman’s recent writing. While it doesn’t dwell on current events, but offers an historical perspective that perfectly fits my own memories. It doesn’t mention names of the current cast of characters, but most listeners will no doubt think of the clown prince who would be king. 
     The personal one is an original confession that offers context for why I keep on singing despite the inevitable deterioration of my vocalizations, knowing full well that a Tony Bennet I am not! Old Singer’s Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMXrfCXwNwk 
     Both YouTube links include the lyrics if they are of interest. Enjoy. Rick Pollay: Shanties, blues, folk, jazz 

Updates email: Tuesday 8 July 2025

Read online, as emailed  UPDATE  8 July 2025  https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/159267714024605055
Welcome to new Folklife members and to new readers of these emails - quite a few in the last few days, from Ireland and Canada as well as the UK outside of our original area.
Thanks to those who kindly responded to our special email about the future of the Folklife Traditions website (I'm working my way through them and will reply tomorrow).  
Sam
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  research Updates 
🄹 "Half-Glaswegian, but all Irishman". An article on Dominic Behan by Dr David McKinstry, The University of Glasgow. You can read this in the online Irish Voice  https://www.theirishvoice.com/post/half-glaswegian-but-all-irishman

🄵 Traditional Song Forum  www.tradsong.org
Future Meetings
18 Oct, Autumn Conference 2025, Gloucester, "Folk Songs in the Archives".  
18–21 Oct, Francis James Child at 200,  Atlanta.  12–14 Nov, Francis James Child at 200, online
16 Nov, TSF Online 77, details tbc.      7 Dec, TSF Online 78, Christmas Special, details tbc.  18 Apr 26, Spring Conference, Manchester,"Women and Song".

🄵 The Folklore Society  https://folklore-society.com
Newer Researchers in Folklore  Fri 26 Sept, Todmorden.  A one-day series of workshops hosted by The Folklore Society.
(2) Online Directory:  Updates
VENUES -- LOCAL FOLK MEDIA
West Country - Devon:   local magazine & listings
🅄 ONLINE   Devon  HARBERTON FOLK  www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
Southern half of Devon and/or within approx. 30 mile radius of Totnes as the crow flies, including Exeter, Plymouth, Tavistock, Okehampton, Sidmouth.
⇒  Contact Email: johnculf<at>harbertonfolk.co.uk (if we don't have your contact details, please give your phone number so we can contact you if your reply email address doesn't work).   Click this link http://eepurl.com/dmHlVb to join the Harberton Folk email circulation (sent via MailChimp).
⊕ Information Service for traditional music, song & dance in Southern Devon. Website pages include Folk diary; Regular folk updates by email; Latest e-circulars; Folk song clubs; Folk dance clubs; Ceilidhs/barn dances; Venue database; plus other general links. (July 2025, new listing).
East of England: local magazine & listings
ONLINE 🅄  Most of East of England*  UNICORN FOLK   https://unicornfolk.uk
* Unicorn Folk covers Beds, Bucks, Cambs, Essex & Herts, with a bit of overlap into surrounding counties such as Norfolk and Suffolk, as well as elements of the national folk scene.
⇒ info<at>unicornfolk.uk, https://www.facebook.com/FolkFacts/
⊕ The Unicorn Folk website is the online successor to the Unicorn Magazine. Run as a not-for-profit it aims to support and provide information to the folk and acoustic music community and cheap, sometimes free advertising to event organisers & musicians.
(June 2025: new listing)

South-East - Buckinghamshire:   local magazine & listings
ONLINE 🅄  Buckinghamshire, and most of East of England   UNICORN FOLK, see under EAST OF ENGLAND above

Special email: The future of the Folklife Traditions website Tue. 1 July 2025  (no Updates):
Read online, as emailed  SPECIAL 1 July 2025   https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/158451671637165623
SPECIAL EMAIL (not an Update) about the future of the Folklife Traditions website Tuesday 1 July 2025

Folklife Traditions Journal will move websites

Why? 
'Weebly' webhost stopped updating (+ large price increase)! Site still works / is readable, but problems editing old or new material - major layout problems (type size changes, unwanted bold, underline, italic, etc). We've already moved www.folklife.uk (Folklife West folk news site) from 'Weebly' to webhost 'WebMate". We could do the same with Folklife Traditions, but that's costly.

PLAN A.
Ideally... anyone like to volunteer, by Wednesday 16 July, ...as webmaster to manage the new WebMate-hosted site ?or as web designer / webmaster to set up a site on a different platform (not WebMate) ?We realise this is unlikely, but thought we'd ask, just in case...
PLAN B. 
Otherwise ... on 16 July, we'll ask WebMate to set up their £179 package to copy 8 webpages. 
We'll copy over most* other webpages, including pdf downloads for all issues.
          * Since we don't have the time, we'll omit the individual-issue webpages (the entire issue's print pages copied online). They'll stay on the old site: availablity will depend on webhosts Weebly. 

Advice welcome from those more web-knowledgable than me (probably most of you).
Existing site has:
  • Archive of Journals, for all issues, now 2 Journals per year, so updated twice yearly.
    • Each issue has: contents list; picture of the cover; PDF download link.     We consider this is fine as it is.
  • An index of Journal articles.   Simply a list by author.
    • Volunteer welcome, to convert to simple spreadsheet (Excel?) or small database
  • A small directory   see https://www.folklife-traditions.uk/ft-directory.html
    • Volunteer welcome, to convert to small database
Why WebMate?
  • Excellent support by phone and email, small team whom I know quite well.
  • My limited webskills. I find WebMate far easier (and much better supported) than Wix, Wordpress, blogging, etc
  • But if we had a webmaster, we'd consider any platform they could run.
So any comments from more knowledgable folk most welcome.    Thanks, Sam.    sam@folklife.uk

Updates email: Friday 20/6/2025

Read online, as emailed  UPDATE  20/6/2025  https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/157726072804213823
Note this is wrongly headed up Tuesday 3 June 2025 i.e the previous date (don't know how that happened)
19/6/2025.  New Webpages !
More webpages! Our main England areas are West Country and West Midlands; and for for all other English regions, we had 'England regions' pages. 
Whilst we remain predominantly 'West", we do have a few more Directory entries and Members from other areas, so we'll divide 'England regions' webpages into: East & South: E Midlands, East, South-East, London, --- and --- North: North-West, North-East, Yorkshire.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  Updates 
If you enjoy reading our Journal, then you should join (free) the  Traditional Song Forum, see www.tradsong.org

🄵 Traditional Song Forum    From the Traditional Song Forum Newsletter June 2025 (extracts; for details join mailing list, see website )
18 Apr 2026.  Spring Conference 2026 - Manchester
We are excited to say that we have booked the wonderful Portico Library (https://www.theportico.org.uk/) in Manchester for our next Spring Conference 2025, where we will be using the Dome Room. The topic is “Women and Song”. Please save the date - we expect this to be a great event.

A new discussion group list :  Irish-Traditional-Song-Research@groups.io
A moderated discussion group for those interested in research into traditional song in Ireland - the songs, the singers, the styles, the contexts - in English and Irish; functioning primarily as a forum for communication, support, and information exchange, focusing on research rather than performance, and old-style tradition rather than revival or artistic extension.
To subscribe, go to  https://groups.io/g/Irish-Traditional-Song-Research
                  🄵 Richard Spencer (TSF Assistant Secretary)  www.tradsong.org
(2) Online Directory:  Updates
Venues - South-East, Media
ONLINE 🅄 Hampshire  ~ SOLENT WAVES  https://www.fash.org.uk/solent_waves.htm
⇒ Submissions and contact - editor<at>fash.org.uk   From FASH (Folk Association of South Hants). Download from webpage, or join mailing list for emailed pdfs. 10 issues per year. Deadline: 15th of month before.  Entries free but donations are never refused.
⊕ Details of the next couple of months' dances and folk club events, and in summer, Morris and other dance displays are also included. Adverts and articles. We are always willing to include events. (June 2025, new listing).
ONLINE 🅄 Hampshire ~ FASH (Folk Association of South Hants) https://www.fash.org.uk
⇒ Contact - editor<at>fash.org.uk
⊕ In addition to Solent Waves magazine as above, the FASH website has diaries covering a longer period than each Solent Waves issue, and also lists dance clubs, folk clubs, more informal music sessions, and  local Folk Festivals. Links’ page includes links to local bands and callers.   (June 2025, new listing).
Venues - Yorkshire, Media  and
Venues - North-East, Media
ONLINE  🅄  Durham,  Northumberland, Yorkshire ~  FOLK ROUNDABOUT    www.folkroundabout.com/
⇒ Contacts: Webmaster & Everything Else ~ sammi<at>folkroundabout.com   Advertising ~ keith<at>folkroundabout.com
⊕ Folk music, song, dance and customs. What's On ~ Articles ~ Interviews & Music Videos ~ Club and Performer Promoting ~ and much, much more. (June 2025: new listing)

Updates email: Tuesday 3 June 2025

Updates, email usually  about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers

Read online, as emailed  UPDATE  3 June /025  https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/155865960832566934
Including lots of new listings, for online listings websites; and news from South Carolina USA.

25/5/2025. Added Map https://folklife.uk/counties,  a map of UK countries, regions, & counties,  for classifying print & online Folklife West, & online Directory.   Regions note - "Yorks & Humber" --> Yorkshire, plus Lincs areas  of "Humberside" under Lincolnshire, East Midlands region. 

26/5/2025. Added numerous Media entries - set up new webpage Media
Emailed all the area online listings I could find, all titles noted; see (2) Directory Updates below
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  Updates 
Traditional Song Forum   - from the TSF Newsletter 128, May 2025 

Latest volume from The Ballad Partners
      Ballad Partners are delighted to announce our newest book, Collectomania! Revisiting the Folk Song Collectors. This collection includes ten papers from the major Collectomania conference organised by the Traditional Song Forum and the English Folk Dance and Song Society, held in London in 2024. It includes the keynote papers from Brian Peters on Cecil Sharp and Martin Graebe on Baring-Gould. Visit our store to get your copy today: www.TheBalladPartners.co.uk
(2) Online Directory:  Updates
26/5/2025. Added numerous Media entries below - set up new webpage Media
Emailed all the area online listings I could find, all titles noted; details to be added as & when they reply, some below.
Please let me know of any I've missed in your area.
M.1 Folk Journalists & Reviewers (new -- added: “& Reviewers” - entries welcome)
M.2 Publishers (music & print)
M.3 - M.5 Print & online folk magazine & listings:
  • M.3 Summary for Wales; English local / regional media; Scotland; International; Zoom (see Venue pages for full details)
  • M.4 Details of these Folklife publications
  • M.5 Details of those covering all of England or all of GB, or GB-based with International coverage
NORTH-WEST - Media
ONLINE 🅄  North-West.  FOLKIMAGES  https://www.folkimages.com
⇒ Roger Liptrot, folkimagesuk<at>yahoo.co.uk.  Home page: original photos of musicians.  
Other pages include North-West clubs & sessions; festivals list: https://www.folkimages.com/WHATON.htm;  
What's on, North-West concert venues:  https://www.folkimages.com/venues.html; Folk music on the radio: https://www.folkimages.com/RAD.htm  
⊕ Original photos of musicians, plus North West England what's on guides, folk music on the radio and magazine details.  (May 2025: new listing)
M.3   MEDIA 
M.3 print & online folk magazine & listing listed under Venues - England/Regions
EAST MIDLANDS - Media
ONLINE   🅄   Leics.    LEICESTERSHIRE FOLK DIARY  https://lfd.org.uk/
⇒ Contact via website form on https://lfd.org.uk/contact_us.php .     LFD is also on Facebook.
⊕  Two main sections: Events with a day-to-day listing of "what's on", and a Directory, an A to Z listing of the event organisers and venues. Compiled using information supplied by event organisers.  Sponsored by the Grand Union Folk Club.    (May 2025: new listing)
SOUTH-EAST - Media
ONLINE   🅄  Isle of Wight.  FOLKONWIGHT  http://folkonwight.com
⇒ Submissions - folkonwight<at>aol.co.uk
⊕ folkonwight lists folk events on the Isle of Wight. It also has a section about the history of folk music, dance, mumming and folklore on the island. (May 2025, new listing)
YORKSHIRE - Media
ONLINE  🅄 Sheffield.  SHEFFIELD FOLK GUIDE  https://sheffieldfolkguide.org.uk
 ⇒ Kathy Barnes, sheffieldfolkguide<at>gmail.com Monthly emailed list of the events on website: to receive list, simply email.   Follow on social media for a weekly what’s on list every Tuesday: Bluesky @sheffieldfolkguide; Instagram @sheffieldfolkguide; Threads @sheffieldfolkguide; Twitter X @shefFolkGuide; Facebook Sheffield Folk Guide. 
⊕ The website has a what’s on list of folk and traditional music gigs, ceilidhs etc and workshops in Sheffield, venue and folk club information, links to Sheffield carols and sessions website. Free to use and have events included.  (May 2025: new listing)

M.5  MEDIA 
M.5   Print & online folk magazine & listings. ~ Those which cover all of GB, or all of England, or GB-based with International coverage

ONLINE   🅄  International. THE SESSION  https://thesession.org/
 ⇒ Sussex-based. Jeremy Keith, https://thesession.org/contact, but check the help page first: https://thesession.org/help   Membership is free and only takes a moment to sign up: https://thesession.org/signup   You can also install The Session app on your phone or computer.  
To get the latest activity on The Session:   Follow @thesession on Mastodon.   Follow @thesession.org on Bluesky.   Like The Session on Facebook.
⊕ An international community website dedicated to Irish traditional music. Find tunes to play, sessions to play them in, events (like concerts and festivals), or explore the track listings of recordings, and join in discussions about the music.   (2025 May, new listing)
ONLINE  🅄  U.K.    OPEN CONCERTS AND RECITALS  www.open-concerts.co.uk
⇒ Contact Ray Lester, Compiler, via form on website www.open-concerts.co.uk/contact-us.html   To suggest a new Entry for the Directory, simply send me its Title and the URL of its Website. I will do the rest. 
⊕ A vast range of musical activities.  This includes  Accordion and Fiddle Clubs, Early Music Ensembles, Early Music Festivals, Folk Clubs, Folk Festivals,  Folk Music Ensembles ... (May 2025, new listing)

(3) News Updates: from Folklife members,      and from International readers
Cheap publicity (from £9/year!) in Folklife West print magazine and  on this webpage + the fortnightly Updates emails
"p16 🄵" = page 16 in the May Folklife West (print & online)
WALES: Gwynedd      Before Sept now omitted - Ed.
p8 🄵 THE TRAVELLING SESSION. ~  Updated Travelling Sessions Schedule 2025
1st Tuesday The Union Inn - Tremadog 8.00pm ~ Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
2nd Tuesday The Ship Aground - Talsarnau 8.30pm ~ Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
2nd Sunday The Union Inn - Tremadog 3pm ~ All year round
3rd Tuesday The Prince of Wales - Criccieth 8.30pm ~ Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
4th Tuesday Spooners - Porthmadog 5pm ~ Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
4th Friday Tyddn Llwyn - Porthmadog 5pm ~ Sep
5th Tuesday Black Rock Beach Club - Morfa Bychan 8.30pm ~ Sep
The Travelling Session.   Contact 01766 514 811  email: via website, https://musicbars.co.uk ;     www.facebook.com/groups/tremadogmusic

Updates email:  Sunday 18 May 2025


Read Update 18 May 2025 as emailed, online   https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/154680101146985540
(3) News Updates: from Folklife members, and from International readers
We are pleased to announce that Eileen Richardson has kindly volunteered to be our North-East Correspondent from September.
Eileen is a Wearside folk song collector, and the organiser of The Stumble Inn Folk & Acoustic Afternoon, Sunderland, 4th Tuesdays. 
She is a regular at the Wilson's club, the Welly, as well as visiting Tynefolk and South Shields Folk Club.
Eileen Richardson, 07929 599851, or contact on Messenger, or email eileenrich<at>hotmail.com 
Previous Updates are archived.  Not in top of page menu, as of no great interest to most readers . . .  but you can access if you wish, bearing in mind that dates will have passed, etc.  Archive 1  is the oldest.  Archive 1,    Archive 2
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So if you find this free website useful . . . you may wish to donate £3 once a year.
(UK) by BACS:   Folklife West t/a Folklife, Sort Code 09-01-55, Account 18675181.
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