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!
Updates on this page emailed to you ~ roughly every 2 weeks (Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday)

Your Updates: please send as email text or Word (not pdf, jpg, etc)

PLEASE EMAIL WITH HEADING:  "Journal or Directory or Folk News Updates"  headings below ~ or may get missed !
       • If not already opted-in to our "Updates" emails, please go to our Opt-in page, thanks
  
  • "Journal Updates" for Folklife Traditions Journal magazine (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 from all overseas (non-UK/ Ireland) readers.  For each item (club, session, act, festival,), title;  contact, websites, media; + up to 160 words.

Next Updates email: about Sunday 15/6/2025 (± 2 days)

Updates, email usually  about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
More details of  🄵 Folklife members (UK & International), Ø Associate members: see  Folklife West.
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups,  🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors. ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in Folklife West).
      (there's usually some editorial as well, not included on webpage)
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  Updates 
FTJ
(2) Online Directory:  Updates
Venues ~ UK 
Venues ~ International
Performers ~ UK
Performers ~ International
Media
Services
(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
INTERNATIONAL

WALES
ENGLAND, West Country
ENGLAND, West Midlands
ENGLAND, East Midlands & East
ENGLAND, South-East 
ENGLAND, London
ENGLAND, North-East
ENGLAND, North-East
ENGLAND, Yorkshire

Updates email: Tuesday 3/6/2025

Updates, email usually  about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
More details of  🄵 Folklife members (UK & International), Ø Associate members: see  Folklife West.
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups,  🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors. ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in Folklife West).
      (there's usually some editorial as well, not included on webpage)
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 

TSF Autumn Conference – Gloucester, 18th October 2025 - CALL FOR PAPERS
Folk Songs in the archive – Where can we find them, and are they safe?
       When the Traditional Song Forum was formed in January 1998 the key topic of discussion was how we could make the many different archives of traditional song more available to researchers. In the years since, much has happened to achieve that goal, a lot of it down to work that TSF members have played a key role in. We now have some wonderful archives created by organisations, particularly the wonderful archive of the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, but a lot of other archives are not as easily available and there are several archives owned by individuals which have an uncertain future. There have also been technical issues, such as those affecting the British Library and the Bodleian Broadside Archive, that have, unexpectedly, made material unavailable.
     It has become 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.
      We are planning to examine these issues at a full day in-person conference in Gloucester on 18 October 2025. The venue will be the Dunrossil Centre at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, Clarence Row, Alvin Street, Gloucester, GL1 3DW. The Heritage Hub is conveniently located for public transport and has ample free car parking for attendees. We are now seeking offers of papers on topics relevant to the issues associated with safeguarding our archives for the future. This will be an in-person meeting but we will be accepting pre-recorded papers from those unable to attend. The timing for the papers will be 20 minutes plus time for questions. The closing date for submissions will be Monday 4 August 2025.
If you would like to submit a paper or short report, please contact Steve Roud steveroud<at>gmail.com

Spring Conference 2026
Planning is underway for an in-person conference in the Spring next year, probably in Northern England, with the topic of “Women in Folk Song”. More details to be announced shortly. 

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
Venues ~ UK  none this time

Venues ~ International
SOUTH CAROLINA

ØØ Sundays, 2nd (occasionally varies) ~ SC.  OLD-TIME & AMERICANA JAM, Long Bay Folk Society.   www.longbayfolksociety.com
→ Mar. - Nov., Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet ; Dec. - Feb. indoors,  Murrells Inlet.    3-6pm, Winter; 4-7pm, Summer.
⇒ longbayfolksociety<at>gmail.com   Reach out before the event for location updates.
⊕ Jam open to all abilities from beginner to accomplished amateur to seasoned pro. All acoustic instruments welcome (even banjos!). We have a couple of books with chord charts. Music stands are welcome. Sometimes we have an early slow jam.  [May 2025, new listing]

ØØ Sundays, 3rd ~ SC.  TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION, Long Bay Folk Society.  www.longbayfolksociety.com
Smuggler’s Den 4660 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet. 2.30pm.
longbayfolksociety<at>gmail.com 
⊕ A meetup to play, enjoy and listen to traditional Irish music - jigs, reels, hornpipes, sea shanties and pub songs. All fiddles, tin whistles, flutes, accordions, concertinas, Uilleann pipes, tenor banjos, mandolins, bodhrans, guitars and acoustic instruments are welcome  [May 2025, new listing]
Performers ~ UK
Pf.1   FOLK MUSIC & SONG ~ Pf. 1a groups
Worcestershire-based
🄵 Worcs The ORCHARD BAND www.orchardband.net
⇒ Ian Craigan, 07879 033823,  ian<at>iancraigan.plus.com
 A high octane mix of tuneful, soulful and sing-along-ful material, ideal for outdoors entertaining, indoors listening or energetic dancing. Good music for good times – bringing you the pick of the crop with a heady mix of folk, jazz & roots!   [May 2025, new listing]
Pf.1   FOLK MUSIC & SONG ~ Pf. 1b duos
Gloucestershire-based
🅄 Glos IAN HARVEY & JAN VAISEY www.facebook.com/JanandIanmusic/
⇒ Contact details: Jan Vaisey, 07979 424897,   jan.vaisey<at>btinternet.com
 Acoustic duo performing a wide range of contemporary folk songs on guitar and a variety of folk tunes from around the world on mandolin and guitar. We regularly perform at Folk Clubs and Festivals around Gloucestershire and the South West  [May 2025, new listing]
Pf.1   FOLK MUSIC & SONG ~ Pf. 1d Shanty
Gloucestershire-based
🄵 Glos The GLOUCESTER DIAMONDS www.facebook.com/TheGloucesterDiamonds/
⇒ Email: rodpenlington<at>aol.com, gillbowmer<at>aol.com
 With founder Rod Penlington, on guitar, and Flash (AKA Les Griffiths) more vocals. Rod is very well known for powerful sea shanties, traditional and contemporary ballads and humorous songs, and Flash is a well known character on the folk scene.   [May 2025, new members]
Pf.2 FOLK DANCE ~  Pf2.a Folk Dance Callers
Yorkshire-based
🅄 Yorkshire JANET PORTER
​⇒ Janet Porter, Janetporter789<at>gmail.com
⊕  Dance caller, also play and call with The Polka Dots Barn Dance Band and Les Rustiques French music.
Based near Goole UK. I’m happy to call for other barn dance bands. North Lincs, East and West Riding Yorkshire.  (May 2025: details revised)
Pf.2   FOLK DANCE ~ Pf.2b Folk Dance Bands
Worcestershire-based
🄵 Worcs The ORCHARD BAND www.orchardband.net
⇒ Ian Craigan, 07879 033823, ian<at>iancraigan.plus.com
A high octane mix of tuneful, soulful and sing-along-ful material, ideal for outdoors entertaining, indoors listening or energetic dancing. Good music for good times – bringing you the pick of the crop with a heady mix of folk, jazz & roots!   [May 2025, new listing]
Performers ~ International
Pf.1   FOLK MUSIC & SONG ~ Pf. 1a groups
USA
ØØ South Carolina THE BLARNEY PILGRIMS www.facebook.com/people/The-Blarney-Pilgrims/61571956576719/#
⇒ Contact Danny Sullivan, dannysullivan4<at>yahoo.com
⊕ Irish & Celtic Music in the Grand Strand.  Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.    (2025 May, 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)
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.htmlFolk 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)
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/contactbut 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)

SERVICES
S.4 Design: including website design & services, print, illustration
ENGLAND NORTH-WEST
🅄  North-West.   FOLKIMAGES  https://www.folkimages.com
⇒ Roger Liptrot, folkimagesuk<at>yahoo.co.uk.  Original photos of musicians. Also, North West England what's on guides, folk music on the radio and magazine; for details see  Venues: England regions webpage, under North-West venues.
⊕ Original photos of musicians, an extensive collection over many years, with an A to Z index of artists and other photos.  (2025 May, 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 current Folklife West (print & online)
Monologue John - Sad news
From: Maggi Huyton, 30 May 2025
Dear All
Sadly, John Bartley (Monologue John), a regular at our Zoom sessions, was found dead at home by his carer on Tuesday morning.
John will be much missed by us all and the folk world will be the poorer without his extensive knowledge and recitations.
Rest in peace John - Zoom won’t be the same without you.
Maggi and Mark  (Room at the Top Folk Club / Zoom at the Top)
       John was a well-known and entertaining figure seen on many UK Zooms.

INTERNATIONAL  - report from SOUTH CAROLINA
p40  🄵 Toronto Correspondent  Keith Price enjoyed a visit to the Ole Irish Pub, 
where The Blarney Pilgrims (www.facebook.com/people/The-Blarney-Pilgrims/61571956576719/# ) run a once a month folk evening.  
 
      John Plunkett of the Blarney Pilgrims kindly agreed to write about his area:
       The “Grand Strand” of South Carolina (the coast from historic Georgetown to the North Carolina border) is somewhat lacking in a traditional music scene. Charleston has more musical variety; the barn jams at Awendaw Green (www.awendawgreen.com/barn-jams.html) have some local and touring folk acts. The further towards the mountains you go, the more traditional music you can hear. Places like Hagood Mill (https://visithagoodmill.com/third-saturday-events/) offer folk and bluegrass jams and performances. 
       I was exposed to American folk and Celtic music at an early age thanks to my parents’ musical tastes. I had fiddle lessons for a few years as a youngster, then stopped playing, before picking it up again. I posted an ad on Craigslist looking for others who played similar music. Todd Spiehler, who was learning the mandolin, responded. Todd, with a better grasp of social media, started the Long Bay Folk Society website (www.longbayfolksociety.com) and Facebook page, and gradually we started to attract more musicians. The monthly jam at Huntington Beach State Park is mostly old-time fiddle tunes and bluegrass, but it just depends on who shows up. Sometimes someone camping at the park will wander by, grab their instrument, and join us. It has been going strong for five years, even in the summer heat and humidity. 
       In 2024, I started the Irish session (www.longbayfolksociety.com/irish-session) and that has been very popular. This area is growing rapidly, and most newcomers are from the Northeastern US, where there is more of a Celtic music tradition. I’ve learned a great deal from these sessions and met a lot of great people. I hope we can continue to grow our do-it-yourself folk music scene on the Grand Strand.    John Plunkett
For details of  Long Bay Folk Society Old-Time & Americana Jam, Traditional Irish Session, and The Blarney Pilgrims, see Directory Updates above.

WALES: Gwynedd 
p8 🄵 THE TRAVELLING SESSION. ~  Updated Travelling Sessions Schedule 2025
1st Tuesday The Union Inn - Tremadog 8.00pm ~ Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
2nd Tuesday The Ship Aground - Talsarnau 8.30pm ~ Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
2nd Sunday The Union Inn - Tremadog 3pm ~ All year round
3rd Tuesday The Prince of Wales - Criccieth 8.30pm ~ Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
4th Tuesday Spooners - Porthmadog 5pm ~ Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,Dec
4th Friday Tyddn Llwyn - Porthmadog 5pm ~ Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep
5th Tuesday Black Rock Beach Club - Morfa Bychan 8.30pm ~ Apr,Jul,Sep
The Travelling Session.   Contact 01766 514 811  email: via website, https://musicbars.co.uk ;     www.facebook.com/groups/tremadogmusic

ENGLAND, WEST MIDLANDS: Shropshire
p18 🄵 SHREWSBURY MORRIS Stepping Out 2025 -- Saturday July 5th 10.00-3.00pm, The Square, Shrewsbury 
As always on the first Saturday in July, Shrewsbury Morris host a day of dance, music, song, colour and movement in the wonderful setting of The Square in Shrewsbury town centre. Joining Shrewsbury Morris will be scintillating toe tapping routines from Raise the Dust Appalachian Dancers plus a stunning performance from the very talented young students from Identity School of Dance. Keeping a watchful eye will be the unmissable figure of Septimus the Giant Shrewsbury Cobbler. The merriment will begin at 10.00am and continue throughout the day as performances rotate between the various acts. As always, a free event delighting families, local residents and visitors to Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury Morris dance a mix of stick clashing, garland, clogging and morris dancing. Listen to the bells and watch out for their colourful moves. Who knows you might even be tempted to join them! 
     More information about the day can be obtained from our website www.shrewsburymorris.co.uk via X @shrewsmorris or from us using bev.langton<at>talk21.com

ENGLAND, WEST MIDLANDS: Birmingham
p22   🄵  
BLACK DIAMOND FOLK CLUB.   The advert  states that the last night of the season will be on 18th July. The correct information is that the last night of the season will be on 25th July. 
*  Reviews from Alan Franklin:  
Friday 11th April.  Bob and Gill Berry . Another well attended guest night at the Black Diamond, We welcomed back Bob and Gilll Berry , who were the main organisers of Chippenham Folk festival for a number of years. They performed a variety of songs mainly from the Wiltshire area. Quite a few of the songs were from The Alfred William collection. Bob mentioned that many of the songs he sings were influenced by his parents, Len and Barbara Berry. A lively night, with plenty of opportunities to join in the choruses. 
Friday May 9th. Saw a full house as the Black Diamond welcomed Bob Fox as our guest for the evening, and it lived up to be a fantastic night of music and song. He sang a variety of songs from various projects in which he has been involved including Radio ballads, Pitmen Poets and Warhorse the Musical. Quite a few of his songs originated from the north eastern area of U K from where he was born.     Alan Franklin

ENGLAND, WEST MIDLANDS: Herefordshire
p28 🄵 HOMEND POETS & MUSICIANS. 
 Ledbury Community Hub,  8 New Street, Ledbury HR8 2DX.   www. ledburycommunityhub.org.uk
Tuesday 1st July:  free, poetry evening, for the Ledbury Poetry Festival, as every year on the Tuesday.  Stimulating poetry and song!  Cafe food & drink is available.  
Note: Event mentioned on https://ledburypoetry.org.uk/home/whats-on/, but accidentally left out of the official printed/pdf programme, although the venue is shown...   Contact Nick Halligan, 01684 563281, www.folklife.uk/homend-poets

ENGLAND, REGIONS:  South-East-based
p32 🄵 MOONRAKERS
Fri 6 June BENSLOW MUSIC, Benslow Lane, HITCHIN, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB. A full evening concert. £20 or £45 including 3-course dinner and reserved seating. www.benslowmusic.org 01462 459446.
Fri 27th June St Andrew's Church, The Street, SOUTH STOKE, Oxfordshire, RG8 0JS. A return to this lovely 13th century church. 7.30pm, £12 on the door or £10 in advance from https://buytickets.at/standrewschurchsouthstoke/1593120
07810 082418.
Sun 27th July WATERPERRY GARDENS, Oxfordshire, OX33 1JZ. 6.00pm Our annual early evening concert in the fabulous open air Amphitheatre (or a marquee if raining). Bring a picnic because we'll have an extended interval (drinks available at the bar). Book ahead at www.ticketsoxford.com 01865 305305, 6.00pm £18 (concessions available). Some tickets also available on the door.
   Meanwhile, we'd love you to 'virtually' join us on Facebook where you'll find videos, news, etc
Best wishes, Jon, Becki, Jacqui and Sarah   www.moonrakers.net

ENGLAND, REGIONS:  London-based

p35  🄵
 THE SALTS   ⚓  - Updated gig list - note 26 July update + Phil Beer
“The Salts - they were just outstandingly brilliant”, Tim Walker BBC (Costa del Folk 2022).
21st century folk fires a respectful broadside at the traditional. The Salts are a co-operative of seasoned musicians, creating what is fast becomingone of the most exciting and energetic folk concepts of recent times. With their own unique sound that mixes well written original compositions alongside classic traditional tunes, it's a guaranteed blast.
Their debut album ‘She Rises’ and now their second album 'BRAVE' are receiving rave reviews across the board. Their latest album is 'Live in London Town'.
Gigs: 1 May: Unicorn Theatre, Abingdon
8 June: Wimborne Minster Folk Festival
13 June: The Woodman Folk Club, Kingswinford
1 July: Dartford Folk Club
5 July: Lighthouse (Sherling Studio), Poole
26 July: The Beehive, Honiton, Devon - Songs from the Sea - with special guest Phil Beer
27 July: Folk on the Moor, Wotter
9 August: Fairport’s Cropredy Convention
For details of the band, gigs, and albums, see www.TheSalts.co.uk

ENGLAND, REGIONS: North-East
TYNEFOLK (Wednesdays, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7.30 - 10.30pm)- next Guest: Tom Lewis on Wednesday, June 4th at Ye Olde Cross, Ryton, NE40 3QP
Tom  performs traditional sea shanties and original songs inspired by his own seafaring experiences. His songs can be reflective and dramatic as well as humorous. Born in Northern Ireland, Tom’s Celtic roots shine through. He is capable of expressing the quiet sorrow of a fisherman lost at sea to belting out a shanty meant to to be heard above the roaring gales.Tom accompanies himself on button accordion and ukulele, but it’s his commanding vocal style and infectious humour that truly captivates audiences and leaves them wanting more...    www.tynefolk.uk
⇒ Please email ed.lawrence.music<at>googlemail.com or ring Edna Lawrence on 0782 8070617.

Updates email:  Sunday 18/5/2025

Updates, email usually  about every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
More details of  🄵 Folklife members (UK & International), Ø Associate members: see  Folklife West.
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups,  🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors. ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send news for this Updates page (not included in Folklife West).
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  Updates 
🄵  Traditional Song Forum - from the TSF Newsletter 128, May 2025
• Next Online Meeting – Sunday 1st June 2025 16:00 GMT/UTC+1    ~ two presentations in this month's meeting.

            Understanding It Better: Spiritual and Gospel in two “By and By” songs - Patience Young
          Transitions from spiritual to gospel, from folk song to hymn, can be pieced together with two songs found in the work of Henry (“Harry”) Thacker Burleigh and of Charles Albert Tindley. Burleigh (1866-1949), a singer and composer of classical music, was known also for his published arrangements of American spirituals that had been passed down orally within African American communities for generations. Tindley (1851-1933) was a Methodist minister and community leader who wrote dozens of hymns. Both men were famed and influential. While the spiritual “By an’ By” arranged by Burleigh shares theme and a partial title with Tindley’s composed gospel “We Will Understand It Better By and By”, these songs reflect two distinct aspects of African American cultural history.
          Kent Trad: Songs sung in Kent - Andy Turner
         An overview of the Kent Trad website (https://kenttrad.org) which was launched earlier this year. Inspired by sites such as GlosTrad and Sussex Traditions, it aims to become a comprehensive resource on songs and singers from Kent. Currently the site mainly covers songs noted on paper: from ballads collected by an 18th century country parson; through Sharp and his contemporaries; to Francis Collinson of ‘Country Magazine’ fame in the 1940s. Work is now underway on songs recorded by later collectors such as Peter Kennedy, Ken Stubbs, Stephen Sedley and Mike Yates. Andy was brought up in Kent and has long had an interest in songs from Kent, both as a performer and a researcher.
       Note that following a request from Zoom, for security reasons, Zoom links will now only be available from TSF directly.
         Joining the meeting - please see the ‘Meetings’ page of the TSF website – www.tradsong.org
• TSF Spring Conference, ‘Song and a Sense of Place’ was held on 26 April 2025 with the support of the Contemporary Folklore Research Centre. This was an in-person event, though three of the presentations had been recorded beforehand. More than forty people booked places and it was a very enjoyable day with lots of time for networking and discussion among those who attended. Videos of all the presentations are now available on YouTube. You can find the playlist of the four sessions using this link - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEFtLCJWnIFZ6_pqD1SUp5UlNRR2eozWa
• Roy Palmer Lecture 2025 -  This year’s Roy Palmer Lecture will be by Jon Boden. 
     The title of Jon’s talk will be 'The Folk Revival - a view from the middle’. In it he will reflect on the ups and downs of an extraordinary cultural movement and make the case for optimism with the green shoots or revival constantly pushing up through – young singers and musicians who are now the generation below him, and who were born a hundred years after Cecil Sharp heard John England singing ‘The Seeds of Love’.   The talk will, again, be given during the Whitby Folk Week, and we are indebted to the organisers for their continued support for the Roy Palmer Lecture. The event will be held on 12:00 on Wednesday 20 August in the Coliseum (1B Victoria Pl, Whitby YO21 1EZ). There will be no charge for admission.
You can see more about Jon’s talk, and about past Roy Palmer Lectures, on the website, http://www.roypalmerlecture.org.
(2) Online Directory:  Updates
Performers

Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG ~ Pf. 1b duos
Wiltshire-based
🄵 Wilts SIAN & ROB COLQUHOUN https://sianandrob.co.uk
⇒ Message 07436 588982, Email: penlington.sian55<at>gmail.com,  Instagram/Facebook @sianrobbluegrass
 Lively Old-Time country and early Bluegrass, gorgeous harmonies and skilled interpretations of songs and tunes calling on their own Scots-Irish roots.
These Purbeck Rising 2025 finalists deliver an authentic sound driven by guitars, mandolin, clawhammer banjo and percussive step dancing.  [May 2025, new members]
(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 current Folklife West (print & online)
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 
Kernow/Cornwall

p10 🄵 ROB BARRATT, comic poet ~ added some dates since Folklife published
June 20th to 22nd - West Somerset Folk Festival, Carhampton, near Minehead. ​​
June 27th - Crediton Arts Centre, East St, Crediton EX17 3AX. Evening.​
July 3rd - Bideford Folk Club, Joiners Arms, Market Place, Bideford, EX39 2DR. 7pm.​
July 10th - The Two Robbies Ride Again. Robert Garnham and Rob Barratt at The Acorn Theatre, Penzance, 7.30pm.​
July 11th to 13th - Folk on the Lawn Festival, Tintern, South Wales.​
July 24th - Cellar Arts Club, 70 Marine Parade, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 3QB. 7.30pm.​​

West Country: Gloucestershire

p16 🄵FOREST FOLK CLUB    ~   Sian and Rob Colquhoun at Forest Folk Club    
Sunday 18th May, Forest Folk Club are pleased to present Sian and Rob Colquhoun.
Sian and Rob are an acoustic duo based in the southwest of England. They perform a lively repertoire largely drawn from Old-Time, classic Bluegrass and early country. With close harmonies accompanied on guitar, mandolin, clawhammer banjo, autoharp and harmonica, these dynamic performers are skilled interpreters of songs and tunes calling on a rich tradition encompassing their own Scots-Irish roots. https://sianandrob.co.uk/
Doors open in the function room of the Orepool Inn, Sling near Coleford at 7.30, admission £8 on the door. https://forestfolkclub.com/

p16 🄵 CHELTENHAM FOLK CLUB  ~ Spring/Summer 2025 
Stanton Hall, Charlton Kings GL53 8AR 
Open nights — audience performers Guests perform 30-45 minutes MUSIC STARTS 8PM 
June 8 Shan & Martin Graebe  - Strong, beautifully blended harmony singing
June 22 Thomas Owen - British and American folk songs played in traditional styles on the 5-string banjo and guitar. 
July 13 Shanties — Chris Beaumont -Join in with rousing, rhythmic singing 
July 27 tba 
Email list machteltje<at>gmail.com 01242 571185/577506    Facebook: Cheltenham Folk Club

West Midlands: Worcestershire

p32 🄵 SOMERS TRADITIONAL FOLK CLUB, Worcester.  Bishop Allenby Hall, St. Stephen's Church, off St. Stephen's Street, WR3 7HS.  8pm for 8.15pm start.
Usually 1/3/5 Fridays live.  Our next 5th-Friday special is on 30 May, featuring Derek and Roberta Lovell, enthusiastic Somers regulars, and organisers of Rushwick Folk Club. Roberta has a very lovely voice, and only started singing in front of an audience when the lockdowns began and the Somers went onto Zoom. We were very glad that she carried on singing when the Somers, Rushwick and the Fold resumed in person. Derek is a fab guitarist in a variety of styles, and has written many fine songs, mostly since the lockdowns began, as well as writing and playing some great tunes and accompanying his and Roberta’s singing.  info<at>somers-folk-club.org.uk See www.somers-folk-club.org.uk

Workshops & Festivals
p42  🄵 ​ UPTON FOLK FESTIVAL 2026 May 1-4  https://uptonfolk.org/  
SUPER EARLYBIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE UNTIL 1ST JUNE ~ With Bob Fox, Culverake, James Delarre & Saul Rose, Rich & Jess Arrowsmith, Rosie Hood Band, The Magnificent AK's,Hekety, The Waite Collective.
📣 We’re Looking for a New Festival Treasurer! 🎶
Our treasurer is stepping down after doing a fantastic job, so we’re now on the lookout for someone to take on this key role in our friendly festival team.
💼 What’s involved?
finances, budget, and keeping records before and after the festival. You don’t need to be an accountant.
👥 You’ll be part of a dedicated, supportive team that’s passionate about making the festival happen each year.
📍 This is a volunteer role, and most of the work can be done from home in your own time, with a bit of extra input around festival time.
If you’re interested – or just want to find out a bit more – send us a message or email chairperson<at>uptonfolk.org - with the heading ‘New Treasurer’.
We'd love to hear from you!  Please share or tag someone who might be a good fit. 🙌
#FolkFestival #VolunteerOpportunity #TreasurerWanted #JoinTheTeam

International - USA                              International news welcome - send us yours!

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.   
  • JUNE 6-9 Connecticut Sea Music Festival
  • JUNE 11 Houseconcert with Linn Phipps
  • JUNE 15 Zoom Ballad Sing (replaces June 1 event) at earlier time of 12-2PM EST
  • JUNE 15 Celtic Music Cruise with Linn Phipps, Janie Meneely and Rob van Sante 6-8:30PM
  • JUNE 19 FSSGB Houseconcert with Janie Meneely and Rob van Sante
ØØ • Zoom & Live ~ NY state, CORNING. ~ VALLEY FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY www.valleyfolk.org    
• ZOOMS every Monday see Zooms webpage
• LIVEVALLEY FOLK MUSIC CONCERTS 144 Cedar Street Corning, NY (corner 1st St.) in the red brick Methodist Church. Buy tickets online on websiteor at the door. For more information visit our website, or contact us: (1) 607-962-4461, or info<at>valleyfolk.org 
Sing-around in Elmira on Sunday June 15 cancelled due to it being Father’s Day. Let me know if you are interested in attending one at a private residence instead - we might decide to do that if there are a core of people who want to attend.
Sun Sept 14 at 2 PM - Gathering Time - Trio harmony in the spirit of the folk revival with strong originals, too.
Sun Oct 12 at 2 PM - James Gordon - Canadian singer-songwriter known for writing wonderful songs for Tamarack.
Sun Nov 9 at 2 PM - Clements Brothers - Young Americana duo with a hint of a bluegrassy jazzy feel and brotherly harmonies.

Updates email: Thursday 1 /5/2025

Updates, email usually about 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday - but busy with FW distribution this week
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
MAY FOLKLIFE NOW ONLINE ON THIS SITE,  28/4/2025
https://preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webview/497993/154733300949190495
[Prepaid Festival adverts for May Folklife West : revised Bromyard, Broadstairs, Sidmouth adverts; new advertiser, Ilminster Arts Centre, a talk about Sharp in Somerset, by David Sutcliffe, plus live music from Sirinu (30 May), + text details
was below - now deleted, as in May issue]
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  Updates 
Read & download free on    https://www.folklife-traditions.uk/this-issue.html    or contents see details on Update email: 11/3/2025.

Folklife news: societies & organisations, researchers, publications

The following will appear in Folklife West May:
'Cecil Sharp and the soundscape of Somerset: a talk by David Sutcliffe with live music from Sirinu'
Ilminster Arts Centre, East Street, Ilminster, TA19 0AN. 30 May 2025, 7.30pm.  Details see above.

🄵 Traditional Song Forum     www.tradsong.org
From the latest emailed TSF newsletter
'Song and a Sense of Place' Conference, and ‘Folk Uncovered’ – a new series of EFDSS library courses, for both see last Update (Tuesday 8/4/2025)
Call for Papers: Traditional Tunes and Popular Airs
A two-day conference to be held on Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 November 2025 at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Road, London NW1 7AY
    The 4th Traditional Tunes and Popular Airs (TTPA) conference. TTPA conferences aim to bring 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.
    Proposals are invited for presentations (20 minutes + 10 minutes for discussion) on any aspect of the topic. We welcome a broad range of approaches, including historical research and ethnographic studies to illuminate melodic interrelationships. Relevant areas include music for performative dance (such as morris, sword, clog and other forms of step and percussive dance, Scottish, Irish and Welsh dance) and participatory dance (social, country, ceilidh/ceili), instrumental music, ballad operas and theatrical works, religious music, broadside balladry, minstrelsy, music hall, the pleasure gardens, domestic music-making, national and folk music, and children’s songs.
    Further details can be found here :https://www.efdss.org/about-us/what-we-do/news/15054-traditional-tunes-and-popular-airs-call-for-papers
Tradsong
Tradsong<at>groups.io is a  discussion group for members of the Traditional Song Forum (www.tradsong.org) and others interested in traditional song to share ideas and to ask questions.  This from Chris J Brady:
Radio Ballad Films - Philip Donnellan
For some years and thousands of views later these three have been on YouTube. They were split into 15 min fragments due to YT restrictions Now they have been re-released as single entities.
The Fight Game  https://youtu.be/vdxAQgQ0seg
The Big Hewer  https://youtu.be/Bj4Mce3DyYU
The Shoals of Herring  https://archive.org/details/the-shoals-of-herring
The files were originally donated by Jim Carroll of the Critics Group.
(2) Online Directory:  Updates
VENUES, WEST COUNTRY 

Gloucestershire
🅄 Monday, weekly Glos STROUD FROM FOLK TO BEYOND  www.facebook.com/groups/333056720524290
The Old Crown, Park End, Paganhill, Stroud GL5 4AZ, 7pm for a 7.30 start, to 10pm.
⇒ Contact ​David & Sandra Ireland, hello<at>singaround.org  
All welcome! - Singers, Players, Poets, Jugglers, Magicians and anyone with something to bring. Good music, good company, good times.  
Ground floor, wheelchair friendly, ample parking - an easily accessible place.
[April 2025.  Name change, was: Words & Music; venue change]
VENUES, WEST COUNTRY  
Local Media  ~ Printed and Online
Sadly, the Editor of FOLK IN CORNWALL, John Tremaine, died on 16/4/2025.
Printed
🄵 ​Cornwall  FOLK IN CORNWALL www.folkincornwall.co.uk    Website last updated 23/02/2025;  a lot of useful information remains
⇒ Editor: was John Tremaine.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/folkincornwallmagazine
⊕ Folk in Cornwall supports the thriving folk scene in Cornwall, providing information through publishing the printed magazine every three months, and its website, listing song, music and dance clubs, groups, sessions, with an event diary and details of regular events. [Feb 2018, new member]
Online
🄵 Cornwall  FOLK IN CORNWALL  www.folkincornwall.co.uk    Website last updated 23/02/2025; a lot of useful information remains
⇒ Editor: was John Tremaine.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/folkincornwallmagazine
⊕ Song, music and dance clubs, groups, sessions, with Google maps. Event diary. Details of regular weekly or monthly events. View and download pdf versions of all issues of the magazine. Links to local and national folk information websites. 
VENUES, YORKSHIRE & THE HUMBER
North Yorkshire
🅄 Friday, 2nd & last North Yorkshire RIPON   WILFRID’S FOLK CLUB  www.facebook.com/riponfolkclub
→ St Wilfrid’s Community Centre, Trinity Lane, Ripon, HG4 2AL, North Yorkshire. 7.30pm.
⇒ Contact: Laetitia, sailortish<at>hotmail.com
⊕ Come along to perform or listen. BYOB. Off-road parking available.
2nd Fridays, Acoustic Singaround, just turn up. 
Last Fridays, except August, all styles of Folk music. Quality Guest Nights (sometimes Open Mic opportunity), concert format.
VENUES, CANADA
ONTARIO
ØØ Sundays,  1st (October to June) Ontario. TORONTO, ANOTHER BLOODY FOLK CLUB.  https://www.facebook.com › groups › 419107514822282
→ The Lab416, 298 Brunswick AveDoors open at 6:00pm for a 7:00pm start and we aim to finish by 10:00pm
 Contact Sweet Felons All (organisers & house band), sweetfelonsall<at>gmail.com   Any other sites/media?
⊕ Traditional British-style music venue, for people who want to enjoy traditional and traditional-style folk music and gain performing experience in a friendly environment. Each evening includes three invited guest performances, floor spots and the house band, Sweet Felons All. (2025 April, new listing)
VENUES, CANADA
ONTARIO 
ØØ Saturday; monthly  ~ Ontario. TORONTO.  ACOUSTIC HARVEST  https://acousticharvest.ca
→ St. Paul's United Church (416.729.7564), 200 McIntosh Street  (1 block north of Kingston Road and Sandown Avenue), Toronto, ON.  20:00 - 23:00
  lillian.wauthier<at>gmail.com .    Contact / join email list: see website Contact form.    www.facebook.com/acousticharvest/,  
⊕  We are a monthly concert series presenting award-winning artists in the genres of Traditional Folk, Contemporary Singer, Songwriters, Blues, Jazz, Celtic, World, Bluegrass, and Old Time Appalachian, etc.  (2025 April, new listing)
PERFORMERS, WEST COUNTRY

Pf. 2c Folk Dance ~  Ceremonial & Display (Clog, Morris, Sword)
Cornwall-based
🄵 ​Cornwall TYWARDREATH MORRIS  www.tywardreathmorris.org.uk
Sadly, I have just heard that John Tremaine, the contact for TYWARDREATH MORRISdied on 16/4/2025. 
I will  contact the Side for updated details.   ~ Sam, 27/4/2025 
PERFORMERS, INTERNATIONAL

Pf. 1a   Folk Music & song - groups
Canada Ontario ØØ SWEET FELONS ALL www.facebook.com/SweetFelonsAll/
sweetfelonsall<at>gmail.com , https://sweetfelonsall.bandcamp.com
⊕ A Toronto-based band that specializes in English Traditional music and modern songs that fit the tradition: Paul Read, Kevin Watson, Mary Read, Rob Rohr. Organisers & house band of Toronto's Another Bloody Folk Club (see VENUES).  (2025 April, new listing)

Pf 1.d   Folk Music & song -Shanty
Canada Ontario ØØ PRESSGANG MUTINY www.pressgangmutiny.com/
pressgangmutiny<at>gmail.comwww.facebook.com/pressgangmutiny , www.youtube.com/@pressgangmutiny9639,
https://pressgangmutiny.bandcamp.com/pageopen.spotify.com/artist/7Hqytp4VVYmsYGJ9OGaVm8
⊕ Toronto's Shantymen. Dedicated to traveling the globe to discover shanties, works songs, and the people singing them. A quartet of dynamic musicians and tall ship sailors, touring the Canadian and US East Coasts and performing at UK and European festivals.  (2025 April, new listing)
(3) News Updates: from Folklife members, and from International readers
Your news here, by joining Folklife  ~ 
Cheap publicity (from £9/year!) in Folklife West print magazine and  on this webpage + in these fortnightly(ish) Updates emails
West Country: Kernow • Cornwall
p9 🄵 Sadly, the Editor of FOLK IN CORNWALL, John Tremaine, died on 16/4/2025.   Folk In Cornwall was the successor to the late Chris Ridley's long-running  Folknews Kernow.  It started in 2017 as a free magazine listing folk song/dance/morris clubs and events in Cornwall. A tremendous achievement to have set up such a comprehensive local resource.  We have left Directory details online for website & Facebook, as a lot of information is still relevant, see Venues: West Country,  local media at foot of page.
p10 🄵 ​ John was also the contact for TYWARDREATH MORRIS  (I'll contact the Side for updated details).
West Country: Gloucestershire
p17 🄵CHELTENHAM FOLK CLUB, now most 2nd & 4th Sundays, at Stanton Suite, Church St, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL53 8AR , 8pm .
The Club are very pleased with their new venue -  going well. Lovely acoustics, very quiet, no hassle!
Chris Beaumont 01242 571185; or Judith 01242 577506. machteltje<at>gmail.com
Some open nights for more floor spots, some guest nights. 
Next is Sunday 11 May, Jan Vaisey & Ian Harvey — lovely vocals and strings — will do an extended spot for us. Time for floor spots too, of course.
All welcome. Prices vary according to guest/open night. Cash only. Do join our mailing list — just email machteltje<at>gmail.com

West Midlands: Worcestershire
p28 🄵Shepherd’s Purse
2nd- 5th May Upton Folk Festival - 'Shepherd’s Purse' are in concert on the Friday Evening in the 'Baptist Hall' and  the play The Man Who Planted Trees’ is being performed Upstairs at 'The Star' at 11am on Saturday.    (time tbc) Shepherd's Purse will also be singing in the Church Service. We hope to see some of you there!   https://www.ericpaynefolksongs.co.uk

Updates email: Tuesday 8/4/2025

Updates, email roughly every 2 weeks, on a Sunday/Monday/Tuesday
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
More details of  🄵 Folklife members (UK & International), Ø Associate members: see  Folklife West.
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups,  🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors. ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send Updates news but not included in Folklife West.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  Updates 
Read & download free on    https://www.folklife-traditions.uk/this-issue.html    or contents see details on Update email: 11/3/2025.

Some comments on the latest Journal:

'We Shepherds Are The Best Of Men' , sung by Richard Chidlaw, by Veronica Lowe (pp7-8)
Comments from Charles Menteith:
Bob Arnold lived in Burford, Oxfordshire.
Blockley is in Gloucestershire, though at one time, before about 1930, it was a detached parish of Worcestershire. 
Arnold mentions 'Blockley Hill' in verse 3. His version is very similar to the one in "English County Songs", arranged by Lucy Broadwood (p 82) (1), which also has Blockley Hill.  Might this have been Bob Arnold's source, and maybe that of others as well?  I learnt, from revivalist singers, a similar version at the Baker's Arms, Broad Camden, at the foot of Blockley Hill, on the other side from Blockley.
      (1) English County Songs, Words and Music,Collected and edited by Lucy E. Broadwood and J.A.Fuller Maitland, London, J B Cramer

Folklife news: societies & organisations, researchers, publications

🄵 TRADITIONAL SONG FORUM   TSF website – www.tradsong.org
The Traditional Song Forum Spring Conference, in association with the Contemporary Folklore Research Centre, will take place on Saturday 26th April  (9.30 am – 5.00 pm) in the Council Room, Firth Court, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN. We have ten speakers, presenting papers on Song and a Sense of Place, and it should be a very interesting day. We are hoping to organise a singing session locally in the evening.
Steve Gardham : Local Songs in East and North Yorkshire
Sue Allan : D’Ye Ken John Peel? The man, the song and Cumbrian Identity
John Baxter : A sense of place in songs from the British Music Hall 1850-1914
Elizabeth Bennett : Women in the Margins: A Place-Based Study
Abbi Flint : Songs for Ramblers: open-air singing, place, and citizenship in the early twentieth century.
Stephe Harrop : Northering: Song and Place in Storytelling Performance
Fionnuala Maxwell : The Shores of Lough Bran and Traditional Songs from County Leitrim
Kara O’Brien : Songs of Home: Place and Women in Irish song
Colleen Savage : In search of ‘The Boys of Mullaghbawn’
Hilary Warner-Evans : “Phippsburg Town’s in Sagadahoc”: Local Song and Levels of Place Attachment
          Further details are available on our website https://tradsong.org/tsf-spring-conference. It would be great to see some of you there; please feel free to share with other people who may be interested. Admission is free, but prior booking is essential. To book your place(s) please follow link on that webpage.    Richard Spencer

🄵 The English Folk Dance and Song Society and Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.
Folk Uncovered, a new series of online library courses. A unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field. 
     The series will launch with 'Folk Song in England' on Thursday 1 May at 7.30pm (GMT) on zoom, and is a 6-week evening course on the social history of traditional song and singing in England up to about 1950, on Thursdays at 7.30pm until 5 June. 
     It is presented by Steve Roud, creator of the Roud Folk Song Index. Topics covered will include the changing definitions of ‘folk song’ over the last 200 years, the legacy of the early collectors such as Cecil Sharp and Ralph Vaughan Williams, and what the ‘folk’ themselves thought about their songs. There will be the chance to listen to archive recordings and examine printed broadsides, consider female sailors and murdered sweethearts, and much more. Suitable for beginners and those already interested in the subject - and no singing will be required!
    Steve Roud is an expert on folklore and superstition, was formerly Croydon’s Local Studies Librarian, and is Honorary Librarian of the Folklore Society – and the creator of the Roud Folk Song Index. Tickets £70 | £40 concessions / 020 7485 2206
(2) Online Directory:  Updates
VENUES, SOUTH-WEST

Bristol & South Gloucestershire

🅄 Monday, 1st & 3rd from noon. South Glos TORMARTON THE COMPASS INN SESSION
→ The Compass Inn, Tormarton, near Badminton, South Gloucestershire, GL9 1JB. 12 noon - 3pm (September to July).
⇒ Contact Terry Helyar, helyarterry<at>gmail.com
⊕ A lunchtime folk session at The Compass Inn, Tormarton, 1st & 3rd Mondays. Free entry, and runs from 12 noon until about 3pm.  (2025 March, new venue)
VENUES, CANADA

ONTARIO

ØØ Day varies. ~ Ontario. CAMBRIDGE, MILL RACE FOLK TRADITIONS - VARIOUS EVENTS.  http://www.mgl.ca/~jhcole/GRFC.html 
Various venues and times.
All our activities are posted on The Grand River Folk Community website, above.
Contact Brad McEwen, mill_race<at>yahoo.com .  See also  www.facebook.com/MillRaceFolkTraditions/  (but please don't contact via FB, instead use email as above).
⊕  Mill Race Folk Society is an informal network for promoting traditional folk music. We host a variety of folk music events in Cambridge: sessions, concert series in partnership with Wesley Presents, English Pub Carols, etc. Details on above website.   (2025 April, new listing)
ØØ Sundays,  2nd & 4th ~ Ontario. CAMBRIDGE, MILL RACE ENGLISH PUB SESSIONS.  http://www.mgl.ca/~jhcole/GRFC.html 
Ernie's Roadhouse (519-658-9562), 7 Queen Street W, in Hespeler Village. 2:30-4:30pm
All our activities are posted on The Grand River Folk Community website, above. 
Contact Brad McEwen, mill_race<at>yahoo.com .    See also www.facebook.com/MillRaceFolkTraditions/   (but please don't contact via FB, instead use email as above). 
⊕ Mill Race Folk Society is an informal network for promoting traditional folk music. The sessions are group playing, no charge.  (2025 April, new listing)
PERFORMERS


Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG ~ Pf.1a Bands/GroupsGloucestershire-based
Gloucestershire-based
🄵
​Gloucestershire BLACKTHORN BUSKERS www.facebook.com/p/Blackthorn-Buskers-100066724065564/
⇒ Will Craswell 07740 248785. For more info please contact Will – william.craswell<at>gmail.com
⊕ A lively 5 Piece Trad/Modern Folk Band based in Gloucester, can also be booked as a trio (Blackthorn Tree) [2025 Apr, Facebook added, & further details changed]



Pf.2 FOLK DANCE Pf.2b Folk Dance Bands

Shropshire-based
🄵 Shropshire CUCKCURIOSITY Ceilidh Band www.raybevlangton.co.uk 
→ Shropshire & surrounding area
⇒ Contact: bev.langton<at>talk21.com
⊕ Cuckcuriosity are a dynamic ceilidh band duo featuring Ray Langton on his digital melodeon and Bev Langton calling. A full band in a box. Extremely versatile and ideal for weddings, corporate events and venues without a stage.
Cuckcuriosity is a classy act which can work flexibly and sets up in double quick time.  (2025 April, new listing)

Shropshire-based
🄵 Shropshire KETTLEHAWK www.kettlehawk.co.uk
→ Midlands
⇒ Contact: bev.langton<at>talk21.com
⊕ Kettlehawk are a 4 piece band whose members have a wealth experience of playing with well known bands across the country. They provide ceilidh dance music that lifts the spirits and energises tired dancing feet. Ideal for festivals and larger venues and events. (2025 April, new listing)

Pf.2 FOLK DANCE ~ Pf.2c Ceremonial & Display (Clog, Morris, Sword)

Shropshire-based
🄵 Shropshire: SHREWSBURY MORRIS  www.shrewsburymorris.co.uk
→ Practice: Thursday evenings at Prestfelde School, London Road, Shrewsbury SY2 6NZ 7.30-10.00pm
⇒ Contact: bev.langton<at>talk21.com
⊕ Shrewsbury Morris are The Shrewsbury Bull & Pump Morris Men, The Shrewsbury Lasses, Shrewsbury Clog and the mixed team of Shrewsbury Morris! Some traditional dances and many self penned. A lively team who enjoy dancing, performing and good friendship. 2026 sees them celebrating 50 years of dancing. New members always welcome. (2025 April, 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
Bristol & South Gloucestershire
p16 🄵 ​FOREST FOLK CLUB on Sunday 6th April we welcome back the fabulous Folklaw!
Acrobatic fiddling and earthy vocals are interwoven with distinctive vocal harmonies, mandola and guitars, as FolkLaw deliver a reflective social commentary within a patchwork of inspirational songs and melodies. FolkLaw are well known for their crowd-surfing fiddle antics, engaging on-stage banter, and an energized stage performance across the U.K. and Europe. A genuine “not to miss” band who’ve previously performed at Costa Del Folk, Cropredy, Sidmouth, Great British Folk Festival as well as supporting many of the great bands and events over the last decade. This performance at Forest Folk Club features Nick Gibbs on vocals and fiddle, Bryn Williams on vocals, guitar, mandolin and bohran, and Martin Vogwell on vocals, guitar, mandolin and banjo. www.folklaw.co.uk
Doors open at 7.30,in the function room of the Orepool Inn, Sling near Coleford,admission £8 cash only please. forestfolkclub.com

Staffordshire-based
p 19  🄵 PAUL WALKER & KAREN PFEIFFER
• Mon, Apr 7, 7:30pm, Stirling Folk Club at Stirling County R.F.C., Bridehaugh Park, Stirling FK9 5AP. http://www.stirlingfolkclub.co.uk/ 
• Fri, Apr 11, 7:30pm, Dalgety Bay Folk Club, Lodge St John, 17 Hope Street, Inverkeithing, Fife KY11 1LW.  https://www.dbfolkclub.co.uk
• Sat, Apr 12, 7:00pm, A’ the Airts Community Art Centre and Café, Sanquhar, Upper Nithsdale Arts and Crafts Community Initiative, 8 – 16 High Street , Sanquhar Dumfriesshire DG4 6BL.  https://atheairts.org.uk
• Sun, Apr 27, 8:30pm, The Bulls Head, Church Street, Warrington, WA12SX  https://www.facebook.com/WarringtonSingersNight
• Dates for May onwards for PAUL WALKER & KAREN PFEIFFER and for MICHELL, PFEIFFER & KULESH in FW May issue  

Scotland - Zoom
p37 🄵 ​  LINN PHIPPS  on Zoom
 POSTPONED: Themed Shanty Big Sing No 19 Leave her Johnny Leave Her”, Weds 26 March as announced in Updates email: 24/3 - POSTPONED to a date in April or May to be announced.

[Prepaid Festival adverts for May Folklife West : New Forest FF & Cornwall advert; revised listings for Upton & Cornwall; was below - now deleted, as in May issue]

Updates email:  Monday 24/3/2025

Updates, email every 2 weeks, on a Sunday (or occasionally Mon or Tue after)
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
More details of  🄵 Folklife members (UK & International), Ø Associate members: see  Folklife West.
We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups,  🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors. ØØ International Updates-signups who aren't Members can send Updates news but not included in Folklife West.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal:  Updates
Read & download free on    https://www.folklife-traditions.uk/this-issue.html    or contents see details on Update email: 11/3/2025.

Folklife news: societies & organisations, researchers, publications

🄹 THE BALLAD PARTNERS
Outlandish Knights: Essays in the Aesthetics of Ballads and Folk Songs, by David Atkinson.
185pp. £15.00 (+£3.20 p+p). For overseas postage please contact before paying    ISBN 978-1-0686406-1-2
    It is well-nigh impossible to think about categories like ‘ballads’ and ‘folk songs’ without bringing to mind favourite examples. It is almost equally difficult to describe the sources of the value that we ascribe to those examples. Outlandish Knights explores these issues by drawing on methods and approaches from aesthetics, the branch of philosophy that deals with the feelings, concepts, and judgements that arise from the contemplation of the arts.Topics range across the voices heard in songs, the thorny issue of authenticity, the moral stance of ballads, the conjunction of language and music, the impossible idealism in studying songs from the past, the type/version paradigm of ballad scholarship, the formation of canons such as the Child ballads, and what is meant by the ballad as a genre. Running through all the chapters is the paradox of subjectivity and objectivity that was first posed in Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Judgement, the founding text of modern aesthetics.

🄵  Broadside etc Printers' Register   From Steve Roud
       For those of you who use my Printers' Register database, a provisional version is now available on the VWML website, along with my other indexes.
Go to - https://archives.vwml.org/search/roud
Scroll down to see the search box 'Search Printers Register'.
Only the main fields are included at present, but enough to help with dating many printers. 
If you want to see all the fields the old site is still available: 
https://previous.vwml.org/#, click on Advanced Search, in Filter by Collection (on left), deselect all, click on Street Literature Indexes

🄵 TRADITIONAL SONG FORUM  Online meeting 72, 6 Apr 2025, 16:00 (GMT, UTC)    There will be two presentations in this month's meeting.
1 )   An Evening at the Saracen’s Head
Sabine Baring-Gould collected many of his songs in public houses, once he realised that this was where he was most likely to meet working men after they had finished their days work. There are several instances of his staying overnight in small country pubs in Devon and Cornwall and hearing songs from the singers he met there. In this presentation Martin Graebe talks about some of these occasions, looking in greater depth at a visit to the Saracen’s Head, at Two Bridges in the middle of Dartmoor on a January night in 1890.
Martin Graebe is an independent researcher, writer, and singer, who has studied and written about a number of aspects of traditional song, with several scholarly articles published in Folk Music Journal. He has edited The Forgotten Songs of the Upper Thames: Folk Songs from the Alfred Williams Collection for the Ballad Partners. His book As I Walked Out: Sabine Baring-Gould and the Search for the Folk Songs of Devon and Cornwall (2017) received both the Folklore Society’s Katharine Briggs Award and the W. G. Hoskins Prize. He has been the Secretary of the Traditional Song Forum since its inception. Martin and his wife, Shan, sing traditional songs together, with a repertoire based mainly on the traditional songs of southern England and in particular those collected by Sabine Baring-Gould.    
And author of Baring-Gould’s People. 1 – James Parsons,  incl. song & music The Forsaken Maiden, in our latest Folklife Traditions Journal. - Ed.
2)  In Bruton Town: Some Context and History of the Ballad
This talk examines the details of the ballad ‘In Bruton Town’, some of the singers that carried it orally, and revisits Lucy Broadwood’s idea that the narrative was lifted from Boccacio’s Decameron.
Ella Paul is a singer of traditional songs, and works teaching poetry in prisons. She recently completed a masters of the arts in ancient and oral poetry at Dartington Arts School and lives in Devon.
How to attend the meeting   See ‘Meetings’ page of the TSF website – www.tradsong.org
(2) Online Directory:  Updates
A little more international news next issue, so we've split  'Alba•Scotland and International' directory pages into separate pages, 
Free listings: We don't have time to contact all possible entries, but always happy to follow up suggestions.
          Thanks to Simon Meeds, Dragon Folk Club, whom I asked for a list of  Bristol clubs, to Paul Mansfield, who wrote in when he noticed we had no East Midlands venues, and to Keith Price, our new "Far West" Correspondent, for Toronto clubs  We've had a few  E  Mids & Canada replies, below.
If you want to suggest some clubs or sessions in your area to list in Directory - just names and websites and/or emails, I can follow up - that would be great.   Or you can give them my email - sam@folklife.uk

VENUES, WEST MIDLANDS
Herefordshire
🅄 ​ Wednesday, weekly (now except odd months last Wed!)  Herefordshire LEDBURY PRINCE OF WALES session, Church Lane, HR8 1DL. Around 9pm
Was every Wednesday, except .... 
'Morning all,
Sadly the last Wednesday of odd-numbered months (March, May, etc) is now not available for the session, so not next Wednesday 26 March.
19th March was the 31st anniversary of the session (being the closest to Paddy's Night), a good time was had by all.  Normality will resume 2nd April.
Hope to see you soon.
Wassail,  Steve 
Contact Steve Glennie-Smith on 07941-863562                     (2025 March, updated listing)

VENUES, EAST MIDLANDS   
Derbyshire
🅄 Tuesday, weekly Derbyshire  BELPER BELPER FOLK CLUB   http://www.belperfolkclub.co.uk
→ ​ The Old King's Head, Days Lane, Belper DE56 1NP, 8pm.  Venue parking limited but large free car park nearby, details see website.
⇒  Contact phone: 01246 865170, email: geoff.deighton<at>btinternet.com , or contact via Belper Folk Club Facebook
 Every Tuesday is an open night where anyone is welcome to come along to sing, play instruments, recite poetry, or just to listen and be entertained.  
(2025 March, new listing)

Leicestershire
🅄 Tuesday, 2nd Leicestershire LONG WHATTON TIGERFOLK TRADITIONAL FOLK CLUB
www.facebook.com/people/Tigerfolk-Formerly-Traditions-at-the-Tiger/100057181640833/
→ ​ The Falcon Inn, Main Street, Long Whatton LE12 5DG (near East Midlands Airport), 7.30 pm start.
⇒ John & Sheila Bentham, phone 07982 254298, email: johnandsheilabentham<at>virginmedia.com
⊕ Tigerfolk, formerly Traditions at the Tiger, was founded in 1991 by Roy Harris as a venue to present and promote traditional folk song, music, storytelling. Mostly guest nights but floor singers welcome.    (2025 March, new listing)

VENUES, NORTH-EAST
Local Media (at foot of web page)
Online 🅄 NORTHUMBRIA FOLK MUSIC DIARY  http://northumbriafolk.org.uk
⇒ For submissions, corrections or comments, contact Peter Burnham, peter.burnham<at>gmail.com
⊕ Diary of folk song and music events for Northumberland, North East England. (2025 March, new listing)
VENUES, CANADA
ONTARIO
ØØ Mon, usually 1st,  Ontario. BRAMPTON FOLK CLUB  www.bramptonfolk.ca
Snelgrove Community Centre, 11692 Hurontario St, Brampton, just S. of Mayfield Road on the west side.  7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m
  647-BFF-FOLK (647-233-3655), info<at>bramptonfolk.ca, find us on Facebook
⊕ The atmosphere is informal and relaxed. We promote and encourage folk music, provide a forum for musicians to develop their skills in performing folk music, and provide as a resource a talent pool for entertaining at community and charitable functions.  (2025 March, new listing)

ØØ Fri, monthly Ontario. BRAMPTON FOLK CLUB FRIDAY FOLK NIGHT CONCERTS www.bramptonfolk.ca
Sanderson Hall at St. Paul's United Church, 30 Main St. South, Brampton (across from City Hall). Sept-May, 7:30 p.m
647-BFF-FOLK (647-233-3655), info<at>bramptonfolk.ca, find us on Facebook
⊕ Ticketed coffee-house style events, featuring high profile folk artists with BFC artists as the opening act. The Club meets monthly on a Monday (entry above), and organises other concerts and other activities, see website.  (2025 March, 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
A little more international news next issue, so we're made  'Alba•Scotland and International' news page into 2 separate pages, 
🄵🅆 Scotland & Ireland news page https://folklife.uk/alba 
and 🄵🅆 International  news page https://folklife.uk/international,  which includes an Online Extra for you, a very detailed report on Toronto clubs, from Keith Price. Do have a read!  

International  - Canada
From May issue: Folklife West's (very) Far West Correspondent ... Toronto-based Keith Price reports." 
Keith will start with by highlighting the main Toronto club, ABFC (Another Bloody Folk Club) in next issue.  20/3/2025:  Keith says "I might even check on clubs in Buffalo, New York State. It is only about 2 hours from home."  Watch this space!

Wales - Monmouthshire
🄵 ​ NEWPORT FOLK CLUB 
Apart from our regular weekly Club night, in the Fugies (see Folklife West folk news Wales ), we support various activities locally and some further away. Events at the Club in 2024 are shown below. These are in addition to this year’s guests. 
LAST TUESDAY SING, 25 March,  Graig Community Centre, Cowshed Lane, Bassaleg Newport NP10 8HZ. 
Come along to our Last Tuesday Sing, starting at 8.30. The Hall is on the main Caerphilly Road, opposite the Ruperra Inn. There is no bar, so either bring your own drinks, or purchase them from the Ruperra opposite (bring a glass or tankard). 
ONE DAY IN SPRING, 6 April. Another chance to enjoy a full Folk Club Concert in the Fugies. Headline Alice Jones supported by Dewdropper and regulars from the Club.
TREDEGAR HOUSE FOLK FESTIVAL, 9-11 May. This promises to be another brilliant weekend (whatever the weather!) See Festival Diary pages and https://www.tredegarhousefestival.org.uk

South-East Oxfordshire
🄵 ​MOONRAKERS
Sat 5 April St Mary's Church, CHILDREY, Oxon, OX12 9PQ. A return to this beautiful old church in Sarah's home village. 7.30pm. Bar provided. £14 in advance or on the door. Email stmaryschildreypcc<at>gmail.com
Fri 11 April Oxford Folk Festival. A double bill concert with The Oakstone Trio. Old Fire Station Theatre, OXFORD OX1 2AQ. £20 Old Fire Station, Oxford
Best wishes,
Jon, Becki, Jacqui and Sarah    
01865 769206  www.moonrakers.net

Scotland - Zoom
🄵 ​  LINN PHIPPS  on Zoom
Dear Friends, 
We are delighted to let you know that the next Themed Shanty Big (no 19) will be on Weds 26 March, when we look forward to everyone joining us to sing / hear versions of the Shanty “Leave her Johnny Leave Her”, 8pm UK/ Ireland time (NB 4pm ET, 1pm PT as UK clocks have not yet changed, 9pm France time etc). Proper shanties please! To request to join as singers / audience and to get the Zoom event link (about 24 hours prior), pls email Linn direct at linnphipps<at>gmail.com or the contact page (now working) on Linn’s website. 
        The video for Named Ships and Shipping Lines 19 Feb 2025  is now up posted here on our own Big Sings Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/EgsnUSlFOO4
Thank you!   Linn Phipps & Jim Lucas 
Festivals and Workshops Diary ~  We've added live weblinks.   Text listings in Festivals & Workshops Diary are now online text (rather than print-page copies), so you can have links. All images of headings & adverts are as in print.  The prepaid PDF of this issue (£3) includes this Diary's pages as printed.

[Prepaid Festival adverts for May Folklife West : Warwick advert; revised listing for Upton; was below - now deleted, as in May issue]

Updates email: Tuesday 11/3/2025

Updates, email roughly every 2 weeks
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) News from Folklife members, & from International readers
More details of  🄵 Folklife members, Ø Associate members, ØØ International Updates-signups, who are included in Folklife West this issue.
​We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups,  🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates
Read & download free on    https://www.folklife-traditions.uk/this-issue.html
16 A4 print pages, all mono. Print cover (pp1,2,15,16) cream paper; rest white paper.
6 Researched Articles
  • ​​The Tradition of Cornish Hurling, by Lamorna Spry, including Silver Ball song & tune, pp2-4
  • Hymey Hancock - anatomy of a song, by Keith Gregson, p5
  • Hussars, by Charles Menteith, pp6-7
  • We Shepherds are the Best of Men, sung by Richard Chidlaw; by Veronica Lowe, pp7-8
  • New songs for old, or how the tradition informs songs today, by Rosie Upton, including song The Desert Rat, by Pete MacGregor and Traditional, p9
  • Baring-Gould’s People. 1 – James Parsons, by Martin Graebe including song & music The Forsaken Maiden, p10-11
Folklife news: societies & organisations, researchers, publications
  • The Cornish National Music Archive; Saydisc; p4.
  • The City of Sunderland awarded Music City Status - Folk Music involvement, p5.
  • Trac Cymru; Vaughan Williams Memorial Library; Folklore Society; Access Folk, p12.
  • Pedlars Pack; Traditional Song Forum; The Ballad partners; p13.
  • Exhibition: Un/Common People Exhibition: Folk Culture in Wessex (in Devizes Wiltshire, Poole & Salisbury Museums, p13
  • Ceredigion Folk Song Map; our free Updates emails; p14.
  • From Online FTJ Directory, detailed listings: Seasonal Local Celebrations, Nov-Mar list & photos, mostly by Doc Rowe, p15-16
See online [this site] for Folklife Societies: Assoc'ns, Trusts, Organisations and Folklife Studies & Institutions
  • PDF free downloads. UK/EU: A4 size as printed  US: letter size 
(2) Online Directory: Updates
VENUES,  South-West

Bristol & South Gloucestershire
🄵 Friday, weekly S. Glos SHORTWOOD DRAGON FOLK CLUB http://dragonfolkclub.blogspot.co.uk
Venue has reopened, Feb 2025. Details see News Updates below.

Gloucestershire
🅄 Day Varies Glos VARIOUS VENUES VERSATILE ARTS www.versatilearts.co.uk
→ Venues: various
⇒ Contact: email: info<at>versatilearts.co.uk Mobile: 07758 125 136
⊕ Versatile Arts have produced and promoted projects in performance since 2009, aiming to deliver exciting, vibrant, live performances for audiences in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. Past events have included a variety of musical genres including folk, and spoken word events.   [2025 March, new listing]


VENUES, West Midlands
Staffordshire
🅄 Friday, weekly Staffs BURTON-ON-TRENT BURTON FOLK CLUB   https://burtonfolkclub.org.uk
→ The Albion, Shobnall Rd, Burton-on-Trent DE14 2BE. Meeting September7 to May, Doors 7.30pm for 8pm Guestnights, 8pm Singarounds.
⊕ With a tradition stretching back almost 60 years, booking both new rising stars and old favourites to headline our fortnightly Guest nights, alternating with fortnightly Singarounds. Please email before attending Singarounds – all Floorsingers for Guestnights by prior arrangement.     [2025 Feb, new listing]
Herefordshire
🅄 Day Varies Herefs VARIOUS VENUES incl. MUCH MARCLE VERSATILE ARTS www.versatilearts.co.uk
→ Venues: include Hellens Manor, Much Marcle.
⇒ Contact: email: info<at>versatilearts.co.uk Mobile: 07758 125 136
⊕ Versatile Arts have produced and promoted projects in performance since 2009, aiming to deliver exciting, vibrant, live performances for audiences in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. Past events have included a variety of musical genres including folk, and spoken word events.   [2025  March, new listing]

Worcestershire
🅄 Day Varies Worcs VARIOUS VENUES incl. MALVERN VERSATILE ARTS  www.versatilearts.co.uk
→ Venues: include the Cube, Malvern.
⇒ Contact: email: info<at>versatilearts.co.uk Mobile: 07758 125 136
Details as under Herefordshire above
PERFORMERS   England West Country
Pf.1a Music/Song - Bands/Groups
🄵 Gloucestershire COBBLERS CHILD https://cobblerschild.co.uk/
⇒ Emma Vogwell, 07789-997415, Email: contact<at>cobblerschild.co.uk    www.facebook.com/cobblerschild,    www.instagram.com/cobblerschild/ ,
https://cobblerschild.bandcamp.com
⊕ Four friends cemented into a band between the pandemic lockdowns. Featuring the northumbrian pipes alongside guitar, whistles, melodeon and vocals. Serving up a mix of tunes and songs, old and new. Find recordings and video on our website and Bandcamp. [2025 March, new listing]

SERVICES
S.2 Agents, Managers, Promoters, MCs and Stage Management
England West Midlands
🅄 Herefs, Worcs, Glos, nearby VERSATILE ARTS www.versatilearts.co.uk
⇒ Contact: email: info<at>versatilearts.co.uk Mobile: 07758 125 136
Versatile Arts have produced and promoted projects in performance since 2009, aiming to deliver exciting, vibrant, live performances for audiences in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. Past events have included a variety of musical genres including folk, and spoken word events.  [2025 March, 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
International  - Canada
On our Scotland & World news pages, www.folklife.uk/alba, we've added an Online Extra  for you. From Canada ~ a very detailed report from Toronto, from Keith Price, one of our Canadian Folklife members (and founder of Rhyl Folk Club in N Wales).   Do have a read! 

International - USA      4 not 5 hours difference for East Coast till British Summer Time starts
ØØ
online only
• Zoom ~ Boston, Mass ØØ LYNN NOEL https://sites.google.com/view/crosscurrents-musicand ZOOM: LIVE FROM THE MERMAID'S TAVERN 
Zoom meeting links are MAILING LIST ONLY. Join this mailing list at http://mailinglist.mermaidstavern.com  
Monthly sessions usually on 1st Sundays 2-4pm ET, special events as the occasion requires.   
APRIL 6 Chantey & Tavern Sing,   MAY 1   SPECIAL Mayday at Dawn,    JUNE 15 Ballad Sing (replaces June 1 event)

• Zoom & Live ~ New York state ØØ CORNING. VALLEY FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY www.valleyfolk.org    
ZOOMS every Monday see Zooms page
LIVEVALLEY FOLK MUSIC CONCERTS 144 Cedar Street Corning, NY (corner 1st St.) in the red brick Methodist Church. Buy tickets online on websiteor at the door. For more information visit our website, or contact us: (1) 607-962-4461, or info<at>valleyfolk.org 
Sun April 6,  2pm - Hubby Jenkins (of The Carolina Chocolate Drops fame) music from his African American experience.
Thu  May 1 , 7:30pm - Martin & Eliza Carthy from England Guitar & fiddle father & daughter singers from a very prominent family of English folk music
The next “live” sing-around is at 1pm on Sun March 23 at 1008 W. Water Street, Elmira, NY. Bring your songs, guitars or other folk instruments to accompany your folk songs. Songs with a chorus or refrain especially encouraged. 

West Country: Cornwall-based
p 10 🄵 Rob Barratt's gig list (more in next issue)
March 15th - Rilla Mill Village Hall, Rilla Mill, near Callington, Cornwall. PL17 7NY.​   April 28th - Wrexham Carnival of Words. Poetry Live and Dangerous. Evening.​  April 29th - Words of Bromsgrove, Bromsgrove Library, Parkside, Market St, Bromsgrove B61 8DA, Worcestershire. ​7.00pm.​  May 12th - Parracombe Arts and Literary Festival, Parracombe, near Lynton, North Devon. 7.30pm. 

West Country: Bristol & South Gloucestershire
p 14 🄵 Friday, weekly S. Glos SHORTWOOD DRAGON FOLK CLUB http://dragonfolkclub.blogspot.co.uk
Following a temporary closure (Updates 9/2/2025), after an enforced break of about two months, the Dragon Folk Club will be back on Friday 28th February. We are back to our accustomed venue of The Bridge Inn, Shortwood, Bristol (UK), BS16 9NG and our usual start time of 8:15pm.  As always you are welcome to join us whether to sing a song, play a tune, tell a story, recite a monologue, tell a joke, perform in any other way or indeed none but just be our audience, and as usual anything goes as long as it's acoustic. Yes, we have our feet firmly in the folk tradition "of these isles" as my old "friend" Mike Harding would say, but we are perfectly open to songs from other sources and even from your own pen.
Contacts: Colin Owen 0117 9600273, Email Simon Meeds, dragonfolk<at>rosma.co.uk [1/2/2025]

West CountryGloucestershire

🄵Sunday 16th March, special guests at Forest Folk Club are Wynford Jones and Geoff Cripps. These two fine musicians are the superduo product of two of Wales’s finest folk bands.Wynford, one of the most searingly perceptive songwriters of his generation, was leader of The Chartists whose song-cycles chronicled the hobnail-hard working-class struggle as never before. Multi-instrumentalist Geoff was the powerhouse at the heart of festival barnstormers Allan Yn Y Fan. Together they are a force of nature. Doors open in the function room of the Orepool Inn at 7.30. Admission £8 on the door. Details on https://forestfolkclub.com

🄵Sunday, most 2nd, 4th Glos CHELTENHAM CHELTENHAM FOLK CLUB,   Stanton Suite, Church St, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL53 8AR till end-March. Venue might vary, check. Now starts at 8pm   Chris Beaumont 01242 571185; or Judith 01242 577506. machteltje<at>gmail.com
     Some open nights for more floor spots, some guest nights.  Next is Sunday 23rd March tba.  All welcome. Prices vary according to guest/open night. Cash only. Do join our mailing list — just email machteltje<at>gmail.com

South-East: Oxfordshire-based
Fri 14th March St Michael's Church, Market Square, SOMERTON, Somerset TA11 7NB.  7.30pm. £12 on the door. Enquiries: 07483137623
Sat 15th March 10:30am - 4:00pm. Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon, Jacqui & Becki. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music & videos sent in advance. Limited to 20. Book early - always sold out! £60 (including ticket for evening concert). St Mary's Church, BRIDPORT, DT6 3NW. Booking & information: MoonrakersCelticMusic<at>gmail.com 01865 769206.
Sat 15th March St Mary's Church, BRIDPORT, Dorset, DT6 3NW. Beautiful church over 800 years old. 7.30pm. £15 (incl.a free drink) on the door.
Fri 21st March Special guests at SWINDON Folk Club, 7:45-8pm start. The Hop Inn, Devizes Rd, Swindon SN1 4BH. 
Mon 31st March   Luton Music presents: "Vaughan Williams - Roots and Branches",   Moonrakers with string quartet, OXUS - eight musicians on stage - to celebrate the music and folk song influences of Vaughan Williams. Sponsored by the Vaughan Williams Foundation. St Mary's Church, LUTON. £18 (+conc), all tickets on the door. Facebook  @MoonrakersBand  Instagram  @MoonrakersOfficial  BlueSky Moonrakers (@moonrakersband.bsky.social) — Bluesky
        Keep well, Jon, Becki, Sarah and Jacqui   https://www.moonrakers.net

Festivals and Workshops Diary ~  We've added live weblinks.   Text listings in Festivals & Workshops Diary are now online text (rather than print-page copies), so you can have links. All images of headings & adverts are as in print.  The prepaid PDF of this issue (£3) includes this Diary's pages as printed.

Updates email: Sunday 23/2/2025

Updates, email roughly every 2 weeks
~ (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) Folklife members & International Folk News

More details of  🄵 Folklife members, Ø Associate members, ØØ International Updates-signups in Folklife West this issue.
​We also list in Directory, free, 🅄 other UK Updates-signups,  🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal other subscribers/contributors.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal Updates
Folklife Traditions:    folk studies and cultural traditions.         
      I've been talking to Owen Shiers, Welsh folk singer, researcher, grain grower and cultural historian, about his Cynefin project:  we hope to have an article by Owen in the November Journal.  Cynefin (pr. kuh-neh-vin’) is a word with no direct translation into English. This project is Owen's musical brainchild, grounded in years of research, collecting and absorbing the culture and traditions of his native Ceredigion, it aims to provide a window into the past, and in addition bringing present day issues into sharp focus. A personal dispatch from the struggle to maintain a language, culture and way of life – Cynefin is a unique musical project with a timely message.   I recommend a visit to Owen's website, https://cynefinmusic.wales; on the About page, he talks about the forgotten folk songs of Ceredigion, the video starts with singing from Iwan Evans, Talgarreg, an 80-year farmer who still farms in the traditional ways, and was featured on TV's Cefn Gwlad (Countryside)  - currently on www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0k57nxt/cefn-gwlad-cyfres-2024-iwan-evans
 (English subtitles available, from bottom right menu)
     See also Folk News below, about Cynefin tour and a new CD.  

🄵 TSF, Traditional Song Forum:  Online meeting 71, 9 March 2025, 4pm (GMT, UTC)
Michael J. Bell: Mr. Child's Songster
Within months of the start of the Civil War, Francis James Child began to collect original songs from friends and colleagues in Boston/Cambridge for a songbook for Union soldiers. Eventually published in 1862, War-Songs for Freemen contained thirty songs, including three by Child himself. Focusing particularly on Child’s three contributions, this presentation will discuss Child’s “other collection” as a politically motivated protest by a community of folklore enthusiasts, poets, and musicians intended to provide a selection of pro-Union propaganda songs designed to help sustain a collective Northern cultural identity among young men at war over deeply contested ideas and values.
Hilary Warner-Evans: “I Dread the Wind and I Hate the Sea”: Localization in the Maine Songs of Bert Baily (1890–1972)
Albert “Bert” Baily (1890–1972) who write his own songs taking place in Phippsburg and on the Maine coast more generally. Although the stories in Bert’s songs are fictional and mostly comic, they contain a certain level of realism. And although Bert was a summer person, in many ways his songs accurately capture the attitude of the local residents. This presentation examines the strategies Bert used to localize his songs to the Phippsburg area: the use of real personal and topographic names, local history and folklore, and local knowledge about and attitudes toward the economy and natural environment. 
How to attend the meeting:  For more details, see the ‘Meetings’ page of the TSF website – www.tradsong.org
(2) Online Directory Updates
VENUES

Cymru/Wales      Media Online - National
🄵 TRAC CYMRU: Music Traditions Wales/Traddodiadau Cerdd Cymru  https://trac.cymru
trac<at>trac-cymru.org
Wales’ Folk Development organisation; its rôle to promote and develop the music and dance traditions of Wales - both within Wales and beyond. trac provides an information service, and the website lists performers, events and contacts. [2025 Feb, updated new contact details]

West Country
🄵 Thursday, 3rd Devon MORCHARD BISHOP THE PENNYMOOR SINGAROUND  Facebook: Pennymoor Singaround
→ The London Inn, Morchard Bishop EX17 6NW. 7.30pm, all year.
⇒ Biddy 01271 373305, biddy.mallabone<at>outlook.com
⊕ A good pub session, all welcome, no guests. [Feb. 2025, has changed from 3rd Wed to 3rd Thu, and changed venue]

Yorkshire and the Humber
🅄 Thursday, weekly West Yorkshire SHIPLEY THE TOPIC FOLK CLU http://www.topic-folk-club.org.uk/
→ Hullabaloo, 41 Westgate, Shipley, Bradford BD18 3QX. Doors open 7pm; start 7.30pm start; finish approx. 10pm
⇒ Publicity and Club Newsletter, Tony Charnock, email tocharn<at>gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/647289061950797/
Bradford-based weekly live music club. Roughly alternating Guest nights and Singers' and Musicians' night - about 25 of each over the year. S/M sessions are held on the first and third Thursday of each month, and through most of August.   [2025 Feb, new listing]
PERFORMERS
Pf.1a    Music/Song - Bands/Groups

🅄  Somerset THE JAMESTOWN BROTHERS  www.thejamestownbrothers.co.uk
thejamestownbrothers<at>gmail.com, bookings<at>thejamestownbrothers.co.uk.  www.facebook.com/thejamestownbrothershttps://www.instagram.com/the_jamestown_brothers/https://open.spotify.com/artist/5G8alXNo9hdQ4aJxew0LFh
 An Indie-Folk Band with Attitude!   Original songs that don't just 'tell the story' of our nation, they bring it shockingly alive. Strong lyrics and ear-worm tunes, inspiring you to join the fight for liberty and justice.
🄵 Staffs ROSSIGNOL folk band  www.rossignolfolk.co.uk
⇒ Contact: rossignolfolk<at>gmail.com or contact form on website; 07816 518351 or 07940 894604.  https://rossignolfolk.wordpress.com/Facebook rossignolfolkband; Instagram rossignolfolkband
Multi-instrumentalists Alan Wylie, Jane Hinks and David Barker, on fiddle, hurdy-gurdy, hammered dulcimer, guitar, diatonic accordion and concertina, present material from the rich musical traditions of England, Ireland, Scandinavia, France and Scotland. [2025 Feb, new listing]

Pf.2b Folk Dance Bands
🄵 Staffs SKIMMITY www.facebook.com/skimmity
⇒ Contact: davidbarker07<at>aol.com
Skimmity are a four-piece band, playing English country dance music for barn dances, ceilidhs, weddings, parties and other events. Line-up includes fiddle, melodeon, guitar and bass. [2025 Feb, new listing]
    Pf.2c Ceremonial & Display
    🅄 Staffs STAFFORD MORRIS    https://www.staffordmorris.co.uk
    → Practice. Mondays, 8-10pm, North End Community Centre, Holmcroft Rd, Stafford, ST16 1JG.
    ⇒ Contacts: Squire, Max Haynes - maxhaynesmorris<at>outlook.com; Bagperson (Events Management), Andy Chell - andychellmorris<at>gmail.com; or contact form on website.
    ⊕ Stafford Morris – keeping tradition alive since 1957. A mixed Cotswold Morris side performing in and around Staffordshire. Enjoy vibrant displays of traditional dance and music from May to August at local events, pubs, and festivals.  [2025 Feb, new listing]

    🄵 Staffs UTTOXETER HEART OF OAK MORRIS  DANCERS  https://www.uttoxetermorris.co.uk
    → Practice: Thursdays (September to May), 8-10pm, United Reformed Church, 9-11 Carter Street, Uttoxeter, ST14 8HB.
    ⇒ Contacts: Squire, Sam Egerton, sam<at>uttoxetermorris.co.uk; Bagperson (Events Management), Rían Coleman, info<at>uttoxetermorris.co.uk; or contact form on website.
     Uttoxeter Morris: a mixed Cotswold Morris side, keeping tradition alive in East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire since 1954. Dancing and music at events in Uttoxeter and nearby towns and villages, with fortnightly pub dance-outs, from May to August.  [2025 Feb, new listing]
    (3) Members' Folk News Updates
    Cheap publicity (from £9/year!) in Folklife West print magazine and  on this webpage + the fortnightly Updates emails
    Cymru•Wales

    🄵 ​ CD: Shimli, by Cynefin  [see Journal news above]
        Shimli is the follow up to 2020’s Dilyn Afon by Welsh folk singer, researcher, grain grower and cultural historian Owen Shiers, aka ‘Cynefin’. Continuing in the vein of rooting his music firmly in the customs and cultural vernacular of Ceredigion, the album takes its title from the now obsolete West Walian practice of all night musical and poetic vigils which used to take place in mills and workshops. Drawing inspiration from folk song, the beirdd gwlad (folk poet) tradition – as well as living oral history and story, the album explores the intersection between music, poetry, food and the natural world. A personal dispatch from the struggle to maintain a language, culture and way of life, the album is a musical petition – a stake in the ground for the diverse and the disappearing in our age of homogenisation and mass amnesia.  
        CD from https://cynefinmusic.wales website, or all the usual outlets. You can also pre-order a digital download from Bandcamp. Both physical and digital versions come with a full 35-page booklet detailing the history and background of all the songs on the album.
        Shimli yw’r albwm newydd sbon gan y canwr gwerin, ymchwilydd, tyfwr grawn a hanesydd diwylliannol Owen Shiers, sef, Cynefin. Wrth barhau i wreiddio ei gerddoriaeth yn gadarn yn arferion a llen gwerin Ceredigion, mae’r albwm yn cymryd ei theitl o arferiad sydd bellach wedi darfod yng Ngorllewin Cymru o gynnal nosweithiau llawen mewn melinau a gweithdai. Gan dynnu ysbrydoliaeth o ganu gwerin, traddodiad y beirdd gwlad – yn ogystal â straeon a hanes cof byw, mae’r albwm yn archwilio’r groesffordd rhwng cerddoriaeth, barddoniaeth, bwyd a byd natur. Mae’r gwaith yn fryslythyr personol o’r ymdrech i gynnal iaith, diwylliant a ffordd o fyw – deiseb gerddorol sydd yn mynegi llais y i’r amrywiol a’r diflanedig yn ein hoes o homogeneiddio ac lled-amnesia.

    🄵  Cynefin: Taith Band Tour 2025 [see above]
       28/2 Caerdydd / Cardiff: The Gate Arts & Community Centre, 7pm. 1/3 Abertawe / Swansea: Gwyl Croeso Abertawe in St David’s Place, 3pm. 5/3 Llandysul: Neuadd Tysul Hall, 7pm. 6/3 Ystradgynlais: The Welfare, 7pm. 7/3 Pwllheli: Neuadd Dwyfor, 7pm. 8/3 Aberteifi: Theatr Byd Bychain / Small World Theatre, 7pm. 9/3 Machynlleth: Tabernacle Moma, 7pm

    page 7 🄵 Thursday, weekly Denbs RUTHIN RUTHIN ALLSTYLES MUSIC CLUB  http://ruthinallstyles.co.uk, at The Feathers Inn / Tafarn Y Plu, in the function room, 52 Well Street, Ruthin, LL15 1AW. 7.30pm, all year.  Chris/Jayne Birchall 01824 704844, mobile 07760 764441. chris<at>ruthinallstyles.co.uk
    We have some great events coming up, including:
    🎶 March 20th – “Big Spot” by The Neil Martin Freeloaders, featuring the brilliant Bewildered Brunettes trio.
    🎤 Date TBC – Andy Connolly’s Showcase, which we sadly had to postpone due to last year’s bad weather. Watch this space for a confirmed date soon!

    West Country

    page 11 🄵 Thursdays, 2nd Devon TOTNES TOTNES FOLK SONG CLUB  Facebook: Totnes Folk Club    In a previous Update, we noted that the pub had shut temporarily. It's now reopened.  The Dartmouth Inn, The Plains, Totnes. 7.30 pm, all year except August.   We are able to hold our folk club again at The Dartmouth Inn, Totnes in March, on Thursday 13th March.  Future dates will be 10th April, 8th May and 12th June.
    Kind Regards,  Anne
    Anne Gill, 01803 290427, “Maleth”, 11 Cleveland Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5BD. annegill<at>btinternet.com  Alternate contact Andy Clarke 01803 732312.

    page 11 🄵 Pennymoor club began in the village of Pennymoor in Devon many moons ago. The closing of The Cruwys Arms a few years ago meant we have held our singarounds at The Lamb Inn, Sandford. Sadly, that pub is closing, so we had to move again! The club has held its Song and Ale at The London Inn in Morchard Bishop for many years, and the pub has offered us the skittle alley on 3rd Thursdays. Our inaugural singaround at the new venue in January was warm and well attended. We hope The London Inn will be our new home for many years. It would be lovely if you could add to the jovial crew if you are passing through. Just remember that it’s the third Thursday NOT the third Wednesday as it has been for the past forty years or so.  Please see Directory: West Country venues for details of this & other Pennymoor singarounds & sessions.

    West Midlands
    page 25 🄵 Wednesday, 3rd Warks ATHERSTONE ATHERSTONE FOLK CLUB www.atherstonefolkclub.org.uk, at  the Atherstone Red Lion, 99 Long Street, Atherstone CV9 1BB. 8.00 pm, all year. Contact  Phillip Benson, 01827 711514, phil<at>atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
          19 March and Hazjack will be coming to Atherstone as our guests, with Farefeld taking the lead on 16 April.    Mean Mary James with her brother, Frank, are coming over from the USA and she will start her "Creature Tour" of just 5 venues in the UK at Atherstone on 30 April.       21 May will see the return to Atherstone of Daisybell. Always worth a listen.

    page 8 🄵 ​ Tuesday , 3rd  Herefs Bishop’s Frome Singaround & Session, 7.30pm. The Chase Inn, Bishop’s Frome, Worcester WR6 5BP (postally Wuster but it's in Herefs). Contact Bernie, bernieuptonfolk<at>gmail.com
    We had a great evening last month and now seem to be settled at the Chase. To help you become rather more organised than me, I am including the next few dates. These are… March 18th, April 15th, May 20th, June 17th, July 15th. Bernie

    INTERNATIONAL :  USA

    Zoom ~ Boston, Mass ØØ LINN 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 sessions usually on first Sundays 2-4pm ET. Special events as the occasion requires. MAR 2 Zoom: Irish/St. Pat's Sing

    Live ~ New York state ØØ CORNING. VALLEY FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY  www.valleyfolk.org
    VALLEY FOLK MUSIC CONCERTS 144 Cedar Street Corning, NY (corner 1st St.) in the red brick Methodist Church. Buy tickets online at www.valleyfolk.org or at the door. For more information visit our website, or contact us: (1) 607-962-4461, or info<at>valleyfolk.org Sun, March 2, 2 pm. Kevin McKrell Band. Irish-flavored singer songwriter and two of his bandmates, Arlin Green and Frank Orsini. 
    The live sing in Elmira, NY, went very well and people seemed interested in doing it again someday. We will keep you posted about that.

    [Prepaid Festival adverts for May Folklife West : Chippenham advert was below - now deleted, as in May issue]

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