SDFS at The Garden Show at Firle Place

Update 15th April 2019: Please gather at or in (weather dependant) the Old Riding Stables, Firle at 11.30am to be briefed on where we will be singing the two sets at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. The show gates are open from 10.00am.

Update 22nd March 2019: Use this link to download an information sheet with details of what will be going on at this year's Garden Show at Firle Place.

John writes:

Sadly Firle House is closed this year for renovations, but there is always the possibility of future years.

We are hoping of course the weather will be clement so we would be able to sing in the gardens, if not St Peter’s Church is willing to house us as is the Old Georgian Riding School where we have Firle Arts & Craft Market and a little cafe.

I'll get there around 10.00 - 10.30am to liaise with Jane when it opens, the earliest we might be singing would probably be midday but I will confirm nearer the date.

The cut off date for volunteers is now 28th March.

Update 19th March 2019: The set lists have been added below.

Easter Sunday 21st April 2019
The Garden Show at Firle Place, Firle, East Sussex BN8 6NS

We have been invited to sing a couple of song sets at this increasingly popular event which this year supports the community charity Hands of Hope

There will be the usual two 35-minute song sets with preamble which will be held in Firle Church if the weather proves inclement, but it was sunny and dry last year, so fingers crossed, otherwise outside at a site/s of our choosing when Jane gives me an update on the layout due to the increased number of stalls this year.

Entry will be by pre-issued pass, so please contact me by email southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com  or come and put your name on the event list at the next YOHAH to show your intention of volunteering on the day to sing. So I can pass these out at the Worthing meeting on 3rd April. Members of the Chi. & Lewes meetings attending on that date can collect passes for their respective Singers.

Cut-off date for volunteers, so I can give Jane the number of passes we will need, is 28th March. Please also wear your lanyards on the day for easy identification.

Apparel will be dictated by the weather but greens, blues, shades of cream/light yellow as usual if you have them.

John C.


The set lists will be as below.

Set 1

1. Country Life [Eb - Ab]
2. On Sussex Hills [A]
3. The Bee Boy's Song [G]
4. The Nightingale [A]
5. Fathom The Bowl [D#]
6. Rosebuds In June [B]
7. Twanky Dillo [G]
8. West Sussex Drinking Song [F]
9. Hares On The Mountain
10. Ale, Glorious Ale [E]

Set 2

1. Oak, Ash & Thorn [E]
2. Pleasant & Delightful [A]
3. The Magpie [B]
4. Song Of The Sussex Downsman [C#]
5. Brisk Young Ploughboy [C]
6. East Sussex Drinking Song [F]
7. Green Grow The Laurel [G]
8. A Smuggler's Song [C#]
9. Thousands Or More [A]
10. Turnip Hoer [B]
11. Jolly Good Song