Due to some prior apologies for absence from a number of our regular singers we didn’t really know quite what to expect, but in the event eleven of us, plus Stanley the dog, braved heavy rain to come out to the Chichester Inn to enjoy a very pleasant evening, singing around the big table. We were happy to welcome back new member Julia who brought her father Barry with her and they both joined in eagerly with the singing. Also present were a couple sitting apart and enjoying an evening meal. They told us that they had come over from Felpham especially to hear us sing. We hope they liked what they heard!
We decided to start with the songs planned for our performances at the Weald & Downland Living Museum’s “Fire & Light” event on Sunday 3rd November and a good choice it was too, as they were all songs which we love and know very well. So in the first half we sang Oak, Ash & Thorn, The Woodcutter’s Song, The Bee-Boy’s Song, The Turnip Hoer, Where Stormy Winds Do Blow, Ale Glorious Ale, and Poor Froze-out Gardeners. The singing sounded perfect to me, although we did miss hearing those beautiful harmonies from our talented harmony singers!
In the second half we tackled two rounds: Hey Ho Winter’s Snow and I heard a Bird sing in the Dark of December. Then we thought we had better get to grips with The Coppers’ “Winter” Song and The Fields lie Silent. The latter song rather fell apart as we seemed to have several different printed versions. We must make sure that we stick to the “revised 23rd August 2018” edition that is on the website!
As we inevitably like to try out new songs at Chichester, Dave introduced us to The Rigs of the Time a song he had heard at Whitby Folk Week this year. It’s a song from the Napoleonic period, complaining about the tricks that traders use to swindle poor folk. We sang it through a couple of times and it seemed to be very well received.
Finally we ended the evening at 10.00pm by singing Brisk Young Ploughboy, an excellent choice requested by one of our singers. Thanks to all who came along to make this a very sociable and enjoyable evening. Next month we will meet again in the Chichester Inn on Thursday 21st December. If you like a good sing, then do come and join us there. You’ll be made most welcome!
Welcome to our website for singers who want to learn and sing traditional and new South Downs folk songs, sung in the traditional way. "Put another barrel on, landlord, and pull a pint for me! The ale here in Sussex is the best we all agree!"
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