Local Group Report – Lewes – Tuesday 18th February 2020

Despite the downpours and our proximity to the river Ouse, sixteen of us managed to sail along to The John Harvey Tavern for another busy evening of singing. Can’t imagine why Peter B from the Worthing sessions brought his friend Steve in with the wind on such a wet night! Tina had chosen Poor Froze Out Gardeners and Pleasant and Delightful for our warm up and then two of our war songs, All Things Are Quite Silent and Home Lads, Home before launching into Spring and the great outdoors with Lark In The Morning, Searching for Lambs, Birds on the Spray, Brighton Camp, Caburn Hill and Oak, Ash and Thorn.

In the refreshment break we finally presented Tina with a Book Token in thanks for all she does for us and as a belated Birthday present.

Where Stormy Winds Do Blow and The Woodcutter’s Song seemed appropriate for February and then back to better weather with Brisk Young Ploughboy, Seasons Turn, Turtle Dove, When Spring Comes In, Farmer’s Toast closing with a rousing Thousands or More.

The Worthing Seed Swap 2020

On the 8th February 2020 the SDFS made its now annual performance at the Worthing seed swap. Members were positioned elegantly on the staircase from which their harmonious sounds could echo due to the open stairwell. Two sets of relevant songs for the occasion were presented to a sometimes passing audience, although many interested folk also stayed as they were entranced by the music. It was noted that although the source of the singing was outside the main hall, we could be readily heard therein.

Thanks to all who attended to support me as conductor of the day.

Alan

Local Group Report – Worthing – Wednesday 5th February 2020

Unfortunately Emily was unable to join us this month but Alan very kindly and ably stepped in to lead us through a mix of songs, including those lined up for performance at The Seed Swap in Worthing on 8th Feb. We started with Country Life then Oak, Ash and Thorn, before trying out In an English Country Garden suggested as appropriate for use at the Seed Swap. Many singers knew it but singing it through demonstrated various renditions, so with inadequate time to resolve these we agreed not to add it to the set list. Moving on, Pleasant and Delightful was requested, then The Magpie, the Seed Swap version of The Turnip Hoer, Fields Lie Silent and the Woodcutter's Song. Just before we took a break, Alan sang Buttercup Joe, a song which originated in Ashurst. After the break and some notices we resumed with On Sussex Hills, before Amaryllis sang Run of the Downs to a new tune she had written. This was appreciated and enjoyed and Amaryllis agreed to supply the score for consideration by Emily and our colleagues in the Lewes and Chichester groups. The Bee Boy's Song, Hard Times of Old England, the West Sussex Drinking Song and Life of a Man brought us to the last 5 minutes of our session, and Rolling Home was once more the choice made to see us on our way – with thanks again to Alan and all.

Local Group Report – Lewes – Tuesday 21st January 2020

It was a joy to be back at The John Harvey Tavern when the twelve singers joined in harmony to welcome in the new year. Tina had made a cunning plan so that we could work through four Wassail songs, sad songs, spring-time songs, and those from the repertoire that may or may not be on a set list in the future. The twenty songs were: Apple Tree Wassail; Here We Come a-Wassailing; Wassail, Wassail All Over The Town; Sugar/Sussex Wassail; Ha’nacker Mill; The Brave Eleven; Brisk Young Ploughboy; The Fields Lie Silent; The Birds On The Spray; Brighton Camp (The Girl I Left Behind Me); Caburn Hill; Oak, Ash and Thorn; Hard Times of Old England; The Lark in The Morning; Searching for Lambs; Our Captain Cried, “All Hands…”; The Turtle Dove; When Spring Comes In; Seasons Turn and finishing with Thousands or More.

Three Rounds

Supplied by Alan, with recordings.

Wassail

Wassail all your apple trees upon this winter's day,
They will bloom and fruit so well the bugs will fly away,
We'll have plenty, we'll have plenty,
Apple pies, what sweet surprise, we'll eat them every day.

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Summer Is Near

Rambling rolling Downs in Spring,
Swifts will soar and harebells ring,
Soft blows the wind, bright shines the sun,
Summer's near and Winter’s done.

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Stir Up

Stir up we beseech thee, the
Pudden's in the pot and
When we get home we'll
Eat it all hot.

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