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.
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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