TTW Seed Swap & Spring Fair 2020

Update 21st January 2020: Set lists have been added below.

Saturday 8th February 2020, 12.30 – 4.00pm
Oak Grove College, The Boulevard, Worthing, BN13 1JX

As in previous years we will be singing on the stairs, so numbers will be limited to around 20.

This year two 15-minute song sets are requested, in between lecture slots, at 1.45pm & 2.45pm.

Please email me at southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com by 2nd February cut-off date if you can make it, so that your name is on the list of Singers and you don't pay the £3 entry fee.

John C.


First Set 1.45pm

1. Oak, Ash & Thorn [E]
2. Pleasant & Delightful [A]
3. The Magpie [B]
4. The Fields Lie Silent [F]
5. The Woodcutter’s Song [A]

Second Set 2.45pm

1. On Sussex Hills [A]
2. Hard Times of Old England [F]
3. The Bee-Boy’s Song [G]
4. Life of a Man [B]
5. West Sussex Drinking Song [F]

Singing in Henfield

Update 17th December 2019: Les has confirmed we're going ahead with this. We look forward to seeing all the singers who have offered to sing and to any others who plan to turn up on the evening.

Update 6th December 2019: Here's the set list:

1. While Shepherds Watched (Pentonville)
2. Deck the Hall
3. The Falmer Carol
4. Sans Day Carol (The Holly Bears A Berry)
5. Sussex Mummers Carol (Righteous Joseph)

Wednesday 18th December 2019, 8.30pm
The George Hotel, Henfield

Here's an invitation from one of our singers, Les B, to do some singing with the Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men:

We have been invited by Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men to take part in an evening of carols, songs and a Mummers play on the 18th December at the George in Henfield, from about 8.30pm. It will surely be an engaging and entertaining evening, so it would be great if we can muster a dozen or more of us to sing some of our own winter songs.

If you're interested in this please email Les at southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com so that he'll know if there will be enough singers to go ahead. You can read more about the Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men on their website and Facebook page.

South Downs Folk Singers “Winter Revels” – our winter party!

Following the success of our gathering there in February 2019 we will be paying a return visit to “The Barn” on Saturday 25th January 2020 for our next “Winter Revels” party.

“The Barn” is a restored old Sussex barn attached to the English Martyrs Church in Goring (map link), on the corner of Goring Way and Compton Avenue. Postcode: BN12 4UE.

There is limited parking at the church, but no restrictions in the nearby residential roads. The venue is also near to the route and stops of the 700 Coastliner bus service and not far from Goring-by-Sea railway station.

The fun will begin at 7.30pm – BUT PLEASE NOTE – quiet is requested during an early evening service held in the adjacent church, so please DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 7.00pm. Similarly when leaving the party later, please be especially respectful of the surroundings and the quiet of the neighbouring area.

All South Downs Folk Singers, plus their family and friends, are very welcome to attend. Tickets are £2.50 each. Numbers are limited, so to avoid disappointment secure your place in advance by contacting Margo, via the South Downs Folk Singers email (or maybe see her at some of our local singing sessions).

Please bring food to share and your drinks of choice and, as ever, your readiness to join in song (and even a dance) or two!

Individual or group contributions to the evening’s entertainments are invited – songs, readings, music and dance – all are very welcome. (If possible please let Margo know in advance.)

Just one extra note – the Barn is a much loved Grade II listed building, so special care must be taken not to damage the flint walls, wood pillars and beams, and we’ve been advised that shoes likely to mark the wood floor (especially high heels) are NOT welcome! (The SDFS will be liable for the cost of any damage.)

We look forward to enjoying your good company there in a lovely setting and to saluting the winter season with our festivities in January!

Littlehampton Women’s Institute Christmas Celebration

Update 29th November 2019:

Set List:

1. Sweet Bells
2. Sussex Carol
3. Righteous Joseph
4. Alan and Anne duet (Alan to introduce)
5. The Holly and the Ivy
6. Deck the Halls
7. Here We Come A-wassailing
8. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Please note: Keith will be leading us. We have 20 singers due to attend, which includes six men. On the night we will have to decide if there are enough men to sing “men” parts for the carols.

Alan and Anne will sing a piece accompanied by instruments.

Since we have been asked to sing for 30 minutes, we may have to drop a carol if time is running out.

Doors open for the WI at 7.00pm and I will be there from that time. Their meeting officially starts at 7.30, but often earlier and we are due on at 7.45 prompt. Please be there at least 20 minutes before then, so that we can go through our programme briefly and put on a good show. Do dress up in Christmas spirit.

Look forward to seeing you next Tuesday and thank you for volunteering.

Michael

Tuesday 3rd December 2019, evening event from about 7.10pm
1 St Floras Road, Littlehampton, BN17 6BD

Thank you to the singers who have volunteered to sing for the WI. We should have a very pleasant evening and they are eagerly waiting to hear us.

The meeting will be at the Littlehampton Evangelical Church, 1 St Floras Road, Littlehampton, BN17 6BD. Those of you who sang for the Arcade Knitters last Christmas will remember it.

Their meeting starts at 7.00pm and we are due to sing from 7.30 for 20 to 30 minutes. This will be followed by refreshments, which will include finger food, soft drinks and tea. When the refreshments are over we can leave, as they will be going through notices and future events planning.

The meeting is held in the main hall, but there is a smaller hall next door where we can assemble and store coats, etc. Could I suggest you arrive by 7.10 so that we are ready in time for 7.30. There is ample car parking in their car park or the street.

A song list will follow and will be taken from the songs we have prepared for the Weald and Downland Christmas Market.

My phone number is 07709 935650, which you can ring to let me know if you cannot come, or if you are lost or delayed. Feel free to decorate yourselves like a Christmas tree, or more modestly with a Santa hat, or something in between.

Looking forward to seeing you all on 3rd December.

Michael

SDFS at W&DLM Christmas Market

Update 22nd November 2019: If it is raining (forecast is for light rain or showers to about lunchtime, preceded by heavier rain overnight) there is the music tent for shelter in the Market Square and the Gridshell Balcony as usual instead of the Courtyard by the shop.

Update 12th November 2019: Details from John C for this event have been added below. Be careful not to miss the performance notes from Alan which have been added after the set lists below.

Saturday 23rd November 2019
Weald & Downland Living Museum, Singleton, PO18 0EU

Again a packed event with over 150 stalls, so if the weather is reasonable it's worth making a day of it.

See the organiser's website.

Saturday is the middle day of the weekend, with probably the whole of the overflow car park filled out to West Dean College by 1pm, if the weather is dry.

If you arrive early (around 10.00am) you will be nearer to the entrance booths, please use the dedicated members and stall holders queue for quick entry, either by showing your SDFS lanyard (wristband see below) or identifying your surname on the list I will send them. The usual wristbands arrived too late to be distributed at our monthly meetings, but I will be at the Secret Shore Singers practice on Wednesday 20th Nov at YOHAH (for the Victorian Christmas Festival at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard) so you can pick one up then if convenient.

We have two sets, at 12.00 noon in the Market Square and 1.00pm in the Courtyard between the Gateway Entrance and Shop if the weather is OK, or perhaps on the decking outside the Gridshell if the weather is not dry. This will allow you the rest of the day to take in the market stalls and hopefully leave the site more easily.

Please gather at the Market Square and the Courtyard at least 15 minutes before each performance start time.

My contact email as usual for any queries – southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com

Dress for cold variable weather and wear stout shoes, but please don whatever festive headgear you want for the occasion.

I already have 40 volunteer singers for the day. As there will be more singers than at the 'Fire & Light' a couple of weeks ago, please follow Emily's requests to form a compact semi-circular group focussed on Alan, our leader for the day, so we can present the songs again at their best for the assembled multitudes.

Alan has appended a few notes regarding some order/variations to the various songs clarified at the last YOHAH practice. These follow the set lists below.

John C.


Our set lists (thank you Amaryllis) are below, with further details to be added here when available.

First Set – 12.00 noon in the Market Square:

1. Sweet Chiming Bells [E]
2. Where Stormy Winds Do Blow [A]
3. The Holly Bears a Berry [C]
4. Oak, Ash & Thorn [E]
5. Sussex Mummers’ Carol [G]
6. The Woodcutter’s Song [B]
7. Sussex Carol [G]
8. Life of a Man [B]
9. Hark the Herald Angels Sing [F]

Second Set – 1.00pm in the Courtyard between the Gateway Entrance and Shop:

1. The Holly & the Ivy [Ab]
2. The Fields Lie Silent [F]
3. Here We Come A-Wassailing [C]
4. The Coppers’ Christmas Song [B]
5. Rounds for the Festive Season
6. Poor Froze-Out Gardeners [Db]
7. The Falmer Carol [B]
8. The Angel Gabriel [B]
9. Pentonville (While Shepherds…) [C]

  
Additional performance notes as discussed at YOHAH 6th November 2019

Sussex Mummers Carol
Verses to be sung are:

1. When righteous Joseph...
2. Oh Blessed Mary...
3. God bless the master...
4. God bless your house...
5. Our song it is sung...

Hark the Herald Angels sing
The verse beginning "Mild he lays his glory by..."  should be sung softly

Here we come a-wassailing
Sing the last two lines of the song slowly

The Coppers' Christmas song
In the first three verses only men sing the first half of line 4 and women sing the second half
In the last verse substitute ‘Christmas’ for ‘Winter’

The Falmer Carol
Verses to be sung are:

1. See Seraphic throngs...
2. T’was for us he left...
3. Repeat verse 1

SDFS at W&DLM Historic Life Weekend: Fire & Light

Update 29th October 2019: Please note the time of our first performance has been changed to 11.45am to allow time for more people to arrive.

Update 29th October 2019: Please wear your lanyard, if you have one, and warm clothing, a light-shower day is predicted, so we will either sing inside or outside North Cray (first red-washed house as you enter the market square).

As there will be as many singers as at the Christmas Market, please follow Emily's requests to form a compact semi-circular group focussed on her, so we can present the songs at their best.

Your name will be on a list for free entry, please gather at North Cray at least 15 minutes before each performance start time.

The two approximately 35-minute performance times have been agreed at 11.00am 11.45am and 1.30pm either side of lunch, the day's programme is on the organiser's website (link below).

You will note smuggling is mentioned at the Toll House so we might add Kipling's A Smuggler's Song to the sets.

John C.

Sunday 3rd November 2019
Weald & Downland Living Museum, Singleton, PO18 0EU

This is a new event this year under the Historic Life theme, demonstrating the considerable contrasts of how in the past the majority of the populace had to prepare for the darker, hungrier cold months both in gathering adequate fuel stocks and providing various forms of light from the rendering of natural products.

Organiser's website

The programme for the weekend will not be finalised until a couple of weeks before the event and our song set times and other details will will be posted here.

Set List - kindly provided by Amaryllis

1. Oak, Ash & Thorn : E
2. The Woodcutter’s Song : B
3. The Bee-Boy’s Song : E – A
4. The Turnip Hoer : B
5. Where Stormy Winds Do Blow : A
6. Ale, Glorious Ale : E
7. Poor Froze-out Gardeners : Db
8. Hey Ho Winter’s Snow : round
9. On Sussex Hills : A
10. Life of a Man : B
11. The Fields Lie Silent : F
12. The Coppers’ Christmas Song* : B

* Last Verse – replace the word CHRISTMAS with WINTER.

John C.

“South Downs Folk Singers” – AGM Notice

It’s that time of year again…

Our AGM will be on Wednesday 2nd October 2019 at our Worthing venue “Ye Olde House at Home” . It will start promptly at 7.00pm to precede our usual singing session there from 8.00pm.

At the meeting the Committee Minutes file, the Constitution and the Accounts will be available to view and we will hold the annual elections for the Committee.

If you’re interested in joining the Committee or standing for election to a Committee role, please contact me as soon as possible via the SDFS email address (southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com) with your name and, if available, the names of the singers proposing and seconding you as a candidate.

Also, if you have any SDFS related issues or ideas you would like to raise for discussion at the meeting (or have represented on your behalf if you cannot attend) please let me know in advance and they can be added to the Agenda, or they can be raised under Any Other Business on the night (as far as time allows).

Hope to see you there – Henny (Chairperson)

SDFS at Brighton Apple Day 2019

Update 20th September 2019: Set list revisions: Jolly Good Song has been added to the first set and Tommie has been added to the second set. To get the words for Tommie see this post.

Update 15th September 2019: A message from John - "Today (14/09/19) all those Singers who have to date volunteered to sing on the day have been sent instructions and a permit for free parking at the event. Any Singers who subsequently volunteer this week for the event will be provided with this facility when I reply to their emails."

Update 5th September 2019: Set lists and times have been added at the end of this post.

Stanmer Park (near Falmer)
Sunday 22nd September 2019

The Brighton Permaculture Trust's Festival helps fill this traditional theme for us this year, albeit straight after Bognor.

We will be singing two sets, appropriately in the Orchard alternately with 'Whispering Woods' and probably others.

Fourteen singers so far have volunteered for the day.

Tina has kindly volunteered to lead us so a spirited rendition, as at Firle, can be looked forward to.

Dress as Bognor sans the nautical theme.

Additional volunteers for the day please contact John C. at southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com

Organiser's website: general information   |   directions   |   poster download (pdf file)
NB Read the directions web page carefully and be aware that official parking for the general public is £10 per car. If you have put your name down to sing at this event, you will be sent further information about parking.

We have two time slots for singing, 12.45pm to 1.20pm and 3.10pm to 3.50pm.

Set 1 – 12.45pm to 1.20pm

1. Country Life
2. On Sussex Hills
3. The Bee Boy's Song
4. The Nightingale
5. Rosebuds In June
6. Twanky Dillo
7. Ha’nacker Mill
8. West Sussex Drinking Song
9. Sussex Wedding Song
10. Ale, Glorious Ale
11. Jolly Good Song

Set 2 – 3.10pm to 3.50pm

1. Pleasant & Delightful
2. Oak, Ash & Thorn
3. A Smuggler's Song
4. Tommie
5. The Magpie
6. Hares On The Mountain
7. Song Of The Sussex Downsman (three verses)
8. East Sussex Drinking Song
9. Brisk Young Ploughboy
10. Thousands Or More
11. Jolly Good Song

SDFS & SSS at Southdowns Folk Festival 2019

Update 17th September 2019: The set list has been added below. The song Tommie was sung at the last Worthing session and the words for this will be appearing here soon in a separate post.

Bognor Regis
Saturday 21st September 2019

Everything crossed that we don't have a repeat of last year's comprehensive precipitation all day, good weather really brings out the public like last weekend at Arundel and Littlehampton, and Arundel is choka this weekend in this heat! [editor's note: for this to make sense, you need to know this was written on 25th August]

Nevertheless SDFS will be filling the 12.10-12.50pm slot at the RAFA Club in Waterloo Square so no problem there. Please be there by 11.50am to arrange ourselves. Twentythree singers signed up to date.

Those singers who are also SSS will be singing at London Road Precinct South (Arcade end) 1.30-2.15pm. See the SSS website for details.

So either choose your relevant Singer theme or just come in casual greens and blues of various hues.

At around 4pm (time to be confirmed) several of the choirs taking part during the day (including SDFS and SSS) will gather at London Road Precinct South to participate in the 'Big Sing' with one song each, and then together under Emily's direction sing  the catch 'Sing You Now After Me' and the Finnish reindeer welcoming song 'Ole Leloila' in 'rounds' format.

Please wear your SDFS lanyards.

Additional volunteers for the day please contact John C. at southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com

Further details of all Festival events are on the organiser's website.


Set List

1. West Sussex Drinking Song [E]
2. The Bee Boy’s Song [G]
3. Oak, Ash & Thorn [E]
4. Tommie (Fathom the Bowl tune) [Eb]
5. On Sussex Hills [A]
6. Pleasant & Delightful [A]
7. Hares on the Mountain [Ab]
8. Hard Times of Old England [F]
9. The Magpie [B]
10. Ale, Glorious Ale [E]
11. A Smuggler’s Song [C#]
12. The Turnip Hoer [B]
13. Jolly Good Song [C]

SDFS at Fernhurst Furnace Weekend 2019

Update 12th September 2019: Information about what to wear has been revised, also the number of singers who have so far signed up.

Sunday 15th September 2019

By popular demand we will be singing on the Sunday this year in the manner of 'wandering minstrels' as last year, singing songs relevant to various activities and locations on the day. There is nothing happening in the Arena during lunch time from 12.45pm so arrive around midday to liaise with Alan and Dave, and Carla in the Furnace Tent.

Twenty-nine singers have signed up so far including Alan, Anne, David and Sue.

As the weather is forecast to be clement all day, those Singers who have suitable 'rustic' type garb are welcome to come dressed up in same, but if you haven't just come as usual in any comfortable blues and greens you have plus a lanyard if you have one.

Alan and David will be leading again, using the set lists below.

Additional volunteers for the day please contact John C. at southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com

More information on the Fernhurst Furnace website here and here.

Set 1

1. Country Life
2. Ale, Glorious Ale
3. The Brisk Young Ploughboy
4. The Bee Boy's Song
5. Follow Me 'Ome (if enough men)
6. The Magpie (if enough women)
7. The Woodcutter's Song
8. West Sussex Drinking Song

Set 2

1. Twanky Dillo
2. Thousands or More
3. The Turnip Hoer (if enough men)
4. Song of the Sussex Downsman
5. Rosebuds in June
6. On Sussex Hills
7. Oak, Ash and Thorn
8. Pleasant and Delightful

In addtion we may sing relevant songs by various displays e.g. Twanky Dillo by the blacksmith.

SDFS at the Arundel Festival

Saturday 17th August 2019

Our first fully public performance was at the Arundel Festival seven years ago on the Jubilee Gardens Stage in Mill Road by the Arun bridge. Seems almost like yesterday until I look in the mirror!

Again many members will be singing as both SDFS and Secret Shore Singers, both led by Emily.

SSS will be singing between 12.45-1.15pm in Jubilee Gardens (the stage this year will be there only on the Bank Holiday Weekend), but all are welcome to join in the shanty choruses.

SDFS will be singing our song set set from 3.30pm opposite the Nineveh Chapel in Tarrant Street.

If you haven't already put your name down on the list at YOHAH or won't be there on the 7th please email me on southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com just so we have a good idea of numbers for the day (18 so far). There is no cut off date for coming if your plans change at the last knockings.

If the forecast alerts the organisers to a problem with the weather, there are plans to site us indoors.

I will be parking free in Torton Hill Road off Ford Road, but it's a 10 minute walk in and there is charged overflow parking off Station Road.

John C.

Set List:

1. Country Life [E - A]
2. Pleasant & Delightful [B]
3. The Bee Boy’s Song [G]
4. West Sussex Drinking Song [F]
5. The Magpie [B]
6. The Nightingale [B]
7. A Smuggler’s Song [C#]
8. On Sussex Hills [A]
9. Rosebuds In June [B]
10. Thousands Or More [A]
11. Jolly Good Song [B]

SDFS at W&DLM Historic Life Weekend: Midsummer and Plant Lore

Update 19th June 2019: Please note we are now meeting at the earlier time of 10.30am, this is to allow singers to join the tour which starts at 11.30am if they wish to do so.

Update 18th June 2019: The set lists have been added below.

Sunday 23rd June 2019
Weald & Downland Living Museum, Singleton, PO18 0EU

Organiser's web pages:
Historic Life Weekend: Midsummer & Plant Lore
Programme for Sunday 23 June (pdf file)
Map (pdf file)

Apologies for the lateness of these details, those of you who have already contacted me are on the entry list.

We will be assembling at North Cray (by the Market Square) at 11.00am 10.30am to sing there at 11.30am 10.45am or depending on the weather by the Mill Pond. Then again after 2.00pm at that or another location.

Emily will be selecting songs from the two sets that we sang at the Stansted Garden Show.

Entry is by named list but please wear your lanyards if you have them, if you wish to wear sprays of flowers in your apparel please do, or a turnip or two!

To have your name on the list for free entry please email me at southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com as usual.

Many thanks,

John C.


Here are the two set lists:

Set 1

1. Oak, Ash & Thorn [F]
2. The Nightingale [A]
3. Rosebuds In June [B]
4. West Sussex Drinking Song [F]
5. The Magpie [B]
6. Twanky Dillo [G]
7. Hard Times Of Old England [F]
8. On Sussex Hills [A]
9. Life Of A Man [B]
10. The Turnip Hoer [B]

Set 2

1. Country Life [E – A]
2. The Bee Boy's Song [G]
3. Pleasant & Delightful [B]
4. A Smuggler’s Song [C#]
5. Fathom The Bowl [D#]
6. Song Of The Sussex Downsman [D#]
7. Jim The Carter Lad [C#]
8. Hares On The Mountain [F#]
9. Thousands Or More [A]
10. Ale, Glorious Ale [E]
11. Jolly Good Song [B]

SDFS at The Garden Show at Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle

Update 4th June 2019: There has been one small change to the first set list. The third song, which was previously Rosebuds In June, is now Dancing At Whitsun.

Update 3rd June 2019: With regard to times for singing, they will be at the same provisional times as Firle i.e. 12.30pm and 2.30pm, to be confirmed on arrival on the day with Jane who organises it, meet by St Paul's Chapel by 12.00 noon.

Update 30th May 2019: The two set lists have been added below.

Sunday 9th June 2019
The Garden Show at Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hants, PO9 6DX

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

There will be the usual two 35-minute song sets with preamble which will be held undercover 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  by the cut off date below to show your intention of volunteering on the day to sing, so that these can be distributed at the Worthing meeting on 5th June. Members of the Chichester and Lewes meetings attending on that date can collect passes for their respective Singers, or let me know their names by the cut off date below and I can mail them out to each meeting organiser respectively for collection.

Cut-off date for volunteers, so I can give Jane the number of passes we will need, is 20th May. 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 please.

Song sets content and timings to be posted here as they become available.

John C.


Here are the two set lists:

Set 1

1. Oak, Ash & Thorn [E]
2. The Nightingale [A]
3. Dancing At Whitsun [Bb]
4. West Sussex Drinking Song [F]
5. The Magpie [B]
6. Twanky Dillo [G]
7. Hard Times Of Old England [F]
8. On Sussex Hills [A]
9. Life Of A Man [B]
10. The Turnip Hoer [B]

Set 2

1. Country Life [Eb - Ab]
2. The Bee Boy's Song [G]
3. Pleasant & Delightful [A]
4. A Smuggler's Song [C#]
5. Fathom The Bowl [D#]
6. Song Of The Sussex Downsman [C#]
7. Rosebuds In June [B]
8. Hares On The Mountain [G]
9. Thousands Or More [A]
10. Ale, Glorious Ale [E]
11. Jolly Good Song [C]

Horsham’s Great British Festival Day

Update 11th May 2019: For any singers who were thinking of turning up on the day, I have just learned that we will not be singing at this event.
Keith D

Sunday 12th May 2019

We have been asked again to support the Horsham Folk Club's fund raising efforts for the Samaritans on this day.

It would involve two song sets, one on the Bandstand between other music performers and one in the Amphitheatre between circus skills slots.

Alan W has kindly offered to lead on the day.

Given the late notice I need to establish whether I can confirm our participation in their event to determine if their will  be enough of us to achieve  a viable group in a busy environment.

If you can support it please let me know at southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com

For more details of the event see the organiser's website.

John C.

SDFS at Michelham Priory's Diamond Anniversary Party

Update 3rd May 2019: Please note three songs in the set lists have been changed, here are the new lists:

Set 1

1. Country Life [Eb - Ab]
2. On Sussex Hills [A]
3. The Bee Boy's Song [G]
4. The Nightingale [A]
5. May Day Carol [G]
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. It Is The First Of May [D-G]
8. A Smuggler's Song [C#]
9. Thousands Or More [A]
10. Hal an Tow [F#]
11. Jolly Good Song

Words for the three new songs that have been added can be found in this post.

Sunday 5th May 2019

Apologies for the lateness of the post as I was awaiting the times for our sets. I have 14 volunteers so far for this event, with Emily leading.

We will be singing outside if the weather is clement or inside in the good acoustics of the Prior's Room (1st set) and in the Tithe Barn (2nd set) if inclement.

The two song sets will be the same as for the Firle Garden Show but sung at midday and 2.30pm with performances in-between by a choir singing 1950s period songs.

I'll be at the gatehouse from 11.00am to tick names off the list, but if you have SDFS lanyards do wear them thereby easing identification, especially as it helps the staff on the gate if you want to go back out to your car in the interim.

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#] May Day Carol [G]
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] It Is The First Of May [D-G]
8. A Smuggler's Song [C#]
9. Thousands Or More [A]
10. Turnip Hoer [B] Hal an Tow [F#]
11. Jolly Good Song

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

Worthing Seed Swap and Spring Fair

Update 3rd February 2019: here is a link to download the programme for this event.

Update 20th January 2019: 15 Singers have now volunteered for the event and I will supply their names to the organiser at the end of January, with any changes in the interim, for free entry at the door. If there are any changes in circumstances please communicate these to me via southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com

Singing will be on the Foyer staircase as before, in between talks. There will be two sets of five songs each at 1.40pm and 2.40pm led by Alan and Dave.

The song sets will be as follows:

Set 1

1. Country Life
2. The Turnip Hoer
3. Poor Froze out Gardeners
4. Oak, Ash & Thorn
5. Brisk Young Ploughboy

Set 2

1. The Farmer's Toast
2. The Bee Boy's Song
3. On Sussex Hills
4. Rosebuds in June
5. The Woodcutter's Song (or) In an English Country Garden

Practice has/will take place at the remaining prior monthly meetings.

John C.

Saturday 9th February 2019, 12:30 – 16:30
Oak Grove College, The Boulevard, Worthing, BN13 1JX

Dear all,

As in previous years, we have been asked to support this event with a 35 minute song set after lunch.

A number of Singers will be attending the all-day Belloc/Broadwood workshop with Emily and Chris Hare at Broadwater, so I need to determine whether we will have enough participants at the Seed Swap before I confirm to Pauline that we will be there.

Alan W has kindly offered to lead the singing instead of Emily and 10 Singers have already signed up for it, so if you can come please let me know asap by email southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com

Many thanks,

John

Wassail At Weald & Downland Living Museum, Saturday 19th January 2019

Emily will be leading a small group of Singers in 'catches' at the Museum  and is awaiting confirmation from Lucy of the exact timing, but it will be in the morning as the Wassail in the orchard adjacent to BayLeaf is in the afternoon.

Provisionally therefore if you wish to join her and the six Singers so far who have volunteered to rendezvous at North Cray in the Market Square at 11.00am, we could add some of our seasonal and wassailing songs to the occasion, and then if you are not too cold, join in during the wassail in the afternoon.

To achieve free entry please email me at southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com if you want to come and I will pass your names onto Emily for this purpose.

Please also wear your SDFS lanyards to also help with identification at the entrance.

John C

South Downs Folk Singers “Winter Revels” – our winter party!

Our next annual gathering to cheer us during the short days of winter will be at a new venue and slightly later in the year than previously held.

On Saturday 2nd February 2019 we will be meeting in the old Sussex barn attached to the English Martyrs Church in Goring (map link), on the corner of Goring Way and Compton Avenue. Postcode: BN12 4UE.

There is limited parking at the church, but no restrictions in the nearby residential roads. The venue is also near to the route and stops of the 700 Coastliner bus service and not far from Goring-by-Sea railway station.

The fun will begin at 7.30pm – but please note – due to an early evening service in the adjacent church please DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 7.00pm. Similarly, when leaving the party please be respectful of the surroundings and the quiet of the neighbouring area.

All South Downs Folk Singers, plus their family and friends, are very welcome to attend. Tickets are £2.50 each. Numbers are limited, so to avoid disappointment secure your place in advance by contacting Margo, via the South Downs Folk Singers email (or maybe see her at some local singing sessions).

Please bring food to share and your drinks of choice – and, as ever, your voices and a readiness to join in song!

Other contributions are also invited to add to the pleasure of the evening – your songs, readings, music and dance – any and all are welcome. (Please let Margo know if you’d like to contribute.)

One extra note this year – the Barn is a much-loved Grade II listed building, so special care must be taken not to damage the flint walls, wood pillars and beams or the flooring. We have been advised that shoes likely to mark the floor (especially high heels) are NOT welcome! (SDFS will be liable for the cost of any damage.) A reasonable request that we don’t expect will be hard to meet, or in any way limit the pleasure of the evening.

So we look forward to seeing you there – to salute the winter and look forward to the return of spring in 2019!

SDFS at 'Turning Tides' Ending Local Homelessness

Update 21st December 2018: Here is the set list, a repeat of our W&DLM set.

First Set:

1. The Angel Gabriel
2. Sussex Carol
3. Falmer Carol
4. The Holly and the Ivy
5. Sugar Wassail
6. Righteous Joseph
7. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
8. The Fields Lie Silent
9. Pentonville (While Shepherds Watched)

Second Set:

1. Masters in this Hall
2. Wassail! (Gloucestershire)
3. The Moon Shone Bright
4. The Holly Bears a Berry
5. Where Stormy Winds Do Blow
6. Coppers' Christmas Song
7. A Round for the Festive Season
8. Sweet Chiming Bells
9. Deck the Hall

Saturday 22nd December 2018 at 12.30pm
St Paul's Centre, Worthing

Emily has arranged for us to support this two-week St Clare's Community Hub initiative on this day of song and music by various performers.

We will be performing a seasonal song set from 12.30 - 1.15pm top and tailed by other performers, so please arrive about half an hour before we are on. If you have lanyards please wear them. As at Petworth dark trousers/skirts, coloured tops, tinsel/hats etc. at personal discretion.

The songs will be taken from the ones we have performed at recent performances.

Thirty singers have signed up so far.

Being the last Saturday before Christmas, parking in central Worthing will be at more of a premium than usual especially as the multi-storey car park area by the Station is being redeveloped (it used to be the cheapest for the day).

Unless you are coming in by public transport exclusively, parking outside the Residents' Parking Zones and catching the bus or walking in would probably be best.

There is a perhaps a possibility of singing elsewhere in the central shopping area afterwards, if there is a consensus on the day with those taking part, depending on the weather and personal inclination.

Emily will be singing general seasonal songs at The Coast Cafe, Splash Point from 7.00pm which you are welcome to join in with.

Further information about Turning Tides: website — Facebook — Twitter

John C