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

SDFS at W&DLM Christmas Market – Report

Here's a report from Alan for our performances on 23rd November 2019:

Thanks to 40 SDFS members for turning up on a damp, cloudy, muddy day at the Christmas Market at the Weald & Downland Museum. Thanks to those from the eastern provinces in particular and to Dave and Amaryllis for organising their respective halves of a newly-tightened semi circle. Also to Dave for announcing.

All went quite well despite rain in the first performance. It was worrying as books drooped and words vanished from pages. A spell cast by Emily to impress upon us the importance of learning our words?

Great singing despite my novel, idiosyncratic activities as conductor. But could it have been those that gained your attention to my unusual gesticulations, leaving John Barbirolli way behind? Two sessions outside with the full complement. At the second session by the café the singers somehow managed to position the leader in a puddle, with a little child stamping up and down behind and determined to make everyone wet. At the request of the organisers, we gave a third performance with about 15 or so who stayed to sing in the Gridshell. Although tired, damp and muddy, a super Gridshell performance. It is so much easier to impress when singing inside a building.

The gentlemen gave of their best due to a larger-than-usual complement of excellent singers. Their harmony lines of some of the songs were particularly powerful. The ladies were their usual solid, competent selves with a large group of top-part-harmony-singers voices adding an extra level of beauty to the songs.

“Thank you Emily for teaching so well that we can feel pleased with our performances and can entertain audiences.”

Singing at Fernhurst Furnace, Sunday 15th September 2019

Have you forgotten those hot sunny days of summer? They are well past now, but we can still remember the brilliant day we had singing on the Sunday at the annual Fernhurst Furnace open weekend, a unique, historical event at the site of the old Tudor iron-works, that once made cannons for King Henry VIII’s navy.

We were over 30 strong, dressed in appropriately rustic gear, and we sang two very enthusiastic sets of songs. Firstly we sang outside the beer tent in the woods, where we were warmly applauded by the queue of folk lining up to buy their lunch at the lamb roast stall. The second set we performed in the main field in the full glare of the afternoon sun, which proved almost too hot for some of the ladies who had to retreat to the shade of the cake stall!

There was ample opportunity for us to peruse the various woodland craft activities, watch the falconry displays and marvel at the re-enactment manoeuvres performed by the members of Sir Marmaduke Rawdon's Regiment of Foote in the main arena.

This was our second year singing at the event and we hope it will not be our last. Thanks to Dave for his announcements, to Alan for conducting us and to everyone who came to sing in the choir.

Apple Day at Stanmer Park

Brighton Apple Day at Stanmer Park was, despite the weather, a huge success!

Loads of stalls with – apples! Apples to buy, apples to study and apple identification. Plus apple juice and cider. There were apple tree tours as well!

Actually it didn’t rain much and for our two singing sessions we were bunched inside a gazebo, put up especially for all singers and musicians, with chairs set out for the audience. So thoughtful.

Tina did an amazing job as leader and kept all 20 of us together – spatially and vocally. During the first 40-minute set we had some drizzle, but still an audience appeared and many stayed to watch. We sang The Bee Boy’s Song especially for Cat’s 3 year old son, Rhion, as it’s his favourite song. Rhion sat on his father's lap and quietly watched the whole first set before closing his eyes…

There was no rain for the second set and we had a really good audience plus plenty of through traffic, most of whom stayed for at least a little while. The organiser, Neil – such a nice man – thanked us all very much and has asked us back for next year. There were lots of very positive comments. I think the South Downs Folk Singers did the Apple Day proud and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, too!

Amaryllis

The Petworth Society Christmas Evening – a review

Singers may be interested to see this review, published in the Petworth Magazine, of our performance for the Petworth Society on 12th December 2018. Thanks to Leigh for sending this in.

Click on the images to enlarge them.

Winter Revels – Saturday 2nd February 2019

The snow kept clear of Goring-by-Sea, so 51 of us arrived at Jupp’s Barn for our best Winter Celebration yet. The new venue is perfect for us and the heating system really works. Thank you to everyone who came and joined in with the food and fun. The tables were overflowing with delicious offerings. After the bring and share feast, we were entertained by lots of singers; so thank you to Richard B, Julie O, Dave W, and a select group of Whispering Woods, to our wordsmith, Amaryllis, and to Leigh for sharing the photograph of her Great-great grandfather who lived at Jupp’s Farm and most probably worked in the barn and then sat and sang outside with the others when harvest was home. Dave and Sue, Alan and Anne and Keith accompanied their various songs on guitars, whistles, mandolin and melodeon before providing some dance tunes so that Emily could “teach” the majority of us some country dance steps. The evening came to an end all too soon but then we have to remember that some of the group had travelled from further up the Arun and Adur valleys and from Petersfield in the West to Saltdean in the East and wanted to be home before midnight.

The Graffham Christmas Concert – Sunday 16th December 2018

Twenty-one singers turned out on a cold and wet December Sunday to present a special “Christmas Celebration in Word and Song” in St Giles Church, Graffham. It was a joyful event enjoyed by all and we have received high praise and thanks from the vicar, the Revd Vivien Turner, and from many of the 70-strong congregation. The traditional country style of the carols and readings was described as being “earthy” but succeeding in raising everyone’s spirits to the heavens and thereby encouraging some enthusiastic community singing! Thank you to everyone who participated.

Don’t forget that we will be meeting in the Chichester Inn in West Street, Chichester on Thursday night 20th December at 8.00pm. You are warmly encouraged to bring along instruments, your own favourite Christmas songs and poems, and be ready to perform your party pieces, as this will be less of a rehearsal and more of a Christmas Sing! See you there!

(The photo is courtesy of Ginny Barrett, a friend from the village)

SDFS sing at the Weald and Downland Museum Christmas Market

A large number of us South Downs Folk Singers attended the Weald & Downland Living Museum recently where we entertained the crowds by singing a super selection of seasonal songs and winter carols. We sang with jollity and enthusiasm and were ably conducted as usual by Emily. Thank you to everyone who participated!

David G

SDFS sing at Weald & Downland Living Museum

On Sunday 19th June over a score of us merry South Downs Folk Singers performed at the Morris Day of Dance at the Weald & Downland Living Museum at Singleton. It was a lovely sunny summer’s day and Morris sides came from near and far to demonstrate their colourful brand of traditional dancing. We were invited to entertain between dances with three sets of songs from Sussex and the South Downs and our enthusiastic singing was very well received by a large crowd of people well versed in the folk tradition. Our lusty songs about country life, smugglers, ploughboys and turnip hoers could be heard loud and clear in the Market Square and around the park where groups of tired dancers sat and rested and joined in with the choruses. Our thanks as ever to Emily for leading the singing and for encouraging us to give a great performance!

South Downs Folk Singers sing at Horsham English Festival

On Sunday 13th May twenty-five stalwart singers visited the Horsham English Festival and entertained the good people of Horsham with an excellent selection of Sussex songs. Introduced by Dave and conducted with great aplomb by Alan, we sang songs of magpies, bees, soldiers, smugglers, sailors and turnip hoers and finished the 45 minute set with a rousing rendition of Sussex by the Sea. We were complimented on our performance by the townsfolk, many of whom joined in with the choruses. The afternoon was organised by Horsham Folk Club and a collection was made in aid of the Samaritans. Well done to everyone who participated!

South Downs Folk Singers sing at Butser Ancient Farm

Following a very successful concert of songs celebrating country life and the arrival of May, which we performed in the ancient long house at Butser Ancient Farm on 5th May as part of the annual Beltain Festival, here is a sepia photograph of some of the singers who took part. We dressed up to reflect the dress style of rural folk at the beginning of the 19th century.

Michelham Priory, Sunday 10th December 2017

Braving a miserable and cold day and a road closure, the intrepid Singers made their way to the 'Victorian Christmas' to sing two sets of rousing seasonal songs.

They were joined, presumably by some sort of 'Outlander' time warp, by some Victorian ladies craftily  provided with degaussing rings in their skirts to pick up any WW2 magnetic mines in the vicinity.

The Catches at the end of the second set (when we were joined by our groupies and the odd audience member) were great fun, bring on some more Emily! It's a pity Tina's heavy work commitments prevented her joining us. Thanks also to Amaryllis, Mike and Alan.

The Priory kindly provided beverages, sandwiches, mince pies and chocolate biscuits to the Singers and Helen emailed us this after the first set:

"I'm just emailing now to say thanks so much for coming out today in awful weather. I heard you singing in the house and it sounded great – hope to catch up on some more songs later, but I'm running around a bit at the moment. Please pass on my thanks to the Singers.

Very best to all of you and wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

John C.

Southdowns Folk Festival Report

The South Downs Folk Singers sang brilliantly at the Southdowns Folk Festival in Bognor Regis on Saturday 23rd September. First off many of our singers joined the Secret Shore singers to sing a super set of shanties and sea songs outside the William Hardwicke public house and then performing as the South Downs Folk Singers we sang an hour of folk songs in the main street, with lots of people joining in with the choruses – especially Sussex by the Sea.

Photo: Richard Corkrey and his team of Festival Photographers

Singing at Danny Park 300th Anniversary Cricket Match, Sunday 9th July 2017

Update 12th August 2017: A selection of photo images from the 300th anniversary cricket match can be viewed and downloaded here.

To celebrate 300 years of cricket at Danny House, the beautiful Elizabethan country house set in lovely grounds, there was a friendly cricket match, in full period costume, played out between the Danny Park residents and Hurstpierpoint village.

It was a great day, full of fun, with Chanctonbury Morris dancing and the South Downs Folk Singers offering their singing of local folk songs, some from the same period. Spit roast lamb was consumed, ale flowed, games commenced and the onlookers were treated to an exciting match with those dropping the ball sent to the stocks for a good soaking.

Great fun for all and did the sun shine!

A message from Richard Burrows, the organiser of the event:

"Dear John,

I wanted to thank Emily and all the fabulous singers who entertained us so well on Sunday and played a big part in making it such a pleasurable and memorable day.

I hope we can find another occasion to invite you all back to Danny."

Thanks to David Broadhead and Damon Hart for the photos below.

Singing at Tullecombe, Tuesday 18th July 2017

On a warm, sunny Tuesday lunchtime ten of us met up with enthusiastic song collector Stephen A at the Forestry Commission car park at Tullecombe, just north of Rogate. As you can see from the photos, we chose a pretty piece of the common to sing to a group of walkers who were on an officially organised hike along this section of the Serpent Trail. Whilst they sat and rested, Stephen told them all about the songs he’s been researching, which were once sung by local villagers in this small corner of Sussex. We sang four songs: the Saucy Sailor, Valiants All, the Stedham Oysterman’s Donkey and as an encore Pleasant and Delightful.

South Downs Folk Singers entertain at Horsham English Festival

A message of thanks from Les B and a report from David G:

Very many thanks to everyone who came and sang at the English Festival in Horsham yesterday. Our performance was much enjoyed, the festival organisers were most grateful and we received many compliments.
We're booked in for next year – 13th May 2018!
Best, Les.

On Sunday 7th May more than twenty of our gallant singers attended the Horsham English Festival and sang a rousing 40 minute set of Sussex songs praising amongst other things Hepworths Beer and life in the countryside. We were well received by the townsfolk, many of whom joined in with the choruses. The afternoon was organised by Horsham Folk Club and was in aid of the Samaritans. Well done to everyone who volunteered to sing at such short notice. See you at Michelham Priory next Sunday!

Photo: Barbara W

Slindon Wassail Report

10th February 2017 update: A report has been added to the Slindon Wassail post here.

Slindon Wassail – Saturday, 14th January 2017

Update 10th February 2017: Here's an update from John C (actually provided by John on 20th January, apologies for the delay in posting it here).

Thanks to much help and support from our trusty N.T. volunteers, the SDF Singers, 'Said the Maiden', 'Kadia', Mythago Morris and the Prize Old Mummers, the Rangers are delighted to report that last Saturday’s Wassail evening was a huge success. Katie is really pleased it all turned out so well (phew!), helped of course by the rain limiting its appearance to the afternoon, then pushing off to leave us with a perfect clear and chilly evening.

As you now-veteran wassailers will know, the flaming torch walk from the College entrance, taking in the orchard behind the yard, before heading down through the village, was a first time experiment. It turned out to be splendid. The atmosphere and jolly conviviality was highly contagious, and we have photographic evidence for those who weren’t around to experience it! Unexpectedly, but nevertheless very welcome, the Irish News came up with a Slindon Wassail report, note the local photographer's credit. Mention of it has also been posted on the Trust's national volunteer website as part of a post entitled 'Apps, Apples, Archaeology & Kipling' by John.

Some of you may have also seen the photograph in the Daily Telegraph on Monday, the fame of Slindon village eh!

The Ranger Raffle made £400, four bean sticks bundles were sold plus numerous log candles. After expenses the event made approximately £600 profit, so some funds to plough back in to buying tools, plus also to covering the Apple Day expenses deficit.

Amazingly around 500+ people attended, so in view of this year's national coverage, the chances are we might have even more punters next year (weather permitting), so maybe some things to work on (extra parking; additional lighting for the straw arena; further field event co-ordination with the procession timings).

Update 10th January 2017: additional information from John C has been added, please scroll down below the map to see this.

Songs from the list below will be chosen on the night, as circumstances allow.

1. Wassail, Wassail (Gloucestershire)
2. Oak, Ash and Thorn
3. Sugar Wassail
4. Coppers’ Christmas Song
5. West Sussex Drinking Song
6. Here We Come A Wassailing
7. The Woodcutter’s Song
8. Apple Tree Wassail
9. The Magpie
10. Thousands or More
11. Rounds?
12. Jolly Good Song

If enough Singers can confirm to be outside Slindon College at 5.45pm we could do a couple of songs before the Wassailing of their orchard, if not then this set is at 7.30pm in the field behind Slindon Forge in Reynolds Lane.

Ranger Raffle prizes:

• Trailer load of logs
• Guided personal Slindon Safari tour
• Three bags of Slindon Charcoal
• Tractor ride
• Two-course dinner for two at The George, Eartham
• Cream tea for two at Motte and Bailey, Arundel
• Family stay at Gumber Bothy
• Two log candles
• Personal guided tour of East Head, in Chichester Harbour
• Surveying for dormice with the Rangers
• Up close and personal Badger experience
• Wild camp experience in the woods with the Rangers

Suggested areas for car parking:

• Top Road between Slindon College entrance and the Catholic Church, also further east
• Church Hill
• School Hill leading up to Gaston Farm
• Reynolds Lane
• Mill Road, south of the A29

Further information added 10th January:

Finally you can make this a date in your shiny new 2017 diaries and calendars, and ensure you read this properly because the N.T. & Villagers have  made the decision to take one step closer to Wassailing tradition. Hold on to your Wassailing hats! The N.T. Staff & Volunteers will be setting it up in the days beforehand.

Part 1. The Villagers, NT, SDFS and Mummers

By 5.45pm: Meet at the entrance to Slindon College, where the mysterious masked Mythago Morris will take us to our first Wassail behind the NT Estate Yard at 6.00pm. Those participating can park alongside the College wall in Top Road.

6.15pm (ish): We will parade down to the Jubilee Orchard (behind the Forge Shop / Café / Village Hall) via Church Hill, with flaming torches held aloft and once there greet our guests and  light the Wassail Bonfire. Mulled cider, pork and apple hot dogs and a licenced bar will be on site.

Part 2. Not just for locals

6.45pm: The merriment begins in the Forge Field and Jubilee Orchard. With ‘Said the Maiden’ and ‘Kadia’ performing their first set.

7.30pm: The South Downs Folk Singers perform their set, with audience participation in two simple ‘Rounds’ at the end.

8.00pm: Mythago Morris will Wassail the Jubilee Orchard accompanied by the other revellers, who can make a 2017 wish and hang it on the oldest apple tree, after dancing in and around it in circles.

8.30pm: The Prize Old Mummers will perform a short topical 15-minute play and invite you to join in and heckle as it progresses.

8.45pm: ‘Said the Maiden’ & ‘Kadia’ will perform their second set.

9:30ish: Time to go home

What you need to bring:

• £1 per person for entrance
• £3 per person who would like a flaming torch to hold (over 18s only)
• Wear warm clothes.
• A hat decorated with winter greenery and anything else that takes your fancy (there’s a prize for the best).
• Pots, pans and wooden spoons to be noisy at the Wassailing times.
• A thought or a wish that you might like to cast upon the oldest tree.
• Money for drinks, food, CDs, a Wassail mug souvenir and other surprises.
• Parking will be at a premium so try to car share. There should be  spaces along the College Wall on Top Road, between the A29 and the Village Hall and south of the A29 cross roads in Mill Road  but it will be first come first served.
• Those Singers who can’t make the earlier time up at the College can meet the rest of us at Forge Field at 6.45pm.
• Any updates will be added to this post
• Please email me if you are coming, southdownsfolksingers@gmail.com

John C.


Further information on external websites:
Slindon Village
National Trust

Bateman’s 2016

John C

John C

Fiona Hancock of the National Trust thanked us for “Again contributing to a very successful WW1 Remembrance weekend, with your fine selection of songs celebrating Kipling, and reflecting the traumatic effects of the war on the society that endured it.”

Colin B videoed the event and together with Keith D’s recordings, both here and at the Sullington Flower Festival, moved us toward promoting ourselves further to attract more members.

John C

Peter B

Special thanks to Emily, Amaryllis and Libby for providing the extra songs that were sung in the entrance hall of the house (till we were turfed out) and when ‘under fire’ afterwards, protected by the hedge in the garden when the whistles blew for ‘over the top’.

Mike, understudying David, did us proud with the song announcements which he was seen rehearsing at various points within the gardens between performances.

The event generated our best turnout of Singers so far this year.

Fiona is considering changing the format next year, so I will keep more closely in touch.

John C

Peter B

 

John C

 

Peter B

Singing at The Star

(Apologies for the very late posting of this item – Adrian F)

The South Downs Folk Singers were welcome guests in April at The Star in Alfriston under the guidance of Tina, with introductions to the songs by Adrian F. This was the second time that we had performed at The Star and the unaccompanied harmonies of a small group really go down well, complementing  hosts Andy & Mac’s varied repertoire and the contributions of other guests, some planned and others turning up on the night to offer a song or two.

The Folk Club at The Star, which is an old pub, restaurant and hotel, on Alfriston High Street, and located perfectly for South Downs Way walkers to break their journey, has now been running for a year and has rapidly built up a following amongst new and established – principally acoustic – singers and musicians from around the Brighton-Lewes-Eastbourne triangle.

We will continue to guest at The Star from time to time, with our next scheduled performance in October. SDFS singers who feel like giving it a go with a song or two sometime should contact me (an SDFS member, e-mail: macpoulton@gmail.com) or Tina.

Mac