Rising from the heat of The Ashes

Cootamundra Wattle

Last week's session was as hot and sweaty as a dingo's armpit except we didn't have a dingo, just Gerty who took great pleasure in sitting on Mike's notebook as he tried to write down the songs we sang. There was also the competition with the band in the bar, which I think we won.

The only theme I discerned during the evening was Australia, introduced by Rachel, and one can only assume, relating to the ongoing Ashes series, in which England seems to be doing well. Rachel's contributions were from the collecting of A L Lloyd: Wallaby Stew and The Shearer's Dream. Tom added Cootamundra Wattle and Rose came in with Diamantina Drover.

Thursday was Maggie's birthday, so we all sang Happy Birthday.

The two visitors were Vanessa, apparently a Dragon Folk Club regular from the days at The Lamb and her friend Jan. Vanessa sang, among others, the ever popular chorus sing, Union Miners. Apparently at Vanessa's request, Jan sang Pleasant and Delightful. Little did Jan know, Vanessa correctly anticipated Mike and Maggie causing great hilarity with actions and alternative words such as "and the sharks they played melodeons". Nevertheless, Jan continued strongly and managed to get to the end.

Again on Vanessa's request, Mike finished off the evening with "The Lamb Finishing off Song" which referred to the club when it was at The Lamb and the apparent opportunity for a lock in.

Next week (27 July 2013) is (the other) Maggie's 60th birthday and the session will be her birthday party. The raffle will be in aid of BUST, and Rachel has already given a donation because she won't be around. Come along and give yours, your songs, your donations and your birthday wishes to Maggie 2, that is.

Here's a selection of these songs plus some others sung during the session.