A bit of Newfy

Whitby lifeboatman Henry Freeman
photographed by Frank Meadow Sutcliffe,
seen wearing his "waistcoat" or life-jacket.
Photo copyright The Sutcliffe Gallery

Mike was back on form last week although unusually using printed words for a couple of songs. The evening started off with Canine regular, Gertie, taking leave of her pet human, Maggie (2), and nesting in Mike's book where he records the proceedings of the club. That was amusing enough but when Mike started to sing, the book descended between his knees, closing to engulf the poor hound, leaving everyone rolling around laughing.

In this fashion, Mike started us off with Adam McNaughtan's The yellow on the broom.

Pot pourri

The title page of an edition of The Sacred Harp

Mike wasn't feeling too well at last week's session, so Richard was put in charge, and he ably MCed the evening.

Chico made an appearance at the club for the first time in 10 or 15 years according to his memory. We were certainly entertained by his songs: Roll along, Seaman's shuffle (a ragtime tune) and 21st century troubadour (download sample). Let's hope we see him at The Bridge before the next decade starts.

Terry isn't anywhere near as rare a visitor to the club as Chico, but this time he was missing his usual companion: his classical guitar. It was therefore from a slightly different repertoire that we hear him sing on this occasion. Terry sang The Dutchman by Michael P Smith, John Willie's ferret by the Oldham Tinkers, and Lamorna. The last song, appearing to be about a place in Cornwall, seems to be derived from a 19th century broadside providing words to a song called Down to Pomona, which is set in Manchester.

A fine send off for Ray Croll

Yesterday was the day of Ray Croll's funeral. I wasn't at the funeral itself but I understand that Richard officiated in fine style and that the singing was as strong as you would expect. I did however go to the evening event, which in accordance with Ray's wishes was a celebration of both his life and that of his late wife, Vera.

There must have been at least 100 people present (I didn't count so it could have been many more). There were two performance sessions starting soon after 7pm and going on until 11:15 with only a short break for a buffet. There were many fine performances, with performers representing many of the folk clubs that Ray attended. Even with all of those performers, it barely scratched the surface of the talent present.

Remembrance

Ebenezer Theodore Joshua

This week there was no Mike or Maggie so Richard was in charge and, being the closest session to Remembrance Sunday, remembrance and war was the theme.

Most of the small number of us assembled joined in the theme.In fact Gary started the theme off last week with his song, White poppy.

Colin started us off with Ghost Story. I don't usually add too much in the report that wasn't said on the night, but my hunt for this on the web was an interesting one. Unfortunately I didn't find a recording, but I did find this mention of the song. The first place I saw it was on the website of The Church Times:

Things that go bump by the campfire (with added rugby)

Brian Bedford with Jacey Bedford
and Hilary Spencer, the members
of the disbanded harmony group,
Artisan

Being between Halloween and November 5th, this week's theme was supposed to be "Things that go bump by the campfire". Talk of campfire songs seemed though to bring us round to rugby songs, some of which, usually in cleaner versions, were sung. If an excuse was needed, it was found in that the Rugby League World Cup was taking place in various venues around the country.