Piccadilly Circus

Several issues conspired to make tonight less than ideal for a folk session at The Bridge. The pub was very busy, apparently a wake, the window was missing from the door of the function room and the main ladies' toilet was out of action causing our room to be a bit like Piccadilly Circus with "ladies" rushing backwards and forwards through it to use the alternative facilities.

A couple of people had left by the time I arrived - and I wasn't that late. The rest of us spent the time quaffing our drinks, engaged in pleasant conversation, and waiting in case anyone else turned up. Maggie seemed quite upset that the folk club couldn't go on as usual; I assured her that it wasn't her fault and it wasn't the end of the world.

Charity or BUST

John Alderslade

This week's meeting of the Dragon Folk Club was one of those very rare nights when this isn't a session club. It was a charity night in aid of BUST.

BUST is the Breast Cancer Unit Support Trust, the Bristol based charity founded by patients for patients to support the work of the Southmead Hospital Breast Care Centre. The good news is that we raised over £100 for the charity; I'll post the actual figure here when all the counting is done.

12th April 2013 - Charity Night for Breast Cancer

Starring John Alderslade

Supported by a group from the Bristol Shantymen
MC: Kevin Adams

This is advance warning of a special club night in aid of BUST, the Southmead Hospital Breast Care Unit Support Trust. Money raised will go towards equipment for the Breast Care Centre.

Please join us for what should be an excellent night and help us raise money for a worthwhile cause.

There will be an opportunity for floor singers.

John Alderslade

Songs, stories and jokes. Lots of choruses and chances for audience participation

The Bristol Shantymen 

A popular and well known group performing sea songs and shanties (three of its members will be performing at this event)

Mike - Profile

This article is one of a series on regulars at the club.

Mike has been coming along to the Dragon Folk Club for "many, many years", since it was held at The Lamb in Iron Acton. He is a fine unaccompanied singer.

Mike has a long history with music, not just folk music. He sang with Dave Marshall and Amanda as the "Terrible Two and Amanda", and also with the "Westerleigh Wailers" who performed many times at folk clubs and festivals.

He is now with the Bristol Shantymen and has appeared with them at folk clubs and festivals all over the country. The group is still going strong although only four original members are still involved: Mike, John Shaw, Dave Byrne and "Pru". Mike has sung with the shantymen on many sea-going vessels and at shanty festivals in Poland, Liverpool, Whitby, Bristol, and Cardiff, among others.

Mike is MC at Maggie's Dragon Folk Club. He has also successfully MCed at other folk clubs and at festivals.

Since this profile was written the role of MC at the Dragon Folk Club has been shared between various club members.

Unfortunately Mike is now deceased.