The Shipdham Scrapers on 19 June

Showcase guests at the singaround on Friday 19 June will be the Shipdham Srapers, with Lesley and Kerry on fiddle, Gwyn on guitar and Richard on melodeon and concertina. Well known regulars at various local sessions, including the King’s Head at Dereham (third Wednesday of the month) and the Cherry Tree at Wicklewood (last Thurday), they play a varied mix of English and French tunes with an occasional song – influenced by Spiers and Boden, but not quite so fast! Everyone is very welcome to come along and entry is free.

There is also a singaround as usual on Friday 12 June – all welcome, whether to listen, sing or play a tune or two. Why not try out a new song or tune? New performers are particularly appreciated! Entry is free.

Alan Helsdon on 8 May

The showcase guest on 8 May, performing two sets within the singaround, will be Alan Helsdon, singer-songwriter, musician and historian of local folk songs and tunes. Alan is also the leading light of folk band Shufflewing. Free entry and everyone welcome.

The singaround on 1 May will have the theme ‘May Day’, which can be taken in any way that you like! As usual, entry is free and everyone is welcome, whether to listen, sing or play tunes.

The singaround on 24 April will be open to all kinds of acoustic music and songs. Free entry and all are very welcome. Come along and test out your new songs in a friendly atmosphere. No need to arrange spots in advance.

Kiss the Mistress on 27 February!

Kiss the Mistress

Kiss the Mistress

Showcase guests at the singaround on 27 February will be Kiss the Mistress, a popular local trio combining a rare mix of voice, cello, accordion and bodhran. Entry is free and everyone is welcome to come along.

Club officers John Robinson (chair), Bridget Lely (secretary), Fred Brown (treasurer) and Linda Robinson (membership secretary) were asked by the AGM to continue for a further year. Other committee members for 2009-10 are: Judy Bedder, Keith Ellison, Andrea Granville, Brian O’Neill, Caroline Peel and Kelly Woods. The AGM joined John in welcoming Andrea and Caroline to the committee and in thanking retiring committee members Les Ellis and Mick Selvey for all their work on the club’s behalf.

Members commented that guest nights in the past year had been really enjoyable and that they particularly like the wide variety of acoustic music styles at singarounds nowadays.

Membership for 2009-10 is now due and remains at £6. To benefit from reduced ticket prices on guest nights and receive regular updates on club news, download the membership form, or contact the membership secretary on any club night.

‘Changes’ – themed singaround

Themed singarounds always bring a variety of unexpected treats, and the suggestion of ‘Changes’ allows for all kinds of possibilities. This started with the idea of shape-shifting, but of course there are many other ways of interpreting the concept in song – not to mention the potential for changes in performers’ habits – a monologue from a ‘listener’ perhaps, a tune from a singer or  the exciting birth of a new combo – however you choose to take the theme! Free entry, as usual on singaround nights.

Manor Rooms on 5 December

With apologies from our landlord Andy for the late notice, please note that the venue for Friday 5 December will be the Manor Rooms, just up the Street from the White Horse Inn. Bring your own refreshments or buy drinks at the pub. Tea and coffee will also be available. Everyone is welcome, whether to listen or to take part.