Judi Daykin singaround showcase

Judi Daykin is the showcase guest at the White Horse Inn on Friday 6 November and will perform two spots within the singaround. Judi first sang in folk clubs “up north” back in the 1970s, but she was seduced away from the scene by the lure of the bright lights of show business. She trained as an actor and singer at drama school in London and has worked mainly in theatre for some years now. Folk music came back into her life in the new century following a chance conversation with Simon Nichol of Fairport Convention. He suggested a visit to their annual Fairport’s Cropredy Convention to see how things had changed. Inspired by this visit Judi rushed down to Norwich Folk Club and joined their ranks, as well as becoming a regular Cropredy goer.

Judi Daykin

Judi Daykin

Judi uses her actor’s storytelling ability to mix modern singer songwriter material with traditional numbers and even the occasional bit of poetry. Influences include Fairport Convention, Joni Mitchell and Show of Hands, all of whom will no doubt be showing up in her choice of songs. All welcome and entry is free.

On Friday 30 October the singaround is at the Manor Rooms, just up the Street from the White Horse Inn. Drinks can be bought at the pub and tea and coffee are also available. Everyone is welcome, whether to listen, sing or play, and the mix of music is often eclectic.

Summer Sunday Singaround on 16 August

Our annual Summer Sunday Singaround kicks off at around 2 pm on the patio or in the usual function room at the White Horse Inn, depending on the weather! Sprinkled through the afternoon and evening, there will be spots from various local folkies.

The usual Friday singarounds continue throughout the summer – free entry and all welcome.

On Friday 21 August we shall be at the Manor Rooms, just up the street from the White Horse Inn. Collect your drink from the pub on the way. Tea and coffee available.

On Friday 28 August we are back at the White Horse Inn, as usual. Visitors and locals are all invited – why not try out a new tune or song in these friendly surroundings?

New Year’s Eve

Club members and friends are all invited to join us at our New Year’s Eve ceilidh and singaround at the Christ Church Centre on Magdalen Road, Norwich from 8.30 pm. Shufflewing will form the core of the band and will welcome assistance from all comers, with Chris Davis as the caller. Fancy dress optional. Bring your own liquid refreshment, and a little food to share would be appreciated – tea and coffee available. Entry free – with a grand raffle, if you would like to contribute a prize.

Estonian showcase

At the singaround at the White Horse on 14 November, the club will host a showcase by Estonian visitors to Norwich. Entry is free.

Norwich folk club member Chris Davis has regularly been visiting Estonia over the past few years, enjoying the rich folk music and dance culture. During these visits, links have grown with a folk-dancing group from Tallinn. Ironically, they had adopted Scottish dance, but Chris has introduced them to the English folk style, which has become very popular.

One of the visitors is Piia Kaljukivi who plays a small hand-made ‘Kannel’, a traditional plucked string instrument, as well as bagpipes, and it is Piia who will be performing two short spots of Estonian songs and tunes at the Norwich Folk Club.

Folk music is an important aspect of Estonian culture and acted as a rallying point in the move for independence from the Soviet Union. Regular massed singing of 100,000 people would take place in Tallinn, bonding the nation during this uncertain period. Maybe we won’t amass that many at the White Horse, but the evening is equally about the Estonians experiencing aspects of English folk, so please bring your own favourite tunes and songs. It will also be a chance to see your MC for the night, Chris Davis (along with guest performer Piia), in traditional Estonian national dress!

There will be another opportunity to meet the Estonians informally at a ceilidh (just £2 entrance) the next (late) morning, and to learn a couple of Estonian dances.  Details will be given on the Friday night.

Concert-size Estonian kannel

Concert-size Estonian kannel