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.

Harriet Bartlett on 17 April

Harriet Bartlett

Harriet Bartlett

We are very pleased to welcome back Harriet Bartlett – one of our favourite performers. Harriet has been playing accordion for 13 years and performing at festivals, folk clubs and theatres for the past 8 years. Her repertoire consists of Celtic music on the piano accordion at lightning speed, heart-rending slow airs and beautiful songs. She has already composed many of her own tunes with a traditional style that belies her years. Harriet has played at many venues at home and abroad, including Celtic Connections, Sidmouth International, Venner Folk Frühling, Fylde, Bromyard and Warwick Festival. She’s been interviewed by Andy Kershaw on BBC Radio 3, has won a number of folk awards and has played on stage with Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham.

The singaround on 10 April has the theme of ‘Surprises’, which as usual can be taken in any way that appeals to you!

Check out www.littlebirdtoldme.info – it’s a website set up by Alan Helsdon and Joe Scaife that is full of information about local folk events. You’ll be amazed at how much is going on in the area!

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.