Folklife's Updates ~ Keeping Folk In Touch
www.folklife.uk/updates for Folklife Traditions Journal & Folklife West magazines, & for our online Directory
Mainly Wales, West Country & West Midlands. All areas, UK & International, are most welcome!
➡️ To SEND YOUR UPDATES : go to our SEND UPDATES ! webpage ⬅️
That webpage has forms, so we can quickly copy to this page
Or you can simply email us, with Subject: Updates (that will take longer to edit/process)
Updates arranged (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) Folklife members' news
➡️ (1) Folklife Traditions Journal ~ Updates: research, inc. societies & publications. Open to all.
➡️ (2) Online Directory ~ Updates. Open to all.
➡️ (2) Online Directory ~ Updates. Open to all.
➡️ (3) Folklife Members' folk news ~ Updates. All from our Folklife members (subscribers) ~ cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ for Folklife West print & online, and to be in email Updates
(2) Directory: is by category Venues (areas); Performers (areas); Media; Services. Within each category, area order as below for folk news.
Cymru; Kernow; England West Country; West Midlands; East Midlands; East; South-East; London; North-West, North-East; Yorkshire; Scotland; Ireland; USA.
Festivals and Workshops 12-month Diary.
Note: lengthy material may refer to this Updates webpage rather than be quoted in full.
The latest Updates = since the Updates email 12/7/26
Deadlines: Folklife West 20 July for Sept.; Journal 1 Oct for Nov.
Next Updates email will include items below, if still timely.
EDITORIAL
Deadlines: Folklife West, 20 July for Sept.-Dec; Journal 1 Oct. for Nov.
I never have enough time to contact all the folk I'd like to, but when contacted I usually add along the lines of ~ if you would like to contribute to the Journal, that would be most welcome (articles or research news)if involved with any folk activity you'd like listing in our online Directory (musical gathering or as performer), that would be most welcome, I can draft something from your online information for your approval.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates (research, societies, publications) ~ your contributions welcome
Our July 2026 Journal has a record 11 articles / 24 pages! Read or download on https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue
Next Journal deadline 1 Oct. for Nov., meanwhile we welcome research & organisations news for Updates.
(2) Online Directory: Updates (your listings welcome, listings are free entry; no dates)
🄵 = Folklife Members, see Folklife West for news. Ø = other readers on our free Updates mailing list.
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Venues (starting with any local media updates)
Venues, Zoom, Performers, Media, Services listings welcome, contact sam@folklife.uk
West Midlands County: Birmingham
→ The Red Lion (upstairs function room), Vicarage Road, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7LY. Weekly from September to May, door time 7:30pm, start time 8:00pm.
⇒ Contact & media: redlionfolkclub<at>gmail.com, subscribe to our mailing list, form on www.redlionfolkclub.uk Facebook Red Lion Folk Club Birmingham, www.facebook.com/redlionfolkclub; WeGotTickets https://wegottickets.com/RedLionFolkClub, Instagram www.instagram.com/redlionfolkclub
⇒ Contact & media: redlionfolkclub<at>gmail.com, subscribe to our mailing list, form on www.redlionfolkclub.uk Facebook Red Lion Folk Club Birmingham, www.facebook.com/redlionfolkclub; WeGotTickets https://wegottickets.com/RedLionFolkClub, Instagram www.instagram.com/redlionfolkclub
West Midlands County: Dudley
🅄 Saturday, Monthly Stourbridge NEXT LEVEL FOLK www.facebook.com/groups/nextlevelfolk/
→ Singers' nights: Duke William, 25 Coventry Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1EP.
→ Singers' nights: Duke William, 25 Coventry Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1EP.
Guest nights: generally at Duke William as above, or Garibaldi Inn, 19 Cross St, Stourbridge DY8 3XE.
Doors 7pm, 7.30pm start.
⇒ For more information, visit www.facebook.com/groups/nextlevelfolk/ Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/nextlevelfolk
⊕ Our aim is to promote live performances that further the folk tradition and support touring and local artists. Monthly singers' nights, £3 spectators; £2 performers. Quarterly guest nights, £12 on the door or £10 in advance. (new listing, August 2026)
⇒ For more information, visit www.facebook.com/groups/nextlevelfolk/ Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/nextlevelfolk
⊕ Our aim is to promote live performances that further the folk tradition and support touring and local artists. Monthly singers' nights, £3 spectators; £2 performers. Quarterly guest nights, £12 on the door or £10 in advance. (new listing, August 2026)
West Yorkshire
🄵 Thursday, weekly West Yorkshire BRADFORD THE TOPIC FOLK CLUB http://www.topic-folk-club.org.uk/
→ The Castle Pub, 20 Grattan Road, Bradford BD1 2LU. Doors open 7pm; start 7.30pm; finish approx. 10pm
⇒ Publicity and Club Newsletter, Tony Charnock, email tocharn<at>gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/647289061950797/
⊕ Bradford-based weekly live music club. Roughly alternating Guest nights and Singers' and Musicians' night - about 25 of each over the year. S/M sessions are held on the first and third Thursday of each month, and through most of August. [2026 Aug, new venue, & now a member-club]
⇒ Publicity and Club Newsletter, Tony Charnock, email tocharn<at>gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/647289061950797/
⊕ Bradford-based weekly live music club. Roughly alternating Guest nights and Singers' and Musicians' night - about 25 of each over the year. S/M sessions are held on the first and third Thursday of each month, and through most of August. [2026 Aug, new venue, & now a member-club]
Performers
Pf.1a Music & Song - groups/bands
Greater London-based
🅄 Greater London ROSS AND THE HAILSTONES https://linktr.ee/rossandthehailstones
Greater London-based
🅄 Greater London ROSS AND THE HAILSTONES https://linktr.ee/rossandthehailstones
⇒ Ross Robertson, 07786722820, https://linktr.ee/rossandthehailstones, https://www.instagram.com/hailstonesandross/, ross.robertson88<AT>gmail.com
⊕ Ross and the Hailstones are a south London-based trio blending folk with elements of Americana, alternative, and classical music. The band write original songs rich in harmony, exploring nature, folklore and a changing world. This year they released their EP, 'All Hail, The Land', available digitally on all platforms. (new listing, August 2026)
⊕ Ross and the Hailstones are a south London-based trio blending folk with elements of Americana, alternative, and classical music. The band write original songs rich in harmony, exploring nature, folklore and a changing world. This year they released their EP, 'All Hail, The Land', available digitally on all platforms. (new listing, August 2026)
Pf.1c Music & Song - solo
Dudley-based
🅄 Dudley CHRISTOPHER COMPTON https://christophercrompton.com
⇒ For all enquiries, please email enquiries<AT>christophercrompton.com
https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherCromptonWordsandMusic/
https://www.youtube.com/@christophercrompton
https://www.instagram.com/christophercromptonmusic
⊕ Singer-songwriter, musician and poet based near Birmingham, UK. Organiser of Next Level Folk, Stourbridge [see Venues listings] . Presenter of The Acoustic Guitar Show on Black Country Radio Xtra. One half of duos Mountain Hares and Disney-Crompton. (new listing, August 2026)
Pf.2c Ceremonial & Display (Clog, Morris, Sword)Dudley-based
🅄 Dudley CHRISTOPHER COMPTON https://christophercrompton.com
⇒ For all enquiries, please email enquiries<AT>christophercrompton.com
https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherCromptonWordsandMusic/
https://www.youtube.com/@christophercrompton
https://www.instagram.com/christophercromptonmusic
⊕ Singer-songwriter, musician and poet based near Birmingham, UK. Organiser of Next Level Folk, Stourbridge [see Venues listings] . Presenter of The Acoustic Guitar Show on Black Country Radio Xtra. One half of duos Mountain Hares and Disney-Crompton. (new listing, August 2026)
Devon-based → Practice night every Wednesday in Exeter area. 7pm - 9pm
⇒ Contact Richard 07900 588713. Email firestoneexeter<at>gmail.com Social media: https://www.facebook.com/FireStoneDance/
⊕ Modern Appalachian dance with line dance, Canadian, African, Irish stepping, tap. Regular classes for people of all ages and abilities. Absolute beginners welcome, no previous experience required. You just need a positive attitude and a willingness to try something new. [July 2026, new listing]
(3) Folk News Updates: all from our Folklife members (subscribers) ** sub includes cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ in Folklife West print & online, and in email Updates
West Country ~ Somerset
Forthcoming advert for Phil Beer,
appearing on Fri 25 Sept, at the Ilminster Arts Centre
(colour adverts for next issue usually appear on this Updates webpage)
From next (Sept) issue of Folklife West,
Cymru/Wales pages, we've split
De-Ddwyrain • South-East ~ Gwent; Glamorgan • Morgannwg
into
1) Gwent ~ Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen
and
2) Glamorgan • Morgannwg ~ former West Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan, & South Glamorgan.
⚽️ = folk postponed due to football matches!
ENGLAND ~ WEST MIDLANDS
Shropshire
Shropshire
⚽️ SEVERN FOLK CLUB 🄵, Reabrook Social Club, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm. Our July club night, due to be happening this Sunday (19 July) has had to be cancelled due us clashing with the world cup final. Our venue is the lovely Reabrook Sports and Social Club, who have members that have been coming to the club throughout the tournament to watch the matches and we don’t want to cause a problem for the venue or their members.
So for our next one, 16th August, we’re hoping to be able to have floor performers that were pre-booked for next Sunday perform in August instead. Due to this, we’ve made the decision to not have open floor performer spots for August and only have pre-booked spots. We do still have a very small number of pre-booked spots available, so if you want to perform, please get in touch via info<at>severnfolk.co.uk
Enjoy the match and hope to see you at the club in August!
Matt x
Enjoy the match and hope to see you at the club in August!
Matt x
Details see https://severnfolk.co.uk, contact via the website form on https://severnfolk.co.uk/contact-us/. Also see www.facebook.com/SevernFolk, www.instagram.com/severnfolk
Birmingham
BLACK DIAMOND FOLK SONG CLUB 🄵. review by Val Comery.
BLACK DIAMOND FOLK SONG CLUB 🄵. review by Val Comery.
July 3rd 2026. Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom.
Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom opened the evening with a version of "Roll the Old Chariot Along", the chorus being picked up enthusiastically by the audience as were all the other "joining in songs" which followed. Many of the songs came from the fishing villages on the East Coast, Mossy and Megan briefly explained the stories about them and who had collected them. The first set Mossy and Megan gave individual renditions of songs ( a bonus I think) - the second set they worked well together as a duo, singing lovely harmonies, and playing a series of tunes. A great night at the Black Diamond and well worth the wait.
Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom opened the evening with a version of "Roll the Old Chariot Along", the chorus being picked up enthusiastically by the audience as were all the other "joining in songs" which followed. Many of the songs came from the fishing villages on the East Coast, Mossy and Megan briefly explained the stories about them and who had collected them. The first set Mossy and Megan gave individual renditions of songs ( a bonus I think) - the second set they worked well together as a duo, singing lovely harmonies, and playing a series of tunes. A great night at the Black Diamond and well worth the wait.
ENGLAND ~ GREATER LONDON
FOLK LONDON CD SHOP 🄵
Folk London magazine also sells albums and books by grassroots independent artists from the south-east of England and beyond.
The current range includes the local shanty crews Swinging the Lead and the HogEye Men, the Kimberleys, Broomdasher and the acclaimed Irish Traveller singer Thomas McCarthy.
See folklondon.co.uk/cds for books and CDs, and folklondon.bandcamp.com for downloads
Folk London magazine also sells albums and books by grassroots independent artists from the south-east of England and beyond.
The current range includes the local shanty crews Swinging the Lead and the HogEye Men, the Kimberleys, Broomdasher and the acclaimed Irish Traveller singer Thomas McCarthy.
See folklondon.co.uk/cds for books and CDs, and folklondon.bandcamp.com for downloads
CLIVE WOLFF: LIVE AT DINGLE'S 1974
Live at Dingle’s is the first opportunity to hear Clive Woolf in his heyday since a brain illness in 1974, just weeks after this recording was made, ended his burgeoning professional career at the age of 28.
Clive, who turned 80 this year, was a much-admired singer and guitarist who performed solo, with Dick Gaughan in the short-lived Firewater, and with the electric folk quartet Spencer’s Feat.
His illness left him unable to play guitar and he retired from performing professionally. Solo recordings that he made with Bill Leader were never released. This cleaned-up version of a live recording made in 1974 is his belated debut album.
It showcases Clive’s moving way with a song and fluid, inventive acoustic guitar style, as well as his quick wit and eye for interesting, lesser-known versions of traditional songs.
Download £8 from folklondon.bandcamp.com
Live at Dingle’s is the first opportunity to hear Clive Woolf in his heyday since a brain illness in 1974, just weeks after this recording was made, ended his burgeoning professional career at the age of 28.
Clive, who turned 80 this year, was a much-admired singer and guitarist who performed solo, with Dick Gaughan in the short-lived Firewater, and with the electric folk quartet Spencer’s Feat.
His illness left him unable to play guitar and he retired from performing professionally. Solo recordings that he made with Bill Leader were never released. This cleaned-up version of a live recording made in 1974 is his belated debut album.
It showcases Clive’s moving way with a song and fluid, inventive acoustic guitar style, as well as his quick wit and eye for interesting, lesser-known versions of traditional songs.
Download £8 from folklondon.bandcamp.com
IRELAND
THE SESSION 🄵 https://thesession.org/ An international community website dedicated to Irish traditional music. Find tunes to play, sessions to play them in, events (like concerts and festivals), or explore the track listings of recordings, and join in discussions about the music.
Membership is free and only takes a moment to sign up: https://thesession.org/signup
You can also install The Session app, https://thesession.org/app, on your phone or computer. To get the latest activity on The Session: follow @thesession on Mastodon, follow @thesession.org on Bluesky, like The Session on Facebook.
Contact: Jeremy Keith, https://thesession.org/contact, but check the help page first: https://thesession.org/help
FOLKLIFE WEST: MEMBERS' NEW NEWS ITEMS, & NEW ADVERTISERS
added as inserts on webpages as below; to be included (possibly revised) in September issue
added as inserts on webpages as below; to be included (possibly revised) in September issue
• LONDON FOLK LONDON CD SHOP 🄵
• IRELAND THE SESSION website 🄵
DO JOIN US ~ what can you get for £9 ? two beers or two or three coffees or a whole year of Folklife . . .
• For just £9 a year world-wide , you can become a Folklife member
and download Folklife West free from 🄵🅆 Prepaid PDF: https://folklife.uk/fw-prepaid-pdf
• The prepaid pdf is available to all Members (PDF-only or print subscriber, FW only or Journal only or both publications). This gives you a better print-quality to read than reading online on the web; and you can also print it. Available as A4, or US/CAN letter-size. (for print-quality, see the 🄵🅆 Folklife's Adverts PDF download).
• If you're a Member, you can send in your news for FW and for these Updates. (https://www.folklife.uk/updates) and as emailed (word limits apply).
Or for £25, all this, plus 3 printed issues Folklife West and 3 printed issues of the Journal posted to the UK (non-UK is Journal only, EU & Canada).
• For just £9 a year world-wide , you can become a Folklife member
and download Folklife West free from 🄵🅆 Prepaid PDF: https://folklife.uk/fw-prepaid-pdf
• The prepaid pdf is available to all Members (PDF-only or print subscriber, FW only or Journal only or both publications). This gives you a better print-quality to read than reading online on the web; and you can also print it. Available as A4, or US/CAN letter-size. (for print-quality, see the 🄵🅆 Folklife's Adverts PDF download).
• If you're a Member, you can send in your news for FW and for these Updates. (https://www.folklife.uk/updates) and as emailed (word limits apply).
Or for £25, all this, plus 3 printed issues Folklife West and 3 printed issues of the Journal posted to the UK (non-UK is Journal only, EU & Canada).
Updates email 12/7/26
Deadlines: Folklife West 20 July for Sept.; Journal 1 Oct for Nov.
Next Updates email will include items below, if still timely.
EDITORIAL
Deadlines: Folklife West, 20 July for Sept.-Dec; Journal 1 Oct. for Nov.
Festival organisers who are Folklife Members: please send 2027 dates by deadline for free listings in our FW - 12-month Festival Diary on https://www.folklife.uk/festivals
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates (research, societies, publications) ~ your contributions welcome
Our July 2026 Journal has a record 11 articles / 24 pages! Read or download on https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue
Next Journal 1 Oct. for Nov., meanwhile we welcome research & organisations news for Updates.
S7/E3 – Roud 63: JOHNNY SCOTT. Historical Guest: Sheena Wellington. Singer guest: Emily Smith.
Please do support the podcast (if you can) and receive bonus episodes at www.patreon.com/InTheRoud Main podcast available from loads of podcast places but primarily: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-the-roud-a-folk-song-podcast/id1740614759;
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a1e79f0f-2b36-46af-b2cf-b1b8f4128038/in-the-roud---a-folk-song-podcast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVElZTAyZuTyKzN6Hm72ejA Thanks, Matt Q.
(2) Online Directory: Updates (your listings welcome, listings are free entry; no dates)
🄵 = Folklife Members, see Folklife West for news. Ø = other readers on our free Updates mailing list.
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Venues (starting with any local media updates)
CYMRU•WALES
Newport
🄵 Thursday, weekly Newport ROGERSTONE. NEWPORT FOLK CLUB www.newportfolkclub.co.uk
⇒ Contact mail<at>newportfolkclub.co.uk. [July 2026, new email contact] For more details of the Club, see Wales: venues listings
⇒ Contact mail<at>newportfolkclub.co.uk. [July 2026, new email contact] For more details of the Club, see Wales: venues listings
ENGLAND ~ WEST COUNTRY
Gloucestershire
🅄 Tuesday, 3rd Glos GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER SONGWRITERS' CIRCLE www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk/events/song-writers-workshop/
→ George Hunt Room, Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate St, Gloucester GL1 1NS. 7.00pm - 9.00pm (every 3rd Tues except July & August).
⇒ Contact email for the group: Jim Rowley, glossongs<at>yahoo.com
⊕ We encourage each other in our song writing endeavours. Everyone brings something that they are working on and offers it to the group for advice, appreciation, and suggestions. All genres welcome, try out/develop your work in a very supportive environment. (New listing, July 2026)
→ George Hunt Room, Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate St, Gloucester GL1 1NS. 7.00pm - 9.00pm (every 3rd Tues except July & August).
⇒ Contact email for the group: Jim Rowley, glossongs<at>yahoo.com
⊕ We encourage each other in our song writing endeavours. Everyone brings something that they are working on and offers it to the group for advice, appreciation, and suggestions. All genres welcome, try out/develop your work in a very supportive environment. (New listing, July 2026)
USA ~ COLORADO
🄵 Sunday, weekly. ~ CO. COLORADO SPRINGS ~ WEEKLY TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSION (no website)
→ Jack Quinn’s Pub and Restaurant, 21 South Tejon St., Colorado Springs CO 80903., 3 to 6 pm every Sunday.
⇒ Doug Huggins, 01 (719) 208-1817, Tradmusic<at>centurylink.net
⊕ Weekly traditional music session, singers and instrumentalists (and listeners) welcome. Anchored by Doug Huggins, the session will celebrate 26 years at the same location this March. Contact Doug at 01 (719) 208-1817 or Tradmusic<at>icloud.com if you have questions. [change of email, July 2026]
🄵 Thursday, weekly. ~ CO. OLD COLORADO CITY ~ WEEKLY TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSION (no website)
→ Jives Coffee Lounge, 16 Colbrunn Court, Old Colorado City, 80904. Every Thursday evening, 6 to 9 pm.
⇒ Doug Huggins, 01 (719) 208-1817, Tradmusic<at>centurylink.net
⊕ Weekly Traditional music session, singers, players and listeners welcome.. Contact Doug at 01 (719) 208-1817 or Tradmusic<at>icloud.com if you have questions or if weather is bad. [change of email, July 2026]
→ Jack Quinn’s Pub and Restaurant, 21 South Tejon St., Colorado Springs CO 80903., 3 to 6 pm every Sunday.
⇒ Doug Huggins, 01 (719) 208-1817, Tradmusic<at>centurylink.net
⊕ Weekly traditional music session, singers and instrumentalists (and listeners) welcome. Anchored by Doug Huggins, the session will celebrate 26 years at the same location this March. Contact Doug at 01 (719) 208-1817 or Tradmusic<at>icloud.com if you have questions. [change of email, July 2026]
🄵 Thursday, weekly. ~ CO. OLD COLORADO CITY ~ WEEKLY TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSION (no website)
→ Jives Coffee Lounge, 16 Colbrunn Court, Old Colorado City, 80904. Every Thursday evening, 6 to 9 pm.
⇒ Doug Huggins, 01 (719) 208-1817, Tradmusic<at>centurylink.net
⊕ Weekly Traditional music session, singers, players and listeners welcome.. Contact Doug at 01 (719) 208-1817 or Tradmusic<at>icloud.com if you have questions or if weather is bad. [change of email, July 2026]
(3) Folk News Updates: all from our Folklife members (subscribers) ** sub includes cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ in Folklife West print & online, and in email Updates
⚽️ = folk postponed due to football matches!
Gloucestershire
⚽️ FOREST FOLK CLUB 🄵 **POSTPONED** JOHNNY COPPIN. From Jan O'Neill,
Reluctantly, Forest Folk Club and Johnny Coppin have decided to postpone his guest night on Sunday, 19th July at the Orepool, due to the World Cup Final clash of time and date! We have now rearranged Johnny’s booking to Sunday 6th September. This would have been a Singers Night.
There will therefore, be no Folk Club meeting on 19th July.
• Our next meeting will be on Sunday 2nd August, with the fantastic Rob Barrett as guest. All future dates are on our website forestfolkclub.com
• Our next meeting will be on Sunday 2nd August, with the fantastic Rob Barrett as guest. All future dates are on our website forestfolkclub.com
ENGLAND ~ WEST MIDLANDS
Worcestershire
Dudley
⚽️ MARKONICA 🄵 Mark Miskowicz and Monica Shepherd
⚽️ MARKONICA 🄵 Mark Miskowicz and Monica Shepherd
The event previously announced for Saturday 11th July has been postponed due to numerous clashes including the England match.
The event is now on Saturday 26th September, in the Garibaldi Inn (Function Room), 19 Cross Street, Stourbridge DY8 3XE,
'Next Level Folk' presents Steve and Julie Wigley, plus Dan Hadley + Ali Bann, and Markonica.
Advance tickets can be obtained at £10 through https://www.ticketsource.com/nextlevelfolk/
Advance tickets can be obtained at £10 through https://www.ticketsource.com/nextlevelfolk/
Worcestershire
VITAL SPARK 🄵 have recently produced a new CD full of exciting, vibrant music. There's a mixture of West Gallery and Shape Note music, including 4 pieces from present day composers. Our CD features exuberant singing accompanied by concertinas, fiddles, viola, accordion, recorders, bassoon and clarinet.
The CD is available for £10 from Vital Spark members, and at our gigs. If you would like it sent by post please email julia.davies.55@icloud.com to arrange this. There will be a P&P charge of £2 in addition to the £10.
The CD is available for £10 from Vital Spark members, and at our gigs. If you would like it sent by post please email julia.davies.55@icloud.com to arrange this. There will be a P&P charge of £2 in addition to the £10.
Festivals & Workshops 12 months Diary
USA
→ PORTSMOUTH, NH, USA, Various venues in downtown Portsmouth
⌂ The Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival. info<at>pmffest.org. See www.pmffest.org, www.facebook.com/PMFF.NH
⊕ Organized by local folk artists, the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival is a registered nonprofit with the mission of preserving and presenting the music of Portsmouth’s maritime heritage and keeping the Port City’s seafaring traditions alive. It is a totally free festival, run by volunteers, and financed entirely by donations.
Headliners: Saturday evening concert: Tom Kastle; Sara Grey, Kieron Means & Dave Maclurg; Judy Cook & Cate Clifford … and the winner of the PMFF Songwriting Contest! **
Also performing this year: JD & The Stonemasons, Castlebay, Sea Dogs, London Julie, Dirty Blue Shirts, David Coller & Diane Chodkowski, Paddy Mills
PORTSMOUTH MARITIME FOLK FESTIVAL, USA
** SONGWRITING COMPETITION. DEADLINE is Saturday 1st August. We have a bunch of submissions already, and it looks like another great year. Don’t miss out! Send an MP3 file or a link along with lyrics and whatever background information you want to share to songwriting<at>pmffest.org. The song must be original; list all of the songwriters. Reusing a traditional melody is acceptable, but will not score as high as an original tune. The winning songwriters will be invited to perform their work at the Saturday concert at the festival (26 September).
------------------ "Overseas Readers" below here means non-UK/non-EU readers of our Updates mailing list who aren't Folklife members ------------------
News is from our members - those who support us world-wide by volunteering or by paying subscriptions.
Exceptionally, we may include in Updates (not in FW) overseas readers (1) who kindly kept us going with their Zooms during Covid; or (2) touring UK.
• We're happy to list venues & performers, free, world-wide in our online Directory https://folklife.uk/directory - contact sam@folklife.uk
USA
• Washington Folk Festival, Sunday, August 23, 12pm (noon) to 7:00pm. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812. Free! https://www.fsgw.org/washington-folk-festival
• FSGW Getaway, Oct 2 – Oct 5. West River, MD. Guests include Janie Meneely and Rob Van Sante, Bill Destler, Lynn Noel, George and Kathy Stephens, and Kevin Elam. https://www.fsgw.org/getaway
AUSTRALIA
🅄 BRUCE WATSON is touring UK. Clubs in bold underlined are Folklife members, see Folklife West for more details of club.
- JULY: 15 Atherstone FC. 16 Godiva Sessions Coventry. 17 Tamworth FC. 18 Glossop Labour Club Derbyshire. 20 Tonbridge FC Kent. 22 Romford Haverfolk. 24-6 July Herne Bay FF Kent.
- AUGUST: 1-2 Melton FF. 6 Crookes FC Sheffield. 7 First Friday FC Sheffield. 9 Barney’s Stroud. 13 Milford FC. 20 Bishops Stortford Acc Club. 25 Bere Regis FC. 27 Lyceum FC Newport.
- SEPTEMBER: 3 Orpington FC Kent. 5 Cranfest Cranbrook Kent. 6 Bluebell Roots Arlington (E Sussex). 8 Focsle FC S’hampton. 10 Bideford FC. 11 Bodmin FC. 12 Philleigh Folk Truro/Veryan. 13 Dreamers FC Redruth. 14 Brunny FC Wimborne.
- Details on www.brucewatsonmusic.com, see also blog brucewatsonmusic.wordpress.com, and www.facebook.com/brucewatsonmusic
FOLKLIFE WEST: MEMBERS' NEW NEWS ITEMS, & NEW ADVERTISERS
added as inserts on webpages as below; to be included (possibly revised) in September issue
added as inserts on webpages as below; to be included (possibly revised) in September issue
THIS LIST IS INCOMPLETE
Folklife West ENGLAND: WEST MIDLANDS webpage
Folklife West ENGLAND: EAST MIDLANDS & EAST webpage
THIS LIST IS INCOMPLETE
Updates email 5/7/26
Deadlines: Folklife 20 July for Sept.; Journal 1 Oct for Nov.
Download a Word copy of this Updates (folklifeupdates5july2026.docx)
From the Traditional Song Forum Newsletter, July 2026: "A short note to flag up the sterling work of TSF members and supporters Sam and Ellie Simmons. TSF members may well know of the indispensable ‘directory’ aspect of their publications, providing listings of events, organisations, and so on, but they may not realise how many actual articles on song and music they include. Folklife Traditions Journal No. 80, for example, has just arrived and contains excellent short articles on Baring Gould’s singers, press gangs on the Tyne, songs about fishing, and the histories of a number of different songs – including texts and tunes. All for £2 an issue. See https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-archive for details, or email sam@folklife.uk."
EDITORIAL
Folklife West. - in addition to the 7 new news items already announced to appear regularly in FW, starting September — and before that as inserts on the Folklife West online pages, - we now also have items from Launceston Folk Club and Wreckers Radio (both Cornwall), and from the Emborough Singaround (Somerset), details below.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates (research, societies, publications) ~ your contributions welcome
Our Journal has a record 11 articles / 24 pages for July! Read or download on https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue
S7/E1 – Roud 61: THE GAY GOSHAWK. Historical Guest: Steve Roud. Singer guest: Nancy Kerr.
S7/E2 – Roud 62: BROWN ROBIN. History and Singer guest: Helen Lindley
Please do support the podcast (if you can) and receive bonus episodes at www.patreon.com/InTheRoud
Main podcast availabe from loads of podcast places but primarily:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-the-roud-a-folk-song-podcast/id1740614759
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a1e79f0f-2b36-46af-b2cf-b1b8f4128038/in-the-roud---a-folk-song-podcast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVElZTAyZuTyKzN6Hm72ejA
Please do support the podcast (if you can) and receive bonus episodes at www.patreon.com/InTheRoud
Main podcast availabe from loads of podcast places but primarily:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-the-roud-a-folk-song-podcast/id1740614759
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a1e79f0f-2b36-46af-b2cf-b1b8f4128038/in-the-roud---a-folk-song-podcast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVElZTAyZuTyKzN6Hm72ejA
Thanks, Matt Q.
🄵 FOLKLORE SOCIETY Event details on https://www.folklore-society.com
Online talks on Zoom:
Online talks on Zoom:
- Jeremy Harte, 'Dragons and their Hoards' , Tuesday 7 July 2026, 19:00 BST
- James Wright, 'Historic Building Mythbusting – Uncovering Folklore, History & Archaeology', Tuesday 21 July 2026, 19:00 BST
🄵 TRADITIONAL SONG FORUM
TSF Newsletter 143 - July 2026, from Richard Spencer (TSF Secretary)
TSF Newsletter 143 - July 2026, from Richard Spencer (TSF Secretary)
- We have no meetings now until September, but if you are going to Whitby Folk Week, don't forget the Roy Palmer Lecture on the 27th of August. Katie Howson will be giving a talk on “A Dove Among a Flock of Old Crows: Women Traditional Musicians in England”. Full details here: https://roypalmerlecture.org/new-2026/
- Autumn Conference - Folk Song in the North of England: see details in our Journal, p22
- News from The Ballad Partners: our latest two publications – Arthur Knevett’s history of the Folk Song Society, and Peter Snape’s biography of Anne Gilchrist, are both selling well, and are available on our website, https://theballadpartners.co.uk/new-store/ . We have several others in the pipeline, and the next to see the light of day will be Anna Guigne’s account of Maud Karpeles’ song collecting in Newfoundland in 1929 and 1930. Another book already in the system is Derek Schofield’s book on the folk dance revival between the wars. Books will also be available from Veteran at major festivals, and Peter and Barbara Snape will also be taking some to events. We have also gathered sufficient content to publish another in our series of Folk Song Studies (No.6), probably in the autumn. But there is room for more content, so if anyone out there has a paper they would like to submit, now would be an excellent moment. Steve Roud (steveroud<at>gmail.com) ~ List of BP books & general info in our Journal, p17.
- The Newsletter contains other interesting material - Blues in the Mississippi Night, landmark recordings by Alan Lomax; The Song Collector: Writings of Tom Munnelly (Irish Traditional Music Archive); Irish language TV archive - TG4 Cartlann; and more. Why not join the TSF - it's free, https://tradsong.org/joining-the-tsf
(2) Online Directory: Updates (your listings welcome, listings are free entry; no dates)
🄵 = Folklife Members, see Folklife West for news. Ø = other readers on our free Updates mailing list.
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Venues (starting with any local media updates)
Venues: West Country www.folklife.uk/v-south-west
Kernow • Cornwall
Local Media
Local Media
⇒ The Old Police Station, Launceston, 07791 520388. Email: please see https://wreckers.radio/contact
https://www.facebook.com/WreckersRadio Listen in a browser at https://wreckers.radio, or using an app or internet radio https://wreckers.radio/listen or https://wreckers.radio/play for a simple player page
⊕ Featuring music made by folk West of the Exe (Cornwall & most of Devon), plus the best roots music from further afield. We seek to promote independent music making and local venues for live music. [New member, June 2026]
Online 🄵 Cornwall & Devon WRECKERS RADIO (Cornwall Folk Radio) https://wreckers.radio/music/calendar
https://www.facebook.com/WreckersRadio Listen in a browser at https://wreckers.radio, or using an app or internet radio https://wreckers.radio/listen or https://wreckers.radio/play for a simple player page
⊕ Featuring music made by folk West of the Exe (Cornwall & most of Devon), plus the best roots music from further afield. We seek to promote independent music making and local venues for live music. [New member, June 2026]
Online 🄵 Cornwall & Devon WRECKERS RADIO (Cornwall Folk Radio) https://wreckers.radio/music/calendar
⇒ For contact details & social media, please see RADIO listing above
⊕ Online calendar of gigs, sessions, & festivals coming up. Also see https://wreckers.radio/whatson for details of What's On podcasts: Emma Jaynes's weekly roundup of gigs, festivals and sessions. [New member, June 2026].
⊕ Online calendar of gigs, sessions, & festivals coming up. Also see https://wreckers.radio/whatson for details of What's On podcasts: Emma Jaynes's weekly roundup of gigs, festivals and sessions. [New member, June 2026].
Venues:
🄵 Day Varies Cornwall VARIOUS PLACES LAUNCESTON FOLK CLUB: CONCERTS https://wreckersmusic.org/events
→ Various venues and times, see https://wreckersmusic.org/events
⇒ Contact: https://wreckersmusic.org/contact Join our mailing list for the latest news: https://wreckersmusic.org/home
⇒ Contact: https://wreckersmusic.org/contact Join our mailing list for the latest news: https://wreckersmusic.org/home
🄵 Wednesday, 1st Cornwall LAUNCESTON LAUNCESTON FOLK CLUB: FOLK NIGHT https://wreckersmusic.org/events
→ Keep Audio Co., 2, Southgate Place, Launceston. 7pm.
⇒ Contact: https://wreckersmusic.org/contact Join our mailing list for the latest news: https://wreckersmusic.org/home
⇒ Contact: https://wreckersmusic.org/contact Join our mailing list for the latest news: https://wreckersmusic.org/home
🄵 Wednesday, 3rd Cornwall LAUNCESTON LAUNCESTON FOLK CLUB: SONGWRITERS OPEN MIKE https://wreckersmusic.org/events
→ Keep Audio Co., 2, Southgate Place, Launceston. 7pm
⇒ Contact: https://wreckersmusic.org/contact Join our mailing list for the latest news: https://wreckersmusic.org/home
Devon
Local Media
Radio: 🄵 Cornwall & Devon WRECKERS RADIO (Cornwall Folk Radio) https://wreckers.radio
Online: 🄵 Cornwall & Devon WRECKERS RADIO (Cornwall Folk Radio) https://wreckers.radio/music/calendar
Both as under Kernow • Cornwall new entries above
Somerset
🄵 Tuesday, 3rd Somerset EMBOROUGH EMBOROUGH SINGAROUND (no webpage)
→ The Old Down Inn (01761 232398), Emborough, near Radstock BA3 4SA. 8.00pm - 10.30pm
⇒ Contact Jeff: 07919 117445
⊕ Traditional Singers Night, lead by Jeff Blake. All welcome. (added 2 July 2026).
🄵 Tuesday, 3rd Somerset EMBOROUGH EMBOROUGH SINGAROUND (no webpage)
→ The Old Down Inn (01761 232398), Emborough, near Radstock BA3 4SA. 8.00pm - 10.30pm
⇒ Contact Jeff: 07919 117445
⊕ Traditional Singers Night, lead by Jeff Blake. All welcome. (added 2 July 2026).
Gloucestershire
🄵 Mondays, 1st & 3rd Glos CHURCHDOWN FOLK AT THE CLUB
→ Venue move: see (3) Folk News Updates below
🄵 Mondays, 1st & 3rd Glos CHURCHDOWN FOLK AT THE CLUB
→ Venue move: see (3) Folk News Updates below
🄵 Thursday, 2nd Glos CIRENCESTER CIRENCESTER SONG SESSION (no website)
→ ‘Somewhere Else’, corner of Castle Street & Sheep Street, nr the Old Station Car Park (free after 6pm). 7.30pm to around 10pm, all year.
⇒ Martin Graebe 01285 651104, martin.graebe<at>btinternet.com
⊕ Unaccompanied singing in the traditional way. Relaxed evening, sing your own songs, old or new, without instrumental accompaniment, or just join in the choruses and enjoy the atmosphere. Note: up a steep flight of stairs so not accessible to those with walking difficulties. (July 2026, changed from 2nd Wednesdays, & new times).
→ ‘Somewhere Else’, corner of Castle Street & Sheep Street, nr the Old Station Car Park (free after 6pm). 7.30pm to around 10pm, all year.
⇒ Martin Graebe 01285 651104, martin.graebe<at>btinternet.com
⊕ Unaccompanied singing in the traditional way. Relaxed evening, sing your own songs, old or new, without instrumental accompaniment, or just join in the choruses and enjoy the atmosphere. Note: up a steep flight of stairs so not accessible to those with walking difficulties. (July 2026, changed from 2nd Wednesdays, & new times).
Herefordshire
🄵 Tuesday, 3rd [most months] Herefs BISHOPS FROME SINGAROUND & MUSIC SESSION
→ Venue move: see (3) Folk News Updates below
→ Venue move: see (3) Folk News Updates below
Worcestershire
Ø DROITWICH FOLK CLUB (Thursday, 1st + 3rd) has closed, entry deleted. Thanks to Malcolm for his hard work over the years.
--------------------------------------
IRELAND
All-Ireland
🄵 SINGING CIRCLES IRELAND, a list of 120+ singing circles, by county.
Brendan Kennedy is kindly sending Folklife his list of singing circles, monthly. The July edition has just been copied to Venues: Ireland
--------------------------------------
USA ~ ZOOM
🇺🇸 Ø Sundays, usually 1st but varies. ~ USA. Boston, Mass. LIVE FROM THE MERMAID'S TAVERN 2-4 EDT [= UK 7pm-9pm].
Ballad sings and tavern/chantey sings, often 1st Sunday, but varies for seasonal themes and concerts - join the mailing list.
🇺🇸 Ø Sundays, usually 1st but varies. ~ USA. Boston, Mass. LIVE FROM THE MERMAID'S TAVERN 2-4 EDT [= UK 7pm-9pm].
Ballad sings and tavern/chantey sings, often 1st Sunday, but varies for seasonal themes and concerts - join the mailing list.
Forthcoming Zoom sessions, Ballad Sings Live From the Mermaid's Tavern (no August session)
Sunday 6 September, Online Ballad Sing; Saturday 19 September: Talk Like a Pirate Day! (hybrid event in the works).
Plus live events (day varies) as announced on https://digitalheritageconsulting.com/tavern/ Join the mailing list at http://mailinglist.mermaidstavern.com
Services
SERVICES webpage, www.folklife.uk/services
S.2 Agents, Managers, Promoters, MCs and Stage Management
Kernow • Cornwall
🄵 WRECKERS MUSIC - MUSIC MANAGEMENT https://wreckersmusic.org/music-management [New member, June 2026].
Kernow • Cornwall
🄵 WRECKERS MUSIC - MUSIC MANAGEMENT https://wreckersmusic.org/music-management [New member, June 2026].
(3) Folk News Updates: all from our Folklife members (subscribers) ** sub includes cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ in Folklife West print & online, and in email Updates
West Country ~ Kernow • Cornwall
LAUNCESTON FOLK CLUB & WRECKERS MUSIC CONCERTS 🄵.
• Ric Sanders and Vo Fletcher: Weds 19th Aug STERTs Nr Liskeard - afternoon workshop and evening concert (Tickets coming soon); Thurs 20th Aug, The Poly, Falmouth (Tickets coming soon); Fri 21st Aug, St Merryn, The Airfield (Tickets coming soon); Sat 22nd Aug, St Agnes, The Miners Institue (visit Pirans Sounds CIC for tickets); Sun 23rd Aug, The Guildhall Barnstaple (visit St Anne's Chapel Facebook https://fb.me/e/7TFTYcmns for tickets)
• Steve Knightley and Daniel Salvatore, 23rd September, ‘Sanctuary Tour’ at St Mary’s Church, Launceston.
• Fairport Convention: 21st Oct, Falmouth Pavilions (visit Piran Sounds CIC); 22nd Oct, Launceston Town Hall (Wreckers Music - Events)
• Steve Knightley and Daniel Salvatore, 23rd September, ‘Sanctuary Tour’ at St Mary’s Church, Launceston.
• Fairport Convention: 21st Oct, Falmouth Pavilions (visit Piran Sounds CIC); 22nd Oct, Launceston Town Hall (Wreckers Music - Events)
All tickets are available via https://wreckersmusic.org/events
Join our mailing list for the latest news: https://wreckersmusic.org/home Contact: https://wreckersmusic.org/contact
West Country ~ Gloucestershire
FOLK AT THE CLUB 🄵. 1st & 3rd Mondays, Churchdown
There has been a fire at Churchdown Club, which means Folk at the Club needs to find temporary new premises. Nothing has been decided yet but this Monday 6th of July it will be held at the Aviator Inn, Staverton Airport, GL51 6SR. ~ Will 2/7/26.
West Midlands ~ Dudley
MARKONICA 🄵 Mark Miskowicz and Monica Shepherd
Saturday 11th July, in the Garibaldi Inn (Function Room), 19 Cross Street, Stourbridge DY& 3XE,
'Next Level Folk' presents Steve and Julie Wigley, plus Dan Hadley + Ali Bann, and Markonica.
Advance tickets can be obtained at £10 through https://christophercrompton.com/
West Midlands ~ Shropshire
SHREWSBURY MORRIS 🄵
Hi FolksSadly due to circumstances beyond our control Shrewsbury Morris have had to cancel their planned Beat & Bells event for Saturday 4th July.
Ray & Bev
West Midlands ~ Herefordshire
THE HOMEND POETS & MUSICIANS 🄵, Stimulating poetry and song! at Ledbury Community Hub, 6.30-8.30pm, 8 New Street, Ledbury Herefordshire HR8 2DX. www.ledburycommunityhub.org.uk (hello<at>ledburycommunityhub.org.uk)
THE HOMEND POETS & MUSICIANS 🄵, Stimulating poetry and song! at Ledbury Community Hub, 6.30-8.30pm, 8 New Street, Ledbury Herefordshire HR8 2DX. www.ledburycommunityhub.org.uk (hello<at>ledburycommunityhub.org.uk)
Contact Nick Halligan 01684 563281 Email nickh2009<at>btinternet.com, but phone preferred.
Tuesday 30th June, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, free, poetry evening, for the Ledbury Poetry Festival, when local and visiting poets read their own work at this informal music and poetry event. Bring along your own poetry or simply relax and listen during an evening that is guaranteed to be enjoyable; the annual Homend Poets book is launched at that meeting.
SINGAROUND & MUSIC SESSION, was in Bishops Frome 🄵, 3rd Tuesdays
Tuesday, 3rd [most months] The venue has just become not available, so a new venue is being sought. Updates on this page when known or contact Bernie on bernieuptonfolk<at>gmail.com
NEW MEMBERS: NEWS for FOLKLIFE WEST added as inserts on webpages as below; to be included (possibly revised) in September issue
KERNOW/CORNWALL
• LAUNCESTON FOLK CLUB 🄵: Concerts • LAUNCESTON FOLK CLUB 🄵: Folk Nights; & Songwriters' Open Mike • WRECKERS RADIO 🄵
DEVON
• WRECKERS RADIO 🄵
• WRECKERS RADIO 🄵
SOMERSET
• EMBOROUGH SINGAROUND 🄵
Updates email: 1 July 2026
Next deadlines: Folklife 20 July for Sept.; Journal 1 Oct for Nov.
Details of Journal just out, and of the FW deadline.
Updates follow in a day or two (so as to keep our emails short enough for Gmail not to cut them).
Also, a plug to support us by joining - bigger magazine, post & print rises, so we need more Members!
FOLKLIFE TRADITIONS JOURNAL, free to view or download
FTJ this issue https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue You can read online, or download an A4-size or US Letter size.
We're pleased to announce 2026 July, FTJ 80, the biggest yet, 24 A4 pages, a record 11 articles. FTJ was March & Nov., now 3x a year, this is the1st July FTJ
24 A4 print pages, all mono. Print cover (pp1,2,19,20) cream paper; rest white paper.
11 Researched Articles
FOLKLIFE WEST, folk news from our Folklife members The deadline is JULY 20, for FW Sept (to Dec) 2026
DO JOIN US What can you get for £9 ? two beers or two or three coffees or a whole year of Folklife....
For just £9 a year world-wide , you can become a Folklife member
and download Folklife West free from 🄵🅆 Prepaid PDF: https://folklife.uk/fw-prepaid-pdf
The prepaid pdf is available to all Members (PDF-only or print subscriber, FW only or Journal only or both publications). This gives you a better print-quality to read than reading online on the web; and you can also print it. Available as A4, or US/CAN letter-size. (for print-quality, see the 🄵🅆 Folklife's Adverts PDF download).
If you're a Member, you can send in your news for FW and for these Updates. (https://www.folklife.uk/updates) and as emailed (word limits apply).
For £25, all this plus 3 printed issues Folklife West and 3 printed issues of the Journal posted to the UK,
We publish our 2 magazines alternatively: 6 issues a year, each covers 4 months.
Updates follow in a day or two (so as to keep our emails short enough for Gmail not to cut them).
Also, a plug to support us by joining - bigger magazine, post & print rises, so we need more Members!
FOLKLIFE TRADITIONS JOURNAL, free to view or download
FTJ this issue https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue You can read online, or download an A4-size or US Letter size.
We're pleased to announce 2026 July, FTJ 80, the biggest yet, 24 A4 pages, a record 11 articles. FTJ was March & Nov., now 3x a year, this is the1st July FTJ
24 A4 print pages, all mono. Print cover (pp1,2,19,20) cream paper; rest white paper.
11 Researched Articles
- There were three Ravens; a song of sublime love, by Ian Pittaway, p2-4
- Baring-Gould’s People 4 – The Uglow Sisters, by Martin Graebe, p5-7. Includes song The Squire of Tamworth
- The Withy Tree Carol, a version from Evesham, by Charles Menteith, p8
- The Suicide Arms, by Charles Menteith, p9
- The Seeds of Love, Two versions in GlosTrad, Henry Thomas and Willian 'Daddy' Shepherd, by Veronica Lowe, p10-11
- Camborne’s Trevithick Day, by Lamorna Spry, pp12-13. Includes song Camborne Hill
- Of Folk and Fishing — Part 1 of 2: The Tunes, by Keith Gregson, p14-15
- No Bread and No Roses, by Rosie Upton, p16-17
- Press Gangs on the Tyne — Part 1 of 2, by Jim Mageean, including various songs, p18-19
- The Seven Wonders (Y Saith Rhyfeddod) by Mick Tems, p20
- Tunes from the Isle of Man: Three Tunes recorded from Thomas Kermode by Dr John Clague, by Stephen Miller, p21
- Pedlars Pack, p6 • Saydisc, p7 • Access Folk, p9
- The Folklore Society; The Archivist, a film about Doc Rowe; The Ballad Partners; all on p17
- The Mick Tems Archive, p20 • Cornish National Music Archive; Folk Legacy Books [Annie Jones], both p21
- and all on p22: EFDSS & Vaughan Williams Memorial Library; Trac Cymru; [Editorial] Renaming EFDSS; In The Roud podcasts; Traditional Song Forum
FOLKLIFE WEST, folk news from our Folklife members The deadline is JULY 20, for FW Sept (to Dec) 2026
DO JOIN US What can you get for £9 ? two beers or two or three coffees or a whole year of Folklife....
For just £9 a year world-wide , you can become a Folklife member
and download Folklife West free from 🄵🅆 Prepaid PDF: https://folklife.uk/fw-prepaid-pdf
The prepaid pdf is available to all Members (PDF-only or print subscriber, FW only or Journal only or both publications). This gives you a better print-quality to read than reading online on the web; and you can also print it. Available as A4, or US/CAN letter-size. (for print-quality, see the 🄵🅆 Folklife's Adverts PDF download).
If you're a Member, you can send in your news for FW and for these Updates. (https://www.folklife.uk/updates) and as emailed (word limits apply).
For £25, all this plus 3 printed issues Folklife West and 3 printed issues of the Journal posted to the UK,
We publish our 2 magazines alternatively: 6 issues a year, each covers 4 months.
- FOLKLIFE WEST (FW) Folk news magazine. Read online at https://www.folklife.uk/fw Next FOLKLIFE WEST out 1st Sept: deadline 20 July.
- FOLKLIFE TRADITIONS JOURNAL (FTJ) Researched articles, research news Read online at https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue Next FTJ out 1st November: deadline 1st October.
- DIRECTORY Read online at https://www.folklife.uk/directory. Free entries, available to all, UK & international
- UPDATES for Directory, FW, FTJ, Read online at https://www.folklife.uk/updates Plus: free occasional UPDATES EMAILS
Updates email: 18 June 2026
Next deadlines: Folklife 20 July for Sept.; Journal 1 Oct for Nov.
Download a Word copy of this Updates (folklifeupdates18june2026.docx)
EDITORIAL (17/6/2026) GOOD NEWS !
Journal. - I am delighted that we've 11 articles (a record) for July - now grown to 24 pages! This may be our limit so as to keep under 100g for postage.
Journal. - I am delighted that we've 11 articles (a record) for July - now grown to 24 pages! This may be our limit so as to keep under 100g for postage.
Folklife West. - and also delighted that we've a Shropshire correspondent, Matt Woolley; and that as of mid-June, we already have 7 new news items to appear regularly in FW, starting September — and before that as inserts on the Folklife West online pages, from: FiddleBop (Powys), Salisbury Folk Club (Wiltshire), Severn Folk Club (Shrewsbury), Dublin Jacks, The Poachers (both Worcs), Friday Folk (Oxfordshire), and Siwan Catrin (London). Also we'll have some notes on Derbyshire folk from Paul Mansfield.
And - just joined Launceston Folk Club and Wreckers Radio (both Cornwall), details to follow!
And also (groans), we've a 10% increase in print costs, and the now-usual semi-annual post increases .... but hey, the magazines are doing well!
ADMIN
'East & South' Webpages (for Venues; Performers; Folklife West), each page is now replaced by 2 pages, 'East Midlands & East' and 'South-East & London'.
To keep our emails short enough for Gmail (who clip email text over 102kb), lengthy material may refer back to this Updates webpage rather than quoting in full.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates (research, societies, publications) ~ your contributions welcome
IN THE ROUD - A Folk Song Podcast is produced by Matt Quinn and looks at folk songs (with the help of historians, folklorists and singers) from both an historical and modern perspective. History guests so far include Steve Roud, Vic Gammon and Sandra Kerr); singer guests so far include Jon Boden, Maddy Prior and Emily Portman. In the Roud is available wherever you listen to podcasts (Apple, Amazon, Youtube, Castbox, Pocket Casts etc).
Some links availabe at: https://linktr.ee/intheroud
TRADITIONAL SONG FORUM 🄵 https://tradsong.org
August, date TBA: Roy Palmer Lecture, in Whitby.
September, date TBA: the next TSF Online meeting.
10 October - Autumn Conference, Leeds Central Library. Traditional Folk Song in the North of England - Call for Papers
Frank Kidson (1855-1926) was a key player in the explosion of interest in traditional song and music in late Victorian and Edwardian England, and his pioneering book Traditional Tunes (1891) was one of the three founding works of what became the first Folk Song Revival. As well as collecting songs in the field, he amassed a huge collection of printed and manuscript material, and his knowledge of the history of traditional and popular tunes was unrivalled, and always available to others through the Folk-Song Society and other organisations. He was one of the few researchers who concentrated on the northern counties, and was particularly associated with his home-town of Leeds, so it is most fitting that this meeting, which commemorates the centenary of his death, and celebrates his legacy, is organised jointly by the Traditional Song Forum and Leeds Libraries. The conference will also form a small part in the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Leeds as a city.
Proposals for 20-minute papers are invited. This will be an in-person event, but pre-recorded remote papers will be considered. Please send title / short abstract / short biography to Richard Spencer, towerofsark<at>gmail.com, by 1st July.
The TSF offers a limited number of bursaries towards travel costs to enable younger people (under 30 and not in full-time work) to attend this conference.
Frank Kidson (1855-1926) was a key player in the explosion of interest in traditional song and music in late Victorian and Edwardian England, and his pioneering book Traditional Tunes (1891) was one of the three founding works of what became the first Folk Song Revival. As well as collecting songs in the field, he amassed a huge collection of printed and manuscript material, and his knowledge of the history of traditional and popular tunes was unrivalled, and always available to others through the Folk-Song Society and other organisations. He was one of the few researchers who concentrated on the northern counties, and was particularly associated with his home-town of Leeds, so it is most fitting that this meeting, which commemorates the centenary of his death, and celebrates his legacy, is organised jointly by the Traditional Song Forum and Leeds Libraries. The conference will also form a small part in the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Leeds as a city.
Proposals for 20-minute papers are invited. This will be an in-person event, but pre-recorded remote papers will be considered. Please send title / short abstract / short biography to Richard Spencer, towerofsark<at>gmail.com, by 1st July.
The TSF offers a limited number of bursaries towards travel costs to enable younger people (under 30 and not in full-time work) to attend this conference.
For conference details see https://tradsong.org/autumn-conference-2026
Dr. Ian Russell MBE We were saddened to hear of the death of Ian Russell earlier this month. He has supported the TSF since its first meeting in September 1997 and has played a part in it ever since. Ian had a remarkable academic career, but at the same time managed to be a researcher, collector, writer, teacher, event organiser and advocate for folk music. His research into traditional song in the Sheffield area, local carolling traditions and music and song in North East Scotland has been transformative. His ability and boundless enthusiasm will be very much missed. Our thoughts are with Norma, his wife and long-time collaborator and his family.
Rod Stradling's Musical Traditions Website: the TSF has, with permission from Rod's family, taken steps to reinstate Rod Stradling's remarkable website, which had disappeared from the internet shortly after his sad demise last year. The website is a collection of 25 years' worth of articles and reviews, and is an absolute mine of information. We have given it a (hopefully) temporary address of https://www.mustrad.co.uk. However, we are planning to acquire the previous address of www.mustrad.org.uk in the autumn when the domain name becomes available, so if you have references or links to the old website, please don't change them. We are currently discussing the possibility of opening the site up again as a repository for short papers and reviews.
Rod Stradling's Musical Traditions Website: the TSF has, with permission from Rod's family, taken steps to reinstate Rod Stradling's remarkable website, which had disappeared from the internet shortly after his sad demise last year. The website is a collection of 25 years' worth of articles and reviews, and is an absolute mine of information. We have given it a (hopefully) temporary address of https://www.mustrad.co.uk. However, we are planning to acquire the previous address of www.mustrad.org.uk in the autumn when the domain name becomes available, so if you have references or links to the old website, please don't change them. We are currently discussing the possibility of opening the site up again as a repository for short papers and reviews.
Online talks on Zoom:
- Rosalind Kerven ,''Green’ myths, legends and folk tales, Tuesday 23 June 2026 19:00-20:30 BST on Zoom
- Jeremy Harte, 'Dragons and their Hoards' , Tuesday 7 July 2026, 19:00 BST
- James Wright, 'Historic Building Mythbusting – Uncovering Folklore, History & Archaeology', Tuesday 21 July 2026, 19:00 BST
(2) Online Directory: Updates (your listings welcome, listings are free entry; no dates)
Venues & local media
ENGLAND ~ WEST COUNTRY
Devon
Devon
🄵 Thursday, 2nd Devon TOTNES TOTNES FOLK SONG CLUB Facebook: Totnes Folk Club
→ Temporary Venue: Café 47, 47 Fore Street, TQ9 5NJ. 7.30 pm, all year except August.
⇒ Anne Gill, 01803 290427, “Maleth”, 11 Cleveland Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5BD. annegill<at>btinternet.com Alternate contact Andy Clarke 01803 732312, ndclarke6<at>gmail.com.
⇒ Anne Gill, 01803 290427, “Maleth”, 11 Cleveland Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5BD. annegill<at>btinternet.com Alternate contact Andy Clarke 01803 732312, ndclarke6<at>gmail.com.
⊕ Occasional guests.(May 2026, new temporary venue)
Performers
ENGLAND ~ LONDON
Performers ~ Solo
🄵 London SIWAN CATRIN https://siwancatrin.bandcamp.com/album/possibility
⇒ Siwan Catrin: contact via bandcamp page above. https://www.instagram.com/siwancatrinmusic/
⊕ Solo singer, harpist, and pianist, playing a mixture of Welsh folk, protest songs, and original compositions. [New member, June 2026]
🄵 London SIWAN CATRIN https://siwancatrin.bandcamp.com/album/possibility
⇒ Siwan Catrin: contact via bandcamp page above. https://www.instagram.com/siwancatrinmusic/
⊕ Solo singer, harpist, and pianist, playing a mixture of Welsh folk, protest songs, and original compositions. [New member, June 2026]
(3) Folk News Updates: all from our Folklife members (subscribers) ** sub includes cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ in Folklife West print & online, and in email Updates
Shropshire Correspondent from September in Folklife West
We're delighted to welcome our new Shropshire Correspondent, Matt Woolley
Matt is from Shropshire, and is the founder of the new Severn Folk Club, Shrewsbury.
He's a multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter (aka Quantum Penguin), and has performed at Chippenham, Warwick, and Bromyard Folk Festivals.
You can contact him via the website form on https://severnfolk.co.uk/contact-us/, and on that webpage you can also sign up for his "News from the Folk of the Severn" with up-to-date Folk news, events and articles from in and around Shropshire.
ENGLAND ~ WEST COUNTRY
Devon
Devon
TOTNES FOLK CLUB 🄵 Temporary Venue: ‘Café 47, 47 Fore Street, TQ9 5NJ. 11th June, Singers Night. 9th July, Singers Night. No club in August.
For more information, contact: Andy: ndclarke6<at>gmail.com, Anne: anne.m.gill<at>icloud.com. Visit our Facebook page or contact Steve & Anne Gill 01803 290427 or Andy Clarke 01803 732312 (16/5/26)
Wiltshire
SALISBURY FOLK CLUB 🄵 2nd Wednesdays. Facebook: Salisbury Folk Club
Harnham Community Sports and Social Club, Parsonage Green, Salisbury SP2 8LA.
The club started in March 2025. Everyone is welcome to come along to sing, play or just listen. The club is managed by resident band Maerefolk and friends.
The club started in March 2025. Everyone is welcome to come along to sing, play or just listen. The club is managed by resident band Maerefolk and friends.
On 8 July, we welcome “Discovery”, a due consisting of Jeff and Elaine Gillett, and a wide range of folky instruments. salisburyfolkclub<at>hotmail.com
Bristol & South Glos
Jeff Blake 🄵 has emailed that MIKE STARKEY 🄵 has died; his wife Maggie is in a home. Mike was in the Bristol Shantymen; the remaining Bristol Shantymen aren't going to sing together again in future: they were an enthusiastic and talented group.
I was saddened to hear about Mike and Maggie. Many years ago, we used to deliver the folk magazines to their home when Maggie was our energetic Correspondent ("SWAN" - Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon [!] and Nearby news), and heard the Bristol Shantymen from time to time, including a few Shantymen sessions at the Nova Scotia on some Sundays (in the days when we didn't mind driving home 80 minutes after 11+pm!).
Gloucestershire
PETE COE Farewell to Cheltenham (finishing his last long-distance tour where he started)
Folk songs with guitar, banjo, bouzouki, melodeon & dulcimer Sunday 21st June - 7.30 pm The Somerset Arms, Moorend Street, Cheltenham, GL53 0EH. Tickets £12. From Ken Langsbury 🄵 07986 510430 or Alex Evans 07751 293383.
ENGLAND ~ WEST MIDLANDS
Shropshire
Shropshire
The new SEVERN FOLK CLUB 🄵, Reabrook Social Club, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm: future dates (floor performers) are 21 June, 19 July, 16 August, 18 October, 15 November; with guests Lauren South on 20 September, workshop (scratch fiddle) 3.30pm, concert 6.30pm; and Benji Kirkpatrick on 13 December. Benji is now also doing a Bouzouki workshop in the afternoon of his concert. Details see https://severnfolk.co.uk, contact via the website form on https://severnfolk.co.uk/contact-us/. Also see www.facebook.com/SevernFolk, www.instagram.com/severnfolk
SHREWSBURY MORRIS 🄵 continue to celebrate 50 years of dancing!
Details below are of a couple of free events open to residents, visitors and everyone.
FOLLOW THE MORRIS BELLS TRAIL
As part of our 50th Anniversary, 23 town centre shops and businesses have joined us in our June Follow the Morris Bells Trail. In their windows they're artefacts relating to Shrewsbury Morris Dancers. Each window has a Shrewsbury Morris artefact with a numbered label. Participants are being encouraged to collect an Entry Form from such places as: The Sabrina Boat Office. The Toybox, The Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery or from www.shrewsburymorris.co.uk and see if they can locate the artefacts. The Trail is open until July 2nd and the winner will be announced at 12.00 noon in The Square during the Shrewsbury Morris Dancer’s Beat and Bells event. Entry is free and open to everyone. Participants are encouraged to submit their entry forms, completed or not, as you never know you might just be a winner. Further details from bev.langton<at>talk21.com
BEAT & BELLS
We're proud to present Beat and Bells on Saturday 4th July in The Square Shrewsbury 10.00-4.00pm.
A continuous programme of dance, music and entertainment ~ free to all! Acts will include African dance and song from Zulu Tradition, the choral delights of The Yeoman Singers, the entertaining dances from Green Man Morris, along with Shrewsbury’s very own Shrewsbury Morris Dancers and Septimus the Giant Shrewsbury Cobbler. Come for the day, come for an hour or combine this spectacle with a day of shopping and exploring the delightful town of Shrewsbury. We're grateful to Shrewsbury Town Council's support for this. For more information, contact: bev.langton<at>talk21.com
As part of our 50th Anniversary, 23 town centre shops and businesses have joined us in our June Follow the Morris Bells Trail. In their windows they're artefacts relating to Shrewsbury Morris Dancers. Each window has a Shrewsbury Morris artefact with a numbered label. Participants are being encouraged to collect an Entry Form from such places as: The Sabrina Boat Office. The Toybox, The Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery or from www.shrewsburymorris.co.uk and see if they can locate the artefacts. The Trail is open until July 2nd and the winner will be announced at 12.00 noon in The Square during the Shrewsbury Morris Dancer’s Beat and Bells event. Entry is free and open to everyone. Participants are encouraged to submit their entry forms, completed or not, as you never know you might just be a winner. Further details from bev.langton<at>talk21.com
BEAT & BELLS
We're proud to present Beat and Bells on Saturday 4th July in The Square Shrewsbury 10.00-4.00pm.
A continuous programme of dance, music and entertainment ~ free to all! Acts will include African dance and song from Zulu Tradition, the choral delights of The Yeoman Singers, the entertaining dances from Green Man Morris, along with Shrewsbury’s very own Shrewsbury Morris Dancers and Septimus the Giant Shrewsbury Cobbler. Come for the day, come for an hour or combine this spectacle with a day of shopping and exploring the delightful town of Shrewsbury. We're grateful to Shrewsbury Town Council's support for this. For more information, contact: bev.langton<at>talk21.com
Birmingham
BLACK DIAMOND FOLK SONG CLUB 🄵 ~ ALAN FRANKLIN
Paul Ryan has emailed that ALAN FRANKLIN has died. Many Zoomers will have heard Alan at Zoom sessions, often reading Les Barker poems.
Paul writes:
After a short illness, Alan passed away with his family around him on Tuesday 9 June at Heartlands hospital. He was a great supporter of the club and folk in general and had been writing our guest reviews for the Folklife magazine for a while. Alan was that shy guy on the high stool who could always be relied upon to recite a poem. Beneath that shy exterior was a keen brain and ready smile and a love for Aston Villa. Chris Lowe and I had a chance to visit him in hospital last Wednesday and though very ill that smile was there. Funeral details are to be announced.
BLACK DIAMOND FOLK SONG CLUB 🄵. review by Mike Frost.
A great evening with the inimitable Jimmy Hutchison. Jimmy was born in South Uist where in his early days he was surrounded by music from the Scots and Gaelic traditions. Aged 10 his family moved to Perth where he heard and learnt songs directly from traditional singers Jeannie Robertson, Jimmie McBeath and the Stewarts of Blair. He has a very gentle style which reflects the importance in Gaelic song of the story being told by the song. His singing style which holds the meaning of the song while delivering it with a superb sense of timing and rhythm is riveting. His wide repertoire from the traditional courtship song “Corachree” to “D Day Dodgers” and “Forfar Sodger” held an entranced audience. Jimmy is “A Man You Don’t Meet Every Day”, or hear everyday. More’s the pity.
BLACK DIAMOND FOLK SONG CLUB 🄵. review by Mike Frost.
A great evening with the inimitable Jimmy Hutchison. Jimmy was born in South Uist where in his early days he was surrounded by music from the Scots and Gaelic traditions. Aged 10 his family moved to Perth where he heard and learnt songs directly from traditional singers Jeannie Robertson, Jimmie McBeath and the Stewarts of Blair. He has a very gentle style which reflects the importance in Gaelic song of the story being told by the song. His singing style which holds the meaning of the song while delivering it with a superb sense of timing and rhythm is riveting. His wide repertoire from the traditional courtship song “Corachree” to “D Day Dodgers” and “Forfar Sodger” held an entranced audience. Jimmy is “A Man You Don’t Meet Every Day”, or hear everyday. More’s the pity.
Herefordshire
HOMEND POETS & MUSICIANS 🄵 Ledbury Tuesday, last www.folklife.uk/homend-poets [so webpage is on this site]
Tuesday 30th June: our session will be part of the Ledbury Poetry Festival, and so we may have some visitors! There is no set theme for this month, so it’s a free for all, bring your best and bravest. At the Ledbury Community Hub www.ledburycommunityhub.org.uk, 8 New St, Ledbury HR8 2DX. 6.30pm to 8pm.
Worcestershire
SOMERS TRADITIONAL FOLK CLUB 🄵, Worcester, 1st, 3rd, 5th Fridays, 8pm for 8.15pm, www.somers-folk-club.org.uk
SOMERS TRADITIONAL FOLK CLUB 🄵, Worcester, 1st, 3rd, 5th Fridays, 8pm for 8.15pm, www.somers-folk-club.org.uk
We’ve continued to have busy evenings of late, 20 to 30+ enthusiastic folks for lively singers' nights! We've also member-only events (Zoom and annual Harvest Supper with guests), anyone can join, any live Friday. 1st Fridays start with choruses. We generally sing from the front; 5th Fridays may be a singaround circular(ish) layout.
Our tribute evening for our late friend John Lowe on 15 May was a wonderful night. Some 40 people filled the hall for 27 pre-booked songs and poems. An evening with fun and laughter, not taking ourselves too seriously, was a fitting tribute, with humorous, eccentric and unusual items (songs, tunes, jokes, anecdotes, props, costumes!), as well as other traditional music & song in his honour. Eden's brilliant photos, and a list of songs/poems performed, are on www.folklife.uk/stfc-john-lowe
We are open all summer, dates see website. Sam
Our tribute evening for our late friend John Lowe on 15 May was a wonderful night. Some 40 people filled the hall for 27 pre-booked songs and poems. An evening with fun and laughter, not taking ourselves too seriously, was a fitting tribute, with humorous, eccentric and unusual items (songs, tunes, jokes, anecdotes, props, costumes!), as well as other traditional music & song in his honour. Eden's brilliant photos, and a list of songs/poems performed, are on www.folklife.uk/stfc-john-lowe
We are open all summer, dates see website. Sam
ENGLAND - SOUTH-EAST
Oxfordshire
MOONRAKERS 🄵
Moonrakers Picnic Concert ~ Sun 26th July WATERPERRY GARDENS, Oxfordshire, OX33 1JZ. 6.00pm Our annual concert in the fabulous open air Amphitheatre. Drinks available at the bar.
It’s come round again and we’re all a year older, but still going strong! It looks like being a hot summer so get out the sun hat and sandles and head for the Amphitheatre at Waterperry for our annual BIG event. Some people have asked that we extend the interval to an hour this year to enable even greater consumption of bolly and butties. Your wish is our command - and remember to bring extra nibbles for us!
We have a new album and new songs plus old favourites. Do please spead the word!
Book ahead at www.ticketsoxford.com 01865 305305, £20 (concessions available). Some tickets also available on the door.
Help us to keep music live!
It’s come round again and we’re all a year older, but still going strong! It looks like being a hot summer so get out the sun hat and sandles and head for the Amphitheatre at Waterperry for our annual BIG event. Some people have asked that we extend the interval to an hour this year to enable even greater consumption of bolly and butties. Your wish is our command - and remember to bring extra nibbles for us!
We have a new album and new songs plus old favourites. Do please spead the word!
Book ahead at www.ticketsoxford.com 01865 305305, £20 (concessions available). Some tickets also available on the door.
Help us to keep music live!
Best wishes, Jon, Jacqui, Sarah & Becki www.moonrakers.net
SCOTLAND ~ ZOOM
🏴 LINN PHIPPS 🄵
Themed Shanty Big Sing No 21, 8pm Fri 19 June 2026
Dear friends
Themed Shanty Big Sing No 21, 8pm Fri 19 June 2026
Dear friends
Our next Themed Shanty Big Sing No 21 will be 8pm UK /Ireland time (currently on Summer Times) on Fri 19 June 2026, on the theme of: Sea Songs and Shanties of the Hispanic world. Here is the event link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86761074747?pwd=AxzmRsao9F4Ci9Fn45dQqwXl9DPaj6.1
Or Zoom US, Meeting ID: 867 6107 4747, Passcode: 294310
If you plan to sing or listen, pls could you let me know, also if possible what would be your song choice(s). And lease keep suggestions for future themes rolling!
Thanks and see you soon, Linn 0044 7917 564440
Link for previous Themed Shanty Big Sing No 20 – “Women and wives ashore and at sea”, Fri 6 March 2026: https://youtu.be/JIXBRZmUgIY
Other previous videos are also on YouTube
USA ~ ZOOM
🇺🇸 Ø Sundays, usually 1st but varies. ~ USA. Boston, Mass. LIVE FROM THE MERMAID'S TAVERN 2-4 EDT [= UK 7pm-9pm].
Ballad sings and tavern/chantey sings, often 1st Sunday, but varies for seasonal themes and concerts - join the mailing list. Forthcoming Zoom sessions, Ballad Sings Live From the Mermaid's Tavern, on Sundays 5 July and 6 September (no August session). Live events (day varies) as announced on https://digitalheritageconsulting.com/tavern/ Join the mailing list at http://mailinglist.mermaidstavern.com
Ballad sings and tavern/chantey sings, often 1st Sunday, but varies for seasonal themes and concerts - join the mailing list. Forthcoming Zoom sessions, Ballad Sings Live From the Mermaid's Tavern, on Sundays 5 July and 6 September (no August session). Live events (day varies) as announced on https://digitalheritageconsulting.com/tavern/ Join the mailing list at http://mailinglist.mermaidstavern.com
LEFT: revised advert for BROMYARD FOLK FESTIVAL 🄵
We welcome ads for Sept issue - if prepaid they can be included on this page as soon as you like, & then updated for magazine!
Deadline for September print/online magazine: 20 July.
NEW MEMBERS: NEWS for FOLKLIFE WEST
to be included (revised) in September issue,
meanwhile, added as inserts on these webpages:
• London SIWAN CATRIN 🄵
Updates email: 14 May 2026
Next Journal deadline: 1 June for 1 July
Next Folklife West deadline: 20 July for 1 September
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates (research, societies, publications) ~ your contributions welcome
THE FOLKLORE SOCIETY 🄵 Conferences (note some of this was in May Folklife West; it is repeated here for the benefit of Journal-only members)
‘Folklore on the Move. The Folklore Society’s Annual Conference’, 5-7 June, streamed and in person at The Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen, and online on 10 June. More details at www.folklore-society.com/event/folklore-on-the-move-the-folklore-societys-annual-conference-2026/Call for Papers: Trade in Legend and Tradition: the Twentieth Legendary Weekend of The Folklore Society, 5-6 September, Tuckers Hall, Exeter. https://www.folklore-society.com/blog/post/call-for-papers-trade-in-legend-and-tradition-the-twentieth-legendary-weekend-of-the-folklore-society
The Folklore Society, 50 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5BT0203 915 3034, https://www.folklore-society.com/
Note : FLS news is always in Journal. Additionally some of above was in May Folklife West, so repeated here for the benefit of Journal-only members.
Folklore Society online talk series: on some Tuesdays, 19:00-20:30 BST on Zoom
19 May: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Search for Grindylow by John Clark. The 19th-century ‘nursery bogey’ Grindylow lurked in deep and dangerous ponds in Manchester and seized children who ventured too close…
19 May: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Search for Grindylow by John Clark. The 19th-century ‘nursery bogey’ Grindylow lurked in deep and dangerous ponds in Manchester and seized children who ventured too close…
23 June: 'Green' myths, legends and folk tales by Rosalind Kerven. A journey through global folk narratives and wisdom about the world’s environmental problems, with an optimistic vision of the future. Details of above on website https://www.folklore-society.com/
TSF Online meeting 81, 17th May 16:00 (UTC+1/GMT)
Zoom link see https://tradsong.org/tsf-online-meetings-using-zoom, details of past & future Zoom meetings.
Martin Graebe – The Parson and the Professor In June 1890 the folk song collector, Sabine Baring-Gould, wrote to Francis Child, to tell him about the ballads that he had discovered in the West of England. Their correspondence continued for a further three years, during which Baring- Gould sent several ballads that were included in the later volumes of English and Scottish Popular Ballads. This was the first opportunity that Child had had to learn about contemporary balladry from England. In this presentation, Martin Graebe will examine and interpret the letters sent to Child and the remarks that Baring-Gould made about the ballads.
Stephen Miller – “Horsham’s grand old songster and bellringer.” – Henry Burstow (1826–191) and the William Albery MSSWilliam Albery (1864–1950) was the figure behind Henry Burstow’s Reminiscences of Horsham (1910) and his personal papers are now held by Horsham Museum. Material relating to Burstow is present and this talk will outline what there is to be found within as well as a number of other sources for Burstow’s life and times.
14 Jun 26 - Online Meeting 82 - 4pm
Aug 26 - Roy Palmer Lecture - Whitby - date tba
10 Oct 26 - Autumn Conference - Leeds Libraries - Folk Song in the North of England - call for papers / details see https://tradsong.org/autumn-conference-2026
THE BALLAD PARTNERS https://theballadpartners.co.uk
The Folk-Song Society 1898 – 1932: A History by Arthur KnevettISBN 978-1-0686406-7-4£15.00 (+UK £3.20 p+p). The first book to explore the interweaving, and sometimes competing, strands that established the Folk Song Society, sustained it through the troubled decades from the nineteenth-century fin de siècle, through the First World War, and into the 1930s, and then saw it subsumed by the folk dance movement in the period leading up to the Second World War. The book sheds new light on major figures such as Kate Lee, the Irishman A. P. Graves, the Manxman W. H. Gill, the society’s long-serving honorary secretary Lucy Broadwood, and familiar names like Cecil Sharp and Ralph Vaughan Williams, and celebrates the cultural legacy they preserved for future generations.
ENGLISH FOLK SONG & DANCE SOCIETY (EFDSS) 🄵 As noted in Folklife West p36, The Board has decided to have a single name and unified brand: Folk England will be used as the name for the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) – as well as for the building (Cecil Sharp House/CSH) and the library (the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library/VWML).
Steve Roud subsequently emailed us: "A few of us have been discussing the possibility of calling for an Extraordinary General Meeting to require that the EFDSS board gain the consent of the membership for the proposed name changes for CSH and VWML. The motion to be considered at an EGM would be:
"That any change to, or removal of, the names of the Society headquarters (currently 'Cecil Sharp House') and/or the Library and Archives (currently 'Vaughan Williams Memorial Library and Archive') can only be made with the explicit approval of a majority of Society members in a vote at a General Meeting of the Society. We need 50 signatories (current members of the EFDSS only) to trigger an EGM." The EGM will now go ahead.
Watch this space. This took me back to a memorable EFDSS meeting in the late '80s. After a sale of the loss-making CSH was proposed, then rejected, selling the library was then proposed! With the help of Ursula Vaughan Williams, happily it wasn't sold (and Ursula VW gave me a Kit-Cat).
Ralph Vaughan Williams fund-raised to build Cecil Sharp House and fund-raised for the Library which after his death was named after him. I can understand EFDSS might need a name change but to lose the names of these two who gave us so much .... Are Oxford Universities planning to rebrand the Bodleian any time soon? I think not...
(2) Online Directory: Updates (your listings welcome, listings are free entry; no dates)
Venues & local media
WALES
🄵 ONLINE National The FOLKWALES LISTINGS http://folk.wales/updates/the-folkwales-listings
⇒ Mick Tems, 01443 201634, micktems<at>folkwales.org.uk
⊕ Calendar of events, plus lists for Folk Clubs, Sessions, Arts Venues, & Dance. (added March 2026)
⇒ Mick Tems, 01443 201634, micktems<at>folkwales.org.uk
⊕ Calendar of events, plus lists for Folk Clubs, Sessions, Arts Venues, & Dance. (added March 2026)
WALES - VENUES
Gogledd-Orllewin • North-West
Ø GWYNEDD MUSIC SESSIONS: a list was compiled by The Travelling Sessions, formerly on their website, and copied each issue to Folklife West.
Ø GWYNEDD MUSIC SESSIONS: a list was compiled by The Travelling Sessions, formerly on their website, and copied each issue to Folklife West.
However, some sessions didn’t update The Travelling Sessions when there were changes, causing inconvenience, so they’ve stopped listings.
As of March 2026, we've included this list, for a while, on Directory/Venues: Wales on www.folklife.uk/v-cymru, but you will need to check.
A volunteer to contact these sessions would be most welcome, we don't have contact details for most.Otherwise, we may contact those who publicise an email address, and offer to list them here in our free-entry online Directory/Venues: Wales on www.folklife.uk/v-cymru (and also paid-for publicity in Folklife West).
Gogledd-Ddwyrain • North-East
→ Fforddlas Community Centre, Rhyl LL18 2EB, ¼ mile from town centre, easy to find. What3Words: ///slick.rider.grit Ample free parking. Doors 7.00pm, Club runs 7.30pm till 10-ish, all year.
⇒ Alun Rhys Jones, 01745 888141, mobile 07850 754390. alun.r.jonesthephones<at>googlemail.com. Facebook: “Friends of Rhyl Folk Club”
⊕ Oldest Folk Club in Wales (Easter 1964), a friendly welcoming club, where (almost) anything goes. Visiting performers welcome. A wide range of music and spoken word (poets welcome). Mostly Singers’ Nights, 2 or 3 songs each. A few Guest nights. (March 2026, new listing)
⇒ Alun Rhys Jones, 01745 888141, mobile 07850 754390. alun.r.jonesthephones<at>googlemail.com. Facebook: “Friends of Rhyl Folk Club”
⊕ Oldest Folk Club in Wales (Easter 1964), a friendly welcoming club, where (almost) anything goes. Visiting performers welcome. A wide range of music and spoken word (poets welcome). Mostly Singers’ Nights, 2 or 3 songs each. A few Guest nights. (March 2026, new listing)
ENGLAND ~ WEST COUNTRY VENUES
🄵 Thursdays, weekly Devon BIDEFORD BIDEFORD FOLK CLUB www.bidefordfolkclub.com
→ The Joiners Arms, 6 Market Street, Bideford, Devon EX39 2DR.
→ The Joiners Arms, 6 Market Street, Bideford, Devon EX39 2DR.
Tunes & Singaround Nights. Summer (BST): tunes 7:30pm, singaround from 8 to about 10:30pm. Winter (GMT): open at 7pm; tunes & sing 7:30 until 10.
Guest Nights all year 7:30 for 8pm unless otherwise stated on the website.
⇒ Contact: John Purser – email: bidefolk<at>gmail.com or by telephone 01237 424286
⊕ Friendly singaround club welcoming all acoustic musicians, poets and storytellers. Occasional guests. [May 2026, revised Tunes & Singaround Nights times]
⊕ Friendly singaround club welcoming all acoustic musicians, poets and storytellers. Occasional guests. [May 2026, revised Tunes & Singaround Nights times]
🄵 Sunday, last lunchtime Devon PUDDINGTON PUDDINGTON LUNCHTIME MUSIC SESSION Facebook: Pennymoor Singaround
→ Puddington Village Hall, Puddington, Devon, EX16 8LW. 12 noon
⇒ Clare Penney 01884 860023 Westland, Pennymoor, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8PG. west.land<at>talktalk.net
⊕ An informal session in the bar, all welcome, no charge [March 2026, new venue]
⇒ Clare Penney 01884 860023 Westland, Pennymoor, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8PG. west.land<at>talktalk.net
⊕ An informal session in the bar, all welcome, no charge [March 2026, new venue]
🅄 Friday, 2nd S. Glos FRAMPTON COTTERELL FOLK@FRAMPTON COTTERELL www.facebook.com/folkatframptoncotterell
→ Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell, BSD36 2DB. 2nd Friday. 7.45 - 10.45
⇒ Contacts : Andrew Edgington (andrewedgington77<at>gmail.com) or Steve Goodfield (stevengoodfield<at>virginmedia.com)
→ Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell, BSD36 2DB. 2nd Friday. 7.45 - 10.45
⇒ Contacts : Andrew Edgington (andrewedgington77<at>gmail.com) or Steve Goodfield (stevengoodfield<at>virginmedia.com)
⊕ Sing-around. All types of folk and traditional music, plus modern songs in the acoustic tradition.
Great acoustics. Community Association Bar. Car parking. Play, sing or listen. Friendly and welcoming club. £2 for members £3 for non-members [Amended Mar 2026]
ENGLAND ~ SOUTH-EAST VENUES and local media
Hampshire: local magazine & listings
⇒ Contact - Thomas Bending, editor<at>fash.org.uk
⊕ The FASH website has diaries and also lists dance clubs, folk clubs, more informal music sessions, and local Folk Festivals. Links’ page includes links to local bands and callers. (May 2026, new FASH editor, also listing revised as SOLENT WAVES has stopped publication)
Oxfordshire
🄵 Wednesday, weekly Oxon BANBURY BANBURY FOLK CLUB www.banburyfolkclub.co.uk
→ Cromwell Lodge Hotel, North Bar St, Banbury OX16 0TB. 8.00pm. Some bigger events may be a change of venue, please check website event pages.
⇒ Contact Ian Huckin, irhuckin<at>aol.com Box Office: 07485 821041 or send a message to www.facebook.com/banburyroots/
⊕ Local and nationally known guest nights, theme nights, open stage nights and our popular Sing, Say, Listen and Say (SSLaP) nights; and also regular floor spots to encourage local performers. Regular admission is £8, Special Guest Nights are priced as advertised. [new venue, Mar 2026]
→ Cromwell Lodge Hotel, North Bar St, Banbury OX16 0TB. 8.00pm. Some bigger events may be a change of venue, please check website event pages.
⇒ Contact Ian Huckin, irhuckin<at>aol.com Box Office: 07485 821041 or send a message to www.facebook.com/banburyroots/
⊕ Local and nationally known guest nights, theme nights, open stage nights and our popular Sing, Say, Listen and Say (SSLaP) nights; and also regular floor spots to encourage local performers. Regular admission is £8, Special Guest Nights are priced as advertised. [new venue, Mar 2026]
🄵 Friday, fortnightly Oxon OXFORD OXFORD FOLK CLUB http://www.oxfordfolkclub.com
→ Marston Royal British Legion, 17 Hadow Road, OX3 0JW Oxford, 8.15pm, (not August; not Xmas/New Year if Friday is bank holiday). Club upstairs (there is a lift), bar downstairs, free parking just outside.
⇒ Contact Pam Cooper, 01865 768128, pamcooper<at>hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/OxfordFolkClub/
⊕ We welcome all folk performers and, of course, audiences, and have regulars who offer both traditional and also more contemporary material. [new listing, May 2026]
→ Marston Royal British Legion, 17 Hadow Road, OX3 0JW Oxford, 8.15pm, (not August; not Xmas/New Year if Friday is bank holiday). Club upstairs (there is a lift), bar downstairs, free parking just outside.
⇒ Contact Pam Cooper, 01865 768128, pamcooper<at>hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/OxfordFolkClub/
⊕ We welcome all folk performers and, of course, audiences, and have regulars who offer both traditional and also more contemporary material. [new listing, May 2026]
🄵 Friday, weekly Oxon KIDLINGTON FRIDAY FOLK https://thehighwaymanhotel.co.uk/music
→ The Highwayman Hotel (01865 377388), 249 Banbury Road, Kidlington OX5 1BF. 9.00pm
⇒ Contact: alasdair.mckeane<at>gmail.com
⊕ Rota of local singers and an audience who love to sing choruses – the “Duke Choir.” Event has been running in the Woodstock area for over 70 years. No entry charge, but a collection is made for the singers. [May 2026, venue change & new member]
Performers
WALES
Pf.1a Music/Song - Bands/Groups
⇒ info<at>fiddlebop.org - 01982 560726 - 07968 950870, https://www.facebook.com/FiddleBop, https://www.instagram.com/fiddlebop/
⊕ FiddleBop plays jazz-folk! On violin, cello, guitar, bass, and with four voices in harmony. Our music is sophisticated but not stuffy or pretentious. We love what we play: it shows! "... a wonderful evening of life-affirming music…" Brecon JazzClub 2025 [May 2026, revised listing & now a Folklife member]
⊕ FiddleBop plays jazz-folk! On violin, cello, guitar, bass, and with four voices in harmony. Our music is sophisticated but not stuffy or pretentious. We love what we play: it shows! "... a wonderful evening of life-affirming music…" Brecon JazzClub 2025 [May 2026, revised listing & now a Folklife member]
ENGLAND ~ WEST COUNTRY
Pf.1b Music & Song ~ Duos
🅄 Glos / Worcs THE ROLLRIGHT STONES Facebook: The Rollright Stones
⇒ John Dickinson, 07708832241; jadickinson22<at>gmail.com. Russ Ward, 07990636949; russellw27<at>gmail.com.
The Rollright Stones Folk Duo - YouTube
⊕ Traditional Folk Duo, based in Winchcombe (Glos) and Upton-upon-Severn (Worcs). John: vocals and guitars, Russ: Anglo-concertina and backing vocals. Mainly traditional songs and tunes but with occasional contemporary music and self-composed originals. (new entry, April 2026)
The Rollright Stones Folk Duo - YouTube
⊕ Traditional Folk Duo, based in Winchcombe (Glos) and Upton-upon-Severn (Worcs). John: vocals and guitars, Russ: Anglo-concertina and backing vocals. Mainly traditional songs and tunes but with occasional contemporary music and self-composed originals. (new entry, April 2026)
Pf.2c Folk Dance ~ Ceremonial & Display (Clog, Morris, Sword)
🄵 Glos HAPPENSTANCE http://happenstancemorris.org.uk
→ Every Thursday 7.30 p.m. at Abbey Fields Community Centre, Back Lane, Winchcombe, GL54 5QJ.
⇒ Cressida Pryor (Squire) 07791 004649
⊕ Mixed Border Morris. Member of Open Morris. [May 2026 new contact name & phone]
→ Every Thursday 7.30 p.m. at Abbey Fields Community Centre, Back Lane, Winchcombe, GL54 5QJ.
⇒ Cressida Pryor (Squire) 07791 004649
⊕ Mixed Border Morris. Member of Open Morris. [May 2026 new contact name & phone]
ENGLAND - WEST MIDLANDS
Pf.1a Music/Song - Bands/Groups
🄵 Worcs DUBLIN JACKS www.dublinjacks.uk
⇒ Ray 07594 204481. r.hadden94(at)btinternet.com
⊕ 4/5 piece band. Specialists in traditional music (often Irish) and “good time” music (more modern music people like); pubs, weddings, birthdays, village events, Burns, St Patrick’s, wakes, ceilidhs. May also be booked as a trio or duo. [May 2026, added Facebook & now a Folklife member]
⇒ Ray 07594 204481. r.hadden94(at)btinternet.com
⊕ 4/5 piece band. Specialists in traditional music (often Irish) and “good time” music (more modern music people like); pubs, weddings, birthdays, village events, Burns, St Patrick’s, wakes, ceilidhs. May also be booked as a trio or duo. [May 2026, added Facebook & now a Folklife member]
🄵 Worcs The POACHERS (no website)
🅄 Glos / Worcs THE ROLLRIGHT STONES - see entry above under WEST COUNTRY Pf.1b Music/Song - Duos
⊕ Founded 1966; 2, 3, or 4 musicians to suit budgets. Traditional and more modern music from England, Scotland, Ireland, USA; for Scots ceilidhs, barn dancing, Burns nights, pubs, weddings, birthdays, village events; well-known music people like. Care homes a speciality. [May 2026, revised listing & now a Folklife member]
Pf.1b Music/Song - Duos
🄵 Worcs DUBLIN JACKS www.dublinjacks.uk
⇒ Alasdair 01684 892264. alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/dublinjacks123
⊕ Duo performing a wide range of well-known popular music from 1940s and 50s onwards, as well as traditional material. Two singers, guitar, tenor banjo, fiddle, concertina, mandolin. Birthdays, community or family events, entertainment for elderly folk, wakes. Daytime, evenings. [May 2026, added Facebook & now a Folklife member]
⇒ Alasdair 01684 892264. alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/dublinjacks123
⊕ Duo performing a wide range of well-known popular music from 1940s and 50s onwards, as well as traditional material. Two singers, guitar, tenor banjo, fiddle, concertina, mandolin. Birthdays, community or family events, entertainment for elderly folk, wakes. Daytime, evenings. [May 2026, added Facebook & now a Folklife member]
🄵 Worcs The POACHERS (no website)
⇒ Alasdair, 07742 220856 or 01684 892264 or alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com
⊕ Experienced duo specialising in well-known traditional and more modern songs from around the UK and elsewhere, all delivered with a smile. Two singers, guitar, fiddle, concertina, tenor banjo, mandolin. Also suitable for care home and similar settings – daytime or evenings. [May 2026, revised, & now a Folklife member]
⇒ Alasdair, 07742 220856 or 01684 892264 or alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com
⊕ Experienced duo specialising in well-known traditional and more modern songs from around the UK and elsewhere, all delivered with a smile. Two singers, guitar, fiddle, concertina, tenor banjo, mandolin. Also suitable for care home and similar settings – daytime or evenings. [May 2026, revised, & now a Folklife member]
🅄 Glos / Worcs THE ROLLRIGHT STONES - see entry above under WEST COUNTRY Pf.1b Music/Song - Duos
Pf2.b Folk Dance Bands
🄵 Worcs The POACHERS - see entry above under WEST MIDLANDS Pf.1a Music/Song - Bands/Groups
🄵 Worcs The POACHERS - see entry above under WEST MIDLANDS Pf.1a Music/Song - Bands/Groups
(3) Folk News Updates: all from our Folklife members (subscribers) ** sub includes cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ in Folklife West print & online, and in email Updates
Most earlier events deleted as now in Folklife West May issue
South-East
LYCEUM FOLK & ACOUSTIC CLUB OF NEWPORT 🄵 every Thursday https://www.lyceumfolknewport.org.uk
Dates to November are in the magazine. Now added to the list, Anthony John Clarke for Thursday 3rd December. ~ Ruth
Dates to November are in the magazine. Now added to the list, Anthony John Clarke for Thursday 3rd December. ~ Ruth
ENGLAND ~ WEST COUNTRY
Devon
EFDSS (English Folk Dance and Song Society) 🄵 — FREE open days for young musicians
National Youth Folk Ensemble Open Days 27, 28 & 30 May Book your free place today!
Take part in a band for a day — Develop your creativity — Play by ear — Learn from inspiring professional musicians — Explore folk music with other young people
Find out about the National Youth Folk Ensemble https://www.efdss.org/learning/young-people/national-youth-folk-ensemble
You will need to: be aged 12–18; live in England; and be able to play confidently on your chosen instrument
No experience of folk music is necessary. All playing and learning will be done by ear – no need to read notation. If the cost of travelling would be a barrier, please contact us as financial help will be available. If you enjoy the Open Day and have a passion for playing and collaborating with others, you may wish to audition for the National Youth Folk Ensemble. You can audition without attending an Open Day, but attending is highly recommended.
Book now for: London Wednesday 27 May, Cecil Sharp House. Exeter Thursday 28 May, Exeter Phoenix Leeds Saturday 30 May, Leeds Conservatoire
Find out about the National Youth Folk Ensemble https://www.efdss.org/learning/young-people/national-youth-folk-ensemble
You will need to: be aged 12–18; live in England; and be able to play confidently on your chosen instrument
No experience of folk music is necessary. All playing and learning will be done by ear – no need to read notation. If the cost of travelling would be a barrier, please contact us as financial help will be available. If you enjoy the Open Day and have a passion for playing and collaborating with others, you may wish to audition for the National Youth Folk Ensemble. You can audition without attending an Open Day, but attending is highly recommended.
Book now for: London Wednesday 27 May, Cecil Sharp House. Exeter Thursday 28 May, Exeter Phoenix Leeds Saturday 30 May, Leeds Conservatoire
We have had our AGM and decided to revise our starting times. Still Thursday evenings at the Joiner's Arms.
We are now running singaround evenings later. Tunes from 7:30pm, singaround from 8 until 10:30pm or thereabouts.
Once the clocks go back in October we will open at 7pm with tunes and sing from 7:30 until 10. When the clocks go forward next March we will move to the later times.
Guest Nights are unchanged: 7:30 for 8pm unless otherwise stated on the website. John Purser
Guest Nights are unchanged: 7:30 for 8pm unless otherwise stated on the website. John Purser
ENGLAND ~ WEST MIDLANDS
Shropshire
SHREWSBURY MORRIS DANCERS 🄵 present MONOPOLY MAY !
Shrewsbury Morris Dancers are delighted to feature on the Shrewsbury edition of the Monopoly Board Game, and it seemed fitting that as part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration Year we should dance the locations on the Board!
Watch out for us dancing in Shrewsbury Town Centre on Saturday 16th May. In the morning we will be popping up around Monopoly Board locations right in the centre of town and in the afternoon moving on toward the Library and the Prison.
Watch out for us dancing in Shrewsbury Town Centre on Saturday 16th May. In the morning we will be popping up around Monopoly Board locations right in the centre of town and in the afternoon moving on toward the Library and the Prison.
Thursday 21st May evening from 7.00 pm onwards we will visiting Theatre Severn and other locations around Pride Hill.
Sunday 24th May in the morning will find us dancing around the Quarry and Sabrina Boat area and in the afternoon at the Flaxmill.
Take a chance and see if you find us we will be on the go provided we can get out of Jail and find some Free Parking! ~ Bev. www.shrewsburymorris.co.uk
Birmingham
BLACK DIAMOND FOLK CLUB 🄵 every Friday,https://blackdiamondfolkclub.org.uk REVIEWS by Alan Franklin.
BLACK DIAMOND FOLK CLUB 🄵 every Friday,https://blackdiamondfolkclub.org.uk REVIEWS by Alan Franklin.
April 3rd, Harry Li. The Black Diamond Folk club welcomed the young singer/songwriter Harry Li who comes from the Lincolnshire area. He performed traditional folk songs and interpretations of original songs by past performers from around the United Kingdom, as well as some self- penned numbers. Harry is especially influenced by the musical style and songs of Nic Jones. Some of the songs that he sang during the evening were " Rose of Allendale" and " William of Winesbury" . He also sang his grandmother's favourite song " Annie Laurie". Harry connected well with the Black Diamond audience who joined in with the choruses.
April 17th, Jez Lowe.The Black Diamond folk club welcomed back the ever popular singer / songwriter Jez Lowe. This all round entertainer from the North East of England has been writing since the 1980s. He dipped in and out of his repertoire to give us goodies old and new including “Black Diamonds” which obviously went down a storm. A couple of newer songs that amused the audience were Talk to me dirty in Geordie and a song that he wrote about the voice of his mandolin that was stolen along with other instruments from his car in Walsall. He finished with You won't make old bones. He has added another string to his many talents by writing novels relating to folk songs and stories of his native North East England and is about to finish his 5th book.
Herefordshire
THE HOMEND POETS & MUSICIANS 🄵 Ledbury, last Tuesdays, occ other Tue instead, https://www.folklife.uk/homend-poets
Tuesday 26th May, Theme 'Youth'. Stimulating poetry and song! at Ledbury Community Hub, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
Contact Nick Halligan 01684 563281 Email nickh2009<at>btinternet.com, but phone preferred.
Worcestershire
SOMERS TRADITIONAL FOLK CLUB 🄵, WORCESTER, Fridays 1/3/5, 8pm for 8.15pm www.somers-folk-club.org.uk
SOMERS TRADITIONAL FOLK CLUB 🄵, WORCESTER, Fridays 1/3/5, 8pm for 8.15pm www.somers-folk-club.org.uk
Friday 15th May, 🎵a night to remember John Lowe - a mix of humorous and traditional items 🎵 An evening with fun and laughter and not taking ourselves too seriously will be a fitting tribute, with humorous, eccentric and unusual items (songs, tunes, jokes, anecdotes, instruments, props, costumes!), as well as other traditional music and song in his honour. Some of John's friends from further away, including Bob Askew (Hampshire), Ray from Sidmouth, and The Bard of Windmill Hill (Bristol), will travel to join us. A long list of some of the traditional and other songs John sang is online, on the Folklife website, https://www.folklife.uk/stfc-john-lowe If you would like to join us, you are welcome to e-mail us (but you don't have to) on info@somers-folk-club.org.uk with your choice, which can be from the list, -- or it can be any song, tune, or other item you feel is appropriate. Audience is also very welcome.
We usually sing from the front, but on Friday 29 May we shall an have an evening in singaround format: circular layout, going round the room. Sam
ENGLAND ~ EAST MIDLANDS
Here is our 1st Derbyshire news item, kindly sent in by "Updates" reader Paul Mansfield.
Any member is welcome to send in news; and volunteer area correspondents are always welcome.
BELPER AREA FOLK
Belper (nine miles north of Derby) offers various options for folkies travelling through, or holidaying in, the Derbyshire Dales or Peak District.
Belper (nine miles north of Derby) offers various options for folkies travelling through, or holidaying in, the Derbyshire Dales or Peak District.
Belper folk club meets every Tuesday, 8.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. at the Old Kings Head, Days Lane, Belper DE56 1NP. (Upstairs room, no level access.) Mixed traditional/contemporary repertoire; songs, tunes, poems, singaround style with MC. Facebook page: Belper Folk Club (Old Kings Head).
Belper also has a lively broader acoustic scene with multiple open mic sessions, for example at the Queens Head, Chesterfield Road (third Thursdays).
Professional level folk concerts in the town are mostly hosted by Black Dog Radio (https://black-dog-radio.com/black-dog-radio-presents). Paul Mansfield
ENGLAND ~ SOUTH-EAST
Oxfordshire: MOONRAKERS 🄵
Dear Friends, We’ve returned from a wonderful few days on tour up in Cumbria and Lancashire.
Back home now:
Sun 26 July WATERPERRY GARDENS, Oxfordshire, OX33 1JZ. 6.00pm Our annual concert in the fabulous open air Amphitheatre (or a marquee if raining). Bring a picnic because we'll have an extended interval (drinks available at the bar). Book ahead at 01865 305305, 6.00pm £20 (concessions available). Moonrakers Picnic Concert | Tickets Oxford Some tickets also available on the door.
Best wishes,Jon, Becki Sarah and Jacqui. www.moonrakers.net
Sun 26 July WATERPERRY GARDENS, Oxfordshire, OX33 1JZ. 6.00pm Our annual concert in the fabulous open air Amphitheatre (or a marquee if raining). Bring a picnic because we'll have an extended interval (drinks available at the bar). Book ahead at 01865 305305, 6.00pm £20 (concessions available). Moonrakers Picnic Concert | Tickets Oxford Some tickets also available on the door.
Best wishes,Jon, Becki Sarah and Jacqui. www.moonrakers.net
ENGLAND ~ LONDON
EFDSS (English Folk Dance and Song Society) 🄵
National Youth Folk Ensemble Open Days 27, 28 & 30 May Book your free place today!
Book now for: London Wednesday 27 May, Cecil Sharp House. Details see under WEST COUNTRY - Devon - Exeter, above
Leeds Saturday 30 May, Leeds Conservatoire
ENGLAND ~ YORKSHIRE
EFDSS (English Folk Dance and Song Society) 🄵
National Youth Folk Ensemble Open Days 27, 28 & 30 May Book your free place today!
Book now for: Leeds Saturday 30 May, Leeds Conservatoire. Details see under WEST COUNTRY - Devon - Exeter, above.
New members' news/dates (up to 150 words) can be added to this issue's online Folklife West area pages
And new advertisers likewise - just send your advert now!
And new advertisers likewise - just send your advert now!
NEW MEMBERS: NEWS for FOLKLIFE WEST added as inserts on webpages as below; to be included (possibly revised) in September issue
• Worcs DUBLIN JACKS 🄵 and THE POACHERS 🄵 bands
Folklife West ENGLAND; EAST & SOUTH webpage,
• Oxfordshire FRIDAY FOLK 🄵 Kidlington
• Oxfordshire FRIDAY FOLK 🄵 Kidlington
Updates email: Folklife West, May 2026
FW, May 2026, online & download [email sent 30/04/2026]
Folklife West, May, 2026, now out ~ print copies posted mostly on 15 April.
To read online on 🄵🅆 Folklife West, this issue (https://www.folklife.uk/fw is the FW intro page)
your area webpages in same order as print magazine:
🄵🅆 Cymru•Wales (S-East, S-West, Midlands, N-West, N-East areas)
🄵🅆 England: South-West region (West Country)
🄵🅆 England: West Midlands region
🄵🅆 England: East & South (regions: East Midlands, East, South-East, London)
🄵🅆 England: North (regions: North-West, North-East, Yorkshire regions)
🄵🅆 Scotland, Ireland, World (USA)
🄵🅆 Festivals & Workshops Diary (and F&W adverts)
Also, we publish just the adverts Folklife's Adverts ... a free publication, which you can read online or download, sent to West Midlands & West Country (Halsway Manor, TICs, theatres with folk programming).
Members-only email: password [sent] to download Folklife West free from 🄵🅆 Prepaid PDF
The prepaid pdf is available to all Members (PDF-only or print subscriber, FW only or Journal only or both publications).
You can choose FW 82 online A4.pdf (UK/world), or FW 82 online LS.pdf (letter size for US, Canada); and click to download.
A PDF gives you a better print-quality to read than reading online on the web; and you can also print it.
your area webpages in same order as print magazine:
🄵🅆 Cymru•Wales (S-East, S-West, Midlands, N-West, N-East areas)
🄵🅆 England: South-West region (West Country)
🄵🅆 England: West Midlands region
🄵🅆 England: East & South (regions: East Midlands, East, South-East, London)
🄵🅆 England: North (regions: North-West, North-East, Yorkshire regions)
🄵🅆 Scotland, Ireland, World (USA)
🄵🅆 Festivals & Workshops Diary (and F&W adverts)
Also, we publish just the adverts Folklife's Adverts ... a free publication, which you can read online or download, sent to West Midlands & West Country (Halsway Manor, TICs, theatres with folk programming).
Members-only email: password [sent] to download Folklife West free from 🄵🅆 Prepaid PDF
The prepaid pdf is available to all Members (PDF-only or print subscriber, FW only or Journal only or both publications).
You can choose FW 82 online A4.pdf (UK/world), or FW 82 online LS.pdf (letter size for US, Canada); and click to download.
A PDF gives you a better print-quality to read than reading online on the web; and you can also print it.
Non-Members can download free Folklife's Adverts to see how PDF is better
UPDATES - an EMAIL will be sent next week, after Upton Folk Festival - do say hello if you see me, carrying some Folklife Wests around, as ever. Meanwhile, here's a note of what's new in this issue:
Lots of NEW MEMBERS' news 🄵 added to this May issue ...
Folklife West CYMRU / WALES print pages & webpage
• MARK WATKIN PRICE, South-East 🄵
added to Folklife West WEST COUNTRY print pages & webpage
• THE COMPASS INN SESSION, South Glos 🄵
added to Folklife West SOUTH-EAST print pages & 'South & East' webpage
• GAVIN ATKIN; JULIE & GAVIN'S ZOOM, Kent 🄵
added to Folklife West LONDON print page & 'South & East' webpage
• RUMPLED MUSLIN 🄵
added to our NEW Folklife West IRELAND print pages & webpage
• SINGING CIRCLES IRELAND 🄵 live sessions across Ireland,
plus list details of 120+ sessions, with 12-month calendar
• BRENDAN KENNEDY 🄵
• THE CROONERISTA SOCIAL CLUB 🄵
added to U.S.A. on Folklife West INTERNATIONAL print pages & webpage
• PEOPLE'S MUSIC NETWORK FOR SONGS OF FREEDOM AND STRUGGLE (PMN), MA 🄵
• ZOOM FROM THE MERMAID'S TAVERN, MA 🄵
• PORTSMOUTH MARITIME FOLK FESTIVAL & ZOOM SESSIONS, NH 🄵
added to Folklife West: UK FESTIVAL & WORKSHOP DIARY print pages & webpage
• GOULDHURST u3a COUNTRY DANCE TUNES GROUP, Kent
• 2026 Jun 19 - 21 WEST SOMERSET FOLK FESTIVAL
• 2026 Sep 11 - 13 SOUTHDOWNS MUSIC FESTIVAL
And we have 2 new non-Member Festival advertisers for this issue
• 2026 Jul 17 - 19 STAINSBY FOLK FESTIVAL
• 2026 Aug 28 - 31 SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL
After publication date....
new members' news/dates (up to 150 words) can be added as inserts to this issue's online Folklife West area pages.
UPDATES - an EMAIL will be sent next week, after Upton Folk Festival - do say hello if you see me, carrying some Folklife Wests around, as ever. Meanwhile, here's a note of what's new in this issue:
Lots of NEW MEMBERS' news 🄵 added to this May issue ...
Folklife West CYMRU / WALES print pages & webpage
• MARK WATKIN PRICE, South-East 🄵
added to Folklife West WEST COUNTRY print pages & webpage
• THE COMPASS INN SESSION, South Glos 🄵
added to Folklife West SOUTH-EAST print pages & 'South & East' webpage
• GAVIN ATKIN; JULIE & GAVIN'S ZOOM, Kent 🄵
added to Folklife West LONDON print page & 'South & East' webpage
• RUMPLED MUSLIN 🄵
added to our NEW Folklife West IRELAND print pages & webpage
• SINGING CIRCLES IRELAND 🄵 live sessions across Ireland,
plus list details of 120+ sessions, with 12-month calendar
• BRENDAN KENNEDY 🄵
• THE CROONERISTA SOCIAL CLUB 🄵
added to U.S.A. on Folklife West INTERNATIONAL print pages & webpage
• PEOPLE'S MUSIC NETWORK FOR SONGS OF FREEDOM AND STRUGGLE (PMN), MA 🄵
• ZOOM FROM THE MERMAID'S TAVERN, MA 🄵
• PORTSMOUTH MARITIME FOLK FESTIVAL & ZOOM SESSIONS, NH 🄵
added to Folklife West: UK FESTIVAL & WORKSHOP DIARY print pages & webpage
• GOULDHURST u3a COUNTRY DANCE TUNES GROUP, Kent
• 2026 Jun 19 - 21 WEST SOMERSET FOLK FESTIVAL
• 2026 Sep 11 - 13 SOUTHDOWNS MUSIC FESTIVAL
And we have 2 new non-Member Festival advertisers for this issue
• 2026 Jul 17 - 19 STAINSBY FOLK FESTIVAL
• 2026 Aug 28 - 31 SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL
After publication date....
new members' news/dates (up to 150 words) can be added as inserts to this issue's online Folklife West area pages.
And new advertisers likewise - just send your advert now!
To speed up placing Updates, you can use our new UPDATES FORM, or head up email UPDATES
• For Journal, & for Members' folk news, on www.folklife.uk/send-updates
• For Directory, for new entries & for Updates, on www.folklife.uk/get-listed
You can continue to send by email eg mailing lists — but emails take longer to process into our online format.
Inbetween these occasional emails, do check out Updates webpage https://www.folklife.uk/updates
To speed up placing Updates, you can use our new UPDATES FORM, or head up email UPDATES
• For Journal, & for Members' folk news, on www.folklife.uk/send-updates
• For Directory, for new entries & for Updates, on www.folklife.uk/get-listed
You can continue to send by email eg mailing lists — but emails take longer to process into our online format.
Inbetween these occasional emails, do check out Updates webpage https://www.folklife.uk/updates
Extracts from earlier Updates
Edited to remove past-dated events, or ongoing events updated with more details above, etc
Updates email: emailed Fri 13 March 2026
Text Editor needed If you can spare a few days, every 4 months, to extract dates & news for Folklife West from several folk club or workshop websites, to copy over and edit to word limits (150 words non-advertisers, 1/8 ads 200 words): you get free Folklife membership (posted UK, PDF non-UK).
NEW: Online forms set up, to speed things up. Existing form to opt-in to our email updates on our Home, Opt-In page.
New forms, for your Journal & Members' folk news Updates on SEND UPDATES ! page, & for Online Directory entries (new & updates) on GET LISTED ! page.
(2) Online Directory: Updates
📍Due to MORE ENTRIES from IRELAND, we've rearranged other than England & Wales as follows
Updates email: emailed Tuesday 20 Jan 2026
FOLKLIFE TRADITIONS JOURNAL (FTJ), 1st MARCH
Your researched articles, and research news from societies etc is most welcome.
For folk club etc news - Updates, and the next Folklife West out in May, deadline 20 March.
Zooms updated, see (2) Directory updates below.
MORE MAGAZINES (continued) ~ as mentioned last time, will be 3 Journals a year!
To achieve this - prioritising FTJ - I need to save some admin time & reduce our costs, so in future:
As most subscriptions are for both magazines by post, we now call that "standard membership".
All who pay subs are Members - whether standard (both magazines), FW only, or Journal only.
✅ added 2026 Membership benefits -
✔️ ALL Members can send in news for Folklife West, and for the Updates' folk news. So (new) this includes "Journal-only" Members who can send in news for FW (but don't get it by post).
✔️ ALL Members can now access https://folklife.uk/fw-prepaid-pdf the PDF download of Folklife West.
Your researched articles, and research news from societies etc is most welcome.
For folk club etc news - Updates, and the next Folklife West out in May, deadline 20 March.
Zooms updated, see (2) Directory updates below.
MORE MAGAZINES (continued) ~ as mentioned last time, will be 3 Journals a year!
To achieve this - prioritising FTJ - I need to save some admin time & reduce our costs, so in future:
- annual subscriptions only - stopping single copies (posted, PDF), as time-consuming, costly
- BACS-only for subscriptions & adverts under £9 - card & cheques charges costly for under £9
- we'll post only to UK (other than existing non-UK sales) - due to customs 'sales' admin/costs+time
- International complimentary print copies to Journal contributors continue (as "gifts", not "sales")
- Updates & Folklife West folk news only from UK & International Members
- no longer including free news items from International non-members due to cost
- International non-members are welcome to support us by joining - only £9/year for PDFs
- no longer including free news items from International non-members due to cost
- We are committed to free Journal pdfs & free Directory entries for all, Membership not required
As most subscriptions are for both magazines by post, we now call that "standard membership".
All who pay subs are Members - whether standard (both magazines), FW only, or Journal only.
✅ added 2026 Membership benefits -
✔️ ALL Members can send in news for Folklife West, and for the Updates' folk news. So (new) this includes "Journal-only" Members who can send in news for FW (but don't get it by post).
✔️ ALL Members can now access https://folklife.uk/fw-prepaid-pdf the PDF download of Folklife West.
(2) Online Directory: Updates
ZOOM PAGE ALL UPDATED. We emailed all organisers with details earlier than Nov. 2025, most replied to confirm/amend their listings.
Paul Clarke, who used to run FOCSLE Music, compiled a list of 125+ active Zooms, which he passed on to the FolkLife team in April 2025..
Knowledgeable volunteers could make this perhaps the most comprehensive Zoom directory on the Net !
In the meantime, Paul has updated some, and David Kidman has confirmed others, as noted on the Zoom page.
Additionally, Jan. 2026, Storm has just kindly volunteered to go through Paul's list, and will gradually check out some more Zooms, from time to time.
Other volunteers welcome, you would receive free PDF membership: PDF download of Folklife West + your Member's news published in FW, & in Updates.
🏴 Ø Monday, weekly. ~ Scotland. Scottish Borders. BORDERS ONLINE MUSIC SESSIONS
→ Opens from 7.30pm (GMT), music starts at 8pm, till 10pm.
⇒ Direct link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/72019462970?pwd=music Meeting ID: 720 1946 2970 Passcode: music
⊕ All musicians welcome. Weekly, plus monthly 2nd Fridays. Ray. ✔️updated by organiser 1/2026.
⇒ Direct link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/72019462970?pwd=music Meeting ID: 720 1946 2970 Passcode: music
⊕ All musicians welcome. Weekly, plus monthly 2nd Fridays. Ray. ✔️updated by organiser 1/2026.
Updates email: emailed Sat 3 Jan 2026
John Lowe
John died on on 13 December in hospital, with Karen at his side.
John brought joy to the world, and in particular with his musical contributions at Worcestershire & Herefordshire folk clubs. A long-term Somers Trad FC member, he also performed at Rushwick, Folk at the Fold, Roving Folk in Much Marcle, the Ledbury Singaround & Session - and many more. He was well-known for his humorous songs, some deceptively simple, others using his great skill with languages - who else could bring in Ancient Eqyptian, or explain Eskimo clothing in song? We also appreciated John's performances of traditional songs and tunes - he was very knowledgeable about English, Welsh, Scottish, and other folk music. He was always thoughtful and willing to contribute - he brought instruments for others to use, and would always help with clearing tables and chairs at the end of the evening - even when he was not in good health. John will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Karen. ~ Sam
John died on on 13 December in hospital, with Karen at his side.
John brought joy to the world, and in particular with his musical contributions at Worcestershire & Herefordshire folk clubs. A long-term Somers Trad FC member, he also performed at Rushwick, Folk at the Fold, Roving Folk in Much Marcle, the Ledbury Singaround & Session - and many more. He was well-known for his humorous songs, some deceptively simple, others using his great skill with languages - who else could bring in Ancient Eqyptian, or explain Eskimo clothing in song? We also appreciated John's performances of traditional songs and tunes - he was very knowledgeable about English, Welsh, Scottish, and other folk music. He was always thoughtful and willing to contribute - he brought instruments for others to use, and would always help with clearing tables and chairs at the end of the evening - even when he was not in good health. John will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Karen. ~ Sam
Lucy VanEssen-Fishman
Martin Graebe (of the Cirencester Song Session) writes:
I am very sorry to have to pass on bad news about our friend and fellow singer, Lucy VanEssen-Fishman. Lucy collapsed at home in Cirencester on Tuesday and was taken to Bristol Southmead hospital where she was placed in the Intensive Care Unit. She had not regained consciousness and the problem was determined to be a Pulmonary Embolism. She was on full life-support until today when it became clear that there was no hope of recovery.
Our thoughts go out to Brendan, her parents, Tom and Bobbie, who have flown over from the USA to be with her, and to other friends and family who have been at her side. It seems unfair that such a bright star should be taken from us we will miss her dreadfully. Martin and Shan
Terry Haines
Judith from Cheltenham Folk Club writes:
I'm very sorry to say that Terry Haines died suddenly on 22nd December. He will be hugely missed by us and many others. He has been wonderfully kind and supportive to numerous people and organisations. It's hard to imagine the club and so many other folk events without his friendliness, musical contributions, and general helpfulness. Judith.
Terry Haines
Judith from Cheltenham Folk Club writes:
I'm very sorry to say that Terry Haines died suddenly on 22nd December. He will be hugely missed by us and many others. He has been wonderfully kind and supportive to numerous people and organisations. It's hard to imagine the club and so many other folk events without his friendliness, musical contributions, and general helpfulness. Judith.
Updates email: 20 November 2025
David Harley; next FW; data protection; Updates
Sad news: I was shocked to learn this week that David Harley, our text editor, died suddenly on 29th October. His cremation was on 19th November, there was no service as he wished.
David was a retired computer security author (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Harley), editor and researcher. His wide range of talents included singing and songwriting, fiction, and more. His sites included the Wheal Alice blog (https://whealalice.com) with Cornish events and resources, articles on music, David's own music, and reviews.
David was an invaluable member of the Folklife team. Originally he was our Shropshire correspondent; he later moved to Cornwall and became our text editor - he extracted news from club websites and edited that news to fit our word limits – and then sent them very speedily! Indeed, without David's help and reliability, publications might have been delayed this year whilst we had to move the Folklife websites.
We never met in person (although by coincidence we had both lived in Bangor and in Shrewsbury) but his help and enthusiasm were ever present. He will be sadly missed, and our thoughts are with Jude, and we will raise a glass to him and remember him with music and love.
Sam and Eleanor
David was a retired computer security author (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Harley), editor and researcher. His wide range of talents included singing and songwriting, fiction, and more. His sites included the Wheal Alice blog (https://whealalice.com) with Cornish events and resources, articles on music, David's own music, and reviews.
David was an invaluable member of the Folklife team. Originally he was our Shropshire correspondent; he later moved to Cornwall and became our text editor - he extracted news from club websites and edited that news to fit our word limits – and then sent them very speedily! Indeed, without David's help and reliability, publications might have been delayed this year whilst we had to move the Folklife websites.
We never met in person (although by coincidence we had both lived in Bangor and in Shrewsbury) but his help and enthusiasm were ever present. He will be sadly missed, and our thoughts are with Jude, and we will raise a glass to him and remember him with music and love.
Sam and Eleanor
Non-Members
* join by 23rd, deadline 30th, I can assist setting up news.
For folk news / publicity in FW and in Updates, it's only £9 a year (that's just 75p a month!) worldwide
and you can download a PDF for the current issue. Or FW posted to you, along with the Journal, for £21 UK. Bargain!
This email comes via EmailOctopus, so we've amended our Data Protection Policy on www.folklife.uk/data-page
— we've changed references to "MailChimp" & "MailerLite" to "Email Service Providers" or "ESPs", as we may need to change ESPs. MailChimp cut their free-up-to-X subscribers limit; so we moved to MailerLite 'up to 1000 subscribers'— now 'up to 500'. Today we reached 500! So today we trial EmailOctopus. Next email, we'll include here your details that we hold (meanwhile see last email for those details).
Updates email: 31 October 2025
A splendid new Folklife Traditions Journal (9 articles) was posted out Fri 24/10/2025. It is now also available online
Folklife West 1st January: deadline 20th November. For folk news / publicity in FW and in Updates, it's only £9 a year (that's just 75p a month!) and you can download a PDF for the current issue; or FW posted to you, along with the Journal, £21 UK. Bargain!
Thanks to Matt of Reforest Hosting (and Miserden Morris!) - now hosting all our behind-the-scenes domains & redirects from former websites (so if you type in folklife-traditions.uk, it now goes to folklife.uk/traditions, etc), at about half the previous webhost's costs (and thanks to Martin Graebe for suggesting Matt!). https://www.reforesthosting.com, details previous Update below.
The "donate" button on this site now links directly to PayPal, but all Ko-Fi links for payments remain as before.
I'm sorry that circumstances meant I had to stop sending Updates emails for a while - trying to sort out the incompetence of our bank and separately our landline / broadband (non-)provider. All fixed now after weeks on the phone / in branch.
1) Poor broadband since 3 Sept, then no landline as well.
2) So changed contact phone from landline on PayPal (card payments); technical problem; had to close account and reapply.
3) Santander bank threatened to block account access; sent a letter giving us 5 days to confirm (Folklife Chairman) Eric's ID at Malvern branch ~ just closed! Several phone calls (each with wait time of 40+ minutes). Even Worcester branch couldn't get through on the phone; they scanned the details. I rang Identity team ~ they didn't have Eric's details. They rang Eric (whose details they said they didn't have!), Eric back to to branch …
Updates email: emailed Saturday 20 September
We've now moved over half the old site to folklife.uk; it looks much better!
The initial page is FT Journal & Directory, and our old web-address "www.folklife-traditions.uk" now redirects to that page.
"Index to FT Journal webpages" on that page gives links to remaining material on the old site (now https://folklife-traditions.weebly.com)
Subpages: FTJ this issue, FTJ: contribute (and later, the FTJ Directory * will be copied from old site).
FT Archive, www.folklife.uk/ft-archive, is a separate header, with subpages including Articles Index, and (eventually *) all previous issues.
* The rest of the site will gradually be copied over (unless you'd like to volunteer, to speed things up....).
MailerLite have announced 'free up to 1000' subscribers will become 'free up to 500'. Therefore, we will use MailChimp as well, next time. Probably for all non-members not in UK, plus some others UK if MailerLite delivery problems.
From 23/7/2025 onwards: several virgin.net emails: not delivered "'mailbox unknown" (message from MailerLite, and when I sent directly).
CYMRU • WALES
PERFFORMWYR : PERFORMERS
Pf.1 CERDDORIAETH A CHÂN
Pf.1c Unawd.
🅄 Ceredigion CYNEFIN: OWEN SHIERS https://cynefinmusic.wales/cy/home-page-2
⇒ Owen Shiers, owen<at>gemtone.co.uk, 07842 983735, https://www.facebook.com/cynefinmusic, https://www.instagram.com/cynefinmusic/, https://twitter.com/CynefinMusic
⇒ Owen Shiers, owen<at>gemtone.co.uk, 07842 983735, https://www.facebook.com/cynefinmusic, https://www.instagram.com/cynefinmusic/, https://twitter.com/CynefinMusic
⊕ Syniad Owen Shiers, un o frodorion Dyffryn Clettwr yw Cynefin. Mae’n brosiect mapio cerddorol sydd yn tynnu llinell o’r gorffennol i’r presennol – gan gychwyn ym mro ei febyd. (2025 Medi: newydd)
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG
Pf.1c. Solo
🅄 Ceredigion CYNEFIN: OWEN SHIERS https://cynefinmusic.wales/en/home-page
⇒ Owen Shiers, owen<at>gemtone.co.uk, 07842 983735, https://www.facebook.com/cynefinmusic, https://www.instagram.com/cynefinmusic/, https://twitter.com/CynefinMusic
🅄 Ceredigion CYNEFIN: OWEN SHIERS https://cynefinmusic.wales/en/home-page
⇒ Owen Shiers, owen<at>gemtone.co.uk, 07842 983735, https://www.facebook.com/cynefinmusic, https://www.instagram.com/cynefinmusic/, https://twitter.com/CynefinMusic
⊕ The brain-child of West Wales native Owen Shiers, this Cynefin § is a musical mapping project which traces a line from the past to the present – starting in the Clettwr Valley where Owen grew up, immersed in Welsh music. (September 2025: new)
§ Cynefin, 'kuh-neh-vin', a Welsh word with no direct equivalent in English, is a journey to discover. Often translated into English as ‘habitat’, but more than a place in a physical or geographical sense; it's a historic, cultural and social place which has shaped and continues to shape the community which inhabits it. The word has been included as a core concept within the Schools Curriculum for Wales. Originally, it meant a habitual sheep-track. ~ Editor.
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG Pf.1a Bands/Groups
🄵 Gwynedd NEVER MIND THE BOCS [website temporarily not available]
⇒ Neil & Meg Browning 01286 677578. neilbrowning26<at>gmail.com www.facebook.com/nevermindthebocs/
⊕ Never Mind the Bocs are an acoustic band from North Wales. Collectively, the range of their experience in roots music (from Cajun to ceilidhs, via Blues and folk-rock) ensures a fresh and unique approach to traditional Welsh music and song. [Sept 2025, new email; website TBA]
⇒ Neil & Meg Browning 01286 677578. neilbrowning26<at>gmail.com www.facebook.com/nevermindthebocs/
⊕ Never Mind the Bocs are an acoustic band from North Wales. Collectively, the range of their experience in roots music (from Cajun to ceilidhs, via Blues and folk-rock) ensures a fresh and unique approach to traditional Welsh music and song. [Sept 2025, new email; website TBA]
Pf.2 FOLK DANCE Pf2.b Folk Dance Bands
🄵 Gwynedd BAND Y BRAICHMELYN [website temporarily not available]
⇒ Neil & Meg Browning 01286 677578. neilbrowning26<at>gmail.com
⊕ Ceilidh band, thirty years experience of running successful ceilidhs and twmpathau. The core line-up of the band is button accordion, banjo (and/or guitar), and bass guitar; a punchy, lively sound that can react to the dancers. Experienced caller included. [Sept 2025; new email, website TBA]
⇒ Neil & Meg Browning 01286 677578. neilbrowning26<at>gmail.com
⊕ Ceilidh band, thirty years experience of running successful ceilidhs and twmpathau. The core line-up of the band is button accordion, banjo (and/or guitar), and bass guitar; a punchy, lively sound that can react to the dancers. Experienced caller included. [Sept 2025; new email, website TBA]
🅄 Thursday, 1st + 3rd Worcs DROITWICH DROITWICH FOLK CLUB no website
→ The Old Library Centre, 65 Ombersley Street East, Droitwich WR9 8QS. Starts at 7pm.
→ The Old Library Centre, 65 Ombersley Street East, Droitwich WR9 8QS. Starts at 7pm.
⇒ For further details contact Malcolm on droitwichfolk<at>yahoo.com . YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com@mbmusic2005
⊕ Serving the community since 2016. Join us to perform, listen or just sing along. Parking very close by (no charge after 6pm), level access for wheelchairs. Tea, coffee, snacks available during break. Admission: £3.00 per person. (Sept 2025, new listing)
⊕ Serving the community since 2016. Join us to perform, listen or just sing along. Parking very close by (no charge after 6pm), level access for wheelchairs. Tea, coffee, snacks available during break. Admission: £3.00 per person. (Sept 2025, new listing)
Updates email: Wednesday 23 July 2025
Read online, as emailed https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/160574952340194375
MailChimp bounced emails are not immediately notified, so if you miss one, please check this page to see what's been sent.
MailChimp bounced emails are not immediately notified, so if you miss one, please check this page to see what's been sent.
Yippee - just bought and installed a new MacMini & wonderful Apple display, updating software, etc, and busy learning that.
Only trying to help, they say ...
(1) Santander Bank "Not-for-profit organisations play a crucial role in society, which is why we’re dedicated to helping them prosper" , they say, when announcing the non-profits' free banking goes up to £5/month - & 70p per cheque!
(2) The Post Office: "more reliable and sustainable service", they say, when announcing delivery will be only alternate days! and only Mon-Fri!
~ For September issue, no change to our charges; nor to our deadlines; but may change after that.
On a more positive note, I'm delighted we have more new Members, so more news / info for you in our Sept Folklife West. In particular, our first North-East report by Eileen Richardson.
Only trying to help, they say ...
(1) Santander Bank "Not-for-profit organisations play a crucial role in society, which is why we’re dedicated to helping them prosper" , they say, when announcing the non-profits' free banking goes up to £5/month - & 70p per cheque!
(2) The Post Office: "more reliable and sustainable service", they say, when announcing delivery will be only alternate days! and only Mon-Fri!
~ For September issue, no change to our charges; nor to our deadlines; but may change after that.
On a more positive note, I'm delighted we have more new Members, so more news / info for you in our Sept Folklife West. In particular, our first North-East report by Eileen Richardson.
SPECIAL EMAIL (not an Update)
about the future of the Folklife Traditions website Tuesday 1 July 2025
Folklife Traditions Journal will move websites
Why?
'Weebly' webhost stopped updating (+ large price increase)! Site still works / is readable, but problems editing old or new material - major layout problems (type size changes, unwanted bold, underline, italic, etc). We've already moved www.folklife.uk (Folklife West folk news site) from 'Weebly' to webhost 'WebMate". We could do the same with Folklife Traditions, but that's costly.
PLAN A.
Ideally... anyone like to volunteer, by Wednesday 16 July, ...as webmaster to manage the new WebMate-hosted site ?or as web designer / webmaster to set up a site on a different platform (not WebMate) ?We realise this is unlikely, but thought we'd ask, just in case...
PLAN B.
Otherwise ...
We'll copy over most* other webpages, including pdf downloads for all issues.
* Since we don't have the time, we'll omit the individual-issue webpages (the entire issue's print pages copied online).
Advice welcome from those more web-knowledgable than me (probably most of you).
Existing site has:
Existing site has:
- Archive of Journals, for all issues, now 2 Journals per year, so updated twice yearly.
- Each issue has: contents list; picture of the cover; PDF download link. We consider this is fine as it is.
- An index of Journal articles. Simply a list by author.
- Volunteer welcome, to convert to simple spreadsheet (Excel?) or small database
- A small directory see https://www.folklife-traditions.uk/ft-directory.html
- Volunteer welcome, to convert to small database
- Excellent support by phone and email, small team whom I know quite well.
- My limited webskills. I find WebMate far easier (and much better supported) than Wix, Wordpress, blogging, etc
- But if we had a webmaster, we'd consider any platform they could run.
Donations
A non-profit group, our folk magazines promoting folk music and folk traditions run at a healthy loss.
Additionally, we maintain this website for you ~ free-to-read, plus extensive resources.
So if you find this free website useful . . . you may wish to donate say just £3 as a 1-off, or once a year.
So if you find this free website useful . . . you may wish to donate say just £3 as a 1-off, or once a year.
For card donations, just click this link: Donations by card Thank you!
Or ⎯ you're welcome to subscribe: details foot of page (UK BACS or cheque; or world-wide by card).