Lewes Local Group Report - Tuesday October 18th 2022

Eleven of us gathered at the John Harvey Tavern. Tina had brought along suggestions and word sheets for a selection of seasonal autumn and winter songs, mostly based on the set lists for upcoming events in Henfield (small group event at Jan’s mother’s care home), Weald & Downland Living Museum and Petworth. Singers took it in turns to call out their preferences as we went along and we got through 15 of these songs.

We warmed up with old favourites “Farmer’s Toast” and “Fields Lie Silent” . Some time was then spent concentrating on Alan’s new composition “My Downland Remembered” which everybody agreed was musically delightful as well as moving in its depiction of his Sussex ancestor who had been transported to Australia for a minor theft. Back on familiar ground we rattled through “Seasons Turn”, “Sweet Chiming Bells”, “The Angel Gabriel”, “Copper’s Christmas Song, “Holly and the Ivy” (to the “folkie” tune) and “I Heard a Bird Sing” (as a round in two parts, we were running out of time leading up to the comfort break, so didn’t venture into more parts on this occasion).

Having refilled drinks, we spent some time in general chat and catching up. We welcomed Margo who was back again from Wales. The Henfield event is now confirmed on 8th November and there is space for a couple more singers. There is the option of wassail singing at Tarring on 5th January instead of the usual Worthing session. We discussed future Lewes sessions and agreed not to move the November and December days as in previous years but to continue on the third Tuesday for simplicity. These will be at the John Harvey Tavern for the moment, while also looking into other future options and it was agreed this could be widened to consider venues other than pubs. We passed the hat round to cover the £25 room fee and ended with a float of £5 to carry forward.

 We continued with the cold and seasonal items of “Poor Froze Out Gardeners”, “Where Stormy Winds do Blow” and “Masters in This Hall” before diverting to “Parting Song”, then “Woodcutters Song” and ended with “Thousands or More” (we stood for this last song - somehow it feels more joyful and vibrant than sitting down!)

A very enjoyable evening with everyone working hard and some glorious harmonies.