Chichester Local Group Report - Thursday December 21st 2023

On near enough the shortest day of the year a goodly crowd of South Downs Folk Singers came together for a festive sing at a busy "Chichester Inn” (this included two new faces, one being very like another already in the Chichester gang!).  Welcome all!  

Against the challenging soundscape of a popular pub in the week before Christmas, we valiantly and cheerily sang our way through over 20 songs, with a mix of other enjoyable ‘party pieces’ offered in addition.  All met with a good-natured mix of attention and inattention from the various social groups of other customers seated nearby - with occasional moments of appreciation and applause before their chattering resumed as we sang on!

Our choice of songs for any who listened (and could hear them!) began with “Masters in This Hall”, "Good King Wenceslas”, “Hark the herald Angels” and the “Gloucester Wassail” .  Steve A then read to us “The Ruined Maid”, a poem and commentary by Thomas Hardy, its observations and wit giving rise to a wry smile or two…   Singing resumed with "O Little Town of Bethlehem”, before Julia presented for us the lyrics she has written for a winter song featuring a woodland battle between the oak and the holly - we look forward to hearing the tune to complete it (still a work in progress). “Wassail the Silver Apple”, came next - new to some but already on the SDFS Blog and recently revived at the last Worthing local group session.   (Alan proposed the version on the Blog be re-structured to feature the chorus after 2 not 3 verses).  Gordon then gave us his witty song featuring the 12 themes (and also the 12 tunes needed to illustrate them) most commonly used on Christmas cards - a musical challenge indeed!   And Chris continued the entertainment with the ’tale’ of “Spot of the Antarctic” which successfully paused some of the nearby chattering as other pub customers listened - and even joined in!   “Gaudete” and “The Boar’s Head Carol” took our singing to the midway break and some well earned refreshment. 

Les opened the second half with his rendition of “The Christmas Tree Fairy” (credited to Stanley Holloway) - leading to more wry smiles …. after which our singing resumed, firstly to wish Amaryllis a “Happy Birthday” and 'the best of health on her day of birth’, then on to another seasonal choice, “Pentonville”.  Alan took a quieter moment to recite for us an old favourite, “Eddie’s Service” by Rudyard Kipling.  A couple of wassails followed, “Here We Come A-Wassailing” and the “Apple Tree Wassailing Song”, before the gentle tones of “In the Bleak Midwinter” and the brightness of the “Sussex Carol”.  Chris introduced and led the ‘alternative’ version of “Grandma We Love You”, with our voices joining in the chorus, before, by popular demand, Alan sang for us the "Field Mouse Carol” (from 'The Wind in the Willows’). This is also on the Blog on the 'Other Songs to Try' page - and we hope will get more use next year. 

Alan provided instrumental accompaniment to many of the songs during the evening, including the 'Christmas Calypso' which he offered and led, with others who knew it joining in, before we all sang “Sweet Chiming Bells” together, followed by “Now Chritmas is Come”, “Angel Gabriel”, “Holly and the Ivy” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”.  These brought us near to the close of the session, an appropriate moment for joining hands and voices in “Auld Lang Syne” and last but not least -“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” to finish!

With Seasonal Good Wishes shared and plentiful thanks conveyed to everyone who'd contributed, especially to Alan for his genial facilitation of the session and his expert musical accompaniment (with added 'get well soon' messages for him to take back to Anne) - we concluded our farewells with a nod towards gathering again at the Chichester Inn for our next session in January 2024 - Happy New Year!  

Lewes Local Group Report – Tuesday 19th December 2023

A small but enthusiastic group came out to the King’s Head all set to tackle some winter, Christmas and Wassailing songs to see out 2023. We had known that several regulars would be at Brighton Pub Carols and other events but had agreed in November that we would go ahead tonight with whoever could make it.

However,…having arrived in good time and while awaiting the others I received a text saying somebody with whom I had been in close proximity a few days before had now tested positive for Covid. As a result, I stopped singers as soon as they arrived and informed them of the situation from a safe distance. Since two have vulnerable relatives, we decided to take no chances and not to proceed with the session and bade sad goodbyes and festive greetings as we headed home.

Nick usually gets the award for travelling the furthest distance (from Bexhill) but tonight that accolade went to Ted, an American visitor who had come down from London specially to listen to us, having emailed the previous day to check we would be there. He has our original CD which he bought 10 years ago and plays at his parties in Massachusetts and being here on one of his twice-yearly trips to the UK he wanted to hear English folk sung in an English pub. Unfortunately, he was flying back the following day, or we would have suggested he try the Chichester session on Thursday 21st. It was lovely to meet him, albeit briefly, and hopefully he will be able to catch us on a future visit.

Seasonal greetings to all and we look forward to seeing anyone who can join us when we resume on Tuesday 16th January.

Tina

Season's Greetings and Festive Cheer!

       Here are some photos of our Sing at the Weald and Downland Living Museum’s Advent Market - some singers on their way to the event and the whole gang (with Steve behind the camera) preparing to sing in the Market Square.  It was a rather damp and chilly day, but singing lifted our voices, although sadly not the clouds, and helped to keep us warm. 

A week later we sang again in the courtyard of a beautifully decorated Petworth House, on an even chillier but at least drier winter’s day. (we hope some more photos from there will follow soon) - and last weekend we contributed to the festive fun at Rustington Museum’s Christmas event.

We were, as ever, glad to support and contribute to these lovely festive events - so many thanks to our hosts for their hospitality and to the visitors who stopped and listened.  And many thanks to our leads Tina, Alan and Emily, and of course to our Singers, for their energy and commitment to singing and sharing our songs. 

We still have one Yuletide event to go before the 25th - we’ll be singing in Worthing Town centre (near the Guildbourne centre) at 12.00 noon on Saturday December 23rd.  Then the fun continues at our first event of the New Year singing in support of the Sompting Morris Wassail celebrations in Tarring in the evening of January 5th - so why not bring your voices to join with ours in The Vine’s pub garden to toast the apple trees. 

Our SDFS local group sessions across Sussex are still there to enjoy through December and into 2024 - and more public events are being planned - so plenty to choose from to come and hear us, or even join us!  (More details are on our "Diary Dates" page and the “Welcome" page of this Blog.)

Worthing Local Group Report - Thursday December 7th 2023

The festive season and mood shaped our December session at the Barn - helped along by some mince-pies kindly brought by Gillian and enjoyed in the break (many thanks Gillian!).

After a brief notice to confirm plans for the remaining seasonal events on our performance calendar, with Emily's capable and joyful leadership our voices and spirits lifted with “Hark the Herald Angels”, “Sweet Chiming Bels” and “The Holly and the Ivy”.  “Ideo” came next, sung at a bright pace, followed by one of the songs added to our seasonal mix this year, “Now Christmas is Come”.  We returned to more familiar territory in “Deck the Halls” before the first of three rounds sung during the session - “Hey Ho Winter Snow’"- which built up to a successful 5 part rendition, and very lovely it sounded too!  'While Shepherds Watched' to the “Pentonville" melody gave a pause before another round - the lovely "I heard a Bird Sing”, the gentle sweetness of which benefitted from a simpler arrangement in fewer parts. 

After our break (with mince-pies and time for chat) we resumed with some debate about the length of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and considered trying a chorus after every two verses to reduce it a little.  In the event it wasn’t sung but time was given instead to another round, “Child of Light”, provoking general comment on how enjoyable and beautiful singing in the round can be.  We moved on to the "Sans Day Carol" - another 'holly' song full of the symbolic meaning this evergreen has at Christmas.  With careful rhythm we sang the lovely “The Angel Gabriel”, followed by one we have not often sung although liked by many, the “Boar’s Head Carol”.  This inspired us to give “Gaudete” a try, a popular song heard elsewhere by most of our singers.  Alan and David did an excellent job on the latin verses - with the rest of us managing to join in with the simpler latin choruses.  It is definitely one we enjoyed singing and would like to improve for next year’s festivities.  

With an eye then turning to the new year - and in anticipation of wassailing with the Sompting Morris side in Tarring village on January 5th - we dusted off “Here We Come a-Wassailing”, the “Apple Tree Wassail” and the “Sugar Wassail”.  Then the one we most often sing, the “Gloucestershire Wassail”, which like folk songs do has travelled across many regions, including Sussex!  We closed the evening with a rather last minute suggestion to try another one heard but not yet sung by everyone, so led by Alan and Emily with a strong driving rhythm liked by all, we sang “Wassail the Silver Apple”- which we hope to revisit post-Christmas at our next Barn session in the New Year.

So with Seasons Greetings exchanged our last Worthing group session of 2023 concluded - and now we look forward to our first Barn session of 2024 on Thursday January 4th!    

Lewes Local Group Report - Tuesday 21st November 2023

Our new singing venue, The King’s Head in Lewes, is proving popular, and thirteen of us gathered there on November 21^st, completely filling the top tier of the pub. As our numbers expand we’ll have to accept Dec’s kind offer to use the larger middle tier in order to accommodate everyone.

We were pleased to welcome our newest member Celia from Lewes, returning members Ruth and Steve from Henfield, and of course all our trusty regulars. After a brief introduction from everyone Tina opened the evening explaining that she’d selected the evening’s songs to link in with Remembrance Day, winter and of course looking ahead to Christmas.  We started with the “West Sussex Drinking Song” and moved into winter with the “Fields Lie Silent”.

Tina’s reminder that no-one should sing anything with which they feel at all uncomfortable was pertinent as we went on to sing “Home, Lads Home”, “The Ladies Go Dancing at Whitsun” and “My Boy Jack”, all of which commemorate those tragically lost in war.

Everyone was in fine voice and we headed towards Christmas with the new to us “Boar’s Head Carol” which Tina taught as a suggestion for next year and everybody picked up quickly, and the more familiar “Falmer Carol”. “Stir-up Sunday”,  a round written by Alan from our Chichester group, was particularly topical as this year the day for traditionally starting the Christmas pudding falls this week on 26^th. The “Woodcutter’s Song”, ”Gather Round the Fire” (another round) and “Where Stormy Winds Do Blow” kept up the seasonal theme before we returned to carols with “Ideo” (another new try out ahead of next year which was also well received).  “Old Adam” made an appearance before we finished with a rousing rendition of “Thousands or More”.

In the break Tina mentioned the Weald and Downland Living Museum event this Sunday and there was some enthusiasm for the idea of arranging a Wassail event for 2025 as there’s not time to try and arrange a public event for January 2024.

Jan

Our Next Events - Seasonal Events

As autumn gives way to winter and the 'festive season' approaches, we have a number of events and places where we look forward to sharing our seasonal songs with all.

In addition to our regular local group sessions this month, in December and on into 2024, we will be singing at the Weald and Downland Living Museum during their Advent Market on Sunday November 26th.  

Then on Saturday December 2nd you'll find us singing in the courtyard at Petworth House on one of the pre-Christmas open days there. 

Saturday December 9th sees us singing at Rustington Museum's Christmas Fayre - and on the last Saturday before Christmas, December 23rd, we'll be singing in Worthing town centre (near the Guildbourne Centre steps) singing in support of the "Worthing Lions" and Father Christmas!  

Thank you to our hosts for inviting us to these events - and we're not finished there - our first public sing of 2024 will be on January 5th at the Sompting Morris' Wassail celebrations in Tarring Village, Worthing. 

Lots to sing and lots to enjoy - so come along and enjoy the Season with us - and make your New Year's resolution to join us at one or all of our regular local group sessions through 2024! 

Another Song to Try - The Field Mouse Carol

Here's a sweet song - a poem from The Wind in the Willows set to music by Chris Green.  

Sung to us by Alan at the last Chichester local group session, and agreed by everyone there to put on this page for others to hear, try and enjoy it too.  So here it is!

You'll find the lyrics, tune and youtube video via the links below.

Lyrics

Tune

Video

Chichester Local Group Report - Thursday November 16th 2023

Fifteen valiant SDFS singers came out on a rainy evening to sing Christmassy songs in preparation for the forthcoming SDFS Christmas events.

The evening opened with "Deck The Halls"  sung with gusto and enthusiasm and moved on to a suitably seasonal "Poor Froze Out Gardeners"  sung by all and not just the men.  "The Sussex Mummers’Carol"  followed with some discussion about gaps and whether or not to sing the last verse as a round.  "The Woodcutters Song"  proved a popular next rendition and lead up to trying out one of the newest additions to the repertoire – "When It’s Christmas Time".  All agreed that the words of the next song, "Fields Lie Silent Now", were really good, even if now slightly outdated as we seem to have rain rather than frost in December.  Which led Steve to observe that the fields round Rogate were covered in redundant Haloween Pumpkins for winter!  The "Pentonville" version of While Shepherds Watched  came next with the men singing their part well.  "Sussex Carol"  rounded off the first half after some discussion about men/women parts and what repeats there might be.
 
As everyone headed off for a well earned break, there was a decision NOT to cancel the December Chichester meet-up on 21 December and Steve checked that the pub were still happy for us to come. Everyone agreed to bring a special Christmas poem/song or even instruments to make it a lively session.
 
Alan took the opportunity to sing "Field Mice Carol" from the Wind in the Willows and all present thought it should be added to the “Other Songs to Try” page of this Blog.
 
"Holly and the Ivy (Sans Day Carol)" opened the second half of the evening and was sung so well that Alan decided the group needed a little more of a challenge and the group tried "When It’s Christmas Time"  a Brighton Carol introduced relatively recently.  Latin was attempted in "Ideo"  with Alan making the point to follow the timing used at the recent Worthing practice.  "Master’s in This Hall"  followed, after comments that it hadn’t gone particularly well when sung last year at Chichester.  It was sung really well following a slight lowering of key and there was discussion about the possibility of a drum accompaniment to help keep the song dynamic!  "Coppers Christmas Song"  and "Moon Shone Bright" followed.  The latter possibly being a bit “weaker” as it hadn’t been sung very often, was sung twice for confidence building!  "When Stormy Winds Do Blow"  was an appropriate comment on the weather outside before the evening finished with  "The Parting Song".
 
Alan complimented all on some very good singing and reminded the group to watch whoever was leading whilst out and be prepared for maybe different keys and timing - and with that, the Chichester branch of the SDFS was launched towards it’s Christmas performances for 2023.
 
Anne S
 
For anyone interested in hearing Alan, Anne, and their friends in "Cotillion" sing ....

There will be a Christmas performance with "Cotillion" in Sompting Church on Saturday 9th December.  Start Time: 2.00 pm, to run with a break for about 90 minutes.                           

                                               

"A Sussex Christmas" is a combination of seasonal Songs,  narration and join in carols.  The organisers usually provide some kind of refreshment during the break.  Tickets in aid of Sompting Church on the door.

Worthing Local Group Report - Thursday November 2nd 2023

Sadly there was no Worthing Local Group session at the Barn this month.  

The impact of the recent stormy weather here, which didn't calm during the day as much as we'd hoped, the resulting concerns about travel to and from the session, and the apologies for absence received from a number of singers, led us rather late in the day to decide it would be much better to be safe than sorry.  So the session was cancelled, notices were posted, texts were sent, calls were made - and we stayed safe, dry, and maybe singing, at home.

Sadly this disappointed hopes of having another jolly good sing together to cheer us as the days shorten and darken at this time of year.   But our songs in celebration of the season changing from autumn into winter, songs of Remembrance, and songs heralding the Festive Season, will still be there to enjoy at either or both of our other local groups' sessions in Lewes and Chichester this month - and at our next Worthing meeting at the Barn on December 7th.  (See the Diary Dates page on this Blog for more details.)

May the elements be on our side for safe travel to all of them - but just in case, before you attend, do keep a look out for notices if plans have had to change.  

Stay safe and keep singing!

H.

Chichester Local Group Report - Thursday October 19th 2023

Fourteen stalwart singers came out on a rainy evening to a fairly quiet venue, where we entertained and probably surprised those that passed through the bar, with a selection of Christmas songs and carols which as Alan explained, was in preparation for the forthcoming SDFS Christmas events.
 
The evening opened with "Coppers Christmas Song" – a good rendition, familiar to all.   There was some discussion at the end about the last few words, were we wishing everyone a Happy Christmas, New Year or Winter? The  "Pentonville"  version of While Shepherds Watched followed, well sung by all.  Having confidently started, the group tackled a new offering from the Lewes Group –  "Now Christmas is Come".  Dave G was enthusiastic about the new possibilities and confidently led the group through this and followed it with  "When It’s Christmas Time (Ring Bells Ring)".  The group were not keen on the latter but nevertheless tackled it under Dave’s excellent tutelage.  Again there was some discussion about line scanning in some verses.  "In The Bleak Mid-Winter"  followed with the group confidently singing this well known carol where it was felt that harmonies were definitely required to enhance and liven it up.  The group sang with equal confidence "The Angel Gabriel"  to conclude the first half of the evening.
 
The second half opened with  "Ideo", well sung and remembered by all with a discussion about the best speed it should be sung and Alan reminded all to watch the conductor whilst singing out!  This was followed by a song from the “to try” list  "The Boar’s Head Carol"  which was much enjoyed by all.  Steve A had amazingly found a link to Sussex in a Roman reference in the song!  To continue the Latin theme, Dave G was prompted to sing "Gaudete" which was quickly enhanced in the chorus by the group who added top and bottom harmonies to rousing effect!
 
Alan then invited suggestions from the floor as we had tried all the potential new material.  This resulted in  "Deck the Halls"  sung with gusto and a rendition of  "Sussex Mummers Carol"  after discussion about which verses to sing and an excellent round in three parts on the last verse. Henny had found an older version which was interesting.  Dave G requested "Falmer Carol", so he could try out the bass harmony and after discussions, the group settled on singing four verses with chorus between each, to which the base harmony by the men went well.  Henny had found references to other local carols and suggested it would be very appropriate for the SDFS to try and sing them. "The Ditchling Carol"  was one such example and all listened to a couple of versions via Steve’s mobile!  
 
To round off a very productive evening, the two new carols from Lewes were tried once more with increasing confidence ready for the Christmas season!
 
Anne S
 

A Seasonal Song to Try

Here's another ancient seasonal song, well know and loved across the land, offered by Dave Garrard for our enjoyment -  "Guadete".   

You'll find the lyrics using the link below.  Dave has provided both the English version (page 1) and the original latin (page 2)

Lyrics

You'll find the tune, a high harmony and a low harmony using the links below. 

Tune

High Harmony sung on second chorus

Low Harmony sung on second chorus

Tune and Harmonies sung together

Lewes Local Group Report – Tuesday October 17th 2023

10 singers made their way to the Kings Head, including new singer Celia, and tackled the usual mix of old and new, seasonal, and general songs. 

We started out with old favourites “On Sussex Hills” and “Poor Froze Out Gardeners” with references to snow, wind and seasonal unemployment.  There are four remembrance songs in our repertoire and, as in previous years, we sang two tonight and will sing the other two in November.  “All Things Are Quite Silent”, sung mainly by the women, is a plaintive lament from the point of view of a wife whose husband was pressganged into the Navy in the Napoleonic Wars.  The contrasting robust “Follow Me ‘Ome”, sung mainly by the men, is a setting of a Kipling poem where soldiers mourn the loss of a comrade.  We had another look at “Oak Tree Song”, a suggested new song and then “Run of the Downs” to the new tune written by Worthing member Amaryllis a couple of years ago.  She said tonight she’s unsure if she still likes this tune but was met with loud cries of approval from other singers who love it! We had a second go at one we started last month, “Summer is a-Coming in Again”, another suggested new song which isn’t set in summer, but in winter looking forward.  The first half ended with “Coppers Christmas Song”, not really about Christmas but more about changes in nature and the coming turn of the year. 

After the comfort and socialising break, we sang three of our slower and more reflective pieces – “Lammas Carol”, “Life of a Man” and “My Downland Remembered” (including the new verse about the sea journey to Australia).  This was followed by “Seasons Turn” which talks about all the seasons, saying for each of them, “oh THIS is the time I love best”.  We spent some time on another newish song “All Among the Barley” before singing by request “Hard Times of Old England” and winding up a very pleasant and tuneful evening with “East Sussex Drinking Song” and “Come Stranger Come Friend”.
 
Tina
 
 

The Fittleworth Harvest Supper (October 7th 2023) - with many thanks to Alan, our lead for this Event

18 of us crammed onto a stage amidst haybales and chairs to entertain guests at the village Harvest Supper.  We chose songs that had some connection with harvest time, Steve W acting as our song-announcer.   Our scratch band of two guitars, one concertina, a flagelolet, a recorder and a melodeon played folk tunes as the guests were entering and finding their places in a beautifully decorated village hall.  

The SDFS was given a table for itself where cottage pies were eaten, with veggie alternatives available.   After clearing away the first course we climbed back on the stage.  Dave G presented a lively short history of the SDFS and the aims of the group.  Following this, a short poem was recited about harvest which led into three punchy shorter songs before we descended to eat our desert. 

Then once more to the stage for an hour’s worth of relevant songs.  During this session Chris, our own historian who had scoured many archives, presented anecdotes concerning the village and its inhabitants, many of them well-known. This created quite a noise amongst the guests, with, ’I knew him, I didn’t know that, surely that can’t be true, that’s where I live now’.  

Amaryllis sang a humorous solo to the tune of, ‘We Plough the Fields and Scatter’, "Harvest Moan" by Sid Kipper. The audience joined us in a chorus read from their chorus sheets.  They sang with gusto also joining in the choruses of "The Turmut Hoer" and "One for the Rook". 

Then a very beautiful poem, read by Anne, about the geese sensing the Winter to come and setting off to the South.  This was followed by a round with audience participation to the tune of 'Wassail All Your Apple Trees'. A poem about the local pub, "The Swan", fitted perfectly into the round.  The song the "Lammas Carol" was preceded by an interesting introduction by Steve, who also quoted a poem spoken at Lammas which explains how to know the person you will fall for. The song was accompanied by a drum to give it bit of a more-full sound. 

We finished with "The Parting Song" and a cry of GOLIER. 
ALAN

Worthing Local Group Report (including the SDFS AGM) Report - Thursday October 5th 2023

We gradually assembled 31 singers for our session at the Barn, which started early to accommodate the necessary proceedings of the SDFS’ Annual General Meeting (the first since 2019 and the Covid gap).  Officers' reports were given, committee elections held (unfortunately without confirmation of a new Chairperson), and generous words were expressed to the outgoing Chair' ( gratefully received and much appreciated by H.)   

Some general discussion followed from comments and queries made about our public events, the introduction of new material for our performances, and the ongoing problem of managing the limited time available at our monthly sessions.  Suggestion was again made that we arrange occasional extra sessions or workshops to learn new songs, develop harmonies, and for special event rehearsals.  (We have two such sessions already booked to prepare for our Yuletide events - in addition to enjoying our seasonal songs at the SDFS local sessions in the next few months.)  All ideas and suggestions shared at the AGM will be considered with our leads and singers at our local groups (and with our Events Man, John, who was unable to attend this meeting) - and opportunities will be explored to take them forward if we can. 

Once the time allotted for the AGM had run over, and out, we took a breather to quench thirsts and rearrange tables and chairs - for our singing to commence.  Emily was unable to join us this evening but Alan generously offered to step up and lead, which he did with his usual positive and energetic approach - many thanks Alan!

 

We set off with  “Ale Glorious Ale”,  "Farmer’s Toast”  and  "Brisk Young Plough Boy”.  A solo from Alan followed, with some support from a few singers familiar with the song,  “Love and the Ball”  (about stool ball) to revive it in a Worthing session (it's probably better known in our Lewes and Chichester groups).  We all came together again to sing  “The Oak Tree”,  the "Lammas Carol”  (at the briskish pace preferred by its creator Alan), and then, maybe a little prematurely,  “The Parting Song”.  By request and in tune with Alan’s suggestions,  “All Among the Barley”  and  “The Turtle Dove”  were enjoyed and preceded another welcome solo from him, "Three Drunken Maidens”.  The latter was remembered by some from its first airing at a Worthing session in 2019 (pre-Covid) and enjoyed by all, and positive feedback suggested it would be a lively one to add to our performance repertoire.

We continued with  “Oak, Ash and Thorn”,  “The Constant Lovers"  and  "One for the Rook”, before Alan sang for us the story of  “Bold Reynard”.   The mood involved by its sad ending may have prompted the last request of the evening,  “Ladies Go Dancing at Whitsun”  which brought a busy evening to a gentle close.   Thanks again to Alan and everyone who stayed the course - and hope we’ll see you for our next full evening of songs at the Barn on November 2nd.

H. 

Autumn Round-Up

Our late summer visit to the National Trust's Open Day at "Saddlescombe Farm"on September 17th, nestling as it does in the East Sussex Downs near Devil's Dyke, gave some of us a welcome chance to sing in this beautiful setting so resonant of the many of the old South Downs Songs we love to sing.  

The elements put on their own show to accompany us - with torrential rain and thunder during our first set but calm sunshine again by the time of the second.  Rain or shine, the audience we had from amongst the visitors and staff was attentive and appreciative - and we hope they enjoyed our songs and their time at the farm as much as we did in singing there. Thanks again to the helpful and welcoming staff on site and to the National Trust for inviting us - we'd be very happy to visit and sing for you there again another time.

As the days grow shorter we move closer to our autumn and winter events.  The next entry on our calendar is the annual gathering of Singers from all three local groups at our next local session (in Worthing) for our Annual General Meeting - the first full meeting we've had since before Covid closed things down.   It will be the usual AGM business, and also provide a forum for feedback, discussion and planning towards the next SDFS year.  But not for the whole evening - there will still be time for a jolly good sing together too.

Our Diary Dates Page on this Blog describes what is already planned and still to come this year.  Our local sessions continue each month as usual - and October 7th sees (and hears) us singing at a private event, as guests at Fittleworth's Harvest Supper,.  The day after that we will continue celebrations of the autumn harvest when singing at a public event, the Stanmer Village Apple Harvest Day on Sunday October 8th.   Thereafter we'll be looking forward to November and December and our songs and events for the winter and the 'Festive Season'.

So - Watch this space (and the Diary Dates Page) for news of how these go, and for details of where and when you can see or sing with us in the future.   We look forward to having your company there!

Gollier!

Chichester Local Group Report - Thursday September 21st 2023

Seventeen singers came along to the Chichester evening session – a good turn out on an Autumn evening.

Alan explained that the song selection would include some from the forthcoming Fittleworth event as a good number of attendees were going.  The first half started confidently with old favourite "Country Life", "Ale Glorious Ale" followed and then "All Among the Barley" with a few discussions about the words.  "West Sussex Drinking Song" another old favourite followed before moving on to some newer material

 

Firstly the "Oak Tree Song" (that had been introduced at Worthing).  Both chorus and verses were tried this time.  It was agreed that this was a good work in progress and all agreed it was a good song.  In further preparation for the Fittleworth event the group tried a new round written specifically for the occasion -  "English Ale at the Swan".  This being sung to the tune of "Wassail All Your Apple Trees" – to be found on the SDFS Blog.  It was finally sung in four parts which was impressive!

 

The first half was rounded off with the popular "Farmer’s Toast".

 

Following well needed refreshment, the second half of the evening opened with "Turmut Hoer" broken up into male/female parts.  The ever popular "Oak and Ash and Thorn" followed by "One for the Rook" and the relatively newly introduced "Lammas Carol" and "My Downland Remembered".  All went very well. There was some starting note debate over "Brisk Young Ploughboy" which was resolved and the evening finished on a high note with "Thousands or More" which received applause from an impromptu bar audience.  Dave G did his excellent rendition of "Golia" with responses from the singers which delighted the bar audience further and then couldn’t resist a slightly risqué version of the new round which shall remain unpublished!

 

Anne S

 

Lewes Local Group Report – Tuesday September 19th 2023

12 of us were at the Kings Head this month, with a good balance of voices and harmonies and including a new singer Rebecca. We looked at some of the songs for the upcoming “Stanmer Apple Day” in Brighton and also other seasonal items, as well as some general ones which fit into any season.

We warmed up with the well-known “Ale Glorious Ale” and “Sussex by the Sea” (trying out Worthing member Amaryllis’s alternative non-militaristic words, which we liked and thought could also be used at some events where appropriate) before revisiting one of our sea songs, “They Won’t Let Us Go To Sea Any More”. 

Next was “Juice-alem”, not a South Downs song but a tongue-in-cheek ditty about English apples agreed for use at Stanmer, before venturing into a suggested new item to try “Now Christmas is Come”, a traditional carol collected by Lucy Broadwood of Rusper from the “Singing Baker of Cuckfield”. This brought the usual mixed reactions to starting Christmas songs in September, and a reminder that this year there will be two separate practices in Worthing for those singing in the seasonal public events, so we needn’t get through all of them in the pub sessions. We were surprised when a man appeared from the main bar, saying he’d been misled – he’d thought he was going to hear folk singing, not this “God bothering”. We were unsure if he was joking, but after a brief chat he went back to the bar, and we didn’t see him again.  The first half wound up with “Bee-Boy’s Song”, another new song “Summer Is A-Coming in Again” and “Gooch’s Beer”.

After drink refills and chat, we continued with another new item “When It’s Christmas Time”, this time a more modern song by Glen Redman of Brighton Morris and Brighton Pub Carols, covering Christian Christmas but also family togetherness, changes in nature, Saturnalia and misrule, so something for everyone there! We revisited “Tommie” (a song about apple scrumping for the Stanmer event), learned a new short round “Banbury Ale” (written by Thomas Ravencroft in 1609) and sang autumn favourites “Fields Lie Silent” and “Lammas Carol” before ending a lovely evening with “Come Stranger Come Friend”.
 

Tina

 

Worthing Local Group Report - Thursday September 7th 2023

A good crowd of 31 singers contributed their voices to a mix of songs for our September session, bridging the seasons and looking ahead to our events in November and December.  

But first - we began by taking a few moments to reflect on the sad news of the death of our good friend and fellow singer Sue. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and in his absence our condolences were expressed to her husband David. They were both in our thoughts during the evening as we lifted our voices to Sue in our songs and singing.

Under Emily’s careful leadership we opened with one of SDFS' favourite anthems “On Sussex Hills", before moving on to “One For the Rook", the “Lammas Carol”  and “The Oak Tree” (with the slightly shorter structure of verses and choruses as tried and agreed last month, concluding with repetition of the last line in the final verse).  Emily introduced a ‘song to try’ by Hilaire Belloc, taken from the songs used in the "Broadwood and Belloc" songs project: “Delicate Flower”.  Known and well remembered by those who had learnt it during that project - we sang it through - but in discussion of it afterwards the vote was split on whether or not to take it forward in the SDFS.  Discussion of other possible choices from the ‘B&B ‘ project ensued - including the "Loyal Lover”, known and favoured by many, so we sang that one too.  Likewise the “Turtle Dove”, another favourite, was requested and duly sung after the break.

“All Among the Barley” concluded our songs from summer into autumn - before making a seasonal shift (with groans from some!) towards our repertoire for the 'Festive Season'.  Not everyone had these songs available in their folders, so choice was limited to those best known from memory (or from the few SDFS songbooks available for loan at the session).  “Deck the Halls” broke the festive ice, and resistance subsided, so we pressed on with “Holly Bears a Berry”, the“ Gloucestershire Wassail”, and by popular demand “Sweet Chiming Bells”.  Having used up the time available this evening, reminders were given about the extra sessions planned in October and November for the singers who have volunteered to perform and who will, all too soon, be singing to the public at our festive events.  

We then closed the session in quieter tone and reflective mood with “Life of a Man”, with sadness but also many fond memories of lovely Sue, her friendship and all she brought to the SDFS.  R.I.P. 

An 'Other Song to Try' - now agreed for public performance - "Juice-Alem"

This song was offered a while ago just for fun at our local sessions.  It's been tried and enjoyed a few times and it has now been agreed for limited use at some public performances - if the event has a theme relating to apples!

It will be making an appearance at our October events (see Diary Dates page for details) as the apple harvest is gathered in.

The link below will take you to the lyrics (sung to the tune of "Jerusalem") on our main "Songs and Recordings" Page

Page Link 

A Sunny Day at Amberley Museum

The sun shone, the clouds kept moving on, the visitors arrived - and we sang at Amberley Museum's "Ale and Crafts Fayre" on August Bank Holiday Monday.  Thank you to our hosts for inviting us to sing at the museum for a second time this year, and for their generous hospitality during the day.  

Thank you too to our singers who gave their time to support this event - including Angela who kindly stepped in as our lead for the day (and get well soon to Amaryllis who wasn't well enough to be there with us).  We had a jolly good day and a jolly good sing, and hope all our listeners enjoyed it too!

Chichester Local Group Report - Thursday August 17th 2023

We're very sorry if you came along and found that we weren't there...... too many holidays and other commitments meant we had to cancel this month's session.

But we'll be back at the "Chichester Inn" in full voice and good spirits on Thursday September 21st as usual. 

See you then!

Feedback from Parham's Sussex Day Celebration

With thanks again to our hosts at Parham, here (reproduced from a recent Parham newsletter) are their thanks to us for our contribution to their "Sussex Day" celebration.

A reminder of this year's 'flaming June', and despite the heat the pleasure of singing in such a lovely setting!

Sussex Day Celebrations We would like thank all visitors, stall holders and the South Downs Folk Singers for making our Sussex Day Event such a success back in June. We will be running the event next year on Sunday 16th June, more information will be published in due course.

Singing at "Amberley Museum's Ale and Craft Fayre" - August 28th

The "South Downs Singers" will be making a welcome return visit to Amberley Chalkpits Museum to sing at their "Ale and Crafts Fayre".  We will be singing near the cafe at 11.00am and again at 2.30pm, on Bank Holiday Monday August 28th.  

So if you're looking for a great setting with lots of interesting things to see and do over this holiday weekend - come along and join us there, and enjoy (maybe even join in with) some South Downs songs and singing in celebration of the Day, the Crafts and the Ale!   The sun will of course shine - and all will be merry!

Lewes Local Group Report – Tuesday August 15th 2023

Ten singers came along to the Kings Head this month. We missed those absent due to illness, work or travel difficulties but had an enthusiastic band of equal numbers of men and women keen to enjoy old songs and learn some new ones from those agreed at the recent meeting of the three local group leads.   

We warmed up with “Song of the Sussex Downsman” (the whole thing for a change) followed by “Twanky Dillo” and “Lammas Carol” (written by Alan from our Chichester group). For the upcoming Stanmer Fete, a celebration of the harvest and of apples, we then practised “Tommie” (a jolly tale of an apple scrumping lad, sung to the tune of “Fathom the Bowl”). Next, we revisited “My Downland Remembered” (from the poem by EV Lucas with a tune also by Alan, and he has now added an extra verse which we went through here for the first time). “Lark in the Morning” is an old favourite and we sang the chorus several times while making up individual harmonies as we went along, and it sounded as if there were six different versions which we will work on further in future. We ended the  first half by learning a new song, “All Among the Barley” which we all liked very much, and we paid attention to the contrast between the slower straight metred parts and the faster “skippy” ones. 

During the break, we discussed several upcoming public events and the AGM on 5^th October. Staff ferrying food from the kitchen to the main bar said “Good singing” while passing through, which was welcome. For light relief we took turns to read out the ten best one-line jokes from the Edinburgh Fringe and then voted for our favourite. Our winner was from Ginny Hogan – “Everyone says your 20s are all about finding yourself. If that’s true, your 30s are all about wishing you’d found somebody else” – which we all thought could have come from one of Ray’s poems about the wry side of life. 

Back to serious business we carried on with another song which was new to this group, “The Oak Tree Song” which we also enjoyed (just the beautiful tune tonight, we agreed to look at the harmonies next time). This was followed by the last “new” song for the evening “Juice-Alem” which is not a Sussex song but one written by a Worcestershire wassailer “William Bloke” to the tune of Jerusalem, in praise of good old English apples rather than French pommes. We agreed as group leads to allow this interloper as it's perfect for our Stanmer event. Now on the home straight, we continued with a bunch of old familiars – “Hard Times of Old England”, “Jim the Carter Lad”, and “East Sussex Drinking Song” (with solos on the verses, including one sung by Adrian, who wrote the song for us 10 years ago as a counterpoint to Hilaire Belloc’s better known West Sussex version) before winding up another enjoyable evening with “Parting Song”.

Any potential singers reading will be most welcome at future sessions, just turn up and sing, or get in touch via the blog if you want to chat first! 

Tina

Worthing Local Group Report - Thursday August 3rd

Summer holidays and other distractions slightly reduced our number at the Barn for our August sing.  Welcomes done and notices given, we launched as we often do with “ Country Life”, before discussing and trying various other songs suggested for the pleasure of them and also in preparation for a couple of forthcoming events - the Amberley Museum Ale and Craft event on August 28th, and in October a Harvest Supper evening in Fittleworth.

We continued with “All Among the Barley”, followed by the “Lammas Carol” with particular attention given to ensure the correct sequence of rise and fall in the tune.  “Farmer’s Toast” came next, with encouragement from Emily to be mindful of the words as we sing, to fully express the mood and context of the occasion described.  Next the beautiful new song we’ve been working on, “The Oak Tree”, took some time - to learn the tune of the verses and also the high and low harmonies.  There was some discussion about shortening the length of the song for performance events - by using the chorus at the start then after only the second and fourth verses - and finishing the song with the strong image, and sound, of the last verse.  (Still under debate - and needs consultation with our fellow grousp east and west.)

After the break “Gooches Beer’ got us singing again, before considering "Michaelmas" - but as few had the words to this or knew the song (written by Amaryllis and used for a seasonal event last year), we moved on to an older 'trad' song, the “Brisk Young Ploughboy” instead.  “Ale Glorious Ale” resumed the drinking theme, before  Amaryllis’ revised words for a more rural celebration of Sussex were used for “Sussex by the Sea”.  Then back to another couple of drinking songs - the first, “Fathom the Bowl”, before Emily taught and led us through “Banbury Ale”, a round, in 2 then 3 parts. (All agreed the 3 parts worked well and would be worth a try if there are enough voices available at Amberley on the 28th.)  In softer tones we closed the evening with “My Downland Remembered" now including the additional last but one verse our Alan has added to his song. 

Another enjoyable evening of song and good company - thanks to Emily and all.   See you at the Amberley event on Monday August 28th and or at the Barn again on Septemvber 7th.

(P.S. - For singers keen for more sessions (of song, and maybe beer as well) during August - our Lewes group will be meeting again at their new venue on Tuesday August 15th - but sadly there will be NO  Chichester group session this month (they will resume in September). 

                 

A Song to Try

Here is an alternative, less military, version of "Sussex By the Sea" written by Amaryllis Gunn in celebration of Sussex rural life.

You'll find the lyrics using the link below.

Lyrics

Chichester Local Group Report - Thursday July 18th 2023

Ten singers came along to the Chichester evening session and we were delighted to meet Jess, a potential new SDFS member who had found us on the internet!  We almost persuaded a couple of ladies who were looking for their “Friendship Group” to join us and a further young lady joined us for a couple of songs with some effective harmonies – saying that she’d learned a lot of the songs at her University Folk Club.  Great news that folk is still appearing in Universities!

The first half started rousingly with "Ale Glorious Ale" which our new recruit ably joined in.  "All Among the Barley" followed – rehearsed as it hadn’t been sung for some time. This, along with the following "Lammas Carol" was early preparation for Autumn performances.  "My Downland Remembered" and "Farmer’s Toast" rounded off the first half along with much discussion about boats involved in transportation to Australia!

Following well needed refreshment, the second half of the evening opened by popular request with "Oak and Ash and Thorn" which again our new recruit seemed to know.  It continued in it’s theme of nature with "One for the Rook" (incorporating a discussion about crows versus rooks) and "The Oak Tree Song", a new suggestion from Emily.  Alan guided the group through it and will send a report of the group’s thoughts back to Emily etc.  Steve requested "Thousands or More", followed by "Country Life" and "The Nightingale" as further familiar songs for joining in.  A song introduced originally by Dave G was tried next - "Summer is a Coming in Again".  This by popular request as the Chi group thought it would make a great addition to the repertoire being such a lively song for audiences.   To round off the session and reflect the worsening summer weather, the evening concluded with a confident rendering of "Stormy Winds Do Blow".

N.B. - Following a discussion of likely very low attendance at an August session, it was decided to CANCEL the AUGUST MEETING at the Chichester Inn, have a summer break, and reconvene on Thursday September 21st.  

Anne S

Lewes Local Group Report - Tuesday July 18th 2023

Fifteen singers were at our first session at the Kings Head. Manager Dec welcomed us and helped move tables and chairs. After much debate and trying out one long and two small tables in various places, we eventually settled down to drinking and singing. 

We eased in with “Pleasant and Delightful”, “Rosebuds in June”, “Magpie”, “Turmut Hoer” (originally from Wiltshire but collected in Sussex by Lucy Broadwood - the men competed with their rural accents of dubious origins) and “Green Grow the Laurel”.  Older song “Cuckoo” was revisited in some detail before returning to the more familiar “Country Life”, “Lammas Carol”, “One for the Rook”, “Hares on the Mountain”, and “Littlehampton Collier Lads”. We raised a glass and sang “Life of a Man” to mark Jan’s recent loss of her mother. (Our singing at the Henfield residential home is going ahead on 24th July for the other residents and staff.) 

During the break, we caught up with news of various local events, and barmaid Ann-Marie helped adjust the overhead lighting. Sandria works at Glyndebourne and some friends from the chorus who were in the main bar came up to listen and complimented our singing. One of them was Welsh, and she and Mac gave us a rousing duet of “Calon Lân”.

We continued with “Farmer’s Toast”, “Smugglers’ Song”, “Ha’nacker Mill”, “Oldland Mill”, “Loyal Lover” and “Brave Eleven” (the first two verses and chorus as a quick refresher), before winding up a very enjoyable evening with “Drink me Brave Boys” and “Thousands or More”.

Tina

(Photos from Tina)

Reminder ! New Venue for the Lewes Local Group - from Tuesday July 18th 2023

 DON'T FORGET!

Our Lewes Local Group has a new venue !  Starting from the next session tomorrow - Tuesday 18th July 2023 - we will be meeting at........ 

"The Kings Head",   9 Southover High Street,   Lewes   BN7 1HS

We will be arriving from 7pm - and start singing at 7:30 until 10pm as usual. 

We hope to see as many of you as possible for our first session in our new home.

Golier! 

(Worthing Local Group Report) "The "SDFS 10th Anniversary Gathering" - Thursday July 6th 2023

44 Singers from across all three of our local group gathered at the Barn for a special evening of songs, to celebrate and reminisce about the 10 years since the "South Downs Folk Singers" began at the end of the "South Downs Songs Project" in 2013.  The Barn was decked with bunting and fairy lights (thank you Emily) and the side tables were laden with plenty of sweet and savoury snacks brought by one and all to enjoy in our extended social break. Sadly the Songs Project's creator and lead, Chris Hare, and his wife Ann (who with our current lead Emily made up "Emily and the Hares", who sang and taught the songs in the project workshops) could not be with us, but their names were cited in dispatches and thanks were given to them in their absence.  Happy reunions and greetings started as soon as the doors opened and - after words of welcome from Henny to all our singers, and special thank yous to those who have made particular contribution to the SDFS across our 10 years - it was over to Emily as our lead and the celebratory singing began.  

All the songs sung during the evening were selected by popular demand - with an associated mixture of delight, nostalgia and an occasional wry smile.  "Twanky Dillo"(the very first song taught at the workshops), "The Nightingale" and "Fathom the Bowl" came first - interspersed with shared memories of learning them - and they primed us well for tackling and completing the many verses of "Cruel Mother". This song had been top of the request list for its history, its lilting tune and the challenge of singing it - but it attracted a few wry smiles and a sense of achievement when getting to the end!  "The Sussex Wedding Song" lifted the mood and pace again - before a generous break from the songs to enjoy the good company and the plentiful refreshments that had been brought to share.

We resumed singing with "On Sussex Hills", then paused to listen to an alternative version of "Shepherd of the Downs" created and sung by Amaryllis with Sydney - which challenged the original lyrics by describing instead the shepherd's fondness for his sheep exceeding any he might have for a fair maid!  The "Turmut Hoer" and his fondness for turnips came next, before Stephen A took the lead in singing through "Valiants All" with support from singers who knew it - another long song not often used by us, but a favourite of Stephen's.  "Country Life" came next, with thanks to Shirley B for introducing it to the Chichester local group in their early years - and it was good to have Shirley singing it with us again.

Some gentle songs from the favourites list came next, with "Rosebuds in June", "Eileen Aroon" and "Fields Lie Silent" - all sounding rich and beautiful with so many voices coming together in the lofty Barn.  As the time passed over towards the close of the evening it seemed more than appropriate to finish with one of our best loved favourites "Thousands or More", much loved by the Copper Family too.  

And so the singing concluded, the bunting was taken down and farewells were made.  Thank you to the helpers on the night, to Emily for leading us and to everyone who attended for making it such a lovely occasion - now onward and upwards for the next 10 years, at least!

Hx

And a Message from Emily.....

Dear all,

It was really lovely to have the opportunity to all be together (with a few fondly missed exceptions) for a revelling in 10 years of the SDFS.

I enjoyed singing through the old faves and not so faves and was struck by that pleasurable feeling that you get when singing with people you have sung with for so many years that it is all familiar and easy and effortless. A rare and precious thing indeed. 

And I woke with lots of things crowding into my thoughts that I wish I'd said and didn't!

I was so busy trying to remember the words and enjoying all the familiar faces that these important things didn't have the space to enter my thoughts. But there they all were, flooded into the front of my thoughts when I woke up! 

So I'd like to share them now and am sorry I didn't share them on Thursday!

I'd like to acknowledge how lovely it is that this group of most excellent people are still gathering to sing, undaunted by lockdowns and changing venues and the passing of a decade.

How wonderful it is that, through song, so many friendships have been made, friendships that might not have flowered if it wasn't for the shared love of singing the good old songs.

How marvellous is the committee, keeping all the official ness flowing along with your particular skills and knowledge, making decisions and choices that have enabled the SDFS as an official group to be organised, present at so many places for the sharing of song and strong in its unswerving intention to bring these songs to listeners everywhere (almost!) Thanks to John C to who's unceasing efforts in the gig finding department have created so many memorable and delightful days for us all.

How brilliant the Blog is, almost lost with the loss of dearest Keith and then remade with no little effort and countless hours by Steve and Henny. And it is now a brilliant resource of songs and a record of how the SDFS has grown and evolved over the years. Thank you!

It is lovely how the three groups across the area are all thriving and providing so much pleasure. Thanks hugely to Tina and Alan and Steve for being so brilliant in your leading and teaching and organising. It was lovely to see people from all three groups singing together. I was struck by how Brill we sound!

I have had to take a step back from leading over these last couple of years because of increasing commitment in my other work and with Home educating and I am grateful to Alan and Amarylis for stepping into the role of leading so willingly and excellently. 

And thanks to Tina for making such a remarkable document of all the songs we have learned and know, SO many! And for finding gigs and always leading over in the east.

It is delightful to see, through the recent gig at Rusington, how the SDFS is evolving it's delivery possibilities. I hope that there will be more of these informative and brill performances.

And thanks to all the singers who have offered songs, written by themselves or found and suggested. Always enriching the repertoire and making it unique.

And finally and especially, thanks to Henny. You are wonderful! A source of constancy, wisdom, calm and diplomacy in our midst, the author of thousands of emails keeping us all connected, informed and aware of all the ever fluctuating details. 

Thank you for holding the Chair for sooooooo long, in spite of perhaps fancying handing it over sometimes! 

Thanks for your time and skill and passion over these years. I wanted to say this on Thurs but am aware of your slight preference for staying out of the attention. I regret listening to that thought now!

Please remember, each time you sit at the computer to write yet another email that we so appreciate it. The SDFS wouldn't exist as it does without your effort, skill and time. THANK YOU!

Thank you all, you are all wonderful, it is a pleasure singing with you all these years

Em XX 

June Events Summary

After the pleasure of singing at the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum on the 3rd we went on to enjoy three more events around West Sussex during June - with thanks to all our singers who travelled and gave their time to support them, and thanks also to our generous hosts for inviting and accommodating us.

We were in the town centre on June 11th for Worthing's Festival - then on a VERY hot June 16th (flaming June indeed) we sang in the beautiful grounds of Parham House in celebration of Sussex Day.  Last but not least - we gathered again to sing in the gardens around Petworth House for the Summer Solstice (see photo below), watching and waiting with others in a lovely and quiet place to see the light fade towards sunset on the longest day.

How lucky we are to have such opportunities and places to visit and sing.  Thank you to everyone who listened and sometimes sang with us, and a special thank you to some junior fans (usually 5 years old or younger) for your inspired free dancing to our tunes - a rich reward for us - and we hope you all enjoyed these occasions as much as we did!

We have a quieter July ahead - until August when we hope to be at the Chalk Pits Museum in Amberley again, and then other events will follow in September with a move east, hopefully to Saddlescombe and Stanmer.  

Please check our Diary Dates Page, and notices here, for more details as plans are confirmed - or come and sing with us at one of our local sessions. Either way, we look forward to singing for or with you again soon!

PLEASE NOTE - LEWES LOCAL GROUP - CHANGE OF VENUE

The South Downs Folk Singers Lewes Local Group will be moving to a new venue at:

"The Kings Head", 9 Southover High Street, Lewes  BN7 1HS 

Starting from the next session on Tuesday 18th July 2023. 

We will be arriving from 7pm to meet the manager Dec and start singing at 7:30-10pm as usual. We hope to see as many of you as possible for our first session in our new home. 

Lewes Local Group Report - Tuesday June 20th 2023

It was a small but enthusiastic group that met in the John Harvey Tavern for our monthly song session, with lots of “apologies for absence” due to the holiday season but we still managed to create a good sound, and just as importantly, to enjoy singing together.  We were pleased to welcome back Jo, who hasn’t been able to join us for quite a while.  She slotted in as though she’d never been away and we hope she’ll be able to become a regular singer once again.

There was a brief, discreet discussion about the email Tina had sent to all singers who have attended pub sessions or events within the past year, asking for peoples’ thoughts about a possible new venue.  She has received some responses and will feed back to the group after a week to give everyone time to respond. 

Tina had prepared a list of possible seasonal songs for us to choose from, favouring those we didn’t practice last month, and we began with “Ebernoe Horn Fair”, in preparation for singing at Petworth Park for the summer solstice.  Lord Egremont (of Petworth) presents the prizes at the fair so this was an essential on the songlist.  “Ha’nacker Mill” followed and Tina took us through a high and a low harmony which will be lovely additions to the tune, with a little more practice. We continued with “Green Grow the Laurels” and then “Come Stranger, Come Friend”.  We had some discussion about when this was written, estimating mid 20^th century and having just checked the website for further information, Ron Spicer who wrote it, lived from 1929 to 1996.

On a bird theme we continued with “Nightingale” and “Magpie” before “Seasons Turn” which we all enjoyed despite it relating properly to the beginning of spring. “Rosebuds in June” was a special request, followed by “Bee Boys” and “Turtle Dove”.  We finished a good evening with a rousing rendition of “Thousands or More” and look forward to hearing the group consensus about our future venue.

Jan

Chichester Local Group Report - Thursday June 15th 2023

Twelve stalwart singers came out on a hot June evening to a fairly quiet venue, where we entertained those that passed through on the way to sit in the outdoor spaces.  A topical political song by Steve A got everyone in light hearted mood for the start as Alan explained that he had selected songs to practice that hadn’t been sung recently plus a couple for review by the group.

"Sussex By the Sea" with alternative words by Amaryllis started the practice proper – due to be sung the following day at Parham House Sussex Day.  "My Downland Remembered" followed, including the requested extra verse to lengthen it which everyone agreed went well.  Alan introduced a possible new song, "England for Me" by local musician Dave Toye which in fact had been on the SDFS website for quite a while.  The group quickly picked this up and thought it would make a good addition to the set lists.  His second introduction "Bold Reynolds" by the same writer, the group thought not suitable for choir singing.  "Bee Boys Song" with discussions about the technicality of bee-keeping followed and the first half rounded off with "Brighton Camp" and finally "The Loyal Lover", a lovely popular song.  
 
Following well needed refreshment, the second half of the evening continued with "Ebernoe Horn Fair" (a must to sing at the forthcoming Petworth House booking as Lord Egremont of Petworth presents the prizes at the fair).  "Ladies Go Dancing at Whitsun" plus a new song introduced a month or two ago by Dave G - "Summer Is A Coming In Again".  The latter much appreciated by all present.  Following the idea of singing “old” original songs from the early days of the choir at the forthcoming ten year celebrations in Worthing, "The Cruel Mother" was fairly quickly abandoned but followed by the more eagerly sung "Three Drunken Maidens" (from the Isle of Wight) which Steve W agreed to put on the “songs to try” part of the website.  As a final flourish before heat exhaustion set in, the group sang "Pleasant and Delightful" without a single set of words to be seen!
 

Anne S

South Downs Folk Singers sing at Amberley Museum World Environment Day

On Saturday 3rd June, fifteen of our singers spent a very pleasant day singing our traditional Sussex songs to visitors at the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum. We sang outside the Village Green Store and were warmly applauded by the stallholders opposite, who were there to encourage us to be more environmentally friendly in all that we do. Passengers on the old “Southdowns” Bus waved to us from the windows as they passed by. Thanks to Alan for leading the singing and conducting us so well, and to Steve W for his introductions. And a big thankyou to the Museum for inviting us. Can we do it again please?

Dave

Worthing Local Group Report - Thursday June 1st 2023

Quite a few event notices were given at the start of our evening, reflecting how busy we'll be in June with four public performances in a month.  Then, under Emily's guiding hand, we revisited some of what we'll be singing at the first of these events - Amberley Museum on June 3rd.  We began with what has become a good warm-up and fanfare, "Country Life", before moving on to "When Spring Comes In"; "One For the Rook" and "My Downland Remembered" (choosing this time not to repeat the last first verse at the end).  A change of scene had us singing a round in three parts "As Me I Walked ..." which we hope to engage our audience in on the day.  The first half of our evening was completed with "The Nightingale", the "Sussex Wedding Song" and the "Bee Boys Song" - before a break and more shared news of other local events, including the new Worthing Festival and some dates at Horsham Folk Club.  

Our singing resumed with "Turmut Hoers"; "Life of a Man" and "Oak and Ash and Thorn" before trying another round with summer words to the "Banberry Ale" tune, which some were familiar with, this time talking of "Ripening Strawberries Juicy and Bright".  (If not already on the Rounds Page of our Blog, the two sung this evening soon will be.) 

To finish the evening, by request, we sang two songs both with the shadow of warfare, and separation from home and loved ones, woven into them.  First "Ladies Go Dancing" with its wistful tone and gentle pace, and then by contrast "Sussex By the Sea" in its louder marching rhythm - on which note we marched home after another enjoyable evening of song.

We'll at the Barn for a sing with a difference at our next session on Thursday July 6th - 7.30pm

We hope that our South Downs folk singers from all three of our local groups will gather in this central location to join in an evening of songs by request, old and new, to celebrate the 10 years since the "South Downs Folk Singers" began.  

We considered having a summer picnic gathering somewhere on the Downs - but fearing the weather could fail us and rain stop play, we've opted instead to use the lovely Sussex Barn already available to us - and guaranteed dry!

We're asking singers to bring some sweet or savoury snacks (no more than easy to eat 'finger-food') to share, and drinks of their own choice, to have in the break and add to the evening's enjoyment.