Apologies first. Jan was away so I said I would write this report, but then I disappeared into a silo for the local elections. It was a cracking evening so I’m even more sorry for this delay.
Fifteen singers gathered at the John Harvey Tavern. When I arrived, Geoff was in deep conversation with a couple of drinkers who were very knowledgeable about folk music and said they would try to return later. We didn’t see them again unfortunately, but two other women wandered through from the crowded main bar looking for a seat and then stayed for the whole session. We sang several of the songs from the upcoming sets at Firle Garden Show, and a mixture of other old and new songs, including the rest of the singers’ favourite songs as voted for last month.
We kicked off with “Ale Glorious Ale”; “Sussex by the Sea” (as the county song this always get a loud round of applause at Firle, and this year Brighton was playing Manchester United that day in the FA Cup semis so even more apt); “Run of the Downs” (to the new tune from Worthing singer Amaryllis Gunn); “Caburn Hill” (in two parts with one led by the songwriter Lewes singer Dave Turner - we decided that for Firle Dave would sing solo on the first two lines and we would then all join in two part harmony on the remaining two lines); “Bee Boy’s Song”; “Birds on the Spray” (which was less familiar to some present); and “Three Maidens” and “Shepherd of the Downs” (both golden oldies).
During the break we discussed items from the recent committee meeting, including the planned review of our repertoire, a possible CD and 10th anniversary celebrations, probably in July; an update on possible new venues for this session; and the sad decision to cancel singing at Oldland Mill on 7th May as there were not enough singers available.
We restarted with “When Spring Comes In” and “Searching for Lambs”. Next, we tackled a completely new song, “Love and the Ball”, a courtly poem about the local game of stoolball set to a tune by Chichester singer Alan Wheeler, which everybody picked up very quickly. This was followed by the relatively well-known “Sussex Wedding Song” and “Turtle Dove” before spending some time revisiting “Birds on the Spray”. We rotate our closing songs, and this month it was “Thousands or More” which sounded, as ever, full of rich harmonies and heartfelt sentiment. Another great evening, a pleasure to sing with you all.
Tina
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