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)
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