A small but vocal group of ten singers gathered for this month's sing, with two more, weary from their busy day, arriving much later just in time for our last few songs. Although missing the company and voices of Alan, Anne and Stephen A, we were all ready for a good old sing - but our start was somewhat delayed by low light levels in the area we usually occupy (albeit boosted by a cheery string of fairy lights). There being no solution to this, a move to the other better lit bar area was negotiated with our amiable hostess, and once settled around the tables there we began with "Country Life" before another 14 songs, some in group, some solo, some half and half!
The songs requested or offered moved on to revival of an old, not much used of late, favourite "Rolling in the Dew". "Hard Times" came next, then, with Chris and Lyn leading on the verses, "To Be a Farmer's Boy" - which we agreed would be a good one to learn better and use more often. Gordon offered to lead on his "Three Moles" song (in anticipation of the Chichester SDFS group singing again at the pub of this name in Selham for our June 20th meeting). Those familiar with his words joined in and as usual everyone enjoyed it.
The "Farmer's Toast" flowed well, which maybe inspired the next two: "Fathom the Bowl" and the "West Sussex Drinking Song" which covered the tos and fros of individual refreshment breaks and kept the singing going. The next popular choice was "Summer is A'coming in Again"- this time sticking with the original verses of the song (whilst in discussion also complimenting the additional verses Alan has provided). "Smugglers' Song" preceded "Saucy Sailor", the latter another one not often sung by us but we just about managed the narrative of verses split between men and women.
After a late arrival, Les offered and sang to us a "1930s protest song" about "The Man Who Watered Down the Workers Beer" by song writer Paddy Ryan. Changing mood and direction to conclude the evening on a seasonal note we sang "It is the First of May" and "Hal n Tow" (including the added first verse) - leaving just "Rolling Home" for our finale and farewells.
With thanks to all for their contributions, and a few apologies for absence in advance for the May meeting, this month's session, as convivial as ever, closed.
HH
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