Hot weather and holidays may have slightly reduced attendance but still 29 (including one new face - welcome to you) met for another sociable gathering to sing.
Some songs were included with thoughts of performing them at our next public event at Amberley Chalk Pits Museum at the end of the month, others were for the simple pleasure of trying, doing and learning them. We began with "Ale Glorious Ale" and then "Ebernoe Horn Fair" (after which Barbara S kindly shared some information about the annual celebrations at Ebernoe village on July 25th - which is the Feast of St.James, widely celebrated in Spain at fairs and celebratory festivals in the hilly northern region known for it's sheep herding - which pilgrims may have witnessed and reported back when home, hence perhaps the inclusion of (rams) horns at the village's fair as cited in the song.
Singing resumed with "All Among the Barley" a beautiful song carefully directed by Emily and much liked by everyone singing it. Emily then handed 'the baton' to Angela S to coach us through the intricacies of the tune and phrasing of the "Song of the Sussex Downsman", making particular reference to the score stating it should be 'allegro' therefore needing a spritely pace. After some repetition to help improve our performance on all counts, we managed to complete the whole song - albeit with more work needed to perfect it. There then followed a well earned break!
At the end of the break and to start the second half, Angela S shared with everyone a newspaper article about Saddlescombe Farm that she had found with an old photo of the farm (where we sang at their open day last year and have been invited to do again in September this year). Descriptions of sheep shearing at Saddlescombe Farm where then reflected in our singing, when we resumed with Emily at the helm to lead us for "Rosebuds in June".
Next came a song new to many but known by singers who were part of the 'Belloc and Broadwood' songs project - "The (Jolly) Woodcutter" which is an old drinking game song, as the refrain describes, with the cup being passed around and more drunk as the song progresses. "Lammas Carol" followed, using what its writer Alan has suggested is a more suitable 'polka' rhythm. This worked well and was approved by most (although a few reported they still enjoy the slower pace version). Alan then had the floor to present "England For Me" , a song offered a while ago but not yet progressed. Under his lead, combining with Emily's guidance, we sang it through - and agreed we'd use it again.
As the clock ticked on there was just time for a couple more, and at Emily's suggestion we sang the beautiful "Oak Tree" song, with those who remembered them singing the harmony parts. It was agreed the low harmony needs more support and we need to practice it again another time. As our closing anthem, "Thousands or More" saw out another evening of songs, group effort and enjoyment - with thanks to all who contributed their time and skill to the proceedings.
H.
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