Lewes Local Group Report - Monday August 19th 2024

Eight singers were at the Lewes Arms this month, with several regulars away on holiday, moving house, working or assisting relatives. Our number included a new singer from Barcombe who was welcomed. Another new singer from Crowborough had sent apologies and said he hopes to come next month. As a couple of people wanted to leave early, we decided to miss out the usual halftime break and sing straight through, making individual trips to the bar or other facilities as needed.

We went through the songs proposed for the upcoming Lewes Priory by Candlelight event. These were (not necessarily in performance order yet): “Pleasant and Delightful”, “Ale Glorious Ale”, “Country Life”, “East Sussex Drinking Song”, “Farmer’s Toast”, “Magpie”, “Nightingale”, “On Sussex Hills”, “Rosebuds in June”, “Run of the Downs”, “Smuggler’s Song”, “West Sussex Drinking Song”. 

 
For most of these we spent some time going through existing harmonies and making up new ones as well as noting pacing, volume and dynamics including pauses for emphasis in the places agreed over the years. We had equal numbers of women and men so had a good balance. Our new singer is familiar with some folk songs but she knows only a few of the local ones, so we added background information about Belloc, Kipling and others as we went along. 

We had a bit of time left and by request sang “Searching for Lambs” and “Fields Lie Silent” (a possible addition for Lewes Priory if time permits) before returning to “Thousands or More”and finishing slightly early at 9:30pm for those who had to leave. Others stayed for a while chatting (and Ray recited one of his excellent amusing poems) before the formal finishing time at 10pm.

Tina said that unfortunately we don’t have enough singers to go ahead with Stanmer Park or Saddlescombe in September, but we are looking forward to Lewes Priory. 

Dave T 

Lewes Local Group Report - (from Monday July 15th 2024)

Everyone was on good form at Monday's Lewes session, cheered, no doubt, by the relief of just missing a torrential downpour (except Tina who wasn’t so lucky when she arrived earlier)! Ten of us assembled in the upstairs room of The Lewes Arms (our best venue yet?) and, starting with a rousing rendition of “Twanky Dillo”, sang our way lustily through twelve songs, 

The other old favourites and songs for the current and upcoming seasons which we warmed up with and enjoyed were: “Three Maidens”, “Fields Lie Silent”, “Lammas Carol”, “Constant Lovers”, “Run of the Downs”, “Searching for Lambs” and “Pleasant And Delightful”. 

We also spent some time tackling three that were new (or newish) to this group. “Michaelmas” with new words by Amaryllis from our Worthing group set to the tune of “Poor Froze-Out Gardeners” has been sung a couple of times previously but benefited from reminding ourselves which words are stressed. “Riding on a Donkey” is the well-known sea shanty with new words by Alan from our Chichester Group, written especially for the East Clayton Farm event. 

In contrast to all the other pieces this evening “Sing You Now After Me” is an ancient (15^thcentury) Sussex round which some of us originally sang as part of the Big Sing Festival several years ago. This last song had five lines and, given that there were ten of us, worked well.

Jane and I informed the group that we are on the move again - even further east - to Eastbourne, where our proposed new house is within spitting distance (almost literally) of the Lamb - a pub that became famous (as you know) through its inclusion in my “East Sussex Drinking Song” which I composed in response to Belloc’s existing “West Sussex Drinking Song”.
I also mentioned that I had written a song about the appalling state of Seaford's loos but, as yet, it has no tune.  Tina immediately volunteered to write one.  This was the spur for Dave T to announce that he has written a song about Brighton's toilets - not so much the state of them, more the dramatic decline in number due to their conversion to other uses.  Production of the “Lewes Lexicon of Lavatories” is now underway ....

To raise the tone once more we ended, as we often do, with “Thousands or More” before heading home.
 
Adrian

Chichester Local Group Report - Thursday August 15th 2024

Fourteen singers, joined the evening for the August Chi SDFS meet up.   

 

The evening was directed towards an SDFS performance at the end of the month at the Amberley Chalk Pit Museum – “A Taste of Sussex”.  The set list therefore intended to include songs about Sussex produce and trades or stretched to “fit” wherever possible!

 

The evening’s singing opened with a good crisp rendition of "The Turnip Hoer" and followed equally confidently by "The West Sussex Drinking Song".  The last provoking a few deliberations and suggestions as to why it was the West Sussex Drinking Song when Haselmere is mentioned?  It was decided to sing all verses including East Sussex in honour of Sussex traditions.  An attempt to sing "Twanky Dillo" was abandoned – too well known (!) in favour of "All Among The Barley" by popular request.  Sadly, two attempts later it was decided this may well need further practice at later sessions.  Alan then introduced a new possibility "The Rambling Comber" with the idea of teaching harmonies only and then adding the tune. It was agreed it was a good song but probably best to introduce a line by line learning approach at Worthing first and folk should also look on the SDFS website to get a better grasp of the tune and harmonies.  "Bee Boys" brought everyone firmly back to the theme of food production ready for the Amberley booking and after this the group took a break from the first half.

 

Part two of the evening opened with "Tommy" a new addition to the repertoire but easily learned to the tune of Fathom the Bowl. This was followed by "Gooches’ Beer" sung at an appropriately high key to allow for dropping!  For fun, "Harvest Moan" came next – it was agreed that this could be good as a “Call and Response” at a suitable indoor event with audience participation.  "Farmer’s Toast" was tried next which fitted the theme of produce but was a fairly complicated song at times.  By extremely popular request, Alan’s version of "Riding on a Donkey" came next which had been specifically composed for the event at the East Clayton Farm but had proved a popular song and could even have a Christmas verse added if required!  Chris requested "Lammas Carol" next and then it was felt that everyone had just about sung themselves out, so rounded off the evening with the old favourite "Rolling Home".

 

Anne S

 

A Song to Try - Harvest Moan

Here's a song offered by Amaryllis: 

Here are the lyrics: Lyrics

Sung to the tune of We Plough the Fields and Scatter

Worthing Local Group Report - Thursday August 1st 2024

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.

Our next event - East Clayton Farm Open Day - Saturday July 27th

On Saturday July 27th we will be singing at the East Clayton Farm Open Day.

The Farm is situated on the north side of the Washington to Storrington road, and the event runs from 11.00am to 3.00pm.

w: www.eastclaytonfarm.org.uk

a:  Storrington Road, nr Washington ,  Pulborough ,  RH20 4AG

We are glad to support the Farm at this event, and we look forward to singing two sets in this lovely setting - the first at 11.30 a.m. and another at 1.00 p.m.  

So come along to see us, find out more about the valuable work done at the Farm, and enjoy the day!

Chichester Local Group Report - Thursday July 18th 2024

Eleven singers, joined for month’s Chi SDFS.    

Julia, one of our regular Chichester SDFS attendees, suggested that a small group of SDFS might like to take part in a Chichester Fringe event in the summer of 2025 (likely end of May, beginning of June).  There was a discussion about it and Henny agreed to take it to the SDFS Committee and Stephen A undertook to send out a circular email to the Chichester Group to gauge interest.
 
The singing part of the evening then opened with a confident and lusty rendition of "Ale Glorious Ale" followed by an equally strong "Turnip Hoer" sung well by the six men present.  It was noted that most of those chaps present were going to be at the forthcoming East Clayton Farm event and would easily manage a good sound on the day with a men/ladies split of the song.  Alan introduced and slightly altered the presentation of "Riding on a Donkey" which would also feature at the event.  The slightly less well known "All Among the Barley" was tried next with an understanding that people from a folk background were likely to already know a slightly different version which made it tricky at times, however it was felt that a successful outcome using the blog version was achieved.  It would be nice to practice this at Worthing ready for Autumn “gigs”.  "Three Drunken Maidens" (from the Isle of Wight, once part of the kingdom of Sussex!) followed as well as discussion about actual words which has been recently updated on the SDFS website.  To complete the first half, the ladies tried "Green Grow the Laurel" and it was agreed that harmonies (who weren’t really present this evening) would enhance the final sound.
 
The second half began with a bright "Jolly Woodcutter" – a song that had been introduced at the Broadwood to Belloc course some years ago.  It was agreed that it was a good lively tune but possibly the words didn’t always quite make sense!   "Lammas Carol"  followed – using a more rhythmic pace to avoid a “dirge”.  Alan re-introduced a great patriotic song, "England For Me" written by a local composer.  All joined in as they started to remember it.  Dave G suggested a slight variation in the tune at the end of each first verse which effectively joined the two parts of the verses together to make one complete verse.  It was agreed that this worked well and Alan would submit a revised version to the SDFS blog.  "Ale Glorious Ale" followed by "Rolling Home rounded off the July evening in a hearty fashion.
 
 
Anne S
 

Lewes Local Group Report - from Monday June 17th 2024

Ten singers came to our first session at the Lewes Arms (on June 17th) and voiced appreciation of (in no particular order) the traditional pub in its central location; the characterful upper room with ample space and windows onto the street; the reserved sign awaiting us on the door; the excellent acoustics; the genial and helpful barman who found the mute for the speaker; the beer and the “proper” cider; and the tasty pickled eggs! 
 
With the surroundings having been declared as thoroughly fit for purpose, we then settled down to sing, with the usual mixture of old and new songs, looking ahead to future seasons and events. We warmed up with “Drink Me Brave Boys” then turned to songs about nature and rural pursuits (“All Among the Barley”, “One for the Rook” and “Oak Tree Song”),  quieter reflection (“All Things are Quite Silent” and “Life of a Man”),  love (“Hares on the Mountain”) and life at sea (“Littlehampton Collier Lads” and “They Won’t Let Us Go to Sea Any More”).
 
During the break we caught up with news including holidays, children, an upcoming marriage (congratulations to Celia who displayed amazing multi-tasking by sewing buttonholes on her husband-to-be’s wedding shirt while singing) and a recent bereavement. There was also discussion of upcoming events, particularly the Lewes Priory concert where we look forward to being led on stage by candle-carrying “monks”.
 
The second session continued with a song not sung for several years, “Stedham Oysterman’s Donkey”, a relatively new song, “Love and the Ball” (which concerns the local sport of stoolball) and “Parting Song” before closing proceedings with old favourites, “East Sussex Drinking Song” and “Thousands or More”.
 
A good evening all round. We already feel at home in our new venue and look forward to meeting any new singers who would like to join us in future.
 
Tina 

Worthing Local Group Report - Thursday July 4th 2024

Whilst General Election voters were busy in the Barn on July 4th we met in the church next door for this month's session. After a slight delay to getting in and then to finding the lights for the church (with thanks to two church parishioners there at the time for their help in resolving this) we started the session.  From then on, with a short break midway for breath, chat and a sup or two, we sang our way through 16 songs, with a mix of options for our forthcoming event at East Clayton Farm (on July 27th) and requests from the floor (or on this occasion, pews).

Alan, and later Amaryllis, took the lead (Emily being needed elsewhere so unable to join us). Alan started off with Ale Glorious Ale", "Jim the Carter Lad" and "One for the Rook" before introducing a novelty song intended for use at the East Clayton Farm event (where they care for donkeys and do organised walks with them) - "Riding on a Donkey".  This was familiar to many, and with the help of having the words available from the SDFS Blog, we sang it though at a jaunty pace.  Alan smoothed out some of the pace and phrasing - and all agreed the structure for performance purposes would benefit from limiting the chorus to follow a pair of verses, and then to sing it twice at the end to conclude. (This revised layout will be updated on the Blog's 'Other Songs to Try' page.) 

Amaryllis then stepped in to lead us in "Old Adam" and "Rolling in the Dew", two of our 'classics', and although not often sung recently both were readily sung and enjoyed in their conversational parts by the men and women present.  Some fine tuning on the phrasing in the second of these  helped to unify us in the first line of the second verse, with 2 beats each to "may" and "go" - and Amaryllis suggested that "kind sir" in the women's response lines be sung with more mock reverence.  "Run of the Downs" came next and needed a little more guidance and focus to revive the tune accurately, including slowing the pace in the final verse to finish (without a chorus at the end). 

After the break, Alan resumed with "Lammas Carol", proposing and leading us in a bolder brighter rhythm which worked well. Continuing the more upbeat pace we gave the jolly "Three Drunken Maidens" another enjoyable airing, and the "Turnip Hoer" also went down well with the men's voices leading and the women supporting the choruses.  A little prematurely we sang the "Parting Song" before some more requests: the "Smugglers Song" and then the "Song of the South Downs" which was a bit of a challenge for those less familiar or a little rusty with it - but we managed all the verses nonetheless!  That left us with "Summer is A'Coming In Again" using all the original verses (including the latter ones inspired by the mummers plays traditionally performed in winter months by Morris dance sides) - before the evening closed with "Rolling Home".

We'll be back in the Barn for our next Worthing session on August 1st - hope to see you there.

H.

Please Note - Revised Plans for our Extra Sing on Highdown Hill - Saturday July 6th 2024

The 'summer' weather is playing tricks on us again, so, with apologies for any disappointment, plans for a second attempt to meet for an open-air 'social sing' on Highdown Hill have once more had to change.

Angela has kindly offered her garden as an alternative and more sheltered setting for the session to go ahead on Saturday July 6th - with arrivals from 10.00a.m. to start singing at 10.30 (finishing at about 12.30 to conclude the session by 1.00pm).

If you've already submitted your name to the list of attendees for the Highdown plan you should by now have heard from Angela personally by email - but if not and you are interested in attending her garden session, please contact us on the "South Downs Folks Singers" email (southdownsfolksingers21@gmail.com) to let us know and we will send you more details.

Space in the garden is obviously more limited than on Highdown - so if wanting to attend, please let us know as soon as possible (and by 6.00pm today July 5th) to have a chance of securing a place. 

Even if summer has taken a break - the SDFS will keep on singing!