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Hi all,

Peter here again with the latest Havering Folk Club News. Quite a bit to get through this week, so here goes:

Last Wednesday:

Another splendid evening last week. The MC’s job fell to me this time and having kicked things off, I then introduced Andy Roberts, Carol Baxter, Bob Cash, Dennis Homes, JoJo, Foxen, Bert Dady & Keith Petty, Dave Worley, Rosie Varey, Bernie & Maureen Pilgrim, Linda Worley and Helen Islip. Thirteen floor spots in all, which meant there was time to go round again and get a third song in for everyone who wished to.

Club in the Pub:

This one-off session on Saturday, 26^th September went very well indeed and was hugely enjoyed by all those who attended. Along with some of the HFC regulars we had quite a few new faces in the audience, some of whom had come along from the posters and advertisements for the event, while others had come from invitations from members and artists. Quite a few have signed up for the newsletter and we hope to see some of them again on Wednesday.

Kiss the Mistress got the session going. They’ve not guested for us before but I for one was pleased to make their acquaintance. They comprise John Ramirez on accordion and melodeon, Ginny Davis on voice and ‘cello, plus Roy Jones on bodhran and cajon. An interesting and individual style, they proved extremely popular and have now been booked as our April 2010 guests.

They were followed by Triangle, a well-known trio here at Havering, who were launching their first CD, “Time Out of Mind”. They comprise Mim MacMahon, Sue Manley and Sophie Watson. Always a lively stage presence, they gave us a varied performance which again, went down very well with the audience. In all, a great evening.

The Golden Lion was of course holding its beer festival so Gill and I walked there so we could try the brews without having to worry about driving home (thanks for the lift back, Simon). They had a brew called “Donkey’s Knob” and as I’ve never tasted a Donkey’s Knob before, I was keen to do so – unfortunately they’d sold out before I got there. Oh well.

I’m delighted to say we had another glimpse of our local foxes on our way home.

Clive on the Mend:

Spoke to Clive and Linda Paish on the phone before the Wednesday session and Clive has made his first foray to Chelmsford to see the cricket and although a bit tired was feeling well enough to try a trip to Towcester for the annual acoustic event there. Although we shan’t be seeing them back at HFC just yet, we hope it now won’t be too long.

McMillan Event, Chelmsford:

Dave Worley had a good response for his request for performers at the McMillan Cancer Support Annual Giant Coffee Morning last week. Held at the Saracen’s Head in Chelmsford, the day was a great success; Foxen started things off at 9.30am with a set of several songs, followed by a performance by Andrew Tween, the day’s MC who is also a Billy Fury tribute act. He was followed by Dave himself who sang a short set and then he, accompanied by John Eason went walkabout, singing in the High Street to drum up more custom. I understand that staff at Nero’s Coffee House asked Linda (not knowing she was his wife) who the man with the lovely voice was!

Norman Faulkner and Ian Firth also both went along and each did a couple of spots. Dave and Linda finished the day by doing some vigorous jiving to Andrew Tween’s music. Dave’s knees have not yet recovered – ah well, when you get to our age, mate…

Chelmsford Star Barbershop Harmony Chorus:

Dave has also asked me to let you know that his barbershop group will also be having a concert in aid of McMillan on Saturday 28^th November at Chelmsford High School for Girls. Further details will be announced. Having attended their last concert, this ‘un will be well worth attending.

Andy Roberts’ Webcasts:

Havering regular Andy Roberts has a weekly, live, online video show every Tuesday at 7:00pm. The show lasts at least 30 minutes and as Andy says it
"includes half made up songs, improvisation and requests, whatever I'm currently working on"
 It's very easy to watch if you've got broadband and you don't need to join or log in to see the show but if you do you can join in the chat.  So if you're wondering what to do on a Tuesday around seven just follow this link:  Andy Roberts Music Show
( http://www.ustream.tv/channel/andy-roberts-music )
If you want to see what's been on the show the videos from there and from Andy at Havering Folk Club are on Andy's Youtube channel 
http://www.youtube.com/user/andyrobertsmusic

Gladys Day of Dance:

Gill and I plus a couple of other Haverfolkies were at the Gladys Day of Dance this afternoon but found it a little bit disappointing on this occasion. Only two sides turned up, Rumford Morris and Crouch Vale Clog. It started at 12 noon and finished at 3pm and what with lunch and beer breaks there wasn’t really all that much dancing. Still, the walk through the Hadleigh Castle Country Park afterwards, watching all manner of birdlife along the river was delightful.

Next Wednesday:

Next Wednesday is a usual singers night and the following Wednesday October 7th sees Smolowik with his featured evening, something to look forward to, and he will also have his new CD available, hot off the presses. There will, as usual, be floor spots for everyone else as well.

So, Make it a date – Wednesday at eight!

Cheers - Peter