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Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 14th July 2009
Very sad news: Johnny Collins died suddenly on 6th July. Further details on this Mudcat thread (and you can post your own comments if you wish, even if youre not a registered member): http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=122086
Some time ago I also posted a thread on Mudcat about our 45th Birthday Celebrations. If you would like to post comments to that thread, go to: http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=121909
Swinton Folk Club (White Lion, Manchester Road, Swinton, M27 4TS) are having one of their Friday Specials this Friday, 17th July. Continuing the celebratory spirit of 25 years of live music at the White Lion, a promising double bill of SmoothnBlues and Folk, features two well-respected representatives of the local live music scene. Pete Ryder brings his easy but intriguing guitar style with mellow vocals, whilst Dave Wynn offers an eclectic mix drawn from the spectrum of contemorary, traditional and humorous folk music. The eagerly anticipated cameos when the two perform as a duo almost defy musical understanding. Pete has long-established connections with the Salford and North Manchester area whilst Dave is one of the founding Fathers of the White Lion Folk Club.
Last nights AGM of the Leigh & Wigan Words Together Literary Festival Committee saw us committed to Words TwentyTen, which will take place from 5th to 17th April 2010. Wigan Day of FolknVerse will once again be the festivals lead event on Easter Monday 5th April. Please let me have your thoughts on a venue. Do you want me to book the Boulevard again, or would you prefer a different venue? I await your response.
Folkal Point has been updated and can still be found in the blog at http://www.myspace.com/wiganfolkclub
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 9 July 2009
Another year, another birthday ... were now officially forty-five years old, and the celebrations last weekend went very well indeed.
By some strange quirk of coincidence, or maybe even synchronicity, all three of the bands wed booked were one member short - not that that lessened the enjoyment at all. Hard Times (Friday) were minus their bass player and played as a duo, Rare Ould Times (Saturday) were minus their banjo player and played as a duo, and Malt Loaf (Sunday) were minus their mandolin player but substituted another vocalist/guitarist, and also added a bass player for their second set. All three bands played brilliantly, we really could not have asked for better quality.
As the weather was dry on Friday and Saturday evenings, all the action took place in the Royal Oaks beer garden. We started shortly after 9pm with a singaround, each of the bands played from 9.45-ish to 11-ish, a short interval, then the singaround resumed and carried on till about 1am, when our numbers had dwindled.
On Sunday, we were indoors at the Keepers, while the bouncy castles and barbecue were outside. There was a slight hitch when the PA was late arriving due to a misunderstanding as regards times. But once it had been set up, we were straight into our showcase spots from The Blackburns, Carole Mousdell, Andy Cantwell, Terry Kinney, Ron Lidgard, The Piecans, Linda Armstrong and Derek Docherty, all of whom did us proud. The showcase spots and Malt Loaf were filmed, and I await the results - hopefully well be able to put at least some of that footage on the websites(s).
The following was mentioned in the previous Newsletter, but just in case someone else is interested, heres a timely reminder:
Many of you will know that I take the minutes for the Words Festival committee (our Easter Monday Day of FolknVerse being the lead event for that festival fortnight). There is an AGM coming up on Monday 13th July, and some of you may be interested in coming along and seeing how it operates. Its in Leigh Library, starting at 7pm, and theres free tea and biccies. All the officers have expressed willingness to stand for another year, so theres no obligation to stand for office, but were always looking for people with new ideas to join the committee, which meets on the second Monday of each month. If you fancy coming along, let me know (so we can order enough tea & coffee).
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 31st May 2009
I saw the Sunday afternoon of the Crooke Festival of Boats, Beer & Folk (bank holiday weekend). The weather was glorious and I joined an unofficial singaround on the camping area before doing the cold spot at the open mic in the marquee. Loads of wonderful singers, a great atmosphere, and only sorry I wasnt able to catch more of the weekend. Many thanks to Chris for the lift there and back.
And todays still-glorious weather saw me at the Royal Oak for Blanket Apologys gig (Jan Houghs band). They did an excellent couple of sets, with a good mix of covers and original material. And their CD has now been added to the raffle prizes.
The last few meetings at Wigan Folk Club have been quieter than usual, with fewer people. Perhaps its the weather thats to blame. Dont forget our regular meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays! It would be lovely to see a few more faces and hear a few more voices.
Im finally getting to grips with our myspace site. Ive updated the basic details, added to the Upcoming Shows, deleted all the ancient blog entries, and added Folkal Point as a new blog entry. So rather than have the Newsletter cluttered up with an ever-growing Folkal Point, please go to www.myspace.com/wiganfolkclub and click through to the blog.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 20th April 2009
The piano accordion that was offered has now been taken. Thanks to all who expressed an interest.
It was good to see Angie out of hospital, and singing at the Day of Folk and on the Thursday before. She still has to have more tests, but hopefully she’s over the worst.
The Day of Folk'n'Verse went very well on the whole, with a few hiccups when the jukebox in the main bar started booming through the doors. However, the management did turn the volume down when requested, and although it could still be heard during our quieter moments, it was no longer as intrusive later on. Over the course of the afternoon and evening we hosted 58 visitors, from Bolton, Warrington, Fleetwood and Cornwall, as well as locals. We had a late start, as I hadn't realised the venue only opened at 2pm, and the cleaners were still busy in the function room at first. But shortly after 2.30pm we started the singaround and it carried through without a break until around midnight, with people going out for eats and then coming back. Many thanks to all who came and participated in any capacity. Thanks also to all those who completed the evaluation forms (as this event was part of the Words Festival). I took a sneak look at the comments before I passed the forms on to the official evaluator, and although there were some negative comments as regards the jukebox, most of the comments were very positive: “lovely warm atmosphere, nice folks”, “very friendly, relaxed & excellent music”, “brilliant collection of performers”, “superb event - we need more like this”. It’s good to have this sort of feedback - thanks again.
We still have another event as part of the Words Festival. This one didn’t make it into the official brochure because at the crucial deadline, we were without a Thursday venue. However, this Thursday, 23rd April, we will be celebrating St George’s Day at the Keepers Inn. Bring all your English songs for the singaround. After the interval, we will have a performance of a traditional mumming play by the Wigan Mummers. Don't forget your red rose.
And still another Words event: the Networking Event this Saturday 25th April, 10am till 12 noon, in the Derby Room at the Turnpike Centre, Leigh Library. This is an event for writers, publishers etc to network together. The folk club will have a “stall”, and the organisers have asked if we can perform during the event. So anyone who’s available and fancies having a do on Saturday morning, please come and support.
This Sunday afternoon, 26th April, in Rainford is the Annual General Meeting of the North West Federation of Folk Clubs (those nice people who produce Folk North West magazine). If anyone would like to come with me as a co-representative of Wigan Folk Club, let me know and I’ll pass on the details.
And finally, sad news has reached me that Eddie Crottie, founder member and much loved singer, songwriter and funny man of the group Five Penny Piece passed away peacefully over Easter weekend in Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, having been ill for some time. Comments can be left on the band’s website www.5pp.co.uk
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 17th April 2009
Welcome to all the new contacts who asked to be added to the list on Easter Monday. Sorry, no time to put together a proper Newsletter this week – I'm up to my ears in Words Festival stuff. Will send out a proper Newsletter within the next few days. Meanwhile here's the current Folkal Point (soon to be expanded, by request, to include Fleetwood area).
Joan
07833 301223
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter April 7th 2009
An ex-neighbour of mine is moving soon to smaller accommodation and is having to let some treasured possessions go because of lack of space. One of said possessions is a Hohner 120-bass piano-accordion. It’s an old model, in a leather case which has seen better days, but I’ve had a tinkle and all the notes seem to be okay. The leather strap which keeps the bellows in place has gone, but I’m sure that’s replaceable. She’s not asking a price for it, but would like it to go to a good home. Anyone interested please contact me in the first instance as she’s an elderly lady who would rather deal with me than a stranger. I can then arrange to go with you to view it.
The Thursday session this week at the Keepers clashes with a Very Important Rugby Match, and it is likely that the pub regulars will want to watch the match at the pub. I am therefore expecting not to be able to start the music until the match is over, around 9.45pm.
Don’t forget it’s our Day of Folk’n’Verse at the Boulevard next Monday from 2pm.
Our friend Angie Ball is in Hope Hospital, Manchester, and may be home for this weekend (but to go back next week). It was thought she would probably need an operation, but it now seems that may not be necessary. Fingers crossed, and get well soon Angie.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 23 March 2009
St Patrick�s Night went very well, with a full room and good fun. Don�t forget St George�s Day is coming up soon - Thursday 23rd April. The management at the Keepers are keen to have a special St George�s do, so start digging out those special English songs. Also, we�re hoping to have the Wigan Mummers on that night, and if anyone is hankering after a part in the mumming play, get in touch with me in the first instance and I�ll pass your details on.
And slightly before that is our Day of Folk�n�Verse on Easter Monday, 13th April. This is, as usual, the lead event for the Leigh & Wigan Words Together Festival, a fortnight of literary and associated events, some of which will be of interest to our membership. The brochure can be downloaded as a pdf file from the Words Together website at www.geocities.com/wordstogether
There�s a special concert coming up this Wednesday, 25th March, at the Hunters Lodge, Charnock Richard, with Jon Brindley plus band with support act. See below for details, also Jon�s website at www.jonbrindley.co.uk
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 14th March 2009
Thursday has often been Wigan Folk Club�s visitors� evening - when, much more so than Tuesday, people we only see once in a while will drop in unexpectedly. And Thursday gone was no exception, when we played host to Zero Temperance, an excellent unaccompanied trio from the Ring o� Bells Folk Club in Warrington, and Stuart Clarke, superb local guitarist, as well as some of our more regular crowd: Geoff, Mark, George, Derek & Eileen, and Terry & Vilma.
A reminder that St Patrick�s Day (17th March) is this coming Tuesday. Bring all your Irish songs to the Fox & Goose and we�ll celebrate with a Big Irish Singaround.
Next Friday, 20th March, Folk on Friday (formerly Leigh Folk Club) have that hilarious man Les Barker as their guest. And there are moves afoot to nominate Les as the next Poet Laureate - to add your vote, visit
Here
There�s a change of contact details for the forthcoming John Tams & Barry Coope gig at Wigan Parish Church on Wednesday 20th May (see below). I�m told tickets are selling well. Also, there�s no support act, so don�t be late or you�ll miss part of a very rare evening. For those who may not know, John Tams is the man who rewrote many traditonal songs for the Sharpe television series.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan and Leigh Words Together Website 2009 - UPDATE
The updated Words Together Website has been updated to show the 2009 Brochure.
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 4th March 2009
Our second session at the Keepers went very well, although most of the faces were different from the first session! Numbers were slightly less (only ten) but we certainly had quality. Two trays of sandwiches were laid on for us, based on the previous week�s numbers, sadly not all eaten. Hopefully numbers will increase.
A reminder that St Patrick�s Day (17th March) falls on a Tuesday this year, and is now only two weeks off. Bring all your Irish songs to the Fox & Goose and we�ll celebrate with a Big Irish Singaround.
From tonight, as you�ll have seen from the email I forwarded earlier from Simon, the Alison Arms Folk Club is now meeting at the Oak Tree, in their ground-floor function room.
I�ve deleted the Buskers Ball from the listings (Sundays, Hulton Arms) because the latest website appears to have been sold on (earlier websites are still there, but info totally out of date). As soon as I find out what is happening, I�ll update the listings (Alec Martin, are you out there?)
Joan
07833 301336
From Simon at The Alison Arms - 3rd March 2009
If you go looking for the Alison Arms Folk Club at the Alison Arms, your in for a big surprise -- its closed, or it is from tomorrow.
From 4th March onwards the singarounds will be at
Oak Tree Inn
130 Preston Road
Coppull PR7 5ED
Just South of the junction between the A49 (Preston Road) and B5251 (Spendmore Lane) in Coppull, next to Coppull Motors Car Showroom
Wednesdays as usual, 8.30pm onwards.
Hope to see you there soon.
Simon
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 20th February 2009
Our first session at the Keepers went very well indeed - good vibes at the pub, a welcoming management, and well-behaved regulars who seemed to be listening. I�m looking forward to our future sessions there.
The Wednesday Open Mic at the Cherry Gardens has sadly been cancelled, because of a change of management at the pub.
The Tom Paxton gig which should have taken place at the Lowry last Sunday has been rescheduled to Saturday 28th Feb because Tom was ill on that night.
Tomorrow is Manchester Morris Men�s free event of taster sessions for dancers, beginners and musicians, male or female, families welcome. This is their response to the recent news report that morris dancing is dying for lack of youngsters joining. I don�t believe that for a minute! Get along to St Matthew�s Church Hall, by the Arndale, to find out more (see below for more details).
Easter will soon be upon us, and with it Wigan Day of Folk�n�Verse on Easter Monday, 13th April. Our venue is the Boulevard, 17-19 Wallgate, Wigan, WN1 1LD. For those who haven�t been to this venue before, look for Little Fifteen, opposite the Post Office. At the side of Little Fifteen there are some steps leading down to a cellar - that�s the Boulevard. It�s one of Wigan�s premier music venues, and we�ll have the use of their sizeable back room from 2pm onwards. It�s a Big Singaround (and that includes poetry, monologues, etc) until they throw us out. This, as usual, is the lead event for the Words Festival, a fortnight of literary events in Leigh and Wigan.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 16th February 2009
Further to yesterday�s missive about the new venue, I�m told the map is not entirely clear. The Keepers is off the main road (and not visible from it), on the little cul-de-sac section of Woodhouse Lane that goes past Farmfoods. There�s plenty of parking space behind the pub.
The owners, Alan and Jeanette, are very keen to have us there, and are expecting some of their locals who used to go will bring their instruments and join us. They will put food on for us, but not this first week - they want to get some idea of numbers first.
Hope to see you at the Fox & Goose on Tuesday, or at the Keepers on Thursday (or even both!).
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 15th February 2009
Wigan Folk Club has a new Thursday venue! From this Thursday, 19th February, we will meet at the Keepers, 279 Woodhouse Lane, Wigan, WN6 7TD. A map can be found here:
http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=WN6+7TD&countryCode=GB#map=53.55711,-2.66035|16|4&bd=useful_information&loc=GB:53.55683:-2.66035:16|WN6%207TD|WN6%207TD
It�s a little more outside of the town centre than we were hoping for, but the Keepers has had a long association with folk music sessions, and I�m looking forward to starting there. I hope as many of you as possible will be able to come and make a memorable first night for us there.
And, of course, don�t forget our regular Tuesdays at the Fox & Goose.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 14th February 2009
The next open mic session at the Sandbrook is tomorrow afternoon, and with Mick involved in the Blanket Apology gig at the Royal Oak, Ian Cleverdon will be running the session at the Sandbrook, so email Ian to book your spot. Ian will be with his new band The Huers - first chance to see them out and about.
I�ve been told of a Weekend of Boats and Music at the Crooke Hall Inn on Spring Bank Holiday weekend (22 - 25 May). Free camping will be available, acts are still being booked. Watch this space!
We�re still searching for a new Thursday venue, and haven�t yet run out of places to investigate. Everywhere tried so far already has activities on Thursdays, but we�re still hopeful of finding somewhere close to the town centre which can accommodate us.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 29th January 2009
Corrections to a couple of errors: Blanket Apology are not running every session at the Sandbrook Open Mic, just once a month (although the sessions will be every week, starting this Sunday).
And thanks to Malc for pointing out that the address I had down for Wigan Parish Church (John Tams gig on 20.5.09) was actually that of the rectory, not the church. I can�t find an official address or postcode for the actual church building, so I�ve cheated and used the postcode for the Last Orders pub, which is only yards away.
And a new night starting this Sunday at 9pm at Crooke Hall, organised by George Barlow, geared to learning tunes that can be played in a band situation - but that doesn�t mean you can�t do your own thing, all welcome.
Still no venue for Thursdays, but I�m out searching tonight, so hopefully there�ll be success soon.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 23rd January 2009
Loads of gigs on tonight (Friday). There�s the rearranged Derian House charity bash taking place at the Gregson Lane Folk Club venue, there�s a Burns Night Supper (yes, I know it�s two days early) at Ince Public Hall, there�s Bromley Cross Folk Club�s first guest night with John Kirkpatrick - but don�t go to that unless you�ve already got your ticket because it�s sold out. There�s the Coven�s monthly music night in Wigan, One Hand Clapping are playing at the Coach & Horses in Warrington, and there�s a free gig night at the Boulevard in Wigan, with Pauline Blackburn doing the opening spot at about 9.30pm-ish.
If you were planning on going to the Pendle Witch tomorrow to see One Hand Clapping, don�t �cause it�s been cancelled. But they are still on at the Original Ship Inn, Leyland, on Sunday, when it�s also guest night at the Wooden Horse Folk Club with Tom Bliss.
Odd at Ease are no longer organising the monthly open mics at the Sandbrook Arms in Orrell, but the baton has been picked up by new band Blanket Apology, who will relaunch it on 1st Feb to run every Sunday afternoon. I�m also told they�ve a gig at the Royal Oak on Sunday afternoon 15th Feb, don�t know how they�re going to manage both. The band lineup is Jan Hough ~ Mick Cooper ~ John Southworth ~ Ronnie Clarke. Mick is the person to contact to book an open mic spot (see details below).
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 20th January 2009
Last Thursday at the Orwell was the best-attended Thursday we�ve had for a very long time.
Sadly, we were greeted with �Sorry, but the pub�s closing this weekend.� The decision to close was apparently only made the day before, and the bar staff only knew that morning. It will be sold and may well re-open soon, but we don�t know when.
I was holding off sending this Newsletter in the hope I may be able to tell you of a new venue for this Thursday, but we haven�t got one yet. We won�t be returning to the Fox & Goose on Thursdays, although it�s fine on Tuesdays. But Thursdays on Wigan Lane attract the rowdier customers who disrupt the club, and the fact that so many more of you turned up last Thursday, when so few have been attending the Fox & Goose on Thursdays, just proves the point that the F&G just isn�t viable for Thursdays.
If we manage to get a new venue for this Thursday, I�ll send another express email, otherwise there will be no meeting this Thursday.
Tuesdays will still be at the Fox & Goose.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 12 January 2009
Happy New Year!
And a very short Newsletter just to give details of the new Thursday venue.
Not really a new venue as we have been there before - the Orwell at Wigan Pier. This time we�ll be downstairs, at the bar end, in what used to be the pool room. And we start this Thursday, 15th January at 9pm.
Tuesdays will still be at the Fox & Goose.
I hope to see as many of you as possible this week, at one or other venue.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 21st December 2008
Alan Johnston writes: �Could, or would, Wigan Folk Club do a �Gig� in Hindley at a Freemasons �Old English Night�. It would be about 45 minutes from approximately 9pm on Thursday 5th February 2009. And how much would it cost me.
�I am aware that Thursdays are your get together night, but perhaps a small section of your club may be interested.
�If it isn�t, could you recommend someone, either solo or small group with an old English, folk, or local flavour.�
Anyone available and interested, please contact Alan direct at alan.johnston (insert @ here) live.co.uk
Pete Rimmer (one of the residents at the Bothy Folk Club in Southport) is presenting a folk programme on the new Southport Community Radio (87.7FM) on Sundays 10am till 12 noon. Listen online at www.radiosouthport.com
I�ll do an update on relevant folk programmes on the radio very soon.
Very best wishes to everyone, whether you're celebrating Christmas, Yuletide, Saturnalia, or anything else that's seasonal. And may the New Year bring new hope and prosperity to all.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 18th December 2008
Many thanks to Geoff and Mark for running the folk club while I was unwell, and thanks to all who passed on their �get well soon� wishes.
David Taylor asks me to pass on his wishes to everyone for a Merry Christmas, which I am more than happy to do (come back and see us again soon, David).
Tonight is the second of our Christmas Parties for this year. If you can get to the Fox & Goose tonight, we�d love to see you (9pm start as usual).
If you�re in town earlier, call in to the Tavern (under new management - Richard, who runs Fuzz Box, is now in charge). Pauline Blackburn is on stage at 8.30pm either in the basement or upstairs, admission only �2. And if you�re not planning on stopping for the other acts (I�ve no info as to who the other acts are), you�ve still time to call in at the F&G.
I�ll send out a Folkal Point within the next couple of days, but here�s one amendment I do know of: Rare Ould Times, who were to play at the Springfield on 27th December, will now be playing at the Crispin Arms, Birkett Bank, instead.
I hope to see as many of you as possible tonight. Our next meeting will then be Tuesday 6th January 2009.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 28th November 2008
James Blatchley tells me he�s rearranging the Chorley FM charity event in aid of Derian House to take place in the new year, and at Gregson Lane Folk Club�s venue. Watch this space for details.
A new monthly folk club is opening in Bromley Cross, Bolton, in January, operating on a concert basis - details below under Fridays.
Wigan Folk Club celebrated Lancashire Day in fine style last night. Numbers were few, but Lancashire songs were a-plenty (perhaps some stretched the county boundaries somewhat but...). And we were joined by John Ridyard from Lowton, who played some superb blues (and other) material. He came in to practice his songs before doing a spot at tonight�s AcousticFest at the M19 Bar in Levenshulme, Manchester. If he plays tonight as well as he did last night, he�ll go down a bomb. Visit his site at www.myspace.com/johnrid
We normally have our Christmas Parties on the last Tuesday and Thursday before Christmas. This year the last Tuesday falls on the day before Christmas Eve, and Steve (landlord) advises the pub may be more noisy than usual. Therefore we�ll have the parties the week before, Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th December. We�ll then take a break, and re-open on Tuesday 6th January.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 22 November 2008
An urgent message from James Blatchley of Chorley FM � today's Charity Bash is CANCELLED because the floor of the studio has collapsed and the building is unsafe until Monday. He can be contacted on 077494 13589 or 01204 596432 for details.
Those nice people at the Dulcimer in Manchester have asked me to publicise another of their special gigs. On Tuesday 9th December they�re presenting an evening of music and storytelling with Robin Williamson (Incredible String Band) - details in Folkal Point.
And another special gig detailed below is at the Mount Pleasant pub in Southport on Thursday 4th December when the 3 Monkeys Folk Club are presenting Bella Hardy with Chris Sherburn (not the normal venue for the folk club).
And don�t forget to support Wigan Folk Club - next Thursday (27th November) is Lancashire Day, so bring loads of Lancashire songs...
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 8 November 2008
After my tale of woe last Newsletter about trying to get to Swinton, I received several tales about other people�s bad times on public transport. If the government are sincere about wanting to get people out of cars and onto public transport, they�ve got a lot of improvements to make to the system, which can�t even cope with its current commitments.
After my saying Thursday before last was quiet, and that I almost missed the rowdies, I was told that several attendees thought it was rather noisy, with a lot of disrespect and ignorance being shown by the non-musicians at the bar. I�m bound to agree, my use of the word quiet being a comparative term, having experienced much worse displays of bad manners and downright belligerence over the last couple of months. I am a little closer to sorting out a new Thursday venue, out of reach of the rowdies, just need to iron out a few details. Watch this space!
The Open Mic night in Orrell will relaunch on Monday 17th November at the Sandbrook Arms, and will thereafter be on the second Monday of the month. There will be an earlier start time, 8pm, and the music will finish promptly at 11pm. The format is the same as it was at the White Lion - you get up to 3 songs and your �spot� is determined by when you turn up - first come, first served! But you can reserve your spot in advance by emailing Ian (details in Folkal Point below, also on www.oddatease.co.uk).
Those who didn�t go to see One Hand Clapping at the Orwell last Sunday missed a brilliant gig. There was a coach party there from Warrington, who well outnumbered the locals. If these gigs are not supported locally, they will cease. The next Orwell event is Sunday 23rd November, with Rare Ould Times. Get down there for the music, the craic, and the very reasonably-priced food.
I�ve included an out-of-area gig in Folkal Point, at the Dulcimer in Chorlton, Manchester, when on Saturday 15th November you will be able to see Mike Heron (Incredible String Band) & Georgia Seddon plus Clive Palmer (Incredible String Band, Famous Jug Band, COB) with his current band, supported by Lazybones and John Stammers. You don�t often see former ISB members hereabouts, and I know some of you are fans. Tickets are selling fast, so don�t delay - book soon.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 28 October 2008
I tried to get to Swinton for the Festival, I really did. The day started well - there was the Mind Body Spirit Festival on at the G-Mex in Manchester on the same weekend, and I was offered a lift to that for the Saturday morning. I spent a happy morning wandering around the stalls and listening to the music on offer - there was a wonderful didgeridoo player on stage (Shining Bear), and Tim Wheater as well - wonderful. It should then have been a simple matter to get the train to Swinton for the afternoon. I then found out the trains weren�t running to Swinton that day, and there was a replacement bus service instead. Which would have been fine from Manchester to Swinton, but there was no way I could have coped with sitting on a bus, probably in a cramped position, for the length of time it would have taken to get back to Wigan from Swinton. I decided I would just have to get the train home. But then the lift at Victoria was broken, and I couldn�t get across to the platform to get the train back home. Aaagghhh!!! I eventually managed to get to Piccadilly (the trams weren�t running all the way there, either), and get a train to Salford Crescent, and then one back to Wigan. Have you ever felt you shouldn�t have got out of bed that morning? Normally I make sure I have all the relevant timetables and information etc before setting out, and the one time I trust to luck, it lets me down completely. Sigh ... I hear Swinton Festival went very well indeed, which makes me even crosser ...
Last Tuesday at the Fox & Goose we had one of our occasional visits from Mike Lydiat from Sheffield - he pops in when he�s working in the area. He plays O�Carolan tunes on the guitar, so well you want to break his fingers! He�s no mean singer either. Visit his website: www.docsworkshop.co.uk . It was also David Taylor�s last night before setting off to Italy (again - we hope they accept his passport this time) and the night turned very silly with songs about sheep. Hope all goes well, David.
Our Thursday session was even quieter than usual, with a number of regulars missing. Several people left early, and while it livened up after the interval, it had me even (almost) missing the rowdies. I can�t help wishing (once again) that the Crooke session had been set up on a night that didn�t directly affect our numbers. Any chance they might see the error of their ways and change their night, do you think?
Moves are afoot for a new Open Mic night in Orrell, to replace the one at the now-closed White Lion. Ian of Odd At Ease (who ran those nights) is negotiating with the people at the Sandbrook Arms, and hopes to be able to start up there in November. Watch this space, or their website at www.oddatease.co.uk
Tim has sent me the latest list for One Hand Clapping, and includes this plea for people to support the gigs the Orwell are putting on: "We are playing the Orwell, Wigan, on Sunday 2nd November. We are asking as many people as possible to support this venue. The landlord is making a big effort to get some decent live music going in Wigan - not easy !!!!! It�s a good venue situated opposite the site of the world famous Wigan Pier (please stop laughing in Warrington and St Helens). The bar has a great atmosphere - if enough people are there. We will be there between 17:00 & 21:00. Please get there if you can." I can only endorse that, and intend to be there all being well - hope to see some of you there too. And if you haven�t visited the folk club for a while, please try to get down there - Thursdays particularly we could do with some extra faces and voices.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 18 October 2008
I thought I�d send the newsletter out a little later this week, just in case there were even more supplements. In the event there weren�t, and Friday night when I�d planned on putting it together, I had a visitor, so now it�s a little later than I would have wished.
These last few meetings have seen a number of visitors. On Tuesday 7th Shirley & Dick Long and Martin Baker, all of whom we only see occasionally these days, and Hannah Slater, a talented young singer-songwriter who fronts a band called The Camarillas - see and hear them on their website at
www.myspace.com/camarillasband
On Thursday 9th we were visited by Terry & Margaret (surname not given) who used to come to the Park Hotel in the "old days". They brought with them a penfriend of Margaret�s, Lynn (not sure if that�s the right spelling), originally from Sweden, and Lynn�s partner Bjorn, a blues singer from Norway, who were over here on holiday. Thursday 16th saw another welcome visit from Eric Lever (Bolton Acoustics), and Kevin, a singer-songwriter from Bolton. We also had a surprise visit from a couple of friends who had originally gone to the "rival" night at Crooke, but had decided to leave there and come to Wigan (forgive me if I chortle at this point).
Do try and get to Swinton Folk Festival today (details in Folkal Point below) - it�s always a reet good do, and most of it is free. If you�re there, I�ll see you later.
Joan
07833 301336
30th September 2008
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 30.9.08
My printer has packed in, so no printed Folkal Points or anything else as yet.
What a fantastic night last Thursday! We were visited by John from Norwich, an excellent unaccompanied singer who drives a juggernaut and visits when he�s driving through. Eric and Rob from Bolton Acoustics came, and treated us to some great blues and jazz. And Pauline Blackburn made one of her all-too-rare visits and brought half her fan club with her. All that in addition to regular singers Geoff, Terry, Mark, Martin, and assorted audience. And, for once, no unwanted rowdies! Here�s hoping Thursdays are starting to improve - although I am still seeking an alternate Thursday venue. I have been told that St Patrick�s Club in Scholes would like to host us - let me know whether or not you�d be willing to travel that far out of the town centre, so I can decide whether it would be worth following up. There are of course, still the offers that came in immediately after the Seven Stars closed, i.e Newtown Conservative Club, the "Jawbone" (Prince of Wales at Newtown), Hindley Conservative Club, and the Swan & Railway. Let me know (text or email) where you�d be willing to come to regularly on a Thursday.
Comments have been made about a certain photograph which appeared in the "Retro" section of last Wednesday�s Wigan Evening Post. It was taken sometime in the early eighties, and we called ourselves "Lancashire Heritage" - we were one of the resident acts at the Turnkey Folk Club, and also did a lot of Lancashire nights and PTA concerts and the like until one of the lads was made redundant, went into engineering business for himself, and sadly couldn�t then devote enough time to the band. Ah, happy days!
Below is the latest Folkal Point. Hope to see you at the folk club soon.
Joan
07833 301336
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter Supplement 1 October 2008
Folkal Point - extra dates of interest
Cancellation: the Lancashire Day (27th November) celebration with the Dodgers + Saggy Bottom Girls has been cancelled due to a fire at the club. It is hoped to be rearranged for the New Year.
Saturday 11 October - Sunday 12 October 2008
Commemoration of the Execution of James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby, Bolton, Lancashire. Location: outside Ye Olde Man & Scythe, 6-8 Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1HL. Venue 01204 451237. Background: The 7th Earl of Derby was executed of 15th October 1651 outside this pub. Outside, there is a cross on the site that bears a plaque which relates stories of Bolton through the ages. And within the pub, there is a chair that the Earl of Derby sat in just before being taken outside to be beheaded; an inscription on the chair reads: "15th October 1651 In this chair James 7th Earl of Derby sat at the Man and Scythe Inn, Churchgate, Bolton immediately prior to his execution". He was buried at Ormskirk, where he later became known as "the martyr Earl of Derby". Due to this beheading of a Royal, Bolton was excluded from being given city status.
Format: full day Saturday with craft & food stalls, Hog Roast, Morris Dancing and entertainment. Sunday 10am � 4pm, with street play starting 2pm.
Friday 17 October - Sunday 19 October 2008
Swinton Folk Festival, White Lion, 242 Manchester Road, Swinton, Salford, Lancs M27 4TS. Dave Polshaw 0161 737 5069; Dave Wynn 0161 793 6556; Ged Todd 01942 811527.
Club website currently not available but details at www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=113571
Friday: Ceilidh at Swinton Sports Club with The Boat Band, doors 8pm
Saturday: Concert at White Lion with Tich Frier + Saggy Bottom Girls + Pete Ryder, doors 8.15pm
Tickets �6 per event or �10 for both
Saturday: All day singaround in the bar of the White Lion (open 12 noon) hosted by Phil Atkinson & friends, free
Sunday: Hangover recovery workshop at the White Lion, free
Friday 17 October - Sunday 2 November 2008
Liverpool Irish Festival.
Tel 07759 451645.
Email: info@liverpoolirishfestival.com. Web: www.liverpoolirishfestival.com .
Downloadable programme at http://www.liverpoolirishfestival.com/docs/2008_Festival_Programme.pdf
23rd September 2008
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 23.9.08
Some time ago, Derek Docherty organised a music weekend at the Royal Oak, proceeds going to the Cardiac Unit at Wigan Infirmary. The amount raised was �766.00. Well done Derek! I understand from the local paper that it may become an annual event.
Many of you will know, or know of, Theresa Tooley, local (Tyldesley) singer and stalwart of the folk scene for many years. I have just learned that Theresa has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease, and had an op at Salford Royal last Monday. She was due home last Friday. There is an active thread on the Mudcat forum - follow this link to register your best wishes to her:
www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=114072
I am actively seeking a new Thursday venue for Wigan Folk Club, following the latest debacle last week, when yet another crowd of drunken p****s took delight in causing noisy mayhem. Although they left relatively quickly and order was restored, I am totally unwilling to carry on dealing with these regular Thursday disruptions. I will carry on going to the Fox & Goose on Thursdays, but only until a better venue is found. I should also add that, so far at least, the Tuesday meetings have been going smoothly (with an increased attendance!).
Attached is the latest Folkal Point for The Wigan area. Folkal Point is now available for postcode areas WN (Warrington, St Helens & area) and PR (Preston, Chorley & area). To include both of these as well would make this email far too long, so if you�d like to receive either or both of these others, please email me and let me know.
Joan
2nd September 2008
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 2.9.08
Hello folks
As of the week before last, I�ve been landed with the job of running both nights at the Fox & Goose (don�t think you�re off the hook that easily, Geoff). Just lately, both nights have been low attendance. I know it�s summer, but surely not everyone�s on holiday?
Thursdays can be awkward in an open bar situation, as it attracts the rowdier element of customer more so than on Tuesdays. And the last couple of Thursdays I�ve had to cope with more disruptions than usual. Looking back nostalgically, when we were at the Seven Stars, Derek (landlord) would pounce on disrupters and eject them from the pub - "part of the service" he would say - he wanted the music and backed it up with action. Sadly, I don�t have the same backup from Steve (F&G licensee). If folk club numbers were back up to strength, I�d have enough clout to ask Steve to get rid of the disrupters, but with attendance as low as it is, I don�t have that clout (the disrupters are putting more money over the bar than we are). And I�m almost at the point of calling it quits on Thursdays because of the disruptions. So if numbers don�t improve, or another solution is not found, then twice-a-week could very soon be a thing of the past.
And mentioning the Seven Stars: I was passing it on Saturday lunchtime, and the roof was blazing away - yet another victim of the Wigan Arsoneers. The firemen were having a difficult job getting it under control. I�ll be very surprised if it ever reopens as a pub.
Below is the latest Folkal Point. I�m hoping soon to have separate Folkal Points for each postcode area, and expand back into coverage of most of the north-west. Meanwhile, I would draw your attention to the closure of the White Lion, Up Holland (irregular Monday open mic), and the opening of a new monthly (2nd Thursday) open mic evening at The Jolly Carter in Little Lever, run by Steve of the Dodgers (regulars at the Saggy Bottom Girls folk night).
At the Saggies folk night last week, several of the Swinton Folk Club regulars were there and Ged told me the next Swinton Folk Festival will be on Saturday 18th October 2008 - that�s not on their website yet - you heard it here first!
Joan
07833 301336
16th August 2008
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 14.8.08
Further to my previous mention of the Maypole Pit Disaster, there is a half-page article on page 17 of this week�s Wigan Observer. The programme for the remembrance is as follows:
Tues 12.8.08 - Mon 18.8.08: Exhibition in the church showing the Maypole Disaster and the development of Abram over the past 100 years.
Saturday: A conducted tour of historic village locations by Geoff Jones from the Astley Green Colliery Museum (assemble at the Post Office at 2pm).
Saturday: Evening of Coal Mining History Talk by Geoff Jones, at the Abram Community Centre 7.30pm, admission free.
Sunday: Commemorative event starting at the Maypole Colliery sites, Park Lane, 1.30pm, where a new memorial donated by Bloor Homes will be unveiled to the stirring sounds of Tyldesley Brass Band. The march will then process to the churchyard of St John the Evangelist Church for a rededication of the Maypole Memorial, with Parkside Colliery Male Voice Choir performing.
Monday: An Act of Remembrance at 5pm (the exact date and time of the explosion).
I have been asked if anyone has CDs by the Houghton Weavers, Mike Harding and/or the Oldham Tinkers, needed by the organiser of the Maypole exhibit.
There is an unconfirmed rumour that there may be a CD produced with material about the disaster. Bob Evans and yours truly have each written songs, and I have been sent a poem by John Clays. If anyone knows of any other relevant material, please get in touch.
Please click on "Folkal Point" link for latest edition. I have reinstated the Wednesday Open Mic at the Cherry Gardens as I am informed by a normally reliable source that it is still going strong. A new Wednesday event, started 23rd July, is the Britannia Bluegrass Session in Chorley. I have fond memories of the night, several years ago, when the Britannia Bluegrass Band turned up on spec at the Fox & Goose, said they were due to play a festival that weekend, and could they please practise their set in front of our live audience? We said yes please, and were treated to a wonderful free gig. These lads are good, and definitely recommended.
10th August 2008
Guestbook problem has now been sorted, please add your comments. Thanks.
9th August 2008
Photos added from 44th Birthday Bash 2008
4th August 2008
A short video of one of the performances of Malt Loaf at the 44th Birthday Bash, has been added to You Tube.
1st August 2008
Wigan Folk Club Newsletter 1.8.08
The �Music For The Heart� weekend at the Royal Oak went very well, although I don't yet know how much was raised for the Cardiac Unit. I'll pass that information on as soon as I receive it.
The running order of artistes had been changed considerably since I was given the poster, but the event ran smoothly and everyone there enjoyed themselves. All power to Derek Docherty's elbow for organising it.
There are moves afoot to mark the centenary of the Maypole Pit Disaster in Abram, when 75 miners lost their lives in August 1908. Watch this space.
Please click on "Folkal Point" link for latest edition. Changes to note are: the St Helens Free Eclectica Music Festival next weekend; the deletion of the Wednesday Open Mic at the Cherry Gardens � nobody seems to know whether it's running or not; the addition of Wednesday's �The Craic� in Warrington; a change of venue for One Hand Clapping's gig this Sunday 3rd August (now the Orwell, not the Hawk); and local gigs for Jon Brindley. If anyone has any other local information that should be included, please let me know.
March 2008 -
I have added some videos samples of the Day of Folk'n'Verse on Easter Monday 2008.
Leighton
September 2006 -
I have received sad news about Terry Conway, who hasn't been to the folk club for over 18 months, having had several health problems. He was unfortunately found collapsed in his flat on Tuesday 12th September. There will be a service at Wigan Crematorium (Lower Ince) on Tuesday 26th September at 1pm.
Terry will be fondly remembered as a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Joan
February 2006 -
WIGAN FOLK CLUB NEWSLETTER
11 April 2006
I've still no access to my PC, and only intermittent access to t'internet, so this is a reminder to all that next Monday, being Easter Monday, 17th April, is our eighth annual Wigan Day of Folk'n'Verse, taking place at the Seven Stars from 2pm onwards, all afternoon and evening. Singers, musicians, poets, monologuers and audience are most welcome. Free admission, as always, with a Big Singaround / Playaround / Poemaround / Monologuaround. Derek (landlord) will put on sandwiches at about 5pm and again halfway through the evening - if people want to bring their own food to supplement this, that's fine.
This is the third year that our Day has been the lead event for the Wigan & Leigh Words Festival, which this year covers a fortnight (previously a week) of words- and literary-type events. Brochures for Words '06 are available at the folk club and at any library in the area. The folk club also has input into another Words '06 event the following Sunday, 23rd April, being St George's Day - Wigan Mummers will again be about, specifically at the Bowling Green, Wigan Lane, in the evening, and possibly other venues as well. When we've mummed (is that the right word?), a singaround will follow, so please join us.
I would very much appreciate if this info could be passed on to anyone you know who isn't on my email list or hasn't got internet access, as no PC also means no printer.
I hope to see as many as possible next Monday - and have a Happy Easter in the meantime!
Joan
February 2006 -
(From Joan's Editorial in Wigan Folk Club Newsletter)
Over the last few months we have welcomed Tony Newman, brother of Geoff, to the folk club on a semi-regular basis. He and his partner Christine have become popular members, and Tony�s renditions of �Big Jim�, �Ee By Gum� and �The Last Farewell� have been very well received. I am therefore very sad to report that Tony died suddenly early last week. I know I speak for all who knew him when I say we are shocked and very saddened, and our thoughts are with Christine and all his family. The funeral will take place this Wednesday, 15th February, at 11.30am at Wigan Crematorium, Lower Ince. This will be followed by a gathering at the Orwell. I understand that one of the musical pieces chosen for the service is �The Last Farewell�, which Tony sang at his last visits to both the Seven Stars and the Bowling Green.
Joan
August 2005 -
New webpage added - Wigan Folkers with The Stars.
Click Here
December 2004 -
We had a great time at Wigan Folk Club Christmas Party at The Seven Stars, and I am just getting the photographs together to put on the website.
You be able to see them soon by
Clicking Here
or Here
or Here
Leighton
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