22nd February 2010
The Sara Grey and Kieron Means show was another first-rate night of entertainment. A refreshing mix of traditional North American and Scottish songs, with Blue Grass and Country style music interspersed with anecdotal introductions to the songs. How Sara can coax gentle accompaniment to a song from the banjo, then switch to conventional banjo playing proves the skill of this lady. When combined with Keiron's top-notch guitar and vocal accompaniment, the audience was frequently foot tapping along, proof of a great night.
As usual, our thanks to David, Alan and Lou for again showing how good floor singers are an important start to the night.
On the subject of banjo playing, we are hoping that Trevor Wasteney will be joining Peter and David (reforming Brewer's Troop ) at our next club night. When combined with our other floor singers and special guests QuickSilver, it will definitely be another night to look forward to.
Don't forget to check out the 'Membership' page for details of our new Membership card scheme, as announced by David. If you didn't fill out a form at the last club night and would like to take advantage of the scheme (and save money!) please send me your details as shown as soon as possible. Then I can prepare the membership cards for distribution at the next club night. Please note that you can send payment as directed or pay your fee when you collect your membership cards.
Finally, Gina and Brian confirmed that Felicity and Rueben (not forgetting Steve) are doing well although Rueben still hasn't decided whether to go for traditional or a steel guitar.
WRP
28th January 2010
Congratulations to Felicity and Steve on the birth of their son Rueben Steven who arrived on Friday 22nd January, weighing in at 7lb 10oz. Parents and boy are doing well and we wish them the very best wishes for the future. Our regards also to the happy Grandparents, Gina and Brian, who we are sure adore the new addition to their family.
As Rueben is not singing yet, but as you can see he is trying, Dave hasn't confirmed a booking but, in view of his parents, we will be keeping a close eye on his progress.
WRP
17th January 2010
Well here we go for another year. Looking at the programme of artistes due to appear this year, it promises to be another great season of top quality entertainment. As usual, Dave has excelled himself in his selection and been very lucky to confirm all the bookings.
After a rather fraught beginning to the night, John Conelly arrive just before the the starting time. A superb performance by John with his laconic style perfectly matching the quality and presentation of his songs, combining with the humour in lyrics, keep the audience almost captivated throughout his set. I cannot remember the audience laughing so much, or so loudly, as during the 'sequel to Albert went to Blackpool' monologue, even I laughed! So nice to hear sea shanties sung again, particularly 'Fiddlers' Green'. Truly the year got off to a great start.
Many thanks also to Lou for stepping in as sole supporting artiste, especially as it did look for a while that he might be the main act! Lou proved, yet again, that he has a great repertoire of songs for such occasions.
WRP
16th December
The Christmas Sing Along was a great success. We would like to thank Dave & Pete, Felicity & Steve, Garth, Lou and of course the sisters (Felicity, Maria and Marion) for providing an ideal start to the Christmas period. All the artists performed superbly with a great mix of traditional and modern Christmas carols and songs. Also, thanks to Margaret and Barbara for providing the very welcome 'snap', which disappeared much quicker than it took to prepare!
As the year draws to a close, we would like to thank all our guests, support singers and, of course, audiences for providing a memorable year of entertainment. We look forward to next year, judging by the artists already booked, it will be another great year and look forward to seeing you as many times as possible.
A Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you all.
WRP
9th December
The much anticipated concert by St Agnes Fountain proved to be well worth waiting for. A phenomenal night by an incredible group of of master musicians. Just how they can sing well loved carols and songs to totally different tunes must be incredibly difficult, but is done with such aplomb that you often do not realize the change. I mean, Hark the Herald Angels to the tune of Michael Jackson's Thriller should not be possible! Not only was it possible, it was so fantastic that even father Harney of St Anne's Church was on his feet applauding and shouting for more. Can't wait for next year when we hope they will again agree to grace our club as part of their December tour.
Due to the generosity of the group in donating CD's as raffle prizes, we raised 104 pounds from the raffle which has been divided equally between the BBC Sheffield Kids Scanner Appeal at The Children's Hospital Charity and St Anne's Church, cheques have already been sent.
We can now look forward to this Saturday's 'Christmas Sing Along' night featuring our great floor singers, who do a tremendous job all year, together with guests. I would also like to thank in advance Margaret and Barbara for organising and preparing the refreshments and for all the work they do throughout the year.
I have previously suggested bring a friend on the night to introduce them to the 'folk scene'. Obviously, visitors are always welcome to attend club nights and this Saturday has the additional attraction of seasonal entertainment. Look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
WRP
28th November
I'm still old and a Granddad so this update is late again, sorry, fortunately the memories of the last club are still fresh. We would particularly like to thank the floor singers Felicity and Steve, Jim Marshall and Charlie Barker for providing an excellent start to the night. It was Charlie's first visit to our club and we really hope it will not be her last. As you may know, she runs the new club in the Venue at Stocksbridge and is an excellent singer in her own right. As expected Anthony John Clarke fully satisfied the expectations of the audience with a great mix of new and well known songs combined with beautiful guitar playing. What was not expected was that he brought along a friend, Ray Baguley, to accompany him. Ray is a very good guitar player and proved to be a perfect match for Anthony John's style of music. All in all, a great night's entertainment which will be difficult to match, but we will try. Incidentally, Ray is also a member of of an acoustic group called 'The Bouviers' which also sings and plays good music. I have added details of their web site to the 'Links' page so you can sample their music, it is well worth listening to.
Just a few days now to the St Agnes Fountain concert .... can't wait! Then there is the Singers Christmas Carol and songs night on the 12th December to look forward to, especially as there will be free refreshments for all (we hope) and a special raffle. 
Then it's Christmas, what happened to the year?
The observant amongst you will have noticed that David has confirmed the March guests as QuickSilver and the May guest as Johnny Silvo. QuickSilver is made up of Hilary Spencer who many will know from being a lead singer with Artisan, and Grant Baynham. They have been performing as QuickSilver since 2002 and are a superb duo with excellent vocals and exceptional guitar playing interspersed with very funny asides. Johnny Silvo is a true veteran of the folk scene, still making annual tours of the UK. How he keeps the quality of his voice is a mystery, but we are very lucky to secure his appearance as he captivates his audience with his vast reservoir of songs and funny anecdotes. Don't know how Dave does it, but he has again organised a great list of guests for next year.
WRP
13th November
My apologies for not updating the web site earlier, a combination of becoming a Granddad again and feeling poorly sick, both symptoms of old age! Back to the club. As usual Richard Digance was excellent, as every one there will testify. The good news is that Dave has managed to book Pete Coe for the April club and is awaiting confirmation of a very popular artist for the March club night, I will post details as soon as possible. If you have not seen Pete Coe before, he sings both tradition and his own songs and plays more musical instruments than is natural! Another great night for your calender.
Although I am looking forward to Anthony John Clark on the 21st November (one of my favourite entertainers) can't wait for the special concert at Deepcar with St Agnes Fountain. It promises to be a great start to the Christmas season although wearing Santa hats is not compulsory. Ticket sales have been very good so contact Dave on 0114 2847190 as soon as possible if you haven't booked yet to avoid disappointment. If you are not sure where St Ann's Church Hall is, the new map in the 'How to find us' page will help and we, hopefully, will be putting up direction arrows along the route on the night. The Church hall is an excellent venue, with lower price drinks available from the adjacent club bar, or you can bring your own, but don't forget to bring glasses as ladies drinking directly from wine bottle may be Christmassy but unsightly.
Just an idea, but as the Christmas sing along on 12th December is a free entry night, why not bring a friend as a mild introduction to a folk club, but tell them to bring lots of money for the raffle which will, as usual at Christmas, be a special one.
WRP
20th October 2009
The last meeting featured Dave Gibb and was a great night's entertainment. Beginning with excellent sets by our floor singers, including Nigel Bane who used to come to the club in the days when we met in The Old Red Lion in Grenoside ( a very long time ago!).
As promised by Shaun, there was no noise from downstairs so we were able to enjoy the brilliant finger picking guitar playing by Dave and his gently lilting singing. Combined with his amusing links between songs, it was another outstanding night. My only concern was when Dave sang a song originally sung by The Monkeys after Felicity and Steve had sung a song from Jungle Book, almost expected to see Meercats sat in the audience!
Don't forget that we have the special performance by Richard Digance at the Academy Theatre on the 29th October and our next club, on the 21st November, features another of my favourite artists, Anthony John Clark. Look forward to seeing you at both events.
WRP
4th October 2009
I have just returned from a good holiday in sunny Majorca to the news that David has confirmed the booking of John Conolly as our guest singer for the 16th January club meeting. John is a prolific writer of great songs, many mistaken for 'traditional', the best example being Fiddlers Green. With a great sense of humour and an outstanding repertoire of songs, many seafaring based, it will be an outstanding start to next year's programme.
WRP
20th September 2009
Last night's concert by Dave Burland was a combination of pleasure and grief. The grief being caused by an extremely busy and noisy birthday party being held in the pub downstairs from the club room. Although the club room is usually very well sound insulated from the pub, the very high volume of the disco meant that, unfortunately, the bass sound permeated the club room. It was a sign of the true professionalism of Dave Burland that he was not only prepared to continue his concert, but was also able to sing a selection of songs which was a pleasure to hear. Just how he managed to give such a sterling performance, especially when the beat of the invasive bass was different to the rhythm of his song, remains a mystery to me. Combined with his witty asides and stories, it was a memorable night in more ways than one! We can only repeat our apologies to both Dave and the audience for the interruptions. We will be trying to ensure that it does not happen again, even if it means changing the club's home! Thanks also to Pete and David for opening proceedings and again to David for providing the PA system, boy was it needed on the night.
I am looking forward to the next club meeting, Dave Gibb is a great singer and guitar player, so the night should be memorable for all the right reasons.
Don't forget that tickets are still available for the Richard Digance concert at the Academy theatre. Everyone who went to his last performance at the Academy Theatre will attest to what an entertaining night is guaranteed, with a mixture of observations on life and his past experiences, interspersed with singing both serious and humorous songs.
Please note that ticket sales for St Agnes Fountain are already going well, so it is important to contact Dave Atkin quickly to avoid missing this special concert as part of the build up to Christmas.
Finally, may I thank all the people who have commented on this web site. Fortunately they have all been positive feedback which is very satisfying. If you have any comments, or suggestions on how to improve the site and its content, please let me know via contact@wortleyfolkclub.info If you, or your company, would like to sponsor the site please contact me. Although the club acts as a non profit operation, it is preferred that it is also non loss making! Sponsorship is very cheap, will be credited on the home page and will help us keep you informed on the club's activities.
WRP
16th September 2009
Last week's concert by Chris While and Julie Matthews was even better than predicted, but what can you expect from these two 'Super Stars'. A superb mixture of old and new songs beautifully sung with passion and, at times gusto. If you don't believe me, ask Dave Burland, he was in the audience!
I am pleased to confirm that 'The Giraffe' picture has now been presented to and hangs in Bluebell Wood Hospice. The picture below shows the official presentation with Jeremy White, the artist, with Sarah Champ, Chief Executive of Bluebell Wood on his left and 'our Vera' with Sue Bamforth, Sec. of Grenoside Art Group. The engraved plate on the picture frame acknowledges the donation by Wortley Folk Club so you can give yourself a pat on the back for a very worthwhile contribution.
I have updated the St Ann's Church Hall PDF file in the 'How to find us' page to more accurately guide you to this concert venue for the St Agnes Fountain concert in December (tickets only available from Dave Atkin). As this concert is one of few each year and will be very popular, I strongly recommend that you get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Hope to see you on Saturday for another great night's entertainment.
WRP
August 2009
Good news ! The club meetings scheduled for the rest of the year will go ahead in the Black Bull as planned. The possible double booking problem has been resolved with Shaun (our helpful host) so we can look forward to four very good nights entertainment.
Also, we can confirm that the Christmas meeting will be held on December 12th, so make a note in your diaries as excuses for not attending will not be accepted. As usual, the night will combine traditional and more modern Christmas songs with our usual singers leading the way. Although there will only be a nominal admission charge, refreshments will be provided (food not drinks!) to ensure a fitting start to the Christmas season.
Dave Gibb has confirmed the 17th October meeting. If you cannot remember his style of singing, I have added short cuts to his web site and to samples of his singing in the 'Links and music' page.
Just a reminder, for tickets to the Chris While and Julie Matthews concert at the Academy Theatre, I suggest contacting the theatre booking office directly on 01226 744442 or Dave can arrange via email at contact@wortleyfolkclub.info
WRP
19th July 2009
Last night's club was very good in many ways.
Firstly, we had good audience numbers, to the extent that we had to put up the Club Full sign! This is always a disappointment as it means that people who have travelled a long distance to see the guest may not be able to get in and consequently may not return to see future guests. It does underline the importance of arriving early, the doors are normally opened between 7:15pm and 7:30pm giving time for the guest to do a sound check and relax a little before the show.
Secondly, Flossie. Just how a lady of such slim build can 'belt out' songs with her characteristic 'vavavoum' then, minutes later, sing calming ballads with an almost magical clarity is difficult to understand. Standing at the back (there were no chairs left!) I could easily watch peoples faces. It was obvious that even when she sang in French, members of audience, like myself, who did not understand the lyrics, remained almost spell bound by the purity of her voice. From The Eagles to Piaf with oxymorons by the dozen in-between, it was a great night's entertainment. As you may guess, I like Flossie.
Credit should also be paid to the floor singers who started the night's entertainment. Felicity and Steve, Lou and Garth all gave a great start to a terrific night, many thanks.
Thirdly, the raffle. The audience on the night knows that a special raffle was run in parallel to the normal raffle. The aim being to raise money towards the purchase of the Giraffe painting which, hopefully, can be transferred to either the Bluebell Wood Hospice or Weston Bank Children's Hospital. The prize for this special raffle was a beautiful painting by Vera, one of our newer regulars, and was won by Gina. This raffle raised �43 but David added the normal raffle takings making the donation up to �83. When combined with sales of the hand painted cards, also by Vera, the grand total donated was �103 ! an outstanding contribution. Many, many thanks to all present for their generosity. Due to demand on the night, it is possible that more of the hand painted cards may be available at the next club meeting on the 18th September, more news closer to the time. I will also try to keep you informed of progress of the appeal.
Finally, due to double booking problems, it may be necessary to move some of the future shows from the Black Bull to a new venue. Please keep checking the web site for detailed information as soon as it is available.
WRP
