southwestfolk

Dear Friends,

Please find attached the Christmas edition of Tony & Peter’s Folk Diary and an updated Venues List. Sat-navigators will be pleased to note that I have finished adding postcodes to all the addresses in the Venues List (though there is not always room for them in the single-line calendar entries).

WARNING!
Many clubs are holding Christmas parties this month and there is a serious danger that your usual tried and trusted body of material will be unacceptable and you will be expected instead to sing CAROLS!

CHRISTMAS DAY, BOXING DAY AND NEW YEAR’S EVE:
I’ve listed the events that would normally occur on these dates, except where I know they have been cancelled. I wouldn’t be surprised if most of the others have been cancelled as well, so I hope you won’t be rash enough to go charging off anywhere without giving them a ring first (or, if you do, don’t blame me!) In fact the whole month can be a bit unreliable – so proceed with caution.

Here’s one you can go to if you want to celebrate the New Year in musical fashion:-

South Petherton: Petherton Acoustic Night, David Hall Arts Centre, Roundwell Street TA13 5AA (Sam 01935 872622)
Monday 31st December:
“Join us as we celebrate the New Year in style with all our friends from the monthly acoustic night. Whether you are an artist who wants to perform or you just want to come along and join in the fun you'll be very welcome. The bar will be well stocked and a buffet will be on hand to keep us well fed as we welcome in the New Year! A great party night not to be missed!” The event is subject to obtaining an extended licence - check the website for further details. 8.00 pm. £10 to include buffet (No Concessions). Box office: 01460 240340, www.thedavidhall.org.uk (online ticket service available). 2 free tickets for performers.

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NEWS:

The Blackdown Community Choir, now in its sixth year, is a friendly bunch of about twenty-five people who sing a range of light material such as Folk, African, Gospel and Rounds. They meet in Wellington on Wed. evenings, and are now recruiting for January. If you live in this area and are interested in joining the choir, ring 01823 680690 for more information.

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I regret to announce the closure of two great folk clubs that have been around for a long time:

Due to its refurbishment plans, The Kings Arms at Litton has served notice on the The Old Down Acoustic Club. Having nowhere else to go, they are holding a final FAREWELL PARTY on 19/12.

The other loss is Bill Crawford’s Folk Club at Bridgwater Arts Centre. This closure is mainly due to poor attendance, but I suspect it also has something to do with Bill’s unfortunate inability to be everywhere at once. Bill has hinted that it may at some time ‘rise from the ashes’. If and when that spectacular resurrection occurs, I shall of course be the first to tell you.

Another venue to bite the dust is:

Bristol: The Brunel, 315 St. Johns Lane, Bedminster BS3 5AZ (0117 966 3339)

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The Acorn Folk Club, Minehead, is moving for one night only. On the evening of Saturday 1st December it will be held at the The Ball Room, The Hobby Horse Hotel, The Esplanade, Minehead. The change of venue is for this occasion only, as the usual home of the Acorn Folk Club at the Old Ship Aground has been overbooked.

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Bristol: Ha! Ha! Bar, 20A Berkeley Square (off top of Park Street) BS8 1HP, (0117 927 7333),
No more Open Mic till the New Year.
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And here’s a message from:-

East Harptree (near Bristol): Open Door Acoustic Club, Waldegrave Arms, Church Lane BS40 6BD (Mike & Maire 01761 221429, 01761 221448)
“Our final Open Door Acoustic night of 2007 is Friday 21st December. There will be mulled wine and mince pies for all at no charge and a great festive atmosphere. So bring your Christmas songs and sharpen your wits in readiness for the seasonal quiz!”
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TO COME:

Verwood: Verwood Acoustic, Verwood Hub, Brock Way BH31 6WW (01202 828740, www.fawm.net)
Last Saturday of the month. Folk/acoustic music in the 100 Room.
From 25/1/08.

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That’s about it. A happy Christmas and New Year to you all,

Tony & Peter