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Did you know there are over 300 known versions of ‘While Shepherds Watched’ out there?! In days gone by, the words of this carol (among many others) were put to existing folk tunes, often with different villages or regions becoming associated with a particular version.
There is so much fascinating lore and history surrounding both the carols that are still known today and, even more so, amongst many of the much older, largely forgotten, ones. Those that most of us older generations are still familiar with from our own childhoods tend to be Victorian, stemming very much from within the Church, and tell the religious story of the birth and nativity of Christ.
Outside of this, is a huge wealth of ancient carols, much more ‘folky’ in genre – describing winter scenes, and the coming together to feast, drink and make merry at the dark time of the year when company and good cheer was the heart and soul of rural life. These songs would have been sung around the village streets and farmsteads, connecting neighbour to neighbour. They would have been sung in cottage and in pub, around a fire, or by candle-light.
There is a strong tradition of folk carol singing still alive and well today, particularly in Northern England. Certain Sheffield pubs, for example, are renowned for the lusty, hearty singing of these old tunes, often in glorious harmony.
So it’s something of this passion, and joy, and earthy celebration that we would love to create together at this one-day singing workshop. We are attempting to promote and revive old and forgotten Christmas carols in Norfolk.
When: Saturday 30th November, 10.30am-4pm
Where: Weybourne village hall (near Sheringham)
Cost: £35
Contact: natasha@natashahood.com to book or for further info
Natasha Hood
Life Celebrant, Author, Community Singing Leader
http://www.natashahood.com
Tel: 07825 603 998
Filby’s Folk Radio Show and Unicorn Folk
Carl Filby, member of Unicorn Folk, also present a Radio Show – Filby’s Folk – on Royston Radio at 6pm on Sundays with a repeat on Tuesdays at 1pm. Click on the image below to take you to Filby’s Folk podcasts or listen live via Royston Radio.
East Suffolk Community Folk Orchestra
A new venture organised by Jo Poole after a very successful Community Folk Orchestra Workshop Day in December 2023 supported by Mardles is due to have its second meeting on Saturday 24th February at Bungay Community Centre. Meetings will be once a month and is gathering momentum!
The East Suffolk Community Folk Orchestra is open to any instrument, and to both experienced and less experienced players. Initially it will be just for adults, but once the community folk orchestra is confidently established younger players will be welcome to join.
The New Community Centre is situated on Old Grammar Lane, Bungay, between the medical centre and the fire station, adjacent to the playing field and skate park.
If you would like to join, or find out more, please contact: jopoole@protonmail.com / 07814 110784.
New pub session – Wheatsheaf, Gamlingay, Cambs SG19 3JJ – 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month 7.30pm
Rod Ward of Rod Ward Violins is setting up a new pub session with English and Scottish music in Gamlingay, at the Wheatsheaf pub, SG19 3JJ. The first one is Thursday 22nd June , 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm. Nice friendly local pub.
The venue is about 20 minutes West of Cambridge. Rod would like to include some singing, and step dancing.
1st Thursday of the month session
A new folk night session has been set up by Chris Holderness and Friends in Norwich.
For those who would like to come along but aren’t sure where the Belle Vue is, it’s 46 St Philips Road, Norwich NR2 3BL between Dereham Road and Earlham Road on the corner of Stafford Street and St Philips Road.
One Sunday a month – Stepdancing in Cambridgeshire
Following our visit into Cambridgeshire with our annual Stepdance Day, a keen group of dancers would like to encourage more likeminded individuals. All welcome! Get in touch if you’re interested where and when they are next meeting.
Stowmarket based Pallet Bar is looking for musicians! Either solo or duos welcome. Please get in touch with Eilish:
@Pallet Bar Stowmarket; email info@palletbar.uk; 01449 777109; www.palletbar.uk