Bringing Music to Suffolk Patron: John Renbourn
M1
Plus Eggs
New Website
Due to Headway's David Crane's new workload he is unable to continue looking after our Website. So with his help we've set up this new one which I will attempt to nurture. I'll probably make a pig’s ear of it but what the hell; it's folk music innit? As long as you know what's going on and I keep you informed that's all we need eh? eh? Eh?
William Pint & Felicia Dale Friday 16th December 2005
It was a lovely end of our Folk year when William and Felicia performed for us on Friday 16th December supported by Liz Simcock. I was a bit worried that as this was our third concert in a matter of two weeks that you might be a bit folked out and not turn out. As usual on the night you came along and supported the club as you have done so wonderfully all year so that’s a great big thanks to all of you that came along. It is tough sometimes organising an event and not getting any enquiries till the last minute but I am pleased to say that we haven’t made a loss on any concert nights in 2005. We just scraped it on the 16th but that doesn't matter the main thing is being able to pay the artist and all the expenses.
The music we experienced that night was absolutely superb, they were really on top form and you sang magnificently with them. I've said before that without exception all our guests have said what a lovely audience you all are and William and Felicia were no exception. They really enjoyed themselves and that showed with their performance.
Liz Simcock gave us a perfect beginning to the evening performing with her 'band'. They all proved themselves to be top drawer, so much so I've booked them in their own right for April 7th.
Monday 5th December 2005 Peggy Seeger, Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson and Mike Waterson
PHEW!!!! I'm still on a high over what is probably the greatest night I have ever put on at the folk club. I don't mean any disrespect to the wonderful and extremely talented performers we've booked over the years, many of whom have become personal friends, but this was extra special.
Peggy was absolutely on top form, her wit, her charm, her humility, her power, her
compassion and her years of experience keeping an audience spellbound was phenomenal.
I have never seen her so incredibly fresh and sharp as she was this night at the
end of an intensive tour. What a super star this woman is. She's about to embark
on a three-
Norma has a grace on stage that you can only say borders on the spiritual. Her interpretation of songs is astounding and her presentation is immense. The audience was captivated by her charm and her soul reached out to all of us. She is a delightful lady to know and it's very easy to be captivated by her. Her health could be better but you'd never know that something might be troubling her particularly when she reached the heights she did the other night. She is a beautiful woman.
Martin is such an consummate professional and downright nice man it's hard to say something different about him that's not been said before. His guitar work is legendary, his knowledge of folk song is probably unsurpassed by anybody else and his stage presence keeps an audience spellbound, it certainly did on Monday night. Something I'd like to say about Martin though, is that I find him an absolute gentleman and for all he's done for the folk world at large and the fame he's acquired he's a very humble man, there's nothing pretentious about him at all.
I was so thrilled to be told that Mike was joining the tour. He did a short spot for us three years ago and stole the show so I was looking forward to seeing him again. What a character, he's another lovely member of the Waterson/Carthy clan, what you see is what you get with Mike and that's pure 'niceness'. Apart from us in the room Mike made friends with nearly everybody in the other bar as I'm told he does wherever he goes. His performance was riveting, full of humour, pathos and strength.
They all had such a good time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I'd like to say a big thank you to all of you that came, I know from the response of you all at the end that you also enjoyed yourselves. We'll remember this night forever I think.
The only sour note we had was with the guest house I arranged for them all. They received nothing but indifference, bad manners and downright rudeness from the owners. Normally a lot of the artists stay with me but as I needed three bedrooms and I've only got one spare room, logistically it was sensible to keep them all together under one roof. They didn't even get their cooked breakfast the next morning. Needless to say I was highly embarrassed by it all but they were very gracious about it and even ended up laughing. I think the owners may have something to do with a certain hotel in Torquay!!! If you want to know where not to put your friends and relations up, have a word with me.
Dick Gaughan 2nd December 2005
This was Dicks first appearance at the Milkmaid and he certainly didn't disappoint us. His unique delivery and powerful songs kept everybody fixated. It was the first time I had met him and was delighted at what a really nice man he is. He will certainly be welcomed back in the future.
I thought that Dave Rushton who did the support gave us his finest ever performance at the club. He really pulled out the stops and was both accomplished and polished. We are very lucky to have a fine bank of floor singers to call on for support.
Dan Plews of Dansaul and Dansmall fame popped in to say hello on his way to Norwich. It was nice to see him again and I look forward to seeing Dansmall (Dan and Guy Fletcher) performing here in January.
Rory McLeod Friday 18th November 2005
What can you say about this amazing performer that hasn't been said before. We had two hours and forty five minutes of pure emotion, energy and escapism. The biggest audience so far in the RBL club, fantastic.
During the evening two ladies said to Jane, "Is this a folk club then", she replied yes, of course. They came back with " We didn't know Rory McLeod played in folk clubs” Sad innit?
SHOWCASE Open-
Another really good evening We showcased the Floozies and they didn't disappoint us. Three beautiful girls with an incredible amount of talent. I've booked them to support Nick Barraclough and his Burglars in February.
The first session gave us five performers and they were, making their debut, Mike and Stuart from Brandon, Jezzer from Ipswich ( who did a singers night all on his own a few months ago) and is doing support for Wizz Jones in the new year. Mike Parker who played back at the beginning of the year with two others (The Tuddenham Folk Group) Dave Rushden(support for Dick Gaughan) and our old friend Joe Bogggs. A great big thank you to all of them.
What is also nice is that the audience is picking up and that’s good for the club
that we keep Open-
I also want to say thank you to Steve Martin our soundman who really does a marvellous job. He's never let us down and is an integral part of The Milkmaid Folk Club. It's not easy to produce the quality of sound so consistently with so many different artists in a short time.
Anthony John Clarke 21st October 2005
I was really pleased with the number of people that came out to see AJ who gave us a wonderful evening of songs and laughter. I don't think anyone would have left disappointed. You were in such good voice AJ said how pleased he was you all joined in the choruses of all his songs.
The Brown Family once again performed wonderfully well, it's always a pleasure to see them at the Milkmaid.
The next event is an Open-
Peggy Seeger Martin Carthy Norma Waterson
I'd like to announce that MIKE WATERSON is joining Martin & Norma on the upcoming concert with Peggy Seeger in December. This will be a unique opportunity to see three quarters of the Watersons together on stage for the first time probably since the sad passing off Lal Waterson. Although I have had the privilege of all three on stage at The Milkmaid when we were at Wymondham. Mike did four songs during a Martin and Norma concert a couple of years ago. I still think of that night as a special one in The Milkmaids history. So you better not miss it eh? I'm sure you won't.
Showcase..Open-
We had a better turn out for this night than other recent Open-
Thanks to those that came to watch lets hope we can build on this. A Special thanks though goes to Dave Bartlett for the magnificent banner he has hand made for the stage it looks fabulous and made its debut on Friday
OCTOBERS' OPEN-
Octobers' Open-
JOHN ROBERTSON Bury Folk Club 70's & 80's
I've been asked by John Robertsons daughter to see if any of you remember her dad. She believes he was a regular at the Bury Folk Club held in The Old Cannon pub until the eighties. She is desperate for photo's of her dad either on his own or with the band he used to play in.
If any one can help please get in touch with me so I can pass on any info.
Thanks.
Octobers Open-
This Months Open-
We'll try this format in the hope it proves popular, as I don't really want to stop doing them as it does give local artists a platform to perform.
Entry prices stay the same.
Eileen McGann Friday September 9th
What a lovely evening it was with Eileen and David. I think everybody that went had a good time. Eileen was impressed with your singing and particularly enjoyed the support by Phil Lyons, who I agree was excellent.
I was a bit worried about having enough people in to cover costs as advance sales were pretty low but I'm happy to say you came out on the night and all was well. We've not yet lost money on a concert night and that's down to you, you lovely people.
Festivals Summer2005
Well, I've had a hectic summer festival wise. I ran the club tent at the Ely Folk
Week-
Roll on next summer!
3rd West Suffolk Headway Folk Day & Evening Concert
The weather was kind to us and we felt there were more people at the Rising Sun to watch the activities than the previous two events.
Unfortunately people didn't spend as much as other years so after expenses a total of £350 was made. A GREAT BIG THANKYOU to all Performers and Helpers who really did us proud.
The evening concert was fantastic musically and enjoyed by all those that came, a special thanks to Nuada and No ID for supporting Pauline and Tom who were greatly impressed by the two bands, it's a shame we couldn’t have raised more money but at least we didn’t loose a packet like last year. A grand old sum of £8 was made for Headway. THANKS to all who bought tickets.
We'll probably have to think twice about doing another one next year, but who knows.
WEST SUFFOLK HEADWAY Evening Concert Sat. 6th August
Tickets are now on sale for this fund raising event for Headway. Please come and support it, it's vital we make it a success for them.
Ticket prices and information can be found on the EXTRA page on this Web site.
PLEASE HELP
Martin Simpson 15th July
Well, what a fantastic turn out and what a great concert. It's nights like this that make all the hassle, worry and traumas worth while. Martin said afterwards he thought you all were a wonderful receptive audience and he really enjoyed himself. That’s another top artist that you made very happy.
Due to Molly’s' birth Martin has been limiting his appearances and cancelling some concerts but I'm pleased to say he wanted to come to the Milkmaid.
If any of you suffered problems at the bar I apologise but there has been a change of bar staff and there was some confusion amongst them. I did have some words which did get a bit heated but I'm assured things will be better next time (particularly collecting glasses in the middle of the concert).
Brian Kew
A very big thanks to Brian for stepping in and helping out on the Open Mic/Singers night on 1st July.
I've been told by everybody he did a fantastic job, I'd better watch out.
OPEN MIC/SINGERS NIGHT July 1st
Our good friend Brian Kew is going to compere the evening as I will be celebrating my 33rd wedding anniversary with Jane at 'Maison Bleue' in Bury. I am sure he'll do a good job, he'll have Lillian on the door looking after him but be gentle with him won't you.
Johnny Dickinson Fri 17th June '05
The turn out was a bit disappointing and consequently made a loss but those who came I am sure , went away satisfied in seeing a master performer. What a lovely voice this man has and as far as his guitar playing goes is up there with the best. I'll certainly book him again in the future and by that time he'll be much more well known in Suffolk and hopefully have a bigger audience.
The atmosphere was as usual good and Johnny commented on how receptive you all were.
There’s a chance he'll return to the Milkmaid in September with an American Blue-
Bernard Hoskin supporting gave us his usual polished performance, I've known Bernard for eight or nine years now and I have to say that he's getting better and better. He's helping out at the folk day again in August which is kind of him. I must try and get to his club in Cambridge called 'Acoustic Routes' shortly.
Open Mic/Singers Night Fri 3rd June '05
Unfortunately due to the adverse weather conditions only seven people turned out. It was touch and go whether the 'Legion' would open up anyway 'cos the lounge bar and cellar was under water. In the end we went ahead but only had the hall bar open.
A massive thanks to Jezzer who performed for a good hour and fifteen minutes apart from three Rock 'n Roll songs from a 'Legion' member who borrowed Jezzers guitar.
Bury Free Press
I received a nice letter from Graham Turner Deputy Editor of the Bury Free Press recently, answering our little complaint regarding Folk Music.
June 2nd,
Dear Milkmaid Music Club,
I am sorry that so many of you felt you needed to write to the Bury Free Press about its coverage of folk music. We do our very best here to provide a comprehensive service to our readers, whatever their interests.
I accept some of the criticisms in the letter, specifically about the recent preview
of the 'Last Nights Fun' gig -
I took the opportunity to quickly look through a few back issues of LifeStyle and as far as I can tell, we've previewed most of the recent events of the Milkmaid Music Club and other folk events around the region. These included:
May 13th 2005 -
In addition the Milkmaid Club has been included in the listings almost every week.
Where possible we try to use pictures of people appearing, but this is not always possible.
LifeStyle is a publication that is distributed with the Suffolk Free Press (Sudbury), the Haverhill Echo and Newmarket Journal as well as the Bury Free Press so the content has to reflect what is going on throughout this large area.
To keep our coverage as wide as possible we deliberately keep our previews short but make an effort to ensure that every event we are notified of is used in the listings section. However, this is a free listings service so we are unable to guarantee entries will appear. I am afraid the only way to guarantee space in LifeStyle is to pay for an advertisement (01284 757849).
We do depend on organisers to provide us with details of their event and I would encourage you to continue submitting information and pictures to Ann Coleman, who is responsible for writing the what's on section copy. If you feel a gig deserves extra coverage, please let her know (01284 757827). Bear in mind that she works two weeks in advance because of printing deadlines.
I will now make a point of monitoring our folk music coverage and will also look at ways that we can improve it.
In the meantime, I wish the Milkmaid Music Club continued success and I hope that in the future the Bury Free Press comes up to your expectations
Yours sincerely
Graham Turner (Deputy Editor)
Headway's 3rd Folk Day 6th August 2005 The Rising Sun Risbygate St Bury St Edmunds
Preparations for Headway's third folk day is well under way. Three Morris sides will be entertaining us during the day and they are Bury Fair, Green Dragons and Little Egypt. There is also a French dance workshop hosted by Phil Lyons and Linda Jones. My good friend John Row will be telling stories in his own inimitable style. While confirmed performers on stage throughout the day include The Brown Family, Nuada, Andy Wall, Bernard Hoskin, Paddy Butcher and 'The Mind Set' a group started by the Music club members of West Suffolk Mind/Healthy Mind Centre in Bury. Brian Kew and eight friends will be performing their self penned History of Folk Music. I'm waiting on further confirmations. As usual there will be lots of stalls, games, face painting, all day BBQ and bar, buying me drinks and good old fashioned fun. Tom McConville and Pauline Cato headline the evening concert supported by No ID and Nuada which will be held at The Royal British Legion Club Bury St Edmunds.
As you know this is a fund raising event for West Suffolk Headway, a local charity
that runs a Re-