Chipping Norton (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Chipping Norton

FOLK EVENTS: Although due to meet on this evening in their usual venue at the Fox Hotel, on Monday in the Town Hall, Chipping Norton Heritage and Traditional Music Club turned up in force to support and participate in the folk music classes of the 93rd Chipping Norton Music Festival. The adjudicator for the class was singer, accordion and concertina player John Kirkpatrick.

Of 27 entries in the well-supported folk class, the majority of performers were members of Chipping Norton Heritage and Traditional Music Club. Other performers included local singer Sin O'Neill, members of the White Horse Folk Club, Highworth, near Swindon and The Bell Sessions at Adderbury.

Certificates were awarded to Mervyn Penny from White Horse Folk Club in the Accompanied Folk Song Solo and Folk Ballad solo classes; to Helen Barr, also from the White Horse Folk Club in the Unaccompanied Folk Song Solo class; to Quartet (Peter Allum, Pen Greenwood, Alan Mnage and Jill Reynolds), from Chipping Norton Heritage & Traditional Music Club in the Folk song Ensemble class; to Jeremy Walton from Adderbury Bell Sessions in the Instrumental Solo class and to Bill and Heather Long of Chipping Norton Heritage and Traditional Music Club in the Folk Song Duet class. A new award, made by White Horse Folk Club in memory of the late Bill Bailey who used to run the club, for the folk performer who best communicates with the audience was awarded to Mervyn Penny for three performances of traditional songs (he also performed in the Unaccompanied Folk Song Solo class). Mervyn is co-founder of the White Horse Folk Club.

The William Bailey award was the second prize gathered up by members of the White Horse Folk Club in 10 days. Their four-man team were also the winners of the Folk All Around Quiz Trophy at the concert held in the Parish Rooms in Church Street, Chipping Norton on March 6. Competing against teams from Adderbury Bell Sessions and Chipping Norton Heritage and Traditional Music Club, they romped home with a decisive victory in the quiz set and chaired by Folk All Around secretary Bill Long. Together with terrific performances from many of the performers later to be seen at the music festival a convivial and entertaining evening was enjoyed by all present.

Other events planned in Chipping Norton by Folk All Around are a folk day on Saturday, September 24 at the Town Hall and on Saturday, October 22 in the Parish Rooms there will be a Trafalgar Day celebration to include a competition for the best traditional or original song of the sea. More details on these and other Folk All Around events can be obtained from Folk All Around chairman Peter Allum on 01608 642296

On April 11 at 8.30pm, members-only Chipping Norton Heritage and Traditional Music Club will be back at The Fox Hotel, as usual for a guest night with the harmony trio Artisan. This performance will be part of Artisan's 20th anniversary and farewell break-up tour. Tickets are going fast at £6 and pre-booking is recommended as numbers are limited. For free membership of the club call 01993 823984 at least 48 hours before your planned visit. For further details on any of the folk club's events, ring 01608 642296 or visit www.chippingnortonfolk.org.uk.