Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?

Subject: Folklore: Whos a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: ngaire
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 06:37 PM

Help.....

Who do you know off in the UK who is famous, VIP, well known, business owner etc who enjoys a good tap with their foot in time with a good old folk tune?

Why am I asking this question?

The honest truth is I am undertaking some research into Folk and Modern music for part of my Uni studies. Being a 1st year student am still a novice. I personally favour folk over some of the Modern guff that is around and am curious to see how many people actually like Folk.

Please help.

If you can be of assistance, post a message ere.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Whos a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 07:04 PM

I know of a Doctor who is into folk music.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Whos a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Compton
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 07:07 PM

Didn't I see Stephen Fry getting a bit excited at the BBC Folk Awards?...or was that nothing to do with Folk Music?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Whos a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 07:12 PM

MP for Tonbridge (I think) used to be a morris dancer

Subject: RE: Folklore: Whos a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Nick
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 08:06 PM

Humphrey Smith of the Samuel Smith brewery used to be a patron of folk music - you could try him.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 09:44 PM

As Osteopath to Sidmouth and other festivals I have treated numerous persons, at festivals, with occupations such as Surgeon, Doctor of medicine, Lawyers, Town and County Councillors, Directors of Industry etc.
These all look just like any other "Folkies" and have suffered from the same ailments due to excessive dancing, falls, lifting heavy equipment etc.
You will find that folkies cover the widest possible spectrum of age, income and social standing.
Could I suggest that you contact the Festival Organisers Association as many, particularly large, festivals collate such information to help with Grant applications.
Good luck in your research
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST,Zippy
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 09:48 PM

The Rt. Hon. Paddy Ashdown - former Leader of the Liberal Democrats, President of Folk South West and collector of Somerset folk tunes.

The Rt. Hon. Michael Ancram MP, Tory frontbencher and folk singer/guitarist.

Charles Kennedy MP, current Leader of the Liberal Democrats, his father is a champion Scottish fiddler.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST,Bill the Collie
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 11:46 PM

Alex Norton, the latest Taggart was a folk singer and guitarist before becoming famous as an actor.
Q: Does he still folk about?
A: Yes because I saw him last friday at Celtic Connections. He was at Transatlantic Sessions (where he saw Aly Bain, Beth Neilson Chapman, Bruce Molsky, Karen Matheson, Mindy Smith, Dick Gaughan, Alison Brown, Ivan Drever etc) and bought about 5 CD's afterwards.
Could't see what he was drinking at the interval but he was in the bar with 3 women.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 12:20 AM

Billy Connolly? Or is he too obvious to even mention?

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: ngaire
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 02:06 AM

oooo your all wonderful!

Many thanks for your help!

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 02:49 AM

Our Honourable Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is heavily into folk. Though in his case it's more the storytelling variety.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 04:10 AM

David Blunkett and Helen Jackson are regulars at the Sheffield Carols.

Dave Eyre

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 04:36 AM

Tony Benn (formerly Sir Anthony Wedgewood Benn) has appeared on stage with Roy Bailey and Robb Johnson, he was at Roys' Albert Hall gig a few years back... he might be worth a try, he's very supportive of the 'little man', and a damned nice Gentleman.

LTS

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 08:01 AM

Cllr is a cllr.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 12:43 PM

Peter Haines, The Secretary of State for Wales is the President of The Pontardawe Folk Festival. He also has a recording of Baggyrinkle (Swansea Shantymen)

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 12:49 PM

Prince Charles is said to be quite partial to traditional music.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 06:24 PM

Humphrey Smith of the Samuel Smith brewery used to be a patron of folk music - you could try him.

Isnt' that the brewery that recently banned all live music at their pubs? If Mr. Smith has any influence within that company, how strong a supporter of folk music (or any music) could he possibly be?

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 06:31 PM

Robin Cook ex foriegn secretary is a folkie.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 06:32 PM

come to think of it Alistar Campbell plays something folkie but I can't remember what.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 06:42 PM

>come to think of it Alistar Campbell plays something folkie but I can't remember what.

Bagpipes

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: ngaire
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 07:16 PM

Sincere thanks to you all who have replied. Its been a great help! Funny how quite a few of the are Politicians.......

Many thanks

Ngaire

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: nutty
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 07:28 PM

Tim Healy the actor ((Aufweidesien Pet)) (Probably spelt that wrongly.
He has sung on a number of Tapes and CD'S of Tyneside songs.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Crystal
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 05:02 AM

The actor Cy Grant (the voice of Lt Green in Captain Scarlet). He is also apparently a lovely person to interview.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Nick
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 06:03 AM

Poppagator

Perhaps some people might have detected the slightest hint of irony in the post about Mr Smith.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 07:36 AM

Martin Carthy is an MBE - how establishment is that ?

And Margaret Thatcher used to go round the folk festivals selling home-made corn dollies and playing banjo (only joking).

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 12:52 PM

There's always Rolf Harris.

And Peter O'Toole, though he's not in the UK much these days.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 12:58 PM

The big fella in the vest (from Keeping up appearances) - spied him playing in a pub in Whitby Folk week - now what is his name?

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 12:59 PM

Oh - and appears in Heartbeat as well of course.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Cats
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 01:22 PM

Andrew George, Mp for St Ives, is in the Hal an Tow every year at Helston.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 01:23 PM

You mean the lad in the middle here? Geoffrey Hughes. Looks like a Morris Dancer anyway...

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 05:54 PM

Yeah, I shoulda realized that the appearance of that Sam Smith guy's name was a joke. Being American, I've only taken brief glances at the discussions at that controversy.

Now that I've gone back and read the ongoing threads that I had previously just skimmed, I've seen that Mr. Humphrey Smith is well known by name as the chief villain in this drama, and no self-respecting UK folkie would have taken Nicks' earlier post the least bit seriously.

Pretty stupid move on the part of that brewery, innit?

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Cllr
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 06:21 PM

Chuffed as I am to be mentioned (even by the ubiqutious guest) I dont think I am a VIP. I am a county councillor and was on a leadership course with the Mayor of Chippenham this week! Cllr

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: *Laura*
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 06:26 PM

I've seen Jo Wiley and Mariah Carey at Sidmouth. (not at the same time)

xLx

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Strupag
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 07:56 PM

This thread reminds me of a story I once heard, alegedly true.
Hamis Imlach was pals with Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton.
They went into a folk club somewhere on the south coast and the guy at the door recognised Hamish and let him in free but he charged the other two.
Anyway how about Barbara Dixon who started out as a folkie

Andy

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 07:59 PM

Ask Pete Hicks (Slats) about that story. The names are nearly right but it was Farningham club and it was he who told two very well known rock stars that he only had enough time for one of them to play that evening (it was a come-all-ye).

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 10:47 PM

Prince Harold - he traces roots through Orange and into the Hapsbergs.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Compton
Date: 05 Feb 05 - 01:27 PM

Ricky Tomlinson (Royle Family)...doesn't he play banjo?

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST,Yorkie
Date: 05 Feb 05 - 09:06 PM

Two more politicians I'm afraid...

i) Simon Hughes MP, Lib. Dem. Deputy Leader, has been seen at several festivals and folk clubs in London, also The Swan Irish music venue in Stockwell

ii) David Steel, ex-Lib. Dem. Leader and ex-Presiding Officer of the Scottish Assembly, once sang a duet of west country folk songs with his successor as Lib. Dem. Leader Paddy Ashdown at a Lib. Dem. Conference. Mr. Steel also dropped-in at a folk concert featuring Harvey Andrews at a Lib. Dem. Conference... but left hastily when Harvey started poking fun at him!

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: greg stephens
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 10:02 AM

I sang folksongs with Terry Jones and Micahel Palin(of M Python fame) in the 60's(and again last year with Terry).

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST,jOnh
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 10:05 AM

The Taxi Controller in Coronation Street, not sure of her name, Eileen? is a folksinger, her real name is Soo something.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: EagleWing
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 12:47 PM

The late Princess Margaret was patron of the EFDSS and was certainly seen at folk clubs and folk dances in her younger days.

Frank L

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 01:39 PM

Jools Holland likes folk music but he says it doesn't make him money!

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Compton
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 03:00 PM

Folk Music doesn't make me any money either..but I stick with it!!

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST,Roger Hayes
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 03:59 PM

Fair play to Jools - there's normally one folk-tinged act on his TV programme each week

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Splott Man
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 03:44 AM

Eric Clapton, living in Surrey, used to makes occasional forays to folk clubs. I heard that story at the time, except it was with John Martyn at Dorking Folk Club. Probably both true. The lack of recognition would be due to the unexpectedness of the event.

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: GUEST,padgett (at home)
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 01:48 PM

I seem to recollect that Geoffrey Hughes mentioned earlier was a friend of Dick Gaughan

Ex Mayor of Rotherham and Ex MP Stan Crowther was a folk singer and of course wrote the vicar and the frog

I once went to a do in Barnsley where Stan sang in the presence of Lord Mason (Roy Mason exMp retired) I understand that MPs were quite keen on their folk music and a number were quite talented performers Dennis Healey played piano

Who was the MP conservative who appeared on the Late Late show and was encouraged to sing by Gay Burn?

Subject: RE: Who's a VIP in the UK that likes Folk?
From: Snuffy
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 06:29 PM

Sir Patrick Mayhew I think, or was it Henry Brooke's son? tried to sing Clementine IIRC