We were very priviledged to get the first appearance of Sir A. in Lewes.

Sandra, in case you might consider putting on a ballad forum for Brian (or anyone else) as well as the usual evening performance, I'll pass on the formula we've used for similar days with him, Craig Morgan Robson (twice) and Judy Cook; we've got another one coming up with Marian Button on 6th. September. It might be a useful starting point, although naturally I wouldn't claim it's the only way of running such a thing.

The forum takes a whole day: 10.45 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. with breaks for lunch and afternoon tea or Harveys. The tutor brings a ballad or two and maybe recordings of source singers to listen to and discuss.

We also encourage people to book in advance and nominate the ballad they themselves will sing and discuss; the ballads are listed on the club website as they are chosen. This means we can avoid six versions of one ballad on the day, and also tactfully encourage anyone who is hell bent on doing 'The Fields of Athenrye' to reconsider their choice before the day. We don't insist that people choose exclusively from Child, but we do try to steer them gently away from things that couldn't be considered ballads even if your mind is broad enough to accommodate a small elephant.

Doing things this way has certainly prompted people taking part to learn and think about new and unusual ballads which they might not otherwise have tackled, because the opportunities for unleashing one in a floor spot or singaround are limited.

Tootle pip,

Valmai (Lewes)