Sinead
It is lovely to hear from you. Most of us skim read - and mudcat can get a bit inward looking.

Some of the best sing arounds in kent are the singing morris sides. Look out for their programmes - the dancing out usually starts around May, but the venues are different each week. With Bishop Gundulf the singing would start at about 9.30. We did some collective tunes - usually the dance ones - so the less confident players could learn the tunes. We then asked all individuals who wanted to perform to do a turn including guests - and we also did some community songs - things like dirty old town - where everybody knew the words and they were played in melodeon friendly keys. It did not matter who started these - as all who wished could join in.   

I think the height of BGs music success was when one of the youngsters said ' I cant play with you next year Flora'. Whys that then? ' I'm off to the Mehnuin School.''

Also try the Rainham club on the first 3 Fridays of each month. Its next to Rainham station at the Oast - upstastairs in the bar. More of an open mike set up but not usually with mikes. A good way to start the weekend. They also have very good raffles.

At the same venue is an Americanna night - First and third Wednesdays - with the open mike set up. You can get there by train - Canterbury -London line and there is some parking behind the Oast. Hope to meet you some time.
FloraG.