EFDSS 75th anniversary awards

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Surreysinger
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 10:44 AM

.. ah that cinnamon vodka - it's becoming legendary, isn't it??
As to the comments on Ted and Ivy - totally agree with everything said - well, maybe not the bit about Ruth/Joan and the pint ... couldn't comment on that one.

I also agree BTW that it was sad that no comments were made about what everyone had done to deserve their award. I ended up discussing each person that I didn't know with the people sitting to right and left of me (dancers one side, band musicians the other - me, singer in the middle). It was noticeable that there were rigid demarcation lines - people that I thought EVERYONE knew, because they had been on the music scene for years were unknown to the dancers, and similarly I had no idea who some of the dance awardees were.We managed to flesh out details of some people, but there were others that none of us knew anything about!

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Folkiedave
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 08:58 AM

"I don't think I've ever seen you without a pint in your hand, Joan."

I have - she had a cinnamon vodka instead....

Dave

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 08:53 AM

He must have been talking to someone else called Joan, so don't take it personally Ruth.

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 08:42 AM

Kevin Shiels said: "I only see Ted and Ivy every other year or so but they always greet as if you are a close regular friend."

Ted said to me on Monday night, "I don't think I've ever seen you without a pint in your hand, Joan."

Which, given the short time I've known him, was rather an astute observation.

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Essex Girl
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 08:25 AM

I'm glad to see that Sheila Finn got an award fo the the years she has been working both at Sharps and for Folk London

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 08:06 AM

I only see Ted and Ivy every other year or so but they always greet as if you are a close regular friend. Lovely people indeed.

Well deserved award, as were most of them. I say "most" because, with little indication on the night as to what many of the recipients did, it isn't easy to say "all". Mind you all the people I knew deserved it.

I think that makes sense.

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 07:45 AM

And they're lovely people, too.

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 04:38 AM

I am particuarly pleased that Ted and Ivy Poole received awards,I have guested at their club with the New Mexborough Concertina Quartet,and many times solo over a period of 25 years.I have always found Swindon Folk club friendly and well run,and a pleasure to play.
Dick Miles

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 03:14 PM

I dont think ANY one who has had any involvement with the UK Folk Scene would argue with any of the recipients' awards !

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 02:41 PM

Ah... thanks for that EV - must have been knocking back my glass of champers at that point then... Hollywood...really? You josh, I suspect!!

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: GUEST,The Electric Voice
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 10:35 AM

Snip "although interestingly I [Surreysinger] don't remember Kate Rusby's name being among the recipients announced last night"

I do. She couldn't attend because she was in Hollywood or something.

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 10:15 AM

The Press Release from the EFDSS gives a few more names (although interestingly I don't remember Kate Rusby's name being among the recipients announced last night - Ruth, perhaps you can??? ...
EFDSS PR:

NATIONAL FOLK MUSIC ORGANISATION CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY

The English Folk Dance and Song Society celebrated its 75th anniversary this evening (11 June) with the presentation of 75 special 'Anniversary Awards'.

The Awards – all made to individuals nominated by English Folk Dance and Song Society activists and members – were presented by Society Chairman, Mike Norris, at a special event held in the Society's London headquarters, Cecil Sharp House.

The recipients of the awards were all nominated for enthusing others to participate in folk music, dance or song, for making a significant contribution to research, for being an outstanding teacher or performer, or for giving outstanding service to the EFDSS.

The nominees included young musicians at the forefront of the folk music scene – such as Kate Rusby, Tim van Eyken, Robert Harbron, John Spiers and Jon Boden. The three members of the trio Faustus – Paul Sartin, Benji Kirkpatrick and Saul Rose – all received awards, as did father and son -- storyteller Taffy Thomas and Sam Thomas, who is a member of the internationally regarded street theatre group, The Chipolatas.

The evening event, which was attended by over 200 people including the English Folk Dance and Song Society's President, Ursula Vaughan Williams, widow of the composer, included songs from Tim van Eyken, Jon Boden and Faustus.

The Headington Quarry Morris Men danced to honour the award made to their musician John Graham, and London's Greensleeves Morris similarly danced for their musician, Bert Cleaver. Folk dance callers who received the Anniversary Award included Cheshire's Reg Battle, husband and wife Ken and Naomi Alexander from Staffordshire, historical dance authorities, Ellis and Chris Rogers, Les Barclay from Essex and ceilidh caller Dave Hunt.

Ted and Ivy Poole, who have organised the Swindon Folk Club for almost half a century, also received Anniversary Awards.

Other Award recipients included Ian Anderson (editor, fRoots); journalist and author Colin Irwin; John Heydon (organiser of Haddenham Ceilidhs); Malcolm Storey (former Director of Whitby Folk Week); Lawrence Heath (organiser of GBH Ceilidhs in Godalming and many other folk events in Surrey); Bob and Gill Berry (organisers of the Chippenham Folk Festival); the three members of Newcastle's High Level Ranters band (Colin Ross, Johnny Handle and Jim Hall); Alan Bell (singer and Director of Fylde Folk Festival); singer and musician Pete Coe; musician and Director of TAPS, Roger Watson; Alan Bearman (of Alan Bearman Music and Towersey Village Festival Artistic Director); Tim Healey (broadcaster and Director of Beautiful Jo Records); musician and publisher Dave Mallinson; Dick Dixon (Warwick Folk Festival organiser) and Eddie Upton (Director of Folk South West).

EFDSS Chairman Mike Norris said, 'This was a perfect opportunity to recognise the contributions of just a selection of the thousands of performers, organisers and activists who help promote folk music and dance throughout the country. The Awards honoured past and present contributions to folk music and dance and – in the case of the younger nominees – their promise for the future as well.'

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 07:52 AM

Rum Tum - thanks for that - you were obviously an extremely sociable and talented cat. What a shame your career was brought to such a sticky end - hope your leg mended eventually ?

I said my memory was failing - yes, now I come to think of it John's certificate was going to be in the post wasn't it? As to little Alan - unfortunately I couldn't see him from my comfortable seat in the Gods on the other side of the hall - but I could certainly tell who Taffy's story was aimed at at that point! What a good job "little Alan" was honest with his sunflower seeds!

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 04:04 AM

Spiers and Boden and Katie Howson all got awards. John Spiers wasn't able to attend but Jon Boden arrived a bit late and sang unaccompanied.

SO lovely to see Taffy and Chrissy, too, and you're right, SS - his story was wonderful. I loved how he incorporated "little Alan" as the protagonist - the Alan in question being Alan Bearman, who was sat in front of me so I couldn't see his face but I could see his shoulders shaking right the way through the story!

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: GUEST,The Electric Voice
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 03:41 AM

Didn't John Spiers get one too, and Katie Howson?

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: GUEST,Rum Tum
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 03:25 AM

Dear Surreysinger -

I first appeared in the Stagfolk Christmas pantomime "Puss In Clogs" when I danced at the end of a plank. After that I perfomed in a music hall concert with Flowers and Frolics and Cosmotheka and then became the mascot of the Reading Traditional and Step Dance Group but broke my leg after a night out with the "Cloggies" at Sidmouth 1981. I have not performed since I'm afraid.

Rum Tum (the clog dancing cat)

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 09:17 PM

Oh - forgot Roger Watson!!

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 09:16 PM

Yes Ruth - totally second your comments about the evening - a very jolly event, and a good chance to natter to people (like you, for instance) as well as listen to some great entertainment.. don't forget Taffy's story; Greensleeves Morris from Wimbledon, Sam Lee and Tim Van Eyken, Paul Wilson and Marilyn Tucker etc. Must admit that my favourite turn of the night was the same as yours - the augmented Faustus... or as I think was suggested "Doctor" ??

Just thought of another award recipient, but can't remember his name - the musician from Headington Quarry....

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Tradsinger
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 08:44 PM

Lionel and Joy Parkhouse in Gloucestershire. Joy was terminally ill and was told of the award shortly before she passed away.

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 08:35 PM

Lovely evening - much jollity was had by all. Faustus, augmented by Tim van Eyken and Rob Harbron, were ace. Nice to see Headington Quarry dancing too, and to see so many other lovely people there.


Derek Schofield's Guest

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 08:04 PM

Also Ron and Jenny Day, for their work with the South Riding Folk Arts Network. They accepted it on the understanding that it was on behalf of all the people who have given their time and skills to that organisation over the years.

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 07:50 PM

Oh, just remembered another one - Sheila Finn

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 07:41 PM

Now that's interesting Gadaffi - I've heard about most of those ... but to date NOT Rum-Tum the clog dancing cat... thinks...must find out about that! Tonight he was nearly asked to add to his skills - a request was made for him to do some calling (they knew he ran the dances at Godalming) - I believe he politely declined ! [grins]

Having been up to the awards ceremony tonight I can add a few names (those I can remember off hand) to the list:

Ian Anderson
Eddie Upton
John Howson
John Heydon
Colin Irwin
Dave Mallinson
Taffy Thomas
Sam Thomas
Dave Hunt
Doc Rowe
Tim Van Eyken
Paul Sartin
Jon Boden
Sam Lee
Derek Schofield
Peta Webb
Alan Bearman
Marilyn Tucker
Paul Wilson
Elaine Bradtke
Richard Butterworth (sorry... may have got Richard's surname wrong - he's the computer whiz who's done a lot of work on the VWML online facility ... if I have got it wrong ... sorry Richard!!)

... and that's where my memory falls down .... there were, of course, quite a few more! Maybe someone else can help flesh this out a bit more??

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 11:11 AM

My heartfelt congratulations to Lawrence Heath. His award is well-deserved.
What is generally not known about his contribution is that he often had to stick his own hand in his pocket to keep clubs going. His efforts as a performer were modest, and you really have to have a long memory to recall his infrequent outings with the Cup Hill morris men, playing hammered dulcimer at Stagfolk, singing (!), his shadow puppet theatre (Tragic Lantern), and Rum-Tum the clog dancing cat.
Add to that kick-starting the West Surrey district of the EFDSS, Southern Rag before its evolution into fRoots, the Sidmouth newsletter, Fleur de Lys Morris, as well as more recent efforts with the Electric Thea tre and the Guildford club.

Well done, mate!

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 08:49 AM

Oh and BTW, forgot to say that the new edition of EDS and the additional Chairman's notes etc stated that EFDSS will be releasing a full list of recipients later ... no indication when though.

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 08:42 AM

Lawrence Heath, organiser of Electric Voices events in the Guildford/Cranleigh/Farnham area of Surrey, of the Music Institute Club in Guildford, and Godalming Borough Hall ceilidhs (plus Ham concerts at Sidmouth last year) is receiving one; as are Penny and Anthony Allen, Chairman and General Manager of SEFAN (South East Folk Arts Network).

The Awards are being presented at Cecil Sharp House tonight (Monday 11th June) at a special event (tickets only - available to members of EFDSS).

Sorry Skipy - don't think there is a cross dressing award ... would it come under the category of "performance"???

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: skipy
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 08:34 AM

Is there a cross dressing award?
Skipy

Subject: RE: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 08:32 AM

The High Level Ranters - Johnny Handle, Jim Hall, and Colin Ross are three more of them.

Kim Bibby-Wilson, who organises the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering which has just celebrated its 40th year is another.

Paws

Subject: EFDSS 75th anniversary awards
From: julian morbihan
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 04:48 AM

As part of the 75th anniversary of the formation of the English Folk Dance and Song Society they are presenting 75 special awards.

I know of two very worthy recipients - Ted & Ivy Poole who have organised the Swindon Folksingers Club for what seems forever (well from its start in 1963 to today!) and Bob & Gill Berry who organise the Chippenham Folk Festival, Devises Folk Club and Wiltshire Folk Arts as well as performing as a duo.

Congratulations and well done. I can't think of four nicer people who deserve such recogntion of their services and hard work.

No details on the EFDSS site as to who the recipients are at the moment. Anyone any ideas as to who else is being recognised?