Billericay Folk Festival 1983 venues

Subject: Billericay Folk Festival 1983 venues
From: GUEST,Sarah-Joy Maddeaux
Date: 01 Mar 18 - 06:50 AM

We have a recording of the Dead Sea Surfers performing at the 1983 Billericay Folk Festival (http://seax.essexcc.gov.uk/result_details.aspx?ThisRecordsOffSet=1&id=833115). The notes on the CD copy we have say the performance was at 'a church hall' in Billericay. Anyone happen to know which church hall this was?

I've asked one of the members of the group, but he couldn't remember. Thanks very much!

Sarah-Joy Maddeaux
Essex Sound and Video Archive

Subject: RE: Billericay Folk Festival 1983 venues
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 01 Mar 18 - 07:23 AM

My partner Michael is from that area (Shenfield) and lived there in those days. I asked him, and the only thing he can remember about venues at Billericay was that a lot of the festivities were held at "the big pub in the crossroads" and he can't recall a church hall (which of course doesn't mean there wasn't one).

But he made a suggestion which could be useful. He says to try contacting the Mayflower Morris Men, who were based in Billericay. Good luck - and keep us posted. These archives are SO valuable.

Subject: RE: Billericay Folk Festival 1983 venues
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 01 Mar 18 - 07:31 AM

Me again... I've just clicked your link and seen Dennis Rookard's name, which sparked wonderful memories. What a lovely man he was! I first met him when he was a DJ at LBC (London Broadcasting) radio, and I used to go in and sing live on his show from time to time. Always a delight to see and talk to him.

I had no idea of his Essex connection until I later started hanging out with Michael and the vibrant folk scene in his home area. Happy, happy days.

Subject: RE: Billericay Folk Festival 1983 venues
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Mar 18 - 11:20 AM

I remember Denis Rookard and also performed live on his shows.I used to sing a lot in that area, two different clubs in Brentwood, but particularly the one near the railway I think Denis lived in Brentwood. I dont remember a festival in billericay but in 1983 i was living in Suffolk the guys who might be able to help are the lads that run a singaround at Horndon who used to be involved in the jingling gate at basildon. Pete Pete Hamlyn: 01268 SEVEN TRIPLE523 Pete Hamlyn: 01268 who used to play and sing with mick spooner, you might get hold of him through leigh on sea folk club. Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Billericay Folk Festival 1983 venues
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Mar 18 - 11:24 AM

OR MEESAGE THE SAIL LOFT FOLK CLUB ON FCEBOOK

Subject: RE: Billericay Folk Festival 1983 venues
From: Hoygirl
Date: 01 Mar 18 - 12:30 PM

I was in Billericay from 1970-75 and 1999 to 2010, I remember a folk club being held in the old hall behind the Rising Sun pub, at Sun Corner, (no longer there) Could the church hall be St Ediths? Just of the High Street?