Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?

Subject: Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 04:32 AM

So, after last night's celebration, Herga folk club - Harrow Wealdstone, Middx, UK - has entered her 41st year (I don't know why, "she" feels like a lady to me). And may there be many more!

The lucky ones were regaled with some 40 or 50 songs by residents, regulars and friends over the years, including Dave Webber & Anni Fentiman, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Dave Bryant (nice to put a face to the name, Dave), a "virtual" Johnny Collins (he had just landed in Minnesota, but left a message & song on cassete for us), Kevin Shiels, Kitty Vernon, Tim Edwards, Mick Pearce, Graeme Knights, Dave & Sue Tippen, "Herga baby" Ben Tippen (and didn't those fingers fly), Mike Sparks, Tim Brooks, Bob Hambleton, Tim & Glen Johnston, Tim Frost and many more. All wonderfully compered by John Heydon (longest serving club MC) and George Clark (current MC and unwilling serial singer of TROAllendale).

The room was heaving (though John said he once packed 197 in it for New Lost City, back in '67) and in the breaks many friendships were renewed. As the second newest member - a mere 2 years - my pangs of jealousy at having missed 38 years of this wonderful club were only mitigated by the pure pleasure of listening to some of my favourite voices sing some of my favourite songs (and a few that I didn't know, but then when this club was formed I had just about been potty-trained).

Aaaahhhh - nice! I woke up with the sounds still in my head. But fear not, you unlucky many: I had my trusty multi-track with me, and in due course a double CD of last night will be produced, obtainable through the Secretary of the club ("Hovering Bob" to Mudcatters).

Heigh - ho, back to work, I guess...

Subject: RE: Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 04:41 AM

It was a wonderful evening - a bit like going back through a time-warp. Wonderful singing and playing and great choruses as well. it's a pity that Linda and I can't get there more often, but it's a long way from Mottingham.

I took quite a few photos - I'll download them tonight and perhaps someone would like to put them up one the net somewhere together with all the others.

Subject: RE: Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?
From: breezy
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 04:55 AM

It was a privilege to be there to celebrate a milestone in the history of one of England's ney the world's greatest and most famous of Folk-Song clubs.
It is a testament to John Heydon and all who have supported Herga and who continue to do so to this day.
Thank you.
Chicken wings were spicey.
It is the place to hear choruses sung with gusto,and graeme and johnny and kitty.
If you want to try out your chorus this is the place, every Monday at the Royal Oak, Wealdstone, Harrow, NW London, England.

Subject: RE: Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?
From: GUEST,Dan in Nova Scotia
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 07:33 AM

Congratulations!!!! Sorry I had to be over on this side of the pond and miss the wonderful event. Would it be possible for me to get a copy of the session and how much??

All the best to you all and with luck I'll see you in the autumn.

Cheers,

Dan

Subject: RE: Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 08:49 AM

Certainly, I'll put you down for a copy, Dan. Don't know the price yet, Bob and the ctee will decide (was going to be £5 for a single CD, but it looks like there will be a 2 CD set; it was 3 hours, after all...)

Subject: RE: Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?
From: My guru always said
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 09:03 AM

Please put me down for a CD set too George!

It was great to come along & join the party for the first half. Jude & I were shattered after getting back from the Northern Ireland gathering an hour before, so the only sensible thing to do was to tear ourselves away for some much-needed sleep.

The first half was superb with such an intensity of sound I can hardly wait to hear the second half - loud via headphones with a beer in my hand! Fab club - well done the Herga's !!!!!

Subject: RE: Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?
From: The Admiral
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 03:23 AM

I know this is a bit late but 'Congratulations Herga' from Maidenhead Folk Club.

Subject: RE: Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 May 11 - 05:00 PM

Hi All

Can't believe it's been celebrating it's 40 th !!!
Was going to ask if anyone has a copy of the LP made on it's 10th ??
Back in the area from Stratford-on-Avon and other places and so memories were
stirred!

Love to see if anyone has it as I was part of the crowd then (audience) not singing alone !

Well done all reaching the 40th !!!

Look forward to hearing from you , and prices if you have one !

Sue C

Subject: RE: Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 03 May 11 - 06:04 PM

Sue - we're now only 2 years away from our 50th, but for the 10th, try looking at here


Kitty

Subject: RE: Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 03 May 11 - 06:14 PM

With Geoff Lakeman singing Lamorna, Buy Broom Besoms and Black Waterside....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Herga' 40th - and wasn't it great?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Sep 11 - 05:01 AM

So sorry I missed the 40th, I was a singer with the "harrow filharmonic" for a sort time at Herga .but we were so bad we just generally ended up in the audience...So glad the 1972 album is on the web..
I was also a founder member of Herga Morris back in the dark times, put me down for the 50th..

Cheers

Ian Coppack