The Halliard - any memories of this group?

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Oct 13 - 07:51 AM

Brian Cleave, how nice to hear from you. I don't remember whether The Halliard played at RAF Wyton, but we certainly did a gig or two at RAF Wittering. As for the Music & the Memories, you're more than welcome. They are very precious to us too.
                                           Kindest Regards,
                                                                     Nigel Paterson (Mandolin, The Halliard)

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,NIck Hamlyn
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 05:22 AM

Just found this thread – rather late, apparently. I was a pupil at Brentwood School from 1962 until 1968 and I remember The Halliard performing at the school folk club on one of the first occasions I attended it. They played Ewan MacColl's "Go Down You Murderer", with Nigel Paterson playing his tenor recorder, a song that I had not heard before but later performed myself at the school folk club and elsewhere. One folk gig stands out in particular – it was in Shenfield in 1968 or 1969 where Nigel was the main performer. I played two or three of my own songs, which used different guitar tunings. Retuning in between, I lost my way and couldn't seem to find any usable arrangement (nerves!). Nigel very kindly lent me his guitar so that I could continue – I changed my plan and played something in standard tuning! By 1970 I was at the University of East Anglia and a regular performer at the folk club there. Stars from the folk scene were frequent bookings at the club and on one occasion this was Nic Jones, playing on his Fender guitar. At Brentwood, I remember the Paul Simon concert happening, but a minimum age limit was set and I was too young to go.
Nick Hamlyn.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 13 Aug 15 - 05:51 AM

Dear Nick, thank you for breathing life into the thread. Very impressed that you remembered the Tenor Recorder (I learned the descant recorder at Brentwood Prep in the 50s). My 'random act of kindness', loaning you my guitar is sadly lost in the mists of my time, but I'm very touched the memory remains fresh in yours. When Nic was enjoying his solo career, I'm reasonably sure he played a 'Fylde'...don't think he played a Fender professionally. A great pity you didn't get to see Paul Simon at the School Folk Club...1.5 hours of Paul at the height of his solo powers...all for free!
             Very Good to hear from you,
                                                         Nigel Paterson.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Linda Jones
Date: 09 Oct 18 - 05:06 PM

Hello All
What a blast from the past this is..........with posts from people whose names I recall from many years ago - Dave Moran; Dominic Pattern, Howard Jones, Simon Thorndycroft.......... others from Hornchurch FC; The Castle in Brentwood, The Bull at Blackmoor, Jim Garrett with his rocket guitar. I used to sing and play guitar particularly at the Bull in Blackmoor, Writtle and sometimes Hornchurch. Paul Simon at the Castle was a bit before my time. Anyone recall the folk club in Writtle - hosted by Ian Finlay? Dave Royale - writer of Simon Spider and others. Bill Delderfield - who went to the same school as me. Years have flown by but it was a great social life at that time. Living now on the Isle of Wight, which is beautiful. Take care
Linda Jones

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 10 Oct 18 - 02:07 AM

Linda, thank you for a timely revival of this thread...I was beginning to think it was about to go extinct! The folk scene in Essex was great fun,loads of clubs, enthusiastic audiences & plenty of local talent. 'Expensive' guests like Paul Simon provided the icing on the cake. Very happy days.
                                          Nigel Paterson (mandolin, The Halliard)

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 10 Oct 18 - 04:23 AM

Brought back a few memories for me. I have been trying to remember just how under age I was when I first went to Brentwood FC to work out the 50th anniversary of my first introduction to folk clubs.

I may no longer be one of the youngest in the room at a folk club but, half a century on, it is disturbing that I am sometimes still below the median age.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 11 Oct 18 - 03:40 AM

Peter's post begs the question: "Are folk clubs failing to attract younger people to their audiences?"

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 11 Oct 18 - 04:08 AM

Not that it is any consolation but I've found the same with Jazz and Blues audiences, usually old gits like me these days.

RtS

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Keith Bottjer
Date: 22 Sep 19 - 08:30 PM

Hi Folks
I have just found this great thread. Good to see Nigel and Dave contributing. I used to attend Chelmsford Folk Club in the sixties when The Halliard ( In those days Dave and Nigel were with Geoff Harris) were Resident. Great evenings with some amazing guests. To sit only 2 metres away from Bert Jansch, John Renbourne, Davy Graham, Martin Carthy and many others was, for a beginner guitar player absolute heaven and ripping the ends from my fingers trying to recall and play Anji and Blues Run The Game after such an evening was painful but elevating. Ha Ha! I can remember that the lads were kind enough to run a workshop session on (I seem to recall) Wednesdays where they would help us to learn. Always been grateful for that generosity of giving of their time and skills to us. I also seem to recall that a singer called Pete Beard that used to attend those workshops started another group and they became quite successful at least locally. I can’t remember the name but I’m sure that Nigel would know to whom I refer.
Saw a flyer of yours in a guitar workshop in Barleylands Craft Centre Nigel. Still looking good mate! I’ll continue watching the blog and thread with interest.
Best Regards all.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Howard Jones
Date: 23 Sep 19 - 05:17 AM

Hi Linda, good to hear from you. What good times we had!

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 May 20 - 03:44 PM

Hi, I have a copy of the Halliard's LP. Very scratchy but still wonderful, Nic Jones vocals.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Noreen
Date: 26 May 20 - 09:40 AM

Good for you, anonymous GUEST! Hope you are enjoying it.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 27 May 20 - 09:52 AM

Anonymous Guest, if, by "Halliards' LP" you mean "The Irish in me", released by Saga, then all three of us: Dave, Nic & myself, sang. The Halliard produced three albums in total, all of which can still be purchased here There is a fourth album, shared with & released by the late Mike Raven, but not available from Nic's website. Dear Guest, if your LP was in mint condition, it would be worth something in excess of £50.00 in today's money.
                                  Happy listening,
                                                             Nigel Paterson (Mandolin, The Halliard).

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,John Filbey
Date: 21 Jan 21 - 03:29 AM

Nigel, this thread must be one of the longest timelines I have seen! I was a frequent attendee of the Chelmsford Folk Club, when I became a "day boy". Also frequent visitor to Corn Exchange to see the likes of The Animals, Pink Floyd (psychedelia not well received by the Mid-Essex crowd!), Soft Machine, Moody Blues and Hendrix(35p ticket!).Also remember a club the other side of Tindal Square, where acts included The Graham Bond Organisation, Klu J?. Very grateful that Nic got me a Summer job at the outdoor baths in 1966. Sorry to read that your Brentwood days were not enjoyable. I remember you as a consummate gymnast, definitely Shortie's favourite! I'm still in touch with OBs including Marten Davies, Graham Boyd and Tony Wallington.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Jan 21 - 04:43 AM

John, thank you for extending the thread timeline! Always good to hear from folk who remember the early days.
                      Nigel, Nic & Dave (Yes, we're all still around...just!)

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Gill Varndell
Date: 08 Oct 21 - 10:41 AM

Gv
Are you still out there? My memories of Halliard are as a schoolgirl member of Romford Folk Club.I was hooked straight away. I followed Nic Jones obsessively.
I bought the vinyl and later whatever cds were available. Romford Folk Club had some amazing performers including the Young Tradition, Incredible String Band, and so on ad infinitum. Nic Jones is still my favourite to listen to.I coveted his percussive guitar style and wished I could play at all!
Good, good days.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Oct 21 - 12:32 PM

Hi Nigel - happy memories of you three gentlemen at the Boat Club in Stourport-on-Severn in the early-mid 60s. You won't remember me but you might remember the club, over the boathouse. A private club, so though the bar closed at 10:30 the gig ran later, and folks stacked up their pints when the bar stopped serving. I'm in the States now, I had a reunion with a few of the old house band & regular floor singers a few years ago, but they're all gone now. Glad you're still around. All the best to you - John Roberts.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Anglo
Date: 09 Oct 21 - 12:34 PM

Oops, last post was me. I didn't intend the anonymous handle, must have tossed my cookie.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,maeve
Date: 09 Oct 21 - 03:34 PM

Hello, John! I have sent an email to Nigel to let him know of your kind note.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 10 Oct 21 - 03:54 AM

Good morning, John,
                                 It never ceases to amaze me, after so much time has passed, that good folk such as yourself, take the time to get in touch & refresh treasured memories. I do remember the Boat Club & the stacked pints! More especially, it's the audience that I'm so happy to be reminded of...one of the best on the circuit...so responsive, warm & welcoming. Dave, Nic & I are still here: JUST! Your kind message is more important to me than you could ever had imagined. I'm living with a type of dementia. Slowly but surely, precious memories such as these are being lost. I'm so grateful that you've written, & so grateful to Maeve for her email. I never would've known, otherwise. I look upon Maeve as the guardian of my Mudcat Memories.
               Very best wishes to you,
                                                      Nigel P.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 12 Oct 21 - 10:31 AM

Just one refresh.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Anglo
Date: 13 Oct 21 - 02:52 PM

Well, the years go by, and some of us are still here. I'm far distant now in upstate New York, and as I said all my friends from Stourport in the old days are gone now, except for one I completely lost touch with, so I don't know if Tony Baylis is still around or not (maybe I should post a Mudcat query). Last I heard he was in Pershore. But I'm glad you guys are all still with us. I still sing a couple of the songs I learned from you in the old days, and I'll keep playing them as long as I can. The best to you, Nigel, and to Dave and Nic.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 14 Oct 21 - 02:46 AM

Good morning, John,
                                  Please tell me which of our songs you still sing. I'd love to hear about that,
                                          Very Best Wishes,
                                                                      Nigel.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 27 Oct 21 - 10:43 AM

A little refresh...just in case one or two of you may still be hankering after the golden days of the 60s UK Folk Revival.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Linda Jones
Date: 19 Sep 23 - 01:14 PM

Hello Howard. Please excuse the late response, but better late than never. Hope all is well with you. Are you still in essex?
Linda

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Howard Jones
Date: 19 Sep 23 - 01:26 PM

Hi Linda, I'm fine, thanks for asking, and still playing. I moved up north about 40 years ago and now I only seem to get back to Essex for funerals :( I still see one or two people at other music events. Lots of good memories of Blackmore, Brentwood and Chelmsford folk clubs.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Linda Jones
Date: 19 Sep 23 - 01:14 PM

Hello Howard. Please excuse the late response, but better late than never. Hope all is well with you. Are you still in essex?
Linda

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Howard Jones
Date: 19 Sep 23 - 01:26 PM

Hi Linda, I'm fine, thanks for asking, and still playing. I moved up north about 40 years ago and now I only seem to get back to Essex for funerals :( I still see one or two people at other music events. Lots of good memories of Blackmore, Brentwood and Chelmsford folk clubs.