'Voices at the Door'

Subject: 'Voices at the Door'
From: Emma B
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 12:12 PM

Just finished listening to this great 30mins on Radio 4 (UK)

"Uncovering the otherside of the Victorian image of seasonal good cheer. Records show that it consisted of a stream of visitors demanding access, food, drink and money......"

A fascinating mixture of contempory writings, letters etc, interspersed with some fine singing, following the (money with menaces) traditions from Souling through to Plough Monday during the midwinter season in Victorian England.
With Norma Waterson and Georgina Boyes - a must to listen again

Subject: RE: 'Voices at the Door'
From: nutty
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 02:06 PM

I was possibly expecting too much but I was very disappointed by the production. It seemed (to me) very disjointed and left many of the questions it raised, unanswered.

For example, I would have liked an explanation into how the Plough Monday tradition came about. Norma's explanation about the 'proper' christmas day on Jan 6th becoming Plough Monday didn't make a lot of sense.

Subject: RE: 'Voices at the Door'
From: Folkiedave
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 07:39 PM

Struck me as being heavily and clumsily edited.

Dave

Subject: RE: 'Voices at the Door'
From: Emma B
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 07:44 PM

I loved it - but then it may have been a surfeit of Xmas spirit :>)