Sidmouth FolkWeek - The Volunteer

Subject: Sidmouth FolkWeek - The Volunteer
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 10:33 AM

In the Tradition at the Volunteer

"Another event dear to my heart is the lunchtime traditional sessions in the Volunteer pub" – Hector Christie, for The Living Tradition

The popular session at the Volunteer Inn – famous for its traditional singing, music, stepping and storytelling will again be happening this year. Sessions will be hosted by George Frampton and his team of chair persons, who will invite members of the assembly to sing, say or play – a show in itself, and all in the best of Tradition!

John Howson held the lunchtime pub session at the Volunteer Inn, designed to be similar in spirit to those once held in Suffolk in the days before the jukebox, up until Sidmouth Festival's Golden Jubilee. Dan Quinn was drafted in to help out, so that they alternated as chairmen through the week, acting as co-hosts on the last Friday.

The Volunteer Session is recognised by the fine robust singing by a knowledgeable clientele, as well as quirky items dragooned from the Music Hall, the odd step dance or two, a few surprises from rapper or Morris teams inside the crowded bar, and augmented by performers from the 'official' part of the organised programme. This is overseen by the Host who will invite members of the assembly to perform, thus distinguishing it from the normal singaround. These often drew crowds into the small public bar, so that it was standing room only.

When Sidmouth Festival was in jeopardy without any prospect of future funding, many like-minded people undertook the responsibilities of maintaining parts of the Festival thought to be too important to lose – including the Volunteer sessions. Last year, many of the regulars (and irregulars) of the In the Tradition session turned up on hearing that Sidmouth Festival (now FolkWeek) was to take place, helping to keep the Volunteer sessions in their rightful slot in the published programme. This year, George has assembled a team of 'surprise' co-hosts who will support him in introducing each performer – usually at little or no notice (in the best Volunteer tradition). A daily house band will supply music upon demand as per custom. Many of the Volunteer's little traditions will be guaranteed by the hosts, aided and abetted by publicans past and present. Fine Abbot ale, other beverages, and bar food will be served by innkeepers Steve and Win Lea.   

As well as at The Volunteer, there will be concerts at the Bedford Hotel and Manor Pavilion featuring performers known to our regulars. Hector Christie is among these, as are storytellers Len Graham and Jack Lynch, and singers Tom Addison and Barry Lister, Craig;Morgan;Robson, Keith Kendrick, Phil Callery, Tom & Barbara Brown, Ed Rennie and Jackie Oates, plus many more on the Festival bill whom we hope will be able to find time to drop in for a song or two.

The sessions particularly welcome all storytellers, dancers and singers who are not booked for the Festival. A daily collection will be taken to help ensure future Sidmouth FolkWeeks. See you at the Volly!

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For further information concerning Sidmouth FolkWeek, including the working programme, click on www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk