Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections

Subject: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Steve-Cooperator
Date: 05 Oct 06 - 03:45 PM

Does anyone have recollections of the Hammersmith Folk Club which was in the (old) Kings Head next to Fulham Broadway Tube Staion. I have fond memoriesas it was the first club I went to in 1980 after leaving college.

Among the memories I have are the evening Ralph McTell did a floor spot, and the evening in the latter/final weeks when Don Shepherd was doing battle witih the music the pub was playing very loudly downstairs.... and winning!

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 05 Oct 06 - 04:45 PM

The original Hammersmith Folk Club was run by Rod Hamilton, and was in the Prince of Wales pub in Dalling Road, mind you Don Shepherd was still there. I used to go there regularly, I remember we had to throw a very drunk Dominic Behan out of the club one night. Happy days, or in that case daze.
Giok

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Feb 09 - 06:54 AM

Went there from about 1973 until it closed.
Great place, always packed, with fabulous artists. Johnny Silvo was a regular, I remember seeing Chris Rohmann, Mike Maran & Brillo, there was a guy called John Forward who would get up whenever possible, but only seemed to know 2 songs (Patricia the Stripper by Chris de Burgh, and Freakers Ball by Dr Hook). The thing I remember most was it was a time when there was soooo much variety, and talent. A few years later, the folk scene seemed to be full of people who sung & played in tune, but had no or very little "charisma".

It's a bit like comparing Sinatra to Jamie Cullum LOL

There was a guy there called Goff or Gough (not sure of the spelling) who also tried to set up a folk club in the Kings Head in Acton.It only ran for a few months though.

Happy Days:-))

Steve the fat old hippy

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,THE Hammersmith Folk Club Man HIMSELF
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 01:22 PM

Well, not quite, as Rod Hamilton is even more technologicaly challenged than I am, so you will have to make do with me passing on messages from him. Yes, he's still around, not folking, but fully in command as far as family and business are concerned.

Not merely Happy Days, but, as far as he is concerned, The Best Days of his life.

So many people passed through the club, particularly in the days at The Prince of Wales, but also at The Kings Head. There were also the Sunday lunch sessions in the foyer upstairs at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith and summer evening Folk in the Park, at the Bandstand in Ravenscourt Park.

Rod too has graphic memories of the concerted chucking out of Dominic Behan who was then banned by the then landlord, Piers Courtney, a guy who gave Rod so much support.

I could go on and on with memories.

In recent years we have caught up (mainly at Ringwood Folk Club) with a handful of the old stalwarts, Jeremy Taylor, Noel Murphy (during his last week of gigging), Johnny Silvo (if possible, in better voice than ever) and The Bully Wee Band during their now annual reunion tours. Still all wonderful.

As a recent Father's Day present, Rod's son Ian gave him a CD of 4 songs he and his band The Hammerfolk recorded as a demo in about 1969. Scratchy, but the quality is there. "The Cruel War", "Spencer the Rover", "The Buffalo" and a couple of shanties (for which Rod had to be put as far away as possible from the microphone due to the volume his voice generated!). They may even appear on YouTube soon!!

Would be glad to hear from anyone else who passed through Hammersmith Folk Club.

Rod & Alison Hamilton

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Pat Holland, cousi of Pearse Courtney
Date: 09 Sep 10 - 11:12 AM

I worked in The Prince of Wales for part of Pearse Courtney's (my cousin) there, as you say he was very supportive, and there couldn't have anyone better than Rod Hamilton for running it. I remember Pearse yelling at Johnny Silvo one night because he'd opend a free club ssomewher.
HIghlights were Shirley Collins singing "Sweet Willam arose ... Lady Margaret's grave" or whatever it's called, Bob and Carole Pegg coming down, the Chapter 3 who shrunk to being hte Chapter 2, Irish group The Tinkers, a group of young guys singing "Dr Squeezum" , the Young Tradition (Heather Wood, now in New York, has a website) and I still remember verbatim three things Rod said;

"Nest week, Mike Absalom.. if you like dirty songs, don't miss it... oh shouldnt have said that!"

and when the Tinkers were riding high in the charts;
"Next week, the Tinkers. I thought of charging fifteen and six (horrified yells from the crowd) okay, six shillings (most nights were four shillings or so)"

and when someone discovered additional verses to Santa Ana
"tomight we're having a Santa Ana night" and sang about six of the new verses.

Also remeber Johnny Joyce with something carved from wood around his neck, and somebody singing "I live in Trafalgar Square" in a toothless sort of way.
Pat Holland

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: Splott Man
Date: 09 Sep 10 - 05:22 PM

I remember the club well, I use to hitch up from Dorking occasionally in the late 60s and early 70s (I even managed to hitch a lift home on the 714 Greenline bus on a couple of occasions!). Among the residents were John Townsend & Keith Clark, two of the taller blokes on the scene, John in particular was a very funny man. Any news of them anyone?

So, Giok, we may have met years ago.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,A visitor
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 07:18 PM

I lived nearby from 1975 - 1978 and tried to get along when I could. Somehow the harmonies seemed to work right - I just wish I could remember the songs!

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: G-Force
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 08:54 AM

I used to go quite a lot around 1969/71. I seem to remember it was called the Hammersmith Folk Centre, not Club.

Great nights with Diz Disley, Shirley Collins, Dave & Toni Arthur etc. etc.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Rod and Alison Hamilton
Date: 31 Oct 10 - 06:56 PM

Yep, properly "Folk Centre, Hammersmith" (we still have some posters and other memorabilia)- but more generally referred to as Hammersmith Folk Club. Believe John Townsend is still about somewhere; Keith Clark lives near Bristol and is now retired although he still does music. Don Shepherd lives in Suffolk to which he moved too many years ago now to count.

Various other names from days of yore (in no particular order)- Brenda Wootton, Tight Like That, Dave Peabody, Marian Segal, Miriam Backhouse, Frogmorton, Arkeys Toast, Jim Mageean, Johnny Joyce together with Paul Brett, Diz Disley, Frances Gillvray and Mick Burke, Dolphin Smile, Katy Heath, Fred Wedlock, Mike Elliott, Battlefield Band, the Fureys and Davey Arthur, Finbar and Eddie Furey, Packie Bryne and Bonnie Shaljean, Cosmotheka, Eric Bogle, Jeremy Taylor, Bully Wee, Jasper Carrott, the Arans, the Johnstons and many, many, many more. A few old printed programme cards and several record books, noting who guested when, are much treasured and trigger great, great memories.

Does anyone remember the night we moved, somewhat precipitately, thanks to a change of landlord, from The Prince of Wales, Dalling Road to the Kings Head, Fulham Broadway? Johnny Silvo was the booked guest, so we were sure of a good crowd, and we set up a referral and ferry service outside the old pub to apprise people of the change of circumstances. It worked well and we were able to continue for a good while after that, until there were not enough hours in the day to cram in everything Rod was trying to do then encompassing both business and folk music, so we passed the torch to Paddy O'Rourke.

What times!
Rod & Alison Hamilton

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Rod and Alison Hamilton
Date: 31 Oct 10 - 07:06 PM

If Pearse is still around, please say a big, big hello to him from Rod, who recalls Pearse being prepared to work with him to put on a folk concert at the Royal Albert Hall (must have been late 1960s). Didn't happen as the only dates Rod could get were not good days of the week and he wouldn't go for anything less than the best, never mind involve anyone else in anything that he couldn't be confident about. It was also due to Pearse that we were able to get the room at the Kings Head, Fulham Broadway at such short notice when we had to move the club.

A very important part of Hammersmith Folk Club's history was Pearse.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Pearse Courtney Jnr
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 09:32 AM

My wife came accross this link and for one brief moment had been thinking that I was 30 years older than I really was. Pearse senior (My father) died in 1993, but Mum is going strong and I will pass on the link to her

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Rod and Alison Hamilton
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:10 PM

Hello young Pearse.

Rod has just read your message over my shoulder. He is very sorry indeed to learn that your Father has left us. He has very fond memories of your parents and the good times at the Prince of Wales, Dalling Road. In his view those days were quite the best time of him life.

Kindest regards from us both

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Maureen Courtney
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 08:48 PM

It seems a million years ago since those days, a lot of water under the bridge. Its great to hear that some people remember the folk club, and the start of so many careers.

Thank you.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Rod and Alison Hamilton
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 05:47 PM

Good to have the contact, Maureen. We passed all the latest info to Kay Hamilton this weekend. We are in friendly, frequent contact with her, despite a parting of the ways between her and Rod around 1979.

If Rod feels up to it we should be off to Ringwood Folk Club tomorrow evening to see Johnny Silvo on one of his regular forays back to the UK scene from his base in Norway. Rising 83, Rod cannot keep up the pace as he used to until only a few years ago. If we get there, we will doubtless talk of this contact and old times.

Kind regards
Rod & Alison H

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 05:56 PM

I remember a few people from Dalling Road. Les Hammond, and a lovely lass called Linda who had a great big wedding to which we were all invited.
There was a gang of nice girls who had a flat in Holland Park, and one of them, called Fiona Henderson, had a big 21st Birthday do, at the Wax Chandlers Hall, in the City of London.
I still have the invitation card somewhere.
It was a very friendly club, it's where I first met up with Don Shepherd too.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Hogs Grunt
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 09:50 AM

Boy do I remember the club. Went there every week for the years from 69 to 72 and I have many great memories of people I saw there that later went on to greater things (remember Jasper Carrot when he was Jasper Carrot) so bloody funny. Paul Brett and Johnny Joyce stand out as well as the Young traditon, great harmonies, Ralph McTell and the for runners of later great folk bands.
You guys ran a club second to none and I was sorry when I got married and moved away from London.
Thank you Rod and Allison, I will treasure my memories forever.
Derek.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 11:25 AM

Didn't get to Hammersmith very often but used to book some of their regulars/residents a ta small club I helped run at Hendon Hockey Club at the back of the Welsh Harp.

One night particularly stays in the memory was when Liam Clancy did a reading of "The Midnight Court" in the late 60s (early 70s?), although whether that was a normal club night or a one-off special I'm not now sure.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Keith Clark
Date: 08 Jun 11 - 04:49 PM

A friend sent me a link to this site. Yes I'm still alive, as is John Townsend as far as I know. As Rod & Alison wrote I live near Bristol these days. I don't play much music anymore but I do write about it, having made my living as a music journalist for many years. Hammersmith Folk Centre was one of London's biggest clubs and undoubtedly its best. John and I originally played there on a number of occasions as the booked act after we met Rod for the first time when he came to the club we ran at the White Lion in Putney (we also ran clubs at The Wheatsheaf in Kings Road and The Mandrake in Meard Street Soho). We also signed up for Roddy's folk agency which had a stellar list of artists on it. Later John and I became residents at Hammersmith and even further on I helped Rod run Hammersmith for quite a time. My wife Angela used to do the door and keeping it in the family, Mary, the sister of Paddy O' Rourke who eventually took over Hammersmith, married my brother Roger! Every now and then we see Rod and Alison who don't live that far from us. Hi to you both, we should meet up soon don't you think? And hi to everyone who remembers them and Hammersmith with as fondness as I do.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: Splott Man
Date: 09 Jun 11 - 03:59 AM

Well. hi Keith, it's nice to hear from you. You would have known me as Fluff in those days. I sometimes used to sing with Sandy, who now runs Corsham Folk Club near Chippenham. We were regulars at Dorking FC in the Wheatsheaf (Orange Blossom Sound), and the Ewell clubs, and made occasional forays up to Hammersmith.
I'm now involved with Llantrisant FC near Cardiff.
I hope you are well.

All the best

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Tom Wilson (The Wilson Family)
Date: 09 Jun 11 - 01:02 PM

Amazing to see this link. I discovered Hammersmith F.C. during my four year stay in London ('69 - '73) and STILL give credit to Don Shepheard for getting me involved in Folk Music - (as anyone who's seen us do a 'Meet the Wilsons' at various festivals would confirm).

I was chiefly into Heavy Rock and Blues music and politics at the time and stumbled into Hammersmith to see Long John Baldry.
Don always asked newcomers if they sang and, when he heard my North East accent he insisted that I MUST know a folksong. I didn't really, but I nervously got up and did 'The Blackleg Miner' which I'd never sung but, as a member of the WRP, was familiar with the words. I was slightly worse than crap but Don Insisted I come back and try the same thing the following week - I didn't!

Needless to say I thought it was a wierd sort of place that wanted someone as rubbish as me to sing but nevertheless did go back some weeks later and, at Don's insistance, did the song again (marginally better!).
Over subsequent weeks Hammersmith F.C. got my rendition of 'The Blackleg Miner' at least 1/2 a dozen times on the trot. As I was struggling on, I heard the likes of Y.T. and Dave & Toni singing the most wonderfull songs in harmony and without a Stratocaster in sight - I was hooked

When I moved back up North I found that, unbeknown to me, my younger brothers Chris & Steve had satrted to sing at a Folk Club up here. Thanks to Don, I was now of a standard that we started to sing in 3 part harmony and have never stopped since!! - Cheers Don

Tom Wilson

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Pat Holland, Pearse Courtney's cousin
Date: 11 Jun 11 - 05:41 AM

My memories of Hammersmith seem to be earlier than most peoples, 1965 to 1968 or so. Johnny Silvo was very important then. So were the Young Tradition, they always opened with "Chicken On A Raft." There were eagerly-looked-forward-to acts, especially Shirley Collins, Bob and Carole Pegg, and others whose names now escape me.
Two other features - a lot of the songs were bawdy, and a lot of the songs seemed to have a life of their own. Santa Ana was pretty much a club anthem. But there were other songs that everyone would join in no matter who sang them, one called "Caviare" and a song I can't name but had this verse;
I went to the fancy dress parade
All dressed up as a parlourmaid
The audience spotted me right away
But nobody guessed he was Queen of the May
An obvious gay song but most of the bawdiness was heterosexual, like Carole Pegg with "Magpies Nest" and "Caviare" and all those rural ballads about rogues stealing maidenheads.Men and girls alike sang them.
Pat Holland

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Rags
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 11:49 AM

I was there 16.09.1976. Ronnie Drew performed on his 42nd birthday.

Rags, Norway

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 12:28 PM

That bit of verse you quoted Pat was from a song Johnny Silvo used to sing, I think it was called Queer Things.
I can remember most of the words, but I can't sing it anymore, as it's adjudged non PC. I found that those who enjoyed it most weren't heterosexual. However PC means that while you can laugh at yourself, nobody else is allowed to join in!

Another verse.

He's never been to gay Paris
But he's as gay as gay can be
His friends they are the queerest band
They're turning our home into a fairyland.

Cho

Oh no, say it couldn't be
Queer things are happening to me.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Jay
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 02:28 PM

Good to hear from you Keith! I posted a "where are they now?" msg re yoy & John, but only mentioned Newbury Folk Club, at the Waggon & Horses, late 60s/ early 70s. You 2 always brought in a big crowd, despite the basic conditions (no heating). I did the door there.

I then moved to London, & was a regular at Hammersmith FC too, in the 70s. Happy days!

Thanks for the great entertainment.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: breezy
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 04:21 PM

Booked Don Shep for St Marys crypt folk club Woolwich a few times after seeing him

visited H F C a couple of times from Catford S E 6 , bit of a trek even in those days by mini

Seem to remember the floor at Hammersmith always being littered with bodies, were there ever any proper chairs ?

Booked Jeremy T in the early 70s for his gig at the Young Vic then during the early 2000s he played three times for us at the Windward Folk club in St Albans,

Rod set a standard.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Richard Freestone aka Ferd
Date: 21 Jun 12 - 12:05 PM

A crowd of us used to drive from Muswell Hill every Thursday night to the Prince of Wales Dalling Road from about 1968 to 1972. I remember Don Shepherd & Rod Hamilton very well. Occasionally Noel Murphy would appear with his mate Shaggis.

Amongst other things Don would occasionally do the Dog Piddling Song.I haven't heard it since.

The friends I used to go there with are now spread all over the world in USA, Aus, Canada NZ & Indonesia. We are all still in touch and when we meet we often reminisce about the great nights we had at Hammersmith folk club.
One thing remembered by all was the finsl message from Rod, " a request from the management--will you please take your glasses back".
Halcyon days.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 21 Jun 12 - 07:52 PM

Don and Ali, I used to love Arkey's toast ( men of the met I believe) what happened to them....and what exactly was 'Arkey's Toast'.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: Splott Man
Date: 22 Jun 12 - 03:44 AM

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: Splott Man
Date: 22 Jun 12 - 03:47 AM

Arky's Toast , the singers can still be found at Charlwood Folk Club in Surrey.

The lyrics to the song:
Arky's Toast

All the best

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Aug 12 - 06:20 AM

Hey can anyone remember the singer who used to say    Candy is dandy, but sex don't rot your teeth?
I was with my old friend yesterday and he posed the question as we were talking about the Hammersmith Folk Cub.
Send me your answers to [e-mail]
If you can remember that is!

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: G-Force
Date: 14 Aug 12 - 02:40 PM

I remember that - it was a 'talking blues' and it was done by Andy Andrews (and maybe others).

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 22 Feb 13 - 07:02 PM

I used to attend with a mate I worked with (2 treefellers from Harrow) at the Dalling Road pub, in 1976/77. I remember Rod Hamilton leading 'Santa Anna' with whoever else was in and I remember John Townsend singing, 'Step it up Mary' etc. and telling jokes, (which were hilarious after 4 pints!). I remember Don Shepherd's amazing voice, and many other performers I cannot name, like a couple of Northeners who sang, 'Boozing!' and 'Gentle Annie', a visiting American, a young guy who always sang 'One Man Band', and several more. My mate and I would look forward to going all week. The place had such a great atmosphere and whatever the weather (or your mood), you always came out on high! Loved it! I still have an LP by John Townsend, and I (naughtily?) taped part of one evening on a cassette recorder.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Brian Grayson
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 12:20 AM

I'm currently trying to transfer my accumulation of cassette tapes to CD (some of 'em go back to 1965...) and I came across a recording of American Chris Rohmann singing 'England, England' at what I'd marked as the Hammersmith Folk Club. And I don't think I REMEMBER the club - but I must have been there...

First your memory goes. Then your memory goes...

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 01 Nov 13 - 06:45 PM

I daresay that Rohmann sung in several venues but if that is "England, England! Welcome back to me, To the land of fish and chips, The pasty and the tea! ..." well then, I remember everyone singing along to it, sitting in the upstairs of that large pub in Dalling Road, in 76/77. I recall another of his numbers called 'The Song' which had a chorus that went, "An' here comes the chorus, won't you sing along?" (Sigh), I'm 60 now, but what a show the singers/players put on there every week - happy days indeed!

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Hugh Coolican
Date: 18 Sep 14 - 03:33 AM

I have just shivered because I thought this was the place we used to visit but John MacKenzie's post did it! The girls in the Holland Park flat were Fiona and Mookie (Mookie was Swedish I think) and I went out with Fiona for a year or so before going off to Keele uni. We used to sing Dylan And S and G songs (1967-8) and I think invoked the frowns of the real triaddies but it was a great place and atmosphere. Everyone was welcome to sing and it gave me confidence to continue and presumably so many others. There was a Christian Aid 'Hammersmith folk and pop contest' which some of us entered. I won a guitar. Thanks everyone for nudging these memories.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Jane Benjamin nee Palmer
Date: 29 Apr 16 - 11:18 AM

Gosh, this is so lovely. I remember these days during the late sixties and early seventies. Singing briefly with the Hammerfolk supplementing my nursing income.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Dorcas
Date: 21 Sep 16 - 02:39 PM

Hi all,

I am Don Shepherd's daughter and possibly one of his biggest fans.

We lost my wonderful father this week. I am slightly in denial but desperate for stories, recollections, any memories that any of you may have of my father. There is so much he did in his life before we were born.

He loved the Hammersmith days and spoke of them with laughter and fondness.

If anyone can help or wants to tell me anything, even in passing my email address is [e-mail].

Thanks so much
Dorcas xxxx

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 22 Sep 16 - 12:53 PM

The last time I saw Don was at one of the last nights at Hammersmith (At the Kings Head, Fulham Broadway). Firstly there was the challenge of helping up the narrow stairs to the room - a real test of the fitness of the physical fitness of the organisers. Secondly, the decision by the pub landlord to have a rock band in the bar downstairs. Don refused to be put off by the thump=thump of the bass rising through the floor, and took it upon himself to drown the rock-band out with what was probably the most rafters raising rendition ever of down and out. I was only fortunate enough to see him 2 or 3 times.

Steve

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 22 Sep 16 - 05:29 PM

Foggy Memories come up with Keith Clark Julia Grey and Theo Johnson as regulars. Have I got the right club?

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Phil Floyd
Date: 12 Jan 17 - 11:04 AM

Hi:
I was the Floyd in folk duo 'Floyd & Sheffield' (Phil & Ian) who were for a part of 1974 (and maybe 1973) the warm up or resident folk act at Hammersmith Folk Club. We had a great time with great people (remembering Rod). Our material was a mix of traditional and contemporary drawn from whatever we laid our ears or hands on. I recall hilarious evenings with Jasper Carrot as the headliner!
In the spring of 1974 Ian and I and my girlfriend/later first wife decided to emigrate to Canada. We were so embarrassed and sorry to be leaving that we didn't tell anyone we were going! Silly young idiots we were.
I remained in London, Ontario, Canada, ever since, whereas Ian returned to the UK after failing to secure employment. I married then divorced and married Kathy my dear wife, in 1983. We have 2 sons, both musical but the youngest has taken music way beyond me as a guitar teacher and metal player.

London, Ontario had a good folk scene in 1974 and it continues but with a lesser audience. Once a year the Home County Arts and Music festival is held in a park downtown - admission by donation!

I formed a group in 1993 called 'Tranby Croft' with two fellow ex-pat Brits. We performed at many clubs, and festivals, and recorded several albums. We had decent airplay on CBC Radio and did some local TV spots. You can hear one of them at this site (Western University) http://chrwradio.com/lma/1996/Tranby%20Croft%20-%20Timeline/tranby.htm

I retired from my job as IT tech at Western University in 2015

I play guitar and sing in our church band (excellent band I must say...) and get together once a month with some excellent folk musicians.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone that remembers us!
Phil Floyd
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Sep 17 - 09:18 AM

Goff
Hi to Steve the fat old hippy
Yes I remember Hammersmith Folk Centre I was there in the late 70's
and it was the best club around very happy memories I sang my first
song there thanks to Don, who sadly passed away recently he had a really wonderful deep voice.
And yes I did run a folk club in Acton for about 6 months but then folded
I now live in Exmouth Devon I moved here in 2009 and now sing in a "buoy" band called the Exmouth Shantymen and having a great time with
the crew.
thanks to all at the "Hammersmith" Rod, Alison, Keith and John
Happy Days!!
Goff Harris

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Alison Hamilton
Date: 20 Jul 18 - 12:52 PM

If anyone from the old Hammersmith days should happen to be idly trawling memories, it is with infinite sadness I have to tell you that Rod Hamilton died, at the age of 90, in the early hours of Wednesday 18 July 2018 following a stroke in the middle of May.


A long life, well lived and full of achievement, but he rated the Hammersmith years among his happiest for the good times, the wonderful people and the superb entertainment that passed through those swing doors into the back room of The Prince of Wales, Dalling Road.


Memories that are sustaining us now.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 20 Jul 18 - 01:18 PM

Sad to hear this.   My first or second ever experience of folk was when Hammerfolk MK .... were performing on the bandstand at Ravenscourt Park. When it started raining Rod invited the entire audience up on the stage to keep dry.

Make sure you take the time to look after yourself.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 21 Jul 18 - 09:50 AM

I am so sorry to hear this. I have some wonderful, warm memories of playing Hammersmith with Packie. I recall once having a pre-gig curry with Roger & Kay Nicholson; and another time - after Packie had just finished filming Blackjack with Ken Loach - he brought its two young (early teens and pre-teen IIRC) leads along to one of our evenings there. Golden days, those were. Rest in peace, Rod. Packie too.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Jul 18 - 07:18 AM

RIP Rod, you ran a great club, memorable in so many ways.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,David Edwards
Date: 24 Sep 18 - 07:05 PM

I have very fond memories of the Hammersmith folk club held in the back room of the Prince of Wales. I was a Scottish exile living in Hammersmith between 1969 and 1972. The club was probably the best I've ever been to. Brilliant memories of Rod singing Ewan McColl's 'Freeborn Man of the Travelling People', Keith Clark singing 'The Cuckoo', Keith and John Townsend sending up '500 Miles From My Home' and the wildest jigs and reels from Scotland's own the JSD band. Great, great nights and so much fun. BTW, does anyone remember a black American singer called Al Mathews (I think that was his name). He was great too. And there was Eddie and Finbar Furey, Bob and Carole Pegg - and so many more whose names escape me at this moment of writing.
Call me a sad old git if you like but some of the best times I had were in that club. RIP Rod. You were a gentleman.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,John Scott Cree
Date: 03 Jul 20 - 09:50 AM

Happy to have stumbled on this thread, if somewhat late. In 1968, I think there were 2 weekly clubs in the same venue (Monday and Thursday?). Recall many of the other acts mentioned in this thread. The Fife Reivers who lost Shaggis to Noel Murphy who lost him to Elton John (I think). In the mid-70's I had some enjoyable gigs there, marred only by the very audible blip blip of the wretched early gaming machine (ping pong etc). Al Matthew was a great character, an American with a great voice. At one time with Hawkwind and TV ad voiceover, he became a Radio 1 DJ for a while. RIP Don and Rod. Happy days.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 03 Jul 20 - 08:08 PM

How would habitues and sons of habitues feel about a zoom reunion some time in the next month or so?

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Lesley Geaney
Date: 14 Jan 21 - 06:07 AM

On this day 50 yrs ago 14th January 1971 I was a student nurse and a friend asked to borrow 50p and would I go to the Hammers folk club with her... 50p changed my life!
That night I met Noel my husband, a nativev of west London who died 2016. He knew many people and loved folk music. A decendant of irish parents.
I remember seeing Johnny Silvo and Jasper Carot (before fame days)
He new the Fureys and the played in our flat once. We joined in most Thursdays in our early days but then after marriage moved to Hertfordshire. I did go to the Hitchin folk club for a while and when Noel was around he tried the Orange tree Baldock.
I saw Johnny Silvo in Hitchin once.
When Noel died, his eldest son Michael sung a folk song quite well at his wake. Good memories.

Subject: RE: Hammersmith Folk Club Recollections
From: GUEST,Tom Patterson
Date: 14 Jan 21 - 11:53 AM

A very moving post to share, Lesley. Such wonderful memories. Best wishes for good health and happiness in the future.