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Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)

31 Jul 06 - 03:08 AM (#1797414)
Subject: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: r.padgett

The Seventh Stream ~ is a a film I have just watch the last 10 minutes and lo and behold I was intrigued that Fiddlers Green was being played and I thought what was the time the play was set in (not sure) and where was it set? Why Ireland of course

This was on the Hallmark Channel my favourite channel and the film was accredited to Hallmark as well in 2001

Today (when I was watching the film) is Monday July 31st 2006 and the tune was played on the fiddle at approx 7.45 am. A further variation was also played later

Did John Conolly get a mention, you have got the answer. I do hope you got some Royalties John!!

By the way enjoyed 'grumpy' old men at Warwick FF with Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher

Ray


31 Jul 06 - 06:32 AM (#1797499)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Betsy

Hiya Padge ,

Did Bill Meek assist John , I 'm pretty sure he did on some others , Grimsby Lads , Three Score an' ten,
Have you got Booker to come to Saltburn ? I hope so.
If not I'll sith 'ee

Cheers

Betsy.


31 Jul 06 - 06:53 AM (#1797506)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,Jon

According to this page, the film was set in 1909 - a bit early for Fiddlers Green.

I can't see John Connelly mentioned in the credits here

If it was just the tune you heard, could it have been Taurpalin Jacket you heard?


31 Jul 06 - 08:30 AM (#1797589)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Rasener

>>I can't see John Connelly mentioned in the credits here<<

I can but spelt wrong - should be Conolly

Has this bloke been getting all of John's royalties http://www.johnconnellypresents.com/?


31 Jul 06 - 09:07 AM (#1797615)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: r.padgett

Probably going to wrong Conolly?

We are back to Tarpaulin Jacket are we ? is this identical with Fiddlers Green song music?

Yes Bill Meek did cowrite with John C

Three Score and Ten isnt one of his!!

Some really nice songs coming out of the East Coast again check out Dave Evardson and his 'North Wall', and Linda from Hissyfit and her Peridot [Luckiest sailor] and the Minerva (hot off the press)!!

Booker isnt coming to Saltburn Betsy , but he is going to Whitby for the week

See you at Saltburn

Ray


31 Jul 06 - 09:13 AM (#1797619)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,Jon

Opps, wrong link for credits. Try this

-------
is this identical with Fiddlers Green song music?

There is a MIDI from the link I gave. The Fiddlers Green verse does not exist but there is a similarity between its chorus and Tarpaulin Jacket.


31 Jul 06 - 09:14 AM (#1797621)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Goldengob

John once told me - if the memory isn't fading - he originally wrote "wrap me up in me hobsocks and jumper" in the chorus and it was Bill Meek who suggested "oilskins" otherwise I believe the rest is his own.
Dave


31 Jul 06 - 09:21 AM (#1797624)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Geoff the Duck

Years back at Cleethorpes Folk Festival, Bill Meek told the story of the song.
Fiddlers Green was mentioned in a newspaper column known as "The Old Codgers", which answered obscure questions sent in by members of the public. John and Bill saw the article and decided that the subject of a Fishermans Heaven" ought to have a song written, so each set out to see who could write the best song on the theme. After comparing songs they both decided that John had won the bet.
So, somehere there is another song by Bill Meeks also about fiddlers Green.
Quack!
GtD.


31 Jul 06 - 09:35 AM (#1797630)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: r.padgett

I have just listened to Tarpaulin Jacket, Dying Airman etc on Midi and it isnt Fiddlers Green tune

some give Click go the shears for Tarpaulin Jacket

We really ought to be able to lay this to rest!

Fiddlers Green tune and words belongs to John Conolly and so do the Royalties (give summat to Bill if you get owt!)


31 Jul 06 - 09:40 AM (#1797635)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,Jon

Just in case there is any confusion, I have not said Fiddler's Green, tune and words are not JC's - they are. I do however believe there are similarities with the chorus of FG and TJ, and as just believe hearing those parts is "confusable" to some, and yes, I have known it happen and thought given the date the film was set, it was a possibility in this case.


31 Jul 06 - 11:35 AM (#1797755)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Cats

Fiddlers Green is actually a small village just off the A30 in Cornwall on the Perranporth road! It's been there a very, very long time....


31 Jul 06 - 11:37 AM (#1797757)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GEST

John Connolly's date on Fiddlers Green is 1966 and the page linked herein has a score, MIDI file, and some chords.


31 Jul 06 - 02:57 PM (#1797997)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Joe Offer

Here are (partial) Songfile licensing results from the Harry Fox Agency, http://www.harryfox.com. I see Connolly is on top of the list, but what are all those others?
Your search for Song Title: fiddlers green returned 94 song(s), 15 of which are displayed.
Song Title HFA Song Code Writer
FIDDLER'S GREEN F07185 W. CONNOLLY
FIDDLER'S GREEN F1530I JOHNNY FAY, GORDON DOWNIE, ROBERT BAKER, ROBERT GORDON SINCLAIR, JOSPEH PAUL LANGLOIS
FIDDLER'S GREEN F00811 ARR.: R. SARC
FIDDLER'S GREEN F0709P WILL R MILLAR
FIDDLERS GREEN 931023 TRAD. ARR. WOLFTONES
FIDDLER'S GREEN F22331 TOMLINSON, MALCOLM
FLOWER OF FIDDLERS GREEN F07733 TOMMY SANDS
FIDDLER ON THE GREEN F0956U JON SCHAFFER, HANS JUERGEN KUERSCH
FIDDLERS CREEK F1367Z HERSCHEL SIZEMORE
ANSWERING MACHINE (CEVIN FISHER'S GREEN WORLD MIX) A2071N CURTIS JONES
BEFORE THE RING ON YOUR FINGER TURNS GREEN B29060 B. & F. BRYANT
THE FIDDLER (FROM '26 GERMAN FOLK SONGS') 985775 BRAHMS TRANS. HAROLD HEIBERG
GREEN LAND WHALE FISHERIES 934170 TRAD. ARR: THE POGUES
FIDDLERS DREAM F08238 ARTHUR SMITH
FIDDLER'S DREAM F24021 HUDDIE LEDBETTER


31 Jul 06 - 03:22 PM (#1798021)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Greg B

Can't say anything for royalties, but I did give John a
mighty fine burrito once.


31 Jul 06 - 03:58 PM (#1798063)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Little Robyn

FIDDLER'S DREAM F24021 HUDDIE LEDBETTER
must be either a different Leadbelly or a different Fiddler's dream because he died in December 1949 and the song wasn't written for awhile after that!
We visited Fiddler's Green in Cornwall, in 1990.
Robyn


31 Jul 06 - 06:46 PM (#1798241)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: r.padgett

Its a mess!

John Conolly not W Connolly, wrote Fiddlers Green

Its not trad arranged! How can it be?

Who is Johnny Fay and his mates? Is this the same song?

Tommy Sands is probably a different song based on Fiddlers Green

Which song do the Pogues have listed? Greenland Whale Fisheries isnt Fiddlers Green!

Come on you lot own up!!
Ray


01 Aug 06 - 06:39 AM (#1798552)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Betsy

Hiya Padge,
People often do the "Arranged" bit to songs.
It's quite naughty, as, Royalties are divided 4/12ths to the writer of the words , 4/12ths to writer of the music, and, 4/12ths to the arranger.
A bit antiquated but that's how the PRS distribute royalties.
I wonder if these people try to claim (say) if John got £6.00 a time it was on a radio programme , do they try try to claim £2.00 when and if their version is sang on a radio programme.
I believe, in the first place the "arranger" should have written permission from the author/composer/arranger to "tinker" with the Original.
It's a shame Booker won't make Saltburn-he owes me a pint .

Cheersy
Betsy .


01 Aug 06 - 06:46 AM (#1798554)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,padgett

Ey up Betsy

I hope John's getting summat to start with as 4/12 of nowt is nowt! for example 4/12ths of trad arranged = zilch

Its down to 'policing' by the PRS, I wonder whether they do any checks at all to see who was first and look for similarities?

I dont understand PRS and from what I have heard, tis a minefield

Bring Vin down to Whitby FF one day if he'll come, pints on Booker!!


01 Aug 06 - 08:36 AM (#1798620)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Betsy

Hope you all know and noticed from Padgies intro - Yorkshire celebrates its'" National " Day today Tuesday 1st August.

Your maths are correct , but in some perverted way , some people do this type of thing in the equally perverse hope that if the Trad song suddenly ( for some strange reason) becomes a hit , then they think they may have some sort of finacial stake in it.
I remember Simon and Garfunkel doing a not too dis-similar thing with Scarborough Fair , but, as they say," Thats another story and so it is " !! Nevertheless - a lot of money involved


01 Aug 06 - 05:03 PM (#1799175)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Girl Friday

I put a posting about this on but it seems to have disapperared into cyberspace. Perhaps it was too controversial.


01 Aug 06 - 05:10 PM (#1799185)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Georgiansilver

Thanks for the info CATS but the Fiddlers Green that JC wrote about is the Folkie/fishermans heaven.


01 Aug 06 - 05:11 PM (#1799187)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Girl Friday

Ha. It took that one so I'll try again. I have a Burl Ives Album of unknown date,but he looks 40ish, called Down to theSea in Ships. It's on Brunswick LAT8142. Says it's a microgroove flexible record.There is a track on it called Tarpaulin Jacket. I could not believe it! The tune and many of the words were the same as John's. It is described as a 19th century English sea song, with a tune of Irish origin. Perhaps John put it through the folk process, the same as many others do. The blue clicky to Tarpaulin Jacket mentions lancers. Thought they were soldiers.


02 Aug 06 - 03:19 AM (#1799560)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Betsy

Girl Friday - lancers couldn't be a roundabout reference to the harpoon (whaling ) could it ?


02 Aug 06 - 04:41 AM (#1799598)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,padgett

Lancers w/b harpooners agreed

Burl Ives born 1909 and famous actor and singer in US

I have reservations regarding the Tapaulin Jacket tune and I do not believe that the MIDI for it on here is the same as Fiddlers Green as I stated above

Clearly 1940s is before 1960s when John wrote Fiddlers Green

The plot thickens!!

Ray


02 Aug 06 - 06:59 AM (#1799663)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,GUEST - John Conolly

Thanks, Ray , for sticking up for me, as the "onlie begetter" of the song "FIDDLERS' GREEN",although as GoldenGob points out, Bill Meek did contribute the "Oilskins" in the chorus .. I originally wrote"Dress me up in me ABB SOCKS and jumper" ,until Bill pointed out that no-one outside Grimsby would know about these specialist fishermen's oiled-wool feet-protectors ...
      Geoff the Duck has the story of how the song was written pretty much correct ,except that there was no "competition" involved - Bill and I each went off independently and wrote a song - and when we turned up at the next "Broadside" rehearsal with two Fiddlers'Greens,Bill very kindly said he thought mine was the best,so that was the one we learned and sang..
    The song is certainly not consciously based on "Tarpaulin Jacket",although obviously that's where I got the idea for the first line of my chorus - and as far as I know the words and tune are original -although I will concede that the first line of my verse does bear a passing resemblance to "The Dark-eyed Sailor" (old songwriters' dodge - change the rhythm and they'll never notice ..)
    Most of the "alternative authors" given in that publishers' list are a mystery to me,although I did know that the Wolftones had recorded MY Fiddlers' Green,but didn't know they had put it down as "Trad" . Interesting... I haven't heard Tommy Sands' song "Flower of Fiddlers' Green" ,but I imagine it has something to do with the wonderful "Fiddlers' Green Festival" in Rostrevor ,which the Sands Family are instrumental in organising,and where I had the pleasure of singing some years ago.
Re "Three Score and ten" - yes ,Bill Meek and myself have both been flattered to have the song attributed to us,but it was in fact written by Grimsby fisherman William Delf in the 1880's.
Any further queries ,or alternative versions of "Fiddlers'Green"? Bring 'em along to my Songwriting Workshop at Whitby Folk Week ...
Hi Greg! Thanks for the burrito! - still trying to get a re-booking at Mystic Seaport!


02 Aug 06 - 07:23 AM (#1799677)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,Jon

Girl Friday, a lancer is a soldier, originally armed with a lance.


02 Aug 06 - 08:25 AM (#1799698)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Keith A of Hertford

Great song John.
And all your others.
Keith.


02 Aug 06 - 01:32 PM (#1799913)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: r.padgett

Hello John!

Echoed sentiment Keith A

and sucks to PRS!

Hope you are getting summat with all the exposure, if not it dunt work

Ray


08 Aug 06 - 07:28 PM (#1804817)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Girl Friday

Great to have the man himself in on this debate. I didn't compare tunes to a MIDI(whatever that is). I was just stating that a recording made probably pre 1966 contained what I thought to be similar words and tune to Fiddlers Green. I think John was echoing my thoughts that it had been folk processed. That's something to discuss after your Friday Folk gig in October John.


08 Aug 06 - 09:13 PM (#1804919)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,Lighter

John, if you pay very close attention to the U.S. made-for-TV Civil War movie "The Hunley," you'll hear your tune played and described by one of the characters as an "old Irish" tune learned from his ma!

That would make it 1850 or so when you actually wrote it.


09 Aug 06 - 03:45 AM (#1805059)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,padgett

Do we believe in reincarnation

Ray


09 Aug 06 - 07:07 AM (#1805130)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,Fishermans' Friend's Friend

So has Bill Meek's FG been recorded, commercially or for posterity? If so, where is it available?

If not, and surely it can't be THAT bad, any plans for it??

Just wondering....


09 Aug 06 - 04:33 PM (#1805547)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Cats

Hi Georgiansilver.. you think I don't know that!!!


09 Aug 06 - 05:51 PM (#1805612)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton

The second line of both songs contain the same melodic fragment...

"And say a young buffer lies low"

"No more on the docks I'll be seen"

Other than that, the composer should be given ample credit for a new and original work.

Almost every song created contains elements of a forebear including sophisticated theater songs.

It's OK to steal if you create a good new song out of it. Why not use a song as a trigger for another one?

Frank Hamilton


09 Aug 06 - 06:02 PM (#1805625)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: dick greenhaus

There is a Civil War song by the same title. No other connection, as far as I can tell. (It's in DifiTrad).


10 Aug 06 - 04:06 AM (#1805978)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,padgett

Thanks Dick it is very important to differentiate to avoid confusion in like named songs

Of course the PRS people clearly are a waste of time and so the system is deficient. Are there any PRS people who visit Mudcat who can enlighten us as to what is wrong and how it all works?

Ray


10 Aug 06 - 08:38 PM (#1806818)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Girl Friday

It is possibly unwise to invite input from PRS persons. They'd stop us al;l performing each other's songs.Frank Hamilton has a very good point though. I can't see anything wrong in borrowing from others if you get a good song out of it. That is the folk process. Trouble is that not all performers credit their inspirers.


11 Aug 06 - 01:34 AM (#1806966)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: GUEST,Blackcatter

John (and all)

Fiddlers Green was the first song that I learned that put me on the path to playing and singing trad., and not-so trad., English, Irish, etc. music.

Thanks for getting me started. My life has truly been enriched from the learning and performing songs such as yours.

And by the way, apparently you wrote it about the time that I was born, some 40 years ago.


18 Nov 06 - 03:07 AM (#1887428)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green
From: Joe Offer

Subject: Fiddlers Green Author
From: Pat Gaughan
Date: 17-Nov-06 - 04:35 PM

Hi! I (like many others it seems) need to find the writer of Fiddlers Green. A John Connelly wrote into the forum. Is it possible to get an e-mail address for him, or forward him mine? Mine is: patgaughan@patgaughan.com Thank you so much. Pat Gaughan



Subject: RE: Fiddlers Green Author
From: Malcolm
Date: 17-Nov-06 - 06:03 PM

For contact details, see http://www.yorkshire-folk-arts.com/directory/performers_c.html


18 Nov 06 - 03:27 AM (#1887435)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Rasener

John's surname is Conolly, not Conelly.


18 Nov 06 - 02:07 PM (#1887778)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: r.padgett

John is fit and active, writing and performing his own songs in UK and further afield

Ray


18 Nov 06 - 02:18 PM (#1887782)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Rasener

And will be at Market Rasen in April & Novemeber 2007. He could almost walk it. :-)


18 Nov 06 - 02:19 PM (#1887783)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,Another guest

I notice Joe's input quotes the Harry Fox Agency-roughly the US equivalent of UK PRS-Does the PRS offer a copyright search? Are they that organised?
Incidentally,Girl Friday's advice on PRS seems sound-are they likely to find we're not making the appropriate contribution to the Macartney settlement?


18 Nov 06 - 02:35 PM (#1887796)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,Tunesmith

I've had in my mind that "Fiddler's Green" was once entered into a songwriting competition but was beaten my " The Ballad of Patience Kershaw". Where did I get this idea from?


18 Nov 06 - 03:14 PM (#1887824)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: r.padgett

Chronologically speaking I dont think this works Tunesmith!

Ray


18 Nov 06 - 06:08 PM (#1887931)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: McGrath of Harlow

A somewhat drifting comment about the US Cavalry "Fiddlers Green" in the DT - with its note "as far as we can tell, immediate post-Civil War".

I'd suspect it's a good bit later than that. It sounds very reminiscent of Kipling, towards the end of the century. I'm not suggesting he wrote it, but rather that whoever wrote it had read Kipling.

Particularly the last verse -

And so when man and horse go down
Beneath a saber keen,
Or in a roaring charge or fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean,
And the hostiles come to get your scalp,
Just empty your canteen,
And put your pistol to your head
And go to Fiddlers' Green.


Which echoes Kipling's:
When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
         An' go to your Gawd like a soldier.


(The Young British Soldier)

If the Cavalry Fiddler's Green is indeed "immediate post civil war", of course, it might have been the other way round, with Kipling's poem being the echo...


19 Nov 06 - 03:36 AM (#1888133)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Big Al Whittle

I always thought the Leadbelly one was Fiddlers Dram, rather than Fiddlers Dream.


19 Nov 06 - 04:23 AM (#1888146)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,Tunesmith

r.padgett: I notice "Fiddler's Green" is copywrite 1970; surely, "The Ballad of Patience Kershaw" is also from that period.


19 Nov 06 - 04:26 AM (#1888147)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,Tunesmith

Of course, that should be "The Testament of Patience Kershaw".


19 Nov 06 - 01:27 PM (#1888351)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,Liverpool Lou

I remember hearing Roy Bailey sing "The Testament of Patience Kershaw". I very powerful song.


16 Jan 08 - 12:40 PM (#2237774)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,wayfarerer

Well, well, well, there's a great version of "Fiddler's Green" on an album by Maddy Prior and Tim Hart called "OLDE SONGS ON ENGLAND" that came out in the mid-sixties. The song probably dates from the 1800's or even earlier and they dug it up in the archives at Cecil Sharp House as folks from that time were wont to do.


16 Jan 08 - 12:43 PM (#2237776)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,wayfarerer

Sorry, that album was titled "OLDE SONGS FROM OLDE ENGLAND"


16 Jan 08 - 01:04 PM (#2237787)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Rasener

However Wayfarerer, is it the same song that John Conolly wrote. Its very important not to confuse the issue.
From what I can see, this thread is about the song written by John Conolly.
So are the lyrics the same and likewise is the tune the same?


16 Jan 08 - 01:30 PM (#2237806)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald

It's 'Folk Songs of Olde England, Vol. 2.'


16 Jan 08 - 02:09 PM (#2237840)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Les from Hull

And it is the song that John wrote.


16 Jan 08 - 02:32 PM (#2237861)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,wayfarerer

Yes, you are all correct! I went and checked the liner notes to the reissue double CD set called HEYDAY by Maddy & Tim . Original album FOLK SONGS OF OLDE ENGLAND - VOL. 2 was in fact released in 1969. Tim Hart got the song from John Connolly and supposedly it was the first time the song was recorded. Find the album if you can -absolutely spendid!


16 Jan 08 - 02:59 PM (#2237881)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Rasener

Thanks for coming back on that Wayfarerer.

by the way its Conolly

I would love to hear that version. Is it on Myspace or Youtube?


16 Jan 08 - 03:01 PM (#2237882)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,Hannah

I think you'll find the album is called 'Folk Songs of Olde England, Vol. 2.'Duh


16 Jan 08 - 03:43 PM (#2237901)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,wayfarerer

I think you can find the original CD's VOL. 1 & 2 on Amazon.
A better deal might be the double set "HEYDAY" that includes both volumes 1 & 2 plus the "SUMMER SOLSTICE" album which is great from start to finish ( real nice version of "Dancing at Whitsun" )


17 Jan 08 - 12:04 PM (#2238492)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,John of Elsie`s Band

If a song is first published in 1966, albeit a grand song as is John Conolly`s "Fiddler`s Green", how in heavan`s name can it be justifiably included on an album called "Folk Songs of Olde England"?
"Contemporary Songs England Today" would be more appropriate.


17 Jan 08 - 12:22 PM (#2238521)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: r.padgett

Patience Kershaw

A tragic song popularised by Roy Bailey

Not sure on the details as to who wrote it and year of composition

From memory included in on of Roy Palmer's books??

The details are directly from the Children's Employment Commission 1842 report by Samuel S Scriven ~ employment of Children and young persons in Mines and Collieries of the West Riding of Yorkshire

Patience Kershaw say (no 26)

"I wear a belt and chain at thw rokings to get the corves out. The getters are naked, excepting their caps. they pull off all their clothes. I see them at work when I go up. They sometimes beat me if I am not quick enoughj, with their hands. tney strike me on my back. the boys take kiberties ith me somnetimes. They pull me about. I am the ONLY girl in the pit. There are about 20 boys and 15 men. All the men are naked. I would rather work in the mill than the coal pit".

Comment made at the time:
A deplorabale object, barely removed from idiocy. her family receiving £2 19s 6d per week

A full Report contains much about the topic

Ray


17 Jan 08 - 01:16 PM (#2238569)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: dick greenhaus

John Conolly's CDs have been all but impossible to find here in the States. CAMSCO is pleased to announce that "Send Us a Postcard",
"Ranter's Wharf", "By Humber's Brown Water (2 CD)" and "The Northern Trawl" are now all available.


17 Jan 08 - 04:59 PM (#2238750)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Herga Kitty

Ray - re the Testimony of Patience Kershaw. My copy of "My Song is My Own" (Kathy Henderson's anthology of 100 women's songs put together with Frankie Armstrong and Sandra Kerr) says it was written by Frank Higgins in 1969 and uses the actual words of 17 year old Patience Kershaw to the Royal Commission on Children's Employment, 1842.

Kitty


17 Jan 08 - 10:33 PM (#2238965)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Tim Leaning

That JC is a nice bloke But dont he cause a lot of trouble?


18 Jan 08 - 10:47 AM (#2239254)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: r.padgett

Kitty I will look further at the Commissions Report and see if the song's words can be traced back to Patience Kershaw, herself

I feel sure that the words of the song are contained in a paragraph in a Roy Palmer song book

I'll also try to improve my typing!

Ray


18 Jan 08 - 12:30 PM (#2239323)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Malcolm Douglas

No need. 'Patience Kershaw' is quoted in thread  child labor & girl coal miner (Patience Kershaw), where there is also a link to a midi of the tune, transcribed from My Song is My Own. Roy Palmer's notes from Poverty Knock (Cambridge University Press, 1974, 43) are also quoted: he reproduced the passage from the report, but not Higgins' song on the subject (which is now also in the DT, at  TESTIMONY OF PATIENCE KERSHAW).


19 Jan 08 - 04:44 AM (#2239868)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: r.padgett

The copy of the Commission Report which I have in my possession contains all of the details as set out in the song, from a variety of different female and other child colliers

The facts are not disputed

However my copy may well be abridged as I cannot find direct attribution to all song details as being sourced from Patience Kershaw herself

Ray


09 Mar 08 - 05:22 AM (#2283472)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,kuec

According the book 'My Song Is My Own' The Testimony of Patience Kershaw was writen by Frank Higgins in 1969. It uses the words from the original report. There is a brilliant recording of it by Cilla Fisher.


09 Mar 08 - 05:45 AM (#2283478)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Rasener

Cilla Fisher - now there's a name.

Saw Cilla & Artie Trezize many years ago in Scotland and later in Amsterdam. I believe thay do kids TV programs now. Is it the "Red Teapot" or something like that.


09 Mar 08 - 03:22 PM (#2283784)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Pistachio

Hi Les,Cilla and Artie did "The Singing Kettle" quite a long time back now!

John Conolly will be singing tomorrow (Mon 10th) at NOT The White Horse Folk Club, Foresters Arms, Beckside, BEVERLEY, East Yorks 8.30pm. I'll be there - will you?
Hazel.


09 Mar 08 - 03:30 PM (#2283794)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Rasener

No, sorry


09 Mar 08 - 03:45 PM (#2283812)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Rasener

I should have said

No Sorry, I will see him with Bill & Dave in September at Faldingworth :-)


27 May 10 - 10:25 AM (#2915304)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,Pam Weeks

Does anyone have current contact info for John Connolly? My band, T-Acadie, just recorded "Fiddler's Green" and would like to pay him the royalties and send him a CD.

Pam


27 May 10 - 11:38 AM (#2915344)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: gnomad

Myspace do you?


27 May 10 - 12:14 PM (#2915368)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: Arthur_itus

E-Mail sent to you Pam, with John's E-mail address.


31 Mar 16 - 03:29 PM (#3782489)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,Jesse Wheeler

Hello all, I have recorded Fiddler's Green with my Brazilian Irish band, and we are trying to find out what publisher has the rights to the song so that we can purchase the mechanical license. I have searched to no avail; likewise, I have written to the only email address I can find for John himself, a hotmail address. Can any one assist here?

Cheers,
Jesse (Brasilia, Brazil)


01 Apr 16 - 06:16 AM (#3782577)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: GUEST,freespiritceol

https://www.facebook.com/johnconollymusician


Link to johns facebook page. If you get in touch with him say John & Marie in Ireland said hello. all the best J


01 Apr 16 - 03:13 PM (#3782657)
Subject: RE: Origins: Fiddlers Green (author)
From: JenBurdoo

I might request that too - and I'm glad to see that Three Score and Ten is old enough to probably be out of copyright, as it's another I'd like to record.