Grandparents and Pic n' Mix

Most suicides take place on a Tuesday, there is a reason for that, Wednesdays.

Wednesdays, that deathly, pregnant, mid week pause has always been the red headed step child of the week. Too far from both weekends to be loved by anyone, the mid point on the incline of the rollercoasters ratcheted rise before the g-force induced smiling descent that is the weekend.

My grandfather knew how to take the sting out of mid week. We would go to Woolies (RIP), and as I stood in front of the pic n’mix he would plunge the shop into darkness by throwing the firemans switch outside, thirty seconds later after grubbing around in the blackness I had a bag full of mystery confectionary, and as the fluorescents and tills blinked back to life under the gaze of underpaid and apathetic staff, I parted with my payment and faced the sunshine.

Back home the bag was opened and shared. Of course there were too few of the ones that everyone (dentures aside) loved –chocolate éclairs, Bensons blackcurrant and liquorish- a fair few of the universal favorites-Black Jacks, pineapple cubes and Everton mints (Newcastle mints surely?)- and then there were the ones you couldn’t believe anyone would make as sweets in the first place. They tasted like Benylin and ear wax, smelt like a marsupials pouch, (Yes I do, I still have the letter from Lord Bath banning me for life from the Wallaby enclosure at Longleat), and had the texture of a ball bearing covered in belly button fluff. Even the dog wouldn’t entertain the idea of an experimental lick. And we all know dogs are not known for being fussy in the licking department. They sat at the bottom of the bag uneaten, unloved and misunderstood. Still, as Grandma would say, ‘Someone must like them? It would be a boring world if we were all the same.’

Very true, and the biggest strength of our beloved Rumney Folk Club. Its musical pic n’ mix. The broadest appreciation of what ‘folk’ music is, with none of the ‘folk fascism’ that plagues some clubs and stagnates us all. Musicians everybody loves, old favorites we all enjoy, the odd new hidden gem you never heard (tasted) before that wows you, and the ones at the bottom of the bag that it wouldn’t be the same without. We need them all because we are not just another folk club, and it would be a boring world if we were all the same.


Happy plucking y’all,

Midge Noone

Thankyou and updates

Last folk club saw Alun Parry take to the stage as our first ever featured artist....and it certainly was a special occasion! Not a single song went past without being heartfelt by the audience and particularly by Alun himself in what was a very thought provoking hour.

Thanks to all those who came on that Friday night and a big thankyou to Alun. Not only for his performance, but also for his spurring encouragement for what's been acheived at our lil club, which I'm sure we'll build on and really make this club a notable place to visit and play.

Alun's latest CD "We can make the world stop" is available (with others!) from his site and is also available to download. Alun is currently on a UK tour and we wish him all the best!

Visit:

www.parrysongs.co.uk

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October is set to be a great night with many artists (new visitors and old favourites alike) expressing interest in playing. This time of year is when the club comes into its own; the nights are drawing in and its lovely warm atmoshpere becomes nice and snug. Remember to bring a friend! Next club is the 16th October, Doors 7pm. Entry £3.50 (performers entry- FREE)

The clubs online store should be launching before the next club night, featuring a variety of artist CD's and a small amount of merchandise. We also would like to open this opportunity to anyone wishing to sell any manner of things such as second hand instruments or craft items. If you're interested, let JammyCustard know here

Along with all this, we will soon be releasing a handful of designs which will be available for Pre-order with delivery options available (i.e. collection at the club or post). The pre-orders will be at a special discounted price.

Stay tuned for more news coming soon, including some new events!

Ciao

Paddy

Next week: Alun Parry @ Rumney Folk Club

If you didn't already know, Liverpool's Alun Parry will be featuring at next folk club, the first evening in the club's history with a featured artist, which could pave the way to additional nights being put on in the same format in the future. Who knows! (Derek possibly)

The first half of the evening will still feature an open format, so still bring an instrument if your that way inclined (and bring friends whoever you are, treat them!)

18th September, Doors @ 7pm, Tickets £TBC

Give him a listen below:

www.parrysongs.com
www.myspace.com/parryal

Festival sign-off

I've recovered!

Big thankyou to all those that helped before and during the festival, which I'm sure was enjoyed by everyone who came out in support.

Remember all the proceeds from the event go to the St. Augustine's Church Restoration Fund which likewise goes to the upkeep of the church hall itself. So again, thankyou!

If you have any feedback for us for next year, please please please get in touch or get a discussion going on the website guestbook.

Rumney 09 Folk Festival Programme

St Augustine's Church Hall

11.30am Gates and Doors Open
12am Bar Open & Market Stalls, BBQ ... Acoustic Jam Tent
12.30 / 1.05pm Talgarth
1.15 / 1.50pm Davy Cartwright
2 / 2.35pm Quince
2.45 / 3.20pm John Regan & Phil Driscoll
3.30 / 4.05pm Andy Williams
4.15 / 4.50pm Sweet Baboo
5 / 5.35pm Afro Welsh Connection
5.45 / 6.20pm Adrian Hughes
6.30 / 7.05pm Sedai Sedai Drummers
25MIN INTERVAL
7.30 / 8.15pm Interalia
8.30 / 9.15pm The Technical Perverts
9.30 / 10.45pm Elaine Morgan & Friends inc Heather Jones & Moira Jayne Morgan
10.55 / 11.30pm Ceilidh

St Augustine's Church ... music workshops
3 / 3.45pm Sedai Sedai Drummers (drum workshop)
4 / 4.45pm Adrian Hughes (slide guitar workshop)

St Augustine's Church will also hold an open day and Bell Tower open day from 10am / late afternoon.

The BAR will open Midday and close 11pm. Last orders 10.45pm

Last minute stall opportunity

Hey everyone, our first village market has an admirable 13 stalls registered for the days outdoor proceedings, but we still have room for about 3 more stalls as a last minute opportunity!

If you, or if you know anyone who may wish to have a stall at the festival, please get in touch with me (PADDY!) by Wednesday morning.

A pitch is free to obtain, though we have been asking for any raffle prize donations, which would be very much welcome and for a good cause. Any money you receive on the day is quite simply yours!

We can supply a table and electricity if required, but we would appreciate you obtaining a gazebo for shelter from the elements. However, if this is a problem, please get in touch regardless and we'll see what we can do for you!

Information required will simply be: what you intend to sell/offer and your requirements regarding your pitch.

E-mail:festival@rumneyfolkclub.co.uk

Untapped Brewing Co. @ Rumney Folk Festival

Last folk club saw a new introduction to the bar, Untapped Brewing Co. Ales! The drinks virtually sold out before the half way point and proved to be a grand ol' hit (well, new hit) with the club's crusaders and new visitors. Two ales were on offer, an 'all year round' dark ale entitled 'Eclipse' and a Golden ale called 'Sundown', both providing a quite distinct flavour.

Well we're pleased to announce that Untapped Brewing Co. are named supporters of this years Rumney Folk Festival and their ales will be available from the bar and outside in the village market, where you'll be able to find out more about the drinks and the company from one or two of the creators themselves!

Both drinks are available for listing and purchase, find out more via www.untappedbrew.com (keep an eye on this space!)