With a blackbird singing an early song we know spring
will be with us soon with the promise of songs and music
filling our days.
Songs and music certainly filled Waddow Hall during our 9th
residential weekend of music making over the 3rd – 5th February.
Over 80 people enjoyed the variety of instruments being taught
by our tutors, some of whom made their debut at Waddow.
From singing and basic guitar to advanced melodeon, individual
skill levels rose dramatically. The “Bit of a Change” sessions,
whereby participants could try other instruments, proved to be
very popular, as were the spoons and ukulele workshops. The
latter prompted requests for more sessions during our weekend
in 2013. The dates being 8th- 0th February 2013.
Our weekend has become famous with participants travelling from
all over the country to attend. Already over thirty people have
reserved their places for 2013, so contact Folkus if you are
interested in joining us next year.
General Information
The Orchestra in Folkus continue to rehearse and hopefully
will perform at some time during the Preston Guild celebrations.
See our website for details nearer to the time.
“Slow & Steady” sessions for all musicians playing any instrument
are held on the first Saturday every month at the Eaves Green
Community Centre, Eaves Green, near Chorley. 2.00pm-5.00pm.
Cost £4. No charge for your first visit.
Pub sessions are staged in The Crown in Worthington on the 2nd
Sunday in the month. 12noon -3.00 pm Info: 01253 694972
The Bromley Cross Folk Club is involved in the staging of various
events during 2012. They have a very ambitious programme which
deserves support. For details contact Chris Nash 07903 233213
For news of the West Yorkshire Mandolin & Ukulele Club contact
Ron Mollett 01274 584937 email mandouk@qmail.com
The inspiration to start Folkus came from the successful workshops
staged at the Fylde Folk Festival which is celebrating it’s 40th Anniversary
in 2012. Various concerts are planned to take place during the year
leading up to the festival itself , dates 31st August, 1st – 2nd September.
Events are planned for Easter & Whitsuntide in The North Euston Hotel,
The Steamer Hotel, The Strawberry Gardens Hotel and The Mount. In
addition there will be a special open air concert at Marsh Mill, Thornton
Cleveleys on Sunday 10th June, 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm featuring the
Alan Bell Band Show. Info: Folkus 01253 872317
Folkus continues to support the Palatine Fiddlers. Sessions are held in
the Mellor Brook Community Centre, Whalley Road, Mellor Brook, Blackburn
Lancs BB2 7PR Info: JulianTaylor Tel 01254 240076 Mob 07745 493135
www.fiddlemusic.co.uk
The Haslingden Seisun sessions continue with some support from Folkus.
The sessions take place on Wednesdays in the Irish Democratic Club,
George Street, Haslingden Lancs. Tel 01706 214787 From 7.00 pm-9.00 pm,
the workshops cost only £3 per session. In sessions, the group plays Irish
Traditional Music at a steady pace. All are welcome.
Alex Fisher St.Agnes School, Eccleston, Lancs. Step Dance-Mondays.
Beginners 7.30pm – 8.30pm. Advanced 8.30pm-9.30pm. Children’s Step
Dance lessons-Tuesday 5.30pm-7.00pm from 5yrs old upwards.
Info: Alex Fisher 01257 453185 email alexfis@tiscali.co.uk
The Lakeland Fiddlers meet every Tuesday in Castle Street Community
Centre, Kendal at 7.30 pm-9.00 pm. Contact Folkus tutor Carolyn Francis
for details. Carolyn is also running Play in a Ceilidh Band (any instrument)
sessions in Sedbergh, Cumbria. All enquiries to Carolyn Tel 07974 507585
email carolyn@striding-edge.demon.co.uk
For information on the Lakeland Voices group and activities contact David
Burbridge 015396 21166 email davidburbridge@hotmail.com
For information on Furness Tradition activities in South Lakeland.
email: trad@hartown.demon.co.uk www.furnesstradition.org
For information on all ongoing folk music events, with articles, reviews,
comments and details of forthcoming happenings, read FOLK NORTH WEST.
Available from folk clubs, festivals or on subscription.
As can be seen from the new projects, we at Folkus are constantly seeking
new ways in which we can use our expertise and knowledge to help people
develop music making sessions throughout the region. So, if there is a music
project under development in your area or you want to get one under way,
please talk to us and Folkus may be able to help.
Folkus tutors Rusty & Stu Wright have compiled four tune books and a song
book especially for Folkus pupils. The books are easy to understand and detail
many easy tunes to play. They are ideal for beginners. Only £2 plus 37p postage
from Folkus.
For details on Folkus activities: Folkus, 55 The Strand, Fleetwood, Lancashire
FY7 8NP Tel: 01253 872317 Fax: 01253 878382 email alanbell@folkus.co.uk
www.folkus.co.uk
