Folk on Wight: The Island's Folk Scene Through the Latter Part of the 20th Century. An Individual Reflection

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David Ballard Singer, songwriter and poet, with guitar. mail [email protected] www.daveballard.co.uk

Folk on Wight hold a regular monthly Folk Night on the last Thursday in the month, 7-11pm open to everybody.Each year, Ruth Wyman organises a concert to collect funds for the Salvation Army appeal for the homeless. This year’s ‘Christmas Reflections’ concert is on Friday 2nd December at The Salvation Army hall in Pyle Street, Newport, at 7pm. Among the performers are The Watch, see above, Sheshells, Maureen Shaw and Ruth herself Article and photograph on Folk Song activity at the Sloop Inn, by Brian Reeves, originally published in ‘The Bridge’. Bridge Sloop item

Words and tunes from Alice E Gillington’s book Old Isle of Wight Singing Games, published 1909 AG Singing Games 1 AG Singing Games 2 An early photograph of morris dancers at Niton turned up on Facebook recently. The photograph was almost certainly taken in June 1926 at a Women’s Institute rally. More information about this photograph can be found in the Island Folk History section. The Centre opened in 2011. Run entirely by an ever increasing body ofvolunteers, the Centre won awards from the Isle of Wight Community Action group in 2012 and 2013. Some aim to preserve certain aspects of the Island's heritage or environment, others groups form to gather together information or items that may otherwise be lost. These like-minded people may be few in number but they play an important role in preserving or highlighting lesser-known aspects of the Isle of Wight. Clive Thomas 17.02 The Grimshaw Family Band 17.25 Farewell & Thanks Sarah Graves, highly respected English Concertina playerSecond and fourth Sunday – Scottish Fiddlers meetat the Pavilion, Victoria Recreation Ground, Newport/Carisbrooke, 6 to 8pm. Fiddle players and accompanying instruments welcome. Some ability to read music needed. Good sounds from Spinnaker Shanty Ace crowd-pleasers Short Drag Roger The wonderful committee, performing as Afterguard (their audience was singing along in the sunshine)

Folk On’s sound is honest and pure, with tight rural harmonies and melodies as sweet as village fete jam. With songs of unity and belonging, of solving conflicts and unyielding happiness – and the occasional tune about hopeless love lives, dead horses or Morris dancers - they are guaranteed always bring a laugh- filled tear to the eye and a desire to join in with a good old-fashioned village sing-along. Orchard Stage NOTE: This information is as accurate as I can make it, however occasionally cancellations or changes happen. Most music and song sessions and clubs are free.Collection of audio reminiscences from Isle of Wight farmers, with texts, and photographs. Folk Songs in ‘Pub’. Farming also from seafarers Sea The bar is open during Winter on Saturday evenings 7-11pm and Sunday lunchtime 12-3pm. In the Spring and Summer – we are also open on a Friday from 4pm through to 11pm. A biological record centre hosted by the IOW Council to collect information on wildlife for decision making on projects, helping to preserve habitats for the future. Miscellany, from a variety of sources, of Customs, Sayings, Festivities, Mummers’, Pastimes and Folk Songs The way we were The festival, which formerly took place at Afton Down on the west side of the Island, is now hosted at the heart of the Island in Newport’s Seaclose Park where it is regularly attended by over 50,000 people.

The Festive Folkies Morris dancer Dilys at Arreton Barns, Boxing Day Men of Wight, Boxing Day, Arreton Barns Now that live outdoor practising is possible again, several new musical collaborations are rumoured in the pipeline…..Sun 3 Oyster Girls dance &walk in aid of Shelter. 10.30 at Red Lion, Freshwater, then dancing in the Square, Yarmouth and return to Freshwater. Yarmouth Sea Songs and Shanties, 2021 The ever-popular Brighstone Barnacles produced a humdinger of a set at Yarmouth No festival would be complete without distinctive merchandise. Stylish t-shirts, sweatshirts and bags are available, all in organic cotton printed here using renewable energy. A snappy number can be yours via www.quay-arts.teemill.com/collection/isolation-row/ Recollections of childrens’ Singing Games and other games played on the Isle of Wight Games Remembered The Island has a multitude of groups and societies whose members give many hours of their time for the benefit of their local communities. They have been formed by people with an interest in a wide range of subjects which deserve individual attention.