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Still relevant parts of the most recent emailed circulars are reproduced below, along with a developing Draft of the next, but check out the Diary for full listings.
Circulars dated:   20/12/24

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The email circulation list with currently over 1300 contacts provides regular information on folk events across southern Devon roughly within a 30 mile radius as the crow flies of Totnes. The e-circulars are sent on a regular basis, usually one every 7-14 days, not more than one per week apart from exceptional circumstances (and never with any attachments).

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Part One - A full listing for the coming month
Part Two below - Other stuff
The full open-ended Southern Devon Folk Diary listings appear as always on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

***** Part One *****

text

***** Part Two - Other Stuff *****

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All information is given in good faith but no responsibility can be accepted for its accuracy. Do check with the organiser before setting out on a long journey. A listing here does not guarantee that tickets are still available.

Changing your email address?
Should you need to change your email address for receiving these circulars, please use the 'Update subscription preferences' link below to update your details. There is also an 'Unsubscribe' link.

John Culf
johnculf@harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
'Harberton Folk' recommends Plusnet:

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20/12/24

Harberton Folk Circular - Friday 20 December 2024

Everyone at Harberton Folk (i.e. John & Jan 😊) sends you very best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a Very Happy music-filled New Year.

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Part One - A full listing to the end of January
Part Two below - One-liners for February
Part Three further below - Other stuff
The full open-ended Southern Devon Folk Diary listings appear as always on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

***** Part One *****

Friday 27 December 2024 7.30pm - Twixt Christmas and New Year Céilidh with The Offshoot Band - South Brent Village Hall, Station Approach TQ10 9AQ (map)
Caller Kip Pratt. Reel Ale Bar. Entry £8 (includes one free non-alcoholic drink). Tickets on door or from artworks 01364 649424 / shop@southbrentartworks.co.uk in South Brent. For further information call 01364 73117.

Saturday 28 December 2024 8pm - Twixmas Ceilidh! with Barnstormers - Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7UE
Exeter Ceilidhs is a series of ceilidhs (barn dances) held on Saturdays. £8 - £15 (voluntary pricing); U16 £4, U10 free. BYO water / alcohol. See www.exeterceilidhs.net for full details of pricing, band information etc. Contact: Jeremy on 07969 297633, email contact@exeterceilidhs.net.

NEW Monday 6 January 2025 8pm - Steve Gill - Teignmouth Folk Club, The Brass, Hollands Road, Teignmouth TQ14 8SR
Guest night with Steve Gill. Free admission. More details from Martyn Hillstead 07904 037812. Club Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/233792233306152.

NEW Saturday 11 January 2025 7.30pm - Jacob & Drinkwater - Ashburton Arts Centre, West Street, Ashburton TQ13 7DT
South West based duo Jacob & Drinkwater have been called 'Stand out new folk' by BBC6 Music. Jacob & Drinkwater’s dynamic and emotionally charged live show, has energy, musical chemistry, and spontaneity. It regularly draws comparisons with the pairing of John Martyn & Danny Thompson. Jacob's vocals deliver spine-tingling moments; the fluidity of his finger-picking underpinned by Drinkwater's rhythmic double bass and electric guitar. At times soaring, haunting, percussive, and driving, as a perfect counterfoil. The complement of stirring vocal harmonies rounds off the mix. Details www.wegottickets.com/ashburtonarts.

Saturday 11 January 2025 7.30pm - d'Accord French & Breton dance and music - St James Church Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Exeter EX4 7AH (map)
Local bands showcase. www.facebook.com/groups/149787688758876.

NEW Sunday 12 January 2025 7.45pm - Mike Silver - Folk on the Moor, Moorland Hotel, Wotter, Plymouth PL7 5HP
Always and justifiably popular at Folk on the Moor, Mike’s songwriting abilities are renowned. But he has also gained a reputation for fine interpretations of others’ songs, with covers, for example, of Dylan’s “Boots of Spanish Leather” and Eric Bogle’s “Safe in the Harbour”. Mike is also a fine guitarist and has been more widely lauded by (amongst others) Terry Wogan and Cerys Matthews. For reservations please contact folkonthemoor1@gmail.com. www.moorfolk.co.uk.

NEW Friday 17 January 2025 6.30pm - Whimple Wassail
Starts outside the New Fountain Inn 6:30pm. The wassailers are accompanied by local folk musicians including Jim Causley (6 x BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee) and Emma of the Slack Ma Girdle ceilidh band, who also provide entertainment at the cricket club. www.whimple.org/events/whimple-wassailing. www.jimcausley.co.uk.

NEW Saturday 18 January 2025 5pm - Halstow Wassail - Tedburn St Mary
Jim Causley is involved. Grays Devon Cider, Halstow Farm, Tedburn St Mary. www.jimcausley.co.uk.

NEW Saturday 18 January 2025 - The 30th Annual Stoke Gabriel Wassail
A magical evening of ‘Cider, Culture & Cheer’ organised as a fundraiser by the ‘Friends of Stoke Gabriel School’ (FOSS), the Annual Wassail is a very popular event. Apple Wassailing is a revived, ancient tradition performed in many villages around 'Old Twelfth Night' to bless the cider apples and orchards and encourage a good crop in the coming year. Entertainment will include various musicians, Beltane Border Morris; Bovey Tracey Mummers Play; Elfic the Juggler; The South Devon Wassail Singers and other acts. For more details see www.facebook.com/stokegabrielwassail.

NEW Saturday 18 January 2025 7.30pm - Silvington - Dodbrooke Parish Hall, Church Street, Kingsbridge TQ7 1NW
Winter folk evening with‘Silvington’ folk duo. Tickets/entry£10 (to include warm savouries). Doors 7pm. Bar. Raffle: All proceeds to 'Fight the Fungus' campaign, a major renovation project to combat dry rot in Dodbrooke Parish Church.

Saturday 18 January 2025 8pm - Sarah McQuaid - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX (map)
Sarah McQuaid's lush, chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality, "subtle mastery onstage" (Huffington Post) and "brilliant musicianship" (fRoots) on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience. Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural England, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her "captivating, unorthodox songwriting" (PopMatters) and choice of material, spanning genres and defying categorisation. Details www.wegottickets.com/calstockarts, www.calstockarts.org.

Saturday 18 January 2025 7.30pm - American Contra Dance - Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7UE
7:30pm Beginners' workshop, 8-11pm Dance. You do need a partner to dance Contra - but you don’t need to bring one with you. Part of the tradition is that most people swap partners each dance, and I always make sure that anyone who wants to dance can do so. See www.exeterceilidhs.net for full details of pricing etc. Contact: Jeremy on 07969 297633, email contact@exeterceilidhs.net.

Wednesday 22 January 2025 - Martin Joseph - Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street EX4 3LS (map)
For one man and a guitar, Martyn Joseph creates a performance with a huge far-reaching sound that is energetic, compelling, and passionate.. Details www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/genre/music.

Saturday 25 January 2025 8pm - Ceilidh with Dartmoor Pixie Band - Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7UE
Exeter Ceilidhs is a series of ceilidhs (barn dances) held on Saturdays. £8 - £15 (voluntary pricing); U16 £4, U10 free. BYO water / alcohol. See www.exeterceilidhs.net for full details of pricing, band information etc. Contact: Jeremy on 07969 297633, email contact@exeterceilidhs.net.

NEW Saturday 25 January 2025 7.30pm - Burns Night Ceilidh - Ashburton Arts Centre, West Street, Ashburton TQ13 7DT
urns Night party, with music, dancing and high spirits. Put your dancing shoes on in celebration of the great Scots bard. There'll be some called dances, mostly it's up to you. There'll be haggis, tatties, neeps and whisky available at a very reasonable price. There will be kilts, and perhaps Burn's poetry and pipes. Details www.wegottickets.com/ashburtonarts.

NEW Sunday 26 January 2025 1-5pm - Playing for Morris Dance Workshop - Village Hall, Yeoford Road,, Cheriton Bishop, Exeter EX6 6JA
Melodeons in Devon Occasional Sundays presents Playing for Morris Dance Workshop for all melody Instruments. Tutor: Ed Rennie. Details www.spinningpathmusic.co.uk.

NEW Sunday 26 January 2025 7pm - "Sunday Sessions": Mad Dog (Duo) - The Old Warehouse, Prince of Wales Road, Kingsbridge TQ7 1DY
'Mad Dog (Duo)' is Michael Mathieson from Mad Dog Mcrea and fiddle player Olivia Dunn from the Phil Beer Band. Together they blend a unique mixture of folk-rock, gipsy jazz and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies. Details/tickets (£18.50+) www.theoldwarehousekingsbridge.co.uk/theoldwarehouse-events.

Sunday 26 January 2025 8pm - Exmouth Shanty Men - Matthews Hall, Fore Street, Topsham EX3 0HF (map)
A fun evening of nautical harmony, hubris, halyards and humour with local heroes Exmouth Shanty Men and some of Topsham Folk Club's finest forebitting fellows tailing the falls. I think that's what they said. Details www.topshamfolkclub.org /www.wegottickets.com/TopshamFolkClub.

NEW Friday 31 January 2025 7.30pm - Ceilidh with Banned From The Moor - Pavilions Teignmouth, The Den, Teignmouth TQ14 8BG
Suitable for all ages. Caller Jayne Boswell will talk you through all the moves and you don’t need any prior experience to enjoy this toe-tapping extravaganza. Details www.pavilionsteignmouth.org.uk. Part of the 3-day TeignMove Dance Festival (www.teignmove.co.uk).

Friday 31 January 2025 8pm - John Martyn Project - Civic Hall, Market Square, Totnes TQ9 5SF
A special concert where six established artists from the world of folk, soul, and more come together to celebrate the music of John Martyn. It features Blythe Pepino, Kit Hawes, Pete Josef and Sam Brookes. They reinterpret the many different aspects and eras of Martyn’s music, delivered in a sensitive and poignant manner. Details www.cabaretvoltaireevents.com.

***** Part Two - One-liners for February *****

Saturday 1 February - Jim Moray - Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street EX4 3LS
Saturday 1 February 8pm - Mississippi MacDonald - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX
Saturday 1 February 7.30pm - Simon & Garfunkel Story - Exeter Corn Exchange, George St, Exeter EX1 1BU
Sunday 2 February 7.30pm - Tannahill Weavers - Ashburton Arts Centre, West Street, Ashburton TQ13 7DT
Sunday 2 February 7.45pm - Maggie Duffy - Folk on the Moor, Moorland Hotel, Wotter, Plymouth PL7 5HP
Tuesday 4 February 8pm - "Every Folkin’ Tuesday" at The Old Warehouse, Prince of Wales Road, Kingsbridge TQ7 1DY
Thursday 6 February 8pm - The Ciderhouse Rebellion - Livermead Cliff Hotel, Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2 6RQ
Saturday 8 February 7.30pm - Seth Lakeman - Quad Theatre, Marjon Arts Centre, Derriford Road, Plymouth PL6 8BH
Saturday 8 February 8pm - Budapest Cafe Orchestra - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX
Sunday 9 February 8pm - Sound of the Sirens - Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton TQ3 3HF
Saturday 15 February 7.30pm - The Exmouth Shanty Men - Jubilee Hall, High Street, Stoke Canon, Exeter EX5 4AR
Saturday 15 February 7.30pm - La Vie En Rose - Cygnet Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter EX2 4AZ
Tuesday 18 February 8pm - "Every Folkin’ Tuesday" at The Old Warehouse, Prince of Wales Road, Kingsbridge TQ7 1DY
Thursday 20 February 7.30pm - The Irish House Party - Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton TQ3 3HF
Thursday 20 February 7.30pm - Adam Guerrero - Matthews Hall, Fore Street, Topsham EX3 0HF
Saturday 22 February 7.30pm - Adam Guerrero - Ice Factory, 10 Somerset Place, Teignmouth TQ14 8EN
Saturday 22 February 7pm - Plymouth Morris 53rd Annual Ceilidh - Woolwell Community Centre, Darklake Lane, Roborough, Plymouth PL6 7TR
Saturday 22 February 8pm - Ceilidh with Phoenix - Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7UE
Saturday 22 February - Mad Dog Mcrea - Shooters Sports Bar, Sandy Lane, Dawlish EX7 0AF
Saturday 22 February 8pm - Suthering - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX
Saturday 22 February 7.30pm - Seth Lakeman with full band  - Exeter Cathedral
Sunday 23 February 7.45pm - Chris Newman & Maire Ni Chathasaigh - Folk on the Moor, Moorland Hotel, Wotter, Plymouth PL7 5HP
Sunday 23 February 7.30pm - The Irish House Party - Pavilions Teignmouth, The Den, Teignmouth TQ14 8BG
Sunday 23 February 8pm - Miranda Sykes & Jim Causley - Matthews Hall, Fore Street, Topsham EX3 0HF
Sunday 23 February 7pm - "Sunday Sessions": The Dunwells - The Old Warehouse, Prince of Wales Road, Kingsbridge TQ7 1DY
Wednesday 26 February 7.30pm - Fairport Convention - Exeter Corn Exchange, George St, Exeter EX1 1BU
Friday 28 February 7.30pm - Cole Stacey - St Paul's Church, Yelverton PL20 6AE

***** Part Three - Other Stuff *****

Ashley Hutchings 80th Birthday Tour
An old friend of Harberton Folk, Ashley turns 80 in January and is celebrating by undertaking a limited tour in March 2025 with his son Blair Dunlop, an established star in his own right, to present a night of songs and reminiscences of a remarkable life in folk music. West Country tour dates include Gt. Torrington, Paignton and Crediton; full details www.ashleyhutchings.co.uk.

Session news
The Tuesday folk sessions at the Artillery Arms, Stonehouse, Plymouth have ceased at the request of the landlady.

All information is given in good faith but no responsibility can be accepted for its accuracy. Do check with the organiser before setting out on a long journey. A listing here does not guarantee that tickets are still available.

Changing your email address?
Should you need to change your email address for receiving these circulars, please use the 'Update subscription preferences' link below to update your details. There is also an 'Unsubscribe' link.

John Culf
johnculf@harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
'Harberton Folk' recommends Plusnet:

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General items retained from previous circulars

Important note:
Do spare a few minutes occasionally to scan through the full open-ended Diary listings on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk which currently extend to the end of the year because some of the events listed will never make it into an e-circular as they may sell out way in advance - and the circulars usually only cover the coming 4 to 6 weeks at most. In the current listings I'm thinking for example of concerts by Chris Wood, Blowzabella, Eliza Carthy & The Restitution in Topsham; various gigs by Mad Dog Mcrea; Cara Dillon, Mark Chadwick in Calstock; Martin & Eliza Carthy in Totnes, Oysterband's farewell tour dates in Exeter, Bellowhead in Plymouth, St Agnes Fountain in Ivybridge...

Music venue update: The Old Warehouse (TOW), Prince of Wales Road, Kingsbridge TQ7 1DY
Following on from the success of the recent “All Folkin’ Week” Beer & Music Festival, and their fully established free entry live music events (“Every Folkin’ Tuesday”), TOW are very pleased to announce the launch of “The Sunday Sessions”! From May 2024, TOW will become a dedicated live music ‘venue’ on the last Sunday of each month, playing host to some amazing artists from across the UK…and even further in some cases! Each of the shows will be ticket-only and mostly standing (limited seating will be available/bookable in advance) – doors and taproom will open at 7.00pm on the Sunday evening and all shows will end by 10.00pm at the latest. 'Sound of the Sirens' will launch The Sunday Sessions on May 26.
See https://theoldwarehousekingsbridge.co.uk/theoldwarehouse-events for details of all music events at TOW.

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Sid Valley Radio Folk Show
Mondays 6-8pm. The Folk Show with Steve and Barry. www.sidvalleyradio.co.uk.
If you know of any other folk shows on local (online) radio, please let me know the details.

Revd Sabine Baring-Gould Centenary
2024 marks the centenary of the death of the Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould who was squire and parson of Lewtrenchard in Devon. He was an early collector and recorder of folk tunes and songs from the West Country such as “Widecombe Fair”. He also wrote and translated many hymns and carols such as “Onward Christian Soldiers”. See www.sbgcentenary.co.uk for details of various events (concerts, talks etc.) celebrating the Revd.

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Bicton Inn in Exmouth
The Bicton Inn at 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU has a regular monthly music programme of various genres including folk; usually: 3rd Thursday - Acoustic folk with Becky Brooks; 4th Thursday - Bicton folk night (recently updated contact no. 07876 064108). www.bictoninn.co.uk.

[3/12/23] Craig Taylor (from Diptford) writes:
"I am looking for a couple of tune players - fiddle/accordion to start up a working band. I am Australian (for my sins) so think it’ll definitely be a Bush Band (compared to the finesse of the ceilidh calling/dancing). Please contact by email ct@wellmusic.co.uk or call 07786 296325."

Session news
Wednesday 25 October 2023 8pm - Lympstone Folk - Change of venue
We're still meeting on the fourth Wednesday at 8, but the Redwing pub in Lympstone is now closed and awaiting new owners. We are therefore currently meeting at the Swan, next to the railway station, until further notice.

Ashburton Arts Centre
Another multi-genre arts centre, described by The Guardian as "One of the best small live music venues in the UK". Up and running in an old chapel since 2018. Again, I only list the folkier events there, but see https://ashburtonarts.org.uk/ for more information on a very busy programme. Many events are priced on a 'pay what you can afford' sliding scale.

Regular klezmer and East European sessions at Ashburton
Ashburton Arts Centre will be hosting klezmer and East European sessions every 2nd Monday of the month, starting 9/10/23. Free admission. Led by Družba www.klezmer-devon.com, we’ll start off in the slow lane for the less experienced at 7 followed by the main session at 8. For details of tunes please email bunelik@gmail.com. All acoustic instruments and abilities welcome to join in, learn tunes, listen, or dance. Note that diatonic instruments such as melodeons, tin whistle, etc will need accidentals to play in keys such as G minor, D minor. If unsure, email above. Real ale bar. Full details www.ashburtonarts.org.uk/regular-activities/klezmer-east-european-session.

Tom Brown R.I.P.
A stalwart of the West Country traditional music scene with his wife Barbara, Tom sadly passed away on 30 August 2023. Tom and Barbara supported one of our concerts in Harberton back in 2001. Our thoughts, love and deepest sympathies are with Barbara and their family.

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Raddon Hill Clog Morris...
...invite you to Free Evening Taster Sessions at Kingsteignton Community Hall, TQ12 3LP, 8.00-9.30pm on Tuesdays 5th September and 3rd October 2023. For further information please call Triss or Ron on 01626 367173, see www.raddonhillclogmorris.co.uk, or email info@raddonhillclogmorris.co.uk. Membership works out at approximately £1 a practice session.

I've managed to have a fairly major updating session at the full open-ended Southern Devon Folk Diary listings on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk which now include events as far ahead as June 2024. In my e-circulars I usually list the upcoming events for the next 2 months at most, but some events are so popular that they sell out weeks or even months in advance, so it's well worth a quick glance through the whole Diary on the website, even if it's just to get your favourite seats at your venue of choice.

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Part One - Other stuff - Map link corrections
but I have made important changes affecting the whole of the www.harbertonfolk.co.uk website and many of the entries included in these circulars.
These changes concern the Streetmap.co.uk map links I use. It came to my attention recently that many of my links no longer worked - my apologies for this! Streetmap.co.uk had changed the way their links worked. I have made corresponding corrections and - fingers crossed! - hopefully any map link you see will now work again.

East Devon session news: Tale Valley Folk Sessions...
...have just celebrated their first anniversary. www.facebook.com/TaleValleyFolkSessions. Sessions take place on the first Tuesdays 7.30-9.30pm at the Nog Inn, Feniton EX14 3BT the third Sundays 12-3pm at the Talaton Inn EX5 2RQ.

Wild Goose Choir - A new folk-based community choir in South Brent
Freya Harbottle writes: "I'm soon to be starting a new folk-based community choir. The first session will be on Tuesday 6th June (7 to 9pm) and the choir will run on a regular weekly basis at The Village Hall in South Brent. We'll be learning material from across the folk canon, from the very traditional to the contemporary. Open to ages 18+. No previous choir experience required. Get in touch for more info or to book a free taster session: freyaharbottle@gmail.com.

Commonplace Creative Retreats
Miranda Sykes and Hannah Martin are running creative retreats based in a beautiful ancient farmhouse in Totnes. Each retreat is linked to the seasons, and will feature craft sessions, lots of lovely seasonal food, and an exclusive informal concert from SykesMartin to close the day.
The next event they have planned is their Beltane retreat on April 29th, with dates also in the diary for Summer Solstice (June 24th) and Midwinter (December 9th) events later in the year. Full info at: https://sykesmartin.bandzoogle.com/commonplace-creative-retreats.

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The Beehive Folk Café - Bi-monthly at Beehive Arts Centre, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ
Free, mostly acoustic session of folk, blues and roots hosted by folk singer Sue King. Everyone welcome to come along to perform or have a drink and listen to some very talented local musicians. www.beehivehoniton.co.uk. Tel: 01404 384050. Next date: Wednesday 15 March 2023 7.30pm.

Folklife
If you'd like to read and learn more about many aspects of folk throughout the West Country and beyond. then check out the following:
Free entries in Folklife's online free-to-all Directory (incl. Zoom): www.folklife-directory.uk, entry forms on site.
Folklife West folk magazine (56 A4 pages) printed & posted (paid-for) - or free online!
Read or download: www.folklife.uk, Members' News, Festivals Diary; www.folklife-traditions.uk, researched articles + archive.
Plus Updates on www.folklife.uk/updates & you can sign up for our free emailed Newsletter.
Contact sam@folklife.uk.

Folk Club News
Brixham Folk Club now meets on the first Friday of the month at The Edge, Bolton Street, Brixham TQ5 9DH. www.facebook.com/Brixham-Folk-Club-1210249625809406, 7.30pm start, £2 performers, £3 non-performers.

Plymouth Community Folk Orchestra - Reminder
Tuesday mornings 3, 10, 17, 24 May, 14, 21, 28 June, 5, 12, 19 July - 11am to 12.30pm. £8 per session. Concession available
At Emmanuel Church Hall, Compton Avenue, (corner of Mannamead Road) Plymouth, PL3 5BZ
Make a big band, make some music, have some fun! All levels of ability welcome. Play music from Devon and beyond. Develop music skills and learning by ear. Play in harmony. Scores and sound files provided. The Community Folk Orchestra is ‘open’ - so, there are no auditions and all are welcome to come along. Participants can join at any time. You will, however, need an acoustic instrument, some enthusiasm and a willingness to participate! For more information contact David Faulkner 07967 121985 / david.eelgrinders@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/PlymouthCommunityFolkOrchestra.

Exmouth Folk Club
The Club has resumed its regular 4th Sunday meets, 7-10pm at the GWRSA Railway Club, 3-5 Royal Avenue, Exmouth EX8 1EN.
For more information call Chris Austin 07812 688432. Free admission, all performers and supporters welcome, acoustic only. Real ales are served and there is parking and level access. www.facebook.com/groups/exmouthfolk.

Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis
I've always thought of Lyme Regis being well outside my normal coverage (loosely defined as "within a 30-mile radius of Totnes as the crow flies" or "the southern half of Devon), but Google Earth tells me that the town is only about 39 miles in the former category - and the Marine Theatre is putting on a great programme of major folk concerts these days, with some of the acts probably not coming any further west on their tours, so I will give the venue a listing from time to time. The main one below caught my eye in Steve Cunio's 'Sadfolk' (www.sadfolk.co.uk) latest Somerset & Dorset email circular listings as Harberton Folk put on Blazin' Fiddles at the Ariel Centre in Totnes way back in 2003 and 2005:

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Eliza Carthy & Saul Rose: I've been enjoying lots of music on Youtube and only recently came across a 2014 concert performed by Eliza & Saul in St. George's Church, Headstone, Harrow which reminded me of the wonderful show they did for us at Harberton Parish Hall back in January 2001.
Enjoy the high quality video and audio at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef22ID0qb0Q&list=PLjeyCtW07nIs5YQ41j9ASZwKUHlpMJprk&index=1.

Cecil Sharp's People.org.uk
A one-stop website for all the singers, musicians and dancers who met Cecil Sharp, as he travelled around England collecting folk music and dance between 1903-23. You can read about their lives. Over 650 individuals in hundreds of locations. They were working people – agricultural labourers, glovers, laundresses, sailors, shoemakers etc. Their stories should be told! https://cecilsharpspeople.org.uk.

The Mike Harding Folk Show
The former BBC folk show host presented a weekly show of his own online from 30 December 2012 to 22 October 2017 (over 250 programmes), and since then has presented further roughly monthly shows which still continue. All 270+ shows are available as podcasts at www.mikehardingfolkshow.com.

Folk news slightly further afield:
Somerset & Dorset (SaDFolk) folk events - Regular email updates
A regular and comprehensive emailed listing is available through www.sadfolk.co.uk (Somerset and Dorset folk, Steve Cunio) for folk events in venues large and small in those two counties, some of which are not too far away from the Harberton Folk area.
SaDFolk always includes full details of upcoming events, workshops and courses at Halsway Manor in Somerset which is owned by the Halsway Manor Society who operate the manor as a national centre for the folk arts, the only residential folk centre in the UK.
Folk in Cornwall
What it says on the tin - www.folkincornwall.co.uk - clubs, sessions, events...
Acoustic Calendar - Sign up for email updates at www.sanchobramble.weebly.com
Tony Watts' monthly calendar of folk clubs, singarounds, acoustic sessions & open mics in the South West. "The Acoustic Calendar is all about DIY music (NOT concerts, gigs, ceilidhs etc). The purpose of the Calendar is to keep you informed of all the places where you can take your voice and/or instrument and join in or do your own thing."

A quick note on what gets listed below (and in the Diary on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk):
The listings are of course primarily intended for 'folk' events; they will occasionally include Americana, blues and other genres, particularly if the event organisers have taken the trouble to send me material. Be assured though, they will never include tribute bands! (excellent though many of these are) These e-circulars usually cover the full Diary for the coming 4 to 5 weeks, while the website Diary is completely open-ended.

Frequency of these emails
I used to try to get these emails out once a week, but now they seem to be every 10-14 days. Perhaps that's not a bad thing - reducing the information overload - but it does mean that contributors need to give me as much notice as possible to hopefully ensure that their items can be included in good time. JC

Changing your subscription details:
If you change your email, or decide that you don't want to get these messages any longer, please scroll right to the bottom of any Harberton Folk e-circular where you will find links to the Mailchimp system which will enable you to make the appropriate changes.
[this exact wording borrowed from a recent SaDFolk email (Somerset and Dorset Folk) - see Part Two below]

Important Admin note: Email delivery problems

I've had problems sending the previous two circulars to 190+ addresses (mainly BTInternet, BTOpenworld, Yahoo, Sky, AOL, plus a few others, all of which use the Yahoo email platform). The circulars have been soft-bounced, i.e. rejected, on both recent occasion by most of those addresses "for policy reasons".
When the same address soft-bounces several circulars in succession, MailChimp (the system I use to send circulars) eventually hard-bounces that address, i.e. permanently removes it from the circulation and I, as Admin, cannot then reinstate that address, although the person in question can re-subscribe themself.
This has happened a couple of times over the last 12 months and I have no real idea why it happens, so it's very difficult trying to do anything about it. But this present circular is a trial inasmuch as it employs simpler formatting with less complex underlying code in the hope this may increase the acceptance rate.

In the interim I have been communicating directly with the 190+ about this problem and I would like to thank the large number of them who very helpfully responded to my last communication when I sent a copy of the latest missing circular as a PDF file attachment, apparently successfully, whereas an attempt to simply forward a copy of the original circular to a test group of 10 addresses failed.

Several people also mentioned that they had an alternative email address which could be used for receiving the circulars - and I would ask anyone in this position to please use the 'update subscription preferences' link at the very foot of any circular to update their email address in the MailChimp data base accordingly. Should you no longer be able to access any original circular, I can update your email address for you on request (but it's best if you do it yourself if possible).
If you change to a Gmail address, please note that my circulars may arrive in your Promotions inbox folder.

It remains to be seen whether the 190+ will actually receive this circular.

[version sent on 8/6/18 to remainder of 270 contacts 'cleaned' by MailChimp, inviting re-subscription]
Once again this copy of yesterday's Harberton Folk email circular is being sent directly from my laptop (not via MailChimp, nor in MailChimp format this time) to those mostly btinternet / btopenworld / yahoo / aol / sky email addresses who were removed a while back from Harberton Folk's MailChimp database due to unknown circumstances and have not yet re-subscribed.
If you wish to continue receiving the regular circulars, please re-subscribe by going to www.harbertonfolk.co.uk where you’ll find a link to a short form to complete – and you’ll be back on the list.
Or simply reply to this email and ask me to re-subscribe you.
You can view Harberton Folk's GDPR-compliant Privacy Policy on the website.
Note that the e-circulars are now being sent from hfolk@johnculf.co.uk.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
At some point in the not too distant future I will no longer be able to continue sending these separate copies to you.
Best wishes
John Culf

[version sent to NON-GDPR segment on 8/6/18]
GDPR - Still time to update your preferences to continue receiving Harberton Folk Circulars - Please act now
The new GDPR data protection law came into force on May 25th.
I'm still hoping some more of the people who have not yet UPDATED THEIR PREFERENCES appropriately (see the link at the very foot of this circular) will do so to enable me to continue sending them the circulars. You will also find an 'unsubscribe' link there, should you need it.
The full list of 1350+ contacts is now effectively split into two parts, one containing the 955 contacts who have already updated, the other (to which this customised version of yesterday's circular is being sent) containing the remainder.
Alternatively, you can simply reply to this email and I can do the updates for you, if you tell me that is your wish.
New contacts can subscribe to the circulation at any time via a link provided on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.
Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation. John Culf

[version sent to GDPR CONSENT segment on 7/6/18]
Firstly, my thanks to the 955 contacts who have (thus far) confirmed their consent to continue receiving Harberton Folk emails. My list is now effectively divided into two parts, i.e. those who have, and those who have not (yet), re-confirmed. I'm now able to send separately to the two groups and will be sending further GDPR reminders (with the circular) to the latter group, and can assure everyone receiving this version of today's that this is the last time I will mention GDPR! Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation. John Culf

Harberton Folk Circular - Friday 25 May 2018
If you would like to continue receiving Harberton Folk email circulars...
...you must confirm your consent to do so - or your contact details will soon be removed from the circulation!
I know many of you will be fed up of receiving emails about GDPR - but today May 25th is the day the new law comes into force.
To date, barely half of my 1300+ contacts have signed up for continued circulars and I am sure there are many more who wish to remain on the list but just haven't got round to taking the appropriate action yet.
Even if you don't read any more of this circular, jump to the "Update subscription preferences" link at the very foot of this email which will offer you a very short simple form to complete - your existing details will already be there (with asterisks blanking most of your email address for security) - just tick both the vacant boxes and click 'Update Profile'. You can enter a completely different email address if you wish. (You could even 'Unsubscribe'!)
I intend to send several further reminders about this in the coming days because I really want to lose as few contacts as possible from the list.

Harberton Folk Circular - Tuesday 15 May 2018
Sorry it's been so long since the last circular. GDPR stuff has been taking up a lot of my spare time, but I think I'm almost there now.
GDPR Update - My Next Email will Require Action on Your Part
My next email (hopefully tomorrow) will be particularly important as it will hopefully ensure that the Harberton Folk email circulation is operating in compliance with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into force with effect from 25 May 2018.
You must take action as indicated in that next email (or any subsequent reminders) if you wish to continue receiving the e-circulars, i.e. re-confirm your consent to receive Harberton Folk e-circulars.
If you do not, we will unfortunately be obliged to remove your name and email address from the circulation.
Sorry to sound rather 'technical' or officious, but this IS REALLY IMPORTANT and we don't want to lose you!
Please also note that a few changes are also being made at the same time in the hope of reducing the likelihood of these circulars being regarded as spam/junk by some email systems/providers. For example, the sending address will in future appear as hfolk@johnculf.co.uk (in case you need to 'whitelist' this address or otherwise approve it for receiving Harberton Folk e-circulars.
John

Update on the New Data Protection Law (GDPR)
My thanks to the significant number of people who have sent comments and offered advice on this subject, following my piece last week. I'm beginning to get a good idea of what I need to do to keep the Harberton Folk email circulation 'legal' and will share this with you soon. It will require simple action on your part to enable you to continue receiving the e-circulars.

New Data Protection Law
Some of you may have heard recent mention of a new (EU) data protection law coming into effect on May 25th; some may have even heard its name: General Data Protection Regulation 'GDPR'. I am still struggling to understand the possible  implications of this for my Harberton Folk email circulars and the MailChimp data base containing your details which underpins the circulars, and what I may have to do - and ask you to do - to ensure compliance with the new law and thereby allow you to continue receiving these circulars. Watch this space! JC

Flaxey Green Website - www.flaxey-green.co.uk
This excellent Devon website contains a wealth of folk-related information in addition to an events diary, such as comprehensive listings for folk dance clubs, pub sessions, bands, solo artists, callers, musicians wanted/available, morris sides, a For Sale section (currently including a couple of melodeons, a Peavey KB3 amplifier and other sound equipment.

Reminder for Gmail users:
As well as probably putting these circulars in the Promotions inbox folder (rather than the Primary folder), Gmail also 'clips' long emails, such as these circulars, and you need to select the 'View entire message' option to do just that.

'Roots and Shoots' on Exeter's community radio station Phonic FM www.phonic.fm
Listen on 106.8 FM and online on 1st, 3rd, 4th (and 5th) Mondays of the month 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Featuring the best in folk/roots music with a strong emphasis on local music - both live in the studio and recorded. News too of folk/roots events in Exeter and south and east Devon. We welcome contributions from musicians, singers and anyone involved with folk/roots/world music in and around Exeter. Most importantly, listen in, then get in touch to tell us your reactions and suggestions. Contact Roots and Shoots: Telephone 01837 871498 (Martin Henning), email m.henning@hotmail.co.uk.
A message from Adrian Bull
"I co-host the 'Roots and Shoots' radio show. I specialise in playing all things folk(ish) and am particularly keen to promote local artists and events/clubs. If you are a musician and would like me to play some of your music on the show, or even come on as a guest, then I would love to hear from you. I am also keen to have promoters, folk club organisers on the programme."

'Technical' Notes
1) I send copies of my circulars to several different email addresses of my own (Plusnet, Hotmail, Gmail) to help check that as many as possible are reaching their intended recipients. Last week the copy to my Plusnet address unusually finished up in my spam folder. Very occasionally a copy may disappear without trace. I have no idea why - the joys of email! Anyway, if you think you may be missing a copy at any time, you can always find the full open-ended southern Devon Folk Diary listings on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk, along with the most recent circular(s).
2) A chance communication with a recipient of these circulars has revealed that Gmail, as well as probably putting the circulars in the Promotions inbox folder (rather than the Primary folder), also 'clips' long emails, such as these circulars, and you need to select the 'View entire message' option to do just that.
The person in question had failed to see the 'Christmas events' section in Part because of the above clipping.

The following interesting item appeared in Steve Cunio's Somerset & Dorset Folk Events Diary email today - Have any Harberton Folk recipients experienced this issue yet?
"Do you use Gmail?
I've had a couple of emails from people asking why SaDFolk had started to send them Google Calendar invitations to events they had no interest in. I haven't changed anything here, but following a bit of searching round the Net, I found that Google had made this 'improvement' to their service.
If you have a Gmail account and a Google Calendar account and any email you receive contains something which Google interprets as an event you might want to go to, it automatically adds the invitation to your calendar and sends you an email about it.
To turn this off, you need log into your Google Calendar then click on the gear wheel icon in the top right, select ‘settings’ then look for ‘Events in Gmail’. Under that there should be a ‘Add automatically’ setting. Deselect that and the problem should go away."
Please let me know (by reply to this email) if you as a Harberton Folk recipient have experienced this issue. Thanks. JC

Folklore & Mythology Resource Guide
I've added the following link www.supersummary.com/folklore-mythology-guide (Folklore and Mythology Resource Guide) to the Links page page on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

An 'interesting' email problem
Those of you who read my recent notes about the various problems I experience when sending these e-circulars may be interested/amused to see a (new) rejection message received from a recipient at a local educational establishment. I have highlighted the offending word in bold/red and added spaces so it's not rejected again. This word appeared in the item about Hayseed Dixie:
Microsoft Antigen for Exchange found a message matching a filter. The message is currently Identified.
Message: "hf21_30 080226"
Filter name: "KEYWORD= racial discrimination: h i l l b i l l y"
Sent from: "John Culf"

Apologies for such a long gap since the last circular. Remember, the full open-ended Diary is always available on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk contains gigs right through to June 2025, many of these added in the last couple of days - so do have a quick scroll through to see if there's anything that takes your fancy. Tickets will usually be on sale for any gig listed.