AngusFolk Diary/Blog
Angus Folk have performed on average, a gig a month for the last two years, ranging from one or two numbers to presenting a whole evening’s entertainment. No matter the size of the show, it’s always a fun time. Although the tunes are heavily laced with the taste of tradition, there are also contemporary flavours and a few gospel numbers too. There may even be songs for the audience to learn so they can sing along with the group!
September 2008
This proved to be a very busy month. Once again we took part in the opening concert for the Kirrie Festival, at the beginning of the month. We tried a new type of fund raiser this term, in the form of a quiz, held at the Fort Bar in Broughty Ferry. Combined with Audrey’s quiz sheet, your endeavours raised nearly £600! The month and term, finished with a gig at Longforgan Guild – another new venue for Angus Folk.
August 2008
This month, we were asked to give a fund raising concert, on behalf of Christian Aid. The setting was the beautiful Brechin Cathedral. To top that, a great supper was provided in the Church Hall.
July 2008
In July our term opened with a special guest tutor. Isola McKenna brought us a selection of African songs.
June 2008
Our focus in June has been preparation for the second CD recording. Ali got us all into shape and on the 15th we spent the afternoon laying down some improved and some new songs. It seemed easier this time round – perhaps we’re getting used to being ‘recording artists’! We then broke for a deserved summer rest.
May 2008
On the 6th we entertained Letham WRI and used this as a warm –up for our Violet Jacob Fundraiser at the House of Dun on the 9th. What a great night that was! Alongside our guests, we played to a packed house and the setting made it almost magical. The National Trust for Scotland has asked us to do a return concert there – likely to be September 2009.
April 2008
April was a busy month for Angus Folk. Our AGM was held on the 22nd and a new Committee took over the reins. Many thanks to those who stood down, for their years of sterling service to Angus Folk. We also said “goodbye” to Lezley, who was moving on through a new appointment in the ministry. On the 26th we held a singing workshop in Forfar, tutored by Corrina Hewitt. This attracted quite a few new faces; hopefully we will see them again at future events. Corrina brought a good variety of songs to the group and we left the workshop with a sense of learning something valuable about our own singing from the day.
March 2008
In March we paid a return visit to Menzieshill Guild and entertained a lively audience. Also this month, we held our first fundraising concert of the year. This featured the music and singing of Pete Shepheard and Arthur Watson. Thanks to them for the evening’s entertainment.
February 2008
Unfortunately circumstances prevented us attending the Muckle Sing this year, but it is already pencilled in our diaries for 2009 with a reminder to book early! Guest tutors this month were Maureen Jelks and Amy Lord
January 2008
We Welcomed the New Year and a new term with our party on the 15th. We had games and song and a great evening. Thanks to all those who organised the games and as always, for the lovely supper. The month continued with our Ali Burns workshop. This is always a popular event as Ali has a deserved reputation for her harmony and creating a beautiful sound from the participants. Also in January we welcomed Pete Shepheard as a guest tutor for the first time.
December 2007
We finished up this term with a performance at the lovely setting of Guthrie church, at the invitation of Guthrie Guild. A mixture of seasonal songs and carols was presented to the appreciative audience, followed by a supper laid on by Guild members. Sitting in the church pews eating mince pies reminded me of the times as a child I sucked on a sweetie in church with a guilty conscience!
November 2007
Following our successful fund-raising concert in October, Sheena Wellington returned to Kirrie to tutor Angus Folk for two of our November meetings. Sheena focussed on some of the lesser- known Scottish ballads. We were also thrilled to have Amy Lord tutor the group this month. Amy brought a great mixture of songs with lots of harmonies to the group.
October 2007
We were honoured to have Sheena Wellington as our guest at our October fundraising concert in Kirrie Old Parish Church Hall. Sheena entertained the audience, which came from all over Angus, with a great selection of songs, stories and even a poem! A highlight of the evening was a duet sung by Sheena and Maureen Jelks. How lucky we were to be entertained by two of Scotland’s finest traditional singers. Maureen is one of our tutors and Sheena is booked to take two classes in November.
September 2007
For the second year running, Angus Folk had the privilege of singing at the opening concert of the Kirrie Folk Festival. This proved to be a busy time for the group as we also ran our annual Caputh singing weekend in September. Janice Clark ran the accompanying workshop.
Later in the month, Angus Folk were invited to take part in the “Choired for Sound” concert, which was the mass choir element of the “Fest n’ Furious” Dundee Festival. A good day was had by all who could make it, culminating in an afternoon concert in the Marryat Hall.
August 2007
In August, we participated in the Kirriemuir “Relay for Life” 24 hour relay in support of Cancer Research. That’s to say, Angus Folk were part of the entertainment platform, not that we haven’t a few athletes in our midst!
July 2007
This year, Angus Folk were invited to take part in The Hairst Sessions. We performed in Arbroath as part of the “Saturday Skirl”, alongside Nigel Jelks. In place of our usual classes, we gathered for a couple of song sessions in the Three Bellies Brae pub in July.
May 2007
Our second workshop of the year, featuring Sarah Harrop, was held in Forfar. Sarah brought great energy and a wide variety of new material to the day, which was enjoyed by all.
April: 2007
Our first fundraiser of the year took place in April. We were lucky to have as guests, the popular Joe Aitken and Scott Gardner. They entertained us with a night of bothy ballads. This proved to be our most profitable one yet, so many thanks to both Joe and Scott.
Following our Probus concert in December, we were invited to entertain members of the National Trust local area in April. We laid on a programme paying tribute to the works of Violet Jacob, in song, verse and prose. Angus Folk rose to the challenge and were very well received by the packed audience. Our success with this work has prompted suggestions that a later fundraiser could be devoted to an evening of Violet Jacob’s work.
To round off April, Angus Folk got together to begin the work of recording a CD. A tiring but rewarding day ensued, which saw us lay down 10 tracks with the helpful guidance of Robin . We’ll continue to work on this project so look out for an Angus Folk CD at some time in the future!
March 2007
In March, we entertained Lunanhead WRI with a programme of songs and music, featuring individual members of the group alongside our usual numbers. This was well received by the audience.
February 2007
February saw Angus Folk travel to Bathgate to attend the Singers’ Gathering. A great mixture of learning, singing and sharing took place. Especially enjoyed was the ‘Muckle Sing’ on Saturday afternoon, which was led by Annie Grace, Corrina Hewitt and Karine Polwart.
January 2007
The New Year began with a great start at the Ali Burns workshop, held in Forfar. Many participants commented on the raising of spirit felt at being part of the music created. Harmony was the focus of the day and new friends and tunes resulted. At the end of the month, we celebrated Burns Night in Dundee, where we entertained the Women’s Group in Menzieshill. Special mention here to the great haggis pies that were provided for supper!
December 2006
This month saw us entertain the Kirriemuir Probus Club at their annual Christmas Dinner and then we relaxed and enjoyed our own well-earned Christmas Party.
November 2006
In November we were invited to appear on stage at the Reid Hall, Forfar as part of the Hope Charity Concert. This was hosted by Michelle McManus and featured Kiki Dee alongside other local groups and talent. It was recorded by Radio Scotland and transmitted nationally in February as part of their “Let’s Do the Show Right Here” series.
Angus Folk were nominated as Angus Ambassadors for 2007 and reached the final three entries for Cultural Ambassador of the year. This is great recognition for the Angus Folk group, and we were delighted to reach the final. Our secretary, Lezley Kenedy, and tutor Maureen Jelks went along to the glittering awards ceremony in the Golf Hotel, Carnoustie. Unfortunately, we did not win the first prize but feel very proud that our nomination reached the final.
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