SCROLL DOWN TO READ ABOUT ALL OUT MEETS IN 2022
ASTLEY
MARCH 2022 Photographs
This was the first meet of 2022 and we were treated to glorious weather for the whole weekend. It is a great village hall with ample parking and a large grass field. We had eighteen units and thirty two members. Beth and Gay were stewards and there was a warm welcome with tea, coffee and biscuits and a lot of catching up with everyone. It was lovely to share soup and a roll before a variety of songs, tunes, stories and dances on the Friday night with Tim, Ann and Gay leading the music. It is so good to have live music..The expected jigsaw was available – Wasgij this time and we didn't manage to finish it. Saturday saw a music session outside in the sunshine, and there was a competition to make a paper boats and place them on a grid to be judged later. There was also a Wordsmash to complete. Maps were available and some members arranged their own walks. The AGM took place in the afternoon where officers and committee members were appointed and we now have a full committee of twelve members. The evening saw a bring and share supper with plenty of choice. Beth did a brilliant job as MC and we were treated again to a lovely mixture of songs, tunes, stories and dances with Tim, Ann and Gay leading the music again. There were plenty of winners for the boat competition, Hazel won the prettiest boat, Peter's boat was on the correct rectangle, the most innovative boat was won by Mark and the most perseverance needed to complete the boat was won by Noreen. Tim and Ann won the Wordsmash. More tea, coffee and biscuits on the Sunday morning. It was an awesome weekend so thank you to Gay and Beth for being Stewards and thanks to everyone else who helped to make it such a wonderful weekend.
Chris Anderson
MARCH 2022 Photographs
This was the first meet of 2022 and we were treated to glorious weather for the whole weekend. It is a great village hall with ample parking and a large grass field. We had eighteen units and thirty two members. Beth and Gay were stewards and there was a warm welcome with tea, coffee and biscuits and a lot of catching up with everyone. It was lovely to share soup and a roll before a variety of songs, tunes, stories and dances on the Friday night with Tim, Ann and Gay leading the music. It is so good to have live music..The expected jigsaw was available – Wasgij this time and we didn't manage to finish it. Saturday saw a music session outside in the sunshine, and there was a competition to make a paper boats and place them on a grid to be judged later. There was also a Wordsmash to complete. Maps were available and some members arranged their own walks. The AGM took place in the afternoon where officers and committee members were appointed and we now have a full committee of twelve members. The evening saw a bring and share supper with plenty of choice. Beth did a brilliant job as MC and we were treated again to a lovely mixture of songs, tunes, stories and dances with Tim, Ann and Gay leading the music again. There were plenty of winners for the boat competition, Hazel won the prettiest boat, Peter's boat was on the correct rectangle, the most innovative boat was won by Mark and the most perseverance needed to complete the boat was won by Noreen. Tim and Ann won the Wordsmash. More tea, coffee and biscuits on the Sunday morning. It was an awesome weekend so thank you to Gay and Beth for being Stewards and thanks to everyone else who helped to make it such a wonderful weekend.
Chris Anderson
EASTER FOLLOW-ON-MEET
Photographs
Well, the Easter meet was a triumph.
So, how to follow that – with a great Follow-on, of course! And it was. The weather was kind (if a bit cool at times!) allowing us to gather every morning and afternoon for a sociable cuppa. Technical
hitches were soon resolved with the support of our wonderful stewards, Jenny and Chris Bridgewater, allowing normal camping service to be resumed in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside.
The Sports Pavilion was available for the first two nights, giving us a cosy room for a great singaround with some poetry too. Brailes Village Hall was available to us for the remaining 3 nights, allowing space for dancing and floor spots; our resident fiddler Jill was kept busy playing for dancing as well as accompanying others. We had many splendid contributions from the floor.
Sue Harris brought along some stones to paint, helped us with design and techniques, and let us use her vast collection of painting pens, and we produced some beautiful results (but not quite as beautiful as Sue’s!).
Saturday being St Georges Day, the local Morris men came and danced at the village pub and the church bells rang out. And our Stewards were flying the flag of St George on behalf of us all!
I think we were all rather sad to be leaving on Sunday. Altogether we had 31 units who stayed between 1 and 5 nights – 116 nights in total.
Thanks to Jenny and Chris for looking after us so well – and for the loan of their awning for our craft session!
Gill Aldous
Photographs
Well, the Easter meet was a triumph.
So, how to follow that – with a great Follow-on, of course! And it was. The weather was kind (if a bit cool at times!) allowing us to gather every morning and afternoon for a sociable cuppa. Technical
hitches were soon resolved with the support of our wonderful stewards, Jenny and Chris Bridgewater, allowing normal camping service to be resumed in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside.
The Sports Pavilion was available for the first two nights, giving us a cosy room for a great singaround with some poetry too. Brailes Village Hall was available to us for the remaining 3 nights, allowing space for dancing and floor spots; our resident fiddler Jill was kept busy playing for dancing as well as accompanying others. We had many splendid contributions from the floor.
Sue Harris brought along some stones to paint, helped us with design and techniques, and let us use her vast collection of painting pens, and we produced some beautiful results (but not quite as beautiful as Sue’s!).
Saturday being St Georges Day, the local Morris men came and danced at the village pub and the church bells rang out. And our Stewards were flying the flag of St George on behalf of us all!
I think we were all rather sad to be leaving on Sunday. Altogether we had 31 units who stayed between 1 and 5 nights – 116 nights in total.
Thanks to Jenny and Chris for looking after us so well – and for the loan of their awning for our craft session!
Gill Aldous
FILLONGLEY
Photographs
A lovely site with plenty of space, grass or hard standing, and a village hall with a separate meeting room. Alongside the field was the local allotment site – and there were plenty of plants available from last week’s plant sale, good to support local causes.
A very good turnout for this meet and apart from a few minor showers, the weather was very kind to us with plenty of warm sunshine, allowing us to sit out for our morning and afternoon breaks. Our stewards, June and Jeff Elmes, made us all very welcome, and June not only made soup for us all on Friday night but had organised her grandchildren to bake a selection of scrummy cakes – well, how could you turn those down? (I didn’t. I can report that they were all wonderful).
We had dancing and floor spots to a live band on Friday night, and on Saturday the Ukulele band prepared their set ready for Saturday night. Jeff and June handed out a round Britain quiz, and a guess the cartoon dog quiz.
Saturday afternoon saw the annual, unofficial world, Midlands Folk Group, Boules championship. Players were drawn at random in pairs, and we played a knockout tournament, on a questionable pitch. Not wishing to boast or anything but my partner Richard and I were the winners (although some questioned whether he was a ringer brought in for the championship!).
Another great evening followed; we had a fabulous shared supper and after clearing away, we had dances, songs, tunes and poems from the floor. It still feels very special to be able to do this, particularly with a live band. Trophies, hand made by Julie Eaton, were presented to the Boules winners.
Sunday was again sunny and we met for a final cuppa outdoors before packing up and leaving, and of course, for the answers to the quiz!
Many thanks to June and Jeff for their hard work in making such an enjoyable weekend, and to everyone who contributed. Our next meet will be at Lowsonford on 10 th June.
Gill Aldous
Photographs
A lovely site with plenty of space, grass or hard standing, and a village hall with a separate meeting room. Alongside the field was the local allotment site – and there were plenty of plants available from last week’s plant sale, good to support local causes.
A very good turnout for this meet and apart from a few minor showers, the weather was very kind to us with plenty of warm sunshine, allowing us to sit out for our morning and afternoon breaks. Our stewards, June and Jeff Elmes, made us all very welcome, and June not only made soup for us all on Friday night but had organised her grandchildren to bake a selection of scrummy cakes – well, how could you turn those down? (I didn’t. I can report that they were all wonderful).
We had dancing and floor spots to a live band on Friday night, and on Saturday the Ukulele band prepared their set ready for Saturday night. Jeff and June handed out a round Britain quiz, and a guess the cartoon dog quiz.
Saturday afternoon saw the annual, unofficial world, Midlands Folk Group, Boules championship. Players were drawn at random in pairs, and we played a knockout tournament, on a questionable pitch. Not wishing to boast or anything but my partner Richard and I were the winners (although some questioned whether he was a ringer brought in for the championship!).
Another great evening followed; we had a fabulous shared supper and after clearing away, we had dances, songs, tunes and poems from the floor. It still feels very special to be able to do this, particularly with a live band. Trophies, hand made by Julie Eaton, were presented to the Boules winners.
Sunday was again sunny and we met for a final cuppa outdoors before packing up and leaving, and of course, for the answers to the quiz!
Many thanks to June and Jeff for their hard work in making such an enjoyable weekend, and to everyone who contributed. Our next meet will be at Lowsonford on 10 th June.
Gill Aldous
LOWSONFORD
10th - 12th JUNE
Lowsonford What a charming area, deep in the Warwickshire countryside! I hadn't been to Lowsonford before and I loved the peaceful setting of the village hall surrounded by trees, next to a pond and with a canal close by. Our wonderful hosts, John and Jo, worked hard all weekend and ensured that we all thoroughly enjoyed our time together. We were given an A4 piece of paper and asked to produce a drawing to represent the name of a specific pub, to be displayed on our passenger window. From these sketches we had to guess the names of the pubs – a great way to greet each other as we visited each unit. Though our artistic efforts varied considerably (Gaynor's was outstanding!) it seems that Midland members were quite knowledgeable about pub names and most were successfully identified! Although our numbers were relatively small we enjoyed a full programme of dancing and entertainment each evening, and John and Jo provided welcome sweet rewards for the winners of quizzes and games. Our shared meal was sumptuous, and of course, John's famous speciality trifle became the splendid crowning glory to complete our feast. Some of us wandered along the canal path in the afternoon and it offered us another aspect of this charming area with gently lapping canal water, quiet canal boats and with wild flowers in bloom along the way. And nearby there is an historic village pub, the Fleur de Lys – you may well realise what speciality food it is famous for!
Freda
10th - 12th JUNE
Lowsonford What a charming area, deep in the Warwickshire countryside! I hadn't been to Lowsonford before and I loved the peaceful setting of the village hall surrounded by trees, next to a pond and with a canal close by. Our wonderful hosts, John and Jo, worked hard all weekend and ensured that we all thoroughly enjoyed our time together. We were given an A4 piece of paper and asked to produce a drawing to represent the name of a specific pub, to be displayed on our passenger window. From these sketches we had to guess the names of the pubs – a great way to greet each other as we visited each unit. Though our artistic efforts varied considerably (Gaynor's was outstanding!) it seems that Midland members were quite knowledgeable about pub names and most were successfully identified! Although our numbers were relatively small we enjoyed a full programme of dancing and entertainment each evening, and John and Jo provided welcome sweet rewards for the winners of quizzes and games. Our shared meal was sumptuous, and of course, John's famous speciality trifle became the splendid crowning glory to complete our feast. Some of us wandered along the canal path in the afternoon and it offered us another aspect of this charming area with gently lapping canal water, quiet canal boats and with wild flowers in bloom along the way. And nearby there is an historic village pub, the Fleur de Lys – you may well realise what speciality food it is famous for!
Freda
SHATTERFORD
1st - 3rd JULY PHOTOS by Julie Eaton and Mark Burton
The village hall was just outside the village of Shatterford, in rural Worcestershire. Tom and Julie were due to be our stewards but unfortunately Julie had to stand down at the last minute, fortunately Gay was on hand to step in. Luckily, the meet was held just prior to the heatwave and the weather was most pleasant.
It was lovely to welcome newcomers Marilyn, Daphne and Mark to this meet, who were most complimentary about the friendliness of the Midland Folk Group. Hopefully they will join us at future meets. On Friday evening, Tom and Gay provided salad and rolls, on Saturday evening we had a super shared supper with Beth providing an excellent trifle. In addition to our usual dancing and floor spots on both evenings, Tom’s successful quiz on Saturday evening was won by John and Chris. Gay and Tom were excellent stewards ensuring that it was a most enjoyable weekend.
June Elmes
1st - 3rd JULY PHOTOS by Julie Eaton and Mark Burton
The village hall was just outside the village of Shatterford, in rural Worcestershire. Tom and Julie were due to be our stewards but unfortunately Julie had to stand down at the last minute, fortunately Gay was on hand to step in. Luckily, the meet was held just prior to the heatwave and the weather was most pleasant.
It was lovely to welcome newcomers Marilyn, Daphne and Mark to this meet, who were most complimentary about the friendliness of the Midland Folk Group. Hopefully they will join us at future meets. On Friday evening, Tom and Gay provided salad and rolls, on Saturday evening we had a super shared supper with Beth providing an excellent trifle. In addition to our usual dancing and floor spots on both evenings, Tom’s successful quiz on Saturday evening was won by John and Chris. Gay and Tom were excellent stewards ensuring that it was a most enjoyable weekend.
June Elmes
ASTON CANTLOW
5th - 7th AUGUST 2022
As a relatively-new member to the organisation, and someone who camps solo, the prospect of joining established groups of campers can be a bit daunting. However, I needn't have worried as both the weather, and the fellow folk-enthusiasts were very kind.
The first clue that all would be well was the friendly waves as I drew up in my ageing motorhome (fondly known as Myvanwy). Within minutes of parking, the nameplate I'd made at Easter camp was proudly displayed outside the van and myself and my border terrier Gloria set out on a mission to meet new friends.
It was fantastic to recognise a few faces from the Easter meet: Gay - minus her hat; Linda who I'd met in sign making class; and the characters that are Rosemary and Dave from Wessex Region. But it was just as easy to get to know everyone else, thanks to the great hosting from stewards Lesley and Roy, and the format of the days - coffee circle at 11 (where people socialised, knitted, nattered and played games); and of course the evening gatherings in the nearby village hall.
This was an opportunity for group dancing (expertly called by Rosemary and Gay), and for people to share their talents - from reciting a poem; singing acapella; accompanying themselves on a guitar or playing in a group. There was no pressure to contribute and no judgement as to standard or professionalism. It became apparent that it was purely for the joy of being together and a celebration of life and music.
As someone who works in the funeral industry I hear a lot about regrets; should-haves; what ifs and if onlys. This work has led me to the conclusion we should only ever regret the things we've done - not the opportunities we've missed. So yes - I'm very glad I plucked up courage to go. I'm grateful to everyone for their kindness. And my only regret (things we've done, remember?) was having four gins on Friday night. I'll play better next time - I promise!
Ruth Graham
5th - 7th AUGUST 2022
As a relatively-new member to the organisation, and someone who camps solo, the prospect of joining established groups of campers can be a bit daunting. However, I needn't have worried as both the weather, and the fellow folk-enthusiasts were very kind.
The first clue that all would be well was the friendly waves as I drew up in my ageing motorhome (fondly known as Myvanwy). Within minutes of parking, the nameplate I'd made at Easter camp was proudly displayed outside the van and myself and my border terrier Gloria set out on a mission to meet new friends.
It was fantastic to recognise a few faces from the Easter meet: Gay - minus her hat; Linda who I'd met in sign making class; and the characters that are Rosemary and Dave from Wessex Region. But it was just as easy to get to know everyone else, thanks to the great hosting from stewards Lesley and Roy, and the format of the days - coffee circle at 11 (where people socialised, knitted, nattered and played games); and of course the evening gatherings in the nearby village hall.
This was an opportunity for group dancing (expertly called by Rosemary and Gay), and for people to share their talents - from reciting a poem; singing acapella; accompanying themselves on a guitar or playing in a group. There was no pressure to contribute and no judgement as to standard or professionalism. It became apparent that it was purely for the joy of being together and a celebration of life and music.
As someone who works in the funeral industry I hear a lot about regrets; should-haves; what ifs and if onlys. This work has led me to the conclusion we should only ever regret the things we've done - not the opportunities we've missed. So yes - I'm very glad I plucked up courage to go. I'm grateful to everyone for their kindness. And my only regret (things we've done, remember?) was having four gins on Friday night. I'll play better next time - I promise!
Ruth Graham
SINTON GREEN
2022
The P-Y-O weekend at Sinton Green was well attended but perhaps slightly depleted because of the clash of dates with Bromyard folk festival. The weather was really good during the weekend although the Sunday morning was quite autumnal until the sun broke through. Rob and Noreen were our stewards and made us all very welcome.
The P-Y-O element of the weekend was unexpectedly absent as all the damson trees surrounding the hall had been removed. This left a number of initially disappointed attendees, but the surrounding roads and footpaths managed to provide enough bounty to compensate.
The Friday night soup and rolls went down very well with alternative soup offerings provided by Noreen, June and Gaynor.
The Saturday night shared supper saw tables packed with extensive goodies which were thoroughly enjoyed but not entirely consumed. The remains were enjoyed for breakfast on Sunday morning with a tea or coffee as we paid our dues for the weekend.
Both Friday and Saturday nights were informal and began with a small fun quiz organised by Noreen. Both nights then continued with Rob as MC and a live band providing music for all the dancing. Everyone had the opportunity to contribute with a tune, a song, a dance or a poem.
Our youngest attendee of the weekend was Gracie, a four year old, who made us all feel worn out with her endless energy as she participated in every dance.
There was plenty of useful advice given to resolve a few vehicle problems encountered over the weekend. The resultant advice meant that everyone was happy to return home and then fix the problems locally.
Everyone left with a smile on their face and looking forward to the next meet at Colwall Village Hall near Malvern.
John Curry
2022
The P-Y-O weekend at Sinton Green was well attended but perhaps slightly depleted because of the clash of dates with Bromyard folk festival. The weather was really good during the weekend although the Sunday morning was quite autumnal until the sun broke through. Rob and Noreen were our stewards and made us all very welcome.
The P-Y-O element of the weekend was unexpectedly absent as all the damson trees surrounding the hall had been removed. This left a number of initially disappointed attendees, but the surrounding roads and footpaths managed to provide enough bounty to compensate.
The Friday night soup and rolls went down very well with alternative soup offerings provided by Noreen, June and Gaynor.
The Saturday night shared supper saw tables packed with extensive goodies which were thoroughly enjoyed but not entirely consumed. The remains were enjoyed for breakfast on Sunday morning with a tea or coffee as we paid our dues for the weekend.
Both Friday and Saturday nights were informal and began with a small fun quiz organised by Noreen. Both nights then continued with Rob as MC and a live band providing music for all the dancing. Everyone had the opportunity to contribute with a tune, a song, a dance or a poem.
Our youngest attendee of the weekend was Gracie, a four year old, who made us all feel worn out with her endless energy as she participated in every dance.
There was plenty of useful advice given to resolve a few vehicle problems encountered over the weekend. The resultant advice meant that everyone was happy to return home and then fix the problems locally.
Everyone left with a smile on their face and looking forward to the next meet at Colwall Village Hall near Malvern.
John Curry
WALESBY FOREST for the Folk Group Diamond Anniversary Meet
15th - 20th SEPTEMBER Photographs
The meet was sited in the beautiful Walesby Forest, with plenty of opportunity for walks and bicycle rides.
On the Thursday evening most folk went along to a sing-around in the marquee. On the Friday evening there was a choice of a dance in the main hall or a sing-around in the bar. Both groups were well attended by members from the one hundred or so units that came to the Meet.
Saturday morning was the Macmillan Coffee Morning with a fine array of cakes, over £1000 was raised.
Saturday evening was the Gala Evening, a three course meal followed by a Ceilidh – the room was cleared of tables and chairs in record time with everyone helping.
There was a church service led by Linda Norris on the Sunday morning, followed by a Pete Mac music session, and then another informal sing-around led by Ann and Tim Mundy in the afternoon. The Meet was well represented by the Midland Group, as can be seen in the photographs taken prior to the start of the Saturday meal.
15th - 20th SEPTEMBER Photographs
The meet was sited in the beautiful Walesby Forest, with plenty of opportunity for walks and bicycle rides.
On the Thursday evening most folk went along to a sing-around in the marquee. On the Friday evening there was a choice of a dance in the main hall or a sing-around in the bar. Both groups were well attended by members from the one hundred or so units that came to the Meet.
Saturday morning was the Macmillan Coffee Morning with a fine array of cakes, over £1000 was raised.
Saturday evening was the Gala Evening, a three course meal followed by a Ceilidh – the room was cleared of tables and chairs in record time with everyone helping.
There was a church service led by Linda Norris on the Sunday morning, followed by a Pete Mac music session, and then another informal sing-around led by Ann and Tim Mundy in the afternoon. The Meet was well represented by the Midland Group, as can be seen in the photographs taken prior to the start of the Saturday meal.
COLWALL
7th - 9th OCTOBER 2022
Wet and windy weather did not deter Beth and Bill, our stewards, from greeting everyone warmly, despite being absolutely soaked! It was lovely to welcome to this meet a number of members from other folk song and dance groups. Beth and Bill had been very busy providing plenty of information for anyone wishing to visit the surrounding area, including places to visit, maps and bus timetables. For anyone
wishing to stay on site, a jigsaw and a number of board games were available to use.
Friday evening's supper was an ideal time to sit and enjoy a catch up with members sitting close by. Beth's homemade soups, spicy tomato and red pepper/mushroom, were delicious as were her homemade lemon drizzle cake and carrot cake. Supper was followed by an
entertaining social evening with Chris as the MC, an excellent MC he was too. We are so fortunate to have such talent among the members.
A bright, sunny morning greeted us on Saturday. During the day, the hall resounded to the sound of expertly played instruments and voices performing in a sing around. Some people took their own craft projects to work on and had music while they worked, no doubt joining
in with the singing.
The evening's shared supper was delicious, the savouries and sweets were so varied and thoroughly enjoyed. Supper time was the beginning of quiz time and really had everyone thinking. Later in the evening, during the interval, the quiz continued and the answers were
given, well done to Ann and Tim on their victory.
The MC for the evening was Beth who, like Chris the previous evening, did an excellent job. There was so much talent on offer be it singing, playing instruments, storytelling or reciting poetry with great dances called by the two Johns and Rosemary, supported by the evening's
band excellently led by Ann and Tim - a most enjoyable evening. A special mention must go to Bertie and The Fabulous Bertie Boys, who, along with Beth and Jane, their backing singers, had everyone in fits of laughter!
Sunday morning coffee time was a time for chatting and reflecting on a most enjoyable weekend with special thanks going to Beth and Bill for all of their hard work.
June Elmes
7th - 9th OCTOBER 2022
Wet and windy weather did not deter Beth and Bill, our stewards, from greeting everyone warmly, despite being absolutely soaked! It was lovely to welcome to this meet a number of members from other folk song and dance groups. Beth and Bill had been very busy providing plenty of information for anyone wishing to visit the surrounding area, including places to visit, maps and bus timetables. For anyone
wishing to stay on site, a jigsaw and a number of board games were available to use.
Friday evening's supper was an ideal time to sit and enjoy a catch up with members sitting close by. Beth's homemade soups, spicy tomato and red pepper/mushroom, were delicious as were her homemade lemon drizzle cake and carrot cake. Supper was followed by an
entertaining social evening with Chris as the MC, an excellent MC he was too. We are so fortunate to have such talent among the members.
A bright, sunny morning greeted us on Saturday. During the day, the hall resounded to the sound of expertly played instruments and voices performing in a sing around. Some people took their own craft projects to work on and had music while they worked, no doubt joining
in with the singing.
The evening's shared supper was delicious, the savouries and sweets were so varied and thoroughly enjoyed. Supper time was the beginning of quiz time and really had everyone thinking. Later in the evening, during the interval, the quiz continued and the answers were
given, well done to Ann and Tim on their victory.
The MC for the evening was Beth who, like Chris the previous evening, did an excellent job. There was so much talent on offer be it singing, playing instruments, storytelling or reciting poetry with great dances called by the two Johns and Rosemary, supported by the evening's
band excellently led by Ann and Tim - a most enjoyable evening. A special mention must go to Bertie and The Fabulous Bertie Boys, who, along with Beth and Jane, their backing singers, had everyone in fits of laughter!
Sunday morning coffee time was a time for chatting and reflecting on a most enjoyable weekend with special thanks going to Beth and Bill for all of their hard work.
June Elmes
