Mardles

Dave Cooper 1939 – 2020

Received from Peter Twitchett

The passing of Dave Cooper marked the end of an era in the world of Folk Music, I first knew him in 1967 when he was running the “Phoebus Awakes” Folk Club in Catford, South London. There are many stories, some of which he shared himself, that can be told about Dave. He travelled the world in his early days, ran radio stations and encouraged folk music wherever he found it from the Albert Hall to the village pub. Below is a YouTubeof Dave singing at the Steamboat Folk Festival 2011

I wrote this song for him as a birthday present on a notable birthday. It says it all really!

As I was a-walking down Thetford one day,
I spied young Dave Cooper all on the highway.
He said, “Come to a folk club.” I said, “Righty-Ho!”
And off to the Brewers we boldly did go.

Sing it here, sing it there
Of his love of folk music we’ve all had a share!

In South London, in Catford, I’ll tell you the truth,
In his folk club the choruses lifted the roof.
He booked world famous guests, but you all know the tale.
So over Paul Simon we’ll draw a quiet veil.

Then in fair Nottinghamshire Dave ran a new club.
It was a success for the olde worlde pub,
Though the floor was a little insecure, so it’s said;
And you mustn’t sit under the old moose’s head!

The tales of his cars are varied and true.
It would take far too long to recount them to you!
But we all remember the one we like best!
Don’t borrow his car if you’re passing your test!

In his youth our brave hero he travelled the world.
His love of folk music to all he’d unfurl.
From East Europe and Italy tales he can tell
And stories from other strange places as well.

And now in East Anglia his songs they ring out.
From Cromer to Colchester and all round about.
With the sessions, the radio and Gallery Quire,
This is the Dave Cooper we love and admire!

Sing it here, sing it there
Of his love of folk music we’ve all had a share!

Set to the tune of Vilikins & his Dinah

Stringfillies at The Acoustic Lounge

STRINGFILLIES – THE ACOUSTIC LOUNGE, HUNGATE CHURCH, BECCLES – FRIDAY 20TH MARCH -7.30 p.m. - £10

Stringfillies

StringFillies featuresXenia Horne (harp, vocals), Hattie Bennett (cello, vocals) and Emily Bennett (fiddle, vocals) who will present a fully acoustic and intimate evening of tunes and songs

The trio formally launched at Folk East in 2015, although they have played together for many years in theatre productions and for different concerts. Their love of traditional music making brought them together in this new format.

About Suffolk Folk

Suffolk

ABOUT SUFFOLK FOLK

Suffolk Folk was initially a branch member of the English Folk and Song Society (EFDSS) which was founded by Cecil Sharp in 1911. The earliest reference found to the Suffolk District Branch, as it was known at the time, appears in the EFDSS handbook dated February 1941 although there can be no doubt that folk dance in Suffolk was thriving for many years before that. There is mention of the Norfolk and Norwich District in an earlier edition – March 1937 – but it could well be that Suffolk was an active member at that time and the Secretary had simply failed to send in a report. Further research is needed if anybody wants to dive deeper than the level required for this simple homage to Suffolk Folk.

The 1941 edition of the handbook records seven centres in Suffolk ranging from Exning to Woodbridge and it is clear that there was a lot happening at club level. The actual name ‘Suffolk Folk’ came about in 1995 when ‘districts’ were abolished by EFDSS and so Suffolk Folk became an independent organisation with its own constitution and the stated aims of publishing the magazine entitled Mardles and of organising an annual folk dance – the Playford Ball.

Earache - 2020 January

for those with their finger on the pulse

New Year's Greetings.
The turn of the year bought welcome news for those with poor sight for it is the year of 2020. What a universal blessing that will be.
Harking back to 2019 we would just like to point out that the CD produced at the Eel's Foot in Eastbridge in aid of the Minsmere bird reserve is now available from the pub for the princely sum of £8. (Or ask us and we will be happy to procure one for you.)
earache 2020 01 p1 Produced and directed by Doc Cox with typical Yorkshire generosity. Who could have believed that the county of deep pockets and short arms was capable of such a polished production?
Through the wonders of modern technology we have managed to reproduce the front and back covers of the CD. Led by Doc's number “The Foot of the Eel” (work it out yourselves), the company drives it along like a 4-6-2, up to the mark, with 14 on, thundering up Shap summit. Buy now to avoid disappointment, £8 for one or the special price of five for £40.
Ramblings

Pastime with the Pastons

'A celebration of the Paston dynasty in dance'

For those interested in music, dance and history Norwich Historical Dance, in association with Swaffham Arts are performing a celebration in dance of the famous Norfolk dynasty, the Pastons, known for their intriguing and informative letters. In part the performance is based around the unusual 17th century painting, now in Norwich Castle Museum, which is known as the 'Paston Treasure'.

Dave Cooper 1939 – 2020

Stringfillies at The Acoustic Lounge

STRINGFILLIES – THE ACOUSTIC LOUNGE, HUNGATE CHURCH, BECCLES – FRIDAY 20TH MARCH -7.30 p.m. - £10

About Suffolk Folk

Earache - 2020 January

for those with their finger on the pulse

Pastime with the Pastons

'A celebration of the Paston dynasty in dance'

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Mardles

Suffolk Folk

Norfolk Folk Association

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