I got in to Folk Camps when my partner Mark & I were looking for something that satisfied our love of singing, dancing, playing music and camping together. We wanted to combine all these and have like-minded company around us to socialise with while we were at it. A Google search led us straight to Folk Camps.
We booked into a weekend camp that was close by and, when we arrived, camped right at the end of the field so we could sneak out if we didn’t like what we found. But we did and we stayed and returned again and again! It fitted the bill!
Now I am retired from teaching (Engineering) I have more time on my hands and can get involved in whatever I like! I also like swimming and mucking about on the water – so Folk Camps near the sea are my favourite!
When I was younger I got Grade 1 piano and also Grade 5 theory, but then I taught myself how to play guitar at the age of 13 and decided I much preferred it as an instrument. I played it and led new church music for quite a while. I also learnt recorder at school. I now play guitar and various whistles for our local Morris Team (Alton Morris) and I enjoyed accompanying Mark singing at folk clubs and going to various local sessions, including a Ukulele Strum-along.
My favourite part of Folk Camps is being with the good friends, that we have made over the years, making new friends, learning and playing all sorts of music together and having fun! Key ingredients of Folk Camp!
I didn’t so much as volunteer as get volunteered for the job! I am a very practical person, good at fixing things and I love being able to help out and enable others to fully enjoy the folk camp experience. Volunteering as warden gives me that opportunity.