How and when were you first introduced to Folk Camps?
I was introduced to Folk Camp by Anna Tabbush and Mark Weaver, around 1999 or 2000. They said I should go to the ‘youth’ camp with them at Miserden because I would enjoy it, so I went and I did enjoy it. I enjoyed it a lot actually, and the people I met at that camp are still the people I enjoy folk camping with the most.
What is your best Folk Camps memory or experience?
I don’t think it’s possible to isolate one single memory or experience as the best, but in a week where everything is about full and glorious immersion in folk music, folk songs, folk dancing, folk chat, folk friends etc, the memories that stand out as special are the many times I’ve found myself standing in the corner of a dark field at night, watching shooting stars or looking through telescopes, while lovely music and laughter and a warm glow radiates from the marquee. Or maybe late night card games.
What do you bring to this volunteer role?
I have run many music workshops over the years, and played for many dance workshops, both at festivals and regular events. I have also run my own group, Fiddle Choir, for a long time and I arrange the various parts (usually 6 parts) very specifically to individual ability. And to good effect, I hope! I am definitely the harmony queen, and I like taking tunes on a little journey so that they are not the same each time through. I love the evening ceilidhs, and have copies of music so anyone can join in even if you don’t know the tunes.
Please tell us about your background. eg Music or Folk experience? What do you do when you are not at Folk Camps? Please give info about any band you play in, workshops you do, etc.
I played for many years with the Climax Ceilidh Band, made up entirely of folk campers, and before that with a trio called Pesky, also made up entirely of folk campers, and currently am in a pub band called The Twitten Revellers. I have performed and toured with the European Youth Folk Orchestra as one of the 9 represented European countries. I also run Hastings May Queen and teach maypole dancing.
What instrument(s) do you play?
I’m primarily a fiddle player. I also play hurdy gurdy and bodhran, sing a little and I used to play classical piano (very rusty now!). I can also play a passable jig on a recorder, as long as you don’t listen too closely to the notes, but I only do that once a year in May, because a recorder is much easier to bung in your pocket during a procession than a fiddle.