December 2017: General Catch Up

Since the last post (bugles at the ready) many jolly nights have been going on upstairs in the Grapes, Newcastleton with old friends and new in attendance. If I have let the blogposts lapse (which, of course, I have) done, it has not been for lack of singers, musicians, tunes and songs, but rather that my time and energy for recording these has been being syphoned off elsewhere. However, I have resolved to write a briefer summary from this point on (it being the time for resolutions and all that) and in that way to keep the news ongoing.
To cover the times that have sped by in 2017, I notice my last was during the build-up to the Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival of last year: April. So to catch up, Janet has contributed greatly to our little gathering this year and, in May, joined David and I, Steve, Phil, Ruth and Katy and some audience friends Ian and Angela, Eric, Diane and Mary (and one or two others whose names are indecipherable in my book). Looking through the list of songs there was a seasonal spring-like theme with a couple of birds, 'The Swallow' and 'A Small Bird Comes to me Apron' also featuring. Janet gave us 'Heartbreaker' an early Elvis number as well as 'Adieu to Old England.'
June I omitted to bring the book and wrote elsewhere (unknown).
In July Norman, Charlie, Carol and Dave joined us, Norman contributing 'The Ploughboy Lad from Yarrow' among others, Carol 'The Goodnight Train on the Trail' by Utah Phillips and Dave, in a rare vocal rendering, 'Have you Seen Ought o' my Bonnie Lad' and Charlie the tune, 'The Longhope Lifeboat' among others.
August brought us Maureen and Ron, Martin and Lynne from the caravan site as well as our special guest, Miriam briefly returned from Italy. Also Kevin and Charlie with Swedish Irish and other tunes on pipes and fiddle. Miriam's 'The Maiden and the Selkie was particularly haunting.
In September Christine gave us some grand songs accompanied on guitar such as 'Underneth the Weeping WillowTree. It was good to have Carol, Dave and Norman visiting again and to hear Carol's 'October Song' one I haven't heard for a while also Phil's 'The Setting of the Sun' by Cicely Fox-Smith and Angus' 'A Dedicated Follower of Fashion. '
October brought the annual visit of Jed and family, some lovely tunes by Jed on the fiddle and songs by various family members. Clive also brought his fiddle: a great treat to have two fiddlers, both much enjoyed.
November's session also proved lively, Steve joining us after a difficult year and contributing greatly to the proceedings which went off with much general good cheer.
Thanks to all who took part. We have one more session night to go in 2017 on the 26th Boxing Night for anyone who manages it. See you there.