At: Hullabaloo, 41 Westgate, Shipley, BD18 3QX

Est: 1956

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Topic Newsletter Archive

Topic Newsletter 48: January 2006

Greetings: and a happy new venue to us!

Welcome to the C ock and Bottle.

Well, we are in. The first Singers' and Musicians' session has taken place in the Concert Room at the Cock and Bottle, and it was an almost unqualified success. The room was comfortable and cosy (not my description!), of a more friendly shape (rectangular rather than L-shaped), warm, of acceptable acoustic (no-one said they couldn't hear) and the drinks were cheaper. 22 people came: well better than our usual S&M attendance, of whom 15 performed, so there was only time for three songs each.

Obviously there were some minor glitches, but most can or will be sorted. Bar staff and regulars were friendly and interested, no-one reported any difficulties parking, and a good time was had by all. In the unsolicited words of one long-standing member "I don't think y'all could have found a better room".

The C ock and Bottle is the oldest pub in Bradford. The name can be traced back to 1720, and the present building dates from 1820. It is a real ale pub par excellence, with the number of locally-brewed real ales available on any one night running into double figures. And while there is no absolute connection between real ale and folk singing; the two fit together well. It is the right location for the oldest Folk Club in the world.

Of course, the next test will be a proper Performance. Which leads neatly to the upcoming programme:

Jan 12 Westport.
Yorkshire/Irish songs (maybe some Scottish), tunes and entertainment, from this scratch band led by Barry Smith. Barry has a fine ear for a tune and a song, writing a good proportion of the material himself; and excellent whistle-playing skills. The band members have full Irish / Scottish credentials: bodhran, uillean pipes, whistles, guitar, fiddle. They will be joined on the bill by a special one-off performance by Scarlet Heights the original duo. Pat Sherry and Nigel Broadbent were the nucleus from which the long-serving Bradford Irish Band grew: and they are together again tonight in a brief window before Nigel returns to his professional musician's duties in Majorca. This'll be a great evening - make sure you get there on time!

Jan 19 Solan
Celtic Wizardry from the remaining duo of this once five-piece band from the Shetlands (a Solan Goose is the Shetland name for a Gannet). Now more conveniently based in Shropshire, Richard Chaff (guitar, vocals) and Frances Wilkins (concertina) combine cool English sensibility with Celtic passion and verve. Influenced by their years on Shetland, they offer songs, tunes both traditional and self-written, and storytelling.

Jan 26 Double Header:
Kath Reade a singer, guitarist and songwriter from Burnley, who often appears at the Skipton Folk Club but is coming the extra mile tonight and who came to the first C and B Singaround to check us out. She has a distinctive guitar style that matches her stunning voice. In contrast, the classical duo of Richard Heacock and Becky Price play fiddle and accordion respectively, presenting a series of classical English dance tunes. Both are highly accomplished musicians with a host of professional engagements.

Feb 02 Tom Napper Tom Bliss
A remarkable, talented, multi-instrumental, friendly, self-effacing and entertaining duo. Two excellent musicians in their own right: Bliss with his superbly crafted and thoughtful songs, and Napper with his ability to play anything with strings (and probably without strings) in the Irish tradition, together they are something else. Joining them as Featured Support will be Ian Hill, a regular on the West Yorkshire circuit with a mix of Scottish, Irish and international material.

For the rest of February: 16th William Pint and Felicia Dale, on tour from the States with their range of (broadly) songs of the sea, and on the 23rd, a welcome return for Roy Bailey.

In March: 2nd Anne Lister, 9th Stanley Accrington, 23rd Judy Cook, 30th Julie Ellison

In April: 6th Cordner and Rudolf, 20th D/H Emily and Ben, with Tim Moon: 27th Steve Ashley

In May: 4th John Conolly, 18th Bernard Carney,, 27th Steve Ashley , 25th Pete Abbott

In June: 1st Pete Smith / John Buckley, 15th CrossCurrent, 22nd Robin Laing, 29th Roger Sutcliffe

In July: 6th Alistair Russell

There'll be more on these acts in due course. Or research them yourself via our excellent Website!

PHILOMENA

The venue change finally provided the catalyst for the long-serving Philomena Hingston to decide to retire from doing the door after over twenty years. Many people attending the Topic may well have seen Philomena mainly as the first welcoming face who took their money as they came in: but over the years she has performed many other unsung tasks. For over a decade she was the act-booker, and very regular provider of free bed and breakfast to visiting artists. Until quite recently she also patiently trudged round the various locations where Topic fliers can be found. And for many a long year she sponsored the raffle, paying for the weekly prize in order to maximise the income that went to the Club. Not to mention providing the catering for any special events we had (such as the Christmas Party).

Philomena didn't want any fuss as she gradually divested herself of these many functions. But we sincerely hope we will see her from time to time at our new venue. And fuss or no fuss, nothing can detract from the gratitude that each and every member of the Topic, and each and every artist that has appeared on our stage, must have for the contribution she has made to the Topic's survival. She would demur, of course; but I am convinced that had it not been for her work, the Topic would have ceased to operate a decade ago. We are greatly in her debt. She has written wishing us well in our new location.

POLICY

Our hope is that the new venue will attract a larger audience, which in turn will enable us to make a more prompt start. The hope is, also, to prevent the evening drifting; making sure we get full 2x40 minute value from our artists without straying beyond 11.15. It isn't only busses; it is people having to work next day as well. Which means that there may be fewer opportunities for second-half floor spots, especially for those who don't turn up until well into the evening. You‚ve been warned! The C ock and Bottle carries on serving until 12.00, so anyone who wants to stay later (and sing, if they want!) may do.

In passing, you may notice that I have put a space in the pub name. This is because my sending email system (and I suspect some receiving ones, if they are US based) dislikes repetition of what has clearly been programmed in as a "rude word".

See you all some Thursday at the C ock and Bottle at one of the above events. 8.30 start Be there by 8.30 if you want to perform a floor spot, which are still available every night even where there is a Featured Support artist booked. No smoking in the club room.

John Waller
Topic Newsletter Editor
john@john-waller.co.uk

Topic Newsletter No 48 January 2006