The Sunday of the Hops Festival
The day started early with the Festival Band being given the prime slot of 09:30. Alan set up the sound in a way that suited folk / amplified acoustic music very well (he always does) and off we went again and then all too quickly it was over.
So off to the corner cafe for a pot of tea and a bacon bap. It is so posh that they have one girl whose sole job is to stand by the door and ask if you are eating inside or outside. They need another now to fill up the sugar.
Sitting there with George, Shelagh, Judy and Will, listening to the band for whom we vacated the stage – Follia. A lowlands band who are stunningly good.
We watched the Faversham Formation Dancing Team dance along to bourres and we were joined by Chris Taylor & the lovely Jacqui and Martin Long.
And in no time at all, it was time for the lunchtime session. No one there already so we settled in and waited for them to arrive. I must say that it was more subdued than Saturday and more fragmented in a way as though there was less in common.
Nevertheless we went round the changing group and played some tunes and sang some songs. I can’t remember everybody who was there (I should take a register) but apart from Shelagh, Judy, George and myself, there was Chris Care who is always welcome in any session I run. Mike, Ruth and Barbara made a brief appearance, Martin the fiddle and Stephanie the accordian are regulars and unfortunately arrived quite late. It was nice to see Gerry the banjo again and there were two ladies who were there last year. One has a Serpent (instrument) the other has a Spaniel (dog). Someone did ask if she played it (the dog). They, and Gerry and another lady who plays recorder are members of Kits Coty Morris I believe.
Vague memories of a fiddle and singer duo. A chap who sang the Old Dun Cow. And that was pretty much it really.
There will be a session an entertainment tonight in the Bear.
There is an Irish Session on Sunday in the Unicorn at Bekesbourne.