M.A.D. folk Archive.
Officials;
Chair; Mary Smith.
0151 652 4479

Treasurer: John Smith.
0151 652 4479

Secretary; Chris Warrington
email our Secretary.

Newsletter Editor.
Sheila Summertrees.
Try these "quick-links" within this page:
Ted Harnden, an appreciation.
NEston daycourse; end of an era.
Kathleen Leach, an appreciation.
Jean Nicholson, 90th birthday.
News from Contra.
Trip to Mltby.
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News from around the District

TRIBUTE TO TED HARNDEN

The death of our good friend Ted Harnden on 13th December 03 was not only a sad loss for all his family and friends, it also left a gaping hole in the district's Folk Dancing activities. Although his services and expertise were never taken for granted, his death has made us realise just how much we had all come to rely on him. There would have been a major breakdown in our activities but for the sterling efforts of those others who have rallied round to plug the gap.

One of a family of six brothers and sisters, Ted Harnden was born on 2nd October 1932 in Gosport where his father was a grocer. He inherited a keen mathematical brain and a phenomenal memory - two attributes that would serve him well throughout his life. On leaving school he joined the Royal Navy where he served his apprenticeship and gained a City & Guild Certificate in Electrical Engineering.

It was while on holiday at Butlins that he met his future wife, Jo, a Liverpool -born lass. They were married in 1954 and settled in Hampshire to raise their family of 2 sons and 2 daughters. Ted's Naval service took him to many parts of the world and on one occasion Jo was able to accompany him for a holiday in Malta. The Navy soon realized his exceptional ability and directed him to specialise in the field of Missile Guidance, which at that time was the very height of 'Top Secret' technological development. It is not surprising that he never talked much about his Naval experiences. At one time it seemed likely that the family might emigrate to Australia so that he could be on hand at the missile testing range at Woomera. Fortunately for us this move never took place and instead, much to Jo's delight, the family moved North to the Wirral in 1966 so that he could be involved in fitting out the missile systems in the very latest submarine then being built at Camel Laird's, HMS Renown.

Ted served on Renown for some time before eventually leaving the Navy in 1972 at the age of 40, having reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer, Chief Control Electrical Artificer. He then took a high-tech civilian job with a computer firm then setting up the latest computer systems for the Midland Bank. This lasted for several years until he was eventually made redundant and, now in his fifties he was never able find another comparable job.

It was during this period, while working for new pastimes, that Jo introduced him to Country Dancing. A graceful mover herself, with rhythm in her feet and music in her soul, Jo had always been a keen ballroom dancer and also became a very proficient tap-dancer. In Ted's case, it was probably the geometric patterns of Folk Dancing that appealed to his mathematical mind and he very soon became completely hooked. They joined the Heswall & West Kirby Group as well as the Upton Group and, like many late converts to Folk, they threw themselves wholeheartedly into the dancing, traveling the length and breadth of the country to attend dance festivals and courses, getting to know people and acquiring an immense repertoire of dances.

At Heswall he became a very efficient Group Secretary, a position he held right up until his death. After a period of basic training under Bert Eccles, our resident caller at that time, Ted and Dick Marchant between them were able to take on the calling at Heswall when Bert retired. At Upton he also took on the calling when John Fishwick retired. As if this wasn't enough, he also started a regular Thursday afternoon dance group for over 50s in West Kirby, as well as calling for an occasional Saturday night dance or Sunday workshop session. All these activities relied heavily on Ted's excellent calling skills and were in danger of collapse after his death. For stepping in to fill the breech and keep them going, our thanks are due particularly to Dick Marchant who now does all the calling at Heswall as well as the Thursday afternoon group in West Kirby; to Gwyneth Wilkie, who with others has taken responsibility at Upton Group; and to Edna Kershaw for taking on Ted's secretarial duties at Heswall and for undertaking the task of archiving his extensive collection of Folk Dance materials - a collection which also includes a large number of Ted's own dances, most of which are as yet unpublished and many containing local associations.

In a future issue it is hoped to publish his very last dance, actually composed while he was in hospital during the last few weeks of his life.

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THE END OF AN ERA,, by John Stapledon

All good things must come to an end at sometime I suppose and I am sorry to say Neston Folk Club's Day of Dance held in March this year was the last. We shall be holding an 'evening only' dance in the future on the usual Saturday - the second in March.

There are several reasons for ending the Day's of Dance - the main one being the rising costs of holding such functions and the fact that for the past two years the dance made a considerable financial loss. Another reason - numbers attending are decreasing, but I suppose this is inevitable unless more younger dancers can be attracted to our 'dance world'. This, I believe tends to be a problem nationally.

The Day of Dance became an annual event from 1979, but we did actually hold 'Days' before then - afternoon workshops and evening dances. The programmes varied but usually, were mainly Playford. From 1979 until 2000 the Day of Dance included morning, afternoon and evening dancing. Morning workshops varied enormously and included at different times - Morris, Long and Rapper Sword, Welsh, Scottish, Manx and American Square and Contra Dancing, also musicians workshops. For the last three years the 'Days' have been held on afternoons and evenings only.

I am afraid it would make this article too long to mention all the different M.C's and Bands booked but we certainly had a good selection, all very much enjoyed.
Believe it or not, from 1979 until 1982 the ladies of the club did all the catering - the lunches (steak & kidney pie, cottage pie, sometimes curry or spaghetti bolognese, fruit pie and gateau) - up to 70 orders. They also did the catering for the evening refreshments until 1987 and then there were up to 150 dancers, plus the musicians and caller. What we could do when we were younger and most of us were working then! My niece took over the lunches from 1983 and the evening refreshments from 1988.

Do you remember the Bring and Buy Stalls? These were run for at least 10 years making a lot of money for the EFDSS and Halsway Manor.
Speaking personally, as well as missing the postman delivering your orders for tickets through January and February, I shall also miss writing and enclosing my little notes with your tickets. You all became such good friends.
However, on behalf of Neston Club Members, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of you who supported the Days of Dance without whom they would not have been so successful. Many of you attended practically every one and some of you travelled a great distance, coming from different parts of the country, all of which was very much appreciated.

Keep on dancing,
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Memories Of Kathleen Leach Who Died In January 2004,, by Dorothy Jones

I remember Kathleen so well. I sort of grew up with her and her music. She along with Joy and Henry Larsen were known as the Liverpool Players. They were - next to my Dad - one of my earliest musical influences in the country-dance world.
Kathleen played the piano for dance clubs on the Wirral in particular Heswall and West Kirby club. When I was in my mid-teens and starting to play fiddle more, she would encourage me to go and play along with her.
She was a terrific pianist; she had great drive and lift. With her personality and musical genius she made the music come to life.
Kathleen played for the folk shows run by Ethyl Anderson. Whilst playing for these, a Lancashire accordionist who shall remain nameless affectionately gave her the nickname of 'rear gunner'! This was because she used to leave her foot down on the loud pedal and away she went ... not taking it off pretty much til the end of the night!
She had a miniature Yorkshire terrier dog called - - appropriately - - Melody who used to sit in a basket faithfully by her side with a red ribbon in it's hair. You might have got your heels snapped if you dared dance too near!
It is sad having come to the end of this musical era, but I will have fond memories of all three. You couldn't help but dance to the music of Kathleen, Joy and Henry collectively the Liverpool Players. They were a great inspiration and their music was very special.
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NEWS FROM CONTRA

All who attended the 'Loose Roots' Festival at Matlock (Derbys.) from April 2nd - 4th were unanimous in their pleas to Dave Wheeler, to make sure that it continues.
It started quite some years ago as the 'Feet First' Festival, until Dave took over to make sure that a super weekend would continue to take place after the group decided to pull out. The Festival became ever larger, until one year, Dave was ill and could no longer continue. However, as he admitted, it was through the help and encouragement of friends, that he resurrected it, in its original venue this year.
Probably because of these friends, the Festival, whilst providing high-energy Contra and square dances plus (French, Cape Breton, Percussive and Swedish) the music scene was very much Old Timey/Bluegrass. There were more banjos than accordions this time and this was reflected in the concerts.
We are keeping our fingers crossed for next year.

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Jean Nicholson's 90th Birthday
Congratulations to Jean Nicholson on her 90th birthday in July. Jean now lives with her family in Penarth, and celebrated her birthday with a party, with entertainment provided by English and Welsh folk dancers and musicians and a Scottish piper. She was even able to enjoy joining in one of the dances in her wheelchair.

Bebington Group members and friends were surprised at their folk camp this summer to discover that it was their 31st camp! The weekend camp started in 1974 as a one-off event, and has continued ever since. 4 dancers who were at the first camp have been to every one so far. This year about 50 dancers and singers, adults and children, gathered yet again in Cartmel to enjoy another weekend of dancing, singing and music.

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We regret to report the recent death of Joy Darragh, originally from the Wallasey Group. Although not able to dance in recent years, she had been a strong supporter of the Wirral Dance scene, and will be missed at many local events.

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M.A.D. Folk Annual General Meeting, Friday 19th Nov. 2004
at Alexander Hall, Heswall, at 8.00pm

In accordance with the constitution, this notice will be deemed sufficient notice. The business of the meeting will include receiving and accepting reports from the officers; electing officers/committee for the following year; fixing the membership fee for the following year; and discussing any matters of folk interest.
Nominations and motions should be received by the secretary, Mr. Chris Warrington by October 26th 2004.
The meeting will be followed by dancing. =============================================
TRIBUTE TO WINIFRED COOK
Winifred joined Neston Folk Dance Group in 1953 and for the rest of her dancing life staunchly supported the English Folk Dance and Song Society, which of course included Neston Group.
In 1951 she introduced Tom to dancing at a barn dance and this is when he first showed an interest in folk dance, particularly its history, eventually becoming bitten by the bug - so it can really be said that Winifred was the instigator in Tom becoming so involved in many fields of English folk music and dance.
Winifred was an excellent dancer and always keen that the standard of dance should be kept up and her own dignity and deportment were very much admired. She had a great understanding of the music and loved to listen to the tunes being played when she could no longer dance.
Winifred ran a W.I. country-dance class in the 60’s in Willaston and encouraged several of her members to join Neston Group. It was certainly noticed that they had had a good teacher.
She always said she was proud to be a member of Neston Group and was overjoyed when invited to become its president in the year 2000. To quote what she said in reply to the invitation - “I feel it is a great honour and in a way I hold it for Tom. Tom and I have always had Neston Group at heart and very much appreciate the interest and pleasure they have enjoyed as members. They both have wonderful memories which no one can take away”.
Winifred was always actively involved in everything the group did - the Saturday dances, Wednesday classes, displays and money making events in aid of the Society, to name but a few. She made cakes for dances when she was in her 80’s and then apologised most profusely when she was no longer able to do it. I could go on forever about her achievements - her main love being the dancing of course.
Apart from Neston Club she was also involved in Deeside couples, with Tom of course, and when a Folk Dance Group was set up in Greasby in the 60’s, this was led by Winifred and Tom through its duration into the 70’s. Through Winifred and Tom a lot of people were introduced to folk dance. Winifred was such a great support to Tom in everything he did and I often heard him say how much he valued this. He also said she was his greatest critic when he composed dances, wrote articles etc. In fact whatever he produced he valued her criticisms and sound advice. She played hostess at very many folk dance weekends and holiday weeks, which Tom led. These were held all over the country including Devon and Somerset and coming nearer home - Burton Manor. She always had the guests’ interests at heart at the same time giving her support to Tom.
Winifred will be greatly missed - she was such a kind and thoughtful person and always appreciated people for what they did. She was a good listener and could be relied upon to offer sound advice when needed. She had an enormous sense of fun and I can see her now laughing heartily at all the comical happenings within the Dance Club.
What more can be said, other than she was a very, very special person and I for one valued her friendship enormously.
Dorothy Jones


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Trip To Maltby.

No, not a new dance, but some observations on my first E.F.D.S.S. A.G.M. Since the society had been so obliging as to bring the A.G.M. to Northern England for a change it seemed an ingratitude not to attend. It was a miserable day when we set out to cross the Pennines to South Yorkshire, only to get worse as we lost the protection of the backbone of England and descended into the rain washed eastern side of the country. Luckily the roads were good and Maltby School proved easy to find, we arrived in good time for the meeting.
We had been disappointed that the programme did not include any dancing after the meeting but I was consoled with the hope that there might be a Folk Shop stall and I could fill up my Christmas Stocking with some E.D.F.S.S. goodies but there wasn’t.
Still there was the experience of the demonstration by the school folk dancing teams to entertain us during lunch, a well choreographed exhibition of mainly rapper and Morris dances and arrangements of folk dance tunes and airs which went very well except for one foul up which was eventually corrected and was worth the wait for the acrobatic finale
Though it was nice to see youngsters taking part in traditional folk arts it was disappointing as always to see the lack of boys in the teams. Also one wonders what happens when the children become young adults? Do they look on folk dance as something for children and old people only? Perhaps we should prevent them taking part and say it is for over 18s only. It might make it more popular.
And so to the meeting, not many members attended, a disappointment for the society and those who have argued for the A.G.M. to be staged outside London. The chairman apologised for being late, as he had not allowed enough time for the journey. There were many stalwarts who had made the journey successfully including a bold gentleman from Gloucester in less time than it takes him to get to London. Well done that man! Also a very colourful lady from Camden who would be the life and soul of any party made the pilgrimage unscathed despite her passing years.
The usual matters where read out and agreed, some discussion took place on the accounts and the rise in staff salaries, which was explained by the filling of vacant posts. The rights and wrongs of contracting out the bar at C.S.H. and the monetary saving or loss that may occur from this action, only time will tell who was right.
The matter of appointing a new president and patron was discussed and our lady from Camden proposed that we should approach Andrew Lloyd Webber, who may produce a Folk Opera for us. I am sure it would be a great boost to English Folk traditions if this could be achieved, but would the great man look on it has a poisoned chalice? Perhaps Michael Flaherty would be better bet if he could do for English dance what he has achieved for the Irish in River Dance we could be on the way to a new revival.
Some more discussions took place on the subjects of Insurance and membership fees, which led to the revelation of the age balance in the society, which is dominated by the retired members though we do have one student. This high lights the greatest fear I have for the English Tradition that since I joined in 1976 I have always been the youngest member of our group. Perhaps the society should do what it does best and start to archive the traditions using all the most modern means available and store it away in a time capsule for some future Cecil Sharp to find and reinvent the tradition in the future. Well after that we set of on our weary way back home, back across the Pennines.
Would I go again that is a question I will probably be debating until the next time.
Malcolm Davies

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Minutes of The Annual General Meeting of Mersey and Deeside Folk
held on Tuesday 18th November 2003 at Victoria Hall, Bebington
Present: 30 people.
Apologies: Keith Williams and Dorothy Jones.
Minutes of the last meeting were agreed and there were no matters arising.

Treasurers Report: John Smith reported that income and expenditure were currently running close together and we had a balance at November 1st of £107.16. John asked that the accounts be accepted and that the annual fee for next year should remain unchanged at £10 per group. Don Ashton proposed and Brian Jenkins seconded acceptance of the accounts and an annual fee of £10. A majority passed the proposal. John thanked Bob Lightfoot for auditing the accounts.
Election of Officers: As there were no new nominations the current officers were re-elected.
Chairman's Report: Mary reported the sad loss of Winifred Cook and extended the District’s sympathy to Winifred’s family.
Mary reported that the new group insurance policy is being finalised by the Society. If groups run events, which expect more than 100 people, they are advised to take out extra insurance. She also reported that the new Public Entertainment Licence has been passed by Parliament but details of implementation are not yet available.
Mary thanked all who had attended the meeting, the officers for their work and Sheila for typing and preparing MAD News.

A.O.B. Don Ashton asked whether the list of bands and callers in MAD News was up to date. Mary said that the list was being updated for the next issue of MAD News. Don also asked whether all advertisers in MAD News paid a fee. Mary said that advertising is free for groups affiliated to MAD News but all other adverts were paid for.

The meeting closed at 8.35pm and was followed by dancing.

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Folk Dance and Song on the Internet.
some links offered by Malcolm Davies;
www.efdss.org/ holds everything you may already know about the EFDSS, but has some useful links.
www.folkdancing.org relating to a multiple choice of folk dance types.
www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html a must for concertina players.
www.contemplator.com/folk.html a wealth of folk songs, words and music.

 Here are some pages linked to this page:
Liverpool CONTRA Folk-dance club
my daytime Country Dancing groups
some popular English country dances.
Liverpool Country Dance Band
IRISH Dancing information.
Lyrics of some Liverpool Songs.
Liverpool branch of the RSCDS
"Lancashire Folk":folk activities in Lancs.
Gerry Jones, the handy musician
Back to the Home page of Gerry Jones,
of Liverpool Contra FDC, who edits this page

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