Residents
Our Residents
We are blessed with a cornucopia of talent at the club, which is one of the reasons why it is such a joy to attend.To give some idea of the scope and versitility of the membership, below is a brief intro to some of our more regular contributors:
Marilyn Campbell: Marilyn has been collecting and singing songs of the tradition since her early days on the 70's folk club scenes of both her native Hull and Chichester. For many years on as half of the duo 'Marker' with Kerry Manning, she also added contemporary songs to her repetoire. Now a fine solo performer she is also the club's premier spoons-player and mega-brilliant Folk Club organiser.
Dave Garrard: Dave is a grand singer/guitarist with an extensive contemporary repertoire ranging from Dylan and the songs of the 60's folk revival, through country/Americana to C&W yodelling songs and laments for gnomes. Another prime member of the Beer Break Band (BBB) and it's principal guitarist, a stalwart of the club and great fun.
Patrick Hogston: A very good box player with a mass of tunes available at his fingertips, Patrick is a big part of the BBB and also plays in sessions around the area. He is also a solo singer and presents some fine chorus songs for the club to join in with (a thing they much like to do). Patrick is also in Victory Morris.
Carrie Hogston: in the BBB Carrie plays melodeon, and (because she plays for Victory Morris) a very fine player she is, but her finest point is her solo songs, either self-penned, traditional or American, which just sound so good.
Alison West: And now for something completely different- our very own Ukelele Queen. As well as playing guitar and singing some really great songs (about the sinking of ships and the almost-entire works of John Otway), Alison has now mastered the Uke' and it brings a whole new sound to the club. She is a member of the popular Pebble Beach Band. Alison also MCs some great theme nights and, as a sideline, counts up all the money as Treasurer.
Lesley Pardoe: A great boon to the club, being not only a lovely lady, but a singer of some great songs, and plays a mean descant recorder in the BBB.
Jim Glover & Chris Skinner: Fine solo accompany singers in their own right, but seen as a duo at gatherings all over the country where good signing is appreciated.
Colin Turton: A fine tenor singer with a lovely collection of songs and a concertina! Colin has been one of us for many's the year. He also convenes the Occasional Folk Club which meets monthly at Chidham and Hambrook village hall on the second Sunday of every month.
Mave Hobbs: Mave has a cool collection of Music-Hall songs to entertain us with.
Ken Hobbs: From the sublime to the...! Ken writes unique songs (and the occasional pantomime) and accompanies himself on guitar.
Barry Reah: A prolific songwriter of some powerful stuff, or, as he likes to call it "MPD" (more purile drivel)! Also a great MC for the more bizarre of our theme nights (Folkopoly and Strip the Folkie being two such memorable events). Also a guitarist in the BBB.
Phil and Jane: A great duo, who perform some really great interpretations of modern and traditional songs, plus some excellent self-penned stuff. Check out our Residents Gigs and Events page for more details of where else you can hear these stars.
Sally Argent & Ronnie Williamson: The club equivalent of the Special Forces, these two club members scour the festivals around the country, inveigling suitable guests into their caravan and then kidnapping them for us. When they are not acting as super-stewards and pressgang officers they offer up songs and stories for our singaround entertainment.
Andy Slade: A great singer of grand old songs, full of passion and action. Also a dab hand at guitar, melodeon and concertina and a very good Morris dancer (even if it is with it is with Broadwood Morris rather than Victory!)
Louise Slade: Her readings of select poems always enrich the evening, and she keeps Andy in check very well. Louise is our club fundraiser and will happily exchange £1 of your hard earned cashed for raffle tickets each week.
Lorna Shephard: Lorna plays giant recorder and keeps us in touch with our dance tradition by playing some great Playford dance tunes, and anything else that takes her fancy. Nat, her other half, keeps our club bathed in candlelight.
Pete and Trish Watkinson: Pete is one of the Portsmouth Shantymen but as a solo singer and guitarist has appeared at many clubs and festivals. Wife Trish can sometimes be persuaded to also offer a song.
Dave Harris: Chichester's very own "smooth crooner" of classic pop songs and standards, accompanied on guitar with beautiful arrangements. Dave is a popular guest and many local music events.
Jane and Mike Conquer: Make the trip over from Fareham and we're very glad that they do. Jane's quirky, unique songs are a joy and Mike's poetic readings add to our nights. He is a bass player in the BBB.
Norman Keates: Norman found his voice online on the Virtual Chichester Folk Song Club during Covid days and continued when faced with a real audience.
Regular Performers at the Club also include:
Annie Winter
Simon Cattermole
Clive Ashley
William Davies
John Bentley & Linda Stone
Angela O'Brien
Howard Sherlock