Guildford Vox at the Cyder House, Shackleford

Susie Clarke, one of our choir members, is a regular there as part of a duo called the Cyder House Players, so it is she we have to thank for our gig there.
Bill Badger gave me a lift out there, but couldn't stay due to a CAMRA committee meeting. However it was easy to spot fellow choir members there, due to instructions by Anna to wear something bright green! I cheated by wearing a sage linen skirt which was nice and cool, with a black top (our other permitted colour). I've bought an apple-green t-shirt from M&S for next time (yuck - bright greens really don't not suit me).
The singing bit was outside on the patio, and the acoustics were good. Susie and Richard played first, and sang some funky soul numbers including 'Sexual Healing' and George Michael's 'Faith'. Susie has a marvellous, expressive voice and has obviously been hiding her light under a bushel!
Then we were on. Our set list included our Nigerian Lullaby, Sloop John B, Bright Morning Star, Haul Away Joe (Show of Hands do a version of this with a rude verse), Whim-Away, Name of the Game and the Zulu Wedding Song. All of these went down very well with the crowd - but nobody liked Puit D'Amour, which was apparently by Bronski Beat. It didn't go down that well in Guildford High Street either. Anna really likes it though - how to tell her it's not a crowd pleaser?
Had really good fun, sad it's the last rehearsal on Monday till September. Will really miss the choir...

Tolpuddle Martyrs' Day

Phew, what a scorcher! Hot drive down to Tolpuddle in our little non-air-conditioned car, thankfully no delays, to arrive at a very hot music festival. David Rovics was on fine form, the people from the Venezuela and Guantanamo campaigns loved him - he is so knowledgeable about world affairs, with the Latin countries particularly dear to his heart. The brother of Omar Deghayes, Guantanamo prisoner no. 727, arrested seemingly in a case of mistaken identity, was there to campaign for his release.
Heron, one of Quintin's favourite bands, were there - pleasant but they didn't grab me. Maybe I'll give them a few more listens. Billy Bragg also played in the scorching afternoon heat - and had a particular go at the Dagenham and Barking CLP, who were there with their banner! Good if it urges them to give the BNP more of a challenge. There was no escape from the heat whilst listening to the music - the marquees were just as hot as outside.
I attempted to join the march behind the Swindon Against Bombing banner but the heat was too much for me and I had to go and sit under a tree! Kevin was wearing a Billy Bragg 'Socialism of the Heart' t-shirt and as the march went past him, he heard someone say 'Nice t-shirt mate' - it was Billy himself!
Even hotter on the way back - we stopped at the Langton Arms, Tarrant Monckton and the Wyndham Arms, Salisbury on the way back to take liquid refreshment and cool down. A good day - we may go for the whole weekend next year :-)