Mervyn wins the Folk Trophy
At the Chipping Norton Music Festival
It was as much like a normal folk club evening as we could make it at a formal occasion - the 93rd Chipping Norton Music Festival, Folk Music Evening. We gathered in the stately upstairs room at the Town Hall, grouped around tables set out in cabaret style, John Kirkpatrick presiding as adjudicator. Although the lights were bright, the atmosphere was quite relaxed as people each took their turn, John giving humorous and helpful comments at the end of each class.
This was the occasion of the first presentation of the William Bailey Folk Award, donated by the White Horse Folk Club, Highworth, and friends, in memory of Bill Bailey, who ran the club for many years before his untimely death in October 2003. The award was for "the folk performer who best communicates with the audience."
Mervyn Penny, our founder member, brilliantly performed three traditional folk songs and deservedly received the trophy.
Certificates were awarded to Mervyn and to Helen of the Highworth club; to "Quartet" (Pen, Jill, Alan and Peter) and to Bill and Heather of the Chipping Norton club, and to Jeremy of the Adderbury club.
We repaired to the Fox Inn across the road for a cheery end to a fabulous evening. Thank you, committee members of the Chipping Norton Music Festival!
(The picture shows Mervyn Penny receiving the trophy from Simon Lole, chief adjudicator, at the Grand Concert on the Saturday night at the end of the Festival.)
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