First Sunday Folk Club, The Crown, Hemingbrough
The folk club starts at 8pm, candles light the tables and its time to relax and listen to a greater variety of music than most will ever hear on one evening. Singers and musicians give their names to the MC on arrival and then it's full tilt ahead for a busy evening, with time for the shortest of beer breaks before the programme resumes. The acoustics are phenomenal - imagine the best of PA systems, but no mic to worry about!! The folk club is held in the upstairs function room at The Crown, and for new comers who perform, there is the added reward of a First Sunday Folk Club Sticker!! Much sought after!
History of the Club
In the late nineties a few friends and Mick O'Hara enjoyed visiting the various pubs in the region, The Royal Oak at Temple Hirst, the Three Horseshoes at Brotherton, The Ferryboat in Thorganby, the Black Swan, the Little John and the Tap and Spile in York (Lot of drinkin', me norty boys, ed.)
During the usual Boxing Day heavy drinking session, it was decided that the room inhabited by the said gang of drinkers (upstairs in The Crown, Hemingbrough) would make a great venue for yet another singers' night. So the gang, comprising Mick himself, another Mick (MacNamara) that rogue Dave Shaw and Alan from Cliffe decided to start one. The only name that came to mind was, "The First Sunday Folk Club," and having made that choice, with a lot of debate and taking on board everyones' suggestions, tactful discussion etc etc, it was unanimously decided to hold the folk club on the first Sunday of every month, clever eh!!
Once the cruel winter was out of the way, and Mild Spring showed its face, the club's first date was set for 6th March 1999. It was to be more formal than the usual noisy public bar, and had there been a stage available, performers would stand on it. In the absence of a stage the performers come to the front with a round of applause, a joke or two to ease the way, a little quip here and there, a wink and a nod, THEN YOU ARE ON!
The acoustics in the room are terrific, so together with the best of order from the audience, this ensured a very enjoyable evening for both entertainer and the entertained. It was decided also, (unanimously) that the that well known party goer, raconteur and wit, the impossibly handsome (who the heck is writing this!!!! Not me Ed.) Mick O'Hara (ok folks I give in - he's on You Tube) would be the MC.
Mick O'Hara & Dave Shaw
So after a couple of months of spreading the word, giving out flyers with little maps on so people could find their way, forcing people (me) to promise to support them, the big night drew nigh. It was Mick's first ever go at being an MC - so it was a big event for him! The First Sunday Folk Club was bursting at the seams and everyone agreed it was a great night.
In 2008 Mick O'Hara celebrated his 100th MCing of the Folk Club, and received a gavel (to pound on the table for attention if the local yocals are too noisy! But no-one dare make a noise and it has not yet been used!) The "MC song" was written specially by Gill, and performed en-mass by all the gang. Mick went pink!
The club will celebrate its tenth anniversary in March 2009 and has proved to be a hugely enjoyable venue to sing, play, listen, meet kindred spirits, make new friends and generally have a good night out.
So - what are you waiting for? Come along and be welcome. Look forward to seeing you there.
Pie 'n' Peas on Sunday 7th March
The Crown's landlord, Stan, kindly provides a Pie and Peas supper each year on the folk club's anniversary. Many thanks Stan and Marva. So - come, join in and celebrate our 11th Birthday!
