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Jan 08 I wish you a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year and I wonder whether 2008 will be as busy and rewarding. It certainly looks that way for the next few months. In addition to bookings at folk clubs, festivals and schools I’m continuing my part-time work with music students at Huddersfield University, introducing them to a wide range of folk song and music. We’ve got an exciting line-up of guests at our Ryburn 3 Step folk club and visiting bands and callers for our barn dances. Have a look at our website for details and drop in if you find yourself in West Yorkshire. http://www.ryburn3step.org.uk/ We’re continuing to raise money for the African Workshop Appeal – helping a group of musicians and artists who are teaching children about their own traditions in Mali. Our good friend Ben Holt, who started off this appeal, is going out to Mali in February and will be reporting back on the progress of this project. We decided to get involved, obviously because of the musical link, but also because we know that every penny raised goes direct to the project. Many thanks to all those people who donated money at festivals last year and special thanks to Dave Derricott who raised a considerable sum for the appeal from the Christmas Concert he organised. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=4893&l=da98f&id=516057048 If you look at my forthcoming dates you may well be intrigued by my projects with West Bromwich Albion football club (and Portsmouth in April). Last year, at Sidmouth Folk week, storyteller, and Arsenal fan, Pat Ryan reminded me about the “Kick into Reading” project working with football club trainees who then work with primary school children on literacy and storytelling. Someone has to train the trainees and Pat’s diary was full so he suggested that I should get involved. I’m looking forward to the project and maybe this is what my grandmother meant by telling me I should get a proper job – a comment that was definitely offside. http://www.nationalliteracytrust.org.uk/Football/RTGProjects/kir.html Radio Britfolk has now been renamed The Music Well, many of the same people involved in making programmes and inviting ideas from everyone with an interest. I’m hoping to make some more programmes this year. http://www.themusicwell.co.uk/ My occasional perusal of eBay has eventually paid off. Previous dealings resulted in acquiring a 1920 saxophone shaped kazoo and a pink “flying V” ukelele. However my latest acquisition will send all other melodeon players into paroxysms of envy. I now have a 1935 Hohner model 235, a very rare beast indeed. It is creamy/gold with red lettering picked out with red shiny stones – probably rubies. It’s certainly a very dressy instrument and I will need to smarten up my stage costume. I thought perhaps a silk country and western style suit like the ones worn by Hank Williams might be worth considering. Any offers? In the meantime if I’m playing near you in the next month or so it’ll be good to see you and I’ll be at a few festivals later on, Loughborough, Chippenham, Sidmouth and Swanage to date.