2018

 

On Fisherman's Friends

That was a fabulous evening, thank you - one of the best 

Jennifer Angless - 23/02/18

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Absolutely brilliant evening, thank you both so much for all the hard work and well done! 
Debra and John Cull - 23/02/18 

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On Julie Felix

That was so good, we were treated to a real legend this evening. All the way from the USA to Tiddy Hall. Thank you for a memorable evening.

John & Deborah Cull 07/04/18

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Thank you for a very special evening, pretty special wasn't it.

Jenny & David Lines 07/04/18

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On Mark Pidgeon

Just wanted to say a massive thank you from Celia and me for a really wonderful evening. We had such a great time - and learned a lot

Emlyn Lilly - 12/08/18

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On MEGSON

Brilliant night. Thank you both for the awesome music, I was hanging on to every word. - Lefty 06/10/18

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One of the most exciting acts we've had at the club, a great evenings entertainment - Mark Pidgeon 07/10/18

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On A.J. Clarke & Peggy

A terrific show last night, thanks to you for all your efforts. Keep up the good work

Ken & Audrey 20-11-18

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On All on a Winters Night (Johnny Coppin)

I really enjoyed the gig last night, it was brilliant
Jed Yarnold - 09/12/18

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Thanks so much Mark and Elaine for a fantastic time last night  My friends and I enjoyed it so much.

Please can it be an annual event???

Happy Christmas

Diane Fowler 10/12/18

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Great night on Saturday. Thanks

Sybil Ruscoe 10/12/18

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On Listen, Listen

An absolutely fabulous evening at Wychwood, with 15 String Trio, IOTA and Listen, Listen - The Songs of Sandy Denny. Great company, with so many friends there, made for one of the best gigs of the year, for me. It is always better for me, to hear songs interpreted, rather than imitated, with someone as unique as Sandy Denny. Wonderful way to end my music season this year, which has been an absolute cracker!

Ian Huckin 23/12/18

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Fantastic night with good friends! Great way to end the years gigs

Pete Laurie 23/12/18

2016

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Shire Folk Review

Saturday 9 January 2016

Just over two years ago Oxfordshire-based singer-songwriter Mark Pidgeon reckoned there was a gap in the market for a new folk club in west Oxfordshire. On my visit to the club, on a really cold, wet, January evening, 140 people (a sell-out!) had turned up in Tiddy Hall in Ascott-under-Wychwood. I think this proves the enterprising Mark was correct in his assessment.

‘I seemed to be travelling many miles to see folk acts and bands’, said Mark, ‘so I thought, why not try and put some of them on in my village’. So Wychwood Folk Club was born and it has quickly become a centre to see established acts like Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, Jez Lowe, and Richard Digance. Mark told me he had just booked Steve Knightley of Show of Hands for January 2017, which will no doubt be another sell-out. However, it is refreshing to see that also Mark gives new, young talent the chance to play and two real Shire Folk favourites in Kelly Oliver and Ninebarrow are on the list to appear at the club.

Tiddy Hall is really the village hall and is a light, airy, spacious building with excellent acoustics for folk music. Mark does have the option of also using the nearby Swan Inn, which has a room holding up to 45 people. Having the two venues with different capacities not only helps Mark balance the books, but also gives him the ability to book a wide range of artists.

There are now roughly two gigs a month at the club, all taking place on a Saturday night. Being in a village means many locals come along just for a night out and this is the perfect way to introduce them to live folk music. Doors open at 7.30 p.m. for an 8 p.m. start and ticket prices range from £6 to £14 depending on the act playing. There is parking at the hall and on the streets nearby. The club now has multi-instrumentalist Chris Leslie from Fairport Convention as its Patron and Wychwood Brewery are the club sponsors. Hence a good pint of Hobgoblin is always available at the bar.

On the night I went along, Phil Beer, the other half of Show of Hands, was playing the second night of his 39-date solo tour. He wowed the crowd with two 45-minute sets, including a mix of traditional and contemporary material such as ‘Warlike Lads of Russia’, learnt from Nic Jones, and a fine version of ‘Next Best Western’ from one of my favourite singers, Richard Shindell. Phil reminded us that he had played in the ‘Hot House’, a club in the nearby village of Charlbury in the very early days of Show of Hands. I actually saw them play there. Sadly, that club has gone, but on the evidence of my visit, Mark and his willing band of helpers have created a successful folk club that has a very bright future indeed.

Graham Hobbs 2016

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On Swanfest 2016

Just wanted to what a fantastic Swanfest! Loved all the artists we saw, John saw more in the afternoon too. Well done to you both and your team!
Thank you
Debra and John X

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Absolutely brilliant evening at Swanfest last night - a lovely end to my 2 weeks summer holiday. I listened to Cardiff Bay on a deserted beach on The Isle of Mull on Wednesday, then got to hear it live last night - lucky me!! A truly inspirational evening as I knew it would be. 

J Williams

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Great day at Swanfest with the UK weather helping the groups sound even better.KS

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On Johnny Coppin & Mike Silver 

Just to say many thanks for a brilliant Saturday night's entertainment.
You have an excellent venue and it is heart warming to see, from the pictures on the wall, the efficient organization, the wonderful sound and the personal touches, that Folk Music is so much appreciated at Wychwood.
I know Mike and Johnny very much enjoyed the whole evening.

Karina Sept 2016

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On Peter Knight’s Gigspanner 2016

After such a brilliant performance on Saturday, I felt I had to write to say thanks top you both.  Yes, for me they and their music are awesame, spellbinding, entrancing and a few other descriptive superlatives I won't even bother to write as I think you know what I mean.  For me they strike a chord - I don't know why that is, why they come across so effectively.  At one point I looked at the woman behind me and her eyes were glazed, she being so taken with what she was listening to.

 

But it is your hard work that allows us punters this excellent enjoyment - long may you continue to delight us all.

Dave in MB

 

On Jez Lowe 

Turned up on a whim, having searched for something new to do, really enjoyed Jez Lowe on Saturday night. Please add me to your mailing list. Have booked some tickets for Hatful of Rain already!

Best wishes Lucy Aug 2016

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Jez Lowe was amazing! We spent most of Sunday playing his CDs. I too, was singing the FB song in my head all day - even tried to find a copy to buy,  but unsuccessful.

Thank you for all the hard work you put in to running the club. It is very much appreciated.

Tricia Murphy Aug 2016

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On Anthony John Clarke

Fantastic night with Anthony John Clarke. Laughed and very nearly cried. Over 2 hour set of pure joy and plenty of audience chorus opportunities. Unforgettable.

G Davies Oct 2016

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On Clive Gregson

Thanks for putting such a great evening of music, Gregson was fantastic and so was the support. We brought a couple of friends who are more used to Birmingham NEC for their live music and they loved it and they intend to come again

Chris Stoneham 12-11-16