VILLAGE HALL NEWS – LIVE PERFORMANCES
By the time you read this all our scheduled performances will be over for a while, hopefully there’ll be more later in the year. We’ve had a very successful “season” so far from July to January; the three performances have averaged an audience of over 70 people, with yet one more to come in February as I write. It seems that once folk have been to one event they generally return – thank you!
Many thanks also to Paul who very kindly does the reviews for us – he’s SO much better at it than me!
Isobel Turner
REVIEW OF McSHANE & SHAW – 17 FEBRUARY 2024
This appearance had been re-arranged following dramatic flooding back in their home town of Penistone last October. It was soon clear that the wait was worth it as they kicked off with their original song Specs. Evidently the promised evening of ‘feel-good musical entertainment’ with Chris McShane and Ralph Shaw was coming true. Indeed, all but the last song in their first set were their own compositions – naturally making the best use of their multi-instrumental talents. This was evident when they first involved the audience in Disco Ukulele which, as a song, came across as ‘exactly as it says on the tin’!
Clever lyrics continued with the delivery of If it ain’t broke – you need a bigger hammer! where Chris and Ralph repeatedly mixed together well-known proverbs into the verses. It messed with the brain a little – but in a good way. Next in the set came a song apparently inspired by Tesco’s car park in Penistone. Your car’s too big had the duo show off their own baseball cap merchandise for a gentle prod at ‘monster rigs’.
Further demonstrating their folk credentials and their versatility, Chris sang a poignant A Pension for a soldier, a tender song about his Irish ancestor who made the trip from Donegal to America, was wounded in the Civil War and had to plead for a war pension.
The pair finished the first half by upping the feelgood pace with their version of Mr Blue Sky; both brisk and animated with the energy reinforced by Ralph’s impressive vocal range.
The second half brought a simple costume change into suits, accessorized by bowler hats and this transported us to a cheery music hall vibe as mics were turned off. This could have come over as a charming parody but Chris and Ralph stepped-up the audience involvement, introduced yet more props and kept the japes coming.
In a moment of great bravery, they performed the ‘World Premiere’ of a “brand new, work-in-progress, 21st century music hall song”; Terribly Sorry – incorporating a comedy skit of umbrella hurling! What made it brave was the extent to which Chris and Ralph had weaved-in a variety of props – skilfully used to rival the best sound effects available to BBC Radio. The audience loved it!
Displaying even more skill, a tongue-twisting Coffee Pot was sung impressively by Chris alongside Ralph’s expert demonstration on spoons!! By now, there was the spirit of the best of Laurel & Hardy songs building in the room and, to make sure the comedy wasn’t too subtle, the gags continued to flow. This was good because the audience had run out of inhibitions and Dad Dancing had Chris and Ralph breaking into a fusion of disco, funk and even doo-wop with lots of carefree eye-rolling occurring as the jesting scooped up audience participation with increasing enthusiasm.
Encores followed with more 1920s style on show, but not before some theatrical, mock-forlorn glances towards Chris’ 5-string banjo on its stand – mid-stage. After pleas from the audience to “pick it up and play it”, the session went all Southern States with Stetsons donned for a very good Country rendition of Twist Again and a ‘singalong’ Jambalaya.
So, “an evening of feel-good musical entertainment’? Absolutely. And with caps, fezzes, bowlers and Stetsons all on show, it was a good night out for feelgood headgear too!
Paul Birkett
REVIEW 20TH JANUARY 2024 – FLATWORLD
Flatworld describe their sound as “Vibrant world music from all points East” and their Live and Local appearance at Coddington on 20th Jan didn’t disappoint.
As a band they have been around since 2001, with a gig-list spanning many festivals – including Glastonbury – but this was their second outing in 2024 with a relatively new five-piece line-up; Neil Poulter (guitars, Laúd mandolin and vocals) was joined by Olly Blanchflower (double bass), Rachel Bridgen (oboe), Garry Low (drums, and percussion) and Kimberly Turnbull (violin and vocals).
But their relative newness as a unit was not obvious and their playing sounded effortlessly in-step with tightly formed melodies – as if they’d always been playing together. So the audience were quickly enjoying some very fine rhythms, sometimes lead by guitar/mandolin, sometimes by oboe combined with spirited violin and all kept together by double bass and distinctive well-timed percussion.
They began with a tune called Eden, followed by the Serbian folk song Ajde Jano.
Neil, as a founding member of the band, was careful to explain the origins of each tune. He was grateful for acquiring a lot of material, often taught to him by original artists as they toured over here. After the first six numbers, Neil let slip that the set-list seemed to contain all the slower numbers in the first half and that all the “hooligan” ones would be at the end. But this looked like a tease as the band skipped through a
jaunty Makedonsko Devojče and it worked out to set up the second half nicely.
It’s fair to say that the whole performance reflected a wide-ranging journey around many cultures – with tunes and songs that either originated in the east and were given a western influence, or were obviously West European and fused with Eastern sounds and styles.
At the interval, it was clear that Flatworld were being well-received in Coddington with flattering chatter from the audience during half-time refreshments.
This positivity continued when they began the second half with an English interpretation of the Shantel song, Disko Boy, which really should have been rather incongruous but was worked so well by the band that it added to the audience’s growing applause.
What followed was songs such as the haunting Sun during which Gary’s chimes added a shimmeringly atmospheric tone throughout the hall.
But any sense of calm was soon dissipated with a tune that Neil introduced by explaining that whilst we are used in this country to Folk Rock, they would tackle another, maybe less-known genre – ‘Folk Pop’! Then the band demonstrated this with what they noted had been a huge Macedonian hit titled Mashala.
Just to hammer home the theme of Flatworld’s fusion of World, Roots and Folk, they then produced a “sandwich” of tunes, none of which, by their own admission, sounding like where they originally came from! Thus, this energetic medley was fronted by a French tune (not sounding French) with a middle from Hungary (Sétalós Kopogós, and apparently not sounding very Hungarian) then finishing with an Irish slip-jig (claimed not to sound very Irish but actually turning out to be unmistakably emerald) – in reality though it all moved through with a foot-tapping pace that quickened as the tempo did.
Out of enjoyment rather than just politeness, the audience demanded and received an encore and the band obliged by wrapping things up with their interpretation of Maseltov.
There’s no doubt that Flatworld’s first visit won them some new fans at Coddington Village Hall and their eclectic brand of Eastern folk sounds was keenly received by a very satisfied audience.
Paul Birkett
Jan 2024
REVIEW – 2ND DECEMBER 2023 – A CHRISTMAS CRACKER
The Churchfitters at Coddington Village Hall
On a night coming in the middle of the first real cold snap of this winter, The Churchfitters appeared at the Village Hall for what they affectionately reminded us was their sixth appearance at Coddington.
In their previous performances Rosie Short, her brother Chris Short and self-described ‘part mad-inventor’, Boris Lebret (from Brittany in France) have collected such local support that it wasn’t surprising that the hall was packed again this time. This may have been further evidenced by the entry on their current on-line tour-list where this evening’s gig was labelled as “Back in Coddington – We love you!”
It’s fair to say that the whole performance reflected a wide-ranging journey around many cultures – with tunes and songs that either originated in the east and were given a western influence, or were obviously West European and fused with Eastern sounds and styles.
At the interval, it was clear that Flatworld were being well-received in Coddington with flattering chatter from the audience during half-time refreshments.
This positivity continued when they began the second half with an English interpretation of the Shantel song, Disko Boy, which really should have been rather incongruous but was worked so well by the band that it added to the audience’s growing applause.
What followed was songs such as the haunting Sun during which Gary’s chimes added a shimmeringly atmospheric tone throughout the hall.
But any sense of calm was soon dissipated with a tune that Neil introduced by explaining that whilst we are used in this country to Folk Rock, they would tackle another, maybe less-known genre – ‘Folk Pop’! Then the band demonstrated this with what they noted had been a huge Macedonian hit titled Mashala.
Just to hammer home the theme of Flatworld’s fusion of World, Roots and Folk, they then produced a “sandwich” of tunes, none of which, by their own admission, sounding like where they originally came from! Thus, this energetic medley was fronted by a French tune (not sounding French) with a middle from Hungary (Sétalós Kopogós, and apparently not sounding very Hungarian) then finishing with an Irish slip-jig (claimed not to sound very Irish but actually turning out to be unmistakably emerald) – in reality though it all moved through with a foot-tapping pace that quickened as the tempo did.
Out of enjoyment rather than just politeness, the audience demanded and received an encore and the band obliged by wrapping things up with their interpretation of Maseltov.
There’s no doubt that Flatworld’s first visit won them some new fans at Coddington Village Hall and their eclectic brand of Eastern folk sounds was keenly received by a very satisfied audience.
Paul Birkett
Jan 2024
CRAFT AND CHRISTMAS FAIR – 18TH NOVEMBER 2023
The fair had a relaxed family friendly atmosphere, with lots of Christmas Games together with crafts by our very talented local crafters.
There were lots of prizes to be won and we would like to thank all those who donated prizes for the afternoon. A special thank you to local businesses who donated vouchers for our Grand Voucher Prize Draw. Theses included carvery meals, pub meals, fish & chips, dance classes, beautician appointment, coach tours and many more.
We raised £548 which will go towards the refurbishment of the hall toilet area.
We would like to thank you for suporting us, at your local village hall.
The Trustees would like to wish you a Very Happy Chistmas and a Prosperous New Year.
PLANT SALE – 13TH MAY 2023
A very big Thank You to everyone who donated plants, or became involved in any way.
We raised £216 for hall funds.
This event was such a success that there is a real possibility of holding another plant sale in the Autumn. Watch this space for more information.
Despite Everything, Price Still Includes Biscuits by Naomi Paul 26th February 2023
It could be claimed that gigs at Coddington village hall are famous for good value, and biscuits! So Naomi’s show was already packed with expectation when she began her performance – and she didn’t disappoint.
Early in the show it was clear that Naomi was testing her audience’s appetite for sharp, even edgy, ironic comedy. Her skilful ability to read the room allowed her to create moments of hilarity carried with a friendly, deadpan mockery of topics as diverse as her Jewish roots, the shameful treatment of the Library of Birmingham’s heritage books and (straight from the Law of Unintended Consequences), the impact of Brexit on performers’ ability to tour in Europe.
This could all have been quite dry but Naomi both lifted and kept these topics properly droll, not least with a very clever skit about the potentially serious, but easily ridiculed, Government’s ‘Prevent’ training course (10 minutes on-line and PPPP for short!).
Mixing a distinctive blend of political satire with clever, creatively-written comedy the first section of her performance included witty anecdotes, both personal and topical. She also incorporated several, very original songs and encouraged audience-participation of singing along, plus an appearance of volunteer biscuit monitors to hand out the cookies during a much-signposted ‘biscuit break’ – all, of course, included in the ticket price!
After the interval, Naomi, having steered the audience successfully on her personal family journey from Eastern Europe through Wales, NE London and Birmingham, kept the pace with a performance of spoken word, including selected excerpts from her book, Displacement Activity.
This was a night that entertained everyone with challenged perceptions. It recalled, and often called out, much of the stupid side of politics and took on Brexit without seemingly offending anyone. And finally, it delivered a warm and friendly send-up that we all loved.
Paul Birkett
Shakespeare’s Fool – 20th January 2023
Top class village entertainment was on offer on Jan 20th with the appearance of the multi-talented Robin Leetham with his one-man, one-mouse and one-marotte performance of Tortive Theatre’s, Shakespeare’s Fool, as he took on the rise (and fall) of an Elizabethan Fool in the 16th century.
Written by T. G. Hoffman, this was a proper, yet witty, drama brought to Coddington from its Premier at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2021 and the wait was well worth it.
Rob began his portrayal of William ‘Cavaliero’ Kempe with the clear intention to restore the ‘Fool’s’ reputation back to a likeable character within the historical story of William Shakespeare.
In a tale that drives strong opinions about historic accuracy, Rob managed to deliver a tightly scripted and flawlessly delivered monologue, making his version of Kempe absolutely believable and thoroughly real on the stage.
His technique of adding Maurice, the unfortunately damaged mouse, and a very cheeky marotte (jester’s staff) to the evening’s cast, made for a captivating interaction of dialogue.
Familiar elements featured in the story such as Kenilworth Castle and The Globe as Rob bounded across the stage, his projected voice booming from atop a tiny prop of a footstool as he tested the acoustics of Coddington’s village hall.
The captivating drama covered all the key players of the late 16th century period; Richard Tarlton, Earl of Leicester, Edward Allen, Richard Burbage, et al, and, of course, Shakespeare himself. But Kempe’s love interest, Rebecca (“what was her second name?” demanded by the ever-present jester-staff) was given dramatic prominence throughout the performance.
Here Rob helped us though the choice between the Admiral’s men and Lord Chamberlain’s men as he continued his flawless delivery of a clever, contemporary script that was nonetheless, never far from Elizabethan times and was only enhanced by occasional references to quite modern wit.
Towards the end of the evening the emotional elements of the performance came together with Maurice (the nearly dead but then sadly deceased mouse) threatening to steal the final scene.
The evening, as everyone in the hall admitted afterwards, was well enjoyed leaving a wonderful feeling from what was, quite simply, a jest and a jig – yet another success for live entertainment in Coddington. Well done Rob!
Paul Birkett
THE START OF A NEW YEAR – 2023
As we go into 2023, the Trustees of Coddington Village Hall will be meeting on 12th January to update and renew the Trustee Committee. Talks will be ongoing for continuing the Maintenance programme, and fundraising to enable the Village Hall to be there for the people of the village. If you feel you could offer an hour or two voluntarily to help in any way – please get in touch with one of the Trustees. You don’t have to be an expert – just be willing to help.
BONUS BALL FUNDRAISER
The Village Hall Bonus Ball Fundraiser for January 2023 is to be drawn on Saturday 7th January. We still have 6 numbers available if you would like to participate and have the chance of winning £50. See poster below for details.
Jez Lowe & the Bad Pennies – 8th December 2022
Yet another sucessful night as Coddington Village Hall enjoyed a return to a packed house to welcome Jez Lowe as he proved his pedigree as a top performer and appeared with his Bad Pennies band on Thursday 8th Dec. Almost straightaway he reminded the audience that the evening was exactly five years since his last visit to perform in the village. It was clear that several sections of the audience could remember that evening well.
Billed as the “That Snow Joke” tour, the show was introduced by Jez with a casual and relaxed humour, something that was to continue throughout the performance. He introduced the Bad Pennies; Andy May, Kate Bramley and David De La Haye plus a guest appearance by Benny Graham who, as he acknowledged the well-informed applause, made a pretty chilly Coddington feel just a little bit warmer by reporting that it was actually snowing on Tyneside. Then, just to add to the humour, the band kicked off the show with “Greener in the North Country”!
As if to further endear the audience to their North East roots, the band captured the seasonal mood of ever-urgent Christmas shopping as they regaled with their very funny “Geordie Wassail Song” – a very good, and oddly familiar, take on spending at the Sales.
It seemed too soon when they arrived at their tour title song, “That Snow Joke” and that came just before the interval – cue, tea and minced pies for everyone – before the second half began with a nod to climate change and the arrival of (slightly) warmer UK (wild) waters enabling the concept of “Jonny’s got his swimmers on”.
Across the gig, the Bad Pennies each had their moment, particularly with moving songs from Kate Bramley and cracking tunes from Andy May and his Northumbrian pipes (especially “Fred Picknall’s March”).
Deserved encores were delivered with a rousing “We’re All Snowed In” and “Walking in a Winter Sun-derland” before Benny led the evening out with a special version of Auld Lang Syne.
No doubt everyone went home hoping that it wouldn’t be five more years before Jez and the Bad Pennies show up in Coddington again.
Paul Birkett
TABLE TOP SALE – 3 DECEMBER 2022
Thank you to all those who came to our table top sale. We managed to raise £108.50 for Village Hall Funds.
Here are a few pictures of Table Sellers.
A NEW KITCHEN IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS
Tom has worked extremely hard to install our new kitchen. I makes such a big difference and is much more practical than the old one. Apart from a quick lick of paint here and there we are good to go. Looking after our Village Hall is a bit like painting the Forth bridge – if anyone would like to come along and give us a hand now and again we really would appreciate it. Watch the web site for information regarding maintenance mornings which will start again in the new year.
A big Thank You to everyone who helped with Refreshments, Games, and stalls.
Game Results:
Christmas Tree Star – winning number was 51, closest to it was No 54 and Kyron won £10.
Christmas Tree Tinsel length was 11.4 metres. Nearest was Simon with 11 metres.
Santas Lost his Presents in M10, guessed by Mike.
Jacob guessed there were 86 sweets in a jar. In fact there were 84.
Bagatelle highest score was James with 450.
Spin the wheel and land on a gold zero was Inez.
The cup cakes weighed in at 2327 grammes, 8210 ounces or 5.21 lbs. The winner was Steven who guessed 5lbs 3 ozs.
Match the Tags was achieved by three people who managed 10 matches each. Grace, Karen & Charlotte. Names went into a draw and Charlotte won.
Below are some pictures of the day:
OCTOBER 2022 – THANK YOU TO ASDA
Asda very kindly granted £7500 to our Village Hall for the installation of a new kitchen.
The cheque for £7500 being presented to members of the Village Hall. The kitchen is to be supplied through Homebase and the wall tiles were obtained from the Balderton Tile Centre.
SEPTEMBER 2022
The hall was re-decorated in September 2022
Before re-decoration
After decoration with a new light and refreshing facelift.
Some of the volunteers hard at work.