The Martlets Community Folk Choir & Band
The Martlets was founded by CA co-chair Gaye Jee, with professional musicians, Alessandra Testai and Robin Jeffrey. Now into its fourth term from January 2023, it was formed following a successful workshop in October 2021 which concentrated on learning some of the traditional songs from Sussex.
In January 2022, we performed what we'd learned at 'A Concert for Rotherfield', which was held in St Denys' Church. We were accompanied by several excellent musicians who now comprise 'The Martlets Band', including fiddle, guitar, accordion, concertina, hammered dulcimer and more. In 2022, we performed several times at The Kings Arms, Rotherfield and in the Baron's Hall at Penshurst as well as providing the musical element in 'A Christmas Box', held at St Denys' Church in December. This was a hugely successful combined effort with other CA performers, with seasonal readings and poems. We raised over nearly £800 for the Rotherfield Protection Group. In January 2023 we wassailed the apple trees on the Millennium Green in Rotherfield before a great evening of music and song in the pub. We're now making plans for our performances later on in 2023. We do not hold auditions and sight-reading is not required - we aim to create an enjoyable and informal atmosphere where everybody learns the songs in much the same way as they would have in former times. The cost for the block of eight sessions is £48 for Crowborough Arts members, and £64 for non-members. Crowborough Arts membership is £20 per year, so by joining, you’d save yourself at least £28 over three terms of The Martlets. We have a wide remit for the arts in the community, to do have a look at our website to find out more about what we offer. If you’re unsure whether the choir will be for you, you’re invited to come to the first one free of charge. If you chose to join The Martlets, you will then pay for all eight before the second session. Please check our events pages for updates. |
Click here to go to our songs!
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