The Martlets Community Folk Chorus & Band

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The Martlets was founded by CA co-chair Gaye Jee, with professional musicians, Alessandra Testai and Robin Jeffrey. Now into its third term for 2024, 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.  

Over the past couple of years, we have 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 Celebration for 12th Night' in January 2024 and 'A Christmas Box', held at St Denys' Church in December 2022. These were hugely successful combined efforts with other CA performers, with seasonal readings and poems. We raised over over £1700 for the Rotherfield Protection Group with our most recent concert.

At the end of December 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 2024.

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!