Hampshire Songs and the George Gardiner Collection

George Gardiner was the greatest collector of Hampshire songs. The object of this web site is to celebrate and publicise Hampshire songs: the collection of George Gardiner and other people who recorded Hampshires great heritage of songs. A century ago, George Gardiner devoted his final years to collecting some 1200 songs in Hampshire. His notebooks contain many interesting songs in their original form, but few people in Hampshire seem aware of them. Lucy Broadwood and Alice Gillington also collected Hampshire songs around this time. Fifty years later Bob Copper (of the famous singing family) came to live in Hampshire and he tape-recorded surviving singers in the north of the county. In the 1970s Gwilym Davies tape-recorded singers in the south and east, and Paul Marsh has made many recordings from all over the county. The songs tell us of the ways of the past, but deal with some issues that are still relevant today. Most importantly, they are good to sing. This site is dedicated to the collectors, the songs and English song culture. 2009 EVENTS We were pleased to premiere the Axford Five Show at Preston Candover in March. Bob Askew presented a talk on Gardiner at Wickham History Society in February, with songs from Schiehallion, and again at Fareham Easter Festival with the Askew Sisters. In April Tim Radford released his CD of songs of the Hampshire singer George Blake.We are very pleased that Craig-Morgan-Robson and the Askew Sisters presented their Axford Five show at Fareham Easter Festival, Winchester Mayfest and Chippenham Folk Festival are taking it on to Sidmouth and Whitby festivals this summer. The Village Folk Club presented an annual Hampshire Songs evening on 7th November this featured Jeff Henry and Schiehallion. The EFDSS 'Take Six' project is bringing Gardiner's songs to Hampshire schools, and June 9th saw the launch of the Take Six internet site, which gives free access to every song collected in Hampshire by Gardiner. The Take Six launch celebration at Cecil Sharp House on 27th June focused on six song collectors including George Gardiner. It featured a short talk by Bob Askew on Gardiner, and performance of Hampshire songs by Craig-Morgan-Robson and the Askew Sisters. Westbury Manor Museum in Fareham ran an exhibition on George Gardiner and local singers October-7th November. This was organised by Bob Askew who gave a talk on Fareham and Titchfield singers on 7th November with songs from Rob Mills. 2010 EVENTS 2010 is the Centenary of George Gardiner's death. Lots of events are planned to celebrate this. Hampshire Record Office are putting on a talk by Bob Askew on Hampshire Songs and the collection of George Gardiner. This will take place at 1.15pm on Thursday 28th January. Admission free. TWYFORD CONCERT Sat 27th February. Twyford Village Hall. Organised by Paul Marsh of Forest Tracks. Evening Concert: Will feature The Madding Crowd tunes/songs, Geoff Jerram and Ron Coe and Craig-Morgan-Robson and possibly a group finale. Photo Exhibition in hall throughout the afternoon. A number of photos from two local people as well as those from the H.R.O. Harmony singing with Craig-Morgan-Robson will take place in the afternoon in the back room so should not interfere with the photo exhibition. Afternoon events free. £5 for evening tickets. On sale at Twyford Stores & Post Office, order direct from Paul Marsh or on door (limited number!). THE SINGING LANDSCAPE MAP Due for launch Fri 26th February. This will feature details of Hampshire traditional singers and their localities. GOSPORT AND FAREHAM EASTER FESTIVAL There will be a Hampshire Songs Concert at 7.30pm on Sunday 4th April at Lysses Hotel. The Askew Sisters will headline and Anne Winter and Rob Mills in support. AXFORD FIVE CONCERT St George's Day Event at Wildern School Hall, Hedge End 8pm, 22nd April. Craig-Morgan-Robson and the Askew Sisters. HAMPSHIRE SONGS CONCERT This is planned for Petersfield in the Autumn where some great songs were collected 100 years ago.