George Gardiner - the Hampshire Song Collector

The object of this web site is to celebrate the work of George Gardiner and spread the word about the songs he collected. He 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. 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 collector, the songs and English song culture. WHAT'S HAPPENING in 2009? 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 presents an annual Hampshire Songs evening, and on 7th November this will feature 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 will focus on six song collectors including George Gardiner. It will feature a short talk by Bob Askew on Gardiner, and performance of Hampshire songs by Craig-Morgan-Robson and the Askew Sisters.