Mally's Traditional Music Store

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Welcome to my photo gallery. In recent years it has become necessary for me to become somewhat proficient in photography, in order to get pictures for my book covers. Just as in music, if you want to get good at anything, you have to practise, and photography is no different. So, now I find myself snapping away incessantly. In the course of my business and leisure I am constantly attending folk events, music sessions, etc.. It is vital for my musical research and improvement. Also I get to many morris days and weekends playing for Persephone Women's Morris. Because of this I am accumulating lots of folky photos, so it makes sense to share some with the world. You will find my pictures tend to look at events rather differently to most photographers. Rather than photographing artists performing at concerts etc., I tend to snap personalities when they are just having fun. Of course you will find stacks of morris sides because of my association with Persephone.

Bromyard Folk Festival September 2011 Bromyard Folk Festival was fabulous weekend. I played for Persephone Women's Morris. Despite some rain, the weather was much kinder to us this year. Fylde Folk Festival September 2011 Fylde Folk Festival was another great event, however constant rain on Saturday made it a bit difficult for the morris dancers. Whitby Folk Week August 2011 Whitby Folk Week was, as usual, fantastic. Earlsdon 40th Anniversary Weekend of Dance July 2011 I went along with Persephone Women's Morris to a fantastic weekend of dance to celebrate Earlsdon Morris Men's 40th anniversary. We were joined by Saddleworth Morris Men, Chinewrde Morris, and The Silurian Border Morrismen. An Evening of Dance at Addingham July 2011 Had an excellent evening with Great Yorkshire Morris Men, Persephone Women's Morris, and Roll Back the Carpet. Rose and Castle Morris Weekend July 2011 Yet another great event at the Rose and Castle Morris weekend. Midsummer Morris Meet at Bishop Monkton June 2011 Had an brilliant weekend of dance in and around Ripon and Harrogateand based in Bishop Monkton, hosted by Great Yorkshire Morris Men and Persephone Women's Morris. We were joined by Ironmen and Severn Gilders and Benfieldside Morris Men. Upton upon Severn Folk Festival May 2011 Upton upon Severn Folk Festival was great and featured a massive array of morris dancers. Darlington Spring Thing March 2011 I had a day's outing to Darlington Spring Thing. Goathland Plough Stots January 2011 I went to see Goathland Plough Stots perform around the village. Val Marsden of Cockersdale; Birthday Party I was invited to Val Marsden's birthday party. We had a evening of ceilidh dancing with caller Barry Evans. Excellent music was provided by The Jellybean Band. Fylde Folk Festival September 2010 Fylde Folk Festival was, as uasual, excellent. I was unable to get around as much as usual, as I was recovering from a knee operation. Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing Festival September 2010 AI was unable to go to the Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing Festival but Persephone went and I was given several pictures from various people. Whitby Folk Week August 2010 Whitby Folk Week was truly brilliant and once again coincided with the Regatta. There was a Soul theme night with people coming in magnificent costumes, making for a fantastic photo opportunity Flag and Bone Gang Weekend June 2010 What a fantastic time we had at the Flag and Bone Gang Weekend. An excellent weekend of dancing with a great Saturday night show, each side contributing an act. Upton upon Severn Folk Festival May 2010 Upton upon Severn Folk Festival was an absolutely brilliant weekend. Unfortunately I was ill and couldn't enjoy it to the full, as well as failing miserably with the photographs. Whitby Gothic Weekend October 2009 What a fantastic event Whitby Gothic Weekend is, a magnificent photo opportunity. The town was packed solid, with crowds of visitors wearing superb costumes. Ella Wood's 18th Birthday Party September 2009 I was invited to Ella Wood's 18th birthday party. Everybody had an excellent evening, dancing to a ceilidh band and a rock band. Fylde Folk Festival September 2009 Fylde Folk Festival was excellent. Once more there were some excellent music sessions. Towersey Village Festival August 2009 Another brilliant festival at Towersey. Another year I had to make rather a quick visit. Amy Atkinson's 21st Birthday Party August 2009 I was invited to Amy Atkinson's 21st birthday party. It had a 1940's theme and was an excellent event with dancing to a super band. Why not pay a visit to Amy's Midnight Special web site. Whitby Folk Week August 2009 Whitby Folk Week was brilliant once again.This year it coincided with the Regatta. There was a Beatles theme night with people coming in magnificent costumes, making for a fantastic photo opportunity. An Evening of Dance at Ilkley and Addingham July 2009 Had an excellent evening with Great Yorkshire Morris Men, Persephone Women's Morris, Roll Back the Carpet and PRATS. Midsummer Morris Meet at Raskelf July 2009 Had a brilliant weekend of dance in and around York and based in Raskelf near Boroughbridge, hosted by Great Yorkshire Morris Men and Persephone Women's Morris. Despite our bus breaking down on our way to lunch, it's obvious from these pictures that everyone had a great time. Cleckheaton Folk Festival July 2009 Had a very enjoyable time playing in the music sessions at Cleckheaton Folk Festival, but first got some great photos of the procession and dance spots. Newburgh Morris Weekend of Dance June 2009 Had a very enjoyable time at Newburgh Morris Weekend of Dance, part of Traditions Festival at Lostock Hall, organised by Newburgh Morris. Vale of Evesham Morris Weekend June 2009 Had a marvelous weekend in Evesham. Besides the usual fun, we were treated to a surprise trip down the River Avon. Powderkegs Dance Weekend in Conwy June 2009 Had an brilliant weekend of dance in Conwy and Llandudno organised by Powderkegs Border Morris Dancers. It was absolutely perishing cold but we all soldiered on resolutely. Dancing in the Civic Hall Saturday Morning, a session of music and song in the the camp site pub Friday eveng and an excellent ceilidh with Flash in the Pan on Saturday night warmed us up. Mortimer's 15th Anniversary Weekend May 2009 Had a great weekend playing for Persephone for Mortimer's Morris 15th anniversary weekend. Among many other delights. we were treated to a trip through Mortimer's Hole, a feature in Nottingham Castle from which the side takes there name. Moor and Coast Folk Festival May 2009 Once again a very enjoyable weekend in Whitby at the Moor and Coast Folk Festival. Golcar Lily Day May 2009 Persephone had a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon dancing with Stockport Morris in Golcar near Huddersfield. Performers were treated to excellent beer at the local brewery. Morris Dancing in Raskelf April 2009 Persephone had a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon dancing with Great Yorkshire Morris in Raskelf near Boroughbridge. Eagle Music Shop Deering Showcase March 2009 Wall to wall banjos at the Eagle Music Shop banjo day, with special guests Greg and Janet Deering. What a great Saturday White Rose and Persephone Dance Out December 2008 An excellent day out was had by all when White Rose Morris Men and Persephone danced at a couple of pubs on the run up to Christmas. Ironmen & Severn Gilders Dance Weekend October 2008 What a fantastic weekend we had when Persephone joined Ironmen and Severn Gilders on their Autumn Tour. We found their hospitality second to none. We spent a very enjoyable day in Bridgnorth, which featured a ride on the Cliff Railway from the Low Town to the High Town, followed by a social evening. On Sunday we danced on the bridge at Ironbridge. Murray and Marianne's Wedding September 2008 I was invited to the wedding of Murray Grainger and Marianne James, what a brilliant evening of music and dance we had and the food was out of this world. Why not visit Murray Grainger's web site. Bromyard Folk Festival September 2008 Bromyard Folk Festival was brilliant despite being up to our necks in mud. There were some great music sessions in many pubs. Fylde Folk Festival August 2008 Fylde Folk Festival was excellent. I played for Persephone and helped out in the music fair but still found time to play in some cracking sessions. Towersey Village Festival August 2008 Another brilliant festival at Towersey. This year I had to make rather a quick visit. Whitby Folk Week August 2008 Whitby Folk Week was brilliant once again. I had help on the stall again this year and was able to play lots of music. Sidmouth Folk Week August 2008 Sidmouth Folk Week, another year working in the music fair. The work was exceptionally hard but I still managed to have a good time also. Persephone Goes to Prague July 2008 I had a fantastic weekend in Prague with Persephone at Prague Folklore Days. There were about 50 dance teams, about 1300 performers. A superbly colourful event. Rose and Castle Morris Weekend July 2008 A good time was had by all at the Rose and Castle Morris weekend. Music Session at Tap and Spile, Harrogate July 2008 I spent a very enjoyable evening playing in a music session at the Tap and Spile in Harrogate. An Evening of Morris Dance at Hunsworth June 2008 Persephone, Wakefield Morris and Wayzgoose Border Morris Side had a great evening of dance, followed by a session of music and song at the Savile Arms, Hunsworth, near Leeds. Ripley Morris Weekend June 2008 Ripley Morris Men only hold their morris weekend of dance every two years. This was my third visit and every one has been a corker. How do they do it? Well done lads! Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival June 2008 I had a brilliant weekend at Middlewich folk and Boat Festival playing for Persephone and joining in the pub music sessions. Persephone 30th Birthday Morris Weekend June 2008 Persephone Women's Morris celebrated their 30th birthday in style. Ten other morris sides joined Persephone for a concert by Sid Kipper, 3 morris tours, a ceilidh, a hillarious sports morning and a dance out at a pub. Holmfirth Festival of Folk May 2008 Exactly the same as last year for me. Another good Holmfirth Festival of Folk, there were loads of morris sides, organised by Slubbin Billy's. On Sunday we had a great Irish session. Moor and Coast Folk Festival May 2008 Yet another brilliant weekend in Whitby at the Moor and Coast Folk Festival. Padstow Obb Oss May Day 2008 We went to Padstow in Cornwall on the First of May for the Padstow Obby Oss Day celebrations. It was fantastic, a day to remember. We followed both the Blue Ribbon Oss and the Red Ribbon Oss. Everybody should visit Padstow on Obby Oss Day at least once in their lives. Becky Taylor CD Launch April 2008 Spent a very enjoyable evening at The Music Room. Becky Taylor launched her new CD, Ireland Bridge. Michael Mallinson Gigs March 2008 My young grandson Michael Mallinson seems to be developing into a pop star. He's only 17 but he's writing potential hit songs, he's made a 5 track CD of his own songs, he's performed on radio and he's doing major gigs both solo and fronting his own band. Young Acoustic Roots Competion March 2008 I was invited by Pete Thornton-Smith, along with Mary White (Cleethorpes Folk Festival), to be a judge at Young Acoustic Roots Competition at the Phoenix Theatre, Bawtry, presented by The BPAS Group. The standard of performance and musical skill was superb. The competion was won by Patrick Young and Catherine Bindon. The other performers were Izzy and Anna Hathersage. Tom Moore and Archie Churchill-Moss and the band 4Square consisting of Nicola Lyons, Jim Molyneuz, James Meadows and Dan Day. Whittlesey Straw Bear January 2008 Another great festival at Whittlesey Straw Bear. Persephone Twelveth Night Party January 2008 Persephone decided to have a Twelveth night party. Guests were invited from other dance teams and a good time was had by all. Roy Atkinson, Amy Atkinson, Dave Mallinson, Tim Yates and Sam Leahy played for the dancing and there was a concert spot from Midnight Special. Moyasta Junction and Kilrush October 2007 Had an absolutely brilliant time in County Clare. Played with a band called Rakish Paddy at the pub at Moyasta on Saturday evening then a great session in Kilrush on the Sunday afternoon. Steve and Sarah's Wedding September 2007 Was invited to the wedding of Steve Fields and Sarah Bentham, what a fantastic day that was and an evening ceilidh to round of the event. Steve dances with Rose and Castle Morris and Sarah dances with Anstey Royale Chalfont. So the celebrations carried on next day with an afternoon of morris dancing at the Griffin pub. Oyster Festival September 2007 Did an amazing gig at an Irish Oyster Festival at a posh hotel in Sedgefield. Played to 2500 people and met some pals from Newcastle. Towersey Village Festival August 2007 Another brilliant festival at Towersey. It was tough getting down after Whitby but it was worth it and the weather was great. Whitby Folk Week August 2007 Whitby Folk Week was brilliant once again. I had help on the stall this year and was able to get out and about. I played lots of music and got loads of photographs. Here's some of the many characters I met during the week. Sidmouth Folk Week August 2007 Sidmouth Folk Week, another enjoyable year. I worked full time in the music fair, so I was unable to get many good photos. An Evening of Morris Dance at East Bierley July 2007 Persephone, Spen Valley Longsword, Great Yorkshire Morris, Inclognito and Rainbow Morris had a great evening of dance, followed by a session of music and song at The New Inn, East Bierley. Miltown Malbay July 2007 I went to the Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay, County Clare and had an absolutely fantastic week. I spent each morning studying the B/C accordeon under the guidance of virtuoso player Joesephine Marsh. Josephine was a great teacher and I learned stacks. I spent the afternoons and evenings playing in the sessions until after midnight with just an hour or so off to eat some tea. I was greatly impressed with the number of youngsters playing and their standard was mighty. Britannia Coco-nut Dancers July 2007 Spent a smart afternoon dancing with Britannia Coco-nut Dancers, Abbots Bromley Horn Dancers, Saddleworth Morris and Bradshaw Mummers. Argamels Dance Weekend June 2007 Had a great day dancing in Southport, unfortunately the bad weather and a major blunder by me, prevented me getting any pictures, but I took some at the evening ceilidh. An Evening of Morris Dance at Hunsworth June 2007 Persephone, Wakefield Morris and Spen Valley Longsword had a great evening of dance, followed by a session of music and song at the Savile Arms, Hunsworth, near Leeds. Ripon Morris Dance Weekend June 2007 Ripon Morris held a super dance weekend to celebrate their 25th Anniversary. We had a brilliant ceilidh on the Saturday evening. Cecil Sharp House June 2007 In early May, out of the blue, I received a letter from the EFDSS, to inform me that I had been nominated for one of the Society's Anniversary Awards. It's 75 years since the song and dance societies merged, and there were 75 awards being given to commemorate the occasion. I felt greatly honoured and privileged to be receiving one. On 11 June 2007, I went to Cecil Sharp House for the presentations by Ursula Vaughan Williams, and what a wonderful evening we had. Here's some photographs of the occasion. It's just a shame I didn't manage to photograph every recipient. An Evening of Morris Dance at Outlane June 2007 Persephone, Stockport and Slubbin Billy's had a great evening of dance, followed by a session of music and song at the Jack O'Mitre pub. Minster Strays Day of Dance June 2007 I went with Persephone for a day of dance at Thornton le Clay, Castle Howard and Old Malton. Evesham Medieval, Morris and Cider Festival June 2007 What a fantastic weekend we had! I went along with Persephone, we were treat like royalty. Besides the dancing, there were medieval knights, a juggler and fire eater. We had music, singing and dancing in the pub. There was an outdoor swimming pool on the camp site, we were taken to an asparagus festival and also were entertained by a big band. Holmfirth Folk Festival May 2007 Another good year at Holmfirth, there were loads of morris sides, organised by Slubbin Billy's. On Sunday we had a great Irish session. Moor & Coast Folk Festival May 2007 Another brilliant weekend in Whitby at the Moor and Coast Folk Festival. Heptonstall Pace Egg Play, Good Friday April 2007 A good time was had by all at the Pace Egg Play in Heptenstall. Deering Banjos at Eagle Music Shop March 2007 Wall to wall banjos at the Eagle Music Shop banjo day, presented by Deering Banjos. What a great Saturday afternoon! Whittlesey Straw BearJanuary 2007 The dancing was brilliant and the craic was mighty at Whittlesey Straw Bear this year. Rochester Dickens Weekend December 2006 Anstey, Persephone and Stockport Morris Sides went and enjoyed a fabulous social weekend crammed with dancing and non-stop partying. The Music Room Opening September 2006 The Music Room opening celebrations were very enjoyable. Particularly the visit to an Indian restaurant where we were treated to a wonderful concert with John Spiers and Jon Boden. Whitby Folk Week August 2006 Whitby Folk Week was brilliant this year, unfortunately I lost the majority of my pictures by pressing the wrong button. Sidmouth Folk Week August 2006 Sidmouth Folk Week, another great year, as usual. Four Fools Folk Festival June 2006 I went with Persephone and had a very enjoyable day dancing in Chorley. Then more fun at the Four Fools Folk Festival. Ripley Morris Weekend June 2006 This was a fabulous weekend that included exotic booze on the coach. Morris at Castle Howard June 2006 A day of dance based in Thornton le Clay near York. Moor & Coast Folk Festival May 2006 A very enjoyable weekend in Whitby at the Moor and Coast Folk Festival. We went to dance in Goathland.