Warwick University Folk Club

 

Warwick University Folk Club

by Pete Clemons

I recently re-read an article I wrote, several years ago, about the folk scene in Coventry over the last 60 years. I realised that, inextricably, I had overlooked Warwick University folk club where, during the 1960s and 70s, it was as vibrant as any of the more well known clubs in the area.

The Warwick University folk club was formed during 1965 when early performing artists included Anne Briggs, The Couriers and Barry Skinner appeared there.

By 1966 the folk club claimed to be the most thriving society at the university. This was justified by the fact that it had over 200 members and meet every week. It was held in the table tennis room. Despite early criticism the space proved to be an excellent home for the club. Singers enjoyed performing before a most receptive audience and have highly praised the friendly atmosphere.

Audiences were described as 'enthusiastic' and the guest singers noticed it. And they were not slow in praising the club 'You've got a good little club there, much more ready to sing along than at the other Universities we've been to. We had a ball' said one major act.

The club did not have a heavy bias towards either traditional, or the more modern songs written in the folk idiom. The full spectrum was covered, from songs that have been in the oral tradition for centuries down to protest songs and others of the type produced by such people as Woody Guthrie, Sidney Carter and Sian Kelly.

Excitedly one announcement from 1966 mentioned 'To come we have the renowned Al Stewart and also, it is hoped, Davy Graham. We shall also have Martin Carthy, one of the most talented of the younger British folk-singers, whose style and repertoire leave little to be desired'.

So popular the club became by 1968 folk acts were booked for a 'Freshers' weekend Concert. This coveted slot was normally taken by more popular chart acts.

The Strawbs who had performed at the university more than once and who were becoming very well known across the country through their performances, radio programmes and their very successful debut album were the star attraction.

Tea and Symphony, despite an album and two singles and who had been given a lot of airplay on the radio, were described as a less well known group

1968 also saw the folk club move to a bigger venue. This was documented by a review that mentioned how The Pentangle having to 'squeeze their way through a very crowded hall to open the evening at Canley'.

By 1973 the club had seemingly peaked. By then it had moved back to the main campus and Bert Jansch had made a return visit. Despite a 200 strong audience the event was described as a 'disappointment'.

'Bert Jansch played in the Airport Lounge on Saturday to an audience of 200. This poor attendance is symptomatic of the lack of interest in cultural events and social hops which is evident throughout the mass of the apathetic student body. Anyway, the Concert was very good - and we should be grateful that not only did Ents not lose money but also that Bert actually turned up'.

The club did continue for several more years but things would never top those heady days.

Bedsitter Images - Al Stewart