Saturday, 29 January 2022

READING THE LAND 12th MARCH 2022 The Wonderful Crocodile and other Tall Tales.
I'm looking forward to storytelling in the Library, Bell Street, Shaftesbury on Saturday 12th March. The event is part of of Reading the Land, the Shaftesbury Book Festival, and there are two sessions of 60 minutes, aimed at children aged 5-12 and their families. Spoken and sung traditional tales from Dorset, accompanied on concertina, melodeon and ukelele Details from https://www.shaftesburybookfestival.com/ tickets from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/shaftesbury-book-festival

Saturday, 30 July 2016

NEW CD!

NEW CD!Any Little Old song Will Do

Tim and fiddler Colin Thompson have a new CD available, recorded live in the parlour at Hardy's Cottage, Bockhampton. the recording features songs and tunes played by Thomas Hardy's family on their fiddles, plus poems and some musical settings by Tim of Hardy verses.

The Cd is called Any Little Old Song Will Do, after the Hardy poem of the same name.

There are 16 tracks, including The Night of Trafalgar, the Banks of Allan water, the Red Petticoat Hornpipe and The Sun From the East. The recording also features a stunning duet on two fiddles by Colin and Ruth Thompson, and vocal harmonies from members of the Upper Longpuddle Glee club. £11.00 including p and p. email Tim on tim@timlaycock.co.uk to order a copy.

Any little old song
Will do for me
Tell it of joys gone long,
Or joys to be,
Or friendly faces best
Loved to see.

Newest themes I want not
On subtle strings,
And for thrillings pant not
That new song brings:
I only need to homeliest
Of heartstirrings.


Any Little Old Song by Thomas Hardy

Thursday, 26 July 2012

New Book- Dorset Folk Tales!

DORSET FOLK TALES

The History Press have just published a new book of traditional tales, legends, songs and recitations from Dorset. The book is based on stories I have collected from Dorset folk over the last 35 years, and also includes unusual and little- known tales from written sources. The pages are graced with superb illustrations by Michelle Tilly.

Dorset Folk Tales will shortly be available in bookshops at £10.00.

There are 4 local events where I will be telling stories from the book and signing copies. It wuld be lovely to see you at one of them.


Tuesday 14th August from 6.30pm. Winstone's, 8, Cheap St, Sherborne. tickets from the shop at 32, redeemable against purchase of Dorset Folk Tales.

Friday 17th August. I am doing 2 storytelling performances for the Sting in the Tale festival of Storytelling at allendale House, Hanham rd, Wimborne BH 21 1As, tel 01202 888992. Performances at 3pm [children's show] and 7.30pm.

Saturday 25th August. Waterstones, South St Dorchester, 10.30am- 12.30pm.

Thursday 11th October. Bridport Library, South St, Bridport tel 01305 762403

I will also have copies at all my performances.

Alternatively, I can post a copy to you. Please send a cheque for £11.50 to me at
Brocksbank, Bradford Peverell, Dorchester DT2 9SG

Sunday, 1 January 2012

Benjamin's Book now available!

BENJAMIN'S BOOK
A complete facsimile copy of the book is now available. Benjamin Rose was a farmer, Alehouse keeper and fiddle player in the tiny North dorset hamlet of Belchalwell. In 1820 he wrote out by hand 134 country dance tunes. This facsimile contains the entire book, plus a detailed introduction giving the musical and social context of the book. The book also contains an MP3 Cd of all the tunes, for players who prefer to learn by ear.

The cost is £21.30 including post and packing in the UK, and £25.50 including post and packing world wide. Please contact Colin Thompson on fiddler@casterbridge.net
or write, including a cheque made out to C Thompson, to
Colin Thompson,
42, Harvey's Close,
Maiden Newton,
Dorset DT2 0BN