Dave Hopkins's reminiscences

PENNYMOOR SINGAROUND MEMORIES – FROM DAVE HOPKINS

 

In June 1994 I was working as an accounts clerk for a friend of mine who ran an Estate Agency business.  This was for the sale of public houses, some of which had been forced to close down.  These pubs were passed to us by banks, Administrators and Official Receivers.

 

Our brief was to place managers into these pubs and sell them as going concerns by bringing them back to scratch then put them on the market.  Part of this entailed maintaining fire extinguishers.  Carl Peachey was appointed to this task, being paid by cheque on completion. 

 

One day, whilst waiting for his cheque to be signed we chatted about what type of music we liked.  I stated that I was a lover of traditional folk music and song, having attended the Jolly Porter in Exeter in the 1960s, but had lapsed!  Carl suggested that I give Pennymoor Singaround a try as they were going to the East Dart Hotel, Postbridge, the following Friday. 

 

I duly arrived there and found the bar of the hotel alive with music and song and a terrific friendly atmosphere.  I was hooked!  The following Wednesday I went to the monthly Singaround at Black Dog.  Another fantastic evening and as I had imbibed over the limit I asked the Landlord, Pete Fagg, if I could sleep in my car in his car park.  He readily agreed. 

 

Whilst attending the Jolly Porter in the 1960s I never got up the courage to sing, being afraid of forgetting the words.  Over the next few Singarounds, Ken Penney persuaded me to sing and it did not matter if I made a fool of myself, a great way to learn to sing.

 

Returning to the Devon Folk Scene meant that I was making more contacts and I was soon roped in to play a snare drum for Raddon Hill Clog Morris and I have just retired after 25 years singing regularly at our Dance-outs.

 

I have made many friends through Pennymoor Singaround,  had many fantastic times and met some incredible characters of the last 25 years.

 

Thank you all – Wassail!!