Using The Full English

28-05-2013

On 20 June, The Full English digital archive will be unveiled. Editor of English Dance & Song magazine, Derek Schofield, has had a sneak preview of this tremendous resource and, prompted by Scarborough Folk Dance group’s centenary, has used the Cecil Sharp field note-books to investigate the two trips Sharp made to Goathland (immediately after visits to see the Scarborough folk dancers in 1913 and 1914). On his first visit, Sharp collected a version of the song Scarborough Fair, and he also tried – unsuccessfully – to discover a full description of the local sword dance. But his interest prompted a revival of the team in the 1920s, taught by a dancer from nearby Sleights. On the second visit, Sharp collected a handful of country dances and tunes from fiddler Nesswell Pennock, whose son was recorded in the 1950s.

We are now keen to hear from readers who have used The Full English – perhaps to discover new songs, dances or tunes to perform, or to use the collections for their own private research. Tell your story. Write to Editor, Derek Schofield, on eds.editor@efdss.org See The Full English on www.vwml.org