PENNYMOOR Singaround held a weekend of celebration to mark its 40th birthday at The London Inn, Morchard Bishop from September 6 to 8.

More than 90 people attended, including many who have been involved in the monthly singaround in the past.

There was plenty of singing, memories shared and concerts or talks from invited guests.

A discussion took place about the folk revival of the 1960’s, when several of those present were involved in very popular folk sessions at The Jolly Porter pub in Exeter. A memory was shared of Paul Simon being booked for a concert there for a fee of £8!

Clare Penney described how, when she moved to Pennymoor in the late 60s, locals would readily sing and tell jokes and tales round the bar at the Cruwys Arms.

One of the men would step dance on half a barn door which was placed in the middle of the floor, but only if he’d had enough to drink!

Song and music sessions happened informally but became a monthly feature known as the Pennymoor Singaround by the late 70s.

From the beginning the ethos was inclusive, which continues to today, with many who had never had the courage to sing in public giving it a go.

In later years friendships were made with singers and musicians in Brittany and Ireland and shared weekend gatherings were held, including for many years in Bampton after the traditional Bampton Fair.

Gerald Palmer, a farmer from Chawleigh, talked about how his wife, Margaret, would make large quantities of pasties and bucketfuls of soup to feed hungry carol singers from Pennymoor at the end of an evening singing and collecting for charity round the villages.

Margaret was well-known for her songs, witty stories and tales of growing up on Exmoor.

Some of these were recorded during the last few years of her life and put onto a double CD by Ross Henrywood which was launched during the weekend with profits going to charity.

Margaret’s sense of fun and fondness for her Exmoor heritage shines through in these recordings.

A talk from Mark Norman, author of a recent book "Black Dog Folklore", described how apparitions of ghostly black dogs are common in Devon.

He described one reported at Copplestone Cross and further sightings along an ancient route from there to Torrington.

Mark’s book mentions the Black Dog procession at the October full moon started by Pennymoor Singaround from Morchard Bishop to Black Dog village, accompanied by song and drums.

This no longer happens but the dog created for this was on display and is used by Mark for talks and events.

Jason Rice, from the Dartmoor Pixie Band, spoke about memories of Pennymoor events when he was a child and growing up in a musical family. He played tunes on his granddad’s accordion and demonstrated Dartmoor step dancing with Rob Murch playing banjo.

Jackie Oates described how she first encountered unaccompanied folk singing at Pennymoor and said this was a "sparky moment" which triggered a passionate interest and eventually a successful career in folk.

From a background of classical violin she began to sing, very nervously at first, and also play traditional folk tunes.

She now has several CDs, has toured extensively and performed in the Albert Hall. She is currently researching the songs of women lace makers and mentioned that a lot of nursery rhymes are derived from these songs.

Another successful folk performer, Jim Causley, mentioned his involvement in Pennymoor as a big influence and source of inspiration.

He is still a supporter of the singaround and is involved in the annual Jan Stewer evenings held in May at Puddington Village Hall.

Jim is known for his wonderful voice and for the promotion of the culture and landscape of Devon in his performances and recordings.

He sang several Devon songs including a cider song from Whimple, where he grew up, followed by amusing anecdotes and a Jan Stewer story read in Devonshire dialect.

He also accompanied a song from his dad, Ross Causley, on the accordion and did some hilarious impressions of various Pennymoor singers which were easily recognised.

Pennymoor Singaround meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 8pm for a song session and the last Sunday in the month at 12pm for a music session at the Cruwys Arms, Puddington. All are welcome to go along and take part or just listen.

For further details, contact Biddy on 01271 373305 or email: [email protected] .

For the CD "Exmoor Maid" by Margaret Palmer, email: [email protected] .