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The Project Management Team
Craft Fair
Victorian Street Fair, Haydon Bridge
Walks That Inspire
150th Anniversary of John Martin's Death
Art Events, Haydon Bridge
Music and Dance Events
The John Martin Heritage Trail
Project Photographs
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Music and Dance Events
Location: Northumberland
As well as being noted as an artist, engineer and reformer, John Martin was also interested in music and was known to be a fine vocalist himself. He held parties at his London home when his musical talents and interest in the other arts came to to the fore. To commemorate this interest, a series of musical events was arranged throughout 2004.
Workshops in music and dance were held at Haydon Bridge First School and the students were able to demonstrate their Martin inspired music and dance prowess at concerts with other artists living locally.
Johnny Handle Workshops
Johnny Handle is probably the most prolific folk artist working in the North East of England today. He has a great rapport with young (and older) people and we were delighted when he agreed to undertake workshops with the First School children
A new John Martin song and songbook was created and performed at the Victorian Street Fair and at a concert on 9th July in the village Community Centre.
This was with local musicians and singers Dennis Telford, Henry Robson (accordion) and Johnny's own band the famous 'High Level Ranters'.
They were also joined by Katy Cook, a brilliant Northumbrian Piper, and accompanist (and High School Teacher) Graham Raine.
Dance Workshops
Workshops for the first school in traditional dance were organised by local teacher, clog dancer and caller, Elaine Carter. These were so successful that even the boys enjoyed joining in the classes.
The results were ably demonstrated for all to see at the John Martin Victorian Street Fair.
A Grand Community Concert
On the 21st May 2004, a Grand Community Concert was arranged in Haydon Bridge Community Centre.
This was to allow local musicians a platform to demonstrate to a packed audience ... they were not disappointed.
Taking part were Dennis Telford, The Haydon Bridge Community Band (with over 25 musicians and a great sound), The Street Martins who play anything from the Eagles to Hendrix, The Shaftoe Chorale, Northumbrian Piper Katy Cook and the village's newest residents, musicians bridget Enever and Graham Raine.
The Martin Family
Again in the Community Centre, on 19th July, to commemorate John Martin's 215th birthday, a further music and poetry event was held.
This was written by Northumbrian poet Keith Armstrong who has always been a great supporter of the John Martin story in his verse.
The event was introduced by Henry Swaddle and featured Keith with further narration by Dennis Telford supported by Northumbrian piper Sue Dunne.
The verse reviewed not only the life of John Martin but the other members of the famous (and infamous) family.
This proved to be a further successful and well supported event.
A Family Ceilidh
On the 15th October 2004, a final musical event was a family ceilidh held in the Haydon Bridge Community Centre. This again featured the famous 'High Level Ranters' with Johnny Handle and dance caller Elaine Carter.
This event was again very well attended and enjoyed by the community who have now understood John Martin's contribution through the very mixed media sources used during this project.
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