Wish You Were hereA North Yorkshire soNgWritiNg relAY

During the early 20th Century, founder of the English folk song and dance revival Cecil Sharp and his contemporaries travelled around England by bicycle, collecting traditional folk songs and dances from the communities they visited.

Fast forward to 2014 and Wish You Were Here: a series of new collaborations between young people and local music groups, producing songs that represent their communities now.

Led by Artistic Director Rebecca Gross, a team of musicians worked with local residents to imagine their answers to one illuminating question – what would you tell a travelling visitor about your community? With collaborations across North Yorkshire in Grassington, Pateley Bridge, Selby, Helmsley, Botton, Easingwold and Markse, each new recording was relayed by bicycle courier to the next community, passing on a sense of identity through stories and music in true folk arts tradition.

The results of this 230-mile musical relay were showcased in a spectacular Grassington Festival performance, and involved a brass band from Ryedale; choirs from Pateley Bridge, Helmsley and Marske; folk musicians from Whitby; singers and signers from Selby; and an MC from Marske, among many others!

We hope you enjoy listening to all the new songs on the accompanying CD to this book. Full scores and lyrics for the songs can also be downloaded from the NYMAZ website: www.nymaz.org.uk

Grassington

Pateley Bridge

Selby

Helmsley

Easingwold

Marske

Botton

‘lovely community spirit’

“A great experience, we found lots of undiscovered talent!”

“Lovely to see young people up front and gaining confidence.”

“Really enjoyed it! A delightfully varied programme.”

“Saturdays henceforth will be lacklustre after today.”

“Excellent day – lots of interaction and fun!”

The heart of The Ballad of Grassington is the deep affection that its residents feel for the place. The taster workshops that led up to the songwriting day yielded a wealth of inspiration about the town, about Tom Lee the errant blacksmith, and the powerful landscape.

The visit to Gills Top, a residential care home, proved to be particularly inspiring. One of the residents, Elma, declared that she loved ‘every single stone of this place’, and that is the sentiment from which the whole song grew.

One of the beautiful stories that came out of the Gills Top session was of Edgar Darwin, a former Grassington Councillor. Betty told of how she loves the daffodils all around Grassington and how her husband Edgar planted them all just to make Grassington look nice. There is a plaque in his honour on The Octagon wall at Grassington Town Hall. By chance, a young girl, Mollie attended the workshop day, and as the group were going through the material, she said ‘That’s my Gran! The story about the daffodils, she’s talking about my Grandad’. Mollie remembers her Grandad, Edgar, making all the holes for the bulbs and the children from the Darwin family popping the bulbs in where he had dug. ‘He died ten years ago yesterday and those flowers still bloom every year’, she said.

The Ballad of Grassington

1. Where the River Wharfe meanders through the

limestone of the dales

We’d dare to run down Jacob’s Fold past the Old Hall

to Wood Lane

Stebden and Elbolton, Langerton and Kail

And disappearing Swinden, these reef knolls mark our Dale

ChorusFrom Colne to Keighley, Baildon, Bingley, Hull ’s

not where I’ ll stay

I love every single stone of home. This is where I’ ll lay

2. Rooted here for generations, traditions handed down.

I’d watch my Grandad work, bulb after bulb

goes in the ground

Yellow daffodils bring back childhood memories.

Walk hand in hand with Edgar Darwin, forever

I’ll hold him with me.

3. Tom Lee, the local blacksmith, killed the doctor

for his pay,Threw the body in the river and took refuge in the cave.

Th’apprentice lad reported Tom, and police then took him in,

They hung him from the pack horse bridge, his body left

to swing.We built this place of sandstone

Down from the mines at Yarmbury

Where the lead-bound barren landscape

Tells me I am Home

Tells me I am Home

4. Down the Sani, to Low Mill, past the falls to

Boiled Egg Row

Up to Grass Woods - [Shout] “what a view!” the secret

Lady’s Slipper grows

The flowing ice blue water, tempting us to swim

Jumping in and frantic splashing, the freezing cold sets in.

Double Chorus

grAssiNgtoNThe Ballad of GrassingtonMusic leader: rich huxley

2

Come to Pateley Show

Come to Pateley Show is a song that feels so rooted in tradition that it almost seems like it has been passed down through generations of Nidderdale families.

The songwriters - who had come along after workshops at Nidderdale Community Orchestra and Nidderdale Community Choir - had initially been unconvinced that we would be able to write a song at all. None of them had ever taken part in this kind of activity, but after a cup of tea and a brainstorming session it became clear that the subject of the song from Pateley Bridge should be the Nidderdale Show, known locally as Pateley Show.

The hustle and bustle of rural life is perfectly represented in a country fair - and Nidderdale Show is the last show in the season - a matter of pride for the residents of Pateley Bridge.

The conversation revolved around which of the attractions should feature in the song and there was so much to choose from! Eventually talk of sheepdogs and prize produce gave way to a more thoughtful mood. A shared affection for the town and the surrounding landscape shaped the final verse, with the quiet beauty of the hills and the wide Yorkshire skies bringing the song to a peaceful close.

ChorusCome to Pateley Show,You’ ll see everyone you know,You can bring your brolly but the sun’s going to shine,Lots to drink and food so fine,Come to Pateley Show!

There’s one man and his dog rounding up the sheep,But one eyed Gyp is getting deaf and the farmer’s wife could weep.See how the walls are built skill of hand and eye,Dry stone quarried from the moors, come and have a try.

There’s livestock to be judged, with rosettes to be won,For cattle and sheep and pigs and goats, rabbits and ferrets and hens and stoats,Come see the display of the birds of prey,If your beast is best in show that will make your day.

Hear the silver band with trumpets shining brightTrombones blasting flutes a piping, they’ll be here all day,Working up a right good thirst off for a drink they go,To the beer tent right next to the rides, there’s a Ferris wheel you know!

There’s produce to be judged, with cakes and scones and jams,There’ll be flowers and veg and crafts galore, punters pushing to get through the door,Look at the grand display, put together by the W.I.,Then go to the ring see the horses jump - a real treat for the eyes!

Now the show’s all packed away, gone for another year,And we are left with the open skies, the hills and the moors and the reservoirsAnd the cry of the curlew rings, and the sheep bleat on the fells,Peace falls over Pateley Bridge, and spreads out o’er the dale.

4

PAteleY BridgeCome to Pateley ShowMusic leader: rebecca gross

Wish You Were Here in Selby Town was specifically written to be wholly accessible, and inclusive. Its simple structure and catchy melody lend themselves really well to the singing and signing ethos from which it was born.

The participants at the workshop day wanted to get as many of Selby’s attractions as possible into the song; they were so clearly proud of the town’s rich heritage and architecture as well as its hand in events of national import, such as the apprehension of Thomas Wolsey on a charge of treason in nearby Cawood.

The history of the beautiful Selby Abbey with its majestic tower, and the gentle landscape are held together by the sentiment that Selby is a bustling place filled with busy, happy people, and that is certainly true of the character of the Selby songwriters: they created this lovely song, learned the signs and made a teaching video to go with it, and made very light work of it indeed.

Wish You Were Here in Selby Town

Terraced streets, open fields,Villages lead to distant hills,Busy people never frown,Wish you were here,In Selby town

Cardinal Wolsey caught in Cawood,Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,The Abbey was built where the three swans landed,Statues stand on the tower so tall

Chorus

Go to the villages see the horses,Carlton, Wistow, Bishop’s wood,Winter comes and the snow is falling,Sledge down the flood banks feeling good!

Double Chorus6

selBYWish You Were Here in Selby TownMusic leader: kate Pearson

The challenge for the songwriters of Helmsley was one of scale, as this was by far the biggest group of the whole project. Young people from Kirkbymoorside Brass Band, surrounding schools, and singers from Helmsley Arts Centre Community Choir gathered together to create what was to become the epic Train Ride Through Ryedale.

Much of the piece was improvised on the day around a small tone set, allowing the musicians to experiment with serialism in order to create something new and different from the simple tune that runs through the heart of the piece.

The plainsong section of the song reminds us of the many abbeys in close proximity to Helmsley, and in particular the beautiful ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. The picturesque Ryedale scenery is reflected in the lyrics, and the busy commercial market towns are also represented here, but most of all this grand setting of a simple song reflects the irrepressible spirit of Ryedale.

The sheer effort and concentration from the participants that was required in order to make the recording of this ambitious composition was impressive, and their collective sense of ownership, that this was something that they had written together, shone through.

Purple moors and rolling hills,

Bluebell woods and daffodils,

Valleys with their mossy glades,

Waterfalls and bright cascades,

Village greens and market towns,

Stately homes in formal grounds,

Dining in a host of pubs,

Choice of sport and leisure clubs.

Train Ride Through Ryedale

8

helMsleY Train Ride Through Ryedale Music leader: tim Brooks

Our Lonely Place captures the feeling of living in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors. The song is firmly rooted in not only the location but the communities of the moors.

Ideas for the song came from the initial workshop sessions, where not just the moorland themes were explored, but the whole process of songwriting, music making and performance were considered. The groups for these workshops were mainly made up of local children, aged from 4 to 17 years old, from Botton Village Steiner School and other local schools. The workshops allowed the participants to brainstorm ideas and put together a little song - not Our Lonely Place, but a sketch of the changing seasons.

The songwriting session that produced Our Lonely Place was attended by some of the children from the original brainstorming day, as well as members of Whitby Community Choir. After reviewing the results of the workshop day, and more brainstorming, ideas and themes of moorland life and particularly life in Botton Village started to come together. As a Camphill Village, life in Botton follows a routine of festivals and celebrations: Michaelmas, Candlemas and so on. These themes were explored in Our Lonely Place, alongside life on the North Yorkshire Moors. The history and awe of the moorland and its sublime ever-changing wonder were recurring themes, the fog hanging in the valleys like dragons’ breath, the desolation of a moorland winter, the relief of a moorland spring. The overriding theme though was that of belonging, and despite the apparent isolation and loneliness of the moors, a sense of home.

From the lonely heights of moorlandLooking down to the vale below.Shrouded, clouded, dragons breathing,Mist and magic, change and woe.

Tumbling stones from ancient walls,Lichen coloured strew the ground,Grouse butts, harebells, foxgloves, heather,Changing colours, changing sounds

Chorus

Follow the footsteps of the faithful,Fryupdale to Danby church,Was there howling from the wolf-pits?Distant woodsmoke, wind through birch.

Chorus

Michaelmas, Martinmas, Candlemas,Follow the colours of the turning year,Blue sky over purple moorland,Purple sky o’er winter fear.

Tracing the cycle of the year,Spiralling into the future from the past,Like the lanterns of the childrenWinding their way to Botton Green,Turning and returning once again!

St. Michael with your sword of truth,Reveal again the ancient ways,Moorland crosses, guardians watching,Keeping safe our lonely place!

Double Chorus

Our Lonely Place

10

BottoN Our Lonely Place Music leader: rebecca gross

The songwriters in Easingwold delved deep into the past to find inspiration for their song which takes us back from Easingwold’s busy streets to the eighteenth century.

Nana Ran Dan is a figure from Easingwold’s history, a local woman who once ran a public house, The Bluebell. Anne Harrison, better known as Nana Ran Dan, was permitted to use the ‘chief seat’ in the parish church - which tells us that her status was high profile – and her reputation was one of straight talking and no nonsense. Her grave is close to the church door and it is said that if you run round it three times and spit on it at midnight she will appear before you.

Nana Ran Dan died in 1745 and her gravestone carries quite an unusual epitaph about her character, saying that she ‘was chaste, but no prude; and tho’ free, yet no harlot; by principle virtuous, by education a protestant… her tongue and her hands were ungovernable, but the rest of her members she kept in subjection...’

This old-fashioned sweet shop has sweets of all kindsTake their sour challenge – it will blow your minds!From Easingwold now to times gone byRoad-weary travellers find a place to lieTo rest and refresh at the Bluebell InnWhere Nana Ran Dan will offer you a gin.(Nana Ran Dan, Nana-nana Ran Dan, Nana-nana Ran Dan, Nana-nana Ran Dan!)Run around once, run around twiceRun around three times scuttling like mice.But spit where she lies and you should bewareThat Nana Ran Dan’s ready to give you a scare!Nana Ran Dan – or Anne HarrisonWas respected by all and lots of good fun.To people in need her help she would lendThe Lord of the Manor was her thankful friend.The legend still stands – the church by the grave“Look kindly on me – my story please save.Once, twice, three times and spit where I lieRun around the stone and see if I rise!”(Nana Ran Dan, Nana-nana Ran Dan, Nana-nana Ran Dan, Nana-nana Ran Dan!)ChorusRap“My tongue is wild my life was wideI lived to 80 now, I’m in my tombBut do come and visit and run around my graveBut spit on me and I’ll spit in your gin”Chorus“On Sundays I sit in the church on the hill,On weekdays my inn is the place that I fill.Visit me here and happy I’ll beRemember me kindly, speak well of me!Dare to insult me, you’ll have to think quickIf you’re to keep up with my razor sharp wit.Watch what you say, I might just snapAnd then you’ll feel my short sharp slap!”

Nana Ran Dan

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eAsiNgWoldNana Ran Dan Music leader: Anna snow

Swaledale is the Only Place for Me

Swaledale is the Only Place for Me is unashamedly inspired by the stunning Swaledale countryside and the journey of the Tour de France cyclists right through it.

The lyrics take us through the natural beauty of Swaledale, and remind us that the countryside as we know it is as a result of the careful management of farmers for centuries. What’s more, that the stunning scars that characterise the hill tops and the valley sides were hewn by miners of bygone times; the marks of industry telling the history of this peaceful and wild environment.

The joyful bounce of this song, and its use of Yorkshire dialect, was a real reflection of the character and exuberance of the members of Marske Village Choir who attended the workshops and the songwriting day. They will continue to sing their song with pride at future performances for a long, long time!

14

SpokenSo stick the kettle on and take a seatAnd drink some Yorkshire tea,As you’re cycling past our window,I know where I would rather be,When you’re out on your bike and you fancy an ale,Where you gonna stop? Swaledale!Swaledale is the only place for me,It’s one’t best yer ever gonna see,It’s a long way from Leeds city but it’s really blooming pretty!It’s the only place we’ ll ever want to be.Sweet floral meadows surrounded by walls,Barns standing rigid, centuries unfold,Soft the sound of the babbling brook,Farmers and miners created the look.ChorusSheepdogs and peat bogs, the rugged steep hillsCurlews are calling above the smelt mills,Mists falling in are guarding the Dale,Farmers and keepers are downing an ale.Yan tan tether meter pip,They’re racing through the dip,Then climbing up the hill,Let’s hope their lycra doesn’t rip,They’ll have to put a sprint onWhen they get to GrintonThen it’s ‘Au revoir, enjoy your trip!’Baaaaye!Chorus

MArskeSwaledale is the Only Place for Me Music leader: lindsay ibbotson

WorkshoP versioNs1. The Ballad of Grassington2. Come to Pateley Show3. Wish You Were Here in Selby Town4. Train Ride Through Ryedale5. Our Lonely Place6. Nana Ran Dan7. Swaledale is the

Only Place for Me

live versioNs8. The Ballad of Grassington9. Come to Pateley Show10. Wish You Were Here in Selby Town11. Train Ride Through Ryedale12. Our Lonely Place13. Nana Ran Dan14. Swaledale is the Only Place for Me

Acknowledgements

Wish You Were Here was commissioned by Yorkshire Festival 2014 and delivered by NYMAZ in partnership with Accessible Arts & Media, Grassington Festival, Harrogate International Festivals, Helmsley Arts Centre, Live Music Now and Musicport.

We would like to say a great big thank you to all the participants who attended songwriting workshops and contributed to the creation of this collection of songs. For a full list of participant names please visit www.nymaz.org.uk

Thanks also to the music leaders who guided the songwriting process: Rebecca Gross (Artistic Director), Tim Brooks, Rich Huxley, Lindsay Ibbotson, Kate Pearson and Anna Snow.

Thank you to our volunteer cycle couriers: Edd Caine, John Fenwick, Stuart Price, Ian Ritchie and Ed Snow.

Finally, thank you to funders Yorkshire Festival 2014 and the Ernest Cook Trust. Yorkshire Festival 2014 is backed by Welcome to Yorkshire, Yorkshire Water and Arts Council England as well as Local Authorities across the county.

Cover image: Sam Atkins Words and scores: Rebecca Gross Design: David Caines

www.nymaz.org.uk