Percy Webb Trophy
The Percy Webb Memorial Trophy Singing Competition
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After Percy Webb died it was decided to buy a pewter tankard and sing for it annually to remember him. The current tankard, kindly donated by Suffolk Folk in 2007, replaces the lost original – and the replacement trophy has been engraved with the names of all past winners.
Singers are invited to compete for this trophy by the singing of a traditional folk song. The winner is decided upon by votes cast by the entrants, and shall hold the trophy for one year. Singers and audience are all welcome.
Sunday 5 May 2019
On Sunday 5 May 2019 the Ship Inn at Blaxhall in Suffolk was bursting with folk who had gathered for this year’s Percy Webb competition.
With twenty-two entries this year, the competition was held in three parts, with each song performed as the contestants’ names were drawn from the tankard. There was a terrific mix of song choices, and all were well received:
Sheila Park: The Lowlands of Holland
Tess Gardener: Limehouse Reach
Alistair Cameron: Bonny Bunch of Roses
Will Podd: The Rose of Allendale
Rosy Thornton: The Blacksmith
Tracey Wisdom: Tarry Trousers
James Scott: The King’s Shilling
Penny Mackay: Waly Water (The Water is Wide)
Megan Wisdom: The Bonny Hawthorn
Dave Tricker: Deep Sea Tug (by Harry Robertson)
Lexy Scott-Hornsby: Linden Lea
Terry Davey: I’ve Got Something to the Thankful For
John Griffiths: Willie Archer
Gemma Khawaja: The Recruited Collier
Sue Griffiths: Sandgate Lass’s Lament
Steve & Mary Dickinson: Magdalen Green
David Cotter: A Fair Maid Walking
Zoe Wadey: Pleasant and Delightful
Barrie Haywood: Black Dog & Sheep Crook
Steve Danby: One Starry Night
Deidre Lamont: The Road To Dundee
Aryn Clark: On Raglan Road
There was one last song before the votes were counted – a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday for Percy’s nephew, George Gooding (aka Mick).
And The Winner is – Megan Wisdom with her delightful rendition of The Bonny Hawthorn – congratulations Megan! We wish Megan the very best when she takes her place on the Folk and Traditional Music course at Newcastle University this September.
We were thrilled to have Percy’s niece – Amanda Clampin – and George present Megan with the tankard. Megan also received a cash prize from landlord, Rob, on behalf of the Ship Inn.
As always, there were no entry fees, but a collection pot was passed round for the St Elizabeth Hospice. Thanks to all for their donations. The pot has been given to the Hospice and we hope to know the total collected very soon.
The event was traditional entertainment of a very good standard. We are grateful to all the performers as well as the audience for supporting the competition; to Linda Chaplin and Mike Norris for counting the votes; and to Terry, Rob and Staff at the Blaxhall Ship for their hospitality.