Traditional Sussex Singing

Chris Hare has been singing traditional Sussex songs for twenty-five years. He learned many songs from the Copper family of Rottingdean, who have a tradition of singing going back for at least seven generations. Chris also learned songs from the folk-song collector, Tony Wales of Horsham and from a group of retired woodmen whom he befriended in the villages of Clapham and Patching during the 1980s.

More recently Chris has started singing with his wife Ann, who after years of hearing Chris sing these songs in pubs, in the house, in the bath and to their children, has adopted an "if you can't beat them, join them" attitude towards these old ballads.

Chris and Ann are available to sing traditional songs of love and marriage at weddings. Bob and John Copper sang the "Sussex Wedding Song" at their wedding, which has inspired them to sing this and other suitable songs for other couples.

In 2007 Chris and Ann joined with local singer Emily Longhurst to sing traditional songs as a three-piece harmony. Their Christmas and St. Valentine's Day sessions at Gaia Cafe proved very popular and many people have been pleased to hear "Emily and the Hares" sing traditional songs in a tuneful and natural style. Folk singing has been associated with the nasal intenation of the "finger-in-the-ear" school, which, while it delights the enthusiast, can put off the general listener.

Chris runs an informal singing session in the bar of the Sydney Walter Centre, Sussex Road, Worthing every month.

The next session will be on Wednesday 23rd April at 7.30pm. This is St. George's Day, so the theme of the evening will be England and Englishness. Chris will start the proceedings with some songs and poems and then the floor will open to anyone who would like to sing or receit. This session is free, although anyone attending is asked to buy drinks from the excellent bar at the Sydney Walter Centre. Normally these sessions take place in the bar, but as this is a "special" we also have access to the Art Room.

Other singing sessions will be on Tuesdays and take place on the following dates -

May 27th

June 24th

July 29th

Sussex Day, Monday 16th June, Emily and the Hares hope to be performing on this day to mark our county, its heritage, traditions and especially its songs! Please keep checking this website for details.

The Broadwater Midsummer Tree, Monday 23rd June, 11pm for midnight at the famed old oak by Broadwater Green. We usually meet in The Cricketers from about 9pm. Check the website nearer the date for details.