Introducing Cath, your new SRFN Secrtary

Following the Network AGM on November 29th, Cath James took up the secretarial reins with effect from January 1st. Cath is well known in the area as a fine musician, she was a BBC Young Tradition Semi­finalist in 1995, and leads the popular ceilidh band Roger the Badger. She also served two terms as President of the Sheffield University Ceilidh Society in the early 90's. Although Cath hails from Hampshire, she has made Sheffield her home, staying to play music and make a career as a teacher and performer after completing her studies. There are those who say that there is even a hint of the flattened 'a' creeping into her diction. Cath recalls that her first contact with SRFN was when the Badgers were asked to represent the UK at a youth and music convention / happening in Greece in1994, this was followed by an invitation to busk at the Kelham Island Christmas Market on the very first occasion that SRFN was involved. What did Cath think at that time? - "The idea of a network seemed to fill a niche and was right up my street. Working together for mutual benefit has got to be the way forward, so I felt able to get involved especially as it was a bunch of people with whom I could work, subsequently I have been involved in many of the events and activities." In 1998, she directed the Folk Factory, a week of workshops and classes which she recalls as, "A steep learning curve for us all."

For Cath, one of the most satisfying events has been the formation of the Harlequinettes ­ the young band which she teaches and leads. "They have come on better than I could have ever expected and I really enjoy arranging and teaching the repertoire, which draws heavily on local tunes and material from the SRFN Tune Books. The youngsters are very committed and the parents very supportive. Perhaps we'll do a CD or a book of the arrangements in the future but we are definitely looking for more performance opportunities." The band is still recruiting members and is now financially viable so the future looks rosy for this successful venture. Cath acknowledges that the network has created more opportunities to play, to meet people and to come into contact with new ideas. Her involvement definitely helped her to formulate her ideas for starting her own business and the newsletter was the route by which she found a lonely and unattached musician called John Fuller, who is now firmly a member of the Badgers. The future of folk music? Cath is both positive and optimistic and feels that we are making progress in contacting and winning a wider audience. The University Ceilidh Society, for example, is evidence of this, recruiting many new members who clearly find the music most acceptable and enjoyable.

As for the SRFN, Cath wants to get to grips with the organising and administration and feels the the network is now moving into a different league. She wants to build on the strength of the personal contacts made in the early days, and pays tribute to the invaluable committment made by many individuals over the past five years. "The SRFN needs to continue to build its profile and particularly win acceptance from schools as well as the music industry, the media and the general public." What would be the key priorities? "Involving young people and recycling the music !" Amen to that!