Madge Reeves

Madge first got involved in folk music, song and particularly dance early in the 1990’s, by joining the Island Cloggies, where she first met husband Brian, the Cloggie’s main musician. She afterwards became a member of the Isle of Wight Appalachian Stompers, then Appletaps, a group which performed Appalachian and Tap stepping. Madge took up North West morris dancing, first with Wight Bells, then, when Brian taught morris dance at the newly created Carnival Centre, she joined him in the group which became Guith Morrris. When the group divided, Madge moved to the Whitgar half. So, Madge’s dancing career spanned a wide variety of styles over 30 years or more, including stepping, North West, Cotswold & Border Morris and country dancing.

 From 1994, Madge became an honorary member of Caulkheads Ceilidh Band, helping with equipment, on the door and demonstrating dance moves when needed. At the New Year’s Ceilidhs at the Dairyman’s Daughter, too, her dance demo skills were always much in demand.

Madge and Brian married in 1996, on her birthday 24th May. They both enjoyed the many folk clubs and sessions here on the Island, plus folk festivals all over the country. Despite constantly saying to Brian; ” What have you done to me!!” Madge found she enjoyed immersion in folk music, made many friends and became quite knowledgeable on the traditions.

Condolences go to Brian and family on their sad loss. For friends and family, the funeral will be held at the Crematorium at 13:30, followed by a wake at Bluebells, Briddlesford Lodge Farm. Dress informal. Madge loved pastel shades.

Charitable Folk

Well done to the Howling Wolf Folk and Blues Club, they raised £40 at their Pete Holden Memorial Gig at Dimbola Lodge. Congratulations, too, to Monkton Arts, an evening event organised by them and featuring The Dance Preachers raised a whopping £1,329 for those in need in Ukraine.

Coming up in August

Folk bands are represented in both Shanklin and Sandown Regattas. Brown’s Golf Course Cafe, a lovely venue, has an evening on Saturday 13th with both The Crew and Sheshells performing, 5pm start. At the end of the month, Sunday 28th sees Second Time Around return to The Hideaway on Shanklin clifftop for two hours of music starting at 3pm.