News

Updated 7 Jan 2023

The Hoy Folk Club, Leigh on Sea

Leigh is a bit of a spiritual home for Phil – our melodeon player – as he’s played twice at the Hoy at Anchor Folk Club and also recorded for BBC Songs of Praise and Robson Green’s Tales of the Coast with the Fishwives. A good turn out at a very friendly club. And we were proud to perform Phil’s song Leigh Fishermen here.

Walthamstow Folk Club

“We are all excited about your booking” – said Walthamstow Folk Club, where we performed on December 4. We too were thrilled to get a booking at this major folk club. Despite the World Cup match, we had a quality turn out who sang enthusiastically along and we all had a very jolly time!

15 June 22 – Chequers Folk Club – a welcoming club held in a stunning barn in Great Kingshill. Many thanks to Philippa, Colin and John for having us , for asking us back next year and for recommending us to yet another folk club.

5th and 6th June 22 The Star and Garter at Silsoe followed by Stony Live Festival at the Crown Inn, Stony Stratford. We love playing to our “home crowds”. A major folk club organiser came to see us and wants to book us!

23 April 22 – Not content with playing in the same band, Phil and Denise got married in a canalside ceremony at Stoke Bruerne. Denise has decided that her stage name will remain Denise Dryburgh. Phil wants to be known as The Artist Who Used to Be Known As Phil Underwood – And Still Is .

5 March 2022 A great gig at York House, Stony Stratford to an appreciative audience, with support Luke James Williams.

7 March 2022 – Tonbridge Folk club – thanks to the club for a warm and friendly welcome.

“The Pitmatics set about entertaining us in style with an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary material. A good blend of voices, skilful accompaniment with a variety of instruments, but above all they approached their work with an enthusiasm which was infectious. If you want a band which can relate to their audience and hold their attention, book them!” Roger Resch – Tonbridge Folk Club

2021

We will miss Heather and Caroline who have left the band due to pressure of work and family matters. However The Pitmatics will continue as a four piece. We are busy rehearsing some great new numbers for our first gig of 2022 at York House, Stony Stratford. And we are excited to be getting interest from several venues in 2022.

11 December 2019

Great audience numbers at The Place in Bedford. Really nice venue completely suited to our big lineup. Thanks to Chris on sound and to the management and volunteers who keep this venue a great place to come, entertain and be entertained.

15 October 2019

A fine gig at the friendly Wurzel Bush Folk Club in Rugby. Many thanks to Gary and his team and all who came.

‘Inventive, varied and passionate. Pitmatics delivered a first class performance of original, trad and occasional cover with an impressive array of instruments and vocals. Re-booked!’ – Gary Painting, Organiser

3 September 2019 – We played Bracknell Folk Club and received a warm welcome from the capacity audience. This is what they said about us:

“A splendid evening’s entertainment and it’s not often someone turns down a floor spot because they want to hear more. The carefully crafted numbers were moulded around their multiple instruments and there were no one-trick ponies in this crew. They provided a barnstorming performance with songs familiar and songs previously unheard, songs with choruses to join in and even an a cappella music hall number. There was plenty of foot-tapping in our larger-than-usual audience and the applause spoke for itself.” Steve, Bracknell Folk Club.

22 June 2019 – We were delighted to open the Main stage at Dinglefest on the Saturday in front of an estimated audience of 500. An amazing setting boasting 3 stages. Performing was great fun and we received some excellent feedback.

Founder member Charley Foskett has been a major influence on the band’s direction – he has moved on to other projects and we wish him all the best. During his time the band has collaborated with great artists like Julie Felix.

23 October 18 – rehearsing with Julie Felix 

13 October 2018 -Played the Civic Hall, Berkhamsted in aid of the Hospice of St Francis. Audience of 200 received us enthusiastically and Ned declared “we all did very well” .

“What an amazing night.. congratulations on a fantastic evening.. heartfelt thanks.” Lucy Hume, Head of Community Fundraising, The Hospice of St Francis

15th and 16th October – Rehearsal with Julie Felix for our gig with her at the NAF Folk Club on 6th Nov. It’s an honour and pleasure to be working with such a great artist and lovely person.