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Press Releases
Come sing-a-long with Devon
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Want to go to Widecombe Fair? Or could you sing along when
Devon Sings?
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Widecombe Fair is Devon's best known folk song. On Tuesday 9
September thousands of people will join in vocal harmony from
locations across the county to sing the well-known tune and help
raise money for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Children In Need.
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The sing-a-long sing-a-thon coined Devon Sings is the idea of the
Rotary Clubs of Devon and features events across the county for
people of all vocal abilities who would like to unite for a song.
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Rotary co-ordinator Richard Hopkins said: "We want this to be a
major event across the whole of Devon. We chose a song that
everyone knows and can easily sing. It's probably the only folk
song from Devon that everyone is familiar with."
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Many schools, rest homes, churches and choirs have signed up to
take part and Rotary Clubs have co-ordinated town centre events in
Barnstaple, Torquay, Dartmouth and Shaldon.
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Spreyton – the home
of Tom Cobley – is also taking part with Spreyton Primary School
and local pub joining in the occasion.
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Richard Hopkins added: "Rotary clubs from across Devon will all
be working hard to get people in their communities joining in and
we'd be pleased to hear from any group, individual or
organisation that wants to sing-a-long with us."
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The Widecombe Fair folk song was first published in the 1880s and
tells the story of Uncle Tom Cobley and seven men who set off to
Widecombe Fair on Dartmoor with an old grey mare they borrowed
from Tom Pearce.
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Assistant Editor of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Devon, Sarah Solftley, says: "This is a unique opportunity for the county of Devon to sing as
one. We're not bothered if you can sing or not.
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"We just want
people to take part and help raise money for Children in Need –
and have fun at the same time.
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"We want to hear those familiar
lyrics sung in unison in schools, workplaces, clubs and pubs as
hundreds of people join us to sing Widecombe Fair for charity."
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Devon Sings is supported by ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Devon and will also be a
part of this year's Widecombe Fair on Tuesday 9 September 2008.
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To register for Devon Sings and to find the words and music of
the song, go online to bbc.co.uk/devon.
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All money raised will go
to the 2008 ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Children In Need appeal.
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For more information about Devon Sings contact ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Devon on
01752-234512, or email devonsings@btinternet.com.
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³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Bristol Press Office
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