The Artist

Catherine Howe is widely remembered for the song 'Harry', for which she received in 1975 an Ivor Novello Award, and especially for her 1971 album ‘What A Beautiful Place.’

Now, she is joined by guitarist and songwriter Vo Fletcher (Nigel Kennedy, Fairport Convention and chart toppers Touch & Go,) and after working together for three years their musical performance has reached a point of ease and cohesion not readily acquired.

2010 saw the release of their album 'English Tale', which features Fairport Convention's violinist Ric Sanders, and offers new material with the inclusion of interesting reworkings of 'Harry' and 'Lucy Snowe.'

Links:

• Catherine Howe's web site

A quartet of guitar, saxophones, flute and double bass, Appleby Kinsey continue to create a distinctive, natural acoustic sound, with rich melodies, beautiful original songs, and masterful playing.

Hannah West joined the group in January 2016 as double bass player. Hannah is a talented and versatile musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, teacher and composer.

Talitha Cole and Emma's Stone's voices combine in beautiful harmonies over lyrical, catchy, original songs in a variety of styles, from Latin jazz to folk.

Since 2010 Appleby Kinsey have been playing weddings, festivals, cruise boats, bars, restaurants and have a dedicated following in the region. They have a large repertoire of original songs in various genres ranging from cool jazz to straight pop and contemporary folk, using an appealing mixture of these styles. They have released one album, ‘Begin Again’ on CD and download, containing 14 original songs. Tracks from ‘Begin Again’ are regularly played on BBC Local Radio.

Links:

• Appleby Kinsey's Website

The Ale House is a delightful and intimate concert venue, with warm acoustics.

Despite its name, there are no bar facilities at The Ale House and events there do not normally make alcoholic drinks available for sale. Most events, however, are bring-your-own. Wine glasses are made available.

The absence of a bar also has the highly desirable effect of ensuring the ‘pindrop’ atmosphere is maintained, with audiences intent only on the music.

In the 16th Century The Ale House was a place to serve ale to the parishioners of Colwall after church services. Nowadays, while having all modern facilities, it retains its ancient charm, with oak beams and leaded windows.

It is situated adjacent to St James the Great Church in Colwall. From the main B4218 going through the main part of Colwall, turn down Mill Lane, which is just north of the railway bridge. Go past Colwall Village Hall and the church is about half a mile further down the lane.

Park in the large car park next to the church and walk through the churchyard to the Ale House.

For reasons of safety parking is not allowed immediately adjacent to the building.

Disabled Access

The Ale House is fully equipped for wheelchair access.

There is a pull-in space by the main door at the south end of the building (shown in the picture) for drop-off.