news & What's On

Groups that may be of interest

The village hall is used by several groups and clubs that welcome new people:

• Pilates (Monday and Friday mornings) - contact Victoria via email: pilatesinthepeaks@gmail.com 

• Parent & Toddler Group (Wednesday mornings) - contact Alice on 07964 529804

• Friendship Club (Wednesday afternoons, usually twice per month) - contact Anne on 07721 048968

• Cricket Club 'The Gargoyles' - new team members always welcome - contact Charlotte on 07944 909007

• Local History Group - enquiries via Martin on 07809 013329

• Threads hand-embroidery workshops (once or twice a month, excl summer) - website here.

We welcome enquiries for new groups of any kind. And if anyone is interested in re-starting an Indoor Bowls group (which stopped a year or so ago), we have all the necessary equipment, so just get in touch! Our email: villagehallalstonefield@gmail.com

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Bridget St John, one of the most distinctive and quietly influential voices to emerge from the British folk revival in a rare live concert, sharing the bill with Hull-based singer and guitarist Katie Spencer, an artist widely recognised for her exceptional musicianship and contemporary folk songwriting.

Bridget St John emerged at the end of the 1960s as a unique presence on the UK folk scene, blending traditional influences with deeply personal songwriting and an intimate, expressive vocal style. Her talent quickly caught the attention of legendary BBC Radio broadcaster John Peel, who became one of her earliest and most passionate champions. Peel’s belief in her work led him to establish Dandelion Records, a label created to give distinctive artists the creative freedom they deserved, and on which Bridget St John released her first three albums.

Between 1969 and 1971, Bridget released Ask Me No Questions, Songs for the Gentle Man, and Thank You for…. Produced by John Peel and featuring contributions from musicians such as John Renbourn and Danny Thompson, these albums have since become cult classics. At the time, they stood apart from the louder and more commercial trends of the era, favouring subtle arrangements, poetic lyrics, and emotional depth. Today, they are widely regarded as essential recordings of the period. She released Jumblequeen in 1974, featuring the track Sparrowpit, named after the tiny village near Buxton in Derbyshire where she lived for a time.

Although Bridget St John stepped away from the public eye for many years, she released Take the Fifth in 1995 (having moved to the USA) and her reputation has grown steadily over time. Reissues of her albums have been warmly received, and her songs have been rediscovered by new generations of listeners, collectors, and musicians. Her influence can be traced through contemporary folk and acoustic music, where understatement, honesty, and atmosphere are once again prized.

This concert offers audiences a rare opportunity to hear Bridget St John perform live, presenting songs drawn from across her career in an intimate setting that reflects the spirit in which they were first written. Her performances are known for their warmth, gentle humour, and emotional clarity, creating a close connection between artist and audience. Long-time admirers will welcome the chance to hear these much-loved songs live, while newcomers will discover a body of work that remains timeless and quietly powerful.

Sharing the bill is Katie Spencer, a singer, songwriter, and guitarist based in Hull, whose work has earned widespread praise within the UK folk and acoustic music scene. Known for her distinctive guitar style and expressive voice, Katie Spencer draws on folk traditions while incorporating blues, roots, and modern songwriting influences. Her music combines technical skill with emotional immediacy, marking her out as one of the most compelling contemporary artists to emerge from the region in recent years.

Katie Spencer’s songs are characterised by strong melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and an assured instrumental approach, making her a natural complement to Bridget St John’s work. Together, the shared bill brings two generations of British folk music into dialogue: one artist whose recordings helped define a quietly radical moment in the late 1960s, and another who is carrying forward that tradition with originality and confidence today.

Whether you are a long-standing admirer of Bridget St John, a follower of John Peel’s musical legacy, a supporter of contemporary folk music, or simply curious to discover something special, this shared-bill concert offers a rare and rewarding live experience.

Licensed bar. Enquiries Martin on 07809 013329

The event is sold out but there is a waiting list on the ticket site you can join here.