Deal Folk Club – A Potted History

Deal Folk Club has been in existence since the 1960s in one form or another. Indeed, some of our members remember it from the original days when it was held at Linwood Youth Club and, later, on the end of Deal Pier. The club folded like so many others at the time, but re-opened in 1981 at the Yew Tree, Mill Hill, thanks to Lynda Borley and Dave Frakes.  Dave ran the Club for a few years and when he moved away Sue Watson took over.  Since then the club has moved to various different venues. Firstly The Pelican, followed by The Drum Major where Colin Baldwin was MC, The Green Beret, and The Alma. Alan Sugden ran the club at the Star & Garter for a while, and Avril Cameron ran the club for many years during which it moved to the RMA Club on the Strand at Walmer, including celebrating the club’s Silver Jubilee in 2006.  Sue & Martin Thompson then continued the Folk Club at the RMA Club for 7 years before the covid pandemic hit.  Deal Folk Club re-opened its doors again on 16th February 2023 in our new venue St. Andrews Church Hall in West Street, Deal CT14 6DZ.  We meet twice a month on thursday evenings from 7pm to 10pm – singing starts at 7.15pm prompt (doors open 7pm).  We usually meet on the first and third thursdays of each month (though some months this changes – keep an eye on this website) .  All are welcome, audience and performers alike, but it helps if you come prepared to join in the choruses!