Women's Institute – Chichester Observer – Wednesday, 14 March 1923

SELSEY. Women's Institute. At the monthly meeting, held in the Cinema on Wednesday, March 7th, a delightful lecture was given by the Rector, Rev. K. H. MacDermott, A.R.C.M., Hon. C.F., on folk songs, illustrated by himself and Mrs. MacDermott. The Rector showed that man’s primitive instinct for music, was rather for noise or succession of sounds, with strongly marked rhythm, than for series of various sounds, producing what we call melody or tune. Hence savages and uncultured men made tom-toms, rattles, etc., to produce rhythmic sounds, to which they could dance. Then it was discovered that different tones might be made, by tightening or slackening of the skin head of drum or stretching or lowering a string, and gradually the idea of melody as well as rhythm was evolved, and simple tunes were composed. Their primitive} tunes were always characterised by strongly marked rhythm, by simple, easy melody, and by frequent repetition of parts of the tune. Then later these simple tunes became wedded to homely poems in the form of songs, and thus folk-songs came into being. Folk songs are therefore essentially the lyrical expression of simple, uncultured minds. Following the lecture Madame Marcello Martin gave an embroidery demonstration, showing some of her own beautiful work. There was also an embroidery exhibition, presided over by Mrs. E. Johnson. The prizes for the paper hat competition were won by Mrs. Pope and Mrs. Butt. The members’ stall, managed by Mrs. Sayers and Mrs. T. Johnson, did good business. After tea, provided by Mrs. Ellis, Mrs. Turtle, and Mrs. Walker, a short variety entertainment was given by Messrs. Phipps and White, Mrs. Knight, Miss Roy, and Miss Hunt, whose efforts were greatly appreciated. The membership the Selsey W.I. stands now at 174.