Public Speaking

Sabine Baring-Gould was a giant of his time. He was a top ten best-selling novelist; the writer of what is still the go-to book on werewolves; author of a nerve-tingling book of ghost stories; storyteller of the Norse Myths of Iceland; compiler of a classic Dartmoor history book and composer of the hymnOnward Christian Soldiers. The Victorian Devon rector, polymath and composer led a fascinating life and was a pioneering collector of traditional folk-songs in Devon and paved there way for future collectors such as Cecil Sharp and Vaughan Williams. 

A proud Devonian, awarding winning folk singer and musician Jim Causley has dedicated much of his career to researching and reviving the forgotten gems of his native county. Jim also touches on Devonshire dialect pieces and the Music Hall period, as well as modern songs from the thriving folk scene in Devon. Jim gives a presentation jam-packed with Devonshire delights that richly bring to life the distinct flavour of music-making from this unique corner of the British Isles. From Arscott of Tetcott to Widecombe Fair and everything in between, this talk is a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to Devon’s rich musical culture. 

Jim presents an illustrated talk on the life of the celebrated Cornish poet Charles Causley including a selection of his musical settings of Charles’ poems. In 2017 Charles’ centenary was celebrated with a BBC biopic film about his life featuring interviews with well-loved modern poets such as Sir Andrew Motion, Roger McGough and Simon Armitage and the soundtrack to the film was made up entirely of the music from Jim’s album ‘Cyprus Well’, recorded in the late poet’s house. Jim will introduce you to Charles with fascinating stories about his life and leaving the audience with a real sense of the man behind the spellbinding poetry. 

Devonshire and Dartmoor song expert Jim Causley presents an hour jam-packed with Dartmoor delights. Songs from the Baring-Gould collection and medieval ballads of eerie Dartmoor legends sit alongside hilarious music-hall numbers, dialect pieces and all the classics you’d expect such as Widecombe and Tavistock Goozey Vair! Prepare to be immersed in the rich cultural history & heritage of moorland music-making as well as being thoroughly enthralled and entertained! 

Jim dons the persona of ‘Jan Stewer’, the legendary Devonian character created by famous Devonshire dialect author A.J. Coles in the early 20th century. Jim draws from A.J. Coles stories, play poems, sketches and songs to give a delightful insight into Devonshire dialect, culture and humour from over a century ago.

Jim presents a selection of short films from archive footage to the present day on the fascinating world of wassailing and traditional farmhouse cider-making as well as a fascinating talk on the known history of wassailing as well as his personal experience of growing up in the cider making village of Whimple, East Devon. Once the home of Whiteways Cider and its historic wassail tradition which was first mentioned by Sabine Baring-Gould in 1908. Jim has been playing & singing for the Whimple Wassail since he was a teenager and has helped to start several new wassail events from Dartmoor to Kent and even one in the garden of Cecil Sharp House!

Join Jim in a whistle stop tour of some of the most famous and well-loved traditional English folk songs as well as a fascinating dive into their history and the Victorian and Edwardian folksong collectors who set out to record and preserve them for the nation such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, Cecil Sharp, Maud Karpeles, Percy Grainger, George Butterworth, Sabine Baring-Gould, Lucy Broadwood and Frank Kidson.

Join Jim for a night of celebrating the autumnal season as he entertains you with a feast of Westcountry songs, medieval and secular carols from around the British Isles, poems and contemporary songs which reflect on this magical season at the setting of the Old Year. Expect some spooky numbers, some jolly ditties and some moving ballads which will leave your insides as warm as a bonfire or a freshly-lit pumpkin on a cold autumn night!

Join Jim in celebrating the Christmas season as he entertains with lesser known West Country carols, Christmas folklore, medieval and secular carols from around the region, his own settings of moving Christmas poems by his relative, the late Cornish poet Charles Causley as well a gurt dollop of festive fun with songs of over-indulgence, Devonshire dialect and even a spot of panto too! If you are feeling a little dismayed with the over-commercialisation of “Christmas present” then join Jim for a journey through Christmas past that will be guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit!

Jim Causley & award winning folklorist & author Mark Norman join forces to give a fascinating presentation of the rich body of folklore and customs in Devon. Whether that be spooky goings-on down Dartmoor way or why it is unlucky to play kidney beans before George Nympton Revel! Jim & Mark will surprise and delight you with fascinating accounts, a background of Devon’s important folklorists of the past and traditional Devon folk songs which compliment the many aspects of local folklore that have inspired them.