It’s always nice to discover somewhere new and nice and Barnbuskers musicians Judy (mainly fiddle, accordion, band leader and dance caller) and Robin (mainly clarinet) were visiting Exeter yesterday, 26th November 2024, on a day out and came across the Sylvania community store, cafe and activity centre in Pennsylvania, Exeter, UK (check out their excellent video with local Pete the poet and musicians). It was so nice that we stopped and had lunch there and I must say that the pasties and coffee were very nice. Apparently, they also offer lunchtime soup too so that will be something for us to check out next time.
To be honest, we’re both keen on community stores and cafes. In fact recently Judy was on a promise for having a nice romantic Sunday lunchtime out and got taken to the Roadwater Community shop and cafe in West Somerset, UK. Not quite a rural pub but a lovely location, very friendly staff and great prices in common with many of these not for profit village businesses manned by volunteers and acting as the heart of the local community.
They say it’s a small world and, chatting to one of the ladies at Sylvania community store and cafe, Exeter, we discovered that Pete the poet of Watchet, West Somerset festival fame lived opposite (see video above). Apparently, he now runs the local Sylvania community choir when he’s not writing or performing community poetry and the choir meets up at the Sylvania community store, cafe and activity centre. It seems the choir needs a pianist which got Judy interested because one of the many instruments she plays is the piano and she loves a good singsong too. Who knows, maybe a Barnbuskers musicians relocation might be in the cards soon lol! Apart from the Pennsylvania area, Exeter is a lovely city and has lots going on with musician opportunities to play gypsy jazz, Cornish folk music, English folk music, Eastern folk music and probably much more besides. As regular and keen tennis players, the next time we are there , we must check out the local tennis clubs. It would be icing on the cake!
So, if you’re in the Pennsylvania, Exeter, UK area and fancy coffee and a bite to eat at a friendly community cafe, the Sylvania store, cafe and activity centre comes highly recommended by Barnbuskers band members Robin and Judy. Apparently, there are lots of other activities going on there too and, who knows, one day maybe a small (but perfectly formed) Barnbuskers ceilidh band barn dance might be taking place.
Alternatively, if you are in the Exeter UK area and have a favourite village hall, perhaps a bit larger than the Sylvania community store, cafe and activity centre in Pennsylvania, where you are looking to hold a family get together, why not contact Barnbuskers barn dance and ceilidh band. We love playing in new venues, love the Exeter area and look forward to hearing from you!
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