SEPTEMBER - 2014

Newsletter No 294 30 September 2014

A completely different mix of people with guests even from Perth in Western Australia and several locals threatening to return with instruments and songs to sing as PAUL & ROBIN hosted in great style. First PAUL conducted us all in MAMA DON'T ALLOW followed by PETER who sang ST PAUL'S SONG and BANJO JOHN who shouted out HEY MR TAMBOURINE MAN! Then JO led us all in singing AMAZING GRACE before ROBIN celebrated the anniversary of Sir Walter Scott with JOCK O'HAZELDEAN while JIM & LYNN had those FULSOME PRISON BLUES. Taking centre stage after a few weeks ANN again delighted us with LET ME BE YOUR LADY FOR TODAY MISTER which for some reason gave ED some CHILDHOOD MEMORIES to which DON & HEATHER replied he's obviously PAST THE POINT OF RESCUE. Not so PETE who explained how a young lady brought out the BEST IN ME and BANJO JOHN went off on one with ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN leaving JO to coyly announce I LIVE NOT WHERE I LOVE. No doubting where JIM & LYNN got to with I GOT STRIPES or PAUL who was eulogising over STEWBALL the racehorse but for ROBIN the BATTLE IS OVER. Coming up to half time DON & HEATHER reckoned we're all SAINTS AND SINNERS even ANN'S UNCLE TOM COBLEY and definitely ED'S FLUSHERS down in the country's sewers.

A bumper raffle saw Chris win the Olive Oil, Jackie won the Cadbury's Roses, Pete had the wine, Alan got the Dairy Milk Chocolate and Rosalyn took the biscuit(s) before PAUL swore that THE SINGING WILL NEVER END as HELEN played with THE MARVELLOUS TOY and JIM & LYNN were off to Ireland to see the FORTY SHADES OF GREEN. In a bluesy frame of mind PETE then shot off to KANSAS CITY and to welcome our Antipodean friends DON & HEATHER went down to SOUTH AUSTRALIA while ED remained on the farm with TREAT MY DAUGHTER DECENT. Meanwhile ROBIN nipped over to the US of A for FRAULEIN as JIM & LYNN were tasting that RARE OLD MOUNTAIN DEW and PETE was celebrating his HEART OF GOLD. Not so ROBIN, PAUL, DON & HEATHER who were down DARK AS A DUNGEON and ED was saying we should FLOG 'EM, FLAY 'EM AND HANG 'EM to which DON & HEATHER replied just like in the RARE OULD TIMES then. Seeking to reach a climax PAUL, ROBIN, DON & HEATHER first had us all rueing the presence of FENCES courtesy of Arthur Marshall and then ED joined PAUL, ROBIN, DON & HEATHER tell us that ALL THE GOOD TIMES ARE PAST AND GONE so we all hit the road home after a very satisfying evening.

Newsletter No 293 23 September 2014

An almost full house came in out of the rain to have a great night of top class music hosted by JAN & MARK who lit the fuse with their excellent version of THE BLUE COCKADE. Swiftly ROBIN bade us all a LAST FAREWELL before JOHN CHILCOTT told us a foxy story with REYNARDINE and in sinister vein MIKE DIXON told us SOME MAY CALL IT RUE. Next CARL CORBETT sang John Gorka's great song I SAW A STRANGER WITH YOUR HAIR before DAVE CINNAMOND confounded some of us with is YES KNOWS NO HIDING PLACE which led DON & HEATHER to think of the SMUGGLER'S SONG. Eager to shore John Tams' SCARECROW, JOHN CONDY took to the floor followed by PAUL RILEY with HARD TRAVELLING and DAVE HOWARD & MIKE COSGRAVE telling about how another FOX WENT OUT ON A WINDY NIGHT. A welcome back for YAN presented us with A LOVE SONG by Dave Evans before JIM, who was Lynn-less, sang COME BACK PADDY RILEY and STEVE HIGGINSON had us all grafting with a sea shanty LIBERTY'S SWEET SHORE. Not satisfied skipper ROB WHITE gave us more work with another sea shanty ROLL ALABAMA ROLL, KAMRAN giving his opinion with CHUMP MAN BLUES as MICHELLE HOLDING unveiled a great version of ANNABELLE. Racing toward the break MIKE COSGRAVE was PAST THE POINT OF RESCUE as were most of the convicts aboard THE LADY PENRHYN sung by LAWRENCE HALL and it took longer to reach Australia than the 15 DAYS in the song by ESTHER BRENNAN & IAN BUCHANON.

A bumper raffle saw Andy win the wine, Joan take the Chocolate Bar, Alan win the Celebration Chocolates, Mark walk off with the scarf, Ann snaffle the Thorntons, Joan take the After Eights and Jim go home with the Room Perfuser.

Opening up DON & HEATHER told how she DANCES FOR DOLLARS with MARION declaring I'm LANG AWA' TO THE HIGHLAND HILLS just as KATHIE TAYLOR & JOHN CONDY were getting all TANGLED UP IN BLUE. Undaunted STEVE HIGGINSON was away with to war with the LANCASHIRE LADS while CARL gave us a SONG OF JOY DOWN THE RIVER TO THE SEA and JIM sang the song his dad used to sing to his mum, I'LL TAKE YOU HOME AGAIN KATHLEEN. All heavy PAUL then came out with the LONG BLACK VEIL but ESTHER & IAN were more cheerful remembering school days with YOGURT POTS before LAWRENCE had us all singing again with 12 GOOD MEN AND TRUE. Still in "L" plates ROB was again COURTING TOO SLOW but YAN was soon off to BUDAPEST and MICHELLE was back in the last century with THE ELEPHANT SABU BOY as KAMRAN & KATHIE celebrated JELLY ROLL. Coming up to a grand finale ROBIN with HEATHER, PAUL & DON sang his new song PIPER TO THE END and MIKE COSGRAVE again recruited DAVE HOWARD for THIS LOVE WILL CARRY before JAN & MARK closed a great night of music and craic by having us all RUNNING LIKE A TURKEY. Magic!!

Newsletter No 292 16 September 2014

Another surprising evening as many friends old and new came to enjoy a JANICE & DAVE hosting a lot of top talent. They invited BANJO JOHN to tell about MY BABY and KATH & STAN to sing DINKS SONG followed by ROBIN wishing he was BACK HOME. With their own story DON & HEATHER sang about the failed love life of ROMANY JACK before DAVE COWE recited Mike Harding's LOST EMPIRES and PAUL RILEY threatened to TELL OLD BILL. Then JANICE also sang her own EAGLE WING quickly followed by IAN & GARRY with HURT and ED explaining why the LOGGER LOVER stirred his coffee with his thumb. Unimpressed JIM & LYNN were off after the STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN as CARL gave us the story of the BATTLE TRAFALGAR. In country mood JAN & MARK were then off to JACKSON TOWN as JO was over in Ireland with the GALWAY SHAWL and ARTHUR mused on THE DEATH OF REV. IAN PAISLEY. A new departure then saw KAMRAN telling about 10 FINGER JOHNNY as BANJO JOHN returned to show us the CAROLINA MOON and IAN & GARRY returned with DAVE who sang SUMMERTIME. Rising to a climax IAN< GARRY & DAVE did a great version of THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE before JO went a cappella with ONCE I HAD A SWEETHEART as DON & HEATHER marvelled at the SPEED OF THE SOUND OF LONELINESS, DAVE COWE celebrated the DRUNKARD and JANICE sang about her WONDERWALL to take us to the break.

ROBIN opened the second half with a PEACEFUL EASY FEELING before KAMRAN told us it was NO ONES DIRTY BUSINESS as KATH & STAN went off with the WAYFARING STRANGER. This led ED to give us all a laugh with SHUT UP before JAN & MARK sailed off on the BONNIE SHIP THE DIAMOND and ARTHUR asked us ANYTHING FOR AN OLD ? JM & LYNN then shot of to California for MUIRSHEEN DURKIN and PAUL RILEY stayed in the USA for NOBODY KNOWS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN AND OUT as did KAMRAN with the DEAD SHRIMP BLUES and DON & HEATHER at the ROSEVILLE FAIR. Back home DAVE COWE gave us another Mike Harding in ODDS AND SODS but ED went back to that great singer AL BOWLY before ROBIN, PAUL, HEATHER & DON jumped up as FREE SPIRITS to sing WAGON WHEEL. Coming to a great finish JAN, MARK & KATHY got up together for at long last to play and sing I'LL TELL ME MA as IAN & GARRY & DAVE returned to sing LOVE POTION NO 9 leaving KATH & STAN to get GOING ROUND THE WORLD BABY MINE to end a fine evening. 

Newsletter No 291 9 September 2014

BAZ'S BIG BIRTHDAY BASH was celebrated in fine style with some very talented performers sharing their wares with a full house. DON & HEATHER set the tone by greeting all the SAINT AND SINNERS (David Francey) before PAUL got down and dirty with the BLACK BOTTOM BLUES which set up FAIR PLAY ethereal MOONSHADOW. Then ED tried to calm everyone down with the LIVERPOOL LULLABY, first sung by Kate's Mum, and BANJO JOHN responded by admitting I GET THE BLUES WHEN IT RAINS (1929) all of which had JO off BLOWING IN THE WIND which had us all singing along. JAN & MARK were in no doubt that it was the END OF THE LINE as probably did the BOYS OF BELLY ROW as sung by CARL and it was certainly true for THE GYPSY ROVER from JIM & LYNN. Fortunately STEVE found himself in NOT SUCH A BAD PLACE as MICHAEL BURNS sang his own song about his grandfather surviving WW2 with PEASE PUDDING & DAHL and MARION admitted she was SORRY THE DAY I WAS MARRIED, we don't think so! Also with his own composition PETE told us how FRIENDS sometimes aren't what they seem before COLIN gave us his great rendition of MR BOJANGLES, new strings and all, and KAMRAN celebrated our latest bit of SUMMERTIME. Surely not being serious BANJO JOHN then told us you're MEAN TO ME which we didn't believe as DON & HEATHER revealed some of the paradoxes of the illegal immigrant with ACROSS THE BORDERLINE. Coming to a climax PETER KING gave a brilliant performance of DESPERADO (Eagles) and JO went Beatles with ALL MY TRIALS before JIM & LYNN returned to the tradition for the SPANISH LADY.

Then after a hearty "Happy Birthday" we were treated to an excellent buffet by Lin and Baz and in the Raffle the wine went home with Peter, the Chocs disappeared with Simon, the Toiletries went off with Heather Kenyon, the Handcream took to Paul and the Ouzo hit the spot for Chris & Barry.

The second stretch was set off by MARK & JAN with their rousing version of CHARLES ROBERT DARWIN before FAIR PLAY told us how to deal with a NAUGHTY BABY and ED introduced us to GEORGINA BAILEY. A bi of anti-social behaviour turned up in PAUL's version of STAGGER LEE and in a similar way STEVE's own song HAD ENOUGH involved a bit of contumely whereas MARION reminded us that there is no glory in war with ONLY REMEMBERED. Any way up KAMRAN had got the FISHING BLUES while CARL was happy to be SAFE IN THE HARBOUR at last and PETE was also looking for peace in his anti-war song BEAT THE DRUM. A couple of his lovely tunes, MISS JOAN SHORROCKS & BARBARA AND BILL, were the played by MICHAEL BURNS as PETER KING treated us to his own THE BEAT RAN WILD and PAUL had us all singing away with CORRINA CORRINA. Coming to the end of a great night FAIR PLAY told us it a all PIE IN THE SKY before ED, PAUL, DON & HEATHER banded together to tell us ALL THE GOOD TIMES ARE PASSED AND GONE.

Newsletter No 291 2 September 2014

Another excellent Acoustic Folk Night was started off in his own inimitable style by PETE with a "seasoned veteran" joke followed by BIG GIRL NOW (Dylan) which nicely set up FOR EMILY from JOHN CHILCOTT and ELLE VANNIN from ALLAN. By way of a change JOHN CONDY gave us A MODERN MAN, a monologue by Carlin, which suitably introduced TERRY GODSEN, who was visiting us from Cornwall, to sing THE MINSTREL (Pratt) in his lovely deep, resonant voice followed by a big welcome back for ARTHUR and his own CLOSING TIME. Also after a short break we were delighted to see ROBIN even though he brought us THE SNOWS OF NEW YORK (De Burgh) and also just as welcome was RICHARD KNOTT with his suggestion LET'S GET DRUNK AGAIN which immediately made PAUL think of THE OLD '97. Next up was ED with the ROYAL CHARTER and another interesting suggestion from KAMRAN who said LET'S ALL TALK DIRTY IN HAWAIIAN (Prine) and it was a relief when GILLIAN, a new singer from Bolton with a lovely haunting voice, and her friend STEVE, who played the bodhran, got up to sing THE WAYFARING STRANGER. It was equally good to see and hear JIM & LYNN who pronounced I'M ALWAYS GLAD TO SEE A MON LIKE THEE before COLIN was inspired by Terry to sing one of his best songs THE COAST IS MY COMMANDER as JOHN CHILCOTT rose to sing THE PONY MAN which left TERRY GODSEN to take us to the interval with GO TO SLEEP AND DREAM, written for his son.

A bumper raffle break saw the White wine go home with Barry, the Red wine depart with Jen who was with Terry, the Teapot taken away by Lynn, the Bracelet find a home with Anne and the CDs disappear with Allan before PETE kicked us into action again with WHOLE LIFE THROUGH. This prompted ROBIN to think of a nice song about a nice place, DENVER, and ARTHUR to think of his funny song about his life, ASS, before JIM & LYNN went chasing after THE BLACK VELVET BAND. All this led ED to sing out IT'S GOING TO BE ONE OF THOSE DAYS with JOHN CONDY finding himself in a BLACK MUDDY RIVER and ALLAN finding himself in OLD BOSNIA to which KAMRAN could only suggest AIN'T WE CRAZY. That is THE QUESTION sang RICHARD KNOTT as we all joined in the refrain which definitely gave PAUL some TROUBLE IN MIND before GILLIAN, a cappella, told us THE WATER IS WIDE. Enough of the sentimental stuff reckoned ARTHUR who then gave us his own HEY, CLANCY claiming its inspiration from Hendrix with much loud chorusing. Well done Arthur. Back to his youth JOHN CONDY pleaded (let me be your) TEDDY BEAR with us all singing along as did ALLAN with YE JACOBITES BY NAME and JIM & LYNN with PEGGY GORDON. Going for the big climax TERRY GODSEN had us all going with SALLY FREE AND EASY as did RICHARD KNOTT with SUGAR FOR SUGAR before GILLIAN had us all singing away with THE HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN.
Both Gillian and Terry commented on the friendliness of the club & their warm welcome, and said that they would return, which would be a good thing!!

August - 2014

Newsletter No 291 26 August 2014

With a delightful evening in store BANJO JOHN opened with WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN and since many qualified it encouraged plenty of audience participation leaving JIM & LYNN to do a cover version of THE GALWAY SHAWL just as JO decided that SHE MOVED THROUGH THE FAIR. The Irish theme prompted a very moving version of THE MOUNTAINS OF MOURNE from COLIN followed by IAN who took off to THE STREETS OF LONDON with great audience support before ED caused some merriment with his MORRIS DANCER sung with an appropriate accent. Swiftly borrowing Ed's guitar before it had cooled down KAMRAN instructed us to TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL followed by BARRIE, with his own guitar this week, who sang MICHAEL ROW THE BOAT ASHORE before the up and coming FAIR PLAY demonstrated their versatility and range of instruments by doubling up with THE WEAVER'S DAUGHTER and OWENSBORO. Next CARL gave us a surprise with Eric Bogle's THE DEMON which was a new one for us followed by returnee PETE, this time from Tenby, who sang RABBIT HILLS. Finally, MARIAN finished the first round with her unaccompanied song WHAT SHALL WE DO? COLIN started the second round by announcing that he was singing the 5^th track of his latest album, ha ha! THE THINGS THAT REMAIN to which BANJO JOHN replied I CAN'T GIVE YOU ANYTHING BUT LOVE (1929ish) and JO rose from the ashes to sing THE PHOENIX.by the Pennine Folk. JIM & LYNN were then next with more fun when they sang THE IRISH ROVER before IAN sang about the fate of the Isle of Man ELLEN VANNIN and singing something 1929ish became catching with Kamran singing WALK RIGHT IN written by Gus Cannon in 1929. Despite its age, we could all remember the words and joined in the singing with great enthusiasm! BARRIE then volunteered again to come up with his guitar and sing a lovely FOUR STRONG WINDS before CARL took us to the break with another new one for him INVISIBLE SUN by Police.

Luckily we had a glut of Raffle Prizes including donations from Jo, Kate and also Diane, so we saved a couple for next week with the winners taking away a bottle of genuine French red wine, brought back by Ed, a bottle of white, brought back from Morrisons, a gift box containing foot scrub and a pair of ladies’ slippers, a guitar capo, and 2 CD’s, one being from our travelling guest last week.

Then ED continued on the second round after the break and as requested from the floor, he unusually sang THE FUNERAL SONG a cappella. Then we enjoyed the delightful surprise of the evening from Jackie’s friend ELLA who has been to the club on many occasions but only as audience and she was coerced into showing her amazing hidden talent and playing the obsolete piano behind us. It was in perfect tune as she played Beethoven’s FUR ELISE. Her performance was absolutely fantastic and she received a standing ovation from the audience, quite right too. FAIR PLAY then had to follow this and chose BLACK WATER and MARIAN chose an a cappella BARBARA ALLEN before PETE completed the round with his own STORM RISING. With plenty of time for a third round KAMRAN started off with LEWIS COLLINS followed by IAN with NEW YORK GIRLS so we could all join in before Sue distributed a printed chorus so everyone could sing along with ED’S country song GREASY GRIT GRAVY which they did with gusto. However, those vain members of the audience who would not don their reading glasses found this task particularly difficult! PETE was then encouraged to preface his version of DOWN WHERE THE DRUNKARDS ROLL with a joke and he was followed by CARL with an absolutely superb version of Pete Morton's song THANKSGIVING which knocked everybody sideways leaving MARIAN to sing one of Ann Cojeen’s favourites HIGHLAND LULLABY. To bring a great evening to a close FAIR PLAY had us all going with BYKER HILL and JIM & LYNN rounded everything off beautifully with ORDINARY MAN. Marvellous!

Newsletter No 290 19 August 2014

The night began with PAUL starting to ROLL IN MY SWEET BABY'S ARMS which made BANJO JOHN think about FRANKIE AND JOHNNIE who then danced to EDDY'S two WALTZES FIR CLASSICAL GUITAR. KAMRAN was on with his FISHING BLUES and JO was with her RAMBLIN' BOY all of which put the wind up COLIN who sang about THE GHOST. ED brought us back to earthly things with his TINKERMAN'S DAUGHTER while DAVID mused on THE WHISPERING SANDS and ROB was sailing on THE GREY FUNNEL LINE. JOHN CONDY was being very democratic with THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE and GUITAR JOHN wondered IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND. A new young duo, GUY & EDWARD, suggested MAYBE YOU SHOULD LOVE HER which wasn’t a problem for CARL who sang FURTHER. Then PHIL gave us the legend of BOLD REYNARD and MIKE, successfully recovering from his bullfighting experience, took us from GALWAY TO GRACELAND which proved too much for our visiting troubadour from Kendal, BRENDAN LEWIS, who sang about his POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD). It was great to see ZOE MULFORD who, very wisely, recommended ONE DAMN THING AT A TIME. For CHARLES, the answer lay with HOME, WHERE YOUR HEART IS which didn’t stop BANJO JOHN, with Harmonica John, from rocking out with JOHNNY B GOODE. ERIC brought the first half to a close by singing THE MANGO TREE.

To begin the second half, BRENDAN went Dylanesque in his version of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY and 8 year old Uke player, ALICE, performed THE FOUR CHORD SONG with her big brother, GUY. Then ED got everyone singing RICKITY, TICKITY, TIN which brought our new visitors, YVONNE & STEVE, from the other side of the World even though they were only from Warrington and STEVE then thought, YOU'RE NOT THE GIRL YOU THINK YOU ARE, just as ROB was all for ROLLING HOME and JOHN CONDY was DREAMING OF THE UNICORN. Next Alice’s mum, CHARLIE, was then persuaded to give beautiful rendition of PLANXTY IRWIN on the TIN WHISTLE. CARL was then off with THE BLACKSMITH as EDDY was on a GRENADIER'S SLOW MARCH and ZOE was gazing into THIS CRYSTAL GLASS. Starting the big finish DOUG was with SALLY, FREE AND EASY and KAMRAN questioned DADDY, WHERE YOU BEEN leaving PHIL to sing about COLOURS. ERIC then sang about THE SEA and MIKE boasted WITH A MEMORY LIKE MINE as the evening came to a close with everyone singing and playing FENCES led by PAUL. The whole session showed just what a magical thing music is. Everyone agreed; a great night.

Newsletter No 289 12 August 2014 

The tail end of Hurricane Bertha that brought storms and flooding to the nation over the past weekend didn’t deter a smallish but perfectly formed select crowd from turning up in Sale Folk Club for an entertaining evening of music, songs and poetry hosted by our very own MARK & JAN.

MARK opened the evening with his rendition of DON'T THINK TWICE and ED was next with Donovan’s UNIVERSAL SOLDIER followed by KAMRAN with RUNAWAY MAN BLUES but he hadn’t got very far as Victoria and Blake had both caught him up. It was great to see them both! ROBIN then sang a favourite song from his homeland, THE ROSE OF ALLENDALE, before JANICE lamented her LOST LOVE with a lovely self penned creation. BANJO JOHN then sang a contemporary song EVERYBODY LOVES MY BABY, well it was contemporary for him circa 1928, leaving DAVE CINNAMOND to regale us with his golf related poem, FROM A DISTANCE as JAN stepped up next with Burns’ NOW WESTLIN WINDS, written by Burns in 1775 it’s probably a little early even for Banjo John! COLIN was next with the salutary tale of LITTLE MUSGRAVE, showing that not all Lords follow the due process of law, and DOREEN followed with her WW1 poem, AT THE WHISTLES BLOW, a haunting narrative of the moments before leaving for an attack from the trenches a century ago. We were then entertained by newcomer, KEVIN, with a fine rendition of THE PLAINSMAN and DAVE COWE who recited a poem MAY YOU LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES after which it should have been ROB, whose absence from the room was untimely as he had made one of his many and characteristic visits to the bar which left MARK filling in the silence with his version of ALBATROSS. On his return ROB sang I WISH I WAS BACK IN LIVERPOOL followed by Marion ending the first round with LORD OF ALL. ROBIN then crossed over to Eire for THE STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN just as COLIN was a DESPERADO and BANJO JOHN was FALLING FOR NOBODY ELSE BUT YOU. The current MRS TAYLOR then bemoaned her LAGGAN LOVE and KAMRAN, borrowing Mark’s guitar, was asking SALLY WHERE D'YOU GET YOUR LIQUOR before DOREEN had the assembly scratching themselves after reading her poem about nits, THE DUTCH BONNET, leaving ROB to take us up to the interval with his rarely seen playing of a guitar (Mark’s) and RING OF FIRE.

After the raffle, with prizes going to Kate, Wendy and Christine, latecomer CARL with another borrowed  guitar (Colin’s) gave us NORWEGIAN WOOD and then JANICE was STROLLING BY THE RIVER before another newcomer, ARCHIE, was persuaded to borrow a guitar (Mark’s) and sing a fine version of Mark Knoppfler’s GET LUCKY. Then DAVE COWE followed with another oration of a poem, MURDOCH'S GHOST, and ED sang the amusing song I MISS MY MIND THE MOST to which MARION responded with ONLY REMEMBERED to leave KEVIN singing TOO CLOSE TO THE WIND. Working towards a climax KAMRAN told us
WITHOUT LOVE WE'RE WASTING OUR TIME and DAVE COWE'S next poem celebrated THE CAT'S NIGHT
OUT as CARL again borrowed a guitar (Mark’s this time) for WE GO ONWARDS. Currently enjoying a good spell MARION gave us POLLY PARKER and DOREEN showed her maritime side with her poem OCEANS before ROBIN went Country with THE STREETS OF BALTIMORE. With another of her own JANICE sang DON'T EXPLAIN followed by ARCHIE with another and well known Knoppfler song ROMEO AND JULIET. A big finish beckoned and a big favourites of COLIN'S started it when he asked WHERE DO YOU GO TO MY LOVELY and ED was BEING A WINNER (a lesson, amongst other things, in how to keep your teeth intact) as ROB then recited Trevor Morton’s GRANDDAD'S ATTIC and MARK & JAN rounded off a magnificent night with THE END OF THE LINE. Well done everyone!

Newsletter No 288 5 August 2014

A quiet-ish night but top quality with hosts MICK HARE & JANICE BELL who made a great start with SILVERSCREEN quickly followed by ED with TO RAMONA and JO who was CALLING MY CHILDREN HOME. They could have been with PAUL on his BOATS UP THE RIVER or with LYNN & JIM who were saying goodbye to MUIRSHEEN DURKIN or even coming from DAVID COWE'S BEE MEETING (S. Plath). On a cheerful note COLIN told us I THINK IT'S GONNA RAIN TODAY but BRIAN replied I'm gonna MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE as FAIR PLAY eulogised over their BROWN EYED BOY. Back from his holidays PETER sang one of his favourites YOUR SONG and CARL mused IF WISHES WERE FISHES as MICK philosophised with his own FARTHER ON. On a different plane BRIAN exclaimed I CAN DREAM, CAN'T I which had PAUL setting off GING DOWN THE ROAD FEELIN BAD only to be calmed by FAIR PLAY'S rendition of the BLACK MOUNTAIN LULLABY. Again on a different tack JANICE & MICK told us ELISABETH IS SINGING just as ED was finding it's a hard life for a hypochondriac and was SLIPPING AWAY which reminded CARL of a hard time when folks were NEARER TO NETTLES. All this had JO thinking of THE MYSTIC'S DREAM as LYNN & JIM ran off crying I'LL TELL MY MA and COLIN surprising us with his declaration I GOT YOU BABE.

Making a second welcome appearance in two weeks MARIAN came up with ALL THINGS ARE QUITE SILENT as DAVE COWE pulled out Number 36 which was IN PRAISE OF LOVE and that made PETER see the HEART LIKE A WHEEL. Another interesting idea then came from FAIR PLAY with BIRDS IN SHIPS but BRIAN'S notion of the LADY IN RED was easier to envisage as were JANICE & MICK with Janice's autobiographical STRONGER. Then COLIN can always be trusted to seize THE MOMENT as indeed LYNN & JIM did with THE BLACK VELVET BAND and ED who told about his anti-social problem, wind. CARL next came up with THANKSGIVING and PAUL was also thinking across the pond with his DRIFTIN' BLUES both of which PETER reckoned brought out THE BEST IN ME. Returning MARIAN then sang LORD ELLENWATER before JANICE & MICK finished a cracking night with I WISH I KNEW HOW IT FELT TO BE FREE.

JULY - 2014

Newsletter No 287 29 July 2014

A slightly slow start gave way to an avalanche of visitors who raised the ambience and lifted all our performers to give of their very best as DON & HEATHER first gave us a history lesson with their CONQUISTADORES. The
next with the baton was BANJO JOHN who took us off to the ALABAMA JUBILEE as ROBIN was singing about OLD DOGS, CHILDREN AND WATERMELON WINE and JOHN CHILCOTT was in La Mancha celebrating DON QUIJOTE. Also eulogising KAMRAN had the ORIOLE COOKIE BLUES because he reckons they are horrible and COLIN was equally unhappy with things in THE LAND THEY CALLED MAKE BELIEVE but not too sure whether JO was happy or sad with KILLING ME SOFTLY. However, ED was definitely upbeat with THE COWBOY SONG as was JAN with MARK and DON'T IT MAKE MY BROWN EYES BLUE but CARL had mixed feelings about Jez's GALLOWAYS. Also confusing was MIKE COSGRAVE'S song MICK RYAN'S LAMENT about two brothers who sought freedom in Amerikay but ended up Unionised and were slain fighting for it and HELEN & DAVE HOWARD followed with JAMIE RAEBURN who was convicted and transported to Van Diemen's land although allegedly innocent but KAMRAN, on the other hand was clear about the virtues of DOCTOR JAZZ (Jelly Roll Morton). So uplifted was BANJO JOHN he had us doing the CHARLESTON but JOHN CHILCOTT was still melancholy with SALLY DON'T YOU GRIEVE and JO was bemoaning WHEN I WAS IN MY PRIME (Pentangle). On a flying visit newcomer LESLIE was the real article with MY BONNIE LIGHT HORSEMAN as was COLIN for RAGLAN ROAD and HELEN & DAVE taking us to the interval with THE RIGS OF THE TIME.

A bumper raffle saw Sue's friend get the wine, Helen took the Roses Chocolates, Joan got the Whiskey Marmalades and Marian won the Shower Gift Set before two more newcomers from Oregon, USA, CHARITY & CALLUM, took to the floor for WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU only for CHARITY to sing her solo version of WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD. Leaping to the challenge MIKE & DAVE then set sail on ST BRENDAN'S VOYAGE as MARIAN now having recovered her voice surprised us with ONLY REMEMBERED from the musical Warhorse. JAN & MARK then had us rattling along with their highlighting of the conflict between creationists and JAMES ROBERT DARWIN as RICHARD GRAY came up with his own THE STORIES OF MY LIFE and CARL was again on top form with I SAW A STRANGER WITH YOUR HAIR (J Gorka). Enough seriousness said ED as he embarked on MY HUSBAND'S GOT NO PORRIDGE IN HIM (L Barker) and LESLIE was also very funny with his version of MR & MRS DUNN before JAN & MARK again had us rocking with their LITTLE RED ROOSTER. Fundamentally KAMRAN suddenly claimed I WANT ONLY THINGS THAT MATTER just as COLIN was warning that we were all ON THE EVE OF DESTRUCTION, has things ever been any different, but RICHARD was claiming to have see LAND AHOY. Also more upbeat CARL reckoned there will always be ANOTHER TRAIN (P Morton) as ED told us about the exploits of is BANTAM COCK and MIKE told us what a great place is CARRICK-A-REDE. On such a high HELE & DAVE invited MIKE to join them for the finale YOU WON'T MAKE OLD BONES only to bring Carl and Colin to their feet to lead us in the forgotten last verse about the rich and powerful giving us all grief to climax a mega night. T'was ever thus!! 

Newsletter No 286 22 July 2014

Despite the heat a fair crowd turned out for RUTH, KATH & STAN who hosted the evening and got it off to a swinging start with WINDMILLS (Alan Bell) followed by EDDIE with STAN with the ASHOKAN FAREWELL. Despite this BANJO JOHN warned SOMEDAY YOU'LL BE SORRY as GRACE & FREYA paid us their annual visit for the famous CUP and CLAPPING song from Perfect Pitch YOU'RE GONNA MISS ME WHEN I'M GONE. However ALAN confessed IT ALL SEEMS SUCH A LONG TIME AGO as OMAR played MUSIC TO WATCH GIRLS BY which for CARL is WHEN FATE AND CIRCUMSTANCE COLLIDE. Maybe it is how JO met a WAYFARING STRANGER to which MATHEW replied with his own DON'T TELL ME ROMANCE IS DEAD that had DAVID looking at things FROM A DISTANCE. COLIN'S view was that we all have GOD ON OUR SIDE as CHRIS danced off with the MAGINOT WALTZ (McTell) and BANJO JOHN went off to cash in his chips since THERE'S A PAWN SHOP ON THE CORNER. In relaxed mood CHARLES was ON THE BANKS OF THE NILE and OMAR found himself IN THE HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING but PHYLLIS admitted MY GOT UP AND GO HAS GOT UP AND WENT as FAIRPLAY gave us the THE LAST GOODBYE. Instrumentally EDDIE came up with a couple of tunes DOUBLE LEAD THROUGH and DARK GIRL DRESSED IN BLUE making COLIN pose the question WHERE DO YOU GO TO MY LOVELY. Next DON & HEATHER observed how at times we all get PAST THE POINT OF RESCUE which JO interpreted as HARD TIMES leaving ALAN to ask WHAT'S IT TO YOU. Singing his own recorded song MATHEW celebrated THE CROCODILE as CARL commented on the world with BLOWING IN THE WIND and CHRIS did much the same with BARGES (McTell).

The interval brought the usual chat and raffle after which DON & HEATHER got us all singing with the GALWAY SHAWL continued by CHARLES with LONDON DANNY before EDDIE played some TUNES BY O'CAROLAN. For his sister in the audience DAVID performed THE BOX before MATHEW shot off after SUZANNE who CARL thought was floating off on a SUMMER BREEZE. Full frontally ANN suddenly burst out with a lovely rendition of LET ME BE YOUR LADY FOR TODAY MISTER (Karen Carpenter) which had ALAN going all WILD EYED and COLIN chasing after MR TAMBOURINE MAN. Toward the finale FAIR PLAY captured the mood of EL CONDOR PASA as did CHRIS with the German RUDIGER (Knoppler) but still it left MATHEW to exclaim DON'T ASK WHY. Finally EDDIE who was in great form all night played the PIG ANKLE RAG as DON & HEATHER said it must be time to LAY DOWN THE BORROWED GUITAR which we did and all went happily on our way.

Newsletter No 285 15 July 2014

An evening of rare variety two dozen in the audience being entertained royally by ten excellent performers presented by the new team of SUE BENTHAM & ANN LOMAX who encouraged us all to great heights. DON & HEATHER urged us on with LET YOUR BANJO RING with CHRIS brilliantly warning us that we might not make OLD BONES and ROBIN reckoned that it might also be true on the STREETS OF BALTIMORE. This all made MICHELLE get the ELK RIVER BLUES as she set off for SAMMY'S BAR and COLIN was in praise of THE MALLARD as was ANN & DON who were fishing for THE TROUT. Back again CHRIS next sang his own song about THE TOURISTS as MICHELLE set out for KELVIN GROVE and DON & HEATHER declared that they were RARE OLD TIMES. In the same part of the world MIKE sang of the GALWAY SHAWL as ROBIN decided to sing the LAST FAREWELL and COLIN told us the story of the MIDNIGHT WATCHMAN. All traditional MICHELLE sang of THE CUCKOO and also traditional DON & HEATHER celebrated WHISKEY IN THE JAR before CHRIS exclaimed THIS IS THE PLACE. Coming up to the interval ROBIN & DON took us off to SOUTHERN SKIES as COLIN asked WHERE DO YOU GO TO MY LOVELY and MIKE confidently stated YOU'LL NEVER LEAVE HARLAN ALIVE as the raffle girls got ready to circulate.

The second half started with DON & HEATHER singing their FLOWERS ON THE WATER for Kate as MICHELLE declared I AIN'T GOT NO HOME IN THIS WORLD NO MORE and MIKE celebrated the first Irish person to   migrate to America via Ellis Island with the THE BALLAD OF ANNIE MOORE. This brought out our first surprise of the evening when KATE took the floor with the BONNIE GEORGE CAMPBELL followed by ROBIN telling us he was a COUNTRY BOY again which encouraged HELEN to really surprise us with A BELL, A BOOK, AND A CANDLE to which CHRIS replied YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND and COLIN vowed I WILL WATCH YOU WHEN YOU GO. This nicely brought us into the finishing straight with DON & HEATHER adding their bit to the tribute to Scottish Pipers with CALLING DOON THE LINE which urged ROBIN to come up with JOCK O'HAZELDEAN and CHRIS to delve into the past for MICHAEL IN THE GARDEN (McTell) to complete a great night when some new performers felt able to rise to their feet and begin the journey to the stars. 

Newsletter No 284 8 July 2014

Non-football fans or true folkies as Brazil bit the Teutonic dust and several of our members hit the high lights on a rare night of variety and quality. With HEATHER & PAUL in the chair PAUL invited us all to WALK RIGHT IN as BANJO john prepared to SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL to which FAIR PLAY replied BEAUTIFUL as were THE VERDANT BRAES OF SCREEN sung beautifully by JAN. Somehow this took MIKE COSGRAVE back to his country and western days for THREADBARE ALIBI and it also stirred BAZ to unsheathe his Melodeon for MOLLY MALONE as DON & HEATHER skipped off to the ROSEVILLE FAIR. Things definitely continued on the up as ANN rose with DON to sing THE TROUT followed by KAMRAN with the AVALON BLUES and ARTHUR who reminisced with she played tambourine with a silver jingle at THE Y'ALL COME BACK SALOON. Suitably aroused this reminded BANJO JOHN of the TIN ROOF BLUES and caused PAUL to think of the JUG BAND BLUES and FAIR PLAY to decide to carry out a CENSUS. By way of a complete changed JAN transformed herself into a FIVE FOOT FLIRT as BAZ became an instrumentalist for EDELWEISS and MIKE sang his own song DANCING MOLLY. No wonder KAMRAN came up with IF YOU WANT ME TO LOVE YOU and DON & HEATHER sang the metaphorical KNEE DEEP IN A RIVER before ARTHUR took the Premier Poetry Spot with TRANSLATION by Roy Fuller leaving BANJO JOHN to take us to the break with a mega band up for MAINE'S BLUES also known as THE 219 BLUES with cracking solos from PAUL (Harmonica) and KAMRAN (Guitar).

The grand raffle sent the box of tea home with David, the Prosecco find a home with Kate, the Whisky Marmalade go home with Ros, the bunch of Roses escort Joyce to the door and their friend waltz off with the handcream. Then PAUL teased us with WHITEWASH STATION BLUES as FAIR PLAY went off with the HEDGER AND DITCHER and MIKE told us about SWEET COUNTY KERRY with his own song and shortly before she departed JAN sang out SEE YOU NEXT SUNDAY. Back on the mill theme DON & HEATHER had us singing to POVERTY KNOCK as did KAMRAN who introduced the HANDY MAN and ARTHUR who told us where to find the BELLS OF HEAVEN. It's all UNCLE TOM COBLEY to me reckoned ANN as FAIR PLAY pointed out the RIDER IN THE RAIN and PAUL sang us YOU MAY SLIP. This left MIKE to take us back to his ROOTS and KAMRAN to exclaim YOU RASCAL YOU as we all realised that ALL THE GOOD TIMES WERE PASSED AND GONE as PAUL, HEATHER & DON led us singing into the street with everyone joining in a big band up. Magic.

Newsletter No 283 1 July 2014

This was a top class evening in which the star turned out to be a huge surprise. Don & Heather got the ball rolling with FREE SPIRITS truthfully saying IT'S GOOD TO SEE YOU as BANJO JOHN prepared to go WAY DOWN UPON THE SWANEE RIVER and PAUL certainly had RAMBLING ON MY MIND. Then philosophically STEVE told us the only way to success is to BE MYSELF but in abstract mode JO was chasing the GHOST OF THE ROSE while JIM & LYNN were bemoaning the fate of BELFAST MILL. Down to basics ROBIN was clear that IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK HOME AGAIN as was ED in getting advice from THE GAMBLER but all ways up PHIL was clear in saying I WISH WE'D ALL BEEN READY. All this left KAMRAN tilting at WINDMILLS and BANJO JOHN back in the USA for THE SUN SHINES BRIGHT ON MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME and worse with PAUL off GOING DOWN THE ROAD FEELING BAD. This left STEVE feeling his lady friend was MISSING OUT as JO took herself off to the SCARBOROUGH FAIR to nicely set up Heather's 94 year old Mum PHYLLIS to knock everyone's socks off with a wonderful performance of A CRABBIT OLD WOMAN (Phyllis McCormack). 
Undaunted JIM & LYNN had us all singing lustily THE FIELDS OF ATHENRY as PHIL told us the truth behind THE DARK AND ROLLING SEA and ROBIN sang an old favourite, WIND IN THE WILLOWS. Coming up the break ED then told the story of WILLY THE WANDERING OUTLAW and KAMRAN confessed I NEVER GET TIRED OF YOU before latecomer PETE KING sang his latest song WE ARE THE WATER.

Another bumper raffle saw the Wine go to Lynn, the Chocolates go home with Ann, the two jars of Pate go to Robin, the Handcream and Hair Shampoo find a home with Phyllis and the Old Manchester Book with Pete.

PETE KING himself then gave us an excellent interpretation of MOON RIVER as ROBIN set off for DENVER leaving PHIL to unbelievably claim that NOTHING EVER HAPPENS which is certainly not true in Sale Folk Club. JIM & LYNN then took to the floor with the Johnny Cash favourite 40 SHADES OF GREEN as KAMRAN confessed to CARELESS LOVE and ED admitted he was still LEARNING TO PLAY THE GUITAR. Aren't we all?
Picking up the pace again PAUL proceeded to STEP IT UP AND GO as PETE KING went to his considerable back catalogue for CUCKOO and THAT GIRL leaving DON to point out that these were RARE OLD TIMES. Somewhat uncertain of himself KAMRAN confessed to the HESITATION BLUES and JIM told us what THIS OLD GUITAR has done for him over the years as PHIL set out after SHOALS OF HERRING all of which left FREE SPIRITS to send us skipping into the street with ME AND BOBBY McGEE to end a top class evening.

JUNE - 2014

Newsletter No 282 24 June 2014

A nice gathering of about 40 turned out for JAN & MARK to lead through a great range of music, song and verse as they kicked off with WORRIED MAN BLUES. Then to our delight the lovely LYNN was back with JIM after an enforced break and they got a special cheer as they sang the HIGHWAY MAN and even BANJO JOHN paid his own tribute with HEY, GOODLOOKIN' before PHIL got serious with RUSSIANS AND AMERICANS and ED took us off to IRELAND'S GREEN SHORE. It was not for long though as CARL related Jake Thackray's story of the LANDLADY'S DAUGHTERS which had JO to the airport and LEAVING ON A JET PLANE and being joined by the rest of us from the volume of the chorus. Threatening a new poem next week DAVID told us of Kuwait's SHIFTING WHISPERING SANDS which ad PAUL away PUTTING ON THE AGONY and ROB setting sail on the GOOD SHIP CALABAR in anticipation of his sailing to the Scillies. This made EDDIE remember OLDHAM'S BURNING SANDS and in DON & HEATHER urged everyone to LET YOUR BANJO RING even THE WEAVER'S DAUGHTER as sung about next by FAIR PLAY which only left ARTHUR to tell us about THROWING OUT THE DEBRIS which he is doing to accommodate his 30,000 books in his new house. Quite why this prompted BANJO JOHN to think of GEORGIA ON MY MIND and JAN to muse about THE BLACKSMITH and PAUL to come up with a TWO DOLLAR BILL was beyond us and it was thank goodness for LYNN & JIM putting us straight with THE IRISH ROVER.  Coming up to the break JO sang about MY LONELY SON which left CARL to comment on the value of coal with BLACK DIAMONDS.

A bumper raffle saw Kath take home the Wine, Chris took the biscuits, Alan grabbed the box of tea bags, Martin needed the new 2015 Atlas of UK to get home and Heather streaked in for the Truffles.

Opening the second half MARK went all trad with THE TOWN OF OSWALDTWISTLE followed by EDDIE who led a band up with Jimmy Shand's BLUEBELL POLKA as a prelude to FAIR PLAY'S excellent MOONSHADOW. Still on a maritime theme ROB sang about THE GREY FUNNEL LINE as PHIL prepared himself for LIFE IN DARK WATER leaving ARTHUR with the role of cheering us up with his LOVE IN ANY LANGUAGE. It didn't work as DAVID warned us what happens when we open THE BOX CALLED WAR but still DON & HEATHER had us skipping away with their DANCES FOR DOLLARS. Still in heavy mood PHIL was all serious about CAREER MOVES as were FAIR PLAY on the BANKS OF THE OHIO before PAUL invited us all to COME ON UP TO THE HOUSE. Then EDDIE gave us a big surprise by proving the melodeon could go classical with LA REJOUISSANCE by Handel as ROB lined up his own classic MILL OUTING by our old friend Trevor Morton and ARTHUR loaded his own classic ALL THE WAY FROM DONEGAL. Lining up a big finish JIM sang the beautiful PERHAPS LOVE as ED gave us some CHILDHOOD MEMORIES (Dement) only to be recalled to the stage for a band up with DON, HEATHER & PAUL for ALL THE GOOD TIMES as indeed they had been for another great night.

Newsletter No 281 17 June 2014

From the raffle Rhonda took home the Wine, Alex won the Mug, Joan went off with the Chocolates one of Newcomers escaped with the Malteasers before JOHN CONDY cheered us up with HERE COMES THE SUN as did JOHN CHILCOTT with Tom Paxton's WHO'S NEED PASSING DREAMS AROUND all of which left PAUL with the WALKING BLUES played on slide banjo?!? All KAMRAN could say was SO RELAX so ED went off TEACHING MY WORM HOW TO SWIM. On her feet again and confusing us with a "Stand up Club" KATE told us another story this time about customs officers which somehow made PAUL think of getting away with the KEY TO THE HIGHWAY and JOHN CONDY was off with Kamran DOWN WHERE THE DRUNKARDS ROLL which was just the kind of place where STACK-O-LEE got shot by KAMRAN. For ED and Stack-o-lee that certainly was GOODNIGHT IRENE. Coming up to a rousing finish PAUL told us IF IT WASN'T FOR THE FENCES (Marshall) which made KAMRAN exclaim O WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING as JOHN CONDY hastily assembled his supergroup to blast us homeward with THE MIGHTY QUINN to end a great night.

A very entertaining and enjoyable evening was set well on its way by JAN & MARK sailing off on the BONNIE SHIP THE DIAMOND to the sound of FAIR PLAY playing a couple of tunes TWILIGHT & BODMIN RIDING and KAMRAN’S reply was TRUE LOVE WAYS as PAUL set out on dry land in the NEW RIVER TRAIN. Skipping along JO was absolutely SALLY FREE AND EASY while CARL was getting people off to work with KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK but EDDIE was still LAZING ON A SUNNY AFTERNOON and ALAN was telling us what he would do if he had WINGS. Any way up ED reckoned it was NO TIME TO CRY (Iris Dement) and COLIN was convinced it was JUST MAKE BELIEVE but despite that GEOFF still observed that THE OLD BOYS ARE LEAVING. Next ERIC was that MAN AT THE DOOR as FAIR PLAY were off chasing WINDMILLS and KAMRAN was ridding himself of the CHUMP MAN BLUES. No wonder JO cried out HALLELUJAH and ALAN asked WILL I SEE THEE MORE as PAUL went underground with DARK AS A DUNGEON and EDDIE was IN THE CELLAR COOL singing a drinking song leaving COLIN crying out with the O LORD I WANNA DIE BLUES. On a more cheerful note JAN extolled the virtues of THE FACTORY GIRL and MARK set out to test himself with THE MEMORY SONG as we approached the interval.

A bumper raffle saw Mark win the Wine, Eddie take home the Roses Chocolates, Rhonda escape with the special Tea and Pam take home the Toiletries as CARL set off down PENNY LANE to which GEOFF rather mischievously said FAREWELL MY LOVE as PETER was BEATING TIME. Then ERIC was next on his feet telling us IT WASN’T ME THAT WENT TO SEA, IT WAS THE SEA which ED pronounced an unmitigated DISASTER while JAN & MARK told him DON’T THINKS TWICE IT’S ALRIGHT. However, it was often inevitable ALAN said WHEN THE SNOWS OF WINTER FALL (Graham Miles) as were the GOOD MORNING BLUES reckoned PAUL to which COLIN replied I DON’T GIVE A TOSS ABOUT YOU while PETER went off to meet LORETTA. To get us back on an even keel EDDIE was then inspired to play FISHER’S HORNPIPE, the TRUMPET HORNPIPE & the SAILOR’S HORNPIPE to which FAIR PLAY suitably replied THE WATER IS WIDE but not in these SMALL TOWNS sang CARL (Pete Morton) although possibly in a WINDY HARBOUR reckoned GEOFF (Pete Abbott). Coming to a close ERIC came with THE DEVIL who must have been ED at this point as he confessed he was FED UP WITH THE FIELDS OF ATHENRY to end up on a high note. 

Newsletter No 279 3 June 2014

A happy night full of chat and laughter was guided to best effect by hosts ED & SUE who asked BANJO JOHN to open the evening with MAC THE KNIFE from way back in 1928 and then FAIR PLAY reclaimed BLACK WATER from Free Spirits before ED was asked to PUT ANOTHER LOG ON THE FIRE. Then CARL rose to tell us ALICE WILL NEVER DO MOONBEAMS NO MORE to which JO replied with YOU'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG (Iris Dement) and PAUL sang the tragedy of STAGOLEE. We then had an interesting newcomer in ALLEN OGG who sang a song that his niece had recorded in Australia and had broadcast on the radio several times, WHAT'S IT TO YOU, only then to tell us that for over fifty years his name has been spelt in many ways other than the correct one so here's to right version ALLEN OGG and hope to see you again soon. Well up to date KAMRAN sang a one-year old Robbie Williams’ number called GO GENTLE before CHRIS sang the SPIRAL STAIRCASE with such increased speed towards the finale that it made us all dizzy climbing the steps. Fortunately, LIN & SUE recovered in time to do a CLOG DANCE to perfect accompaniment from ED & PAUL.

JO then returned to start the second round with MY YOUNGEST SON as ED took advantage of Dave Boulton's absence to sing about THE FLUSHERS and BANJO JOHN had us all singing along with LUCILLE. Still in good form CARL next did one of Jez Lowe’s lesser known numbers, TWO UP TWO DOWN, before CHRIS reminisced from his days at primary school by singing CHALK DUST leaving KAMRAN to borrow Ed’s 12-string and have us all singing along to DAYDREAM BELIEVER. With his own song ALLEN OGG next revealed more about himself with THE WAY OUT OF MANCHESTER before PAUL performed a lovely Joan Baez number, JACK-A-ROE, and FAIR PLAY brought us up to the interval with LET THE MYSTERY BE followed by THE NIGHT VISITING SONG. 

The raffle yielded a bottle of wine, a tin of biscuits, a box of chocolates and a beauty box with the tin of biscuits being shared amongst the crowd.

Act 2 started with ED donning a bloody crepe bandage around his head and making everyone laugh with his Irish accent and his BARREL OF BRICKS before CARL was more serious with THE GIANT and PAUL confessed he had the DEEP RIVER BLUES. Another selfie next came from ALLEN OGG with PICTURES IN A MAGAZINE before KAMRAN was next in the down in the dumps with BLACK HOSE BLUES but to cheer us all back up again FAIR PLAY hit the GOODNIGHT LOVING TRAIL. In tandem CHRIS then addressed the MERMAID AND THE SEAGULL before SUE performed a solo CLOG DANCE as ALLEN OGG girded his loins for LIFE (DON'T YOU KNOW). Then we had KAMRAN borrowing a song from Arthur Marshall, OLD BONES STILL DREAM accompanied by PAUL with the harmonica before the favour was returned when PAUL accompanied by KAMRAN on guitar gave us TROUBLE IN MIND. Reminded by Janice’s version of this song a few weeks ago, CHRIS took the opportunity to play and sing FACTORY GIRL as ED went back to a favourite topic with FLOG 'EM FLAY 'EM AND HANG 'EM leaving FAIR PLAY to finish this cosy and friendly evening with THE FORSAKEN MERMAID. Brilliant!!

MAY - 2014

Newsletter No 278 27 May 2014

The evening began with everyone claiming THIS LAND IS MY LAND led by PAUL which left ED thinking about the SILVER TONGUED DEVIL of Kris Kristofferson and BANJO JOHN rocking out ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN on his vintage banjo! Changing the subject, ROBIN took us off to the GREENLAND WHALE FISHERIES and PETE took off with his own song about the BALBRIGGAN FAIR where COLIN came across MR BOJANGLES all causing CHRIS to sing about Mark Knoppler's PLACE WHERE WE LIVE. On a more literary note, PHIL then gave us THE GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL as DON & HEATHER took us south with their own SOUTH AUSTRALIA and JO to the CURRAGH OF KILDARE. It was then good to hear CHARLES, LIZ and ROSIE perform CAPTAIN HIGGINS, a trio for classical guitar leaving BANJO JOHN to bring us back to reality with LITTLE OL' WINE DRINKER ME. In his creative mood PETE then sang his own song of the ALEXANDER LIGHT which may have led COLIN to set out on his maiden voyage with THE FOOL ON THE HILL. In good voice PHIL was sad about the FAREWELL TO THE THIRTY FOOT TRAILER as was CHARLES who introduced us to ZIMMERMAN BLUES. Next JO led the canal cruise girls' choir in singing a great version of AMAZING GRACE triggering ED to give a cheeky rendition of ERNIE RIDES AGAIN about the fastest mobile library in the west. DON & HEATHER, still in mind to travel, brought us to Dublin in the RARE OLD TIMES and up to the break.

After a great raffle ROBIN began the second half dreaming of the SNOWS OF NEW YORK and DOUG, a new visitor from London, sang RANTER'S WHARF, PAUL tried SINGING MY BLUES AWAY and PETE, anticipating his long vacation, proclaimed I SHALL BE RELEASED. It's best to take ONE DAY AT A TIME then suggested CHRIS before PHIL set out on THE ROAD TO MOSCOW and ED left to seek the HUNTER OF DUNOON. Running toward a big finish, HEY JOE! sang PETE and our new visitor, DOUG, replied with WHERE THE RAVENS FEED; perhaps on CHRIS' NETTLE WINE we wondered? Anyway, ROBIN soon grabbed the reins towards the finale with his LONG BLACK VEIL leaving PAUL to lead everyone singing and playing a GOSPEL MEDLEY; ending in much the same way as we had begun. Perfect!!

Newsletter No 277 20 May 2014

A brief flurry and we were almost full as JAN & MARK whipped everyone into shape for a great night of music, songs and loads of craic. They hit the road with JACKSON followed by Kath, Stan & Ruth aka FAIR PLAY who were off to OWENSBORO and PAUL RILEY who was chasing BLACK EYED SUSIE. Next a nice surprise was JOHN CHILCOTT singing his own SAILING DOWN just as PETE ROBERTS was promising TONIGHT I'LL BE STAYING HERE WITH YOU and also with his own COLIN RUDD told us it was JUST LIKE A WOMAN. Then BANJO JOHN needed stronger stuff from MR TAMBOURINE MAN but BRIAN was happy to DREAM A LITTLE DREAM while DAVE BOULTON was away with the COCK AND THE DEVIL. A great arrangement from GORDON with the CURRAGH OF KILDARE showed off some lovely guitar work followed by JANICE & MICK who were determined to MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE to which ARTHUR MARSHALL confessed I CANNOT FIND THE WORDS. It didn't matter to CHARLES with LOWLANDS AWAY as CARL CORBETT found the inspiration for HELLO HANS leaving HEATHER & DON to float off to the ROSEVILLE FAIR. Then ROB WHITE led us singing the CHEERLY MAN as ED & SUE BENTHAM went OUT WITH THE MORRIS DANCERS just as JOHN CONDY declared it must be the WILL OF THE PEOPLE. Coming up to half time BANJO JOHN had us all LEANING ON A LAMPOST as COLIN RUDD declared it's all NEWS TO ME.

In the raffle a surprised Paul took the Wine, Brian walked away with the Chocolates, as usual Ann took the Biscuits and Carl went home with the Hand cream before ED rounded us up at the WHIP JAMBOREE. The unsurprisingly BRIAN told us YOU DON'T KNOW ME as CHARLES introduced SWEET WILLIAM leaving CARL to be ALL AT SEA. Expressing a heartfelt emotion HEATHER & DON confessed they needed us at the DIMMING OF THE DAY but GORDON was out chasing REYNARDINE with a great interpretation reminiscent of Bert Jansch. Next PAUL was asking HOW LONG AGO and FAIR PLAY told us there was NO TELLING what a love sing can do as PETE pleaded HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT to which there were several volunteers. JANICE & MICK warned that there was a STORM COMING which left ARTHUR feeling a DISAPPOINTED MAN and ROB swiftly legging it to SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Coming to a climax DAVE was again supernatural with THE DEVIL AND THE FEATHERY WIFE as JAN had us singing in Welsh to AR LAN y MOR and together with MARK they sailed off in THE BONNY SHIP THE DIAMOND after a very satisfying evening. 

Newsletter No 276 13 May 2014

Close to three dozen in the mix of new faces, old lags, top talent and keen audience saw us have a great night guided by HEATHER & DON who with ROBIN & PAUL combined as FREE SPIRITS to get the ball rolling with a rousing version of WAGON WHEEL. To keep the show on the road MIKE COSGRAVE took us over THE ROCKY SHORES OF ENGLAND and COLIN RUDD had us out in the EARLY MORNING RAIN before newcomer CAROLE whisked us down THE STREETS OF LONDON. Grabbing his breathe BANJO JOHN appropriately sang WHEN YOU'RE SMILING which KAMRAN declared was MY FAVOURITE SONG, with a nod to old friend MERDY, after which PAUL sang THE HESITATION BLUES without deviation or repetition. Then JIM, sadly without LYNN who we are all thinking about, told us IT'S A WORKING MAN I AM, to which ROBIN replied, I'll bet he's glad THE BATTLE IS OVER, but for CARL the CATS IN THE CRADLE by Harry Chapin was another way of seeing how difficult life can be. ED was also on the same tack with ABSENT FRIENDS as did Poet DAVID with his SHIFTING WHISPERING SANDS and COLIN with his own IF THE BIRDS CAN SING WHY NOT I. In a lighter vein MIKE gave us a great version of THE RAGGLE TAGGLE GYPSIES to which KAMRAN replied THAT'LL NEVER HAPPEN NO MORE while BANJO JOHN went all Mr Cool with MR SANDMAN. All this gave ROBIN that PEACEFUL EASY FEELING as we turned to RICHARD GRAY for the marathon BILLY, ROSEMARY AND THE JACK OF HEARTS and were thankful when CARL took us to see THE GALLOWAYS. Coming up to the interval FREE SPIRITS led by ED rather pessimistically claimed that ALL THE GOOD TIMES WERE PAST AND GONE but we knew that wasn't true.

An interesting raffle saw late arrival Heather Kenyon win the wine, Ann and Brian take the Chocolates and Mike, who claimed he had never ever won a raffle prize in his life, win a leather wallet.

JIM started the second half with A SONG FOR IRELAND followed by CAROLE with IT'S MY TOWN and PAUL with THE GOLDEN VANITY. Coming up on the rails ED sang THE PILGRIM which prompted RICHARD to sing is own I'LL FIND MY OWN WAY HOME followed by COLIN who was still in the CLOUDS after Man City's winning the Premiership. Similarly eulogising MIKE sang his favourite WONDERCHILD after becoming a grandfather again only for KAMRAN to take us down again with his own version of relationship breakdown, SMOKE THROUGH AUTUMN TREES. More cheerfully CARL proposed here's HEALTH TO THE COMPANY which had JIM to the airport LEAVING ON A JET PLANE and ED celebrating the libido of his BANTAM COCK. It was then left to PAUL to wish MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU as CAROLE told us it was a LESSON TOO LATE FOR THE LEARNING and COLIN praised the YANKEE LADY. Coming to a climax CARL admitted I SAW A STRANGER WITH YOUR HAIR and MIKE took us to CARRICK-A RIE where he confessed he has had one or two wobbly moments. Superb evening!!    

Newsletter No 275 6 May 2014

With just short of the half century strolling through the doors our hosts JANICE & MICK started us off with THE WILD MOUNTAINSIDE swiftly followed by BANJO JOHN with MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS and KAMRAN with ROMEO AND JULIET. Taking us over the Border JAN TAYLOR led us to THE VERDANT BRAES OF SCREEN after which FAIR PLAY told us they were THREE AROUND THREE and then invited us to COME TO THE CEILIDH followed by a JUG OF PUNCH with IAN WHITE. Slowing the pace a little DOREEN then invited us to SING FROM YOUR HEART, with her own poem, to which ADAM replied JESUS IS GONNA BE HERE and JO had us singing the Irish rugby hymn THE FIELDS OF ATHENRY. On a completely different tack JOHN CHILCOTT declared to anyone who was listening I'LL BE YOUR BABY TONIGHT just as ROB, making a long awaited return, slithered in with FRED THE SLUG leaving JOHN CONDY to take us off to the CAVES OF JERICHO. Very traditionally JUDE had us all singing HAL AND TOW before DAVE COWE gave us the poem THE MOON AND THE YEW TREE leaving COLIN to ask WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Very upbeat ROBIN replied that it was GOOD TO BE BACK HOME as PETE set out for THE RABBIT HILLS and BRIAN told us there will be TEARS IN HEAVEN for Eric Clapton's little boy. Taking to the rails PAUL was soon aboard THE OLD 97 as CARL was poignantly saying HELLO IN THERE and JANICE & MICK were pessimistically saying I THINK IT'S GONNA RAIN TODAY. Bringing the half to a close BANJO JOHN sang the old favourite JOSHUA just as JOHN CHILCOTT was out at the airport in the EARLY MORNING RAIN.

In the break the wine was won by Chris Ross, Dave Cowe won a plant growing kit with Linda and ANother taking two more prizes which went un-noted. Sorry!

Starting the second shift COLIN asked a serious question with WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PLAY but hopefully not in BOB'S DEAD FLOWERS rather on ANDREA'S MAGIC JOURNEY sang by STEVE or even running round with MARK TAYLOR'S LITTLE RED ROOSTER. Next PAUL invited us all to COME ON UP TO THE HOUSE whereas IAN WHITE wanted to take us on THE BLACKPOOL BELLE and all BRIAN wanted to know was WHERE OR WHEN. Then JUDE jumped up with LARIMAR as DOREEN told us what it was to look THROUGH HER EYES (poem) but ROB just shot off to THE RAWTENSTALL ANNUAL FAIR with DAVE COWE contemplating THE FLOWERS OF SALFORD (poem). In any event ROBIN reckoned you always need FOUR STRONG WINDS to which PETE observed there must be a STORM RISING as JOHN CONDY headed for OUR SHANGRI-LA. Obviously heading toward a big finish CARL appropriately came up with GIANT followed by the lyrical LAWR AR LAN Y MOR from JAN TAYLOR as KAMRAN sent us home with the STOLE RIDER BLUES.

APRIL - 2014

Newsletter No 274 29 April 2014

A bit slow to gather but a quality audience saw a wedge of talented performers swiftly arrive at the appointed hour as KATH, RUTH & STAN were on hand to host the evening. DAVE BOULTON started the ball rolling with PADDY LAY BACK to be followed by CHRIS singing THE MAGINOT WALTZ and FAIR PLAY telling us THE WATER IS WIDE. Next ROBIN was extolling the virtues of WATERMELON WINE and CARL told us about THE BOYS OF BELLY ROW before JO went WW2 with HELLO HANS. With a nod to Sting JIM took us to the FIELDS OF GOLD to which ED responded by crossing the Atlantic to the STREETS OF BALTIMORE and for some reason PETE was all HURT. This stirred POET DAVID to tell us his own tale of LARNE LOUGH and GORDON to tell of BOGEY'S BONNIE BELLE before YOGA PETE gave us a song, a story and cannibalism with A SHIP IN DISTRESS. In a more workaday mode FAIR PLAY were all about the HEDGER & DITCHER and DAVE BOULTON was on THE FINAL TRAWL but CARL found himself SAFE IN THE HARBOUR at last. Coming up to the interval CHRIS sang TERMINUS and before she went JO pleaded COME KISS ME LOVE as GORDON wandered off down BLACKWATERSIDE. Not giving a damn ED admitted I GOT STONED AND I MISSED IT leaving ROBIN to ask ROCK MY CRADLE ONCE AGAIN after which YOGA PETE led us all in MARTIN SAID TO HIS MAN and JIM claimed he only had MEMORIES OF LOVE. 

A bumper raffle saw JIM win the wine, ALAN take the port, MARIAN take away the Buck's fizz and KATH grab the CD kindly donated by Dave Boulton who was half of His Worship and the Pig.

Starting at a lick PETE set us off with a WILD FLYING DOVE and getting in the swing POET DAVID recited his own FROM A MIS-STANCE about the conflict between the two Irelands. Then DAVE BOULTON had us all singing to TOM'S GONE TO HILO while FAIR PLAY wondered HOW WILL I EVER BE SINGLE AGAIN and JEAN FINNEY'S answer was DON'T GO TO A FOLK CLUB to find out. PAUL agreed and said he had the GOIN' FISHIN' BLUES and ROBIN was sad NOW THAT THE BUFFALO'S GONE leaving CARL to celebrate by SINGING THE AGES DOWN. More traditionally GORDON gave us the THE AULD TRIANGLE while JIM mused on THIS OLD GUITAR and CHRIS was philosophical with THE SEAGULL. Too serious reckoned ED who told us the story of THE WIDOW'S MOOR and JEAN responded with the classic Joyce Grenfell DANCING BUST TO BUST but PETE wasn't for being cheered up with AIN'T GOT NO HOME. Going for a big finish PAUL had us DRILL YE TARRIERS DRILL and FAIR PLAY took us out into the MOONSHADOW where CHRIS asked us ARE YOU RECEIVING ME before DAVE BOULTON had us singing into the ctreet with HERE'S TO YOU TOM BROWN.

Newsletter No 273 22 April 2014

Some new faces and new combinations were the order of the day when hosts KAMRAN & PETE opened the evening and PETE took to the floor with Elton's YOUR SONG swiftly followed by BANJO JOHN with the COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER and then the new duo of BRIAN and SUE BENTHAM clutching at THE NEARNESS OF YOU. Without more ado JO was off with her RAMBLING BOY but MIKE COSGRAVE reckoned YOU'LL NEVER LEAVE HARLAN ALIVE, another coal mining song, just as PHIL presented a different view of Jesus' life for Easter with THE OUTLAW. Then it was newbie time when local man ALAN sang and played the lovely lilting Graham Miles song WHEN THE SNOWS OF WINTER FALL to which DAVE BOULTON replied with THE WEDLOCK OF EDWARD WOPP. For some reason this gave KAMRAN the DEEP ELLUM BLUES but for MICK & JANICE, fresh from their "tour" of Heart Le Pool, it seemed THERE WAS A STORM COMING. Despite that JOHN CHILCOTT claimed I ALWAYS THOUGHT I'D SEE YOU AGAIN and unsentimentally ED tried to send us off with the LIVERPOOL LULLABY as CARL shot off to THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR. Then we had the novelty of PETER merging yoga with the blues in respect of the claim that Libya was where ST GEORGE SLEW THE DRAGON by singing lying on the floor which had COLIN shaken TO THE DEPTHS OF MY SOUL leaving DAVID to tell a story from Denis Law's autobiography. JO then rose for her second and told us I LIVE NOT WHERE I LOVE and BANJO JOHN posed the question IS IT TRUE WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT DIXIE and no one claimed they could dipute it as we took the interval.

Glasses were recharged and the raffle saw Joyce win the wine, Colin win the Hot Toddy, Brian win the Fancy Soaps and Novelty Corkscrew drifted into the mists of time before PETE pleaded that everyone should TAKE IT EASY. Using a favourite format MIKE COSGRAVE then sang COL CALLAN followed by a Cittern instrumental MUNSTER BUTTERMILK and ALAN delighted us again with WHERE RAVENS FEED before BRIAN declared I'LL HAVE TO SAY I LOVE YOU IN A SONG. Still in creative mood PETER then sang his own funny FRACKING SONG as COLIN claimed he was a DESPERADO and DAVE claimed he had a BLACK HORSE. All serious PHIL then played us A STUDY IN A and KAMRAN claimed he knew all about THINGS THAT MATTER and before the month could end JOHN CHILCOTT just got in APRIL COME SHE WILL. We then hoped that we would make it in time as CARL took us off through THE NORTH WEST PASSAGE but of a more serious mind ED told us I LIKE MY WOMEN A LITTLE ON THE TRASHY SIDE and even more seriously JANICE & MICK sang the great song she wrote about her son FLEETING CHANCE followed by her excellent STRONGER to close a superb evening. 

Newsletter No 272 15 April 2014

With ED & SUE at the helm there was no chance of a quiet night as BANJO JOHN opened with MR BOJANGLES which brought a comments from Colin in the naughty corner of another stolen song but ED certainly didn't steal his song AL BOWLY as COLIN was invited up to sing COME MY LITTLE SON followed by our friend GORDON from Withernsea who was visiting us again all the way from the East Ridings of Yorkshire and he gave us DIESEL AND SHALE. Then another delightful surprise was when Rob brought BERNICE along following her spell in hospital as she is unable to drive at present. It was lovely to see her again and especially to hear her version of SETH DAVY. Next KAMRAN had us all smiling with his REMEMBER song and we all joined in with JO when she sang WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN followed by JOHN CHILCOTT who came a long way so could only stay until the break but he treated us to a lovely rendition of BARBARA ALLEN. Following on ROB sang COME WRITE YE DOWN and PETE, probably with his broken down car in mind, sang I SHALL BE RELEASED accompanied by John Condy on guitar which JOHN immediately used to give us STAY YOUNG. Next PETER chatted to us all as usual and finally sang ROCK ME GRANDMA for which he was given a standing ovation!! ROBIN also gave a long introduction to his version of Wind in the Willows or should it have been Bread & Fishes?   No – maybe Wind in the Willows?   Or perhaps Bread & Fishes!  Anyway, he also got a standing ovation for daring to follow Peter. Indeed BRIAN also rose to the occasion with a very accomplished guitar instrumental of the Beatles' AND I LOVE HER as did KATH & STAN who gave us a Ruth-less LAST GOODBYE. As the quality escalated DAVE BOULTON sang his latest funny from Saturday, GREAT BIG SAUSAGE SARNI and also left everyone with a smile upon their face as we went up to the interval.

Ann, Marina and Sue won the raffle with Ann very kindly sharing her box of chocs with the whole of the club as we embarked upon another round with COLIN, as we suspected he may leave early, and he sang and played a wonderful COUNTRY GIRL before BERNICE continued the tradition of nicking a song with GALWAY GIRL. There was no chance of BANJO JOHN having his songs pinched as he had everyone singing along to his FATS WALLER MEDLEY making us realise that we are all a lot older than we would like to admit! ED then put on his best Lancashire accent and sang MONDAY HER DOES ALL 'ER WESHING before GORDON rose to sing another Cyril Tawney song PULL THE STRING before he left for his long journey back to the North Sea Coast. Thanks for coming Gordon. Next there was a surprise as KEITH, who came purely as audience, was persuaded by Sue to impersonate Elvis with ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ and it was certainly difficult to distinguish it from the real thing. Another surprise was ROB unsheathing his guitar and hammering out RING OF FIRE before KATH & STAN played and sang DINKS SONG and DAVE sang a serious THE SOUTH GOODWIN LIGHTSHIP. By way of a change BRIAN then played John Lee Hooker’s BOOM, BOOM, BOOM as PETE rose to sing HEY JOE and PETER sang WILD MOUNTAIN THYME. Also in good voice ROBIN sang the old favourite JOCK '' HAZELDEAN before KAMRAN sang a lengthy titled SALLY TELL ME WHERE D'YOU GET YOUR LIQUOR FROM DOWN TOWN and JOHN CONDY finished the round with another number from the same part of Eire, GALWAY GIRL. With just enough time for a handful more performers before the end of the evening BERNICE sang a very moving blast from the past, ONLY YOU as did KATH & STAN with DIRTY OLD TOWN and PETE with ROLLIN' IN MY SWEET BABY'S ARMS. With another of his own huge repertoire DAVE sang HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, which he wrote with his dear Mum in mind, and ROB completed the evening with the Scented Breeze song or better known to us as the Centipede Song or actually I WISH I WAS BACK IN LIVERPOOL with the whole audience increasing the numbers in the bed automatically.

Newsletter No 271 8 April 2014

An absolutely bonzer night with a capacity audience in Sale Folk Club drew in some mega talent which DON & HEATHER led off with A SONG FOR THE LIFE and this was the life as they coaxed the best out of the assembled throng and we are quoting Arthur Marshall. BANJO JOHN was first very topical with his medley of APRIL SHOWERS, RAINBOW ROUND MY SHOULDER, AVALON and RED, RED ROBIN before the gauntlet was laid down by our first newcomer the wonderful Louise Jordan who raised the bar to the sky with her version of SHULE-A-ROO setting the tone for a wonderful evening.
DAVE BOULTON responded magnificently as did the audience with ALL FOR MY GROG followed by ARTHUR MARSHALL with his a cappella CLOSE THE COALHOUSE DOOR and COLIN RUDD with his amusing treatment of WHERE DO YOU GO TO MY LOVELY. Currently in good form JO took us out on THIS OLD ROAD and BRIAN replied THERE I'VE SAID IT AGAIN as ROBIN prepared us for THE STREETS OF BALTIMORE. Next FAIR PLAY took us sailing with SWEET THAMES FLOW SOFTLY before another newcomer STEVE HIGGINS told us about THE TWA RECRUITING SERGEANTS and LAWRENCE sang his own THE FACE OF ENGLAND. With nice harmonies more newcomers ES & CHRIS then told us about CAPTAIN WEDDERBURN'S COURTSHIP before ERIC unleashed his new THAT WAS THEN and MIKE COSGRAVE amazed us with cittern playing as he sang I CAN HEAR THE WHISTLE BLOWING. Still on transport ROB reminded us he is a sailor with THE GREY FUNNEL LINE and IAN reminded us he has 12 fingers with his own TUESDAY NIGHT TUNE as CHRIS sang about McTell's MICHAEL. Next JOHN CONDY urged us to STAY YOUNG KEEP YOUR WHEELS IN MOTION before BANJO JOHN gave us a fiscal lesson with IF YOU ROLL A SILVER DOLLAR and LOUISE JORDAN summed it all up with her own ENRAPTURED. 

Needless to say the interval flew by as Ian won the roses, Alan took the Easter Egg, Es & Chris won the Chocolates and the wine by AN Other before FAIR PLAY opened the second stretch with AIN'T NO SWEET MAN. Next ROB had us FATHOM THE BOWL which according to BRIAN gave us a FUNNY, FAMILIAR FORGOTTEN FEELING to which COLIN confessed it was SOMETIMES WHEN WE TOUCH. But not CARRUTHERS claimed ERIC, more likely ANDERSON'S GHOST reckoned ES & CHRIS as STEVE HIGGINS embarked upon HENRY TAYLOR'S SONG. Undaunted IAN wrapped his fingers round MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE as JOHN CONDY embarked on AMAZON RIVER OF DREAMS and LAWRENCE had us singing and acting out his own SHANTYMAN. Returning to the floor ROBIN bade his LAST FAREWELL to which DAVE BOULTON responded by saying older years I MISS MY MIND whereas ARTHUR MARSHALL in a romantic vein admitted YOU ARE STILL ON MY MIND. Recognising some primeval urge MIKE COSGRAVE then took the initiative by lunging towards a climax with a brilliant rendition of THE RAGGLE TAGGLE GYPSIES leaving LOUISE JORDAN to blow us all away with THE TWO SISTERS followed by her own WORLD WEARY and the Carole King classic WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW which we all agreed we certainly would.

Newsletter No 270 1 April 2014 

A nice gathering was in for a treat as HEATHER & PAUL led slightly fewer performers to enjoy more of their individual repertoires before a very receptive audience. PAUL started the ball rolling with RAMBLING ON MY MIND just as JIM & LYNN were after the BLACK VELVET BAND and PHIL was embarking on a CLASSICAL MEDLEY. Then there was a welcome return for JEAN who tried to fend off the request, DO YOU DO ANY DYLAN? On the other hand JO promised WE SHALL OVERCOME and FAIR PLAY were seeking a WILDWOOD FLOWER as CARL celebrated the doggy relationship of SINATRA AND 1. Next an interesting memory lapse saw DON & HEATHER switch to the DIMMING OF THE DAY before PETE gave us his interpretation of GONE TO BE WED TO ANOTHER as KAMRAN pointedly asked WHERE DID YOU SLEEP LAST NIGHT and POET DAVE explained the origin of his LONDONDERRY, YOU'RE A REAL SAD CITY. A nice departure from DAVE BOULTON resulted in the seafaring FAREWELL TO TARWATHIE with JIM & LYNN declaring BLACK IS THE COLOUR to which JO replied I'm LEAVING ON A JET PLANE with great chorusing from the crowd. In good form JEAN then treated us to LOVELY ANN and ADD ME while PHIL came back to sing McTell's WATCHING THE BOATS GO BY which prompted FAIR PLAY to observe that THE SUN IS BURNING IN THE SKY. In a humorous vein CARL told us the Geordie version of IT'S A CHAMPION LIFE as PETE came up with the CROPPY BOY while KAMRAN felt LOVE'S IN VAIN making DAVE BOULTON exclaim GOOD LORD DELIVER ME.

A big raffle saw Carl win the wine, Joan win the Chocolates, Chris & Barry take the Biscuits and Kath win the Chocolate Eclairs as PAUL prepared us for the second half with DON'T GET TROUBLE ON YOUR MIND. Then DON & HEATHER finally remembered their own SOUTH AUSTRALIA as FAIR PLAY set out on the ROAD TO ELDORADO before JEAN took us back in time for her SIR THEOBOLD'S PARTY monologue. Next PHIL came up with a delightful guitar piece SEAGULL as CARL responded with the request for Pete Morton's FURTHER and KAMRAN asked WHAT DID YOU LEARN IN SCHOOL TODAY? Then PETE jokily came up with THE SHORTEST POEM IN THE WORLD and THE FADING OUT LIMERICK before DON, HEATHER & PAUL washed their hands in MUDDY WATER. Singing one of his favourites PAUL then told the story of STEWBALL and FAIR PLAY gave us the advice on WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE BABY before JEAN sang her own SUMMER IS OVER. Starting the grand finale PETE had us singing LIVERPOOL LOU while KAMRAN celebrated LAZY DAYS and PHIL was off to FIDDLER'S GREEN. Then CARL had laughing with SISTER JOSEPHINE and DAVE BOULTON celebrated NAPOLEON BONAPARTE before DON, HEATHER & PAUL led a band up for WHISKEY IN THE JAR to end a great night of forty songs.