MARCH-2014

Newsletter No 270 25 March 2014

With some watching the football a slightly smaller but quality crowd gathered as MARK went recruiting for the BLUE COCKADE. Meanwhile MICHAEL BURNS was rooting in WILL REED’S BARN while BANJO JOHN was at the DARK TOWN STRUTTERS BALL and ED was leading McALPINE’S FUSILIERS. After a story PETE sang of DICK DARBY and KAMRAN announced that PROSAC MADE ME STAY while DON & HEATHER were equally sceptical about the SPEED OF THE SOUND OF LONELINESS. On an anti-war theme CARL lamented about WILLY McBRIDE but equally downbeat ROB warned of COURTING TOO SLOW and DAVE BOULTON warned of the dangers at sea with WHITE SQUALL. This all led to PAUL having the GOOD MORNING BLUES and JAN telling of failed love LAGGAN LOVE and RICHARD GRAY asking WHERE ARE THE GOOD TIMES. Nowhere to be found when have the FOLSOM PRISON BLUES reckoned BANJO JOHN but MARK said it’s best if you DON’T THINK TWICE especially if like PAUL you have the JUG BAND BLUES. Again MICHAEL delighted us with another of his brilliant compositions HONEST TOM DUNCAN as did DAVE BOULTON with his MEN WITH THE WILL TO MOVE MOUNTAINS before PETE admitted I LOVED A LASS and BANJO JOHN said his was SWEET LORRAINE as he took us to the interval.

The interval raffle saw birthday girl Kate win the wine, Rosaleen win the big tin of Quality Street and Jan win the quick drying sports towel.

Kicking off the second half ROB took us on the GOOD SHIP CALABAR while DON & HEATHER had us herding sheep with the DIAMANTINA DROVER while KAMRAN was chasing the CANDY MAN. On a serious note ED asked WILL THE TURTLE BE UNBROKEN as CARL went off after the LADY ELEANOR and PETE was aboard the CUTTY WREN while on the other hand RICHARD was aboard his BEAUTIFUL DIAMOND AND THE LOVELY ROSE. Remembering those who went to fight in the Spanish Civil War MICHAEL gave us his JAMES KEOGH while DAVE sang his own SAYING GOODBYE TO THE FISHING and CARL tipped his cap to the miners with BLACK DIAMONDS. More upbeat PAUL exhorted PEOPLE GET READY but KAMRAN warned of those CHUMP MAN BLUES while ROB went fantasmagorical with MARTIN SAID TO HIS MAN. On an even keel DON & HEATHER finally celebrated the LITTLE POT STOVE while ED celebrated the opposite sex with SHE IS WOMAN but MARK & JAN were still RUNNING LIKE A TURKEY through the corn to end a great night.

Newsletter No 269 18 March 2014

A quite different mix of people and performers graced the boards tonight with JANICE BELL & MICK HARE organising great entertainment for our audience with MICK giving us ALL MY LOVING and BANJO JOHN declaring I CAN'T GIVE YOU ANYTHING BUT LOVE before the new combination of HELEN & CHRIS blew us away with PIPER TO THE END. Encouraging a sing-along HEATHER & DON recalled the RARE AULD TIMES as DAVE metamorphosed into ROBIN HOOD and JOHN went working for the PHAROAH. Sailing to California LYNN & JIM said goodbye MUIRSHEEN DURKIN and PAUL said let's STEP IT UP AND GO as COLIN broke open the story of MARY MAGDALEN. For JO it seems THE CARNIVAL IS OVER as DAVID warned about opening THE BOX and JANICE & MICK told us about DAVY. Next ROBIN was in fine voice for COME BACK PADDY REILLY as newcomers FRAN & FRED marvelled at A NIGHT LIKE THIS and CARL considered the fate of the miners in THE BALLAD OF JOHN COLLIER. Then debutant PETE finally found his feet with WHO'S THE FOOL NOW as MARK took off for FIDDLER'S GREEN and JAN took off with TEDDY O'NEILL. Coming to a peak with a lovely song ARTHUR treated us to his AUTUMN LEAVES and PETER KING responded with his own tribute to his father BLUE SKIES TURN GREY. Before pumpkin time BANJO JOHN waltzed us over the CAROLINA MOON and HELEN delighted us with her NOLA.

A bumper raffle saw the wine go home with LYNN & JIM, the chocolates went to ANN & BRIAN, the biscuits went home with HEATHER KENYON before STEVE got the CD. 

JANICE & MICK then started the second half with her great song STRONGER as HELEN played her accordion for THE FERRYMAN and LYNN & JIM ran off saying I'LL TELL ME MA. Philosophically 
JOHN CONDY asked WHAT'S SO FUNNY ABOUT PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING as FRAN & FRED were straight to the point with MY BABY JUST CARES FOR ME and PETER KING eulogised about THE SEA as PETE concentrated on carrying SIXTEEN TONS. Then DAVE was THE MAN IN THE MOON as FREE SPIRITS bemoaned the BLACK WATER on their land and MICK & JANICE sang his great anti-war song HE'S COMING HOME before FRAN & FRED lightened us up with THE YODELLING SONG. Still in great form PETER KING gave us his SWANSONG before CARL celebrated female stamina with ON AGAIN as JAN & MARK reached THE END OF THE LINE as CHRIS told us how YOU WEATHERED THE STORM.

Newsletter No 268 11 March 2014

A storming Birthday Party Night for Marina was brilliantly hosted by Ruth, Kath & Stan aka FAIR PLAY who invited JIM & LYNN to start the evening with CITY OF CHICAGO. Themselves FAIR PLAY told the story of BLACK WATER and DAVE BOULTON gave his own experience with A HARD LIFE ON THE POTS before BANJO JOHN as only interested in AFTER YOU'VE GONE. That could have been ED with the UNIVERSAL SOLDIER or even COLIN who had the NORAH JONES BLUES or even JO with MY LONELY SON. More upbeat PAUL extolled the virtues of ANGELINE THE BAKER and MICHAEL BURNS celebrated the Stockport sculpture of THE BUCK AND DOG as TONY tuned up for his own TUESDAY NIGHT BANJO COMPOSITION. Way over in the US CARL was passing down BAKER STREET as IAN played another batch of notes all in the right order for STAY CLOSE TO ME, an instrumental by Tommy Emmanuel, while ARTHUR was declaring  I'M JUST WEARY OF THE COLD. At least ROBIN had that PEACEFUL EASY FEELING as PETE went off to THE NORTH COUNTRY FAIR before DON & HEATHER sang MARINA, MARINA, a parody of Corrina, Corrina, to celebrate her birthday. BANJO JOHN was on that MIDNIGHT SPECIAL while FAIR PLAY were sliding down from BYKER HILL and JIM & LYNN were off to see A MON LIKE THEE.

In the interval Dave Boulton provided a brilliant buffet with chips for ourselves and his partner Marina who also received a signed card and a special bottle of Jack Daniels. In the raffle TONY won the wine, IAN won the flowers, JOAN won the chocs, HEATHER won the biscuits and LYNN got a Ukulele book. 

The second half started with ARTHUR away DANCING IN DUBLIN whereas ED reminded Marina that 50 was not the END OF THE LINE but COLIN reminded us that for some the MALVINAS were. With his banjo TONY again was solo for two tunes OLD JOE CLARK and JUNE APPLE as MICHAEL then got out his mandolin for his own GENOESE HORNPIPE leaving CARL to promise that there will always be ANOTHER TRAIN. Still counting up his 12 fingers IAN played another excellent instrumental Tuesday Night Piece followed by DAVE BOULTON who was on about BURSLEM WAKES while PAUL was away ROLLING IN MY SWEET BABY'S ARMS. Then ROBIN, PAUL, DON & HEATHER aka FREE SPIRITS went down the mine for DARK AS A DUNGEON before PETE sang his own BEST IN ME and FAIR PLAY went off on the GOODNIGHT LOVING TRAIL leaving JIM & LYNN chasing PADDY McGINTY'S GOAT. In humorous mood ARTHUR then roamed the STREETS OF LONDON - NOT as DAVE celebrated his LITTLE GREY 'OSS and ED pleaded TREAT ME DAUGHTER DECENT leaving PAUL, ROBIN, HEATHER & DON as FREE SPIRITS to ask WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN followed by THIS TRAIN IS BOUND FOR GLORY and WHISKY IN THE JAR to end a cracking evening.

Newsletter No 267 4 March 2014

Yet another superb night as we did the half ton with a great mix of newbies and plenty of regulars and occasionals all stewarded brilliantly by KAMRAN & PETE into top class entertainment for our large audience. PETE started the ball rolling with CLAUDIA to which BANJO JOHN retorted I'M FLYING HIGH while DAVE BOULTON was out ON THE CUT. Then ALAN told us IT ALL SEEMS SUCH A LONG TIME AGO as ROB implored us to COME WRITE YE DOWN while CARL was away with MR DREAMSELLER. Next up BRIAN played a delightful MALAGUENA, a lot of notes in the right order, as ED was away in BOB DYLAN'S DREAM to which JO replied YOU'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG. Doing his rounds JOHN CONDY then took us to the THE CAVES OF JERICHO as JAN & MARK went off into the ASHGROVE and KAMRAN explained the origin of the AVALON BLUES. Taking a leaf out of Jez Lowe's book CHARLES described the fate of LONDON DANNY before COLIN told of the YANKEE LADY who was definitely in for more than IAN's TEN PERCENT. Newcomers PHIL & MO debuted with COUSIN JACK as PAUL got those BLACK BOTTOM BLUES and IAN went off with a tasty RAG PICKING instrumental as ROBIN confessed he wanted to be a COUNTRY BOY AGAIN. Not surprisingly Poet DAVID was reminded of his own LONDON DANNY from Londonderry as FREE SPIRITS aka DON, HEATHER, ROBIN & PAUL took us all for a drink in RED ROSE CAFE for the interval.

An interval of re-fuelling with drinks and chips led to the raffle in which Chris won the Wine, Marina won the Chocolates, John took the CD and the Short Breads found a good home before COLIN was requested to celebrate 80 OF YEARS OF FOOTBALL AT MAINE ROAD. Next PETE put on his RAMBLING SHOES as CHARLES decided to be GYPSY DAVY and BRIAN developed the LOCOMOTIVE BLUES. Coming together to hunt him down JAN & MARK were then after CHARLES ROBERT DARWIN as CARL examined the stress of moving FROM CLARE TO HERE which was nothing compared to IAN's BONNY SHIP THE DIAMOND. A lesson in life from PAUL told us NOBODY KNOWS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN AND OUT and DAVE BOULTON chipped in with IF YOU HAD A BRAIN YOU'D BE DANGEROUS to which KAMRAN invited them to COME ON IN MY KITCHEN. Next ROB, the one armed ice climber, sang PULL DOWN LADS to which DON & HEATHER had NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT ALL as ALAN told us what it was like on THE ROAD TO PASSCHENDAELE, terrible we reckoned. It wasn't that great in PHIL & MO's FOG ON THE TYNE as JOHN CONDY pleaded OH BOATMAN and ED related the disasters ON MY WAY TO WORK which left DAVE BOULTON to explain the POTTER'S ALPHABET which was clear as mud by the time he had finished to end a brilliant night.

FEBRUARY - 2014

Newsletter No 266 25 February 2014

A different mix of performers and audience but all skilfully organised into a great night by SUE & ED BENTHAM who invited FREE SPIRITS to open with WAGON WHEEL. On their heels HELEN played TOBY a test piece by Ivor Beynon while COLIN declared YOU FEEL MY LOVE and PETE went out to SHOWER THE PEOPLE. Back again because it was half term OMAR played THE SPY WHO WENT OUT TO THE COLD on his clarinet to which ED replied HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS and FAIR PLAY responded with two tunes BUTTER PEAS & WINSTER GALLOP. We were then delighted by the creativity of MICHAEL BURNS with his MARYPORT MYSTERY as we were with JANICE & MICK singing THE FACTORY GIRL and then in full agreement with MICK who sang SAM STONE by John Prine. TONY then sang about SYLVIA'S MOTHER and JOHN WILLIAMS introduced the BALLOON as CHRIS eulogised about the FAIR MAIDS OF FEBRUARY. For KAMRAN it was all about YESTERDAY as ROBIN went down by THE RIVER and PAUL asked O SINNER MAN where you going to run to? As the interval loomed DON & HEATHER took us to Australia to meet the DIAMANTINA DROVER and RICHARD GRAY told us about the appearance of the FOUR BLOOD MOONS.

During the break we had the raffle and Robin won the wine, Martin won the chocolates, Christine won the room perfumer, Janice took the biscuits and Omar won the CD of His Worship and the Pig and to restart HELEN played LA VIE EN ROSE. Also leaving early OMAR played his GRADE 3 EXAM TEST PIECE before COLIN informed us that YOU NEVER KNOW THE MOMENT as CHRIS set sail on BARGES. Interestingly KAMRAN then played BOOK DANCES CHOICE and FAIR PLAY sang and played about HARD TIMES before ED failed to gain the respect of every female in the room with WOMAN. In a different arrangement JANICE supported MICK for HE'S COMING HOME before MICK supported JANICE for WILD MOUNTAIN SIDE. JOHN WILLIAMS then introduced CRAZY BOY as PETE walked ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER and TONY bemoaned THIS GOD DAMN HOUSE. Still in creative mood MICHAEL sang THE LITTLE COUNT and RICHARD GRAY sang his LADY OF THE MORNING as PAUL told us of his WALKING BLUES. In the tradition ROBIN led us with THE ROSE OF ALLENDALE and FAIR PLAY were walking 10,000 MILES as JOHN WILLIAMS returned to No1 WELLINGTON ROAD. This left FREE SPIRITS to warn of washing your hands in MUDDY WATER to end a great night.

Newsletter No 265 18 February 2014

We had a great debut by the new team of ROBIN BUTLER & PAUL RILEY who promised to RAISE A RUCKUS TONIGHT. Doing their best DAVE BOULTON remembered harder times with FIVE A DAY while KAMRAN went all poetic with his own take on JABBERWOCK and BANJO JOHN told us THERE'S GOLD IN THE MOUNTAINS. Next PETE told us BLUES RUN THE GAME whereas ADAM thought they were THE KEYS TO THE HIGHWAY to which MARK & JAN announced they were GOING TO JACKSON and JO decided to stay IN THE GHETTO. We next found FAIR PLAY by THE BANKS OF THE OHIO leaving HELEN to unsheathe her violin for two Scottish tunes MOUNT STUART HOUSE and THE SWEET MAID OF GLENDARUEL and FREE SPIRITS to bemoan THE SPEED OF THE SOUND OF LONELINESS, ROBIN remained on his feet to claim THE BATTLE IS OVER as ROB, returning from his he-man heroics in Italy rose to take us to SOUTH AUSTRALIA and the guitar trio of CHARLES, LIZ & ROSIE played their favourite CHELSKI before Poet DAVID went off from a mis-stance with THE FAIRWAY IS GREEN. The wreck of the ELLEN VANNIN was remembered by IAN before ED and DAVE BOULTON came together to claim they were JUST TWO FOLKASAURUSES, actually one of Dave's own songs nicked by ED, and BANJO JOHN promised to SIT RIGHT DOWN AND WRITE MYSELF A LETTER. In determined mood ADAM said he was GONNA LIVE FOREVER as FAIR PLAY went NIGHT VISITING and MARK & JAN were hunting down CHARLES ROBERT DARWIN as JO took us to the interval with IRISH BLUES.

During the raffle Alan won the wine, Paul won the His Worship and the Pig CD donated by Dave, Marina won the Pears, Ian & Jenny won the Chocolates, Kath & Stan took the Biscuits and Chocolate bars went out to Alan, Marina, Mark & Ian before ROBIN started the second half with THE LAST FAREWELL as ROB departed on THE GREY FUNNEL LINE which inspired KAMRAN to sing OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING. Coming up with another of his creations DAVE BOULTON sang BRICKS AND WATER while IAN was also still on the water with THE BONNY SHIP THE DIAMOND and PETE pondered DAYS GONE BY which prompted HEATHER & DON to remember the achievements of THE CONQISTADORES. More humorously ED sang about THE JOGGER and PAUL had us all join in with MAMA DON'T ALLOW but despite that ADAM took us all off to THE HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN to which MARK & JAN were soon LONG GONE and KAMRAN found a DEAD SHRIMP at which FAIR PLAY recommended we LET THE MYSTERY BE. As we headed to the close PETE was still WILLING and ED was somewhere BETWEEN THE EARTH AND THE SKY as ROB told the story of THE MILL OUTING and IAN scooted off on THE BLACKPOOL BELLE leaving just time for FREE SPIRITS to assemble a big band up with Heather, Robin, Don & Paul joined by Ed as lead singer and Dave Boulton on Bass Guitar for ALL THE GOOD TIMES as indeed they were.

Newsletter No 264 11 February 2014

A great Birthday Party for Alan, who treated the full house to sandwiches and chips, was kicked off in pre-Valentine style by DON & HEATHER who took us off to the ROSEVILLE FAIR which sent BANJO JOHN and KAMRAN off into the SWEET BY AND BY and gave KAMRAN the STOLE RIDER BLUES. Off to the Emerald Isle JIM & LYNN sang about the FORTY SHADES OF GREEN whereas COLIN sang about SEVEN OCEANS to which ARTHUR commented topically and amusingly that THE WATER KEEPS ON RISING. So inspired DAVE BOULTON wheeled out his own great song SNOWDONIA as CARL went off flying KITES and JO was off with a WAYFARING STRANGER to whichJANICE with MICK decided TO MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE. Flying solo MARK told us the story of THE LAST PIT IN THE RHONDDA and after too long STELLA rose to tell us IT'S GOOD TO SEE YOU and PETE was moved to sing his own song STORM IS RISING which dedicated to his wife Jan. BRIAN then told us about THE FIRST DAY OF JUNE while ED was off DOWN ALONG THE VERDIGRIS and RICHARD GRAY reminisced about a traffic jam with his ROLLING DOWN ON IDLE to which ROBIN, PAUL, HEATHER & DON aka FREE SPIRITS replied with WAGON WHEEL. Taking us up to the buffet BANJO JOHN remembered Shirley Temple with the GOOD SHIP LOLLIPOP and ARTHUR introduced us to his own MR HENRY who if he won the lottery would spend most of his money on whisky and women and probably waste all the rest. 

In the interval Alan was presented with a signed card and a nice bottle of whiskey and the bumper pre-Valentine Raffle gave away a bunch of roses, a single rose, a box of chocolates and a bottle of Champagne before COLIN gave us a PARTY POLITICAL BROADCAST written by Pete Morton. MARK then reported the ROUT OF THE BLUES while PAUL had the DRIFTING BLUES and ROBIN was telling the story of JOCK O'HAZELDEAN. In memory of their prison gigs JANICE & MICK then sang the appropriate I WISH I KNEW HOW IT FELT TO BE FREE while MICK insisted we celebrated life with his new song IF YOU ARE HERE (get on with it). BRIAN pleaded with us to FIND ME as PETE was out in the natural habitat with THE RABBIT HILLS and STELLA was walking through the BROOM OF THE COWDENKNOWES. Then a special birthday request by Alan brought RICHARD forward with the BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS which prompted ED to sing his longest song THE MANCH and KAMRAN also went against the clock with GOING DOWN TO BROWNSVILLE. Heading to a climax JIM with LYNN was that WILD COLONIAL BOY and DAVE BOULTON told us that the COMPLIMENTS RETURNED which left FREE SPIRITS to suggest we all TAK' A DRAM and drink to Alan's health. Very fitting!

Newsletter No 263 4 February 2014

So many new faces for a night of amazing quality brilliantly guided by MICK HARE & JANICE BELL who started us on a high with JANICE'S own STRONGER. Sure as eggs are eggs BANJO JOHN reckoned T'AIN'T NO SIN and DOREEN in surreal mood went off with ONCE THERE WAS A SEAGULL as back to earth MIKE COSGRAVE celebrated the first immigrant to the UA through Ellis Island with THE BALLAD OF ANNIE MOORE followed by HELEN & DAVE HOWARD who were also on an Irish theme with THE BANKS OF THE LEA. On a different tack CHRIS HEARN reminded us of bureaucratic pains in the neck with JOBSWORTH before HELEN RICH blew us away with the brilliant GYPSY MOOD written specially for the accordion. ROBIN then to us away to THE STREETS OF BALTIMORE andDAVE COWE recited the PIPE BAND KILT SONG leading FAIR PLAY to invite us all FOLLOW ME HOME. A more basic arrangement was told by ED with that great song RED HEADED ANNE as CARL stepped to warn we might not make OLD BONES and DON & HEATHER exposed the dangers waiting for the young woman who DANCES FOR DOLLARS. In a different way DAVE BOULTON warned us of card games with HERE'S TO YOU TOM BROWN as MICHAEL BURNS stepped up tell how we all take DIFFERENT PATHS some of which PETE reckoned leave us hoping I SHALL BE RELEASED. A study of relationships led ARTHUR MARSHALL to think about MR & MRS SMITH who barely speak to each other and KAMRAN to reflect on STAGOLEE who shot Billy over a Stetson hat and ALAN to think of YE JACOBITES before JANICE & MICK summed it all up with NOT 'COS I WANTED TO as we reached the interval.

A bumper raffle saw Ruth take the wine, Dave Cowe win the Sports Towel, Chris take the biscuits and Robin win the chocolate Brazils before HELEN RICH, persuaded to stay on for another tune, wowed us with the TEN PENNY BIT. This all left ALAN a bit WILD EYED but un-deterred MICHAEL BURNS brilliantly played us TWO WALTZES which left KAMRAN t contemplate 50 SHADES OF SxxxE and ED to tell about his BRONCHIODILATED BLUES. In the same vein CHRIS HEARN went a long way for his SAN FRANCISCO BAY BLUES whereas much closer to home HELEN & DAVE HOWARD told us about the life of JACK ASHTON and DOREEN delighted us a Facebook exchange with her daughter who claims I DON'T HAVE TIME TO DUST. More distant ROBIN offered support to a friend feeling lost in THE SNOWS OF NEW YORK just as DON & HEATHER were remembering a homeless young woman they had met with their tribute STREET CHILD while PETE celebrated someone who has everything with SHE BELONGS TO ME. Moving towards a climax MIKE COSGRAVE teamed up with DAVE HOWARD to give us LITTLE SADIE and DAVE BOULTON had us all singing to the LAKES OF PONCHARTRAIN before ARTHUR MARSHALL declared we are OUTWARD BOUND and FAIR PLAY said let's get off to WHERE RAVENS FEED and we all agreed as we headed into the night. Fabulous!!!

January-2014

Newsletter No 262 28 January 2014

A mega audience assembled for an exceptional night of music, song and great craic admirably stewarded by JAN & MARK who started the evening with a tribute to Pete Seeger by leading us in WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE and this was swiftly followed by PAUL with IF I HAD A HAMMER. Back in regular folk mode JIM & LYNN went off with the SPANISH LADY while ROD was experiencing a TEQUILA SUNRISE and KAMRAN was asking WHAT DID YOU LEARN IN SCHOOL TODAY? For the first time after surgery, on his hand not his wallet, ROBIN told us IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK HOME AGAIN just as ALAN was recommending a CURE FOR A COLD and BANJO JOHN was returning to Pete Seeger for THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND. Next up a trio of self-penned songs when JANICE with MICK sang her own lovely composition for her son FLEETING CHANCE and was followed by MICK whose own love song SHE BELONGS TO ME was clearly directed at his wife Jan and MICHAEL BURNS who sang and played his own REYNARD OR REYNARDINE. PETE then chose a John Martin song MAY YOU NEVER as TONY returned to Pete Seeger and was WAIST DEEP IN THE BIG MUDDY and JO was CALLING MY CHILDREN HOME just a DAVE COWE was recalling Rabbie Burns' TO A MOUSE. This set us on to HEATHER McNEILL who sang her own story of MAY'S DOWNFALL before DAVE BOULTON told his own story of the LITTLE EGG BOX and newcomers ALESSANDRA & RACHEL sang the lovely PRECIOUS MEMORIES. Storming up to the interval DON & HEATHER sang their own FLOWERS ON THE WATER followed by ED who extolled the virtues of THE FLUSHERS.

A bumper raffle saw Mick win the wine; Tony take the Ginger wine; the Room perfume go to Judith; the Biscuits won by Mark & Jan; the Posh Tin of biscuits taken by Ann; the Brazil nuts escort Marina home and Kate get the Calendar.

Then JIM & LYNN opened the second half with a sweet version of DIRTY OLD TOWN followed by FREE SPIRITS with BLACK WATER and TONY with CHRISTMAS TIME IN WASHINGTON leaving ALESSANDRA to fly solo with an Italian folk song MAREMMA AMARA. It described the hardship of life in Maremma in a time when the Malaria and Saracen pirates were ravaging the coast and drinking water was a rarity in the swampy countryside and many a poor Tuscan who went to the Maremma to make his fortune or to earn some money for his family never returned. Across the world ROD commented IT NEVER RAINS IN CALIFORNIA as HEATHER McNEILL told us of THE GIRL WHO SINGS and DAVE COWE read TO WEE DAVIE by Burns. Then KAMRAN & ED shared experiences as THE GAMBLER whereas MICHAEL had LITTLE NEWS FROM DUNAMORE. Experiences were also shared by MICK who sadly told THERE WONT BE ANOTHER SUNSET and then with JANICE sang about THE SUN AND THE MOON which prompted PETE to exclaim BABY LIGHT MY FIRE! Returning to the stage RACHEL sang of THE FALSE PLOUGHBOY LADS and DAVE BOULTON told us of ARTHUR McBRIDE just in time to hear ED declare MY HUSBAND'S GOT NO PORRIDGE IN 'IM courtesy of Les Barker's STORY OF THE THREE BEARS. This left PAUL to bemoan the loss of CORRINA, CORRINA and MARK & JAN to lead a band up of the BONNY SHIP THE DIAMOND to send the full house happily on it's way. Brilliant! 

Newsletter No 261 21 January 2014

Quieter but still lots o performers and a great audience as KATH & STAN were ruthless in driving us along for a great time as they started with DINKS SONG followed by ED with Benny Hill's IN MY GARDEN OF LOVE. Fortunately ARTHUR had AN IMPROVING TALE to tell just as JO was BLOWING IN THE WIND while LYNN & JIM with MICHAEL who were NIGHT VISITING. That didn't stop BANJO JOHN from shooting off down to the RED RIVER VALLEY where IAN was sure it was WINDY AND WARM but to PAUL it was all BOATS UP THE RIVER. On the other hand CARL was still thinking pre-Beeching to old 1710. On another plane HEATHER & DON were metaphorically KNEE DEEP IN A RIVER whereas DAVID was more pragmatically in DETROIT CITY and PETE was romantically with MARY FROM DUNGLOW. Next there was a blast from the past when DAVE BOULTON (formerly HIS WORSHIP AND THE PIG) sang about the BLACK COOK before POET DAVID re-interpreted THE SHIFTING WHISPERING SANDS just as KATH & STAN were off to OWENSBORO. With a new arrangement IAN then came up with DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME as ARTHUR road off behind FOUR BLACK HORSES and BANJO JOHN commented THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE. From down the Mississippi ED told us about THE GAMBLER but DON, HEATHER & PAUL were off with the RAMBLIN BOY while DAVE BOULTON was off with CHAMPION THE DANDY and PAUL was putting his money on STEWBALL the racehorse as we hit the interval.

After much socialising the raffle saw Kath win the wine, Jim take the Hot Toddy Kit, David win the Biscuits and Carl get the Liqueur Chocolates before JIM & LYNN sampled some RARE OLD MOUNTAIN DEW followed by PETE with the BOOZING BLUES. Then CARL reminded us of Jake Thackray with THE BLACKSMITH AND THE TOFFEE MAKER before POET DAVID defined THE MOST WONDERFUL LOVE (between one drunken sop and another) which had DAVID FEELING GROOVY as was ED who introduced us to JACUZZI JOE THE GIGOLO. However KATH & STAN were 900 MILES away as ARTHUR hit THE DANCE FLOOR and DON & HEATHER sang SPANISH BURGUNDY for our Spanish visitor from Barcelona. Specially created IAN then had a TUNE FOR TONIGHT as PAUL confessed he had those BROWN FERRY BLUES and DAVE BOULTON explained why crime doesn't pay in Ireland with his PADDY AND THE ROPE. Coming to a climax JIM & LYNN then led us in singing PEGGY GORDON which reminded PETE of his own YOU BRING OUR THE BEST IN ME and made DAVID FEEL LIKE HOME. POET DAVID explained the history of DEAD DOG SCRUMPY whereas DAVE BOULTON was more traditional with JOCK STEWART before DON, HEATHER, PAUL, STAN, and JIM & LYNN had a big band up to send everyone off home singing with I WASHED MY HANDS IN MUDDY WATER. Superb!

Newsletter No 260 14 January 2014

A sublime of music and banter was well guided by KAMRAN & PETE and it was PETE who started the ball rolling with YOUR SONG closely followed by BANJO JOHN who celebrated Don Everly's life with BYE, BYE LOVE. Fresh from finding himself playing and singing with The Sir Tom Jones JOHN then burst forth with REYNARDINE followed IAN with an instrumental of Dylan's MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE and PAUL who was off on the NEW RIVER TRAIN. Then we discovered LYNN & JIM sharing some WHISKEY IN THE JAR before COLIN took us off to the MOTHER COUNTRY to which ROD responded LOVE WILL KEEP US ALIVE and KAMRAN said LET IT BE ME. Quite why but DAVID was then off with SISTER FATIMA who knows the future before HEATHER & DON had us all singing with the GALWAY SHAWL and then with ROBIN and PAUL became the FREE SPIRITS rocking to the WAGON WHEEL. Next DAVID had his first attempt but failed to open THE BOX leaving ED to divert our attention with a sweet rendition of SCARBOROUGH FAIR followed by MIKE with tunes SIBEIG SEMOIR & BANISH MISFORTUNE. Taking us up to the interval BANJO JOHN returned to tell us I GET THE BLUES WHEN IT RAINS with PETE dashing off to Dylan's NORTH COUNTRY FAIR as JOHN mischievously opened his spoof of LOVE PORTION NUMBER NINE. 

A bumper raffle saw Anne take the Genoa Cake, Rod got the Red Wine and Kamran won the Art Nouveau Red Vase complete with Red Carnations as IAN stepped forward with SUMMAT HE MADE UP FOR TUESDAY NIGHT. Life on the IRISH ROVER was then described by LYNN & JIM as DAVE reckoned it's THE HOUSE YOU LIVE IN but it gave PAUL some TROUBLE IN MIND while KAMRAN exclaimed OH GLORY HOW HAPPY I AM. Next up Robin, Paul, Don & Heather as FREE SPIRITS told us we are really all NO HOPERS, JOKERS AND ROGUES so we should just get on with it as HEATHER & DON did with the STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN and did ROD who shot off as the ROCKET MAN. Warming to the task MIKE invited us to party with BOBBY McGEE and at the second attempt DAVID managed to open THE BOX and release all the evils of war only to be unable to lock them back in again. The philosophy being never to start anything you cannot guarantee to finish and, to complement that one, ED came up with another philosophy which advises us to be careful what we ask because we might not like THE ANSWER. Then from nowhere DAVE generated a moment of extreme hilarity with his interpretation of THE ELUSIVE BUTTERFLY OF LOVE followed by IAN with A JERRY REED TUNE and LYNN & JIM threatening I'LL TELL ME MA. This all had PAUL GOING DOWN THE ROAD FEELING BAD, ED SAYING GOODBYE TO THE SEA, ROD feeling THE WEIGHT and MIKE telling us YOU'LL NEVER LEAVE HARLAN ALIVE before FREE SPIRITS gave us a big finish with Springsteen's ERIE CANAL followed by the McCalman's ALL THE TUNES IN THE WORLD to send us singing into the night. Magic!

Newsletter No 259 7 January 2014

It was a good night to break into the New Year with ED & SUE in fine form and many regulars thirsting for some music and entertainment. First to fulfil this need was BANJO JOHN with his MELONCHOLY BABY which PAUL promised to TELL OLD BILL about as FAIR PLAY, aka Ruth, Kath & Stan, went chasing the WILD WOOD FLOWER and expressing a wish not to be tied down with EL CONDOR PASA. The story of the ALABAMA was ROB'S first effort as CARL declared IT'S A CHAMPION LIFE to which JO agreed as she was off to the CURRAGH OF KILDARE. Over to America JIM & LYNN told a story of the CITY OF CHICAGO and I'VE GOT STRIPES as STEVE got up front and personal with TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY and JUDE taught us that T STANDS FOR THOMAS. Of course we didn't believe that ED was ALL USED UP as we listened to PETE's NEW YEAR'S SONG and HEATHER & DON had us all celebrating the STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN before promising YOU WILL BE THE LIGHT. Coming up to the interval climax BANJO JOHN explained the attraction of MR TAMBOURINE MAN while ROB was COURTING TOO SLOW which ED clearly though was a DISASTER and PAUL thought was not worth a TWO DOLLAR BILL.

From the raffle newcomer Allen took the wine home, Sue won the leather wallet, Martin grabbed the shortbreads and Paul won the tube of chocolates before we set out on the second half with PETE and ST PAUL'S SONG as JUDE claimed YOU DON'T KNOW ME ANY MORE and CARL reckoned that was nothing FURTHER from the truth. Finally, newcomer ALLEN was persuaded to borrow a guitar for the GOLD WATCH BLUES as STEVE took to the floor with another of his own compositions OUR OWN SPACE and KATH & STAN were first WATERBOUND then in a TRAIN ON THE ISLAND. Close behind JIM & LYNN were first an ORDINARY MAN and then off with the FOLSOM PRISON BLUES as HEATHER & DON told of the DIAMANTINA DROVER and washed their hands in MUDDY WATER. Just before leaving ALLEN squeezed another song ERIN GABRAR as PAUL was joined by KATH & STAN for THIS TRAIN IS BOUND FOR GLORY and STEVE related his experiences with a CITY ANIMAL. Brightening up the proceedings PETE announced HERE COMES THE SUN as ROB told us there are no centipedes in LIVERPOOL TOWN to which ED replied ALL OF THE GOOD TIMES ARE GONE. Striving for a big finish JUDE warned MAIDS WHEN YOU'RE YOUNG never wed an old man as KATH & STAN reckoned they preferred BUTTERED PEAS before going off on the WINSTER GALLOP which left HEATHER & DON with PAUL on Harmonica to celebrate the borrowed guitar with ALL THE TUNES IN THE WORLD.

December - 2013

Newsletter No 258 17 December 2013

The last Acoustic Folk Night of 2013 turned out to be a great evening with a quite different mix of performers and audience kicked off by DON & HEATHER with a band up version of A LESSON TOO LATE FOR THE LEARNING with Paul, Claire and few others. STEVE then stepped in with his view of a relationship IN A BUBBLE while JO was IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER. Unusually cheerful GED told us he was BUILT FOR COMFORT while JIM & LYNN were off tasting a little bit of THE MOUNTAIN DEW and ARTHUR responded by talking to his friendly badger POLONIUS. Raising up a chorus PAUL said GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN as PETE decided to treat us to one of his own about the ALEXANDER LIGHT as did MARK with his FESTIVE BLUES. Next JAN had is laughing with the IVY AND HOLLY while CARL settled for the ever popular SCARBOROUGH FAIR and BRIAN led the next chorus with YOU RAISE ME UP. In need of a tune or two CLAIRE with Paul played THE HOYS OF WEXFORD & SHOE THE DONKEY and for some reason DAVID thought of his own LIGHT HEARTED MAIDENS which might have made DAVID decide to play and sing I SAW THREE SHIPS. Following this IAN played his own composition A RAG FOR TUESDAY NIGHT leaving BOB to be LONG, LONG GONE and ARTHUR to be propping up MURPHY'S BAR. Still celebrating Christmas JO then led us all in SILENT NIGHT followed by CARL with THE BRIGADIER and GED with the MULESKINNER BLUES and RICHARD GRAY with his own THE BEST IS YET TO COME as we reached the interval and raffle.

Starting the second shift with another band up DON & HEATHER with PAUL & CLAIRE had everyone out in the Aussie sun with the DIAMANTINA DROVER t which STEVE replied with another one of his own SAVE THE WORLD as JIM & LYNN dashed off on THE IRISH ROVER. Next JAN & MARK wished us all the best with SO HERE'S TO YOU as PETE doubled back with AIN'T GOT NO HOME and BOB went north for the WILD MOUNTAIN THYME. Unexpectedly DAVID then had us all in pleats as he dedicated IF I SAID YOU HAD A BEAUTIFUL BODY WOULD YOU HOLD IT AGAINST ME to Kate, in tribute to their relationship at the door, to which IAN responded with another of his compositions RAG IN A MINOR KEY and PAUL also responded emotionally with his own song about SAILING DOWN THE MERSEY and crossing over to Ireland to see his family. CLAIRE then played IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR & WE THREE KINGS to which RICHARD replied with his own WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAYTO GO and in a lighter vein MARK & JAN in parody sang A REST TO THEM MERRY GENTLEMEN. In deadly earnest ARTHUR then sang his own only slightly cynical RUDOLPH'S BLUES to which GED exclaimed LORD SEND ME and IAN replied he must be HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE. Back in folk mode DAVID then sang and played GEORGIA ON MY MIND as DON, HEATHER banded up with PAUL & CLAIRE or I WASHED MY HANDS IN MUDDY WATER to send everyone into the street singing with seasonal greetings and best wishes for 2014.

Newsletter No 257 10 December 2013

A storming full house of over 70 brought massive talent and a great audience to share the Christmas Party "lock in" with a buffet and mulled wine followed by Janice's birthday cake and mince pies as JANICE & MICK started the evening with YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE ME but of course we did. Ten combining as WATTLE & DAUB guitarists IAN & DAVID played PAVANE before BANJO JOHN explained the meaning of BLACK AND BLUE and BRIAN sang the first CHRISTMAS SONG. Taking his lead FREE SPIRITS had us all singing to the RED ROSE (NOSE) CAFE but GED still had those DEEP ELLUM BLUES and BETH was telling us I WON'T BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. Back on track JO led us with AMAZING GRACE while FAIR PLAY sang RESIDUE and DOREEN recited her poem IT'S NEARLY CHRISTMAS. Joining in the spirit of things JOHN CONDY admitted I BELIEVE IN FATHER CHRISTMAS while CHARLES, LIZ & ROSE were off to EL GATO MONTES and in the same vein CLAIRE played ANDANTE. Deciding to leave London PETE was on the BEG, STEAL OR BORROW but ROB was off to the RAWTENSTALL ANNUAL FAIR while MIKE COSGRAVE was off across "The Pond" for A FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK. This left ARTHUR a bit PARANOID to which JIM & LYNN replied they were happy with A MON LIKE THEE and CARL said it must be the MAGICAL SKY before DAVE recited LEATHER.

The interval raffle saw the proceeds go to the charity Chicks which offers children a break from their difficult home lives! See www.chicks.org.uk 

After the great celebration buffet etc in the interval KAMRAN urged us to GO GENTLY but ROBIN said, "Yes, but SOMETIMES WHEN WE TOUCH." Next we were delighted to welcome back PETER KING with his own brilliant song WISHING WELL but JUDE went all Latin with GAUDETE to which PAUL replied I'm following the DRINKING GOURD. Another old friend RICHARD GRAY then sang EVERGREEN and JANICE & MICK paid tribute to Nelson Mandela with I WISH I KNEW HOW IT FELT TO BE FREE before BETH was a bit naughty in GRANDMA'S FEATHER BED. A bit more naughty came JIM & LYNN and PADDY McGINTY'S GOAT as it did with ARTHUR and his brush with the RSPCA before DOREEN recited her WINTER CAROL. Preparing for a trip FAIR PLAY told us about BIRDS AND SHIPS while the song in CARL's head was I SAW A STRANGER WITH YOUR HAIR as FREE SPIRITS warned that ALL THE GOOD TIMES could be past and gone. That old romantic BRIAN then teamed up with JANICE for MY FOOLISH HEART just as PETE was KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR and KAMRAN invited us to join him on the MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. Poet DAVE then had an interesting choice with Robbie Burns' TO A LOUSE just as PETER KING returned with another of his hits BACK IN YOUR WORLD and JOHN was equally serious down in THE CAVES OF JERICHO. Going for a big finish as midnight approached MIKE too us back to his ROOTS as GED told us the MOON GOING DOWN and ROB said we had better be ROLLING HOME. So we did after a mega night with 34 performers.

Newsletter No 256 3 December 2013

A very different but sublime evening of new songs, new performers and new band combinations was well organised by KATH & STAN to a massive 42 performances by an extremely talented bunch of people and it was enjoyed by a very receptive audience. DON & HEATHER kicked off with THE DIMMING OF THE DAY (Thompson) followed by CHRIS with RUDIGER (Knoppler) and KATH & STAN who were no WAYFARING STRANGERS. On early for a change GED took off for the THE LAST MINSTREL SHOW before CLAIRE played an O'CAROLAN AIR and JO told of the FAIR AND TENDER LADIES. Combining PAUL with CLAIRE told the story of GEORDIE before BRIAN explained how LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT as it did when ANN rose for the very first time to cross over from audience to performer and tell us the true story of WIDDICOMBE FAIR. Then it was confession time as ED told us he liked TRASHY WOMEN which had SIMON saying he was LEAVING ON A JET PLANE and BOB relating the demise of COCK ROBIN. On a higher plane CHRIS sang of THE MERMAID AND THE SEAGULL (McTell) before DON & HEATHER had us all singing to the RARE AULD TIMES and PAUL taught us a new chorus in SWEET CAROLINA. Sadly BRIAN claimed he was ON MY OWN as GED extolled the virtues of those BUILT FOR COMFORT and KATH & STAN set forth on the GOODNIGHT LOVING TRAIL. Quickly on her feet CLAIRE then jumped up with 2 REELS as ED set out on the story of RED HEADED ANN. Coming to the interval SIMON stepped up with HONEY BUNNY ICE CREAM as BOB disentangled himself from AMONG THE LEAVES SO GREEN-O and KATH & STAN shot off after the BANJO PICKIN' GIRL.

The big raffle saw Pete win the Wine, Kath the Chocolates, Chris a Chocolate Orange Room and the room perfume go home with Barbara and it preluded another new band formation with PAUL, CLAIRE, GRAHAM & DON tentatively assembling as FREE SPIRITS to sing STREETS OF LONDON to which BRIAN replied YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE as SIMON was calling for JOE THE WAITER (Gary Newman). Having broken her duck ANN returned with THE WEE WEE SONG and MISS NAN KNOCK ABOUT which prompted BOB to unleash FRANKIE AND JOHNNY and CHRIS to wheel out THE BALLAD OF CURSED ANN just as GED was off to ST LOUIS. Then another new band MORE FREE SPIRITS, with ED, PAUL, CLAIRE, HEATHER & DON, raised the roof with ALL THE GOOD TIMES ARE PASSED AND GONE leaving ED with JOHNNY DEAREST JOHNNY and BRIAN to suggest we should BRING HIM HOME. A QUICK STORY from PETE set up KATH & STAN for a trip to the SLEEPY DESERT and CHRIS to play an instrumental THE WINO AND THE MOUSE followed by a song EIGHT FRAMES A SECOND (Mctell). Next CLAIRE was THE IRISH WASHERWOMAN and from the same vicinity BOB led us in COCKLES AND MUSSELS before ED told us about THE WIDOW ON THE MOOR which led GED to call JESUS ON THE MAINLINE. It also gave PAUL the BROWN FERRYBLUES and CHRIS a dose of SUMMER LIGHTENING but the grand finale was provided by another new band, THE JUBILADOS, comprising PAUL, CLAIRE, HEATHER & DON left everyone reluctant to leave with a rousing version of I WASHED MY HANDS IN MUDDY WATER before finally imploring everyone to STEAL AWAY.

November-2013

Newsletter No 255 26 November 2013 

Another full house greeted DON & HEATHER tonight as they kicked off by taking everyone down to THE ROSEVILLE FAIR. Next up was BANJO JOHN who had us down the STREETS OF LAREDO so PAUL chirped up PEOPLE GET READY and ROBIN said I'll bring the WATERMELON WINE. Better STEP IT UP AND GO called GED but IAN was busy off RAG PICKIN' while more altruistically ANDREW was up with the BIRD ON THE WIRE. In a philosophical mood MIKE COSGRAVE gave us some November thoughts on THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING and SIMON gave us his own take on the RIVER MERSEY before JO invited COME KISS ME LOVE. Also in November time CARL paid homage to THE WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD in a Lake Superior storm before calmly DAVID told how SHE MOVED THROUGH THE FAIR. Next TONY PAUPERS, PEASANTS, PRINCES AND KINGS, a lesser known Dylan song, before ERIC explained the snobbishness of BURBERRY AND PRADA and BOB had us out in that WINDY OLD WEATHER. To our delight DIANE then recited REMEMBER THE MAN, a poem she wrote four years ago about her partner who actually taught a few people in the audience, one of whom received it as a gift. JUDE then had us joining in with A CLEVER YOUNG MAN just as ED was talking about ABSENT FRIENDS (Vin Garbutt) and ARTHUR was warning THIS OLD CLOCK KEEPS TICKING. To take us up to the interval and bumper raffle time BANJO JOHN had us down at the DARKTOWN STRUTTERS BALL and ANDREW took us off to CAMDEN TOWN with his own composition.

Raffle-wise Martin won the wine, Ged won the chocolates for his wife, Paul won the torch and Jude took the cake as we started the second half with CONTRABAND who insisted we all FLY AWAY. ERIC was then up his METAPHOR STREET and ANDREW was claimed the SUN STILL SHINING BEHIND THE CLOUDS even though TONY was DANCING IN THE DARK. Next JUDE told us of the 20th OF APRIL and SIMON sang another of his own songs AS FAR AS I KNOW leaving BOB to tell us about the GREENLAND WHALERS. On another serious note DAVID played the LAMENTATION OF OWEN O'NEILL and equally serious PAUL told us NOBODY KNOWS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN AND OUT before ROBIN sang THE LAST FAREWELL briefly interrupted by PETE with a JOKE about BROKEN FINGERS. No wonder GED reckoned EASY'S GETTING HARDER EVERY DAY and CARL was taking ANOTHER TRAIN which IAN hoped was to SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW. Rising to a great climax ED had us all cheering the attitude of the BANTAM COCK before ARTHUR saddened us with the death of his friend in TOO LATE only to uplift again by taking us DANCING ON SATURDAY NIGHT. Receiving the baton on the up MIKE COSGRAVE celebrated the freedom of THE OKIE FROM MUSCOGEE and followed it telling us to NEVER TIRE OF THE ROAD, a suitable epitaph for anybody.

Newsletter No 254 19 November 2013

And still the new faces roll in to bolster the existing talent as JAN & MARK set off in their THIRTY FOOT TRAILER. Even faster than that DON, HEATHER & PAUL aka CONTRABAND were next off on a FREIGHT TRAIN while JOHN CONDY just decided to LAY ME DOWN. On a sadder note ED told us the story of CAROL ANN KELLY before HELEN cheered us immensely with CUBANOLA by Puccini and DAVE amalgamated FEAR AN BHATA with the LARK IN THE CLEAR AIR. In a daft mood KAMRAN went off SELLING ICE CREAM IN THE AUTUMN just as newcomers BETH & CLAIRE were bemoaning the fate of THE SLEEPLESS SAILOR and BANJO JOHN was warning against a CHEATING HEART. On a serious note JO said HELLO HANS to a German soldier buried in England during WW2 and also sad was PAUL RILEY who had us all proclaiming ALL YOUR LOVE'S IN VAIN and CHRIS who told us we will get no POSTCARDS FROM PARAGUAY from escapee bankers. Undaunted IAN played us a nice JERRY READ TUNE to which PAUL DEARDEN replied with LOS RECUERDOS DE LA ALHAMBRA but neither chased away PETE's ST JAMES' INFIRMARY BLUES. Building climactically to the interval ISOBEL was away with DUSTY MILLER to the WILLAFJORD to which BANJO JOHN replied WHO'S SORRY NOW which HELEN took to be a CHANSON D'AMOUR.

A bumper raffle followed with wine going home with John Condy, the leather wallet with Ann & Brian, the Christmas pudding with Paul Riley and the car seat tidy with Martin who promptly gave it to Kate. 

The second half then saw MARK take off rapidly with the INTERGALACTIC LAXATIVE despite KAMRAN saying SO RELAX and JOHN CONDY saying he must have been DOWN WHERE THE DRUNKARDS ROLL. Returning again in fine voice BETH with CLAIRE's violin made the MOUNTAIN SOUND and JAN had us chorusing in Welsh with LAWR AR LAN-Y-MOR before DAVE played a tune in tribute to a PRETTY GIRL MILKING A COW. In a different mood CHRIS sang THE BALLAD OF WINNIE or WINNIE'S RAG and ISOBEL played SI BHEAG SI MHOR as DON, HEATHER & PAUL went off to the RED ROSE CAFE. Meanwhile ED was at Keith Marsden's FUNERAL while PAUL DEARDEN played the PRELUDE NO 2 by Villa Lobos and PETE celebrated his WHOLE LIFE THROUGH. Coming to the end of the evening PAUL RILEY tore down the line on THE OLD 97, BETH sang her own composition FREE and DAVE played AIRDI CUAN, one of the finest Irish songs in Gaelic, leaving MARK & JAN to send us all out swearing WE'LL HUNT HIM DOWN, Charles Robert Darwin that is. Great!

Newsletter No 253 12 November 2013

To quote Jean Finney, "What an absolutely brilliant folk club at Sale last night. Not a spare seat to be had, don't know where they all kept coming from, and loads of wonderful performers, some of which I hadn't heard before. Really glad I made the effort and did the trip. It did me a power of good." With ED & SUE at the helm it is always tops and with BANJO JOHN kicking us into action with COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER we were away. Picking up pace IAN next played TRIMBONE by Chet Atkins while PAUL went traditional with PEG & AWL as did MIKE with the story of the MARY ELLEN CARTER. Soon JO was on HARD TIMES as FAIR PLAY set off for OWENSBORO and COLIN queried AIN'T THAT RAIN? With the song about the woman with the hairy shoulder JIM & LYNN gave us the BLACK VELVET BAND while RICHARD KNOTT sang his own SHORTEST DAY prompting IAN FORSHAW to ask BROTHER CAN YOU SPARE A DIME?  Next PETE took off with JIM and LES & JOHN were looking for THE GHOST IN THIS HOUSE to which CARL replied IF WISHES WERE FISHES. Next JAN told us about THE BLACKSMITH and MARK related the tale of the Glasgow cat SAM THE SKULL just as DAVE was about to give us the two sides of THE GRANEMORE HARE saga. GED was still WORKING ON THE RAILROAD and JEAN was explaining her grounds for divorce with PUT ANOTHER LOG ON THE FIRE just as ROBIN was claiming THE BATTLE IS OVER which was denied by RICHARD GRAY who explained that all wars are THE LAST GREAT WAR.

Starting the second half DON & HEATHER discussed the merits of wearing BLACK CLOTHES and RICHARD KNOTT explained how his wife could read him LIKE A BOOK over which JIM & LYNN drew a LONG BLACK VEIL. The Beatles then featured when IAN FORSHAW took us ACROSS THE UNIVERSE as MARK & JAN set off in search of the BONNY SHIP THE DIAMOND while IAN was wrapped up all WINDY & WARM but CARL was too busy being THE LODGER. It was good to see JEAN after a while and hear about MY OLD DAD who never gave her any of GED's HARD LOVE which set PAUL off ROLLING IN MY SWEET BABY'S ARMS and DAVE eulogising over THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE. The only thing PETE could reply was HEYJOE and RICHARD GRAY called out LAND AHOY which FAIR PLAY thought was BEAUTIFUL (Barney Warren). Hurtling towards a climax PETER sang another of his own great songs, SHINING THROUGH, just as LES & JOHN were reaching the END OF THE LINE but MIKE was still up for it saying NEVER TIRE OF THE ROAD.

Newsletter No 252 5 November 2013

Another top quality night brilliantly stewarded by JAN & MICK HARE who extracted excellent contributions from a very talented bunch of performers. MICK himself set the tone with his own tribute to Newcastle with TAKE ME TO THE BRIDGE. He was followed by Guitar instrumental IAN and DANNY BOY just as JO rose to sing SHE MOVED THROUGH THE FAIR and CHRIS was crying WEATHER THE STORM. Next PETE had to beg, steal or borrow as he was LEAVING OF LONDON (Paxton) while COLIN asked us to look at the POOR MAN'S HOUSE but ED had NO TIME TO CRY. A second guitar instrumental came from DAVE with the O'Carolan BRIDGET CRUISE 3RD AIR before Poet DAVE warned us not to open THE BOX of war and DON & HEATHER remembered how horrible it was going to WW1 with CALLING DOON THE LINE. Then ARTHUR gave us his response to ARMISTICE DAY as a welcome newcomer IAN took us back to SETH DAVY before ROB gave us yet another take on war with THINGS IN GRANDDAD'S ATTIC. At this point CARL played a trick on us with the BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR which actually is a pub not a war zone and ROBIN exclaimed HEY, IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK HOME AGAIN and JIM went all romantic with WHEN YOU WERE SWEET SIXTEEN. Returning to normal GED reminded us when DEATH COMES CREEPING but on a more uplifting note MICK told us about the BATTLE OF STOCKTON when the local drove the Blackshirts from the town and CHRIS preferred some SWEET MYSTERY. Coming up to the interval ROBIN told how the red Indians are still badly treated with NOW THE BUFFALO'S GONE and GED played us out with RAW JANE.

In the raffle Robin won the wine, Ian took the chocolates and a Christmas Pudding and Christmas Cake were also dispatched before DON & HEATHER kicked off again with DIAMANTINA DROVER and COLIN followed with his favourite BALLAD OF MARY MAGDALENE and IAN gave us a ride on the BLACKPOOL BELLE. Then ARTHUR told us SATURDAY NIGHT was for dancing as ROB gave us another of his poems FRED THE SLUG before CARL told us about Willy McBride in NO MAN'S LAND. Guitar IAN then gave us an instrumental version of I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS followed by DAVE who gave us O'CAROLAN'S QUARREL before PETE gave us REASON TO BELIEVE (Paxton). After telling us he spent 20 years down the pit JIM was truly a WORKING MAN just as ED was definitely a HYPOCHONDRIAC before ROBIN, DON & HEATHER went back to the coal with BLACK WATERS. Also on a serious note GED sang the BALLAD OF PENNY EVANS while boozy ROB said I'LL FATHOM THE BOWL and IAN was instrumentally HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE. To end a great evening, JIM choose to take us back to GALWAY BAY while ROBIN, DON & HEATHER invited everyone to TAK' A DRAM.

October - 2013

Newsletter No 251 29 October 2013

To start off our 5th Birthday celebrations PETE declared TONIGHT I'LL BE STAYING HERE WITH YOU which prompted BANJO JOHN to kick off as MR BOJANGLES and LYNN & JIM to reach for the WHISKEY IN THE JAR but in sober mood PAUL DEARDEN immediately lit up the room with his classical guitar and the PRELUDE No 1 by Villa Lobos. On a completely different tack ARTHUR then gave us THE STORY OF HIS TROMBONE which had JO out CALLING MY CHILDREN HOME. To our great delight THE HEYES SISTERS had joined us for the first time and sang the Maddy Prior classic FOUR LOOM WEAVER which PAUL RILEY confessed made him feel FOREVER YOUNG. In tribute to Geoff & Jackie going off to live in Wales HEATHER & DON then sang ACROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE followed by IAN with his PRACTICE PIECE and JANICE with MICK claiming that their leaving was KILLING ME SOFTLY. Another new grouping then came in the form of CHARLES, LIZ & ROSIE who played the wonderful ASHOKAN FAREWELL which certainly left KAMRAN with NO REGRETS but JUDE was at pains to warn MAIDS WHEN YOU'RE YOUNG. Heading west FAIR PLAY then told us of the RIDER IN THE RAIN, it was Stan actually, as another newcomer HELEN RICH unfolded her violin to play us a medley of THE WATER OF THE TYNE, ELSIE'S WALTZ and NANCY before yet another newcomer PAT played his own guitar composition all in the key of A9. Despite all this ED was still tempted to DREAM (Dylan) and ROBIN had that old PEACEFUL EASY FEELING while the earlier Four Loom Weaver had CARL feeling NEARER TO NETTLES before GED was telling us that JOSHUA GONE BARBADOS as we reached the interval.

In the Raffle Janice won the Celebrations, Ella took the Wine, Liz won the Chocolate Orange, Ian won the Smellies and Janet went home with the Christmas Pudding. 

THE HEYES SISTERS gave the second half a great start with FREIGHT TRAIN BLUES and JANICE issued an invitation to TICKLE MY HEART to which PAUL RILEY replied it's going to be a STORMY MONDAY. However, LYNN & JIM were off to find the STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN just as PAT came back with his second composition inspired by OPENING TIME and again in a threatening vein JUDE warned us to TREAT MY DAUGHTER DECENT. Reminiscing, PETE took us ALL ALONG THE WATCH TOWER as CARL remembered SINATRA AND I and CHARLES told us of GHOSTS COME TO YOU. By request HELEN RICH gave us a great selection of FRENCH CAFE TUNES on her Accordion to which ARTHUR replied THAT DON'T MAKE IT JUMP and ROBIN bid us all a LAST FAREWELL but just before he was off KAMRAN somehow persuaded ARTHUR to give him some Trombone assistance with MACK THE KNIFE but was he expecting the hilarious outcome. Returning to sanity PAUL DEARDEN then took us OVER THE RAINBOW and FAIR PLAY gave us a lesson in WHAT'LL WE DO WITH THE BABY before IAN ran off to catch a FREIGHT TRAIN while waving BYE BYE BLACKBIRD. Coming to a great conclusion GED celebrated the JELLY ROLL BAKER before THE HEYES SISTERS again blew us away with HELPLESS HOPING followed by the Spanish Civil War Classic AY CARMELLA to end a truly great evening of music and craic. 

Newsletter No 250 22 October 2013

A mass invasion of new talent and new listeners swelled our numbers to over 50 as BANJO JOHN went WAITING FOR THE ROBERT E LEE and JOHN CHILCOTT was telling us WALTZING'S FOR DREAMERS just as FAIR PLAY were saying THE LAST GOODBYE. Meanwhile CARL was miles underground chasing BLACK DIAMONDS and KAMRAN was miles away for his OVERSEAS STOMP and ROBIN was up in bonnie Scotland with JOCK O' HAZELDEAN. Thinking of the weather DOROTHY sang about THE SEASONS while PAUL invited us to COME ON UP TO THE HOUSE where newcomer ANDREW sang the difficult to understand Jethro Tull song MOTHER GOOSE, good though! JO was next up to break THE SOUND OF SILENCE as DON & HEATHER bid FAREWELL TO THE GOLD in a tribute to Nic Jones who they saw on Sunday before PETE related the sad tale of DARCY FARROW. A poet came next in the form of ALAN THORPE with his cyclists story THE LYCRA BOYS as ARTHUR MARSHALL prepared to tell us about POLONIUS THE BADGER and JIM & LYNN lamented WHEN YOU AND I WERE YOUNG MAGGIE. On a literary note IAN FORSHAW told us what it's like to appear in THE BOOK before old friends and welcome newcomers AILSA & JOHN BOOTH sang their own NO ONE EVER SANG QUITE LIKE "BILLIE" as a fourth debutant, PAUL DEARDEN, unsheathed his guitar to play CAVATINA. Excellent! Climaxing up to the interval  BANJO JOHN told us about WHEN I'M CLEANING WINDOWS just as CARL announced Jake Thackray's ON AND ON with the immortal words "I love a good bum on a woman it makes my day" which left KAMRAN with BUCK DANCERS CHOICE.

As we went to the raffle Kath won the wine, Bill won the cups, Alan got the Roses chocolates and yet another newcomer took the biscuits.

Opening up the second half DON & HEATHER led us in chorusing to THE GALWAY SHAWL leaving ANDREW to take us up Donovan's SUNNY GOODGE STREET as KATH & STAN boarded the TRAIN ON THE ISLAND. Last week's newcomer and back again DOROTHY sang the lovely JENNY STORM as IAN strode off in the FIELDS OF GOLD and JIM & LYNN eulogised over the BELLE OF BELFAST CITY. This stirred PAUL to claim the THE SINGING WILL NEVER END as ROBIN pleaded COME HOME PADDY REILLY and PAUL transported us to ASTURIAS courtesy of Isaac Albeniz. AILSA & JOHN then asked us to REMEMBER ME before PETE sang the poignant HURT as ARTHUR cynically reckoned, from the medics point of view, THERE AIN'T NO PROFIT IN THAT. Then DON & HEATHER returned for a third time with the true story of what some girls have to do for a living in DANCES FOR DOLLARS to which quite rightly KAMRAN exclaimed AIN'T WE CRAZY which ANDREW reckoned was strictly for the BLACKBIRD (Beatles). Or maybe LULLABIES LEGENDS AND LIARS claimed ROBIN but with an eye on the clock AILSA & JOHN decided to send us all home to DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME as we headed off for DREAMLAND TONIGHT. A superb evening!!

Newsletter No 249 15 October 2013 

Another half century for the record books as the place filled up last night with 27 listeners and 23 performers kicked off by DON & HEATHER who were PAST THE POINT OF RESCUE prompting ARTHUR MARSHALL to say I'LL WALK YOU HOME because it's THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE reckoned JOHN CONDY. After that bright start BANJO JOHN invited John C and A N others to join him in GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY but DOROTHY insisted she was a SINGLE GIRL and PAUL said it's too much HARD TRAVELLING although PETE was sure IT'S ONLY LOVE. Still ROB could take it no longer and took us all ROLLING HOME just as MIKE changed sex to sing TEDDY O'NEILL but IAN TYZACK was into YELLOW HAIR. Now to the countryside DAVID treated us to BLACKBIRD (Beatles) complete with whistles and FAIR PLAY were HEDGERS AND DITCHERS when they found MARK playing a COUPLE OF TUNES and JAN out with a CHARMER. Meanwhile ACCORDIAN JOHN was UNDER THE BRIDGES OF BURY and DAVID was making the case for peace in LONDONDERRY as ED screamed past in THE FASTEST MOBILE LIBRARY IN THE WEST. More sedate was IAN in the STREETS OF LONDON and CARL claimed he had NEVER BEEN NEARER TO NETTLES while in the end COLIN found A BETTER PLACE TO BE here in Sale Folk Club hopefully.

Following another bumper raffle FAIR PLAY opened the second half with THE FORSAKEN MERMAID who was dancing to a couple of VIOLIN TUNES by ARTHUR as JOHN BARLEYCORN was getting the "coup de gras" from DOROTHY. Bemoaning the loss of the fishing boats in Fife IAN TYZACK sang about the GUIDING LIGHT AND THE EVENING STAR and in a similar vein JAN, MARK & JOHN C asked WHO KNOWS WHERE THE TIME GOES which ROB certainly appreciates when he is COURTING TOO SLOW to DAVID replied THOSE WERE THE DAYS and IAN responded by playing HALF WAY HOME. Getting a bit heavy JOHN C then gave us that great song THE SCARECROW, must do a cover of that. Unlike all the dead soldiers ACCORDIAN JOHN, like a lot of us, could claim to have NO REGRETS just as MIKE was taking off with THE BRENDAN BOYS and ED was setting off to do THE MANCH. In a pensive mood PETE then said THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND and COLIN warned us to beware THE CURSE OF ANNA'S STARE before CARL gave us the toast, HERE'S A HEALTH TO THE COMPANY. 

To end with a band ARTHUR MARSHALL reckoned he had come ALL THE WAY FROM DONEGAL to launch his compendium of THREE new CDs whereas MIKE COSGRAVE, who has been here all the time with his CD on which Saturday's guest, John Murphy, found himself playing, chose to end the night with KELLY FROM KILLANE.

Newsletter No 248 8 October 2013 

The return of MICK HARE with JANICE BELL was greeted by a good sized audience well ready to listen as they took us to THE WILD MOUNTAINSIDE. The only dissenter was GED who said I AIN'T GONNA BE TREATED THIS WAY and BANJO JOHN pleaded CARRY ME BACK TO OLD VIRGINIA before COLIN went back even further with HE BALLAD OF MARY MAGDALENE. We then found it difficult to believe IAN when he played the very difficult KEEP IT SIMPLE by Tommy Emmanuel as we did when JOHN CHILCOTT raved about a SALFORD SUNDAY. It was easier to imagine PAUL RILEY who claimed he was SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD but DON & HEATHER in a whaling fleet with a LITTLE POT STOVE stretched it a bit just as did KAMRAN who told us I WISH I KNEW HOW IT WOULD FEEL TO BE FREE. Here in England? Impossible! So much so that MIKE COSGRAVE was off lounging on a SUNDAY MORNING SIDEWALK while CARL warned that we might not make OLD BONES and ROBIN explained the background to THE SNOWS OF NEW YORK. Still in the States MICHAEL BRACKEN then sang A FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK in a tribute to Phil Chevron of the Pogues and JUDE gave us the mythical GOSPORT TRAGEDY before ARTHUR MARSHALL gave the even bigger tragedy of how are governed by 17 MILLIONAIRES in the Cabinet.

In the interval we had the usual bumper raffle before, on a happy note, DAVE reminded us of Elton's YOUR SONG and BANJO JOHN reminded us of the girls in Come Dancing with the CHARLESTON but to keep us in check COLIN sang the OCTOBER SONG. Then JANICE & MICK admitted ONCE I LOVED and RICHARD GRAY confessed to having ONE OR TWO FRIENDS while DAVE was still building his CASTLES IN THE AIR but PAUL had the GOOD MORNING BLUES. Not for ARTHUR MARSHALL who was off KISSING THE BLARNEY with JUDE, who had obviously done it before, saying STOP COPYING ME. They're both DESPERADOES WAITING FOR A TRAIN reckoned GED while RICHARD thought they were waiting for the SWEET, SWEET SOUND OF MUSIC but ROBIN, DON & HEATHER warned beware of THE TWA RECRUITING SERGEANTS. In a quieter mood KAMRAN told us SHE'S FUNNY THAT WAY but MICHAEL thought she must be JEALOUS OF YOU and IT'S MY NIGHT OUT while MIKE COSGRAVE slipped away on THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS with IAN saying he's gone to MISSISSIPPI BLUE. Anyway up ROBIN, DON & HEATHER were convinced that ALL OF THE HARD DAYS ARE GONE but PETE reminded us the DAYS OF '49 when it was tough in the gold rush but ever cheerful MICHAEL swanned off with PEGGY O'NEILL/MY WILD IRISH ROSE and KAMRAN was with SARAH JANE. In true celebratory mood after a great night, ARTHUR then said that after his good life, "Don't dig me a grave just find an empty bottle and POUR ME IN" and in a climax of his own DAVE exposed our naivety in THE COWARD OF THE COUNTY before JANICE & MICK suggested we should all go HOME AGAIN which, well satisfied, we surely did. 

Newsletter No 247 1 October 2013

A nice balance between audience and performers gave a very satisfying evening hosted by SUE & ED BENTHAM and started as usual with the first available banjo player which was PAUL RILEY singing WAGON WHEEL. Swiftly following KAMRAN quickly applied OVERBECK'S REJUVENATOR which sparked ROBIN into action on the STREETS OF BALTIMORE and sent JO off with a WAYFARING STRANGER. Undeterred JOHN was away with a GALWAY GIRL as ED was saying GOODBYE TO THE SEA and MIKE was explaining AS I RODE OUT I met ARTHUR who said THE ONLY GOOD MUSICIAN is a dead one 6 feet under. This led JAN to speak with forked tongue singing alternate verses in both Welsh and English in BESIDE THE SEA. Then MARK went straight into THE STICKSWOLD HARVEST SONG as CARL was GOING UP THE POOL,MICHAEL was mowing THE ROCKS OF BOURNE and JIM & LYNN were off on THE BLACKPOOL BELLE. In celebration of Sunday's Canal Boat trip ROB then took us off on the THE GOOD SHIP CALABAR as HEATHER & DON confessed they MAY NOT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS and PETE took off to the RABBIT HILLS. Finally to reach the interval ARTHUR told us of his experiences with COWBOYS in the building trade which all went over JOHN'S head as he told I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS.

In the rafle Derick won the wine, Kate got the compass and Pete took away th lephant donated by KAMRAN who immediately started the second half with LET'S TALK DIRTY IN HAWAIIN. ROBIN then teamed up with HEATHER & DON for a rousing version of JOHNNY COPE followed by ED with IT'S GOING TO BE ONE OF THOSE DAYS and MICHAEL with the TINKER SONG. In a sombre mood ROB remembered the sinking of the ELLEN VANNIN as CARL skipped off SINGING THE AGES DOWN and MIKE was also serious with YOU'LL NEVER LEAVE HARLAN ALIVE. Then PAUL got s all singing with THE BOAT'S UP THE RIVER as did  MARK & JAN who promised WE'LL HUNT HIM DOWN, Charles Darwin that is. JEAN then gave us her explanation of the Creation in ADAM & EVE before PETE warned of his own STORM RISING and JIM & LYNN said goodbye to MUIRSHEEN DURKIN and HEATHER & DON prophesied ALL THE GOOD TIMES ARE PAST AND GONE.

Finally, JOHN reckoned we were all like DESPERADOS WAITING FOR A TRAIN or a big finish to the night as MICHAEL told his ALTRINCHAM JCB STORY and PAUL boasted YOUR BABY AIN'T SWEET LIKE MINE to which KAMRAN exclaimed YOU RASCAL YOU. Next MIKE explained the fate of THE LAZY FARMER who wouldn't hoe his corn as ARTHUR explained how he loved his wife JUST BECAUSE and to seal it all HEATHER & DON hinted that it was time to STEAL AWAY.