Pete Wood's 'programme'

Well, it’s been more than a week since our last night at Bolly, and I’m getting withdrawal symptoms. I’m having some thoughts about how to keep a bit of a club community going until we can meet again. Here’s a starter for ten. I’ve put together a “programme” of 9 songs / tunes – no reason for that number, and the selection is purely on the basis that these are all items I really like.

First, one from Merry Hell – these lyrics seem very appropriate at a time like this !

Now for the first of two on here from the late, great Roy Bailey MBE- a reminder of the sacrifice of the villagers of Eyam in a previous lockdown…

OK, so something more relaxing. We all have our favourite instruments, but I defy anyone to outdo the Northumbrian smallpipes. Here’s Kathryn Tickell with one of her own tunes.

One of my all-time favourite traditional songs is Bonny Light Horseman. So many versions out there (it’s a “proper” folk song, amended over countless tellings, and many of the versions are Irish). This version was recorded for Irish TV back in 1982. Turn the volume up and enjoy the glorious harmonies of the original line-up of the Voice Squad.

It’s always surprised me how few songs there are about our railways, considering how big a part they used to play in everyone’s lives. The first will be familiar to all the club regulars – a favourite of our own Gordon Mac – and I must say I prefer Gordon’s version, but as he’s always quick to credit the author, here’s the original. HEALTH WARNING – it features a banjo…

And while we’re on the railway theme, one written by Cyril Tawney and performed by Dave Goulder.

Merry Hell – featuring Virginia Kettle, our last guest just before we had to suspend the club – are doing lots of great songs – modern folk music rooted in local communities. This one has been suggested as an alternative English national anthem, as a counter to the politics of nationalism and separatism

When we’ve got a following wind we’re an amazing singing club in Bollington. Here’s a song often done at the end of the night, but this is by the late Louis Killen. Since it’s at the Bridge Folk Club in Newcastle ( just at the end of Stephenson’s bridge over the Tyne) it’s no surprise that he gets plenty of help with the choruses – but I reckon we’re on a par !

And I’ll sign off for no with another of Roy Bailey’s to roll home with

If anyone gets through the list let me know what you think – or come up with suggestions of your own. But let’s keep it to folk (traditional or contemporary doesn’t matter)

Take care of yourselves

Pete