40 Years

For 40 years the D and P
has hosted folk of quality.
I don’t mean just the kind of song,
but also those who come along
for bollyfolk, a special breed,
applaud, support all those who lead
by standing up to do their best
to entertain th’ expectant rest.

Renditions and performance vary
from sea shanty to lonesome prairie;
from warbling solos a capello
to mellifluous tones to those who bellow;
from Rich’s heady monologue,
so verbally deft we are agog
to banjo pluckers, guitar strummers;
those who forget the words (the hummers).

It all began in Arthur’s day.
“White Nancy” and “The Nab” he’d play.
With Arthur’s health no longer good,
the next to take the helm, Pete Wood,
had run our Friday club for years.
He left for Morecambe, left us in tears.
Mike Rotheram now has baton taken,
stepping in to save our bacon.

In 6 weeks’ time we’ll see the light,
fireworks again near Bonfire Night.
To steer us through the enforced break,
How’ll we our thirst for music slake?
No regulars, no Dave and Andy,
no Unicorn, no pint of shandy.
With access gone to upstairs room,
perhaps we’ll meet again on Zoom!

(updated final verse peformed by Phil 2nd April 2023)

We've coped quite well with change of night
It may not feel completely right.
But steered us through the enforced break,
It helped our thirst for music slake?
Tonight we're led by Dave and Andy,
A pint of Unicorn at hand is handy.
With access back to upstairs room,
We're face to face, we're not on Zoom!