Opposite the floodlit (and very beautiful ) 'Warwickshire Cathedral ' (aka St Edith's priory church) in Monks Kirby, Warwickshire,last night, the mourners gathered. Just a brief walk up the road from the now lost to history Bell Inn, The Sly Old Dogs and Friends had assembled. They mobbed up in large numbers in a temporary venue, The Denbigh Arms. To celebrate, as they have done for many years, the last Sunday in the calendar month, by playing good, loud acoustic music, and singing a lot of songs.
In that beautiful church, in 1878, if my Great Grandfather,William had not married Maria Whitmore, I would not be around to write this now. Generations of my paternal ancestors have lived, courted, married,raised families and been buried in this part of Warwickshire over the last 400 years. I've also played the room upstairs at The Denbigh before, so I've always felt an affinity with the village.
Unfortunately, we were not based upstairs this time, but crammed into the busy downstairs area of the pub.However, it turned out to be a classic night. We were made very welcome. and it transpired that the landlord and I also shared a family connection. The Denbigh looked in fine fettle, and had ample reserves of stock from an excellent local brewery Dow Bridge. As the numbers rose, so did the temperature-when you came in from outside you could apparently feel a wave of warmth, much of which was human-generated by those inside.
What has always been a powerful singing audience were dispersed about the nooks and alcoves of this fine old pub, but it did not dissipate the volume or the enthusiasm of the chorus singing one iota. From around columns and pillars their voices floated, to swell those of the audience gathered in front of the musicians.
The SODS pack were assembled in full strength. Stalwarts Pete Willow, Nigel Ward John McIintosh,Paul Kenny, Richard Ryder and Bob Brooker were joined by Colin Squire and Martyn Bushnell to form "The Orchestra." Added to The Company, and doing the occasional song were John Kearney, Max Wright, myself, Rob Halligan, Campbell and Lyn Perry and a gentleman who sang a nostalgic song about the metal presses at Standard Triumph.
The songs poured forth in the standard 'night of three halves' format. Old favourites like Rose Of Allandale, Whisky in The Jar, Willie McBride: The Irish Rover, Dicey Reilly/ I'll Tell Me Ma ,The Hot Ashphalt and Gypsy Laddie O. A roar of approval greeted that last one, as now-retired gaffer of The Bell, Paco, emerged from behind a corner to play his inimitable spoons. Max Wright treated us to a fine version of "Putting On The Agony," John Kearney delivered a well-received version of " Times They Are A Changin'." I did " Black Velvet Band " and one of my own- "Down Our Street,"-widely known as "The Di- Di Song." Both were (flatteringly!) requests,and it was pleasing to hear the choruses rocking the rafters.
And so now the hunt for a new venue goes on. Somewhere in East Warwickshire there must be an enterprising landlord who has a big function room doing nothing,who would like to quadruple his takings on the last Sunday of each month?
