Thursday 18th July saw The Tump Folk Club in Coventry hosting its 10th Birthday party. The club was originally based in Brinklow (where "The Tump" is now all that remains of an ancient Motte and Bailey Castle. Later it moved to Coombe Social Club on the outskirts of Coventry, and currently, it resides at The Humber Hotel-also in Coventry. Karen Orgill is the driving force behind it, ably assisted by Rob Oakey, who strums a few tunes each week and comperes the evenings there in a 100% unique way.
I joined other celebrants last night to commemorate this auspicious occasion. The Tump has been good to Black Parrot Seaside since we got back together in 2006. We've played all their venues several times, and have also put in a good few floor spots.
Last night my contribution was to sing solo, two BPS songs. I sang our most recent composition-" What a Folking Liberty", and one of our oldest songs, "On Bedd'orth Bank," which dates back to our own days in Brinklow, where we hosted the Bulls Head Folk Club, (The Tump's Grandad?) in the 1970's. A packed show included songs from Dave Fry, Pete Willow, Justin Archer (and Claire) Chris Tobin, Ian Bland, Rob Oakey, Sue Phipps, Gerry Bailey and Nigel Ward, Terry and Jan ,Cheryl, and various collaborations of the same.
Justin kindly provided and drove the P.A. and some twinkly lights. A buffet was laid on and we all sang "Happy Birthday Dear Tump." Not a dry eye remained. Here's to the next 10.
