" Good moaning." The first of a two-header yesterday, came in the delightful (new-to-Folk) setting of The Larder, in Atherstone's High Street- ("This fine old town once known for hats," as one of the Nation's greatest (now 64 years old) singer-songwriters once described it).
Run by Simon and Georgia, The Larder is a cleverly-themed "1940's Eatery, " right in the middle of the town's Main Street. A sort of Dad's Army Bistro, with a themed menu and costumed staff included. I can personally recommend the sausage sarnies-with a choice of 4 different sorts of Banger.
Assembled there from 2.30pm onwards were some luminaries of the North Warwickshire Folk Scene: Atherstone Folk Club residents "Finger in The Jar", John and Elaine Meacham, Bedworth Folk Festival Director Malc Gurnham, with Gill Gilsenan, Ian Bourne, Maria Barham, and yours truly. The bemused diners, squashed into the few remaining tables, could not believe their luck as a fairly mundane Wednesday afternoon was transformed into a Wonderland of song. The group sang in rounds. The accent was largely on traditional songs with hearty choruses. Just the sort of thing to accompany Bubble and Squeak or Spam Fritters and a mug of tea. But in what is going to be a very successful setting, anything goes.
We also had a few contemporary songs, and some unaccompanied. Towards the end, a massive wave of spontaneous nostalgia broke out, and the whole Café ran through a medley of songs with a wartime connection. Such as "White Cliffs" "Goodbye Dolly Gray" and "It's a Long Way to Tipperary." When I left, at around 4.20pm a very long and impromptu extended mix of "Sweet Chiming Bells" had broken out, and was showing no signs whatsoever of winding down.
My accompanist was delayed by some late tuition complications and so as my contribution I was forced to sing "Black Velvet Band" " Go Lassie Go" and " On Raglan Road," Not all at once, of course. That would be selfish and intrusive. I took my turn like everyone else.
Maria is renowned for her wind-milling guitar style, and amongst the highlights for me was her making some spectacular technical adjustments to the Christmas decorations with her guitar neck.. This was even before she started playing it. And it was so touching to hear the Company singing a couple of Birthday songs to some rheumy-eyed old codger who'd wandered in off the street. A thin thread of drool dripped slowly from his chin to the floor, as he crooned nostalgically along with them, through wizened gums. (That would be me).
It was also entertaining to see the startled looks of passers by as they paused to see where all the noise was coming from. Blimey, they haven't seen anything as mad as this since the most recent Atherstone Ball Game. (That is really mad-I can assure you). Next one is in January. Can't wait. Not for the singing-I need to sneak in a crafty Dripping buttie whilst no-one else is watching. I grew up on them. It's why I'm so big-boned.
