I'm going to start off with a few kind words about Doreen and Patrick Tiernan. I don't want to embarrass them too much, but for me they exemplify all that is good about local Folk music.  They are hard core: loyal, supportive and appreciative. I  see them at almost all the local venues regularly.  When I first met Doreen,  Nuneaton Folk Club was based at The Crown. You could hear her coming well before she actually arrived in the room: clanking determinedly up a basically evil flight of stairs on a pair of crutches. ( I spend a few days of each year immobile and a few more unable to walk except with crutches. I know how much strength and courage that requires). Last night there she was again, bless her. 

The  stairs up to The Queens Hall are a lot easier, but even so, I know personally what effort and strength goes into her getting up them. I have nothing but admiration for her.  She puts so much effort into supporting all these venues, and I've never once heard her complain. (Patrick might advise me otherwise, but I doubt it).  

It's not much of a secret that last week was not a good one for me. I'd reached rock bottom with music-related stuff  and had already written a few sad and self pitying "farewell" letters. I've put a lot of  unpaid hours into supporting the good folk of Nuneaton. Working as an NHS volunteer at (and for) the hospital. As a Life Member of Nuneaton Borough  Supporter's Co-operative. And in trying to bring a decent level of "live" Folk music back into the centre of the town.  I don't expect an MBE for all this, but not having a deteriorating sense of self worth might be nice sometimes .Sometimes it's all very uplifting. Last week it wasn't. The turf wars and the divisions reflective as a microcosm of our society just got to me. My head dropped. So last night  needed to be good. 

Fortunately it was. I found the September attendance disappointing, even though I understand completely that some people are still very anxious about public events. Last night was better. Many familiar faces were still missing. I felt sad for the Craic I once had with those who choose to stay way ,but last night was better. Healing, to some extent. 

 The week had started more positively anyway, with a Nunc rehearsal at Flossy's on Tuesday night. Lots of laughs, a few beers and running through some good tunes in preparation for a stint at NFC. As a result our Everley's tribute went down well and it was clear early doors that the audience were up for a sing. In Nunc's second half slot, after a sublime version of Guilty we finished with our notorious Bob Marley/Wild Rover mash-up. When JK handed the chorus singing over to the audience, it was, for me, like that scene in ET when the Little Fella's heart starts to glow again. I had forgotten how good it sounds to hear an upbeat, well oiled audience singing along with something they know and love.

The Good Vibe also owed much to the support acts. For the moment we have dropped the flow of shorter "floor spots" in favour of longer sessions. This means less variety perhaps but a better opportunity to get the flavour of the artistes more fully. Importantly it also gives the Sound Crew a chance to tidy up between turns. 

Take Comharsa for example. They've been out of it for as long as the rest of us, but last night they were as good as I've ever heard (or seen) them. There were technical problems during their sound check, but the Crew family rallied round and surmounted them. By the time they followed Nunc they were sounding great. Leads were loaned and re-arranged and with the patient support of Ross and Jack they delivered an eclectic et. "Jolene" was a surprise, but a lovely one. Great song and the choruses got the audience going. Mick Stanley (legend) led his not inconsiderable band through the usual Irish drinking songs including the Inniskillen Fusiliers, but also turned in a passable Johnny Cash impression when Comharsa switched to a medley of songs made famous by The Man in Black. Grand stuff. Loved the pipes by the way, Big Man. 

Only the Thrup'nny Bits could follow that and they did, with their traditional elan and aplomb. Des had issued a complex dressing room rider beforehand so most of his wishes were acceded to. No smoke. Soft lights. Audible foldback trimmed so they could hear if the audience were singing or not. Forgot the Smarties on their table, the crates of Miller Lite and Gareth's hand rolled cigars but that aside, I think we got away with it. Loved "Bedlam" and so did the audience. What a spine tingling song that is!

And so to Winter Wilson and their first set, to conclude an excellent first half.  On stage on the first day of Autumn after Summer had ended the day before. Truly three seasons in one day. Their long journey had not diminished their fine playing or beautiful harmonies. Dave and Kip have been working on a new album," The Passing Of The Storm." . They treated us to some songs from it and some old favourites too. One of their covers was "Angel from Montgomery." Our audience took these choruses up eagerly. As part of Nunc's Set list they were well used to hearing our version. The Angry Mother was an entertaining song from Kip: a true story she was not ashamed to tell. 

You don't get to tour with Fairport Convention without being this good. An early second half song " The First To Fall" hit a nerve with me straight away. Heart achingly poignant and a tribute to the much maligned and violated NHS as they fought to contain a pandemic not everyone cared very much about. Until it touched them, of course. It's not the only Covid song on the album. In "The Passing of The Storm," Dave reminds us, "Lets make sure we don't forget. This isn't over. It isn't over yet."  How true. 

There's something about Dave's writing. He has a way of telling stories and of stringing a few fairly simple lines together and saying so much succinctly. In "All for the Coin," for example he begins:

   Oh My back it was aching, my hands were red raw: it was dreams we were building, whose dreams I'm not sure.

All too soon after a few encores which took us well beyond 11pm* it was time to pack up and go home. Kip and Dave had a long journey to make and some had work to go to in the morning. Several times during the night I looked around at the audience as Winter Wilson wove their magic. They were transfixed: taking on board the lyrics and the imagery: all combined with flawless musicianship.  I hope they'll agree to come back again one day. Meanwhile, look out for that new album. 

Thanks to all at The Crew who helped out, especially Aron doing a super job behind the bar. I think most of us made our way home feeling more upbeat and positive than when we came in. The Hall was well ventilated without being cold, social distancing was easily achieved.

 I even managed to sell another of my books. *  (Thank you Craig Sunderland!). 

Multiple photos and videos are available on the NFC Facebook page, thanks to the hard work and expertise of John B. Smith. Ray Buckler has added some cracking shots, too!

Notes * 1. Mick Stanley is an NFC legend because he got so excited crossing the busy road from the car park to The Crown one Wednesday that he got hit by a car and hospitalised for weeks. The show carried on inside unaware that the sirens and flashing lights outside were actually attending to Mick as he lay in the road outside! I think we need to start a Hall of Fame. Mick and Doreen would be first to have plaques! 

            *2  People often forget that The Queens Hall has a later bar than other venues. That enables us, with the Guest Act's agreement to run over a little. 

             *3  The Light Fandango. The anti hero moves from Beduff to Nuneaton and then on to London. I'm told it's a "Rite of Passage" novel Available by order via Waterstones, Amazon The Book farm and most Independent bookshops. Also can be downloaded in ebook form to a Kindle. 

All photos (except the one above) are reproduced courtesy of Ray Buckler and John B Smith.

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