It was a superb evening which went on 7.30 till midnight.

Swarb's Lazarus were ace. Lots of fast tunes, humour, guitar strings breaking, nice songs. Id not heard the group before, although I'd been at a session in Ludlow when Maartin was playing.

I've seen Hoover the Dog on a number of occasions and been in sessions when Paul was playing, mainly at the ? Inn at Marton on the Shropshire border. They chose some slower, more pensive tunes; also a version of the Foxhunter.

It was good to listen to the nice Mr Bill Caddick. He was MC for the evening and I enjoyed his songs about Wenlock.

It was interesting that Ian Richardson chose to sing Bill's 'John of Dreams' in the set with Andy Jones. Andy is a super fiddle player and the Irish tunes tripped off the bow with nice ornimentations.

Geoff Bodenham was a great friend of Jon's and together they entertained at the Bassa Villa pub in Bridgnorth on Sunday nights. Geoff sang two songs by Jake Thackery - 'The Bantum Cock' and one I hadnt heard before about Yorkshire; also one of his own about the loss of wildlife with the coming of motorways.

I first met Harriet Bartlett when she was 13 playing in sessions with Reese Wesson and Paul Hutchinson; and have watched her develop her skills and style. She is now singing well and still wows with her dexterity on the accordion.

What can I say about Cuckoo Oak! They are my favourites - close harmony and humour. 'Lowlands of Holland' is an especial favourite of mine.

Jon's daughters - Esther& Gemma are keeping alive the family musical tradition. Esther sang two songs, 'Played just a little too fast' and 'To the Edge'. She was accompainied on guitar by Gemma's husband Ian Beddow; who then sang a song he had composed about Jon 'All those nights we sang and played'.

Then Esther and Gemma sang 'Southernmost of Dales' written by Jon, it has been a great favourite in sessions.

Havnt heard how much was raised for the Trust Fund, hope it was loads.

Thanks to everyone for a great evening.

fliss xx