On Friday night I was lucky to be invited to attend the presentation of the EFDSS Gold Badge Award to Graeme Miles who almost singlehandedly developed a song tradition for Teesside and the surrounding area. The award is given for outstsanding service to the EFDSS in particular and folk music in general. The award was presented on behalf of the EFDSS by Doc Rowe who read out a lenghty citation.

Graham wrote an unknown number of songs (estimated to be between two and three hundred) many made popular by illustrious folk artists and his writings encouraged others like Vin Garbutt and Richard Grainger to follow in his footsteps.

Songs like Sea Coal, Eldorado, Where Ravens Feed, The Shores of Old Blighty, The Lairdsfield Disaster and Guisborough Road are my particular favourites but there are so many other good and memorable songs.
I was lucky in being able to thank Graeme in person but felt that others might want to do so. I'm sure Graeme would appreciate your congratulations.

I'm sure the citation will (in time) be available on the EFDSS web site for all to read.