The Launch was very well attended and was to publicise the work of the Committee and many volunteers who had freely given up a great deal of time and effort to record and notate and work on transcriptions and ABC etc to put the Web site in place

The choice of York was simply that it is/was most central being the old capital of Yorkshire

Rowland Walls was most helpful in publicising the event locally, although no York singers had given up time to work on the YG project (I think!)anyone having early Yorkshire song examples we would love to hear from to add to the collection. This was for volunteers and other helpers, no matter how good or available York singers were on the night!

The 15 songs on the site at the moment have the earliest singers singing what we would deem traditional song ~ however defined!

There are another 70 ish songs well on the way to being put in place, bear in mind that the original collection of Nigel and Mary Hudleston was the original catalyst for this venture and we have been out re recording some fine examples which appear in this collection (particularly Mick Haywood singing Tom Daniel songs!)and John Greaves and Will Noble

Songs by such as Keith Marsden and Graeme Miles for example may be put on the site eventually (subject to permission)but second phase

regarding singers on the night:

Mick Haywood's missus Angie had a serious fall and broke her leg in very badly and missed the concert. She is in Scarborough hospital for 10 days! and Mick could not come. The time was extended by existing fine Yorkshire singers, many thanks to Three Score and Ten

The concert predominantly featured Yorkshire singers such as Jim Eldon, John Greaves, Will and John, Steve Gardham, Jim Potter, Brian Senior and Ivan Robinson ( o and me), as well as Knaresbrough Mummers. These represent in my view a fine cross section of the early singers who have actively sought out Yorkshire material

The evening was a splendid culmination featuring Yorkshire's first family of folk, The Waterson's extended family members

The second phase, if we get extended lottery money after May 2008 can and may well include more modern songs which have stood the test of time ~ remember, 2012 is Olympic year! the thrust will be on education and popularisation of Yorkshire song and the folk arts in its different forms

Anyone knowing any [early!!]Yorkshire songs for inclusion please contact me or Steve or Ray Black asap!! so that we may record you

Ray