I hope some of you might be interested in a benefit CD of Yorkshire songs and tunes

A folk CD called 'The Blind Jack Band' is being sold in aid of Henshaws Society for Blind People (registered charity 221888). The recording is named after John Metcalfe, the fiddle player and road builder from Knaresborough who became blind at the age of 6. The CD features contributions from Dave Burland, John Greaves, Laura Hockenhull, Ben Paley, Chris Simpson, Magna Carta and many more singers and musicians from across Yorkshire.

Many of the tracks have some connection with the North Yorkshire area around Henshaws, which has branches in both Knaresborough and Harrogate. There are longsword and mummers songs from nearby villages, tunes from local dance collections, and songs either collected in the district or featuring local topics and themes. Quite a few of the trad songs have never been recorded before.

The discs are priced at £10 and all revenue will go to Henshaws. They're available to purchase at Knaresborough and Harrogate Tourist Information Centres, also at Henshaws College (Harrogate) and Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre (Knaresborough).

Online purchases can be made at the site www.blindjack.co.uk where sound samples can be found plus full track information. Alternatively you can send a cheque for £11.00 (including p&p) payable to 'Blind Jack' to:

The Blind Jack Band
69 Fairways Avenue
Harrogate
HG2 7EN
United Kingdom

Please support a worthy cause, and pass this on to anyone else who you think might be interested. Thanks.