Origins: Down to Pomona/Lamorna Song

Subject: RE: Origins: Down to Pomona/Lamorna Song
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 14 Apr 23 - 08:07 AM

This is a good example of introducing local names into an older song.

From Wikipedia; Inglis Gundry notes in his introduction to Canow Kernow (published by the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, 1966): '...the process of balladry still goes on. In the Logan Rock Inn at Treen a popular song called Way down Albert Square is gradually being transformed into a folk-song called Lamorna." And at the time of the publication of his seminal collection of songs and dances from Cornwall he did not consider the song sufficiently old or important enough to be included in his selection.

From Discogs;

Pasties and Cream; Brenda Wootton, John the Fish, Cornish Folk Sentinel Records, Newlyn, 1971 Their second LP; their first was released in 1968.
Lamorna, Traditional, sung by Pipers Folk; Great controversy over this song. In the version I know, the 'cab' is supposed to be Old Jorys jingle that ran from the First and Last in Penzance and Albert Square in St. Just 'away down to Lamorna'.

Our Friends The Yetties; Argo, 1971. Their fourth LP; their first was released in 1969.
Lamorna, Arranged By – Yetties Written By – Trad.

Subject: RE: Origins: Down to Pomona/Lamorna Song
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Apr 23 - 10:56 AM

Brenda Wootton was a good singer, but she was also a professional Cornish type

I remember going and playing Bodmin folk club and then Scilly isles club several times and then hearing a recording of her singing it on the ferry It has a lovely tune and good words but in my opinion its a bit of Cornish Whackery., all part of promoting Cornish tourisMm Stage Cornwall. but each to their own
Dave the Gnome said
I have to point out that it is patently Mancunian. Pamona Gardens were an easy walk and easier ride from Albert Square in Manchester. There is no such link with Lamorna. It's like Dirty Old Town being about Dublin!