Hi All,

I used to work in a pub in Oxford called the Turf Tavern and knew a regular there called Eric Blackburn. After a few chats about folk music (I was just getting in to it then) he told me that he'd done some L.P. of canal boating songs with a group called "The Boatmen". Because of the personal interest I'd be intrigued to hear any information on the group or the recording.

The only information I have about the group is:

-Eric told me that they were once chosen by John Peel as record of the week (1970s).

-That another of the band member's names was Johnny.

- I think that the L.P was called "Straight from the Tunnel's mouth"

- One of the songs that they had recorded included the line "We're legging this old tunnel, push boys push"

- At the time I knew Eric, he lived in Oxford, UK.

If anyone knows anything of this group or recording (I have never heard it) - or indeed knows of Eric's whereabouts - I'd be really happy for the info. Googling has not helped!

Cheers

Squeezy