Hi All
Nigel, I thought your recorder was exotic, even though it was only a tenor. Must have been the way you played it.

Dave, although as you said, I was refering to Ernie the singing busman, you wer'nt far out with The Singing Postman because in all the times I heard Ernie he only seemed to have four songs, two of which were Allan Smethurst songs including Have You Got A Light Boy.
Also you mentioned the sad passing of Trevor Moore of the Riggers.
I hadent see Trev for a long time but fortunately a friend let me know so I was able to attend his funeral, the first time I'd been to Chelmsford in about 30 years. We shared some very good times together and it was a pleasure to have known him. Amazing to think its over three years ago now.

Howard,your right it was Dave Galiher at Blackmore. Dont remember Chelmsford clubs " disco period " very well though. I do seem to remember you were one of Mr Delderfields merry men in Blackmore Morris as well.

Pavane,I remember a Lesley from that period so I assume that was your sister. Also remember Foggy Duo,and singing Fire and Rain.
Still rate James Taylor very highly.

Jeanie, nice to hear from you. I did actually know about the Essex Folk Archives because I stayed the night at John Durrants house having attended Trev's funeral.Great to think that those recording have been preserved for posterity but a bit alarming to wonder what peaple might think of them in another 30-40 years. I certainly think The Riggers offerings should come with a disclaimer like ( to paraphrase The Fast Show ) " of course we were very very drunk at the time " . But as you say those days were the best of times.


Great news about Nic Jones doing a couple of festival dates this year and particually good to see how highly his work is regarded by the younger crop of singers today ( quite rightly too ) and not just this ageing duffer. What about a Halliard reun..., well perhaps not, but it would be fun.

All the best
Dominic Patten