After far too long, this was a chance to return to the wonderful Dartford Folk Club. This is a big, vibrant and welcoming club that has top acts on the bill on every week. Following a short exchange of e-mails, the club organisers were very obliging and found us a floor spot on the night that an act I have long wanted to see was playing, Megson. As an exile from my home town of Middlesbrough, I have long admired Megson's heartfelt tales of the town's plights and people. This was an excellent chance to see them live.
The M25 was kind to us and we were able to get to Dartford early. Pam gave us a lovely welcome on the door and Ian, the MC for the evening, was very generous and did his utmost when opening the night to ensure that we were able to play three numbers. We took the opportunity to show the fullest range of what we do - so, we did our translated French sea-shanty Three Bonny Ships, our self-penned Spanish Civil War song, The Bite, and the traditional Irish song, Flower of Magherally.
It was good to be able to meet club regular Joe Whittaker who, as one of the organisers of the Friends of Old Ash Church, is hosting a special performance of our Spanish Civil War music on 20th May. As often occurs also at our gigs, we had conversations with someone whose father had been an International Brigader and was very keen to understand more about the conflict in 1930s Spain. Following conversations with a number of people it seems possible that a number of those who watched us at Dartford could make the journey to Ash to see us perform.
I also took the opportunity to talk with Megson. Not only are they highly talented musicians and singers, but they are also extremely pleasant and engaging to talk with. We swapped stories about Middlesbrough and the ups and downs of our beloved local football team. Conversations revealed that my own parents’ house was barely more than a stone’s throw from the family home of one half of Megson. Small world.
As with the first time we visited it, we liked Dartford Folk Club enormously and sincerely hope that we both see some more Dartford regulars in mid-May, and that we can return to the club in due course.