A Good Ole Norfolk Tune-Up at Erpingham Spread Eagle 

Sunday 17th May 

It has to be said that we were rather a select bunch on this late Sunday afternoon, as illness and clashing events had thinned our ranks somewhat. Despite this, we were collectively more than able to field a team and what ensued were several enjoyable hours of traditional music making into the early evening. 

As ever, the band rolled out sets of jigs and hornpipes, polkas and schottisches, with the occasional waltz changing the tempo. Dancers danced – Barry Mobbs and Monica Rackham waltzed and glided through the polka; there was much step dancing too, the room’s wooden floor proving an ideal platform, and Monika Wiedemann showing that schottisches certainly are ideal step dancing tunes, as well as Josh Dart showing his prowess throughout. Not to be outdone, Sheila Park’s dancing doll, made for her by Harry Cox, also put in an appearance several times in the course of the event. 

The two dulcimers of Richard Blake and Tom Knights were, as always, an instrumental highlight, with Tom reeling off tunes learned from grandfather Reg Reader and both players sparring off each other – duelling dulcimers perhaps – with such as the On the Green / Pony Trot Polka set. 

Interspersed with this were a variety of songs from various of us in the company, a key – but unintended – theme of which seemed to be poaching, transportation and the press gang, not infrequent subjects in the songs of our forebears though. Mention must be made too of Rosa Dart’s lovely duet rendition of Little Cock Sparrow with her father, got from the recording of Suffolk singer Roy Last, and seemingly something of a family tradition. 

In all, a satisfying time, despite the absence of several stalwarts, and therefore a more subdued atmosphere in some ways, although a rollicking good tune-up in the main. We next turn our attention to south Norfolk – Shotesham Globe on Sunday 14th June, from 4.00 to 7.00. 

We hope to see you there! 

Chris Holderness May 2026