I WAS saddened to hear of the death of singer and comedian Bob Williamson.

Thinking of him revived superb memories of Sunday nights at Heaton Village Folk Club at the top of Church Road in mid to late 70s and into the 80s.

A fantastic mix of folk music of all kinds. Bob himself with a mix of music and funny tales, Mike Harding (the same), The Ian Campbell Folk Group, The McAlmans from Scotland, The Yetties from Dorset, Bernard Wrigley, the Oldham Tinkers...the list goes on.

Then there was a hint of fresh things when Magna Carta arrived with a variety of electronics to produce my first taste of folk rock.

What a great atmosphere with a car and with food at the interval. Much of the music involved audience participation for the chorus songs. If someone with new songs performed, there was a chance you'd know them next time.

A change began to seep in when many of the performers appeared on a regular TV show. Some of the audience began to arrive smartly dressed and sat down to be entertained, not to participate, The atmosphere began to alter and like to many such things, it had runs its course.

So many songs remain from that era, a time when, in Bolton, you could visit a folk event most nights of the week, including Monday at the Crown in Horwich.

Thank you Bob and all the other singers who poured such a feast of songs into our hearts and minds.

David Sharples

Tarbet Drive

Breightmet