What was that song about the Isle of Tiree?

That was the question a friend asked me the other day.
I recounted all those songs and tunes about Hebridean islands that I could think of:
Mingulay Boat Song?  No.
Eriscay Love Lilt?  No.
Skye Boat Song?  No.
.. and so forth.

Later I received a message from my friend, "I think it was called 'Dark Island', and that it was used as a theme tune/song for something."

My memory cells slowly activated.
"Yes, I have heard that title," thought I.
I searched the club archive, (that's [Ctrl + f] in spreadsheets.)
"I have it!" I declared triumphantly.
Indeed, Laurie is documented as have played such a tune on 29th December, 2017.
Here's Laurie's friend, Sophia ...

Research followed.
(Isn't the www a wonderful thing!)
Indeed there was a BBC mini-series broadcast in 1962/3 that was called The Dark Island.
The delightful melody was composed in 1958 by Iain Maclaughlan who used an obscure title: Dr MacKay's Farewell to Creagorry.
David Silver added lyrics and the song became known as The Dark Island.
(There is another set of words by Stewart Ross to the same melody.)

I have a YouTube friend, Tony, from the Isle of Man. He has covered almost every 'folk' song you would care to think of. Here's his rendition ...

Then Mike Oldfield got hold of it ...

There's more to Mr Oldfield than Tubular Bells!

Being Friday the Tenth day of August, 2019 ...

We admired the new floor.
We were mostly relieved by the change in the weather.
Then we got on with the usual business.

There was universal bird-song ...

Singing of you.

Lynda related the story of an errant wife ...

I'd rather have a kiss ...

Mick took us on a train journey to ...

Bryan pondered about an unusual appearance in the sky ...

I see thunder-clouds building.

Angela received a farewell ...

I'm away to the sea.

Mick and Marion reminisced ...

Gone forever!

Lynda conveyed a holy message ...

Mike sang about East Texas ...

Do daffodils grow there?

Mick played a melody from his recent album ...

So did Laurie ...

Do you waltz, St. Richard?

A lady had a mysterious encounter ...

Your beauty so enticed me ...

Then we waltzed dreamily all the way home!

SOUNDWAVES: SOLOS FOR GUITAR ...

Now, see this ...

(Look carefully at bottom left ... this original artwork is signed by R. Gosbee.)

Yes, Mick has finally produced an album of his delightful music.

Hard copies not yet available, but you can find the digital album at Amazon.

Here's the link. (Also available on other commercial, digital platforms.)

The tracks are also out there on YouTube.

Here's one ...

Well done, Mick, and thank you for your music.

A Forthcoming Event ...

Do you remember last summer when we invaded Chidham for

a Barn Dance hosted by the Residents' Association?

Well, if you weren't there you missed a treat.

Now here's another one...

Chidham, Hambrook & Nutbourne East Residents’ Association (CHANE RA)

BARN DANCE

at

CHIDHAM VILLAGE HALL

Saturday 15^th September,

7.00 for 7.30 – 10.30pm.

Featuring the vibrant music of … 

CHANE RA Members £10.00. Non-members £12.00

Licensed Bar plus free nibbles.

For tickets, (in advance only please,) contact Colin on 01243 574021, or email: dbsandw@gmail.com.

or Richard: 01243 572699.

Of course, you will know that Stoney Ridge comprises Marion and Mick Tipper and their collaborators, as well as an excellent caller named Sarah. They are really good!

Here they are already getting set up for the next one ...

Dogsbody is currently occupied in manufacturing tickets.

There will be only 60 tickets and, since last year was a sell-out, please let me know ASAP if you would like to come.