Norma Waterson Benefit Concert, 21 May 2011 – Pictures by Mike Lewis

Norma Waterson Benefit Concert, 21 May 2011

The Village Quire is not a little indebted to the Watersons for the musical inspiration it has taken from them.  So when we heard about Norma Waterson's serious illness, Susie Stockton-Link suggested that we organise a One for Norma benefit concert and soon recruited the legendary folk fiddler Dave 'Swarb' Swarbrick to headline it and also persuaded Anne Lister, the songwriter and storyteller, to come and join us too.

What a great night it turned out to be and we were very pleased to send Norma a cheque for £1050 at the end of it.

So a huge vote of thanks to all who gave on the night, in whatever way you did give.

As 21 May was also Martin Carthy's actual 70th birthday and Swarb knew he was spending it quietly at home with Norma and the family, Swarb called him on his mobile and the entire room, performers and audience alike, gave a belting and harmonious rendition of Happy Birthday to Martin over the phone.

However, the alleged 'quiet night at home', sounded to be quite a party in its own right!

Click here for Mike Lewis's pictures