English Country Music Weekend 2009 (ECMW 2009) a great success at Ampthill, Beds organised by Taz Tarry and friends from Redbornstoke Morris

Last weekend (19th - 21st June 2009) the Rugby Club and pubs at Ampthill, Bedfordshire rocked to the sounds of some of the best traditional English folk musicians who were gathered for the annual English Country Music Weekend 2009 (ECMW 2009) this year brilliantly organised by Taz Tarry and friends from Redbornstoke Morris.

I always enjoy the English Country Music Weekend which mainly consists of playing one traditional English tune after another with a room full of people who are experts in playing traditional English music. In between playing tunes there is the opportunity to make new friends, catch up with old ones and listen to some very knowledgeable discussion about where traditional English folk music is today and how it might develop tomorrow.

Particularly rewarding last weekend was seeing so many young musicians who played their violins, melodeons and other instruments with such verve and energy and who brilliantly led the Saturday evening session at the Rugby Club. (Photo above).

Traditionally, the ECM Weekend is hosted at a different venue each year and there was some discussion about where it should take place next year. I believe that the organisers are open to suggestions. However, many people seemed more than pleased with the efforts of Taz Tarry and friends from Redbornstoke Morris so currently it looks as if we are all likely to return to the Rugby Club at Ampthill, Bedfordshire again next year.

Personally, I always feel saddened when I return home after an ECM Weekend because it will be another year before I will be able to play along with such wonderful English Country musicians therefore, wherever it is located next year, it is an event I will certainly look forward to.

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - sometime English Country Musician