1976
In August 1976 I was part of an Edinburgh Festival Fringe show called FORTUNA.
Four aspiring young artists put together a show of their works and we presented it, to great acclaim, that led to some lifelong friendships.
Miriam Backhouse ( as I was known then ) was making a name for herself as “The First Lady of Folk” in the Folk Revival of the 70s and was over the moon to be chosen to join in.
Dave Goulder was already established as one of the foremost singer /songwriters of his time, and his songs are still sung world wide today.
Irving Hunt was celebrated as The Lakeland Poet and his books and poems about Victorian Lake District life were best sellers. The poems from his humorous work ‘Manlaff and Toewoman’ became an integral part of the show.
Brian Miller was and remains one of Scotlands foremost Tradition Bearers with his rich baritone voice and excellent guitar playing.
Fast forward 50 years to June 2026 and I am on tour in Scotland when Brian Miller and Dougie MacKenzie are booked to sing at Irvine Folk Club.
Tina March, my longtime Scottish friend, took us along.
What a reunion that was and it was a delight to see and hear him again, and meet up with others from way back then.
2026
This tour has been ‘one of those’. More stories to follow
