Coasting Along

Cromer was a blast! Noah’s Cape were there as part of the Folk On The Pier Fringe. This was a special year as the Festival celebrated its 20th Birthday and Headlining the final session was Folk Royalty, Fairport Convention. It’s a great gathering of Folk talent and music pours out of various pubs and community halls as well as at the Pier Theatre which is the focal point of the Festival.

We had a great time performing and the seaside location added a sense of holiday freedom. Linda was the resident host at the White Horse Inn for the weekend cranking out two great solo sets as well as joining Noah’s Cape as we kicked off the White Horse’s Saturday programme. There were some great weekend Fringe sessions including the amazing Stompin’ Dave Allen who tap dances in rhythm as he plays ands sings.

We also enjoyed Fish ‘n’ Chips, Ice Cream and walks along the sea front. During one such walk, the first line from a comic monologue from Stanley Holloway came to Mark’s mind and he wrote a poem based on “The Lion and Albert” It was written by Marriott Edgar, and his Dad used to perform his monologues as his party piece, so they’re one of his earliest poetic influences. The poem is below.

Noah’s Cape are now focusing on their upcoming gig headlining at the Banbury Folk Club on Wednesday 13th June at the Banbury Cross Inn.

We hope to see you there.

Love,

Noah’s Cape xxx
Linda, Marian and Mark

There’s Nowt As Queer As Folk Music
(Apologies to Stanley Holloway and Marriott Edgar)

There’s a famous seaside place called Cromer
That’s noted for fresh air and fun.
So Mr and Mrs Ramsbottom
Went there with young Albert their son.

Now t’family had heard about seasides,
All tacky and Kiss Me Quick hats.
There’s was nowt to eat but cheap burgers
And the shops were all full of tat.

But Cromer were a little bit different.
With quaint, understated respect.
Pa said, ‘Let’s explore the town’.
Ten minutes later, he said, ‘Right, what’s next’?

Mother said ‘Let’s look in the shops’
Pa and Albert let out a sigh!
When she started eying winter weight nightshirts
Pa said I’m hungry, let’s have a pint and a pie.

So, seeking for proper amusement,
In the White Horse they listened to some Folk
And were utterly bewitched by the music
The friendliness, banter and jokes.

The whole town was taken over by Folk Music
A veritable traditional sound scape.
They found they had a new passion,
Their favourite of course were Noah’s Cape!

So, the next time you find yourself in Cromer
Admiring the view, crystal clear.
If you’re in need of further amusement
Peer at the folk, playing Folk on the Pier.

Mark Niel

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