Went to ‘A Stranding on St Mary’s Lighthouse’ last week – an event organised by Dave Minikin who also runs The Bridge and The Monkey folk clubs in Newcastle. The idea is that you arrive just before the incoming tide (about 11am) washes over the causeway, thus stranding all visiting folkies who, with nothing else to do, sit around entertaining one another with their favourite shanties and other ditties till the tide goes out about five hours later. On this occasion a Polish security guard – employed to watch over some electrical equipment situated in the mainland car park – also joined us by accident having turned up looking for a loo and failed to notice the approaching waves.

I sang my lighthouse keeper’s song (what else?) which seemed to go down well. The story of this number is that I discovered the lyrics in an old notebook about 3 or 4 years ago, having completely forgotten about it and decided to compose a new melody. At the time it had just three verses but Sofie persuaded me to add a final verse to give the inconclusive story a happy ending. I was reluctant to do this as I wanted it to be a little mysterious. However, I eventually gave in and wrote a fourth verse. Now, of course, it seems incomplete without that new verse.

Another song I did was Daisy Chain, introducing it as usual as a love song for the older generation. And why not? Love may change and become less ardent as we grow older but can still be as strong as ever. Also, what is portrayed as love in fiction, drama, films, etc, is often nothing but physical or emotional attraction and doesn’t last long. Just look at the divorce figures. I speak from bitter experience.

The next Stranding on St Mary’s is in March 2014, I believe. Contact Dave – 07967198430 for more details.