english country dance

In the early 1970s the pioneering folk band Oak disbanded, but the nucleus of that band went on to form the Old Swan Band, the name originating from music sessions held in the Old Swan pub in Cheltenham. They became key players in the so-called English Country Music Revival, championing tunes mainly from the English tradition, and influencing a whole generation of folk music performers. They played at barn dances and festivals throughout the seventies and eighties, undergoing a number of personnel changes, and still perform today under the snappier name "Old Swan".

Kimber's Men were formed in the summer of 2001 and in those early days they comprised Neil Kimber - ship’s bosun, John Bromley - ship’s cook, Joe Stead - ship’s doctor, and Roger ‘Tonky’ Hepworth the ship’s cabin boy. But in the summer of 2004 Roger was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and sadly he passed away in April 2005. Kimber’s Men realized they would never sound the same again. Roger is missed not only for his wonderful harmonies and guitar playing, but for his friendship and advice always warmly given.