I Feel Their Presence Still

A few years ago, the death of a demon fiddler and friend prompted me to look at my various mandolins gathering dust in the corner, instruments I hadn’t played for over thirty years. I thought, what a waste of a good man, and in my case, the little talent I hadn’t exercised all this time and had probably lost. There and then I made a vow, and a year later, I was ready. Well, at least ready for something; there’s little fun in playing alone as the bishop said to the actress. 

Keeping to the religious theme, the Holy Spirit acts in mysterious ways. The next day I bumped into Tony who plays organ and guitar in church, and words came before thought: something along the lines of “Do you fancy a ‘get together’ sometime, guitar and mandolin?” No hesitation. None at all. Positive response—though accompanied by a visionary gleam in his eye. 

The first session was great. Next session, his friend Dave came along. The session after that, more came along and before we knew it, we had a band, called the ‘Celtic Collectors’. Don’t ask. 

Now, as well as singers, we have a double bass, two guitars, fiddle, accordion and me on mandolin. But, perhaps, more importantly, we have raised over £24,000 for charity—our last gig for the Monmouth Flood Relief raising £2000, generously matched by another £2000 from St Mary’s Catholic church.This is not so much a boast but an illustration that the Spirit works in mysterious ways and how one simple decision leads to another. 

I’m not exactly a natural performer. Though surrounded by new friends, I always sense the presence of the one who died and the band who taught me so much all those years ago, quietly playing alongside. They make it all right,  and give me the courage to be part of something bigger than myself.

Charity Concert at the Savoy—Old Maid / Will Ye Go Lassie Go

Charity Concert at St Mary's — O'Carolan - Lamentation of Owen Roe O'Neill / Captain O'Kane

Monmouth Flood Relief Concert - Sunshine on Leith

Monmouth Flood Relief Concert —Napoleon's March Over the Rhine/ Soldier's Joy / Staten Island

                                             Monmouth Flood Relief Concert - Royal Dunoon

Monmouth Flood Relief Concert — ‘Ye Jacobites '

             Monmouth Flood Relief Concert — Madame Bonaparte / Cold and Frosty Morn