Step back in time with me, if you will, to the bustling West Country of 1889. Imagine gaslight flickering over eager faces, the air thick with anticipation. Sabine Baring-Gould, a man of remarkable spirit and insight, held his audience spellbound..

His subject? The very soul of Devon, etched in song. These weren't dusty academic treatises; they were vibrant narratives, gathered from hearth and field, and presented with such passion that his lectures were, as he penned, "always well attended." He was more than a collector; he was a master raconteur, connecting local people to their own rich, often untold, stories..

Three years later, in 1892, Baring-Gould amplified his mission. He conceived a "Grand Tour" of Devon & Cornwall, a travelling celebration led by his spirited troupe of amateur singers and musicians. His purpose was profound: to illuminate the diverse tales and tunes of forgotten villages and their inhabitants, many unheard beyond their immediate hamlets..

Each stop was a hub of cultural discovery – a daytime lecture offering deeper insights into the lore, followed by an evening concert, a joyful cascade of the many songs he had meticulously compiled. He understood, deeply, that in an era where literacy was not universal, song was the truest, most enduring vessel to inform, to spread history, and, most powerfully, to entertain. He yearned to share these whispers of the past, not just from the secluded valleys where he first found them, but with every village folk across the entire West Country.

For many years now, I have walked in Baring-Gould’s footsteps, compelled by the same passion to continue his vital work. My aim is simple yet profound: to unearth and spread the knowledge of his extraordinary collection, to give voice once more to the songs sung by our ancestors, and to ensure their stories, their very essence, resonate as powerfully today as they did a century ago. These are not merely 'old tunes'; they are living histories, vibrant threads connecting us to the past, whispers from those who came before.

I have designed a unique program of events that beautifully blends the academic with the utterly entertaining. My 'Talk & Sing show' is far more than a performance; it’s an immersive experience, a journey of discovery. I don't just sing Baring-Gould's songs; I unravel their origins, share the fascinating histories woven into their lines, and illuminate the lives they represent. These stories are, without exception, utterly captivating and genuinely entertaining. And crucially, my live performances are not passive spectacles. They thrive on audience participation, inviting everyone to join in the many choruses and refrains – a true continuation of the communal spirit Baring-Gould championed, making each gathering a shared celebration.

I am incredibly fortunate to have shared these stories and songs with appreciative audiences across the region, tracing a path of performance that echoes Baring-Gould's own tours. My previous shows have been wonderfully well-attended, taking me to iconic venues such as the breathtaking Eden Project, where I recorded my CD 'By Chance it Was'. I’ve performed at the St Austell Brewery visitor centre, even including an unforgettable tour of pubs within the brewery's historic estate. I’ve entertained the discerning Friends of Exeter Cathedral, the vibrant Women's Institutes, and captivated audiences at prestigious events like the Fowey & Bude Literary Festivals, as well as heritage groups in Bude & Holsworthy.

In addition, I'm a regular at local folk clubs and festivals, always finding immense joy in connecting with fellow enthusiasts and keeping these traditions alive.

My program is designed to be enjoyed at a wide variety of venues, and I am readily available to visit your club, society, or association. Imagine an evening where tales unfold, laughter rings out, and voices unite in song, delving deep into the rich, often surprising, heritage of our land. It’s an entertaining journey into the past, brought vibrantly and unforgettably to life in the present. Don't just hear history; sing it, live it, connect with it.

For more details or to make a booking for an event that promises to be both enriching and joyful, please don't hesitate to contact me. You can reach me either by email or by telephone on 01288 382854. I eagerly look forward to discussing your current or future requirements and bringing an evening of unforgettable story and song to your community.

Come, let me entertain you!