The Staffordshire Men - Dedication (Entire Album)

The Staffordshire Men are a Folk Group from the Cannock Chase area of Staffordshire. They play almost exclusively covers of Traditional and Contemporary songs. The Staffordshire Men started in the early 70´s when Bernard Eardley was performing at a folk clubs by himself, @Barry Yates began to take an interest in these groups. Bernard gradually persuaded Barry to participate until eventually they became a double act, this was the foundation of The Staffordshire Men.

The name comes from a traditional song which was put to the tune of the Cornish folk song ´Trelawny´ by Jon Raven, who then performed it in the region, ´The Song of the Staffordshire Men´ would also become a staple of Bernard and Barry.

In the 90´s they would be joined by John Upton as well as John Carver (Pendlewitch, Tackeroo Junction) and would temporarily be accompanied on Violin by two young girls (I cannot currently confirm their names) until they left to attend University. Also around this time a young lad named Mark Newbold joined them to play Bass Guitar for a time, later a Viola player named Emily would also perform with them.

In the mid 2000´s Harrold Eardley, Bernard's cousin would take an interest in folk music, and at the urging of Bernard, joined the group.

Sadly, Bernard Eardley would pass away in 2008.

The band continued to play, dedicating a local Festival to his memory as well as one of their privately released albums. After a time they found they were sorely missing the sound of Bernard's accordion and so brought on Roy Thompson to fill the role.

Barry Yates also ran a great many Folk Clubs in the area over the years, starting at The Crown in Chasetown. Other clubs which he ran included The Royal Oak in Cannock as well as the Hazelslade (A couple of years after Laurie and Jean Ward´s club had moved to the Talbot in Heath Hayes). Eventually the last club ran by Barry was at the Five Ways pub in Heath Hayes, which ended when the new publicans wanted to use the space to host Karaoke instead.) Barry has said after so many years and such success, he as no intentions to run any further folk clubs.

The Staffordshire Men continued to play until the Coronavirus lockdowns of 2020, which made shows impossible, they would very much like to play again in future, however due to health concerns it is unlikely John Upton would join them.

Other members of The Staffordshire Men over the years have included David Upton and Richard Salt.

This album was recorded in 2008 in dedication of Bernard Eardley who had recently passed away.

Tracklist:
00:00 - Edward Charlie and Me
04:15 - Fields of Athenry
11:07 - Dark Island
16:35 - Whistling Gypsy
20:40 - Rare O' Times
28:00 - Home Amongst The Gum Trees
31:15 - Lizzy Lindsey
35:50 - Jock Stewart
40:10 - Hills of Connemara
43:15 - Caledonia

Album privately produced by Barry Yates.

This album is here on YouTube by kind permission of Barry Yates and The Staffordshire Men, who retain Full Copyright.

Видео The Staffordshire Men - Dedication (Entire Album) канала Staffordshire Folksong Archive