It is with deep regret and condolences to his family and friends that we share the news of the sudden death of Martin Baker on the morning of Thursday 3 June 2010. The previous evening Martin had been a part of Coppull Folk's regular singaround and as usual played a lively an active part in the event.

Martin's funeral will be on Friday 11th June at 2pm at St Annes church, Shevington, followed at 3pm by the crematorium on the A49 at Euxton, followed by a reception at the Bowling Green pub on the A49 near Charnock Richard, from about 4pm. Martin's family invite his music friends to all three.

Martin was a vital part of the folk scene in Wigan as well as at Coppull and Crooke. The truly amazing thing was this was true, yet he never sung a folk song. He would regale us with old country songs from George Jones, Hank Williams and many others with a smattering of Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and John Prine all sung in his "authentic" Nashville accent.

Martin simply wanted the best in everything, when he sang he performed, when he performed he entertained to the best of his ability. When he joined in and accompanied he knew exactly how the song would go best, sometime he was wrong, but he always contributed to the maximum.

Martin contributed behind the scenes, helping to organise festivals and events. He was particularly active in getting the festival in 2010 off the ground and much of what will take place in just a few days time will be to his credit.

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Erstwhile member of Coppull Folk, Simon Goodfellow has been making his mark in Nova Scotia, Canada. In that strange and alien land he seems to have got himself caught up with some quaint local game and be helping the tiny community of Lawrencetown in their attempt to win the national Hockeyville competition. As part of his contribution Simon wrote a song and it was arranged and performed by a band of 16 years olds from the local High School.

 

If your wondering what this is all about then visit the Lawrencetown Hockeyville site. 

For the third time Coppull Folk returns to the Alison Arms, which has been home for the club for most of its life. Singarounds are every Wednesday from 25 November 2009 at 9pm. Any acoustic performance is welcome. Come to play, sing, recite or just to listen.

After spending most of the year based in the Oak Tree the club has had to move on as the pub is closing. A big thank you to our hosts at the Oak Tree Jo, Gareth for their hospitality. A particularly thank you for Andy the every cheerful barman who did so much to provide a convivial atmosphere. The next singaround is at 9pm on Wednesday 25 November at the Alison Arms.