History
It all began in September 1972 at the Blagdon Arms in Cramlington Village, Northumberland.
The club was the idea of Sandy and Terry Dean who organized and ran things until 1982 when they left to live and work in the USA. We have kept in close contact, and now have a good number of Yanks we are pleased to call friends. They visit as often as they can.
Since those early days we have seen many changes, made lots of friends, some of whom are sadly no longer with us. After moving from the Blagdon Arms (the landlord had to close the room because of fire regulations) the club moved around various venues in the area.
The first move was to the Railway Tavern, then back into the village when The Plough pub was built. Unable to find an accommodating landlord or venue the club re-located to the Holystone pub for a couple of years.
The next move was back to Cramlington village when we took up residence in the Comrades Club. Then to the The Clef & Cask (The Hind) in Dewley, not so far from where it all began. The club is now at The Benedictine Social Centre on Glenluce Drive.
Our guests to the club cover a wide variety of music and styles, from blues to folk. From day one Cramlington has always had a strong backbone of resident singers, songwriters and musicians.
The long life of the club is testimony to their professionalism.
After running the club for 40 of it's 50 years, Keith and Audrey Taylor handed the reins to Sean and Sarah Taylor who continue to run one of the biggest folk clubs in Northumberland, keeping folk music alive in the North East.
Cramlington Folk Club 50 years anniversary nights videos
Keith Taylor (left) and
Audrey Taylor (right),
with the club’s founders
Terry and Sandy who now
live in Michigan.
