EARLIER this year I was involved in one of several concerts around the country staged as benefit events to raise funds for Norma Waterson, one of the folk scene’s leading lights for many years, and who has been stricken by illness and is currently unable to perform.

Alongside me at Gatehead’s Sage that night were Alistair Anderson, Andy May, Sandra Kerr, Vin Garbutt, Emily Portman, Bella Hardy, Margaret and Andy Wotchorn and Linda Thompson.

The concert was recorded, and is now out on CD, available from Amazon and all the usual outlets, and titled One Night For Norma, with all proceeds going to the lady herself, who is recovering but still not able to return to live shows.

One thing my involvement in the project has highlighted for me is the lack of financial support currently available for folk musicians, both young and old, who might suddenly find themselves in a similar position to Norma.

I’m currently mulling over options to do something to rectify this state of affairs, and will keep you posted as to my progress in the months ahead.

Meanwhile, all present and correct, and raring to go around the local scene this week, some of the best of the UK’s folk names, including balladeer Martyn Wyndham-Read, who is at Blaydon’s Tynefolk tonight, and Stockton’s Sun Inn on Monday.

On Saturday we can choose between Teesside exiles Megson at St Barnabus Church in Linthorpe and award-winning guitarist Martin Simpson at Washington’s Davy Lamp. Then on Sunday, Westoe Club in South Shields have a visit from Guffaw, a new name to me, but a nice venue to catch an up and coming act.

Finally, on Tuesday, Cramlington’s Hind have a visit from popular duo Judy Dinning and Kenny Spiers, so get there early for that one.