Virginia Kettle and Rolling Folk, Mark Wainwright – Over Hulton Folk Club – Wednesday 1st October 2025

A room buzzing with anticipation and in expectancy of another high quality evening’s entertainment – they weren’t disappointed.

ENIGMATIC

Disillusioned by the group scene and at a loose end during the global shutdown Mark Wainwright found himself looking for a new lease of life. He discovered the unique music of the enigma that is Jake Thackery and began to explore it. Mastering the off-the-wall style, unlike most JT imitators he delivered the quirky songs in his own vocal style. …and it works.

Everyone was left wanting more from his selection of wry humoured tunes, which he looked upon as his babies – undecided which of his favourites to choose. We met male nun, Sister Josephine, a useless pet/guard dog and took a ride on a country bus as his articulate performance was matched by his musicality on the guitar.

WORDSMITHERY

The wordsmithery is exceptional and amusing, painting wonderful pictures of the Northern countryside, such as of the events emerging in Hole when a chap gets his finger stuck. The story of a boozy wake, Last Will And Testament finished his short spot leaving everyone looking forward to a longer set in in the future.

SONGWRITING PROWESS

A warm welcome greeted a very familiar friend of OHFC, Virginia Kettle, as she took the stage before the rest of the band, Rolling Folk took the stage. Her brief solo set began with Union Jack House, reflecting her pride and positive thinking about Britain when some are seeking to divide and criticise. In Growing Growing Gone she struck a chord with those who have had to wave a teary farewell to children heading off to uni. Her own Jake Thackery inspiration came through on the story of an unlikely partnership between a butcher and a vegan. Many will recall this song from Merry Hell shows but tonight she made it all her own showcasing splendid songwriting prowess.

Once the band joined Virginia, the tempo shot up with the merry jig Sailing On The Inside before sentimental memories of early days of romance were recalled in her love song Falling. The deep bass runs from Chris Lee were as warm as Clare ‘Fluff’ Smith’s violin which exuded the mood of the moment.

POSITIVE AND TOUCHING

Mystical pipes and eastern style percussion from Mark Woolley opened Someone Like Me which was sung with some melodic folky chanting vocals. A rocky tempo change was brought out in the lively Lost In You, showing Virginia’s expertise in versatile song composition. A song to encourage making the most of your time and tackle all new challenges positively came in Tomorrow Is Not Promised with pipes adding a Celtic flavour. Build A Mansion completed the first set. With hints of Victorian Music Hall it was a touching conclusion, the mandolin’s striking melodies and song theme planted firmly in English folklore .

Virginia was joined by husband John to start the second set with Let It All Go. A song begging forgiveness for past actions, no apologies were needed in No Place Like Tomorrow with a wonderful acoustic solo from John. We may get older but growing old should be avoided according to the song Box Of Diamonds. With the whole band back on stage the tune shuffled along to a slight Egyptian flavour and would have given Virginia’s penchant for dancing it would have been a shock to see a brief Wilson, Keppel and Betty sand dance. Positive thinking oozed out of Dreaming Of Eden as one wanted to sway along to the sweet melody as Clare took centre stage.

SENSITIVITY

Loneliness in a crowd is perhaps the hardest to bear and in Old London this was sensitively expressed by Virginia. Her songs often tackle those sensitive moments in life but she still encourages hopefulness even when burgeoning love doesn’t materialise as in Kiss On The Wind. Haunting celtic pipes enhanced the mood. Trouble, which seems to follow some of us around, had a distinct pop feel and shows Rolling Folk’s insistence on not just sticking to one musical genre. This catchy tune gave us a lively ending to the main set.

Virginia got her dancing shows on as she frolicked around the room for the encore That Finest Hour with her Manchester/Irish routes expressed in this jaunty jig. Rolling Folk may not have the legacy of Merry Hell but after tonight’s performance we hope it has some longevity.

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