The Group - A Brief History

The group started as a bit of fun (still is) at a pub called The Lane Arms 20 something years ago. The original line up consisted of several ne'er do wells, about six actually but then got down to its core members, Ollie Jones, Albert Mallen, Dave Tarry and Eddy Tonks. After a few years and some wonderful gigs, Eddy left us and Mick Bagguley badgered us with his presence and his dry sense of humour. We performed at festivals and sang on local radio as well as at folk clubs around the country. In about 2001 a great upheaval set upon us and Ollie met his soon to be wife and took to the hills (Wales), a little too far for rehearsals, and at the same time Mick decided he'd had enough of fame and the limelight and gently faded into obscurity. But lo on yonder horizon came two more ne'er do wells (we do seem to attract them). Derek Wheeler, ex squire of Victory Morris (a Portsmouth Morris side) and noteable harmony singer joined us together with Dave Reader, another singer of renown. We gelled well and carried on doing the rounds and having priceless moments along the way. After an all too brief time with us, Dave decided to leave us to pursue other avenues on the folk scene. Oh dear, we're one short again but who's this, another find, our own Martin Willis. Martin joined us about five plus years ago and gave another dimension to the sound. A very good harmony singer but we had to control the high end of his range or wear very tight undergarments. So there we were, four blokes who enjoyed every minute we sang and who hoped to carry on as long as we had breath in our lungs.

I suppose after 22 years it's inevitable that people move on and so it is with The Laners. Albert and Martin have decided to call it a day but The Laners carry on except now it is Dave (an original), Derek (no longer the apprentice) and Clive. A new combination of three voices that just work well together and will carry The Laners forward to new and exciting things.