1 April 2026

Andrew Charleton

Andrew Charleton has kindly stepped in to replace Pamela Gormally. This will be a wonderful night! Thank you so very much, Andrew!

Andrew Charleton

I have been writing Northumbrian dialect poetry since 1984.

I learned a huge amount directly from the great Allan Wood. After adding music to one of his poems for the Upper Coquetdale film group film, John Barleycorn.

Since then I have won the Dialect poetry competition at Rothbury music festival 6 times, and also won the Northumbrian gathering at Morpeth.

I went on to become a judge at both competitions. My poems have featured on Jim Lloyds folk programme on radio two on two occasions. I have also had my words featured in the Northumberland National Park Visitor Centre promotional films.

I try to keep my verse within the traditional border metre, and I also like a bit of humour if possible.

My mantra is “dialect poetry should be said, not read” as the performance and delivery is equally as important as the words.

Karl and Amanda

Karl Robins and wife/singing partner Amanda Martin are originally from the North of England, now living in Hawick on the Scottish Borders. Karl is no stranger to Northumberland having lived there for 10 years and has been involved in music since he was a teenager, previously playing with John Carey, Dave Rees in the 'Fine Artistes' and with Richard Currie, John Carey and Phil Atkin as 'Clanjamfrie'. (Karl did a successful album with Karin Grandal Park with the excellent Mike Harding on mandolin and Amanda contributing. (Karl and Karin performed at the club a few years ago).

Amanda hails from Berwick upon Tweed and has been singing in earnest since getting together with Karl. They've just moved back from Spain and are delighted to get back to the music. They play a range of original, traditional and contemporary folk songs, with excellent harmonies and an engaging presence...

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