Group History

The group started as a bit of fun (still is, of course) more than twenty-five years ago at a pub in Willenhall called The Lane Arms.

The Lane Arms recently. It wasn't like this when we started but you did tell us to raise the rafters.

The original line up consisted of several ne'er do wells, about six initially but soon trimmed down to its core members, Albert Mallen, Dave Tarry, Ollie Jones and Eddie Tonks. We don't have a photo of Eddie but if anyone out there does, we'd like a copy.

After a few years and some wonderful gigs, Eddie 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.

Mick

Then in 2011, we were two short again, with Albert retiring to Norfolk and Martin putting his feet up in Ludlow.

Dave (now the only remaining original member) and Derek both wanted The Laners to carry on, so they invited Clive Brooks, a mutual friend and, of course,

ne'er do well, to join them. Clive, who hails from Bromsgrove, has been playing and singing around the country for many years and has also performed in the USA, New Zealand, Holland and Ireland.

Clive

Well, we were one short again following Derek’s untimely death. He had contributed so much to the group in his seventeen years as a Laner. He was a larger than life character, well known and loved by so many, a splendid and caring bloke with a great sense of humour. We were honoured to have spent so many hours singing with him.