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.
Copyright John M, licensed for re-use under a Creative Commons Licence.
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.
Albert, Dave and Ollie.
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
In about 2001 a great upheaval came upon us when Ollie met his soon-to-be wife and took to the hills of Wales, a little too far for rehearsals, and at the same time Mick decided he'd had enough of the 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
side) and a 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.
Derek
Dave
After an all too brief time with us, Dave decided to leave to pursue other avenues on the folk scene. Oh dear, we're one short again, but who's this, another great find, Martin Willis who brought a different dimension to our sound. A very good
harmony singer but we had to control the high end of his range or wear very tight undergarments.
Martin
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.
You are viewing the text version of this site.
To view the full version please install the Adobe Flash Player and ensure your web browser has JavaScript enabled.
Need help? check the requirements page.