Checklist: Good company, bucket, spade, beach towels, sun lotion, good book, iPod/iPad and headphones, kite, sunglasses. We’re all going on a summer holiday. Have fun on yours!

On this day, at 07.30 a.m. 100 years ago, the battle of the Somme began. By the end of the battle, some four months later, one million men from all sides were dead or injured.  Casualties were beyond horrific; 19,240 British soldiers died on the first day alone, and 40,000 were injured. It is the biggest single loss of life during the opening day of a battle in British military history.

The statistics and scale of human suffering are unimaginable, yet young men willingly gave their lives for King and Country. Here is an extract from a letter home, written by 2nd Lt John S. Engall of the 16th London Regiment. It is dated the 30th June 1916, the night before the attack on the German lines began. He wrote: “I have a strong feeling that I shall come through safely, but nonetheless, should it be God’s holy will to call me away, I am quite prepared to go; and I could not wish for a finer death; and you, dear Mother and Dad, will know that I died doing my duty to God, my country and my king. I ask that you should look upon it as an honour that you have given a son for king and country.” Along with 19,239 other brave soldiers, Engall was killed the next day.

Even with all the uncertainty and political turmoil which we currently face, we can still  be thankful that so many brave young men gave their lives for our freedom in the two world wars, that we might live in peace. Let us pray for continued peace in Europe, along with a way forward that will ensure peace and security for future generations.

JUNE..!  …. summer is here. Sea, sand, sun, and …hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains … with a happy little tune to sing as well. The Blue Ridge Mountains Of Virginia, a song inspired by the book written by John Fox in 1908 …and should you happen to be visiting Big Stone Gap, Virginia, you can see the stage play called The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine, which is still performed every year – and has been since 1964 – in honour of the author. The song was featured in the opening credits of the film adaptation (1938) of the original book. The most popular version was made by Laurel and Hardy in their film “Way Out West” ….and it even reached number 2 in the British music charts, mostly thanks to veteran broadcaster John Peel, who played it all the time on his Radio 1 show.

You won’t find it here on the Little Room site, but you will find lots of fabulous music! And if you are heading to those Blue Ridge Mountains, happy hiking! And watch out for bears and poison ivy.

Thank you for the 4th of May messages  (…ok, we admit it took a moment for to get it ….May The Fourth Be With You …!).

Spring is springing and the sun is shining. We had a message from our CD store, care of Burning Shed. The last few copies of the first edition of City Of Gold are now in stock, along with remaining recordings from our original London store. Worldwide mailing and secure online purchasing. Check our artist pages for details.

Other CD’s now in stock for collectors everywhere :

• Old Sea Road EP
• Liturgy Of Time
• Rhyme Or Reason – Esther Alexander
• Shipwrecks And Islands
• Still Small Voice – original 3 CD pack release
• Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow – Andy Piercy & David Clifton
• Twelve Stories Of Angels
• Providence – The Woodthieves

David Clifton is taking time out from finishing off his string quartet and folk projects to record live concert sound at several venues during Knoxville’s Big Ears festival. If you are in town, don’t miss this excellent music festival, which this year features Laurie Anderson, Philip Glass, Yo La Tengo, Andrew Bird, Kiasmos, Mary Halverson, Lambchop, Marc Ribot, The Gloaming from Ireland, and outstanding English folk singer Olivia Chaney amongst many other greats from around the world. Full details here on the website: Big Ears Festival

Phil Baggaley is writing and recording a new musical, which will be staged in Derby this summer. “The Same Sky” will premier in Derby at The Assembly Rooms in June. Phil is writing the music along with author Tim Harvey.

There is an exciting rumour going around that Little Big Stuff, one of the best bands to hail from Hereford along with The Pretenders, The Misers and Mott The Hoople, will be getting together to record new music and play shows and festivals in the near future. Further news soon from Paul Kingston, principle writer for the band and other artists, including Ellice.

News very soon on Charlotte’s folk album…!