Dave’s story begins with a sudden twist of fate. “I fell over in the street,” he explained. A simple fall led to months in the hospital, with doctors saying he’d never walk again. But if there’s one thing to take away from Dave’s outlook, it’s his determination. “I don’t want to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair,” he said. It’s this same grit that has carried him through the long and uncertain days of rehab.

While his recovery is still ongoing, Dave speaks about one of the hardest parts of his time at the centre—missing out on live folk music. “I think quite often about not seeing or hearing  [live music],” he shared. For someone who has dedicated so much of his life to the folk scene, the absence of the music, the community, and the shared experience has left a noticeable void.

And yet, his passion for folk music shines through every word he speaks about it, demonstrating how art and community can provide comfort and inspiration even in the toughest times.

For Dave, it all started when he was 15 years old. While he should have been at home finishing his homework, he snuck off one Monday night to visit the Spinners Club at Gregson’s Well. “I loved it,” he said, recalling how he quickly became a regular. The club was packed, and the music captivated him. They played songs rich with choruses, ones that stirred something in his soul.

Over the years, Dave carved out his place in the folk scene, with the Spinners acting as a stepping stone. He began singing, performing his first song, “The Keeper,” at the club to an enthusiastic audience. “The feeling of singing before an audience was fantastic,” recalled Dave. That first spark propelled him toward forming the Windmill Folk, a group he joined after an audition that felt more like destiny. From singing at packed clubs to opening venues, the Windmill Folk became a part of the lively folk community, leaving an indelible mark.

Dave and Brian’s conversation is peppered with memories of folk clubs that once thrived. There was the ship in Haskayne Bank , known for its crowded, electric atmosphere, and Pat Batty’s club in Westhoughton, where Dave could always be found at the front row. Folk clubs were more than venues. They were lifelines, places where like-minded people came together to celebrate music and community.

Names like Gary and Vera, Barbara Dixon, and Steeleye Span make frequent appearances in their stories, underscoring a shared history with some of folk music’s most cherished figures. Whether it was climbing through a window at a packed performance or nearly falling into a canal outside a gig, the wild, spirited camaraderie and shared joy left a permanent imprint on their lives.

Not all of the memories were humorous, though. Reflecting on the evolution of folk clubs, they acknowledged the challenges these institutions have faced. Some closed due to rising costs, others because of changing times. But the spirit of those nights—of friends singing together, stories shared over pints, and audiences clapping for more—is still alive in their memories.

Another highlight of their conversation was Dave’s festival adventures. For 20 years, he and his wife Anne ran a festival in Dunoon, Scotland. Nestled amidst stunning scenery, it was more than just an event—it was a labour of love. Together, they worked tirelessly to bring in top-notch artists and create an intimate, magical experience for everyone involved.

Reflecting on this chapter, Dave spoke warmly of the friendships they built along the way. It wasn’t just about headlining acts and packed schedules; it was about community. “We were proud we did it,” he said.

They also touched on their experiences with some of the folk scene’s biggest names—Phil Cunningham, Eddie Reader, Steeleye Span, and Mary Hell, to name a few. Tales of comparing (or hosting) gigs had its own dose of entertaining mishaps, like forgetting artists’ names mid-introduction or being mistaken for a guest trying to sneak in.

One of the longest-standing pillars of their folk legacy was the magazine Folk North West. For decades, Dave was at the helm, preserving and sharing stories of the folk music community. While the magazine has since moved online, the memories it stirred and the connections it nurtured remain timeless. “It only missed one issue in 46 years,” Dave proudly noted—a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.

The shift to an online platform reflects the changing tides of the folk community, but as their conversation suggests, the core of the folk spirit hasn’t wavered. “People just wanted to know the club dates,” Dave chuckled, acknowledging that the heart of the magazine lies in its utility to connect people.

What emerges most vividly from Brian and Dave’s discussion is their enduring love for folk music—not just the songs and the performances, but the people and the stories that surrounded them. From bustling clubs in Liverpool and beyond, to quiet, reflective moments shared with friends, folk music has given them so much to hold onto.

Even in moments of adversity, like Dave’s ongoing recovery, the memories of the music scene buoy their spirits. It’s a reminder to all of us that music is more than entertainment. It’s a refuge, a connection, and often, a way to keep moving forward, no matter what life throws at us.

Dave continues to hold onto his dream of walking, just as he holds onto his memories of folk music. And those memories aren’t just his—they’re part of a vibrant, living history that everyone who loves folk can share and celebrate.

If there’s anything this story teaches us, it’s that the stage lights may dim and the magazines may go digital, but the spirit of folk—the friendships, the laughter, the music—will always play on.

“For nearly 50 years, Dave Jones has been at the heart of folk music in our region.  A richly voiced performer, knowledgeable compere, folk club and event organiser, he has reflected on local creativity through his writing and reviews, as well as encouraging its future through workshops for young and developing musicians.  In addition, his 30+ years of involvement with Folk North West Magazine and the associated Federation of Clubs has seen him champion true grass roots participation for both performers and audiences, including securing the involvement of his wife Anne in more recent years.  His knowledge and experience are unparalleled and his enthusiasm remains undiminished, even in these challenging times. ”

Damian – Folk North West