Graeme Miles

Graeme Miles Bursary Concert

A highly successful concert took place in the handsome gothic Middlesbrough Town Hall on Friday. February 12th, 2016, to raise money for the Graeme Miles Bursary which is administered by the English Folk Dance and Song Society.

Artists taking part included many friends and admirers of Graeme's work - Mike Nicholson, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Robin Dale, The Young 'Uns and The Wilsons. MC was Kevin Hall. The Rachel Hamer Band were this year's recipients of the award and also sang, as well as The Unthanks, who help to administer the bursary and who organised the concert. A similar one took place the following night at Band in the Wall, Manchester, with the same artists taking part. Present at both was Graeme's widow Annie.  

Part of the money raised will go towards a fund for the steelworkers of Redcar who have lost their jobs. Both Mike and Martyn travelled all the way from the Sussex area to take part in the fundraising events. They and The Wilsons were long-standing friends of Graeme's and have been among the main instigators promoting Graeme's songs throughout the UK, the Antipodes and America.

An exhibition of Graeme's drawings, followed by a concert, is being organised for June this year in Saltburn-by-the-sea. Saltburn, as it is known locally, was an old stamping ground of Graeme's, and is famous for its pier, gorgeous beach and Edwardian architecture.  More details will be added once they are known.