Our formidable foreman of music, Roderick Crane is leaving the area to be much closer to his family in Yorkshire. Rod tells his own history with YMM below, written a couple of years ago.
We would say that he (with the lovely Jinny) has been a musical rock, sometimes are only rock, within the side for nearly 50 years. A great musician, a great host, a great craftsman – someone always willing to support YMM and encourage others. Thank you Rod. We wish you the very best in your new home. We know that we will stay in touch and see you often!
‘My wife (Jinny) and I moved to our current address on 6 June 1976 from the Frimley Road, Camberley. Late 1977 Jinny met a neighbour whilst walking up the road, his name was John Cousins a founder member, it was mentioned whilst introducing each other that he was a Morris Man. Jinny’s reply was that I would be very interested, John’s reaction, apparently, was that they were not short of dancers. Oh! He would not want to dance she said, he plays the accordion. That week I was introduced to Yateley Morris men.
My history regarding music started at a very early age of 6/7 when my mother, an accomplished pianist started to teach my brother and myself the rudiments of piano playing. This consisted mainly of fingering, scales chords all basic stuff. I had to practice 30 minutes each day, and whilst I could see my friends playing outside I was stuck inside learning the basics. I mention this because I feel very strongly about the dancers learning stepping as basic learning, say no more. I studied with an elderly spinster, a Miss Rudge (one of three sisters), who lived near the Clock House in Farnborough. This went on until I reached the age of 16 when I decided to stop as I was working as an apprentice. Soon after, I was working in the engine test house with Centurian tank engines, my tutor one day offered me an accordion which I grabbed willingly although never played or even tried one before. From thereon, I taught myself the rudiments of playing, mainly Scottish dance music (Jimmy Shand), playing at home and at the local Methodist Church, then in the army, not very well but passable!
Then in 1977 I met Yateley Morris Men and the lives of me and my family changed, for the good! My mentor was Derek Bonner who played melodion. I do not play by music, rather by ear hence the differences in my music and Black Book. After a few years I was the only musician for a long time, having to learn very quickly. I attended three of the Ring Musician Instructionals which I found very useful, unfortunately they do not run them any more to the detriment of music standards within the Morris community.
At the end of Dave Henderson’s tenure as Squire he suggested I take on responsibilities as Music foreman for the side. I like to think that I do a reasonable job, ensuring there will always be a musician if I cannot be there, and that the dancers never have to wait for a musician to be ready to for them to start a dance. I love the Morris and especially the responsibility of foreman, and hope to continue for a few more years’
YATELEY MORRIS MEN 