The Deacons

The Deacons 1983

"The Deacons... In 1974 a crack bunch of teachers were sent to the Midlands by education authorities for crimes they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from the maximum security classrooms of Hednesford and Codsall to the Staffordshire folk music underground.

Today, still wanted by the authorities, they survive as musicians of fortune.

If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hear them - The Deacons are coming! 

                                                                                                 - Warren Van Duesbury

......... alternatively..... The Deacons were a popular folk group around Staffordshire and the West Midlands in the late 1970s and throughout the 80s. The line up was:

Irwin Bottomley - guitar and vocals

Dave Clarke - Guitar, banjo, vocals

Tony Cave - Double bass and vocals

Graham Bellinger - Guitar, harmonica, madolin, banjo, vocals

In 1987 they were joined by Martin Thompson - all instruments known to mankind.

They released a cassette in 1985 'Happy As Saturday' and an LP in 1987 'Using That Thing'.

They ran a hugely popular folk club at Worston Mill near Stafford throughout the 1980s.

They took an extended holiday from 1991 when Graham moved to Cheshire but reformed in 1997 to celebrate the LP's tenth anniversary. They enjoyed it so much that, despite many requests from the audience, they still play the occasional gig whenever they get the chance.

Bott, Dave and Martin can be found singing and playing in a session at the Spittal Brook pub in Stafford most Tuesdays.

There's a lot more old stuff about the Deacons in a blog on the home page of this site

"I have worked with many bands in my time and can honestly say that the Deacons is one of them."

                                                                      - Monty Grasp, Band manager (and pal)