SONGS
Trish has written songs on a variety of subjects including, 21st Century attitudes to disability, 19th Century Iron Works and an 18th Century cure for the plague. However, most of her songs relate to her family history and it was these songs which were brought together in 2023 in the show Como Boy to Coram Girl.
Trish writes the odd tune and occasionally sings her own songs, but for the most part, musical arrangements are by Mark (Trish’s husband). Fortunately for Trish, Mark is also a fine folk singer and guitarist who takes her songs out on the road in Folk Clubs and sessions.
Como Boy to Coram Girl
This is a story from Trish’s family history, told in spoken word and including Trish’s original songs Antonio’s Song, Leaving, Pillatt Perfect, All At Sea, Turn of the Tide, Sailing Away, Matron of All Saints Home for the Social Improvement of Women & Coram Girl.
Como Boy to Coram Girl begins in 1797 as General Napoleon Bonaparte sweeps across Northern Italy. It tells the tale of a young man who leaves his home for the chance of a better life – and the life he built on the streets of Nottingham Town, his family and their connection to the Coram Girl.
It is essentially a story about home. Leaving home because of war, building a new home, having nowhere to call home – all against the backdrop of the social realities of poverty, industrial revolution, and harsh Presbyterian morality.
Trish, as story-teller was delighted to be joined on stage by Fi Fraser (nationally renowned singer & instrumentalist) on vocals and providing harmonies, and of course, Mark, who created the arrangements, on vocals and guitar.
Song Writing
Trish is a two-time winner of Derby Folk Festival’s Songwriter Competition, with her songs Sailing Away (2018) and Turn of the Tide (2019). Both songs were awarded a place in the finals of The John Birmingham Cup at Whitby Folk Festival. Unfortunately, due to Covid 19, Turn of The Tide could not be sung at Whitby – the lovely organisers sent Trish this pretty Whitby mug as a consolation prize!
