Bands

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Nick has been playing as a duo - with Mary Barber - and in a succession of ceilidh bands for many years. Nick plays melodeon, horn and recorder. Mary plays fiddle. They made a CD Crossword in 1997.

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As the resident band for Lancaster University Folk Dance Club with Brian Ingersent:

The Geese in the Bog: Nick on piano accordion, Mary on fiddle, Brian on banjulele

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With Brian Smith as caller as The Random Band (sorry Roger Smith).

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In East Sussex as Maxwell's Demon:

Mary Barber (fiddle)

Nick (banjo and horn)

Dave Parry (melodeon)

Jim Harding (anglo concertina)

Bernice Harding (percussion)

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With the arrival of children going out together for band together gigs got tricky, so Mary played in Rough Music (with Vic Gammon and Steve Harrison) while Nick played in The Official Brawl (with Gordon Wood, Steve Harrison and Huw Jones)

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Still playing occasionally is the Celebrated Nook Band:

Started in Holmfirth in 1983, and named after "The Nook" pub in Holmfirth. Members are:

• Mary Barber: fiddle

• Nick Barber: melodeon, horn, recorders

• Malcolm Ellis: trombone, guitar

• Andy Garbett: drums

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Current bands are English Rebellion, the Stean Cottage Band and The Barber Band. 

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As a duo Nick and Mary continue to explore traditional English dance music. Nick is also musician for White Rose Morris Men and Mary for Hexadaisy

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