Cyril Philips

Cyril Phillips: was born on 5 November 1911 in Dorset.  While he was still a small boy his father moved their entire farm by train to Firle in Sussex.  Cyril left school at the age of 14 to work on his father’s farm.  They had their first car in 1927.  He learned his songs in the villages and farms of Sussex and between the wars was a regular performer in village smoking concerts, harvest suppers and local pubs.

Not a great singer or musician, he nevertheless gave much pleasure to his audience with the unbridled zeal which typified his performance.  Cyril played guitar and melodeon and did a bucolic, sub-Albert Richardson act, including a smock and folding five-bar gate!  He delighted in the folk revival and visited many clubs and festivals, often as chauffeur to other singers.  Scan Tester, George Spicer and George Belton all told hair-raising stories of his particular style of driving.  Scarcely a single contributor to these notes who knew him has failed to mention it as well - some spoke of little else!

After his wife’s death he retired from his farm at Firle and roamed the world, principally Australia, the US and Canada, sending home hilarious letters of his latest escapades.  At home he was always much in demand at village gatherings, not just for his songs but also for his traditional stories and reminiscences which he had gathered at home and abroad during his life.  He died in 1990, remembered not just for his songs but also for his friendship and generosity - and his driving.

Cyril made an LP for Transatlantic XTRA, The Brave Ploughboy (XTRS1150), issued 1975.

--RodStradling 17:45, 26 March 2007 (BST)