The Yetties
The Yetties were one of England’s most popular folk groups from the late 60s until 2011.They take their name from the village of Yetminster which was their childhood home and played many times at The White Hart in the Skittle Alley. Some of their published records feature the pub in various ways. Their obvious love of the West Country, its songs, stories, and humour wins them friends wherever they go.
They travelled extensively in Europe and, under the auspices of the British Council, performed successfully in many countries including Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Pakistan, Sudan, India, Bangladesh, The Maldives, The Philippines, Ethiopia, and Canada. They had the knack of breaking down language barriers and getting people involved in what they did. Audience participation in a Yetties show was a very important ingredient and people joined in from the word go whether they were 9 or 90.
Over the years they recorded no less than 45 albums for different companies. Most of these were a mixture of songs and music but they have also been involved in some other fascinating projects. Thomas Hardy (the Dorset writer and poet) was also a musician. He and his family, over several generations, collected hundreds of folk tunes. The Yetties have done two recordings ‘Thomas Hardy’s own fiddle’ and other ‘Hardy family instruments’. So because of The Yetties, Hardy’s violin was brought back to life and so were his favourite jigs, polkas, reels, and waltzes. Another recording of which they are extremely proud is a collection of songs and stories about cricketers of the past with John Arlott.
For years they had a regular series on BBC Radio 2 called ‘Cider and Song’. They also have numerous other Radio and TV appearances to their credit. They must be about the only performers to have worked on BBC Radios 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. A selection of memorabilia, donated by members of the group (including Bob Common’s Gold disc) is displayed in the bar areas.