was formed in February 2009 from musicians who were playing with another dance band. The original band, having played at two private functions, recruited two musicians who had guested for them at a previous gig. They kitted out with professional standard equipment, and embarked on an intensive period of rehearsal. A sound engineer and replacement caller joined the crew, and a very successful New Year’s Eve appearance followed. This promptly resulted in a repeat booking, and with other enquiries to follow, a new band was formed.

Now settled in their new format, indications show that Swain's Gold are well on their way to becoming a force to be reckoned with on the ceilidh and barn dance scene in the West Country.

The present band members are:

Mandola and Mandolin Tony made his first public performance at the age of 14 (which is now that long ago, he can barely remember), playing guitar in a church concert, after which he played in various bands in the Midlands, performing at clubs and folk clubs. After a long break from music, he moved to the West Country, and took up mandolin and, later, mandola. After a spell playing music with Susie, Pam and Perren, he joined with them in forming Swain's Gold. He can also play the tenor banjo, guitar and bouzouki.
Percussion Susie first started playing percussion at the age of 12, when she went to a music audition instead of double maths. This has resulted in her being well able to play the tunes, but never being sure how many times! It wasn’t until 1984 that she started to play more seriously with local groups around the Isle of Purbeck, and after moving to Cornwall she got involved with Wreckers Morris Band, which resulted in her becoming a valued member of Swain's Gold. Susie is also responsible for the artwork forming the logo of the band.
Accordian Coming from a musical family, Angie’s first instrument was piano. She was given her first accordion in her early teens, so she could help lead a group of carol singers (anyone who wants Good King Wenceslas in jig time, please write to Angie). The accordion was then rarely taken from its case for many years, until 2004 when she was first asked to play for a ceilidh. From that time on she hasn't looked back, and now adds her considerable talents to the line-up of Swain's Gold. She can also play guitar, and is a very good keyboard player.
Whistles and Recorders Pam has been a musician for many years, playing the clarinet in various orchestras and bands. She is a keen dancer (classical, jazz, contemporary, ballroom and morris), but after recent injuries has had to be content with playing music instead, developing a real passion for recorders and whistles of all shapes and sizes! She enjoys playing more lyrical sounds with her other half, Perren, for busking in Europe! (EEC, you have been warned!) She also dabbles with other instruments, including saxophone, melodeon, lap harp and piano.
Guitars and 5 String Banjo Perren, like Pam, suffers from the desire to collect and play anything musical (despite buying a banjo), and professes to have almost mastered the kazoo (he's nearly onto level 2!). He would like to play some of his whistles but they've been nicked by Pam, so he is threatening to learn to play the bagpipes instead. Influenced by heavy rock, his enthusiasm to up the beat has sometimes to be curtailed for the safety of the dancers! He provides a solid and creative rhythm backing to the band, and is invaluable for both finger style and strum accompaniment on both guitars and banjo.
Caller Caroline came to ceilidh calling from a strong morris dancing background. She started Morris dancing in the early 1980s, and progressed to teaching the dances with a couple of sides. She has danced several different types of morris including Cotswold, Northwest, Appalachian and most recently Border. She enjoys teaching people how to dance, and has the ability to explain, and to guide the dancers whether they be beginners or seasoned ceilidh goers. She prefers to call from the dance floor using a radio mic rather than from the stage, so that she is readily on hand to demonstrate the steps and moves if necessary. However, the band would like her to carry a large flag with her at all times, so that we can see her from the stage!
Sound Engineer Dave has the distinction of having sat through dozens of rehearsals, and as far as can be remembered, has only fallen asleep at one. His resilience and devotion to duty is of the highest order, if he is paid enough. He has the task of making us sound even better than we are already (difficult I know, you will say) and manages it very well, aided by his excellent PA system and unending patience with five wayward musicians. He also takes care of our bookings, local publicity, and is responsible for many of the photos on this website – a man of many talents, for which we are very grateful.