Iain McDonald©If you’re a regular listener to “Reading Between The Lines”, our story podcast in association with the Oddfellows, you’ll no doubt recognise our cheerful theme tune, “The Dear Old People’s Friend”.
But did you know that the music and lyrics for this song were written by two of our readers, all the way back in 1905?
To he best of our knowledge, the song was never officially performed . . . until we asked composer and broadcaster Neil Brand to perform it for our podcast. It really sets the tone for a journey back through our Archives!
A new take
And we’re not the only ones to think so.
Current “Friend” reader and contributor David Balmer liked it so much, he wanted to have a crack at playing it himself.
After we gave him the sheet music, David came up with a wonderful reimagining of the podcast theme tune, that we’re only too happy to share with you.
Have a listen to his version below:
What do you think?
We love it so much, we’re planning on featuring it in a future episode!
“Reading Between The Lines” episodes
If you haven’t listened to any episodes of “Reading Between The Lines” (or if you just want to listen to one again!), we’ve included a list below.
Just click the titles to open the episodes automatically in a podcast app you have installed on your computer, phone or tablet.
Episode 1: “A Night Among Robbers: An American Adventure” (1871), by anon.
Narrated by Alex, with a panel of Alex, Iain, Mairi and David.
Episode 2: “The MacPeevers’ Christmas Cards” (1906), by A.P. Macdonald.
Narrated by Judey, with a panel of Iain, Judey, Marion and Barry.
Episode 3: “The Story Of A Masterpiece: An Artist’s Romance” (1905), by Agnes Grozier Herbertson.
Narrated by Alex, with a panel of Iain, Alex, Mairi and David.
Episode 4: “The MacPeever Wrangles: The Secrets Of Freemasonry” (1906), by A.P. Macdonald.
Narrated by Judey, with a panel of Iain, Judey, Abbie and Barry.
Episode 5: “Love And Pride” (1927), by Rachel Monroe.
Narrated by Judey, with a panel of Iain, Judey, Abbie and Barry.
Episode 6: “The MacPeever Wrangles: The Burglar” (1906), by A.P. Macdonald.
Narrated by Judey, with a panel of Iain, Judey, Angela and Barry.
Episode 7: “The Girl Engine Driver: A Tale Of A Race With A Forest Fire” (1916), by W.D. Morris
Narrated by Marion, with a panel of Iain, Marion, Tracey and Barry.
Episode 8: “Caroline Wickham” (1910), by Herbert Jamieson
Narrated by Marion, with a panel of Iain, Marion, Tracey and Barry.
Episode 9: “The Black Sheep Of The Family: A Tale Of A Fancy Dress Ball” (1911), by Evelyn Hope
Narrated by Marion, with a panel of Iain, Marion, Tracey and Barry.
Episode 10: “Stella And The Spy: The Romance Of A Spring Holiday” (1917), by Margaret Douglas
Narrated by Judey, with a panel of Iain, Judey, Marion and David.
Episode 11: “A Marked Man” (1911), by Paul Herring
Narrated by Judey, with a panel of Iain, Judey, Marion and David.
Episode 12: “My Connemara Ghost” (1910), by J.E.M.
Narrated by Lucy, with a panel of Iain, Lucy, Angela and Barry.
For more on “Reading Between The Lines”, click the tag below.
Iain McDonald I am the Digital Content Editor at the “Friend”, making me responsible for managing the flow of interesting and entertaining content on the magazine’s website and social media channels.
