Billy Bennington – Norfolk Dulcimer Player

Garland Films – filmed by Barry Callaghan and Tim Price

Billiy Bennington learned toi play the hammer dulcimer from the great Billy Cooper, and for nearly 75 years provided music around the villages of his native central Norfolk. He continued to play right up to his death in the autumn of 1986, and when this film was made was still at the height of his powers. In the film, Billy plays a selection of marches, polkas, waltzes and jigs, demonstrating a range of hammer and plucking techniques. Billy also talks about his life and his music, and demonstrates a jig doll that he made as a teenager.

Published EFDSS in association with Garland Films (re-issued 2000)