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I realise that there’s a plethora of new year blogs that hit the net in January, with people listing all the amazing highs and lows of the last twelve months. Sometimes it’s great but after a while you reach overload.

So, this isn’t my look back. Thanks to everyone who put on shows and came to shows, bought the CD’s, gave to the charity and bought me liquorice. And if I stayed in your house while I was on the road, really, I had the best nights sleep, thanks!

I have a break from gigging for month. It’s intentional and I’m using the time to get ready for recording in Feb and putting together a book and CD, finishing off some songs and that kind of thing. It’s great, but it does make me feel a little insecure. I love playing live and I get fidgety if I don’t have at least a coupe of shows a month. I guess performing can be a bit like a drug that gives you a buzz when you do it and when you don’t, you get withdrawals.

So here I am at the start of the month wondering how I’ll get through. I may sneak off to our local folk club for a couple of sly floor spots or even hunt out an open mic night. It’s been a while since I resorted to such measure but it’s important to have a backup plan in times of crisis!

One of the things I love about touring is the people I get to meet. I’ve made some great friends over the last few years and it’s been a real honour to be able to sing and tell the stories to you, to eat your food and drink wine with you!

So looking forward to 2012, here’s the plan…. In March you should see a compilation of some new versions of the older songs with a book of the stories with them. They’re songs that you asked to go on the album so I hope you like what we’ve done with them.

Then to coincide with that, I’ll be touring up and down the country from March to May. There’s a few dates left so if you’d like a gig in your local venue, church or living room then do let me know. It’s gonna be a great time.

I’ve already been booked for a few festivals including the Warwick and Bromyard folk Festivals and Weyfest in Dorset with After the Fire.

If it’s anything like last year there’ll be all kinds  unexpected happenings on the way. You never know,  I may enter the Olympics.

Rob will be playing two dates in December with his old pal Gareth Davies-Jones.

The pair have been touring together since 2005 and this is the first year that, due to the work load, they haven’t managed a tour. So these two dates will be a great chance to see the duo play some old a new songs.

Read more

Rob will be the special guest for two dates of the Adrian Plass and Jeff Lucas Seriously Funny UK tour in December.  Read more

Rob will be taking part in the grand opening of a new fairtrade shop in Eastleigh, Hants on 5th November Read more