Coppers hit the right notes

The Copper family of Rottingdean have been singing traditional, English, rural songs for at least seven generations.

These songs are simple and unassuming, yet full of the pathos, hope and expectations of ordinary people over the centuries.

They tell of love, labour, the turning year and newsworthy events-English social history is revealed in each verse.

The songs were kept alive through difficult times by the late Bob Copper (who died aged 89 in 2004) and his brother Ron.

In the 30s, Bob became a policeman, patrolling the streets of Worthing during the Second World War. In 1971, he published an award-winning book entitled 'A Song for every Season', and later followed it with many others, including 'Across Sussex with Belloc'.

This book retraced the steps of 'The Four Men', written by Hilllaire Belloc and set in Sussex in 1902. Subsequently, the Copper's performance in Worthing will be to raise money for the Hillaire Belloc society.

The concert will be taking place on Saturday, October 28, at the Sydney Walter Centre in Sussex Road. Admission is 6.50 per person and tickets are only available on the door.

The performance will begin at 7.30pm, but arrive by 7pm to be sure of a seat.