David Essex Myfanwy

[@LoinkyToinky]

Direct Download of the full Mpeg Video!! 1drv.ms/v/s!ANEYKw-3GKK-gcAA

[@mikeread1917]

It won't load. Pity I hadn't seen the full video since we made it.

[@LoinkyToinky]

@@mikeread1917 Just use the download button at the top to download it to your computer! It's an mpeg format video DVD type & will play in any media player like VLC etc

[@sugoodacre]

@@LoinkyToinky Thanks so much for this... I was one of Myfanwy's friends at tea in this video... is it OK if I repost it?

[@LoinkyToinky]

@@mikeread1917 onedrive.live.com/?cid=BEA218B70F2B18D1&id=BEA218B70F2B18D1%2124576&parId=BEA218B70F2B18D1%21643&o=OneUp

[@LoinkyToinky]

@@sugoodacre Share away! More folk need to see this rare video!

[@vordman]

So evocative of an England that no longer exists.

[@iainclark5964]

It does, you just need to look deeply

[@johnperks8620]

Why this wasn't a huge hit for David I will never know. Loved it the first time I heard it many years ago.

[@victorberquez3254]

I agree with all that you wrote. Victor from Australia.

[@johnperks8620]

@@victorberquez3254 Thanks for your reply, I am also from Australia.

[@danielbrown4133]

@@victorberquez3254 Me too.

[@danielbrown4133]

@@johnperks8620 Like you, this fine piece got me in on first hearing. Certainly something about it us Australians love. I'm from Queensland.

[@dalesharp5393]

I`m also from Queensland Australia and I`ve loved this song for as long as I can remember, for me it`s his best song, I`ve listened to it a thousand times and I`ll continue to listen to it because to me its a story about when we were children and brings back so many memories

[@Mrmdkr]

We all thought the David Essex Myfanwy video that we shot at Magdalen College Oxford was lost years ago. It's great to see it again although the panoramic top and tail views of the Dreaming Spires is missing. Directed by former Top of the Pops producer Gordon Elsbury & featuring actress Rachel Roberts as the young Myfanwy. The tea party scene was shot in John Betjeman's old rooms and the waitress is David Essex' daughter, Verity.

[@WickerAndroid]

Didn't you write this.....?

[@Mrmdkr]

Indeed, I wrote the music. The words were written by sir john betjeman.

[@wagbelt]

nice music to a great J.B.poem Mike ,loved the Radio 1 shows,need you back on the wireless.

[@waynedev1621]

Brilliant Song! I still have this on 'VHS' somewhere!x

[@magicwandfour]

hi mike, can you clear this up.was Rachel Roberts in the vid the girl from grange hill or the girl from the levi 501 advert. by the way I love john Betjeman poems and this version should have become a national treasure.

[@stanleywalker2566]

If only we had that world back. I hate this world of electronic devices. It was simpler in the war years we all helped each other. We now lack a Myfanwy attitude. But thanks for the memory that I live within each and every day. For I am 89 and miss the years when milk was kept in a bucket in the pantry and eggs were really fresh and had brown shells. I had better stop now as the Virus is on the idiot box again. Thank you Sir John Betjeman for making me smile again.

[@CarrieP-W]

I remember when this came out. I was 18 and I was so delighted; it was my favourite poet, my favourite DJ and one of my favourite singers.... I loved it then, and still do now.🥰

[@mikebrough3434]

To think this never made the UK Top 40. One of England's greatest poets and a singer who captures the wistfulness of the poem... And then Mike Read's perfect music. Perfection.

[@hummycarton]

Listen to Frank Chacksfield's Donkey Cart. Do you think it is similar?

[@markprice1647]

I remember how I discovered this song.. in a cut price CD bin in a market music store and it has been one of my favourite songs since the first time I heard it.. Why this was never a hit it a shame that the British public should bear heavily😂😂🙄😭😭Top song🤔😜

[@brennan60100]

I love this song by David Essex - it should've been a #1 hit for sure in 1987 (I think it was that year).

[@doonewatts7155]

My favourite poem, my favourite rendition, for me perfection

[@rubewaddell1704]

If any song is designed to break a heart, this is it.

[@fayedeutsher9387]

This song is beautiful and has always taken me to a safe and loving space 💕

[@luannekuelzer6333]

Kind oer the kinderbank leans my Myfanwy, White oer the playpen the sheen of her dress, Fresh from the bathroom and soft in the nursery Soap scented fingers I long to caress. Were you a prefect and head of your dormitry? Were you a hockey girl, tennis or gym? Who was your favourite? Who had a crush on you? Which were the baths where they taught you to swim? Smooth down the Avenue glitters the bicycle, Black-stockinged legs under navy blue serge, Home and Colonial, Star, International, Balancing bicycle leant on the verge. Trace me your wheel-tracks, you fortunate bicycle, Back to the house on the fringe of the park. Golden the light on the locks of Myfanwy, Golden the light on the book on her knee, Finger marked pages of Rackhams Hans Anderson, Time for the children to come down to tea. Oh! Fullers angel-cake, Robertsons marmalade, Liberty lampshade, come shine on us all, My! what a spread for the friends of Myfanwy, Some in the alcove and some in the hall. Then what sardines in half-lighted passages! Locking of fingers in long hide-and-seek. You will protect me, my silken Myfanwy, Ring leader, tom-boy, and chum to the weak.

[@2000mk1]

I remember watching this on No Limits when it was broadcast and it really moved me. It should have been a huge hit. Thank you so much for posting, it still brings a tear to my eyes.

[@LoinkyToinky]

This is from the No Limits program!

[@timwingham8952]

I agree. It really is moving.

[@culturalstudiesenglish3971]

A very esoteric poem brought to life by the brilliant Mike Read and David Essex, brings a tear to my eye, a family favourite in my household

[@rubewaddell1704]

I can't believe that it wouldn't bring a tear to anyone who has a heart

[@tarasnedden806]

I’ve always thought that the arrangement of this song was a work of genius; unique and beautiful in every way. This takes me back to younger, simpler days when I was the age of the girls in the video…to hear the names of old shops and to know that the girls are now middle aged like me (including Rod Stewart’s one time wife, Rachel Hunter) is a delight and a comfort…thank you

[@CandleLight1974]

The actress playing Myfanwy in this video is not Rachel Hunter. It's Rachel Robertson who has been married to fellow actor, Nick Berry, since 1994.

[@leetimmins1314]

Thank you for making this available. Evokes memories of a far simpler world, and of friends and sweethearts long lost to me.

[@raypitcher9767]

My, how wonderful to see it preserved, though I remember it like yesterday and bought the record at the time, couldn't put it down actually. Being a large fan of Betjeman, this beautiful ballad with enthralling lyrics is a testament to the genius of. How 'Love' is held and captured so neat within the frame, giving only a mere peek within it's 3 minutes of play. We are spellbound.

[@raymondreeve7546]

One of my all time favourite songs. David Essex a wonderful artist. Creates wonderful memories that todays generation could never understand or appreciate.

[@raypitcher9767]

Well expressed and much appreciated, it will always be immortalised by Mr. Essex@@raymondreeve7546

[@metalman4141]

What a wonderful artist David Essex is. To be able to preform chart songs to a classic poem utter brilliance.

[@FurryAminal]

The memory of that girl on the bicycle has stayed with me since I first saw this (aged 18)

[@davidoflinn4101]

Great tune , 🎶🎸

[@nancynewman8928]

FurryAminal never gets old memories stay forever 😊♥️

[@martinjones4747]

I wanted to name my daughter after this song but my wife decided on Megan - I still call my daughter this every now and then - such a beautiful song

[@CandleLight1974]

It's such a much prettier name than Megan that sounds like something stuck in a throat.

[@leonardbresland4288]

Masterful production and fitting tribute to Betjeman's legacy.

[@davidharrison9881]

I loved this beautiful song never tired of hearing it

[@knockedoutloaded279]

It's hards not to cry when listening to this;;;perfection.........

[@cjbeaven9646]

I have got the 12" version of this song which I had brought back in 1987 which was one of many classic ballads that David Essex had released in the 1980's. The lyrics were based on a poem by Sir John Betjemen where the music was composed by DJ Mike Reid and David Essex and was written as a waltz and based on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite waltz, 'Valse des Fleurs'. The girl in the video was actually called Rachel and not Myfanwy. Unfortunately, it had peaked just outside of the top 40 after its initial release but was one of his best productions.

[@timwingham8952]

Might be worth changing "Mike Reid" to Mike READ. Two very different people.

[@amyw6403]

This is one of my middle names thanks to this song..

[@aubellefleurbbsigogne9252]

Still one of my favorite David Essex songs and this is a lovely clip. Thank you so much for uploading this.

[@garnetgourlay3988]

From The Land Downunder ,This is England to me , Such subtle beauty.

[@janiceprime1245]

such a beautiful man music is first class love him since 40 yrs and more xx

[@ilsy74]

I always loved this song... looking for it for years. Thank you

[@johnbower7452]

I always think of a girl I fancied when I was 22 when I hear this; her name wasn't Myvanwy but somehow the image in my mind fit her; though not the girl in the video who was nothing like her. It still works just listening to the song. Wonder what happened to her.

[@topps9647]

Me too John. Oh well!..we have our memories my friend.

[@nicolalow5903]

One of my late Mum's favourites and now one of mine, thank you so much for this. Bless you and a speedy recovery.x

[@timwingham8952]

The tune matches the words perfectly. Fine work Mike.

[@anniehaynes1561]

So wonderful to see this again, loved David loved John B..put them together & what do you get ..heaven😳

[@hanvanderzwan6176]

I remember the program. I've been looking for this video ever since. Strange to see it back after all these years. Many thanks.

[@luker4786]

Amazing ! Thank you for saving this from disappearing for eternity, and for your generosity in sharing it. Sincerely appreciated.

[@sugoodacre]

I echo your sentiments precisely!

[@wendysellen8683]

Such a beautiful song and sang by the gorgeous legend David Essex ♥

[@knockedoutloaded279]

written by John betjeman

[@navydoll]

boy...i hope this goes straight to the archives. How wonderful am lost for "modern" words

[@CarolAnnRunham]

What a beautiful song

[@theanorak73]

wow, been looking for this for years... thank you so much

[@daviddarrall9384]

I have an original 12inch Single! Song on one side, orchestral version on the other. Would not swap it for the world!! UK.

[@harrisd389]

Same, such a beautiful song ❤

[@montyzumazoom1337]

Lovely song, one of my favourites.

[@filsgreen]

Thanks for posting mate, hope you've made a full recovery from your stroke. 🤞🤞👍

[@magicwandfour]

god bless you for this download I thought it was lost forever. I remember only ever seeing this once and as I always watched `no limits` (I had a bit of a thing for the presenter jenny powell) it was probably this broadcast. Betjeman had the incredible gift of evoking magic out of everyday things. I think he would have approved of the video. because of this video I started to read his poems, `hunter trials` is my favourite and I still laugh everytime I read it.

[@sugoodacre]

I'm grateful too... I was in this video... and how incredibly proud of it being on cool No Limits... Jenny Powell was great... another presenting icon (can you think of another?!?) Su xxx

[@topps9647]

I'm with you there Mic. Jenny was and is a lovely lady! Beautiful song that did'nt hit the heights that it should have. Take care mate.

[@topps9647]

A favourite of mine since it came out. Should have hit the top 10 but somehow did'nt make the top 40. Not the fault of Betjeman, Read, Essex. Amazing!

[@chandlak8952]

This is a great song, probably David's best! Thank you for sharing it!

[@brianpage7935]

This was not written by Mike Batt. The words are from a poem by Sir John Betjeman

[@christopherbusby1726]

An absolute Gem.........

[@craigfitzsimmons8412]

A much underrated song; a classic poem expertly treated. So atmospheric. I would love to meet Myfanwy!

[@nancynewman8928]

So handsome this man 😊♥️♥️

[@79britchik]

I love this song and David essex

[@keithnaylor1981]

Just beautiful, always fills my eyes!

[@aliceneedham6561]

Lovely song

[@richardbowness1595]

I understand that the young waitress in the video is David's daughter in real life.

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

Yea that’s right!

[@petergavan7571]

a great song, i love it

[@CandleLight1974]

This and 'Tregardock', voiced by Justin Hayward, are the standout tracks of the gorgeous and timeless album that is Mike Read's 'Poetry in Motion'. John Betjeman was always my favourite poet and I adored hearing his relatable words put to music.

[@simonlowe9790]

Beautiful song from a bygone era.

[@bedboundrevolution]

my middle name comes from this songggggg

[@brendabattle7842]

I would give my last Rolo to have a copy of this...

[@seckyap9828]

Nick Eccles

[@philabbott6665]

Brenda Battle I have copy of this.

[@LoinkyToinky]

See the update in the original post & it's yours :)

[@sugoodacre]

@@LoinkyToinky I'm one of the girls at tea in the video! Is it OK if I repost on my channel? Perhaps you'll send me any relevant credit info... so great to see this. Love Su

[@LoinkyToinky]

@@sugoodacre Of Course!!

[@frobsey]

So magical.Thank you.Be well

[@alanoneill3065]

That girl is so lovely...perfect for the part...I wonder who she is

[@bobw7066]

A absolutely beautiful song composed by Joseph Parry in 1875 and sang with such tenderness by David Essex, I have listened to this song from when it first came out. I had a brief glimpse of this video on the ABC's show RAGE many years ago and spent many years searching for it and eventually gave up. I am very happy to have come across it, to the person who posted it many thanks. And I totally agree with the comment by Furry Animal. English girls are undoubtedly the most beautiful in the world./

[@davidevans-eg1ut]

This version is y Mike Read, Joseph Parry composed the Welsh language song Myfanwy which is completely different

[@CandleLight1974]

This is John Betjeman's poem set to the music of Mike Read. Joseph Parry's is a completely different one.

[@timwingham8952]

This is composed by Mike Read not Joseph Parry.

[@aubellefleurbbsigogne9252]

Waw never ever seen this fanatastic version

[@davidoflinn4101]

Love it 🎶🎸

[@karenhone9900]

Absolutely beautiful ❤

[@samholden2476]

He looks cute in glasses😍

[@jagdpanther1944]

He looks cute in anything:)

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

@@jagdpanther1944 He's David Essex...I don't know what "IT" is, but he's got IT!

[@maryridout2443]

most of the Sylvia young class for that year [female] love your music mike we once swapped records on a show you did? i wanted a copy of Rosie for rik mayall my pal for 9 years sent [his daughters name] you asked for a Francoise hardy e.p someone else wanted i had it was Rachel r. Roberts as there had been a Rachel Roberts already she married nick berry my son gordon went to s.youngs you see and indeed is an actor still

[@sugoodacre]

I remember little Gordon at school... xx

[@paulc4483]

Fantastic.

[@cathywoods2089]

wonderful

[@alanoneill3065]

lovely song...but toooo nostalgic for me...can't watch

[@brzercuckoo6809]

I have never cared for women but this song makes me appreciate why some people do.

[@iainclark5964]

To hate just over 50% of the population due to their sex is to be honest not rational.

[@ivanugliarse]

Thank you,

[@bess9265]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cariolsperni2998]

❤😢

[@IanSmallwood-b7e]

Shame it didn't make a big impression at the time.

[@darrenmitchell5262]

I thought it was cold Myfanny 😆

[@megaphoenix2001]

wasnt the main girl in the video in grange hill think she played julie

[@magicwandfour]

if as mike read says above its Rachel Roberts (I think she actually went by the name Rachel Victoria Roberts to distinguish her from the welsh actress-famous for `this sporting life`) then she played Justine Dean. however there was another Rachel Roberts around at this time, who at the age of 14 she featured in the levi 501 advert which had the soldier leaving his girlfriend at the station accompanied by the percy sledge song `when a man loves a women`, I think it might be her.

[@sugoodacre]

​@@magicwandfour yup it's 501 Rachel Roberts latterly Robertson xx

[@justushall9634]

Is 'kinderbank' a real word? What does it refer to? "Home and colonial, star international". What does that refer to?

[@andrewbealey5168]

Home and Colonial Star and International were old English supermarket chains

[@justushall9634]

There is also a furniture company called Star International.

[@ladymyfanwy7934]

Wow, I never knew! 😘

[@edmund184]

our England is fastly disappearing

[@dennisbeck5707]

Does anyone know the name of this pretty actress

[@cjbeaven9646]

She was called Rachel.

[@davidevans-eg1ut]

@@cjbeaven9646 Rachel Robertson, she married Nick Berry.

[@davidtapp3950]

Who wrote the lovely music, please?

[@dylhansmith6095]

Mike read

[@robs639]

Yuck!

[@robrowland3541]

Would have more meaning and expression if he had sung this in the original Welsh language

[@michaelgargett2005]

Rob Rowland, written by an Englishman, in English, sir John Betjamin the poet laureate.

[@robrowland3541]

Istand corrected but it still is more expressive sung in Welsh

[@jagdpanther1944]

Verse and poetry belong to everyone, not just one nation or group

[@davidevans-eg1ut]

@@robrowland3541 You are mixing this up with the Welsh language song Myfanwy written by Dr. Joseph Parry. They are completely different songs.

[@timwingham8952]

Original language??? This is an English poem written in English by the Englishman J Betjamin, with music composed by Mike Read. An Englishman.

[@sandrathomson7288]

Creepy

[@bobw7066]

What is creepy about this beautiful song based on a lovely old poem ?. I feel sorry for you.

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

It’s written in the context of a man reminiscing about an old girlfriend as he walks around the college grounds. He’s inspired to write about her - as Betjeman himself was You’ll notice how when he sings of her the image are all slightly soft focus and sepia…how you could interpret this as creepy is unfortunate?

[@StephenJennings-n6g]

Great song