AN atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect reigned among the four performers of folk group Time and Tide, above, which contrasted sharply with the material they delivered at this emotionally charged concert about the impact of war on ordinary people.

Cheerful and well-known music-hall songs were interspersed with folk ballads, poems and diary entries by men and women as they recounted true stories of not only the horrors of war but the hardship of life in rural Dorset that made joining the army seem like an exciting adventure.

The folk musicians recounted stories about the lives of Dorset men who went to fight for King and Country ranging from Napoleonic battles to World War I in an emotional journey that highlighted not only tragedy but courage and dignity.

Lead musician Robin Plowman seasoned the poignant tales with lighthearted and lively songs as the audience joined in the choruses in a concert also featuring Steve Sutton, Richard Wirdnam and Sophie Wright.