it was brilliant.x

loved the film. far exceeded my expectations. this is Vinnie the lovely person we all know and love to see and hear.

My husband Phil and I were at the first night showing. It was a privilege to be there and the whole evening was a joy. The film was as we had expected an excellent piece of work as Craig never lets us down. Also enjoyed the set that Vin performed in the auditorium, he is wickedly funny! We are looking forward to buying the DVD when it comes out and to Vin's next album. Well done all round.

iwas there on the first night, firstly it was a pleasure to work with vin as sound engineer on the live part,and vin is such a good entertainer to people that have seen him many times and but for me and people like my self seeing him for the very first time,,it was great to see him after a film of his life whitch was very entertaining throughout and to learn so much about him and teeside or what ever they change the name to,,thanx to vin,and craig for making the film and night such a success also thanxs to everybody else involved..........thanx john wilcok

Congratulations Craig on a lovely piece of work. You say you will continue to "tweak", presumably for the production of the DVD, but really you should relax and enjoy your success in a job well done. I saw Vin in Brisbane in March this year, but missed him at The Cutty Wren in Skelton in September!! A wonderful man and a marvellous Ambassador for Music and for us all in our corner of this blessed land. His music and his passion do us proud. Thankyou to him and many thanks to you for your effort to Spread The Word.

Many Thanks Craig and Vin for inviting me to the premiere of such an iconic film . I was amazed at the end result but not really surprised , Having been involved and supporting you with a Century in Stone since the beginning some 12 years or so ago ( was it that long ?)I expected something special and was not disappointed Great Job well done Craig
Vin !! What can I say ? to pinch the words of a certain footballer Vin is not the greatest Folk Singer in the world !!!But is definitely up there in the top ONE ,Well done keep on keeping on ,doing what you do best Cheers Ray Freeman

Saw the film with some family and friends and will be buying the DVD for some of the family not in the North East now. Vin Garbutt is a unique and precious talent who delivers both great stories and strong messages in his songs and he is someone who has had real influence on how I look at things and live my life. It amazes me that he hasn't had greater 'success' or recognition, but long may he continue to spread his love for Teeside and pass on his social messages to more and more people.

I so wanted to see the film but sadly it was completely sold out.
Been a long time fan of Vin going back to the late 70s and had really been looking forward to seeing it.

Many thanks, we saw the film last night. It felt like a cross between a documentary and a virtual concert, as you said a 'Folkumentary' which sturred the emotions like Vin at his best, we laughed and we cried, but we resisted the temptation to sing along.
I wanted to thank you personally for the clip of the St. Peter's students, as it brought back all the memories of that wonderful day, the highlight of my teaching career.
As many have said, your film is not only a tribute to an exceptional performer, but an exceptional and special film in its own right. Craig on top form again.

Vin, I went to see Teesside Troubadour last Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've followed you musically for sometime now and appreciated your great sense of humour but never realised how strongly you have stood up for principles close to your heart. My son has down syndrome and it brought a lump to my throat hearing you talk so emotively on pro-life issues connected with disabilities. Well done on sticking your neck out in such a good natured, caring and succinct way! You have a beautiful family and such an interesting life - thanks for sharing it with us! Craig has done you proud.
All Best Wishes to You and Yours.

Saw you in Napier, brilliant. Would love to get the DVD. Can I get it in Napier?

Hi Vin,

My wife Alison and I went to see Teesside Troubadour last night and enjoyed every minute of it. You really are a marvellous ambassador for this region and insomuch as it has an identity nobody has done more than you to create it.
We were pleased to hear that you will carry on singing and playing until you drop. this is good news because there is nobody else out there offering great songs, scintillating humour and superb whistle playing.
So please keep giving us more of your stuff to enjoy.
Many happy returns for your forthcoming birthday.

Our best regards to you and your lovely family.

Well Done Mate.
Used to work with you in wilton workshops.I
can still remember our tea breaks when got your guitar out
and started to sing.Tea breaks were never the same again after you
left,so keep on singing and doing the things that you love.
Good Lucky and all the very best.
PS can you remember (OSSIE)

Saw the film last night - it was brilliant!!! Can'twait for the DVD so I can see it again.

Hello Craig,it was an absolute privilege and joy to be there with you and Vin and all your families last night.You have done us ALL proud. Your films magic and a wonderful tribute to a very special South Bank lad.It deserves, and I'm sure it will have, a wide and indeed worldwide audience.You have hit all the right notes and proved what I've always said that South bank to us was the" University of Life". You have shown, in a wonderful way,the debt we owe to our parents and grandparents,teachers etc.and,last night we celebrated together as a family.Please pass on to Vin and his wonderful family our very best wishes .Craig,you are a master of your craft and more power to your elbow. Paddy Mackin and family.

Brilliant film - fantastic Teesside event watching it in a packed cinema. What an acheivement for film maker Craig and great that such talent as Vin Garbutt is finally held up in the spotlight he so thoroughly deserves.

Here is what I wrote about the film on Fly Me To The Moon website - www.fmttm.com

The film documents the life and achievements of a man who is on perpetual world tour following him through several countries and indeed continents. For the fleeting time he spends back in the area Vin calls home a once ruined cottage he has renovated, perched perilously on the cliff edge near Loftus. But what a view!

Vin Garbutt as one of the pioneers of a music for Teesside folk, has helped give the people of this area a voice. Craig Pancrack through this superb film has brought a long deserved spotlight on to the man that has helped preserve our identity and our pride and put us on a musical pedestal around the world.

Vin is an incredible performer, the film traces the roots of his stagecraft through his working class upbringing and his Irish heritage in common with so many families that moved to South Banks for the steel works. He is so witty is Vin, that the Cineworld audience are in creases for much of the 83 minutes, which flashes by.

The comedy between songs is in complete contrast to the serious nature of lyrics that can move, agitate, or provoke. Vin cannot be easily labelled, a left winger who is also a strong practising Catholic and a pro-lifer, something that many of the folk hierarchy have found difficult to stomach. But as a people person he triumphs every time. His music and his personality is all about humanity.

Film maker Craig Hornby, the man responsible for the story of our iron and steel legacy in Century In Stone has now sculpted a second Teesside classic. Craig brought the rich and unique legacy of the area back to the surface again with Century in Stone and he has spent the last 3 years assembling another phenomenal slice of Teesside heritage.

This is a film that will make you feel proud of your roots. In Vin Garbutt we have a wonderful crusader for our cause. As Craig says this is a film not just about a Teesside folkie but is the story of Teesside folk as championed by a genius in Vin Garbutt. He has given the area a musical language and heritage. He has given us through his songs and his stories a unique sense of identity.

Truly the Teesside Troubadour.
http://fansonline.net/middlesbrough/article.php?id=2009

I went to see the Teesside Troubador at last Friday's matinee. I enjoyed every minute and learned so much more of the culture of my recently adopted home(I am an exile from Manchester). As a community worker in Middlesbrough I know Southbank and other deprived areas, and am amazed at the talent and diversity they have produced. I also have the privilage of living on the NE coast in the lovely Staithes and share Vins passion for the area.

Thank you for a wonderful cinematic experience. I am now waiting to buy the DVD as soon as it is available to introduce this amazing man to friends and relatives back in Manc.

A splendid piece of work; very impressive. Craig has shown this many-faceted diamond of a character to be truly "One of Us". We are all multi-faceted but generally lack the wit or the commitment to use those fragments of talent we might have. Vin is our torchbearer ... a True Troubadour -- scattering his talent as Johnny Appleseed did those cores. (Did we call 'em "gorkers?"). Great stuff. Get BBC on the case...

Went to see the film yesterday. Brilliant, it was warm, funny, touching and sentimental. His positivity and love of life and the world around him is quite inspirational. Well done x

Wonderful, uplifting film, beautifully made. Just the right mix of biography, local history, music and humour; congratulations! Highly recommended to all. Durham Tees Valley - tosh indeed!
Please advise when DVD is available, so we can spread the word....
Thank you!!

Craig lad! What can I say.....AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!!! I was really overwhelmed by the film and the sentiments you very cleverly and creatively portrayed! An incredible and 'very real' production that struck a chord with everyone-well done matey from me and the whole Garbutt Clan..... you're a star!!!

Step aside Harry Potter that's what I say!!!!!!!!!!

Ellen

Fantastic film. Can't wait for the DVD to come out in December. Everyone should go to see it. Well done Craig

great night at the premiere - a heartfelt film by Craig that all Teessiders should see and such is the spirit of the film, the man and his work that everyone with a bit of soul left in them wherever they are in the world will be lifted and inspired by seeing it. A portrait via Vin of the true indomitable spirit of Teesside! "T! T! Teessiders!"

Was lucky enough to get tickets for the premiere when Craig and Vin were both appearing live. An absolutely brilliant night and wouldn't have missed it for the world. Vin has the ability to have you laughing one minute and crying the next and I have to say I had tears in my eyes on a number of occasions. Wider recognition of Vin Garbutt is long overdue and Craig has captured the real Vin and the real spirit of South Bank where I was brought up. As Vin confirms, it was a terrific place to spend your childhood, in those days at least. Craig is a perfectionist and we're rewarded with a film and DVD which has captured Vin's talent and great warmth for generations to come.

Absolutely busting to see this - Century in Stone was grand and from all accounts this is a corker. Launch in Aus., please -soon!!!!! Thanks for recording such an iconic person/ performer forever - and for putting the 'boro on the tourist map at last! Jan x

Knew it would be good, it was brill! It touched every emotion, could not have asked for more. Can't wait for the DVD to hit the sreets. Let's hope it gets the coverage it deserves. Go Global!

I left the premiere feeling 10ft tall. What a night. A brilliant film showing what wonderful people we have on Teesside. Well done to Craig and everyone who made this possible. Forget Harry Potter the true magic is in this film. Even if you haven't seen or heard of Vin (you don't know what your missing) go and see it or buy the DVD.

Just to repeat my comment on Facebook for sake of Guestbook -

The atmosphere was incredible and the film was comprehensive in its portrayal of Vin, his background, his outlook on life, his humour and his moral standpoints. Simultaneously, a wonderful eulogy for his beloved Teesside. Will be at Hitchin next week to see the gig there. And congratulations,Craig, on a brilliant job.

Been to the screening today, Friday, the Premier was sold out by the time I applied for a ticket. Vin, you did yourself proud my friend, and Craig, you captured the lot ! From early days at "Anchor House" folk club, Sunday nights, Middlesbrough (never quite made
The Rifle)you have given of yourself in entertaining the people. Well done you, and lets hope that some-one,some-where, who counts in this crazy business sees what you have done and gets you a little extra gravy !!! This afternoon in the cinema, you had me laughing (as always) and crying too - the mark of a true professional. Well done Mate. xxx

Just got home after being to the WORLD Premier of the Craig Hornby film, Teesside Troubadour 40 years on the road.. the story of Vin Garbutt. Was absolutely brilliant. Even if you're not a lover of folk music get along to Cineworld and see this film. It's a credit to Teesside and the people in it. Well done to all concerned in the making of the film. Nice one Craig & Vin and thank you both