A SEDBURY singer-songwriter has launched her first CD – with half of the sale monies going to Great Oaks Hospice.

Sue Skinner, a retired family and schools worker, recorded One and Only with the help of guitarist Steve Bussey in February.

Both Steve and Sue met in the Chepstow-based Singing Club, run by retired opera singer Karl Daymond. Sue had been having singing lessons with Karl, and had started writing songs and performing at local open-mic nights. Two years ago Steve joined her to form Borderline, a folk-based duo, to sing English and American folk songs and some of Sue’s own compositions.

Steve has also started writing tunes to which Sue adds lyrics, one of which, The King’s Wedding, appears on the CD.

Sue said: “The CD is entitled One and Only as Steve has now moved to Cornwall but we happily plan to continue to write songs together in the future.”

Sue now plays a four-string tenor guitar to accompany herself at gigs and open-mics.

Sue added: “I have always loved folk, blues, roots and bluegrass music, and these influences can I think be heard in my own songs, many of which are set in the Forest of Dean, where I grew up. Our CD has some of our favourite covers on it, such as Summertime and Scarborough Fair, as well as three self-penned songs.”

Sue said that Great Oaks Dean Forest Hospice provided valued support in the past to her father and also to friends’ family members.

To get a copy of the CD contact Sue on 07738759190.