Belinda O'Hooley and Rachel Unthank & The Winterset Part Company

It seems barely a year ago we announced, Fatea Awards nominated vocalist of the year 2006, Jackie Oates, has parted company with Fatea Awards Live Act 2006, Rachel Unthank & The Winterset
Unfortunately in what seems like a case of history repeating it's self, Belinda O'Hooley has parted company with Fatea Awards Live Act 2007, Rachel Unthank & The Winterset
A simple statement on Belinda's website reads

"It is with a mixture of regret and relief that I have left Rachel Unthank & the Winterset. I have enjoyed much of being a part of this band, especially the warmth and humour underlying our music – I will always have fond memories of the past few years and of the music we created and performed together both with the hugely talented Jackie Oates and more recently with equally fab Niopha Keegan. I wish Rachel, Becky & Niopha well. The decision to leave was a very difficult one, but one I am happy with. I will now be managing my own career and I am very much looking forward to a bright future in folk music – who knows what opportunities may cross my path…Maybe Bonnie Tyler will finally ask me to duet with her! Well, dreams aside, I've already started writing songs…see you soon xx"

A single line on the Winterset's MySpace page confirms the departure with more details to come. A new pianist, Stephanie Conner, steps in for the warm up date for the folk awards, but as yet no news on this being a permanent replacement.

Fatea wishes Belinda and Rachel Unthank & The Winterset success with their new directions

Update. A more detailed response can now be found at http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=61255650&blogID=349710217

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