Rufus Return was formed in 1986 by Andrew Purkiss.
The name of the band came from his surname, "Purkiss", being written on the Rufus Stone (a memorial to William the Conqueror's
son, situated on the edge of The New Forest) and "Return" because Andrew had just
returned from Avery Hill College in London to Southampton.
The original line-up of the band was Andrew Purkiss on accordion, Phil Wood on drums,
Sandy Auber on flute and Peter Atkinson calling.
In 1988 Andrew met his now wife Lisa Reeves, who joined the band playing flute and
recorder. In 1992 following the birth of their first child, Lisa's brother Brendan
joined the band playing acoustic and bass guitar. In 1994, child number 2 was on
its way (who now plays a stand in roll for our drummer - Phil), so Nina Barrell
joined the band playing violin.
By this time, Rufus Return were playing regularly with 4 musicians and 1 part time.
So Lisa decided to have a try at calling and became the regular caller for the band.
In August 2000, the Purkiss family moved to Qatar in the Middle East, so Andrew
was replaced by Danny Harmer on accordion - whom Andrew had taught since the age
of 5! This made Phil, our drummer, the only original member of Rufus.
In 2007, Nina left the band and her place was taken by Polly who plays a Bridge
Violin.
Rosie is the latest member to join the line up, also playing a Bridge Violin.
Rufus have performed at festivals such as Sidmouth, Towersey,
Chippenham, Winchester and The Isle of Wight and also at regional ceilidhs
including Cecil Sharp House, Reeling in Ealing and M27 Megabops.