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Uncle Joe's 2011
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Another message from our farthest flung members
Hi Keith and All
Hope you are all well, missing joining you on a Wednesday, so we're on a hunt to see what is on offer down under!!!! We raise a glass to you all and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...xx
Mark & Janine
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Wed 21st Dec
Special night this week with Richo celebrating his sixty fifth birthday, Bob Started the night off followed by Hugh, Martin, George & Barry and Peter who was persuaded to wear my Christmas hat during his performance, unfortunately not on his head but never mind, he works consistently on my use of the English Language and I am working on removing his staid reputation. Steve was next, a now regular visitor making his debut performance, the first of many I hope. Terry followed Steve and I brought up the rear playing up to the chips under considerable stress with dodgy sound and one of my planned songs nicked by Nick, there's always a problem when the time of year suggests certain songs and everyone wants to do them, we usually sort it out with friendly co-operation or the first up best dressed method, or of course there's always handbags at playtime.
After an excellent spread with mince pies and everything John Richo stepped up to the mike, it being his birthday we went easy on him, NOT as you would expect he was subjected to many and varied insults and good natured banter. Jamie presented him with a card signed with genuine affection by a great many of the clubs regulars (ok one or two spat on it) and we had a whip round for him, he owes us 35p, John shared the birthday honours this week with Chris (from the Braisby's table) who claimed to be 24 but I feel is slightly older than that.
Following John there was Nick with my song and Suze much recovered after her short illness, Johnny B, 1st reserve Chris and finally Jamie who was on his best behaviour his mam being in the audience.
Mick & Sue G re-appeared this week apparently they missed the Christmas party because they went to see Rolf Harris! Now don't get me wrong I like Rolf but missing the Christmas party? I shall refrain from adding "can you tell what it is yet?".
We have a bit of a problem looming, haven't we always? As ever most of the work at the club is done by the same half dozen people and - well not to put too fine a point on it they are feeling a bit un-loved. We need some more helpers Please. Ok what do we want? Able bodied people to get the gear out and put it away, you don't have to know how it works or what is plugged into what the sound men will do that, it doesn't have to be a ball and chain we understand some people get there too late or leave too early to do both ends but a little help when ever you can would be really appreciated. While we are at it I make no apology for repeating the plea for sound men, mc's, committee members, money collectors etc. no experience required.
Ok moan over, the minutes of the AGM are published click here to read.
Don't forget next week the club will meet downstairs for an informal jamming session, everyone welcome there will be no chips laid on feel free to bring turkey sandwiches, next club night is Wed Jan 4th
New dates for the Thursday sessions are on the relevant page and the festivals list is on the notice board
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**Christmas Party**
New photo's now loaded up See Photo'sThis year as regular readers will know Greg & myself had decided to organise the Christmas party before-hand and quite a good little night we put together too, unfortunately we forgot to factor in sod's law, so we started the night with about half the acts we needed and to add to the confusion the list was re-jigged, scribbled out, overwritten and generally turned upside down. Undeterred we kicked off with Clive, George, Barrie and Terry who managed to blag three songs, I must be going soft. Donna dressed like a wasp was next, did I mention it was fancy dress? Elsie dressed as an angel in her first ever solo performance sang us Away In A Manger and Fire and Brimstone just two of an impressive number of people dressed in Hawaiian shirts (there must have been a sale somewhere) got the entire audience and the bar staff to help them out with singing The Twelve Days Of Christmas. Kevin also making his debut did a comic monologue version of the same song Followed by Takemine corner who only did one song unfortunately. The break was extended and the Stute laid on a brilliant buffet with loads of snap and Tom did an extended raffle as well with loads of prizes to be won (nothing came my way!). After the break if memory serves me right, (by now the list was a complete mess), Chris accompanied by Donna sang us Fairytale Of New York, Jamie did two songs using an electromalogical device plugged into his guitar unfortunately the battery in his guitar died leaving him with the effects but no guitar. I was scheduled to sing a duet with Suze but as Suze had succumbed to a bug I was left alone with two songs that really needed a female partner, I was rescued by Greg & Derek who sang the female parts with gusto and Richo finished the night off for us, all in all a brilliant party.
Karen has had her op and is home and recovering nicely you will be pleased to know, apparently they found a particle of brain in her head but have removed it.
next week is a normal club night and Wed 28th will be a jamming session downstairs.
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Wed 7th Dec
AGM this week, poorly attended as normal but it is ok we just presume that everyone is happy with the way things are run. We have had a big drop in serving committee members this year though so the club really needs some willing volunteers to help out, you can be co-opted on so it isn't a worry that the AGM is past just let us know you are willing to stand.
George & Barrie started us off this week with Peter fresh from his travels in Nepal following, we had spots from Colin, Clive and Fire & Brimstone, Terry brought his nephew Paul in for a duet and what a singer he is! Bob sang us to the chips then we had Jamie, Nick & Suze, Paul & Diana, Richo, a reluctant Al and finally me.
I am pleased to report that every one made it to Skeggy and back home safely, We had a glorious
few days in a really rather posh apartment, there was even a dishwasher in the kitchen. I for one had never met a dishwasher face to face, we poked and prodded it until it lit up and made some noises, three of us working together did manage to wrench the door open eventually but there was nothing inside so we left it alone, the fridge was another matter entirely we did know how that worked and it was full to capacity with certain cold beverages. During the weekend I made friends with a solitary duck, everything went well until we fed it and it went and fetched it's mates. We were besieged by a flock of hungry ducks trying to force the French windows, Dave T2 saved the day by feeding them Bob's biscuits at a safe distance through a window, later a very pink Dave T2 taught Tom a solitary lesson, he reported that the shower was red hot but failed to mention that he had used all the hotness, Tom was rather quicker in the shower and emerged more blue than pink. Bob meanwhile was impressing young ladies with his body popping skills he managed to pull quite a little crowd of Lakemanites and was even presented with a little trophy by one misguided lass. I really can't recommend Butlins Folk weekend too highly, you have twelve months to think about it so why not join us next year?
Finally, Mark & Janine who buggered off to Australia the other day have been in touch.
|
Keith and the rest,
1st hope all's well on our foggy little island. Look after it. We are
struggling in the warmth
Mark Janine. |
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WED 30th Nov
Pav's funeral will be held Friday at Bramcote crematorium at 3.30, Ian has asked if we can let him know how many people are likely to attend so if you are going please give Jamie a ring on 07932 694228
The AGM is Next Wednesday Dec 7th
at 7:15, Nomination forms if you want to be on the committee are available on Wednesday at the club or you can download one here Committee member, you do not need to be proposed just volunteer.In a change to previous years we have decided to choose club officers (Chair, Secretary etc) from within the elected committee, these appointments will be made by the committee and will last for 12 months. Items for the agenda to Suze or Nick soonest please.
The Christmas party this year is to be held on the 14th Dec, as ever fancy dress will be encouraged but not compulsory. For several reasons not least of which is the sanity of Greg and myself we are going to organise it a little differently this year. Instead of the normal open mike we are going to compile the running order in advance, there will be no spots available on the night so if you want to be included we need to know now. As the number of spots is restricted preference will be given to collaborations between two or more people. To be included please see either Greg or myself.
A select few of us are off to Skeggy this weekend for Butlins big folk festival, this in mind I am rushing a quick report off for you prior to my pre holiday preparations. It was a very slow start list wise but all of a sudden the place filled up and we had a full house, Bob kicked off followed by Clive in string breaking mode again, new man Chris played some excellent stuff on a guitar that looked like it was off a skip, Terry and then Lightnin Pete brought his band out and played a great half hour spot with Gimley Dave on washboard. After the break Wal & Sue teamed up with Cookie to become G3, Mikk and Colin two of Lightins merry men played very well together although Twigg has made an official complaint about Mikk having a Lowden guitar that also looked like it was off a skip. We had a collaboration with Donna then Donna & Jamie then Jamie and finally Claire and Jamie with Twigg finishing off the night. All in all a brilliant night.
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Wed Nov 23rd
Pav's funeral will be held at Bramcote crematorium at 3.30 on Friday 2nd Dec, Ian has asked if we can let him know how many people are likely to attend so if you are going please let us know by emailing me at thecommittee@ilkestonfolkclub.org.uk or you can Give Jamie a ring on 07932 694228
The AGM is set for Dec 7th
at 7:15, Nomination forms if you want to be on the committee are available on Wednesday at the club or you can download one here Committee member, you do not need to be proposed just volunteer.In a change to previous years we have decided to choose club officers (Chair, Secretary etc) from within the elected committee, these appointments will be made by the committee and will last for 12 months.
The Christmas party this year is to be held on the 14th Dec, as ever fancy dress will be encouraged but not compulsory. For several reasons not least of which is the sanity of Gregg and myself we are going to organise it a little differently this year. Instead of the normal open mike we are going to present a "show", made up of club members of course, if you want to be included we need to know in advance, preference will be given to collaborations. To be included please see either Greg or myself.
George kicked off this week with a rare solo spot Barrie being elsewhere, we had Spondon regulars John O and John & Linda then Derek, Martin, Terry came on to do a request and Bob played up to the chips. After the chips we had Diane & Paul a second but last spot from Mark, he is off to Australia next Wednesday, I think that is possibly the most extreme length anyone has gone to to avoid the club. Sue & Nick duetted (our third couple of the night, more please) then there was Clive, Colin and the night was closed out by Jamie. Next week sees the last feature spot for this year , Lightnin Pete and his band will be entertaining us for 30 minutes and anyone who is at a loose end next weekend can come and join the club contingent at Butlins in Skeggy I believe there are still some tickets available.
The latest edition of the club newsletter is now available see Newsletters
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Wed Nov 16th
I make no apology for being the bearer of bad news, sadly Pav has died. Many of you will already know but there will be some of you who haven't heard, we have lost a good friend and one of the club's characters. His funeral will be held at Bramcote crematorium at 3.30 on Friday 2nd Dec, Ian has asked if we can let him know how many people are likely to attend so if you are going please let Tom know, or you can contact me either by phone or emailing me at thecommittee@ilkestonfolkclub.org.uk
Quite a lot needs to be reported this week so here goes:
The AGM is set for Dec 7th
at 7:15, It is important to attend this once a year meeting, I know you think it's nothing to do with you but we need permission to continue running the club from you lot the members, there will be several quite important points to vote on and of course the committee needs to be elected for the next twelve months. Membership of the committee is open to any club member who attends the club regularly and over the next few weeks we will try and get some nomination forms available on Wednesday's, you do not need to be proposed just volunteer. In a change to previous years we have decided to choose club officers (Chair, Secretary etc) from within the elected committee, these appointments will be made by the committee and will last for 12 months.Something else we are doing this year is trying to introduce a short written constitution, of course this will need to be ratified by you the members at the AGM, we are publishing a draft copy over the next few weeks for you to have a look at before voting on it. (See below or at the club)
The Christmas party this year is to be held on the 14th Dec, as ever fancy dress will be encouraged but not compulsory. For several reasons not least of which is the sanity of Gregg and myself we are going to organise it a little differently this year. Instead of the normal open mike we are going to present a "show", made up of club members of course, if you want to be included we need to know in advance, preference will be given to acts that are collaborations between two or more people. To be considered for inclusion please see either Gregg or myself and tell us who will be performing and what you intend to do so that we can plan things. We will be having a special buffet at half time, the usual raffle, some fun and frolics and an all round good time so be there.
DRAFT
Ilkeston Folk & Blues Club
http://www.ilkestonfolkclub.org.uk/
Constitution
Ilkeston Folk & Blues Club
(prepared November 17, 2011)
1. Committee Meetings
(a) Decisions made at Committee Meetings shall be by a simple majority of those present. The Chairman
shall have casting vote (if necessary).
The Chairman (or acting Chairman) shall confirm minutes of meetings and shall inform all Committee
Members of them.
(b) In exceptional circumstances where a decision must be taken on behalf of the Club before the next
Committee Meeting there must be a quorum of 7 members all of whom agree on the decision. All other
Committee Members must be informed immediately of such decisions.
Decisions taken in these circumstances must be justified at the next Committee Meeting.
(c) There shall be at least 6 Committee Meetings every year, in addition to the AGM (Annual General
Meeting) and any EGMs (Extraordinary General Meetings).
(d) The Chairman decides dates of meetings. Club Members may raise an issue through any Committee
Member, which the Committee Member is obliged to communicate to the Chairman.
(e) Meetings shall be conducted in an orderly manner. All communication shall be through the Chairman.
(f) Committee Meetings are open to all Club Members to attend. Committee Members only shall participate
in Committee Meetings.
2. Communication
(a) The names of all Committee Members shall be made available to Club Members at Club Evenings
(Wednesday evenings at The Stute).
(b) The Chairman shall have responsibility for communicating with all Committee Members. Where possible
this shall be by email.
(c) All Committee Members shall receive an agenda and minutes of the last Committee Meeting at least 5
days prior to the next Committee Meeting from the Chairman.
3. Positions on the Committee, and Committee Members
(a) All Committee Members must be Club Members. It is expected that Committee Members will be regular
attenders of Club nights.
(b) Club Members may propose Committee Members at the AGM (Annual General Meeting).
(c) Committee Members are expected to attend the most Committee Meetings.
(d) Positions on the Committee:
i. Chairman.
Duties:
•
Chairing all meetingsii. Treasurer.
Duties:
•
Being a co-signatory on the Club Bank Account.•
Putting funds received into Club Bank Account.•
Keeping a full and clear record of Club Accounts.iii. Webmaster
Duties:
•
Website and publicity.iv. Secretary
Duties:
•
Recording minutes of all meetings•
Drafting meeting agendas•
Newsletter•
Keeping list of members•
Informing all Committee Members of decisions, meetings, agendas, information generally.4. Club Funds and Accounts
(a) The Treasurer shall provide a breakdown of all year-to-date expenses, income and future commitments
at every Committee Meeting.
(b) All club expenditure shall be agreed (or, in exceptional circumstances–see above–justified) at a Committee
Meeting.
5. Complaints Procedure.
(a) Complaints should be made to any Committee Member, who will then have responsibility for informing
the Chairman.
6. Club Evenings
(a) MC’s of the evening are responsible for putting together the running list for the evening
(b) Players are encouraged to turn up early to give their name to the MC’s for consideration for playing, but
doing so is no guarantee of getting a spot
(c) The MC’s have responsibility for providing an entertaining evening for the club members, which will
sometimes entail their asking players to drop out
(d) The MC’s decision regarding running order and getting a spot is final.
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Wed Nov 9th
Clive opened this week with Dave T2 following closely behind, we then had Sandy with some poetry and a dodgy welsh accent, Barrie did a solo spot this week and then folk club virgins Paul & Diana. We had two from Terry an outstanding spot from Johnny B and then Martin finally managed to blag three songs just before the chips. After the break John O from Spondon and his egg slicer started us off again closely followed by Nick, Karen, Jamie in wife beating mood and finally old smoothie himself Al. I make no apologies for picking Johnny B out for a special mention, he sang The death of Hatti Carol and The man in the long black coat, both fairly miserable songs but sung and played with such style and panache, well done John. I must just mention Karen as well, she came along to sing for us despite the fact she is about to undergo surgery, we wish her well and look forward to seeing her back at the club soon. All committee members please note committee meeting next Wednesday, 7.30 start please try to be there by 7.15 so we can get on with it as soon as, also can everyone get their thoughts on the proposed constitution together so we can present it at the AGM.
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Wed Nov 2nd
Bob started us off this week closely followed by Hugh and then Terry. George & Barry did a couple despite an attack of wrong key-ness from George and it must be catching because although it jumped me Clive too suffered from it, Martin brought up the rear in the first half, Martin must be the unluckiest man in the club, the last spot in the first half often gets extended with the incumbent getting three songs to cover until the chips arrive, except when Martin gets picked for it because then the chips arrive exactly on time or so ludicrously late that we are forced to put people from the second half up into the first half, this week was no exception. Ryan opened the second half for us promoting his newly pressed CD, if you want one see Ryan of possibly gimley Dave at the bar, I am sure he will get you one, I don't know the price I am afraid but it won't be dear. Suze and Nick came up next followed by a much missed Cookie who turned up this week out of the blue, I think he takes the prize for tortured lyrics by getting a reference to a wasp into one of his songs, I hope we see more of him. The night was finished off by Colin and Chris , excellent!
I've had a request to bring back the Notice Board so I have done so I will start to post relevant notices as they come in
The guitar stand on the gadgets page is still not available but will be very soon we hope, as soon as it is I will let you know and hopefully will have a sample to demonstrate it.
All committee members please note the final committee meeting for this year is Nov 16th please try to attend.
Finally the date for the AGM is set for Dec 7th at 7.30. It is important to attend and take part, we will be planning the future of the club electing a new committee and making various decisions regarding the running of the club for the next twelve months.
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Wed Oct 26th
I left home brimming with confidence this week, volunteered to do the first spot and made a right cock up of Newry Town. I forgot the words round about the third verse, not a problem plenty of folks know that one, unfortunately all the prompters in earshot knew a verse I had never heard of, oh well. Peter did his last songs for a while, he'll be in Kathmandu by next Wednesday so bon-voyage to him, Clive did a couple and then we had a chap called John O that Suze picked up in Spondon.
This week was Nick's half hour spot, he was joined by his mate Chand sadly just for one song. As you might expect his spot was superb with him doing his own inimitable style of folk singing and fine guitar work, so good was he I was moved to fetch his chips for him at half time and believe me I don't do that for just anyone. After the break we had Terry, Derek, a reflective Al, Jamie and finally Suze who rounded the night off nicely for us. We had to clear the stage this week as the stute are having a disco, so I would like to thank everyone who has helped out by taking gear home with them and I will be extra pleased if they bring it all back next week.
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Wed Oct 19th
Back on form and ready for a night of fun and frolics I was disappointed to be called by Greg to say he was in London eating free fruit wearing a dressing gown and slippers, in his hotel room I hasten to add, seems he and a colleague were unavoidably detained during the course of their duties and had been forced to adopt a Noel Coward aspect to their lives.
We surprised the assembled throng by starting the evening with Baz (sans organ) with Dave T, Peter and Derek following. A gentleman called Ian came next, a really superb player and a not unpleasant singer either, it was his first visit to the club but he left before I managed to find out if he was pleasantly disposed toward us and likely to return or horrified, he seemed pleased enough with us at the break so I hope he will be back in soon. Hugh made a visit and then second surprise of the evening was a spot by Sue & Wal, as you know Sue and Wal are stalwarts of the club with Wal in particular working hard for us every week but it's some time since they sang for us.
After the break we had Terry, Martin, George & Barry, AL, Jamie and a reluctant Colin. I am remiss for not mentioning John Richo who helped me out with the mc-ing, just for laughs at the end of the night I decided to play the audience up so with John's help we set about whipping up a little frenzy and you did us proud............... complete silence! apathy, you couldn't get out of the door fast enough, well thanks for that, they say the Glasgow Empire is a hard gig you should try Ilkeston on a Wednesday. We had three birthdays in Ali, Sue T and Gimley Dave, all of whom claimed excessive youthfulness and finally may I remind you that Nick is the half hour star next week ably assisted by Suze I have no doubt.
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Wed Oct 12th
Laid Low by some some dreadful disease this week so no club report, unless of course someone else obliges.
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Wed Oct 5th
In the absence of Greg we had a dream team this week with Bob, John and myself mc-ing. George & Barrie following their half hour last week started us off this week, George had a slight visual dysfunction during their spot being unable to read his words from the music stand or anywhere else for that matter. Peter our well known traditionalist and exponent of lingua-interuptus berated him for not learning the song before hand thus setting himself up for a fall, Peter did apologise to George but rather spoiled the effect by adding "but you really should learn your songs".
Bob was next followed by Ryan and new performer Mark who after a bit of guitar swopping did just one but made a smashing job of his debut. Peter was next and yes he did have a memory lapse and was subjected to some good natured ridicule, Peter was followed by Becky & Ben two more new performers and really good they were too. Martin should have finished the first half but I got an urgent message that the chips where late so we had Clive and then Derek before the break.
After the break we had Baz, Tim & Al, Dave and Jamie, Suze patient as ever finally couldn't contain herself any longer and had a peek at the list to see when she was on..............., not was the answer. Having swanned in with her guitar she sat in her usual seat and assumed that I would automatically add her to the play list, now she should know better, I make it a point not to do anything expected of me and there is a club rule that anyone who wants to play should seek out the mc for the night, thus proving even the club chairman isn't above the rules. Ok I let her play at the end of the night
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Wed Sept 28th
First of all some urgent news for anyone intending to visit the Brown Cow in Mansfield:
As of NOW Mansfield Folk Club is meeting on Mondays at the Black Bull, Mansfield Woodhouse. This is a major change of both night and venue. Mansfield club have unfortunately through no fault of their own lost their established home but as we know only too well a club can survive these upheavals, they still have a full program of artist's and singers nights planned, I suggest you check with their web site for details but bear in mind that it may take a day or two for them to finalise updates.
Basking in the heat of the Indian summer we are currently enjoying Greg started us off with a little help from me, we had Dek the younger, Tom and Bob bringing us up to the George & Barrie extravaganza. As you might expect George and Barrie entertained us with their usual flair and earned themselves a rapturous round of applause and calls for an onchore despite the chips being up and cooling rapidly, well done guys.
After the chips we had Connor, Jamie, John, Terry a Celebrity trio and finally Donna & Johnno. The afor mentioned trio where Nick, Suze & ...... me, yes I have graduated to being invited on stage with Nick & Suze an accolade of which I am understandably proud. Nick found a very old song that needed some bodhran and invited me to help out, this kindness was spoiled somewhat by Suze who on discovering she had been passed over worked some kind of persuasion behind the scenes and got herself inserted into proceedings. Fortunately for all concerned we had a quick practice and discovered that two bodhrans worked quite well, of course it was all Suze's idea, I would just like to say I loved playing with them. I met Al at the Larklands on Thursday he seems to be under the impression he is about to get a mention on the web site?? I think not.
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Wed Sept 21st
Committee meeting this week, we are still discussing the proposed club constitution current finances etc. contact Nick for a copy of the minutes, latest newsletter is available now, see in the club or for an electronic version see "Newsletters". We had a quiet start this week but the list soon filled up. In the absence of Greg I recruited Richo who having had some surgery was sporting a sling. Peter started us off with a couple of unaccompanied songs one surprisingly about kippers. Colin was prevaricating about playing this week so I put him on second to ease his pain, Dek did one with guitar and one without followed by Martin, Clive and Terry up to the chips. Nora was in so no one though they had any chance of winning the raffle but surprise surprise Billie won the booze. After the break we had a return visit from Old Peculiar a great little trio, Jamie revived breakfast time, Karen and Chris after some gentle arm twisting and a bottle of wine did two unaccompanied songs, Johnny B and Dan did a couple, I did two, Richo got Al up to do a spot and Then finished off the night with Good Night Irene. So how do you play the guitar one handed? Easy, Richo held the guitar, fingered the chords and sang, I picked the strings for him more or less in time, Someone did comment that Richo's timing had improved.
Johnny B left the club in possession of yet another fine guitar, I in turn left considerably richer than I went in, I have parted with my lovely Martin. Why? well I never seemed to play it, always reaching for the one nearest, and if I sell one it leaves a neat guitar shaped hole that cries out to be filled with something new, I can feel some enjoyable hours spent looking in music shops coming on. Oh! I would appreciate it if no one mentions to the nice people at Nazareth that I am no longer eligible for membership of the Martin Owners Club.
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Wed Sep 14th
Good News, The long awaited open day photo's are finally published see "Open Day".
Two new pages to see:
Stuff For Sale: Musical things for sale by club members
Gadget Corner: Musical things of interest to club members, I am going to try and feature innovative or interesting things rather than the mundane and I will also try to arrange deals and discounts for you. If you come across anything or indeed you make or market something you think club members will be interested in get in touch at thecommittee@ilkestonfolkclub.org.uk
A bit of a quiet night this week with one or two faces absent, Club treasurer is in Spain yet again! how does he afford it? Jamie walked into a a carefully laid trap and did first spot this week followed by an early Terry, George & Barrie, Martin, Colin, a very comely Donna, and Clive ably assaulted, I mean assisted by me on the bodhran for one song. Nora being absent this week two other people won raffle prizes we all had some chips and were ready for the second half. Johnny B started us off with Bob hard on his heels and then Richo but I cannot tell you what they did or if they were any good as I was outside discussing Banjo's with George & Barrie. I only mention this to allay rumours started by Greg concerning our absence. After Richo we had Suze having earlier bullied her into submission, she wasn't going to play claiming illness but we said no one would notice, or care so play she did. Once again my talents were in demand, as a guitarist this time though as I accompanied Suze on that excellent Iris Dement ballad Easy's Getting Harder, I can't think why she just can't get into tune, timing etc. with my playing. It was left to me to finish the night off with a couple of songs, well three actually accompanied by Dek on the bodhran this time.
Al was in but unable to play this week due to a serious mishap, he's broken a finger nail! when I say broken it's more chipped than anything but has rendered him totally incapable of playing, he once had two weeks off work with a broken flask you know.
Colin Arrogant and myself were up bright and early last Saturday morning and off to London for the Acoustic Guitar Show at Olympia, Colin, being a native of these parts took charge of navigation and promptly got us lost, he tried to blame me for turning up at Earls Court instead of Olympia but I was having non of it. We had a great time saw some familiar faces and lots of quite nice guitars, we heard some great music too. Tiring of Olympia Colin took me up west so to speak, we had a quick saunter up tin pan alley, some dinner, a small bottle of beer (£5.90 odd for a pint bottle!!!) and a wander up
Bond Street window shopping, I cant think what Colin would do with a Rolex. Before returning home we had coffee just off Grosvenor square, fortunately a few hours before the near riot with anti Americans and the EDL celebrating the 9/11 anniversary. Colin showing his photographic prowess managed to take a picture of a rather nice young lady of middle eastern appearance in the cafe, she came outside with her brother fortunately for Colin to take a picture of them together, I thought it was time to go before the rest of them turned up.
Don't forget committee meeting next week 7.15 sharp
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Wed Sep 7th
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Wed Aug 31st
As you may have gathered by now I am not here, Eh? Of course I'm here, as in here now writing this otherwise I wouldn't be able to write it, unless of course I dictated it to a third party from some remote location but that is just plain ridiculous. No what I mean is I'm not at the club this week. Actually as you were enjoying Twiggy's half hour spot I was enjoying an Indian in Inverness. No that doesn't sound right either does it? I was having an Indian meal in Inverness, I know who had the best part of the deal! John did ring me and accuse me of going to extraordinary lengths to avoid his half hour and as lengths go Inverness is rather ridiculous but quite lovely.
So if I am not present, why? you ask am I waffling on here. Well Peter has reviewed John's Half hour, I include his missive below, I did ask Suze if she would like to comment but she has chosen to completely ignore my request which is not surprising as she usually tries to ignore me I think she is jealous about Nick and my self's friendship.
Here are a few observations on the night.
It was of course Twiggy`s half-hour spot. Despite impending operations galore, he rose to the challenge. He performed on 3 guitars, with changes-over ably assisted by roadie Martin.
The highlights for me were `Little Red Rooster` and `Sisters of Mercy`, concluding with `Good Night Irene`. After each offering, he pretended to smell the chips but Sue had chained him to the seat. His wife and son were part of the admiring audience. There were other performers but they were pale replicas of the star turn. In the absence of both regular comperes, Twiggy did his share of this too, along with Bob and Sue.
Peter
Suze, Suitably shamed has lately sent this report:
No Keith, no Greg – what were
we to do? Why, have a pleasant evening with no uncouth spoutings from Tweedle
Dum and Tweedle Dee, of course!
It wasn’t the hugest crowd – but then, we had allowed John R a half hour spot.
Poor Keith had to go all the way to Scotland to avoid it. But, I shall leave the
report on John’s half hour to Peter. More on the rest of the evening . . .
Now, I don’t have the running list here so this is coming from my vast and
powerful memory. I do remember Bob starting us off with a couple of Irish tunes
including one of my favourites – Song for Ireland. He does them so well, I am
beginning to suspect he may have some Irish blood! The first half also included
Peter Holland, Martin and Barrie who sang another of my favourites, Scarlet
City.
Once we’d wrenched Twig from the stage and eaten our chips, we enjoyed a
pleasant second half including Al, Jamie, Derek, and Jonathan who very rarely
plays but we managed to twist his arm.
John R, Bob and I managed to bumble our way through the MCing so I tactfully put
forward the suggestion that we fire Keith and Greg. However, it was pointed out,
and rightly so, that chubby people have feelings too. SO it looks as though
they’re staying.
See you all next week, when we shall smile sweetly and try to make Keith believe
we missed him,
Suze
Finally Mansfield Folk Club after last week's
panic have in fact regained entry into the Brown Cow so it is business as usual
for now. It is by no means certain how this will end so I suggest you
still visit the club as per but check their website before setting out just to
make sure they haven't moved. We are very lucky to have the Stute there is
a lot to be said for knowing the brewery won't have sold the pub to Tesco's
during the night.
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Wed Aug 24th
I'm a bit post Whitby this week, we got back just in time for our regular Wednesday night. Whitby was just stupendous this year, the best weather ever, lots of music, lots of friends and lots of laughter. I think I share the prize for pillock of the week this year with Ian Scott who managed to head butt a traffic sign, a sign that was a good three metres square in the best council reflective finish and then complained it should have had a warning sign attached because it was low, just how big the warning would need to be isn't clear. I on the other hand having managed to avoid the local signs got to the Middle Earth guitar in hand, I proceeded to attach a strap only to find there was no strap button on the end, I have only owned it for about six years. I would just like to thank the young lady who was at Runswick Bay on Sunday afternoon wearing a rather smart red bikini you made four happy men feel very old.
So Wednesday, a bit quiet as you might expect, Dave T2 kicked off with Peter, Terry and Clive all doing their bit, We gave Ryan top billing in the first half due to Aunty Carol coming along to see him. We had a slightly longer break than normal there being no need to rush for once and Bob surprised every one by starting the second half Acapulco showing off a fine talent for theatre. Al slightly better attired than of late managed to bring everyone to the edge of tears with a poignant self penned offering we had Jamie and then Roy leaving me to close the night.
Next week will see the return of all the Whitby-ites but the loss of both Mc's, Greg is off to parts foreign and I am off to Bonny Scotland on a cultural exchange, they get me we get a box of Tunnocks tea cakes. Suze will be in charge ably assisted by Bob and considerably handicapped by a total lack of common sense
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Wed Aug 17th
No time to report this week off to Whitby Friday.
Wed Aug 10th
Wet muggy weather, Riots, holidays why would anyone turn out on a night like this? To attend the best folk club in Britain that's why, an outrageous claim you might think but it's my opinion and I am nothing if not opinionated. We had a a good crowd in with loads of performers to entertain us, Martin was nominated as first man on followed by George, this week alone as Barrie's on his hols. Ryan made a return visit demonstrating once again how talented he is, Bob demonstrated his new guitar, Peter did a couple of unaccompanied songs as did Baz and Terry was joined by Mick with his bass. We had a trio of performers from Chesterfield under the name Old Peculiar who were excellent and were given an encore and a local trio called Fire & Brimstone who weren't. Jamie did a spot, I brought the 12 string along and did a couple and Colin closed the night for us, Donna was in with both mum and her brother this week, it being her birthday she left the baby at home and duetted with a nice young man (her Brother) who's name escapes me totally now, sorry. As well as Donna Tony and Hugh had birthdays this week although Hugh wasn't in, happy birthday all.
It seems I may have slighted two upstanding members of the club (as if) Derek was missing at a vital point in the night so I enquired as to his whereabouts on the mic just as he appeared right on cue from the direction of the gents toilet closely followed by Johnny B, I merely observed he had been missing for some time and looked a little flushed (no pun intended), the assembled throng took it from there, I expect we will see some rather masculine behaviour from them both over the next couple of weeks.
Suze our esteemed chairman got the promotion she richly deserved (according to her anyway) last week, she is now a manager, yes she has been put in charge of other people! This seems to have caused her to disappear so I conclude she is either in bed having actually done a days work, still in the office trying to find the door out or has been put through the office shredder having been over critical of her new charges.
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Wed Aug 3rd
I thought with the holiday season upon us and the general heat and stickiness of the last few days we might have a quiet night this week. I told every one, "it will be a bit quiet tonight", well with the list almost full by 8.15 and eventually about 5 reserves in place we had an extremely busy night. Bob kicked us off much to Greg's disgust as he pinched the song Greg was planning to do later, George and Barrie did a couple followed by Ryan a young man new to the club who turned out to be really good and a relative of Gimley Dave (on his wife's side I hasten to add). Al came next followed by Ian, Clive and then Baz singing unaccompanied, Fire and Brimstone with a couple of additions brought the first half to an end. In the second half we enjoyed Johnny B, Mark from Oxford, Colin, Harry & Mike, Martin, Dave T and finally Richo who had to be arm twisted into doing one to close the night but then had to do two because the assembled throng wouldn't let him go. Unfortunately Jamie didn't get to play, we just didn't have time and my heartfelt thanks to everyone who dropped out to allow others to play, it's not that often we can't get everyone on but it does happen and we always try to find space for new faces or anyone who has travelled a distance to be with us. In case you hadn't noticed its August and that means Whitby is upon us once again, half the club will be off up A1 and across the north Yorkshire moors for a few days of music and fun at the seaside, it's probably a bit late to be looking for accommodation in Whitby now although people do manage it but there is always Skegness in December if your up for it we already have at least six people booked in to Butlins.
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Wed July 27th
I seem to be saying it a lot these days but "what a Night". It Should have been Nigel's half hour spot but due to a change in circumstances sadly he wasn't able to do it. We had an auspicious start with the upstairs bar being closed this week due to some essential building work going on at the Stute, poor old Billie was relegated to the downstairs bar but certain club members where delighted with the news (there is a movement within the club who would like to see the bar closed permanently), of course there are people who were near suicidal at the thought of having to go downstairs for a pint. I started proceedings this week swiftly followed by many of the usual suspects, I am being a bit vague because with the bar closed we had to ask for someone to unlock so the club box could be got out and put away again and some one (Greg) let the running order be locked away thus depriving me of my aide de memoir. The second half was started with a surprise, because of Nige's absence we managed to get Milli and her band Alamouti to entertain us and entertain us they did, fantastic! There was one highlight to their performance, they managed to persuade a celebrity bodhran player to join them to play a couple of slip jigs, I don't even know what a slip jig is, apparently it's in 9/8?? I just busked along, everybody thought I did alright. I have Googled Alamouti by the way and it seems to be something to do with Space-time block codes where the equation involves complex conjugate's, so now you know (for further info contact Nick)
We had a new face in this week a talented young man called Nick, yes another Nick, so we now have Sue's Nick and a new Nick (yet to be named) a nice player too. Suze did a nice solo spot this week and Nick that's our own Nick this time rounded the night off with a Neil Young song and an absolutely brilliant rendition of the Blue Cockade. What A night.
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Wed July 20th
A very busy night with loads of people in, so many in fact we had to send for more chips, graciously provided by the Stute. A night as busy as this puts considerable strain upon the incumbent Mc's and as I sit looking at last nights running order I am having difficulty making out just what went on. The page is full quite literally full of scribble, names crossed out and overwritten with others, yet more names written in the margins with arrows in all directions and little cryptic aide de memoir's to remind us of something we need to say/do, despite all of this Greg and myself managed to get everyone on in some kind of order with as little screaming and fighting as possible, Well done us!
We had lovely Lauren behind the bar this week, Billie having become working class, she's back next week, having found nothing to commend a life of drudgery she told them to stick it! Dave T2 started proceeding with a couple of good songs, followed by an early Colin, Peter with two chorus songs and new faces Harry & Mick. Harry & Mick are two fine young men making their debut in the club with some seriously good self penned stuff, despite being warned that we are a "three chord club" and consider playing above the fifth fret as rather flamboyant they demonstrated a level of accomplishment rarely seen on Wednesdays. Dec, George & Barrie, Terry and Hugh followed on, after the break we had Con and then Mark Atherton another seriously good performer, Johnny B, Bob, Jamie, Donna and myself (yes Donna threw caution to the wind and teamed up with me for a duet) with Martin & Lightnin Pete closing the night for us, my apologies to Suze who having booked a spot was thrown off in favour of someone else although her guitar got an airing, I borrowed it, Nick was horrified.
Many of you have enquired "what's happened to the photo's" I never expected anyone to notice! Don't worry I still have them I just need to re jig the gallery to accommodate the pictures from the open day, it might take a week or two but they will be back.
Derek is back from his Gallic adventure looking tanned and lovely, I still don't believe he's been out of the county, after about six weeks in France he's managed to learn "bon Jewer" and shoulder shrugging. So if you see a camper van (shed on wheels) coming down the wrong side of the road give a cheery wave it might be Derek.
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Wed July 13th
Not being a suspicious guy (that's a song init) I mean superstitious guy the date didn't worry me at all. We had a couple of birthdays in and a chap who although has been around for a while has not performed before. Bob kicked us off this week, we had a crop of unaccompanied singers including Peter as usual, Baz without his organ, and new boy Dave who did a monologue regarding a a rather wayward dog and a sea faring song about a china man and a bun boat?? he had a cracking Lancashire accent the sort ideally suited to monologues, why is that? all the best monologues seem to be either about or sound best done in Lancashire, Yorkshire men need not answer. Birthday girls, yes they are both female this week are lovely Maureen and our very own Billie both towards the end of the week. There is still no word of Derek last seen heading towards France in the camper van, Greg seems to think he is in western France somewhere but I think he has inadvertently strayed across the border into Cotmanhay and is currently being held hostage for a bag of chips and a six pack of Carlsberg, trouble is we can't find anyone willing to pay up.
Spot anything different? I thought it was time for a freshen up, we have got lots of photo's to load up from the open day when I get time and I have got rid of some of the old stuff as well. I have sorted an all new what's on guide using Google Calendar, I have taken the information we have always had, added the what's on guide from the Southwell Festival Site and included our own what's on at the club information so we now have a one stop place for you to check what's coming up locally in an easy to search list. Some feedback would be welcome if you have the time.
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Wed July 6th
You will be aware I hope that we are having our long awaited Open Day / Summer Festival this Saturday in the marquee on the rugby pitch, see the list above for a guide to who's playing when. We had a busy night this week with plenty of players, there was a couple of new faces, a birthday and in the absence of Billie, Rosie in charge of the bar. Birthday girl was Gwen who we treated to a verse of happy birthday and new faces Llori-Anne Grace and Gary a very good duo (Llori-Anne has a terrific voice) did us two great songs. We have run out of people to put in first spot so we are going round again with Peter taking the honours this week, I should just remind you that everyone has to do the first spot occasionally so don't think we are picking on you when it is your turn, I thought Peter did an excellent spot this week by the way. Donna arrived this week with mum Jean but worryingly no Donna junior, we checked that she hadn't been into Tesco's on the way to the club and left him there but she remembered she had left him at home, she did last spot for us and sent us all home happy, Becky also paid us a visit, as yet we haven't been able to persuade her to sing for us but it is nice to see her all the same. Highlight of the evening for many I suspect was Clare Jamie and Johnno performing as a trio, with Clare's stunning singing Jamie on guitar and Johnno on base they were excellent, there is a second chance to see them on Saturday evening in the marquee.
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Wed June 29th
Good to be back at the club after our recent exploits in Liverpool see Wirral report below. Dave T1 started us off this week back after a short absence, we had a welcome visit from Eric of Spondon fame and two birthdays to celebrate. Mick and Nick are the birthday boys both of whom should have been sung to last week but got forgotten, Mick took it all in good humour but Nick maintains that it is not his birthday, he was unable to tell us when his birthday is so I decided as it is in the club diary as being late June, late June it is, unless you can tell us different!
Peter did his usual couple of unaccompanied songs and had to stop mid way to admonish me for talking during his performance, now I don't wish to be disrespectful and in my defence I was being button holed by another club member, anyhow on his second song he wanted every one to sing along but no one dared, we all survived to fight another day. Ted was in again this week he's becoming something of a regular lately, there could be tears before bedtime though when Derek gets back as Ted has taken to sitting in Dek's spot on the far side.
Billie is off next week so we will have Rosie in charge I believe, Jamie will be putting the final touches to the open day please contact him for details and we will all be there to do it all over again.
Wirral Report
We have been over to the far west on a cultural exchange to Terry country, well almost Terry is from north of the river the Wirral is the posh side south of the Mersey but to us ignoramuses it's all Liverpool. As the advance guard I got to pick the camp site and chose the nearest point to the all night session tent, working on the assumption that we would drown out any noise they were likely to make, I hadn't allowed for Brian, a well meaning soul for whom Dave T2 built up a pathological hate over the weekend, not that he was particularly bad just incessant, morning noon and night. We joined a coach trip on Friday afternoon ending up at a sailing club on the Dee looking over North Wales, much to Dave's disgust so did Brian...and his guitar. In the name of opportunity I tried to roll Greg off the cliff top and as Bob went to sleep on the grass we saw fit to honour him with a covering of daisies. I managed to upset some nice people we met, they enquired of us if the sailing club was open to the public, I said truthfully we didn't know but told them to just say they were from the coach, no one would know but I went on to say maybe they should flatten their awfully nice accents a bit...... Just to fit in!!
Saturday saw us off to enjoy the fleshpots of Liverpool, we took the ferry across the Mersey, yes Greg sang us across. We found a tour bus and I was delighted to be given a concessional fare with the rest of the party, £2 off, I was less delighted when the driver ran out of change and got Dave to give me £2 so I could pay his fare as well as mine so my £2 discount cost me £4 extra?? Having forgone
our usual slap up breakfast we set off in search of lunch and found a nice little cafe serving full English at a bargain price, we noticed a distinct lack of pork products and can only surmise the owner was a Muslim, nice breakfast but a bit baconless. Two cathedrals and a circuit of the touristy bits later we went for the ferry home missing it by minutes, Greg the genius of the group suggested we go round on the tour bus again our tickets being valid for 24 hours this got us back to the dockside just in time to see the hourly ferry depart we could have been there yet endlessly doing circuits for ever if Bob hadn't set off for the dock at a gallop with everyone trailing behind.Music? yes there was some music lots of it the highlights being: Other Roads (ex John Wright band), Flossie Malaville (A French Geordie), Tri (some very talented kids) and The Tom Topping band (I missed them but Greg assures me they were very good)
What ever you do, do not mention concrete to Dave T2. It's a long story but trust me concrete is definitely not his favourite topic of conversation.
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Wed June 22nd
I'm off at a festival so it's over to Peter for a report.
Keith, I hope you are enjoying your sojourn in the Wirral. Last night was even quieter than the week before. In addition there were no raffle prizes till Bill got some from the management - Tom was just in time to run the contest. After 15 minutes instruction last week Sue handled the sound manfully. As well as comparing, Greg performed 2 songs with unaccustomed competence and lack of hilarity. Englishman Clive offered his standard format of an Irish song followed by a Scots one to balance it up; Al and Colin each sang as usual about love; John R provided a fine version of `Tom Thumbs Blues` plus an instrumental supposedly `Little Red Rooster`. The highlight for me was John B, performing flawlessly despite the gloom. I unearthed a strange gift in Martin; he sings along to most songs but in the case of my music-hall offering `Shift Up Farther` he seemed to anticipate the lyrics. Having set this down, it wasn`t half bad!, after all.
Peter
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Wed June 15th
What a brilliant night! We had a committee meeting before proceedings started so that's half a dozen delightful friends boring each other to death for an hour, unless of course there are some contentious issues to deal with when it becomes half a dozen friends having a bun fight, there wasn't, so it wasn't.
We started off quite quietly, I think everyone is on holiday at the minute but we soon filled up and it turned into a really fun night. Greg is back from his hols and was straight back in the thick of it doing his share of the organising and announcing, he informs us that Wal & Sue have been spotted parked up near Stratford on Avon (can you park a boat?) so they should be back home anytime in the next three or four weeks, God knows who is going round looking for absent boaters, or did someone just happen to notice them whilst strolling about the streets? In Wal and Tom's absence Dave T2, Pete W, Suze, Nick and Sue T2 have all had a go on the sound and I think we might finally have some able volunteers to share the load so that's good news except with Suze in charge of training we actually had two female operators on the desk this week, I feel we will have colour co-ordinated equipment and maybe some soft furnishings soon.
Bob started us off, we had an all too rare visit from Ted with his very tasty guitar, all the guitar geeks were at the back trying it out during the break. Milli and Gordon came along again and treated us to some excellent folk, I managed to worm my way into Clive's act did my own spot and then got the chance to accompany the club chairman in the closing song of the night so I suppose there will be complaints next week but I will be in Loverly Liverpool so complain all you want. On that subject, Liverpool not complaints, several doyens of the club are off to the Wirral next week for a festival, I am going on Wednesday as an advance party so to speak the rest will be following on Thursday, so the Thursday session at the Larklands is likely to be a little thin on the ground.
So that's about it I will be back as usual in two weeks, if anyone wants to mail me a report of events next week I will cheerfully publish it when I get back, providing of course you manage to get at least one reference to me in it.
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Wed June 8th
Just back from Southwell Folk Festival, wet, tired but happy so there is no gossip this week I just haven't had time to write anything. I would like to remind all committee members that there is a meeting next Wed at 7.15.
Oh! just one thing, if you are going to a festival please be aware that the sneak thieves are still at it, people at Southwell were robbed! They arrive in the dead of night whilst you and your valuables are in your tent, please be aware and either lock your cash, phone, camera in your car or keep them about your person while you sleep.
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Wed June 1st
I have been accused of being too introspective, in short there is too much of me and not enough about the club?? So I have decided to write this week's report from the perspective of a third person.
Keith opened up for us this week with an excellent rendition of 30 ft trailer, there being no Greg again this week Keith was in charge of the list and mc for the night. Keith reported that the list was very slow to fill but he eventually managed to fill it up and in fact was able to do one song only himself because of a lack of time.
Hmm doesn't really work does it? so celebrity guest Peter H takes it on from here.
My impressions of last evening
With school holidays things were very quiet initially but still a good evening. Keith performed manfully in Greg`s absence, with a little help from Twiggy. Pete came to the rescue on sound, as Tom and Wal were also missing.
Notable items:
1 the return of Barry keyboards who gave us `Sarajevo` and a fine instrumental
2 Barry guitar was sporting a slim instrument; his side-kick George delivered a fine rendering of a suicide-inducing country song
3 Peter wishes to apologise for questioning the folk credentials of the club; he was unable to track down the precise sexual innuendo in the song `Game of All Fours`
4 Birthday boy Derek did a couple but disappointed by a lack of his usual sartorial elegance. Where was the waistcoat and the two-tone shoes? It was good to see his charming spouse Shirl. in attendance.
Other performers included: Clive, Martin, Johnny B and Dan, Lightnin, Bob, Suze, Jamie and Al.
Thanks Peter, If anyone else wants to make comment of add anything to Uncle Joe's you are very welcome to do so.
Finally the next committee meeting is in two weeks time on June 15th if there is anything you want the committee to consider or discuss please let me or any other committee member know
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May 25th
Lovely night this week with Al & The System doing their half hour spot and a visit from Steve Hicks & Lynn Goulbourn. Bob set us off this week, with Greg away I was in sole charge so I recruited Twiggy to the MCing team to give me time to catch my breath, on that subject the offer is still open to anyone who wants to have a go at being an MC or indeed the sound desk, you only have to ask. Al and The System, Al's half hour spot came around just after nine, I had been invited to join them on stage to sing (I still think Al is taking the p*) so it was decided to surprise every one by me refusing to leave the stage and just taking over their first song. Now there are a couple of problems here, first of all I have never in my life fronted of a band, I have never sung without having control over the accompaniment and I wasn't at all sure I could pull it off in the key of A but with a little prompting from Al and despite Tom switching me off to stop me hijacking the band it went quite well. The System of course where superb, a brilliant spot, I don't want you to go away thinking I am unique, oh no, Al had invited one or two people to join them for a song, Colin was allowed to sing and play with them and Suze was to have helped me out and do some other stuff but she couldn't be bothered to turn up feigning illness, I have heard that she was put off by the prospect of singing with me but I think that was just jealousy from someone not invited to sing, John Richo finished a great night off for us.
I need to apologise for the late posting of uncle Joes but I was at Ireby festival this weekend and Clive, Dave T2 and myself drove up to Carlisle Friday returning Sunday, We had a superb weekend if a little wet, well a lot wet actually and saw some great acts, consumed a reasonable amount of alcohol, met up with some great friends and discovered that Dave T2 is a great chef and general all round mother hen, even if he did turn up with a four poster bed a Boots sized cache of drugs and an aversion to anything containing fat, salt, sugar, taste etc. We were treated to a tirade of abuse from Ade Edmunson (directed at the sound men not us) when the sound didn't work for twenty minutes (I am saying nothing Tom!) but he went on to produce some interesting versions of punk standards and I have to say his band were brilliant musicians, very enjoyable. Highlight of the weekend was Elkie Brookes who at 66 looks, sounds and behaves like she did 30 years ago despite being one of the few people at the festival older than Dave. Excellent, I can't wait for Southwell to come round and the Wirral, if you haven't been to a festival or can't make your mind up tickets are still available for these and Southwell is only just down the road, go for it you will enjoy it.
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May 18th
Fire & Brimstone opened for us this week with a couple of memorable songs, so memorable I've forgotten them already and talking about forgetting Peter implied the collective audience might have short term memory loss and then true to form got into difficulties himself, he should know better than to set himself up for a fall.
We had a night of duets it seems with all the usual pairings and some ad-hoc ones, Martin2 and Greg2 were in again, Jamie managed to get a very nice young lady Clair to sing with him, she has a great bluesy voice and was called back at the end of the night to sing again. Martin1 got Lightnin Pete up for one, I joined up with Suze and several others and Lightnin got Colin H up for one, as we all know Colin is a superb guitarist but quite shy and getting him up to play is something of an achievement. I feel I must mention Johnny B this week I asked him to sing a john Prine song which he did with such expertise I was quite moved, brilliant thanks John.
Greg is off on his jollies this week so he will be missing for a couple of weeks, an ideal opportunity for you to have a go at mc ing if you fancy it, anyone who wants to have a go see me at the club you can help out or take over for a night just as you wish. While we are at it how do you fancy trying your hand at the sound desk? it really isn't that hard and it is very necessary, we are very short of sound men and Wal is off on his jollies for several weeks ploughing the deep with his boat, (many thanks and welcome back to Chalky by the way, Pete manned the sound desk all night this week after a short absence). Of course no one expects you to just sit down and do the sound but we will show you the ropes if you want and like I said it's not that hard. Before you start I did do the sound for a while at the White Cow and for Ta Be Sure so I do know so there.
And finally, people are asking where Nick is? well I have it on good authority that the tide came in and floated him away, he is maybe somewhere just off the Dutch coast as we speak. The official excuse is that it is exam time and therefore very busy in the academic world but I don't believe a word of it.
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May 11th
More or less back to normal this week, Billie's back, I'm feeling much better (although Tom's off sick now) Dave's back behind the bar and with a hot night in prospect Suze and me both sported plunging necklines, more about that later. John Richo was put on first this week more or less sober but suffering from smoke inhalation apparently, he publicly apologised for calling me "a big fat b.." the other week but somewhat spoiled the effect by qualifying the apology with " I've found out he isn't a b..", bless him, he is a man of not inconsiderable girth himself and was wearing a shirt with an asymmetrical design so no cause for ridicule there then. We had several birthdays and a couple of fresh faces in as well, it seems our participation in The Folk Thing at Ashby Folville has done us some good as yet another couple who met us there turned up to play. Milli and Gordon came along and did a couple of excellent numbers for us made even better by Milli being a fiddle player, we haven't had a fiddler in I think since Eves used to come in (I wonder what happened to Eves, why doesn't he come anymore?), any how Milli and Gordon were great I hope we see more of them. We also had Martin and Greg a father and son duo in, they had been before and come along this week to play for us, as before they were great and I hope we see more of them as well.
The birthdays, in no particular order, are the lovely Sue G, the lovely Suze, the even lovelier Johnny B and although absent from the club this week Baz, Billie told us it was her gran's birthday as well so happy birthday Sue Suze John Baz and Billie's gran (just in case Billie's gran is a silver surfer I should say Kirsty's gran, gran's are particular about this sort of thing).
Dek deserves a mention this week, he has poached one of Clive's self penned songs, practiced it to performance quality, prepared himself mentally for his big moment in front of Clive and picked the week that Clive is away on holiday to perform, Oh well some you win...
I was down to finish the night off as I often am these days but because of Milli and Gordon's success there wasn't time to get me on so birthday girl and esteemed club chairman Suze took pity on me and invited me to duet with her. By this time because of the heat I had removed everything it was decent to remove and opened my shirt to the navel, I really can't see why this should concern anyone but it does, any way Suze was invited to do likewise but declined to reveal more of her ample bosom because (in her words) her chest is more hairy than mine. True or false? we never found out but I did notice she had a more modest neck line on Thursday at The Larklands and maybe just a hint of razor rash.
Jamie has asked me to remind you again about the open day on July 9th, he is still looking for performers, assistants etc.
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May 4th
Back in the mix but not fully recovered yet. We had no Billie this week she is off on her jollies down in Cornwall I believe, so expect some Cornish action on Night Cops in about six months time. In Bills place we had a welcome visit from Rosie unfortunately she brought the gremlins with her and served everyone warm bear. We had all the coolers to bits, beer on, beer off, beer on, beer off and finally admitted defeat so every one had to either drink bottled beer or go downstairs for a pint.
Greg did most of the list and organising bless him as I am still feeling decidedly dodgy, it was a funny old night all round with a slow list but we managed to fill it eventually. I lied Martin into first spot by promising a later one as well, he fell for it. We had a birthday and a new face in, although neither statement is really accurate, Paul our new face has been in before, some ten years ago at the White Cow and for personal reasons he couldn't play this week so he is neither a new face or a player this week. The birthday was Colin from Takemine corner, well it was last Saturday but he is in several places on the club diary so we never got round to celebrating it, better late than never Eh?
The latest addition to the club is Donna junior, I am told she has had a baby boy but more than that I know not, I am sure someone will give us all the details soon, Congratulations Donna.
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April 27th
No report this week, mainly due to a severe attack of man flu. I have heard that Johnny B and his significant other (I am truly sorry I don't know her name, Trish maybe?) did a really good half hour spot and I am really disappointed to have missed it. Other than that no one has reported anything to me, so I presume that everything went to plan. Gimley Dave is in sunny Skeggly this week and Billie is off on her jollies next so we get the lovely Rosie next week, there that's something for us to look forward to isn't it?
God willing I will be back on top form next Wednesday.
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April 20th
The Club was heaving this week strangely not with performers, we counted in excess of 70 people in
but Greg and myself had to beg and bribe people to fill the list, but Billie arranged some extra chips and all was well. George & Barry started us off this week, and we had welcome visits from Eric of Spondon fame and Karen & Chris. All the movers and shakers from last weekend's festival where present and correct non the worse for the experience except some feelings of outrage at the way some of us were robbed, I should explain. Friday night went much as expected with some great music a few drinks and an after hours jam in the camping field round the campfire we retired about two Saturday morning to sounds of Dave the knobs and some friends still jamming. I was rudely awoken about five hours later by some well meaning but misguided fools informing me that a young lady had just returned my trousers!! Now I didn't remember leaving any clothing in the custody of young ladies, Oh no, it transpires that during the wee hours some unfortunate, under privileged souls had found it necessary to break into everyone's tents (can you break into a tent?) and relieve them of their hard earned cash and valuables. To add to Bob's distress they stole his money but his phone which he had left in plain view in the tent was completely ignored, Tom reckons they left him a few quid. I have to say in defence of the festival that they where very concerned for us all and made every effort to see we where alright. No one can ensure total security and every reasonable precaution is taken so you just have to chalk it up to experience and say please what ever you are doing remember someone will try to nick your stuff even if you think it's safe and don't whatever you do let these ars*****s stop us from enjoying our little pleasures.Jamie has asked me to remind everyone that the club will be holding an open day on July 9th, he is looking for players and I am sure anyone who can help out with the organisation and running, See Jamie for details.
Finally in order to broaden our information track the Committee has asked Nick to produce a paper newsletter for anyone who isn't connected to the internet and just to give an alternate viewpoint. The whole point of course is that it will be available on paper in the club so look out for it, Just to give it the widest possible readership I will be publishing it here on the internet as well see the Newsletters page. It is a valiant effort on Nick's part but it is almost impossible to keep this sort of thing up indefinably on your own so please contribute when ever you can you don't have to be a literary genius you just need to have something to say. It will be published around every two months with regular features from various club members so please support it.
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April13th
No report this week I am just back from the first festival of the year and I just don't have the time
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April 6th
Busy night this week loads of people in and a very full list, Dave T2 started us off with one accompanied and one unaccompanied song, I think he probably just doesn't know the chords for the unaccompanied one. Peter also sang unaccompanied as he usually does and some of us had a right old sing song with him doing "Hurrah for the life of a country boy" (this might not be the title!) Donna came along for possibly her last performance before motherhood, I worried that she might not be able to reach round to the front of a guitar but her arms proved adequate in the end and her spot passed off without incident. We had an all too rare these days visit from Baz much to Billie's delight (she's an avid Barry fan) and then a super group, it wasn't supposed to be a super group but there by hangs a tale. At least a couple of years ago Suze approached me with an idea that we should do the Sideboard Song, Chas & Dave. I thought we could pull it off and then we both promptly forgot about it, until recently that is, to be fair we thought the Sideboard Song needed a bit of practice but we would attempt another Chas & Dave and Cripple Creek. By the time we made the stage Suze had recruited Derek on Bodhran, Lightnin on gob iron & kazoo, Colin on tambourine and Greg on shakey egg, I don't think she trusts me, anyway we had a blast don't know if the audience liked it but we enjoyed ourselves.
There is only one week to go now to our first festival of the year, Ashby Folville, see The Folk Thing. It is only £15 for the whole festival including camping so it's great value and Ashby is only just out of the parish so it's not far to travel either. There will be a lot of familiar faces from the club there so it would make an ideal first timer if you are not a seasoned festival goer so why not have a go you never know you might like it.
Jamie is still looking for acts for the club Summer Festival/Open Day, see Summer Festival.
All committee members don't forget committee meeting next Wednesday 7.30 sharp
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March 31st
Cracking night again, Tom did his debut half hour and made a real good job of it everyone had a ball some chips and liquorice allsorts and I really haven't got time to write this so see you next week.
Have a look at the new Summer Festival Page for details of the upcoming Ilkeston Folk Club Festival
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Mar 23rd
Peter kicked off what turned out to be an excellent night, just back from yet another trip to India he gave us a couple of traditional type folk songs, the English tradition that is, not Indian. As spring moves in to replace winter we are beginning to see people not turning up, Eh! can you see people who don't turn up? What I mean is some people are beginning to find other diversions on Wednesday nights but whilst some people are temporarily absent there are others who who fill their seats and Wednesday seemed to bring in some new faces and one or two old ones as well, we had a welcome visit from John Chambers from the Second Time Around Club in Nottingham, Gimley Dave managed to raise wraith like from his sick bed for a visit although Twigg is now missing presumed wounded, he's having a tough time again healthwise. Clive was also absent due to a flat tyre!! (pathetic excuse of the week), it's not something you would normally expect to hold him up but he couldn't find the key to his locking wheel nuts until he remembered, too late, it was in the glove box (oh dear).
I hadn't planned on performing this week but Gwen & Jonathon grabbed me and requested I sing "I like Chinese" possibly the most un-pc song you are ever likely to hear in a folk club, I managed a reasonable job of it although on my version I have the mandarin verse written phonetically, Jonathon of course had his written in Manglish so we skipped that one. All in all we had a most enjoyable night and everyone went home tired but happy.
This year we have been asked to help out at the Folk Thing Festival in April, they have asked me if the club would host a stage over the weekend and I have agreed see The Folk Thing. So if you are free on the 15th - 16th April please come over to Ashby Folville Nr Melton Mobray, it's only £15.00 for the whole festival incl camping and there are some really good acts to be seen, see you there.
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Mar 16th
I've been a bit behind this week with one thing and another, 7 pm found me in Huthwaite Tandoori arranging my busy social life, (all life altering arrangements in Huthwaite are made in the Tandoori). Gimley Dave had already told me he wasn't coming as had Nige so there was only Bob to pick up but 7.30 found me still drinking coffee oblivious to the time. Strangely by the time I got to Bob's I was early, there is obviously some kind of time shift along the south bound M1. Unless ............. Cotmanhay really is in another dimension.
Talking about other dimensions, the club. I started us off this week, living proof of the fairness Greg and myself exercise with the list and anyone who disagrees will be punched, by Greg. Dave T came in this week to re-claim his name which Dave T has been using of late so from now on only Dave T will be known as Dave T, whilst Dave T will be called Dave T2, under no circumstances is Dave T2 to be called Dave T and visa versa. Clive dragged me up to accompany his Irish themed spot with my Bodhran, Bob got me to stay on and help him out and then my mate and ex band member Bob billed as "Bob used to be sure" also claimed my services earning me the title club bike!! Incidentally Bob is to be called Bob and Bob ..... you know I just can't be bothered.
In the second half we had a new face Mark, Barry turned up with his organ, we had an all too rare performance from John R, all in all yet another incredibly successful Wednesday night. We have had some nice news for a change, Kathy Anna has had her baby this week, a little girl as yet un-named as far as I know, congratulations to all concerned.
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Mar 9th
I know you all think I sit practicing guitar for hours on end, God know's I need to but no. For everyone who is waiting for me to do something, here is the reason I haven't got round to it yet; Sunday, Triumph car show Stoneleigh (I am the proud owner of a sixties classic Triumph Herald). Monday, curry club at Huthwaite Tandoori, tough gig but someone has to do it. Tuesday, Westminster, meeting with MP's , no really, I am a very important person you know. Wednesday, Folk club, where else. Thursday, writing this bloody rubbish. Friday, shopping with my sainted mother the butt of many of my jokes. Saturday, nothing planned, yet! Ok I know it's not that bad but I do have to work a bit, am restoring the aforementioned Triumph, and currently making a cake stand for someone's wedding. Why am I telling you all this?........d'know just though I would.
Martin started us off this week, Billie did the list and put Clive on first but after a complaint, argument, threats and bribery we gave Clive a later spot and put Martin on first. We had welcome visits from Connor, Dek the younger sporting a rather severe haircut and Pete & Terry who we have lulled into a false sense of security by being nice to them last time they came. On top of this we had a crop of the usual suspects and some excellent music from one and all. Greg and me often come in for criticism for talking in mc's corner but we have a duty to make sure the night runs smoothly and there are important issues to discuss. This week it included interpreting dreams and doodles we got Lightnin Pete in on this one as the club psyscho, I think I mean psychologist. As I had managed to draw a cubist pig Lighnin surmised It had something to do with boxes and pork scratchings, Billie on the other hand drew a flower and a bee ???? answers on a post card.
The Stute has offered us the use of the marquee again this year, apparently it will be available for us to use on July 9th. The committee has been discussing just such an event but if any of you has any idea's as to how we could best use the opportunity please come forward and let us know.
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Mar 2nd
Dave started us off this week swiftly followed by a new chap called Mick a really good singer, now when I say new I mean new to us. Why am I being so pedantic you ask? well Mick revealed that he had been in the Stute before, funny I thought I hadn't seen him. 1956 yes 1956 he was there, as a waiter apparently, no we don't supply waiters anymore. The rest of the night went more or less to plan with some great entertainment, some chips and a box of Jelly Babies. Bit short this week I know but I am doing my best.
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Feb 23rd
Martin kicked off what was an incredible and very busy night, Shirl (Derek's wife) got the blame as it was her birthday and half the known world turned up to help celebrate. The story from Greg is; Derek offered to take them all out for the night but he rather spoiled the effect by insisting they all pay their own entry into the club including Shirl, it's the thought that counts. There was another birthday in this week as well, Terry shared the honours with Shirl and although absent Roy's mam Jessie also has a birthday, Happy Birthday one and all.
We had a couple of new faces in this week, Leslie & Tony all the way from Kent. They managed to sneak past security with a bodhran but once on stage Tony proved that he could actually play the thing, although he is not a real bodhram player as he hasn't got a stick. That said they blew the audience away with some superb proper folk singing, so good were they, both Greg & Myself though they deserved an extra song, they have relatives in the area so hopefully they will be coming again. It was Clive's half hour spot this week, I had been invited to join him on bodhran (great after Tony's performance!) but Derek was also to be onstage and Mick, so I was relegated to sitting out of site behind Mick, the whole spot went well though and I think the audience enjoyed the spectacle. You might have noticed Greg wasn't invited to join in? well Clive's not stupid! but Greg did his own solo spot and very well done indeed, another nice performer was Roy who came and did a couple and what an improvement! We don't see much of Roy so it is nice to see how someone progresses over time. Al sang a terrible song about drugs and drug taking, well that's his explanation I just thought it was about a pet dragon, he's gone back into the ripped jeans by the way, some kind of rebellion I presume and Lightnin Pete brought up the rear with some Elvis, so good was the night we were still sat around chatting well after Billie pulled the shutters down, sorry Bill.
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Feb 16th
The more observant amongst you will have noticed the return of the pictures, it has cost me many hours of cussing and sweating but we are up and running again, I don't know why they disappeared I suspect it's my insistence on using Microsoft Frontpage but I am too old to learn new tricks these days, anyway they're back and the Christmas party pics are there as well, also I have published a page of festivals that the usual suspects will be attending, have a look at FESTIVALS .
My bad back is much improved, unlike my mental shortcomings so thankfully for a change we had a fairly relaxed week, I can't believe that everyone is watching football (the usual excuse for a quiet night in the club). Dave started us off, I am not going to butter him up and say how good he's getting these days because he is a total luddite and claims not to possess a computer, even Twigg and Gimley Dave have access these days! but he is getting seriously good if a little nervous. We had a couple of brand new performers in Pete & Terry, Greg christened them TeePee (Terry & Pete!) I don't think they understood, Greg's thought processes take some understanding at the best of times. They were really good anyway and got to do three, yes three songs because the chips weren't ready, well done lads I hope you come again. I was sent on to finish the night off mainly because we had run out of acts, in the absence of any practice or talent some say I managed to get three songs out to rapturous applause (sympathy / relief?), yes I also got to do three songs do to a lack of performers to finish the night off and I am well known for finishing night off.
As I write this Jamie will be preparing himself for an X Factor type performance at the NEC in Birmingham, God knows how he's managed to blag that one. So watch this space, maybe we'll get Jamie on the box Saturday nights, anyway best of luck mate.
Finally remember the good old days when BBC local radio catered for everyone not just the corporate (we must get more audience figures) crap? Well a protest is being planned to try and reverse the decision to drop Folk waves, and all the other niche programs I presume. Here is an an email sent to the club regarding a protest being planned, sounds like a good gig to me!
Dear All,
As you all are no doubt aware, in December the BBC in the East Midlands made the ludicrous decision to cancel Folkways after 25 years. As well as providing entertainment, it also provided the essential service of providing publicity for forthcoming gigs.
A campaign group has been formed to try and pursued the BBC to change its mind and we are holding a protest outside Radio Nottingham on Monday 28th of February between 7-9. This will be a fun event with plenty of music and dance so please bring your instruments along.
Please could you publicise this event at your club this week and ask people to join the Facebook group "Save Folkwaves on Radio Derby", Numbers are very important since this seems that all the BBC is concerned about.
Thanks
Hugh Slaney
On behalf of the Save Folkwaves Campaign
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Feb 8th
I am Crippled with a bad back this week, It's made worse by everyone asking what I've done, truth is I don't know, it just came on, probably divine retribution for my many sins. There didn't seem to be that many folks in this week but the list was full all the same. Billie organised the running order so with Greg and myself at the helm and Clive on the ochy off we went .
My good friend and advisor Peter dropped himself in it this week, after berating the audience for not knowing the words to one of his songs, he promptly forgot the words himself, it didn't matter, he plugged on regardless, we all joined in regardless and the club demonstrated once again what we regulars all know, the joy of a good old sing song with good friends. George & Barry helped out by Martin were the only ones to invite me and the bodhran to join in this week, then they played two of the most un-bodhran friendly songs imaginable, thanks guys it's the thought that matters. Gimley Dave arrived with an ominous looking package wrapped in a black bin liner, this he later revealed was his washboard, strangely labelled a Martin DF1 (delusional as well as daft!). Lightnin Pete and Dave the x knobs made up a trio with him and did a couple of Kitchen Mechanics numbers. Al came under fire again this week but he is finding his feet and showed he can be quite witty and can hold his own with hecklers so perhaps we'll leave him alone in future, to close the night we had the lovely (if tubby) Donna and then Johnno.
And finally, it's Dr jo's birthday this week, sadly she is just too busy doctoring to come and see us these days but Happy Birthday Jo all the same. And, with the recent resignation of Julie from the committee a new secretary needed to be found, Nick has volunteered to fill the post (hope your sore arm gets better soon Nick) he is an ideal candidate, educated, sensible , has a pen so in future all problems at the club will be Nick's fault.
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Feb 2nd
Ilkeston's answer to the Marx Brothers, Greg, Dek & Mick all turned up sporting suits and ties this week, just because I said last week "name me one person who wears a suit to the club". So now we know at least three, I never knew I wielded such influence. I have to admit that I was feeling a little off to start with, didn't even bring my guitar with me (just as well too many players as it was), but within five minutes of entering the club I was buzzing, we had a full list and we hit the ground running. Dave kicked off and the music just kept on coming, we had a welcome visit from Drew more commonly seen in Spondon, new faces Sam & Andy brought a saxophone with them and wowed us with some great singing and.... well yes some excellent sax playing, I hope we see more of them. During the night we saw one or two ad hoc pairings and trio ings?? it is always nice to see people playing together and sometimes unlikely bed fellows can produce sparkling results, unfortunately for some it does mean they fall into my trap and invite me to play bodhran with them, it's an educational experience, more than one has gone away muttering "that's taught me a lesson".
Al, after some good natured banter and last weeks references to his trousers has made a formal complaint about me, unfortunately, (for him that is) he made it to Greg, so that's the last we will hear of that then, I have to say Al did manage to find some better trousers this week. Nige and I caught his professional act last weekend in the Cockle at Mansfield, I have to say he really is good I was very impressed. Unfortunately Nige had told every one he knows that Al is a fine folk singer, which he is, but his pub act isn't, never mind, seriously if you get a chance to catch him singing somewhere do go and see him, it is worth it.
Finally don't forget Committee Meeting next Week 7:15
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Jan 26th
First half hour spot of the year this week. A full house was almost inevitable with Colin making his possibly second appearance on stage in about 11 years! We got George to open up for us, which he did in traditional folk club style by struggling through a couple of songs with a badly tuned twelve string guitar (for the musically challenged a twelve string guitar is a guitar with twelve strings on it), good old George didn't let it stop him though. We had occasional visitors Julie May, Eric, Gary and Lighnin Pete & Dave The ex Knobs to entertain us so it was quite a relief that several regulars declined to play on this very busy week, although Greg and myself did with some clever juggling manage to get a least one extra act into the running order. Billie was back in the bosom of her friends after the health scare last week, she is a treasure and took the references to Rosie's popularity in her stride with good humour, winning a crate of best Aldi ale in the raffle helped, Bop will be out looking for her in the early hours again I suppose, still she can't get far shoeless and is usually found not far from a chippy so it narrows the search area. SO how did Colin get on? Well accompanied by Dave Mann and a chap called Ken (who I think looks familiar but can't quite place) he couldn't really fail. The Acme Swing Band as they have called themselves, quite reasonably played us a half hour of Swing standards and with two excellent guitarists in Dave and Colin and the slick vocals of Ken they where simply very very, very good. I have long admired Colin's Jazz guitar work, I even had some lessons from him a while back (he's been paying me to keep that quiet), (I told what would happen if you didn't keep up the payments!!), but hearing him accompanying this couple of guys was just something else, I hope we see them again soon.
I had been warned to be on my best behaviour this week, I can't think why anyone should think I might offend a performer, So I dressed for the occasion, you know smart casual, nothing flash. Apparently my tie didn't match my shirt, (it was that tie or my black one for funerals etc). I didn't have a suit on? (name me one person who wears a suit to the club). Oh my shoes where ok in as much as they were a matching pair, good job we didn't have an underwear examination.
I have apologise to everyone who has sent me pictures for the web site I am having problems getting them to display, I am working on it and will sort it soon, I Hope.
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Jan 19th
We seem to be back to normal again after the Christmas break, we had a full room again with loads of players and a return to the fold for Baz who has been absent for weeks if not months. Baz brought us a new song it was only it's second (second??) public performance. Tom started us off with High Germany and a rendition of Matty Groves that seemed to wander into the tune for High Germany now and again, No one noticed Tom. Tom was later admonished by Peter for some kind of indiscretion during proceedings and despite his protests was deemed to be guilty, I can reveal that it was Martin not Tom at fault but as Tom is on the knobs usually I am sure he will extract some kind of revenge. We saw the welcome return of Gimley Dave this week sporting a battered accordion which he thankfully didn't try to play, he did manage to give it away though, to Colin, who doesn't look that daft but left smiling broadly with the said accordion. Whilst Dave came back Billie was absent, so we had Rosie behind the bar for the evening, we were told that Billie had been admitted to hospital with swine flu but Leakey says she's been sent home again (with or without swine flu) so hopefully we'll have her back soon, thanks for looking after us Rosie you're welcome back anytime. Big night next week for anyone who longs to hear Colin (Harrogant) play guitar he will be demonstrating his talents as part of the Acme Swing Band who are playing the first half hour spot of the year, I can't tell you much about the band except Dave Mann is also a member so you will just have to come and see them, I expect it to be a an exceptional spot. I managed to embarrass and confuse myself this week with a slight regression to my schooldays, During a particular announcement I invited the audience to look for a flyer on their desks?? Now I haven't been a pupil for 40 years and I have never been a teacher so where that came from I know not, answers on a postcard
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Jan 12th
After last weeks quiet night we had a full turnout this week, Gimley Dave is still off though, claiming illness, Billie thinks he has a new woman. Bob set us off this week, we had a superb mix of styles and talents and a new, old face Will, who hasn't played at the club for around 8 years, nice to see you back Will. Lightnin Pete dropped in to see us again, it is such a treat to see him and his "skip special guitar" that sounds better than most of the really expensive ones in the club, maybe something to do with the player! Al and Kev brought an "S" along with them this week, Simon, Steve or something (I am afraid I never did find out) forming Kas (Greg's Idea). Imagine if you will Al, Guitar & Vocals, Kev, bass and "S", on the Cajon box, doing Elvis songs with Lightnin on gob iron for the livelier numbers, really really good.
There was one birthday that we know about this week but unfortunately Sian couldn't be bothered to come out so we didn't bother to sing happy birthday, to be fair would you want to go to a folk club with your mother on your birthday? Yes! Well just try and imagine Suze as your mother, I thought so.
If you have stopped screaming now, (honestly the nightmares shouldn't last), Suze has discovered the best kept secret within the club since it's formation A few like minded fellows have formed a little club, more of a loose association actually, we go out together about once a month for a curry, innocent enough you might think but we have committed the cardinal sin of not having any female members. It's not that we don't like women, we just though it safer to exclude them in case the drunkenness swearing and ribald behaviour embarrassed us, we take eating ridiculously hot spicy food very seriously you know and Suze eyes bulging, sweating and downing pints of lager isn't a pretty sight, I know she sits in MC,s corner most weeks at the club.
Finally, I moved up the running order this week in order to play to a wider (more sober) audience, I picked two songs, borrowed the club guitar (idleness) and came to the mike fully prepared. I forgot that I am totally incapable of singing in tune and made a right pig's ear of John Prine's speed of the sound of loneliness, thus suitably disturbed I managed to make a thorough fool of myself for ten minutes but got a rapturous round of applause, thank you. I have no illusions about my capabilities.
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Jan 5th
Welcome to 2011 and the first folk club of the new year. We were so short of punters to start with we wondered if it was worth getting the sound gear out but people started to drift in and before we knew it we had the gear set up, a running order and some great music. Amongst the absentees were Gimley Dave who is still claiming illness leaving Billie to cope alone again and Derek who rang me to claim he couldn't leave his long suffering wife alone due to her having an operation, Greg let us in on the real truth apparently she has had an operation on her hand and Derek isn't allowed out until he has the housework done, Weatherspoons may have to close down. We had two birthdays in this week Greg who who has reached the grand old age of 64 and young Florian (Ian's son) who Greg managed to work out was just 54 years younger than himself!
at
the mo. I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear, had a read sounds of uncle
joes like a good night last Wednesday. Jamie more than one spot? your
getting soft!