SEWUMISTTHISTWO
The first three reports are from your Robin Reporter
Friday 7th August
Robin's Report
As is the norm during the holiday season, lots of the regulars and residents (including the Leps) were elsewhere. However, we had enough present to make it worthwhile, with myself, Mo, Chris, Peter (and Marion), Dick, Mark, Keith and a couple of non-performers. There was a bit of a delay at the start as Mo and Chris each had thought that the other one was hosting the evening! In the ensuing battle of wills, the woman, of course, won. Apart from that initial skirmish, there was a lovely laid-back atmosphere with lots of songs and chat. Let's hope that we get a few more on the 14th.
Friday August 14th
This session had almost the same clientele as last week, except that Dick wasn't present and Paul and Helen were. Mo started us off at about nine and finished us (as Mo always does) on the dot of eleven. In addition to the singing, there were lots of anecdotes, jokes and reminiscences. All in all, a very enjoyable evening.
Friday August 21sr
A very small turn-out tonight - just myself, Mark, host Chris and also Peter and John (each with spouse). Keith made an appearance, but not till after 10 o'clock. Chris was having breathing problems and so was able to contribute just a couple of songs. As a result, the rest of us found our turns kept coming round very rapidly!!
Friday August 28th. We arrived to find whole place in darkness.There was no bar. We were joined by Mark, and Robin, and later, Keith. Chris did come, but went home poorly. Supplies were purchased from Tesco's, and a good time was had by all.
Friday September 4th. The new season got off to a great start with Ron and friends. He was variously joined on stage by Ralph, Paul,and the band. There were spots from TDL,Ralph,Andy, and Galliard. We had a respectable number in the audience too.
Friday 11th September.... Pigs Ear Another packed house for the prennially popular Rule family band, minus Lindsay. We were celebrating both Chris's birthday and John and Gerda's wedding anniversary. Mo started off with a song for Chris, Tom Paxton's "What a Friend You Are", before presenting the cake. To prevent an outbreak of fire, only one candle was atop it. T.D.L. then performed one of Chris's favourites,"I'm a Rebel". Two songs from Robert Brown preceded the first set from Pigs Ear,which,as ever, was full of rousing chorus songs. The cake was cut and served up during the break. The second half saw songs from Ralph,Ty and Aysha,and a poem from Robin, entitled "Being Chris Spindlow"
The evening concluded with a second terrific set from Pigs Ear.
Friday September 18th....Doug Hudson. A small, yet perfectly formed audience for tonight's show. Tone Deaf Leopard were the hosts, and started off with "Camra Never Lies" which had some good singing in the choruses. There were two songs from Robin, topical as ever. The passing of Mary Travers was commemorated with two of "their songs", covers of Bob Dylan and John Denver numbers. time for Doug's first set, full of our favourite songs and stories, which caused much hilarity. There was just time for a short breake before our very own Peter and Paul (Steele)performed their songs, following our rendition of "Roadkill Cafe", again with good chorussing. The raffle prizes were distributed, and then ... more from the irrepressible Doug. His second set ended with the hilarious "Twelve drinks Of Christmas", and gave us "Nissan Dormobile" for an encore. Trevor hadn't heard that one, and was much impressed. See you all next week for Paul Sirman.
Friday 25th September Paul Sirman... A goodly turnout tonight, and justly so. Paul, Kerry, and Mandy, sadly, no RTB gave us great entertainment. Paul has a new CD, "Wings",which has songs old and new, some trad, some written by Paul, and some written by Ron. I have played the CD, and discovered that RTB not only plays a plethora of instruments on it, but has produced it too. It's a great listen ! There was a great atmosphere last night, with Chris hosting and the inevitable cheekiness and banter. Paul used to be a resident performer, so is a good friend of the club. There were several floor singers, so everyone got one song.
Next week is a Singers Night, so plenty of time for you all then!
Friday October 2nd. We set several chairs out around the large table, and they gradually filled. We had to send for extra chairs! Excellent evening of songs, stories and banter. One new member, just audience at present, but welcome nonetheless. Songs from Peter, Mo, Chris,Robin, Mark. TDL, and "Guitar" Frank. 
Robin will be reporting next week.
Here is Robin's Report on the Anne Lister gig.
Robin's Report
Friday October 16th Ben Sands.... the folk cogniscenti amongst us turned out in support of Ben, one of Ireland's famous Sands Family, and brother of Colum. The rest of you missed a totally brilliant evening. Andy was hosting, and, by a strange twist of fate, had met Ben the previous evening, at Redbourne Folk Club.His introductory song spot was followed by two songs from TDL, including their latest composition. Poor Ben had to follow that, though he'd been singing along with us all. The shock factor had been removed as he'd seen us on Youtube. A consumate performer of some truly lovely songs ,Ben Sands is one of the best. After the break we had another spot from Andy, then songs from peter and Robin. Then a"comedy raffle" with Frank on the door as usual, whilst trying to see his winning ticket number, as usual. Ben had kindly donated a CD, won by Frank, then several redraws before the rest of the prizes were dished out. Eventually, we had the return of our fine guest for the second set. Supurb ! Over too soon as is ever the case. Next week we have Hughie Jones. Five years ago there was standing room only, so be early if you want a seat folks!
Friday October 23rd Hughie Jones
We decided to put out the seats concert style and set up the box office in the kitchen, as a large number was expected. We had over thirty people in, and there were loads of floor singers amongst them. It took until 8.45 to get everyone settled. Robin started the show, and spots from Ploughman's Lunch, Tone Deaf Leopard, and Chris Spindlow. Chris introduced Hughie with some well chosen words. "Scotland had The Corries, Ireland had The Dubliners, and England had The Spinners." Hughie performed a great first set, and was on top form. Great to see him back here after 5 years, and looking so well too! We had a shortish break, and drew the raffle. We asked Megan to draw it, as she had done in the past when she accompanied dad, Kim. After the break came spots from Dave, Peter, Linda, and Ghosts. If I forgot anyone, apologies. Hughie's second set was absolutely magical.He had everyone singing along, especially in the last song "Leaving Of Liverpool". I asked Hughie to sign a Spinners L.P. to be sold at our Children in Need night, on November 20th. See you all again next week for Richard Grainger.
Friday October 30th Richard Grainger.... The rewiring of Number 7 has reached the hall. We arrived to find new ceiling fans, and down lighters installed. As yet, there were no bulbis in the down lighters . The evening was conducted in bright light, a new experience for many. We were expecting Peter to host the evening, but circumstances proved otherwise, and TDL took over.Once everyone was ettled we dis two songs, which took us to 9 p.m. Guest time. Richard Grainger was relaxed and enjoying a few gigs whilst on a family holiday in his favourite county, which, fortunately, is Kent. The first half flew by whilst we enjoyed his songs and stories. As well as his own songs, there were a few traditional ones . Having only two floor singers, we had a fair break. Andy sang two of his best songs on keyboard, and Robin, introduced as our token northerner was hotly topical as usual,linking his Canadian connection to Richard's, and giving us "Four Strong Winds After this second song, we drew the raffle, getting richard back on at 10.25. His second set was most enjoyable and we overrun slightly. The audience, who had been singing well all evening, demanded more, so we got to hear a brand new song, which was very thought provoking.
Next week one of our first residents has a gig. Simon Jackson left us to go to Uni on a music course. Witness the results next Friday.
Friday 6th November Simon Jackson and Jim.... The weather was atrocious at 8.00 last night which must have put some people off. The audience consisted of our hardcore supporters plus John and Alan from Butt of Lewis, and John's wife. I knew that the guest would be great, as Simon was one of my original residents. In fact,Igave him his first proper booking some 20 years ago. We were out in the bar then, and he seemed impressed that we'd moved into the hall. The downlighters were working tonight, and they will be a lot brighter than the old ones, though smaller, and multi-coloured. New spots have been installed, though not wired up as yet. We kicked off the evening with 2 songs from
T D L followed by two from Robin. Then we had a really good first set from simon and Jim. The audience commented on the high standard of the guests. After a short break we had two songs from Frank, two from John and Alan, and a tune and a song from Ben. The second guest spot then ensued, with another quality performance. You really did miss a class event! See you next week for Geoff Higginbottom.
Friday 13th November- Geoff Higginbottom.With Chris and Mo both still unwell it once again fell to the Leopards to host the evening. We started the evening with a new song, written by Trevor, for Armistice time. "Celia Smiles", proving to everyone that he can write sensitive songs.Next up was Ralph whose two songs included the populsr Tom Waites number, "Day After Tomorrow." Brilliant stuff! I was about to introduce Geoff, only to find that he'd left the room (without asking permission ). I got Peter up for his two songs just as Geoff returned from the bar. Peter's duo of Tom Paxton songs were well delivered as usual, then it was time for the guest. Geoff got us all singing along with some great songs,taking us round to 9.50. We then had a ten minute break before the Lepps kicked off the second spasm with another new song. We have dared to parody Richard Thompson, and sing about a Yamaha moped FS1E.9i said that Geoff would be crossing a certain song off from his set list, but he turned it around by saying that Richard Thompson had dared to parody us!) Our song was followed by one from Doug,and a song and a monologue from Robin. Geoff's second half contained some requests(Vincent, amongs others) and the second of two songs about war that he likes to do at this time of year. "Tommy's Lot" in set 1, and "Christmas 1914" in the second. As usual, the time flew by,and soon it was time to go home.
See you next Friday for our Children In Need Night, always something a bit special.£211.77!!
That's the total we raised .Thanks to Robin for the stirling job he did with hosting the event. We managed to squeeze in some floor singers as well as the four scheduled guest acts. Firstly, a new trio, with new songs: Trevor. Sue, and Frank on lead guitar. Robin followed with two numbers about children. Ben followed with a song and some tunes. Two songs from Liam next,before our first guests, Ty, Aysha, and Rob. Another floor spot from another new duo, Mark and Frank. Border Crossing (John Matthews and Dean Tanio were next on, having their spot broken by the auction and raffle. Two more guest acts, Rosa' Daughters and Atlantic Currants ended the evening at around 11.15.Thanks to all who gave raffle and sale items, and all who contrtbuted cash. See you next week for Bob Fox
November 27th Bob Fox
What a great evening! Over 30 in the audience. Mo did a good job of hosting, floor singers were herself, Ralph, Robin, and Peter. Bob was excellent, lots of good joining in songs, and wittybanter between them. TDL enjoyed a welcome break from performing. It was nice to sit and watch for once. Next week we welcome old friends Suzi and Marie - Rosa's Daughters.