By Geoff Bowers

Hi everyone.   See also: Feb '02 | May '95 |

Pat and I would like to say thanks for helping to make last night's Relièf concert such a great success. The band certainly did us all proud didn't they? It was one of those nights when, heat apart, everything contributed to the good time that we all had. The new management was so on-the-ball and had made such a drastic difference to the place. (Many people regretted having eaten before coming when they saw the table service the band had! We'll know next time...) So many thanks once again to Johnny Moore and his friendly, helpful staff.

Many thanks go to the kind folks who contributed so generously to the raffle. I neglected to thank Dave Finn who consistently contributes CD's, etc to our raffles too. Sincere thanks Dave.

Right: Relièf in 1995

The whole focus of the night was, of course, the band themselves. Three, forty-minute sets of such great material were such a delight to witness. Although this time of year is a the worst possible to field a concert, there was no way that I was going to pass up the chance of Relief - having seen them here before two years ago. I was astounded that they could improve so far out-of-site from the highest standard that we saw previously. Zbinec - the banjo-playing leader, wasn't joking about Pavell, the bass player's broken leg! I was greatly surprised to see him with his full-arm walking stick when I arrived at their hotel. It was a tremendous night. Thanks so much Relief.

On a personal note: I want to thank Pat, my wife, without whose help I simply wouldn't be able to do half that I do on so many fronts. She is my mainspring! 'Bless you Pat.

If this message finds anyone on our list of fellow-addicts who couldn't make it last night, I trust that you'd be interested to hear how it went and will want to be part of it when they inevitably return to Nottingham.

You know that we'll let you know the minute that we hear of the next band on the horizon. Once again, sincere thanks to everyone.

Best' Geoff and Pat. :-) Write to Geoff | Website

Nottingham, 7 Aug 2003

2 Nov 2003