Following the traumatic events which led to our closing the club in June (see NWBN, Sept 1996, ‘Jed Clampit Visits Chester’), Derek and I spent days (literally) checking out every pub in a 10 mile radius around Chester, searching for a suitable alternative venue. Mike Penney and Pete Massey did stirling work also checking out all the nooks and crannies. But we couldn’t find anywhere that matched all our criteria, namely, a private room that was definitely in the pub proper, free of charge, over which we had total control, which we could have non-smoking, that wasn’t too big and which we could have even if there were only a few playing, where the landlord didn’t tolerate drunks and which had ample parking. We found plenty of pubs with lots of parking, but they were always ‘done-up’ and out-of-town, with dining areas but no separate rooms.

By the end of August we’d decided to call it a day, but then, after several people asked when we were opening again, we decided to go back to The Commercial, but with some changes. Parking on Upper Bridge Street and Watergate street (where several people parked before in any case) is convenient and adequate. For anyone with an ‘orange badge’ there is a large car park behind the pub, and the landlord has agreed to open up a private 6-car garage immediately behind the pub for our exclusive use (great for visiting bands!) so we went for it. We also decided to move from Mondays to Tuesday nights, on 1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesdays. Every week had become just too much work and was too binding on us. ’Phone 01244-683563 or 01244-349203 first if you’re thinking of coming!

We’re happy to arrange odd special nights on weeks that we’re normally closed, if need be.

Tom had said he’d come over on our opening night in September, but the big surprise, even to us, was that Tom intended to make it a Showcase Night! We didn’t know until he ’phoned late in the afternoon, so it was too late to advertise it. Along with Tom were his regular mandolinist Dave Howard with Russ & Stuart Willams on bass and banjo respectively. The evening was, nonetheless, well attended and several said it was the best night we’ve ever had. Tom was in excellent voice and sang several Bill Monroe numbers as a token to the great man. Let’s hope we can keep the support we need to maintain the standard!

Jean C.Brandon, Chester

Updated 23rd Jan 1999