When I heard that Rank Strangers were to do a Showcase at Chester I was determined to attend, despite the threat of thick fog and a 60 mile round trip, as 1 had never seen them before and I understood that they played a good selection of Old-Time and Bluegrass music.

I was first to park in the garage, though a little hesitant, as a founder member of the ‘Clampit Gang’! The band arrived directly behind me and unloaded their gear. They almost managed to sneak the tea-chest bass past Derek & Jean unnoticed, but no problem.... special concessions were made to the band. There were already quite a few people engaged in playing and to my surprise as well as many familiar faces, there were a number of people I had not seen before.

As a lover of Old-Time music, clawhammer-style banjo and a driving fiddle, I was not to be disappointed - the band exceeded all of my expectations as I sat with feet tapping and loving every minute, absorbing the lively atmosphere. Who needs drink when you can get high an the music? Their repertoire covered a wide range of Old-Time and Bluegrass to please all tastes, including (of course) the song Rank Strangers.

Phil, Dave, Pat and Bonz

Bonz was wearing his ‘fat controller’ sweat shirt - I wasn’t sure if he was a Thomas the Tank fan or a keep fit enthusiast, but I do remember thinking “I wish he could control mine!”

All four were extremely versatile and I remember feeling quite giddy watching them swap instruments during the course of the evening. The vocals were powerful with good harmony. There was just the usual problem of not wanting them to finish the showcase, but the evening continued in full swing with Rank Strangers taking the leading role in the jam session afterwards.

It was great to be able to suggest particular Old-Time tunes and have them played as they obliged with Whiskey Before Breakfast- the chords of which have been confusing me for ages, not that they are anything other than the usual three but with an unusual sequence (at least for a developing novice).

Talking of novices, I took along my mother, who lives in Norfolk. She was totally captivated - she rarely visits sessions and was inspired to jot down a few notes:-

“On paying a second visit this year to the Chester club I was not disappointed by my anticipation of a very enjoyable evening. Everyone was extremely friendly and jovial. To my surprise some people even remembered my first visit and made me feel most welcome. It was a full house of enthusiastic players with a wonderful assortment of songs and tunes for all.

"Rank Strangers kept everyone’s hands and feet tapping with their excellent musical talent, although at times I found it hard to concentrate as two of the band bore striking resemblances to Phil and Grant Mitchell of Eastenders! The landlady gave everyone freshly-made warm mince pies so I felt that my Christmas season had really begun. I enjoyed myself immensely and will take happy memories back to Norfolk and look forward to a return visit next year.”

Mum wasn't the only visitor impressed by the evening - having missed the raffle, a French man working in the area expressed his appreciation by flinging a five pound note at Derek to contribute to the evenings expenses!

For those who didn't make the evening, well you missed one hell of a good night and I can't wait for their return which I hope won't be too far into the new year! If Derek B. was listening I’d tell him to get out the diary and book them now. I would hope to see them on the festival scene and I really don't know how I've missed them to date, but there's one thing for sure, I won't miss them again without a sound reason.

Julie Cross, Crewe

Updated 23rd Jan 1999