Up Holland:
Julie Cross reports: "Suffering from session withdrawal symptoms after a
very lazy Christmas period, I was looking forward to visiting Up Holland
for the first time. A fairly straightforward route following Derek's precise
instructions led me to the pub, where I was pleasantly surprised. It had
a warm and friendly atmosphere and the landlady made the special effort of
speaking to newcomers. I was expecting the usual type of session but found
a more formal evening which was thoroughly enjoyable and relaxed. We had
our own small room upstairs with a bar, away from the hustle and bustle of
the Christmas punters. With their usual good humour, the band kicked off
with a selection of songs from their repertoire that suited all
tastes.
"During a couple of breaks audience participation was 'invited'. One resulted
in a scratch band being formed which including myself, Dave Bresnen, Jack
Griffiths, Owen & Paul Duffey a host of others. We managed to pull together
a couple of tunes and songs for the unsuspecting audience. Derek & Jean
Brandon didn't go - they were dying of 'flu!
"No need for a miracle - the landlady produced a buffet with enough food
to feed five thousand, supplied by the Britannia band... thanks y'all, much
appreciated. After the music ended my batteries of motivation were recharged
when talking to the band concerning how easy it is to let things go when
the going gets rough. They are a good example of how to pull together in
sticky times to produce something good. This is my New Year message to all...
keep smiling, pull together and make '97 a Bluegrass and Old Time year to
remember!"
I don't care who you say you
are....
... you ain't bringing no drums in
here!
Rainford:
From Neil Rennie "The party was a very lively one. I got there
early and paid my £1.00 entrance fee, which covered the raffle ticket
and a buffet. Many of the usual pickers turned up but there were others such
as Bill and Tom Degney, who were accompanied by their wives.
"The evening started with a spot from Johnny Plank & The Planktones.
It was the first time I had seen them and I didn't know what to expect. Bryn,
Stuart and Russell started off their set with an old Hot Rize favourite of
mine, Blue Night. They also did a great version of the Motorhead number The
Ace Of Spades which they introduced as a "good old British folk song", then
Stuart (fiddle) and Russell (mandolin) did a great duet of the fiddle tune
Grey Eagle. They also and sang two songs popularised by the charts. The first
was the traditional song Cotton-Eyed-Joe (done in bluegrass style) followed
by Swamp Thing (a popular country song from the 20's) mixed up with Salt
Creek. During a great version of Fire On The Mountain the Degneys introduced
Bryn to some of their new Appalachian dance steps and they danced through
lots of numbers. Then Owen Duffey joined in and I thought it was going to
turn into a workshop!
"After the band finished the buffet was opened and it was most welcome by
this time. After all the eating was finished the usual pick started off.
Everyone joined in; all the ones mentioned above plus Junction regulars Paul
Duffey, Dave Bresnen, Bill Vosper, Peter Barrat and Stuart Leach. They played
a good selection including Rocky Top, Dear Old Dixie, and some festive numbers
such as Jingle Bells. The evening was rounded off by the guests playing The
Grand Old Duke Of York with audience participation - it went down well. Everyone
enjoyed the party and we hope to see Bryn & Co.
again!"
Chester:
Pete Massey: "We had nothing very special organised because we'd had a Guest
night only the week before. But just to show willing, sandwiches, cakes,
pies and other good Xmas fare were organised. A decent turnout led to a good
pick, and one of the generous pub regulars chucked £10 into the kitty!
But it wasn't enough that the landlord and landlady went out for the night
and forgot our food; the bottle of whiskey in the raffle was won by someone
not in our room....
"Derek tried a quiz along the lines of Stuart Williams', but it didn't work
very well - he was right first time - couldn't think of questions daft enough!
So what - Jean had taken some extra food and we had a great night anyhow!"
Mossley:
Ian Reynolds: "'Dave' says I to Mr. Pope. 'What went on at the party - I
can't seem to remember...' He said 'What party?', and that's the kind of
do it was.
"Only the week before someone had suggested that we come in fancy dress,
with the theme of 'fruit and vegetables'. (That's the kind of people we are.)
I made the mistake of thinking they were joking, so I had to sit in the corner
all night (like a cabbage) or be kicked out.
"Others were more inventive. Dave Pope arrived wearing a straw hat festooned
with bananas singing The Banana Boat(er) song. Carrie was a treat: In her
burgundy gear and flashing a leg when required, she was great as 'Cranberry
Sauce'. Bonz was good for a laugh as always. He'd attached a length of
coat-hanger-wire wrapped in white paper with a pea on the end (honest) to
his flies. He was a frozen pee. (Geddit?)
"Wracking our brains to remember the others, Dave and I agreed that Pat must
have done something sexy and Angela, we seem to recall, did something bizarre
with ear rings. Who knows? Can anyone remember?
"Why did John Harrison turn up covered in wires as Gerry and The Pacemakers?
Answers on a post card to the Ed (no prizes). Oh, by the way, there was a
lot of good music too. Here's to next
year."
And from Prestwich
:
When I asked Tom Degney "How was the Prestwich Xmas party?", he thought a
minute then replied "We did-n-t'have one. Our night fell on Christmas Eve."
So I commented "I wouldn't have let that stop me!", which Tom parried with
"Well, we couldn't go anyhow - we were still in jail for dancing at Rainford!"
(See Jan. NWBN for an explanation
of that one).
Compiled by Chris Kringle
Updated 23rd Jan 1999
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