STOURBRIDGE BRANCH

STOURBRIDGE BRANCH - DECEMBER 2009

Before I start the report I trust that you have all had a good Xmas and looking forward to 2010. I have been busy during December with taking part in two talent contests and an interview on The Bridge Radio (Stourbridge Community Radio 95.2 FM). The first Talent contest of which I was one of the fifteen finalists. The final was held on Friday 4^th December in the Great Hall at Dudley Technical College where I used to attend as a student on one day and two nights from Contactor Switchgear Wolverhampton in the early 1950s which was when I started working for the company 1^st January 1951 after leaving full time day school in December 1950. I also used to attend the same College in the mid 1950s for the Radio for Amateurs Course & Ballroom Dancing in the Great Hall where I had also sat three City & Guilds Examinations for Amateur Radio. I never thought then that some 54 years later I would be appearing on the stage there it was great and so where the memories I used to attend the Students Saturday dances there once a month. The event of Dudley's Got Talent was organised for the second year by The Champions Church of Dudley who in January 2010 will be opening a new church with 800 seating capacity in Netherton near Dudley. Zach Evans who attends the Stourbridge Branch meetings came second in the same contest in 2008. Moving on to the next Talent Contest of which the first Auditions where held on Thursday 10^th at The National Exhibition Centre Birmingham (A venue I know only too well after visiting most of the Trade Exhibitions there for the past 23 years). But this time on 10^th December at 10.00am audition time there were no exhibitions it was Britain's Got Talent (It is the second year I have entered for that contest) I was asked to do an interview on Camera so perhaps that will be shown in 2010 as part of the build up for the new series. I believe that Zach also entered for the contest He was there on the afternoon of the same day, I don't know if David Oakes who I came into contact with last year was there - once again if You should be reading this report can You get in contact with Me at the new E Mail address or Telephone number. It was while on route back from The NEC that I received a phone call from Glenys to say that Graham Fisher of The Bridge Radio had been in contact and I should telephone Him to arrange a time for an interview at the Radio Station, which was 1-2pm on Monday 14^th December, which was the day after Our Organ Concert at The Severn Warehouse & Cellars which is the new name for The Former Buttermarket Shrewsbury. The name changed since new ownership & refurbishment has been taking place since August 2009 it’s a vast improvement to the 1883 venue look forward to seeing some of You there for one of Our Organ Concert on the third Sunday of the month at 3.00pm except August no concert & December 2^nd Sunday. See Trusts Website for concert dates & organists appearing www.shropshiretheatreorgantrust.co.uk The organist for the December 2009 concert was Norman Scott and it's 50 years since He has been playing in concert He once accompanied Billy Uke Scott in pantomime in Liverpool a few years ago.

Wednesday 16^th December it was the 18^th Anniversary of the Stourbridge Branch & what a night it was plenty of prepared food by Christine & Helpers and an extension on to the evening by the new owners of The Summer House Adam & Sarah Clarke who also allowed the buffet to take plac. The entertainment for the evening was really great (I never thought 18 yrs ago when I started The Stourbridge Branch from The Robin Woods Community Centre that 18yrs on that such a night could be held). The success is all due to those that attend the branch meetings from far and wide across the country and the back up team Christine, Dave, Matthew & Jonathan Richards with all the PA equipment and Matthew Our accompanist, and once again everyone that attends the monthly meetings because without You there would be no meetings, and not forgetting Adam & Sara Clarke from The Summerhouse & wish them all the very best for the future at The Summer house, & still with special thanks to George & Jean who allowed the Branch to continue at The Summer House over the past four years that they have been there & all of us wish You All The Very Best for the future.

A Very Happy New Year To Everyone & to Readers of This Website See You all in 2010

Turned Out Nice Again Your Roving Reporter

Malcolm Palmer

It was Dave Cooper who allowed the Branch Meetings to be held at The Summer House following the closure of The Robin Woods Centre after 13 yrs there.

COMPERE FOR THE EVENING

MALCOLM PALMER