STOURBRIDGE BRANCH

STOURBRIDGE BRANCH - JUNE 2014

Malcolm's Report

Again I apologise for being late with the report. My son Andrew has been in hospital for a full day and has been away from work for over two weeks and not allowed to drive. As a result, little time has been available to draft out the report, what with household work and decorating. The June meeting was very well attended and it was great to see Paul Culkin from Yorkshire, along with all the other performers that are seen in the photos that accompany this report, keeps the Stourbridge Branch to a highs standard; what with the back up team all maintain that level. Such as Gabriela who arranges the running order, Dave & Christine Richards with the PA and mic adjustment in between acts, not forgetting the band which were missing one Dave Partington. Neither he or his wife Jane were unable to attend this time so it was Matthew Richards on the Keyboard and former contractor Switchgear employee Bernard Francis on the Washboard, and not forgetting our genial hosts from the Summer House Angie and John.

This year several from the Stourbridge Branch were at the 1940s event on the SVR. I was unable to be there last year because of my duties looking after Glenys - I made up for it this year by having the two weekends. Being a volunteer it is the only time I spend any time travelling on the trains. I came into contact with other GFS members who had been booked to appear there, like Colin Bourdiec, who was playing at the concert on the second Saturday night and Dickie Lines and his versatile performance at Kidderminster, not forgetting Paul Harper who is in his 15th year playing at Bridgnorth. This year Paul's daughter has joined him and she is extremely good, so is Laura Bill and Cameron Aitken with Kevin Mac at Arley and also not forgetting Andrew and Karen (The Dinky Doos) joined at times with Karen' son Charlie on guitar. They were at Bewdley Station not far from where I work as a volunteer in the carriage works, so it was a wonderful two weekends. I was unable to attend the first meeting of the Chester Branch even though Martin and myself had arranged to go. I was informed by Cathy Darlington, who has started the Branch, that it was very well attended, about 120, and I hope Cathy has regular attendance of around that figure. All being well Martin and myself will be there in August and also at Morcambe on 26th July. I am looking forward to that visit in being involved with a theatre myself. I could not attend the event at Lamington Spa on 12th July because I was the Dudley festival with the friends of the Hippodrome. My other reporters will know doubt keep me informed about the 12th, so I can feature this in the next report.

Finally at our last meeting there was a new member of the Stourbridge and District Amateur Radio Society, Mark Cadman with his father, both thoroughly enjoyed the evening and will be there again.

Turned out nice again - Your Roving Reporter Malcolm Palmer

PERFORMERS