While we are unable to meet we continue to look back at the start of the club. This is the write up from the Seventh meeting of the club on the 8th April 1998.
“Our 8th April night started with Leo and Les Thurston playing Tulips from Amsterdam on their MIDI accordions, followed by a German Tango, Summertime and House of the Homeland, Leo and Les also play, and have recorded, a tape under the name The Klavaccords. Next Frank Scholes played a folk dance tune and Lord of the Dance. Frank
was followed by Tom Bennett with the second Tulips from Amsterdam of the night, Snow Waltz and Eye Level. Agnes McClaren next gave us House of McDonald and When Irish Eyes. Agnes recently became the owner of a MIDI accordion, this was the reason she chose the headphones in the raffle last month, she can now practice at home without disturbing her family, some of whom work night shifts. This is one of the advantages of having a MIDI setup. Our next player was Basil Berry who played Cavatina, In
the Mood and a James Last medley. Basil recently wrote a magazine article about his vision of a new accordion for the future, this was a 48 Bass Electronic instrument with auto rhythms built in and a simplified Bass side. If you would like more information on this idea then have a word with Basil at the club, I am sure he will be interested in sharing his ideas with you. After the break, Jay and Jeff opened the second half with Happy Birthday for a surprised Lady in the club. Walter Perrie and
George Hicks They then followed with Autumn Leaves, Romany, Spanish Eyes and Marie Elene. Hazel Haddon made her debut appearance with Tico Tico, Hazel is the person who plays so well during the breaks - after listening to her during the breaks, I have had quite a few requests from people asking me to get Hazel up to play for us, well she did it this month, well done Hazel. George Hicks played a German Clarinet polka which he heard on a record he bought for 50p. George learns all his tunes from
records or from memory and has won the Buskers section of the Wyre festival numerous times, he does not go out busking on the street though, I think he would earn a fortune if he did. Last month George was presented with a Trophy by the Wyre Accordion Club for providing the best singalong music of the year. Walter Perrie had to leave early so when I found this out I made sure I put him on next before he left, Walter played March to Spey and Reel, Walter then invited George Hicks to join him for
a duet. Ian Carter was next playing Oslo Waltz, Earl of Mansfield and Cuckoo Waltz. Ian is not going to let me forget that I put him on after Walter played, it is hard enough getting up in front of everyone and playing without following a professional. I have promised Ian that I will put that David Batty on after Walter next time! I was last to play but I cannot remember what, I remember doing it but the only title I remember was the Long Long Trail Medley. I nearly got away without playing but
someone always seems to remember that I have not had a turn, this took us to 11pm, that was it for another month. I am looking forward to our next meeting on 13th May, we will be treated to Deirdre Adamson who is travelling all the way down from Scotland to play for us. I look forward to seeing you all again.”
David Batty
Hopefully that was an interesting blast from the past, now to move up to date with some items to keep you entertained during the lockdown.
