Latest News
Monday 25th August
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Well I'm back after yet another spell of health problems, this time in true 'Ello Ello' fashion, apparently I ave' a Dicky-Tickeur, but I'm hoping it will all be sorted in the not to distant future.
It did not stop me and a packed clubroom last Friday of enjoying a cracking atmosphere and a brilliant night headed by our guests and singing family 'The Wardmans' consisting of Dad Kevin and his two daughters, Leanne and Lauren.
Leanne having recently returned to the area from London, - 'Dahn Sarfs' loss is our gain I'm glad to say.
Our next visiting guests on 5th. September are 'REAL TIME' who are Kenny Speirs, one of the founder members of the John Wright Band, Judy Dinning who was with Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies for many years, one not to miss.
Then on the 26th Sept we have the very talented singer songwriter Paul Reaney doing a Showcase some of you will have seen Paul at the club before in floorspots on his travels around the clubs.
Keep Smiling,
Nick.
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Sunday 20th July 2008.
Margaret Mealey 1936 - 2008
The very sad news of the passing of one of it's most popular members has come as a shock to regulars at both Rhyl and Conwy clubs this week. The devoted Wife, Mother and Grandmother passed away on Thursday 18th July after a short illness.
Blessed with a fantastic singing talent she was a member of the sixties girl pop group 'The Vernon Girls' who had hits and numerous T.V appearances. Margaret also appeared on the same bill as Frankie Vaughan, Cliff Richard, Tommy Cooper, Freddie Starr and many more top line performers.
Although having rubbed shoulders with the elite of the entertainment world, she was also a down to earth person with an instantly warm and welcoming personality to whoever she met.
She was for years a member of the Rhyl Amateur Dramatic Society and the mixed choir 'The Monro Singers'.
Most of us though know her as singing partner to her soul mate and husband Terry on the folk club stage, while not only enjoying the singing, but their famous on stage 'domestics' which would leave us all splitting with laughter.
Margaret was not only 'Our Star' but an object lesson to us all on how to live life to the full.
R.I.P. Margaret.
Nick Gausden
Saturday 12th. April.
We have another exciting gig on 25th. as John Wright's Band pay us a visit.
John was due on this date which was booked prior to his untimely and sad passing in February.
It was the specific request to his wife Barbara, that his music lived on should anything happen to him.
The line up will be Pete Abbott - vocals & guitar,
Joe Wright - fiddle & mandolin, and the internationally renowned harmonica player Fraser Speirs.
This is going to be a fantastic night and bound to be popular, so please arrive early.
Before that we have (Mr Folk) Brian Bull -"an' all the little chickens" doing a showcase.
Brian's mastery of the concertina is matched by his knowledge of traditional folk songs and their origins, he is no slouch on the guitar either. Brian will be performing on the 18th.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
This coming Friday, our guest is Tom Doughty, Tom is a wheelchair user following an accident. But this doesn't stop him producing fantastic music. Dont miss this unique performer.
We also have other super guests this year, please check out the 'guest list tab' for further details.
2009 will be Rhyl Folk Clubs 45th anniversary year, as well as looking back in celebration, we are also looking forward and working hard toward booking 'extra special' guest artists to appear for us.
I am pleased to announce that we have already lined up John Tams & Barry Coope who were voted folk duo of the year in the BBC 2008 awards ceremony.
Other really top line performers are in the negotiating stage, so watch this page for more info.
Also a new voucher scheme will be introduced in order to ensure that only bona-fide members have first crack at the much sort after tickets.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
20th. March
This Friday is the club's 44th. anniversary so please come along and join in the celebrations.
The week after that we have Mr Dave King doing a showcase of his talent as a blues and slide guitar master.
Next month we have as our guest Tom Doughty, an extraordinary man who overcame serious injury to continue playing his music, that is on 4th April - not to be missed.
Along the coast in Conwy the folk club there have move to a bigger and better venue for their Monday night meetings, they now meet at the Royal British Legion Club, which is next door to the Malt Loaf in Rosehill Street.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
Saturday 9th. February 2008
John Wright
It is very sad news that our very good friend John Wright sadly passed away on Thursday after being admitted to hospital complaining of feeling unwell. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Barbara and the family at this sad time.
The John Wright band first played at our club in 1998 at the old 'Bee and Station' and has made an appearance every year since, playing to packed houses at various venues.
John was a particular friend to Jeff Ted and Alun,our resident band Rum Bum & Concertina and invited them as support to some of his gigs.
The band were due to make their annual spring visit to us in April, and I know what a sad loss to everyone who loved not only his unique voice, but will miss meeting and chatting to such a warm and friendly man.
Rest in peace John.
Pete Abbott, was one of John's current band members and will be doing a gig for us this Friday (15th.) He will now be joined by fiddle player Gregor Borland, also a J.W.B. member., so please come along and give them your support as a tribute to John.
Nick.
4th January 2008
Happy New Year to everyone.
Well its about a year now since we moved to our posh new surroundings and a successful year at that, with some cracking nights entertainment and fun.
The coming year looks to be just as exciting with a new guest list to include the following artistes;
on 15th February we kick off with Pete Abbott the popular member of the John Wright Band doing his solo set.
The afore-mentioned John Wright Band was to have been performing on 25th April.
Also in the year we will have Tom Doughty, a fantastic act who overcame serious injury to carry on making music.
Johnny Silvo, new to the club, but no stranger to the U.K. as the Dutch based singer/guitarist has a full British tour booked every year.
No stranger at all to Rhyl is the legendery Wiz Jones who plays to packed houses everywhere and surely needs no introduction.
Also a known face at Rhyl is Rob Colquhoun,and from from Ireland a cracking Singer/songwriter Briege Murphy, Stoke based group, Queensbury Rules, Female songstresses Ember, and following his very successful showcase, a welcome return of the unique Pete Kay.
All relevent date will be announced shortly, so watch this space.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
Monday 15th. October
This coming Friday we have Virginia Barratt as our guest following her showcase last April.
The beautiful singer/songwriter will once again be accompanied by the brilliant guitarist Stuart Lupton.
Following their Showcase last April the Duo have fast become very popular in the North Wales folk scene.
Dont miss the chance to see this accomplished performer in our comfortable surroundings.
Doors open at 8:15pm
20th August
This coming Friday the 24th. we have a showcase with Steve Ferbrache and his girlfriend and banjo player Siobhan.
Steve was weened on folk music at the 'Bee' as a tender 16 year old which inspired him to learn the guitar - and what a quick learner he was, from a novice to highly accomplished performer in around 18 months.
Steve is a local lad but has been living and working in London for several years now so we haven't seen much of him lately, so get to the club early on Friday and enjoy the couples showcase.
Last week the members prize draw was won by Pam Hollis £15. to spend at the car boot Pam?
Terry and Margaret are the latest club members to join the campervan fraternity and splashed out in preparation for next years festival season. I think we will have to organise a members musical tour soon.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
Frank counts his winnings whilst Alun
weeps uncontrollably on his shoulder
30th July '07
Well two out of three aint' bad, when you think some folk haven't even had one.
What is he rattling on about I hear you say, It's the members cash prize draw.
The £50. prize was won by Frank Keogh, who with his wife Ann have had their numbers drawn three times since the start of the draw a few months ago, and have been in attendance twice to collect their winnings, so the moral is....get down to the club if you want to win, staying at home is such a sin.
It was a cracking night again on Jim Reynolds Guest Night and a really good crowd enjoyed this unique artist. Jim Travelled up from Bristol to entertain us again, and once more gave a truly solid performance on how to play many styles to perfection, a report will be on the Guest Review Tab shortly.
With so many in the club, Suzanne was a busy girl again but always serves up our pints with a cheery smile, many thanks Sue, we do appreciate your hard work.
Sue told me she was so impressed by the music etc. that it inspired her to take up guitar lessons from our very own - Alun Rees Jones. Yes, he has at long last taken the plunge and decided to pass on his considerable skills to others.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
News Monday 23rd July.
Well folks this week our guest artist is the brilliant Jim Reynolds.
www.jimreynoldsmusic.co.uk/
Jim is a first class act and for those who haven't seen him before are in for a treat, those that have will relish the thought of seeing him again I'm sure. So get to the club early and dont forget that the 'Members Draw' is fixed at £50.
until it is claimed. Last Friday Margaret Mealey (34) was the unlucky non-winner as she was away doing a good turn for the family so missed out on the jackpot, is'nt life cruel?.
Last Friday the 'Rochdale Mashers' did a Showcase spot at the club,
a short report is on the Showcase Tab.
Next month we have an exciting act on the showcase, more news on that next week.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
News Sunday 8th. July.
With club organiser Jeff Blythin away on holiday it was Rum & Concertina that carried the mantle of resident band last Friday, and the duo also shared the duty of M.C. Alun had a list of songs to perform in expectancy of a thin scattering of floor singers, how wrong he was as the good sized audience were entertained to a varied set of spots. The highlight of which were the 'Tomless' - Dick & Harry, who stole the show with a super set of favourites that suited both voices and very ably backed up by the pairs skills on guitar - a cracking set that left everyone wanting more.
The members draw number was 83, Cathy Borland, £45. down the Swannee as Cathy was otherwise engaged.
Securicor Alert next Friday with a £50 Jackpot in the offing.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
News 1st July
Appologies for the lack of news updates of late due to illness.
I myself had a severe chest infection which refused to respond to treatment and was akin to Bird Flu - Leprosy and and a day out on the new 'Drift Park'.
Lindsay was also off sick last week , Alun Concertina damaged his ankle and Jeff Blythin seems to have a suspicious growth on his chin.
Anyway business as usual and last Friday we were treated to a superb set in Nick Jacksons Showcase, (read comments on the review tab) It's always a pleasure when Nick attends our club and also good to see his other half - Karen
looking so well.
It appears to me that certain members seem to stay away on showcase nights, or is it my imagination. If my assumption is correct and floor singers have it in their head that they wont be invited to perform, could I remind them that a showcase is normally only 30 minutes, in other words the equivalent of two extra floor spots, so please support these nights if you can.
This month we have the brilliant Jim Reynolds as our guest artist on the 27th. (weather permitting) you will recall he was due to appear last year, but snow storms prevented him from making it. Jim is a fantastic act with a unique style of his own, so mark your'e diary and come along.
The members draw prize is £45 next week as number 14 - Ady Davies was not in attendance and therefore forfeits the £40 winnings.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
13th May
Raffle winner...T. Mealey (again?!? ed.)
Members Draw winner No. 66 - Graham Stubbs--------NOT CLAIMED.
Best Crack of the night was when, hearing a mobile Phone feebly bleeping, Alun asked from the stage "what is it?" ... crumpled up in a heap, and in a faltering voice, John Killian replied.......
"Its Me...Bloody...Pace...Maker". ( Priceless! )
For those of you who enjoyed Virginia Barretts's Showcase last month,you will be pleased to hear she has agreed to appear as a Guest Artist for us in October, accompanied by the brilliant Stewart Lupton.
A full and updated guest list can be viewed on a separate tab.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
7th May
Members Draw:
The members prize draw has had a stuttering start but is now on a roll with the last two weeks being won by evergreen regulars.
last Friday the ever popular 'scouser; Terry Mealey won the cash prize. He said that the win would not make a huge difference to his life, when asked what he would do about the begging letters, he stated he would still be sending them.
New C.D.
A back catalogue C.D by our superb resident band Rum, Bum & Concertina is now available. The album has been reformatted from audio tape and contains 14 popular tracks. Pick up your copy from Lindsay on the desk on club night.
Instuments:
If anyone is looking to buy or sell any of their instruments and would like them mentioned in this column, please let me know.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
Monday 30th April
Members Draw:
How good to see that the very first winner of the 'members draw' was long time member Ann Keogh with her membership number 46, Ann and her husband Frank have been attending the club for years, but I suppose when you reach their age, you must have been prominent at something. (only joking) it could'nt have gone to a nicer lady.
The prize reverts back to £5. this Friday.
I missed last Friday with a re-occuring back problem so I cant give an account of events, but I'm sure it was a good night.
Showcase Review:
Could I thank Derek Taylor for doing the review for Virginia Barretts' showcase night and if anyone would like to contribute an artists review for our website, please let me know, its better to have varying angles than contributions from the same pen each time.
May Showcase:
Next month we have Des Owen doing a showcase for the club, although a fairly new face to me, he assured me he remembers visiting 'The Bee' in his youth.
Des is highly talented singer/songwriter and a proud Welshman, so we can expect some Welsh content in his set.
Des is also an admirer of the great Woodie Guthrie and Bob Dylan, so Jeff will be in his element.
More info' to follow on the Homepage soon.
Obituary:
On a sadder note, I'm sure you will all join me in conveying our condolences to Margaret and Terry (Mealey) on the sad news of the passing of Margarets Mother last week.
Nick.
Sunday 22nd April
Another packed house on Fiday were treated to a first class set with Virginia Barretts` Showcase, Virginia was superbly accompanied by the considerable guitar playing talent of Stewart Lupton, read Derek Taylor's comments on the review tab.
Also at the club on Friday were the `Coastal Voices`, a mixed choir and a refreshing change to routine floor singers, who sang with gusto and my favourite was Labi Sifres` "Something Inside So Strong" thank goodness for the stage extension.
The members draw was number 83 and was unclaimed, £15. next Friday is up for grabs.
Keep Smiling - Nick.
Friday 13th April
"I should be so lucky; lucky, lucky, lucky"
It should have been a lucky day for Ann Price as her number was picked out of 'the hat' by Shirley Pendleton in the weekly members draw, the unlucky part for Ann was that she was not in attendance on the night to collect her winnings and the cash prize rolls over to next week.
The moral of the story is:
forget about superstitions, walk out of the house (preferably under a ladder), kick the black cat that dared to cross your path and make your way to the folk club where you will be safe for evermore.
Tuesday 10th April 2007
43rd Anniversary
Well the 43rd Anniversary went off very well. We had a full house of old and new faces.
Rum Bum & Concertina were joined by their old cohort Alan Jones, up from Norwich for the club anniversary. The first to take the stage after RBC & Jones was the irrepressible Darryl Moorley. As per usual he entertained the crowd with his little asides (I hear he’s taking medicine for them) generally off the wall witticisms and shanty singing.
Rick Tynan of 1980’s Bee & Station fame showed up and managed a couple of numbers (eventually remembering the words) and then proceeded to perform a dazzling card trick using Jeff Blythin as his stooge. They made a good pair and it really was the 10 of hearts.
Though there was an absence of some regular faces – holidays etc., the night still pulled in a sizeable crowd.
John Killion shouted his way to rapturous applause, as did Geoff Hollis who nearly managed to whistle his way to the end of Singing the Blues without smiling. Fin and Chris did three numbers; I think they were 45, 112 and 17, as did the gorgeous George Evans. Roddy Witherspoon also entertained the club with his excellent voice.
Dave Costello pulled three good numbers out of the hat and that left it to RBC and Jones to finish the night off. Which they did with their usual aplomb. Overall, another very good anniversary celebration.
April Showcase
The delightful Chester based singer/songwriter Virginia Barrett will be showcasing her talents on Friday 20th.
Please come along and enjoy her unique performance for our club. The usual singers night entrance fee applies.
Keep Smiling
Nick
Sunday 25th. March.
John Wright Band
The John Wright Band gig was a huge success, The all ticket event was a sell out and it is obvious that Rhyl Folk Club is one of Johns' favourite dates. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the terrific atmosphere. Alun Rhys Jones' report on the Guest Review Tab to follow shortly.
Membership
The benefit of the registered membership scheme played a big part in informing everyone on ticketing issues etc, so if you have not yet registered, please help me to alert you of club activities by filling in a form on your next visit to the club.
New Stage
A lot of work went on prior to the gig, including an extension to the stage being completed just hours before the performance, hopefully a new bank of spotlights will be fitted soon to compliment the new stage.
No Smoking
A big thank you to all the smokers who adhered to the No Smoking request, I know the guest musicians were very appreciative, and as we all know there will be a total ban on smoking in all enclosed public places in Wales from 2nd April 2007.
Forthcoming Events:
Two weeks to go for the clubs 43rd anniversary, Friday 6th. April ( Good Friday ) this is bound to be another great nights entertainment if past years are a benchmark. please come along if you can and join in the fun and frolics.
Also in April we have the delightful Virginia Barrett performing a Showcase slot, more information to follow on the Homepage shortly.
Keep smiling – Nick.
Sunday 11th March.
New Venue.
Well folks the probation period is behind us and everyone has settled nicely into our super new venue.
Could I ask those members that have not already done so, to fill in R.A.F.A. forms on their next visit.
Also everyone should by now have recieved their folk club membership cards and unique members number.
As from Friday 16th March a new Members Draw will become a weekly feature.
The cash prize starts off at £5. and is increased by a further £5. each week.
"How do I win it?" I hear you ask... simple really, a number is drawn from the hat and if it is your unique number you win.
The only rule is you have to be in attendance to claim the prize, if not, it rolls over to the next week.
Anyone who has not yet received their membership card see me on Friday.
Sound System:
The sound system has been vastly improved in the last week with the speakers added and erected on wall brackets, we hope you will enjoy the better sound quality.
John Wright Band:
The tickets for this gig on the 23rd are selling fast so if you need some phone 01745 334087.
Please note this is an all ticket concert. There will be no payment at the door on the night and seating is limited.
Nick.
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