North Staffs Accordion Club Newsletter

North Staffs Accordion
Club
Newsletter
J u ly 2 0 1 4
No 443
The North Staffs Accordion Club
welcomes all accordion enthusiasts playing or non-playing.
We hold a ‘Clubnite’ at Holditch Miner’s Welfare Club, Chesterton
at 8 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month
where entertainment is provided by club members or guest artists.
The venue also hosts a band rehearsal all other Tuesdays
and a beginners’ class every Monday at 7.30 pm and a class for
schoolchildren on Mondays 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone 01782 823668.
Hi Everyone. I hope you are well and enjoying your music and of course the warm weather.
June Clubnite
We had a good turnout for the
June clubnite which was a
theme night devoted to
wartime songs. Everyone got
into the spirit of things, Tony
Britton had decorated the room
with Union Jack bunting and
song sheets were printed so
that everyone could join in.
The Monday night ‘Beginners and Improvers’ group (pictured above) were the first to get up and they
played a collection of songs including Marine March, The Long Trail and Keep the Home Fires
Burning. They are obviously working very hard and their progress was striking. They
certainly had terrific timing – much thanks to Geoff’s hard work on Monday nights.
Wilf Bailey was next playing a selection including Goodbye Dolly Grey, If You Were the
Only Girl in the World and I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of
Coconuts. Ann Millward’s tunes included Take me Back to
Dear Old Blighty, There’ll always be an England and We’ll
Gather Lilacs and Brian Shufflebotham (right) played Colonel
Bogey, Hey Little Hen and Keep Right on to the End of the
Road.
Tony Britton gave us Rule Britannia, Sons of the Sea, Heart of
Oak and Soldiers of the Queen and harmonica player Derek Wilton came up and
played Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye. Don Bebbington (left) decided
to put aside his accordion and sing for us. With Wilf Bailey’s accordion
accompaniment he sang a lovely song called That Lovely Weekend. He told us
that it had been composed by Ted Heath after his wife had written him a poem on
a rare weekend together during his war travels, and he had set this to music. It had gone on to be a hit.
After that Don led us all on to sing Lili Marlene.
John Plumb was next, wearing his national service beret (pictured
left), and accompanied by Wilf Bailey. He sang and played
Somewhere in France with You. He told us that he was singing this
song in memory of a family who had given him a home after he had
completed his national service in 1955. The daughter of
the family used to sing it in memory of her father who
had died in World War 1 and so had never been able to
marry her mother.
Lee Slater (right) brought along his lovely saxophone and played A Nightingale Sang in
Berkeley Square as we all sang along and then went on to play Bye Bye Blackbird. Joan
Bamford delighted everyone with a wonderful rendition of Old Comrades followed by We’ll
Meet Again. Beth Lister was next playing a few tunes including The Valetta and Graham
Butler got up and played The White Cliffs of Dover and We’ll Meet Again
To round off the evening, the buskers (left), Steve
Hughes, Graham Butler, Don Bebbington and Jeff
Burndrett joined Mike Richards to play a selection
including Who’s Taking you Home Tonight, Lambeth Walk and
Goodnight Ladies.
The night finally came to an end and I think that it was a very
enjoyable evening and, thanks to the song sheets, everyone was
able to take part and sing even if they did not play.
Julie Best Comes to Holditch in July
At the July clubnite we will be welcoming Julie Best as our guest. She comes from
Carlisle, and is considered to be one of the finest piano accordionists around in this country
today, and excels in many different styles of music.
A bank manager by profession, Julie has played duets with her teacher, Ron Hodgeson and
they have played in clubs and festivals together. She has also duetted with her friend Jean
Corrigan, as she did the last time we saw her at Audley, but this time she will be alone.
Besides playing as a solo artist, Julie often plays for dancing and is also the lead player in
the Ronmar Concert Accordion Orchesta.
It is seven years since she last came to entertain us so Julie is long overdue.
August Clubnite
The August clubnite will be a theme night – ‘Music from the Films’. The challenge is to play at least one
piece of music that has been featured in a film. All players are welcome.
‘Dr.’ Plumb of the Pipes
John Plumb and I were talking about the war songs night and he said that he
would send me an article published on November 1st 1940 in a wartime
magazine called ‘Tobacco’. It told of the Plumb family’s rush across France,
Spain and Portugal as refugees to escape, at the beginning of World War 2,
the German advance into Europe. I read it and thought that it would be an
interesting addition to this month’s newsletter as we had been
commemorating both the First World War and the D-Day landings. John’s
father, who had been a Gunner Officer in World War 1, was a manager of a
famous pipe factory in St. Claude, France and had designed a pipe that was
reputed to give a cool smoke – and which can still be found on sale today
(even in Hanley I believe).
The article began.....
‘It cost Mr. Leslie Plumb, whose name is on the pipes, £180 to get home to
England from St.Claude, in the French Jura mountains, the pipe-turning
capital of the world, when the Germans had outflanked the Maginot Line and rushed , with unresisted
force, southwards to absorb all mid and southern France’....
It went on to say that it took nearly six weeks for Leslie, his Swiss wife, Idda, and their two children, John
and baby sister Anne , to do what would have taken 3 days under normal circumstances.
All their furniture had to be left behind, and they had to drive their car for weeks on roads
massed with refugees and ragged leaderless French soldiers through a South of France
that was hourly becoming more and more over-run with Nazis - more hostile and
dangerous. Leslie said he had decided to try to get home to England as he was afraid of
being interned and his family being left at the mercy of the German troops. The Nazis
were only 30 miles from their home when they decided to go at all costs. It was a big
decision as he had lived and worked in this beautiful area for nearly 20 years. He set off
with a party of 10 (adults and children) in three cars having stuck it out till the last minute
– this was the weekend of June 15th-17th 1940.
Mr. Plumb (‘Dr’ to his intimates, although he was a Chartered Accountant – thus the title
on the pipe boxes) and his family stayed where they could get in; food was poor and
expensive and there was always uncertainty as to where the enemy was. Luckily in
France their francs were good tender. They heard that it was no use heading for Bordeaux although the
French government was there. So they headed for Perpignan, the Pyrenean town in the south western
corner of France – a gateway to Spain. Incidentally, it was at the same time as the
Duke of Windsor and his suite were there fleeing from the Riviera!
Leslie said that they were lucky to get away and had help from a Perpignan
journalist, who had helped the Spaniards during the Spanish civil war, was owed a
favour and pleaded their case with an official. Leslie and his family crossed into
Spain where the Spanish were unhelpful and jeered at them as they made their way.
Their French money was of little use but they did manage to buy some petrol. Leslie
said that it cost him £18 to fill up.
They made for Lisbon and found the Portuguese friendly and helpful. Leslie however
had found the journey hard and was very ill but with little rest travelled on, as the
alternative of letting his wife and children go on ahead without him was out of the
question. When they at last embarked on what must have been a nightmare voyage
across the Bay of Biscay, they had to zigzag constantly to avoid German U-boats. It
took them six days to make Liverpool.
On their return to England, Leslie enlisted into the army. The article ends...
‘Now the name Plumb, well-known in every country in the world that has appreciated
the merits of an English-made half-crown pipe, is the name of an officer in the
Paymaster’s Department of His Majesty’s Army’......
John adds a postscript –
‘Our father never fully recovered from his illness in Spain and he died as a consequence a year later in
1941. In 1953 our war widowed mother Idda died from cancer aged 46’.
Pictures
The first picture shows John’s father Leslie in the HAC during the First World War.
The second shows a four year old John in Switzerland in 1938. Already showing signs of the draw of the
accordion, he proudly poses with a toy one.
The third shows John’s parents to the left with John, his sister Anne and a travelling companion with her
son.
A Musical Interlude In Madeira
By Mike Richards
Barbara and I began our annual holiday in Madeira on Monday 26th May. We always said that we’d never
buy a timeshare but we bought our first week about 7 years ago and we’ve enjoyed it so much that we
bought a second week earlier this year. When we awoke on Tuesday morning we discussed our plans for
the day over breakfast. The weather was absolutely glorious – sunshine, blue skies and a temperature of
about 24 degrees C – so we decided that a gentle two mile stroll into Funchal town centre was a good idea.
As we strolled along we wondered if Juan Caldarado would be playing outside the Ritz hotel. Juan is a
wonderful guitarist and he’s very popular with the tourists. He normally has a rhythm guitarist and a
percussionist playing with him and their music is superb.
We weren't disappointed – when we arrived at the
Ritz the Juan Caldarado Trio had already started.
About 60 or 70 people were enjoying the music
while sitting at tables in the shade of a parasol.
Eventually a table became vacant, so we sat down,
ordered drinks and we didn’t move for about two
hours – not quite true, we did order more drinks and
a chocolate brownie! The
trio played a host of tunes with amazing musicality and after two hours of
listening I was inspired and full of ideas for my own playing. Juan and his pals
play for about two hours outside the Ritz every day and I know that most
evenings they play in a hotel. Juan’s a good advert for that old adage, ‘practice
makes perfect’, because even if he’s not perfect, he’s very close.
Barbara and I continued our musical soiree that evening when we visited the Real
Canoa restaurant for a meal. The fillet steak was superb and to top it off, my
friend Daniel Cor (to my left in the picture) was playing the accordion. What
more can you ask for? I’ve known Daniel for a few years now and he’s always
pleased when I take him some sheet music – Corrine & Luci e Ombre are in his current repertoire. This
time I went armed with a folder of sheet music, so when he’d finished playing and I’d finished eating, we
went through it. He liked the music and eventually he said “Mike, would you mind playing some of this
music for me?” (I thought he’d never ask). “Which ones would you like me to play?” I asked. “All of
them,” he answered, so I had a right good session. My playing was well received - lots of clapping and
nice comments. A brilliant end to a perfect day!
Midsummer Mayhem 2014
On August 10th there is an event planned called Midsummer Mayhem 2014 taking place in the Lyme
Valley Parkway, Newcastle under Lyme. Now in its 7th year, this community based event offers an
opportunity to access lots of information about the local services and is complemented with lots of
activities including a fun dog show, donkey rides, have-a-go archery, duck racing, bouncy castles and a
climbing wall. There will be lots of entertainment throughout the day including live music.
Our ‘Beginners and Improvers’ group have been invited to play and, as this year’s theme is The Great War,
they will be performing wartime music. Any other players are welcome to join the group and music will be
provided for them if they need it.
If you are interested and need to know more details (times etc) please ring Helen Brown on 01782
760012.
Would you like to help the club?
The 2014 Annual General Meeting will be held on the September clubnite and the election of your
committee members will be on the agenda.
Your committee usually meets at the Holditch between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. once a month on the fourth
Tuesday to discuss and plan club activities. A typical agenda includes






reviewing all feedback on the previous clubnite
planning future clubnites and selecting guest artists for the future
feedback on the Young Players
feedback on the Monday Group
reviewing the accounts
etc.
If you'd like to learn more about being a committee member please contact me for a preliminary
discussion.
Mike Richards Tel: 01782 642101 email: mikerichardsassoc@tiscali.co.uk
New Club Poster Available
If you can make use of the updated club poster (right) please contact Steve Hughes.
Extraordinary General Meeting
For ten minutes during the break at the last clubnite an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)
took place chaired by the president, Brian Shufflebotham. There was only one item on the agenda,
this being approval of a new constitution for the club. The document had been sent to members
before the meeting and was accepted unanimously at the EGM for immediate adoption.
This will now enable us to cut the insurance costs for the club and band through membership of the Making Music
Organisation (http://www.makingmusic.org.uk).
Grand Day Out
Lunchtime Saturday 16th August 2014
The ‘Grand Day Out’ is an annual event that the Chester club has been running for several years now
where they go to a pub in the Chester area, have a pub meal or bar snack and then partake in accordion
playing. They invite members from other clubs with the idea of making it a gathering of clans.
This year it is again at Dunham Arms, Dunham on the Hill near Chester,
WA6 0LN
‘Just turn up with your accordion and bring your friends. Everybody is welcome. If fine: on the terrace - If
wet: indoors. No pre-booking, No fee.’
This is what I wrote about the event food last year "The main problem with the food was picking it from
the vast menu selection, but having done so I think that most enjoyed the food which was at a reasonable
price".
It would be nice if a group of us could support it this year and have an enjoyable afternoon in the bargain.
Please let me know if you intend to go.
Steve Hughes.
Classic Kyiv Duo return to Stockport
The brilliant Classic Kyiv Duo return as Stockport club’s guests on Wednesday July 16th. The Classic
Kyiv Duo - Igor Sayenko and Oleksiy Kolomoiets - from Kiev in the Ukraine, specialize in transcriptions
of classical music, interpreting the works of Vivaldi, Bizet, Rachmaninov, Khachaturian, JS Bach, Strauss,
Piazzolla, and more. Their artistry is outstanding, and this world class accordion duo returns to Stockport
Accordion Club for their 4th visit.
Igor & Oleksiy write: “While the world is looking after terrible things that have happened in Ukraine
during last 6 months, nevertheless the Kyiv Classic Accordion duo is coming back to the UK again this
July. We called this year’s tour ‘With Love and Peace from Ukraine’.
The concert begins at 8pm, admission is £5, and the venue is Woodley Methodist Church, Chapel
Street/A560 Hyde Road, Woodley, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 1NF (J25/M60). The SAC Band (MD Derek
Stubbs) will open the concert, and anybody who would like to play a piece or two is most welcome.
Diary
Every Monday 5.00pm-6.00 pm
Every Monday 7.30 p.m.
Tuesdays other than 3rd 8.00pm
Every 3rd Tuesday of month 8.00pm
Every 1st Thursday of month 1 p.m.
Tuesday July 15th (clubnite)
Sunday August 10th
Tuesday August 19th
Saturday September 13th
Tuesday September 16th (clubnite)
20th/24th October
Tuesday October 21st (clubnite)
Tuesday December 16th (clubnite)
2015
Accordion classes for young players at Holditch
Beginners’/Improvers’ night at Holditch
Band rehearsal at Holditch
Clubnite at Holditch
Solo Session, Knutton Ex-Servicemens Club
Guest night: Julie Best
Midsummer Mayhem, Lyme Valley Parkway
Themed clubnite – Film Music
Band concert at St Peter’s Church, Elworth
A.G.M., club band and players’night
Mundesley Accordions International 2014
Guest night: Malachy Cairns
Tony Marchell – Christmas party
30th anniversary year of our club
Members’Adverts
Accordion Tuition.
Pauline Hardwick
Tel 01782 397248 Accordion and/or piano
Stefan Andrusyschyn Tel 07958261024 Accordion and/or piano
Mike Gibson
Tel 01782 660865 Piano
For Sale
Hohner Atlantic IV DeLuxe accordion, black, 120 bass, 11 treble couplers, 3 bass, double octave straight tuning,
highly polished metal casing, case, £500.
Tel. 01543 276500 or email g.green604@btinternet.com
President
Chairman
Treasurer
Brian Shufflebotham
Mike Richards
Ann Millward
01538 382610
01782 642101
01782 638570
Committee
Tony Britton, Helen Brown, Graham Hughes, Steve Hughes,
Lily Lynch and Greta Moseley.
web address Editor Lily Lynch
www.northstaffsaccordionclub.co.uk
email - accordions@northstaffsaccordionclub.co.uk