SHIP INN GIG - 1 MARCH

We're back on stage this Saturday and, due to circumstances beyond our control, which I won't go into here, the gig will be in aid of The Stroke Association. I don't know how many people even read this, but after the publicity in the Macclesfield Express (see below, click on the image to enlarge) hopefully many more will; all I will say is that if you can get to The Ship on Saturday night, it will be much appreciated, and we guarantee you a GREAT night!!

...and, if you don't know where it is - here's a map!

THE OLD SHIP INN

BEER FESTIVALS AND MORE!!

Plenty of activity this week - as well as practising for tonight's gig for the Congleton Round Table's Ladies Night, we've had confirmation that we will be playing Congleton Beer Festival again on Saturday 28 June AND both nights of the Macclesfield Beer Festival on Friday/Saturday 9 & 10 May!! This will be our second year ay Congleton and our 3rd in a row at Macclesfield - rumour has it that The Screaming Beavers will also be on at Macc - we just hope they don't mind supporting us!! Plenty more to come on these, as we get nearer the time.

Another gig that is looking likely is the grand opening of the new "function room" at the Chain & Gate on the Congleton Road at North Rode on Saturday 29 March. Ian and Dawn have ambitious plans for the facility, and we will, hopefully (depending on availability), have the pleasure of playing at their inaugural "do" - we think it's "open house" so more details to follow when it's confirmed.

A JOLLY GOOD NIGHT!

Last Thursday at the Jolly Sailor was another excellent gig - thanks to Glyn & Sarah for having us, and thanks to everyone who came along - the pub was pretty packed and, although we didn't start until after 9:30 because of Andy's work commitments, most people stuck with us until we called it a day (literally!) at midnight.



There was some additional entertainment, for the first 20 minutes or so, in the form of a gentleman who had obviously been lubricating himself for a fair few hours previously - it was great to have him dancing right from the start - but, as he was having trouble staying upright even when he wasn't moving, dancing was starting to look like a life-limiting exercise. Paul tried to stare him out a couple of times; however, as his eyes were looking in totally different directions (the other guy's, not Paul's!), this did not have much effect! Fortunately, Glyn Naden did his friendly bouncer act, and the guy "left" - he's probably still trying to find his way home even now.



Several of the guys from Macc Round Table joined us for the second half - on one of their monthly nights out, they were fresh from the Thai restaurant next door and, although they claimed to be just after some of Storm Brewing's "Bosley Cloud" (which was on fine form, incidentally), we reckon they were secretly checking us out to see if we were fit to do the Beer Festival again this year! We've been in touch with the Chairman, but if anyone wants to lobby on our behalf, pop in and see Micky Jones in his Chestergate shop, and tell him to make it happen!

There'll be some photos of the night on here shortly - when Colin sends me the CD - he took about 300 shots on the night, so we should get a couple of good ones!

Here's the set list we did (click on it to see a big version):

Next gig is for the Congleton Round Table Ladies Night next Saturday (16 February) - a "posh do" in Congleton Park (well, in a building in the Park!), so log back on here to get an update on how it went! After that, we're at The Old Ship Inn on Mill Lane in Macc on Saturday 1 March, which is always a good night, so put the date in your diary now!

HELLO SAILOR!

Our next gig takes us again to uncharted territory although, having said that, it's only spitting distance (not that we've tried it!) from where we practice - which is the Brewery (oh dear, what a pity, never mind!).

Yes - Thursday 7 February sees us play THE JOLLY SAILOR on Sunderland Street, for the first time ever!

Now the Jolly (or is it the Sailor?) has had a somewhat chequered past. and rumours of people being thrown IN through the windows, as well as out, abounded, so we were a little apprehensive when Dave announced that he had got us a gig there - cries of "where??" and "...you've done what?" were heard all round the place, and we had visions of having to rent a Blues Brothers-esque cage to protect ourselves!

However, being the true professionals we are, Hugh and I went to check the place out the other week, and we're delighted to report that the new landlord has done a great job in doing the place up - bright decor and good beer, together with a friendly welcome, what more could anyone want (they even stock Storm Brewing's Bosley Cloud!)?

So, if you're at a loose end on Thursday night, why not come along and start the weekend early? It will be a nice relaxed evening - we usually practice on Thursdays, so this will be a refreshing change, and we might even try some new stuff out on the unsuspecting audience! Andy is working until 9:00pm, so we'll probably go on around 9:30pm and play till about 11:45.

Be there or be rectangular!!