Broughton Wings  06/06/08

It was the turn of Alan Gregory to be invited on stage at this very friendly venue outside the city of Chester. Alan who has a rather impish take off of Frank Spencer was absolutely on form to night. Starting off with a couple of oldies, Dance the Night Away and 7 Nights to Rock to name just two to warm up the dancers, Then it was into the more up to date songs, Cowboy and a dancer, Eagles Rock, Walk Back To Me and I might. On two occasions poor Alan was stumped when he suggested a dance that would go to his song, unfortunately nobody knew them, but like a true professional Alan had a plan B and C and even a Plan D when he suggested you dance what you like. Alan is a superb artist, a floor filler a great entertainer.
The next Social at Broughton Wings is the 4th July when John Permenter will be on stage. For more info call Lorraine 01244534323      

During a visit to Wylfa on Saturday 10th May on the north coast of Anglesey, I had the chance to meet Mike Taylor at the Martin Winnard C&W Festival. A  member of “The Lions Club” and Membership Secretary of the Social Club Mike explained to me the reason behind the 4th successive year of the Festival.
The Martin Winnard Country & Western Festival, weekly Line Dancing and monthly C& W Socials at Wylfa came about as a result of a chance meeting with Mrs Shirley Winnard.  We the Lions were fundraising at a local supermarket when Mrs Winnard approached to enquire about the project we were raising funds for “Have You Got the Bottle”. Following the death of her husband Martin several of his country friends had produced a CD, the sale of which was to go to a “Good Cause” locally. Mrs Winnard decided to donate the funds to our Bottle Project.  At the lunch we invited Mrs Winnard along and during the event it was suggested that a Festival would be a good way to end her fundraising year. Having been involved with such events during my time at Wylfa and Membership Secretary to the Social Club it was left to me to arrange the on site details with Mrs Winnads friends providing the entertainment. Permission granted from the Power Station & Social Club, a very successful event took place with requests to follow it up the following year. We are now planning our 5th Festival for May 2009 and if like previous years it will be a sell out. This year’s event sold out within 2 months of the tickets going on sale. At the initial Festival the Social Club was under a cloud of possible closure so events were arranged to show that there was a need to keep the premise open. We now have weekly Line Dancing on Thursdays and a C&W Social on the 3rd Saturday every month both arranged by myself and thankfully the closure threat is no longer a possibility.   TJA

7th Oswestry Country Music Weekend
Our visit was on the Saturday 24th May to the Wrexham Country Show Ground and was surprised to see it was on a smaller scale than last year with the entertainment held in the show ground Pavilion. A bright interior with a small stage but unfortunately very tight seating and getting up to dance was a problem. On stage that day was Rachel Rose and Katie Rhodes (bit of a mistake I thought having two female artists on at the same time) both performed extremely well while complementing each other and trying to avoid doubling up on the same songs. The evening’s performances was Dee ‘D’ James (from Back to Back) and from the North East, Little Rock, again terrific entertainment that made for a great day. A good variety of stalls from sweets to western gear, and a fine selection of hot & cold refreshments was also available.
Well done to Rick and Emily and “Miss Kitty’s CMF who were raising money for the Fragile X Society and the Autistic Society.  TJA  

Broughton Wings                       2nd May 08               

 Bobby D Sawyer, was the guest artist at Broughton Wings club near Chester were Lorraine and Brian have a Lined Dance combined Country Music Club. Lorraine, as DJ played mostly up to-date dance tracks to a packed floor. Bobby held two sets and was in perfect voice. Most of his songs encouraged a full dance floor while some just needed listening to, the sound was good and as I already said bobby was on form. Bobby from Nashville USA delighted the audience by shaking hands of all those seated during his last number “I’ve got a brand new girlfriend”, a great night and good music as usual. Their next social will be Friday 6th June with Alan Gregory one not to be missed.        TJA

Bronze Bootscooters     29th April 08
Another night at the Bronze. On stage was Brushwood and Donna Wylde.
First on the boards was “little miss Dinamite” Donna Wylde. First time at the Bronze Donna was quite at ease as she recognised most of the audience who came from Tombstone, Leasowe Castle and St Albans. “Cowboy and a Dancer”, Honey I’m Home, We’ll work it out” were some of the numbers Donna sung in her first set. Brushwood followed next, now a trio from the North East. Andy, Kev and Brian were in perfect harmony with numbers like “How Long” by the Eagles, “Just To See You Smile” and “Going Through Hell”. The dance floor was kept busy all night. A great night, with many raffle prizes and topped with Bill’s hot soup and roll. Check out their website via the Link page and see that next month the Bronze Bootscooters will be putting on THREE artists that night. Time Mckay, Darren Busby and Katie Rhodes. See you there!      TJA