Hi Everyone. I hope that you all enjoyed Christmas and have a Happy New Year. I must first of all thank David

Light for kindly designing our lovely Christmas card again. CChhrriissttmmaass aanndd AAnnnniivveerrssaarryy PPaarrttyy Goldenhill Workingmen's Club on Tuesday 15th December When Barbara and I arrived at the club with our anniversary cake (below), various committee members had already started to arrange the room and it wasn't long before Carlton Caterers had arrived with the food, the Barry Schmitt Bavarian Band was set-up on stage and Barbara was at the entrance door with an abundance of raffle prizes.

The party started with Christmas carols and Geoff Millward was our conductor (pictured below). Lots of people had brought their accordions and it was great to see band members, players from our beginners’ group and James, one of our younger players, all joining in together. The carol playing lasted for about 30 minutes and the accordionists were accompanied by some very willing and able singers - song sheets had been provided, so everyone was able to join in.

The Barry Schmidt Bavarian Band was on next and they soon generated a wonderful party atmosphere with their unique style of music and humour. They entertained us for about 40 minutes and by the time they'd finished we'd all had a good workout (stand-up, sit-down, raise your arms, turn to your neighbour, etc.), so we were ready for

some food.

During the interval I said a few words about the formation of our club. Essentially, the North Staffs Accordion Club came into being because George Karklins, a very well known North Staffordshire based accordionist, established a firm friendship with three other accordion enthusiasts: namely, Brian Shufflebotham, Aubrey Lowndes and yours truly (Mike Richards). Our club was born out of this friendship and a common love of the accordion. The club's original membership had its first

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TThhee NNoorr tthh SSttaaff ffss AAccccoorr ddiioonn CClluubb welcomes all accordion enthusiasts playing or non-playing.

We hold a ‘Clubnite’ at at 8 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month

where entertainment is provided by club members or guest artists. We have 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.

gathering at the Crown and Anchor, Newcastle in January 1985.

The buffet was plentiful and I had some good feedback on the night about its quality (well done Carlton Caterers) and, of course, we had our very own anniversary cake. This had been baked by Barbara and fed with brandy on a regular basis over about three weeks, and then it had been shaped and decorated by Lily. It was a sight to behold, a unique accordion in every respect, and it tasted just as good as it looked.

Our ‘Young Players’ (below) provided some music and entertainment next. They looked very colourful in their Christmas party clothes and they had been well choreographed by their leader, Tony. Their programme included solo playing, introducing the next player and conducting. Tony was virtually redundant and I'm sure that they learnt a lot from their experience. Well done to you all and thank you for providing us with some

excellent entertainment.

We had a superb raffle, with lots of prizes, and then the Barry Schmidt Bavarian Band came on stage to do their last spot. Their music and entertainment was great and we finished the night off with a good old sing-a-long and at about 11 o'clock most of us were still there. Some of our members are normally in bed by this time, so we must have been enjoying ourselves and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Barry and his merry men for their help in making our Christmas and anniversary party a night to remember. Happy New Year! Mike.

January Clubnite

Harry Hussey and Lily’s Weepers Wow! What a great night the post Christmas jazz night turned out to be yet again. The ticket sales were tremendous, with 110 tickets being sold before the night. More arrived paying on the door and the final total was 130. I was very glad to wave good bye to the pile of Christmas cakes and mince pies in my porch (the sherry was quite safe) as was Duncan, who showed great restraint. When I arrived the tables were set out, with tea candles giving the room a great jazz club feel and there was also a commemorative programme for everyone containing a light hearted Goldenhill friendly jazz quiz from Terry Brunt . There were several accordions for sale at the back of the room, three of which were sold. The ladies of the committee and friends were cutting cake and setting out the food at the side in readiness for the interval.

Trombonist Terry once again did a wonderful job as band leader and Harry Hussey was on the front line with Pete Brown on trumpet and of course Terry. Peter (Pedro) Robinson was on guitar and banjo, Chris Pendlebury was on drums and yours truly on bass made up the rhythm section. Terry and Pete gave us some great vocals and Harry’s contribution to the band, as usual, was wonderful with amazing

solos and wonderful rhythms he seems to pluck out of nowhere.

The band began with When You’re Smiling followed by Alexander’s Ragtime Band, St. Louis Blues, The Best Things in life are Free and Summertime. Harry and the rhythm section then played a lovely Tea for Two and after a couple more full band numbers suddenly it was an hour later and food, raffle and quiz time. The food was quickly served and some people told me they had been

back for seconds .....and thirds!!

The second half got off to a good start with I’m the King of the Swingers, followed by Sweet Georgia Brown with vocals supplied by Delaine Wood from the audience. Next Terry wowed everyone again this year with his memorable rendition of St. James’ Infirmary Blues, tailoring it to a tale of woe concerning his beloved Manchester City. Club member and saxophonist Lee Slater got up next and, with the help of Harry Hussey and the rhythm section, played Autumn Leaves and Black Orpheus. Isle of Capri next and then Young Harry (Moors) stepped forward and joined the band singing a storming Muddy Waters song, Hoochie Couchie Man. Harry (Hussey) and the rhythm section then played a lovely jazz waltz (an accordion classic), Under Paris Skies, followed by C’est Si Bon. Both Harry and Pedro worked their magic with wonderful improvised solos.

A few more numbers and suddenly it was 10.30pm and time to go home. It had been a wonderful night and everyone seemed to have had a good time especially Harry who carried on playing as we were packing up. A few people have already asked me when the next one will be.

Chairman's New Year Message Hi Everyone - we're well into the New Year now so I'm not quite sure whether wishing you a Happy New Year is appropriate or not, but, nevertheless, I'll do it anyway - Happy New Year!

Our first clubnite concert this year featured Harry Hussey and Lily's Weepers and, as usual, it was a great success. We had 130 people in the audience, lots of mince pies, Christmas cake, a glass of sherry for everyone and some wonderful jazz. Harry and his lovely wife Pat had an overnight stay with Barbara and me and the following morning I had the benefit of a music lesson with a great jazz musician. Let's hope some of his musical magic rubs off on me - I've certainly got plenty of ‘food for thought’.

We are at Goldenhill again on Tuesday February 16th for a ‘players' night’ and the theme is songs with ‘love’ in the title, so start practising. There'll be an opportunity for our Monday group to perform, a playing circle and, of course, an opportunity for individuals to play their party pieces.

Malachy Cairns is the guest artist at our St Patrick's Night event in March, so we'll have another great night with lots of Irish music, and we're following this up in April with the ever popular Richard Adey. We've got lots of other notable guest artists in the pipeline and we'll keep you informed as our plans develop.

It would be nice to do something different this summer..... A few years ago a group of club members went to a restaurant for lunch and some of our better players provided the entertainment. Perhaps we could do something similar this year? I'll start thinking and I'll come back to you with a proposal.

We've had to change the venue for some of our activities this year but happily things seem to have turned out quite well. These venue changes have involved our club in additional expenditure but fortunately we are managing to cover the increased costs.

Well folks to round off my New Year message, on behalf of your committee, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your help and support in 2015. We’d like more of the same in 2016, so please do your best. We're looking for more ‘Young Players’, more adults for our Monday group and more players for the North Staffs Accordion Club Band. If you know of someone out there with a hankering to play, or listen to, music on the accordion, please bring them along to the club. It doesn't matter whether they're nine or ninety years of age, we've got something for them!

Best wishes, Mike.

Coming Soon The February clubnite is a players’ night and the theme for the evening –‘Songs with ‘Love’ in the Title’.

At our March clubnite we welcome the return of Malachy Cairns. Malachy plays an electronic accordion and we can expect a variety of music, some with vocals, including traditional Irish. He may also have his brother Austin, who plays the tin whistle, with him in which case we are likely to hear a few duets. Malachy is very popular as part of a 3 piece band in the Midland Irish clubs and I'm sure that we're in for some really good entertainment.

At the April clubnite Richard Adey returns. He is always popular and there will be more about him in the next newsletter.

Broken Cross Concert Success The evening was introduced by Rob Howard from the Stockport Accordion Club. Pat from the East Cheshire Hospice explained about the work done by them supporting families and also providing

treatments such as Reiki for the residents. It costs about £5 a second to run the hospice; this is over £7000 a day. Only 20% of the costs are provided by the government, the rest is provided by fundraising. Over 200 volunteers are involved with the hospice to help keep it operating.

The Stockport Accordion Club Band started the evening with Te Deum and Trumpet Tunes, both of which sounded like trumpets! Five Foot Two had us all singing along. They finished with In the Mood, a Glenn Miller tune appropriate at this time of year, as it was around this time that his plane went missing over the English Channel in 1944.

Next up was Mike ably supported by the contingent from NSAC. He played Sorrento Thoughts, Dream, Under Paris Skies, Georgia and Jealousy. Each tune was greeted with lots of cheering from his supporters. Several of the audience including Pearl Fawcett Adriano said how they enjoyed his playing. He was an excellent ambassador for our club.

Helen Rich from the Stockport group was next with a good variety of pieces including a March by Sousa, two pieces written by Gerald Crossman and a medley from Mary Poppins.

John Jones MBE, the organiser and driving force, played three pieces - Edith Piaf’s, La vie en rose, Hymne à l'amour and Non, je ne regrette rien.

Then came the star performer, Pearl Fawcett Adriano. Her playing was amazing with The Comedian's Gallop, a waltz medley, Hejre Kati, Autumn Leaves and Ciribiribin . She was persuaded to play an encore which was the Dance of the Comedians from The Bartered Bride. She certainly is a virtuoso player; having been both the junior and senior accordion world champion but her music was very light and enjoyable.

After the interval, with an excellent raffle, we all joined in with a variety of carols and Christmas songs to get us into the festive mood.

The evening concluded with the Stockport band playing Zillertal . The Welsh Wedding was an unusual piece which included a flute solo, a harp on the keyboard and a spoken story as well as the band pieces concluding with Cwm Rhondda. They rounded up the evening with Adio Kerida, The Dambusters March and Congratulations.

Overall it was a brilliant evening, extremely talented musicians with a varied programme and an appreciative audience. To top it all there were free mince pies and teas and coffees!! If this year is anything to go by, it would be well worth another visit next year. £1048 was raised on the night for the hospice. Barbara / Helen

Roebuck Carols On Saturday the 5th December, a few of the club players played Christmas carols at the Roebuck Centre to promote our club. We were located near the cafe and although it was a much warmer and comfortable place for us it had a downside in that it was somewhat quiet in terms of passing

trade. Norman Brown and Dawn Cartlidge were on hand to talk to members of the public showing an interest.

We all enjoyed the afternoon and absorbed the praise of the passing public and during the break members (and tutors) of the youth section took over and gave an admirable performance.

Jack Steele 1923 – 2016 Ex-club member and band drummer, Jack Steele, died in hospital on Saturday 16th January, a few days after his 93rd birthday. He had been in hospital for 3 weeks. He was a club member for many years, and was the drummer with our band until he had to retire in 2009 due to failing eyesight. For the last months

as an active drummer he was brought to the band concerts by Wilf Bailey because his poor eyesight prevented him from driving.

He started work at Crewe Railway Works as a tinsmith but left when his uncle, a market gardener and flower expert, died suddenly. Jack took control and has been in Weston, Crewe, ever since, supplying the village and surrounding areas with fresh flowers and vegetables. Over the years his early training at the works came in useful. He made machine replacement parts for the machinery of friends and he made a few sturdy accordion trolleys for club members including the one used by club chairman, Mike Richards, which many of us envy.

He began drumming at the age of 17, by accompanying a woman playing the piano in her front room. Jack continues the story in what he wrote for our newsletter in 2005:

I began playing the drums at the age of seventeen with a trio in our local youth club (he missed out the ‘front room’ bit). I was playing in a pantomime when I was spotted by a local bandleader who asked me to play in his four-piece band, which I did for several years. Later on I joined the Crewe Co-op Brass Band. This was my first taste of concert work. After this I did quite a lot of freelance jobs including having the pleasure of playing with a good friend of mine, George Karklins. Whilst in dance band work, I played at the King’s Hall, Alsager Civic and Nantwich Civic. After that I was asked to play with the Cath Jones Show where I met my number one friend Dennis Wakefield who introduced me to the North Staffs Accordion Band. I whole-heartedly enjoy every minute of my time in the band, as they are such a wonderful team to be with. I owe many thanks to our previous conductor Geoff for teaching me so much and of course I am eternally grateful to those band members who kindly help me to carry my drums.

Your humble drummer Jack

Jack's first concert with the band was at a church in Halmerend, near Audley, and he was very late joining, having a bit of a rush to get his kit assembled before the concert start time. During the break he gave us an explanation. Anxious to make an impression on this first gig with us he had, in fact, set off earlier than he normally would have. He had completed setting his kit up on stage when he was politely asked what he was doing. It became clear immediately that he was in the wrong venue and the function about to start there was not the one he was part of. I think his kit was taken apart and packed back in his car much quicker than it had been set up and he had his leg pulled about this event for months. Our condolences go to his widow Irene.

His funeral is being held at Weston Church on Friday 5th February 2016 at 1.30pm.

Wilf Bailey / Steve Hughes Diary

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 John Romero Tel 01606 270148 accordion

For Sale

Roland FR-18 Diatonic V-Accordion for sale £1000 tel. 01625 432530

Barcarole Dominante 96 bass, 11 treble, 3 bass couplers. Includes case and is in good working order - only needs seeing. £250 (no offers). Phone 01782 323046

Fratelli Alessandrini modern accordion. Blue. 96 bass, 4 voice, musette, 9 treble couplers, 3 bass couplers, Hohner gig bag, full decoration, miked for amplification. Modern keyboard – black notes are blue.

Every Monday 5.00pm-6.00 pm Accordion classes for young players at the Holditch Every Monday 7.30 p.m. Beginners’/Improvers’ night at the Holditch Tuesdays other than 3rd 8.00pm Band rehearsal at Bradwell Workingmen’s Club Every 3rd Tuesday of month 8.00pm Clubnite at Goldenhill Workingmen’s Club 2nd Thursday of month 1 p.m. Solo Session, Bradwell Workingmen’s Club (no break) February 16th Clubnite – members’ night – songs with ‘love’ in

their title March 15th St Patrick’s Day clubnite with Malachy Cairns April 19th Clubnite - Richard Adey

£1800. Tel. Rob Borrett 07428 079752

Yamaha keyboard with stand. PRS E303. Excellent condition. £60. Contact Wilf Bailey tel 01270 213643

Italian-made Casali 16 bass with box, good bellows and is nice for folk music Also a vintage concertina/accordion in fair condition Offers please. Tel. 01782 776431.

President Brian Shufflebotham Chairman Mike Richards 01782 642101 Secretary Steve Hughes 01782 787935 Treasurer Mike Richards (acting) 01782 642101

Committee Tony Britton, Helen Brown, Norman Brown, Graham Butler, Graham Hughes,

Lily Lynch and Greta Moseley.

Web address - www.northstaffsaccordionclub.co.uk

Editor Lily Lynch email - accordions@northstaffsaccordionclub.co.uk