Hi Everyone. Here is quite a bumper bundle this month - enjoy!

June Clubnite When Barbara and I arrived at Goldenhill, Tony and Norman were already there and we were soon busy arranging the tables and chairs, raffle prizes and music amplification system. We had some background music until about 8.00 o'clock, then the playing circle commenced and it was nice to see a few members from the Monday group joining in.

Virtuoso accordionist Stefan Andrusyschyn and opera singer Denise Leigh were our guest artists and their programme began with Stefan playing Shenderyov: Russian Dance, Scarlatti: Sonata in C Minor, Diero’s Beautiful Days, Piazzolla’s Oblivion and Frosini’s Carnival of Venice. He was then joined by Denise and together they continued with Purcel: Music for a While and Wright and Forrest: This is My Beloved. Stefan’s gentle accompaniment certainly complements Denise’s beautiful soprano voice.

In the second half Stefan’s programme included Strauss’s Blue Danube, Frosini’s Bel Fiore, a lovely Misty by Erroll

Garner and Rossini’s Largo Al Factotum from The Barber of Seville. He was then joined again by Denise who sang Gounod/Bach: Ave Maria, Puccini: Don Delieta, and the beautiful Vilja from Lehar’s Merry Widow. For an encore – Stefan and Denise ended with My Funny Valentine by Rogers and Hart.

Towards the end of their concert Denise gave a short talk on Dimitri's inheritance of a gene which causes blindness. As most of you know, Dimitri is their young son. He can see at the moment but he may lose his sight as he gets older. RP Fighting Blindness is an organisation which funds research into this disease and hopefully someday soon someone will find a cure.

Stefan and Denise's musical performance was absolutely superb. The audience was provided with a real musical treat and at the end of their concert we had a ‘bucket collection’ for RP Fighting Blindness. As usual, our club members were very generous and we raised £133 (more than £160 when gift aid is taken into consideration). Mike.

July Clubnite We only had 18 people at our players’ night last Tuesday. The weather was ‘scorchio’ and some people were missing due to illness and holidays, but we did our best to have an enjoyable evening.

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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.

Paul Hobbs, all the way from Lichfield, played for about half an hour at the beginning of the evening and, as usual, his playing was excellent - well done Paul and thank you for your support.

Our playing circle was a bit depleted but we soldiered on regardless and our programme included - Fools Rush In, Margie, Smile, April Showers, Alice Blue Gown, Anything Goes, April Love, I Can't Give You Anything but Love, You are My Lucky Star and I’m Confessing that l Love You.

We had our usual raffle during the interval (with 7 raffle prizes and 18 people present the odds of winning were very good) and the following players provided some entertainment for the remainder of the evening:

Geoff Millward (above left) with Edelweiss and I Just Called to Say I Love You, Geoff Capewell (above right) with Dark Island , Have I Told You Lately... and Ich Liebe Dich, Richard Millward (right) with In the Good Old Summer Time and Theme from Star Trek Voyager, Derek Wilton (left ) with An Awful Lot of Coffee In Brazil, I’m on the Top of the World, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring and Jealousy, Tony Britton (with backing track) playing I Love Paris, If You Were the Only Girl in the World and Alexander's Rag Time Band and finally Paul Hobbs and Mike Richards (duet) playing Under Paris Skies, Whispering, Sweet Georgia Brown and Electric Carrousel.

The Goldenhill club provided us with some sandwiches, sausage rolls, black pudding (lovely), pickles and fruit loaf during the interval, so overall I think that everyone had an enjoyable evening. Mike.

August Clubnite August clubnite will be a players’ night and hopefully there will be lots of volunteers to play. As an extra sweetener, Barbara has offered to provide English Cream Tea for everyone. If you don’t know exactly what that is .....then you must come along on the night and all will be revealed.

Midland Accordion Festival I have received a booking form for the Midland Accordion Festival which will take place at Rowley Regis near Dudley from Friday 4th to Monday the 7th November, 2016 at £215 for bed, breakfast and evening meal. If anyone wants one please contact me and I will send you a scanned copy. Steve

Afternoon Tea at Adlington House On Tuesday 7 June a small group of us, comprising Steve, Greta, Phil, Graham, Geoff Millward and I, were invited to play at Aldington House, in Wolstanton where we played a selection of tunes from our repertoire for the residents whilst they enjoyed an afternoon tea. It was then our time to be fed and watered and after a welcomed short break we resumed our playing of sing-a-long tunes for the residents to join in, which they did with much enthusiasm. We also managed to contact Graham Hughes, whose birthday it was that day, by phone and play him a “Happy Birthday”. I think he probably rang the Telephone Preference Organisation immediately afterwards and got our number barred. A good time was had by all and we got to demonstrate what an accordion can do and spread the word about the club once again. On reflection I suppose we should have played Tea for Two. Ann Millward

Organiser Val Chapman wrote to Ann afterwards.... Hi Ann.

Can you pass on our thanks to your colleagues for the music on Tuesday. So many people came up to me afterwards saying how much they had enjoyed themselves. The manager and her deputy were unable to make it but told me that they had been told just what a great afternoon they missed. The idea of a themed event is stored for future reference! Again, thank the team. Val

Why Didn’t I Think Of That??? If your music folder falls off the music stand it can cause the clips to open and the music to spread all over the floor. This has happened a few times to embarrassed individuals at band rehearsals. Band member (at the age of 92!), accordion repairer, and inventor, Graham Butler gave me a good tip to prevent this from happening (the mess, not the fall). If you have a ring binder folder with the widely used transparent pockets, these pockets have spare holes. The thing to do is to thread cable ties through one of the spare holes at each end and voila, if the folder falls the music will remain intact and in the correct order. If you need to add a page simply snip the ties and replace them. At 50p per 100 it will not break the bank!

My reaction: "Why didn't I think of this?”

A couple of extra tips: make sure you get ties that are long enough and not too wide, and do not close them too tightly or you will have problems turning the pages. Ideally they should be closed to the same size as, or slightly larger than, the folder clip.

Steve Hughes

Editor: I have tried this myself and have already averted disaster TWICE ! Lily

Alsager Church Fundraiser The band played at Alsager Reformed Church on June 25th. This concert was to raise funds for the church roof. Gareth Sumner was also featured on banjolele in the first half. At the interval everyone enjoyed a delicious cream tea and the audience seemed to be having a great afternoon.

Lynne Eardley, wife of member and organiser Phil, sent the following feedback....

On behalf of all members and friends of our church, we send to you our grateful thanks for a wonderful, uplifting concert on Saturday 25th June. So many people are still talking about their enjoyment of the music and also the delight of having ‘a good old sing-a-long’ too! It is a long time since we've had a full church and so many visiting who had never been into the church before and some who didn't know that it ever existed!

We have so much to thank you for, as we were able to hand over the sum of £400, which will help towards our renewal programme and the thousands needed to make us watertight! Our thanks and best wishes go to each and every one of the North Staffs Accordion Band and their supporters.

Lynne (Eardley) i/c Fundraising Team.

P.S. Phil also told me that the vicar really enjoyed it and when asked if he wanted to say anything he replied that he just wanted to sit back and enjoy it.

New member Bruno with an invitation Bruno is a new member of the North Staffs Accordion Club. He originates from Orleans, France, in the Loire Valley and now lives in sunny Stoke-on-Trent. After attending a few young players’ sessions, band practices and clubnites (and tolerating the noises made by Helen Brown practising band pieces) - Bruno was inspired to take up the accordion. Under the guidance of the all masterful Tony Britton, Bruno is getting his fingers around Polly put the Kettle On and Sur le Pont d’Avignon and he is looking forward to mastering The Cuckoo Waltz.

Bruno would like to invite all club members to a French, Spanish and Italian evening

on Thursday 15th September 2016, 7pm onwards. There is no charge, and the evening is for anyone who enjoys French, Spanish and Italian culture. There will be live music, food and an opportunity to meet people and chat in English and other languages if you wish! This will be a chance to hear our very own Mike Richards who will be there playing a few tunes on his accordion.

Venue - The Holy Inadequate Pub, Hanley ST1 5PE

To ensure that we have enough for everyone, we need to know if you would like to join us. Please call Helen Brown on 01782 760012/ 07889384404 or email Bruno bruno@languageforfun.org to book your place.

Bruno will be holding fun and lively French lessons in Leek, Hanley and Ashbourne in due course. For more info see www.languageforfun.org

Many thanks - Helen and Bruno

September Clubnite and A.G.M. The Annual General Meeting will take place at Goldenhill Workingmen’s Club before the clubnite activities on Tuesday 20th September at the earlier time of 7.30 p.m. To get through the business as efficiently as possible, the minutes of the last meeting are included with this newsletter for you to read in advance. If you intend to come you may wish to bring them with you. Comments on these and any questions will be taken at the meeting. There will also be copies of the accounts and treasurer’s report available on the night for anyone wishing to read them.

Please come to the AGM if you can. It is an opportunity for members to shape the future of the club. If only a few attend, decisions may not be representative of the views of the majority of the members.

From time to time it has been suggested that, by way of a change and to introduce a little bit of variety, we have some dancing at one of our club nights. Consequently, as a follow on from our AGM, the one and only Wilf Bailey will be playing for dancing. His first set will include a square tango, barn dance and waltz and his second set will include a saunter, quick step and disco.

I realise that some of our members will not be able to dance but I am sure that there are others who would love to. So, polish your dancing shoes and let's make it a ‘night to remember’. Personally, I don't know all

the dances but I'm sure that I'll be able to copy the experts. In any case, over the years I've grown used to making a fool of myself, so I don't mind anymore. Mike

HHaappppyy BBiirrtthhddaayy GGrreettaa Here Greta Moseley is presented with a birthday cake for her 80th birthday on the Beginners/Improvers night 25th July. Greta is one of the two instructors of the group, attendance for which remains strong at about a dozen participants.

Band takes part in Bosley Memorial Service On Sunday 17th July, 2016, our band took part in a service at Bosley village to commemorate the disaster that struck the village in which four of the workers died in an explosion at the mill 12 months ago. The service, with friends and relatives of the deceased present, was conducted by Rev. Dr John Harries in a marquee in a field opposite St Mary's Church. The band contributed with background music as people filled the marquee, played the hymns for the service and followed with background music again following the service. It was a moving experience and we felt honoured to have been invited back again having played at the church last November in a concert in aid of the village charity.

A Visit to Castelfidardo by Jonathan Kemp

In May I travelled to Castelfidardo as part of a group visit organised by Peter Le Geyt of PLG Marketing Associates. Whilst there we were able to visit a number of the accordion related showrooms and factories, so I thought I would share some of the information that I had picked up during our tour.

Victoria Accordion Shop Victoria has been in continuous production in Castelfidardo longer than any other manufacturer. I believe Borsini held this record until their recent closure. Producing piano and chromatic button accordions (CBA) using traditional materials and methods they are willing and able to manufacture an accordion to

customer’s requirements. For years they have been investigating how to create lighter weight accordions whilst maintaining the quality of sound. This has led them to modify their designs by removing material that was not essential. For example about a kilo of weight can be saved simply by not coating the wooden accordion body in celluloid. Lighter weight remains a trade off, more features means more weight. Fewer voices, fewer bass buttons, narrower keys allowing a smaller accordion body to be used, can all lighten the instrument. Their comprehensive understanding of the weight implications of the components of an accordion means they can

guide and advise the would-be purchaser in the specification of an accordion to meet their specific requirements. (The picture shows the components of an accordion and is displayed at the shop)

Our visit was to the Victoria shop, and not the factory, so we were unable to see the accordions being made. Victoria offer accordion maintenance courses at their shop, but are also willing to visit other countries to offer their courses, so maybe an opportunity may arise to attend a course in the UK in the future.

Beltuna Beltuna are an innovative manufacturer of accordions that have many patents relating to the design of their accordions. They have directed their attention to all aspects of accordion manufacture. The Beltuna factory uses computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment where appropriate, alongside

more traditional craft skills. Some of their accordions feature non-traditional materials where this is beneficial to the instrument. Examples include the use of metal tone chambers; carbon fibre to replace some metal parts to reduce weight; painted finishes, instead of celluloid, on their accordions using 8 to 12 layers of paint applied over several months. Their innovations extend beyond weight reduction, to include sound quality and the ergonomics of the accordion to improve the accordion's balance and playability.

Their Leader range of accordions offers the patented ‘Amplisound’ system, which places the bassoon and clarinet reed blocks in a tone chamber that has a shutter. A slider control on the outside of the accordion allows for this shutter to be opened or closed. This effectively gives two differing sounds to every register that uses either or both of these voices, giving a brighter sound when the shutter is open and a warmer sound when the shutter is closed.

Whilst a production model is still several years away, Beltuna have now patented and are developing their own unique converter bass mechanism. By utilising electronics they are creating a converter bass mechanism that can be configured to redefine which acoustic reads sound when a button is pressed. This will allow for a bass mechanism that can offer both stradella and a variety of free bass options including C system, B system and Quint, whilst retaining the use of traditional acoustic reeds to generate the sound.

After the factory tour we were taken to the showroom, to play some of their beautiful accordions. I was particularly struck by a French style 120 bass CBA I had an opportunity to try out (pictured above right). Lifting it down from the shelf proved that this was a fairly heavy instrument, yet once I sat down with it and started to play (above), the accordion proved a delight. It was responsive and took so little physical effort to play; I could have played it for hours.

Pigini A visit to the Pigini factory was also included, with half the group visiting Beltuna and the other half Pigini, before then swapping over. As I had business to conduct at Beltuna I missed the Pigini visit, but another member was on the trip and may submit their own article.

Galassi Bellows Galassi are makers of high quality bellows to the accordion industry. For anyone requiring a new set of bellows they can make you a bespoke set at a very reasonable price. To do this they prefer that you supply them with your old bellows with the bellow frames attached. Then they are able to remove the old bellows from the frames, clean up the surface of the frames and attach the new bellows to the frames. They can match the colour of your existing bellows or provide a unique pattern, or even print a photograph on to your new bellows.

Galassi say that their bellows offer a silent flexibility, durability and precision not currently found in bellows made in China. This view appeared well justified when we were given the opportunity to compare a Galassi bellows to a Chinese competitor’s bellows. The Chinese-made bellows appeared stiffer and creakier when opened, and when closed the lines made by the bellow edges were irregular, whereas the Italian made bellows edges lay consistently parallel beside each other.

Binci Reeds One of four reed makers in Italy, they only use the top quality materials to make the highest quality reeds. Whilst the manufacture of ‘handmade’ reeds requires the use of a range of machinery in the production of the components of the reed, they are distinguished by only using the highest quality of materials and by being assembled and finished by hand. We were told by our guide that Binci only offer ‘double riveted’ reeds due to customer demand. Some customers think it indicates a higher quality of reed and therefore allows a higher price to be charged. At Binci the same reeds and reed blocks are used for both the single and double riveted reeds, so there is no difference in performance of the reed. According to the expert at Binci, reeds that are hand riveted can often be recognised as being handmade when looking at an accordion reed-block. Look for small differences in the rivet heads that result by having been hand riveted. By comparison the rivet heads on machine assembled reeds tend to all look the same.

Bugari / Zerosette These two manufacturers use the same production line, whilst retaining their distinct differences in design philosophy. Zerosette, who also manufacture Petosa and Guilietti, prefer to use harder woods resulting in a heavier accordion. They believe this is essential to achieving their desired sound. The Petosa range also features keyboard springs that require a heavier pressure to depress the key and a longer key travel, as this preferred by the Petosa buyers. Bugari choose to use

lighter woods, their view being that they can achieve their desired sound at a lower weight for the instrument. The factory methods used remain traditional. Whilst still using celluloid to cover the bodies of many of their accordions, all the celluloid is now manufactured in China, by a Japanese company.

Bugari are currently experimenting with ways to improve the sound achieved by acoustic reeds. But the hot off the press development is the recent licensing deal for Bugari to use Roland technology in a digital accordion. Bugari have just premièred the new Bugari Evo range with the new Haria model. This offers traditional accordion construction whilst using the Roland digital technology similar to that offered by Roland's FR8X. The treble keyboard of the Haria is the same as an acoustic accordion, offering comparable air flow to that of an acoustic instrument. Sergio Scappini was

present to perform a stunning demonstration of the Haria’s capability. His performance of Gabriel's Oboe,

from the film The Mission, followed by the theme from the film Once Upon a Time in the West was a deeply emotional experience. I had a chance to play the CBA version of the Haria (see picture above left). Once the bass curve setting was changed from Standard to Light the accordion responded well and felt nicely balanced. I have a Roland FR1XB and used to have a Roland FR3S. I preferred the feel and sound of the Haria to either of these instruments, but it is probably unfair to compare a lower or mid range Roland to the Haria. As I have no experience of playing the Roland FR8x I can’t comment on how they compare. The accordions played were pre-production models. The Evo range should become available for purchase in a few months time.

In Conclusion The trip to Castelfidardo was a wonderful opportunity to visit Italy and to discover more about how accordions are made; to learn about some of the finest manufacturers of accordions in the world and what the differences are between them; and to have the chance to play a number of beautiful instruments. It was amazing to meet so many people who are passionate about creating the finest of musical instruments and heartening to learn that the accordion is still being developed and improved for future generations. Late breaking news. On my arrival back in the UK I learned that an Italian accordion manufacturer will, perhaps by early next year, be producing instruments with the Moschino free bass system once more.

George Nixon RIP When I heard that George Nixon had passed away on the 10th July, after being hospitalised with pneumonia, I was deeply shocked. Our band had performed at a concert in Alsager two weeks previously and, as usual, he was there with his lovely wife, Betty. In fact, George was very nearly always with Betty and their children jokingly said that he was her ‘chauffeur and roadie’. He had always supported Betty's interest in the accordion and when Betty joined Tony's junior band in 1992 he became one of our club stalwarts. George was one of six children and he grew up in Goldenhill. He met Betty in 1961 at Halfords in Hanley, where they both worked. They became sweethearts and they

were married in 1965 - a double wedding with George's brother. George was a very keen motorcyclist and over the years Betty spent many hours riding pillion and she has many fond memories of taking carburettors apart in their shed on a Sunday afternoon. George's other hobbies include ornithology, classical music and writing poetry. George was a devoted family man and he doted on his children, Wendy and Robert, and grandchildren. He has given our club practical help and support over many years and he has lots of friends amongst our membership. He'll be sadly missed and I know that at this sad time all your thoughts and sympathies will be with Betty and her family.

George's funeral was held at Bradwell Crematorium on Friday 29th July at 12.40 pm. Mike.

Editor: I spoke to Betty afterwards and she told me how it had meant so much to her that so many from our club had attended George’s funeral. She wished me to pass on her thanks.

Diary

Every Monday 5.00pm-6.00 pm Accordion classes for young players at the Holditch Next class on August 22nd

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. Meet next on 9th September, 2016

Solo Session, Bradwell Workingmen’s Club

August 16th (clubnite) Players’ night with English cream tea September 5th Band playing at Leek Pensioners,

The Churnet Room, Moorland House, Leek, September 20th (clubnite) A.G.M. followed by barn dancing to the music of Wilf Bailey October 18th (clubnite) Steve Roxton (tickets) Free refreshments November 15th (clubnite) Players’ night December 20th Christmas party - Tony Marchell (tickets) January 24th 2017 Harry Hussey & Lily’s Weepers (tickets)

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

Accordions For Sale Adverts Parrot piano accordion 120 bass, 2 bass couplers, 7 treble couplers including a wrist master coupler . It is in good condition and makes a lovely sound. Tel: 01706 828994 or 07810513144 or shelagh.mayer80@gmail.com Price - any reasonable offer!

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