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Report for Easter Roundup
Hi there, folks!
Well, we had a ball at the Easter Roundup. Lots of guys and gals, lots of dancing and lots of fun.
The scene was set right from the beginning with Campbells Country. What can you say about this interesting duo, one older, one
younger? The older, Campbell, was a great personality who obviously still modelled his stage presence on Elvis despite his bushy white hair and glasses. Meanwhile, Tim, the younger one, was a whizz on the guitar.
Campbell commented on the moods of the songs, and he really suited the singing to these moods. I note that he dedicated, 'I
Fall To Pieces' to those 'people who have been around for a bit.' (Wonder what he meant?)
Meanwhile Preacher was on top form, attributing all our raffle prizes to 'Pound Land' (wherever that may be) and all the
winners to Jenny's influence since they were all Jenny's folks.(or so he said.
On Saturday afternoon Mandy (Preacher's partner) and I ran the Fast Draw. Five gunslingers, seven disciplines, but we made it
through O.K. Then out to the Western sports. This time I managed not to lose a horseshoe! And it was a swell afternoon, out in the sunshine – the pure air of Derbyshire at its best.
In the evening we welcomed the Saloon Drifters. Boy, were this group crazy! I ain't laughed so much in a long time. Their
craziness brought out a similar strain in the audience, so that they were saying how crazy we were – all I can say is 'pot, kettle and black.' John, the lead singer, gave us a real dandy rendition of 'Apache' on his painted wooden guitar. Meanwhile his pal on the real guitar just fingered expertly away, and smiled.
It was Bronco's birthday. He celebrated with his mates by dressing up as women gunslingers during the Fast Draw practice. I
just hope never to meet that lot in a dark alley in a dark night. Mind you, they wouldn't see me with those top hats over their eyes!
John's party piece was to attempt to throw his hat over the microphone. Guess you'll have to go and see the Saloon Drifters if
you want to know if he succeeded. Oh yes, and the Indians (Native Americans) were in that night, and Doc Holliday, who could sing and dance in Native American speak!
On Saturday afternoon there were the Fast Draw and Western games again. Then there was all the filling-in of the certificates,
ready to give out to the skilled participators.
I think the Andy Bell Duo had arrived for breakfast, they being real friendly folks. They are from North of the Border, but
they can't hold it against us as they spend loads of time with us and as for the number of songs they can cram into one evening, it's awesome. They say Ken Dodd doesn't need a clock, but a calendar. Well, it's the
same with Andy and Moira.
Moira sings and plays at the keyboard, skilfully bringing up all sorts of backing tracks and effects, while Andy sings and
plays the guitar, mandolin and banjo, sometimes two in the same song! Even after a few weeks, when I bring them to mind, I see two broad smiles.
It was also Alice's birthday this weekend. A wheelbarrow load of stones were brought in by Bronco supposing to be Alice's
gallstones from a recent operation! Poor Alice!
Sadly, Doreen, (Dolly), one of our staunch supporters had recently died, and the club made a collection for a cancer charity
in her memory. Her husband, John, had died not long before and their picture is on our notice board.
Back to the Roundup over all. Yes, we had a real great time, not just because of the acts, or the committee who run the show,
and all the other regulars whose helpfulness we couldn't do without, but because of the great people who come along to share Bank Holiday Roundups with us.
So – thanks to all of you. And if you ain't been along yet, just call in one Saturday. You're sure of a warm welcome.
So long.
Mrs Rusty
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