On Sunday, 6th Feb, the FaB Club finally opened in the purple room at the Orsett Cock Pub. I was actually more relieved than excited ( a rare thing!) as the Orsett Cock was the third venue I had actually advertised for this Sunday afternoon club before it even opened! Long story of let-downs, unreliable managers who run away at the last minute, etc.
By 3:05 , encouraged by the growing number of people walking in, I introduced the first act: the Cheeky Gulls! As I am half of them, I won't go on for too long; a bit of Bob Dylan and a Monnie Aldous's song about wearing clean knickers and the tone was set! Live music is alive!
Irish Gerry went on next, amazed all with his clear voice and up beat songs. Then followed John Clarke with one of his intricated, how-does-he-do-that? instrumental piece on his guitar and a song of his own...
Our Ongar trio, Terry, Pep and Paul played "ain't she sweet!?" with brio! It's a shame Pep's wife said he could not come again! Jane delighted us with two acapella numbers sung with the purest voice and then Either of Us went on...Well I had to sing in French at some point and Tim's mandoline was starting to get bored... Sara brought us the refreshing sound of a clear voice and the talent of a young singer song-writer...We wanted more!
It was time for the last act of the first half...Something different...Abby and Eric Cox brought their own music- thanks Andy DJ behind the bar- and performed a free style modern jive dance routine enjoyed by all! The FaB Club has room for all talents!
Indeed after a short 10 minute break, Tina Tate opened the second half with two funny poems...But I know she can sing too so we are waiting for more... I was pleased to invite my friend Margaret Brown to play her ukulele and sing for us, she brings out some much life and energy! Tim Almond was next and knew what to sing to make me cry...The Setting! Thanks amigo! Thankfully my favourite Romford duo came on next: Mick and Nora...Thanks for the "well done" Nora.
We had a special guest next; a young man called Bill who performed two numbers unaccompanied. Interesting, please come back Bill...
It was time for Tim Almond, Terry, Pep, Paul and John Clarke to conclude our afternoon...
Silly me! I am forgetting the raffle! What would a Folk club be without a raffle! Thank you to Bob for donating the chocolates and to Terri for the bottle of wine...The winner of the two free entries will have to come back!
Some of the guests came back to mine for food and drinks and we carried on playing! What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Claudine.