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Hors d’oeuvre
Andrea Ferguson
Main Course
Richard Bircumshaw, Keith Collishaw, The Sleaford Ukulele Ensemble Richard Langridge and Kathryn O’Connor, Pete Gostelow, Andy Santon John Pape & Nest, John Ecob, Bob “Easy” Reid
Dessert
Steve Jackson
Without taking anything away from Gary, who did a terrific job at the last session, it really is a blessing to see our princess back at the helm and looking back to her usual self. Andrea’s timed it to perfection too, for tonight we celebrate the GEOM’s very first birthday. Hoorah!
Fittingly, there is a gourmet menu on offer, so with the clocked ticked barely past ten to nine, Andrea sets sail with “Wayfaring Stranger”. She continues with “Caleb Mayer” and Michelle Shocked’s cracking rock and roller, “My Little Sister” before rounding off with her own exquisite “You Forgot To Say Goodbye”.
Richard doesn’t feel like singing tonight so he begins with his own “Rod’s Rag”. He follows with Eric Clapton’s “Sign” before completing a tidy set with “Emily’s Dance”.
Half term school holidays bring a welcome visit from that Sleaford mathematics teacher and skilful guitarist, John Brightman. However, tonight is a visit with a difference, for John has come as a member of the six piece Sleaford Ukulele Ensemble.
First of all though, we have the pleasure of a solo spot by another of their members, Keith Collishaw. His style is steeped in traditional folk. He begins with a beautiful rendition of “It’s Quiet Tonight In Antrim” followed by the matter of fact Tyneside ballad, “King Coal”. Keith then finishes off an excellent set with an a cappella rendition of his original composition “I Just Might”.
Apart from John and Keith, the Sleaford Ukulele Ensemble consist of Andy Santon, Maurice Mulligan, Chris Watson and Sue Bell and they’re always looking for new members. As they take to ‘the stage’ with a kaleidoscopic array of brightly coloured ukuleles, you understand that these blessed souls do not take themselves too seriously; they’re in it for the craic. And oh what fun they provide us! La joie de vivre is written on every single face in the room as Chris and Maurice’s troupe treat us to joyous renditions of “Sloop John B.”, “Daydream Believer” and “Daydream”. Understandably Steve Jackson leaps at the chance to join them and leads the finale of a rousing “Ring Of Fire” with a thunderous audience sing-along threatening to bring the ceiling down.
Do you remember a short while ago that we were hoping that Richard Langridge would bring his musical partner, Kathryn O’Connor down here? Well someone must like us because in a trice our wish has been granted. Richard and Kathryn not only sound good together but look good together too, exchanging warm smiles when things don’t go quite according to plan. Kathryn’s only a wee slip of a lass but she possesses a lovely voice. They treat us to two of their own worthy compositions, “The Rose” and “Lullaby” before bringing a terrific first half to a close with Steven Stills’ “Helplessly Hoping”. Well, we know plenty about that at the Golden Eagle!
So out come the refreshments and it’s time for another beer. What on earth our new barman, Rob, makes of all this is anyone’s guess but he’s certainly taking it all in his stride.
As if we hadn’t been blessed with enough joy already, news comes in that Lincoln City have trounced Accrington Stanley 3-0. It’s a mere two weeks ago since we were sitting here ‘mourning’ their dismal injury time defeat to relegation rivals Mansfield, but, as we all know, a lot can happen in a two weeks, and since then Peter Jackson’s battling Imps have harvested the maximum twelve points from four matches.
We take a very short break, so short in fact that we’ve barely had time to draw on a much needed cigarette, but Andrea is determined to bat on and she opens the second half with “Mercedes Benz”, dedicated to a couple of friends,.
Pete Gostelow would surely not profess to be the greatest of singers but, when he clutches his mandolin, he oozes class and he sure plays some mean, mean blues. Pete plumps for three covers tonight, the first being a vibrant “Voodoo Chile”. ZZ Top’s “Tush” follows, before a typical GEOM sing-along brings a storming crescendo of “Born To Be Wild”.
Next up is Andy Santon, another of the Sleaford contingent. He opens with a slightly low key but capable cover of “Wild Horses”. However, he’s soon in full flow and his plaintive vocals fill the room as he treats us to an impressive original, “When The Rain Falls”. Andy finishes off with a super rendition of Soft Cell’s crowd pleaser, “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye”. Sort of takes you back to Bob Geldorf’s Live Aid.
John starts out solo on guitar for Michael Chapman’s “Kodak Ghosts” and then invites Nest to join him on a charming duet of “Turn Your Money Green”.
John Ecob and Easy follow before Steve finally brings the curtain down at midnight. Sincere apologies to John, Bob and Steve for the absence of a review on their performances.
Over the past thirteen months we’ve been privy to some terrific evenings at the GEOM, but surely everyone will agree that tonight’s birthday bash has been something rather special. Thank you to Paul for a wizard job on the sound desk, to Tracy for the scrumptious spread, to Tyla and Rob behind the bar and, of course, all the gracious souls who’ve entertained us, but tonight’s special accolade must surely go to Andrea, who has done her level best to be as fair as possible to all performers as Father Time marched relentlessly against her. Her organisational skills shone out like a beacon as she guided us seamlessly through three hours of fab entertainment. Arnie and Sam were left patiently waiting in the wings but they’ll have lots more opportunities and they’re wise enough to appreciate that Andrea couldn’t have possibly handled the evening any better. Bravo! |
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