Skiffle Story Bugle May 2025

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Good Afternoon Valued and Distinguished Patrons

'Geronimo' is a word that I have heard used on the odd occasion in the last few days to describe our transition to staging Sunday Afternoon Promotions from Saturday Evening ones. On the Afternoon of Sunday the 13th April we were privileged to have to have Tom Langham's Hot Fingers making a return visit to the Village Hall. I am almost lost for words to describe the wondrous Concert provided for us by these 'Charismatic Champions of the Cotswolds.' You were promised a marvellous treat in our pre-concert publicity and my word you got just what it said on the tin! Yet again the Hot Fingers Combination led by the irreproachable Tom were definitely on top notch form demonstrating their amazing musical prowess for the entertainment of their appreciative and receptive, almost capacity audience. After three Sunday Afternoon Specials, fingers crossed, it would appear that that we are on the right track in the popularity stakes with our valued supporters. I am sure that it gives all of those regular visitors to our Club great pleasure to see our Venue almost full to the rafters once again. A situation that reminds me very much of those 'Halcyon Days' of a few years ago in early July  when we used to stage our 'Annual International Beer and Jazz Festival.' A 'Yearly Happening' that we promoted for 'Twenty Five Years' that most definitely made a large contribution towards putting 'Little Dove' on the 'Large British Traditional Jazz Map.'

On the 13th we had over 100 'Enchanted Folk' including three from across the Channel in Northern France, plus two spell bound children along with a bemused French Bus Driver making up our gathered throng. If our numbers continue to grow I will seriously have to consider investing in a 'House Full Sign' to display on our ancient drawbridge and another bearing the words 'Car Park Full.' Once again people's generosity when contributing to the 'Raffle Pot' was absolutely amazing and beyond reproach. Grateful thanks to everyone who made a contribution along with our appreciation of the many folk who provide us with the prizes fit for a King to enable the Raffle to be held at each of our Concerts.

We very much look forward to being able to enjoy your company on the Afternoon of Sunday 11th of May when the one and only Warren James will be joining us bringing his truly remarkable tale 'The Story of Skiffle' to our Dove Stage on a Sunday Afternoon. This is the true and almost unbelievable story of the 'Music in Great Britain from around the mid fifties that really did launch 'British Pop Music' Joining Warren in his gifted Band will be a person who is almost a National Treasure at a very tender age! I refer of course to that 'nimble fingered' string bassist, Jim Swinnerton. On trombone we will have one of the country's foremost leading lights of the New Orleans Jazz Scene. I refer of course to the inimitable Mike Owen who is; I am pleased to be able to say no stranger to the Dove stage. In the drum chair you will see the capable and very much in demand Jools Aldridge keeping the outfit in tempo. A person who loves the distinction of being yet another 'Dove Favourite' of long standing! The 'Brains behind the Band' multi-talented and user friendly Warren James completes the line up with his renowned, free flowing musical competence on both banjo and guitar not to mention his outstanding Lonnie Donegan style 'Vocal Capabilities.'

Of course you will be able to purchase your raffle tickets as soon as you have paid your tenner to make your grand entrance into the Hall from our persuasive but user friendly 'Raffle Sales Ladies.' The renowned and greatly prized Butcher Burnham's Pork Pies will of course be on sale from behind our well stocked Bar that also serves Tea and Coffee  as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshing beverages. There has been an increased demand for the growlers recently so I would helpfully suggest that you make your purchase of a Pie as soon as possible after arrival.

Resplendent respectful regards

Roger