Guest Book

  Charity Event for Air Ambulance, Saturday 30th June, Sunday 1st July

(arranged by Sterndale Moor Social Club and Rebels Retreat (Home of High Peak Country and Western Club.))

 The weather report for the weekend 30th June, 1st July could not have been worse, for torrential rain, electric storms and even flooding were forecast, not that it was likely that Sterndale Moor would be swamped by 4ft of water, but it would certainly be wet for the campers, and too wet for groups to play outdoors.

 Saturday certainly lived up to the weather predictions. When TV celebrity Adam Partridge arrived to value people's possessions there were very few people in evidence – no doubt put off by the forecast.

 Then the bands had to set up inside, even though the curtain-sided trailer, which had been listing badly on Friday evening had been jacked up to a level position.

 The first band up was Bad Hair Day. This was a group of young musicians, and I have to say that their hair looked fine to me – if not positively stylish! I must admit at this point that I know nothing about Pop or Rock groups, my interest having been in Rock and Roll which more or less stopped with the demise of Elvis! (Apart from Country and Western, of course!)

 I can therefore just say that Bad Hair Day was Power Pop; they were followed by Idiosyncrasy, who were a Modern Pop group, and later on The Sinners played and sang Classic Pop. I can't really comment on their music, but I must say that their supporters were very enthusiastic, and they certainly all had a good beat, even though their music may have been a little loud for us oldies! The pictures I took will testify to the fact that they all looked really good, and by the end of the evening I had to admit that they grow on you.

 In the afternoon we were fortunate to be treated to an hour of Cold Flame, who were performing as a Rock Band. It consisted of a trio, Patrick with the vocals and bass guitar, Dave on the lead guitar and Keith with vocals and the drums.

 Even I, who know nothing about their genre, was mesmerised by their stage presence, their singing and playing style, and their instrumental ability. In fact, they were obviously a really class group. Three of the songs they performed were 'Snowy Mountain', 'Tell Me What You Did' and 'I'm So Glad.' Magic!

 The Country and Western singers on the Saturday were Ivor James and Dave West Junior. Ivor James told us how he belonged to a skiffle group in 1957. He has a great singing voice, and sang songs from 1957, like 'A Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On,' and 'Sally Don't You Grieve' right up to the present day 'Someone Killed the Spider' and 'Speak To The Sky.' 

 Dave West Junior, dressed in black, is tall and looks like the hero from a Western movie. He sang lots of songs suitable for line dancing, songs like 'Copperhead Road,''Y'All Come,' and 'Ain't Goin' Down Till The Sun Comes Up' which gave the line dance supporters an excellent opportunity to get up and strut their stuff.

 On Saturday we were visited by a group of Harley-Davidson bikers from Stockport, and later on by a group of disabled bikers, both of which groups came to lend their support. The disabled bikers stayed until the end of the evening, and the owners of the most impressive bikes were presented with cups. Outside, in the rain, there was a disabled bikers stall.

 During the evening there was an auction, when donated effects were sold to the highest bidder. This caused much excitement and made a fair amount of money. (Over £200) There was also a raffle each evening, with several of the prizes generously donated by local businesses.

 Sunday morning saw Rusty, Peter and Jenny grappelling with the curtain of the trailer, for the weather had improved, that is to say, there were occasional breaks in the showers. Meanwhile, Preacher, the Compere & DJ, and I were perfecting our own brand of misinformation, with Rusty striding about with a clipboard trying to keep us under control, and have the performers and their equipment in the right place at the right time.

 First up was Arizona Wes, Country and Western singer, who amused us with humorous asides to the words of songs. Several of the more intrepid line dancers had a go at dancing on the grass. I found his rendition of 'Brokenheartsville', (He wore a cowboy hat to cover up his horns), particularly amusing

 Arizona Wes proved to have an immense amount of stamina, starting and ending the Sunday entertainment. He provided lots of opportunities for dancing by singing our favourite line dance songs, which kept us on our feet long after our brains told us we were too tired to keep going. He lent Preacher a washboard and some thimbles to accompany one of his songs, but Wes managed to get it back eventually before he left!

 Other Country and Westerners performers on Sunday were the duo, The Fortyniners. This is a male/female duo whose contrasting styles harmonise to make a really exciting stage presence and sound. I particularly liked their rendering 'I Love Ya Honey' and 'Just a Closer Walk,' the latter being especially for Preacher, once we could track him down!

 The Sinners and Idiosyncrasy performed again, to the delight of their fans. Another act that gave us a slot was the Blues/Rock band Some Blokes. I was really impressed by their instrumental effects and soulful singing.

 Another really impressive act was Sheila Fey and Friends. They were really only down for the afternoon, when they did a spot which was dedicated to Folk – mostly Irish and Australian – for example 'The Fields of Athenrye,' 'Waltzing Matilda' and 'Lord of the Dance' (with penny whistle.) However, they then came back in the evening when they did a more varied spot, which included 'Saturday Night and the Moon Is Out' and Stormy Weather' and a Friend played the saxophone and violin as well as the guitar for 'Blue Moon.'

 One of the highlights of Sunday afternoon was a visit from the Fire Brigade who demonstrated how they could cut up a car in order to rescue trapped occupants after an accident. They then left rather abruptly, blue lights flashing, because they had been called out. There was also a competition for American cars and Custom Cars, and a cup was awarded to the best in each category.

 Food was provided during the two days by Linda (and Brian of Some Blokes) indoors and the Potato Company's burger van outside. The bar staff, both inside and out (the latter Sunday only due to the weather), did sterling work.

 The artists had kindly donated their services free. Meanwhile representatives of both Rebels Retreat and Sterndale Moor Social Club worked their socks off. Bob and Janis were in charge of the Social Club team and they unobtrusively kept their side of things going. Goodness knows what time they got to bed on Sunday morning. Jenny (of Rebels Retreat) meanwhile, pursued all comers with a bucket for donations.

 Although the turn-out was well below what we would have wished the total raised for Air Ambulance was at least £1,300. This does not include the amount raised by the walkers from The Blazing Rag public housewho made a sponsored pub crawl from Chatsworth.

 So well done to all concerned, and watch this space. I'm told that there are plans to put on a similar Charity Event next year, date to be announced! (Not Wimbledon fortnight so we might enjoy better weather.)

Mrs Rusty (Hermione Peckham)

Note:- The final figure is £2002.37 which was handed over recently to a Representative of The County Air Ambulance Trust.

Thanks to all who helped out, not least the local businesses and all the various bands that gave their support for no financial reward.

We are already planning an event for 6 & 7th September 2008 . Call 01298 72440, 01298 71102 or 01663 733043 if you would like to help.

[Home] [Charity Event] [Pictures] [Facilities] [Line dance] [New Year Party] [Charity 2008]