Bands’ big nights lined up in clubs

I saw these lads recently on the Wakefield and Pontefract Concert Secretaries’ awards night, when they were named as best trio. I predict a smashing night at Crigg for this one.

I first saw nostalgia band Rockwood a while back while paying a visit to Hemsworth Miners’ Social Club in Fitzwilliam. These lads are local again this weekend when George V WMC in Castleford is their port of call on Saturday night.

There just doesn’t seem to be the work around for bands these days, certainly on the local scene. It would be nice to see bands like The Hit Men and Her working in their home area a bit more. We have so much talent available, if you know where to look!

Normanton singer Paul Stewart is in the wars after disc trouble in his back forced him off work for a while. Paul is now relying heavily on roadies and pals to carry his equipment into gigs for him.

Paul is also singing while perched on a stool, as the regulars at Smawthorne Lane Club in Castleford saw last Sunday night will have witnessed as this smooth balladeer hobbled in to sing to them.

Paul’s fiancée, the cruise ship headline entertainer Siobhan Phillips, is now away at sea on a long engagement, so poor old Paul will be coping alone at the moment. I’m sure his many pals will rally round.

Retired Wakefield entertainer and variety club compere Gerry Brook was in touch last week with news that he is to start work on his autobiography.

Gerry worked with some of the biggest stars on the planet during his days involved in several of the great variety clubs back in the 1960s. I bet that when Gerry’s memoirs are published they will make a great read.

Lawrence Fitzpatrick from Netherton Club was in touch regarding the future of the venue. It seems the local parish council have purchased the premises and those running the club will become tenants instead of owners.

Lawrence, who is club secretary, would like to invite members and visitors old and new to the club this weekend for a special Sunday afternoon show.

Starring on stage is our local answer to Elvis, Jim Santana. DJ Mick McGinley will also be there and the fun starts at 1pm.

I was happy to learn that, after our mention of the charity show this weekend at Lee Moor Club for the Motor Neurone Disease Society, the event is now a complete sell-out.

Organiser David Sampson rang me with the happy news and I for one hope the charity make a fortune out of the evening.

We always have room for mentions for charitable endeavour in this column and it just goes to show how much trade coverage on this page can attract.

Those who enjoy the music of Sir Elton John may well flock to Alverthorpe WMC in Wakefield this weekend. Friday is the night for Elton fans as it is tribute night at the club, which is set to welcome tribute singer Elton Jonathan. I may pop in myself for this one.

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