2008 at the Moore or Less Folk Club has seen a few changes, we have gained in some and lost in others, the things we have gained will make us a better club for our regulars and future visitors and for what we have lost it will make us a stronger club to go forward into 2009.
The key gain was our new venue (the address is above) which we moved to in April this year, with this move we are now regaining all our lost & past friends of the club, news of this is spreading quickly by word of mouth and we are beginning to see many new faces and floor singers appear. This makes me a happy man and I hope a successful club in the future. As I am talking about the venue and the club in general I would like to say a "BIG THANK YOU" to Lin Cass and the other committee members of the Rainham Commumity Centre for allowing us to use their premises for the MOORE OR LESS FOLK CLUB.
This year has not been without it's losses. Please forgive me if I only mention the names of those that have appeared at the club and who will be terribly missed. I shall start with Bob Bradley (aka. Banjo Bob) who always smiled no matter what he was feeling like and always had words of encouragement for those of us who were trying to learn various instruments, he was followed by the lovely Kay Burkin, one half of 'Vulcans Hammer', who we have had at our club on a number of occasions as floor singers, guests and as part of the Hartley Morris Singers, then we heard the sad news of Brian Bruce who I think had close connections with the Orpington clubs, I may be wrong so I apologise straight away. However Brian did come along to our Rainham Folk Day 2007 and entertained us with some wonderful playing and singing, he was also joined by Kerys on piano for a few songs. Last but not least Philip Spoore, brother of Joy Garlick, left us in November. Although disabled Philip will be known for his many appearances, year after year, as the Green Man during the Rochester Sweeps Festivals, he too will be sadly missed.
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Happier News
As most of you must know by now Anthony John Clark gave us a wonderful night in October.
Following him in December for our Christmas party night we had the extremely entertaining and talented 'Lyra Celtica', we had the highest audience numbers for years and everyone commented on having such a wonderful evening setting them up in the right mood for Christmas. In their set, towards the end of the evening, they played and sang one of the best versions of Ride On that I have ever heard. All that's left for me to say is 'Thank you Frank, Lyn and Mark for such a wonderful evening'.
LYRA CELTICA at the MOORE OR LESS FOLK CLUB - 12/12/2008
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my mates Brian Diwell and Bill Vandome for all their support and encouragement during this year, without them and their humour, I would have found things very difficult. I would like to wish them and everyone who has supported the club a **** Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year *****. I look forward to seeing you all at YOUR club in 2009.
Enjoy yourselves.
Derek Moore
Here is an extract from an email I recieved from Mark Canning of Lyra Celtica:
"We just wanted to say thanks very much for having us, we don't say that a lot; we always appreciate a good folk club, and your's is one we won't forget. You are lovely people who made us feel very, very welcome, and helped us enjoy ourselves. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you all. Keep in touch." Kind Regards, Mark.
Thanks Mark, we appreciate your lovely comments.