First up were Carol & Jimmy with banjo accompaniment from Allan - they got the night off to a rousing start with 2 great chorus songs. In gentler vein, Ken Cross did a couple of songs which again had us all singing. Old English (Al and Pete) sang 2 unaccompanied songs with the audience really getting into the swing of it as the choruses swelled. Allan announced jiva (Jimmy & Val) as 'regulars' but I think that after 20 months they deserve promotion to 'residents' - they did 2 self-penned songs which had the Cramlington choir in splendid form. John Redpath played some mean blues and ragtime much to the delight of everyone. Next was Sue in fine voice - she is becoming a much admired club regular. Closing the 1st half we had MC for the night, Allan, with 2 songs accompanied on his banjo - again, the audience were in the mood for singing.

Dave Page, who did a sterling job as sound engineer, got the second half underway with Allan Savage & Jimmy Powells forming a scratch band for the set. Mike then did a couple of fun songs that raised laughter and chorus singing. New to the club was Guy who impressed us with contemporary arrangements of 2 traditional folk songs. With blue guitar Jim Wigfield entertained us with 'Scarlet Ribbons' and a self-penned song about children dropping off to sleep. Then Esther enchanted us with her lovely singing and gentle guitar accompaniment.

So then... all performers had been on at least once... decision time for MC Allan... he brought Ken Cross back to do 2 more, then finished with the usual 'old pals act' of a final jam session. The night closed with a crowded stage - Ken, Jimmy & Carol, Allan, Mike, Dave, Guy, Sue and Esther - thank you and goodnight.

jiva