St Patrick’s Day Gig

 Whitaker Grange Care  Home, Ossett 17th March Photos Jane Barr Videos Jane Barr and Joe Fisher

A small but select number of the band – willing volunteers, that is – arrived at the rather plush Whitaker Grange on a very pleasant March afternoon all ready to entertain the throng of keen residents. Around seventy people were gathered in the spacious and nicely presented dining and activities area, most of whom were seated at long tables which were tastefully set and colourfully decorated ready for both the afternoon entertainment and the main celebratory meal afterwards  it being a double Patrick’s Day not only in memory of the saint but also for a resident by that name, who had reached the impressive age of 90 and who had the t- shirt to prove it.

 The band wardrobe department had also been diligent, particularly Sue Taylor, in having a ready supply of natty green hats with shamrock emblems for those of us who hadn’t found anything suitable

  Our leader Chris, meanwhile, was raring to go, setting an example with appropriate leprechaun headgear, although it is doubtful that St Patrick would have ever worn such a hat – rumour has it that he much preferred a Guinness.

 So, after a 15 minute delay, (not our fault) and very accomplished welcoming patter from our leader, we launched into the opening song, Side by Side, followed by a tuneful Any Dream Will Do, with harmonious contributions from Sue, Mags and Thelma before the first solo contribution from Pop,   who supplemented his nifty head attachment with a bright green Slazenger tracksuit top as, you may not know he is also in training for the fast – approaching Wakefield 10K race. One of Pop’s specialities,

Blues in My Shoes, was delivered with its usual aplomb and received huge applause as did Mike S’s equally assured and entertaining Tattooed Lady. Also proving his mastery of timing, Mike followed up a seemingly cheeky question of the audience, asking how many of them had a tattoo by pausing momentarily before answering, ‘ Only me then!’

 Meanwhile, a brief, quizzical moment had occurred when, following Chris’s reminder that Black Velvet Band was in ‘waltz time,’ a few of us questioned that because the intro stated: 1234. Pop, though, was the first to admit his error, and soon all was well again, and our conscientious leader was rightly in full control. Another Irish ditty, Cockles and Mussels brought us to the interval, with appreciative applause, and the offer of lemonade, tea or coffee. 

  After a shortish break, Chris made sure we were ready for the raucous opener,  Bunch of Coconuts, at which point, Melvyn’s chin was seen to droop even closer to the carpet, but at least it woke up anyone inclined toward an afternoon nap, which meant that Sue had a captive audience as she sang Dolly Parton’s classic, Jolene in fine style, receiving a well-deserved response from the packed tables. It must be said, to, how respectful the audience were throughout the performance with background chatter very much restrained, whether listening to more band numbers such as You’re 16 or our final soloist, Melvyn, who after his usual introductory self – deprecating wit e.g. Make sure the doors are closed properly to stop anyone trying to escape, produced a consummate rendition of the Furies song, Geraldine’s Thinking of Galway. After that, Zing and the final number, Wild Rover rounded off a successful afternoon, with the band learning their lesson from Friday’s frenzied pacing.

  Much credit is due, first of all to Chris, for leading by example and keeping us together throughout, to our excellent soloists, who helped greatly in providing variety but also to everyone else, who gave their all despite being small in number. Thanks too, to our friendly hosts, who not only made us feel welcome but also, by promoting our cause, helped a YAA collection to benefit to the tune of £244. It reminded how, just the day before, our cycling group, heard then witnessed the sound and impressive sight of two yellow air ambulance helicopters being put through their paces as we made our way through puddles alongside their base at Nostell.

    Next up, during what has been a very hectic schedule, is Thelma’s gig for the dementia group at Wakefield Hospice on Monday, 23rd March starting at 2p.m.