High Summer at The Ridings  5th July, 2025

Report Phil Barr video & photos Phil Barr

Following revised guidelines on band dress, the likes of Sue, Maria and Mags had to put on hold their plans to stun the Ridings in Red but if they can wait until December, I just happen to have three spare white beards in my seasonal wardrobe which they are welcome to borrow. They weren’t the only ones to have to change their plans either as   I had to send back a bright pink suit and Rod Stewart wig I had intended to wear today, though that may have come as a relief to some and in any case, I’ve been told it’s not my colour. However, despite these setbacks, the band arrived looking very distinguished in black with individual touches complementing the overall appearance. Thelma and Linda sported subtle polka dots, Elsie’s top had an elegant trim, Stuart looked classy in a new linen shirt while Mike S with his music motifs and Dave F with gold – trimmed waistcoat all blended so well that Maria herself declared herself satisfied that we had attained the necessary level of sophistication.  

   Moving on, after a last minute hitch with Chris’s G string, which possibly didn’t help his back problem, and David having quickly sorted out a feedback problem we were ready to roll with a well-honed set of songs as performed at Thorpe Audlin. With Pop adding to the mix with a borrowed banjo and the band hitting the musical heights from the off, the passing shoppers were very soon not only taking a break from their labours but helping to create a proper atmosphere so that the M&S strap – line adjacent to us – Summer Like You Mean It was very apt. Moreover, the line in Bad Moon Rising (which once more went with a blast) mentioning a hurricane a blowing was equally topical as a certain spectator reminded us on more occasions than one that he had got back home safely from one! He had plenty of time to share such snippets of his travels with us as he waited for his white shirt to be washed. (If you didn’t attend the gig, I wouldn’t waste too much time reading too deeply into the above details.) Carrying on regardless was no problem whatsoever as the band continued to pound out the numbers looking and sounding at the top of their game until, with the completion of an assured performance of Love Really Hurts a generous break followed. 

 When Stan and I were returning to the action from our coffee break, we spotted David looking down onto the band from the balcony, maybe reflecting on his announcement that this was to be the last time he would be leading at this particular venue but also with an eye on the whereabouts of our hurricane survivor. As we resumed it wasn’t long before the said man waiting for his white shirt was again in the thick of the action jigging along as he joined us On the Road Again to San Francisco Bay before a welcome Sit Down on a Sunny Afternoon feeling On Top of the World.

More spectators, along with family and friends made sure the feel-good factor continued to the very end, so concluding what felt like a very positive and enjoyable gig. 

   Stepping back from the action to do the video of ‘The Union of Different Kinds’,

I was able to see and hear everyone playing, and without any qualification, I was very impressed. David must be proud to see how the band has progressed thanks to his and everyone’s hard work and enthusiasm. For a final appearance as leader at this particular venue, I don’t think things could have been done much better. 

   The next band event is the meal at The Spring on Monday, 7th July at 5:30 for 6p.m.