Seven years! Wow. It's been a long and difficult journey at times. We have survived two venues, two "House" bands, lockdowns, a Pandemic and Brexit. So to all who helped us along the Rocky Road, some acknowledgements follow.
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| February 2020 :The Queens Hall |
THE STAFF
I would like to thank Rich Burlingham and all the staff at The Crew for standing by us throughout. From Day One, when he first heard that we'd lost The Crown overnight, Rich was there. Offering us shelter and sanctuary. Special mention too, for Bar Staff like the irrepressible Aron and the ever helpful Jenna, and all front of house and Sound Crews. Good job, all!
SOUND CREW
(Really sound!). We've always used a P.A. in both venues. Over time they've been driven by Tom and Harvey James, Tom Veasey, Dave Smart, Liam Johnson, Matt Mallen Allen, Malc Gurnham and Phil Benson. Currently in the hot seat are Ross Tidmus and co.
MAGGIE
My life partner. She's been there at The QH every first Wednesday. Only illness has kept her away. Not only helping out with practical tasks like organising collections and raffles and banner hanging but also in putting up with my tantrums in the days when we aren't at The Crew. It's no exaggeration to say I'd have packed it all up long ago without her. Anyone who has ever enjoyed a good night at NFC owes her a debt of gratitude.
HOUSE MUSIC
I would also like to pay homage to all members of NFC Resident In House band Nunc. In our various formats we have tried to warm up NFC audiences since 2016. Often at great personal sacrifice.
PUBLICITY
We have a little army of excellent photographers who have recorded the sights (and sounds) of NFC and helped to spread the word. John B.Smith has worked tirelessly to promote the club and to support Nunc. Ray Buckler, John Wright, Max Wright, Paul Monks and many others have chronicled the shenanigans with veritable albums of photographs. Rich and Gaj have been been very generous with time and input over producing high quality leaflets and posters.
BBC CWR have featured us several times, including one "live" interview famously conducted on a very windswept Worthing Beach.
The Tilting Kettle have baked us wonderful cakes for special occasions, always free of charge.
THE AUDIENCES
Unfair to single anyone out possibly, but I suppose we must mention Polesworth's Mick Stanley who was in such a hurry to reach NFC one night that he actually got run over crossing the road outside and ended up in hospital for some considerable time! It didn't deter him though. He was back as soon as he could walk again! Some other regulars literally go out of their way to attend. Despite disability, family illness and ridiculous English weather, they struggle in, united by the common bond of loving "live" music.
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| July 2015. At The Crown |
BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN FOLK
The Folk and Open Mic community are a close bunch. Supporting each other not just through their attendance but via advice, practical help and collaboration on avoiding duplication of bookings. The input of Malc Gurnham and Phil Benson (who first persuaded me to embark on this madness) cannot be underestimated. My thanks too must go to friends like Pete Willow, John Richards, Ian Bourne, Karen Orgill, Steve Bentley, Rob Halligan, John Harris and Kristy Gallagher. 99% of Organisers work co-operatively together. The odd 1% still see running a live music venue as some kind of Turf War. Strange.
THE PERFORMERS
Too numerous to mention here, but a link to "Gallery " on the NFC Website leads you into a Pandora's box of memories. No performers= no club. Where would we be without such a rich array of talent? https://blackparrotseaside.weebly.com/gallery.html
FUND RAISING
Since we first launched in 2014 NFC audiences have raised monies for Cancer Research, Nuneaton Foodbank. The George Eliot Hospital, Fireside ,McMillan Nurses and Anker Hospital Radio.
STAYAWAYS
Despite professing a love of the genre publicly elsewhere, a few citizens of the Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough catchment continue to boycott us. It's their choice, of course but our local stayaways could walk in from home, have a pint and help support live music in their nearest venue. We get visitors from Oxford, Leicester and Birmingham. And more people travel in from Coventry ,Warwick Rugby and Leamington than home turf. Odd.
ABSENT FRIENDS
Some of course could not help staying away, due to alas ,their taking leave of us permanently over the last seven years. RIP Arnold Chave, Angus Ellis, Catherine Cope, Rich McMahon, Ted Crum and Dave Cook. Among those who once trod the NFC boards but who won't be back. Miss you Guys!
