I would personally just like to say a very big 'Thank You' to both Peter Gillies and Peter J Fisher (lovely, lovely guys both) for taking the initiative in setting up the latest Shadows Club - filling a huge 'hole' (as it were) in this part of the South East. I've always been puzzled why such a large area (encompassing such areas of habitation as Reading, Calcot, Theale, Woodley, Earley, Tilehurst, Pangbourne, Newbury, Thatcham, Hermitage, Hungerford - & lots of others & with places the size of Basingstoke and Swindon being not too far away) has never had a Shadows Club. Well - now we have. The ''Two Petes" have siezed the initiative, put up the money (always a risk) and will be providing all of the necessary equipment etc., etc. Those of you who run, or have run, Shads Clubs know what is involved.
I was invited to spend yesterday afternoon with them at Stockcross Village Hall while they rigged everything up and tested out the sound system & various ways of playing the BTs (from Laptop, CD player, Minidisc etc) & setting sound levels, general 'mixing' / 'sound balancing' etc. Of course - it was great to hear them both playing guitar too. A few Shads faves were aired "Wonderful Land", "T F Y Lovers", "Dance On!", "The Savage", "Gonzalez", "Return To The Alamo", "The Miracle" etc., etc. Newbury Shadows Guitar Club will also feature Cliff/ Shads vocals (if there's anyone who wishes to perform any) in order to break up the instrumentals from time to time. As I was there - they kindly allowed to sing a few numbers too. This was mainly to work out the various permutations (sound) for any vocal performances etc.
Of course, we had lots of fun too - cracking jokes and 'swapping' anecdotes. I suspect that (as well as the inevitable 'spadework' behind the scenes) that (just like all of the others) NSGT is going to be great fun for everyone who loves the Shads, guitar instrumentals (& a few Cliff & Shadows vocals) etc., etc. I think that Pete & Pete want a friendly club where people of all standards of performance and levels of experience will feel comfortable refs: playing (or singing) in front of a supportive audience. They are certainly both extremely good players and very jovial, friendly, encouraging and supportive people. So....do come along on Friday July 12th, either to listen / watch / socialise or to play / sing (or both!!!). They already have an encouraging list of potential attendees (including some well - known names from the site). The more the merrier. Anyone wishing to come along and perform on the night...please do let Pete or Pete know in advance if you can....as it all helps with future planning & getting ahead on the night.
See you there???
Bests....Rob
