First Blog

Brean Country Music Festival 2008
Featuring St. Bernadette’s Country Music Club.

A little history of what this “blog” is about.
Every year, usually the last week of September/first week of October, a Festival of Country Music is held at Brean Sands, near Burnham-on-sea in Somerset. All of the bars, clubs, pubs and even cafes and restaurants take part and include country music as a theme for at least seven days during the event. Probably the biggest of these is the Brean Sands Pontin’s holiday village.
It is here that a group of country music club members from St. Bernadette’s Country Music Club in Scunthorpe travelled to, this year. For some it was their first year at the event, others have been visiting for several years, the event seeming to gain more support every year mainly due to the enthusiasm of those who can gone on previous years.
I’ll begin by telling you that my name is Richard, I’m married to Lorraine (always called Ray) and we have been to four previous country music festivals, two at Prestatyn in Wales at the Haven Holidays venue and two at Pontins, Brean Sands, and this year will be the third.
Our party this year consists of thirteen, it should have been fourteen but in the early hours of Friday morning on the day of our departure, Sheila, who had arranged to accompany Keith, texted Keith (is texted a word? spell checker certainly went into spasm when I typed it, but I’ve added it to my dictionary so now MY computer thinks it’s a word) to inform him of ill health and that she was unable to attend.
The thirteen who did attend are: Richard and Ray, Keith, John and Glenys, Geoff and Marie, Brian and Dawn, Johnnie Walker and Roz and Blue and Lin.
As a bit of fun and silliness, we all had black polo shirts printed with the legend:
“St. Bernadette’s C.M.C. Scunthorpe on tour” in bright yellow letters on the back.
We, that is Keith and myself and Ray, hired a car to travel down in and had the same legend on the rear and side windows also in bright yellow stick on lettering.
On the way down we joked about Keith not having fetched his new laptop computer with him, I said I could write a blog if he’d brought it along, this information was discussed later with several others of our party, very shortly afterwards Blue handed me a small notebook and announced that I should write the blog anyway.
This is it folks:

Friday 26th September 2008
We set off at 8-30am from Scunthorpe in a brand new (58 reg) rather posh VW Passatt, which luckily has a very large boot, we always seem to take far more gear than we actually need, but hey that’s about par for the course. Keith driving, me co-pilot and Ray in the back sorting out the C.D. selections. Needless to say these consist mainly of country artists, some Keith’s some ours. The journey down mainly uneventful, we stopped for breakfast at Strensham services on the M5 and paid an absolute fortune for what was an O.K. breakfast.
I took over the driving from here, needless to say we very soon had our first serious traffic hold-up, caused by roadwork’s at Avon mouth, but we arrived safely at Pontin’s 235 miles from Scunthorpe at 1-20pm.
We booked in shortly after 2-00pm the chalet did not appear as clean as usual, bit disappointed, why do we pay for “Club” when standards are not as they should be? The welcome pack consists of a few teabags a couple of coffee sachets a thimble of washing up liquid and a small tea towel. The sink in the bathroom is filthy and the top drawer of the dressing table is still broken, (lol it was broken last year too)
We popped back into the concert room, where we stayed for a couple of hours wandering off to look around then back again to see who else had arrived.
There is always a great deal of controversy about saving tables, so of course, me being me, I couldn’t resist a bit of fun to wind a few folk up, I had printed and laminated several signs for “our” tables which read:
PONTIN’S BREAN SAND’S.
RESERVED EXECUTIVE SEATING
ST. BERNADETTES COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB, SCUINTHORPE.
These we placed on two tables at the front of the hall next to the dance floor, surrounded by thirteen chairs of course. Red rags in place, now, how many bulls would we attract?
We went walk-about, shopped, fed ourselves and returned to find our tables still unoccupied, round one St. Bernadette’s (lol)
I should probably explain here that other venues, within easy walking distance of Pontin’s which also feature country music, include: “The Seagull” and “Scotty’s” just over the road, a few hundred yards up the road is “Lazy Days” also known as “The Ocean Bar” which is on a caravan park, just a little further up the road is “Krackers” a small café/bar, over the road of that is “Jumping Jax” a little further still brings you to Brean Leisure park which includes “The Tavern” and “Dickies” I know there are others but these are the places which we visit during our stay at Brean. Also most of these places have stalls and marques selling a very wide range of country and western clothing and accessories of varying quality.
The first evening, we stayed at Pontin’s, the organiser and compere of this event is Rusty Douch who is a great ambassador for country music and puts on several events similar to this at different locations throughout the year. He is aided by a team that includes two country disco’s, “Peppers” and Roger Shepherd, the dance instructors are Madeleine and Paul Jones, the daily shows and trilogies are organised and arranged by Carl Manning.
“Cajun Moon” was the first act, they played some good stuff but the sound quality was not too good, not very impressed, Blue has had them at “Blue Nickel” and says they are a lot better normally.
The second act was the legendary “Campbell’s Country” they were absolutely brilliant, musically as well as very entertaining and amusing. I think you need to go a long way to see a better act. Great start to the week. At 9.30pm every evening the Pontin’s Blue Coat entertainment team take to the floor to entertain the children with Captain Croc and friends. I notice a tear in Glenys’s eye, she is obviously missing Little Joe (her Grandson) who hasn’t come down this year, in fact I think we all miss having him here, he always joined in this part of the show, aided and abetted by the ladies. Maybe next year eh ?
Keith walked down to “Dickies” to see Tony Rouse as he apparently has a belt that belongs to Tony, (don’t ask, I really don’t know how he came to have it) but arrived back in time for last act and the trilogy which tonight was “Open” which basically means anybody can join in. The trilogy is an end of the night parade with different themes which always feature Elvis Presley’s version of “The American Trilogy”
We ended the first night by calling in at “The Queen Vic” the on site late bar featuring the very entertaining and usually drunk “This, That and the other” and any other musicians who happen to pass through. Last year we witnessed an absolutely brilliant set which included none other than John Parminter. Now that was a jamming session to behold.

Saturday 27th September 2008
Morning, We had a walkabout, checking out the gear, buying bits and pieces and watched the line dance tuition at Pontin’s, meeting our party as they came and went, everybody “doing their own thing” One of the great things about this trip is that everybody does exactly as they want, there is no master plan, we all just meet up as and when or spend time in our own company, it matters not a hoot, nobody gets upset if somebody else wants to be on their own. It makes for a great relaxed atmosphere too, but if you want to join in the fun, there is guaranteed to be something happening, especially with real characters like Blue and Keith in the our midst.
Lunch-time in Pontin’s featured “Fool’s Gold” who were alright, the dancers seemed to like them, well enough, but they certainly didn’t “float my boat” I wouldn’t go out of my way to see them again but by the same token I wouldn’t avoid them either. Now’t like seating on fence is there?
Everybody is dressing up tonight, so we’ll all be looking the part, well western wear is pretty much the order of the day every day, not only here but everywhere in Brean but with it being Saturday night the finery tends to come out in force, especially the ladies
Evening, Went along early and had a session of bingo, crikey, it’s expensive this year, £1.00 per book and £1.00 per flyer, making it £9.00 in total for 3 of each.
This evening’s acts at Pontin’s are West Virginia and Dave Sheriff. West Virginia are alright, they’ve been around a long time and usually headline at a few of the venues during this festival. Dancers seem to enjoy them too. Dave Sheriff, was a big name in British Country Music but is extremely popular with the line dancers nowadays, and appears to have forsaken real country music to concentrate mainly on the line dancing material. This has proved a commercial success of course but I believe he was a far better act before he “sold out”
A few of us decided to wander over to “The Seagull” to see “Lazy Dog Country” and “Montana Trio”, the security guys on the gates asked if we had our wrist bands with us, Ray didn’t so we went back to collect it from our chalet. The others carried on, when we got to “The Seagull” there was a long queue, so we tried “Scotty’s” only to be informed at the gate that they were full up too. Ray and I unable to locate t’others went back to Pontin’s. The others arrived back about an hour or so later having been to “The Place” where “Longshot” were playing, they had a great time, having met a couple of guys dressed as woman, you’ll have to ask them more about that. Most of us finished the night off once more at the “Queen Vic” another very good night. What a great holiday this is turning out to be.

Sunday 28th September 2008
Sunday is usually a good day, this proved to be exceptional.
I went to concert hall fairly early and claimed tables at front (naughty, naughty) Sat around drinking coffee and watching line dance tuition, until a few of our party arrived then wandered over to “Seagull” around the stalls, browsing. Eleven of us had booked at the “Tavern” for Sunday lunch, which, as last year proved to be excellent. Unfortunately Blue and Lin couldn’t get booked. After lunch we went back to Pontin’s, where we managed to catch Philomena Begley’s second set, backed by her son Aidy Quinn’s band. She has been around a long time but is still a great singer; I certainly enjoyed her line of patter too.
We bought C.D.’s and got phone numbers for Yolanda (the stewardess of St Bernadette’s, who would like to try to book them in the future) Luckily Blue and Lin had sat at our tables and managed to save them before going for something to eat. Rusty did make an announcement about saving tables but I’m sure he wasn’t referring to our tables as there has always been somebody sat there. However several of our party seem embarrassed about my signs so I’ve stopped putting them up, just using the clothes and flags and bits and pieces instead. We did take it in turns to stay in concert room so as to preserve the seats for the evening show, as our old friends Dave and Dave (American Spirit) are on with the Aidy Quinn Band tonight.
Sunday evening, was the best evening so far, American Spirit were, as expected, really great. Aidy Quinn’s band “The New Rambling Band” are excellent musicians and Aidy is a fairly good singer with a bit of the blarney, so entertaining and of course played lots of stuff to keep the dancers on the floor. It’s really great to see Johnnie Walker and Roz enjoying themselves, they seem to be enjoying the week, they are keen line dancers, are quick to get on floor at every opportunity.
Tonight’s trilogy was Mexican, which is always very colourful and features a beautiful piece of music played on the trumpet, (you’ll recognise it if you’ve seen “The Alamo”)
Needless to say the night ended with a visit to “The Queen Vic” bit Ray and I left at about 1.45am, with a few of our party staying such later.

Monday 29th September 2008
Another lovely day, I haven’t mentioned the weather so far, but I must say that it’s been fantastic, sunny, warm and very pleasant for the time of year. Not saving seats this morning, had a walk around stalls, called in at Scotty’s bar to see Jim Ryder and Adam James, Glenys was in her element, possibly even drooling, as Jim Ryder gyrated his hips and put on a great show right in front of her. Jim did announce that because of confusion over bookings wouldn’t be performing at Brean next year, that’s a pity because he and Adam are a class act. Glenys will miss him too I’m sure of that.
Evening:
Ray and I met Keith for a meal at “The Place” a rather good restaurant/bar just over the road, had a really good meal, I’m sure we’ll come again before the week is up.
After the delicious meal we set off to walk to “The Tavern” where John Macane and “Campbell’s Country” were playing only to bump into the others on the way back, it was packed and no point trying to get in there, we decided to pop into “Jumpin’ Jax” where “Longshot” were playing, no many in there, and the band were not brilliant but what a night we had there, we stayed a couple of hours really having the craic, to say Blue was on form is an understatement, he was hilarious, and I certainly hadn’t realised how funny Lin was until today.
Johnnie Walker had taken a shine to my short top hat so, because it suited and fitted John far better than it did me, I sold it to him. I think we are both pleased with the deal.
We all ended up in the “Queen Vic” absolutely priceless. There will be some sore heads in the morning, of that I’m convinced.

Tuesday 30th September 2008
Early in concert room today, managed to secure front two tables again, because one of the best singers on the country circuit is at Pontin’s today, our very own Darren Busby, really looking forward his spot.
Big Brian is full of cold, he thinks he might have Bronchitis; he has made an emergency appointment at doctors in Burnham-on-sea.
At 10.00am Rusty announced that Darren wouldn’t be arriving until tonight (a mix up with the booking it seems) so “The Hanks” played the lunchtime session with Darren doing the evening session with “Plain Loco”
Glenys has lost a camera, a Polaroid Digital; she had been given for Christmas, has checked everywhere and is convinced she lost it at the counter of reception,
Lunchtime:
“The Hanks” are a very good country band, two guitars and drums playing good ol’ country songs, I like them a lot.
Evening: As I’m in concert room saving seats, had a game of bingo, Ray won £19.00. Whoopee Do. (Lol)
Darren was absolutely brilliant, good selection of his songs including some old Slim Whitman stuff. Terry, Darren’s Dad sat with us throughout the evening, he certainly appeared to have enjoyed himself.
Plain Loco were good but I’m afraid Darren stole their thunder somewhat. Darren’s second spot ended with an encore (of course) and he mentioned his friends from St. Bernadette’s Club in the executive seating, which was rather funny.
Military Trilogy tonight, very colourful but not as good as some we’ve seen.
I think all of our party with the exception of Ray and I finished the night in the “The Queen Vic” I’m told it was great night with Darren joining the jamming session playing the drums.
I would have liked to have been there but, hey, I have to do as I am told sometimes.

Wednesday 1st October 2008
Wandered into the concert hall at 09-15am seats still available so put the clothes and flags on them. Stayed until others arrived then took it in turns to save tables, mainly because it’s Muddy Boots tonight and of course my favourite trilogy of them all; The Indian Trilogy.
Lunchtime:
The Steve James Band, really good band, enjoyed them a lot.
Had a walk around stalls, bought a few bits, as you do, had tea at The Seagull, very nice, wandered back to the hall, Glenys had won £154 on the first bingo flyer. I’m really pleased, after losing her camera Glynis deserves a bit of better luck. Well done whoever is in charge up there.
Muddy Boots were as good you you’d expect from this solid country band who had the entire room buzzing. The surprise was the support act, “The Weasel Ploughboy’s” A great play on words, taking the Mickey, just a little. They’re really good, amusing name but solid performers.

Just when you think it’s about as good as it gets something extraordinary occurs that makes you
appreciate how funny some people are, on this occasion it was Paul and Sylv, from Birmingham who usually dress up as country bumpkins, this year they dressed as Indians, only not as Red Indians but Asian type Indians, well the room was in up roar. So very funny, unfortunately not everybody saw the joke and Carl Manning wouldn’t let them join the trilogy.
Priceless, absolutely priceless.
The Indian Trilogy was great, costumes excellent; I couldn’t see anybody signing the words but was assured by others that there was signing.


Thursday 2nd October 2008
They say time flies when you’re having fun; well folk’s that phrase is oh so very true where this week is concerned, strewth it’s the last full day today, we set off home tomorrow, oh well, we’re sure to have another great day.
Morning, we wander around somewhat today, Keith and I buy Union Artillery caps, and later on a another stall we manage to buy cap badges, I got conned into buying a pair of artillery trousers that don’t fit (oh but Maggie, back at the club, might be able to do something with them) We popped into “The Seagull” were, much to Keith’s dismay “Blue Orchid” were playing, they once let Keith down “big style” and failed a long standing booking, he has never forgiven them. They are actually quite a good female duo, with a good sense of fun, Ray and I liked them.
Lunchtime: “The Mansions” performed by “Lee’s Company” was absolutely fantastic, a story about the American Civil War and it’s effect on a southern state family, in the form of a folk opera, originally written by Paul Kennerly. If you ever get the opportunity to see this I certainly recommend you do.
Ray and I had an early tea, once again at “The Place” Brian and Dawn came in and sat at next table, Brian is still under the weather somewhat. Needless to say the meal was excellent, so why did I say it? Oh well.
Keith and I decided to have a game of snooker at the “Leisure Zone” we popped in to invite John and Geoff to a game of doubles, and I have to mention here, that we actually saw Glenys with two, yes two hair rollers in, quite what they do we are not sure, but as Glenys always looks lovely we decided that they work just fine, but hey Keith never missing an opportunity manages to embarrass her on several occasions later on , so much so, in fact that Glenys actually whispered a naughty word in his ear, now Keith, forever the gentleman refuses to disclose her actual words but did say it ending in “ox” I think that’s what he said.
We all met up for the last evening in and around the foyer of Pontin’s, where we asked a little old lady to use my camera to take a group photo before walking down to Lazy Days, Ocean bar, where it seems that the local legend that is Mickey Page (What a voice!) was playing. Unfortunately he was on at lunch-time so we missed him. We walked down to “Krackers”, had a couple of drinks and a few laughs there then we wandered off down to “The Tavern” to see “Saloon Drifters” and maybe even Scunthorpe’ Richard Palmer. Although we all believe he has lost his early promise and forsakes country for line dance music, whatever its source. Anyway we couldn’t get in, so wandered back to “Jumpin’ Jax”, which only had a country disco so we didn’t stay long, but I should mention that here Brian was not to well at all, indeed he was using his inhaler while the D.J played “Breathless” I’m sorry Brian, I know it was not really funny for you but I really thought it was hilarious. The group split, a few of us venturing back to Lazy Days where we had an absolutely brilliant last night, staying till quite late, even missing the last trilogy at Pontin’s, but did finish the week off at the “Queen Vic” to say farewell to friends old and new for another year. I will just say here that if you enjoy country music (go on admit it) you would absolutely love this week.







Friday 3rd October 2008.
All that’s left to do now is pack up and go home, that done we left just about 0930am, called for breakfast at services, missed one motorway exit and forced to do a 30 mile detour, but arrived safely back in Scunthorpe at about 3.20pm
I will just say here that if you enjoy country music (go on admit it) you would absolutely love this week. Shall we see you there, I certainly hope so.

Bye All xx

Richard Johnson