Reporter: Phil Barr Videos/Photos Jenny Sidebottom

Wakefield Hospice Butterfly Appeal Gig

12th August, 2023

With David away recharging his batteries in readiness for the Autumn, Pippa bravely stepped into the breach for this Summer Special in the attractive grounds of Wakefield Hospice. A vibrant scene met us as we arrived, with stalls, bunting and the colourful sight and sound of a combined choir, expertly led by a Gareth Malone look- alike, excepting his feet which were the size of small barges. 

 As the choir completed their set and the band set up their equipment under the same gazebo, it soon became evident that the elements were not as welcoming as the general scene, with what was initially, a fresh breeze springing up. As a result, the peg bags did a brisk trade. Wakeylele, of course, always come prepared, although I did think those who had also brought sandbags were a bit pessimistic seeing as there was only a 40% chance of showers. Anyhow, everything was soon in place and the show was on the road.

The two sets of songs were, in theory, safe bets and indeed the majority of the numbers in each half reflected the assured touch of a band with experience in a range of locations and conditions. Any Dream Will Do, along with Green Door and Top of the World were just three successes during the afternoon but we were being severely tested as, in the not very distant background was the insistent sound of a chain saw being used to lop tree branches from a neighbouring property. This was not especially conducive to keying into the opening bars of a song and it was sometimes the case of either aborting the start or carrying on regardless with the help of the likes of Pop getting us back together. Dave Burgess also supported Pippa by standing up at appropriate moments as well as calling out the timings to overcome the challenges facing us.

David has often made the point of how crucial the band’s percussionist is to a performance and here, Mags was magnificent throughout, with Val also proving essential on bass. Val also had to overcome a bird making a deposit on her song sheet while a strong gust of wind was responsible for Carol’s tuner landing in her tea. It should be added that, as the first set progressed, the wind was registering Force 6 on the Beaufort Scale and the impressive trilbies worn by several band members were in danger of disappearing down the Eastern relief road and into City Fields. However, despite all these difficulties the band pressed on, typified by the quiet determination of Glynis and Peter J, while Maria showed she meant business by removing her cardigan, although the tone of the responses to this innocent act was, I thought, a little naughty. We continued receiving grateful support from friends, family and the wider public including the welcome sight of no less than the famous Singing Doctor himself, Dr Dourado, who, no doubt, picked up a few tips from us along the way. 

I haven’t yet mentioned the short break we had for refreshments provided by volunteer staff at the hospice, but they were much appreciated. During this time, I think I overheard whispers over tea and biscuits on how to disperse of the offending tree surgeon across the road – words like sniper and giant catapult were being bandied about, but I can’t think of any individuals who would even dream of such things.

Back in the real world, time was at a premium and following the usual collection of jaunty/ raucous / tuneful numbers, the band wrapped up proceedings with the relatively recent Union of Different Kinds and our adopted closing number On the Road Again performed in rousing fashion, with Pippa’s colourful, flapping blouse and billowing trousers threatening to carry her off over Eastmoor; the wind approached gale force, the lumberjack’s saw screeched, crows cawed, woodpeckers hammered and Mags …kept the whole cacophony in check!

A heroic debut by Pippa, under very trying circumstances with valuable support from those individuals already mentioned and indeed from the whole band. Alison, the event organiser who liaised with Pippa throughout, was fulsome in her praise for the band. I heard her say that she loves watching us and that she is still annoyed that she missed the performance at Newmillerdam owing to her accident; she was bowling along on crutches today. 

The summer break continues through August and club sessions resume on 19th September.