Christmas Gig at the Ridings, 20th December, 2024.
by Phil Barr videos/photos Jane Barr, Joe Fisher
As Wakeylele members arrived at the Ridings on this fine but decidedly chilly December morning they could well have brought to mind contrasting lines from two well-known Christmas songs reflecting the topsy – turvy weather we are experiencing; leading on from the overnight glut of rain where ‘the weather outside is frightful’ to be followed by ‘A rosy dawn settles all around’, (not that I was up to see it). With the rosy dawn then developing into blue skies and a drop in temperature that meant only one thing, a return to arctic conditions inside the Ridings. Of course, just as adverse conditions on the roads brings out the gritters so in our case Maria pulls out a supply of handwarmers to keep gangrene at bay. This together with a dazzling array of Christmas jumpers and waistcoats made the atmosphere much cosier. Moreover, our ranks were swelled with the return of several esteemed ‘regulars’ like Beryl, Malcolm, Elsie, Rob, Melvyn and Glyn. So, the scene was set although there was first the small matter of politely asking members of the public to refrain from trying to hang baubles from Chris’s Christmas garb during the performance.
David, wearing a more tasteful festive jumper in keeping with his sophisticated air, made sure that we were all ready for the final performance of the year and we were away with a balanced set of seasonal favourites and tried and tested numbers. Every Dream will Do was well received and then came a testing moment after the timing glitch at Wentbridge. The response, though, was wholly positive and David didn’t have to produce the children’s abacus he keeps in his bag for emergencies – in fact immediately following the successful conclusion of the song (Come up and See Me), I asked Linda how much she charged for private music lessons.
This flattery must have gone to her head because the next thing I knew she was gyrating along with Thelma with a garland around her neck Hawaiian style to Honolulu Baby.
With the break soon arriving, the band broke up into various disparate groups, some to seek a hot chocolate or similar, stoics to make do with a top coat and blowing on their hands together with maybe a few modernists googling the latest trends in portable heaters. I even overheard one individual, (obviously not on trend) wondering whether braziers would be allowed in the Ridings as he had some chestnuts to roast.
It was now leaving midday and with noses having turned from blue to red it was the right time to launch into the Kid’s Christmas Medley and more seasonal favourites although one of the biggest cheers of the afternoon came following a near faultless performance of Love Hurts when there was much whooping and applauding from the gallery – it turned out that a group of Sue’s friends had been fortunate enough to witness the band at their best. It should be added that throughout the performance there was the constant tinkling of coins adding to a very healthy stream of people buying gifts from the adjoining YAA stall. After that it was only right that we should finish off with a festive flurry with Let it Snow, Winter Wonderland, then the Slade hit which David informed us is still bringing in a nice little sum for Noddy Holder who presumably won’t therefore be grumbling too much at losing his winter fuel allowance.
From our perspective I thought how proficient we are now with the chord transition and timing of this song, echoing Joe and Elsie’s earlier remarks on the progress the band has made. So, to the finale and it had to be We Wish You…, the major difference this time compared to the flat as a pancake response from the admittedly distant clientele at Wentbridge where opera glasses ought to have been an option at their dining tables (complete with a slot to put their threepenny bits) being that the prolonged tremolo was answered with an enthusiastic response from the audience and shouts of more … from Chris. It was a very satisfying end to the year – plenty of comfort and joy resonating around us and the prospect of hopefully relaxing – Ha! – round an open fire, etc, in the coming days.
A great effort from everyone in the band today, and thanks to Joe and his better half for doing a great job with the videos along with Jane and the family members who were there to support us. Joe and Margaret, our treasurer have also gone the extra mile with various contributions after Pippa left the group. We wish her well too for next year and hope that she can return at some stage.
Mike H also continues to do a great job organising the gigs and free car parking – you’re our favourite person, Mike! Richard too not only remains uppermost in our thoughts but his continued work behind the scenes on our website is much appreciated. Thanks too to Dave Flatters who is doing sterling work putting out the weekly lists and literature provided by David.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year. And just one more thing:
Three Cheers for David;
Hippo Hooray
Hippo Hooray
Louder..
HIPPO HOORAY!
Thanks David – a crate of Laphroaig would have been a fairer reward for your mammoth efforts in getting us this far.
We return on, Tuesday,
7th January, 2025!