Tuesday 3rd July 2007

And what's the big news this week in sessionville? Yes, it is of course the smoking ban.

Now opinion is divided about the effect of the ban. Some say that it will make the pubs more attractive and bring out sessioneers who have avoided being smoke-dried for years; others say that it will allow one to sample the natural smell of the pub itself. That means of course the raw power of the uncleaned gents, the stale beer from some time past and the blast of the chemical wheezing device that while being designed ostensibly to mask these odours, generally just adds more unpleasantness to the mix.

Of course none of the pubs we frequent are like this in any way, shape or form.

Last week's Irish was again a normal and good hearted affair with most regulars in attendance. The mixed lumpy which is Thursday's session was much enhanced by Pip and Jo and Aaron who travelled over again to play (as they had on the previous Sunday for that {if you were there: spectacular; if you weren't: terrible - you missed nothing} session). Usual suspects also in attendance. Thank you Pip for joining SPHELTT (Society for the Protection of Harmless Lumpy English Traditional Tunes) by playing some very nice versions of the classics. Ralphie would approve. For those who think that lumpy is perjorative, it isn't. It's just that English tunes have lumps in them. Sometimes great big ones. They're not subtle, they're for dancing.

Sadly the Reculver BBQ was called off because of the weather which was grim last week and is still much in the same vane. Mind you, it's not as bad as where I used to live and work which is Doncaster. In the vain hope that anybody reads this outside of East Kent, my heart does go out to you. The school I started my teaching career in was used as a relief centre - well done Don Valley High. However I must say to all the so-called reporters who stand up to their crotches in water spouting drivel about global warming that I discovered some time ago that one of my ancestors died as a result of the great Sheffield Flood of 1864 when the Dale Dyke dam gave way in a storm and flooded much of the Don Valley to as far as Barnby Dun and beyond. It happens. Don't scaremonger with journalist's science (much on a par with cargo cult I feel). Harumph. Feel better now.

The week rounded off with a Barn Dance at Ditton TA Hall. We get to some exotic locations. It's worth a mention though because it was predominantly young people (probably 14 upwards) who made it a wonderful evening by dancing everything with boundless energy and listening attentively to the caller. Excellent stuff!

Let's see what this week brings. Oh and as a PS, if you signed up to the Downing Street petition of not letting unnecessary legislation damage music performance opportunities, Gordon has replied. No, I don't know what he means either.