Our return visit to Barnsley Jazz Club in June went very well and in fact the audience saw our regular band this time. At the previous visit we had used two deputies, banjoist Dave Peacock because John Hesp was unavailable, and bassist Phil Kampen because our longstanding tuba player Harry Staveley had started his retirement and we hadn't yet found a replacement. Barnsley Jazz Club have weekly sessions with different bands, most of which are the regular jazz festival bands of national and international reputation, so its very satisfying to know that we can play at such a venue and be well received.

                Since Barnsley, fortune and misfortune have struck. At the June clubnight we had an experienced guest banjo player, Mark  Gerrard, who sat in for a few numbers. It was Mark's very first visit to the club. Misfortune - just before the July meeting our string bass Tom Derbyshire broke a finger - his critical one for playing. Fortune - Mark Gerrard was able to play banjo for this session which allowed John Hesp to move from banjo to bass guitar. It isn't easy to get replacement players on any instrument. One reason we try to encourage guests of any age or standard to 'have a go' is that they may take to our kind of jazz and become available to deputise. Fortunately on this occasion we were able to manage with a deputy on a different instrument and an internal shuffle.

                As I write this, our musicians are looking forward to playing for the Yorkshire Day celebrations in Pickering (under the name of Yorkshire Relish?). As August 1st is on the day immediately after jazz festival week, we hope some jazz enthusiasts from outside the area will stay on and join the audience. We also hope for much nicer weather than last year!

                It is over 2 years ago that Dave Clitheroe, sadly no longer with us, did that  marvellous engraving of Sarah Vaughan on a glass decanter to use as a fund-raiser. Now the beautifully decorated ceramic jug and bowl set done by equally - talented Amy Ward has been through our 'specials' raffle and raised £50 for club funds. All readers who belong to clubs and societies which struggle with fundraising and shoe-string budgets will appreciate just how valuable such contributions are. Congratulations to winner, John Hurd. And many thanks, Amy, for applying your talents on our behalf!

Wilson Hepplestone, Secretary.