Ryedale Jazz Society is sponsoring a One-day Jazz Music Workshop at Helmsley Arts Centre on Saturday 21st August, open to all ages and grades of musical proficiency. Music will be chosen to suit the capabilities of the musicians, and will offer ample opportunity to practice that most precious of jazz skills - improvisation. The fee is £12 for schoolchildren, and £18 for adults. Places are limited so early  application is recommended. Registration forms are available from me at 7 Mill Lane, Ebberston, Scarborough YO13 9NL    [s.a.e. please].

          It is always nice to receive an invitation to play at another jazz venue and so help to keep traditional jazz alive in other areas. We recently played at the Captain Cook Inn at Staithes, where landlord and jazz devotee Trevor Readman is aiming to  establish a fortnightly weekend Sunday lunchtime session to mesh in with a similar set-up at the Buck Inn, Thornton Watlass. This is an expansion of the regular monthly Saturday evening jazznight he has promoted for the past few years and we wish him every success. Early in June we make a return visit to Silkstone Lodge for the members of Barnsley Jazz Club. We are greatly looking forward to this session because of the tremendous reception we received on our previous visit.

          Our return to base at the Beansheaf is now well established, thanks to host Dan Faber. We have recently had  guests, trumpeter Brian Robson and vocalist Margaret Atkins, joining us. Perhaps this is good opportunity to remind readers that any musician, experienced or novice of any age, wishing to join us for a few numbers, would be made very welcome - no need to feel nervous because they would receive nothing but encouragement from the band and the audience.

          Our fundraising, usually limited to the clubnight raffle, has received two boosts recently. Harry and Janet Davis donated a new printer/copier for auction which raised £30, and Amy Ward has made for us a beautifully decorated ceramic jug and bowl set which is currently in a special limited-ticket raffle set to raise £50 - two very generous and much appreciated gestures.

          We look to bigger attendances as the weather improves and as holiday makers come into the region, but the strength of the club is in our core of regular members who support us throughout the year. Additions to this core are always welcome, whether as  new or returning members - join us at our 'second Wednesday of the month' sessions of traditional jazz.

          Another reminder for Pickering Jazz Festival, 26th to 31st July, which features, in Monday to Saturday order: Richard Leach's 7-Star; Amy Robert's Jazzband; Spirit of New Orleans; Yorkshire Stompers; The Wirroleans; Gambit Jazz Band.

 Wilson Hepplestone, Secretary.