As we're now in 2010, a quick look back at what went on in 2009.

The year started with a popular trio from the Northeast - Arizona Flame - who gave us a great start to 2009.

Then in February, for , we almost had a full house when we brought together two of British Country Music's best and youngest stars - 21 year old Richard Palmer, and 18 year old Kay'D. Richard has been on the scene for a number of years now, and just keeps getting better. Kay'D is a relative newcomer, but they gave us 2 sets each of good country music, ending on a couple of duets. It went down so well, we're doing a double bill again in Feb 2010.

March saw the return of one of the favourite local Bands, Buchanan, who as usual played mainly their own original music, and showed us once again that British Country Music has talent.

In April we were entertained  by Yorkshire Band Wrangler, who later on in 2009 were voted Northern Star Country Band of the Year, followed in May by the return of Raising Cain, the popular Country Rock Band from the Northeast. It's good to see these bands playing their own compositions, and mixing them well with more well-known country tracks, and also introducing new covers to the audience.

Then in June, the re-formed Dillinger made a welcome return, with new lead guitarist and drummer, having disbanded following the departure of Richard and Colin (who sadly died in early 2009). Some new material mixed in with the old favourites (both the songs and the jokes). Good to see Mike and the lads back on the scene.

July was the turn of M.T.Allan Duo. The first time at the club for Malc and Davey, and also the last, as they decide to got their separate ways at the end of 2009. We wish them well. They gave us a great night's entertainment, covering many different aspects of Country Music.

In August we had a change of band. Rebel Creek could not make it, so they swapped their spot at Chew Valley with the return of the Wild Hogs Rock'n'roll band. The latest band of Stu Page, once again gave us some superb country/rock'n'roll/countryrock/blues.

Then in September with a change of date due to the Celebration of British Country Music (CBCM) at Mossley, we welcomed the Dirty Hat Band - a 6-piece band from Lancashire, only been together for a while, but with great promise - an excellent night.

Oxford-based band Muscles and Curves were the band for October, who were suffering after-effects of flu, but didn't let us down, and were determined to give their best.

Then later in the month, came Rebel Creek, who should have been at Chew Valley in August. Not as many as expected in for them, but they gave us an amazing performance - almost non-stop music, from classic country, to some country rock, and some others that we don't often hear, topped off with a few of their own compositions. This is a band to watch, one of the best new bands to come along for a while. Excellent musicians, great lead singer and 3-part harmonies, and loads of enthusiasm. The band of the year in our and others opinions.

THe 15th Anniversary was celebrated in November with one of the stalwart bands in British Country Music, with over 30 years in the business, West Virginia. And they showed us why they've survived so long - again, great musicians, harmonies and choice of material, and very entertaining. The evening raised money for Saddleworth Special Needs Playgroup

The year came to a close in Decmber with a late change of artist, after Texas Gun had unexpectedly b rought forward their retirement at VERY short notice. Their place was taken by the return of Wild Angel, an excellent local trio, who are part of the Country Legends theatre tour, and who won the Event of the Year Award at the Cross Country Awards night in September.

So ended 2009, with a few nights of slightly lower audiences, but the club is still strong, and with a fantastic line-up for 2010, we welome all our friends and supporters to join us for some great country music.

So Happy New Year to all, and see you at the Club!

May 10th saw a new band to Chew Valley - ATLANTA - a 4-piece Country Rock band from Wakefield.

They played quite a lot of their own material, introducing a few more covers during the last set.

The crowd took to them, demanding an encore following their last song - Whisky in the Jar.

June 14th was a little different, with Hillbilly trio, ROOT'N'TOOT'N. Not a large audience in, but they went down well. A fun night, with the audience joining in both on and off stage.

July 14th - Lynne and Trevor were on holiday, and Kieth and Glenys were in charge for the night. The artist was the MICK FORD DUO, who played a good mixture of old and new country music. A larger audience for them, and they gave them a very good night's entertainment.

August 9th - the only solo act for 2008, was Billy Davies, a Scotsman now living in Redcar. Billy is a favourite of the Chew Valley audience, and gave an excellent performance as usual. A great choice of material, and and some brilliant lead guitar work, along with a little banjo and mandolin.

The next act coming up on September 13th is GARY PERKINS AND THE BREEZE, a fabulous 5-piece band from Sheffield. It's a special night, and tickets are on sale (still a few left) at £7 each, which includes a hot beef butty, If interested, call Lynne/Trevor on 01457 833421.

Well Settlers gave us a fantastic night as we expected - still a 4-piece, but still a great band. Some commented the best we've had on. Hopefully back again towards the end of next year. Room almost full again.

Half of the tickets for Gary Perkins and the Breeze on September 13th were sold, the remainder will be on sale on the next country night - May 10th with ATLANTA.

The remainder (if any) will then be sold on a first come first served basis.

The return of another 4-piece band.  it's been 3 years since they were last at Chew Valley

As usal, they gave us 3 sets of good country music, including a quite a few songs that no-one else sings anymore. It's nice to get a variation in setlist from band to band. Hardly a song repeated between the first 3 bands of this year.

The band had a new bass player with them, due to the continuing illness of Mike Berry their previous bass player. Still finding his feet, but making good progress.

(A couple of weeks after their appearance at the club, we have found out that Mike sadly died. He will be missed. Our condolences go to his family and friends)

Another great nights entertainment from this trio from Southern Scotland.

Good musicianship, Abit of comedy, and some excellent vocals, particularly from the voice of young George.

Hopefully back at Chew Valley next year. 

On 12th January, we started a new year of Country Music with LITTLE ROCK.

And they did not fail us.

3 excellent sets of country music, in spite of them all suffering from cold and flu.

Cannot fault them. 

Looking forward to having them back as soon as possible 

Next Month - 9th February - TEXAS GUN

This was an extra night to our monthly events.

Wild Angel are a new band (trio) on the scene.

Led by John Pettifer (Ex Cheap Seats and Dean Brothers) on lead guitar and vocals, with Jeanne on lead vocals, and Luke on guitar and vocals, complemented by backing tracks, mainly drums & bass.

What a polished and professional performance for a new band. Their harmonies were superb, all with strong voices, particularly Jeanne, who did a brilliant version of Broken Wing.

They played modern, up-to-date Country music, most of which is not performed by other artists.

To say they've only just started to perform as a trio, their performance was way ahead of some of the bands who have been around for a while.

The room was almost full, excellent considering it was in t he middle of the Christmas holiday, and the audience loved them - dancing and listening.

During the night £130 was presented to the Saddleworth Special Needs Playgroup as a result of some auctions, Vinyl LP sales and a small change box. The Oldham Chronicle also came down to do a feature on the Club.

A great end to the year.

Next event

This was our Christmas Party night.

A full house again, and what a great night's entertainment. Great band, music for everybody, a bit of Christmas fun, beef butties, mince pies, nuts, the dance floor was full, a fitting end to the regular nights for 2007.

It was the last night also for the fundraising in aid of Saddleworth Special Needs Playgroup, with a few cuddly toys to auction.

The tin was opened, and when counted, amounted to £121.19

Looking forward now to the New Year