Every now and then, 'til it finished a year or so ago, I would venture down to Locke Street Catholic Club in Oswaldtwistle. On the first Saturday each month, there would be a musical event upstairs where folk would get together over a pint and entertain themselves. It was an "open mic" session for all intents. Local thespian, comic and humorist Dylan Owen would start proceedings with a few musical ditties and ribald stories and then introduce various turns from the floor. It was a great atmosphere and there was always the prospect of happening on some new undiscovered talent.

Singer and song-writer Dave Metcalfe was a regular contributor to "Th'Ossy Acoustics" as this occasion became known. His comic songs of family misfortunes and calamitous football matches were regular features. Ace blues guitarist and singer Ian Alveston was another stalwart. Ian would also accompany other singers and impromptu bands would be formed out of thin air. When I recently reminisced with Ian, Dave and Dylan over the good times spent there, we all four lamented the Club's demise and talked about resurrecting it. "Buskers At The Brook" is the response.

Dave Metcalfe, Ian Alveston and Dylan Owen will be present on the 27th to help launch the first "Busk". We hope you will come along and enjoy some live entertainment and add to the spontaneity in whatever way you can.

Musicians will be asked to bring their own instruments. Rather than a door charge, a contribution is to be collected via an honesty box to cover the cost of PA and room hire.

The bar will be stocked as it is for Shamrock Promotions concerts at the Centre: hand-pumped bitter, wine by the glass or bottle, tinned or bottled lager and a selection of soft drinks. Crisps and other assorted nibbles will also be available. Janet Aspin will manage the bar and would be interested to hear your recommendations for subsequent Buskers bars.

Seamus Heffernan, Shamrock Promotions