Friday January 23rd 2026
A big turnout for a glimpse of the new boy band on the block, Cecryn. I got the short straw for MC, so I was a busy lad taking notes, photos and keeping the show going. Surely you couldn’t expect me to be nice to people as well?
Adam had again been first to arrive to help with the set up. We persuaded him to forget his nerves and sing and he kicked off with a selection from “The Sound of Music” **.
There was Robbie Burns from me and also from Geoff.
**Part or all of this may not be true.
Percussionist Emerald had a bloke with a whistle to accompany her tonight; he also read a poem.
Brian had matching shoes and jumper and chorus songs. Dafydd was depressing us with Len Cohen.
The boys and girlls were doing as I’d asked and cutting out long introductions etc as there was probably more content available than time. No memory problems tonight for Mike – yet another lovely set.
Nick Jackson, Alan Manouch and Alun Rhys Jones are three of my oldest and best friends. Doesn’t say much for me really does it? They are now a 3 piece combo and needing a practise audience, volunteered themselves for an extended spot. Begrudgingly, I have to admit that it went down well. Lots of chorus songs and the odd tune. There would be a further slot from them to end the night.
The break. First Easter Egg of the year in the raffle. I can’t believe it’s still over a month to Pancake Day and the supermarkets are already selling flour and eggs.
After the break we had a selection of elderly silver haired gentlemen in need of a haircut. First up was Rick. Barrett’s Privateers and Ghost Chickens in the Sky warmed people up but many still weren’t prepared for what was to follow.
“Gaffer” rarely descends from his cave up on the Orme, but ventured down to join us.I cannot describe the set. To say he sang two songs wouldn’t come close. His athleticism belies his age. Choreography was by Darcey Bussell.
Poor John W had to follow that. In a state of shock he missed a verse from a song he’s sung hundreds of times. Carole brought some semblance of normality back to the proceedings with two of her poems.
Dave was new to us and borrowed Arthurs backing band for “Galway Girl”. It was great, don’t be so nervous next time. Arthur joined the ladies to complete the line up of floor spots with a rousing set.
We’ve paid good money to pro turns at the club who frankly couldn’t hold a candle to Cecryn (apparently Welsh for “curmudgeon” very apt). They rounded off a memorable night in style sending us home with one hand on the radio and one on the wheel. This is dangerous and probably illegal.
Ok, so I finished a bit late, but I wasn’t going to short change anyone who’d turned up to perform and who were without exception, excellent. No one left before the end, despite being constantly abused by the MC. Pete couldn’t believe it had only cost 3 quid! Back to a normal singers’ night next week. Any volunteers for MC?
Rhyl Folk Club 
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