Farewell to the Cross Keys
This Thursday was our last meeting at Ye Olde Cross Keys.
I write this with mixed emotions, for as exciting as the prospect is of moving our weekly meetings to the function room at the newly refurbished Feathers Inn, I for one will really miss the atmosphere at the Cross Keys. But with the prospect of the pub being sold, we had to secure the future of Ruthin AllStyles.
We’ve had three and a half happy years here and practically every visitor has remarked on what a great club we have.
The atmosphere in the top room was fabulous. Thick stone walls, apex ceiling, slate floor and original exposed beams were all conducive to a ‘folky’ meeting room as well as possessing excellent acoustics.
Of course, a club is more about its members than the venue and I’d like to think we can create the same impression for visiting guest performers, floor singers and listeners alike as we establish our presence at the new venue.
Some of you will remember that The Feathers is in fact the birth place of our music club. Llinos and Campbell held the very first club night there on the 31st of October 1996 when their dream of a creating a folk club for Ruthin became a reality (click here for a history of the club).
Continuing the example set by John and Ros before him, Joe has done a sterling job, achieving some very good attendance figures on all but the coldest evenings during our time at the Cross Keys. But he has asked Jayne and I to oversee the move and to take over the running of the club at the new venue.
We are happy to oblige and will do our best to keep the club growing in stature to become one of the premier clubs in North Wales.
As I said earlier, it is the membership that really makes the club. Without you, the enthusiastic and talented musicians, there wouldn’t be a club. We will make the new venue as warm and welcoming as this has been. The acoustics are good, there is ample comfortable seating and plenty of nearby parking. I’m certain we will feel at home there in no time at all.
Meanwhile, I’m sure you will all join me in thanking Jess and Liz for looking after us for the last 181 Thursday nights. And we send Jess, Peter, little Robbie and Bump our very best wishes for the future with their growing family.
Some of the singers who helped our last night at the Cross Keys go with a swing
Click to enlarge
