A freezing evening in warm company.

The evening was a private 65^th birthday party held in at Lymstone Brewery in Stone, Staffordshire, booked through a friend of one of the band members, the plan being to entertain family and friends for a few hours with a selection of house beer, hogroast and familiar music. The evening was notably cold – not freezing but not far from it.

The venue was split into two large rooms, one comfortable with a bar, seating and warmth, the other a functional part of the brewery with roller-shutter door and very little heating. The band performed in the latter and unlike the dancing audience, chose to do so without coats, hats and gloves. Nevertheless, the evening was successful both in its’ role as a birthday function and for the band who were warmly received by all.

The sets were rotated as usual and with one eye to the upcoming New Year’s Eve gig at the Cosey, newly digested songs being performed in preparation for that marathon.

The venue itself had lots of character and the beer was outstanding. I’d like to return, preferably on an occasion without need for thermal underwear.

For myself, I hadn’t expected to find anyone of note at a private event, but I am always aware that things can unfold at the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected places. I did spot one face that seemed vaguely familiar but can’t place it’s owner and didn’t like to ask.

Fabian