The ninth Major Country Music Festival that I attended was this one at the CAMBER SANDS
(South Coast) site, managed by PONTIN'S.
It ran for a week, their normal way of doing things, and this was from 4th - 13th April '85
There would be many performers, at a phenomenally economic entrance fee
(thanks to the 'vision' of the late Bob Chappell). A whole week here costs less than
a day at Wembley!!
Apart from the musical attractions (my main reason for going) there were many other
attractions like:-
Country Music quizzes
Talent competitions
Country Dancing (Have been really into this for YEARS now!)
Fast-draw competitions
SQUARE DANCING (Have been really into this for YEARS now!)
covering:
Beginners sessions
Intermediates
Mainstream
Performers appearing were:
Campbell's Country (Resident) Band
Ann & Ray Brett Trio
Kevin Duffy Band
Ian Ashcroft's Country Disco
Ray Lynham and his Band
West Virginia (Resident) Band
Jon Derek
TONE HOWARD (Square Dance instructor/caller)
Johnny Spencer Showcase
Tony Aston & Original Shades
Sandi Paul & the Country Band
CLINTON FORD
Shag Connors and the Carrot Crunchers
Full Moon Band (too 'Heavy' for my liking!)
Little Buddies (contained SLIM PICKENS on 'Steel' & Fiddle)
Leon (excellent) and Stu Page & Remuda ('heavy')
Whitewater
Rawhide Patrol Western Display Team
Kentucky County
Hobo
Little GINNY and her Band
Showboat
Five Cents
WARREN REEVES & Clarksburg Express
PHILOMENA BEGLEY (fantastic) and her Band
Dave & Teri
Manson Grant & the Dynamos
Hurricane Ridge with JOHNNY CARTER
FRANK JENNINGS Syndicate
Ruby Rendall & Cimarron
Tony Cross (very good)
VINCE LAYNE (fantastic 'Jim Reeves' voice)
Gypsy
Colorado plus Campbell & Reid
Joe Goodman
Armadilloes
Big Wheels
Cetan Mani (knife & axe throwing act, bow & arrows later!)
John Glen and the Wranglers
Pete Stanley & Brian Golbey's Jet Set
Firewater
Clancy
RAYMOND FROGGATT (he was excellent & 'magic')
That was sure "one hell of a line-up" - and the continuation of a decade with my support..
SQUARE DANCING
Again, with our wonderful caller/instructor TONE HOWARD who had his own way of ensuring
that everyone had a 'partner' of the opposite sex . That didn't take very long
with Tone's bubbly personality.
I was now into "American Squares" in a BIG way, an activity that was to be a major part of my
life for about a DECADE. I participated in all THREE levels (shown above).
Although I did not realise it at the time - this was to be the FINAL visit to one of these
marvellous events with my WIFE. By the time of our next 'booking', she had decided
not to attend, but, because we had developped so many friends in their wonderful
atmosphere, I decided to continue with my support.