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The Northern Renegades Country Music Club offers you a live country music performance every Thursday night You don't have to be a member to come along, in fact there is no official membership,just a happy gathering of Country Music Followers We charge a very small entrance fee (see diary page) but are able to attract top country performers from all over the UK Take a look at our diary page to see what's in store,and our archive page to see what you have missed! If you've had a good night out with us, email a brief review and we'll publish it on the site See you there! |
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Every Thursday night there is a little corner of Burton, which is transformed into North America as revellers in rhinestone shirts enjoy a night of country and western music. However the Northern Renegades Country and Western Club is not just a crowd of would-be Americans getting together for a line dance. Feature writer Terrence Crabtree went along to one of their gatherings to speak to Burton and South Derbyshire's very own local cowboys
The venue, windows bedecked in 'southern Cross' flags, is reminiscent of a confederacy enlistment office in the American Civil War which lends a definite trans-Atlantic feel to the proceedings already Americanised by Stetsons and befringed country costumes. This is not, however, a case of Burtonians pretending to be Americans. The atmosphere and the camaraderie is purely local and without pretensions. The ‘cowboy' accents are Staffordshire and South Derbyshire. The people who turn up on Thursday nights are there for good ‘down to earth' fun and an enjoyable evening out. The name of the club, I am informed by organiser and driving force, Sheila Nickells-Pagett, has no American connection. The ‘Northern' part of the title refers back to ‘The Great Northern' public house in Wetmore Road, which, six years ago was the undisputed centre for town's ‘Country' entertainment. When it became necessary to find an alternative venue, the splinter group which took on the search termed themselves ‘runaways' or ‘renegades' and so the name ‘Northern Renegades' was born. Sheila found out that the Shobnall premises were available and took the gamble of bookingthe place for a year. She then set about ringing around to fill the weekly guest spots. Wearing an attractive line in C&W fringed and rhinestoned shirts, Sheila often acts as club-night compere. Whether you fall into the category of country connoisseur or a devotee of pure country or simply once heard He'll Have To Go by Jim Reeeves and liked it you would be sure to enjoy a night at the Northern Renegades' Club. So come on down y'all! Extract from Burton Mail feature of July 18th 2003 by Terrence Crabtree
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