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Swindon Wide
28

Nova kids have smashing time with ex-Status Quo member
Two hundred youngsters at Nova Hreod School were awestruck when
legendary drummer Jeff Rich gave a percussion master class on 11 March.
Jeff talked about the evolution of his craft from its pre-history origins
when humans used stretched animal skins to make sounds right up
to present day and his 16 year experience with Status Quo, making
fourteen albums and rocking all over the world.
He demonstrated his skills with a £10,000 drum kit and played a
priceless vintage Ludwig snare drum which he has been using since
the mid-1970s.
Jeff said that he decided to stop touring when he remarried. “I have
two adult sons, but never saw them as children because we were al-
ways on the road or in the studio. I now have two daughters under two
years and I’m there for them for two or three weeks a month. The rest
of the time I base myself in towns around the country and run classes
to inspire youngsters to become musicians.”
Nova deputy-headteacher Amanda Clegg said, “Jeff called to say
he was coming to Swindon and offered a master-class. Being a fan of
Status Quo there was no choice, we had to have him here. The children
absolutely loved the session.”
Year 10 pupil Dale Evans, who is learning to drum, was amazed by Shaw Chiropractic Clinic
the opportunity to meet a superstar. “It was a phenomenal class, Jeff
was brilliant. I’ll be happy if I can ever be near as good as him.”
Left, Jeff with Nova drumming novices

Local band aims for competition success MECA sets up Springtime punk fest
Local indie/rock band The Blackwaters, who have been playing together Swindon’s newest music venue - Music, Entertainment, Cultural Arena,
for just a year, have made it through to the Live & Unsigned regional finals in Regent Circus – becomes a pogo centre in April and May, starting with
on 10 April – beating 10,000 other applicants, and 200 artists who made punk legends The Buzzcocks on stage on Friday 29 April.
it to the first round of auditions. The regional finals will be held in a 600 The band shot to
seater theatre. If they succeed there The Blackwaters could be heading fame in the 70s punk
to area finals in London, followed by the national final at the 02 Arena, music revolution with
with a chance of winning a music management recording contract and Ever Fallen in Love
up to £100,000 investment.
Link tattoo ad 15/10/09 11:40 Page 1 (With Someone You
www.theblackwaters.co.uk
Shouldn’t’ve) and
inspired such diverse
bands as REM, Nir-
vana and Green Day.
remove usually play festivals
“The Buzzcocks
so we’re really excited
unwanted about them coming to
Swindon,” said Steve
tattoos Causer of GVS Enter-
tainment, the compa-
ny behind the 3,000
capacity MECA. “It’s
a real coup and we’re
expecting a lot of
people to travel from all over the May, MECA runs a comedy night
country to see them.” with Sean Hughes, Rufus Hound,
Over Spring bank holiday week- Beeny Boot and Andre Vincent.
end, on Sunday 29 May, MECA Tickets for all gigs are available
hosts a Punk Fest with Sham 69 from Swindon Tourist Information
headlining, and The Business, Anti- Centre in Regent Street, Swin City
Nowhere League and Goldblade. Comics in Morley Street and online.
The previous day, Saturday 28 www.swindontickets.co.uk

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL (blue/black ink only)
Singout with community choir
IPL TREATMENTS FOR SKIN AND HAIR
Swindon Scratch Choir gives anyone who would like to sing,
FACIAL FILLERS but has little experience or confidence, the chance to have a go.
There’s no need to read music at the fun singing sessions held on
WRINKLE RELAXING INJECTIONS alternate Monday evenings, 7.30 to 9.30pm, at Lower Shaw Farm
and the Pilgrim Centre, Regent Street. The cost is £6 and £5 conc.
TREATMENTS TO REDUCE SWEATING The choir also runs an informal singers group at Lower Shaw Farm
on Tuesdays 3pm to 4.30pm (£3.50 inc. refreshments).
Call Dr Alison Brooks for a free consultation at the
Shalbourne Suite, Great Western Hospital, Swindon MIRABEL All are welcome to take part. For details call Linda Lee on 875184,
mail: [email protected]
01672 841029 www.mirabelclinic.com www.swindonscratchchoir.co.uk

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