The North Staffs Accordion Club, established in January 1985, welcomes accordion players and enthusiasts in North Staffordshire and South Cheshire. The club provides a platform for individuals to meet, make music, and listen to guest players.
The club organises 12 club nights each year, alternating between nights with a guest artist and nights where club players take turns providing the music. These club nights are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Wolstanton Golf Club, starting at 7:30 pm. Players of all levels are encouraged to participate, and those interested in playing on an instrument of their choice can inform the club in advance to be included.
For beginners and improvers, the club also organises a special group that meets on Monday nights at 7:00 pm at Holditch Workingmen's Club. This group caters to players of all abilities, including absolute beginners, and instruments are available for loan. The club aims to support those interested in trying their hand at playing the accordion and provides assistance and guidance.
The North Staffs Accordion Band, which meets on Tuesday nights at 8:00 pm at Bradwell Workingmen's Club, showcases a variety of harmonious music with four-part harmony and percussion. The band often receives invitations to perform at concerts. Pianists who have learned to play the accordion as a second instrument are also welcome to join the band. Those interested in playing with the band can inform the club and explore the beginners/improvers group as a starting point.
Membership to the club costs 10 per year, and members enjoy discounted entrance fees for club nights. Non-members can also attend club nights for a slightly higher fee. The club publishes a bi-monthly newsletter to keep members informed about upcoming events and interesting articles.
For individuals interested in owning an accordion, the club provides guidance on purchasing second-hand instruments through online auction sites. Additionally, instruments are advertised for sale in the club's newsletter and can sometimes be viewed and purchased at club nights. The club also offers a loan-hire process where instruments can be rented for 5 per month, and if the renter decides to purchase the instrument, half of the paid hire charges will be deducted from the final price.
For further information, the club's website has been superseded and replaced with a new website, www. Com, and email contact can be made through northstaffsaccordionclub@gmail. Com. The website also provides access to the Jan/Feb 2018 newsletter and the club's calendar.
The North Staffs Accordion Club utilises three venues for its activities. Beginner/improver classes take place on Monday nights at Holditch Miners Club. Band rehearsals, excluding the 3rd Tuesday of the month, occur on Tuesdays at Bradwell Workingmen's Club. The club nights, held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, take place at Wolstanton Golf Club.
Overall, the North Staffs Accordion Club invites accordion players and enthusiasts of all levels to join their community and participate in various musical activities, from club nights to band performances.