Tributes to clubland characters
REMEMBERIING FUNDRAISER AND MUSICIAN
THIS week the local clubland scene pays tribute to two of the area’s characters who have sadly passed away in recent weeks. Roger Nettleton, who, for nearly 60 years, has been a pivotal figure in the fundraising group the Society of Mice joined the society along with good friend Peter Gatens some 57 years ago.
Following an official invite from the late Norman Bell, they soon found themselves heavily involved in organising concerts and producing the full evening’s entertainment in shows featuring the Society of Mice.
Well-respected in the area, their plan has always been to raise funds for local and national causes by raising many thousands of pounds through charity concerts at pubs, clubs, theatres and village halls.
During his time with them, he was invited to be King Mouse twice and also Prince Mouse before eventually taking over the office of the society’s treasurer, which is a job he did until he fell ill recently.
He was part of the committee that organised the society’s annual dinner dance, which always proved to be successful in raising funds.
In acknowledgment of his service in the year 2000, he was invited to be a friend of The Grand Order of Water Rats, which is a British entertainment industry fraternity and charitable organisation based in London.
It’s easy to underestimate the lives changed for the better through Roger’s life of benevolence and generosity and he was one of the most welcoming and dedicated fundraisers this area has ever seen.
He would always welcome new members and guests to The Society of Mice and you would always feel at home in his company.
Condolences go to his wife, Janet, to whom he was married for 48 years, and all of his friends and family on their sad loss.
We also pay tribute to local musician, keyboard player and businessman Bob Murden.
Born in 1956, Bob grew up in the east side of the city, living there until he got married at 24.
Bob played the trombone from an early age in the school band and he got his love of music from his dad, Norman, who was a wellknown musician on the clubland circuit.
Bob first started playing the organ after his dad bought a new one and, once his dad went to work, Bob would switch it on and spend many hours playing it, always remembering to put it back exactly as he found it.
At the age of 16, Bob was invited onto Radio Humberside to do a live Sunday morning spot on the radio, something he did for nine weeks.
Around the same time, Bob started playing the organ at the Ace’s Baseball club on Newbridge Road every weekend, along with drummer Cyril Rickles, before moving onto do many residencies across the city, as well as working at the Tow Bar Inn in Skirlington.
He then went to work at the Royal Bilton British Legion
Club, a residency at which he stayed for more than 28 years.
Always busy, he then worked on his own using backing tracks before answering an advert in the Mail for a keyboard player in a band.
As well as having great enthusiasm for his music, Bob Murden was also a successful businessman, owning and running The Murden’s soft drinks and snacks company in Beverley.
Throughout his life. Bob’s big passion was always his music and the last thing he said to me was:
“If I could, I’d play music forever.”
I’d like to send my condolences to all of his family and friends on their sad loss.
The club Bob gave nearly 30 years of service to is The Royal Bilton British Legion Club. A vibrant and lively venue, it has been a key social centre in the village for around 50 years.
Although the club was originally much smaller than it is today, over the years the facilities and building have been extended. It is run by a committee of dedicated volunteers along with great team behind the bar. They feature live entertainment every Saturday night, with compere and DJ Steve Dearlove working alongside the guest artistes.
They have darts and snooker throughout the week and new teams are always welcome. The concert room is available for private functions on most Friday nights.
Thursdays are bingo night with the evening commencing at 8pm. This Saturday night, Royal Bilton British Legion Club features female vocalist Louise in cabaret, and on December 23, the club is hosting its annual children’s Christmas party. Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, cost £2. On Christmas Eve they have Dr Jive and his rock’n’ roll show with free entry. Singer Leanne Smith is appearing there on New Year’s Eve, with tickets priced at £3 for members and £6 for non-members.
AMONG the gigs of note this week are Carol Curtis this afternoon at The William Gemmell, tomorrow night The Ritz Country
Music Club in Holderness Road features the sounds of country artiste Daniel Beard and next Tuesday night The William Gemmell CMC in Anlaby Road features the sounds of country music artist Jim Tracy.