When Shakespeare penned this memorable line for “Twelth Night” I wonder if he gave a thought to the musicians who were to provide this music.

No C.D's or DISCOS in those days.(They had something to be thankful for!) I suspect that both musicians and thespians alike led a somewhat precarious existence and a good feed might often have had more appeal than a memorable quotation or a strong melody line.

Little has changed over the centuries though and whilst I don't think the members of our band are exactly in “penury”, (I myself am “comfortably” padded) food is still of interest.

Take Friday nights for instance – After an hour of blowing, bashing or thrashing, a tea-break is warmly welcomed and a tea break without a biscuit is surely a half-hearted affair at best. But what kind of biscuits ? I myself am of the “peasant” persuasion and Custard Creams hit the spot. But there are others with rather more sophisticated palates (fussers??) who delight in the upper end of the M & S range of comestibles. Fortunately we have Marian – No..not a kind of biscuit (those are “Marie”) but the band's singer who also takes it upon herself to procure and provide the half time refreshments. Something different every week and always delightful.

Please don't imagine that the Band are simply a bunch of greedy munchers. No, no, no ! Simple....maybe, but greedy – Well ?

Most of the bands “Gigs” start in the early evening and frequently last until the early hours of the next day. This means that the musicians (A word which invariably causes much mirth amongst or members.) rarely have time for “Tea” before setting off for the venue. Indeed some go straight from work. The provision of food by the client is therefore greatly appreciated. A plate of sandwiches and a pot of tea is fine. Sometimes a special spread is laid out at one side for us and even better is when at weddings and “Posh” do's we are invited to join the guests and help ourselves from the often exquisite buffets At one such occasion a table of Sushi food caused great consternation amongst our, perhaps, rather conservative mob - a host of suspicious looks and a chorus of “Ah So's” was the reaction. The rather more usual “Hot Pot Suppers” go down more readily. Sometimes no food is provided and whilst this disappoints its provision is not a requirement. Perhaps it isn't so much the food which pleases the band but the fact that it has been thoughtfully provided.

As I write these lines the thought crossed my mind that food is not only on the minds of the musicians (there we go again. Ho! Ho!) but also of the composers who delivered such classics as:-

    “The Curry with the Fringe on Top”

    “As Thyme Goes Pie”

    “Feel my Tongue – Viennetta”

     “I Only Have Pies for You”

     “They sold “Black Magic” ”

And many more that I'm sure you fondly remember.

Each month brings news of further bookings for the band and next years diary is already beginning to fill up but if Harry Ramsden happens to be reading this I'm sure we could squeeze him in and surely a plate of fish and chips at the finale wouldn't be too much to ask. I leave you with a final thought..... “If Music be the Food of Love” -- “The Love of Food be Music too.”

John Whittle