BAND REVIEWS by Tim Jefferson

The High School has these events occasionally and it's great to see so many youngsters turning up to support them. I think it's so important for young people to see that they are part of this community and that what they offer of themselves is valued. This night on 23rd March, sported three bands and a solo act. Keeping my finger on the pulse of what is the current thrust in music has always proved fruitful. I took along my good friend and musical Guru, Graham Pegg, to help me measure things up. His opinion I value.   First on stage was Morgan Harper. It takes courage to stand-alone and be first on stage. He favours a Marshall amp. and played to a backing track provided by his teacher. What he did was tight, rhythmic and melodic and he received fine applause for his efforts.  Next on stage was The Mack Experience: George and Robert Mack on Guitar; Joe Vanlint/Synth; Harry Smith/Bass and Phil Alexandrou on Drums. There were no vocals and they did just one number but it was good. There was a balanced understanding of melody and harmony. This with varied rhythm made an impressive sound, I hope to hear more.

Curtains on Fire announced their arrival with the wearing of white overalls to the strains of "Ghostbusters". Their sound was immediate as well as their stage presence. Their line-up: Gary Nicholson Vocal/Bass; Luke Graver/Guitar; Bod Higgs/Guitar and Alphie Adams on Drums. They made good use of the two guitars, creating impressive interplay. Good drumming and Bass created a tight back-line. Their music was Gothic Thrash Punk (at it's best: Gary Nicholson) and certainly packed a tight punch.

Last on were The Royals. A three-piece: Harry Cowper Johnson/Vocal/Guitar; Eddie Griffiths/Vocal/Bass and Will Smith on Drums. Their sound was Hardcore Punk and pushed some very fast stuff to the listener. One piece had a fantastic range of beats to the bar and sported some fine, intricate and appropriate guitar. Impressive. A lad to watch, as I said of his contribution in the Carnival's Battle of the Bands competition. I haven't changed my mind. All Bass and Drumming was clear and exciting especially as they doubled the tempo (very popular currently). The bands had only been together for between three and six months, quite an achievement.

It wasn't just the bands showing courage that night. Teachers manning pole positions after a long day at school deserve our respect. It's easy to not put events like this on. An event like this relies on the dedication of Teachers and the sensible behaviour of the youngsters. As I said to Graham, if I croaked it tomorrow I'd be happy to pass the reins to these youngsters. They're full of life and positive energy, just what we need each time round. This was a great event and worthy of note and brought together hard work, pride, courage, dedication and a belief in the possible. Well done all.

Teen+ Scene YOUR Column YOUR interests. 107 football teams compete in the annual cup shield. At the start of each round, the teams are selected in pairs, these pairs then compete against each other to determine who goes through to the next round. Any spare teams automatically go through to the next round. How many games must be played to determine the winner?

Building Sustainability into your home.

Find out about green features to save money and protect the environment. The new eco-friendly visitors centre of Sheringham Park will host this year’s Green Build exhibition, bringing experts in the field of sustainable construction and restoration together under one roof. Green Build 2005, on Saturday and Sunday, 16th and 17th April, from 10.30am to 4pm will see exhibitors manning about 30 stands and giving demonstrations and advice, for the benefit of people who want to build some sustainability into new buildings or home renovation projects. Admittance to the exhibition is free (though there is a car parking charge at Sheringham Park). Momo Theatre will provide entertainment on both days with its Renewable Energy Show, and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the National Trust and Creativity Works 4 U will run eco-themed activities for all ages. Building professionals and the public alike are welcome to both days, but the Saturday is aimed more at the building trade, with some specialist talks and stands. On the Saturday, Tom Ground, architect of the new visitor’s centre at Sheringham Park, will give a talk on the building project at 10.30am, followed by eco-architect Jerry Harrall giving a talk on his local projects at 12.30pm. The National Trust will give guided tours of the site all weekend, (booking advised—contact Frances Francis Details below). Green Build is run every year by North Norfolk District Council, with trade stands, demonstrations, and advice on building, planning and grants, covering all aspects of the environmental home from its structure and design, materials used and renewable energy, to decorating, furnishing, recycling and biodiversity.  Practical demonstrations include those from Norfolk earth building specialists Eartha and other local green builders, a mini straw bale house that visitors can help construct, plus the National Energy Foundation’s travelling Green Energy Machine. Limited numbers of the latest Green Building Bible will also be on sale at a discounted price. On the Sunday there will be an open meeting about installing solar water heating features as self-build projects. Contact Paul Bourgois on 01603 430598 or e-mail paul.bourgeois@ broadland.gov.uk to attend this meeting.

For more information about Green Build 2005, or if you are interested in exhibiting (which is free of charge) or wish to book a tour, contact Frances Francis on 01263 516207 or 07919 211564, or email frances@north-norfolk.gov.uk.

CARNIVAL TIME IS FAST APPROACHING
MAKE IT THE BEST YET AND
GET YOUR FLOATS READY