CYCM 16/02/19: East meets Westwell’s

First things first, a big thank you to everyone who came along to CYCM last week. We were a bit nervous, to be honest: we know none of you really tiptoed through the Kippax in quite the fashion you sometimes sing about – apart from Angry Bear, obviously – but we hoped you meant it when you sang about not working for Sky. And enough of you did to polish off the tater ‘ash and the cheese & onion pies, to do justice to George Irwell’s ace quiz, and to give The Maitlands a decent turnout. So, thanks for that – and thanks again to The Maitlands for stepping in at short notice and treating us to a fantastic set.

So, we’re back for the second edition of back-to-back Malcolmses and like FC’s 2006-07 double winners probably having the edge over the 2005-06 trailblazers we reckon this week’s line-up, with its double header of poetry and music and some additional spice on the food front, is a veritable Howard on the wing of dinnertime fare for you. And with Ole’s United not in action until they go head-to-head with Coronation Street on Monday night it could be a busy one under the SMRE. Tom, the singer from today’s band, told us he “got goosebumps” when he came along last week and saw the SMRE for the first time and The Maitlands plainly buzzed off their first appearance here. We might be second from bottom in the league, nearly needing snookers to avoid the drop, but once again on Saturday you’ll be able to enjoy music, poetry, beer, food and a quiz shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow Reds and inside your own football ground. As last week’s visitors to Broadhurst Park from France, Switzerland, China, Austria, Germany, Slovakia and various other points East and West will no doubt attest –¬ we do alright.

This week we’re delighted to welcome back Vegan Ronay, who’ll be dishing up homemade curry from Stu from the Bay’s Caravan of Grub while Stu himself doles out portions of Westwell’s goodness. And it’s not just the tater ‘ash and the pies that’ll be coming over from East Manchester on Saturday. Also skirting Clayton Vale as they head West-North-West for M40 will be Stray Sunshine. This newly-formed fourpiece are almost certainly the most cosmopolitan popular music combo to emerge from Droylsden yet. Uniquely for the East Manchester music scene they boast a guitarist from the Wirral and a Russian drummer. They admit to Rolling Stones influences but assure us there’s a Manchester vibe to their guitar-driven sound. We reckon they’ll fit right in at Malcolmses. And as if that wasn’t enough to tempt you, we welcome back poet Geneviève L. Walsh, who blew us away on her last appearance at Broadhurst Park in December.

Here’s what we’ve got in store for you this time round:

1.00 Doors open
Get there early if you can, we’re packing a lot in this week.

1.30 Si kicks things off

1.40 Quiz by George Irwell

Our resident quizmaster was shocked and ashamed to discover that one team scored a mighty ten out of eleven last week. Well done to Brian Pendlebury and his knowledgeable crew, but be warned: Karl’s been muttering about needing to make it a bit harder next time.

1.55 Geneviève L. Walsh
Last time she appeared at CYCM Geneviève saved the day, stepping up with a full-length set from her wonderful collection Dance of a Thousand Losers after the band had to pull out at the last moment. This time she’ll be treating us to just eleven minutes. Don’t miss a word. Her poems – in Joy France’s words – are ‘like Geneviève herself: strong yet sensitive, clever yet accessible, dark yet resplendent with colour.’ We can’t argue with a word of that.

2.15 Stray Sunshine
Twenty-five minutes of rock ‘n roll to send you out revved up to roar on United.

3.00 Our red shirted heroes take to the pitch to do battle with Guiseley

CYCM’s home is under the St Mary’s Road End terrace and entrance is free, just head to the turnstiles at the St Mary’s Road End of the ground but try and get there as early as possible as we’re anticipating it’s going to get busy. We’ll be located about two-thirds of the way down the SMRE. So if you’ve never been to CYCM before and are curious to find out what it’s all about then please feel free to join us and have a nosey – the more the merrier, the rest of us will just have to shuffle up a bit. Usual rules apply: no divviness or nuclear weapons. Refugees welcome.