THE STABLES BEAMISH

Having known Jonny for a while via his songwriters nights in Consett, I was keen to give his new Open Mic a go.

Up from Sedgefield I drove, and had never been past the museum, but followed the road to the left and the very shut museum gates. The road got a bit narrower but soon the glorious sight of beamish hall appeared to the left. I met Andy Fraser in the carpark (long time no see) and we strolled into the venue.

Wow! What a beautiful place. Plenty of seating available. And a free fist drink for performers. The alcohol free berry cider was imbibed with joy.

The sound system supplied by Jonny was spot on, and a nice touch being a monitor, so we could hear ourselves.

Jonny is one of those people that makes an evening fun with his wicked sense of humour, and singing with such immense passion.

The standard of performers was high, and a joy to watch and listen to.

It is also disabled friendly, with level access and a disabled toilet downstairs. The other toilets, you go outside, through he door to your left and up a long flight of stairs. Toilets were spotless.

In all, I hope that this Open Mic is long running, it deserves to be, and if it is, it will become a regular haunt fore me. It was nice to see faces to names I have seen float by on my Facebook feed, and to meet again, people I have already met.

Listen to Paul's words.

This raw heartfelt song cries out to me about Soldiers being cast aside, leaving them to deal with their PTSD and other issues. Used, abused and pushed aside by the Government.

Coming from a  Military background, this hits hard.