By Tim Nuttall
Attendees at Withernsea Methodist Church’s latest Food, Friendship and Fun session were treated to another reunion performance by Ivan Sindall, Kath Speck and Joe Speck, former members of local rock ’n’ roll band the Oldsmobiles.
Formed in the early 1990s, the original band comprised staff, senior students, parents and friends of Withernsea High School. The group went on to perform at live events and fundraising occasions for more than a decade.
The trio continue to meet regularly to sing songs they enjoy, ranging from music from their youth to more contemporary material. While their performances together remain a hobby, their appearances at the Methodist church have provided an opportunity to share their music with a wider audience.
Following their debut at Food, Friendship and Fun last February, the trio returned for a second appearance in the autumn before being invited back for a third performance last Thursday.
Their latest appearance attracted a sizeable audience, with regular attendee Godfrey Holmes offering the following review: “Last Thursday, an uncommonly large audience gathered at Withernsea Methodist Church for its monthly Food, Friendship and Fun event, with a treat in store: the premier performing trio of Kath, Joe and Ivan.
“All three have been performing for many years, always for charity. This performance came in the same week that band member Ivan, and the town, celebrated his mother, dance teacher Irene Lawson BEM.
“Vocalist Kath sang her heart out with no fewer than 15 songs from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s in one hour, with many listeners knowing every word of the trio’s chosen repertoire.
“The theme of romance also featured in some of Ivan’s chosen compositions and arrangements, alongside his ever-present wit and wisdom.”
The next Food, Friendship and Fun event will take place on Thursday, October 29, when Looking Back, another trio comprising local musicians Kevin Young, Kenny Foster and Roger Nunn, will return with a selection of folk covers. They will be followed on November 26 by the Gazette’s own Spitfire Sam, who will perform songs from the war years.
Food, Friendship and Fun sessions take place from 11am to 2pm on the last Thursday of each month at Withernsea Methodist Church. Guests are offered a complimentary lunch of soup and a bread roll, followed by homemade buns, with voluntary donations welcomed.
Launched in April 2022, the monthly gatherings bring members of the community together in a relaxed social setting while providing a platform for local performers, including musicians, singers, poets and storytellers who volunteer their time.
