Congratulations and many thanks to Jack Baldus and the rest of the JAMSTAND 2009 team for providing the people of Ross and visitors to the town with a wonderful, two day musical extravaganza. There was something for everybody, including the children down at the Caroline Symonds Gardens on Friday, 7th and Saturday, 8th August and what fantastic weather we had in which to enjoy this brilliant event.

The main stage was, of course, the Bandstand where a whole range of music was performed by some excellent artistes including Chris Davies, Louise Richardson, Ragtime Ewan, Mike Markey and Nick Jones, Good Gin Blues, The Broome Cupboards and The Dandelion Killers; and that was only part of Friday's line up. On Saturday things got a little rockier and noisier with Third Eye, Jive Stick, The Zebedy Rays, Yes Sir Boss, Laid Blak and many more. Jack, along with Clyde and Jody Hoare took time 'off duty' to perform with their excellent band, Zang Tang and the evening ended with a great set put on by 'Demon of the Decks', DJ Yoda.

Continued . . .

As well as some excellent live music the DJ tent operated throughout the event, brilliantly managed by Jody Hoare. Alan would have liked to have gone and covered some of that part of JAMSTAND but was wired into the Sound Desk, so moving too far from the Wyenot Mobile was difficult. However, readers can look forward to viewing some of the photographs he took during the whole event, along with videos featuring one song from each of the acts recorded.

The Oates family provided a kids corner along with Jo Gilmour of Wyetots and the Secret Disco at the far corner of the field kept people entertained with music of a rather more chilled out nature. There was a variety of stalls on site and Marie Fulwood, who is a great supporter of local events must have almost melted in the heat of her excellent mobile catering unit. Marie ensured that all staff were fed and watered too. Thank you Marie. The candy floss stand was kept rather busy as was the beer tent managed by Tim Baldus, and the Broome Farm Cider tent, run by Ross Cider & Perry Co.'s Mike Johnson and Phil Long and team (A big thank you to you all!)

It goes without saying that organizing a fantastic event like this is no mean feat and does not come without its problems. Due to the success of last year's event, a fuller events licence had to be applied for which, after much discussion and negotiation with the Police and Licensing Authority was granted at the eleventh hour. Issues brought to light from JAMSTAND 2008 were addressed, resulting in ample toilet facilities, a welfare tent and litter was constantly being cleared. There was a full complement of stewards available to direct people and traffic and the whole event was a huge success.

Jack Baldus and the JAMSTAND team have done it again. A great big 'Well done' to you all.