The Social to say the least is an unusual venue to watch music, the entrance is down a narrow staircase that eventually leads to the venue. As you enter there is a tiny stage in front of the sound desk which is decorated with fairy lights. Seating is at a premium, the first 15 or so people take the chairs and tables in a small area in front of the stage. To their right are a selection of booth like tables each with a reserved sign on them, each person that enters smiles thin

With Christmas nearly upon us, there comes a time when you have to put away your normal country, folk and Americana records and listen to some more traditional fare. However maybe this year need not be all Slade and Band Aid and with some judicious searching your home can still be treated to a bit of Christmas counbtry! There is stuff here for every type of Christmas so grab a mince pie and see if something takes your fancy. Assuming you wanted to compile you own carol servi

But for a show the next day at the Sage in Gateshead, this would have ended the touring year for Ward Thomas just as it started with a hometown show at Guildford. It was here that the second leg of the Cartwheels tour started and the venue once again chosen for one of two Christmas shows. Support came in the shape of Sarah Darling backed by Dean and Ashley on guitars and keys though you'd have hardly known it as they were so quiet in the mix as to be barely audible which must