Words by Steven Hastings and Jenny Watson
Photos by Steven Hastings & Hugh Hastings
Loch Lomond Folk Club has had a few homes and seen many faces come and go over the past 50 years, however, the same warm welcome is extended to all who love good music and great company.
“Nobody is quite sure how old the Club is, but it is certainly over 50 years old,” Donald Nelson, the Club vice chairman shared with us.
“It started with local musicians just getting together and then developed into a proper club.
“It’s a very welcoming, open and friendly club. You don’t have to sing or join in; you can just listen.”
The Club originally hosted their meetings in the old Balloch Hotel and changed location a few times.
Member Benefits
In 2023 it moved to Mavi restaurant in Balloch (formerly known as Corries), which the Club are very happy with.
The restaurant owners provide the space free of charge and also provide snacks.
It’s an informal club with space for everyone.
There is no weekly entry fee but if you want to become a member, there is a membership fee of £10 per year but you don’t have to pay this to attend.
Members benefits include attending their Christmas dinner and a night away at a hotel.
“We’ve been to Oban, Pitlochry and Stirling,” Donald recalled.
“This year we are going to Fenwick. It’s always a great night away. We have about 35 or 40 members, but we have space for others to join.
“On average about 30 people come along each week.”
No Skills Necessary
Clydesider volunteer Steven Hastings, started going to the Club in 2017. “To start with myself and my dad would just listen and sing along. A few months later we both decided to join in.
“My Dad had played acoustic guitar for years but mainly in the house and as there were a couple of members reading poetry, I thought I could do that.
“We both started taking a turn each week.
“My dad has learned more and gained confidence playing in front of an audience.
“I enjoy reading poetry. I also sing at least one song a week, although my voice is not the best, and my songs are usually comedy songs.
“I mainly read pieces from other poets although I also like to read my own poems, which people seem to like.”
There is also a weekly prize raffle with funds raised going to the Christmas dinner and away day.
And sometimes a chocolate or two is on offer from someone’s raffle prize!
Open to Anyone
Participants and members come from across West Dunbartonshire and surrounding areas and tourists regularly pop in.
Some sing along and all are welcome to use any instruments while there.
A tourist who joined the Club for an evening shared their appreciation of the night: “What a surprise to come across, made our holiday. Lovely people, fantastic musicians.
“Welcoming and wonderful.”
Lomond Folk Club is a great fun night out to enjoy all genres of live music, from the sound of Scottish Folk, Country, Rock and a few things in between, plus a few poems.
To join the Folk Club or just enjoy it for an evening pop along to Mavi’s on a Monday evening.
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