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Stan returns with all that jazz

Sue Carr
11/ 6/2008

MUSIC man Stan Coram is bringing jazz back to Glossop.

Stan, 76, retired three years ago after more than half a century of organising jazz festivals in the town.

Now the pensioner is once again hoping to spread his love of New Orleans music with a monthly night at Glossop Cricket Club.

Stan, of Whitfield House, has decided to come out of retirement because he can’t get into other jazz venues. The double amputee, who lost both legs through illness, says many venues across the country still don’t have disabled access.

"A lot of the places I’ve tried are upstairs, up steps or there are other problems such as the toilets," he said.

"The cricket club has just spent about £600,000 on improvements and the access is now absolutely superb. As far as I know there are no other jazz nights in Glossop, so I’m hoping this will be a success."

Stan’s new venture kicks off at 8.15pm on 17 July, with tunes from The Riverside Jazzmen. The nights, featuring different acts including the newly-formed Mississippi Joymakers, will be held on the third Thursday of every month at the club on North Road, Glossop.

After repeated requests Stan is also trying to resurrect the jazz festival for next September.

He added: "I tried to find someone to take it on but I don’t think they realised how much work it was, it’s a full-time job!

"We are reducing the scope of it and only using one venue – the cricket club – this time but if anyone would like to get involved it would be very welcome."

Volunteers can speak to Stan at one of the jazz nights or call him on 07751 584759.