An Ode to The Samba Sisters

I wanted something new in my life
It’s lovely being a mum and a wife
But I needed something just for me
Aside from work and making the tea
Oh, I put in the hours at the gym
Run on the treadmill, then enjoy a nice swim
I ride my bike up the forest tracks
But didn’t take the time to relax
It was time to find something more laid back
For trying to fend off the heart attack
But beware, for watching too much telly
Is how you get a wobbly belly

Then I saw these girls on the back of a truck
At Guid Nychburris, battering the muck..
.. le great big drums
Hitting bells and swinging their bums
They looked to be having lots of fun
Folk were watching, dancing, enjoying the sun
“That’s Alison Murg on that there drum thing”
It occurred to me “that could be the something”
I could have found my hobby new
Coz, my papa, dad, brother and nephews too
Have all played the drums in the local pipe band
So maybe I could turn my hand
To bashing out a timely beat
I can keep a rhythm, tap my feet
So I questioned Alison “how, where, when?”
“In September we take on beginners again
Check out the paper and keep an eye
You can even try before you buy”

September came and off I went
Like a lamb to the slaughter sent
Anxious and worried about being new
Concerned about not knowing what to do
What if they’re all cliquey and I don’t belong?
What if I just get everything wrong?
But I needn’t have worried
‘Coz right from the start
Us new girls were made to feel a part
For I wasn’t the only beginner, oh no
There was Carol and Trish and Vanessa and Jo.
We soon settled in and started to learn
What a rep is, a surdu, a tambor, a snare
And to teach us all that, Evi was there.
She sure knows her stuff and can turn her hand
To every instrument in the band
She tells us that we’re doing well
Even when we’re crap as hell
But sometimes she gives you “the Evi eye”
And you know you really had better try.
Then there’s Hazel and Gill and Marion and Sue
And the Fionas of whom we have two
They’ve all been coming since it began
And really by now should be getting the hang.

As the time went on we learned a few numbers
Sambas I think, but maybe Rumbas
And then Saskia said we’d be playing for a bit
In Moffat at Christmastime – oh holy ….t!
We played in the rain, the cold and the fog
To a few family members, old people, a dog
But we did it and somehow conquered our fear
We had to, we’re playing 6 times this year
In front of the public in various places
In our black and red outfits with smiling faces.
We’ve 6 numbers now in our repertoire
To entertain both near and far
So Monday nights are now just grand
I’m glad I joined this cheery wee band
So raise your glass to my new bunch of pals
The Samba Sisters – a great bunch of gals!

by Samba Sister Anne G

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