Barbara Granger enjoys her first success at the Hinckey ACT!

For Barbara, it was a choice - flat pack furniture or learning to play the guitar and then the subsequent anxieties about playing in public at the Hinckley ACT in Leicestershire.

She has kindly let us have her thoughts about how it all began, how she overcame her worries and enjoyed her first ever success as a performer.

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained

"Taking up the guitar was not the first thing I thought of when I got Argos vouchers for Xmas from my boss. I decided to forgo the usual flat pack furniture and buy something for me.

"Fate seemed to take a hand as after I made my purchase of a shiny new guitar, an advert for lessons sprang out of the Hinckley Times and I took the plunge and rang Steve Fitton.

"Two years later, Trinity Grade one (with Merit !-heaven knows how) and with my Grade two looming, I seem to have got the hang of where my fingers need to be to get something like a tune.
Performing in public was the last thing on my mind, but having joined The Hinckley ACT a year ago and seeing all the other wonderful and talented musicians, I finally decided to “give it a go” with a bit of prompting from my husband, Dave. Oh and the odd push from Keith! (London).

"So with my heart in my mouth I took to the stage. After explaining to Pam (the sound engineer) “No I would not be singing!” I was suddenly on stage. I took a breath and completely froze whist playing my first piece so having to think on my feet I decided to go for a Grade 2 piece I had been learning. This was hopefully performed with more confidence and I hope not many of you noticed the few slips made !

"Having taken the plunge I now feel that I have gone through an initiation and that I am now a true member of the club !

"I’m not saying when I will get up again, as I don’t want to give you the opportunity to not turn up and we need more members!"

You too can "take the plunge" at the Hinckley ACT!

So, if you're worried about performing in public, but are secretly desperate to have a go, why not pop along to one of our Club Nights. You'll find that it can prove to be a very rewarding experience!