The band originally formed back in 2005 and have always been based in Ash village (near Shrewsbury) in North Shropshire. Jigsmith usually travel within a 40-mile radius, which takes us into Shropshire, Cheshire, North Wales and Staffordshire - however we are always happy to discuss travelling further afield.
The name ‘Jigsmith Ceilidh Band’ was derived after an arduous meeting in the local hostelry (the White Lion in Ash) after a rehearsal, and a search on the internet soon uncovered a passage from 'Finigans Wake' which refers to a 'moromelodious jigsmith.' We were none the wiser after this - however we did name our first CD 'Moromelodious' in its honour. We originally formed our ceilidh band way back in 2005 and are based in Ash (North Shropshire). We are happy to travel within a 40-mile radius, which takes us into Shropshire, Cheshire, North Wales and Staffordshire.
The name ‘Jigsmith Ceilidh Band’ was derived after an arduous meeting in the local hostelry (the White Lion in Ash) after a rehearsal, and a search on the internet soon uncovered a passage from 'Finigans Wake' which refers to a 'moromelodious jigsmith.' We were none the wiser after this - however we did name our first CD 'Moromelodious' in its honour. We originally formed our ceilidh band way back in 2005 and are based in Ash (North Shropshire). We are happy to travel within a 40-mile radius, which takes us into Shropshire, Cheshire, North Wales and Staffordshire.
- Meet The Band -
Neil Moore Melodeon Neil is our 'tune man' and officially has the best dress sense. Often seen wearing sunglasses to protect his eyes from his amazing technicolour socks, he has also been known to bleed the radiators before a performance! Neil is chairman of the Whitchurch Walkers. |
Simon Woods fiddle Simon is an exceptional fiddle player and a regular performer at many local folk sessions. He's also lead workshops at several folk festivals and when we let him out also plays with the 'Shropshire Heroes'. Whilst not performing he is a Senior Lecturer in Nematode and Engineering Research at Harper Adams University. Also known as 'Billy' by his friends, he took up fiddle for "something to do" after giving up smoking. We're so glad he did! |
Rob Lewis bass Rob trained as an electronics engineer, but spends most of his time nowadays behind a computer as IT manager of a local firm. He can often be found playing various guitars in the orchestra pit of a theatre, and has also played brass since joining the local band aged 10. Once he got the bug to learn instruments he took up the piano, saxophone, clarinet, drums, guitar and Bass. |
Russ Symons Guitar Russ has been playing guitar, mandolin and banjo since before he can remember and as well as being a fine guitar player has an excellent voice. Russ used to be an engineer for the Red Arrows display team and has since been involved with design for a number of high-profile electronics companies. In 2015 he walked the uk coast-coast. |
Gill Symons CALLER Gill is our resident caller. Armed with her microphone she commands the floor and manages to get complete novices to dance as if on 'Strictly Come Dancing' (but very much in a ceilidh style!) She's also plays a mean tambourine. |
Mandy Lewis Bookings Mandy is our bookings secretary and will be more than happy to discuss your requirements. She regularly supplies our rehearsals with buns and icing. Mandy is a full-time mum who runs marathons and makes leotards in her spare time. |
Sam Lewis Sound Engineer Sam is our domesticated sound engineer. On occasion, we allow him to play drum kit if he's been good! He'll generally be seen with a tablet roaming the room. |
Recordings
Jigsmith recorded their first album 'Moromelodious' back in 2011. This was with the original band line-up featuring Bill Webb (melodeon,concertina and whistles) and Mandy Lewis (fiddles and flute) along with Neil Moore, Rob Lewis, Russ Symons and Gill Symons.
If you are interested in this album, it is available from our store! |
Clients
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All our electrical equipment is PAT tested to comply with current health and safety legislation, and we also have public liability insurance through EDFSS.
We have sound-systems suitable for small room, large hall or even outdoor events. Rob is also the resident sound engineer for the North Shropshire Folk club and provides tech support for many of their events.
Take a look at our gigs page for details of up-coming public ceilidh dances, and also our Facebook page using the link at the bottom of this page where you can find more information about our ceilidh band.
We have sound-systems suitable for small room, large hall or even outdoor events. Rob is also the resident sound engineer for the North Shropshire Folk club and provides tech support for many of their events.
Take a look at our gigs page for details of up-coming public ceilidh dances, and also our Facebook page using the link at the bottom of this page where you can find more information about our ceilidh band.