Chairman/ Editor - Mark Gaden
I have been in the western scene for almost 30 years. I got invited by a friend of mine
at college to go to a meeting of the club he was a member of, which was the J-C
Club in
have been hooked on the scene ever since.
A number of the members of the club were committee members of the B.W.A which
meant that I was introduced to the Association very early in my Western "career". My
first Round Up was at the Ponderosa Ranch in
association's unofficial base for a number of years.
I moved from the
am too wrapped up in the running and organisation of the association to consider
joining another club, even if they would have me!!!!
I have been fortunate to know, and to have known a great many fantastic people over
the years, who may not all dress 100% period accurate, but have the most important
quality in my opinion for being a Westerner, their positive, supportive attitude towards
others in the scene, and their genuine friendship towards other Westerners. (I
believe that our scene some times makes a superficial judgement on whether a
person is a good Westerner, solely based on whether he or she looks "authentic",
rather than judging them on the "content of their character")
My main interests are Western History, Civil War and Western Riding. I am fortunate
to have 2 Horses, western trained, with a third in training, and I ride 6 days a week
April - October, and weekends through the Winter. I often compete at Rodeos, and
Western horse events, time permitting, and get a great buzz from it.
I have been a Committee member of the Association since 1984 - 87, and from
1991 to date holding the posts of Subscriptions Secretary, Secretary, and Chairman
since 1996.
I am passionate about the scene, and the Association, which despite the fluctuations
in membership, and the passing of the years, is still in my opinion, as strong as it has
ever been. An Association that has been around for 33 years, in a scene as
changeable and fragmented as ours, must have got a good deal right!
Minnesota- Vice Chairman
I am Gary Coulton (alias Desperate Dan) yes that's right that was my name when I started this game some 23 years ago. I was dragged to our local country music club to meet the wife's sisters, husband. I sat in the back of the club. The first person to talk to me was Ringo, he made me feel so welcome.
My wife put my name down for fast draw, as yes you guessed "Desperate Dan". Weeks went by, and I was not getting anywhere in the fast draw (no change there then!!!), so I changed my name to minnesota, and the same night I won my first fast draw. I've kept the name ever since.
Then Ringo said, why don't you come to a Round Up, so I did, and my first Round Up was at Handsworth Rugby Club. I have been going to them ever since. I got on to the committee in 1997, and I am now Vice Chairman
Blue - Treasurer
I first got into the western scene in 1979 when I was stationed in
And also it's where I joined my first show-team run by some bloke called bronco. I found out they was looking for a young- slim-athletic-type person who was good with weapons and people, unfortunately they ended up with me. Twenty six years later I'm still in the B.W.A. ,if I hadn't have brought that first magazine I wouldn't have heard about the association and would have missed out on twenty six years of great times and memories.
Drifter - Secretary
My names Drifter, alias Dave Smithson , or is that the other way round?. I am 55 years old , but I don't look it, must be because I have enjoyed a "stress free" life, until I joined the B.W.A. Committee nearly 2 years ago, and now I'm turning grey!! I am the Secretary of the Association, which means I help keep the whole show on the road, and ensure that the Chairman knows what he's doing, and hasn't forgotten anything, a thankless, and never- ending task! I am taxi driver and live in
Josey Wales- Round Up Co-ordinator
Hello my name is Josey Wales a.k.a Tony Whiteoak. I have been in the Western scene for over 25 years. I am married to "Shannon" and live in Bradford, and I am a transport manager.
Been in a number of clubs over the years, Range Riders, High Plains Drifters, Young Guns, The Alamo, and Currently the Hole in the Wall Gang.
I am Round Up Co-ordinator for the Association, which means that I am responsible for the smooth running of the round Up's with the able assistance of my Committee Colleagues and our Area Deputy team.
My main interest within the scenc is fast draw, and authentic camping, and western films. My hobbies outside the scene are watching rugby (Bradford Bulls), and playing online PC games.
Chrissy Woollard- Subscription's Secretary
I was born in Blackpool and spent most of my working life in a financial capacity from Post Mistress in a large sub post office to salaries clerk at County Hall, currently treasurer for the Tumbleweed Western Show team and Chorley Tenants Forum, I had an unfortunate experience one dark cold December night when my friend persuaded me to go to the local Country and Western Club, where I met Ringo (life has not been the same since).
After being a cowboy widow for many years, he got me interested in the B.W.A. I joined the Committee last year when the vacancy for subscription secretary was vacant.
I have an interest in the Native American women and have adopted the name Snow Wind. I am currently getting together an outfit or two. I hope to come to more Round-ups and meet up with all the good friends I have made.
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