Back in 2003, Mike had recently disbanded his own musical outfit, More Mileage, and both he and Maire were still actively developing the Harptrees Festival with others.  Always keen to experience live music, they found themselves visiting folk and acoustic clubs in the Bristol and Somerset area, with Mike sometimes taking the opportunity to perform, either solo or with step-daughter Naomi.  After a few months they began to talk about the absence of a club in their own village of East Harptree, and to play around with ideas about how one might be organised. 

Fortuitously enough, East Harptree’s pub, the Waldegrave Arms, had recently changed hands and its Function Room, which had been used as living accommodation for the previous landlord, was due to be reinstated for its original purpose.  Mike and Maire went to see new landlords Sharon and Lee and outlined what they would like to do.  They were enthusiastic and agreed to allow the room to be used and so it was that in February 2004 the Acoustic Music Club was born.

On that February evening it so happened the weather was foul and Maire & Mike feared no-one would want to venture out on such a miserable night.  They waited anxiously as the minutes ticked by to eight o’clock.  Supposing no-one came?  Then they heard the noise of someone coming up the stairs and in came Chico, guitar in hand.  Soon after  came Pete Stearn and Johnny Francis of Gasolene and anxiety was turning to relief!  By half past eight the room – at that time only half the size it is now, due to a dividing wall erected by the previous landlord – was absolutely packed out with performers and audience.

In fact Sharon and Lee were quick to show their appreciation and in no time at all had demolished that dividing wall, giving the club a much larger venue.

Since that humble beginning the Club has continued to thrive and has become an established venue on the acoustic musicians’ circuit, with over 200 different performers appearing during its first three years – the youngest under 10 and the oldest almost 80.  Audience numbers vary, and the seating area can reach maximum – one night there were nearly 80 people in the room! – but a typical night averages between 40 to 50 people.  

In September 2006 the Club was renamed “The Open Door Acoustic Club”, to epitomise the ethos behind it.  Mike and Maire pride themselves on the community spirit pervading through the club and their innovative approach to creating an evening of acoustic entertainment which makes it not quite like any other club around.  With the introduction of a monthly music quiz and the continuing commitment to encourage younger people to perform during the first part of the evening, the club remains an experience not to be missed.  As one performer said: “It’s like playing in your front room”.  Or, as Mike says: “Three hours of music, peace and love.  And a quiz.”