SMART 11 REPORT. The sun was shining and the memories were flowing. We knew a number of the regulars were on holiday or had other engagements but were presently surprise by a number of new people including Philip Meston, Nigel Ford and Steve Cooke. Andre mentioned his illustrated talk on The Happy Ballroom which takes place on Thursday 22nd May 7.30pm at the HUB on the seafront. Talking about bands that played the pier from the 50’s and 60’s and more. Anyone interested in coming along please email learning@hpcharity.co.uk or call 01424 435587. Love his regular write ups on the early pier gigs. Interesting talk with Andre & Geoff Peckham on how the old boys in traditional dance bands in the 50’s 60’s & 70’s taught the next generation of pop group members their craft. The dance bands were very often made up of nearly all freelance semi pros who provided the music scene with a rich talent. Andy Gunton is looking for information on anyone who went to the Nick Cave gig in 2004 on the pier, for a feature in the next The Stinger magazine and talking about new music, the quality of new local acts is of a constant high standard. Chris Sambrook was helping to go through a number of photo albums and trying to work out the names of the members of the band and also talk about the beach concert. Nigel Ford remindered us about the great gigs that used to take place at Battle memorial hall. Even remembering the bouncer on the door ‘Tiny’. Hopefully we will have some cuttings at some stage. Nigel’s radio show is also proving very popular on Hastings Rock. Philip Meston chatted away about the early dansette record players, still loving vinyl, happy memories of The Disc Jockey & Alan Jensen and talking about various gigs he went to. Sarah Harvey mentioned Ruff Copy playing a free gig for Hastings Rock on 24th May at The Robert De Mortain and more exciting news to be announced shortly. Chris Stovoid brought along a copy of the cd by psychedelic rock band ‘Mirage’ and talked about 13 Floor Elevators and The Misunderstood. Philip John is putting on Mott Road Crew Show in June at the Electric Palace cinema, talk and video of life on the road with Mott The Hoople, David Bowie and others. Mick Mepham came in with a massive bag of photos from the various bands he has played with over the years and a few oddities. Mick as a star player of cricket, lots of pieces on the band Magma and also odd ITV photos including Cats Eyes with Jill Gascoine & Leslie Ash! (You can catch Mick Mepham playing at The Clarence tommorow 18th May at 4.00pm). Steve Cooke talked about bands he was involved with and memories of Prom In Aid in 1986. Phil Gill was very pleased with the excellent ‘Stallion’ reunion at the recent gig at The Carlisle. and also great to see Anne join us. This is just a small percentage of what we talked about. and a great time was had by all.
Philip Meston….Enjoyed my first visit. Looking forward to the next meeting. Many thanks!
Sarah Harvey…Always a very pleasant afternoon with such lovely people. Thank you all.
Janine Anne Hemsley….Will make sure I get to the next one. I loved ‘ Tiny’. Does anyone know where he went. I think his name was Ian. ?
Tony May…..SMART continues to go from strength to strength and is bringing back many memories for so many. A SMART book has to happen surely