A great turn out for our last meet of 2015 which turned out very magical. Among the newbies this time were Martin Stringer, Martyn Baker, Jim and Allyson Breeds and Margaret Beckett. Martin Baker brought some great cuttings and photos of Before The Storm, The Roaring 80s, Missing Persons, Billy Whiz, The Teenbeats, The Breathers, Titch Turner’s Escalators, Salvation Sunday and loads more. He also had cuttings on The Graffiti Club which I had forgotten about but this was the name of the club underneath The Queens Hotel after it changed from ‘Emmas’. Anyone remember it? Martin Stringer had with him some great photos of The Abysmal Sister and pre Ritz group photos which we are still trying to find out the name of the group. Jim and Allyson Breeds had with him some Decca 78’s from the 1930’s of The Hastings Municipal Orchestra. Unfortunately we were unable to play them but hope to get them copied across so we can hear them at a later date. He also had The Radio Times from 1972 and lots of rare early Beatles cuttings. Mick O’Dowd brought some Q Magazine photographic supplements which featured many iconic black & white photos. Margaret Beckett was asking everyone for hi res versions of some of the early photos and cuttings we have posted. This is for Archie’s forthcoming pier video. Roger Carey had with him leaflets of Head On Martin Casson Agency Pier gigs, Fusion Orchestra, The Kinks, Jon Hiseman Tempest, Wild Turkey, Quadrille, Steamhammer, press cutting of Pueblo and an autograph from the Hawkwind gig. Expecting it to be Lemmy’s but no it was the exotic dancer Stacia signature!
Halfway through the proceedings we were very lucky that Martin Stringer agreed to treat us to some impressive magic and mentalist tricks. Further chat was about ELO, when John Bonham played Hastings Pier, interesting story from John Petri when he met Jimi Hendrix plus lots more. Anyone else have any other comments to add about interesting bits and stories you discussed then please do so.
Mick O’Dowd… Quite a “magical” SMART Meet this month. Those of you hardy souls who made it will know why. Interesting find from Jim & Allyson Breeds who brought along some 78’s of The Hastings Municipal Orchestra at The White Rock from 1926! None of the Smarties is old enought to remember this event although some might be feeling they were! Interesting afternoon and totally different to what’s been before. Nice to see our photographer is back from her holidays. Well done Alan as per usual. Take a break ’till next year now.
Jimmy Kent… Cheers Alan, enjoyed myself during the short time I was there. Next time I’ll make sure I can stay longer.
Allyson Breeds… It was fun. I think 😉
Andre Martin… Having seen the original 78s, they are a little bit of History of Hastings Music Scene circa 1930s, let hope that Jim will be able to get they digitally recorded so that we can keep copies in the Museum for future generation to hear.
Andy Qunta… Sounds great! Another fab time missed! 😉
Geoff Peckham… Wish I was there, too. Family duties prevailed again. Hopefully next time.
Chris Baker… What ever happened to Bob Shipway?
Jim Breeds… We had a great time meeting Facebook friends, some of them met in person for the first time. You can’t bottle this stuff, sadly! 🙂