Our 44 meet and were pleased to be joined by the new owner of Hastings Pier Mr Gulzar who was talking about his future plans and was happy to listen to our ideas and suggestions. Among the people this time were Cliff Wootton who was talking about the band ‘Perfect Strangers’ reforming. Pete Millington was going through his group photos and some crazy pictures of his bands in frilly shirts and loon pants. Laurie Cooksey had more information on the local band The Spirits. Iain Cobby arrived with framed lyrics to Lucky Man signed by Greg Lake. Gerry Powell had with him a Brooke Bond dividend stamp card, remember them? Sarah Harvey was talking about her group The Happy Maureens, who are due to appear at Hastings Pride on Sunday. Sid Saunders arrived with bags full of cd’s and kind enough to donate to Conquest Hospital Radio for their next fundraising sale. Roger Carey had a poster of Stan Tracey from The Carlisle gig in 1975, as well as a rare London Marquee leaflet when Felix played and photos of Hat Trick. Among the albums on display was Back Street Crawler who had Terry Wilson-Slesser on vocals which Pete Prescott remembered he replaced in a revamped Geordie group called The Dudes. Mike O’Dowd brought along his album copy of Uppers On The South Down, as we have been talking about it on the website lately. He also had A Teenage Opera soundtrack, Lets go down and blow our minds british psychedelic sounds of 1967 cd’s and 1964 and 1965 NME poll winners concerts on dvd. John Petri had some more Guitarist magazine cd’s. and I finally managed to buy the cd One Hastings Many Voices from Trevor Webb which I look forward to hearing. This is just a very small bit of what I remember, anyone who wishes to add anything interesting you were talking about, then please feel free to do so.
Martin Richter… would loved to have been there – but I am certainly not worthy
Alan Esdaile… You would be most welcome to join us on a future meet Martin.
Geoff Peckham… I’ve spent a lovely afternoon in the company of some SMART people. Funnily enough, we were mainly discussing what it’s like being the age we are rather than what it was like being the age we were….and life’s good! Thanks Alan, once again, for organising it all.
Sid Saunders… Sheikh Abid Gulzar paid a visit to the SMART meeting today. It was a very happy and enjoyable meeting.
Jim Breeds… Sorry I missed this one. I spent the afternoon with cousins
Jeanette Jones… Hi Geoff & Ez, the stats bear out that the Oldens are happier than the Younguns 
Well until they’re not 
Laurie Cooksey… I really enjoyed the meet this aft’noon, but then I always do.
Mick O’Dowd… What a comeback for Alan who’s looking much fitter now they have rebuilt him. This Meet kept him well and truly on his toes. Bit of a coup having a visit from The Sheik but interesting all the same. Many memories relived and new friends made. Well done
Josie Lawson… Very interesting….
Jan Warren… Sorry I missed it, had a doctor’s appointment…. hopefully next time!!