SMART 46 report

The sun was shining for our last meet of the year. Lots of newbies including the mayor Nigel Sinden, John Parnell, Deborah Mould, David Smith and John Busbridge.  Nigel Sinden was chatting about the Hastings Friendship Group and the new cd from One Hastings Many Voices. He also confirmed that he will be live on Conquest Hospital Radio on Christmas Day 12.00 til 2.00 on the Chris Gentry show, reminiscing about Christmas past. John Parnell was talking about the changing face of Hastings and The Grove school and Deborah Mould and David Smith were remembering The Specials on the pier and chatting with Mick O’Dowd about the Jimi Hendrix gig. John Busbridge had a pile of 7” singles and a whole album of photos, cuttings, membership cards etc mainly from the 60’s. Including The Scotch Club, The Flying Machine, Sign Of The Fish Coffee Bar, The Fiesta Club, Witch Doctor, The Hi-Fi Club, The Nest Club, Kavemen, The Sound Casters and more. Pete Prescott arrived with a bundle of old gig posters, as well as leaflets for the Christmas Soul Party at St Mary In The Castle on Saturday 8th December. Barry French had a bag full of interesting books and bits and pieces including Gene Autry stories, Lone Ranger 1967 book, Silverhill Tavern cutting, the boxer Freddie Mills autograph, Leisure Music leaflet, certificate of the opening of the channel tunnel, The Regent Hotel postcard, sheet music and more.  Mick O’Dowd had with him a surprise find, when he visited the St Michaels Hospice shop in Ore, of a photo of him at Sandown School in 1961.  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.

Mick O’Dowd… Great Meet some nice newbies there!

Josie Lawson… Very interesting

Jan Warren… Amazing stuff going on here, I just hope one day soon I can re-join your meetings xx

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