Our 51 meet and among the newbies this time were Glenn Piper, Andy Qunta, Andy Davies, Reg Wood and Ernest Ballard. Glenn was chatting about happy memories of The Continental coffee bar and pier gigs. Andy Qunta was talking about the new cd from Factory and future local gigs and had with him a Factory leaflet from the Chelsea Collage Eastbourne 1973 gig and the bands bookings and recordings diary from May 1970 to August 1973. Andy Davies was talking about the album sleeves he designed and sharing memories of his brother Simon Davies who many fondly remember. He also had a business card of Simon’s, when he did his discos under the name of Tony Kane. Reg Wood was talking about when he saw Kevin Coyne and Elvis Costello on the pier and had the albums with him, as well as some Rolling Stones shirts. Ernest Ballard was talking about his shop Hastings Musical Exchange and the band Jump The Gun, he also had a business card from his 1975 band ‘August’. Barry Taylor arrived with leaflets for the forthcoming gig he is putting on in aid of St Michael’s Hospice on 6th October at the Sea Angling Club. Line up will include Freak Flag, Pete Brown, Carey & Prescott and Harmer & Westlake. Pete Prescott had a pile of cassettes including Jinks Throught the Sound Barrier, Alan Attfield & Chris Cozens – Facades and Double Indemnity – Moonlight & Love Songs. Monica Bane had a photo of Town Council and the 7” single record Sweet and Neat/The Harder You Love which was written by her brother Steve Hersee, who was in the group and still playing and recording under the name Neon Roadster. She also had some great posters from her modelling days in the 70s. Pete Houghton never lets us down and had with him framed autograph photos of Pink Floyd ‘Animals’ and Grand Funk Railroad and a pile of rare albums. Mick O’Dowd had a bag full of books for Conquest Hospital Radio fundraising and Jon McCallion was chatting to John Petri and Pete Millington about George Harrison’s Telecaster and talking about bus passes! Too many people to mention but this is a small bit of what I remember. Anything interesting you were talking about, please feel free to add here.
Andy Qunta… I had a fabulous time, meeting up with old friends & new! Thanks, Alan & everyone! It was a fabulous afternoon catching up with old friends & meeting some new ones. Very glad I was finally able to get to a SMART meeting!
Wendy Weaver… Nice to see you.
Ernest Ballard… Had a lovely time meeting old friends. Super day thanks Alan
Jon McCallion… Great time Alan talking about all different things with different people you do a great job
Lance Collins… Sorry. Worked late. Will get to next one
Jim Breeds… Sorry I couldn’t get to this one. Sounds like it was fun (as always). And smart of course.
Mick O’Dowd… Excellent as usual! Phil Gill told me that Soultown are now playing thrash/death metal!
Pete Houghton… Had a great time glad to see my friend Glenn Piper it’s been year’s since we last met and also my friend Mick O’Dowd and two of Factory
Reg Wood… Finally made it! Enjoyed a good chat.
Jeanette Jones… Glad everyone had a great time hope to catch up in the Autumn
Lucy Pappas… I loved Simon Davies. I was with his sister, Gill, just recently. I guess that’s the same Simon? x