coffee meet

SMART coffee meet report number 74

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A packed White Rock Hotel and among the newbies this time were Joy Gilham, Keith Veness, Keith Forbes, Anne Wells and Pauline Hillier. Joy had great memories of the pier ballroom with the sprung floor and when lots of people were on it, it would bounce! Also remembering after dances, at the end of George Street they had a milk vending machine which they used, costing 6d and everyone called it the mechanical cow! Keith Veness arrived with some old tickets and membership cards from The Weeley Festival in 1971, YMCA sports centre, Fifty Eight Club Winchelsea beach and Aquarius George Street. Keith Forbes was talking about the success of the recent events at the Henry Ward Hall and looking forward to The Jonny Halifax Invocation who are there on Saturday 14th September. Anne was talking about The Pam Dor and had a couple of interesting photos of The Witch Doctor. Pauline had great memories of The Witch Doctor and remembers seeing John Wilde’s amazing dancing. Mick O’Dowd had with him massive folders of Hastings Pier photos and gig dates. Peter Ellingworth had a video of when he went for a ride on the Hastings Tramway trolleybus at the East Anglian Transport Museum in Lowestoft. Jackie Hersee was sharing some of her transport finds with Peter. One of the sheets was about ‘how to drive a trolleybus’ and referred to Hastings as ‘a rather upper middle-class community’ but then called Bohemia area ‘doubtfully named!’. Merv Kennard had with him northern soul dj Dave Evison signed book, plus cd’s of early pirate radio broadcasts from fort based stations, also Radio Sunk with Johnny Lewis, Radio Nova collection, Kenny Everett classics from 1979 Capital FM and Radio North Sea International close down record. Paul Mulry had a framed poster of RNI tune in turn on, which would have been 50 years to the day it closed down. He also had the wonderful record ‘Peace’ by ‘Peter’. Ian Marketis had his large collection of Marc Bolan and T. Rex 7”singles and a few LP’s. Good to see Phil Thornton and reminiscing about some of the groups he was in.Too many other people to mention and this is just a small bit of what I remember. If you had anything interesting you were talking about or anything I missed out or got wrong! then please feel free to add or correct.

Cris and Merv Kennard… Thanks Alan for organising the meeting today, it was good to catch up with you and others. We look forward to these gatherings.

Mick O’Dowd… Nice meeting up with old friends with interesting chat! Another enjoyable & interesting Meet. Well done Alan yet again you’ve excelled!

Stephen Moran… Thank you for the great report Alan, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to be there on this occasion, I’m currently away.

Andrew Freeman… Here’s a bit of trivia! The shop in the picture – A Green – is the shop that supplied the HSSB (Priory Road) tuck shop back in the 60’s

 

SMART coffee meet report 71

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SMART coffee meet report number 71

Wow! Wonderful! Jam packed turn out for our 71 meet and first off, I must apologise for not getting time to speak to half the people! 

Among the newbies this time were Alan Harding, Yukiko and Kazuhiro Hanai, Joan Fenner, Baz and Jane Cooper,  Diane Crouch, Sam Dook, Jim McCarthy and Brian Crowhurst. Alan was talking about when he worked for Vox and designed the amps for The Beatles and many others. He also had some of his wonderful photos of trolls woodland creatures and windmills. Yukiko and Kazuhiro (Rommy). He plays guitar for Japanese rock group ‘Ivory Gate’ and had flown in from Tokyo to see Robert Plant, they were made most welcome by everyone. Joan was chatting about here happy memories of 60’s and 70’s Hastings and especially the Fiesta coffee bar. Baz who plays keyboards with Dowliners Sect was talking about his new recordings and working with ‘The Rebels’. Diane was chatting about her memories of jazz in the caves. Sam was looking for anyone with a connection with working at Ponswood Industrial Estate. He’s interested in stories and memories as he’s working on making a radio show with the Parchment Trust charity. If you can help contact sam@lifesize.org.uk or the website lifesize.org.uk which is a music and arts community group. Jim was talking about the music books he has written and seeing if anyone could add anymore last minute information about ‘The Move’ as his book is due to be published shortly. Brian was talking about the exciting times, when he worked for United Artists records and EMI. 

Roger Ferris was talking about his compositions and the track he has just posted on You Tube by Glo Macari called Part Of Your Heart. Kerry Watling had with her cd’s of Barry Dransfield and Mike Wells, Chris Stovold had with him a collection of Nick Drake CD’s and book, Dave Jenkins had his George Hatcher Band records and autograph, Mick O’Dowd had cd’s of Radio Caroline 70’s flashbacks and We Love The Pirates with hits and Radio London jingles. Jackie Hersee had a list with dates of all the groups she saw in Hastings in 1965 and 1966 at the pier and Witch Doctor. John Busbirdge had a pile of Beatles records, Anthony ‘Nan’ Morland had a dvd of him documenting the Hastings Pier fire of 2010. Peter Ellingworth had a book of Trams and Trolleybuses by Robert Harley, Merv Kennard had a Blue Peter badge and more collectable pirate radio recordings and books, Cris Kennard had a Britex record needles tin, Linda Boiling had a photo of her YZ bubble gum machine, Ian Marketis had ‘The Solo Collection book of Freddie Mercury that included the cd’s and Pete Prescott had a pile of albums and the Bexhill hop photos and was talking about his new group ‘Stealer’.  This is just a small bit of what I remember. If you had anything interesting you were talking about or anything I missed out or got wrong! then please feel free to add or correct.

Claire Lonsdale… It was great as usual Alan, but what an amazing turn out despite the weather. Thanks Alan for all your hard work xx

Pete Prescott… We had a great time !

Wendy Weaver… Thanks Alan. A good turnout

Cris and Merv Kennard… As usual a good afternoon catching up with everyone, thank you Alan for organising.

Colin Bell… Merv, Good to see you, interesting records!

David Martin… Thanks for all your hard work Alan I really enjoyed it & what a great turnout

Mick O’Dowd… Agree entirely. Wasn’t expecting so many because of the weather but I think it must have been a near record turnout. Not often you can rub shoulders and talk to a guy that was an recording engineer at Abbey Road on the Beatle tracks. That is one of the real beauties of these Meets is that you never know who will encounter. I was re-introduced to a young lady that was a girlfriend of a fellow DJ Simon Davis (aka Tony Kane(RIP) from 50 years ago! It’s also nice to see that we have a very diverse crowd now with growing numbers of ladies joining in. Keep going and don’t be afraid to come on your own. You are not alone! Well done to El Supremo Alan for organising!

Matt Thomas… I know there was a music merchandise wholesaler up on Ponswood

Jackie Hersee… Really interesting afternoon thank you

Roy Winchester… I was in bands with Colin and David.

Mick O’Dowd… This, to outsiders, is exactly what we get up to. Very diverse crowd of folks with a diverse group of interests and facts about our beloved town in the past. The music they witnessed when the Pier and clubs like the Witchdoctor/Cobweb at al made us one of the most important places for the big names to play. From Hendrix , The Who, The Stones and a wealth of other top names all played here. The Stones & Who several times. Hastings was an important stopover for bands. Next time give it ago and come along. You won’t be disappointed and you will be most welcome wether you have any things to show bring yourself.

Colin Bell… An excellent afternoon, great turn out & it was nice to talk to so many friends & re-connect with old friend Joan, after a mere 50 years! well done Alan, as ever, for bringing so many people together

Monica Bane… Yes Colin, Was a great turnout, So good to chat to so many! Good to see you x

Baz Cooper…It was great to finally make it along to a SMART meeting! In trying to look it up on line, to check the venue, SMART offered a site devoted to people in rehab from addictions!!! Maybe an addiction to 60s and 70s music???!!! Anyway it was great chatting to people there including my good friend Colin Tapp, who is also an old band mate and to various other interesting people, I only wish we could have stayed longer, because I would loved to have chatted to many more people there. Maybe next time!

Bob Searle… I was in bands with Stuart Moir Colin Fox and Dave Easton

Andre Martin… Well done Alan for everything to keep memories and old friends in contact. You will need to introduce a ticket in advance admission if this keeps this numbers.

Tony Davis… Sorry couldn’t make it but we had a gig at The Carlisle and the bands were arriving around 4pm. Hope to get there next time

 

SMART coffee meet No. 58 report

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Our 58th SMART coffee meet and among the newbies this time were Mo Elms (Terry James wife), Simon Falla, Colin Tapp and Dave Boutwood. Mo brought along photos and cuttings of many local radio stations and dj’s, including Splash Radio, Arrow FM, the Earl Of Zetland ship, Terry James, Johnny Francis, Terry Kane, Ambrose Harcourt, DC Disco photos and more. Simon was chatting about Lazybones Disco and has found a photo of some of the Lazybones staff which he will be posting soon. Colin was chatting about his facebook page ‘Hastings groups from 1958 to the present’ and his many happy memories of working with The Redcoats and The Humperdinks. Dave had with him his excellent black and white photo sheets of local musicians.  Merv Kennard had a Mi Amigo postcard which was sent to him back in the seventies. Anthony ’Nan’ Morland  had a Disc Jockey record bag, Masons Music shop photos, various Queens Road shop photos, a photo of Dimarcos and The Humperdinks photos when they played The Yelton in the 80’s.  Dave Muriel was chatting about the tv series called ‘Wham’ when he was dancing with the Vernon Girls at the ABC Studio in Manchester. On the bill was Joe Brown, Jess Conrad, Billy Fury and others. He’s hoping to find photos of his  skiffle group The Jeanagers when they appeared at The Chatsworth in the 60’s.  John Busbridge had with him some 7” singles and Pete Prescott brought along the Box Of Pin Ups The British Sounds of 1965 CD set. General chat was about the sad loss of John Miles, future gigs tough for musician, the 70’s programme on channel 5 and aches and pains!  Sorry I didn’t get round to chatting to everyone. This is just a small bit of what I remember, if you have anything interesting that you were talking about then please feel free to add.

Colin Tapp… Hi to all in SMART seventies, I enjoyed the meet today met some old friends , and apologies not meeting everyone there, but hope to meet up with you next time.

Lloyd Johnson… it was fun Colin.

Andre Martin… Good to catch up after a long time. Good turn out under the current problems and a great to see some old faces.

Wendy Weaver… It was nice to see so many people.

Monica Bane… Thanks for the update! Hopefully next time, had been looking forward to coming Alan

Sid Saunders… Glad it went well.

Claire Lonsdale… Thanks Alan. Was a very nice meeting. X

Lucy Pappas… Almost made it today

Tony Davis… Sorry not to make it but have been away

Stephen Moran… Thank you Alan, it was great to be there

Keith Veness… Will get there one day

Paul Coleman… I intend to come to the meet every time but something always bloody comes up!

Dave Nattress… Bum!! Missed it, very busy at work!!

Graham Belchamber… Sorry I couldn’t get along this time. Glad it went well

Mick O’Dowd… You missed the mince pies!!

Alan Esdaile… Thanks to Cris Kennard, Mick.

Mick O’Dowd… Interesting as usual meet, under challenging conditions.

Pete Houghton… Hope to be at next one

Tony Howard… Very interesting reading about the chat .  I know Terry Elm’s very well, use to work with him many years ago.  Nan mentioned a Disc Jockey bag, I too have one of Big Al’s Disc Jockey bags i also have a genuine Beetles bag. Colin talked about the Red Coats group, I remember them playing at Northiam Village Hall, back in the 60’s with Pete Bailey playing with them, whom later year’s worked with him. I will try to get to the meeting some time in the new year. Till then have a good Christmas,and best wishes for the new year

Dave Trodd… Very enjoyable. Keep up the good work Alan.

 

SMART coffee meet no.58 – Friday 10th December 2021

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Mick O’Dowd… Be there or be extremely square and probably rectangled too! So there!

Merv Kennard… Hope to there with a newbie

Mick O’Dowd… Sometimes I get the impression that people who are following SMART and say they want to come but always find an excuse not to that they don’t actually know what goes on! It is totally INFORMAL. NO stand up speeches/lectures. If anybody is sitting in the corner we make sure someone rescues them and gets them involved. You talk to who you like . Get a drink/coffee from the bar and just mingle. In his reviews afterwards Alan goes through what he has heard people talking about. Even I am surprised at what has been talked about. Just make the effort and leave the rest to us. EVERYBODY is welcome and we don’t have bouncers on the door in case you look dodgy! Give it a try I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! See you there!

SMART coffee meets – Back Soon!

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Freak Flag… Finally, the return of civilisation

Wendy Weaver… That will be lovely.

Stephen Moran… Great news Alan.

Heather Sidery… This sounds sooo goood

Colin Bell… Well done mate

Monica Bane… That’s great news!!

Mick O’Dowd… Good to meet friends old & new again. I’ts been so long!

Tony Davis… Yeah good news

Mick O’Dowd… About time am suffering withdrawal symptoms!

Pete Millington… Looking forward to it Alan

 

No SMART coffee meet for April.

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Due to the continuing situation with the coronavirus, I am very sad and sorry to say that we will not be having a coffee meet in April. I know a number of people will be disappointed and we like to think we are invincible but I think it’s the right decision. When things settle down, I will resume the meets. Stay safe and keep well xx

Jim Breeds… Seems the ‘smart’ thing to do.

Mick O’Dowd… A wise but unwelcome decision Alan! Who knows by April they could be locking up us oldies for stepping outside! Fully support you on this.

Lucy Pappas… Right thing to do, Alan x

Stephen Moran… Thank you Alan, it’s the right decision

Monica Bane… Well it’s the right decision to be making Alan. Hopefully by summer will reach its peak. Monica x

Pete Brazier… The right thing is sometimes the hardest thing to do! But always the wisest! Stay safe everyone I for one don’t want to loose any of you to this virus or the stupidity that’s following it! Wether your a believer or not God Bless You Al

Pete Prescott… The only decision you can make In the circumstances. Take care.

Coco Pops… when do we start painting a ‘PLAGUE CROSS’ on the front door.

SMART 48 Coffee meet report

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Our 48th meet and a packed and extremely busy one. Among the newbies this time were Monica Bane, Peter Houghton and Yvonne Ellis. Monica was talking about The Disc Jockey record shop to Andre Martin, also The Posh Club and being the current old town Sea Queen. She had loads of cuttings which she was showing to Nigel Sinden and happy memories of when she was Hastings carnival queen in the 1970. Pete had with him a very impressive collection of hundreds of signed autographs and photos, including Chuck Berry, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Woodstock and many more. Mick O’Dowd was surprised to see one of him on stage that he has never seen before. Peter also had a full list of bands that he saw on Hastings Pier, Strawbs signed flyer and Nutz pier gig ticket. As well as a signed photo of Paul Rodgers which got Pete Prescott talking about when Paul Rodgers was recording his album ‘Now’ at Parkgates Studio in Catsfield. Pete and Carol were reminding people of Beatles Day 20 is not far away and is on Sunday 7th April and now with 4 stages. Lol Cooksey said his band The 6Ts are really looking forward to playing. Yvonne was reliving happy memories of Scalliwags and Saturdays night clubs and chatting to Graham and Wendy Weaver about the folk music nights at The Cock Inn in Peasmarsh. Tim McDonald was talking about the Decca Records reunion and Barry French had the bizarre item of the day with a platform ticket for Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch and Around The World In 80 Days on Ice ticket from Wembley in 1964! He also had a pile of albums from Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck and Roy Buchanan. Gerry Powell had with him Cliff Richard and The Shadows music book from 1962  and Radio Caroline Last Of The Pirates book which he produced. Colin Bell had a pile of gig tickets from various shows he has seen over the years and was in conversation with Jon and Julie McCallion about happy memories of The Vampires who featured Jed Stacey on drums. Phil and Ann Gill arrived with an album of photos of the groups that Phil has been involved in, over the years.  Clive Richardson was talking about Wild Turkey when one of the gigs was changed to Aquarius and believes that Bob Knights had doubled booked the pier that night with a Masonic event. Sarah Harvey and Tony Davis were talking about the forthcoming Hastings Rock Fest 2019 taking place on Sunday 26th May at The Carlisle. Roger Carey was looking forward to the Steeleye Span tour which starts shortly. Sorry I didn’t get chance to speak to everyone and 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… Wonderful as usual. Nice to see some newbies. What a collection Peter Houghton had! I was also talking to Nigel (The Mayor) about when The Pier might re-open as it is now March, but he had no news.

SMART coffee meet No. 38 – Friday 15th September 2017

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New people most welcome to join us

Mick O’Dowd… Come on down you SMARTIES!

Cliff Wootton… Have missed a few SMART meets lately. Looking forward to catching up with folks again this time. I’ll have a few copies of our latest CD for sale. Title track on SoundCloud here: https://soundcloud.com/steve-264 and promo video on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcSAVBLg_q4