Supplied by Peter Gladwish
Peter Gladwish… This was my first proper band which was started when we were all still at school. We used to rehearse at St Helens Youth Club, by St Helens Church on the ridge and in Andy Franks parents’ garage in King Edward Avenue. I would have been about 14 when we did this gig at the old Railway Club in St John’s Road, next to Warrior Square station, sadly no longer there. Line up (L-R): David Crouch (Bass), David Gore (Vocals), Andy Franks (Rhythm guitar), John Eldridge (Drums), Peter Gladwish (Lead Guitar/Vocals), David Gladwish (Vocals).
Geoff Peckham… Well I never! I became good friends with Andy Franks in Worthing in 1982. We played together in Uncle John’s Band for almost two decades, and had other musical adventures. I believe his dad was a teacher at Hastings Grammar, or even Head? Andy was a lovely man who succumbed to cancer five years ago. Great to see a picture of him in a band during his Hastings days.
Peter Gladwish… Thanks for your input Geoff . I lost touch with Andy after we left school. I’ve often wondered what became of him and very sad to hear your news.
Geoff Peckham… here’s Andy Franks on the left in 1982 with UJB outside the Spotted Cow in Angmering. I’m next to him, btw.
UJB supplied by Geoff Peckham
Peter Gladwish… Amazing Geoff. Thanks again for posting this; Andy looks just the same. He really was such a nice, placid bloke and a good musician, as I recall. Such a small world.
Mick O’Dowd… Sorry Geoff he didin’t make Head at the Grammar School. Seem to remember his name as Gordon? Franks and was, if I remember correctly, an art teacher.
Peter Gladwish… Correct Mick. He was my art master.
Chris Meachen… ‘Arty’ Franks was possibly my favourite teacher at school. He let us have a record player in the tiny ‘O’ level art room & generally gave us far more freedom than most..
