SMART coffee meet 29 – 1st July 2016

SMART invite 29 PRACTICE

Darren Johnson… I missed the last meet-up in Hastings. But this why…

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https://darrensmusicblog.com/2016/06/22/review-sun-studio-tour-memphis/

Elaine Roberts… Sorry we won’t be at today’s coffee meet – The Black Sheep have a short-notice gig at The Jenny Lind tonight. If any Smart members fancy coming along we’d be delighted to see you 🙂

Mick O’Dowd… Come on you SMARTIES!

SMART 28 coffee meet report.

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Our 28th meet and great to see Simon Halsey from Hastings Rock, joining some of their other dj’s present.  Another successful year on 87.7 and congratulations to all involved, especially to Sarah Harvey and Tony Davis for some great memories on the Hastings Retro Rock Show. Barry Taylor talked about the next Bare Faced Blues Fest which is moving to a new venue for its 3rd year (in aid of St Michaels Hospice). It will take place at Bexhill Rowing Club, (near The De La Warr Pavilion) on the 14th August 2016 and 9th October 2016. Admission only £5.00 with 4 acts of each bill. More details soon.  Loads of pier talk, the Great success of Madness, The Ballroom Allstar DJ’s and that mysterious hand and suggestion for the future.  A number of people popped over to the pier to check out Phil Gill’s wonderful Musical Starlings in The Deck memories rooms. Cliff Wootton turned up with his laptop and had an amazing video of ‘Butch’ from St Helens Church Hall  and ‘Hat Trick’ which was taken from an old movie film and also featured Tony Qunta. Hopefully this will be available to view in the near future. Great to see Pete Prescott with more bags of records, full of memories, including photos from The Great Western Festival Lincoln 1972 featuring Hamish Imlach and The Charltan Festival 1974 with Humble Pie.  Roger Carey has been delving in his archives and turned up with some rare Felix cuttings from  1975, Delta Wing playlist,  Ore Group Festival 1976 poster,  Ritz poster from Ore Centre in 1978, Mosaic & Pueblo and Friends poster from The Zodiac Club and a Rumours Club leaflet.  Other chat was about Steve Maxted, The Fabulous 6Ts, Scalliwags, Factory, Jazz Fest event at The Stade on the 5th June featuring Tony O’Malley from Kokomo and Gary Numan coming to Bexhill.  Also another local band planning a reunion gig, watch this space! This is just a small bit of what I was in conversation with, if you wish to add anything interesting I missed then please do so.

Mick O’Dowd… Another goodie Alan.

Pete Prescott… Great meeting !

Jo Turner… The Ore Festival 1976. Wonderful hot summer memories. Bare feet and cool local bands. One of the happiest memories of my life.

Merv Kennard…. just a line to say sorry that Cris and i could not make it at the last minute. I was looking forward to meeting up with Pete Prescott as I have not seen him for a few years,we worked for the same company 25 years ago.

Alan Esdaile… Sorry Merv that you and Cris were unable to make it this time. Pete is a regular at the meets as long as he’s not working and hopefully you will catch up in the future.

Pete Prescott… This a photo from the great Western festival at Lincoln. Hamish Imlach is on stage. I took this photo 44 years ago (I think it was on the Saturday afternoon)
I couldn’t move from inside the enclosure (there was a gap in the fences in the photo ) some of us got inside.i saw among others nazerath wishbone ash stone the crow’s the faces Rory Gallagher.i was 15, it was a big deal for me.  Some guy sold wax refuse bags from the back of a lorry. Many of us had them as it was raining. I crawled inside it (it was like a long sock )I then punched a hole in it and watched the bands. It must have looked strange from the stage. Thousands of muffled claps from inside brown wax bags !Just before The Faces came on John Peel played Voodoo Chile we all emerged from our bags and danced.
At the end of the show I walked through the chaos of the festival to my brother Stephens car. There was a huge area of foam. People we’re running through it. Making little tunnels. Mad. There was a lot of hippies standing round a guy who was laying on the ground. He looked dead. When i saw apocalypse now some scenes reminded me of it. When i got to the car I couldn’t get in as he and his friends were asleep in it so after eating some bread and jam I crawled into the little tent by the car. I awoke curled around a huge puddle that had spread into most of the tent. My first and second fingers were stuck together with jam (no knife)
The girls who came with Steve and his friend hated it so we had to leave. I missed Joe Cocker Genesis and Humble Pie and Don McLean (American pie and Vincent were no 1’s around then) but I was grateful to see what I did. What a weekend ! I’ll never forget it. I couldn’t believe Steve took me. He was killed two weeks later.

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photo Pete Prescott

Sarah Harvey… Having just organised the Hastings Rock Fest 2016 Jo, you take me back exactly 40 years when I organised the Ore Group a Festival in 1976. Old habits die hard 🙂

 

SMART coffee meet 28 – Friday 27th May 2016

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New people are most welcome to join us.

Carol Bolton… That’s my b/day!

Alan Esdaile… It would be great to see you Carol.

Lauren Gower… I’d love to come but work Fridays.

Cliff Wootton… Looking forward to it. Hopefully I’ll be able to get another couple of copies of the Factory CD for friends who have heard about it and want a copy.

Kevin Burchett… this afternoon the birds will have to wait I’m going, its free.

Alan Esdaile… A BIG thank you to everyone who turned up today. I will post a report over the weekend.

 

SMART 27 coffee meet report

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Horrible drizzly day but the sun was shining inside The White Rock Hotel. Among the newbies this time were Cris and Merv Kennard and Darren Johnson. Cris had a great photo of The Krusaders from 1963 featuring Roger & David Barnett and David & Tony Booth. Merv had photos of when he was a very popular dj, running the FM Disco and also the Pirate Disco in the mid 70’s. Darren had some interesting stories to tell about the bands he has seen and shared through his popular blog. Barry French brought along a rare Focus programme from 1976, No Limit and Grundy cassettes and Lost 4 Words cd. Pete Prescott impressed everyone by arriving clutching a Disc Jockey album record shop bag, full of local related band vinyl albums & singles. Including Tich Turner’s Escalator, Jo Jo Laine & The Firm, Ray Fenwicks White Lightning, Sergeant, Forcefield, Teenbeats, Johnny Mars plus loads more and Mick O’Dowd had with him his updated pier cuttings and photos folders. Chat was about Archie’s film, the opening of the pier, BBC’s peoples history of pop, Essence, Scalliwags reunion, Curved Air, The Sundowners. Hastings Rock radio, Butch, Madness and the success of Beatles Day. Also great to see a number of people buying tickets for The Factory gig and the very first copies of the Factory cd. This is just a small bit of what I remember, anything interesting I missed or you were chatting about please feel free to add.

Jim Breeds… Sorry we didn’t make it. Driving home through the forecasted thunderstorms put us off. Fairweather SMARTers!

Cliff Wootton… Just been enjoying the new Factory CD on repeat play in the office while I work. So glad I got this at the SMART meet the other day. The more you listen the more it grows on you.

Geoff Peckham… That’s kind of you to say that, Cliff. Really chuffed that you like it!

Tony Davis… Love the new Factory CD. Looking forward to hearing the guys live on the 29th and playing something on my Hastings Rock show on 30th. Great sounds guys.

Andy Qunta… Thanks for your kind words, Tony!

Lucy Pappas… Can’t wait to get my copy x

SMART coffee meet 27 – Friday 15th April 2016

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Mick O’Dowd… Where are you John Wilde? I’ve run out of sherbert lemons!

John Wilde… I am in Seattle.

Geoff Peckham… The Factrio boys are pleased they have the new CD. They can now listen to it and remember how all the songs went in time for Andy’s return in two weeks. And so can you! It’s available from Saturday. (Although there may be some copies to purchase at the Friday SMART meeting.)

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Darren Paul Johnson… Just moved to Hastings but this sounds just my sort of thing so hope to come along.

Alan Esdaile… You are most welcome to join us Darren.

Darren Paul Johnson… Thanks – I write a music blog here which covers a lot of classic 60s/.70s rock https://darrensmusicblog.com

Sarah Harvey… I will have some tickets with me at the SMART meeting on Friday for The Factory Hastings Rock gig on 29th April 2016 The Marina Fountain….. be prepared for me to nag you to buy some. I can be a right nag-bag.

SMART 26 coffee meet report

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Radio Luxembourg book supplied by Chris Saunders, Q Magazine supplied by Mick O’Dowd, photos supplied by Sarah Harvey.

Another great afternoon. Among the newbies this time were Dennis Wootton, Barry French, Justine Wood and Brian Adams.  Great to see the original members of the second Hat Trick line up from 1979 and 1st Emotion were all present.  Colin Bell had with him the new cd’s from The Honeycombs and The Three Degrees and will be reviewing these shortly.  Cliff & Dennis Wootton had some great photos of the very early Supersound Amps, which their father Alan Wootton made from premises in Kings Road and Mount Pleasant Road. They also had some photos of Eddie Ferret Hot Jazz, anyone remember them?  Barry French had poster from  Sixties Sounds gig on the pier in 1992 with the 6T’S, Soul Express, Ace Of Clubs and Project X and also  Rock N Roll charity dance at Falaise Hall with The Humperdinks.  Barry also had  some great photos and cuttings of First Emotion, Amethyst, Dum Dum Boys, Mice On Ice, The Edge and Grundy. Talk was about Factory playing back in town soon to coincide with the cd release (more info soon). Lots of pier talk as usual, a number of negative comments on line but most people agree with everything now coming together lets be positive about it. Mick O’Dowd had the CD box set of Chris Rea Blue Guitars and The Eurythmics Peace. I had a very early Radio Luxembourg book of Record Stars (thanks to Chris Saunders) which reminded Keith Day of when Adam Faith was at Hastings Museum.  Andre mentioned Carnival Radio is coming back in August and amongst his busy schedule of keeping Hastings memories alive, it looks like he will be on television in Europe. Sarah was talking about Hastings Rock Radio and the forthcoming music fest at Marina Fountain and everyones looking forward to Beatles Day on 3rd April 2016. This is just a small bit of what I remember, please feel free to post here any other interesting chat that I missed.

Geoff Peckham… Sorry to miss it, guys. In France just now. See you at Beatles Day if not before.

Jeanette Steve Jones… Wish l’d been there;-)

Andre Martin… Captured for ever ! great stuff Sarah

Peter Millington… Brilliant pics Sarah

Chris Meachen… Would have loved to come, but busy making stock for a train show..

Pete Prescott… Very frustrated. Hate missing them !

Yvonne Cleland… Awwww lovely pic on the newsletter of Chris x And you, Pete!  x

Jim Breeds… Sorry to have missed it! Is it on SMART +1? 😉

Lucy Pappas… Den and Cliff – did we have a band name when we played at St Helen’s Youth Club in the early 70s?

Neil Steadman… Is this a regular event? It sounds fascinating!

Alan Esdaile… Hi Neil, we have a get together about every 6 weeks and you are most welcome to join us at the next one. Once the dates confirmed I will let you know.

Tony Davis… Hi everyone, sorry to miss the meeting but have not been too well lately, Looking forward to more news about Factory gigs and the CD. See you next time or at Beatles day, whichever happens first.

Cliff Wootton… Another really great afternoon. Was absolutely chuffed to see my brother Den and our longtime buddies Baz and Roger. Topped off the day with fish & chips followed by an evening enjoying Rog’s bass playing at the Dolphin. Fab times. So glad to be reconnecting with my musical roots after I moved away from Hastings in 1978.

SMART 25 report.

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Made it to 2016! After a slow start everyone piled in at 4.00 o’clock and among the newbies this time were Cliff Wootton and Carol Cooksey. Lots of chat about the shock loss of David Bowie with Andre revealing some interesting news about him and Hastings, watch this space. Also the sad loss of ‘Mo’ funeral details on the website. Cliff was talking about the various bands he has played with, guitars and an engrossed chat with Lol about church music.  Colin Bell had new cd’s from Peter Sarstedt and Alcatrazz, look out for reviews soon. Tony Qunta was talking about the new Reuben James Richards track A.S.A.P. he played on and is currently on the A-list of plays on Radio 2. Tony Davis had with Cliff Richard live at ABC Kingston 1962 cd  and on the inside cover list the tour dates when he played the ABC in Hastings. Andre mentioned the History of the Pier Book by Steve Peak is near completion and will be available to coincide with the opening of the pier. Loads of pier talk and also talk about Eyes Of Blond, Eric Harmer Band, Beatles Day, identifying some old musician photos and anyone remember a local group called The Banned?   Congratulations to Elaine Roberts & Neil Roberts from Black Sheep for their song Monopoly  which was runner up in the best song in the Doc’s Blues Award 2015. Pete Prescott mentioned a couple of exciting gigs he is involved with at the Stables Theatre. Sunday 28th February 2016 with Mike Hatchard celebrating the music of Nat King Cole and  Easter Sunday 27th March 2016 with Liane Carroll.  Geoff Peckham (Jaffa) had with him some recordings of the forthcoming Factory CD on his iPod and a number of people got a first listen on the headphones. It’s really good and expect more news shortly on release date and upcoming gigs. This is just a small bit of what I remember, please feel free to add anything interesting that I missed.

Geoff Peckham… Thanks, Alan, for another enjoyable SMART meeting this afternoon. I enjoyed catching up with Andy Knight, among others, and Alan lent me the Eyes of Blond reunion DVDs and CD to check out. I look forward to that – a great band. Good to see everyone again.

Sarah Harvey… Work transpired against me so sorry I couldn’t make it….always miss seeing everyone

Allyson Breeds… Was a lovely afternoon

Mick O’Dowd… Nice Meet although I had to leave early because of being taken out to dinner.

Jim Breeds… We missed you. Nice to see you though Mick. I’m going to look for ear trumpets on Amazon later. Thanks for organising it Alan. Had a good time chatting to all. And not all about music either 🙂 Also good to meet Cliff again after all these years.

Phil Gill… You should’ve said Mick, I could’ve had my people pick you up and drop you at the restaurant.

Cliff Wootton… Really enjoyed catching up with folks I hadn’t seen for a really long time. Looking forward to the next time.

Phil Gill and friends

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Peter Millington… Sorry I missed the meet on Friday – competing demands on my time and I lost! Next time hopefully.

 

SMART coffee meet 25 – Friday 15th January 2016.

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SMART COFFEE MEET 25. The next SMART coffee meet is Friday 15th January 2016 – 3.30pm till 6.00pm in The Seafront Room, White Rock Hotel, Hastings.

Please bring any photos, cuttings, records etc that would be interesting for others to see or just bring yourself and please mention it to other like minded people.

Mick O’Dowd… Thanx for all the birthday wishes from all my fabulous fans. Without you I would be nothing. I’d also like to thank my manager and hair stylist without whom I could not appear in public.I shal be making a rare public appearance at The SMART Meet on Jan 15th and will be willing to sign autographs for you for a small consideration. No seriously folks all best wishes have been gratefully received. Thank You. xx

Jim Breeds… The hair stylist deserves an award!

Andre Martin… Colin, Alan -I think that we will have to check the small print on this character, age can have a profound impact on their state of mind

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supplied by Jim Breeds. photo sourcehttps://uk.pinterest.com/pin/409546159835798885/?fb_ref=486107490937755471%3A6922f48072591f09496dcfc

Jim Breeds… photo above of the The next SMART meet up?

Andre Martin… This is a very acurate image of ” the Gangs All Here” so lets make it a great first for 2016 as a thanks to Alan for his preception and perserverance over the years, and even if the weather is cruel then we must all remember that rule ” THE SHOW GOES ON…..”

Jeanette Jones… Hope y’all have a great meet;-)

 

 

SMART 24 coffee meet report.

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A great turn out for our last meet of 2015 which turned out very magical. Among the newbies this time were Martin Stringer, Martyn Baker, Jim and Allyson Breeds and Margaret Beckett. Martin Baker brought some great cuttings and photos of Before The Storm, The Roaring 80s, Missing Persons, Billy Whiz, The Teenbeats, The Breathers, Titch Turner’s Escalators, Salvation Sunday and loads more. He also had cuttings on The Graffiti Club which I had forgotten about but this was the name of the club underneath The Queens Hotel after it changed from ‘Emmas’. Anyone remember it?  Martin Stringer had with him some great photos of The Abysmal Sister and pre Ritz group photos which we are still trying to find out the name of the group. Jim and Allyson Breeds had with him some Decca 78’s from the 1930’s of The Hastings Municipal Orchestra. Unfortunately we were unable to play them but hope to get them copied across so we can hear them at a later date. He also had The Radio Times from 1972 and lots of rare early Beatles cuttings. Mick O’Dowd brought some Q Magazine photographic supplements which featured many iconic black & white photos. Margaret Beckett was asking everyone for hi res versions of some of the early photos and cuttings we have posted. This is for Archie’s forthcoming pier video.  Roger Carey had with him leaflets of Head On  Martin Casson Agency Pier gigs, Fusion Orchestra, The Kinks, Jon Hiseman Tempest, Wild Turkey, Quadrille, Steamhammer, press cutting of Pueblo and an autograph from the Hawkwind gig. Expecting it to be Lemmy’s but no it was the  exotic dancer Stacia signature!

Halfway through the proceedings we were very lucky that Martin Stringer agreed to treat us to some impressive magic and mentalist tricks. Further chat was about ELO, when John Bonham played Hastings Pier, interesting story from John Petri when he met Jimi Hendrix plus lots more. Anyone else have any other comments to add about interesting bits and stories you discussed then please do so.

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Mick O’Dowd… Quite a “magical” SMART Meet this month. Those of you hardy souls who made it will know why. Interesting find from Jim & Allyson Breeds who brought along some 78’s of The Hastings Municipal Orchestra at The White Rock from 1926! None of the Smarties is old enought to remember this event although some might be feeling they were! Interesting afternoon and totally different to what’s been before. Nice to see our photographer is back from her holidays. Well done Alan as per usual. Take a break ’till next year now.

Jimmy Kent… Cheers Alan, enjoyed myself during the short time I was there. Next time I’ll make sure I can stay longer.

Allyson Breeds… It was fun. I think 😉

Andre Martin… Having seen the original 78s, they are a little bit of History of Hastings Music Scene circa 1930s, let hope that Jim will be able to get they digitally recorded so that we can keep copies in the Museum for future generation to hear.

Andy Qunta… Sounds great! Another fab time missed! 😉

Geoff Peckham… Wish I was there, too. Family duties prevailed again. Hopefully next time.

Chris Baker… What ever happened to Bob Shipway?

Jim Breeds… We had a great time meeting Facebook friends, some of them met in person for the first time. You can’t bottle this stuff, sadly! 🙂