WC April 5.
Almost had a day off on Easter Monday. Went on a pleasure train trip to Poole and ended up buying four autobiographies at quite brilliant prices. All I need now is the time to read them.
I met an old friend at the ‘old rockers’ February gig who told me her father-in-law, Henry Appel, was 97 and had a great memory. How right she was! I went to his home and recorded a great interview and it will also please those who like local characters on my radio show. Henry has been retired 31 years.
On Wednesday the inlays for my two CDs came nearer to completion and much interest is being shown, already, about their release on May 8.
Chris Packham and yours truly finally managed to confirm arrangements for our interview. With two busy people it had proved difficult. We met at my emergency Northwood studio, the home of my sister in law and brother in law. They even missed Emmerdale to let me use their lounge. Several years ago I interviewed TV actor Roger Walker in their home. Chris was even allowed two Smiths records – and was delighted.
Earlier in the day I had filmed at three locations for a new Shanklin DVD. It was right up my street – talking outside of Shanklin Theatre, the old Summer Theatre, now a seafront amusement arcade, where Arthur Askey enjoyed 8 summer seasons in the 30s, and opposite the spot where the old Casino Theatre, on Shanklin Pier, once stood – before the 1987 Hurricane. Fascinating theatre memories of all threee – although I’m much to young to have visited the Summer Theatre. It closed in 1939.
Just heard that the BBC are interested in broadcasting some more of my old archives from stars of the 50s.
Just had the confirmation that, possibly, the most talked about and controversial soap character of all time has agreed to be on my radio show.
Saw American rock ‘n’ roll legend Charlie Gracie on Friday night at the Shanklin Conservative Club. He was making rock ‘n’ roll records before Elvis. Following his British tours in ’57 and ’58 his fan club included Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Van Morrison, Graham Nash, Joe Cocker and the guys who became the Rolling Stones. Charlie sang and played lead guitar on all his hits. His Guitar Boogle Shuffle influenced a generation of guitarists. Now nearly 74 he delighted a full house. He also recorded a super interview for a future John Hannam Meets. Among the audience was brilliant CP columnist Keith Newbery, who was my mentor in 1975. I have never forgotten the chance he gave me.
Ended the week in another full house at the St Lawrence Village Hall – I go anywhere, you know. The Ventnor Theatre group’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest was rather special. There were nine in the play and only two had ever appeared on stage before. This was my 31st show in the current year for the County Press Amateur Theatre Awards.
There was a sad moment during the week with the sudden death of the wonderful Barbara Walter, such an inspiration to so many people, particularly, Island youngsters. Many of her pupils have ended up in the West End, including Laura Michelle Kelly.