WC APRIL 11.
It was 9-15am on Monday morning and I had just finished two hours of early morning work on a forthcoming show when the exciting news came through that two guests were confirmed for future John Hannam Meets. I can’t wait to meet Billy Ocean, who has had so many world hits. I was also delighted to be invited on to Isle of Wight Radio’s breakfast show on Thursday between 8 and 9am. This is the very day of our 20th anniversary.I love working with youngsters – well they are compared to me. I have also begun working on a couple of surprises for Friday night when I compere the show starring Pat Reader, The Tornados, Brian Sharpe and The Mix, at the Medina Theatre, Newport. Don’t tell the promoter, Mike Reader.
One of my most favourite television programmes of the past three years has been Larkrise to Candleford. It’s such relaxing viewing, no four letter words, none of the all-too-familiar storylines that appear in just about every other programme, great acting and lovely escapism to a much more naive world. The last two series have been even better than the first one. One of the reasons for this is the inclusion of a new character, Minnie the post office maid, played by the brilliant young actor Ruby Bentall, who has such a future ahead. I’m even more delighted to report that today she has agreed to appear on John Hannam Meets.
Wednesday night was spent at the Memorial Hall, Freshwater, watching an enthusiastic production of 70 Girls 70, when some of the West Wight’s more mature performers had a chance to shine.
In complete contrast, on Thursday I went to the Kings, Southsea, to see Elkie Brooks in concert. What a night! Miss Brooks was in superb form and clearly proved, unlike Whitney Houston, her voice just gets better and better. Elkie is right up there with the best of them and such a role model for young performers. How many of today’s singing stars will still be belting out songs at 65?
On Friday night I was thrilled to compere the Medina Theatre show that starred The Tornados, Pat Reader, Brian Sharpe and The Mix. Congrats to all concerned – it was a great night. Pat, who made records for Joe Meek, in the 60s, performed her stage act for the first time in 45 years. Well done gal!!! We were at Cowes Secondary together – perhaps I’ll leave it there. The Tornados, a last minute replacement for the unwell Craig Douglas, received a standing ovation. Well done to promoter Mike Reader and there is the promise of more shows to come. Their drummer, Clem Catinni, who has been with them since day one, has played on 47 number one hits. He’s agreed to talk about his remarkable life on a forthcoming John Hannam Meets. He plays drums on Paul Weller’s new single.
The week ended so well with the IW Radio Open Day. All the team and management worked so hard and it was great to see some old faces from the station’s past 20 year history. The cakes were great, too. How nice to meet many of our listeners. It was also nice to see Graham Fenton turn up. He is the lead singer of Matchbox and has appeared seven times on Top of the Pops.
My Saturday was completed by my fourth show in four days. It was the farce Pull The Other One at Bembridge Village Hall. The audience just loved it. Farce can still really work – and the ginger beer was rather special.