WC JUNE 15

Been working on one of my last interviews before the lockdown. I interviewed actor David Calder (pictured) to tie in with his season at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Sadly, the whole summer season has been cancelled, due to the current Coronavirus. Some of the shows might feature in next year’s programme. David gave me such a fascinating interview I have decided to release it as a new podcast. This will now be online very soon.

I am also working on a County Press feature on the late Island footballer Terry Mursell.

Sad news that the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, will not be opening until their pantomime season in December. The virus has hit the theatre industry so hard.

I was so sad to hear of the death of Dame Vera Lynn. It took me back to 2004 when I went to her home, with my late wife Heather, to interview her. It proved such a perfect day. I have plans to celebrate the life of Dame Vera later in the year.

Nice, at last, to be able to catch up with a few friends. Sitting in gardens has never seemed so much fun.

I attended the funeral of Pat Perkins, a long-term friend to my whole family, on Friday at the Wootton Crematorium. Thankfully, the limit of people attending has risen to 28. I must say it was so well organised and the fact that it  was also online was such a great idea for those on the mainland, in particular, who could not come to the Island for it. Thanks to Sue Edwards it all ran so smoothly and Pat still had a lovely send off. I was honoured to say a few words and read a message from her brother, Terry, who was not able to travel from London. Luckily, he could follow the service online.