WC AUGUST 2.
Paid my first visit to New Cross on Tuesday. I can remember as a schoolboy being fascinated by speedway and teams like New Cross. This time it was to catch up with the Brand New Heavies, who come to the Island on August 29, to support Paul Weller at Carisbrooke. Founder member Simon Bartholomew was most hospitable and recalled childhood holidays on the Isle of Wight. He suggested I travelled back into the centre of London via the new New Cross Docklands Railway. It was a long way around to Waterloo but well worth it. I was in one of the great new carriages with so many young Spaniards – who were great fun. They were keen to give up a seat for me – oh dear!! Am I getting that old!!!
The Kenny Ball Wednesday night at the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club was a great success and the band were in super form. Kenny, now 80, is a great front man and still an ace showman. Supported by some brilliant musicians, within his Jazzmen, it was a night to remember. I had a quick word him after the show before they headed for the midnight ferry. I was flattered to know he loved our recent radio interview. I had sent his office a CD copy.
Saw an excellent production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Budbridge Manor, near Arreton. Clearly heard a four-letter word – beginning with f. This was hardly Shakespeare – surely!!!
Starting to plan two more interview CDs to release just before Christmas, again featuring stars and local characters no longer with us.
I had a dilema on Saturday night. I had to work for a while and attend Mick Bull’s special birthday at the Shanklin Football Club. He has been a welcome friend since the 70s. I managed to do both. The big band night at the Winter Gardens, Ventnor, was pure heaven. Seventeen top British musicians, including several who had played with Ted Heath and Benny Goodman, were simply amazing – and real talent was on view. Kenny Martyn was returning to the Island for the first time since 1984. Much has happened to him since his summer at Sandown Pavilion. He played some superb Benny Goodman music at Ventnor. Amongst the legends in the band was trumpet star Tony Fisher. We had a quick chat and I will now be going to his Surrey home to interivew him. As well as playing for several top bands he has been a session musician for over 30 years – and he played on The Beatles Sgt Pepper album and for so many other world stars, including Sinatra, Ella and Bing. All will be revealed in the autumn.
Got to Mick’s party and met so many old friends and it was a great finale to a busy Saturday. Mick looked younger than he did ten years ago.!!! Remarkable. It’s probably because he’s given up his football reporting.