WC MARCH 3
Sadly, early in the week I attneded two funerals. On Monday I went to Sandown to celebrate the life of a godd old friend – Joan Sherry – who lived to the age of 94. Such a unique lady – she had a wonderful voice, a willingness to talk, a great sense of humour and was beautifully eccentric. It was great send-off but I just wish there has been more about Joan in a service that lasted 65 minutes. I have some great memories of many moments in her company.
On Tuesday there was a house-full at Wootton Crematorium for the service for Brian Newton from the Wight Strollers, for whom he played dame in panto for many years. It was a fitting send-off and a very moving occasion. I had known Brian for many years and being in his comapny was always such a real plesure. Met a few old friends on this sad occasion.
In 2012 I gave an after-dinner talk at the Ryde Rotary Club and the club president, Neil Gurney, deliberately sat me next to a guy called Phil Hancock. It was an inspired move and I discovered Phil had worked at Abbey Road Studios for over 30 years. I chatted him up to appear on John Hannam Meets and I duly recorded it on Tuesday afternoon – and it was well worth the wait. It is being aired on Sunday March 16. It’s a fascinating interview laced with some memorable records he was involved with.