IN THOUGHTS OF BILLY FURY WKD 6-8TH NOVEMBER 2009

As always sarahlea and I arrived at the metropole hotel’ blackpool on Thursday afternoon to settle in’ relax and get ready for the weekends events. And once again more and more people seem arriving on thurs. it’s great to catch up and talk to everyone before the weekend starts.
Our good friends chris and Eunice parsons joined us for a great meal and a few drinks before heading into the bar joining everyone for a beer or two. As we arrived at the bar in the main ballroom we could here billys voice, and then a dance floor full of people dancing to billy fury. The weekend starts here shouted
dj’ nutty Neil Williams and phil [shaky] shakespeare our video genious.
Loads of new billy videos for us all to enjoy. This just gets better and better.
Everybody was having a great time. The hotels acts had finished at 10.30 pm and people were just sat around. A turkey and tinsel 3 day break had just finished and as well as our early starters for the weekend the place was full and rockin. Everybody who was due to leave the next morning asked for leaflets for February as it was the most fun they had had all week. What a start.
After setting up the pa and The big screen and projector You could feel the excitement in the air. Everybody was talking about the weekend ahead. It was gonna be great.
Friday morning 9am and already people are in the ballroom arranging their seating and singing along to the many hits of billy being piped through the hotels speaker system.
The backdrops and pictures are placed on the stage and all around the room. And the stage looked great. Now time for a brew and a few more piccys. The Previous weeks guest leaving the hotel looking into the now transformed concert room’ and wishing they could stay longer and again saying they had a fantastic last night but they would be back for more in February. Only this time for our weekend. The general responce was they love billy fury and didn’t have a clue about his fan base or these events. They do now.
we are ready to rock. Mo coopers gear stall is in place and Soon the persuaders arrive while neil is already playing some great fury classics. including many never played before at the met. the stage is now filled with musical instruments and Billy large as life on the big screen and the room is soon full with excited fans. 4pm the stage is set’ everyone has their room keys and are now gathered in the ballroom as I welcome everyone’ and go through the weekends events with everyone and make sure they all have a programme. Once again introducing neil and phil to the fans and along with a complimentary glass of champagne’ we toast britains greatest rocker‘billy fury’

after dinner its now 7pm and neil hits the stage and plays many of billys great songs and hits’ and many by his rock‘n’ roll friends. while actually watching billy’ eddie cochran’ cliff and elvis ect on the big screen’ its like billy and co are back with us. Again Its well received and the fans are on the dance floor. If a song is played with no visuals a montage of rare and many unseen billy fury photos are shown on the screen.
The jivers are on the floor and the place is rockin’ we are backstage going over the set list and now its time. Neil introduces Colin Paul and the persuaders as our intro kicks in and were off. Hit after hit... last night was made for love, maybe tomorrow’ like ive never been gone’ when will you say I love you’ thats love, once upon a dream’ collette’ running around’ turn your lamp down low’ im lost without you’ run to my loving arms’ halfway to paradise and more. i introduced billys ' mam in the audience and said how sad we all were that albie was unwell and unable to make the weekend. Its the first one he has missed since his heart op in 1992. Get well soon albie we are all thinking of you.
25 top fury songs and everyone a classic. I called event organiser diane wardle to the stage and presented her with a special large framed photo of albie, with the message... well if im not going to be there, then part of me is. And onstage it remained all weekend. Thanks albie. All to soon we are off stage and ready for a beer.
as always the persuaders played fantastic job. As I have said before’ Any musician will tell you there are a lot of chords in these songs and they need to be played spot on. So a big thanks to dave lea’ chris evans’ joe peden and peter Thomas. A great job.

Nutty neil is back on stage playing the rock ‘n’ roll greats and very soon its a welcome return to jimmy semple. Jim has a great voice and specialises in billy’ bobby darin and cliff Richard.Some great 50’s/60’s hits. Ending with a brilliant vertion of halfway to paradise.
After more of billys rockin tracks from neil and the giants of rock 'n' roll on the big screen its time for some great billy prizes won in the raffle myself and the persuaders are ready to rock some more. secret love’ don’t knock upon my door, walk the line revisited’ sweet little rock ‘n’ roller, summertime blues' american trilogy' Johnny b goode’ and much more. All to soon Friday evenings entertainment is over as neil and phil take us into the early hours.

Saturday 10.00am the billy fury 'in thoughts of you fan club' have set up shop with as always some fantastic memorabillia' shirts' cd's dvd's posters/photos ect.
11.00am and once again many people are gathered in the ballroom for sarahlea’s jive lessons. This is now a very popular event and everybody is very soon on the dance floor jiving away to billys rock ‘n’ roll classics.
At 12.30 the day is left free for everybody to take in the sights and shops of blackpool in the rain or stay around the hotel and watch billy fury movies and documentarys on the big screen.

After dinner again the ball room is packed and ready for this evenings festivities. mo and bob coopers gear stall is attracting many people and with the help of flo shaw' many drape jackets' billy fury shirts and 5o's dresses are sold.
Its not long before neil introduces us back on stage for our sixties rock ‘n’ roll show.
Nothing shakin, shaking all over, bridge over troubled water’ fools errand, pretend, unchained melody. to name a few. and very soon it was time to introduce the legendary Merseyside dj/rocker Kenny Johnson. Kenny is a great guy and his musical knowledge reminded me a little of the legendary neil hiley. Everybody was on the dance floor and stayed there until the end of his spot. Kenny is a very young 70 year old and a real pleasure to work with.

Another raffle and more tunes from neil and phil before the lights dim and myself and the persuaders are back on stage. Rock around the clock, Jealousy, move it, do ya wanna dance, only make believe. Washing machine, say mama, lets have a party, wondrous place. Towards the end of the set i invited billys mam, jean to join me on stage for a very emotional in thoughts of you. I have never seen so many tears and cameras flashing. Jean thanked everybody for all their support over the last few months after her fall. She thanked everybody for all their loyalty to billy and for all concerns over albies health. She then passed on a message from albie to thank everybody for their concerns and best wishes and he looks forward to returning in February. Jean then left the stage to an amazing standing ovation. A very proud and special lady. Thanks jean.

all to soon another fabulous evening was drawing to a close. Time for an encore with 3 billy fury classic’ every body in the room with their arms in the air singing along.
Then neil and phil back on stage rockin everybody until 3.00 am.

Sunday morning 10.30 am nutty neil back on the decks and everybody getting ready for the jive competition. This time 4 fantastic winners who receive as always a fabulous billy fury trophy. As we thank neil and phil for a great job over the weekend’ and for all the visuals and time and effort going into producing this fantastic visul video jukebox.. Thanks guys. Again it was like bringing billy back home. neil is a big billy fury fan’ and it shows.
Event organiser diane’ took to the stage to thank everybody for coming’ and then thanking all the acts’ and everybody for being at this now legendary weekend. She announced bookings were now being taken for February. then presented jean Wycherley with a bunch of flowers. a donation from mo cooper to the lipa wards.
As we know Its a great idea to keep billy’s name alive and introduce him to a younger generation
I took to the stage for the final time this wkd to perform my solo tribute to billy’
be mine tonight’ lost without you’aint giving up nothing’ hey mae, gonna type a letter and the now popular turn around look at me, somewhere and halfaw to paradise amongst others.
Soon it was time to invite members of the audience onto the stage to sing their favourite billy song. Special thanks to chris parsons who performed like ive never been gone, I will and his special vertion of I’ll show you. Thanks to the great dave Wilcox for his great vertions of my Christmas prayer and king for tonight. And a great big thankyou to all who got on the stage to give us more great billy fury songs.
everybody goes in for dinner as I dismantle the pa’ backdrops’ posters’ pictures. Load it into the van then a long drive down to pontins at brean sands, somerset for a late show, then dropping dj nutty neil off at 5am at Bristol airport for his flight back home to spain before finally arriving home at 8am Monday morning and straight to bed. Now fully rested and looking back on a fantastic weekend.
A great big thankyou to you all for making it so.

A great weekend thats down to you the fans of billy fury.
as always a special thanks to the management and staff at the metropole hotel - great service and wonderful food - and [blackpool holidays] organisers diane wardle and june roth
If you are a billy fury fan then this wkd is for you’ plenty of billy and rock ‘n roll of the late 50s early 60’s. Hope to see you in February 2010.
For booking forms contact blackpool holidays on 01253-722300

 I would also like to say thankyou to the support and friendship of the billy fury fan club. thanks to vic, jenny, mags and margaret for all their hard work and part in keeping billys memory alive. the fan club souveniers were fantastic. especially the 'maybe tomorrow 50 years of billy shirts. as always look forward to seeing you all at the next one.

Any Place is Paradise

         ELVIS WEEK HEMSBY 2009 
          REVIEW BY SIMON GRAY.
      
                  SEACROFT HOLIDAY VILLAGE
Checking in was completely painless and very efficient. I know some people were a little surprised by the accommodation both good and bad. Your first site of the budget "huts" is a real eye opener, Hi-Di-Hi comes to mind. That or the scene from Great escape where Steve McQueen takes his ball and catching mitt into the cooler! They are however surprisingly warm and although small, fine for one’s or two’s who don’t have 13 suitcases of clothes. Before any panic, Kevin has secured the up market accommodation so next year you only get the cooler if you book last minute!!! The other accommodation is well maintained and the heating and hot water is constantly available (even if the shower wasn’t hot enough). Obviously we miss the kitchen facility and having a chalet-party is probably out. You can fit in a small fridge and toaster fine and there is a kettle, cups & saucers and you do get towels. You could tell anyone who has been before because the George Forman grills were a must-have accessory, must have seen a dozen being unpacked. One thing that never had a bad word said about it was the ballroom, brilliant stage, great shape, right size and you are never far from the bar. Talking of which the bar staff were very good indeed, even with the influx of weekenders making them very busy Fri/Sat/Sun they served with a smile on their faces and I was impressed that waiting time was minimal. I think its fair to say that once people got settled in they liked their hut, shed or luxury apartment. All of which are much nearer to the main facility than before, so much easier to stagger back home to. The food facilities were a mixed bag, by which I’d say the food was well cooked and very reasonably priced but I think they only had 6 recipes translated into whatever foreign language the chef was. As you walked past the food initially it was very impressive with Curry, Lasagne, Steak & Kidney Pie, Fried Fish, Shepherds Pie, Curry, Lasagne, Steak & Kidney Pie, Fried Fish, Shepherds Pie, Curry, Lasagne, Steak & Kidney Pie, Fried Fish, Shepherds Pie. Then you realised it was one lot of food and a shit load of mirrors (Peter Kayism) and what was worse was the moment you realised you were stuck with these same 6 items every day, for lunch and evening meal. If I ever see another Lasagne it will be too soon! Joking aside you did also get choices of all sorts of potatoes and veg and it’s the first time I’ve got home after Elvis week without craving for something healthy to eat.
Monday
As soon as I saw the stage set with Nutty Neil spinning the discs I knew that the lovely ballroom had at last got a crowd of people worthy of it and Elvis had a new room to shake into life. The first night, which just happened to be a Monday this time around, was all Elvis as usual. He soon blew away the memory of the over 80’s playing bingo and the night came alive with the sound of the KING. First nights are brilliant because you get to see most of your extended family in one hit and it’s as if you have never been away. Of course there are always a few people that are conspicuous by their absence for various reasons and this year that number was higher than normal. Some did turn up for the weekend and others I’m sure will be back in their rightful place next year. Neil had the place rocking and it took all of 5 mins for us to be back in the swing of Elvis week and then it didn’t matter where on earth the ballroom was, it was Elvis and it was home. A word or two of respect for one member of the Elvis family, who very sadly passed away during the year. Mary Roberts may not have been with us in person but I’m sure that Mary was there in spirit and you were remembered by everyone.

Tuesday
The day began with the usual lunchtime frivolities of a quiz and Karaoke, a few sore heads and loads of people still too comatosed to emerge yet. The quiz was all on album covers mixed up to disguise them but I think the hardest part was seeing the screen and keeping the pictures on there long enough. Nobody wants to admit they’re not 18 any longer and we had a few technical hitches with our equipment but it was all taken in good spirit and laughed off which is the Hemsby way. Fortunately Chris held it all together while the other chap watched in wonderment and they got away with it. This was pretty much the theme for the quiz all week along with questions over Chris’s sexuality. How a guy with a beautiful wife and 5 kids can be questioned is beyond me, they will be saying Rock Hudson was gay next. Karaoke was also a bit lightweight this year and no Tony Graham to help Geoff compere, hope he’s back next year. Geoff did admirably and got every day off with a song in tune. Unfortunately it didn’t always stay in tune throughout the hour despite best efforts. It would be unfair to pick out any wobbly performances so I can’t mention a Be-Bop-A-Lula, which went from middle C to off the chart and of course the now famous one off wonder who can only be Mark Coopey. It is little publicised that Mark was actually a choir boy and as a young boy and stunned audiences with his vocal range. He only sings out of tune at Hemsby for the comic effect and just like Les Dawson on piano it takes great skill to sing every 6^th note out of pitch. Mark, we wouldn’t have you any other way mate, a diamond. Talking of diamonds there was some great Neil Diamond songs from Glen. Others of note were Simon (Crisp), Matt and Phil. At one point I did think I’d walked into the dream or in this case "nightmare" sequence from Edge of Reality. The only way I could describe the said performance is, it looked like a rabid dog, on heat, which had just been castrated and force fed a plate of hot coals. It was then trying to bark for its owner to put it out of its misery with a shotgun. I’m sure that there would be many takers for the last part as the performer in question was none other than Little Elvis barking Great Balls of fire. Kelvin says he’s a good old stick, I’d rather beat him with a good old stick. If you are reading this Little Elvis you know I’m only joking, I wouldn’t use a stick when I have a baseball bat in the car.
The lunchtime band was Blast Off and loads of people danced and strolled throughout the set, as always great entertainment and really nice to see the original line up again, great show guys.
Koo Ka Choo provided the night time show and that is what you always get with them a real show. They certainly put on a show this time and the kids at the front of stage were mesmerised by the music, dancing and costumes, not to mention Keith’s bum! I have to say that I have heard Keith (lead singer) in better voice on previous occasions but fortunately KKC are a show band and that part was up to usual standards. I understand that 70’s isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but being of a certain age now 70’s music helps me relive my childhood for an hour or so. Good fun and although the wobbly bum bit may have been a bit much for the kids I have to say that the way they got the kids up to do Wig Wham Bam was brilliant. Those kids will remember that for a long time and they were still smiling hours after the show. Wednesday As well as the usual Karaoke and quiz, (co stars as they look now, god help Nancy Sinatra) we had a impromptu stand up show from Little Elvis. I’m sure that he’s practised the jokes since last year but both the jokes and impressions were older than the Turkey and Tinsel mob and thankfully Chris intervened and put us out of our misery, shame he didn’t take that further and put Little Elvis out of his, permanently. The lunchtime band were The Kingcats and the response to them was excellent. They managed to get everyone going and are more than worthy of an evening spot next time around. With great energy and a very good sound they rocked through some classics and lesser know tunes and the hour flew by. New talent to Elvis week but I’m sure we’ll see them back, hopefully the same won’t be said about the evening act Matchbox. Now in late ‘79 these guys rocked into the charts with “Rockabilly Rebel” (charted to 18) then “Midnite Dynamos” (charted to 14) and managed a top ten hit “When You Asked About Love” (reached No 4) All of which means MATCHBOX came with a big expectation and sadly they just didn’t live up to it. They weren’t actually bad, just a let down on what was hoped for. The fact that they saved the already mentioned songs until they had finished and were supposedly just the encore backfired because people had lost interest early in the set. The hits did mean the encore was much better than the rest of the show and people sang along but it didn’t quite make what was a dull set a memorable performance. I accept Graham is knocking on a bit and that has to be taken into account, can’t expect him to be bopping around like the early 80’s but sorry they don’t gain my thumbs up for a Hemsby return, or at least not our side of the camp the oldies would love him.

ThursdayThe quiz was pictures of famous people morphed with Elvis and the last one had people really guessing, was it two pictures of Elvis ? Was it Lisa Marie and Elvis or the most popular answer which was film hunk George Clooney? All of which gave Chris a chuckle as it was actually no other than the multi-talented Chris Bowdidge himself. What a compliment, to be taken as a young Elvis must have made his week.The lunchtime act was Colin Paul complete with loads of new songs, Bobby Goldsboro’s  “Honey”, “Turn Around Look At Me“, “Poor Man’s Poor” which Elvis buffs will recognise the significance of. There was a wonderful version of the Orion song “I’ll be with you always”, (feel a video coming on) but it was a song I’m sure not everyone will have heard before “Nothing Short of Dying” written by Travis Tritt that got me, what a great rendition of a beautiful song, just superb. Of course the big Elvis ballads knocked your socks off and its no wonder that Colin gets through quite a few microphones, just how far away does he have to hold the mic when he sings “Hurt“, Colin you need longer arms mate … Fantastic entertainment from start to finish cheers.Evening act sent a whisper around the room as the Firebirds took to the stage but without Richie on base! I’m sure Kelvin heard this whisper because by the end of the first song he’d asked Jim to introduce the new slap bass player. Of course any band would miss a character like Richie, his big smiling face and antics were always a part of the show. However Jim’s vocals were as usual excellent and he was ably backed. In fact the new guy seems to have added to the aesthetics for half the audience at least. After all JJ is getting on a bit! Only Joking JJ, mind you the track-suit bottoms don’t enhance your reputation. I enjoyed the set and although I did miss Richie messing around I think that the Firebirds are well and truly alive and kicking, sounding great as always. FridayRockin’ The Joint no that’s not what Steve Mc-A-hula did on the karaoke or even Chris with the quiz (along the lines of Jeopardy) it was the name of the lunch time act. They were ok but would have to come last for me, if I put the lunch time acts in order of entertainment value. If I’m honest they didn’t do anything to make you remember them and it was pretty run of the mill. Friday lunch time wasn’t the easiest day to get people going and I’m sure that a few people were taking a break ready for the weekend push but it did seem a little flat. The evening saw the first of two nights of the Number One Show with 60’s hits performed by two very pretty girlie’s and I think there might have been some blokes as well. Entertaining to watch and the girls have pretty good voices. The guys voices are quite average but the overall sound is good and musically they are excellent. Good mix of songs and outfits and I enjoyed it.  SaturdayHemsby is a family affair and so were the Saturday lunchtime act Class of  58. Dad on lead guitar and main vocals, mum on slap bass and vocals, 15 year old son on drums and 13 year son on keyboards and vocals. A talented family who made a good sound and put on a show. Dad who covered the vocal duties didn’t have the greatest voice and once the youngest sons voice breaks vocals may be a problem as his high voice vocals were a very entertaining feature. Mum wasn’t exactly “eye candy” but she sure could play bass and that was the main thing. Good lunchtime act.Second instalment of the Number One show and it was 70’s. Rather more tame than Monday’s 70’s but still entertaining especially the ABBA outfits! I think they did the 60’ numbers slightly better but it was fairly close.  SundayThe quiz answers were all marked and congrats to the “Smokey Mountain Boys” who was ably led by Aaron Spicer and also thanks to everyone who took part. Without fans joining in it wouldn’t be fun for everyone. Chris did a great job of not only compereing but juggling DVD players, laptops and the sound desk while looking just like George Clooney. The Karaoke saw its last song and we should say a really big thanks to Geoff who worked tirelessly to entertain us and ensure those who want to have a sing song to get the chance. Thanks to all that did sing because again if no one takes part we don’t have a holiday. The lunch time band were Union Gap but without Gary Puckett but still with “Young Girl”. They surprised me because the set was entertaining, I expected some semi-famous has-beens who would be lost without the main star but they obviously weren’t and when they finally played “Young Girl”  (and not as a encore) the whole crowd sang along. Another good lunch time act.The last night was fittingly left to Colin Paul and the Persuaders along with The Passionettes and I have to agree with Kelvin when he said if anyone didn’t enjoy the show they must be crazy. Colin tore up the stage with power ballads and rockin’ songs and the band were there on every beat. Love the extra sparkle added by the Passionettes, it was a brilliant end to the weeks entertainment. Once again Colin surprised with different songs, Young and Beautiful was terrific , Bridge Over Troubled Water was powerful yet soft in places and What Now My Love was pure brilliance. No song was a let down and it was a performance right from the very top draw and all without a jumpsuit or wig in sight. Colin is a must for the 30 years after event and I can’t wait to see which new songs we will be treated to. There’s talk of a Gospel show next year and I for one can’t wait “Bosom of Hemsby”Of course we always pay our respects to Elvis and this year was no exceptions, the minutes silence was impeccably observed and you good have heard a pin drop throughout. All the younger fans seem to know how important this minute is and were brilliant. Following the silence we had “A Single Shinning Star” a tribute song by Colin Paul played with pic’s up on the screen and I’m sure people had Elvis in their hearts. Family is what Hemsby is about and the family were together in that moment. Then Neil got the dance floor packed again and we boogied the last hours away. Throughout the week Neil was great, working tirelessly despite fighting Hemsby throat and missing his lovely Sarah. He was tops in not only quantity but more importantly quality, great job. Getting all the younger fans on stage to do Queenie Wahine was one of the highlights, its so great to see Elvis is in good hands and the kids just love it. Chris was also really busy looking after all the acts and at times I thought he had cloned himself as he was in the sound/light booth and on stage (one of them must have been George). Sorting out the quiz stuff or propping up the bar he always has time for everyone, top guy. Karaoke Geoff not only entertained us with some great songs but is always happy to help other fans and Little John silently goes about making sure things run smoothly. Nice to see him tripping the light fantastic so much this year, perhaps he could teach jiving lessons next year, he has some great moves. Colin gets his praise for what he does best, using that god given voice of his to entertain but I have to say this week he also worked real hard, sound checking and setting up. Lastly Kelvin, what can I say except thanks for sticking with it and making sure we have Hemsby. I know he was concerned and obviously disappointed that numbers dropped due to the circumstances. I think he might of mentioned it once “but I think he got away with it” or maybe not. I’m lucky to have known Kelvin for 30 years and I understand that he says what he feels and maybe not everyone see’s it that way. All I can say is many people would have thrown in the towel half way through this year but not Kelvin and that’s why we had Hemsby this year and next, Kelvin I get it. Bookings for 2010 the 30 year anniversary started well and I really hope to see you all there, all those who enjoyed this year and those who sadly had to miss it. Hemsby is fit and well and I wish the same to our Hemsby family ………..Until next year, take care  

SIMON