IN THOUGHTS OF BILLY FURY WKD 4TH – 6TH NOVEMBER 2011

we arrived at the Metropole Hotel’ Blackpool Early Thursday afternoon to settle in’ relax and get ready for the weekends events. And again its great more people are arriving early. it’s always good to catch up and talk to everyone before the weekend starts. chris and eunice parsons joined Sarahlea and myself at our favourite Chinese Restaurant  and then back to the Hotel to for a few beers. As we arrived at the bar in the main ballroom we met up with many Billy fury fans and regulars of the fury we
ekenders from all over the uk. The weekend starts here said dj’ Nutty Neil Williams and what better way than  with a nice Jd and coke.
So for our early starters for the weekend Neil plugged in his decks and the place was rockin. As always Everybody who was due to leave the next morning asked for leaflets for March. As we have heard many times before.What a start. Unfortunatly Phil [Shaky] couldn’t join us this time.
After setting up the Pa and The big screen and projector , As always You could feel the excitement in the air. Everybody was excited about the weekend ahead.  Although a little sad with the passing of Billys Brother Albie in September.
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. The stage looked fantastic. time for a brew or two and a few more Piccys. Mo coopers gear stall is in place and the Persuaders arrive while Neil is already playing some great Fury classics. including many rare Billy recordings. 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. Introducing Neil to the fans and along with a complimentary glass of champagne’ we toast Britains greatest Rocker Billy Fury’ And remind people that our Guest of Honour [Mrs Jean Wycherley] will be arriving soon and to Approach her tactfully as im sure they would.

After dinner its now 7pm and Neil is back stage and playing many of Billys great songs and hits’ along with hits from his  Rock ‘n’ Roll Friends. while actually watching Billy’ Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and Elvis etc on the big screen. The fans are on the dance floor. As you know, 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’ myself and the persuaders – Joe, Peter, Chris and our new Keyboard Player Peter [Ped] Taylor are backstage going over the set and soon its time. Neil introduces Colin Paul and the persuaders as the intro kicks in and were off. Hit after hit... Wondrous Place, Maybe Tomorrow, Running around, like ive never been gone’ run to my loving arms, once upon a dream’ collette’ im lost without you’ And a nice Little Duet with Billy! On Nobodys child, and more. I introduce Billys ' Mam to the audience with a heartfelt standing ovation.  again how sad we all Are for the Loss of Albie. We performed Albies singing the blues, a hit he had in the 60’s for Joe Meek. With everybody singing along it was great.  Then it was Time for in my opinion Albies greatest song Helpless. a nice Tribute to a very Dear friend who will be greatly missed. over 25 top fury songs and all classics All to soon we are off stage and ready for a few beers.
I gotta say again there are a lot of chords in these songs and they need to be played right. So a big thanks to Joe,  Chris, Peter and Peter [ped] it has to be said with us being so busy we hadn’t had time to rehearse the Billy set and Ped did a fantastic job A great job very well done. He has fitted into the band perfectly. Im so proud of my band.

Nutty neil is back on stage playing the Rock ‘n’ Roll Giants and then its a much welcome return to our friend Dean Hubert. and the floor is packed. Everybody singing along to the hits of 60’s  and the hits of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Dean performed many rare Billy tunes including i’ve gotta horse, your swell and play it cool amongst others. After more  Rockin’ Billy tracks from Neil on its time for some great prizes won in the raffle. Its time to rock some more. Cmon everybody, shake rattle and roll, one more last chance,Marie Marie,  it’ll be me, rock this town,  walk the line revisited’ a thousand stars’ just pretend, sweet little rock ‘n’ roller, Let it be me, true love travels on a gravel rd, Johnny b goode’ nothing shakin and much more. Before we encore with more Billy songs including his anthem ‘Halfway to paradise. Everybody in the room was singing along. It was really nice to hear and see. Our part in Friday Evenings entertainment is over as Neil 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 memorabilia' shirts' cd's dvd's posters/photos ect.

11.00am and once again lots people are gathered in the ballroom for Sarahlea’s  jive lessons. Infact its the biggest turn out to date and we quickly allocated more room for Dancing. This is so popular and everybody is soon on the dance floor jiving away to Billy’s rock ‘n’ roll classics.

At 12.30 the rest of the day is left free for everybody to take in the sights and shops of Blackpool or stay around the hotel and watch a Tribute to Albie, a concert he performed in tribute to ‘our kid’ on the big screen.

After dinner 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' and George and Sheila Evans. many drape jackets' Billy fury shirts and 50's dresses are sold.
Its not long before Neil introduces us back on stage for our Rock ‘n’ Roll show.
Rock around the clock, Dont knock upon my door, I need your love tonight, High school confidential, Fools Errand, A mess of blues, Cross my heart. to name a few. and very soon it was time to introduce back by popular demand Mr Billy Dean. Billy was with us about four years ago and always delivers a great Rockin set. Pleny of Jivers  and more. Everybody was on the floor and the drinks were flowing. more tunes from Neil then myself and the Persuaders are back on stage. Running around, Whole lotta shakin , Slowdown, Move it, Do you wanna dance, Only make believe. Say mama, Maybe Tomorrow, 20 flight rock, Forget him. Then something quite special happened, we struck up with In thoughts of you and Billys mam appeared at the front of the stage, I held the microphone to her and she sang her heart out. I gotta say there wasnt a dry eye in the house including myself. The applause was deafening as she held on to me tightly the tears were flowing then she made her way through the crowd back to her seat. The next song for us was i will, and i found it very hard to sing. God bless Jean Wycherley. What many people don’t know is that Albies Hat was on stage all wkd sat on top of a microphone stand as a mark of respect. Jean knew and gave her permission. A cd of Albies music was released over the wkd called Heart and Soul and is available from the fan club. It sold out at Blackpool.all to soon another Fabulous evening was drawing to a close. Time for an encore with 3 Billy fury classics’ every body in the room with their arms in the air singing along.
Then Neil was back on stage Rockin everybody until around 3 am.


Sunday morning 10.30 am Nutty Neil back on the decks and everybody getting ready for the jive competition. 3 fantastic couples received a fabulous Billy Fury trophy. we thank Neil for a great job over the weekend.I was back on stage for my solo Tribute to Billy. Gonna type a letter, A millon miles from Knowhere, All my hopes, Somebody else’s girl, Give me your word and many more classics along with some Rockers and with some Tom jones and Des o connor  thrown in, yes i said Des o connor. A beautiful song called I pretend. Thats the only one though. lol.
Event organiser diane’ took to the stage to thank everybody for coming’ and then thanking all the acts’ and thanking all for being at this legendary weekend. She announced bookings were now being taken for march. then presented jean Wycherley with a bunch of flowers and all our thoughts for Albie. A book of condolances was there for all to sign over the wkd. Then 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


Soon it was time to invite members of the audience onto the stage to sing their favourite Billy song. Including Chris parsons, Mark Tate, [Little Elvis] John from Liverpool And a great big Thankyou to all who got on the stage to give us more great Billy songs. As i said The booking desk was open for march and a large queue had formed. Nobody wants to miss out on our next event.

all too soon its time for dinner as we dismantle the Pa’ Backdrops’ Posters’ pictures. Load it into the van and after saying our goodbyes and looking forward to the next one in march its time for home as we all look back on a fantastic weekend.

A great big thank you to you all for making it such a very special and popular weekend. thats down to you the fans of Billy Fury.
A Special thanks to the Management and staff at the Metropole Hotel,And [ Blackpool Holidays ] organisers Diane Wardle and June Roth.

This weekend is a must for any Billy Fury fan of the late 50s early 60’s. Hope see you in March 2012
For booking forms contact Blackpool Holidays on 01253-722300
I would also like to say Thank you to the Billy Fury fan club. Thanks to Jenny, Albert and Gail and Mags and Margaret for all their hard work and part in keeping Billys memory alive. the fan club souveniers were fantastic. as always we look forward to seeing you all at the next one. I would like to dedicate the whole weekend to Billy’s Mam Jean. One very Special and Brave Lady. and of course to the Memory of her Boys. Also A Great big Thanks to Billy Fury whom without,  this weekend would not be possible. Long Live his Music. 


  

TALE OF TWO KINGS 28^TH FEBRUARY 2011 - Review by Edna ling.

Sunday 6.30pm we thought we would arrive at the Garrick theatre a little early so we could park and have a drink before the place got a little full. On arrival at the front of the theatre already was a line of around 40 people waiting to get in and browse through the Elvis and Billy fury memorabilia stall that we could see through the window. Soon we were inside and picking up our souveniers of Elvis, Billy and Colin paul. There were t-shirts, pens, badges, cd,s dvd,s ect and all reasonably priced. I bought an Elvis watch, a Billy fury shirt and a Colin paul and the persuaders dvd and cd. We were escorted to our seats to the sounds of Elvis and Billy in the background. Sitting comfortably 7 rows from the front we noticed a large screen at the back of the stage with a picture of  Billy and Elvis together and the title ‘A tale of two kings’ i have heared many good reports about this show and now very excited, i was about to witness for myself what im sure would be a great show. The stage was packed with instruments and two ten foot high picture stands of the two kings. I knew this was gonna be great. Part 1 – Billy Fury 7.30pm the theatre was full. The lights dimmed to the sound of we want Billy. We want Billy. The band then kicked off with a meaty vertion of wondrous place. The Passionettes [backing singers] danced across the stage to take their place and dressed in a beautiful grey suit on walked Colin Paul to a thunderous applause. Hit after hit followed and the sound was spot on. The guys in the band wore very tidy grey suits and ties and the girls were dressed in 50,s fashion grey skirts and tops. They all looked fantastic.The screen lit up with images and movies of Billy and all the memories came flooding back. I’d never find another you, cross my heart, collette, its only make believe. The hits just kept coming. a very sexy don’t knock upon my door including two couples jiving on the stage. Soon followed by a beautiful tear jerking vertion of , im lost without you, with Colin putting so much emotion into this number, I don’t think there was a single person in the audience who wasn’t touched by this song. More hits followed.... running around, once upon a dream, forget him, nothing shaking, fools errand, a thousand stars, in thoughts of you, jealousy and many more. Everything about this set was magic and the whole audience were bopping and singing along. Colin told us stories about each individual song and his love for Billy and his music really shone through. All to soon it was end of part one and a fantastic tribute to our greatest original rocker. Halfway to paradise was in full flow as the music dipped a little in the middle so the audience could be heared singing along and building up to a great finish. Well done Colin Paul and the persuaders/passionettes. Part two was in half an hour and i can’t wait. Off to the bar for a top up i think.  Part 2 – Elvis Presley Sitting patiently in our comfy seats the lights dimmed to a fantastic intro and explosion and that familier sound of 2001. Everybody clapping along with the passionettes as colin makes his entrance to see see rider. Dressed in a black high collared suit with a beautiful white shirt. Loads of elvis classics here.... burning love, jailhouse rock, moody blue, you gave me a mountain, girl of my best friend, if i can dream, a big hunk o love. Then the Suprise of the evening. Colin announced that the ideal dream would be to do a duet with Elvis, but seeing as he wasn’t around anymore, it would be difficult to do. Then he said his voice will always be around and Elvis would be heared forever more. And what followed was amazing. Joe peden the lead guitarist picked up his acoustic guitar and while sat on a stool started to play the 1969 Elvis classic ‘in the ghetto’ then unbelievably it was Elvis talking then singing. Then Colin came in and they were dueting, with Elvis on the screen. I can tell you everybody in that theatre had goose bumps. It was totally amazing. I believe you can view it on you tube. How do you top that? More Elvis classics followed and Colin joking around with the audience and band. It was a joy to see. People were jiving in the aisles to promised land, Johnny be goode ect. Next the guys performed some of my fave Elvis songs from the 70’s just pretend, what now my love and colins trademark ‘hurt’. more classics followed including suspicious minds, the wonder of you and American trilogy with everybody stood up waving their arms in the air. Colin thanked the light and sound crew and introduced the members of the persuaders. Joe peden on guitar, chris evans on bass, dave lea on piano, peter Thomas on drums and the passionettes- Dionne and louise. a Truly talented band and singers.The sounds of cant help falling in love filled the air and we knew this was the end of a fantastic evening. The guys and girls walked to the front of the stage to the sounds of the audience clapping, shouting for more and cheering. They held hands and took a final bow before leaving the stage. All i can say is what an unbelievable experience. Colin proves time and time again you don’t have to hide behind an Elvis jumpsuit to pull off the best show i have seen in many years. We headed to the bar where everybody was on a high. Colin and the guys/girlsjoined the large crowd and talked and mingled with everybody. If a tale of two kings comes to a theatre near you. Don’t hesitate. Get yourself a ticket for three none stop hours of great music you will remember. Cant wait for the next one. 

TALE OF TWO KINGS 28^TH FEBRUARY 2010

By Jeanette Johns.

Sunday 6.30pm we thought we would arrive at the Garrick theatre a little early so we could park and have a drink before the place got a little full. On arrival at the front of the theatre already was a line of around 40 people waiting to get in and browse through the Elvis and Billy fury memorabilia stall that we could see through the window. Soon we were inside and picking up our souveniers of Elvis, Billy and Colin paul. There were t-shirts, pens, badges, cd,s dvd,s ect and all reasonably priced. I bought an Elvis watch, a Billy fury shirt and a Colin paul and the persuaders dvd and cd. We were escorted to our seats to the sounds of Elvis and Billy in the background. Sitting comfortably 7 rows from the front we noticed a large screen at the back of the stage with a picture of  Billy and Elvis together and the title ‘A tale of two kings’ i have heared many good reports about this show and now very excited, i was about to witness for myself what im sure would be a great show. The stage was packed with instruments and two ten foot high picture stands of the two kings. I knew this was gonna be great. Part 1 – Billy Fury 7.30pm the theatre was full. The lights dimmed to the sound of we want Billy. We want Billy. The band then kicked off with a meaty vertion of wondrous place. The Passionettes [backing singers] danced across the stage to take their place and dressed in a beautiful grey suit on walked Colin Paul to a thunderous applause. Hit after hit followed and the sound was spot on. The guys in the band wore very tidy grey suits and ties and the girls were dressed in 50,s fashion grey skirts and tops. They all looked fantastic.The screen lit up with images and movies of Billy and all the memories came flooding back. I’d never find another you, cross my heart, collette, its only make believe. The hits just kept coming. a very sexy don’t knock upon my door including two couples jiving on the stage. Soon followed by a beautiful tear jerking vertion of , im lost without you, with Colin putting so much emotion into this number, I don’t think there was a single person in the audience who wasn’t touched by this song. More hits followed.... running around, once upon a dream, forget him, nothing shaking, fools errand, a thousand stars, in thoughts of you, jealousy and many more. Everything about this set was magic and the whole audience were bopping and singing along. Colin told us stories about each individual song and his love for Billy and his music really shone through. All to soon it was end of part one and a fantastic tribute to our greatest original rocker. Halfway to paradise was in full flow as the music dipped a little in the middle so the audience could be heared singing along and building up to a great finish. Well done Colin Paul and the persuaders/passionettes. Part two was in half an hour and i can’t wait. Off to the bar for a top up i think.  

Part 2 – Elvis Presley Sitting patiently in our comfy seats the lights dimmed to a fantastic intro and explosion and that familier sound of 2001. Everybody clapping along with the passionettes as colin makes his entrance to see see rider. Dressed in a black high collared suit with a beautiful white shirt. Loads of elvis classics here.... burning love, jailhouse rock, moody blue, you gave me a mountain, girl of my best friend, if i can dream, a big hunk o love. Then the Suprise of the evening. Colin announced that the ideal dream would be to do a duet with Elvis, but seeing as he wasn’t around anymore, it would be difficult to do. Then he said his voice will always be around and Elvis would be heared forever more. And what followed was amazing. Joe peden the lead guitarist picked up his acoustic guitar and while sat on a stool started to play the 1969 Elvis classic ‘in the ghetto’ then unbelievably it was Elvis talking then singing. Then Colin came in and they were dueting, with Elvis on the screen. I can tell you everybody in that theatre had goose bumps. It was totally amazing. I believe you can view it on you tube. How do you top that? More Elvis classics followed and Colin joking around with the audience and band. It was a joy to see. People were jiving in the aisles to promised land, Johnny be goode ect. Next the guys performed some of my fave Elvis songs from the 70’s just pretend, what now my love and colins trademark ‘hurt’. more classics followed including suspicious minds, the wonder of you and American trilogy with everybody stood up waving their arms in the air. Colin thanked the light and sound crew and introduced the members of the persuaders. Joe peden on guitar, chris evans on bass, dave lea on piano, peter Thomas on drums and the passionettes- Dionne and louise. a Truly talented band and singers.The sounds of cant help falling in love filled the air and we knew this was the end of a fantastic evening. The guys and girls walked to the front of the stage to the sounds of the audience clapping, shouting for more and cheering. They held hands and took a final bow before leaving the stage. All i can say is what an unbelievable experience. Colin proves time and time again you don’t have to hide behind an Elvis jumpsuit to pull off the best show i have seen in many years. We headed to the bar where everybody was on a high. Colin and the guys/girlsjoined the large crowd and talked and mingled with everybody. If a tale of two kings comes to a theatre near you. Don’t hesitate. Get yourself a ticket for three none stop hours of great music you will remember. Cant wait for 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