The next day … a little worse for wear but still enthusiastic, several of us hiked over the local highways and by-ways breathing in the cold but fresh February air. Steve and Chris left after lunch and a few hours later an old friend of Bob’s turned up, Mick Holland, a wonderful guitar player in his own right who now plays exclusively Flamenco guitar … brilliantly!

He was also the person to introduce Bob to Corinne’s talent many moons ago. He mesmerised Davy, Bob, Bryan and myself with his awesome playing just sat round the kitchen table. He tried to teach us all how to play a particular style of rhythm … not very successfully on my part but both Bob and Davy did really well!

Another couple of hours with Steve on Thursday before heading back to Nottinghamshire. I drove up to Whitby mid afternoon on Friday and managed to find our B and B easily enough. This gig was packed to the gunnels and very exciting for everyone. Helen Knight and her girlfriends made the gig leaving Ollie back at the ranch baby sitting. There was an impromtu party back at my room afterwards where we consumed copious amounts of Chinese! Oh the Rock’n’Roll lifestyle we lead.

We all have friends in the area and so split into 2 groups to visit Robin Hood’s Bay … Pete Filleul and I to see Norma Waterson (Martin Carthy was on his way the a gig in Chester) and the rest of the band visited Steve Philips in Fylinthorpe, literally round the corner.We had a delightful time with Norma who has the best selection of biscuits ever! She regaled us with fascinating stories of her time in Monserrat many years ago; Pete has a house there now! It was great for me.

I went onto to Newcastle later to pick Bob up from the train station and then onto Alnwick playhouse; another full attendance and great show. Bob, bless him, drove all the way home. Hurrah.We both drove to London on Sunday evening with the news that Corinne’s single was only kept off the number one spot by Madonna! Bob flew out to Zurich the next morning and I stayed with Dave Kelly and his gorgeous family till our next gig in Illfracombe on Wednesday, taking in a couple of singing lessons along the way.

Illfracombe is a gorgeous place, even in freezing conditions and the theatre itself a delight. We thourouly enjoyed the show and afterwards it was Pick’s turn to play host, this time for a late Indian take away! Though it was cold the next day it was also dazzlingly bright and absolutely beautiful; the drive to Worcester was fabulous. I love playing Huntingdon Hall not least because my good friend and agent, Chris Yaeger is always entertaining. Another good show under our belts if a little under attended … it was very cold out that night. Pete Emery came to stay that night and found it hard to believe the car thermometer when we arrived at 1am … it read minus 7!!!! He spotted that one on my rear tyres looked a little flat and so … bless him! … offered to change it. What a sweetheart. We were both cordially invited for a warm lunch at Diane and Bryan’s around 1pm. Hurrah for heart-warming and delicious food! And many thanks to Diane for providing us with such wonderful hospitality!

We arrived in Lichfield with time to spare and had a good look round the Guildhall. Our dressing room was one of the chamber rooms around whose walls were framed photographs of Mayor’s past and present … quite often they looked like those daft photos you have done at the sea side where the body of the photo is painted on a panel and you simply have to poke your head through the hole where a face should be! What larks Pip!

This show was well attended and full of enthusiastic people some of whom were very young! Hurrah. I drove myself home that night … not quite so cold but there was still plenty of grit to dust the car. I left for Worthing early-ish and arrived many hours later exactly on time! How I did that I really have no idea. All week, Bob had been keeping me up to date with record sales of Corinne’s album which was released that Monday … it had been a very giddy-making time. She was in pole position with no one near her to catch up … yippee!

Bob’s gorgeous sister Chris and her equally gorgeous husband Ken came to this show along with other gorgeous family and friends: Susan Jane, Chris, Sheila and Mike … I stayed in their delightful home that night; always a joy. Chris Howarth and Ian and Sue James also attended along with a few Collister virgins … hurrah as ever! The gig was massive and the audience … small but select. However daunting the room may have been, the audience overcame their nerves and made us feel very welcome and appreciated. There was even champagne! And miracles of miracles our cds turned up! At last!

I spent a delightful day in Chris, Ken and Susan-Jane’s company on Sunday when the official chart was announced … Corinne Bailey Rae number has the one album!!!!!! Yess!!!! Everyone I know is thrilled for Bob of course because they by-and-large don’t know Corinne but I’m thrilled for them both as they’ve worked so very hard for this success … and yes it is in deed very sweet. If you look at the “Thank yous” on the sleeve notes, I get a mention for support and the use of my sofa bed .

Stamford before the crowd descend...	..and Stamford in full flow!