Once more unto the diary my dear friends … when last we met I was on the Isle of Man writing of my mini musical adventures during September and was about to embark on my third tour with Dave Kelly and the Travelling Gentlemen; I am now back on the Island tapping away trying to bring back memories of that fine experience.
There was one solo show prior to the band and that was in Basingstoke at the Anvil Theatre in the Forge, their small and delightfully intimate studio space. I was thrilled to find out that the show was fully booked weeks before the actual date … hurrah! More of this please!
Bob was back from his European travels and able to share in the next 3 shows. We left home with plenty of time to spare and lucky we did, as, it being Friday, there were 4 accidents and 3 road works to negotiate … not the most fun we’ve ever had. Fortunately, once we arrived at the forge everything went smoothly and a very amusing review of the show can be found on the forum page by Marmalade … my favourite bit was at the beginning of the show when several people were late getting to their seats and many a gay banter was heard as I played them to their seats … musical chairs ala CC! It was a great night and everyone left feeling like they’d been at a special event – including me!
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Bob and I drove back, without a hitch thankfully, in order to have a few miles under our belts as the following night (Friday September 30th) I was playing with the Gents in Berwick-upon-Tweed! It was a lovely drive up there the following afternoon, with bright blue skies and a still amazingly warm sun to accompany us.
Everyone arrived in good time except … Gary Fletcher, who had been racing in Brans Hatch that afternoon! He flew up (cue Pantomimic’ Oohhh get you!’- please) and made it with minutes to spare, muttering darkly about slick tyres and wet conditions – I didn’t like to ask. By some small miracle we managed to just about remember the set and even did a passable version of ‘Pearl’ – a beautiful song written by Corinne Bailey Rae and Rod Bowkett, which CBR isn’t likely to record, so I feel very privileged to have her permission to perform and possibly record!
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Back stage with the Gents at St Helen's Citadel... |
...spot CC in the mirror! |
On Saturday October 1st we drove back down the A1 crossing over to follow the A7 via Coldstream, picking up the M6 on our way to St Helen’s, stopping for a hearty lunch and a copy of the Times in an attempt to do the ‘big’ general knowledge crossword – one of those small but satisfying rituals Bob and his sister Christine and I are in the habit of doing of a weekend – too much information? Oh well.
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We arrived in St Helen’s and the Citadel Arts Centre with loads of time to spare. I spent a little time (and money!) at the local Asda’s George … what else is a girl to do? Bob stayed in the car listening to the football results … you need know no more!
I’ve played at the Citadel many times over the years but it was Dave’s first time there. It was a good gig and even had people up in the balcony … hurrah. I met up with my old school friend Cathy Wareing … she and I were both the Wicked Witch of the North when we were 11 … that’s a very long time ago now! |
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St Helen's Citadel top left... |
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..and top right! |
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We drove back to Nottinghamshire that night and enjoyed a couple of days together at home … a rare occurrence these days. Tuesday October 4 th had us both down in London … for once I was able to drive Bob somewhere! He had meetings and I had another gig, this time a return for the Gentlemen et al, at Teddington Landmark Arts Centre, which is an old, cavernous church with the most ridiculous natural reverb; this makes for a very difficult sound to play with. Everything is amplified beyond recognition and a kaleidoscopic noise ensues. I can only hope that the audience’s experience is more holistic than ours. Still … we had fun! |
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On Thursday October 5 th I had a singing lesson with my delightful teacher of 14 years, Oleg Lapa – always a privilege. Bob was at the ITV studios on the South Bank with Corinne and her band, recording a performance of ‘Like a Star’ for ‘Parkinson’! That alone would be exciting enough for anyone but there was more … she had been invited to perform on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in New York! Normally they insist on each act being present for Thursday, Friday and Saturday but because of Parky CBR wasn’t able to make the Thursday rehearsals … they made an exception to this otherwise stringent rule and said if she could get there asap that would be fine. There were no scheduled flights to New York that evening so … EMI paid for them to go by private jet!!!!
I was staying with Dave and his lovely family that night and while we were enjoying a scrumptious meal, Bob called from the private jet to say …"it was just like something out of ‘The Spy Who Shagged Me’!" That made us all laugh a lot.
Anyway back to my own humble story. On Friday morning I’d arranged to see Ed Newell, the Cannon of St Paul’s … finally! He is such a lovely man. We made tentative plans for next year which would be confirmed a couple of weeks later. We had a wander round the Cathedral talking through possible places to sing from and there’s every possibility I’ll get to sing from the Whispering Gallery for one song! Who needs private jets?!
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I drove off in the rain to find the Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford and another meeting with those travelling boys. I’ve heard about the MJC but never played there before and was pleasantly surprised by the venue and it’s very helpful and friendly staff. They also do a mean butty!
We used the soundcheck time to run through our latest ‘new’ song and unveiled our version of the Staple’s great funky track: ‘Respect Yourself’. It worked it’s magic on the audience, who couldn’t keep still in their comfy theatre seats! We all got down with our bad selves.
I drove back home through the night and luxuriated in 5 whole days (and nights) to myself. Bob, bless him, was flying around the Planet like a mad fool and loving every moment. I’m so proud of him.
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Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford - thanks to M25 for the pic! |
On Thursday I drove up to Newcastle prior to our gig at the Custom’s House in South Shields to do an interview on their local BBC radio afternoon show. Armed with what I thought would be great written directions downloaded from the internet using postcodes, I drove with confidence into Newcastle, stopping briefly for a snack cos … I had time to spare … didn’t I? Mmmm … my directions took me to Newcastle main Post Office!
The Radio’s address used the PO Box post-code and I was nowhere near where I should have been! I managed to get hold of the receptionist at BBC radio Newcastle who then spent many minutes giving me directions while I drove (I was wearing my hands free gizmo!). When we thought we were home and dry I hung up and proceeded to drive straight passed the building and carry on a further 3 miles out of my way! Doh! I eventually arrived a little frazzled but happy to be there at all. I played ‘Boulder to Birmingham’ and chatted amiably then made my way to South Shields … in relatively short time.
It wasn’t the biggest crowd we’ve played to but they were – apart from a rowdy couple who were thrown out by the Police! – a lovely audience. We didn’t realise we were such a Rock’n’Roll act! We were all staying at the local Travelodge and left in convoy with Peter Filleul at the rear. When we arrived at the Lodge we seemed to have lost PF … it turned out that he’d been stopped by the Police … obviously a big night for them! No harm was done though he went through several breathalysers … 2 were faulty! Never a dull moment eh?
I was innocently having a small breakfast the following morning when Bob text to say his and Corinne’s flight from Amsterdam to Manchester had been cancelled due to fog at Manchester airport – it was blazingly bright and sunny in Newcastle – and that by some quirk of fate they were being diverted to Newcastle airport! Could I pick him up? You bet!
So I drove up to the airport and met them both there. Only to find that, their luggage had been lost! This was the second time an as many weeks … oh well. The worrying thing was that they both had to fly out to America 3 days later and much of what they needed was in the lost bags. Philosophical they may be, happy they weren’t! Still … I got to spend time with BTBF! Hurrah.
It was Friday the 13 th! Isn’t there some daft superstition about not travelling on Friday 13th? Ho hum.It was delightful to share the drive down to Poklington with my Betsy. We had to trawl the street, of Poklington to find Bob a toothbrush and razor etc – bless. The Art Centre is an unobtrusive (for that read very missable!) venue on the high street and very nicely put together. The PA and it’s operatives were also very good. Mr Ben did good business and Bob had a lovely snooze. What more could we ask?
I dropped Bob off at York train station the next day while I carried on to Musselborough and St Michael’s church. It’s a fair old schlep but quite a pretty ride up the A1 and I took my time. It took several goes to find the church but once there I was very taken with the place. We were told how the upper balcony had once been reserved for the Fishermen of the Parish; when asked why they had to sit away from everyone else the reply came … coz they smelled of fish! Oh.
Dave and I stayed at a very lovely old B and B next door to the church and were regaled with tales of the landlady’s singing daughter … really! We wish her huge quantities of luck. This was my favourite gig of the tour … the sound was great and the energy in the building just seemed to lend itself to having a good time … I loved it! The audience were fab too and obviously and demonstrably showed it, which of course has a positive effect too. Thanks Inveresk! We’ll be back.
It was another big drive on Sunday 15th down to Wolverhampton but there was ample time to do it in and I decided to swing by home and pick Bob up. This was also a momentous day in my parent’s life as they began the long journey from the Isle of Man to Perth in Australia to visit my brother Paul and his gorgeous family. They’ve never been further than Spain before and were a little apprehensive.
I kept in touch with them throughout that day as they flew from Ronaldsway in the Isle of Man to Manchester; Bob and I had paid for them to stay at the Radisson at Manchester airport … very posh! Luckily, after several wrong turns they found the hotel and had a lovely time checking out the airport and familiarising themselves with where they needed to be the following morning … whooppeedo.
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Burgess Hill Crowd part one.. (see below) |
We’re not exactly big in Wolverhampton but the small and perfectly formed crowd that gathered for us were vocal in their appreciation, though Mr Ben could have shut up shop altogether that night, he made a brief appearance at half time and an even briefer one at the end of the night. We came, we played, we left. They did like my Smugly Condescending line and even complimented me on my accent! Hurrah. The boys were afraid. Ha!
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On Monday 16 th, Mum and Dad flew off to Perth around 2pm and later that night Bob and I stayed near the very same airport in order for Bob to fly off to America, early the next day – all luggage reunited with it’s owners! Hurrah again. I took the opportunity to have lunch with my gorgeous friend Lynda Turner on my way back home, in Huddersfield, where she is a full time lecturer in Psychology. Oh I know how to impress you all!
On Thursday 19 th I drove to Walthamstow for a hair cut with my lovely and very pregnant hairdresser, Barbie … her first baby is due on November 29 th! I then drove off to Port Slade to stay with Bob’s delightful sister Chris and her equally delightful husband, Ken. On Friday 20 th DK and the Gents and I were playing only 20 minutes from their lovely home, in Burgess Hill. A whole host of other Miller family members arrived at Chris and Ken’s to join us: Susan-Jane, Dan, Jenny (also pregnant!) and another Chris … they all really enjoyed the gig, especially Jenny and Dan’s bump! We’re definitely big in Burgess Hill.
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Burgess Hill Crowd part two! |
I stayed with C and K again that night and left after lunch on Saturday – after attempting the Crossword together of course! I’d arranged to meet Pete Filleul at the home of our mutual friend PJ Wright in Warwickshire and to drive the rest of the way with him; we were staying with Phil and Jil after the show in Bromsgrove that night – what a treat!
The venue in Bromsgrove is attached to a college of some sort and most of the week, it seems, the pupils are let loose on the equipment … the overwhelming result being that said equipment is in a bad state of repair. So much so that we very nearly didn’t do the gig! Being the professionals that we are though …the show went on. It was a great shame about the sound because it’s a very lovely space to perform in and the staff are all very helpful, if a little over stretched. I hope someone takes our comments to heart and sorts out the situation. We, and the audience had fun despite the situation.
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Bromsgrove pre gig.. |
The travelling gents! |
The theatre plus people! |
Once back at PJ and Jil’s fabulous 17 th Century abode (complete with orchard) Pete and I were treated to post gig pizza and several glasses of alcoholic refreshment. A very long lie-in was required, followed by a hearty Sunday lunch at the local Hostelry. We love being on the road. Hurrah for old friendships and catching up on each others lives. A very big thank you to Phil and Jil from me and Pete.
Back in separate vehicles, Pete and I made our way to Cheltenham and the Town Hall’s Pillar Room … a return visit for everyone. Dave brought his gorgeous daughter Lily – a very talented singer herself – with him; it’s always a treat to see her and her brother and younger sister (Homer and Evie) – they’re such well be-haved children and delightful people to be around. It was a raucous evening and much merriment was in evidence and we all went home happy bunnies. Hurrah. It would be 10 days before our next meeting and our last 2 shows for 2006. Ahh.
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Apart from an enjoyable live radio interview with Sue Marchant on BBC radio Cambridgeshire on Monday night, promoting a number of dates in the their catchment area, both solo and with the band over the next month, I had several lazy days before my next gig on Thursday October 26 th at Otterton Mill in Devon (www.ottertonmill.com). This is now one of my favourite new gigs. It’s the most beautiful setting: a thousand year old flour Mill over the river Otter, with all the atmosphere that kind of history conjures up; an absolute delight.
The drive down was rather wonderful too; another perfect autumnal day with plenty of bright sunlight and piercingly blue skies; setting off the glorious colours of gold, yellow, orange and bronze leaves a treat … gorgeous. |
I arrived late afternoon and was met by the mill owners Bob and Claire, who couldn’t have been more welcoming and helpful. We set up quickly and easily and I was royally fed, (crab and leak something-or-other in a delicate filo type pastry with several delicious salads- my mouth’s watering with the memory!) before the audience arrived.
By the time I appeared for the first half, the audience had been treated to the same or similar fayre and were of course in fine fettle … what an opening act! It turned out to be one of those evenings where everything flows easily and everyone’s on the same wavelength – a joy for performer and audience alike. Thank you Otterton Mill … when can I return?!
(see selection of pics below - thanks to Charlie Money!)
Bob was flying into Heathrow on Saturday 28 th from LA and I’d arranged to pick him up and drive down to Christine and Ken’s in Portslade; so I stayed an extra night in the delightful hotel that Bob and Claire had booked me into in Budleigh Salterton and spent a delightful day wandering the highways and byways of the East Devon countryside, followed by a massage late afternoon at the Spa Hotel I was staying in! I’m a very lucky girl in deed.
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I had plenty of time to get to Heathrow the following day; Bob’s flight was due in at 3pm, which eventually arrived at 5pm! And what a fantastic time he’d had, meeting Stevie Wonder and everything! Wow - we are not worthy.
After a relaxing and reconnecting time with Chris and Ken, Bob and I drove off towards Westcliffe on Sea, in Essex. The Riga Music Bar is another new venue to me and quite a contrast to Otterton Mill. Steve and Dave who organise events here are enthusiastic and helpful guys and sound check was a doddle. However … not many punters turned up and the room easily holds a hundred and more people and so felt a little awkward from my point of view. The people who made the effort to come out though, certainly enjoyed themselves; I only hope, if I ever do it again, they can persuade a few coach loads to join them next time!
Bob and I stayed in London that night. Corinne was nominated for a ‘Q Music’ award and the ceremony was the following afternoon. She won Best Newcomer! Hurrah! I had another lesson with Oleg that afternoon and met up with Bob later to drive home.
Helen Watson and I are sharing the Bill at the Ent Shed in Bedford on Novemeber 25th and we thought it would be good fun to sing a couple of songs together, so … she travelled down from Hebden Bridge on Tuesday evening in order to work something out. We spent most of our time having fun … eating, drinking, talking, walking the county lanes and eventually, working out a few harmonies on 2 songs … you’ll have to come to the gig to find out which ones!
I had another solo gig on Thursday November 2nd and was able to drop Helen off in Huddersfield on my way to pick up Lynda, our lovely (very brainy!) friend, who was coming all the way to Ulverston with me. Hurrah. It was the perfect day to travel to the Lake District. The Cumbrian Hills were bathed in soft golden light and everything looked absolutely gorgeous. We arrived with several hours to spare and drove off round the countryside, pointing at delightful things, stopping at a local pub for ‘tea’. |
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Ulverston - gorgeous sunset. |
It was a great gig organised by a group of guys who obviously love live music and as such made us feel very appreciated.
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My old mate from the Isle of Man, Mike Williams, who used to be in ‘Shy Talk’ with me and Anglin Buttimore way back in 1982/3, now lives near Ulverston with his lovely wife Bev; they and Mike’s daughter Joanne (who I used to baby sit for- now has children of her own!) came en-masse and it was fabulous to see them.
After many fond farewells, Lynda and I drove off into a frosty moonlit night and enjoyed a trouble-free drive back to Oldham, where we were very rock’n’roll and had toast and tea before bed.
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Ulverston Crowd part one... |
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Ulverston Crowd part two...
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The next day, Friday November 3 rd, I made my way to Sudbury in Suffolk, stopping off at home briefly, to re-stock Mr Benn’s cd box. It was a very windy route to the Quay Theatre, a small but perfectly formed venue in the Suffolk countryside; a fabulous venue with good PA and a nearly sold out gig. Hurrah. It was great to ‘rock out’ again with the boys! Mr Withers was particularly ‘hot’ that and the following night and made me laugh with delight at his many rhythmic shenanigans! We all stayed at a Travelodge 30 minutes from the gig and had a bit of an-almost last night get together in Pete Emery’s room … we had crisps and slurped red wine from tea cups … oh we know how to live.
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Sudbury crowd left |
Pick Withers 'on fire'! |
Sudbury crowd right |
Pete Filleul and I drove in convoy to Blakney in Norfolk next day – he’s got one of those computer things that tell you where to go and how to do it! It meant I didn’t have to think at all and I had great company for lunch and more than a little help with the crossword – shh don’t tell Bob! We played at the local British Legion club in their swanky new building. It was a great gig to end on; we were served up a veritable feast by the promoters after sound check- all beautiful home made pies and salads, delicious stuff; it’s a wonder we could play at all! There was space for people to dance and … they did! There were also a number of familiar faces from the forum: Martin and Pam Drury and Chris Howarth as well as all of the Kelly-Tarrant clan … always a pleasure to see your smiling faces.I’d decided to drive home after the gig and made good time- after saying goodbye to everyone- getting in around 1.30am … small zeds of contented sleepiness following shortly thereafter.
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| Norfolk crowd left... |
mmmm feast! |
Norfolk crowd right... |
I was only at home for a day before turning round and heading for the Isle of Man again but it was Bonfire night and I was invited to Diane and Bryan Ansell’s fantastic Bonfire party, complete with huge fire with guy and an absolutely stunning fireworks display courtesy of a well lit taper and a running Bryan-with a little help from Marcus too! It was a great way to unwind after a rather hectic few weeks. The food was, as ever, wonderful and the company too, a pity Bob couldn’t be there to share in it but he was already on the Island and that’s where I ended up the following night. Hurrah.
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| Don't worry, it's not a real person! |
The beautiful Ansell girls |
The fire burns on |
It’s hard to believe I’ve been here a week already. I took part in a Charity event raising money for the Wooden Spoon (I.o.M), at the marvellous Gaiety Theatre on Thursday night and had great fun inviting loads of musical friends up on stage towards the end of my set: Dave Armstrong, Rob Cross, Christy Dehaven, Anna Goldsmith and Davey Knowles all added their sparkling talent and we had a rousing reception as the last notes of ‘Mary’ faded away. Great! Thanks guys - and thanks to Martin for the fab pics below! See all of them at this link...
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| The Gaiety Theatre Gig - |
| Rob Cross, CC and Dave Armstrong |
Christy, Rob, CC, Shane (drums), Anna (piano), Dave A & Davy K! |
I’ve been writing and recording with Rob and Dave the rest of the time (see pic above); it’s all going great and sounding fab. Hurrah!
Thanks for stopping by to read up on my adventures … there’s just a half dozen dates now before the end of the year … I’ll let you know how they all go in a month’s time.If you’re able to get to a gig do come and say hello! Thanks for all your support and hope to see you out there very sooooon.
Much love, Christine xx |
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