Bob and I left the Isle of Man on Thursday November 16 th, the sea was calm, the sky a very pale blue, hurrah. I’d agreed to take part in a Breast Cancer Charity event organised by the bright pupils of Old Buckenham High School in Norfolk on the 17th; we’d had some problems communicating … my email must have been on the blink because none of the (many!) emails sent to me arrived … oops; we were all panicking a week before the event not knowing if either of us was still doing it! It all worked out in the end. Bob was able to drive us there and back, for which I am eternally grateful, as the weather was truly awful; sheets of torrential rain and gusting winds were unrelenting on the way down and of course it being Friday, the traffic was in equal mood. Thank goodness it wasn’t like that while we were travelling on the Irish Sea the previous day! It took 3 and a half hours to get there and only 2 to get back! It’s a long time since I was at school and it seems things have changed; Old Buckenham High have concerts on a regular basis and an audience to match … how brilliant! The first half of the show consisted of a variety of singers and musicians, all girls, mixing and matching moving on and off stage in a dizzying array of performances. Well-done girls! I did a 40 minutes set and felt very much appreciated by parents and pupils alike … thanks Old Buckenham High … I hope you made a load of dosh!

	On Saturday 18th I played at the Wortley Arms in Bolsterstone on the outskirts of Sheffield. This was a new venue to me; a nice sized room above a pub with only a little of the weekly Pub Quiz filtering through the floor towards the end of the night. In contrast to the night before, it was cold, dry and clear with a generous sprinkling of dusty stars in the pitch-black sky and more than a touch of frost in the air … a proper winter’s night.
Bolsterstone left..		...and right..

As with many clubs this is run by a number of very lovely music enthusiasts who all mucked in to make the evening work smoothly. There was a good crowd, including one of Bob’s oldest friends, Mick Holland and our delightful car Angel Chris Howarth always a pleasure to see. I had one ridiculous memory lapse in Man With The Child In His Eyes and had to abandon the song completely! Oh well … everything else went as planned … phew! We also had a special guest at half time, a rather sad looking once jolly Father Christmas, who’d been propped up under the stairs, was brought in to join us … I don’t think he cared where he was to be honest but it gave us all a giggle.

..and Bolsterstone 'remaining'!

We enjoyed a lazy Sunday off and on Monday drove down to see Chris and Ken in Portslade for the last time!... for a while at least. They’d managed to sell their house in double quick time and are now in New Zealand for the foreseeable future! It all happened so quickly that we’re all still in shock. They’d been in their home for over 30 years and so much of Bob’s family’s history was wrapped up in it … it was an emotional experience. We love them both very much and miss them; we’re also incredibly happy for them and know they’ve done the right thing. Good luck guys … fingers crossed we’ll see you soon!

We stayed in London that night and the next day I met up with my wonderful friend Abi Grant for lunch at our favourite Thai restaurant in the West End. Hurrah. Before meeting Abi I had time to wander round Oxford Street … uh oh … and bought several lovely things for myself: a new black coat (which I love!) very sixties, a couple of dresses and 2 polar-necks; all at extremely reasonable prices!

I met up with Bob in the evening for a special preview of a tv show that Corinne and her band took part in and is due for broadcast on January 12 th (I think?!); the show’s called “Live from Abbey Road” – guess where it was recorded! The producers of the programme invited a whole scutch of media people to Abbey road studio 1, to show the first of 8 programmes they’ve already edited; looking for positive press I suppose. If that’s what they were after, they certainly got it! The basic premise is that they wanted the programme to look as good as film and sound as good as a record – and it does exactly what it says on the tin! Each show consists of three diverse artists; on Corinne’s show Doctor John starts off: there’s interview footage (he’s hilarious!) interspersed with three live performances of his songs and then Corinne and following her Massive Attack! This was the programme they previewed in Studio 1, on a huge screen with amazing speakers (as you’d expect!) and it was fabulous. Keep your eyes peeled for it’s initial broadcast on Channel 4 in the new year.

Bob flew off to Paris early on Wednesday morning and I drove back to Newark mid morning. On the way back I started sneezing – oops – not a singer’s favourite pastime. By the time I got home I was in full head cold mode and went straight to bed. And there I stayed for 2 days, willing myself better, for Friday and the Bury Met! A minor miracle occurred and I was perfectly fine by Friday afternoon, if a little nasal. I think it might have been the dvds I watched? (Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man’s Chest and Grimm’s Fairytales!)

Bob flew back from his European whirlwind trip and met me at the Met – ha, ha. And so we drove back home together that night. Helen Watson arranged to get a train to Newark the next day, Saturday November 25 th. The idea was that we would all have a lovely lunch in Newark before driving off to Bedford and our Double Bill at the Ent Shed. As with all good plans, mice and men, it didn’t quite work out that way. Helen’s train was seriously delayed and she didn’t get into Newark till after 3pm. Oh well … Bob and I had a nice lunch. After a hot cup of something back at the homestead and the last minute rush of gig preparation, we left a bit later than we meant to and got to Bedford a few minutes late. Ooops!

Michelle, our lovely hostess for the evening was most gracious and not only failed to mention our tardiness but presented us with beautiful soup, fresh and delicious brown bread, and melon spiced with ginger. A veritable feast, which we happily shared with our friend from Canada Larry Mason.

The event was almost sold out and Michelle was thrilled, so … we were too! Helen went on first and was just fabulous – you must all know by now how highly I rate Helen’s amazing voice, songs, guitar playing and friendship … she’s the best!! And everyone there thought so too; if you haven’t had the pleasure of a Helen Watson performance, please do yourselves a favour and catch one of her shows; she’s working with Snake Davis and a small acoustic combo at the moment and it’s an absolutely fantastic combination!

After a short break I did my bit, which I thoroughly enjoyed and to make the evening complete Helen joined me for an encore. I wore the same outfit I’d worn at the Met and Helen wittily said … “If you’re Mary Quant I must be Germaine Greer!” We sang a duet version of Tracks of My Tears and ended with a beautiful song we used to do in Hell Bent Heaven Bound many years ago: I’ll Take Good Care of You - originally sung by Garnett Mimms. All good things must come to an end. It was a fabulous evening. Pam and Martin Dury and Marmalade from the Forum were there (hurrah!) and Maureen and Keiron Jones from Hitchen Folk Club – always lovely to see familiar and friendly faces. Thanks guys.

Bedford left...	..middle...	..and right!

Larry came back with us and Helen and a late night toast and tea party ensued! We’re so rock’n’roll. It was very late though and so a long lie-in was necessary but Helen had a train booked back to Hebden Bridge the following morning, not very early; still I couldn’t indulge as much as I’d like.

It was a busy weekend as our lovely friend Dave Armstrong came over from the Isle of Man to see Bob and Larry – they talked and talked and listened to lots of musical stuff they’re all connected to especially Back Door Slam and Davy Knowles (business you know) – I cooked up a storm and enjoyed having lots of boys around. Larry and Dave went of to Cambridge on Monday morning and Bob and I had our last quiet day together at home till January! Wow. Luckily he was able to come to my next gig in Leigh-on-sea on Tuesday November 28 th. I’ve played here twice before and always really enjoyed it.

The room was very full and I embarrassed several late-comers by making them sit on the few seats left at the front … I’m such a bossy-boots sometimes. Anyway I think they forgave me! A good time was had and another bevy of familiar faces appeared … Ian James (SM25T- thanks for pics Ian) and Marmalade (again!) along with Phil from REGA who brought his lovely wife and parents and his delightful mate Andrew Stritten. Thanks guys! Bob drove us home that night and we parted for the last time for several weeks the following morning; I made my way to Heysham Port and later onto the Isle of Man and Bob made his way to Heathrow Airport and Los Angeles! Wow. I won’t see him till late afternoon on Tuesday December 19 th in … Cancun Mexico! Ha, ha, ha. We’re spending Christmas, my birthday and new year in Tulum, an hour and a half south of Cancun. I am beside myself with excitement!!!! I miss him now though.

The trip over to the Island was a little rough but luckily I managed to get the last cabin available and spent the three and a half hour journey rocking every which way; I tried to sleep but couldn’t and my poor stomach was a bit sensitive by the motion. I got there in one piece. Phew.

I Stayed at DAM central with Dave and Christy and spent the first hour rehearsing with them, Rob Cross, Anna Goldsmith and Davy Knowles, for my gig at the Peel Centenary Hall the next day; a great way to get rid of any kind of sea sickness … I highly recommend it!

And so to the Centenary Hall. I love this venue and the many, many volunteers who make it work, especially Dave Mclean … he’s a bit of a hero in Peel! Also my parents were coming to this show and it was the first time I’d see them since they returned from their 5 week holiday in Australia visiting my brother Paul and his gorgeous family. Hurrah.

I asked Davy Knowles to do a 20-minute acoustic set to start the night. He was really nervous, bless him but he had no need as he was absolutely wonderful … soon you’ll know that for your-selves as I’m sure he’s going to be a huge success. We all love him! I did my first 45 minutes as per usual … well maybe there were a few different songs … I simply moved them around a bit in order to fit in the extra band stuff in the second half. At half time Mr Benn was very busy but still had time to hug mum and dad who are looking rather tanned and very healthy.

I did 4 songs solo in the second half then gradually brought on more guests as I went along. First up were Dave, Rob and Davy who accompanied me on a brand new song co-written with Rob: Give it All Away … Davy playing some delightful Santana-ish electric guitar – wonderful. Then Anna and Christy added their gorgeous vocals to Lonely By Design … then Guilty and we finished with a rousing version of Mary to rapturous applause.

As an encore we played Tracks of My Tears. A funny thing happened when we rehearsed Tracks … Davy played along perfectly, then at the end said innocently … that’s a lovely song who’s is it?! Oh what it is to be young … and talented!

A selection of images from the Peel Centenary Centre gig - Isle of Man (thanks to Martin Critchley!)
The CC All Star Band featured: CC (vocals, acoustic guitar), Davy Knowles (electric guitar), Anna Goldsmith (piano, bv's), Christy DeHaven (bv's) Dave Armstrong (bass), and Rob Cross - writer of 'Lonely By Design' (acoustic guitar).
		CC with Davy 'noodling' brilliantly in the background
Dave Armstrong, Rob Cross, CC and Davy Knowles
..as above, but with Anna G on keys and Christy D on bv's
CC, the flowers and The Folks, (Mum and Dad!)		The Ladies - CC, Anna G and Christy D
The Centenary Centre Crowd - with two Twisted Angels on the right!

I went back on to do my standard last song of the night … Songbird but remembered I had flowers to give to my parents whose wedding anniversary was the previous day. So I shouted for Christy … a number of times … before running off to get them … in my haste I fell up the wooden stairs at the back of the stage … everyone heard it – it was a very loud thunk and my poor knees were grazed. Mum and dad were pleased with the flowers all the same. I sang Songbird for them too. Ah.

I had a couple of days to work with Dave in the studio, re-working vocals mostly. He, Christy and Anna then went off to Malta. Anna was taking part in a song competition which was also a big Maltese TV special. Dave and Christy were there to video the whole experience. She won one of only 2 prizes! Hurrah.

I spent the rest of my time there with family and friends and sorted out pressies et al for Christmas. The weather had been pretty awful and when mum phoned up to find out what the crossing would be like on Sunday – the day I was due to travel – the news was not good. They were expecting a Force 8 gale and possibly a cancelled trip! Ouch. I called the Steam Packet to see if I could go on Saturday in stead … the forecast being much better. Lucky for me there was room and a cabin to boot! Hurrah.

We were invited to my brother Colin’s house for dinner on Friday night; always a big treat. It meant we all got to spend quality time with him and Rachel and of course their brilliant boys: Liam, Aaron, Connor and little Jamie. The food was sensational and so was the company, I can’t think of a better way to spend my last night there; well it would have been great if Bob could have shared it too!

I’m so glad I left a day early. My trip back was smooth sailing and I slept most of the way, feeling almost rested by the time we got to Heysham. To add to my smugness I found out the next day that Sunday’s sailing was indeed cancelled. Phew! I made good use of the extra day at home and invited Jo and Mike round for lunch. Strange to have Bob’s gorgeous daughter and delightful husband here without him but we managed! I had a very quick visit to the Dentist’s on Monday lunchtime; a recently broken tooth is now restored. Hurrah. I ventured into Nottingham on Wednesday with Diane, Marcus and Granddad Cilff Ansell, in search of presents for his Bobness and others … I did well, I think.

And so to the last of my 2006 gigs … I played a new venue on Thursday December 14th, in Stoney Stratford, at the Fox and Hounds on the High Street. It’s a lovely little town on the outskirts of Milton Keynes. It looked lovely with all the Christmas lights twinkling the length of the street.

The gig was organised by Graham who had done a support slot for me at the Bluebell Inn in the spring. I wasn’t altogether convinced when I walked into the bar. There were only a few seats and the landlord Chris seemed to think people wouldn’t mind standing. Mmm? Anyway, we sorted out the PA, eventually, with the help of a passing sound-man named Bob! Hurrah.

I was delighted to see Marmalade (Colette!!) and Chris Howarth once again and my lovely friend Ann Knott, who I stayed with that night, brought a friend with her too. The gig itself was fine but not my favourite though Chris the Landlord was most impressed, as were his clientele but I’d need more seats for my lovely audience if I did it again.

I had a great time with Ann the following day ending up at a local herb centre for a delicious lunch. After which I spent a very long time in traffic getting to Burnham on Crouch where Helen Watson (pic right) now lives with her new partner Clea. We had a fabulous night in Burnham eating well at the local Thai restaurant and staying up far too late but having fun non –the- less. After an equally late start and a scrummy breakfast on Saturday, Clea walked us along the sea wall to the local Marina where she has a boat! It was a beautiful day, bright blue unblemished skies and real sunshine! I’m delighted for Helen and Clea that they’ve found each other and are so happy together. Hurrah for love! I was booked to sing at a surprise 40th wedding celebration held in Roy Gandy’s barn later that night and I thought it would be even more of a surprise, if Helen got up and sang a couple of songs with me. Rachel Richards is the very special daughter of David and Maddy and she organised the event beautifully, without their knowing. They were obviously thrilled that I was playing for them and their gathered friends and are also obviously loved by many. It was a pleasure to perform for them and a lovely way to end a very busy year.

So I’m here tapping away at my computer and my suitcase is nearly packed. I travel to Manchester tomorrow afternoon to spend the evening with Lynda and Helen’s coming up from Essex too; I can’t think of a better way to start my holidays. I fly out to Cancun Mexico on Tuesday morning and meet up with Bob-the-Boyfriend there! Yippee!

I wish you all a fabulous Christmas and a happy and healthy 2007. I won’t see many of you next year as I’m taking the year to develop 2 recording ideas, which I intend to keep you informed about as they happen … if that’s ok? I’ll be travelling to the States for one of them and accompanying Bob to the Grammys!!! If you can make it to St Paul’s on February 18 th, please come up and say hello.

Thanks as ever, for all your support and enthusiasm I truly appreciate it.

Byee for now, much love, Christine XX

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