THE GOOD TIMES

The summer season shows were announced every year in June, as usual I eagerly awaited to see if they were playing. The day the tickets were on sale we were at the front of the queue buying tickets for both performances that night, right on the front seats. Well we had to we may have missed something or they could have changed the set. Ha ha.

On the day of the show my pen pals and I would arrive at the show one and a half hours early so we could meet the band as they arrived for the show, take some photos and get a few signings. They were brilliant, I don’t think I have ever been to see them when they didn’t have time for their fans. Hey, we never let them down, though we always made sure we were dressed in the full gear to complete with a fresh red carnation.

On Sunday 7th September 1980 it was the first show back for the group after Julie gave birth to Luke. As soon as we spotted them walking up the pier we ran over and showered Julie with gifts for the baby. Guys N Dolls performed at the pier for the last time that night with supporting act Lenny Henry. Sadly the pier is now been demolished . Thanks, I had some great memories there.

WEEK IN CORNWALL Guys N Dolls were appearing at a holiday park in Cornwall, of course Denise and me had to go, not only would we get a holiday but we would see the band perform the whole week. I think they were a bit surprised to see us let alone know we were going to be there the whole week. We had the same seats every night and even got some sneak performances at rehearsals. I remember one particular occasion during a performance by Martine and Dominic, Dominic picked up the microphone and stand and whilst  turning he accidentally caught Martine in the stomach. The poor girl had to run off stage for a few minutes to catch her breath back. Other than that the whole week went well and everyone enjoyed it. FRIENDS I had some great pen pals in those days, sadly we have lost touch:  Denise Harland A great girl and a huge Dominic fan. I recall that she went to every show she could in the UK. She would dress in the full gear: white suit, black shirt and of course a fresh red carnation. She became pals with me and came to stay when Guys N Dolls appeared at the Wellington Pier in Great Yarmouth. We traveled to Newquay for a weeks holiday as Guys N Dolls were appearing at a  holiday park there throughout the week. After watching rehearsals we took prime spot at the front of the audience to watch the show. Malcolm Dunn  Again a good penpal, whom I lost touch with. We used to met up quite often, he also came to visit and see Guys N Dolls when they were in Great Yarmouth. He was a huge Marine fan.  He took many photos and became good friends with my family. UPDATE...We are now in contact again.

PAUL DAVID GIG

Friday 14th September 2007 was a very special day for me, we had just moved house into a new area and I noticed that Paul was playing a gig in Hitchin not far from us. It was 23 years since I had last seen Paul or any of the others perform and here I was finding myself really excited just like the old days. He didn’t disappoint that’s for sure with a great set with a range of songs from the 1960’s to the present day all with the famous guitars.

 

He did a great version of ‘ You don’t have to say you love me' as well as ‘Have a drink on me’ the old Lonnie Donegan hit which really got the crowd going.  When the interval came I couldn’t resist going to say hello and like the old days take a few snaps. He has not changed a bit . If you get the chance go see him play you will not be disappointed.  Check out his website for gig dates and locations.  www.paulgriggs.com