Julie Sheppard

 MEMORIES

Wellington Pier , Great Yarmouth.

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 went on sale we were at the front of the queue buying tickets for both performances each night, always on the front row. 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, complete with a fresh red carnation.  

On Sunday 7th September 1980 it was the first show back for the group after Julie had her baby 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 has now been demolished . 

A Week in Cornwall

Guys N Dolls were appearing at Talk of the West, Trevellas near Peranporth, 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, especially as 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. Other than that the whole week went well and everyone enjoyed it.

Being a fan of Guys n Dolls proved difficult in our house. My Dad used to moan tat I got more mail than him when it landed on the doormat.. Thanks to an add on the penpal page on the Fan newsletter, the mail poured in. Through that I made some fantastic new friends and to this day still keep in touch. Even the postman was kept amused , he used to read the envelopes where we used to graffiti  "Guys n Dolls Forever " on the front.