NEWSLETTER (November 2011)

Another year sped by! But there have been a few changes at The Eel Pie Club during 2011.  First and foremost, Tom Nolan, whose idea of a rhythm and blues club inspired us in the first place, has resigned from being actively involved following his move to Cornwall . So on an official level, Gina is now Chairman/Treasurer, Warren is Secretary and Tom is Honorary Chairman.  Our aim is that the Club continues to be an important landmark in the area and to deliver the best of Richmond Rhythm n Blues and Rock n Blues.

The Cabbage Patch pub itself has been sold by Frank Dupree to Fullers.  The Fullers management are supportive of the Eel Pie Club and there will be no changes as far as the Club is concerned in the foreseeable future.

We have moved offices twice this year and are currently at 1^st Floor, 6 Park Road , Teddington , TW11 0AA .  Many thanks to Eel Pie Club Member, Simon Leak of Executive Mortgages and Investments Ltd. for letting us use a desk wherever he is based.  If you need financial advice or a mortgage, Simon is your man.

Moving on to the music, there were some excellent outdoor events during the summer of 2011 involving the Eel Pie Club.  Strawberry Hill Music Day, organised by the RFU, was the hottest day of the year and as always, great fun with a diverse selection of bands, stalls and food and drink outlets.  We were lucky again with the weather at our London ‘60’s Week event at the Barmy Arms where Mods’ scooters were lined up outside the pub and the crowd were treated to music by The Eel Pie All-Stars (well – it was actually The Downliners Sect posing as the Eel Pie All-Stars) plus guest appearances by Robin Bibi, Andrew Black and Pete French. Due to the last minute cancellation of Rhythm Force which was to have taken place at Orleans House, Twickenham, in mid-September, the RFU arranged a two-day outdoor concert on Twickenham Riverside.  It was a wonderful atmosphere, with a good mix of bands taking the stage and stalls lining the bank of the river.  The weather was disappointing though but nonetheless it was a music event that we would like to see repeated.  We are so lucky in our neck of the woods to have such a wealth of good bands and musicians.

The Hamsters are retiring from the end of March 2012.  They will be playing their final Eel Pie Club gig on Wednesday, 18 January as part of their Farewell Tour.  If you would like to come along to this, we suggest you book tickets well in advance as we expect it to sell out quickly.

Simon Townshend, who is Pete’s brother, and who has spent the last 15 years touring with The Who will be having his own band’s album launch at the Eel Pie Club on Wednesday 7 March.   There will only be limited tickets available for this special event as Simon’s management will be inviting their own guests.  So again, please book early to avoid disappointment.

Following comments from some of you that we need to feature new bands, we hope you will come along and support The Cadillac Kings, Jay Tamkin Band and Del Bromhams Blues Devils.  The Cadillac Kings are a stunning 6-piece award-winning blues and jump jive band. We first heard them on The Paul Jones Show and immediately Googled them and booked them.   Jay Tamkin is a young (in his 20’s) and ultra talented rock and blues singer/songwriter who is one of the hardest working performers on the circuit.  Del Bromham you may know as the founder member/guitarist/vocalist of the rock band, Stray.  His first love, however, was rhythm and blues (he played on Eel Pie Island in the ‘60’s) and he has recently released a critically acclaimed new album with his Blues Devils.   Please do come and check out these bands.

EEL PIE CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY 2011
The Christmas Party is on Wed 14 December.  This is for Members and their Guests only so if you want to come along and bring your friends, please make sure your Membership is current.  Confirmed musicians are Don Craine and Keith Grant (Downliners Sect), Robin Bibi, Rick Biddulph, Alan Glen (ex Yardbirds), Chris Hunt (ex Lonnie Donegan Band), Dave Lennox (ex Blodwyn Pig), plus guest appearances  (at time of writing) from Mick Avory (The Kinks), Paul Cox, Mark Freeman (Rollin’ Stoned), Dominic French, Pete French (Leaf Hound, ex Atomic Rooster, Cactus), Debbie Giles (Midnight Train), The Green Brothers (Mick Green’s sons), Derek Griffiths (Artwoods), Fredie Hendrix (age 11), Richard Lightman, Ali Mackenzie (The Birds) and Jack Pinder.  A highlight will be the launch of Pete French and Richard Lightman’s new band, Deja Blues.  Music will be from 9pm to midnight and the bar will be open to 12:30am.  There will be free mulled wine (if you get there before its all gone) and Mince Pies.  Many thanks to Don Craine for sorting out the music and running order.

MEMBERSHIP
For many of you, subscriptions for 2012 are due at the end of the year.  Prices remain at email membership £15 and postal membership £17.  Apart from £2 off admission to our gigs, Membership also entitles you to a percentage off your bill at some local restaurants and, as already mentioned, you and your friends can come to our Christmas Party.

CHARITY DONATIONS
During the year ending November 2011, The Eel Pie Club has donated £1,630 to various causes, including The Prostate Cancer Charity, The Princess Alice Hospice and Shooting Star Children’s Hospice.

THANKS TO ALL YOU LOVELY PEOPLE  WHO SUPPORT THE EEL PIE CLUB AND COME TO OUR GIGS.  IT COULDN’T HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!
  All good wishes for a great Christmas and New Year.

Gina and Warren