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NEWSLETTER
(November 2009) The Eel Pie Club is now approaching its 10th year (where has the time gone?!) and continues to go from strength to strength. 2009 started on a high note when the Club was voted 'Best place to hear rhythm and blues music in the UK'. by The Guardian Newspaper (the national one!). In April, with the help of the then Mayor of Richmond, Counsellor Helen Lee-Parsons, we installed a permanent heritage board and bronze plaque on Twickenham Embankment, paying tribute to the now super-star musicians and bands who started their careers on Eel Pie Island and, of course, the man who combined running the Eel Pie Island Jazz Club with helping young people have their own voice at a time when this was not generally accepted – the late Arthur Chisnall. The Heritage site unveiling ceremony on 24 April was followed by a concert by The Yardbirds at the new Live Room at Twickenham Stadium. This was the first concert at this new, state of the art venue, and notably, the last Yardbirds gig for their frontman, John Idan. Moving on to 2010 - well, we just can’t let our 10th birthday go by without a great party with music from The Eel Pie All-Stars. The idea is that we will be inviting a host of guest musicians who have played at the Club over the past 10 years – quite a feat considering we only have from 8:30-11:30pm to fit them all in. But we will do our best! This historic event will take place on Wednesday 14 April, so make a note in your diary! Another notable diary date is the long-awaited launch on 17 February of the new Downliners Sect album – ‘Chinese Whispers’. We have heard a sneak preview of the CD and it was well worth waiting for! We are introducing some new bands to the Club during the early part of 2010, such as The Grapevine Blues Band, James Litherland’s 4th Estate, The Larry Miller Band and The Baddest Blues Band Ever. They are all excellent in their own unique styles, whilst at the same time displaying the best qualities of UK Rhythm and Blues and Rock. We are currently negotiating another concert at The Live Room during 2010 and will let you know when arrangements are finalised. In the meantime, due to popular demand, The Hamsters will be back at the Club playing their Jimi Hendrix/ZZ Top Set on 28 April. Tickets will go on sale shortly. PAINTINGS OF EEL PIE CLUB MUSICIANS BY CAROLE VAN ALLEN You may or may not have noticed amongst the display of photos at The Eel Pie Club, some sample prints of paintings by Carole Van Allen. She has painted several of Art and Ronnie Wood and various other musicians, such as Ray Majors and they make great souvenirs or presents. For this Christmas she is painting a special group picture especially for The Eel Pie Club featuring many of the regular musicians who play there. She is also hoping to produce a 2010 calendar. |
To see some samples of her work, or to buy prints, please see Warren or Gina. BOOK NEWS Eel Pie Island residents, Michele Whitby (who also owns Par Ici on Church Street Twickenham) and Dan van der Vat, have launched their book on Eel Pie Island. The book, which is called 'Eel Pie Island', goes into detail of the history of the Hotel, and the music and musicians who played there. The book is packed with information and great photos and is available at The Eel Pie Club, at Par Ici, or on Amazon. We now have two autobiographies on sale at The Club – Micky Moody’s and Steve Hackett’s. Both musicians have been regulars at the Club and their books are interesting and entertaining. MEMBERSHIP This will remain the same for 2010 – email Membership at £15 and postal membership at £17. Check your membership card to see when yours expires. CHARITY DONATIONS The Eel Pie Club is continuing its policy of donating to local charities. During the year from November 2008, a total of £2,273 has been donated to various causes, including the Heritage Site on Twickenham Embankment, The Prostate Cancer Charity, The Mayor’s Charities and The Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. EEL PIE CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY 2009 Don’t forget our ‘famous’ Christmas Party with The Eel Pie All-Stars and musician guests, plus free mince pies and mulled wine, will be on Wednesday 9 December. As you know, this is for Members only and their guests, so if your membership has run out, be sure to renew now so you and your friends can come along. Ticket prices remain the same as for last year - £8 for Members and £10 for guests. Our continued thanks to Simon Leak at Executive Mortgages, 44 London Road, Twickenham, for allowing us to use his office space for the Eel Pie Club. We recommend Simon for advice on mortgages and financial matters. We hope to see you at the Club soon. Lots of good wishes for a great Holiday Season and New Year.
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