It's a small world .......Jim'll Fix It 1990

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It was only a couple of weeks ago at the September club night that we were delighted to welcome a couple of the Shadocasters - the Tyneside Shadows tribute group - for the first time.

Dave Watson, the lead guitarist, treated us to an excellent version of Shadoogie.

Well guess what turned up today?

Only a clip of Dave's son appearing on Jim'll Fix It way back in 1990 - actually playing with the Shadows themselves!

Seems like musical talent runs in the family.

Does your son still play Dave?

Clubs' king Jack loses cancer battle

By Bruce Unwin (Reproduced from the Northern Echo)

Jack of Clubs: Jack Amos

A MAN who became synonymous with North-East club land has died at the age of 75.

Jack Amos, who was known as the Jack of Clubs, lost his fight with cancer at his home in Blackhill, near Consett, on Saturday.

He had previously overcome lung cancer when it was first diagnosed, in 2002.

The Consett-born local newspaper journalist first became involved in the North-East social/workingmen's club scene when he was asked to help to publicise a local club, Shotley Bridge Victory Club, and within two months was made its secretary.

He went on to become elected as Durham CIU branch secretary as well as holding a seat on the CIU national executive committee. He served in both posts for 21 years.

Mr Amos was made an MBE for his services to the region's clubs in the Queen's New Year Honours.

A well-known charity champion he used his club links to arrange many fund-raising activities for the good causes he supported.

Mr Amos leaves a widow, Flo. They have a son, Gary, a daughter Janette, and three grandchildren.

Here is one you might have missed .......

Sixties pop star leaves just £46k
Reproduced from Bournmouth Daily Echo

ESTATE: Former member of The Dave Clark Five, Denis Payton, left his sons his musical instruments
A MEMBER of pop group The Dave Clark Five - which sold 100 million records and once rivalled the Beatles - left just £46,000 in his will.

Musician Denis Payton moved to Bournemouth and became an estate agent after his chart success.

He died aged 63 last December after a long battle against cancer.

A founder member of The Dave Clark Five, he played saxophone, harmonica and guitar.

The band once rivalled the Beatles and was one of the first English groups to tour America, spearheading the "British invasion" of 1964.

The group sold more than 100 million records and had 30 hit singles worldwide including Glad All Over, Bits and Pieces and Over and Over.

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Payton, who also sang backing vocals, became an estate agent after the band split up in 1971.

His will left the bulk of his estate to his partner of 16 years Lindsay Copland, who lived with him in Bournemouth.

But he also left his musical instruments to his two sons from his first marriage, Scott and Lee.

Scott was left his father's Gibson J45 guitar while Lee receives his Selmer Mark 6 tenor saxophone. Both Payton's sons live in Lower Parkstone, Poole.

Payton died just weeks after it was announced that The Dave Clark Five had been nominated for induction to the 2007 US Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

Dave Clark described Payton as being "thrilled" by the citation, saying at the time: "I know I won't be around but it was an amazing part of my life I am very proud of."

Recognise anyone .....?

The famous Mods and Rockers Bank Holiday clashes - this one was Brighton 1964 as shown on ITV.

It was, of course, long before my time, being as I am only 34 (inside leg that is)but some of you will no doubt remember it well.

I wonder how many police with Lazers, Phasers and Tazers would need to be deployed these days.

New Gizmo available .....

... not that any of our lot need it. (Click to enlarge)

Calling Sarah Ruffer .......

Peter (on the right with his knee on the amp) came across this pic taken in 1964 on the occasion of Sarah's coming out party (I wouldn't have said the dress was that low-cut). She is seen here with local group the Foot Tappers.(Click to enlarge)

Sarah was the daughter of Major Ruffer and the bash took place in a marquee at Stokesley.

Where are you now Sarah - the lads fancy a return booking.