It’s A Beautiful Day


Radio Paradise just turned a dull afternoon into a beautiful one by playing Don & Dewey by It’s A Beautiful Day.

I know it’s 60’s rock but so, so good. The title refers to Rock & Roll duo Don “Sugarcane” Harris & Dewey Terry

What a blast.

Scaffolding collapses on to six vehicles in Southsea – Local – Portsmouth News


Given the winds that are battering Hampshire at the moment it’s hardly surprising that some folks are experiencing some damage to property. Having jst heard about this I am pleased that nobody was hurt.

RESIDENTS have told of their shock after scaffolding attached to a hotel collapsed and crushed six cars.

High winds tore the structure from the side of the Best Western Royal Beach Hotel, in St Helen’s Parade, Southsea, causing the scaffolding to crash on to vehicles in Alhambra Road.

Part of the hotel’s balcony also came down with the scaffolding.

Luckily no one was hurt in the incident, which happened at about 8am today. The four storey, 120 bed roomed hotel, is fully booked.

Apparently help was on hand.

A group of firefighters from across the country who were staying at the hotel for a training course were immediately on scene to see if they could be of any assistance.

Scaffolding collapses on to six vehicles in Southsea – Local – Portsmouth News.

Flying Burrito Brothers Bassist Dies


Yet another artist from the late  60’s has passed away.

Chris Ethridge, bass guitarist with The Flying Burrito Brothers, died following complications from pancreatic cancer at the age of 65.

During a long career Ethridge, in addition to playing with the Flying Burrito Brothers, worked as a session musician. During those stints he worked with such names as Judy Collins, Leon Russell, Johnny Winter, Randy Newman, Ry Cooder, Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, Jackson Browne and Willie Nelson with whom he toured for many years.

It seems appropriate to play this at this time

And take a look at the full band here

Chris Ethridge obituary: Bassist in Flying Burrito Brothers dies – latimes.com.

Mill is set to get new lease of life – What A Bargain


The mill is believed to date back to 1728, and there were originally two tidal mills battling to grind wheat and oats on the peninsula.

It was previously used as a tidal mill until 1935, making it the last working tidal mill in Sussex before it was pressed into service to build and repair naval boats during the Second World War.

There is something really strange that such a property, in such an attractive location, should be sold for such an amazingly small sum !!!

In an unusual move, no reserve price was put on the Grade II-listed brick-and-timber property at Birdham Pool Marina, Chichester Harbour when it went for auction.

With a zero reserve, bidding was fast and furious, and the gavel came down on a final bid of £62,000.

The potential for this property is out of this world even with the peculiarities of the British planning laws.

I am mystified.

Mill is set to get new lease of life – Local Business – Portsmouth News.

It’s St. Georges Day – Why Isn’t This A National Holiday For England ?



He is the Patron Saint Of England. His cross has been adopted as the flag of England and is the core of the Union Flag. Yet few celebrate St. Georges day. There are parades held around the country but the most people are at work.

The shameful fact is that more people will take the time to celebrate St Patrick’s day than will bother with St Georges day.

St Georges day should be the day that we celebrate the actions of members of UK forces and other extraordinary ordinary folks around the UK. It’s time our government helped generate some patriotism.

England’s saint is brought to life at events – Lifestyle – Portsmouth News.

Keith Moon To Play Olympics ???


According to this Planet Rock article, the organisers of this summers olympics approached Who manager Bill Curbishley to see if drummer Keith Moon would like to play at one of the musical events.
Keith Moon Asked To Play Olympics | Rock News | News | Planet Rock.

I emailed back saying Keith now resides in Golders Green crematorium, having lived up to the Who’s anthemic line “I hope I die before I get old”,

said Curbishley

If they have a round table, some glasses and candles, we might contact him

RIP Levon Helm


Grammy award winner, Levon Helm died yesterday afternoon aged 71 after battling with cancer.

In a career spanning over 60 years Helm is probably best know as the drummer and lead singer of The Band who performed both as support to Bob Dylan and in their own right.

He also appeared as a solo artist playing with artists such as Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Albert Lee, Joe Walsh, Dr. John and many many more. Although best known as a drummer Helm was a multi-instrumentalist, playing mandolin, guitar, harmonica and banjo as well as drums and various percussion instruments. In addition Helm had a steady acting career, appearing in around a dozen movies.

The music world is today mourning the loss of a major talent.

Bloody Red Baron – Killed


Yes, on this day in history the “Bloody Red Baron” of Germany, Baron Manfred von Richthofen was shot down in France.

Richthofen was shot down and killed near Amiens on 21 April 1918. There has been considerable discussion and debate regarding aspects of his career, especially the circumstances of his death.

A Canadian captain, Arthur Roy Brown was officially credited with the kill but we all know different.

Don’t we !!!