Pennyhill Park Hotel, Surrey 2005

To avoid a horribly early start on Christmas day, we decided to go down the night before and stay with Willy and John's old friend Mike Deighan and his charming wife Helen. We arrived a little after 20:00 and very soon the wine bottles were being uncorked and a goodish amount of merriment was about to follow, and why not? After all it was Christmas eve!

Mike's association with John and Willy goes way back. As well as a thoroughly nice chap, he is also one of the world's greatest Banjo players, though he is far too modest to ever say so. His long association with The Temperance Seven has brought him to the attention of many, and all agree he is one of the best.

Helen, Mike's wife, also is heavily into the arts. As well being a long-suffering partner to Mike, she has time to be a textile artist, author, and teaches workshops relating to dyeing, quilting and textile coil pots. She even has her own website.

Well, soon the festive spirit was within us, especially Willy who had brought a hip flask of a very fine single malt. This was soon demolished and its effects were perceived quite clearly to the assembled throng, though we suspected not quite so clearly for Willy!





Mike soon got out the famous Banjo and also a very sweet La Folle tenor Ukulele. He then proceeded to challenge Anthony's knowledge of George Formby songs, and though he came up with some very obscure titles, he was not beaten. Anthony's relief was palpable as it was a little like Grasshopper being tested by his Karate Master in Kung Foo!





At around 02:00 we went to bed. Some were more wobbly than others, but we shall name no names!

Christmas came and though the weather was fine, one or two of the chaps were less than bright and shining! Helen made us a lovely breakfast, then we were off to Pennyhill Park. Mike caught a lift with us as he was also there with another band.

Mike plays with Pat Rixon and Pete Danby. Pennyhill Park is a regular gig for them, but on Christmas day two bands were required, so they very kindly suggested us. This is our second year and as last year we were treated very well. Drinks were waiting on out arrival and the staff were a pleasure. Many thanks.





Our dressing room was the back stairs! Hey ho! Still it was very roomy and only occasionally were we exposed to the unsuspecting public!!

The first part of the gig involved mostly background playing as the people were arriving. We were in our trio guise with John doubling on Bass and Cornet. We took it nice and easy and am certain we increased appetite and eased possible stomach aches and the dreaded indigestion which can occur from over-indulging at this festive time.





Then after a short break we were walking around the tables doing special requests and having a jolly good giggle with the assembled fans (as we were sure they were becoming!)

If that was not enough, they then laid on a fabulous meal. John and Anthony had three sweets! Willy hardly ate anything as he was feeling, er, delicate!

Well, we set off for home and were back by 20:00 -- still in time to enjoy the remains of the day.

From all the chaps... Merry Christmas.