I've kind of stopped using this blog and have found Myspace more useful for communicating. You can still email eelpiebook@parici.co.uk or visit www.myspace.com/eelpiebook
The book is all finished, bar getting together the last few pictures, and should be on the shelves next October.
Thanks to all who have helped with words, pictures and encouragement.
Michael, you posted a comment about your Col. Barefoots memories last year. You mentioned that you still had some flyers. I'd love to see them and possibly use them in the book. Hope you read this. Please get in touch SOON. I have to get this all done by the end of the month......
Well, we've finally signed the contract! The deadline for finished text is 31st October, so any of you who still want to get a word in.........HURRY UP. email eelpiebook@parici.co.uk
I know this is a long shot, being that the days of the Eel Pie Club were not like now when the world and his wife has a camera on their mobile phone, but if any of you have any pics of those days I'd love to see them. Ace trumpet player Mike Peters was, and still is, a photographer and he has a load of fantastic shots from those magical Eel Pie nights, but I'm always keen to see more!
To all of you who have already posted comments here, maybe you could email me a pic of yourself from way back when....you never know, your face may end up in a book!
Thanks in anticipation. Michele X
I have been busy tapping away on the keyboard - creating the context for all your great memories, and learning about social and musical history along the way. Why cant all 'jobs' be as fun as this?
Earlier this year I decided to collaborate with another author, Dan, an Island resident who had been piecing together the more ancient history of this little isle - it seemed stupid to tread on each others toes and useful to have each other covering different aspects.
We approached a publisher with the idea and they are very keen - just waiting on a contract now. So, it's all getting exciting. I have no idea how long these things take from contract to book-on-the-shelf, but will keep you all posted....
In the meantime, if you dig out any more stories from the depths of your memories you know where to send them....
Cheers
Michele X
Available from www.parici.co.uk , look under 'David Hankin'.
Sorry for the lack of postings on here. I really don't know what happened to last year. Well now we've got Xmas out the way and BOTH my children are now at school full-time I've got a little more time on my hands and have got the book project up and running again.
Thank you to everyone who has been in touch so far - it's been great reading about your Eel Pie tales and any quotes used will be credited.
By the way, one of the artists who sells work in my shop has done a fab picture of the Eel Pie Hotel if you want to take a look www.parici.co.uk , look under David Hankin.
I was so sorry to hear about George Melly's passing away yesterday. Last year I borrowed his trilogy autobiography 'Owning Up' from the library just to read the small bit about his Eel Pie Island experiences, but found it so well written and entertaining that I ended up reading most of the mighty volume and then borrowed the fourth installment too.
I had the pleasure of seeing him play a very small gig in Trevor Baylis's back garden some years ago and thought he was magnificent.
Do any of you remember ever seeing him play Eel Pie in the '50's and '60's? I would love to hear about it...please post comments or email eelpiebook@parici.co.uk
On Friday 15th June The Brian Rutland Band (who were one of the first bands to play at Eel Pie Island before Arthur had set up his club) have organised a Summer Jazz Dinner to take place at the Roehampton Club. If anyone is interested in going along for an evening of dining and dancing to some fantastic music please email roehamptonjazz@aol.com or call in to Par-ici for a flyer.
I am trying to find out more about the commune era of the Eel Pie Hotel. Who started it all? How many people lived there? The motivation behind it? What it was like living there...
Also, does anyone remember Colonel Barefoots Rock Garden? Got any stories? Anyone know who Col. B actually was?
Please post your comments on this site, or email eelpiebook@parici.co.uk . Any quotes used in the book will be credited.
