eel pie book

Almost good news!

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

Eel Pie Hotel print

Here is the picture!

Available from www.parici.co.uk , look under 'David Hankin'.

I'm Back!

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.

George Melly

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

Calling all Jazz fans!

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.

Eel Pie Commune

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.

Art Wood Tribute Night

Most of you viewing this site will know the name Art Wood and will be aware of the sad fact that he passed away last November. The organisers of today's Eel Pie Club held a tribute night last Sunday, with proceeds going to The Prostate Cancer Charity.

WOW! What a fantastic evening - the line up was superb. Musicians who came to celebrate Art's life included, amongst many others, Geno Washington, Kenny Jones, Mick Avory, Micky Waller, Ray Majors, John Hogg and Jesse Wood... the remaining Artwoods got up on stage and were joined by Art's brother Ronnie.

It really was a night to remember. The bands literally bought the house down - some of the ceiling fell as the room rocked to the great music!

Well done to Gina, Warren, Tom and everyone else involved in organising it.

Thanks!

Firstly apologies for nothing new being posted for a while - can't believe it's March already - the weeks are whizzing by. I have been working as much as possible on the book, in between running my shop and school runs, and have made great progress with sourcing some fabulous photographs. I just wanted to say a big 'THANKS' to everyone who has posted comments or emailed me with their Eel Pie memories. It's been fantastic hearing from worldwide Eel Pie people, so please don't stop!

Arthur's funeral

Arthur's funeral was a fitting tribute to a man who seems to have touched the lives of so many people. The whole event was orchestrated by those who knew him and he was spoken of very highly by five different women!!

He went off in a splendid wicker coffin & I loved Sue's comment about how he would have wanted it to be kept as it would have made such great storage!

Thanks to everyone who came and to the musicians who played at the wake - that jazz is still singing in my head!

We'll all miss Arthur, but as they say -  'thanks for the memories'.

Arthur's Funeral

The arrangements for Arthur's funeral are as follows;

Friday 12th January, 2.00pm at Mortlake Crematorium.

Please pass this information on to anyone who knew Arthur and would like to come and pay their respects.

It has been requested that no flowers are bought, but donations to The Princess Alice Hospice in Esher can be made in his name.

If you cannot make the funeral, but would like to write a piece to be put in a memorial book you can do so by emailing rememberarthur@parici.co.uk or by post c/o Par-ici, 41 Church Street, Twickenham TW1 3NS.