Are Friends Electric? Mine Are.

Our dear friend Sam Fowler passed away during my trip to South America, but in my absence it was soon decided to hold a tribute dinner in his name once I returned. Today was that day, and 16 of us gathered at the home in Martinstown of his daughter Anne and husband Bob (Clarke) to afford Sam a final farewell. After a most enjoyable lunch we got down to reminiscing about Sam, each of us given the opportunity to recall our favorite memory of this extraordinary man. Mine had to be a repeat of the 'sacking' of Pink Floyd in the early 60's, but other anecdotes included Prince Philip, Edward Heath and a multitude of jazz greats who Sam was a part of. During the meal we played his last album 'Just Friends', and as if to please the assembled a Great Spotted Woodpecker landed on the garden feeder to the delight of everyone.

There is one thing for sure, wherever Sam is now he will be pleasing his fans as he did in life - Bless you Mate!

Some of the assembled including his widow Camilia, center.

Bob & Anne center with ex Chickerell mayor and Paul White.

My son 'out-law' Nigel, Nick Tomlinson and my daughter Julie.

Sam, right on double base, with The Jazz Quintet'.

Sam playing Ronnie Scott's, thought to be 1950's?

Me and my eldest daughter Julie. Don't even mention the shoes, sore subject!

As if this fantastic party were not enough for one day, I had heard a rumour that Methane 57, the band who played my 60th birthday, had re-formed and were doing a practice gig at No6 on Queen's Street. The visit there proved very fortuitous as many of my mates had decided on the same idea.

Myself (fixed income pensioner), Sally Pearce (computer wizard and business woman), Megan (ex landlady of O'Flanagan's) and TV actor Dean Martin (The Bill, The Sweeney, Minder and latterly New Tricks).

The Boy's are Back in Town - Peter Smith landlord and rhythm guitar, Chris Whiteside drums ex Bad Reputation, Dave Phillips vocals / bass and Paul Sundt lead guitar / vocals.

Jon Storey, arguable the best guitarist Dorset ever produced, trying unsuccessfully to control the mixing panel.

Paul, recently graduated from the Guitar Institute, London gets heavily into Purple Haze! "Excuse me while I kiss the sky".