Walthamstow Grenada 1960/70s

In the old days we would go to Walthamstow Grenada to see the latest "Pop" Stars in concert anything from Rolling Stones, Kinks, Dusty, Cilla, to Roy Orbison, Gene Pitney, The Ronnettes, fantastic lineups looking back on it.  I lived in Leytonstone at the time so no distance to travel only other music venue near was Leyton Bathes was more dancing I think never went there, looking at some posters online the prices were amazing 3/6 cheapest 12/6 dearest to see top American, British acts. I dont remember a lot about those times if anyone reading this does please get in touch on here or Email ccjheckmonwyke@tiscali.co.uk I wish I had kept tickets or posters.  On a Sunday night they used to have B black and white Horror films with a Amateur group playing first I wonder if any of them made good? very rowdy if the rockers were in, blown up condons floating around and buckets of water over ushers great fun ;-)  I have heard the Grenada was refurbished in early 70s giving it three screens have never been back since then I think it closed now will be a huge shame if they pull it down good times!  Chris Lee   PS no photos this time ;-(

DafabetMasters Snooker

To Ally Pally on Monday the 11th to watch afternoon session of Masters Snooker, Trump v  Maguire. I got a lift to Ally Pally which was handy, when you went though main doors into the Palm Court there were the programme ,sellers, memrobilla, Dafabet betting counter, Bratwurst waggon, very well organised.  Saw a few celebs mingling with crowds of fans Jimmy White ,Rob Walker, John Parrot all surrounded by fans wanting selfies.  So into the arena very good seat, the commentary box end of the table.  Some Pics well a lot of Pics then rest of chat ;-)  >>>>

After some preliminary warming up by Rob Walker match got underway, pretty close for most of the match.  Gradually Judd got the upper hand and won by 6-4 very exciting match. While waiting for lift home took a few photos of London a very good view from Palace forecourt so that was first day.  My second trip was Thursday afternoon session quarter final between Ronnie and Mark Selby , arrived there a bit early than the first day so had time to take more photos.  But it was a very cold day so didnt hang around to long ;-) went inside bought programme and TShirt hung around and watched people playing on the demonstration table and trying to spot celebs none that i could recognise.  So went into arena had a seat very near the one i was in last time good view again .After the banter the match started, Ronnie was soon on top Selby just wasnt playing up to his usual standard.  At interval went into Foyer where John Parrot was trying to do a trick shot that worked in the end !The match started again near the end it looked like Selby might be making a comeback but ended 6-3 to Ronnie .Received a text from my wife saying she had seen me on TV at the interval  from the camera in the commentary box with my new Snooker TShirt on! After I came out into the Palm Court I went for a pint of Alexandra Palace Ale in the pub on site , went outside to take some photos of the view and the sunset but so cold and windy didnt hang around finished pint and back into Foyer just in time to see Mark Selby coming out of arena soon surrounded by selfie takers and autograph hunters which he was quiet willing to accommodate and he didn't look to unhappy at loosing! Took a few Pics went out and got my lift and home.  Next match was the afternoon session of the Final between Ronnie v Barry Hawkins Sunday, Arrived early again time for a walk around outside of Palace and photos before going in out of the cold had a bottle of water and a sat reading the programme in the fan centre.  Then went into arena had different seat at break off end of table high up row Q but ok view. Hazel Irving introduced the players then it was up to Rob Walker to set the scene which he does very well then game on.  From the off Ronnie had the upper hand Hawkins managed to win one frame but never looked like threatening O'Sullivans hold on the match. I tried to take some Pics but once game has started its frowned on so only got one of Ronnies rear end not his best side! Went to Foyer at interval but nothing going on so watched some people on demonstration table then back to the match which didnt go well for Hawkins with Ronnie knocking in a 136 break then taking all four frames.  And leading first session 7-1 and as match was first to 10 I was glad I didnt have a ticket for the evening session . Went  to Pub for a pint of £4.20 Betty Stoggs Cornish Ale, place still crowded as lot of people had tickets for evening session ;-(  I went outside to take some more Pics finish my beer and wait in the cold for my wife with my lift ;-) it was a very good event well organised very friendly good matches! will do it again next year.  So after getting out of traffic jam , home for glass of wine or two and watch Ronnie win it 10-1 on the TV a disappointing Final but a Brilliant event.  Chris Lee ;-)

DAVID BOWIE 1947-2016

Nearly a Year since the singing stopped but his Music and influence will Never die this is what I wrote last January.  The Laughing Gnome, Ziggy, Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dog, The Thin White Duke, He had so many Changes but each one brought a out another side of his talent! We think our Heroes are immortal such a shock when we lose one as Brilliant as Bowie!  I can remember summoning up the courage to buy my first Bowie LP not his first, cant remember which album it was probably Hunky Dorie, then worked my way backward and forward though his records. Always used to play him Saturday evening before going out, His influence changed music and attitudes from the 60s till forever at least we still have is work to enjoy.  Probably the Prettiest Star we have every had.  RIP David Jones Our London Boy  Chris Lee ;-)  When I Live My Dream You will be beside me........