1973

Towards the end of the summer season a lot of group discussions took place with  the topic being our next winter contract. At the top of the list was ''South Africa''. Could you believe this ? one minute I'm plonking the piano in the Somerleyton ''Dukes head'' the next I'm contemplating a major  decision to travel to almost the other side of the globe.  

 Vanessa and myself were married on 25th August 73.  Gary married Lin on 10th November 73. I'll never forget playing church organ at their wedding. I doubt if the village surrounding Lound church has heard the dulcet sounds of 'A Whiter shade of pale'' or ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' since.             

At this point the band was getting various offers of work, and decisions had to be made. I  couldn't see myself leaving family & friends for South Africa for  6- 12 months. It was a scary thought .  No I was not going !