More Shades-related memories

from The Southend Standard, 23 September 2005

More of Len T’s memories

 I note with interest letters referring to the death of Chris Blackman.  We held a service at the Shades on the day of the funeral.

 Chris was a budding carpenter and I have a sharpening stone that he left behind at the Shades, with a case he made for himself.  I never knew what to do with it.

 Perhaps Carol Newbury-Smith would like it as a keepsake.  We did run a Shades reunion at the Dickens about 20 years ago, run by Mike Brownlee, who, of course was the original drummer with The Paramounts.  This was a resounding success.

The Blonde Shirley and myself were guests of honour.  If a suitable venue could be found, I feel it would create a lot of interest among those taking part, and supporters (no crutches allowed!). 

The site of the Shades now houses a block of flats, but there must be a suitable venue somewhere to start the ball rolling.

I remember taking The Paramounts to the Cricketers and the Palace many times in my van.

I also worked on fitting out the Capri as a coffee bar and in later years, on fitting it out again as a storeroom for Rosehills [clothing shop], which was above.  I have not seen Denny Knott for a couple of years, I hope he is well.

Finally, our thanks go to Standard editor Tim Aves, for keeping the ball rolling on this subject.

THE BLONDE SHIRLEY AND LEN TROWER
Westbourne Grove
Westcliff

Reunion will be on Dec 2

Many thanks to the Southend Standard for being a truly local newspaper that focuses on local people and issues!   

Due to the response to the articles and letters concerning the Shades/El Capri and other venues from the Sixties, I have had more than 30 calls about a reunion.  It is now fixed for December 2, at the Ekco Social Club, from 7.30pm till late.  There will be a disco, buffet and band and Jenny Knott is going to bring her 81-year-old father, Denny, to the party.  Contact me for tickets.

 BRIAN AYLING
Tel 01702 464383

Thanks, John; and Jill, for the typing

More about the Paramounts