Chris Sharley to the rescue. Queen's Head, Kingston, 22nd July

A few hours before the gig Pete Miles, our drummer for the gig, rang in to say that his car had died and he wouldn't be able to make it. Luckily at the last minute Chris Sharley (pictured on the right in the photo with Martin Donohoe), was able to do the gig. Chris has played with the band quite a few times over the years, so many thanks to him for saving the day.

Lucien Freud (and Fluke gig)

Nothing to do with the band, but I heard today that Lucian Freud has died. One of my favourite artists and an early inspiration and influence on me when I was involved in painting and drawing. My favourite painting of his is this 1952 portrait of Francis Bacon. A small beautifully painted portrait. A 'real' painter, they don't make them like that anymore. Oh, and yes Fluke have a gig tonight (22nd July) at the Queen's Head in Kingston.

Fluke Fleet gigs, July 14th & 15th

Two gigs this week for Fluke in Fleet. On Thursday we played at the Propaganda Music Canteen, followed by the Fox & Hounds on Friday. On Thursday the band struggled to even get to Fleet as there were horrendous queues on the M25 and M3. It took me two and quarter hours to get there from Wimbledon, a journey that usually takes about an hour. Still we had a good gig. Sorry to hear that Tammy had been 'let go' from the Propaganda Music Canteen. Charming lady and very hard working. On Friday the band left plenty of time for possible traffic delays and arrived two hours early for the gig! Still it was good to set up early and make sure everything was working properly. Another excellent gig, always a good sign when the landlady is dancing. Photo shows band (Martin Donohoe, Chris Snook,Sam Kelly, Patrick Quirke) relaxing by the canal in the garden of the Fox & Hounds before the gig.

Double birthday party, 9th July

On the 9th June the band played for father and son Dan (pictured top)and Martin Hooton, who shared a birthday. It was held at the Trooper pub in Froxfield, just outside of Petersfield. Excellent pub on the Surrey Hampshire border. Plenty of food and drink provided including a hog roast. Over a hundred guests and by the end of the evening most of them were up and dancing.

The Barley Mow, Shepperton, 2nd July

Another great gig at the Barley Mow as usual. Russell Chaney (centre of photo) joined us for the night on drums.

Patrick's Birthday, 24th July

On the 24th June the band played at the Tamesis Sailing Club in Teddington to help celebrate Patrick Quirk's 60th (surley not) birthday. Patrick is a regular bass player with the band. The band were joined by other musician friends of Patrick's and it ended up being a great night for the band and the ninety or so guests. The photos show the band doing a pre-gig sound check.