FLUKE THE BAND

22nd December, The Railway, 32, Station Road, Cheam, SM3 8SQ

2011-12-19T09:10:00.000-08:00

Two excellent gigs last weekend, the Fox & Hounds in Fleet and the King's Arms in Dorking. Our last gig of 2011 is at the railway pub in Cheam. Our first gig at this very small pub.

The Fox and Hounds, Friday 16th December.

2011-12-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

Our next gig is at the Fox and Hounds in Church Crookham, near Fleet. Always a good gig, 9 start.

2011-11-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

Quite a few good gigs since the last post; The Fox & Hounds, Fleet, The Old Ticket Hall, Windsor, The King's Arms, Dorking, The Propaganda, Fleet, The Swan, Farnham and latest one The Swan in Hampton Wick. All good gigs. Next gig is on Friday (2nd December) at the Poyntz Arms in East Molesey. Always a good gig. 9 start.

Fox and Hounds, Church Crookham, Fleet, 21st October

2011-10-18T02:56:00.001-07:00

Our next gig is at the Fox and Hounds in Church Crookham on Friday 21st October. Nice pub right next to the Basingstoke Canal.

United Services Club, Egham

2011-10-16T05:02:00.000-07:00

Our first outing at the United Services Club went very well. It's seems to be a very well run club. Stage area for the band, in-house PA and lighting, and a large selection of real ales. Many thanks to the excellent Chris Sharley (drums) and Glynn Evans (bass) for standing in at very short notice. From the left in the photo: me (looking worried), Martin Donohoe (looking very shifty), Chris Sharley (best shirt prize) and Glynn Evans (sorry for the key variations on the set list). Looking forward to our 2012 gigs at the club.

15th October, United Services Club, Egham

2011-10-11T07:09:00.001-07:00

Our first gig at the United Services Club in Egham. 8 .45 start. Line up: Chris Sharley (drums), Glynn Evans (bass), Martin Donohoe (guitar/vocals) and Chris Snook (guitar/vocals).Come along if you're in the area, should be a good night.

Bert Jansch "Black Waterside"

2011-10-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

The incomparable Burt Jansch who sadly passed away today. He was the first guitarist that made me sit up and listen and attempt fingerstyle guitar playing. A true original who influenced generations of would be guitar players.

Two landlords

2011-09-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Two of the best landlords on the gigging circuit, John from the Barley Mow in Shepperton (beer in hand) and Mark East (moustachioed) from the The Rowbarge in Guildford. Both music lovers who go out of their way to promote live music in their pubs. We played at the Rowbarge last Friday and will be playing at the Barley Mow on Saturday 1st October, 9 start.

The Rowbarge, Guildford, 23rd September

2011-09-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

Our next gig is at the Rowbarge in Guildford on Saturday 23rd September.

Poyntz Arms, East Molesey, Friday 16th, September

2011-09-14T03:41:00.000-07:00

We'll be playing at the Poyntz Arms in East Molesey on Friday 16th September, one of our favourite gigs.

Paul & Becky's wedding, 28th August, Hampton Court House.

2011-08-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

The wedding gig at Hampton Court House went very well. The band set up and sound checked (almost a first for us) in the morning and came back in the evening to play. We had to wrestle Martin's guitar from Sam Kelly (in the middle in the above photo, flanked on the right by Patrick Quirke and on the left by Martin Donohoe) and put him behind his drum kit where he rightly belongs, where he did his usual great job for us. From the first to the last number the guests were dancing, always a good sign. Paul, the groom, liked us so much he said he'd book us for his next wedding. McFly were playing in the field next door and newly weds Paul and Becky flew off to trek for three weeks in Nepal the next day.

Hampton Court House, 28th August

2011-08-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening Fluke will be playing a wedding gig at Hampton Court House. Slightly more salubrious surroundings than we're used to playing in, but we could get used to it.

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

2011-07-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

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)

2011-07-22T02:47:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-16T05:06:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-16T04:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

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.

The Lion Brewery, Ash, 17th June.

2011-06-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

Despite the torrential rain enough people turned up to make the band's first gig at the Lion Brewery in Ash a good one. Nice friendly pub with good playing area. We're looking forward to playing there again soon. Line up for the night was, from the left, Martin Donohoe (guitar/vocals), Patrick Quirke (bass/vocals), Sam Kelly (drums) and Chris Snook (guitar/vocals) behind the camera.

The Lion Brewery, Ash, 17th June

2011-05-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

This will be the band's first gig at the Lion Brewery.

The Fox and Hounds, Fleet, 22nd April

2011-04-17T05:23:00.000-07:00

This will be our first gig at the Fox and Hounds. Hopefully it'll be a good one. Fluke will be playing as a four piece on this gig.

16th April gig cancellation

2011-04-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Our gig at the Swan in Farnborough on the 16th April has had to be changed to another date. Keep an eye on the gig listings for new date.

The Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet

2011-02-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

Fluke will be playing at the Propaganda Music Canteen on the 17th February, 9 start.

Fluke at the Swan in Farnborough, 19th February.

2011-01-28T03:11:00.000-08:00

Fluke will be playing at the Swan in Farnborough on the 19th Februray, 9pm start.

The King's Head Theatre Pub, Islington, January 15th

2011-01-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

Our second gig at the King's Head Theatre Pub in Islington turned out to be just as good as the first gig. A great crowd enthusiastically cheered us on all night. Probably the first time the band has had to wait for a performance of Madame Butterfly to finish before we could start playing. Some of the opera goers stayed on to listen to the band. We also were asked to play at two private functions. The line up for the evening was the excellent Sam Kelly on drums (son of Dave Kelly, guitarist with the Paul Jones Band), Patrick Quirke on Bass, and the regulars Iain Fidler on keyboards, John Parry on lead guitar and vocals and Chris Snook on guitar and vocals. We'll be playing there again soon so keep an eye on our gig listings.

New Year's Eve at the Rowbarge, Guildford

2011-01-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

Our last gig of 2010 and one of the best. Mark and Chrissie, the landlords of the Rowbarge are an example of how landlords should be. Always welcoming and very keen to promote live music at their pub. The band always looks forward to playing there.

New Year's Eve at the Rowbarge, 7, Riverside, Guildford

2010-12-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

After a great Christmas Eve gig at the Windsor Castle in Little Bookham, Fluke are now looking forward to playing on New Year's Eve at the Rowbarge in Guildford. Please contact Mark, the landlord, for details.

Christmas Eve at Ye Olde Windsor Castle, Little Bookham

2010-12-20T09:45:00.000-08:00

Fluke will be playing at the Ye Olde Windsor Castle on Christmas Eve.

2010-11-28T05:17:00.000-08:00

The King's Head, Upper Street,Islington, 20th November

2010-11-28T05:09:00.000-08:00

"Hi Chris,

It was lovely to meet you and your band tonight. I really enjoyed your music and got positive feedback from both customers and staff.

I have one Saturday date left in December- the 11th. Are you free to play that night?

Thanks and kind regards,

Elaine"

This was the e-mail Elaine, the bar and entertainments manager at the King's Head sent us after our gig on the 29th November. It was a gtreat gig and the band went down a storm. Unfortunately we're booked for a private party on the 11th December but we'll be making a return to the pub in the New Year.

Fluke at the King's Head, Upper Street, Islington, 20th November.

2010-11-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

Fluke will be playing at famous King's Head theatre pub in Upper Street Islington on Saturday 20th November. The band's first gig at the pub. 9 o'clock start.

Ye Olde Windsor Castle, Liittle Bookham, October 29th

2010-10-31T12:21:00.001-07:00

Our first gig at the Windsor Castle since the new manager, Jamil, took over. Line up for the evening was Pete Miles (drums), Keith Hale (keyboards), Chris Belshaw (bass), John Parry (lead guitar & vocals, Chris Snook (guitar and vocals). We made some new friends including the lovely ladies pictured left. Below from the left are Chris Snook, Chris Belshaw and Keith Hale, and below that John Parry and Pete Miles.

The Rowbarge, Guildford, 16th October

2010-10-31T12:05:00.001-07:00

Our second visit to this riverside pub music venue. Mark and Chrissie, the landlords, always make us feel very welcome. A good night entertaining a wedding party and our travelling friends Judy and Judi (pictured below with John Parry and Iain Fidler). Our next gig at the Rowbarge is on the 4th December.

The 'Gomstock' Festival, The Compasses Inn, Gomshall, 29th August.

2010-09-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

The band played at the 'Gomstock' Festival, at the Compasses Inn in Gomshall, for the second year running. Heavy rain most of the day but it didn't stop five hundred or so people turning up on the day to listen to some great music. Almost £2,500 was raised for charity.

The Old Ticket Hall, Windsor, 28th August

2010-09-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Another good gig at the Old Ticket Hall in Windsor. Pictured here are, from the left, Patrick Quirke (bass), Sam Kelly (drums) and Iain Fidler (keyboards).

The Albert Social Club, Fleet, 21st August

2010-08-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

A photo of the band, post gig at the Albert Social Club, Fleet. A very nice club with good stage area, large dance floor with several bars. The band went down very well and have been asked to make a return visit soon.

The Rowbarge, Guildford, August the 14th

2010-08-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

This was the band's first visit to the Rowbarge on the River Wey, Guildford on Saturday the 14th August. Mark (in the shorts) and Chrissie, the landlords, made us feel very welcome and once we had sorted out the in house PA problems and my temperamental Marshall amp (now consigned to the scrap heap) we had a very good gig. Quite a small stage area, if we had gone out as our normal five piece we would have struggled, as it was we played as a four piece with Patrick Quirke depping on bass. Iain our trusty keyboard player is away on holiday in Cornwall at the moment but will be back for next weekend's gigs. A kind young lady on the tow path took these photos just before the gig, if that's you please contact me and I'll put your name on the photo credits and buy you a pint of Guinness for your trouble! We're back on the 16th October for a return gig.

The Propaganda Music Canteen,12th August

2010-08-15T04:11:00.000-07:00

We were called out at very short notice to do a gig on the 12th August at the Propaganda bar in Andover. We've played at the Propaganda Bar in Fleet so were glad to help them out. A very large bar area with a very small playing space which played havoc with the PA all evening. Tommy O'Donnell our regular drummer had to pull out of the gig at the last minute due to work commitments but managed to rope in Jim Russell (pictured above with Patrick Quirke) at very short notice (two hours). Jim's an excellent drummer and slotted in really well with the band. His playing credits are quite impressive too including playing with The Human League, Paul Young's Los Pacaminos, Junior Walker, Peter Green, Hank Wangford, the list goes on. So many thanks to Jim for helping us out and we look forward to seeing him again.

Fluke at the Poyntz Arms, East Molesey, 6th August

2010-08-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

Fluke will be playing at the Poyntz Arms, 85, Walton Road, East Molesey on Friday 6th August. Always a good gig. 9 start.

Landlords and gig cancellations

2010-08-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

Yet again the band have become a victim of a disorganised and unthinking landlord. Our gig at the The Old House At Home in Dorking tonight (August 1st) has been cancelled at very short notice. I only found out that the gig wasn't happening because I made a courtesy call to the pub this afternoon to let them know what time we would be arriving and where we would be setting up. A new landlord had taken over the pub, unbeknown to us, and said he knew nothing of the booking, and also seemed not to care. The previous landlord had not thought to inform him of the gig bookings in the diary. I had left dated posters for the gig with the landlord on our previous gig there at the end of June. This seems to be becoming quite a regular occurrence. Pub landlords seem to be changing with such frequency that little or no thought is given to the bands that may have bookings. If I had been informed earlier I probably could have arranged another gig booking at a different venue. The lesson to be learnt: always ring up well in advance to confirm the gig booking and don't assume that landlords are as well organised as you are.

Recent gigs

2010-07-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

We were called out at at very short notice to play at the Propaganda Bar in Fleet on Thursday 22nd July. It was another good evening and a second run out for Martin Donohoe, pictured left (guitar, saxophone and vocals), the latest recruit to the Fluke fold. On Saturday the 24th July we played at the Barley Mow in Shepperton, always a good gig but this was special. A great crowd, and considering we had three dep players in the band, we went down really well and really rocked. On drums was Sam Kelly, pictured above (recently having played with the Tom Robinson Band and the Paul Jones Blues Band), Patrick Quirke making a welcome return on bass and Martin Donohoe on guitar, saxophone and vocals.

Suzanne, Gill and friends.

The 'Master' of the keyboards, Iain Fidler.

Recent gigs

2010-07-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

Over the last weeks the band has played at three new venues for the first time. On the 1st July we played at the Propaganda in Fleet. The Propaganda is a large lounge bar/diner which has live music on Thursdays. A very comfortable bar with plenty of room for the band to set up and play. We played as a four piece and our sets went down very well. We're back there on the 16th September for a return visit. On the 3rd July we played at a private birthday party at Tyrrell's Wood Golf Club. Chris Manby, who has seen the band play quite a few times, asked us to play at his 60th birthday party and we were happy to accept the invitation. A beautiful location and a very good gig. Lastly we made our debut at the Castle in Finchley Road. The pub has been taken over by Denis Cook ( uncle of Fat Boy Slim! ) who was previously at the Horns in Watford. He's turned a rather down at heel pub into a great music venue. It has a stage area, huge dance floor and very comfortable bars. We were made to feel very welcome and we had a good night. We're looking forward to playing there again.

The Compasses Inn, Gomshall, Friday 4th June

2010-06-01T06:54:00.001-07:00

On Friday 4th June the band is back at the Compasses Inn in Gomshall, small but very friendly real pub. We're there later in August to play at the 'Gomstock' festival.

The Barley Mow, Saturday 29th May

2010-05-26T02:33:00.000-07:00

Our next gig is on the 29th May at the Barley Mow, Watersplash Road, Shepperton. This is one of the band's favourite gigs, always a good night. John, the landlord, is a genuine music lover and is very keen to keep live music going at the Barley Mow. 9pm start and finishing at about 11.15pm. Come early to get the best seats.

May 22nd and 23rd weekend gigs

2010-05-24T05:22:00.000-07:00

A good weekend for the band, playing at two new venues. On Saturday we played at the Fox and Duck in Petersham. Very friendly landlady and staff and a good crowd. Lot's of positive feedback from the punters and staff so we'll be booked again soon. On Sunday we played at the Angler's Retreat in Laleham. It was a private birthday party for Jackie Bulmer. Jackie and her husband had seen the band playing at the Barley Mow in Shepperton and asked us if we would play at her birthday party. It was a really good night with lots of guests attending a sit down meal to start and then onto the dance floor.Very impressive array of frocks and heels on display. It was a pleasure for the band to play for Jackie on her birthday and we look forward to seeing her (and her husband and friends) at a gig soon.

2010-05-16T04:31:00.001-07:00

606 Club, 6th May

2010-05-12T03:26:00.000-07:00

The band played at the famous 606 Club, Chelsea, on the 6th May. It was a private party for Dr Chris Peach, a friend of John Parry's. The evening was a great success. The club was packed with Chris's friends and family and from our first number to the last the guests were up and dancing. It's a great place to play, with lots of atmospere and a good PA. The club staff thought we were great too so hopefully we'll be back again for other gigs.

40th Birthday Party, Saturday 17th April

2010-04-19T02:42:00.000-07:00

The band has been quite busy this month so far.We have played in Sunbury at the Jubilee pub for first time, the Walnut Tree in East Farleigh, also for the first time, the Royal Wells Hotel in Tunbridge Wells, a regular venue for the band, and a private party in New Barnet. The landlords of both the new venues, the Jubilee and the Walnut Tree were impressed with the band and want to re-book us for further gig dates. The private party was for Brian Hickey (pictured above in the bright shirt with his wife). It was his fortieth birthday party and it was held in St Peter's Church Hall in New Barnet. There was a stage ( quite a luxury for the band ) and a large dance floor, which by the end of the evening all the one hundred and fifty guests made full use of. Our next gigs are at the Windsor Castle in Little Bookham on Friday 23rd April and the Central Ward Club in Morden.

New venues for Fluke, 19th and 20th February.

2010-02-23T13:43:00.001-08:00

The band played at two new venues this weekend (new for Fluke), the Lamb in Farnham and the Old Ticket Hall in Windsor. Both excellent gigs. We were very fortunate to get through the gigs as John Parry was on the verge of losing his voice on Friday and had almost totally lost it on Saturday. Luckily at very short notice we managed to enlist the help of Jon Jagger ( pictured below with Chris Snook ) to help us out with the vocals. Many thanks to him for doing a great job. Line up for both gigs was John Parry, Iain Fidler, Patrick Quirke, Tommy O' Donnell and Chris Snook. We'll be making return visits to both venues very soon.

Our next gig, The Compasses Inn, Gomshall, Surrey, 29th January.

2010-01-15T09:59:00.000-08:00

Year's End for Fluke

2010-01-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

The band has had a very good year which was rounded off with two excellent gigs. Christmas Eve saw us playing to a packed and enthusiastic house at The Windsor Castle in Little Bookham. It's always a good gig there but it really rocked on that night. Peter and Barbara, the landlords, and the locals always make us feel welcome. We next play at the Windsor Castle on 17th March ( St Patrick's Day ). On New Year's Eve the band played for the Magdalen Park Lawn Tennis Club in Wandsworth. Again a great night, so good that they want us back next New Year's Eve to do it all again. 2010 already looks promising for the band with many regular venues and a number of new ones coming up, The Old Ticket Hall, Windsor, the Sir Douglas Haig, Effingham, The Lamb, Farnham, The Rowbarge, Guildford, The Walnut Tree, East Farleigh are some of the new venues we'll be playing at.

Over the past year the band has witnessed an array of events whilst playing including an applauding dog (only if he liked the song, bark, bark!) rugby scrums on the dance floor, over enthusiastic punters sending microphones and music stands flying, tuneless floor singers, beer soaked amps exploding, dropped Stratocasters, temperamental pa systems. All things that make gigging so entertaining. Let's see what the New Year brings.

Our next two gigs are at the Compasses Inn, Gomshall and the Barley Mow in Shepperton. Both great gigs. We played at the 'Gomstock Festival' for the Compasses Inn in the summer and went down so well that we were asked back for a regular pub gig. The 29th January will be our second visit since the festival. On the 30th January we're at the Barley Mow in Shepperton, one of the band's favourite gigs ( if not the favourite ). Always a great atmosphere and an enthusiastic and lively crowd. We're looking forward to both.

Thanks to all the various musicians who have played in the band over the past year. These include Steve Bennett, John Bayley, Peter Terry, Darryl West, Chris Sharley, Patrick Quirke, Peter Miles, Keith Hale, Russell Chaney, Pat Kyle, Bill Meads, Fox, Mike Kings and the more regular members of the band ( pictured above ) Tommy O'Donnell, Chris Belshaw, Iain Fidler and John Parry. All excellent players who make it possible for Fluke to carry on gigging. The line up has always been quite fluid over the past years but this year I'm hoping to keep the band line up as unchanged as possible, not always easy.

The Old House At Home ,Dorking, 20th December.

2009-12-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

The band's next gig is a return visit to the Old House At Home in Dorking on Sunday 20th December.

10th December,a good days gigging.

2009-12-13T05:22:00.000-08:00

On the 10th December the band played two gigs. The first one of the day was an afternoon gig at the Crown Moran Hotel in Cricklewood. We were invited to play for the Paddington Churches Housing Association annual Christmas party. To be honest when the guests started to arrive we thought perhaps they had booked the wrong kind of band, but from the very first number they loved the rock and roll we played. The band and all the guests really enjoyed the afternoon and we look forward to playing for them again. The second gig in the evening was a charity gig for 'Crisis At Christmas' at the the British Volunteer pub in Weybridge. Suzanne and Debbie who had seen the band play at the Barley Mow in Shepperton asked us if we would be prepared to play for the charity event. We were very pleased to help out. It was a great night and almost £350 was raised to help feed the homeless over the Christmas period. Our thanks to Suzanne and Debbie for asking us to play and also to Martin and Dawn, the landlords, for making us feel so welcome. The band are looking forward to playing at the pub again in February 2010. All in all a very good day.

John at the Crown Moran Hotel with the housing association guests.

From the left, Tommy O'Donnell, Chris Belshaw, John Parry, Iain Fidler and Chris Snook at the Crown Moran Hotel.

The band behind the bar at the British Volunteer, Weybridge. From the left:
Suzanne, Martin (the landlord), Chris, Debbie, Tommy, John, Dawn (the landlady) and Iain. Unfortunately John Bayley our bass player for the night had left before the photos were taken.

Martin, Suzanne, Debbie and Dawn.

Suzanne and pub dog, Bob.

Our next gig is at the Ye Olde Windsor Castle pub in Little Bookham.

2009-11-26T03:52:00.000-08:00

We're playing here on the 27th November and also on Christmas Eve.

The Angel, Surbiton, November 14th

2009-11-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

This was the band's first gig at this pub. From left to right: Chris, Tommy, Aaron (Fox's son ), Fox, Steve and Pete.

Tom and Emma.

Chris and Steve Bennett

Tommy and 'Fox'

Fluke playing at the Barley Mow, Shepperton, October 24th 2009

2009-11-10T10:24:00.001-08:00

Fluke in the spotlight.

2009-11-07T07:24:00.000-08:00

Fluke at the Barley Mow, 24th October.

2009-11-07T07:16:00.000-08:00

From the left : Chris Snook ( guitar/vocals ), John Parry ( guitar/vocals ), Linda ( guest vocals ), Chris Sharley ( drums ), 'Fox' ( bass ), Iain Fidler ( keyboards ). We were very grateful to 'Fox' and Chris Sharley for standing in at the last moment to do the gig.

John, the landlord of the Barley Mow, Shepperton.

2009-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

I wish more landlords were like John. A real music lover who cares about about the music and the bands he books to play. It's always a pleasure to play at the Barley Mow. Our next gig there is on January 30th.

Blogger.com problems

2009-11-07T03:16:00.000-08:00

Something strange seems to happening to these blog posts I've entered. For some reason or other the photos and the text that go with them aren't lining up as they should. Hopefully the problem will be resolved soon.

Ye Olde Windsor Castle Beer Festival, Little Bookham, September 26th

2009-09-28T03:56:00.001-07:00

This was one of our best gigs at the Windsor Castle. A good crowd all determined to have a good time. We should be back for another gig before Christmas.

John and Dinah, two friendly local musicians who liked the band.

Peter, the landlord with Barbara the bar manageress.

From the left: Tommy O'Donnell (drums), Steve Bennett (guitar/vocals), Chris Belshaw (bass). Iain Fidler was on keyboards.

This man was convinced he was my brother and wanted a photo to prove it.

The Anchor & Horseshoes, Guildford, Saturday 5th September.

2009-09-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

Eddie and his wife Mica, the landlords of the Anchor & Horseshoes. Eddie and Mica are genuine music lovers and love to have live bands at the Anchor. Hopefully they'll continue at the pub for years to come.

John Scott ( left ) played bass for us at very short notice. John usually plays bass with the Sharpees band. Thanks to him for helping us out and I'm sure he'll be playing with us again.

The Woodcock Inn, Felbridge, 4th September

2009-09-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of the band with Tony, the landlord of the Woodcock Inn, after the gig. Seen on the far right is Fox who has played some fine bass for us many times. The rest of the line up is from the left : Iain Fidler, Darryl West, Tony, Tommy O'Donnell and Chris Snook. We'll be back sometime in October for another gig.

Tommy with Aaron, Fox's son, a budding bass player.

Lemonrock

2009-09-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

The band is now also listed on the 'Lemonrock' site. Click on the 'Lemonrock' logo to enter site.

The Fluke Family, 28th, 29th, 30th August.

2009-09-01T01:31:00.000-07:00

A busy weekend for the band, three gigs and three different line ups. On Friday 28th we played at the Royal Oak in Hampton, always a good gig. Darryl West fronted the band, with Russell Chaney on drums, Iain Fidler on keyboards and because Chris Belshaw our regular bass player had to unavoidably cancel at the last moment ( 30 minutes before the gig start time) we managed to recruit Bill Meads from the Sharpees band to cover on bass. Thanks to Bill for standing in at such short notice. On Saturday we played at the Astolat in Guildford. There seemed to be some sort of mix up as the landlord seemed to think we hadn't been booked for that night ( nothing new there) As I took the original booking I was one hundred percent sure we were booked, so we played to a less than full pub. John Parry fronted the band on guitar and vocals. Saturday saw us playing for the first time at the Compasses Inn in Gomshall, Surrey. It was their annual 'Gomstock Festival' to raise funds for charity. With upwards of two hundred people packed into the beer garden it created a great atmosphere. About ten bands played during the day. We played at 7.30 and did a rousing forty five minute set and got a great reception from the crowd. The band looks forward to another gig at the Compasses soon. The line up for the festival gig was: Steve Bennett on lead guitar and vocals, Chris Belshaw on bass, Russell Chaney on drums, Peter Terry on keyboards and me, Chris Snook on guitar and vocals.

Steve and Pete in the shadows.

From the left: Chris Belshaw, Russell Chaney, Peter Terry.

From the left: Chris Belshaw (bass), Steve Bennett ( lead gutar/vocals), Chris Snook (guitar/voals), Russell Chaney (drums), Peter Terry (keyboards).

The Gomshall Festival crowd

Joley's 18th birthday party gig in Bushy, 23rd August

2009-08-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Andy for organising this gig for the band and also playing great bass. Pictured here with his beautiful Rickenbacker bass guitar.

The boys enjoying the Bushy sunshine. From the left: Andy, Iain, Chris, Darryl and Tommy.

Tommy and Iain enjoying the hospitality beers.

Our garden stage.

The Poyntz Arms, East Molesey, August 8th

2009-08-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Another good night at the Poyntz. The line up for the evening was John Parry(guitar/vocals), Tommy O'Donnell (drums), Patrick Quirke(bass), Iain Fidler(keyboards), Chris Snook( guitar/vocals).
From the left,Ronnie Paris ( keyboard player with The Ronnies rock band), Tommy, Chris, Patrick and Iain.

Tommy, Rachel and Darryl West. Darryl is a regular guitarist/singer with the band.

John Parry in Hawaiian style with his wife and friends. Also two keyboard players lurking to the left.

Peter, at the bar, Derek, an old friend of Darryl's over from Australia, Tommy and Darryl.

The smiley girls

The Blue Anchor, Byfleet, 1st August

2009-07-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Our next gig is at the Blue Anchor in Byfleet, the band's first visit to the pub. Darryl West will be fronting the band.

The Barley Mow, Shepperton, 25th July

2009-07-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Another good night at the Barley Mow, one of the band's favourite venues. John, the landlord, and the locals always make us feel welcome.

John, Chris and serious lady.

Pam and her boys, Duncan and Fergus, all the way from Westcott to see the band.

Jacqueline, John Parry's wife, finally succumbs to the lure of the older man.

Gail and Brian from Shepperton.

The Central Ward Club, Morden, 27th June

2009-07-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

From the left, Ben, master builder, Martin, master plasterer and Tracy, master solicitor.

Pete and John enjoying each others company.

Some of John's tennis friends at the gig.

The Dog and Partridge, Yateley

2009-05-31T07:41:00.000-07:00

This was band's first visit to the Dog and Partridge in Yateley. It was a good gig and we were made to feel very welcome by the locals and Sean, the landlord. Roger, one of the pub's locals joined the band for few numbers playing harmonica. The line up for the gig was: Iain Fidler on keyboards, Darryl West on guitar and vocals, Tommy O'Donnell on drums, Mike Kings on bass and me, Chris on guitar and vocals. Mike Kings used to play bass with the band before he moved to Hong Kong, so it's good to see him back in action with us while he's over here on vacation. Thanks to his wife Connie for taking the photographs.

Friday May 8th,The Magpie, 66, Terrace Road, Walton On Thames, KT12 2SF

2009-04-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

Our next gig and first gig for the band at the Magpie in Walton.

The Royal Oak, Oak Avenue, Hampton

2009-04-27T08:39:00.001-07:00

25th April, The Royal Oak, Oak Avenue, Hampton

2009-04-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

This was our our first gig at the Royal Oak ( http://www.theroyaloakhampton.co.uk/ ) and the band went down very well, so well that the landlady ( Wendy ) asked us if we would play at her 25th wedding anniversary party at the pub. So we'll be back on Saturday 4th August. The line up for the night was Tommy O'Donnell, Chris Belshaw, Iain Fidler, Darryl West and Chris Snook and will be the same for the 4th July. Pictured left is Darryl West proudly holding his Parker Fly guitar.

The Anchor and Horseshoes, London Road, Guildford, 4th April

2009-04-05T04:57:00.000-07:00

One of the band's favourite venues. Always a friendly reception from Eddie, the landlord, and his customers. Darryl West fronted the band on this gig. We're back here on the 6th June.

Friday 20th March, The Rising Sun, Windsor Road, Slough

2009-03-19T01:47:00.000-07:00

One of our regular gigs in Slough. Music starts at 9.30 and goes on 'til late.

The Woodcock Inn, Felbridge.

2009-03-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

We played our first gig at this venue on the 13th March. Nice place to play, plenty of room, friendly landlord ( drinks on the house! ) We have a return gig on the 3rd April.

Another new face

2008-05-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

Glynn Evans (bass) has been gigging with the band recently and has been a very welcome addition. Here he is pictured (left) with Pete Terry relaxing after a gig on the 18th April at the Cricketers in Yateley.

New Blood

2008-05-04T05:39:00.001-07:00

Steve Bennett, our singer/guitarist for the last three and half years has decided that he would like do fewer gigs with the band, so we have been inviting some guest players to come and gig with the band.

John Parry (pictured) played a full gig with us on 18th April at the Royal Oak in Guildford and all went very well. Also Darryl West played with us on the 2nd May at The Star in Matfield, Kent. Again a different set list and, with onl;y Tommy and myself from the regular band, we had a good evening. Both will be playing with again soon.

Fluke in the garden

2007-07-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

Our first outdoor gig of the summer at The Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt, Kent on the 15th July. The crowd is being held back by barriers and site security.

Fluke at the Vibe bar, Epsom

2007-05-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

Our first gig at the Vibe bar in Epsom. A really good venue. In-house PA, lights, stage and Adrian, a friendly landlord, who happens to be a musician. What more would you want? We'll be playing there again on the 20th July so come along.

2007-05-01T14:51:00.001-07:00

Abbey Mills Bandstand, 29th October 2006

2007-04-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

Here we are playing on the bandstand last October. It was the last warm day of the year. We're playing there again on Sunday 5th August, 4 'til 6 in the afternoon.