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Juggling With Jelly
(c’96) Mark Vass (bass), Jeff Hammond (drums), Trevor Hammond (vocals), Gary Shrubshall (guitar) and ? (keyboards).
This Farnborough band are known to have played at The Imperial Arms, Farnborough in 1996. The Hammond brothers’ sister, Karen, sometimes played bass with the band.
Guitarist, Martin Laker got involved with Juggling with Jelly, having been in Petroleum Spirit, Electric Lunchbox, and Isis previously, as well as setting up The Works Collection, a song writing partnership, in ’92 and is a member of The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers.
Gallery:
Juggling With Jelly at The Imperial Arms, Farnborough in 1996. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia -
Mike Raynor and The Condors
(c’64-’70) Michael “Mike Raynor” Bigg (vocals), Bob Bigg (guitar), Keith Barnard (drums), Patrick ‘Paddy’ Lavelle (bass), and Laurie Jenkins (trumpet, saxophone, flute, and euphonium).
Mike Raynor and The Condors The Bigg brothers had been playing in local bands from an early age, forming Aldershot based Mike Raynor and The Condors at some point in ’64, originally calling the band The Strangers. On 1 March ’64, The Condors supported Dave Curtiss & The Tremors at New Central Ballroom, Aldershot. A few months later they were bottom of the bill at The Attic Club, Hounslow for the venues 26 July ’64’s ‘Special All Star Show’ with PJ Proby with The Diamonds, Rory Blackwell & His Monsters, Frankie Roy & The Soundcasters, The Sonics, and The Roosters. The Condors went on to play Silver Blades, Streatham on 18 November that year.
The band were soon on Bob Potter’s books and appearing across the Southern UK circuit. Initially there was some confusion as Johnny Milton & The Condors were already working the circuit, although they changed their name to The Symbols in ’65, and we’re hopeful we haven’t made the same error in this piece. Our Condors appeared at the 400 Ballroom, Torquay on 30 April ’65, locking in a weekend at the venue as Mike Raynor & The Condors on 19, 21, and 22 June ’65. Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays played the Potter run Agincourt Ballroom, Camberley on 15 August ’65, supported by The Condors. The following month the band supported Cliff Bennett and The Rebel Rousers, on 12 September, at the Agincourt and returned to the 400 on 23 October ’65.
23 October 1965: The Condors Return to Torquay’s 400. Source: Torquay Herald Express On 19 February ’66 the 400 hosted The Condors once again. On 6 March 66 the band appeared once more at the Agincourt, as just The Condors supporting The Pretty Things and three months later, on 12 June ’66, supporting The Loving Kind. Later in the year, there were back-to-back headliners, on 3 and 4 December ’66, at the Old Barn Club, Penzance. The band subsequently signed to Decca, releasing 1967’s 7″ single “Turn Your Head” [F 12605] backed by “Lazy Day” in the UK and Denmark.
The Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames booked The Condors for 4 February ’67, and according to Tony Bacon’s “London Live” the band supported The Sands at the Marquee, London on 17 February ’67. The band returned to The Playhouse on 28 February, then on 12 March ’67 they supported Pink Floyd at the Agincourt! Reportedly, Pink Floyd arrived late, smelled bad, appeared to be dressed in rags, and played really loud directly through the PA system. And they didn’t talk to each other… They barked. On the 9 April ’67 the band were in Denmark where we know they headlined at the Beat House Club held at Anlægspavillonen, Ringsted, supported by Shouts. A support slot with Jimmy James and The Vagabonds went down on 30 June ’67 at Tiles, London. In September that year Mike Raynor and The Condors played The Playhouse once again on 2 September ’67; then headed out on a tour of Denmark once more and supported Pink Floyd again, this time at the Boom Center, Aarhus on 9 September. Also, in ’67 Decca put out the “Is She a Woman Now” [ F 22 690] single in Denmark, with “My Shy Serenade” on the flipside.
In 1967 Mike Raynor and The Condors toured Denmark. Pictured is Mike Raynor during their Copenhagen date, stage diving. Source: Peter Moller The following year the band covered Lennon and McCartney’s “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” [F 22864], releasing it on Decca in Denmark as Mike Raynor and Sky with “I’m Going Down” on the B-side. While their vinyl was pushed in Scandinavia the band continued to appear in the UK at venues like The Barn, Penzance on 9 and 16 March ’68, squeezing a visit to Walton-on-Thames’ Playhouse on 12 March between the two and again on 13 July and 10 August ’68. Mike Raynor & The Condors returned to the 400 on 28 September, and The Cobweb, St. Leonards, were they performed on 19 October ’68 supported by The Inventive Mr. Jeff. Maintaining a live presence in Denmark the band were back in the country in late ’68, reportedly performing at both Ungdonklubberne, Roskilde, supported by Raws, and at the Beat House Club, Anlaegspavillonen, Slagelse on 7 December ’68. During ’68 the band started to go by Sky, for whom ex-Skeleton Skiffle band member Mike Betts roadied, appearing at their regular haunt, The Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames as The Sky (formerly Mike Raynor & The Condors) on 28 December ’68.
Sleeve front for “On Our Way” [001CD] by Sky2010 featuring Mike Raynor and The Condors. Jump forward 42 years to 2010 and the Spred Music label issued “On Our Way” [001CD] by Sky2010 featuring Mike Raynor and The Condors. As of 2020 Barnard and Bob Bigg were still playing the odd gig under the original The Strangers name, joined by Mike Bigg occasionally.
Tracks:Gallery:
The two young guitarists in front are the Bigg brothers, Michael and Bob. Michael became the singer in the Condors and Bob the lead guitarist. Source: Howard Fullbrook via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
26 July 1964: The Condors 
12 June 1966: The Loving Kind supported by The Condors played the Agincourt, Camberley. Advert from the Aldershot News & Camberley News from June 1966 
3 & 4 December 1966: Mike Raynor and The Condors played the Old Barn Club, Penzance. Source: Richard Prest 
Bob Potter Entertainments Agency flyer listing Mike Raynor and The Condors. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
9 April 1967: Mike Raynor and The Condors play Anlægspavillonen, Ringsted. Image courtesy of: www.beathouse.dk 
9 Apil 1967: Local press clipping for Mike Raynor and The Condors appearance at Anlægspavillonen, Ringsted. Image courtesy of: www.beathouse.dk 
Mike Raynor and The Condors were signed to Decca, releasing 1967’s 7″ single “Turn Your Head” [F 12605] 
In 1967 Decca put out the “Is She A Woman Now” [ F 22 690] single in Denmark 
9 and 16 March 1968: Mike Raynor and The Condors were at The Barn, Penzance. Source: Richard Prest 
19 October 1968: The Cobweb, St. Leonards hosted Mike Raynor and The Condors 
Date unknown (c’68): Mike Raynor and The Condors played The White Buck, Burley. 
In ’68, Mike Raynor and The Condors covered Lennon and McCartnry’s “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” [F 22864], releasing it on Decca in Denmark as Mike Raynor and Sky with “I’m Going Down” on the b-side. 
28 December 1968: Sky (formerly Mike Raynor and The Condors) at the Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames 
Sleeve back for “On Our Way” [001CD] by Sky2010 featuring Mike Raynor and The Condors. 
Mike Raynor and The Condors 400 Ballroom, Aarhus, Agincourt Ballroom, Aldershot, Anlægspavillonen, Beat House Club, Bob Bigg, Bob Potter, Boom Center, Camberley, Cliff Bennet and The Rebel Rousers, Dave Curtiss & The Tremors, Decca, Denmark, Frankie Roy & The Soundcasters, Hounslow, Jimmy James and the Vagabonds, Johnny Milton & The Condors, Keith Barnard, Laurie Jenkins, London, Marquee, Michael Bigg, Mike Betts, Mike Raynor, Mike Raynor and Sky, Mike Raynor and The Condors, New Central Ballroom, Old Barn Club, Partrick Lavelle, Penzance, Pink Floyd, PJ Proby, Raws, Ringsted, Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays, Rory Blackwell & His Monsters, Roskilde, Shouts, Silver Blades, Sky, Sky2010, Spred Music, St. Leonards, Streatham, The Attic Club, The Cobweb, The Condors, The Diamonds, The Inventive Mr. Jeff, The Loving Kind, The Playhouse, The Pretty Things, The Roosters, The Sands, The Sonics, The Strangers, The Symbols, Tiles, Tony Bacon, Torquay, Ungdonklubberne, Walton-on-Thames -
Sweet Life
(c’60-70’s) Pat McLoughlin (guitar/vocals), Dick Walker (bass), Chris Walker (drums), Melvin Cobbett (keyboards), Paul Morehead (lead guitar), and Dave Poole (vocals).
This Woking band started out as Shades of Green, before becoming Sweet Life. Bob Oliver booked the band to play the Maybury Youth Club a couple of times. Originally managed by the Wally Dent Agency they eventually moved to Bob Potter’s International Entertainment Agency stable. Under Potter they often double billed with The Embers and gigged across the south, including The Barn, Penzance on 21 March ’70. On 9 June 1970, Camberley’s Collingwood Club hosted a performance by Sweet Life.
21 March 1970: Sweet Life on stage at The Barn Club, Penzance. Source: Richard Prest In July 2008 four ex-members: Morehead, McLoughlin, D. Walker, and Cobbett, held a reunion and decided to reform as a Sweet Life tribute band called Waisted. Joined by Ivan Rooke on drums they mostly played around the Camberley / Farnborough area and various line-ups including Morehead and D. Walker continued to play as Waisted until 2018.
Chris Walker unfortunately died far too young and sadly Melvin Cobbett died on Sunday, 8 January 2023.Gallery:
21 March 1970: Sweet Life on stage at The Barn Club, Penzance. Source: Richard Prest 
21 March 1970: Sweet Life on stage at The Barn Club, Penzance. Source: Richard Prest 
21 March 1970: Sweet Life on stage at The Barn Club, Penzance. Source: Richard Prest 
21 March 1970: Sweet Life on stage at The Barn Club, Penzance. Source: Richard Prest 
21 March 1970: Sweet Life played The Barn, Penzance. Source: Richard Prest 
9 June 1970: Sweet Life played The Collingwood Club, Camberley. Image courtesy of Paul Morehead 
Sweet Life (L-R: McLoughlin, D. Walker, C. Walker, Cobbett, Morehead, and Poole) 
Sweet Life Bob Oliver, Bob Potter, Camberley, Chris Walker, Dave Poole, Dick Walker, Farnborough, International Entertainmemt Agency, Ivan Rooke, Maybury, Melvin Cobbett, Pat McLoughlin, Paul Morehead, Penzance, Shades of Green, Sweet Life, The Barn, The Collingwood Club, The Embers, Waisted, Wally Dent Agency, Woking, Youth Club -
Village Hall, Albury
The Village Hall in Albury, with its small stage and 80-120 person capacity, was and still is used for rehearsals and events. One notable band to rehearse here was Bad Company.
In the Summer of ’73 Paul Rodgers formed Bad Company with ex-Moot the Hoople guitarist Mike Ralphs, former Free drummer Simon Kirke and with Boz Burrell, ex-bass player with King Crimson, joining later. They rehearsed at Albury and Chilworth Village Halls. Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant was invited to hear them at an Albury rehearsal. He arrived late and along with Clive Coulson heard them through an open window. Coulson became their day-to-day manager and Grant their official manager – the rest is history. It’s also rumored that Bad Company’s debut gig was at the Village Hall, not Newcastle City Hall as often reported.
December 1976: Bad Company performed for Paul Rodger’s birthday in the Albury Village Hall. Picture courtesy of Martin Blogg In December ’76, Bad Company returned to the Village Hall to perform a ‘secret’ charity gig for Paul Rodgers 27th birthday. Billed as the Rough Diamonds. The band charge a quid a ticket and raised just over £200 for the Albury based Tupperfield old people’s home.
This Breed Of Heroes held a Christmas party at Albury Village Hall in December 1985. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman. In addition to Bad Company, The Innocence rehearse at the hall in ’83/’84, and in December ’85, This Breed of Heroes hired the venue for their “Christmas Party” gig.
Gallery:
December 1976: Bad Company performed for Paul Rodger’s birthday in the Albury Village Hall. Picture courtesy of Martin Blogg 
December 1976: Bad Company performed for Paul Rodger’s birthday in the Albury Village Hall. Picture courtesy of Martin Blogg 
Clipping from the 17 Dec 1976 Surrey Advertiser about the “secret” Bad Company gig at Albury Village Hall. Picture courtesy of Martin Blogg 
The Innocents (mk1) rehearsing in Albury Village Hall c’83/4. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman 
The Village Hall, Albury -
Go! Service
(c’83-’85) Danny Hagan (bass), Jo Bartlett (vocal/guitar), Mike Highgate/Auton (drums), Dom/Rudy Carroll (vocal/guitar).
Bartlett and Hagan formed The Service in February ’83. Hagan had just left Strictly Hush-Hush and together with Mark ?, a drummer friend of Hagan’s, they banded with a keyboardist. By July ’83 Mark had left for Africa – the result of musical differences – and been replaced by Highgate/Auton and the keyboard player had taken employment at Lightwater Country Club; then in late ’83 Carroll joined on guitar.
Sleeve (front) of the 12″ single “It Makes Me Realise” [DREAM 003] from ’85 At some point they re-branded as Go! Service and in September ’84 joined Fenton Weills to support Television Personalities as they toured Germany, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. This Camberley band were by then signed to the Dreamworld Records label and quickly released the 12″ single “It Makes Me Realise” [DREAM 003] in ’85. This was backed by “Real Life” and “I Just Don’t Know”. That same year they once again supported label mates The Television Personalities around Europe. In November ’85 the band supported The Housemartins.
1 December 1985: Buzz Club flyer for The Blow Monkeys, supported by Go! Services and Zaz Turned Blue held. Source: Karen Stratton via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia Towards the end on ’85 Bartlett and Hagan had started The Buzz Club, and the club’s second outing, at The Agincourt, Camberley featured The Blow Monkeys, supported by Go! Service. By December ’85, The Buzz Club had moved to the West End Centre, Aldershot, with the first gig there being The June Brides on 7 December, again with Go! Service in support. When Go! Service disbanded in ’86; Bartlett, Carroll, and Hagan teamed up with Kevin Morey to form Bluetrain.
In ’96 the compilation “Dreamworld 1985-1987” was released on Vinyl Japan [ASKCD57] and included the band’s single “It Makes Me Realise” In ’96 the compilation “Dreamworld 1985-1987” was released on Vinyl Japan [ASKCD57] and included the band’s single “It Makes Me Realise”. Three Go! Service tracks were also included on Bluetrain’s “Some Greater Love” retrospective compilation released in 2008. Most recently, “Real Life” was added to “C86” by Cherry Red Records [CRCDBOX12] when they expanded the seminal compilation to a three CD set in 2014.
Bartlett and Hagan would go on to form Poise.
Tracks:
Gallery:
Page 11 of Obsession No.1 fanzine, and the first page of The Service interview. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
September 1984: Tour poster for Go! Service support of Television Personalities European Tour 
20 September 1984: Tour poster for Go! Service support of Television Personalities at Forum Enger, Enger, Germany 
Sleeve (back) of the 12″ single “It Makes Me Realise” [DREAM 003] from ’85 
2 November 1985: Go! Service supported The Housemartins at The Room at The Top, Haverstock Hill. Source: C86 
2 April 1986: TV Personalities with Film Poets, and Go! Service played The Clarendon, Hammersmith. Source: C86 & All That: The Creation of Indie in Difficult Times 
Three Go! Service tracks were also included on Bluetrain’s “Some Greater Love” retrospective compilation released in 2008 
Go! Service’s “Real Life” was added to “C86” by Cherry Red [CRCDBOX12] in 2014. 
Go! Service Links:
Jo Bartlett’s Go! Service profile: https://indiethroughthelookingglass.com/jingle-jangle-c-86/Agincourt, Agincourt Ballroom, Aldershot, Bluetrain, Buzz Club, C86, Camberley, Cherry Red Records, Country Club, Danny Hagan, Dom Carroll, Dreamworld Records, Go! Service, Jo Bartlet, Kevin Morey, Lightwater, Mike Auton, Mike Highgate, Poise, Rudy Carroll, Strictly Hush-Hush, The Blow Monkeys, The Housemartins, The June Brides, The Service, The Television Personalities, Vinyl Japan, West End Centre -
The Royal Oak, Hollywater
Right on the edge of our catchment area is The Royal Oak in Hollywater, or Whitehill, or Passfield. It’s location was very much dependent on who you asked or which local rag you were reading – and you’ll find the pub listed as being in one or other of the three in our Gig Lists depending on the source.
Our earliest confirmed gig listing for the venue to date is 27 October ’79 when The Royal Hoax were booked and played The Royal Oak.
Urban myth has it that Led Zepplin’s Jimmy Page lived locally and would turn up and watch and sometimes jam with that night’s band. Well, Page did own a house nearby and one night Willie Austen’s Rattlesnake turned up, with ex-Camel bassist Doug Ferguson and guitarist Big Jim Sullivan. Sullivan was told to go out the back as there was someone who wanted to meet him…it was Page – Sullivan had once given Page guitar lessons. The legend came true that night and Page played with the band and the visiting bikers etc. loved it, although it is reported that Sullivan blew Page away with his superior playing.
22 July 1986: West One played Royal Oak, Passfield. Source: West One On 22 March ’80, The Royal Hoax were back supporting The Manor Party Band at the pub, and a few months later, on 29 August ’80, Human Beings made a visit. While home brew wasn’t served at The Royal Oak, the Home Brew band did play there on 10 November ’80. Another band to appear at the venue a few times in the early ’80’s were Crosswinds. In ’81, Human Beings twice visited The Royal Oak, on 25 August and 16 October. Track Four appeared on 26 August ’83, followed by Rattlesnake on 27 August, and A Bit of Alright three days later on 30 August. The 2 March ’84 saw the aforementioned Rattlesnake at the venue, followed by Geneva on 3 March, Trick of the Light on 6 March, Urban Fox on 9 March, and Bag of Tools the following night. West One gave the venue a similar double tap, to Human Beings, on 22 July and 16 August ’86. The following year, on 9 May ’87, Mafia took over; then on 2 October ’87, it was the turn of Siege to attack the pub with sound. Frantic did too, on 14 October ’89, to a difficult crowd, who only really showed signs of life when teased with some standard rock riffs; but no sign of Page. In the build up to Christmas ’89, Stone Cold took to the floor on 15 December, followed by Live and Breathe the next night. Post Christmas, Rattlesnake played the 29 December and PDQ on 30 December.
A couple of years later Old Boy Network rolled into the venue on 26 July ’91 and Pretty Green were down the pub on 17 April ‘ 92. They were followed to the bar by Who Moved the Ground?, who walked in on 13 May that year, and Blue Velvet on 24 June. Lord Hippo played on 18 September ’92, WD40 the very next night, and PDQ appeared four days later on 23 September ’92. On 24 February ’93, Little Bones rolled in and later in the year, on 26 August, 14 October and 3 CDecember ’93, Bananafish played. Captain Pike, Rhythm Collision, Phoenix, Scully, and Drums and Wires have all also appeared at The Royal Oak.
A shuttered Royal Oak c’2020 Unfortunately, this became another lost venue c’2020, but after a long period of closure was reopened in November 2023, and now thank to new landlords Graham and Emma Symes is offering live music on Saturday nights.
Gallery:
Matchbox from The Royal Oak 
25 August & 16 October 1981: The Human Being played The Royal Oak. Picture courtesy of Steve Everett. 
16 August 1986: West One played Royal Oak, Passfield. Source: West One 
9 May 1987: Clipping from The News of 8 May ’87 puts Mafia at The Royal Oak. Picture courtesy of Mick Magic 
2 October 1987: Siege played The Royal Oak. 
26 July 1991: Gig Listing from local rag has Old Boy Network playing Three Lions, Farncombe. Picture courtesy ofBen’s Collector’s Records A Bit of Alright, Bag of Tools, Bananafish, Big Jim Sullivan, Blue Velvet, Camel, Captain Pike, Crosswinds, Doug Ferguson, Drums and Wires, Frantic, Geneva, Hollywater, Home Brew, Human Beings, Jim Sullivan, Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin, Live and Breathe, Lord Hippo, Mafia, Old Boy Network, Passfield, Phoenix, Pretty Green, Rattlesnake, Rhythm Collision, Scully, Siege, Stone Cold, The Royal Oak, Trick of the Light, Urban Fox, WD40, West One, Whitehill, Who Moved the Ground?, Willie Austen -
Greenstone
(c’70s) Eddie Russell (vocals), Adrian Haiselden (guitar), Mick Stone (bass), and John Hinsley (drums).
The band went by a number of names before settling on Greenstone. This was either concluded en-route to their first gig in a borrowed van and browsing a paint colour chart they found in the back or after a tin of paint found in the drummer’s loo. The group rehearsed at the Youth Centre Annex, Guildford.
Hinsley left when he got the opportunity to go semi-pro in Germany. Haiselden was last reported to be in Gloucester and playing in a blues band by the name of Scully. Russell, regrettably, left this realm in November 2024.
Gallery:
Greenstone rehearsing on the 1st floor of the Youth Centre Annex in the early ’70s. Source: Adrian Haiselden via Guildford Town Past & Present 
Greenstone rehearsing on the 1st floor of the Youth Centre Annex in the early ’70s. Source: Adrian Haiselden via Guildford Town Past & Present 
Greenstone rehearsing on the 1st floor of the Youth Centre Annex in the early ’70s. Source: Adrian Haiselden via Guildford Town Past & Present -
5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot
Sat on a corner along Station Road, 5’s Wine Bar was a pretty basic town centre pub – originally opened by Brian ? – that became popular with 9 Parachute Squadron RE. It even changed its name to 5’s The Airborne Inn (also known as Spice Zone, Tudor’s Cafe Bar, 5’s Bar). But, while you supped your beer from a plastic glass and wondered how the front window got smashed this time you could catch many an upcoming local band.
Black Easter at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot on 31 May 1983 Clone, supported by Maxi Puch & The Macho Moped Men and Black Easter, played at 5’s on 31 May ’83. On 16 August, that same year, Dark Paradise played their first gig there when they were still going by Paradise. On 24 June ’84, The Innocence debut gig was at the venue, a rocking gig to a celebrating 9 Squadron RE, Para engineers marking the second anniversary of the end of the Falklands war. Capricorn also played 5’s, at times supported by Clone, as did soloist Keith Turner.
It failed to survive the departure of the Paras from the town. On our last visit to Aldershot, the building still stood, with a sign dating from its time as 5’s still visible on the side wall but was operating as a restaurant.
Gallery:
31 May 1983: Black Easter supported Clone at 5’s Wine Bar, with Maxi Puch & The Macho Moped Men 
Black Easter at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot 31st May ’83. Picture courtesy of Llerreppep Nevets. 
Black Easter at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot 31st May ’83. Picture courtesy of Llerreppep Nevets. 
Clone at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot. Picture Courtesy of Paul Denison 
Clone at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot. Picture Courtesy of Paul Denison 
Clone at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot. Picture Courtesy of Paul Denison 
Clone at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot. Picture Courtesy of Paul Denison 
Clone at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot. Picture Courtesy of Paul Denison 
Clone at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot. Picture Courtesy of Paul Denison 
5’s The Airboune Inn, Aldershot. Source: Paul Atkins via Historic Aldershot Military Town 
5’s Wine Bar Source Stephen Cox via Historic Aldershot Military Town -
Three Lions, Farncombe
Commonly referred to as Scratchers, the Three Lion, Farncombe is one of those rare venues that are still running and hosting bands.
27 December 1978: House with Andy Latimer of Camel at Scratchers. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes It’s believed that House, then a duo of Tony Backhurst and Sev Lewkowicz played their first ever gig there in ’76. In the late 70’s Backhurst also managed bookings, among them Duffy, for Scratchers, along with running his antiques business. House wrapped up ’78 with a gig at The Three Lions on 27 December, where they were joined by Andy Latimer of Camel. Early the next year, on 7 January ’79, the venue welcomed The Molesters, and a week later, on 14 January, The Vapors paid The Three Lions a visit. It was also in Backhurst’s time (possibly their 15 April ’79 visit) that The Vapors were ‘discovered’ by Bruce Foxton at the venue. Dave Kelly’s Wild Rats took center stage on 13 May ’79 followed by the 6-piece band, Bloodhound who played the Farncombe venue on 17 May ’79, returning to the Three Lions on 14 June. Before that, on 20 May ’79, Night Rider appeared, four days later, on 24 May, White Gold and then on 31 May ’79, Michael “Nicko” McBrain, now with Iron Maiden, joined and played his first gig with The Volunteers here, having just 3 hours of rehearsals. The next day, on 1 June, the mod-tastic Woking based Squire filled the venue. The band was Out of Order on 3 June, with John Thomas appearing on 7 June, and Little Jimmies on the 10 June ’79. After Bloodhound, House were back on 17 June
The Vapors at Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes Cutting Edge put on a sharp performance on 7 February ’82. Willy was on show on 8 March ’84, followed by Jake’s Band on 11 March. In September ’88 Van Gogh and the Earlobes appeared, now doubt ‘blowing the blooming roof off’ and just over a year later, on 14 December ’89, Rosettes snagged a spot and Blow by Blow – Is that a reference to Jeff Beck’s first solo LP? – performed on 30 December.
Jumping to the ’90s, The Colour Red played on 11 April ’90. Exactly a year later, on 11 April ’91, Maid in England performed, and with a reference to Jimi Hendrix, If 6 was 9 rocked the joint on 26 July. During August ’91, X-It had a very important gig at Scratchers, not that we can recall why now. Rock Doctors were, on 1 February ’92, the partitioners in residence; followed by The Big Picture on 16 April that year. Then, for the princely sum of four quid, you could have watched The Hamsters on 24 May ’92. We found Blueprint encamped there on 19 February ’93. Who Moved the Ground? put on shows at Scratchers on 13 July and 10 December ’93, then in ’94 the venue was on the promo tour itinerary for the band’s 2nd single: “The Chase”/”What’s That” on 24 September. The Running Frog Mobile recording studio was deployed at The Three Lions on 14 June ’98 to record the Lux de Lux Blues Band, which was released on Gin Mill [CD 1001] having been produced by Pete Newberry.
Sleeve of Lux de Lux Blues Band CD recorded at Three Lions, Farncombe. Source: Doris Carter Richards via Godalming Town Past & Present Panther, Dr J.J’s Blues Band, The Button Factory, Evening Sun, Big Belief, Cryin’ Out Loud, and The David Raphael Band have all played the venue, and as late as 25 May 2013, Wildfire were last seen playing Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe.
Gallery:
27 December 1978: House at Scratchers. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
27 December 1978: House with Andy Latimer of Camel at Scratchers. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
27 December 1978: House with Andy Latimer of Camel at Scratchers. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
27 December 1978: House with Andy Latimer of Camel at Scratchers. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
27 December 1978: House at Scratchers. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Dave Fenton at Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe; 14 January 1979. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Dave Fenton at Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe; 14 January 1979. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Dave Fenton at Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe; 14 January 1979. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Dave Fenton at Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe; 14 January 1979. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Dave Fenton at Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe; 14 January 1979. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
The Vapors at Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
The Vapors at Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
The Vapors at Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
The Vapors at Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
The Vapors at Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
The Vapors at Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
The Vapors at Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
The Vapors at Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 26 July 1991: Gig Listing from local rag has If 6 was 9 playing Three Lions, Farncombe. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector’s Records 
24 May 1992: Ticket for The Hamsters at Three Lions, Farncombe Image courtesy of: Ben’s Collector’s Records 
5 September 1994, Who Moved the Ground?’s 2nd single promo tour dates. Source: Who Moved The Ground? 
Big Belief at the Three Lions (Scratchers) in the early 90’s. Picture courtesy of Paul Dreczko Andy Latimer, Big Belief, Bloodhound, Blow by Blow, Blueprint, Bruce Foxton, Camel, Cryin’ Out Loud, Cutting Edge, Dave Kelly's Wild Rats, Dr J.J’s Blues Band, Duffy, Evening Sun, Farncombe, Gin Mill, Godalming, House, If 6 was 9, Iron Maiden, Jakes Band, John Thomas, Little Jimmies, Lux de Lux Blues Band, Maid in England, Michael McBrain, Nicko McBrain, Night Rider, Out of Order, Panther, Pete Newberry, Rock Doctors, Rosettes, Running Frog Mobile, Scratchers, Sev Lewkowicz, Squire, The Big Picture, The Button Factory, The Colour Red, The David Raphael Band, The Hamsters, The Molesters, The Three Lions, The Vapors, The Volunteers, Three Lions, Tony Backhurst, Van Gogh and the Earlobes, White Gold, Who Moved the Ground?, Wildfire, Willy, X-It -
Bob Potter & His Band
(c’53-’66) Bob Potter (drums), George Cooke (guitar). Terry Moss (?), John Horton (vocals) and ?.
Potter is well known locally and earlier in his music career was a band leader and drummer. He started out by forming Bob Potter’s Aldershot Aces but soon had three bands on the go: The Bob Potter (Dance) Band, The Rhythm Aces and The Aldershot Aces.
The Bob Potter Dance Band c’53, somewhere in Aldershot. Image courtesy of www.davidstjohn.co.uk In ’59 the band performed at Farnborough’s National Gas Turbine Establishment (NGTE Pyestock), part of the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), Xmas Dance as Bob Potter & His Band. At some point Jock Cree, known to many as the manager of Potter’s Music Shop, Aldershot during the ’60’s Beat Boom, joined and played with many of Bob Potter’s bands in the 50’s and 60’s.
On 22 October ’66 they appeared on the BBC Light Programme with J. B. Byrd, Brenda Scott, Don Chance, and The Alan Wolkes Four, broadcast from The Top Rank Suite, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
The Bob Potter Orchestra postcard! Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia Potter went on to own and/or manage a number of venues, starting with The Palais, Aldershot and adding The Agincourt, Camberley and The Atalanta, Woking. His band/s would rehearse and perform at the latter. Potter also promoted the Town Hall, Farnborough and opened a recording studio in Mychett. He went on to build Lakeside Country Club, Frimley Green
Bob Potter OBE, passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness on 14 April 2023. He was 94.
Gallery:
18 December 1959: Ticket for the NGTE Pyestock Xmas dance in Fleet, at which Bob Potter and His Band performed. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia Bob Potter Entertainments Agency flyer listing The Bob Potter Dance Orchestra. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
Bob Potter and His Band (aka Bob Potter’s Aldershot Aces) in the early 50s. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
The Bob Potter Dance Band c’53, somewhere in Aldershot. Image courtesy of www.davidstjohn.co.uk Agincourt, Agincourt Ballroom, Aldershot, Atalanta, Atalanta Ballroom, BBC Light Programme, BBC Radio, Bob Potter, Bob Potter & His Band, Bob Potter’s Aldershot Aces, Brenda Scott, Camberley, Don Chance, Farnborough, Frimley Green, George Cooke, Hanley, J. B. Byrd, Jock Cree, John Horton, Lakeside Country Club, Mychett, National Gas Turbine Establishment, NGTE Pyestock, Potter’s Music Shop, RAE, Royal Aircraft Establishment, Stoke-on-Trent, Terry Moss, The Alan Wolkes Four, The Aldershot Aces, The Bob Potter Band, The Bob Potter Dance Band, The Palais, The Rhythm Aces, Top Rank Suite, Town Hall, Woking
Our Soundscene 
Human beings takes me back to 1981. Followed them all over the Surrey reading area for a year a great band and 3 good guys playing well written songs of the era. I wish john Tim and steve well what ever they are doing now. Should reform for a few shows just like Oasis but do the wooden bridge.
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