A FELLOWS STORY
This month Sue Duce (below left) is telling us her story of a seventies adventure!
*September 1974 and I was mad keen on the Bay City Rollers like thousands of other girls and wanted to see them in concert and get to meet them.
Newsletter one
In those days I listened to Radio 1 morning, noon, and night and one day they announced they would be holding a Radio 1 day out at Brands Hatch racing circuit and several pop stars would be attending including The Bay City Rollers.
I just HAD to go.I persuaded my friend Angela Kelman to come with me and we worked out the route and trains/transport required to get there. Quite a trek really - Reading to London then to Kent and finally a crowded bus to the track.
Of course, the place was packed with screaming girls. All the celebrities were congregating in a building in the middle of the track called The Grovewood Suite.
Heavily guarded with security, there was no way to get there so we waited and watched. Suddenly there was an eruption of hysterical screaming and a big car passed us just feet away. It contained The Rollers, so close. Lots of pushing and shoving - girls were throwing themselves on the car and in front of it. It was like scenes I had seen on TV with Beatlemania.
The car managed to get through and drove to The Grovewood suite where the Rollers got out, waved to the crowd, and disappeared inside.
Every now and again, they would pop out on to the balcony and waved, whipping the crowd into frenzy. The odd Womble would come out with them too.
Myself and Angela decided to make it our mission to get in there. She was not so much a Roller fan like me but wanted to get in and see who else was in there. We wandered round the perimeter to see how we could get in. We found a security guard who said no way could we get in without a pass, which of course we did not have.
We carried on walking about and came across Allan Clarke who was the lead singer with The Hollies, and his young son. As it did not look like we would be getting any other autographs, we asked him if he would not mind signing for us.
While he was doing this, we were bemoaning the fact we wanted to get into The Grovewood Suite but had no passes. With that, he took off his pass and got his sons from him and gave them to us. He was leaving but we were welcome to them. I think we floated all the way to the security gate. We flashed the passes and we were ushered through. Yes, I was about to meet The Rollers.
My stomach was doing somersaults. It was a great big room, full of disc jockeys and pop stars......but no Rollers. They had left via the back door. Big disappointment but never mind. Although I never got to meet them at all, they featured in my life in another way a year later. But that is another story. That day, we met so many pop stars and DJ’s and got autographs galore.
However, we did get to see a different side to most them - they were drunk. Barry Blue who had had a couple of hits at this point, could barely stand and was falling all over the place. Pans People were there and were tiny, like little girls but not with mouths to match. A door was being left open where they sat. " Shut that ****** door" slurred one getting up and slamming it.
The special race of the day had just finished and Noel Edmunds won. He came into the room to applause and cheers. One man said "These two ladies have come from Reading today; they deserve a kiss". Noel obliged. Lovely man. Also got a kiss from drummer Cozy Powell who was gorgeous. Alas killed in a road accident in the 90s.
We got talking to The Glitter Band (yes Gary's group but him thankfully missing) who were a bit the worse for drink. They invited us to their concert that night. We said no as we had to get home.
"Oh, we will make sure you get home". We still said no and with what came to light years later, think we had a lucky escape there. There was also a group called Geordie who invited us out too.
Again declined. Sadly, it all came to an end but too happy girls made the long journey back home to Reading. Thankfully safe.
Catweazle bike
Ever seen one if these Catweazle bikes?
RETRO MEMORIES
This section is about “Do you remember” and in each newsletter we will have different items in each area, like dance, food, drink, music, toys, sweets etc. and perhaps couple of recipes. So, let’s go, first up:
The Bump
A dance craze that left you with damaged hips, bruised bum and new friends! Trouble came when you teamed up with someone much taller smaller or shall we say a bigger body mass than you!! You either missed got winded or launched across the room!!
Do you remember “Mateus Rose?”
One of Portugal’s most popular exports, with its instantly recognizable squat bottle design became the preferred wine for all house parties etc. throughout the 70s. Still available I believe. I fancy a drop right now!
Do you remember “Vesta Beef Risotto?”
One of the six meals that started the “ready meals” popularity rise. I have chosen Risotto because this was my personal favourite (thanks to the spoonful my sister gifted me from her lunch!!) and is the one that has sadly been discontinued, - boo hoo! It’s not something you can reproduce with the same taste unfortunately.
Do you remember “Weekend?”
So many chocolates were around in the seventies, but do you remember “Weekend?” These were more like candies and jellies – but still rather nice, because as kids we very rarely ever got chocolates in a box
Do you remember "The tale of Nutty Noah and Niggly Nelly?"
This kids tv was another seen at the tea time slot. The tale of Nutty Noah and Niggly Nelly, who shouted “All Aboard the Skylark!” Simply drawn and admirably narrated by Richard Briers, it was quite funny as I recall. These kids tv slots were full of wonderful series, Hectors House, Parsley the Lion, Sir Prancalot Captain Pugwash and although not until 1980 Willo the Wisp. Anything Kenneth Williams (including Jackanory) was utterly brilliant.
Do you remember "Spirit In The Sky?"
Last of the memories bunch for this section is music. Well of course the 70’s were arguably the very best period of not only disco music but many other genres to. There are so many to choose from, you could do a whole newsletter just on them!
My choice is a song that stood out to me for lots of reasons. Apart from being unusual in words and music, it stands out for me because someone played it in assembly at school. Watching the look on the teachers faces as it started was priceless. Beethoven it was not!
SOME CHRISTMAS PAGANISMS?
I would imagine poor old Catweazle wouldn’t have had a very merry Christmas, cold, damp, and hungry. Unless of course he managed to creep into a nearby village where there would be immense merriment for the 12 whole days of Christmas!
I personally find this pagan come Christian history very spiritual and interesting, but there is so much of it that this is not the place, so just a little bit to whet the Christmas appetite . Many words and traditions associated with Christmas in the UK have pagan origins. Just a few are Yule, Wassail, Wreath, Carol, Mince Pies, reasons for Greenery and wood displayed indoors, Mistletoe, Holly and Ivy etc etc. I have found that there are LOADS of different reasons given for many of them, each expert claiming their explanation is the correct one. So, I am just going to choose a couple or so for interest.
YULE – Its roots are in old Norse of Jul or Geol in Anglo Saxon and it referred to the midwinter festival celebrating the winter solstice. It is said that it was lit to encourage the sun and warmth to return, others say it is to guide the Christ child.
WASSAIL – This derives from the Anglo-Saxon phrase “waes hael” meaning “be well” Wassailing was a ritual to ensure a good harvest by awakening apple trees and scaring off evil spirits. In rural areas this tradition continues today.
WREATH – This word comes from the Old English “writha” which means “that which is round” They used wreaths in the pagan yule celebrations to symbolise the circle of the seasons.
CAROL – Carol, comes from the French word Carole (forming a circle) which in turn describes a circle of people dancing and singing with joy and mirth. Some of us enjoy the sound of carollers on our doorsteps but the tradition for carol singers going door to door is actually a result of carols being banned in churches in medieval times. Many carollers took the word carol literally (to sing and dance in a circle) inside the church which meant that the more serious Christmas masses were being ruined and so the Church decided to send the carol singers outside. We can take it that a pagan Christmas was a big celebration over 12 days (and the 12 days of Christmas song is another fascinating story background behind it.) There was singing, dancing, feasting, drinking along with an enormous amount of symbolism and actions to appease the various Gods, and spirits and rituals to make sure of the return of Spring sun, and good harvests. The cycle of the year would hopefully come full circle and carry on.
MISTLETOE – There are so many stories, myths and interesting facts about Mistletoe, from the story of the Norse God Loki being the instigation of his brothers death, resulting in their mothers tears turning into the mistletoe berries, to the ancient Druids worshipping it growing in the boughs of their sacred oak trees. It has aways been associated with love and peace and various folklores and traditions are many! In Victorian times the name was known as “The Kissing Bough” Oh the romance, the love is everlasting -BUT did you know that the word Mistletoe comes from two Anglo-Saxon words “Mistle” meaning dung and “tan” which means twig or stick!
So, you could translate it in a less romantic way – imagine instead of
“Kiss me under the Mistletoe at the time of St. Nick”
It was:
“Let’s have a snog under the poo on a stick!!”
Not got quite the same ring to it, has it?
Boxing Day and St Stephen’s Day
Boxing Day appears to be a culmination of a series of related events, rather than one singular entity. It arguably stems from the giving of boxed alms on St Stephens Day and the later tradition of the wealthy giving gifts to their servants on the day after Christmas.
For those in servitude, St Stephen’s Day may have been the only day off that they had to visit their families, so it was common to pack them off with a few boxed treats, or leftovers, from the Christmas table. Toward the end of the 18th century, as the middle classes became more established, this gesture of goodwill would be afforded to any number of domestic tradespeople. By the 1830s, (Queen Victoria) St Stephen's Day was more commonly referred to as Boxing Day.
St Stephen’s Day
The Stephen in question was a Christian convert with a Grecian Jewish heritage and one of the earliest deacons in the Christian Church. Stephen believed that Christianity supported the teachings of Moses which didn’t go down well with those of the Jewish faith, including a certain Saul of Tarsus, better known as St Paul. Stephen was arrested around 34 AD and stood trial, but before the judge could deliberate, an angry mob dragged Stephen out of the courtroom, and he was stoned to death.
Good King Wenceslas
For the record (Good King) Wenceslas (who lived during the early 900s AD.) was not a King, but the Duke of Bohemia who converted to Christianity. Aged just 28, he was assassinated by his younger brother, Boleslaus, on 28th September 935 AD. Wenceslas was later canonised
After Wenceslaus’ death, sainthood beckoned and this popular martyr soon had people venerating his good deeds, especially in Bohemia and England.
The legend says that rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet and only one chamberlain, he went around to God’s churches and gave alms generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty,’ wrote one 12th century preacher. The Carol refers to him and his servant helping a struggling peasant to collect fire wood. The page was so cold, he had to walk in his master’s footprints to keep his feet from freezing further.
What a nice man!
FELLOW’S FAMILIARS
TELL US WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE TO WIN?
Have your say
I had an absolutely delightful new member to the fan club the other week and consequently has already contributed to the charities, the Fellows Familiars competition and indeed eposed his great love for Catweazle. He has also suggested a charity and a couple of suggestions – brilliant!
Now we have many truly wonderful members who are now friends and family and have been for many years. I would very much like to put here the enchanting letter I received from Richard.
That First Encounter with Catweazle.
By Richard Hatton
“You’re just as mad as he is” my mother’s voice sailed across the living room. She was having great difficulty figuring out her wayward eccentric son, who would rather be at the bottom of the garden making “magical water” from the small pools of rain that gathered in the rockery than playing football.
She tolerated my swishing around in my Dad’s large navy Crombie coat; the closet thing to a cape I could find. She benignly smiled when I disappeared for full moon walks or ran about the meadow at the back of our house waving a lengthy twig as a makeshift wand.
“Mad as a march hare in fact,” mum threw as she left the room, lips pursued disapprovingly. The day before she had found THE brochure.
Catweazle had just aired on RTE television in southern Ireland, and I was entranced and, also incredibly chuffed… to be compared to the mesmerizingly mad and great Catweazle!
Though, when I found contact details for “The Witches Workshop” in southern England and wrote for their brochure…it was a bridge too far for mum.
“It’s the last straw Ritchie,” she helplessly bleated to my father, who remained nonplussed. His son’s pagan leanings didn’t phase him, but then he was worldly and travelled. My mum however, being a stalwart Irish catholic was terrified.
“Look, “ she said, her voice rising an octave in panic as she waved the incriminating brochure under his nose,
“Just look”…her finger stabbing the page I had encircled.
“He’s buying Tarot cards ..Tarot cards for God’s sake. Do something!”
In short I abandoned my Tarot journey , more to appease my mum and provide quiet for my beleaguered and much maligned dad…but the magic inside me refused to be silent. I had found a friend, a magical druid from centuries past who once a week did something more valuable than providing me with an arsenal of magical incantations …. Catweazle validated me!
Yes! If this was a BBC T.V show that young people were enjoying, then I wasn’t alone! ..and better still…magic existed! Not just in Catweazle but down through history; that was evident from the myth and lore found in each episode. It was a glorious realisation, and my world expanded. I visited the local library to learn more: once again to be met with disapproval as I checked out several books on Witchcraft.
I stumbled through my troubled teens disconsolate but no longer alone. Long after Catweazle vanished from our screens, his voice, his delightful antics, stayed with me through the decades. Then one recent night, at some ridiculous hour, I began to Google.
I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner. Perhaps the innate cynicism of adulthood? But there was Geoffrey unveiling a statue dedicated to his great and everlasting alter ego. I inexplicably burst into tears, crying over lost decades, advancing time and my inevitable surrender to apathy. But my spark was kindled and on I went, only to find The Catweazle Fanclub. I joined at once and was met with several utterly delightful emails from the unstoppable Carol Barnes.
A week later my Fanclub pack arrived. I poured over every glorious item, the child in me lighting up! There wasn’t a Crombie in my wardrobe to swish around in, but I was back AND arrayed in something far better…a fellowship of friends who understood the lasting impact of Catweazle AND who believed in his magic.
Time can be cruel, life isn’t always kind, and as I age, happy memories garner inestimable value. I spend more time looking back than ahead. Catweazle, once again, looms large in my life and I greet him the same way I did when he first appeared in my living room so many years ago, with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I hope I’ll have many more years to celebrate the remarkable phenomenon of Catweazle with the added bonus of kindred spirits on the very same journey…Touchwood x
Richard Hatton (Brother in Magic)
Waterford
Southern Ireland
This is me again
Don’t you agree, that Richard has expressed a wonderful, emotional and evocative memory, to which we can all relate to and agree with. Thankyou Richard.
Moments with Geoffrey
My memories of Geoffrey by Graham Card
I was very privileged to meet Geoffrey on several occasions, and too often speak with him on the telephone, he would always say Hello in his posh non descriptive of Catweazle, Hello is that my friend Graham, how are you my dear! followed by obligatory when are you coming to visit me?
That could only mean one thing getting on the train and visiting him, he was always so pleased, overjoyed of the possibility of lunch, yes Geoffrey had an appetite for three people, being of slim build where did he put it I thought?
Well I would normally arrive at Geoffreys around 11am time for a catch up , are you hungry Geoffrey? I would ask, knowing full well what his answer would be, those sparkly eyes of his would light up, shall we go to Alfornos his local Italian restaurant, oh yes please, he would hastely get his coat and his trusted Fedora, which incidentally I still have.
Looking very dapper in cravat, and jacket we would walk the short distance to the restaurant, on arrival often the owner would greet him and show him to his own reserved table, Geoffrey loved every minute having a fuss made of him, then to start a large glass of red wine no meal was complete in his eyes unless you had a starter, main course and desert, all washed down with yes you guessed another large glass of red and if we were really on form an Irish coffee .
Then guess what he would often say oh I need some groceries, so it was into the local convenience store for supplies before we toddled back to his place, once back he said what shall we do now? I normally have a rest especially after such a big meal, what a good idea he said but first I think a whisky would be good, well what could I say, he then proceeded to pour 2 glasses of neat whisky in 2 large glasses, we sat and chatted whilst we drank our drinks well what happened next will shock you, Geoffrey is sat in his chair by the window and I am on the couch opposite, yes you guessed we fell asleep only to wake 2 or 3 hours later.
Are you OK Geoffrey I asked? yes I'm OK then I asked a silly question, are you hungry ? well yes I am pretty hungry, so off we toddled to the local shops and brought a curry for 2 returned, popped it into the oven sat and ate it with another whisky of course, he never put on an ounce of fat just has a massive appetite.
Then it was time to say cheerio and catch my train home, he never wanted me to go he loved company and he was always good company to be with. God Bless you Geoffrey and thank you for such a wonderful memory.
Written by Graham Card
August 2024.
How it started
My First meeting – by Carol Barnes
It would take a lot of pages to go right back to the start of the Fan Club, but needless to say, ALL patrons were contacted for permission and discussion. So I spoke to Geoffrey many times before I visited. Funnily enough, it was Geoffrey that kept insisted I go and visit him over and over. I was very nervous of meeting him, because we had such great conversations and laughs on the phone that I didn’t want to spoil it. When he said for the umpteenth time when are you coming up to see me?
I remember replying God Geoffrey you may regret it once you see me! He said rubbish, get yourself here! I finally gave in. It still bothered me greatly though as I am not the most relaxed or gregarious person in the company of heroes!! On the way there I nearly turned back because my stomach was churning so much, but I knew that would just lead to further problems for me and so I ploughed on and finally reached Sherwood Close. I rang the bell, I heard a shuffling behind the door, it clicked and opened and there he stood beaming. I said Hello, and quickly ran back to the car saying, I have got some bits to give you. I was acting like I didn’t have a nerve in my body, when really they were jangling and bubbling. He was an absolute darling, showed me in to the living room sat me down and said “Cup of Tea?” Off he went into the kitchen leaving me at the table and I remember saying to myself Carol, you do realise Catweazle is making you a cup of tea now don’t you? I smiled and said I will not forget this moment! Back he came with two cups of hot Yorkshire tea (naturally) Wow I said you make a nice cuppa! Yes he said it’s Yorkshire tea (which I always buy now!) We chatted for ages about him, about me, about the fan club and the future.
I became completely relaxed in his presence because that’s how he made you feel. No airs and graces at all. Witty and loveable. We hit it off and when the time came to leave he walked with me to the car and just before I got in to drive off, he put his arms around me and gave me a kiss on the neck – no not like a vampire!! A tender little kiss, he was so sweet. From then on I visited him often and became very close right up until the end and I was so proud that I was able to reunite him with the love of his life when he left us. Christmas was usually fun too, one in particular took planning and secrecy but that’s another story for another newsletter mayhap.
Future fundraisers, ideas and possibilities in progress
We must keep momentum and interest and naturally we need your help and participation for this to happen.
So do get in touch
You may have a particular talent that would help raise funds or you might be a producer of artwork and craft that you are willing to sell. Equally important you may have contacts with venues, land etc that can hold events.
The next newsletter (March) will have the fundraiser “Taking Steps” for the kids. This has been donated by Mike, a really talented amateur artist and depicts the whole fictionl area of Hexwood, and it’s surroundings. It’s such a lovely painting that I am going to get some posters made after the fundraiser is finished so make sure you take a look at it. We will also have another “Fellows Story” and some retro fun. I also hope to have some information on a possible sponsored walk around a location we haven’t been before but hope it is correct. It’s a beautiful area anyway.
What would YOU like to take part in or do or suggest? We are all ears!
Any fabulous 70’s stories, (or others) requests, questions, suggestions for fund-raising will be welcomed.
THE NEXT NEWSLETTER WILL BE ROUND ABOUT MARCH
with a brand new fundraiser and news.
The SUCCESS OF THIS VENTURE IS DOWN TO YOU! WE ARE RELYING ON YOU, THE KIDS ARE RELYING ON YOU - SO PLEASE JOIN IN WITH US AND HAVE SOME FUN TOO