Saturday Mornings In The Basement

A Memory of Ilford.

The time was late 1950s early 60s. At the time I was on drums and vocals with local Ilford groups. Most Saturday mornings would find me with a mix of local band people chatting in Ron's basement with Chick and Joey Dormer working for Ron( who usually was upstairs with the vinyls). Joey, a brilliant technical drummer (liked Louis Bellson and Art Blakey, etc) would demonstrate stick work and finger and wrist exercises. Other visitors included the late Steve Marriott (Small Faces) and my pal Mick Bick, another drummer whom I regularly supported at the Thomas a Becket south of the river. Others who came to jam until told to "turn it down" included members of TR & the Castaways, BP & the Tremeloes (Barking TH was just up the road), The China Plates (with a very young David Essex on drums and vocals). A friend to many was a Peter Gold, who played baritone sax and clarinet for his dad Benny. Benny led a well known function dance band and ran a classic style tailor's shop in Ilford Lane. I was to join Benny as his drummer for a few years continuing to get assorted percussion bits from Ron's. If any of this is familiar to you, especially if the names also bring back your memories, or perhaps you played or frequented the 'The Rose and Crown' around the corner and down the hill, do contact me (keith.harman60@btinternet.com).


Added 05 January 2014

#307037

Comments & Feedback

I remember you, Keith, and all the groups you mention. I went out with David Essex when he was the drummer with The China Plates. My family used Ben Gold's tailors and dry cleaning shop in Ilford Lane. I once lived in Thorold Road but also in a road just off Ilford Lane.
Hi. Does anyone remember Roy Griffiths?

Add your comment

You must be signed-in to your Frith account to post a comment.

Sign-in or Register to post a Comment.

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?