Yes, the Free Express was started by Andy Bond (later of Bond Guitars) and, I believe run for awhile by Les Wild; correct me if I'm mistaken here. I remember seeing Decameron, Mike Silver, Paul Downes and Phil Beer and many others. Residents included Fiona Gibson, John St Field and myself. I also played there as part of a trio called TIME with my wife Jill and our late, great friend Rick Keeling. After leaving Bournemouth for Cornwall I returned a couple of times, to play the club with singer-songwriters Tony Hazzard and Randy Vanwarmer.

A little bit more history...

Oh, and I have a feeling that Alan White (a.k.a. Beaupré Troubadour) was involved with a club held at the Starlight Club, near Christchurch.

Any recollections about the Wheatsheaf, in New Milton?