"Max Bygraves ... had dominated the charts" -- frightening, isn't it! Don't forget Des O'Connor, who appeared with those US upstarts Buddy Holly and the Crickets, and Archie Andrews (didn't Julie Andrews work with him for a time? Or am I mixing her up with Pet Clark?). One of the above was made out of wood -- anyone remember which?

Good old Lonnie! He was one of my early influences too: I could perform all his skiffle songs when I was about 8 or 9 (around 1957-8) ... I still do "Putting on the style" occasionally. Happy days!

Steve