Nice thread. I was particularly interested to read Martin's post about the session in Whitton. I grew up in Whitton and lived there for nearly 40 years before moving up to the North-West three years ago. The Albert was my local for years. Does it still have the magic doors that transport you back to 1972 as you walk in?

I've toyed with the idea of moving back down lately but with the cost of houses I don't know. I saw that my parent's old house was back on the market but the price made my eyes water.

I played in a lot of sessions around that area for many years. I played at the Red Cow regularly for about 15 years and I was involved in getting sessions going at the Duke's Head and Molly Malone's in Richmond and at O'Riordan's in Brentford along with some mates from Dublin who also lived in Whitton. I did my share of gigs at the Cabbage Patch as well although I found it got very cliquey in later years.

Quite a lot of musicians lived in the neighbourhood as for a long time it was relatively cheap. Noel Murphy was in Whitton for several years and Elvis Costello lived in the flats opposite the Admiral Nelson (which also had a session for a while in the late 80s). Nigel Portman-Smith, from Magna Carta and later Pentangle used to live near the rugby ground as well.

I played in the Molly Malone's session with a couple of great Donegal musicians, one of whom, Donna Harkin, lived on the Ivybridge estate. She's gone home now, as has Roisin Harrigan, a brilliant Donegal fiddle player who also played with us. Donna was (still is , I'm sure) a great musician and a very generous and wonderful person who did a lot for musicians in the area. Much missed. Long story.

So, Martin, tell us more about this session. Next time I'm down I'll come along. Who plays in it? Anyone I know? Drop me an E-mail on CCBJEBBRB@AOL.COM if you get a moment. I'd love to hear news of the old dive.

Slan,

Chris