Hi

I actually played with Lonnie many years ago.

In the second World War Lonnie Lonnie was evacuated from London to Altrincham in Cheshire England.

He stayed with a family not far from where I then lived. Of course at that time nobody knew that he was to become Lonnie Donnegan, least of all me.

It was some years later that I met him. He came up to Altrincham to help the family who he stayed with in the war. The father of the house was made Mayor of Altrincham and lonnie came up to play in a Charity for the Mayor.

I was only very young but had learned to play a few chords on my guitar and was persuaded by my school to play in the concert.

Lonnie was friendly with me and praised my playing and singing and gave me some good advice..." practice practice practice".

So naturally I have fond memories of Lonnie and his music which I belted out on forming a skiffle group a couple of years later.

upSo although he wasn't really responsible for me taking up the guitar he did inspire me to play and keep trying to improve.

cheers

Mike