Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends

Subject: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From:
Date: 02 Oct 99 - 05:44 PM

My name is Bob Merrett (sometimes known as ferret) and have been going to folk sessions at a Youth Hostel called Tanners Hatch near Dorking, Surrey for the past 30 years. This Hostel has been having folk/singarounds for even longer then I have been going! Over the years I have lost contact with a number of people who used to come to these great gigs and I would like to contact them as I have recently been 'sorting out' and compiling tapes I recorded at many of these nights into a 'best of' set of 4 tapes. I intend to make about about 50 copies which I will to all my friends who I still see at Tanners folk nights but also to all those who used to come but for various reasons I have lost contact with. A lot of them I don't know their sur-names so I will give the names I know them by.

They are:-

All members of a medieval folk band called 'Antic Hey', Tony Harbour, Dick and Mel, Dago Pete, Mary Fookes, Rowan, Carol Gardener and any others who remember those folk nights of 20 to 30 years ago. If any of the above, or people who might know any of the above are wondering who (or how many) of the old crowd are still going to Tanners the following might jog their memories.

Andy Ive(Randy Andy), Geoff Chapman, Ned Clamp(Fluff), Lorna and Sue, Tim Dowd, Paul Flannery, Sean, Babs, Anna, Ann, Jenny(Tits),John(J.B.), Roy, Julie and many others who still turn up now and then.

As a final word, if any one wishes to attend these singarounds, they are still being on the 2nd. saturday of every month from September through to May at Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel, Dorking, Surrey (the last folk in Semtember finished at 7-30 on Sunday morning!)

All are welcome.

Contact the warden on T

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From:
Date: 02 Oct 99 - 05:59 PM

OOPS! I transmitted my message when I had not finished writing it.

To continue

Contact the Warden on Tel. [phone] for more details.

About the Hostel

It is a very old building (about 500 years) which still has gas lighting and an open log fire and is situated in woodland in the surrey hills about a mile from the nearest road or house which gives it a feeling of isolation and a wonderful atmosphere for folk sessions

regards Bob Merrett

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Oct 99 - 06:03 PM

WOW! Bob, that sounds like quite a crew and site! Wish I lived in the UK! Great nicknames. I wish you luck. I'll bet some of the UK Mudcatters will be able to help.

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Tom on Comfort
Date: 03 Oct 99 - 02:07 AM

Wow, it's neat to hear about the hostel again. I stayed there one night about 20 years ago (December, and pretty chilly). It was beautiful, though it was a good long walk from where the nearest public transportation dropped us off (with backpacks & all).

Nobody got into a song session that night, but there was some story telling. Can you tell one about the old owner of the house? If I remember it right--didn't the building get damaged during World War 2? And after the war, a company of volunteers went out to repair it. And met an owl, who was the embodimet of an old wise woman who used to live there. (That's what someone told me anyway, probably figured I was some gullible Yank who wanted to hear ghost stories.) But now their little hostel stamp is the image of an owl. It's a rainy weekend here (St. Louis), maybe I'll go rooting through an old box or two to see if I can find any of that...

Good luck finding the people you're looking for.

Tom

Subject: Tom on Comfort's story
From: Polesden
Date: 04 Oct 99 - 01:56 AM

Hi Tom, yes i do know of the story regarding the old woman and the owl, it is still being told, I will tell you more when i have looked it up

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Bert
Date: 04 Oct 99 - 10:01 AM

Hi Ferret, We used to get around to most of the hostels in the Home Counties in the late fifties. The only organised folk stuff we were involved in was folk dancing.

I don't think we ever got to Tanner's Hatch, but we danced at Holmbury St Mary, Goudhurst, Maldon and Ivinghoe.

I don't know any of the names on your list though.

Thanks for bringing back happy memories.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Tom on comfort - story of the owl
From: POLESDEN
Date: 05 Oct 99 - 04:49 PM

This is the story of the owl that has been told for many years but is not entirely true

THE TANNERS OWL

'Have you been to Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel? If so,you have seen our stand and on it an owl.

Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel was damaged during the war and was rebuilt by YHA members. After a hard days work, sitting by a nice log fire drinking tea on a cold and rainy night, a knock was heard on the door and standing there was an old lady. Can you tell me the way to Wotton Hatch? Yes said one of the group, but first have some tea and a warm by the fire. I have been watching you working on the house she said, its looks very nice. I used to live here years ago. After a while she was ready to leave, on opening the door the lady had vanished. Sitting on the back of the chair was an owl. The only person who had watched the rebuilding was an owl who lived in the roof. We asked around to find the old lady but nobody but nobody knew about her. As old folk lore states it was an old witch, was it her who had come back to her old home in the woods?'

The beginning of the story states that Tanners was damaged during the war, it was in fact two cottages approx 500 years old that were found in a derelict state just before the beginning of WW2 and was given to the National Trust by Lady Greville on the understanding that it was only to be used as a Youth Hostel. A group of volunteers led by Noel Vincent spent two years rebuilding it using whatever materials they could lay their hands on carrying everything by hand the long distance from the nearest transport. Yes the owl did exist there is a photo of it in the hostel sitting in the once derelict building.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Tom on Comfort
Date: 07 Oct 99 - 01:30 AM

I love stories like that!! Thanks.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Oct 99 - 05:35 AM

Wondeful story! Thank you for sharing it.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Griff
Date: 07 Oct 99 - 03:21 PM

Hello Bob,

Couldn't believe it when I saw Tanners on the mudcat list........! I was hoping it was from someone I hadn't seen for years, but it turned out to be you! So I thought I'd better say Hello anyway.

Great to hear from someone Stateside who knows Tanners, and to get such a great rendition of the owl story.

Others it would be good to hear from from across the pond are Greg [at Tanners 1973/4], Canadian Barri, Charlie Schwarz [1975ish]. And loads more I can't bring to mind.

Not to mention New Zealand Colin [1974ish]

Would love to hear from Dutch Janine too.

For any one who has visited Tanners since 1968, you might like to know that the Warden, Graham, retired just last year.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 07 Oct 99 - 03:35 PM

I know Tanner's Hatch very well and some of its regulars although I never played there myself. I lived nearby in Dorking for about six or seven years and helped run Dorking Folk Club for several years up until 1991 when I came to live in Belgium. Please pass on my best regards to all those still attending!

Best regards,

mcmoo (Richard)

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Bob Merrett
Date: 07 Oct 99 - 04:30 PM

Another little story regarding the witch at Tanners Hatch is that when there was a group of children staying at the Hostel, and there were often children staying there,be it Guides, Scouts, school parties etc. someone would start a story about a witch. The story usually went along the lines of a Witch who came to haunt the Hostel once a year(and that date just happened to be always the date those children were staying there) and banged on the door to be let in. Meanwhile someone would have slipped outside and on a sign from the story teller would bang hard on the door! Did those children jump!

There are lots more stories about Tanners but I will leave it at that for the moment.

regards Bob Merrett

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Margmac
Date: 07 Oct 99 - 10:13 PM

My daughter Megan and I stayed at Tanners Hatch near Easter around 1976 on a musical weekend, met a fellow dulcimer player, Guernsey Pete who was a regular there. We kept in touch and he subseguently married Maggie , a girl from this country that I knew. We have kept in touch all of these years. I visited them last year when I was in London. We spoke with nostalgia of Tanners Hatch and Warden Graham.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: polesden - bob merrett
Date: 09 Oct 99 - 10:04 AM

Another little fun thing we used to do at Tanners was to send some newcomer about 200 yards into the woods to turn on the generator. On their return, unable to find it, we then explained that we only had gas lighting! One poor soul spent about 2 hours searching the woods.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: polesden - bob merrett
Date: 09 Oct 99 - 10:05 AM

Another little fun thing we used to do at Tanners was to send some newcomer about 200 yards into the woods to turn on the generator. On their return, unable to find it, we then explained that we only had gas lighting! One poor soul spent about 2 hours searching the woods.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: polesden - bob merrett
Date: 09 Oct 99 - 10:05 AM

Another little fun thing we used to do at Tanners was to send some newcomer about 200 yards into the woods to turn on the generator. On their return, unable to find it, we then explained that we only had gas lighting! One poor soul spent about 2 hours searching the woods.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: polesden
Date: 09 Nov 99 - 04:26 PM

FOR INFORMATION ONLY THE NEXT TWO FOLK NIGHTS AT TANNERS HATCH ARE ON SAT. NOVEMBER 13th. HOSTEL BEDS AND CAMPING STILL AVAILABLE AND ON SAT. DECEMBER 11th. WHICH ONLY HAS CAMPING AVAILABLE.(ALL THE HOSTEL BEDS ARE BOOKED) THE DECEMBER FOLK WILL BE A BIG CHRISTMAS PARTY FOLK NIGHT AND ALL OLD TANNERS FOLKIES ARE WELCOME.

HOPE TO SEE SOME OLD FRIENDS

ALL THE BEST BOB MERRETT

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Llanfair
Date: 09 Nov 99 - 04:59 PM

This sounds an ideal place for a Mudcat UK gathering next year. We could all book in for a weekend, out of season, and have a whale of a time!!!! Hwyl, Bron.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: polesden
Date: 12 Nov 99 - 01:52 PM

The thought of a mudcat meeting at Tanners Hatch sounds a great idea.Let me give it some thought over the weekend and I will get back to you.

Cheers Bob Merrett

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 21 Nov 99 - 08:04 AM

is the Carol Gardner mentioned the same C.G. who used to play fiddle at the old NTMC in the seventies? She guested on the original Notts Alliance album.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 21 Nov 99 - 08:09 AM

is the Carol Gardner mentioned the same C.G. who used to play fiddle at the old NTMC in the seventies? She guested on the original Notts Alliance album.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: polesden
Date: 21 Nov 99 - 02:10 PM

The Carol Gardner that I know is about 50ish now.She played fiddle at Tanners Hatch in the seventies, but in her mid twenties she got MS and was never seen since. I have recently heard that her MS is not as bad as it was.I have also heard that she married the owner of a publishing company where she had been working for many years some time after his wife died. If this strikes any bells and is the same person I would love to know

Cheers Bob Merrett

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 22 Nov 99 - 11:51 AM

Hello Bob, the Carol Gardener I knew was living in Nottingham area early seventies. I know that she moved to London and worked for Routledge, Kegan, Paul. Same person?

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: KEVINOAF
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 08:25 AM

the story of the tanners owl owes its origin to one of the old regulars Ted Terry (better known as "stagnant stan" - now long deceased )   who invented the story of a wich metamorphing into an owl during the rebuilding program   of the original conversion of the cottages into the present youth hostel, This transfigurement was reputed to be witnessed by a number of the working party he admitted this to me in the Royal oak in Bookham over a copious libation

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Snuffy
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 10:08 AM

I never knew that Bob Merret (who started this thread) was actually a Mudcatter, although he did always have lots of printouts of songs from the DT with him wherever he went.

Unfortunately, he died just under 5 years ago - see this thread Obit: Farewell to Bob Merrett. for the tributes to him. It would be nice to think that there are now two owls keeping watch at Tanner's Hatch

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 10:57 AM

I got a shoiver when I read the first post on this thread, it felt like a ghost had tapped me on the shoulder.

I've been a regular at Tanners since the end of the 60s, although my attendance has dropped off lately, but I'm still in regular contact with most of the old crowd.

Bob (Polesden/Gloomy Bob) passed on a few years ago as has already been mentioned. Others from his list have since left us too; Carole Gardner and Roy.

I've many happy memories from this magical place, and have fond memories of some of Bob's hilarious antics.

Thank you for reviving this thread, Kevinoaf.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 10:58 AM

Sorry, that should be "shiver".

Oh, Snuffy, I can't get your link to work.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 06:54 PM

I just tried Snuffy's link, and it worked for me.... and this has all reminded me that some friends and I went youth hostelling about 40 years ago and stayed at Tanners Hatch.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 03:44 AM

We were there on Saturday & had another fabulous evening! Like you Snuffy I didn't know Bob had been a MudCatter. Good to see this thread, thanks Kevinoaf! You still local? We're in Leatherhead.

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: KEVINOAF
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 04:53 AM

no, I'm no longer local I now live in the pyrenees I bought my own tanners hatch with olive trees, caribs and almonds instead of oaks & pines

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: Lady Nancy
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 12:58 PM

I never visit Mudcat often enough - no time! But it was really great to come across this today. I regret not having found it sooner - and the associated link. I knew Bob from the days of Rentacrowd/Heritage/Squire and I now work with Sylvia occasionally who helps me run and administrate folk events in Yorkshire.

I'm still occasionally in touch with others from that time (1974-9 ish) and have some wonderful photos of when we were all that much younger. Did we really change that much? Sylvia and I had a photo and reminisence session a couple of years ago when it suddenly dawned on us that we had known each other back then.

Ah! Such wonderful memories!

Hilary (still singing....)

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 03:02 PM

Aha, another Hilary! Please pass on our Best to Sylvia when you see her next, we usually see her at the Tanners weekend each year since she moved up North.
Hilay Ward & Richard Atkins

Subject: RE: Tanners Harch - Finding old friends
From: KEVINOAF
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 05:08 AM

I remember with nostalgia the entry in the Tanners visitor"s book
'wild-life seen at Tanner's'
Ferret-girl's dormatory (annexe)

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: KEVINOAF
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 05:53 AM

anyone remeber 'blind dave @ who's cacophony on an out of tune autoharp nearly terminated folk at tanners?

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 06:03 AM

http://www.tannersmusic.co.uk/

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Zen
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 07:10 AM

I remember Tanner's Hatch and also "Blind Dave" who was a regular at the Chanticleer Folk Club in Dorking when I was a regular there back in the late 1980s. I do remember he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of folk music and of composers.

Zen

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: KEVINOAF
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 05:40 AM

can't agree with that ,he usaualy played blue grass stuff, and i have no knowledge of that material 'oakie from muscogie' was particularly *********!

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: davyr
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 06:22 AM

Wow, that has brought back memories (I missed the thread first time around). Graham, the warden when I was last there in the mid-70s (anyone know what happened to him?), would never turn away a booking, even when the hostel was full. I remember spending a very chilly night on an old sofa in the woodshed, with owls hooting on the roof all night. The other joy was trying to sleep in a "Tanners Tent" (an old army blanket that you were expected to string up between two trees).

I sang the Coppers song "Wop she 'ad it i o" at one folk weekend, and unbeknown to me, the guest performer (whose name I forget) also had it on his set list but was out of the room when I sang.

My version of the chorus was slightly different to the Coppers (which he sang "as known") and he was a bit disconcerted when everyone joined in with "my" version when he performed it later on in the evening...

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: My guru always said
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 09:59 AM

Graham Peddie is still going strong but no longer warden at Tanners. He's very active looking after a local charity & drop-in centre and much respected locally!

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: davyr
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 10:19 AM

That's good to know - I wonder if he still has the knack of shaving a different part of his face every day so that he has a permanent (but partial) 3 days growth on? :-)

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Surreysinger
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 10:22 AM

Would that be the same Blind Dave that used to turn up regularly at the Ram Club in Claygate every week ? Lived in Leatherhead, always came late and left early by taxi, and managed to get a front row seat every time from where he joined in the guest's act by making verbal interjections ??

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Zen
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 10:55 AM

The very same Blind Dave indeed and I remember the verbal interjections very well which made compering quite interesting. When he missed or couldn't afford his taxi I ended up many times giving him a lift back to Leatherhead from Dorking.

Zen

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: My guru always said
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 04:29 PM

Blind Dave still potters around Leatherhead quite happily. As I don't get to local clubs much I haven't noticed Dave's 'musical' behaviour!

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 29 Oct 08 - 04:40 AM

Graham Peddie will be 70 on 14 November, we members of that loose community called rentacrowd are planning on sending him personal greetings with a short message telling him what we're up to now.

If anyone would like his address, I'd be happy to PM it.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 29 Oct 08 - 09:29 AM

I recall giving Dave a lift home from The Ram Club.We eventualy arrived with his directions !

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 29 Oct 08 - 11:46 AM

It sounds cruel, but Dave can take a joke...

A couple of years ago at Tanners Festival, while he was singing a song, a load of kazoos were quietly passed around the gathered throng, and on a given signal we all joined in with his chorus.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: KEVINOAF
Date: 30 Oct 08 - 04:55 AM

dave needed a sense of humor,he certainly taxed mine.... if you have the peddies address do P-M me, does he still follow the same diet?i. e. eating anything that fails to eat him first?

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Big Ed
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 05:23 AM

I've just come across this wonderful "Web"site with it's wonderful silken threads and memories. I certainly remember Bob Merrett, Blind Dave, Rent a crowd, etc, etc. I was certainly very sorry to read of Bob's passing away, I will make a pilgrimage to the cemetary and try to find the family grave and offer my belated respects.

I also remember those crazy Treasure Hunts organised in the middle of winter that usually kicked off at mid-night and started and ended at the Hatch. I also remember the afternoons spent at the Ranmore Inn on Sunday afternoons after Tanners Folk imbibing like there was no tomorrow!

As my good friend Trev mentioned in another link to this site we recently popped down to Tanners for a nostalgic evening, my how the place has changed - it's clean for one thing, Peddies counter has gone (along with all the memorabilia associated with it)!

Tanners should be declared a national monument, long live the Hatch.

Ed Owen

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Barbara
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 07:48 AM

I remember Tanners Hatch as a place where I always got a friendly welcome and a tea. My friends and I used to visit it during the 80's and 90's quite regularly and we became so fond of the place, it's peaceful settings and all the interesting and nice people we met. For us it was a "secret treasure" and Graham was it's king :-)

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Big Ed
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 06:45 AM

Eh up is that Barbara Allen out there?

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: pants
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 09:27 AM

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,pants
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:40 PM

Hey all,
Great to see this site. Sweet memories of Tanners. It would be great to see you all back. Maybe some day.
Dutch Jenny

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 03:53 AM

You can keep up with folk goings on at and around Tanner Hatch here: http://www.tannersmusic.co.uk/

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Barbara
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 03:20 PM

I have such good memories of Tanners Hatch: Graham, a cup of tea, "Good morning sunhine", the low kitchen ceiling, the sounds and the smell of the woods, friendly open minded people, bon fires, sunshine, the peaceful early mornings hours outside on the bench, many many interesting talks, happy times.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Frank Crowley
Date: 16 Oct 10 - 09:58 AM

I used to go to Tanners Hatch every month with my dad Frank for the folk nights back in the late 70s to mid 80s I used to be known as Francis back then. I remember my 1st visit telling the warden Graham that the light was gone so he he sent me to a shed to turn on the generator was gone for ages in the dark. I also remember the tents and the sing songs till the early hours. Graham was a great warden even if he did nick your breakfast, my dad got round it by making him a breakfast. My dad has passed away now but his memories were as fond as mine

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Mark Bossanyi - Boz
Date: 22 Feb 11 - 04:26 PM

Great to see Tanner's Hatch is still going strong. I used to go to regularly in the 1970s, and made a terrible name for myself by playing the two most hated instruments in the world - the banjo and the accordion.

Great to see that lots of the people I met there are still going - I remember Tony Harbour, Carol Gardener, Andy Ive, Geoff Chapman, Tim Dowd, Sean, Babs, Anna, Jenny(Tits), Guernsey Pete, Steve Spurling, Carol Tomlyn, Heritage... and Graham Peddie of course. I remember the New Year's eve barbecue out the back the night that the UK joined the Common Market, and a fertility rite organised by Tony Harbour using a coca cola tin for percussion...

If I wasn't currently at the opposite corner of Europe, I'd come and visit at the drop of a hat. If you guys are there, it would be great to see or hear from you again...

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Mo the caller
Date: 27 Mar 11 - 11:46 AM

Wow.
When a school friend and I stayed at Tanners Hatch in 1959 (?ish) we had the place to ourselves. The warden (female if I remember right) lived somewhere else in the wood.
We really enjoyed the open fire. But had second thoughts when all our clothes smelled of stale woodsmoke for the rest of the week.

Does it still have 2 tier bunks?

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Mo the caller
Date: 27 Mar 11 - 11:47 AM

3-tier bunks (saw my mistake just as it posted!)

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Dave East
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 02:34 PM

Heavens above- I too remember Guernsey Pete- whatever happened to him, married??? I sang with Mary Fookes in Threadbare [1977-8]; A Carol Gardner I knew- fiddle player and sacred harp singer- died of MS several years back, and was cremated at Golders Green crem..

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 02:54 PM

Easty Beastie!! Wow, hi... long time no see. Guernsey Pete posted in a Mudcat discussion not too long ago (last year sometime?) so is clearly still around and sounded fine. If I can find the thread I'll dig it out and post a link. I'm so sorry to hear about Carol - I was staying at Tanner's Hatch one time when she was there also, and the two of us played for some dancers, me on recorder. Didn't Mary Fookes also sing with Heritage at one time? If so, I have some great memories of doing some pub-harmonies with her in an afternoon singaround during one of my Tanner's stays (possibly the same time as when Carol was there).

Actually, I thought I'd posted to this thread already. I used to love Tanner's, and, funnily enough, discovered it through a non-folkie. One of the weekends they had a fantastic costume event, and the entire Graham Petty family showed up rigged out in Medieval gear - even the dog, who sported a fine blue silk cape (I was quite jealous). What a great thread this is. What great memories.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 03:00 PM

Guernsey Pete popped his head up in this thead (another nostalgia fest for folkies of A Certain Age):

Folk Clubs London 1960s & 70s

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=36295#2856244

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 03:54 PM

PS: Am I right in thinking that - at one time, at least - the hostel had no electricity? I seem to remember playing my harp solely by firelight and cooking in the kitchen by gaslight - piped in through decidedly Victorian-looking overhead fittings. I recall how blue-ish the atmosphere was. Is this fact or deteriorating brain cells? (Or both...?)

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 04:02 PM

...and the answer iiiiiiiiiiiiis:

Deteriorating brain cells [round of applause]

> It is a very old building (about 500 years) which still has gas lighting and an open log fire

D'OH!

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 02 Aug 11 - 11:58 AM

I haven't stayed there for a few years, but I think the hostel now has electrickery (the YHA insisted a few years back), and the warden now lives on-site (after a fashion).
I'm still very much in touch with the old crowd (60s onwards).
Mary did indeed sing with Heritage.

I received a "Good God, are you still at it?" missive from Guernsey Pete in February this year.
He's still in London, playing with a barn dance band and doing the odd floor spot.
As regards Carol he says "We were able to give her a good send-off; a packed
chapel and 16 past and present members of the Sacred Harp group to sing her favourite
hymn in 4-part unaccompanied harmony. And people jumping up and down to give
testimonies to her. That was three years ago this July."

I owe a lot to Tanners, and am pleased to say that my kids have formed lasting friendships as a result of going there when they were small.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Max Johnson
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 11:37 AM

Hi Bonnie - Yes, Mary Fookes, on loan from Heritage, sang with myself, Dave and Norman Western for a while in the short-lived a cappella group Threadbare. We did a month-long tour of Germany together. Mary is an excellent harmony singer and squeezebox player.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 03:39 AM

There'll be singing at Tanners this weekend.....

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 04:00 AM

Did the 'best of' cassette that Bob Merritt mentioned at the start of this thread ever materialise? If it did, it would be great to put it up at Lost Folk Tapes along with a few people's reminscences about Tanners. That's the sort of thing we're there for, you know...

Please email [e-mail] if you're interested or know someone who might be...

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 09:28 PM

Spleen Cringe
Bobs little recorder and some tapes are with me to sort then!

I did take care of Bob. Provided him with a car and took him to his last Sidmouth reunion. Mentioned above on the thread, I took him to the Chricketers in Dorking to get him out of his flat and cheer him up!

I will be at Tanners on Saturday.

The Cricketers now have been granted a garden misic licence to enjoy on Sunday for those to party on ?
With enthusiastic hoast, and no interfering sunday lunches !!!

For those that dont drink wine a plug for Surrey Hill Shere Drop.
At the rear of Dendies 4 Pint takeway £7.50, off sales close 5 PM

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 09 Sep 11 - 07:03 AM

Hi Richard,

Thanks for that - if you do get a chance to sort them out and think putting some of them up at LFT for people to hear would be a good idea, do get in touch via the website or a PM at the 'cat...

Cheers

Spleen/Nigel

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,brian milne
Date: 22 Oct 11 - 02:17 PM

Tales to tell, oh so many. I am trying to remember the name of an American who turned up cycling in the 1970s then stayed for quite some time. He was quite neurotic but it made him twice as much fun, giggled and laughed a lot and took nothing especially seriously. I think he simply rode away, well after pushing his bike to smoother ground, just the way he came. Thinking back I think I learned so much through things, people, music, walking and so on that it is part of who I am. I would turn up at folk nights if I lived a great deal closer, but have not done so for so long. I know I have grown older, but my shock when Graham finished was stunning. I'll think of some of the tales I can recall in time, oh yes if the brain recalls them.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: ChrisJBrady
Date: 23 Oct 11 - 08:23 PM

And did anyone do the Tanners Marathon? I did in the late 1960s. Still have the cert. somewhere. That was the days of the Brighton YHA Group. I wonder what's happened to them? I think that we were friendly rivals to Croydon Group. Then there was the Ridgeway Marathon from Streatley YHA with Oxford and Abingdon YHA Groups. I also remember the folk sessions and dances in the 1960s/70s at Ivinghoe YHA. I think they were run by one Mick Howell from Kidlington. Happy days - when life was simpler and it was safer to cycle on the roads. Now-a-days I fear for my life on public transport let alone as a vulnerable cyclist.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 24 Oct 11 - 11:16 AM

I did the Tanners Marathon twice in my teens, first time when I was about 14 or 15. That was my first brush with place. The second time I was about 18 and really went for it, and despite getting lost in the early stages, managed to finish 8th (I have to stress it was never a competitive event) I still have the medal and the 2 certificates in a box somewhere in a cupboard.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Dom Bonito
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 11:27 AM

Blimey! Tanner's Hatch. The North West Three used to guest there about 45 years ago, along with a guy named Alan Harlow who seems to have disappeared of the face of the earth. One of our sessions coincided with a visit from a BBC producer who was making a Schools programme about Youth Hostelling. He thought it would be a good idea to include a glimpse of the folk nights so he duly booked us along with Alan. The thing that stands out in my mind, was the producer's jacket catching fire when he was lounging against the mantelpiece. We were paid 30 quid for that gig but they sent the cheque to Alan and we never got our share.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Coen Theelen (Holland)
Date: 24 Nov 11 - 06:05 PM

Hello good Tanners people,
I used to come and go at Tanners in the years 1977-79. Regulars then were Jewish John (Tarsche), Old Albert (walked like an Indian to and fro the Bookham pub - Royal Oak?), a certain Sevenoaks whom I never met, Rik van Doeselaar (Tilburg, Netherlands) and some Bob on his Bob-bike. Never forget the first two of these, they were absolutely special. Would Jewish John still be alive and something? Ask Graham.
I spent Christmas '77 with some 15 other auto-selective people. I still cherish these days every now and then. Please react if you were there.
I've never again been at a place like Tanners and right now I think I will anonymously return one of these years. Still very young and wild at heart, of course.
Coen Theelen, Beek (near Maastricht), Netherlands

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Galloping Gwdihw
Date: 17 Jan 12 - 03:49 PM

Yes I remember Tanners with GREAT affection, as a matter of fact it'll be the 30th anniversary of the very first time I went there come Feb 10th, just over 3 weeks from now... started going there with school and it felt more like home than my actual home did. Even though it's been modernized and had electrickery installed since my last visit in '93, I'm assured that it still feels like Tanners, that the vibe is still the same; hoping to make it back some time this year, for my first visit in almost 2 decades, I daresay it'll feel as if I'd never been away. Must drop in on Graham in the day centre where he's now working, too... I owe a lot to him, a good man with no pretensions; and I'll never forget that laugh of his!

@Coen Theelen: Jewish Jon, eh? What a character... I distinctly remember the first time I met him, during my second school trip to Tanners in March '82. My teacher didn't take to him AT ALL, particularly when he heard Jon telling us some jokes such as:
"What's the difference between a baby and a seagull? A seagull flits along the shore"
and
"What's the difference between a drunken marksman and a constipated owl? A drunken marksman shoots but can't hit".
Now, I and most of my classmates had, to varying degrees, fallen in love with Tanners so a few months later we begged our teacher to take us on another trip there. So he agreed to arrange one, saying:
..."But we can't go if That Man is there - I'm sorry!"
LOL...

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,monksy
Date: 26 Feb 12 - 05:24 PM

Bonnie, I have just checked this after several months. By coincidence just talking about you and Pakkie Byrne last week. Is he still with us. I remember him playing the whistle at our party in Dartmouth Road.
Mary is living a blameless life in retirement, but I cannot get her to sing any more.
re Tanners Marathon - me and Babs and Hilary took the easy way out by staffing Graham's famous refreshment points. Also did one for the Night Hike once on Leith Hill in November. What a long cold night that was! Anyone remember Tony Hammock .......?

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 08:13 AM

Hi Monksy (if you're who I'm thinking of, you used to live down the street from me in Mapesbury Road for awhile, didn't you?)

Not only is Packie still very much with us, he just celebrated his 95th birthday last week (Feb 18th)! He's now based in Donegal, in his home village (or the nearest one to it, because his family's cottage was up in the moors) of Ardara. A number of folkies came over for the weekend and much merriment was to be had. How great to hear from you! Love this thread.

B xxx

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Sarahc
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 02:17 PM

Hi,

Just found this thread while visiting.

The dates for the folk w/ends this year at the hostel are:

11-13th May, 7-9th Sept, 7-9 Dec. We would be delighted to see some old faces and hear some stories....

Book beds / camping with the warden who is now called Andy...

(Typing this with the 'famous' Sevenoaks...)

Cheers,

Sarah

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Barbara
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 02:08 AM

Names like Sevenoaks, Jewish John, Jack Spackman and most of all Grahem Peddie - ring a bell in my heart. I have great memories of Tanners Hatch. So many summers my friends and I went there and always had enchanted times out there in the woods. Graham's: "Good morning sunshine" and "bed time, bed time" is still in my ears. Tanners has changed since he is gone, but it is still the same charming cottage, hidden away from the "busy" world. Tanners has changed me, with it's openess and special hospitality created by it's extraordinary warden. I never found anything I could compare with it in my home country.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Guest old-un
Date: 17 Oct 12 - 08:26 AM

It is with great sadness that I Must inform you of the passing of Pete Newman.
He sang for a while with Geoff Chapman, and latter just went to enjoy the folk.
He was a frequent visitor to Tanners although he did have years of disertions and would then turn up out of the blue.

A whit and a strong character, he was my friend.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,tax
Date: 18 Oct 12 - 01:51 PM

...I think the news of Newman's death is a tad premature

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Hamish
Date: 19 Oct 12 - 04:16 AM

Yes - nice work, "old-un". You've caused quite a lot of upset and anxiety. Hilarious. Not.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,The dead man
Date: 19 Oct 12 - 06:18 AM

I am well and living.
Medical update for all interested…
I had my left first finger surgically removed from my ear 1976.
Had implants to prevent singing through both nostrils 1980.
Preventing me from singing the 72 verses of Bold Robin Hood and also stopping me "making the rafters roar…".
However any contributions to my premature Wake will be accepted.. NOW I am not getting any younger.
Whit..
I assure all that I have definitely more than a Whit of Wit.
I hope "Old-un" this was a honest mistake, I look forward to meeting ou.
Thank you GUEST Tax
Thank you Hamish
Spread the word of my resurrection.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 Oct 12 - 06:48 AM

Very glad to hear that news of your passing was premature.

I also hope that this was an honest mistake or misunderstanding, it certainly sounded as if Guest old-un was being sincere. If so, I'm sure that he/she will be very glad to hear this news.

But perhaps another with the same name has passed on?

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Galloping Gwdihw
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 02:59 AM

@The Dead Man - Whew!!! Pleased to hear that you're still alive and well. D'ya remember me Emma Matthews - you know, the quiet, batshit crazy one? Just as batshit crazy, but not quite so quiet anymore. Please feel free to look me up on facebook if you feel like it, I'm in the facebook group "I Used To Haunt Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel During Graham Peddies's Era".

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Yvonne Appleby (nee Wilson)
Date: 16 Feb 13 - 08:45 AM

My goodness, how my heart leapt when I came across this!

I spent many extremely happy times at Tanners in the mid-70s. I first stayed with a group of schoolfriends from Sutton in 1974 on a week's tour of Holmbury St Mary, Ewhurst, Tanners and Hindhead. We stayed in the annexe and had a riot - midnight picnics, frightening ourselves with ghost stories, and so on. We all fell head-over-heels for Graham and his no-nonsense straighforwardness and wicked fun.

Subsequently, because we lived only a few miles away, we used to come down for weekends. I remember looking forward to the arrival of Shaun, another weekender from Kent, who used to come on his bike with all the makings of bread-and-butter pudding for all.

I remember with affection, too, Bob and Canadian Barri. Lots of singing, joking and friendly conversation and company.

Tanners was a marvel - a really happy, lively, active place where anyone was welcome who would muck in. I suspect it's still like it, even after Graham. It's enchanted.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 05:36 PM

I was one of those when I weas about 14 - not funny!!! :-)

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Monksy
Date: 02 May 13 - 03:39 PM

Hello Yvonne
I remember you.
Barri is back in Canada she is a fantastic horticulturist. We managed to keep in contact this lief long time.

But I would love to know what happened to Sean Hayden (and his bike). He was one of the best, and put me straight a few times.

There was one time when Graham sent us out to place the orienteering posts in the woods .... ....   thank goodness Sean could navigate!
hope all is well with you

Anna

PS Message for Bonnie - yes Paul and I were your neighbours in Dartmouth Road

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Will Spurling
Date: 01 Oct 14 - 08:58 AM

Hi all,

My late father was Steve Spurling who passed away in January 2013. He frequented Tanners Hatch in the 70s and was good friends with Bob Merrett. Bob and Dad made contact again after Bob married the mother of my school friend Nicola Wingrove. I remember when I met Bob he told me about his tapes and that he had recordings of my Dad. Tonight I remembered this and thought I'd love to hear them and Google searched his name and Tanners Hatch and found this thread.

Richard Atkins, please get in touch on 07825322456 if you can. Before my Dad passed away he asked me to finish his album he'd been making at home, including recordings of our band (me on drums). I'd love to hear what he sounded like before I was born.

Thanks all

Will Spurling

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Will Spurling
Date: 01 Oct 14 - 09:05 AM

Also my email address is [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: My guru always said
Date: 02 Oct 14 - 02:53 AM

Will - have printed your request out for Richard Atkins, he'll see it later today. This may take a while....

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 02 Oct 14 - 09:49 PM

Hi Will

Loft search today found Bobs photos and programs of Festivals past.

Still hunting for the tapes.

I will call you when I can be more positive.

All regards and fond memories of Bob.

Richard

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Will Spurling
Date: 13 Oct 14 - 09:39 AM

Hello Richard and My Guru Always Said,

Thank you very much for your help, I really appreciate it!

Best regards,

Will.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 14 Oct 14 - 06:33 PM

Hi Will, I was a friend of Steve and played quite a bit with him at Tanners and elsewhere back in the early seventies.
I've found my copy of Bob Merrett's archive with quite a few tracks of him playing. I've had the tapes digitised but haven't yet separated the tracks - there's a lot of other people playing on them too. I'll have a go at separating them over the next couple of weeks (when I've got a minute!). I'll let you know how I get on. As Guru said - This may take a while...

All the best

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 14 Oct 14 - 08:57 PM

Hi will
Brill news from Splott man!

I have found Bobs tapes. These are Middle Bar Singers only but he recorded himself as well, fond memories.

I also have video of him driving my car, fond scary memories! :>)

I will be in contact with you soon.

All the best

Richard

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 Oct 14 - 03:54 AM

I've just re-read Bob's original post and wondered if "Dick and Mel" = the Henrywoods, now at Bow Station, Crediton - who helped put together the Cicely Fox Smith commemoration in June this year...?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 15 Oct 14 - 07:19 AM

Hi Kitty.
I haven't seen Dick & Mel for 35 years or more, but he was tall and gangly, and she was a lot shorter. I think they rode a motorbike.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 Oct 14 - 12:25 PM

Ned - Dick Henrywood is definitely tall and gangly and plays concertina. I think he dealt in antiques. He and Melanie (who is a lovely singer)lived near Andover for a while and performed with Doug and Sue Bailey as One Bar Too Many around 20 years ago, then moved to Devon. Their son Ross is a good singer too! I last heard them at Jon Shapley's 60th birthday party in the Bedford Hotel in Sidmouth in Augus.

Kitty

PS and Dick has written a wonderful song about villages with double-barrelled names!

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 15 Oct 14 - 02:27 PM

Well Kitty, from the info you've given me, I managed to find pictures online, and I think we're talking about two different Dicks & Mels.
There you go.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 15 Oct 14 - 02:28 PM

100!

I thought I'd get in before Leadfingers!

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 15 Oct 14 - 10:06 PM

Brill Splott Man

101 then late :>(

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Will Spurling
Date: 07 Nov 14 - 07:00 AM

Hello Richard and Splott Man,

That's really wonderful news, I can't wait to hear them! Thanks so much for your help, I understand the lengthy process so no problem there.

Regards,

Will.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Ian Campbell-Harris
Date: 11 Sep 15 - 04:05 PM

Ahhh Tanners Hatch ! I started going there around the mid 70's ( I'm an old fart lol ). 99% of the time camping out...in all weathers as well...I can remember waking up one morning thinking it was rather quiet, I unzipped the door to the tent and looked out then zipped it back up again...then unzipped it again pretty fast...there was over two feet of snow ! :-)

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Trevor(N.York's)
Date: 12 May 16 - 06:53 PM

I hope to re.visit Tanners this year & meet folk I,ve not seen in decades.May get down in July or for the Sept folk if all goes well.Is Graham still residing nearby?

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Splott Man
Date: 13 May 16 - 05:39 AM

Graham still lives nearby in Fetcham.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Splott Man
Date: 18 Aug 16 - 03:57 AM

Tanners hatch is celebrating its 70th birthday soon. More info here:

thread.cfm?threadid=160425&messages=5

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jun 17 - 03:02 PM

Jessica Davi(e)s
Who knew Jess? She died after a creative and wonderful life a few weeks ago. Last project - Cherry Tree Nursery Bournemouth. Look it up and watch the 25 years video.
I was at university with her 1970-3 and she spoke of times at Tanners Hatch (where I had overnighted, on my own, as a walker, by chance)
Was it any of you who wrote her the (unsurpassed numbers of) letters she read at breakfast times?
We are assembling obituary/account of her life.
Please tell.
I am spitting into wind here have no idea if I will find you or you will find me back.
Thanks!
Virginia Taylor (Penrith)

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 02 Jun 17 - 03:00 PM

I'm sorry, I didn't know her - but it's worth refreshing this thread (pushing it back to the top of the page by commenting) because quite often people don't see it the first time around. Hope you net some great recollections!

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Andy Goodall
Date: 29 Jun 17 - 08:13 AM

Hi, I knew Steve back in '74-'76 at Tanners playing his 'Customs and Excise spacial' Martin Guitar. He used to teach me Guitar In kingston and i Still remember (most) of the lyrics and tunes to a couple of his songs. 'White Lady' and 'Take me Back' a song about Tanners which he put on tape for me. I gave it back to him back in the 80's, probably lost by now.
Andy

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 30 Jun 17 - 07:37 AM

I haven't been to Tanners Hatch since I was on a walking holiday with friends from school in the 1960s, but my partner (now husband) and I have acquired a number of plants from the Cherry Tree Nursery without knowing of Jess's connection with the Tanner's sessions. There was a nice tribute to her in the local free paper last month.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Will Spurling
Date: 04 Jan 20 - 08:39 PM

Hi Andy Goodall,

I've not visited this thread for sometime, good to see your post about having guitar lessons with my Dad. I live near Esher nowadays, I guess you knew Pauline his sister too? I remember his stories about that Martin guitar. Be good to hear more stories!

Cheers,


Will.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,GUEST Monksy
Date: 03 Apr 21 - 05:21 PM

Hi Will
As Bonnie said above, it is good to keep this thread alive.
I remember your father for his superb guitar playing, lovely bottleneck blues style.
And ... for the afternoon when he came into the common room where we were chatting and said that he would break an egg on my head. I thought he was joking when he pressed his hand onto my head, until I fell a cool slimy substance sliding down my neck.

To be fair, he did accompany me to the outside tap and washed my hair in the refreshingly cold water! I never doubted his word again.....

I hope you are enjoying listening to those old recordings. We certainly enjoyed your dad's music.
Warmest wishes
Anna (Monks)

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: Felipa
Date: 03 Apr 21 - 06:41 PM

Steve Poole composed a song for Tanners Hatch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXjh31e46w0

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Monksy
Date: 06 May 21 - 06:40 PM

Sad news: Graham Peddie died today (6th May 2021). Graham made life bearable for countless people. I was a very lucky person to have known him.

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,CJB
Date: 09 May 21 - 04:35 PM

A great read of memories ...

http://www.stevecool.co.uk/tannersmusic/Tanners_Hatch_50th_Anniversary_Booklet.pdf

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Aug 21 - 09:59 AM

I was one of many who completed the Marathon during the 60'safter cycling from Enfield as a Local Group and staying at Tanners.
Brilliant exparience still got Certificate.
If anyone is still alive .

Geoff Gypps aged 77 still meeting other members of Enfield Local Group each year !

Subject: RE: Tanners Hatch - Finding old friends
From: GUEST,Paul J
Date: 03 Feb 22 - 03:15 PM

Hi all, past and present, a refreshing thread.
Couldn’t help adding to it..
It is rumoured I am one of the Tanners Hatch babes!
My father used to take materials from ww2 bomb sites in London down to Tanners Hatch
One story related to sheets of glass from a west end shop front.
That arrived a lot smaller than when they left!
I believe he was one of many acting wardens later on in the fifties/sixties.
Great to hear TH is still creating