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Andre's bio
I am retired, living alone in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland. I have a keen interest in music, writing and recording although these days am more into photography having taken it up in September 2014. I prefer to stay on the bright side of life. -
Andre's latest comments
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28th Oct 2016Andre commented on:
The 60s ... What did like best about the 60s?They were indeed Little Minx. We booked most of the bands that were in the charts at that time. It seemed to me that the sixties were by far a better time all round to be alive.ViewDate:
28th Oct 2016Andre commented on:
The 60s ... What did like best about the 60s?Re The Beatles in the sixties….Let me tell you a true story. In 1962 I was working at The Rialto ballroom in Liverpool as assistant general manager after being transferred from the Majestic Ballroom Newcastle. Every Thursday night I was the relief manager at The Majestic ballroom Birkenhead where we put on all the local groups. I spent most lunchtimes at the Cavern. One day I met my friend Bob Wooler DJ of the Cavern Club and we went around to Nems music store to see Brian Epstein. A little later we all went to The Cavern Club as Bob wanted Brian to see a group called The Beatles who were not long back from Germany. They were great and of course the rest is history. After being in Liverpool for some months I contacted Mr Neilson Manager of The Majestic Ballroom Newcastle and told him that there were many great groups in Liverpool such as The Big Three, The Beatles, Lee Curtiss and The All Stars, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Billy J Kramer, Freddie Star and the Midnighters and Derry Wilkie and The Pressmen. There were others and that he should book them, which he did. Sometime later I was involved in a car smash after getting a lift from a drunken doctor from the Blue Angel club, ending up in hospital. Bob Wooler came to visit me and he was sporting a black eye. He told me that John Lennon had thumped him after he made a comment about Lennon's holiday in Spain with Brian Epstein. You have to realise that Bob was the type of guy who would not lift a finger to defend himself. After recovering I asked for and got a transfer back to the Majestic Newcastle where in 1963 The Beatles were booked to play. I remember that day well as I was looking forward to seeing the band again. When they arrived with their gear I let them in where they commenced to set up their gear for that nights show. They started to rehearse a song, which turned out to be She Loves You, Paul doing the arrangement. The song was rehearsed and polished off on that afternoon BEFORE the gig and not after as many have suggested.. That’s a fact because I sat at the back of the ballroom and listened to it all. I let them out of the ballroom and they went to their hotel, which was The Turks Head. Later that night we had the gig, I introduced them to the stage and all hell was let loose, you could hardly hear the band for the screaming kids. In fact John Lennon told me in the dressing room that it was ok to play their records now ( I did DJ-ing as well) as they would not be heard over the screaming when on stage. It is my understanding that the band booked into the Turks Head then came to the ballroom to set the gear up and have a rehearsal at about 3pm. I just don't see how they would have the time to write the song at the Turks Head before coming to the Majestic to set the gear up. So as far as I am concerned "She Loves You" was written in Liverpool at Paul McCartneys home. I witnessed its arrangement (which was the same arrangement that ended up on the record) on the afternoon before the gig at The Majestic Ballroom, Newcastle in 1963. My opinion is there was only one musical genius in The Beatles and that was and is Paul McCartney. He was also the best drummer in The Beatles. By the way, Oriole records made The Merseybeat albums at The Rialto Ballroom Liverpool when I was there. Yes the early 1960’s were a great time to be around. Ken Black.ViewDate:
28th Oct 2016Andre commented on:
Magazines at the Doctor's surgeryGoodness knows how many germs we are picking up when we look at these magazines!ViewDate:
3rd Jul 2016Andre commented on:
Brexit new referendumIf Scotland were to remain in the EU it would be like Greece without the sunshine. Not at all sensible.ViewDate:
25th Jun 2016Andre commented on:
Do you think we’re facing chaos now we’re leaving the EU?We have been in a referendum contest between Remain and Leave. The people who voted Remain should now have the good grace to accept the decision and stop complaining for this is democracy in action. Perhaps the following statement by Suzanne Evans will give those who are disappointed some reassurance. Suzanne Evans UKIP 2 hrs • A Prime Minister resigned. The £ plummeted. The FTSE 100 lost significant ground. But then the £ rallied past February levels, and the FTSE closed on a weekly high: 2.4% up on last Friday, its best performance in 4 months. President Obama decided we wouldn't be at the 'back of the queue' after all and that our 'special relationship' was still strong. The French President confirmed the Le Touquet agreement would stay in place. The President of the European Commission stated Brexit negations would be 'orderly' and stressed the UK would continue to be a 'close partner' of the EU. A big bank denied reports it would shift 2,000 staff overseas. The CBI, vehemently anti-Brexit during the referendum campaign, stated British business was resilient and would adapt. Several countries outside the EU stated they wished to begin bi-lateral trade talks with the UK immediately. If this was the predicted apocalypse, well, it was a very British one. It was all over by teatime. Not a bad first day of freedom. For all the Negative talk & comments from MPs & brussels. Look how there all wanting to do Business with us..Not bad for our first day of getting our country back.. This will surprise all them Chickens out there..ViewDate:
25th Sep 2015Andre commented on:
How do I start to move my Mum nearer to me?Hi Michelle, I just wished I lived closer to help you solve these problems. We all need some help at one time or another in our lives. There are solutions to every problem but to find them you have to think calmly. A doctors letter of support and a social worker are the places to start. Discuss it with your brother and see how he can contribute in order to get a satisfactory result for all concerned. It will all come together eventually. Take care of "you". AndreViewDate:
22nd Sep 2015Andre commented on:
Windows 10For those using Windows 10 who would like to see a Windows 7 Startup menu that they are familiar with there is a program called Stardock Start 10 that makes Windows 10 look like windows 7. You can get it from here>>>>> https://www.stardock.com/products/start10/ for three us dollars. Windows 10 start menu is simple to use unlike Windows 8 which was a pain and I used Stardock Start 8 to sort that out. After downloading Windows 10 make sure your anti-virus is switched off before you install it. I have had no problems with 10 on my desktop or laptop. I like it.ViewDate:
19th Sep 2015Andre commented on:
Should Britain stay in the EU?Britain's exports are purchased primarily by the US, Germany, France and Ireland (in that order). Britain imports primarily from Germany, the US, the Netherlands and France (in that order) We import more from the EU than we export to them. We would do well to continue to do business with the up and coming countries such as Indian, Brasil, China, and other Asian markets where there is great potential for sales. The EU is a dying corrupt entity which has never signed off its books. A audit of its finances would show a catalogue of financial disasters over many years. We managed very well indeed trading with the whole world before the EU and we shall do so again. I want us out of the EU as soon as possible in order to control our borders which is more important now then ever before with the current refugee/migrant situation which is out of control, in part thanks to Frau Merkel. Having a open door policy will bring the EU to its knees in the not to distant future. Right now it is storing up huge problems for future generations. Common sense seems to have deserted these politicians here in the UK and in the EU so they will reap what they sow. I promise you no one will like the result that ensues. Our laws should be made here in the UK and not by unelected politicians in Brussels! Our many heroes who fought and died defending our country in two world wars must be turning in their graves at the way the politicians of this country have signed and continue to sign our sovereignty away piece by piece. Save Great Britain for our children and children's children by voting to leave the EU.ViewDate:
19th Sep 2015Andre commented on:
Do you think Camilla should be crowned queen?Certainly not. I wish we could skip Charles as King and have William and Kate instead.ViewDate:
19th Sep 2015Andre commented on:
How do I start to move my Mum nearer to me?You need to contact the housing services where you live and put an application in for perhaps a sheltered housing place where she can interact with others and be private when she wishes. When you do apply state that your mums quality of life would be much improved if she were living closer to you where you could take care of her. A letter of support from her doctor along with your request would be a great help by giving her more points. If your mum has a social worker who would recommend her to your council then that would be great too. You state what her health problems are and you may be surprised at how helpful the council can be. That is what I would do Shelleybee. Best wishes and hope it all works out for you and your mum. Andre.ViewDate:
19th Sep 2015Andre commented on:
Looking after a grandchildDelighted to hear that and wish you much happiness for the future. Stay on the bright side of life. xViewDate:
18th Sep 2015Andre commented on:
Looking after a grandchildTo answer your question, yes you are being unreasonable. A few hours once every three weeks is no hardship for if it were me I would want to see my grandchild more often than that. You are right to feel annoyed that he did not discuss this with you before he made his decision. That was very wrong of him. If you value your relationship don't make a big deal out of this for you may lose what you wish to hang onto. Make an effort to have a relationship with the child and you may be rewarded with something that is priceless..........the love of a child. Best wishes. Andre.ViewDate:
18th Sep 2015Andre commented on:
Do you find terms of endearment such as 'love' and 'darling' patronising?Here in Northumberland it is common to be addressed in a friendly way as "love" in shops by a person of the older generation. How could anyone take offence at such an innocent remark ? -
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Help needed re clocks going back -
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