harpo1

Hello Woody, l know everyone is right, and l am really greatful for their encouraging words, it means alot to me that we still live in a world where people genuinly care. In a way Rob has brought me and Sean closer than we have been in a long time, we all amble on in our own little worlds and sometimes forget whats important, this as made me take stock. Give my love to Lou. See you soon, Love Sandi xxxxxxx

I agree , or just dont buy it in the 1st place. There is`nt 1 record in our collection l dont love, and there are plenty more yet to buy l`d love as much. Aint gonna waste time or money on recs that dont do it for me. Sandi xx

since last thursday, that has been the question mostly asked by everyone who Paul and l have spoken to. Sadly there are no answers, the one person who could truely answer this is no longer here, not sure he`d know the answer either. We spoke in depth to Rob two weeks prior for nine hours, we listened to him, we advised him, we comforted him and cried with him. We did`nt have any answers for him , all we could offer him were our friendship and a safe place when he needed it. While driving lastnight l decided to change the tape l was playing in the car, something other than soul music,cus it was too upsetting for me, it was dark and l pulled out a tape (non-soul). I could`nt believe what the 1st track was, god it reduced me to tears, l was crying that much l had to pull over, my daughter Sian was with me and she broke down too, also asking WHY? The song........Dont Speak by No Doubt. ( Gwen Stafani) I`ve written down the words and are going to share them with you, because they remind me of that night Paul and I spent with Rob(Poma) You and me , We used to be together, Everyday together,always I really feel, That lm losing my best friend, I can`t believe, This could be the end, It looks as though you`re letting go, And if its real then l dont want to know, Dont speak, I know just what you`re saying, So please stop explaining, Dont tell me cause it hurts, Dont speak, I know what you`re thinking, I dont need your reasons, Dont tell me cause it hurts, Our memories, They can be inviting, But some are altogether, MIGHTY FRIGHTENING, As we die, both you and I, With my head in my hands l sit and cry, Dont speak, I know just what you`re saying, So please stop explaining, Dont tell me cause it hurts No,no,no, Dont speak, I know what you`re thinking, And l dont need your reasons, Dont tell me cause it hurts, It`s all ending, We gotta stop pretending who we are, (WHO ARE WE ? ) You and me, I can see us dying, are we??????????????????????????????? Dont speak, I know just what you`re saying, So please stop explaining, Dont tell me cause it hurts, No,no dont speak, I know what your thinking, And l dont need your reasons, Dont tell me cause it hurts, Dont tell me cause it hurts, I know what your saying, So please stop explaining, Dont speak,dont speak,dont speak, Oh l know what your thinking, And l dont need your reasons, I know you`re good,l know you`re good, I know you real good. Hush hush darling, Hush hush darling, Hush hush,dont tell me cause it hurts, Hush hush darling Hush hush darling Hush hush,dont tell me cause it hurts. It does hurt, it`s killing me, knowing how desparate Rob was, and failing to reach him, I want everyone to know l did try, l did my best, yet my best was`nt good enough, Paul tried,Sean tried, Sean sat with him night after night trying to reach him. Sean l know exactly how you`re feeling . Please dont hold anyone to blame, its so tragic, just remember the good times we shared with Rob, remember his character and honour the music he loved so much, soul music, it touches your heart, and pulls on your emotions, especially at a time like this. IN REMEMORANCE OF ROBERT POMROY AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS POMA, YOU WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON IN MY HEART, YOU HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE, BECAUSE YOU ARE SPECIAL. THANKYOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND,IT`S BEEN A HONOUR MATE.......................LOVE YOU ALWAYS. Sandi xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Well Poma me'darlin' you're certainly going to be missed, thats for sure. If only you had known it. To everyone who loved Poma love and see Bev. through this, and never miss the opportunity to show each other you love and care before it's too late. See you again me'darlin' show 'em what heaven is like....bye for now xxx

It`s really hard for me to come to terms with understanding why Rob took such desparate action, all l know is he must of felt there were no answers other than that to solve his problems,he must of felt hopelessness, and worthlessness, no way out, such a waste of human life, and so tragic for the people he left behind, having so many questions unanswered. WHY?????????????????????? I`ve known Rob since he was a kid of 15, l met him through my old time and good friend Sean Hayden, l was a few years older than Rob and Sean and l sort of adopted the both of them and took them under my wing. We were like the three Muskerteers , went everywhere together. Paul(Harpo) and l got the news on thursday evening when Paul had a fone call, dont ask me how l knew, but at that moment l knew Poma was dead. I could`nt believe it, l did`nt want to believe it, l broke my heart that night, did`nt think l`d ever stop crying, on fri l went through every emotion, and still like many other people are asking that inevitable question, again WHY?????????????????? Put a brave face on and went to the allnighter at Bishops Wood lastnight, Col Kidson made the announcement and said some lovely things for Poma, there was a very respectful minutes silence payed and you could of heard a pin drop not to mention me crying,it`s just so unbelievable. " Poma the ellusive pimple" my pet name for him, we seek him here, we seek him there, good friends of his will know exactly what l mean. Think we know where you are now mate, he will be the newest, brightest, star shining in the nights sky. Rob l`ll never understand why, l`m sorry if l fail to reach you, l tried my hardest, but it was like you were listening but not truely hearing me, lwish l could of done more mate, yet the truth is , l dont think anyone could reach you, you were like a little boy lost looking for direction and not finding it.... I love you Rob, l hope you have found peace now. I miss you and your cheek. My love and thoughts go out to Robs family,loved ones and friends old and new. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS, SLEEP TIGHT SWEETHEART XX LOVE SANDI XXXXXX

This is very hard to even contemplate, so soon after the news, and i'm sure that in a few days i'll be able to say more. I met Rob in the late 70's when as a lad he and Sean started to come to Wigan with Sandi, he was ever present at local venues, The Cleveland and the Cavendish etc.... Poma was a bit of a lad then, but you couldn't help but love the kid When in later times we renewed our friendship i like to think we became close, he has stayed in my home many times and always was greatful and respectful of me n the kids....a true gent We had had many laughs and a few tears along the way and i can honestly say....i loved you mate REST IN PEACE MATE, I'LL MISS YOU, AND YOUR CHEEKY COMMENTS, AND OBSERVATIONS, DELIVERED IN TRUE WILLENHALL STYLE My thoughts go out to the family and loved ones, Sandi and i are here if you want to chat Paul Harpin Harpo xxxxx

35 years on and i've heard most of the ones worth a thought.....so here's MY thoughts Influences Blue Max Pep Neil Rushton Best ever spot Soul Sam's last at Wigan (perfection the records did the talkin' telling all those with any gumption, that this was the biggest ever injustice that even this bitter political scene ever witnessed) My fave. thinkin' mans dj Dave Thorley who could pull records from leftfield leaving us all wishing we'ed thought of playing 'em Full marks for enthusiasm n effort Swoz Scotty Oldies heroes Keith Dave E Steve W Respect to Pat B Butch Dave Allcock Gary R Richard Guy all major players who "did the business" Too many friends to mention who have all played their part ie. Toad David Phil John P Planty ETC....ETC... Good to see(current dj's i influenced in my own way) Dave Welding John Weston John Pugh Kenny O Joan Mark Freeman etc.....etc..... hope some of those things i used to play 'ya helped along the way Finally the No 1....well its a tie ....... COLIN CURTIS and SOUL SAM love my choices or loathe 'em in the end its the tunes that they introduced ME to that tells the tale and theirs talk in volumes...big fuckin leather bound ones

I agree 100% with you Bearsy, anyone can play records, lets face it , after all it aint rocket science is it ??????? soul music is exactly that , it has to be heard 1st, and if it stirs emotion of any kind then it`ll stay with you for ever, you feel it, and we all as individual personalities experience our own depth of soulful understanding. If any of you feel for the music like l do, and have done since the age of 11/12 ( some years now ), then you will know exactly what lm trying to say. So its about D.J`s playing good soulful records by good soulful artists, not particualy playing expensive records..........................just good soul music, no matter if it`s classic oldies,70`s/80`s crossover or the latest modern release, IF IT TOUCHES ME AND I FEEL IT THE VERY FIRST TIME I HEAR IT, THEN I`ll LOVE IT THE REST OF MY LIFE,BECAUSE IT`s IN MY HEART, & NOBODY CAN TEACH YOU THAT, CUS YOU EITHER GOT IT OR YOU AINT. We have been blessed on the soul scene over the many years, by every D.J that has ever put him/herself up there & given it a go, because they havent just got up there a bunged a record on a turntable , in most cases its took a lot of guts and nerve to do that, and they all do it to the best of their ability, emotion,passion ,and love for the music they believe in . FOR THAT VERY REASON, THEY ALL GET MY VOTE, THANX FOR ALL THE MUSIC YOU HAVE PLAYED THAT HAS INSPIRED ME OVER THE YEARS, MUSIC THAT IF IT WASNT FOR D.Js LIKE WE ARE PROUD OF NO MATTER WHAT VENUE OR PART OF THE COUNTRY THEY COME FROM, THEY ALL HAVE CONTRIBUTED IN THEIR OWN UNIQUE WAY TO THE SOUL SCENE, AND MADE WHAT IT HAS BECOME. Best regards Sandi

Stafford was gr8, even thou only a few supporters turned up, hope you get more coming through the doors next month Shute, its a cracking venue, gr8 dance floor, fantastic company and warm welcome, the music excellent totally across the board taste`s to suit everyone. How sad if it were to finish because of the lack of support from many "soul fans" who l constantly hear say that they are fed up with venues offering nowt different week in and week out............. How do they Know if they dont give it a try!!!!!!!!!!!! So come on, drag out ur faithful old dancin shoes from the back of the wardrobe and polish em in readiness for wot promises to be a very popular future venue if you only give it & my good mate Shute a fair chance...............YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE. WELL DONE TO ALL THE D.J`s , & A BIG THANKYOU TO SHUTE & CO Luv Sandi xxxxxxxxxxx A MESSAGE FOR MY DAD (WULFIE) STOP USING PERCY FILTH VIA THE NET WORK, I CAN SEE I WILL HAVE TO HAVE STURN WORDS WITH YOU. (tut,tut,tut)

pETE. PLEASE LEAVE DUTCH ROBINSON OUT OF THIS ONE IT WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIL MEANING TO AL OF US WHO NEW PHIL SHELTON

PETER MY OLDEST FRIEND YES I HAVE...EVERY RECORD IVE HEARD IS WORSE THAN THE CARSTAIRS AND I CAN SAY WITHOUT ANY FEAR OF (IN MY OPINION) WILL ALWAYS DO SO SO THERE !!!

well said.............we are with you all the way on that 1. and to qoute my mentor and boyfriend paul (harpo), "its not about playing expensive records,its about playing good records". (expensive overplayed records!!) good luck to you sandi and harpo

Went to Lea Hall last night and met up with my "old mucker" Gary Colbourne.....he said he had heard i was collecting again, and that i was being sponsored??? eh!!! Well my future wife (Sandi) and i have been buying sounds again since last summer, with a total so far of 1000 7" 12" n LP's in the boxes so far, with a good splattering of goodies of wich some have been donated to the cause by old mates...thank's all x My one and only sponsor has been Sandi, as for 4 months i was out of work, i managed to put together a few decent bits before and will do so again, using my knowledge and as little money as poss, so where that shite originated from i don't know My philosophy, as ever is it ain't about playing just new, or rare expensive records, its about playing GOOD RECORDS....good soulful records....sadly that proviso has been ditched by a good few from where i'm standing Hopin' to get a few spots out n about, maybe thats the reason for the roumour, who knows or cares, just thought it best to set the record straight So theres no backer its me n the missus to be held responsible for them good, bad, and better Ta ....Harpo

wE HEARD ABOUT A VAN THAT WENT FROM WILLENHALL SO TRIED IT ONE WEEK, ALL I'LL SAY IS THE REGULARS DID NOT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY MODUS OPERANDI AND WE SPENT THE JOURNEY THERE BEING AS COMPLIANT AS POSS. HOWEVER IN THE MORNING WE DID THEM ALL IN., FINALLY THEY JUST CRAWLED BENEATH THEIR HOLDALLS ...WE WERE NOT ASKED BACK

tHE STEPS WERER EDGED WITH SILVER ALUMINIUM STRIPS N THE CARPET WAS JOINED WITH SILVER DUCK TAPE NOT FUN STUMBLIN AROUND TRIN TO GUESS IF IT WASA STEP TO CLIMB VERY TAXING AS I REMEMBER WITH GOOGLY EYES N HEAD

mooooo!!!!! good old neil hope your not to bad , if you go back in hospital ill bring Smokey n visit you like last time harpo

The real question is what do we consider "modern" soul I love 70's more than any other period.....but i consider it from late 78 when things started to get played Wolverhampton and the sourrounding area being the major area at first along with Richard Sam Arthur and a few others dotted around the country Istill feel those records from ;79 to '82 represent the very best so i'll list some of my faves from then Bobby Thurston Just ask me Bobby King If you dont want my love Peabo Bryson Why don;t you make up your mind Gary Glen Gonna give you my love Softones and First Class Candy Elusion Living on the verge of leaving Dustin Wilson Sympathy Pages Heartaches and Pain Mike Jemison You'll never get my love Al Johnson It's not to late Softones Thats what love can do Blue notes Standing by you girl Champagne If one more morning Kalyan Just let me love you one more time Bobby Thurston Very last drop King Tutt You got me hung up Leon Peterson Don't squeeze the sherm Brian Holland Thank you girl(WAS IT SAMMY G.???) JT Brown Like takin candy etc..... High Frequency Summertime Jewell Paradise Milt Matthewe You and me in love Nicky Newwalkkers Woman Curtis How can i tell her Kumano I'll cry for you That'll do for starters back soon Harpo

BAKERS BUTCH BOOT

Fukin hell kevin thats only 'cause you re soled 'em with elephant ball bag skin when you worked in that exotic butchers in darlo gotta say polyvelts were the div's option....had to be solatio's if you were from 'round by we! saying that saw some in a retro shop in the mander centre recently look like two dinner plates no wonder the trousers were so wide then of course there was bacon-slicer in his placcy jelly sandals at willenhall baths...how could we forget that style icon

Oh!! dear that bloody Max has done it again....last month it was me n Chris Plant doing spots, with less than a dozen records to our name...and now he's gone and asked damn women to provide the entertainment, without the aid of a 'pole' and in full dress...what i want to know is who will be at home cleaning thr scullery???? In the end if ya don't wanna hear it go somewhere else, "you pays your money you mek's ya choice"....i think i'm correct when i say all the girls support the event month in month out, and whatsmore have over 2ooo years in total of being on the scene, or was it 200???? It's a bit of fun....thats all....its about giving the punters a bit of ownership, it ain't done to piss off the record buying big spending collectors who play records on the scene these days(i deliberatley avoided using the term d.j.'s) After all i was once a dj and did on at least two occasions pay over 14 groats for a record that was the times we robbed the meters of the rich from Tettenhall. Good luck to Max, all those girlie types and all those who attend with the intention of gooin' out to have a laugh and a bit of fun, i'll be there or SANDY WILL LAMP ME !!! and i know that cause she just whispered it in my ear as she sits behind me dagger at me throat!!!! Hope you dont all go on one after this reply, its done tongue in cheek to hopefully make you lot see how silly all this sniping and weasleing around is, why not wish em luck and let em get on with it nobody expects to be able to please everyone, so let it GO!!! Oh and if you ladies do change your mind ill have my pole with me!! Oh yes i'll be playin' someone elses records again at the next Cavendish Suite, just like many of the big record buyers are no doubt playing ones that were once mine!!! Love you all, specially the moaners.,.,.HARPO XXXXXXXXXXXXX