WHAT IS MANCHESTER COMING TO

Interesting family members part 66. Well I made that bit up but I was sickened to hear of the cowardly attack on Mandy's cousins husband Derek ion the bus the other day. A lout was doing what they do and Derek being Derek intervened, unfortunately Derek ended up unconscious after the hoodlum attacked him. Thankfully despite the shock and bruising Derek is making a good recovery. As well as a loved family member Derek who started as an engineering draughtsman is world renowned for his passion for traditional New Orleans jazz, a life shared with Trish who has recently undergone major surgery and hence why Derek was on the bus.

Derek started playing in 1967 with Dwight Gidney's Black Eagles N.O.Band. After two years with Ged Hone's band, he joined the Vintage Syncopators Jazz/Comedy band in 1971. From 1976 played with a variety of N.O. and parade bands. In 1978 was asked to join the Temperance Seven as their vocalist. He is still there today! Derek continued to play trombone with many bands including The Red Rose and the late Dennis Browne's Creole Serenaders. For the last seven years he has helped to run and play with the Milneburg Boys based in mid-Cheshire. Not sure how up to date this all is Derek would not be backwards in coming forwards to correct me.

Last night I just about caught up with the last of the Dutch transport films taking me on to Utrecht. Tonight just one DVD to burn and then start the covers but as we are due to have Christmas dinner at the 3 Greyhounds it might be a short session. A trickle of orders still on the net but it looks as if the rush is all over