So it's 2026! Happy New Year. Can't believe another year has gone. I am still enjoying country living in Norfolk and still working on that Memoir of mine. I'm at the editing stage, so moving in the right direction. Here are a few photos of my activities last year, plus some from the past that I will be telling you all about once my book is finished. Hang in there.
Music to my Ears: Working with Amen Corner and Galaxy Entertainments: Documentary on YouTube5/2/2025
 I was once accused of being too nice.
"Stop being so nice" they yelled! At the time I remember taking a sharp intake of breath as my heart sank. I was quite taken aback and almost offended. No one likes to hear negative things about themselves do they? On reflection I looked at this comment from the other person's point of view. I could then see the frustration they had with me. Being overly nice can often come across as being patronising or too saccharine. So, I went away and gave it a lot of thought, but then decided that nice was best. Whilst there may be some elements of criticism in my writing, I like to provide a balanced view. I try to be fair, but look at the brighter side of life. I think this stems from my discomfort with conflict. Being nice makes the world a better place don't you think? Anyway, while I ponder some more, please read the many interviews and features I’ve written and let me know what you think.  It's a question I get asked all the time! The good news is, it's coming along nicely thank you. I've almost completed what I think is good enough for my first draft. My memory gets better the more I write. An equal amount of time is spent doing research into every aspect of what I'm writing to ensure that it is accurate. Fortunately over the years I retained a lot of documents and photographs that help prompt my memory as well as clarify those smaller points such as dates, names and places.
The research part of writing I really enjoy. I am inquisitive and have a thirst for knowledge. But I like to think research is an important part of getting things right. At the beginning of my journey writing my memoirs I needed to find a formula that worked best for me and my brain. That may sound weird, but without a plan in my head I was unable to even put pen to paper. I made several attempts of course. Someone originally advised me to have separate chapters for each point in my life. This I did, to start with, but then got confused and the project became overwhelming. Then I remembered the wise words of my dear friend Spike Milligan, who's simple suggestion of starting at the beginning and finish at the end, made sense. It's a strategy I knew of, but needed to be reminded. So, that's what I've been doing. And I've been on a roll. Oh, except when I took time out over Christmas and New Year to spend time with family, and especially my newest grandchild Maya, who celebrated her first Christmas. What a joy that was. Anyway, belated Happy New Year, and I'm now back on track working on that book!  Comedian Spike Milligan was a huge part of the campaign the Right to Peace and Quiet. We would never have got the attention without his involvement. So it is only right that he is included in my on-going documentation of this time in my life from 1991 to 1997. I first wrote a piece for an online magazine called Zani. You can read my story below. www.zani.co.uk/culture/58-spike-milligan-a-story (no longer available)  Spike’s manic depressive illness was well documented and he’d got a reputation of being difficult and unpredictable. He did stretch my patience at times, but he also made me laugh, a lot. I first made contact with Spike in 1991 when I founded the campaign the Right to Peace and Quiet. I had just been through an awful experience with a noisy, anti social neighbour. The original objective of the campaign was to initiate a debate on a subject I felt had been given a bad press. I knew that having a well known public figure involved would catch the attention of both the public and the media. But it was really difficult getting any celebrity associating themselves with such an unpopular issue. They were more than happy to have their face or name linked to things like protecting an endangered species or saving the planet, but a subject involving bad behaviour and conflict was not very appealing at all. Spike of course never worried about his image in this way, particularly if it was something he felt really passionate about. So he seemed the ideal person to approach. I had seen Spike on a number of television programmes talking about how he detested noise in all its forms. He had become badly affected by noise whilst serving in the armed forces during the Second World War. The sound of gun shots and bombs led to him becoming acutely sensitive to noise. And his manic depressive illness added an additional complication in his response to noise. He’d also had a couple of neighbour noise problems and had a real aversion to piped music. It is rumoured that Spike once ripped out speakers in a lift. As a musician Spike felt that music should be enjoyed out of choice, not forced on you in places like public loos or lifts. There was also the story that Spike had taken a pot shot at a neighbour’s dog for barking constantly. It was reported that Spike’s neighbour yelled at him in horror saying “what did you do that for? The dog was only doing it’s natural thing.” To which Spike responded “Yes, and I was doing my natural thing in return” So, with these incidents in mind, I wrote to Spike asking him if he we support my campaign. After I posted the letter I put the matter out of my head, not really knowing if he would respond or not. Then one day, whilst at home ironing, the phone rang. On answering it, a voice at the other end said “Hello Val, this is Spike Milligan. You wrote to me about your campaign. How can I help?” Now, this was a problem, as I hadn’t really thought that far ahead. I had no real idea of what I wanted to Spike to do, well, other than say he supported the campaign. “I’m not sure.” I said, giving myself a bit of time. But, before I could come up with any ideas, Spike made his own suggestion “I’ll be your Patron.” He said Before saying goodbye he added “Call me whenever you need me.” Of course I wasn’t sure what a Patron actually did, but I was bubbling with excitement and wondered what to do next. Do I finish the ironing, or phone the local paper? I opted for phoning the local paper, eager to let them know that the comedian Spike Milligan was the Patron of my campaign Being a Patron must be a good thing as they were impressed. The reporter suggested I have my photo taken with Spike as this would guarantee them running an article. So I phoned Spike back and explained. “Come to my house this Sunday at 11am” he said. Then I wondered. What sort of photo should I take? T-shirts are always a good option, so I had two made up with slogans relating to the campaign. My husband Phil is a photographer, so that Sunday we set off from our home in south London to Spike’s house in West Sussex. We arrived just before 11am. It was a magnificent house with a rambling front garden overlooking fields. The weather was quite pleasant and Phil suggested to me that it would be nice to have the photos done outside. We approached the large front door and pressed the bell. Within a few seconds Spike slowly opened the door “You’re early” he snapped. I looked at my watch confused. It was two minutes to 11am He ushered us in. It was obvious he did not want to hang around and looked very impatient. This was not the same Spike I had spoken to on the phone. But, I said to myself, it is a Sunday and he’s been good enough to invite us to his home. So I shouldn’t really complain. We were guided into one of his rooms that had a huge piano and other bits of expensive looking furniture. It wasn’t his office, but possibly a room that Spike spent time in relaxing and working. After thanking him for seeing us and agreeing to be part of the campaign, Phil asked Spike if we could go outside to have the photos taken. An irritated Spike quipped “Why? Doesn’t your camera take photos indoors?” Phil went on to explain the lighting was better outside and he didn’t want to use a flash indoors. Spike’s off-handedness made me very nervous when I asked him if he’d put on the t-shirt I’d had made. He was not happy. “You know, you really should let me know in advance if you want me to wear t-shirts” he said firmly. I apologised sheepishly. But thankfully Spike put it on and agreed to have photos taken in the garden. Result. As we walked into the front garden, Phil looked around for a good place for us to stand. Then he suggested we put our hands over our ears to give the impression we were blocking out noise. Spike complied happily. Phil started taking his pictures happily clicking away. After just a few frames Spike put his hands down. “That’s enough”. he said. And the photo shoot was over. We didn’t argue. We were catching on fast. He shook our hands, we thanked him and he made his way back indoors, leaving us standing in the front garden. We got back in our car and I looked at my watch. It said five minutes past eleven Despite our brief session with Spike, the local paper was delighted with our photos and the story made the front page This publicity led to radio interviews, magazine features and national newspaper articles. Then one day the television programme “World In Action” called me. This was huge. Getting such a high profile programme interested was a real achievement. They wanted to interview Spike at my house, which had become the campaign headquarters. When Spike arrived I was being interviewed by the film crew. So it was left up to Phil to be host. He did the polite thing of offering Spike a cup of tea. Now I have to point out that at that time Phil was not a tea drinker himself. So when Spike’s cup of tea arrived Spike took a sip and pulled a face. “This tea is cold” he said. Phil apologised explaining “Sorry Spike, I don’t normally make tea”. Spike looked at him curiously and replied “Really? Well, what do you do with it?” Phil took it well. After- all, it’s not everyday you get your legged pulled by a comic genius. Once Spike’s interview was over the Producer asked if he would be kind enough to pose for photos outside. Spike was in a reasonably good mood that day as he happily complied. I did feel sorry for him though. This was December, he was wearing a t-shirt and it was freezing cold outside. But Spike knew these photos were needed to publicise the programme. And they did. The day the programme was due to be broadcast the photo appeared in nearly every national newspaper. And as a result, the programme received over 9 million viewers. Spike may have been a difficult character, but he was hugely generous in his support for the campaign. We held a number of events and many Press Conferences at the House of Commons. The only thing he ever asked for in return was transport to and from his house. The events were always very well attended by television, radio, newspaper and photographers. All eager to get a quote or quirky picture of Spike. MPs and Ministers were more than happy to have their photo taken with him too. Spike could be extremely serious at Press Conferences, but his humour was always there waiting in the wings. I remember one journalist asking him “What do you think should happen to noisy people?” Spike was quick to respond with “They should be shot, flattened and turned into bookmarks.” The press appreciated his honesty and directness. “Aren’t you being a kill joy” they joked with him. Spike would simply reply “Yes.” The security guards and other staff at the House of Commons just loved Spike. But there was a limit to Spike’s patience when it came to the excessive side of the attention he got. He was not shy in telling photographers to stop when he’d had enough and when he was ready to leave and event he would just get up and go . He hated standing around outside and being at the mercy of curious passers-by who would stare at him or take photos. It wasn’t the public’s fault. They were fond of him and it was just their way of showing their appreciation. Anyway, it meant that I needed to be on my guard waiting for Spike to make his move, so that I could ensure his driver was waiting outside ready to collect him. There is only one driver Spike would ever travel with. His name was Alan Wise and Alan lived close to Spike’s house in Sussex. Alan had been driving Spike around for many years. When I first phoned Alan on Spike’s recommendation, he explained that he’d come to understand Spike’s moods. If Spike didn’t want to speak, then Alan would just leave him alone. Spike appreciated this. It took me a while to come to terms with the two sides to Spike. One moment he could be extremely friendly and cooperative, the next time he could be extremely stubborn and unhelpful. These mood swings were all part of his manic depressive nature, so I did understand. I was apprehensive when a journalist called asking to interview Spike. I would pace around the kitchen before taking the courage to pick up the phone and call him. Most of the time Spike answered his own calls, but occasionally his wife Shelagh answered. When this happened I knew something was wrong. It meant that Spike had been hospitalised and understandably they didn’t want the press to know. They were desperate to avoid the invasion of his privacy during these dark moments in his life. So I would make up excuses saying simply he was unavailable, or away working. These periods could last a few weeks or even a few months. But I came to appreciate that Spike needed his space and would keep in touch with him sending postcards or letters. It was sad to see him suffer but he would come out of these depressions and be back on top form again. We worked flat out on the campaign for 5 years and in December 1996 I received a letter from Downing Street awarding me an MBE. This was great news and a real surprise. It was rare to receive an Honour for something that had only been running for a short space of time. It was more common for people to get Honours for say 25 years of service, so 5 years was quite unusual. There is no doubt that Spike’s involvement in the campaign led to my name being put forward for consideration. The ceremony took place in March 1997 at Buckingham Palace in front of the Queen. I hired a pub in central London called the Marquis of Granby for the party afterwards. I sent Spike an invite not really expecting him to come. But he phoned me the day before saying he would definitely be there. Family, friends and a Canadian television crew who were producing a documentary, were all there. An hour into the celebrations word went around that Spike was on his way. I made my way to greet him. As he came up the stairs he snapped “You sent me to the wrong pub.” It turns out he’s gone to another pub called the Marquis of Granby in south London. He was not happy. As we entered the room people started taken photos. The flash of the cameras triggered another hostile reaction from Spike. “No pictures” Spike bellowed. We sat Spike down and got him a drink. He was irritated and I was intrigued as to why he’d come along. The television crew were eager to interview him and I expected the worse. But instead he was extremely complimentary and I was very touched. This was a typical unpredictable Spike moment. Then, again, true to form, Spike stood up and announced he was going. A quick phone call was made to his driver and I accompanied him downstairs. As we stood there in the doorway of the pub I seized the opportunity to question him about his work. What’s the key to writing Spike? Half expecting him to scoff at my question, but I was pleasantly surprised. “Well” he said, “there’s no mystery to it really. You just start at the beginning and finish at the end. You write I got up in the morning and had breakfast, then carry on from there.” Ah, I get it. You just tell the story. And with that he was gone. We only really kept in touch with Christmas cards as his health did deteriorate in the following years. He died in 2002.  Can't believe its over a year since I posted on my website, Well, if you want to know what I've been up to here are lots of screen grabs of the many television programmes I appeared in from 1991 to about 2004. I've been busy going through my archive of television, radio, newspaper and magazine articles I appeared in during my noise campaigning years. I retired from active campaigning in 2007, but still remain involved with the UK Noise Association as their Honorary President. I have to admit its wonderful to look back on all the things I did and remind myself how passionate I was about highlighting injustice. There were many times I faced hostility. I couldn't have chosen a more unpopular, misunderstood subject as "noise". For someone like me who hates conflict and was not really that confident, I think I handled it all with great dignity and determination. Anyway, enjoy these many television faces of me, whilst I work hard putting the words together to tell you the story behind these pictures. Back in the summer of 2019 I wrote a piece for the Thomas Hardy Journal called Finding Thomas Hardy, a piece about the poet and novelist who is a distant cousin of mine. Just recently a new book has been published about Thomas Hardy's two sisters, Mary and Kate Hardy, written by Anne Johns and Jenny Head, who had both trained at the College of Sarum St Michael in Salisbury some 100 years after the Hardy sisters had been there. It's a fascinating and engaging documentary on the sisters who have not really been written about before in such detail. It's well researched and written with honesty and respect. I was so absorbed with this book that I finished reading it in just a few days. That doesn't happen very often! Obviously I found it intriguing because of my links to the Hardy family, but also it's just such a lovely human interest story of two sisters and how they not only lived in the shadow of their famous brother, but during a time when women didn't have the many choices we have today. I highly recommend this book. www.inspiredtoteach.co.uk Finding Thomas Hardy: Val Weedon (The Hardy Society Journal: Summer 2019)  Fun Retro 1960's sunglasses similar to those worn by music artists such as Steve Marriott (Small Faces) and Roger McGuinn (The Byrds) |
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| val_70_pdf__2_.pdf |
I was deeply saddened to hear the news that Jimmy Winston, a dear friend and original keyboard player with the Small Faces, had died on Saturday 26th September following a battle with a rare lung cancer (mesothelioma).
Jimmy was a key part of the bands early success. He appeared on the first and second single as well as part of their fabulous debut album.
He also toured with them around the UK, appeared on the 60s tv music programme Ready Steady Go and also in the movie Dateline Diamond.
By the beginning of 1966 Jimmy had left the band to go solo. That's when I started working at the Small Faces fan club and we became good friends. Read my story...coming soon...
Jimmy was a key part of the bands early success. He appeared on the first and second single as well as part of their fabulous debut album.
He also toured with them around the UK, appeared on the 60s tv music programme Ready Steady Go and also in the movie Dateline Diamond.
By the beginning of 1966 Jimmy had left the band to go solo. That's when I started working at the Small Faces fan club and we became good friends. Read my story...coming soon...
This month's Zoom interview is with Singer/Songwriter Peter Donegan. Talking about the 'L' Word .... not just Life, Love and Lockdown!
To read more, click here .... Peter Donegan
To read more, click here .... Peter Donegan
Story can be found in the Features section (link here)
Secrets of a locked down rebel
By Val Weedon
June 2020
Secrets of a locked down rebel
By Val Weedon
June 2020
Find out what Kenney's been up to and what he thinks about the recent Covid-19 crisis, plus much more..
ZOOMING IN ON KENNEY JONES
Read this in the "Features" section of this website
"Kenney Jones is a living legend of rock music. Founding member of the Small Faces, drummer with the Faces and the Who and member of the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame."
Taken from Kenney Jones website
Written by Val Weedon
Originally posted to Kenney Jones Fan Club and Small Faces Fan Club on Facebook
Delighted to say, the article about my links to Thomas Hardy, has finally been published in the summer edition of the Hardy Society Journal. A PDF copy of the article, plus extra photos, are featured below and can be downloaded for free.
Copies of the full journal are also available at just £4 from the Thomas Hardy Society.
www.hardysociety.org/
Copies of the full journal are also available at just £4 from the Thomas Hardy Society.
www.hardysociety.org/
| finding_thomas_hardy_pages_128_to_136__2_.pdf |
From the book "Salerno Remembered" by Geoffrey Curtis
Published 1988
"On 9th September 1943 the first major assault on the mainland of Europe was made at Salerno on the SW coast of Italy. Salerno Remembered brings the battle to life through the recollections of those who took part in the operation."
My father, Albert John Williams was there. It was a battle that changed the course of his life. He didn't like talking about his war experiences as the injury he sustained during that battle was forever a sad reminder of those days and the friends he lost.
I never knew anything about the battle at Salerno, except the brief stories my father chose to tell us to explain the nature of his injury.
Then, after my father's death in 1994, I came across the book "Salerno Remembered" by Geoffrey Curtis who was a platoon commander in the 2/6th Queen's regiment at Salerno. His book is a fascinating account of what happened and helped me understand how my dad sustained his injury, which involved losing part of his hand.
My dad was modest about his role in that battle and almost embarrassed talking about it. He was not even proud of the medals he received (recorded in his army book as "Africa Star with 8* army clasp and 1939, France, Italy Victory etc") From what I remember he disposed of them over the years.
I've always been curious to know more about his time in the army and why he became a reluctant hero. I call him that because in my eyes he was one of the many brave that fought for our freedom. But for my father it was just painful and depressing for him to reflect on that time.
As a family though we were always encouraged to respect and acknowledge Remembrance Sunday and at 11am we would stand quietly watching the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph on television. My mother would always be tearful when Big Ben struck 11am. For her it was a reminder of my father's disability and how that had impacted on her and shaped the family life that we had.
The details of that moment dad was injured can be found on pages 46-47 in the book Salerno Remembered, but the background to events leading up to this were described at the start of the chapter. It explains that British troops had secured a particular hill that gave them support and protection, as well as a vital observation point of the enemy.
It is described how this occupation of the hill was a thorn in the side of the Germans as the British gunners were able to shoot up any movement in the valley below. My father was in charge of one of sections guarding the hill.
Pages 46-47 explain that "..the Battalion 3in mortars had also been in action and that Sgt Cardwell, who was the Mortar Platoon sergeant at the time, recalls getting a message that Sgt Williams (my father) and that he had been badly wounded in the hand. When the Germans had got behind them in the valley, Sgt Williams had turned round his mortar, firing it down hill at them and he had been hit by a bomb before he could get his hand away from the muzzle."
The details of what happened in the immediate minutes after this incident are not recorded in the book, but my father had told me of the time when he arrived at the first aid tent to be treated by the doctors.
When he told me the story it was never clear if he knew at that time the exact extent of his injury. He knew that a number of his fingers were badly damaged and hanging by a thread. I'm only hoping that some pain relief had been administered, but this was unclear. He only describes, quite graphically, how the doctor treating him, quickly and swiftly cut the damaged fingers (three of them) straight into a bucket.
My father's hand was then bandaged and he was shipped back to the UK. This is all dad would tell us. It seemed quite cold hearted what the doctor had done, but I'm guessing there was no room for emotion and decisions on how injuries were dealt with needed to be quick.
The days, weeks, months and years following my father's ordeal are long and detailed so probably best told another time. But as today is Remembrance Sunday I thought it important this part of his time in the army was told.
Dad's Army Book records state that he was discharged from the army on 2nd February 1944 and his military conduct recorded as EXEMPLARY.
There is no doubt my father was an exceptional man and I can't wait to tell you more about him.
Published 1988
"On 9th September 1943 the first major assault on the mainland of Europe was made at Salerno on the SW coast of Italy. Salerno Remembered brings the battle to life through the recollections of those who took part in the operation."
My father, Albert John Williams was there. It was a battle that changed the course of his life. He didn't like talking about his war experiences as the injury he sustained during that battle was forever a sad reminder of those days and the friends he lost.
I never knew anything about the battle at Salerno, except the brief stories my father chose to tell us to explain the nature of his injury.
Then, after my father's death in 1994, I came across the book "Salerno Remembered" by Geoffrey Curtis who was a platoon commander in the 2/6th Queen's regiment at Salerno. His book is a fascinating account of what happened and helped me understand how my dad sustained his injury, which involved losing part of his hand.
My dad was modest about his role in that battle and almost embarrassed talking about it. He was not even proud of the medals he received (recorded in his army book as "Africa Star with 8* army clasp and 1939, France, Italy Victory etc") From what I remember he disposed of them over the years.
I've always been curious to know more about his time in the army and why he became a reluctant hero. I call him that because in my eyes he was one of the many brave that fought for our freedom. But for my father it was just painful and depressing for him to reflect on that time.
As a family though we were always encouraged to respect and acknowledge Remembrance Sunday and at 11am we would stand quietly watching the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph on television. My mother would always be tearful when Big Ben struck 11am. For her it was a reminder of my father's disability and how that had impacted on her and shaped the family life that we had.
The details of that moment dad was injured can be found on pages 46-47 in the book Salerno Remembered, but the background to events leading up to this were described at the start of the chapter. It explains that British troops had secured a particular hill that gave them support and protection, as well as a vital observation point of the enemy.
It is described how this occupation of the hill was a thorn in the side of the Germans as the British gunners were able to shoot up any movement in the valley below. My father was in charge of one of sections guarding the hill.
Pages 46-47 explain that "..the Battalion 3in mortars had also been in action and that Sgt Cardwell, who was the Mortar Platoon sergeant at the time, recalls getting a message that Sgt Williams (my father) and that he had been badly wounded in the hand. When the Germans had got behind them in the valley, Sgt Williams had turned round his mortar, firing it down hill at them and he had been hit by a bomb before he could get his hand away from the muzzle."
The details of what happened in the immediate minutes after this incident are not recorded in the book, but my father had told me of the time when he arrived at the first aid tent to be treated by the doctors.
When he told me the story it was never clear if he knew at that time the exact extent of his injury. He knew that a number of his fingers were badly damaged and hanging by a thread. I'm only hoping that some pain relief had been administered, but this was unclear. He only describes, quite graphically, how the doctor treating him, quickly and swiftly cut the damaged fingers (three of them) straight into a bucket.
My father's hand was then bandaged and he was shipped back to the UK. This is all dad would tell us. It seemed quite cold hearted what the doctor had done, but I'm guessing there was no room for emotion and decisions on how injuries were dealt with needed to be quick.
The days, weeks, months and years following my father's ordeal are long and detailed so probably best told another time. But as today is Remembrance Sunday I thought it important this part of his time in the army was told.
Dad's Army Book records state that he was discharged from the army on 2nd February 1944 and his military conduct recorded as EXEMPLARY.
There is no doubt my father was an exceptional man and I can't wait to tell you more about him.
For those who regularly check my page I apologise once again for my absence. But you know the score by now.
I haven't been idle as I've been consumed with another important project. And this is my birthday week, so thought it appropriate to update you. Not that I'm looking for birthday messages, presents or offers to take me out.
For ages I’ve been talking about writing a book about my life. It all started when friends suggested I should write about my times working in the music industry back in the 1960’s with bands like the Small Faces and also explain what it was like having Don Arden, Sharon Osbourne’s father, as my boss. Then I thought there are lots of other diverse activities that I've been involved in over the years.
In May 1991, following a neighbour noise problem that forced me to move house, I launched a national campaign called The Right to Peace and Quiet. The comedian Spike Milligan, who'd had a number of noise problems himself, became our Patron. With his involvement the campaign attracted widespread interest, especially in the media and parliament. In 1997 I was awarded an MBE for that work.
In more recent times I discovered that I am related to the writer and poet Thomas Hardy. Which for me as a writer is hugely exciting.
So, as I thought about each of these landmarks in my life, the idea of writing a book sounded appealing. Time to stop thinking about it and time to start writing.
As a working title, I'm calling it 'Whatcha Gonna Do About It' which was the first single of my favourite 60's band, Small Faces As a writer I am often self critical and have moments of doubt. I feel it's part of the creative process. Whatcha gonna do about it eh?
Writing a book about my life is obviously something I've never done before, and I realise this isn't a short term project!
I was talking to Kenney Jones, drummer with Small Faces, The Faces and The Who, following the launch of his autobiography Let The Good Times Roll. He had been working on his book for some years, but said that having someone help with research was so important and he would not have been able to complete the project without that help. Getting dates and times correct is so important and I agree that is taking up a lot more of my time than actually writing.
I now have someone to help with Editing, which has been a huge bonus in getting me focussed. But so far, I'm enjoying the journey.
This week I may have some difficulty as I have a birthday on Wednesday (7th November in-case you're interested). Celebrations already started on Saturday when I went to see the best and my favourite pub band, Bif Bam Pow. They made a rare trip across the Dartford Bridge into Kent from their homeland in Canvey Island, Essex, or the Thames Delta as its known. If you ever get a chance, go check them out. You will be blown away!
I'll try my best to keep you updated on the progress of the book.
I haven't been idle as I've been consumed with another important project. And this is my birthday week, so thought it appropriate to update you. Not that I'm looking for birthday messages, presents or offers to take me out.
For ages I’ve been talking about writing a book about my life. It all started when friends suggested I should write about my times working in the music industry back in the 1960’s with bands like the Small Faces and also explain what it was like having Don Arden, Sharon Osbourne’s father, as my boss. Then I thought there are lots of other diverse activities that I've been involved in over the years.
In May 1991, following a neighbour noise problem that forced me to move house, I launched a national campaign called The Right to Peace and Quiet. The comedian Spike Milligan, who'd had a number of noise problems himself, became our Patron. With his involvement the campaign attracted widespread interest, especially in the media and parliament. In 1997 I was awarded an MBE for that work.
In more recent times I discovered that I am related to the writer and poet Thomas Hardy. Which for me as a writer is hugely exciting.
So, as I thought about each of these landmarks in my life, the idea of writing a book sounded appealing. Time to stop thinking about it and time to start writing.
As a working title, I'm calling it 'Whatcha Gonna Do About It' which was the first single of my favourite 60's band, Small Faces As a writer I am often self critical and have moments of doubt. I feel it's part of the creative process. Whatcha gonna do about it eh?
Writing a book about my life is obviously something I've never done before, and I realise this isn't a short term project!
I was talking to Kenney Jones, drummer with Small Faces, The Faces and The Who, following the launch of his autobiography Let The Good Times Roll. He had been working on his book for some years, but said that having someone help with research was so important and he would not have been able to complete the project without that help. Getting dates and times correct is so important and I agree that is taking up a lot more of my time than actually writing.
I now have someone to help with Editing, which has been a huge bonus in getting me focussed. But so far, I'm enjoying the journey.
This week I may have some difficulty as I have a birthday on Wednesday (7th November in-case you're interested). Celebrations already started on Saturday when I went to see the best and my favourite pub band, Bif Bam Pow. They made a rare trip across the Dartford Bridge into Kent from their homeland in Canvey Island, Essex, or the Thames Delta as its known. If you ever get a chance, go check them out. You will be blown away!
I'll try my best to keep you updated on the progress of the book.
Val, with husband photographer Phil Weedon and Bif Bam Pow at the Westcourt Arms, Gillingham 3rd November 2018
http://www.bifbampow.com/index.html
http://www.bifbampow.com/index.html
Val Weedon MBE
Campaigning Journalist, Related to English
Novelist and Poet
Thomas Hardy OM
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One of the biggest highlights for me in 2021 was reconnecting with a very dear friend the Reverend Patrick Forbes
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Steve Marriott: He's a Darling
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Steve's music hero Ronnie Wood Royal Albert Hall 2009
This is my studio!
Zooming in on Blue Weaver
Zooming in on Peter Donegan
Pic by Phil Weedon
Pic by Phil Weedon
Zooming in on Glen Matlock
Pic by Phil Weedon
Pic by Phil Weedon
Zooming in on Kenney Jones.
Pics by Phil Weedon
Pics by Phil Weedon