Pep

Dave & Mick, Thankyou for your lovely post. You Mick, Clive and the Harlow lads were very important to us DJs in the north. You found a lot of great tunes and it was always a competition which venue would get them (Cats or Mecca). Being first geographically the Cats got quite a few, most memorable being "Bari Track", but then Blackpool got the Coasters (Freddie Jones). There were lots more. The cockney connection contributed so much. People don't realise. Helen was friendly and loving by default. I remember you switching her on to that wonderful film. Great song choice too, from that fantastic year: 1973. Our year. Thanks again Dave, Mick. XXX Pep

Thanks Mick, Yours and all these lovely comments help me and our son. XXX Pep

Shute, Angela, You were always so supportive and remain so now. I know you loved Helen and how you must feel. Two of our favourite soul people. Thankyou. XXX Pep

Thanks Cheryl for your thoughts and fond memories. They are greatly appreciated. XXX Pep

Paul, What more can I say. You and Kerry have been the greatest rocks for me in this saddest of times - always thoughtful, ever helpful. Like you say we have many personal memories which I will cherish all the more now my girl has gone. I know you loved her dearly. Great thanks. XXX Ian

Thankyou Steve, Great memories of those great old times. Not many would remember Maxies in Gloucester. I was wheel-less in those days, and remember catching the train down! You and the other Gloucester kids (Mark, Jerry, etc) were amazing... such great taste and so much enthusiasm. From mad days to sad days. Thankyou. XXX Pep

Paul, Thankyou for that memory. I remember clearly that Thursday night at the 100 Club. Helen especially loved "This time". She was always concerned for others and wouldn't have rested until Mick's sleeping arrangements had been sorted. It was her way. Bless her. Bless you too for your support. XXX Pep

Hi Brian, thanks for your thoughts. We three had a common friend in Alan 'S' who also sadly passed on a few years ago. You may not have known her then, but she was the girl doing those backdrops at the Wheel. You should put the '45' into your monika, because for me you are the scene's greatest unsung hero. You introduced so many great sounds through those record lists of yours. Thankyou for thinking of the love of my life. My heart cries for her, and always will. XXX Pep

Sean, Thankyou for your love, friendship and support... as always. Your smile, enthusiasm and reliability were always admired by us both. XXX Pep

Chalky, thankyou for your sincere thoughts. Keep the Black Country soul flag flying for us both. Keep the region near the forefront of the scene, where it belongs. Helen was always adamant about that. Great to hear from you. XXX Pep

Mark, Thankyou for heartfelt post. I understand a lot of you young soulies looked up to us then, and it was inspiring. But as you say neither of regarded ourselves as special. We never put ourselves above anyone, and always loved being with you guys. Helen especially had time, and then some, for everyone. Dancing and being a part of the dancefloor was the most important thing for both of us. Thank you again Mark. XXX Pep

Munchkin & Munchkinette, It's so wonderful to see you still keep the knickname Helen bestowed on you Kev in the shop. You were her cute little 'munchkin' and very apt it was at the time... although perhaps not when you were trying to trade a leg of lamb for a couple of the latest Northern releases! A lot of her knicknames, made with affection, have also stood the test of time. If she was only remembered for those it would be enough. Thankyou for sharing those lovely anecdotes. Being on the door with her made you privvy to one I didn't know... but can easily believe, knowing Smokey's (love him too) oft hilarious antics all these years. She never forgot anyone, especially the likes of your mate Graham, Mick Vickers and Phil Shelton who were taken so young. The love you Kev and Sharon show for her is clear for all to see. XXX Pep

Thankyou too Rick. We always loved your modest, understated way. A breath of fresh air in an increasingly fast and furious world. Much like yourself, she was always gentle, a calm and friendly face. You could say she was my 'foil'. Thankyou for sharing your memories. XXX Pep

Nige Brown Hi Nige, thankyou for your lovely comments and friendship. You were always someone we both liked and respected. We knew your strong character and steadfast perseverence would bring just and much deserved rewards. Much appreciated. XXX Pep

Thankyou Pete. You have always been one of our best and most vivid memories of that late seventies, Wigan/Locarno era. Silly, clever and funny at the same time. I recall Helen's nursing skills being called into action more than once! Wonderful, happy memories. I'm glad you met Helen in your early years on the scene. You are certainly one of the 'soul children' I refer to. It will be great to see the old Wombourne guys and gals again. Love you lots. XXX Ian

Dear Ste (Winsford), thankyou. Helen had an affinity for the word 'tears'. She was a very emotional person deep down. Many of her favourite songs contained the word... "Room full of tears", "Tearstained face" and "Tears of joy" to name three. I have them in my eyes too. Constantly. XXX Pep

Too true Steve, thankyou for reading and appreciating my simple words. Your thoughts and kindness give me strength. XXX Pep

Dear Ade & Jane, I'm so happy you remembered Helen so fondly from that great era. She touched a lot of people at a lot of different times. Her friendliness was always in the on position. XXX Pep

Chalky, we both liked seeing a newer face continuing the tradition and carrying the Motown & Soul flag for our Black Country homeland. Keep smiling, smiler. The world needs more smiling faces. XXX Pep

Dave Burton, thankyou for taking time out to read and comment with such affection. We always regarded you as a strong and perpetual voice in our small corner of the Black Music landscape. Many thanks. XXX Pep

Brian, we both always admired your gentleness and easy going, helpful manner. I know you can empathise with my feelings, and your strength in getting through your loss gives me hope for the future, although a future without Helen is truly unimaginable. Thankyou. XXX Ian

Gilly, lovely to hear from you. I know you thought the world of Helen, from the earliest memories of 'lifts' and serious music talk. Fondest memories of good times on the scene together. Your support and affection is greatly appreciated. XXX Pep

Macca, thankyou for taking to time to read my tribute and leaving such a nice comment. Much appreciated. XXX Pep

Tony, thankyou for sharing your memories. We always loved and remembered your plain, honest 'niceness' (and dapper turnout). XXX Pep

Ted, Thankyou for your fond memories of Helen. You two got on great in those many great Black Horse years. I know you too suffered a great loss a few years ago and appreciate the heartbreak I am feeling... you know "the feeling is real". xxx Ian.