harpo1

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