jonb Posted 6 June, 2011 Share Posted 6 June, 2011 Hoping it may amuse some Saints fans to read this extract from 69ers, my recent novel about the 1969 IOW festival, in which Soton features heavily (particularly one well-known former grammar school), and the great Saints team of that year play an important part in helping our main character overcome his inhibitions about the festival toilets (if you think they're primitive now, you can't remember the UK's first great rockfest): http://iow69.wordpress.com/extract/ (it's the last extract). So does anyone remember the team or even the IOW festival? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 6 June, 2011 Share Posted 6 June, 2011 Being a massive fan of The Band and Rick Danko in particulary, this interests me and I think I'll buy your book. The fact it mentions some Saints players is an added bonus. Reading that you had a backstage pass at 14, WOW, that's worth a book in itself. There's not too much footage of The Band and Bob's performance at IOW and I read somewhere that it was down to Albert Grossman. It was the same at Woodstock, Grossman stopped The Band's performance appearing in the film, had it done so, I'm sure they would get more recongition than they do at present. I will read it on holiday, and maybe post it on the "what are you reading" thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonb Posted 6 June, 2011 Author Share Posted 6 June, 2011 Much appreciated, Lord D, I guarantee you a good read! While researching 69ers novel I spoke to a guy who got underneath the stage when The Band were rehearsing - a memorable experience, and one which found its way into the climatic scene of the novel. I was maybe a bit too young to fully appreciate being backstage at the festival, but I'll always remember standing near Dylan as he prepared to go on - that's in the book too! Great to be in touch with Saints fans - I went to school fo a while next to the Dell and have followed them through thick and thin although I left Soton (Sholing) in 1973 and now live within spitting distance of the City Stadium in Cardiff, not that I'd ever spit on the Bluebells, or whatever they're called! Maybe a few more out there might fancy a good holiday read? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonb Posted 6 June, 2011 Author Share Posted 6 June, 2011 ps Rick Danko gets a special mention - great guy: tragic what happened to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dronskisaint Posted 6 June, 2011 Share Posted 6 June, 2011 Look forward to reading this - is it it on the sheves now or just through Amazon? What an era - I feel privileged to have been born when I was! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 6 June, 2011 Share Posted 6 June, 2011 ps Rick Danko gets a special mention - great guy: tragic what happened to him. Agreed, him and Richard as well, are really tragic rock and roll stories........... I've just got the Mrs to order through her Amazon account, so I look forward to reading it. As a Saints fan, and an author there has to be a book in the comings and goings of the past 6 years............ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenilworthy Posted 6 June, 2011 Share Posted 6 June, 2011 February 15 1969, home against Newcastle was my first ever league game at the Dell. My Dad gave the man on the turnstiles 'a drink' and lifted me over. It ended 0-0 but I was hooked. The season was nearly over but there were still great treats to be had - coming back from 2-0 down to beat QPR (and Rodney Marsh) 3-2, thrashing Burnley 5-1 on Easter Monday with Bobby Stokes scoring on his debut and then beating Manchester City the week before they played in the cup final, with Mike Summerbee more interested in banter with the home fans than playing. It was also the season we won the Combination Cup, beating West Ham 3-1 over two legs and my first pitch invasion. I too went to St Marks School that used to back on to the Dell - the classroom was a Nissan Hut that leaked when it rained. But the year after I started it moved down Archers Road to the old Central School where it is now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Samuel Posted 6 June, 2011 Share Posted 6 June, 2011 I like the Saints extract, might have to use the same technique next time I'm forced to use some nasty festival toilets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 6 June, 2011 Share Posted 6 June, 2011 Quite intriguing. Of course I remember the 69 Festival, could hardly miss it or forget it, I lived in the road where it was held (Palmers Road, Wootton leading down to Woodside). Thousands and thousands of people tramping past the house day and night, with hardly a problem, just lines of milk bottles lining our garden wall. I was 14 at the time as well (also called Jon B strangely), but loved it, though I was probably more into the music the following year at Afton if truth be told. Dylan was staying at my mates place in Seaview (sadly Chris didn't tell me until too late). Heard everyone of course without the need for a ticket, but did get in on the last day with a pass out I paid 10 bob for. Remeber seeing John and Yoko walking around the site, after they arrived by chopper. Made a small fortune afterwards picking up Newcy Brown bottles and getting 3d back for each one, thanks to Farmer Phillips for helping us round them all up on the back of his tractor & trailer. Drove my Mum daft, she hated Hendrix (wasn't playing that year, but they played his records incessantly, Voodoo Chile is still my ringtone). Still think there ought to be a little plaque by the side of the field, just to commemorate the momentous occassion, but nothing, I would think people walk past the site now not knowing it was the site of what was then the biggest festival event ever in the UK. As for Saints, it was one of my favourite eras, though surely Chivers was long forgotten in 69, as Channon had more than ably filled his boots, after a slightly dodgy start when he didn;t seem to be able to keep on his feet in the penalty area (thankfully somethig that soon became a great advantage). I still have my Chivers autographed copy of Arsenal v Saints obtained from the fella when he was sat next to me in the stands at Highbury with his broken leg (foot?) in plaster. Ah, nostalgia, it ain't what it used to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonb Posted 7 June, 2011 Author Share Posted 7 June, 2011 Thanks for positive comments - actually it was Banister I went to, Kenilworthy, and I was very glad to escape to Heathfield! You've made me check out my first match: Feb 1964, a 2-3 defeat to Pompey of all things! We were down the Milton Rd end: my big bro (10 at the time) thought it would be funny to cheer for Pompey and got hit in the face for it. I always remember the sweet shop on Milton Rd and the untamed youths sticking their hands in the jars. Vectis, can I put some of your post on my website? Palmers Rd is mentioned by name several times in the book. Maybe you should buy it! I'd love to hear a fuller account of what you saw going down that road. Suspect Chivers might just be remembered in 69 as he only left in 68. I remember his transfer fee (£125,000 I think) was thought to be scandalous, but his goalscoring record for Spurs was fantastic. But Mick Channon for me will always be the essence of Southampton FC. Did I mention my website at http://dylan69.com? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suewhistle Posted 7 June, 2011 Share Posted 7 June, 2011 Suspect Chivers might just be remembered in 69 as he only left in 68. Really? I'm sure I remember Chivers scoring in a 3-1 away at Spurs around that time. Did my parents allow me to go (from the Thames Valley) to footie on my own at that age?! I certainly don't remember Dad... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonb Posted 8 June, 2011 Author Share Posted 8 June, 2011 The memory plays strange tricks, Sue: http://www.soccerway.com/matches/1971/01/16/england/premier-league/tottenham-hotspur-football-club/southampton-fc/584043/ If Chiv scored it was for Spurs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pressingon Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 Looks great and have ordered the book, went to all 3 festivals. I remember 1969 when a mates tent got stolen, most of us came back with flea bites and Dylan was a dissapointment given our expectations. still seen him on nearly every other UK tour and he's more than made up for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonb Posted 9 June, 2011 Author Share Posted 9 June, 2011 That's great pressingon, much appreciated. There can't be many who remember all 3 fests - should write a book about it! Would love to hear a firsthand account of the first festival. Interesting about the stolen tent - without giving too much away, 69ers also revolves around a theft and the implications of this to the peace-loving festival-goers. Inspired by the interest shown on this forum, I've now appended a video of Man Utd 1 Saints 4 in 1969 to the extract at http://www.dylan69.com/extract . Amazing the amount of space players were allowed then! Also amazing the speed of Sydenham and Ron Davies's lethal heading ability - there can have been few better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pressingon Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 That's great pressingon, much appreciated. Also amazing the speed of Sydenham and Ron Davies's lethal heading ability - there can have been few better. Thanks I started giong to the Dell 1963, on the wall behind the goal Milton Road. Sydenham-Paine-Davies were our Holy Trinity, if only we had a defence then! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pressingon Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 jonb I was going to send you a pm about IOW but you don't seem to have the facility, can you send me one with your email Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonb Posted 9 June, 2011 Author Share Posted 9 June, 2011 Thanks I started giong to the Dell 1963, on the wall behind the goal Milton Road. Sydenham-Paine-Davies were our Holy Trinity, if only we had a defence then! I believe we had two international full backs! You can contact me via http://www.dylan69.com - check on the right for Contact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theyin Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 Nice work jonb, you should let http://www.davidstjohn.co.uk/ know about it. All music, all eras, all Southampton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 Got the book today, will be reading it on hols in Aug. Signed as well, dont know if that's the norm or a Saintsweb special, but thanks it was a nice touch. It has got me thinking, a mate of mine's Mum and dad took him to the festival when he was a toddler (he used to bore us with tales of it, not that he could remember anything, it was all passed down from his parents). I am playing golf with him next Friday and I'll speak to him. His Mum has unfortunatly passed away, but his dad is very much alive. If his dad has any interesting stories, I'll pass them on to you. Although, he was a bit of a party animal, so some of his memories maybe a bit blurred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pressingon Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 Got the book today, will be reading it on hols in Aug. Signed as well, dont know if that's the norm or a Saintsweb special, but thanks it was a nice touch. It has got me thinking, a mate of mine's Mum and dad took him to the festival when he was a toddler (he used to bore us with tales of it, not that he could remember anything, it was all passed down from his parents). I am playing golf with him next Friday and I'll speak to him. His Mum has unfortunatly passed away, but his dad is very much alive. If his dad has any interesting stories, I'll pass them on to you. Although, he was a bit of a party animal, so some of his memories maybe a bit blurred. I have sent you a pm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pressingon Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 I believe we had two international full backs!. When I started I think we had Dennis Holywood & Stuart Williams (Welsh international?) as full backs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pressingon Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 Sorry but my pc doesn't like that link "problem with default mail client" and I'm not very teci Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladysaint Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 I went to the 1970 IOW festival my first ever festival and priviledge to see Hendrix for the second time before he passed on. Remember I think it was Melanie getting all upset as we all started singing along with her and she didnt like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonb Posted 9 June, 2011 Author Share Posted 9 June, 2011 Sorry but my pc doesn't like that link "problem with default mail client" and I'm not very teci Ok, just mail to blake.blake@ntlworld.com - my email is not secret! It was Stuart Williams and Tommy Traynor in 1964 when I started going. Thanks for the tip, theyin. Ladysaint, the novel discusses festivals now and then - they used to be more political but community singing was not the norm (Country Joe at Woodstock being an honourable exception)! Really enjoying this forum and getting quite homesick for Soton and the IOW - but not quite homesick enough to leave the fantastic city of Cardiff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pressingon Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 I went to the 1970 IOW festival my first ever festival and priviledge to see Hendrix for the second time before he passed on. Was the first time at the Guilhall Soton in 1966, that was the first for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicestersaint Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 Fascinating! My first match was 1959 when i was at Bitterne Park Juniors. I was also at the second IoW festival - I seem to remember Hendrix and Arthur Brown amongst others - by which time i was just leaving Taunton's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicestersaint Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 I just checked up - I was actually at the first IoW festival as i definitely remember Arthur Brown, the Move and Jefferson Airplane who i later saw at the Bath festival. Happy days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladysaint Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 Was the first time at the Guilhall Soton in 1966, that was the first for me. That was it went with my Dad, Jimi was amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 9 June, 2011 Share Posted 9 June, 2011 If you want to see how much the artists enjoyed the festivals you should watch the film Festival Express, where Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead and The band toured Canada on a train, stopping to play out door events. Festival Express.......from the footage off stage, you can see why Janis,Rick Danko and Jerry Garcia ended up as they did.It is a great film, that really captures that era and spirit. [video=youtube;TmR7-zXXxhk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmR7-zXXxhk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonb Posted 11 June, 2011 Author Share Posted 11 June, 2011 Were you at school with Martin Chivers, Leicestersaint? The boys' grammar on the other side of the common comes in for a good savaging in 69ers. Amazing to come across another veteran of IOW68 - not sure how Hendrix comes into it though! I've now got some Waterstones events pencilled in for the end of this month: I'll be doing IOW (Newport) Waterstones on Mon 27th, 7pm, where there will also be live music, 1969 archive display etc - should be a great evening. Then I'll be in Soton! Thurs 30 June, 12 to 2 pm, at West Quay Waterstones. Be great to meet some of you from this forum. Any more updates on visits etc at http://www.dylan69.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 11 June, 2011 Share Posted 11 June, 2011 jonb, sure you can use any of my ramblings. I can probably recollect a few more bits and pieces, I know the shop which used to be at the end of the road, Lushington Hill Stores, was doing a roaring trade in bread and milk and sold out of most stuff several times. There are some references and pictures on the Wootton Bridge web site that may be of interest, though subject to copyright of course. I remember reading articles by an old school friend, John Faulkner who was around the Farm much more than me but cannot find the article now, I thought it was on the Wootton Bridge site, but perhaps it was in the Parish Magazine a couple of years back. Anyway will look out for the book, sounds like a good read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 11 June, 2011 Share Posted 11 June, 2011 jonb, sure you can use any of my ramblings. I can probably recollect a few more bits and pieces, I know the shop which used to be at the end of the road, Lushington Hill Stores, was doing a roaring trade in bread and milk and sold out of most stuff several times. There are some references and pictures on the Wootton Bridge web site that may be of interest, though subject to copyright of course. I remember reading articles by an old school friend, John Faulkner who was around the Farm much more than me but cannot find the article now, I thought it was on the Wootton Bridge site, but perhaps it was in the Parish Magazine a couple of years back. Anyway will look out for the book, sounds like a good read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonb Posted 12 June, 2011 Author Share Posted 12 June, 2011 Thanks VectisSaint. btw apparently the window of Newport Waterstones is well worth looking at at the moment! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint63 Posted 12 June, 2011 Share Posted 12 June, 2011 Are you linked to the active Cardiff Saints group? I can think of at least two very enthusiatic members within a mile or two of your base. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonb Posted 13 June, 2011 Author Share Posted 13 June, 2011 I did join a CS web forum or something a while back but I'll check them out again thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonb Posted 25 June, 2011 Author Share Posted 25 June, 2011 Just flagging up that I'll be in Southampton West Quay Waterstones this Thursday (30 June) 12-2, signing copies of 69ers. Really hope to see some of you there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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