Frank Allen talks about Ireland and Australia, amongst other things, in the new issue of his own newsletter which we have just put on line. He also tells us more about the departure in late February of drummer Eddie Rothe and confirms that they have now appointed a replacement to take over immediately after their return from Australia. As you'll see, though, they are not quite ready to tell us much about the new chap, apart from his first name, but as soon as they are, I will of course let you all know.

Ed's departure is sad news for the other Searchers and all the fans, but of course very happy that he and Jane will at last be able to spend more time together, and we all wish them every happiness for the future. But on a more positive note, we'll all really look forward to welcoming Scott to the band over the next few months.

At the end of his newsletter, as usual, Frank answers some more of the questions which have been sent in. I hope you will find it an interesting and enjoyable read.

All the UK concert dates confirmed so far up to the end of June are now on line, most of which are their increasingly popular solo shows - no support acts, just the Searchers onstage for the whole evening, which gives them the opportunity to include B-sides, album tracks and more of their newer songs. Not all of the later ones are on sale just yet, but at least you can put them in your diary now.

Frank's new book “The Searchers And Me” continues to sell well. It's a very detailed biography of the Searchers and, running alongside the first few chapters, his own early life story including his time with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers before he joined the Searchers. The book is published and distributed exclusively by Aureus, and is ONLY available to purchase direct from them - it is not and will not be available via Amazon or other internet or High Street retailers. Click here to read more about it, and follow the link to the publisher's site for the various payment options and to place an order. If you bring your copy along to your next Searchers show, Frank will be very pleased to autograph it for you.

Finally (and I know I've mentioned this before, but we've had a lot of new subscribers to the website in recent months) - sometimes questions are asked about the Searchers' history etc which I'm happy to answer (or forward on to Frank), but it's made me realise that some of you aren't noticing that there are comprehensive articles about their career on the website, including four very detailed “history” pages, the lyrics to their main hits and a comprehensive article about all the guitars they've used through the years.

It seems that you're perhaps only seeing the links across the top of the most-used pages (eg the dates page, the newsletters, etc) without realising that there are links to a lot more information down the left hand side of the home page www.the-searchers.co.uk . There are technical reasons why these additional links are only available from the home page, but unless you access the site via the home page, you're missing at least half of all the website has to offer.

Wendy Burton Website Editor/Co-ordinator 21st January 2010 e-mail: wendy.burton@the-searchers.co.uk