Searchers Snippets November 2025
I’m not sure how interested you’ll be about all this stuff but with nothing happening group-wise is just a way of keeping in touch.
When I checked through my dinner book a short while back I realised that the last gathering I had was over two years ago. My goodness, time does fly when you’re getting on. Anyway I figured it was time to set up another social evening here at Allen Towers.
It turned out to be a truly fab evening with a diverse and fascinating bunch of guests. Shadows legend Bruce Welch along with his wife Jilly. Anita Harris defying the ageing process by looking no different than she did several decades ago. How on earth does she do it? Ex-football manager Dave “Harry” Bassett who, along with his lovely wife Chris, has been a friend since we were both barely out of our teens.
Long time pal Bobby Crush, a wunderkind of the pianoforte and someone who is guaranteed to inject a large slice of atmosphere into any gathering. Just feed him and he’s as happy as a pig in chiffon and will happily entertain everyone for the entire evening with stories of his life in showbiz.
And Penny Horner. The name might not be familiar to you but she holds the important position of manager of the Jermyn Street Theatre just off Piccadilly. London is blessed with a warren of bijou theatres which may be small (the Jermyn St Theatre only seats about 80 people) but which cater to the real cognocenti of the dramatic world. Serious stuff is presented at the Penny’s place. And she rules with an iron fist.
My cook Lisa provides the main course and serves all the dishes while the starters and puds are in my domain. I used to do the wole shebang but that meant being away from my guests too much so this set up works so much better. Alas I didn’t manage to snap Lisa’s superb Cajun Salmon dish (absolutely delicious) so you’ll have to settle for my starter and dessert. Plus of course a half decent pic of the ensemble.
Here’s something to look forward to. Anita is going to be my plus one at Cliff Richard’s concert at the Royal Albert Hall on December 8th. He always allows me a pair of tickets and of course the show is always so good. I think Anita and I will make a lovely couple don’t you?. And this time there is a meet and greet for the first time in about six years so it will be nice to catch up and say a quick “Hi” to Sir before catching the last tube home. Backstage soirees were halted due to the covid pandemic until now. Nice to be back in touch.
Best wishes to you all.
Frank Allen.