Today was a big day for St Francis Hospice, with the Mud ‘n’ Madness challenge at Stubbers Adventure Centre near Upminster. Phoenix FM’s adrenalin junkie Rob Jelly was there, not just to compere the event but also, for the second year running, to take part, and I caught up with him a couple of hours before he was due to set off on the 7.5km assault course. Jelly’s always up for a new challenge, and he’s already preparing to take part in some of St Francis’ other fundraising events later this year, which you can see on their website.
We also had a live session by a musician from Chelmsford who used to play keyboard with Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers, Alex Southgate. These days Alex is focusing more on playing an instrument not often heard – he explained how he became hooked on the accordion, and why it’s such a great instrument for a recent development in his career, which is entertaining in residential care homes. Alex also takes on traditional gigs such as weddings and birthday parties, as both a solo performer and with guitar accompaniment; as well as that he plays with the band The Hickory Swingers, with a bias towards jazz, swing and rockabilly music of the 1950s.
With some medleys covering a wide range of eras and styles Alex demonstrated that the accordion is much more
versatile than you might think! For more information and his contact details visit his website, or check him out on Facebook.
Listen again:Feelgood Saturday 08 02 14 Alex Southgate