Despite what you read, I was the original drummer with Toby Twirl and the Shades of Blue, before that. Have kept in touch with Holly but unable to find rest of the band. Nick, if you read this, please get in touch. Mob. 07881 934846  or richjmcconnell@hotmail.com.      Hope to hear from you soon.

Richie
26/4/11

Hi Nicky, we'll have to enjoy another pint in Tynemouth sometime, when I can lend you an original 45 of Back in Time/Harry Faversham to put on your ipod?

Dropped in to see Hollie at the Joiners a while ago (probably a few years ago??) a pleasant chat although he was running the pub during our visit so the conversation was a bit short?

Jim Routledge
original drummer with The Shades of Blue
22/8/11

Nicky, If you read this in time can you get in touch.(email; richjmcconnell@hotmail.com or 07881934846) I'm having my 65th birthday party at Shiremoor Social Club on Sat 13th October 2012. I'm presently playing drums in a north London band 'Simply Vintage'. We're coming up to Newcastle for my birthday weekend and playing at Shiremoor Club on the Saturday night. Holly has already agreed to join us for a few numbers on the night, and it would be terrific if you could join us too.

If anyone reading this knows Nicky's whereabouts or email etc etc can you either pass this message on or let me know. It would be tremendous to have 3 of the original 'Toby Twirl' together again on stage.

Rich Mc Connell
4/2/12

Met up with the lads from Toby Twirl . Hadn't seen John Reed for over fourty years. It was like old times - Barry, Nick and John and myself and Stu was there in spirit (god bless). The humour was still the same and the memories came flowing out. See we have been given an article in Shindig in the near future, that should be interesting.

Holly
14/2/12

I bumped into Holly in the 80's in Joplings in Sunderland.  The last time I saw you on stage was at the Blackburn Cavendish where I was working at the time, I believe you stayed in out flat that week.  I'm still in touch with a few people from Blackburn, including Sid Stewart and Twiggy Sue.

I have been living here in the Algarve since 1993, would love to hear from some one.x

PS Long live Harry Faversham,,,in those days we all had our fantasies,,lolx

Liz
18/4/12

Hi all at Manchesterbeat, the lads from Toby Twirl had a reunion recently in Gosforth. The banter was brilliant and the humour was still there after many years. Manchester was a topic of conversation, the clubs the digs and the great fans who made us geordies welcome in that area.

Can you remember our great road manager Colin Hart . He moved on to bigger things and ended up being tour manager for Deep Purple, well he has just visited the north east from his home in Florida. Colin has writetn a fantastic book on his experiences as a road manager . It was lovely seeing him after 40 years. He sends his regards.

Dave Holland (holly)
17/5/12

Thanks to all the boys in the band!

They were a GREAT inspiration to me in the late 60s and I went on to have more than FORTY years in the biz working all over Europe and I was billed as 'the ultimate party host'. I met Stews' parents in Kennersdene may years ago and they were SO lovely, they invited me in for tea to chat over all the good times, thank you to them. I STILL have copies of the singles, 'Movin' In' and 'Harry Faversham' and should any of the boys like to have them, PLEASE drop me a line or call 01302 789 846, I do hope that they go to a 'good cause'. I am retired now and living in Doncaster, PLEASE give me call!

Cheers,

Bryan S
20/5/12

I remember going to an audition back in 1968 with our band 59th Street Bridge. It was during the day at some club in Manchester and Toby Twirl were also auditioning. We had only just come on the scene at that time and Toby Twirl were obviously a lot better than us.They got the gig. The one thing that sticks in my mind is that they were very encouraging to us even though they had the better sound and equipment. No "airs and graces" you might say. We did pinch one of their songs though!! "Build me up Buttercup" It used to go down really well. Thanks guys.

Malcolm Crossley
6/6/12

Just heard Toby Twirl on Sound of the Sixties and the names Nicky Thorburn and Barry Sewell. I well remember them from school days when they played as The Shades of Blue at Stannington Village Hall. John Glass was then in the line up along with another lad form Blagdon, David, I think. Great days, glad a couple of you had your taste of fame ! I think I was probably your first girlfriend  Nicky when you were still in the boy scouts!

Susan Hutchison
20/7/12

Just been pushed back to the '60s in Blackburn when I worked at the Cavendish under the Sid Stewart management, with Liz, Twiggy Sue, Vi etc etc. I (known as Little Lilian then ) remember one of TT's band living in Cramlington, where we lived for a few years before emigrating here to Australia 30 years ago. We also remember Big Col from Blackburn & the north east.

Keep in touch with some of the old names such as Terry Slessar who has visited us here in QLD. Fond memories of our old nightclub days of late 60s & early seventies back in the day!!!

Lilian Murr
9/2/13

Hi Holly Re Toby Twirl. would love to get in touch with everyone giving updates on MANCHESTERBEAT re the group . We have now got a Facebook page but would it would be great to get some up to date news from Australia and Portugal etc

Dave Holland
5/3/13