Taylor Square in the 60s

Mort RIP

Some more photos of Tony Fitzgerald have come to light through a mutual friend Dominic O'Donnell. Dom played with Mort during the 80s.

Dominic has been responsible for the majority of photos from our second reunion at The Mercantile Hotel.

Dominic O'Donnell and Judy Hill

Mort and friend

This photo was taken at the Clarendon in Surry Hills .. I am not sure whether this is Mort or Wally, stocky enough to be Wal, but looks more like Mort's style of harp playing'

Mort with Judy Miller

Mort

An excellent snap of Tony on the Harbour
courtesy Dominic O'Donnell

Mort Fist & John 'Doc' Dease

I had a interesting chat with Wil Greenstreet this week on Facebook. Who is Wil Greenstreet, you ask? None other than Billy Green from The Epics (Surf City). Who could forget that mop of curly blond hair and that lovely smile of his. Bill moved onto The Questions then to In Focus which morphed into Doug Parkinson In Focus.

L to R Johnny Dick, Duncan McGuire, Billy Green, Doug Parkinson

In Search of the Starving Wild Dogs

1973 Wally and Lynne in Batman Lane

While writing my memoirs 'Terrace Houses', when I embarked upon my journey through Taylor Square, my jug band days, I came across a negative in my collection of old photos. I took it along for development, and, for the sum of two dollars Iwas thrilled to receive the above photo! I located Red McKelvie on Myspace, Red had written a tune he had named, "Wally's Song", dare I play it? .. I did and I cried, it was a tribute to the days at Taylor Square ... Wally Mudd, his brother Paul and friends.

WHITTY'S WINE BAR, Oxford Street, Taylor Square .. After a day's work at the Sydney County Council, I traded my uniform for a faded pair of denims and a tee-shirt. Cutting across Hyde Park, I headed up Oxford Street towards the Court House. Whitty's was directly opposite this grand old building. Before entering Whitty's, my port of call was Cecil B Fardouli's, (the delicatessen next door) where I purchased a wizened stick of cabanossi that snap broke and oozed oil, a crusty bread roll and a lump of cheese. These items were promptly washed down with a large large mug of apple cider. Quite a few ciders were consumed before the Dogs began work and anticipation heightened.

The charismatic Warwick Wyld (Wheezin' Walter T Mudd, Wally, suffered from asthma, his trusty spray never far from reach) on vocals and harp, his brother Paul 'Doggie' Wyld keyboard extraordinaire and the dapper Terry Wilkins on bass. Ahh yes, Terry a Libran, with his clean jeans, clean shoes and a clean, neat moustache announcing he had changed his pickin' style from a standard plectrum stroke to an upward finger-picking fashion. Over the next five years many members came and went: Red Mc Kelvie and Chinese Chris on lead, Charlie Watts, Jim Crowley and Daryl MacKenzie on drums. Mort sat in on occasions treating us to his soulful harp and tempting us with his jug.

By nine they were ripping into a great repetoire of blues and jug: "What's that Smells like Fish Mama", "Mystery Train", "Messin' with the Kid", "Dust my Broom", "Stealin", "Walking Blues". I soon learnt their repetoire and jammed along with Wally after the gig.

By 1969 the Dogs lived in 290 South Dowling Street, that is Jim Crowley, Wally, Terry and Paul along with Sue Challis, Allannah, Stuart West and Steve James. I took up temporary residence on top of a sideboard under the stairs!! The house had an incredible buzz with a different vibe in each room. Terry had the downstairs front room and people gathered there listening to Terry's latest find (music wise) . 'twas there I met Anna, Red McKelvie, Bob McGowan, Cathy James, Swannee, Martin James, Lindsay Bourke, Hamburger Joe, John A Bird, Sandy, Phil Manning, Shane Duckham, Neil Bramley, Dave and Moya Sturdy (twins), Pip, Adrian Rawlins .. laughing, laughing, laughing (at the time I assumed that is what happened to one after a few years in this amazing environment).

The house extended out the back onto a courtyard and then into another terrace (the number escapes me now) dwelt Sonya Kereopa, Larry Knight, Peter Gatehouse, Peter Gardiner, Alan Johnson, Dave Cook and Alan Johnson.

Steven 'Sudsy' Sutcliff arrived one night, paranoid as hell after listeng to The Rolling Stones 'Satanic Majesty', he was convinced that the Stones were sending him messages via the album, he placed a glass to the wall and 'listened' to voices in the wall being transmitted by the D's (detectives). Poor Sudsy, his life ended abruptly from an overdose, we had little knowledge of schizophrenia in those days.

My time I spent sharing riffs, tunes and blues info good clean healthy fun. However, one rainy Sunday afternoon someone suggested we have a raffle. Names were placed into a hat, I drew Steve James. Steve and I had always been good mates so we were happy with this arrangement. News got out around the scene regarding the 'raffle'. Friend Errol Wood visited, he was not amused and moved me off my prime position on the sideboard and into his flat in Alison Road, Randwick. The rent was seventeen dollars, my share was three.

Alison Road soon became a 'place to be' inmates included, Anne Kelso, Wally Mudd, Keri Phillips, Steve James, Paul Wyld, Bob and Kathy McGowan, Bobbi, Brian Dewhurst, Crazy Wayne Barnes, Neil Bramley, Gary Ross, Virgo Doug, Ian McIlvray, Ross Darmody, Charlie Watts ..

Before heading off to Taylor Square Errol loved listening to Beck's 'Truth' LP .. it was the flavour of the month. Primed, we did a quick crawl of Oxford Street checking out the scene. The Beauchamp, Oxford and Albany Hotels .. a look see into Whitty's to see if the boys (SWD) had set up, then down to French's, which usually featured The Foreday Riders or The Battersea Heroes. The Riders, were predominately blues roots band whilst the Heroes were the creme de la creme of jug band music .. Terry Darmody, Dennis 'Spiderman' Burke and Mark Butler. The Heroes were the real thing, kazoo, washboard and tea-chest bass! We spent most nights trundling back and forth from Whittys to Frenchs .. anyone remember the really smelly fish shop?

After midnight we'd grab a Chico Roll from the Chew and Spew and hike on out to the Greenwood Tree Hotel in Paddington to catch Jeff St John (and hopefully an eyeful of Peter Anson). I recall the night my Graham's friendship ring flew off my finger across the crowded room never to be seen again.

I took over Sue Challis's waitressing position at the Yellow Cab Restaurant (off Victoria Street), Wally was in the habit of dropping in for dinner 'on the house'. I made enough each night in tips to pay for my ciders and cigarettes. Around this time Wally moved into Alison Road and camped on the lounge-room floor. Charlie Watts reappeared around this time.

Recollections of Wally and the Dogs

290 South Dowling Street, Taylor Square

behind the CIB,not far from Nithsdale Street. Did not see Wally until 1976, at my daughter's naming party in Newtown .. The last memory I have of him is at a pub jam in Surry Hills in the late '70s.

When I commenced writing about my journey growing up in King's Cross .. I felt a wave of joy pass through me as I remembered my jug band days and Wally Mudd .......... where was Wal?

Warwick Wyld's and his brother Paul arrival on the scene at Taylor Square is best summed up in Red McKelvie's track .. "Wally's Song". Wheezin' Walter 'T' Mudd aka Wally Mudd will be remembered for his contribution to the Sydney Underground music scene during the late60s.

" .. Wally, he held Taylor Square to ransom for 5 years .. " Terry Wilkins

RED McKELVIE "Wally's Song"

Wally, harmonica attached, hat perched on top of a head of curly hair, first caught my eye at Rhubarbs, (a 'happening' cavern-like venue in Douglass Lane, off Liverpool Street in the city). I was attracted to his quirky movements and staccato singing, but the wail coming from his harp and the passionate rawness of the blues sound emanating from this bunch of wild looking guys was beyond compare . . I had to meet them!

Tony Fitzgerald akak Mort Fist was want to drag one from pillar to post, and this Saturday afternoon was no different.
"Come on" he said. "Got a surprise for you."
Catching a bus from North Sydney to Wynyard and hopping off at Bondi Junction in silence heightened my anticipation. Entering a huge terrace house, (42) Denison Street, we were greeted by Wally Mudd, and I was so nervous. Need not have been as Wal, it transpired, was extremely shy.

He was charismatic, his enthusiasm and love of music, particularly the blues and jug, endeared him to many.

Some time later he relocated to 290 South Dowling Street.. Who lived there, who was visiting and who was transient was not always clear. the folk I remember are: Steve James, Terry Wilkins, Stuart West, Paul Wyld, Jim Crowley, Larry Knight, Sonya Kereopa, Sue Challis and Allannah.

Wal and I formed a friendship which endured the journey throughout the Taylor Square era and beyond, we shared our love of music and our ups and downs, spending mosts nights singing and playing guitar. I was enamoured with the personae that was, 'Wally Mudd'. Wally was not one to talk at any length about himself, his personal feelings or views. I don't know if anyone ever really knew Warwick Wyld, but, one could always catch him blowing his harp with any band around the traps.

I received emails, photos, comments and recollections of this period and was able to reunite with old friends and acquaintances, including Errol and Phil Wood, Danny Groves, Sue Toohey, Terry Darmody, Neil Smith, Alan Johnson, Peter Nehill, Larry Knight, Red McKelvie, Peter Gatehouse, Allannah, Dave Miller, Judy Miller, Jacquie McGarry, Peter 'Izzy Foreal' Knox ..... ?

Two songs I recall written by Wally are "One Dollar, Two Dollar" and "Nithsdale"

"Nithsdale" hand-written by Wal for me

Red McKelvie "hi Lynne um I went to Australia 13 Aug 1967 haha I'm pretty sure I didn't actually MEET Wally until the I showed up at the Oxford Hotel on a Thursday night to play with the SWD's maybe 2 weeks before that Shane Duckham let me and Bob? and a NZ drummer Warwick Lee play a set in one of their breaks at the Oxford. Bob ? ( lived with his mum in Jersey Rd Woollahra) great guy must have arranged it. Terry Wilkins was playing gtr with Shane Duckham abt a week later Terry showed up to a party at our flat in Liverpool St and we jammed a bit on acoustic gtrs then the following week he came by and asked me would I play with the SWD's at the Oxford that week 'cos their gtr player had gone to Melbourne and couldn't get back to do the gig so yeah I went there and met Wally and Darryl McKenzie haha and away we went they asked me to stay on and I guess that wuz the break I'd been waiting for ! so I guess the short answer is I met Wally at the Oxford abt late Jan 1968.

I only saw Waldo that one time and from the audience he did have straight fair hair and played geetar as I remember I had a chat with Lan last ngt in the course of the conversation I remembered that I had seen SWD's play at the Oxford before I joined them Paul was playing an upright piano at the windows end and his girl friend was sitting on the piano watching him play Rod was the bass-player the drummer was a guy called 'Hutch' in the photo you have of Rod I can see by the shape of the windows 'curved' at the top that is upstairs at the 'Oxford Hotel' this would've been late 1967 but I didn't know anyone yet. the geetar player I filled in for haha 4 abt 8 months wuz 'Chinese Chris' and when i went to the UK he got his gig back and that's him in photo of 'Matchbox' EX S W Dogs taken at the Kings X Bar BQ and you're in the photo all good stuff I met Waldo only one time I went to the 'Ball Pants' in the Cross and he wuz playing that ngt the name Rob Jamieson doesn't ring any bells I'm sorry Peter Knox told me once that he gigged with Waldo at the "Ball Pants' great to hear from ya cheers .. Red McKelvie"

Allannah Wooloughan .. I think I first met Wally through Terry Wilkins - we were at the Oxford I one Sat afternoon with the Sons playing - my memory is pretty shot. Terry would do his usual 'table hopping' chatting to everyone including musos. We really loved the music scene in the 60s at Taylor Square. Wally and I were always good friends. I wonder whatever happened to Wally's girlfriend Trisha who went to Hong Kong c1966/7? ... "

Red McKelvie

In Search of the Starving Wild Dogs ... (reposted from 1/4/09).

I have located Red McKelvie's site on Myspace. Noticed a track called "Wally's Song" .. dare I play it? I did and it made me weep. If you were in Taylor Square in the 60s and knew Wally and Paul Wyld this song will be blow you away.

Red McKelvie "Wally's Song" mp3
written/performed by Red

♫♫ Hello Wally, Hello Paul ... that's why I wrote this song for you .. ♫♫

Red McKelvie ... "Lynne Best is that you? It's Red here, wot a great photo, you made me weep old gal that is the loveliest photo of Wally I've ever seen.

When my friend Grahame came out to visit me in 2000 he ha ha got on my case abt writing songs again, after he went back I thought abt it and starting writing "Song for Wally" I called up Terry W and we chatted and out of the blue he sez "Oh, Taylor Square 'Wally held the place to ransom for 5 years' ! Lynne hows abt emailing me your ph#. I'd love to have a chat with ya and I'd love to send you a copy of the CD. cheers Red McKelvie"

Wally and Red

Red McKelvie ... "Lynne use the photo's that's absolutely fine would you mind 'crediting' them to Wayne Doull. Wayne took so many photos I have called him and he sez it's fine with him to use."

Daryl, Wally and Red

1. and 2. Sun. arvo in an old run-down studio right behind Oxford Hotel cnr Foley's Lane and Bourke St. We had been listening to Dylan's John Wesley Hardin LP and went there to learn "Wicked Messenger", "I'll be your Baby 2 ngt" and "You better Watch You'sel" Little Walter Jacobs.

3. me and Wally standing on a bed in the top room street side had a balcony

at 290 South Dowling Street c.'68

4. Feb 1968 Jim and Sandy at the Oxford

'Jim's Obituary, I think of him lots when I walk the streets of Timaru I know the house he grew up in I've met some of his school friends I had a great chat with him in 2000'

5. haha me and Wally Gosbell St we had a Sat night off and!!!

6. My last gig with the band you probably recognise some people there

2 days later I went to the UK 28 Nov 1968

Red McKelvie ... "These photos were taken at the Hebron Hall Darlinghurst right across road from Langley St okay hmmm Chris was born Apr 71 we were only there at most 5 months so it's 1971 (there was a little park behind it on Palmer St I used to take Chris there to give Lan a break) we lived at 22 Langley St in a small house John A Bird and Sandy had it before us and he organised for us to take over the lease after him and Sandy found other digs the band was just put together for Wayne and Lyn's wedding we don't appear to have a bass-player 'Ace' Follington on drums Doggie, Wally and me it's abt Aug 1971 I reckon the girl singing must be a guest who was there at the wedding I've been waiting since 1992 for these photo's !! I hope they come out alright I'm SO lucky to have these photos, have more will send them to you asap cheers 4 now Red"

Paul 'Doggie' Wyld

In Search of The Starving Wild Dogs ..

Paul 'Doggie' Wyld aka The Wizard was Wally Mudd's extremely talented brother. Paul was rather mild mannered and into Vogel bread and soy. Together they took 'Taylor Square by storm' forming a jug cum blues band an aptly naming it The Starving Wild Dogs Piano Band. I first met Paul in '67 he was a Meher Baba devotee. I haven't seen Paul since he joined Blackfeather in 1970.

Paul's theory on Meher Baba click here - article is on page 131

131

Larry Knight sent me this amazing photo

'Matchbox' at the King's Cross BBQ
Jim Crowley-drums, Carol Rutley, Lynne Best, Wally Mudd-harp and vocals
Larry Knight-bass, Sonya Kereopa, Paul Wyld-keyboard
courtesy Larry Knight

I found 'Boppin' The Blues' LP in a pawn shop in Grafton

See Paul in Blackfeather "Boppin' the Blues" on You Tube

L to R: Russell J Walsh (Feeler) Paul Wyld 2nd from right

courtesy Russell J Walsh

Paul Wyld (centre)

c. 1981 David Pepperall's wedding

courtesy David Pepperall aka Dr.Pepper (Go-Set)

Paul in the vacant allotment next door to house in Cook Street, Paddington
with Peter Knox. Fluke was named as a send up of Flake
courtesy Peter Knox aka Izzy Foreal

Terry Wilkins

In Search of the Starving Wild Dogs ....

Terry, the dapper bass player in the Starving Wild Dogs joined The Flying Circus around 1970. I browsed the 'net and found a link under Bradley's Bouncers, to Terry Wilkins, and immediately contacted him.

Flying Circus L to R Terry Wilkins, Colin Walker, ?, Red McKelvie, Warren Ward

L to R Colin Walker, Doug Rowe, Jim Wynne, moi and Sam See"This in on the deck of The Arcadia (P&O shipping Lines)
on the day we left Australia for our adventures in Jan. '71
I loved that shirt ... Terry W"

Terry in Canada:- 'Sporting a double bass, Terry has played in various 'swing bands' over the last 40 years. He was nominated for the Maple Leaf Award last year, he was successful in his field. Toronto Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award: Terry Wilkins, Danny Brooks, Michael Fonfara, Alec Fraser, Amos Garrett, Tom Lavin, Big Dave McLean, Ellen McIlwaine, Joe Murphy, Chris Whiteley, Ken Whiteley.

'Upright Bass Terry Wilkins is a Toronto based musician, composer, bandleader, arranger, producer and teacher. A native of Sydney, Australia he arrived in Toronto in 1971 with Aussie pop band, Flying Circus, and since then has worked with many Canadian and international artists from Lighthouse to Big Sugar as well as Rough Trade and David Wilcox. He has also backed many visiting artists such as Dr. John, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Maria Muldaur, John Hammond, Levon Helm and Son Seals.

His musical range is wide and varied with an emphasis on roots music especially blues and swing with some interesting adventures in Caribbean styles.

Currently Terry works with Bradley and The Bouncers. He previously worked with Sophia Perlman and The Vipers who released a CD entitled 'Once Smitten'. He wrote, co-produced and arranged tracks on the CD. He has just completed a CD for national treasure Bob Snider. Production credits include Juno nominated Chris Whiteley; Blues Party and Raoul and The Big Time; Big Time Blues (2001)and Cold Outside (2004) as well as The Legendary Miles Johnson featuring Raoul Bhaneja and Graham Guest released in 2006.

He also completed a CD playing bass and producing for Dennis Aubrey, his younger brother who is based in Australia (2007).'

Big Sugar was a Canadian blues-rock band, active from 1991 to 2004. This CD features vocalist and guitarist Gordie Johnson, Terry Wilkins on bass and drummer Al Cross.

Self-titled debut LP (previously the Bourbon Tabernacle Choir and supporting band for Molly Johnson’s jazz performances. Wilkins left the band in 1993 .. click here '

I have a copy of the CD and reviewing it was my pleasure it kicks off with Molly Johnson crooning "Round Midnight" and closes with Hogey Carmichael's "Stardust". The tracks in between make a mighty tasty sandwich filling indeed.

Monk's "Beshma Swing", an upbeat "Come Back Baby", "Goodbye Train, "Groundhog", "Nowhere to Go", "Just about Sunrise" and some bluesrootsy stuff including: "Devil Got my Woman", "Motherless Children", "Sleep in Late" and "So Many Roads".

Certainly good listening. Terry has kindly consented to my putting up a track or two. What a difficult choice! .. Lynne

"Devil Got My Woman"

"Motherless Children"

"Goodbye Train"

"Ground Hog Day"

Dave McDermott ... "Hi, My name is David McDermott and I came across your blog whilst doing a search for Terry Wilkins, I went to the same school as Terry in western Sydney and also knew him when he played with Quill in Darlinghurst, cannot for the life of me think of the name of the joint! Is that Phil Jones of the Unknown Blues fame on your page? I have "If I had a Ticket" on my MP3 as well as the Python Lee Jackson song that Rod Stewart sang the lead. Oh what memories. Dave McDermott"

Red McKelvie ... "Hi Lynne, we played at the Kings Cross Bar B Que for abt 3 weeks we were 3 pce then Terry Wilkins, Darryl Mckenzie and me we went to 'Adam's Apple' Joan Whitty's club cnr Crown and Oxford Sts after Tully left where we become 4 pce when Keith Barr joined us I don't think we ever played in the 'Cross' again as Quill. After Terry left and joined the Flying Circus, Peter Knox joined as bass player I think eventually Darryl and Keith Barr went off to form a band and as far as I know Quill ended then Peter Knox may remember better than me? I joined up with some 'kiwi' mates Claude Papesch, Murray Grindlay plus 'Ace' Follington we called ourselves haha Savage Rose and we played up the Cross at the Electric Circus, Whiskey Au Go Go and the Hawaaiian Eye, Castlereagh St. and the Here disco North Sydney. This was all in 1969 hope that's some help cheers Lynne, Red "

There are many old snaps of Terry on Dave 'Flake' Allen's site 'Burning Studio'

Flying Circus and More Flying Circus

Larry Knight and Alan Johnson

Thanks for these incredible photos Larry ..

UPDATES
2009: Met up with Peter Gatehouse at the Piccolo

2010 (Aug): contacted by Sonya Kereopa and met up with her Nov.3

2010: contacted by Carol Rutley's daughter

2011 (Mar): Contacted by Peter Gardiner

Chew and Spew
always good for a yummy Chico Roll after Whittys

Blow me down, a word from Alan Johnson, who I met in the late 60s at the Beauchamp Hotel. In 1976, Alan was MC at Nikala's Naming Party. He is in contact with Larry Knight, Dave Cook and Peter Gatehouse. Dave had his fifteen minutes of fame when he streaked across the field during a footy match. My last recollection of Peter is at my home in Waterloo with Christa (Cookson??)!

Alan Johnson ... "Hi Lynne, I only just discovered your web page this morning. It is wonderful. It's been simply fantastic catching up on all those memories of Taylor Square in the 1960s and 1970s via your images and comment. I don't know if you'll recall me tht well, my name is Al Johnson and I lived with Lax and company for a while in South Dowling Street. I had the time of my life there. Dave Cook says hello. Peter Gatehouse and Larry will be thrilled to bits to learn that you have done all this. Al"

Larry Knight ... "Hello Minerva, If you're who I think you are, I have a wonderful picture of you Wally, Jim, Paul, Sonya and me at a club in the Cross ... Larry Knight"

Larry and Sonya

Paul Wyld-keyboard/Chinese Chris-lead/Larry Knight-bass/Wally Mudd-vocals
Jim Crowley-drums (not in view)

1969 The Matchbox at King's Cross Barbeque
Jim Crowley, Carol Rutley, Lynne, Wally, Larry, Sonya and Paul

Uncle Bob's Band

Tony Burkys

Bob sent me a collection of photos, double click Tony to view all

I first made the acquaintance of Bob McGowan and Terry Darmody in the mid 60s. Bob was performing with The Sons of Agamemnon at Whitty's Wine Bar, and, Terry in the Battersea Heroes at The Last Straw (Neutral Bay). I have recently reacquainted with Terry and Bob. Have also touched base with Mark 'Basil' Butler, John Taylor and Tony Burkys. I had the pleasure of meeting Tony Burkys at Taylor Square in the 60s first reunion at Manly Jazz Festival in 2009.

An excerpt regarding their gig, Australia Day 1975, under the Bridge...

.. 'They were young and imbued with the spirit of the age, and crazy enough to believe that they could make real music, and earn a living doing it. Their influences were diverse, from the crassest modern pop to the rawest Delta blues, a creative patchwork of 20th century popular music. Their motto wasn't, but could have been: “It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.” And swing they did.

To their diverse musical smorgasbord they added original material hewn from the same sources, drawing on that bumblefooted road crew, Mark (Basil) Butler and John (The Doctor) Dease, who revealed some talent as lyricists. Tony, who had been writing for several years with the Heroes, fell upon their words and made them into UBB songs, as did all the other band members. Writing songs became a way of life in UBB ... ' for the full account I suggest you go to 'History of Uncle Bob's Band excellent article (Lynne)

Bob McGowan (vocals-guitar) Tony Burkys (bass) John Taylor

Terry Darmody (vocals-harmonica, kazoo), Wayne Kennington (drums)

Richard Ludbrook .... "Yes indeed also Kate (was) Kennington, Warwick's ex. Terry was a Battersea Hero whilst I was a Gutbucket Jug Band in 1968. I played with Burkys in Matchbox 74-79 there you go. Warwick Kennington also drummed with Dynamic Hepnotics ( had a haircut in between ) ... Richard "

It is with much sadness, that I inform you, Richard Ludbrook (Captain Matchbox) passed away Oct. 2010 .. Lynne

Bob & Steve

January 2011 Received a call from Steve James this week, he and Bob McGowan will be passing through Ballina, and, calling into my place!

During the course of the visit, I was warmed to the cockles when Bob played a few old songs "Deep River Blues" and "Creole Belle". I was having trouble with my 'picking', Bob affixed my capo to my 'guijo' and now my pickin' flows .. Hope you guys can make it to the next Reunion!

Two old geezers having a chat

... Smile

shees, I was so overwhelmed

Come on, lighten up Lynne!

if that the best you can do, so be it

Bob and Steve in Sydney courtesy Dominic O'Donnell

Reunion: Mercantile Hotel, The Rocks

2011: Chris McKelvie working on the reel to reel tapes from Lenny Paterson.

My mission to locate the Starving Wild Dogs has proven to be one of the most exciting ventures I have ever undertaken. I now visit Sydney on a regular basis and have recently returned from the Taylor Square in the 60s second reunion held this year at the Mercantile Hotel, The Rocks.

Sadly, Wally and Paul Wyld, Jim Crowley, Mort Fist, Ross Darmody, Martin James, Shane Duckham, Lesley Armstrong, Neil Bramley, Wayne Barnes, Rod 'Beachhead' Jeffery and Richard Ludbrook have passed on and were there in spirit.

Taylor Square in the 60s held its second reunion on Sunday November 7, 2010 at The Mercantile Hotel, 25 George Street, The Rocks. Pocket rocket, Miss Lilo Blyton, fiddled her way into our hearts inside, while Errol Wood, Terry Darmody, Ralph Graham and Ross J Waters entertained us outside with many of the old favourites. The reunion continued on into the night at the Manhatton Lounge with host Frank Macias.

The guests included: Denise Tsolakis from Cremorne '64, my two oldest friends Diane Willard and Sue Toohey. Berry Street crew: Errol Wood and Ross J Waters and their wives Fionna and Carolyn, Frank Cayley, Phil Wood, Dave and Judy Miller and their sister Fran, who was not part of the Taylor Square scene, howeve, was a dancer on Bandstand. Gus McNeil and friend Margaret, Teri Moodie and friend Bill, Sonya Kereopa, Ralph Graham, Peter Nehill and Karl Rooney were certainly an added surprise. Terry Darmody and his wife Deidree and his mother-in-law Beth. Dominic O'Donnell, Krisee Oliver and Mary Jane Boyce .. Lilo Blyton, Brian Wakefield, David Rowlands from the Unknown Blues & friend, Ken Gooding, Anna Henry brought a crew along, Leo Duffy, Dave Shultz and his friend, Mick Duggan, and Lenny Paterson. Of course, Dave McDermott was also present and accounted for ahhh will add if I have overlooked anyone.

Frank,Terry and Ralph

Ken Gooding, David Rowlands and Errol Wood

Gus McNeil

Manhatton Lounge

Over 100 photos were taken on the day, taken by Dave McDermott, Ross J Waters, Sonya Kereopa, Dominic O'Donnell and myself .. I will put a link up later next week.

Rachaell Wyld ... "You know it has been a fabulous loving insight into Wally's world through posted memories that seem to have been fascilated by you, thanks and good on you. Well, one year I would love to attend a reunion though I have had a life full of love and security I feel a real sense of loss having never really known my 'dad', coz I like to think we would have got on as adults and I love the music."

Thank you Rachaell, that is the one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. I hung off his left leg for a while, though he did manage to escape occasionally. He had pockets of friends everywhere I have enjoyed the journey and met many people. Glad I could share this with you. The reunions are now to be held annually in memory of Wally, Paul, Jim and Mort. I have so much data to share and hope to put up a comprehensive website soon ... with a recollection of 'a week in the life of the SWD' .. so much info. to share

Lenny Paterson has some old tapes of the Dogs, Red and Peter Knox. Red mentioned that there are also films of them at the Oxford Tavern in existence, hoping to hear more on this soon.

Teri Moodie .. I'd love to catch up, Lynne! Reading your comments and your way with words, which evoke all kinds of lost pictures and scents and sounds has made me wonder why on earth we weren't better friends back when. So many hundreds of hours in the same place just wasted!