The Vic Matcham Story
14 November 2007
I have not done a posting about my life story on the Dover FORUM for some time but I did say that I would carrie on with it.
So this posting will carrie on from the last one.
I was taken on at the Odeon cinema as a training film projectionst and it was a good job,the downside of it was the head projectionist had his family working in there to.
His wife was no,2 projectionist and also he was the uncleof the no,3 projectionst and then me who was a outsider.
For the first two weeks or so it was o.k.they were showing me how to work the projector and how to join the films together'.
Then things went wrong for me,I must tell you we had only one news film which then was the path news, the Odeon had links to a cinema in the town today that cinema is the Gala bingo hall. One of my jobs was to wait till the Odeon had put the news on, then I would rewind the film on the rollers then get on my bicycle which had a basket on the front to put the reels of film in,and go like mad down to the other cinema, and in1957 there was no oneway so cars and the bus, lorrys e.t.c.was coming up and down London rd.
When I got down there I would have to load no,3 projector with the first reel of the news then wait, when the news was over I would have the same job there rewind the film and get back to the Odeon A.S.P.
Well it was on a Saturday night both cinemas had good films on and they were full up all seats sold.
We had Bob Hope on at the Odeon and the other cinema had a verygood cowboy film on.
I was doing my work like nomal and the news came on and then I got the reels rewind them then put them on my bicycle and off I went but I was runing late when I got down there I was aske to load the two reels one in the no,2 projector and the other in the no,3 projector which I done,well the big film came to the end and it was time to put the news on,so the head projectionist put on no,2 projector up came the first reel of the news so far so good when the first reel was coming to the end so on went no,3 projector with reel no,2 and up came Bob Hope runing with his legs through a ladder at the back of a fire engine, it had the whole cinema rolling over with laughing, but the language from the head projectionist I can not put on this posting,some how I picked up one of the mainfilm reels which was on at the Odeon and one of the news.
And it did not there[Thats right]at the same time at the Odeon they were showing the main film when[Yes] up came halfway into the film was the one reel of the Path news.
Well more next time I do hope you like it, would like a feed back please.
I remain yours faithfully
Vic Matcham
My Life Story....by Vic Matcham
I have not done a posting about my life story on the Dover FORUM for some time but I did say that I would carrie on with it.So this posting will carrie on from the last one.
I was taken on at the Odeon cinema as a training film projectionst and it was a good job,the downside of it was the head projectionist had his family working in there to.
His wife was no,2 projectionist and also he was the uncleof the no,3 projectionst and then me who was a outsider.
For the first two weeks or so it was o.k.they were showing me how to work the projector and how to join the films together'.
Then things went wrong for me,I must tell you we had only one news film which then was the path news, the Odeon had links to a cinema in the town today that cinema is the Gala bingo hall. One of my jobs was to wait till the Odeon had put the news on, then I would rewind the film on the rollers then get on my bicycle which had a basket on the front to put the reels of film in,and go like mad down to the other cinema, and in1957 there was no oneway so cars and the bus, lorrys e.t.c.was coming up and down London rd.
When I got down there I would have to load no,3 projector with the first reel of the news then wait, when the news was over I would have the same job there rewind the film and get back to the Odeon A.S.P.
Well it was on a Saturday night both cinemas had good films on and they were full up all seats sold.
We had Bob Hope on at the Odeon and the other cinema had a verygood cowboy film on.
I was doing my work like nomal and the news came on and then I got the reels rewind them then put them on my bicycle and off I went but I was runing late when I got down there I was aske to load the two reels one in the no,2 projector and the other in the no,3 projector which I done,well the big film came to the end and it was time to put the news on,so the head projectionist put on no,2 projector up came the first reel of the news so far so good when the first reel was coming to the end so on went no,3 projector with reel no,2 and up came Bob Hope runing with his legs through a ladder at the back of a fire engine, it had the whole cinema rolling over with laughing, but the language from the head projectionist I can not put on this posting,some how I picked up one of the mainfilm reels which was on at the Odeon and one of the news.
And it did not there[Thats right]at the same time at the Odeon they were showing the main film when[Yes] up came halfway into the film was the one reel of the Path news.
Well more next time I do hope you like it, would like a feed back please.
I remain yours faithfully
Vic Matcham
- Very enjoyable Vic...lovely jubbly!
- O.k.
I have had my cup of tea now and will move on with my life story.
I did like the time I worked in the cinema and I was geting on o.k. after a bad few weeks.
Well one night I was working with the no,2 projectectionst because it was the head projectionist night off.
I must say at this point we done some very long hours from midday to about 2300hrs at night and more at the weekend and on top of that we also had Saturday morning for the kids.
Anyway back to that night the no,2 projectionist was having her tea break so I was looking after things on my own,and then I could smell something was burning and I was looking around and then I saw it one of the projectors motors was on fire,we all had training in what to do incase of a fire,so I pushed the fire button then put the lights on and closed the fire safety curtain on the big cinema sreen and put the fire blanket over the fire puting the fire out.
I was called into the mangers office later on and hesaid"Thank you"and I got a ex 10bob aweek for that, now days that is 50p .
I was feeling good over this Till one Saturday night again the cinema was full with some people outside who just could not get in.
Anyway to get to the projection room you had to go up all the stairs in the cinema across the walkway on the roof up some outside stairs into the room.
I was having my cup of tea when the head projectionst called out "Put the lights on Vic", me thinking on my own again put all the lights on in the cinema and closed the curtain thinking the film was over[WRONG]. the film had only been on for about 1hour, The head was calling me all the names under the sun, the manger was on the phone asking"What the hell is going on up there?"
The head said to me "WHAT ARE YOU PLAYING AT"and I said"You told meto put the lights on"he then said "The outside lights on the roof not the lights in the cinema,when we put the lights on in the cinema we say lights up not on and I have told you that in your training, well the manger would like to see you in his office on Monday".
Well on Monday I was waiting outside his office and THEN he Called me in,I was ready to get the sack,he told me to sit down he went on to say he had been talking to my dad and what was to happen to me.
He then told me he had been in the army as a bandsman and it was a good life.
He did know at that time I had been playing the Violin for some years and was playing alot round Dover in church halls E.T.C..
He said after talking with my dad and mum we think by going in to the army it is the way forward for you.
So I left the cinema and I was sorry to go I did like it,well some days later I was at Roper rd in Canterbury to sign on as a boy bandsman in the army my no/was 23524844 and I enlisted in Canterbury on the 7July 1958 and the corsps for which I enlised in wasTHE BUFFS now I WAS IN THE ARMY.
I will again stop there for now.
Thank you again for reading my life story still lots to come but some of the next posting will not be happy and also later on it is very sad with a mate of mine takeing his own life.
VIC MATCHAM
2" - Hi vic
interesting story
noticed yor picture wa in a pub
my pint ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,still waiting,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, - It's a good read, I love the bit about the Pathe News/Bob Hope mix up, looking forward to the next instalment.
Keef, you'd better watch yourself with all these owed pints, don't drink 'em all at once! lol! - Keef I took that picture of Vic in the Park Inn at the Phil Reilly leaving do. I regurgitated it up for this grand occasion of Vic's latest life story blog. Wayhey!
- A posting of my life story will be again at the weekend I would like to make it into a book so if you know some who could do that let me know it. Thank you
- Great stuff Vic, really enjoying it.
- It's a rip-roaring read, looking forward to this weekends update.
- Enjoyed reading it Vic, it brought a smile to my face.
- My life story.
Over the next two posting I am going to tell you about my life as a boy in the Army,but we are looking at about 49yrs ago and I know it is alot better today.
We have now as in the past the best army in the WORLD and the best soldiers every one of them is a hero which makes the story I am about to tell harder to put into words and I do not wish to stop young people joining up because we need them.---
I would like to think what happen to me and others was a one off being in the wrong place at the wrong.
When I enlisted I was told to go back home and I would be called for in afew days time which I did.
After about 4days I had a letter to report to the boys unit at Canterbury and put in a small case only my washing gear e.t.c.and also my Violin and be there at 0930hrs.
I think it was a Wednesday I said good-bye to my mum and dad and the family dad gave me some cash to help me till I got paid.
I was told before I signed on that I was going to a place which was run like a music school and in my own way I was looking forward to geting there,and like now next to my wife and family and the dog music is is my big love and was then.
How wrong was I when I got there I went to the office, and after some time was taken into the office, and the first thing I was told what time I must be up by, washed and dress by 0700hrs then you will march with the others to the cookhouse have your food, march back then there will aroom and kit inspection and then outside for roll call and inspection by a sgt.
I was then taken to get my kit out of the store and sign for it then I was taken to the bed store to get my beding.having got all that I was taken to this big hut this was to be my new home
inside was about 15beds or more down each side of the room at one end was a coke fire yes a coke fire and you could smell it all the time it was lit,behind that was steps down to the wash house,.
After that I was gave a plan on how to put your kit out on the bed each morning for inspection.
Then a timetable of the days of the week when I was to go to school and my music lessons, also on it was the names of the N.C.O.S.and the jr ones to+the officers.
THEN I was told you must call all officers sir at all times and theN.C.O.S. by their rank.
By this time it was late after noon so I was send to the cookhouse to eat, then report to the n.c.o. who was in the hut.
Will stop there more at the weekend.
Vic Matcham - Well when I got to the hut there was a room at one end this was theN.C.O. room, I knocked on the door and was told to come in, he was a full cpl he told me he was in charge of the boys in this room, he then went on to tell me all the rules and what would happen to me if I did not keep to them.he told me I was not to go out at nights and would only be allow out for about 3 hours on Saturday afternoon so I could get what I would need for the week and would not be allow to go home for the first six weeks.
By this time all the boys were back in the room to get ready to go for their tea in the cookhouse.
I was in his room[office]for a good hour just before I came out he said next day I would be on the morning roll call then after that my day would be spend geting all my kit done and ready to put out on my bed for the big inspection nextday by the C.O. which was Friday.
Also I would have to go to the music store to get my army Ef Clarinet out and sign for it.
And also at the same time hand in my own clothes e.t.c.as from Friday I would only beable to wear my army unifrom in or out of the camp.
He then called one of the lads over and told him to take me to the cookhouse.
I will not go into all the details but I got talking to some of the lads when we were eating our food and they were telling me all about the place and some of the older boys there.
Let me just gave you all the make up of the bks before I go on;it had 4no long huts like the one I was in this was for the accommodation for the younger boys and one more long hut which was the offices and stores e.t.c.
There was one big block of 3 or 4 floors high this was the accommodation for the older boys and the bathrooms there was no bathrooms in the huts and the one and only one T.V.room.
There was some 100boys in all, and on top of that was the officers, and the N.C.O.S.
There was two sections of boys they were the bandsmen and the other one was the corps of drums, and we were not all in the same regiments the boys came here to do their Drill and music training then at the age of 18yrs they would join their own regiments.
Well it was my first night we had to be in bed I think it was 2200hrs the lights were then turned off by the N.C.O.
I must have been in bed about 1 hour when I heard alot of shouting going on in one of the huts and a boy was crying out,I turned to the lad in the next bed to me and asked him what was going on in there he said"I would know eoon just lie there and do not say aword".
The shouting went on and the crying for along time alast I went to sleep.
The lights went on at 0600hrs in came the cpl shouting"Get out of your "PITS"all the lads got up and rundown to the washhouse, I was to slowgeting out of my bed and I was tiped out of the bed and then the bed was put upside down by the cpl but by this time I was also rushing down to the washhouse after that we had to make our beds up and make the beding into a box and it was done like this first the blanket then the sheet blanket sheet and then the top blankit and the last blankit had to go around the rest to make it into a box,this box had to be the correct size or it was pickup by the n.c.o. he would shout at you this is no good then out of the window it would go rain or no rain you would then have to get it and make it again this was to be done each day.
Well that is it till next time.
I remain yours faithfully Vic Matcham - i bet you did not book up again at that holiday camp vic!!
- Whilst reading your latest posting Vic, it reminded me of that RAF National Service series on tv based in the fifties, I think it was called 'Get some in!' correct me if I'm wrong.
- spot on baz, i remember that, there was a sadistic corporal, came out with the classic line, my name is marsh, i will spell that BA R S T A R D.
- O.K.on we go with my life story.
Just to point out to you all at this time I was still only 16yrs old.
It was Thursday morning I had still only been in the army some 24hrs only.
I was told to get all my kit up to standard by the end of the day.
I had to put my name and number on all of it and then press it all up into the sizes on the list they had gave me, so I was in the hut most of the day,some of the lads came in from time to time and helped me and the cpl was there to, and I had to bull my boots up so you could see your face in them.
By the end of the day I was about all in,at about 1700hrs all the lads came back in,the n.c.o.told us to stand by our beds.
In the morning he said we are going to have a big inspection and the standard of your kit and the room must be very high,
the C.O.is coming round with the R.S.M.to examine your kit and the room with this in mind the lights will not be turn off tonight.
He went on to say I will be coming round at times to see how you all are geting on.
The floor must be highly polish with no marks on it,and I will tell you all"DO NOT LET ME DOWN some of you know already what will happen if we do not come up to the C.O. very high standard.
When he went out of the room we went for our tea down at the cookhouse I went with some lads who had been helping me in the daytime,when we were eating our food, they told me all about the bullying done by the older boys from the main block,and without turning heads they told mewhere they were siting in the cookhouse,I did look round and they were big lads and some of them about 18yrs old and were waiting to join their regiment, one of them saw me looking at him, he came over to me got hold of me and said "WHO ARE YOU LOOKING AT SON"he let go of me because a n.c.o. was coming overbut he turn round on me and said"We will see to you later on."
I will not be saying any names to you so when I say mates please take that means friends.
When we got back to the bk/room my mates were telling me that the older boys will come for me one night because you are a new boy, but because of the big inspection it might not be tonight but when they do come just take the beating DO NOT FIGHT BACK there is about 8or10 of them and if you fight back you will get a biger beating and they will come back again and again so just take it.
Imust say this posting is geting to me it is all coming back to me now and I can see some of the faces on my mind.
Anyway on we go that Thursday night was a very very long night, we were up all night first geting all our kit out on the bed in size and in the order it was on the plan,and also I was looking at the door waiting for the older boys to rush in and get me,but I had already said to myself I would put up a fight had done some boxing at school so I would have ago. But as the night went on the other lads said they will not come tonight now it is to late.
I do not know what time it was that we had all our kits out on the beds and our lockers done with our uniforms pressd and hanging up in the locker, but it must have been about 0300hrs in the morning so we had to lie on the floor to try and sleep because of our kit was on the bed and the lights were still on.
Well we all had been down for about one hour if that when the CPL came in shouting at us all"What are you lot doing on the floor get up you have not done the room yet COME ON".
So up we got, we had to get on our hands and feet and polish and polish the floor.Then clean the windows and clean out the washhouse and he stood there shouting at us for the rest of the night.
It was about 0630hrs in the morning[Friday] and we had done the lot, we was told to stand by our beds and the cpl went out of the room only to return with the SGT both of them went round looking at our kit then the room and last the washhouse the SGT then said"This is not up to the standard for the C.O.but it is to late now so get a wash e.t.c. then down to the cookhouse to eat and get back to get dressed into your no1 dress which was our best uniform and it was a blue one.
So off we went to the cookhouse the older boys were already there and two of them came up to me and said"Not last night but we will becoming to get you soon"I did not say anything.
Well that is all for now sorry again will not post now for about 14days or so because of work but there is lots more to come some very sad and some fun to.
I remain yours faithfully Vic Matcham
- Hi Vic, You have asked for people who have been following your Life Story to make a comment, from day one my family and I have been following each posting with great interest. One thing I would like to ask, is what happened to the young chap who was crying during the night, or will that follow in the next instalment?
- David I dont know if you have seen it but Vic answered this query on the Letters Page a few days back.
- Thank you for that Paul, I did see the reply from Vic on the Letters page, I meant to comment, but it slipped from my mind (as most things do when one gets a bit long in the tooth) lol!
- Well it is time to tell you more.
It was Friday morning we were all standing by our beds waiting in our best no1dress for the C.O.and the R.S.M. to come round to do the inspection please remember we all had been up alday and night geting ready for this, and most of us were worn out and also most of us were still only 16yrs old, and myself and one other lad had only been in the army 2 days.
The cpl and the sgt was standing by the open door also waiting then they came in the room,the cpl shouted"Boys and kit and room ready for your inspection SIR".
The C.O. R.S.M.and others all came in the room going round from bed to bed looking at eveything Beding, Kit, Lockers,and us to, at one of the boys bed which they were looking at the C.O. turned to the Sgt and said"Sgt this one is not up to standard take his name". I could not belive what happen next the Sgt and the Cpl dip the bed up with all the kit on it then went on to kick the boys kit about then they turned his locker overonto the overturn bed and told the boy to get out of the room and wait outside.
He then got to me and by this time I was very worried and they could see I was to, I was shaking {YES SHAKING]the C.O.just looked at me and my kit but moved on to the next bed the R.S.M. done the same BUT the Sgt and Cpl did not they moved in on my kit and they pulled it all apart and then pulled my uniforms out of the locker put them on the floor and jumped on them.
Well one or two beds were turned up and the same done to the boys kit.
Then they all went on to look at the room and the washouse when they had done that the C.O.and the R.S.M. went out of the room, but the sgt shouted out to us"Stay by your beds till I come back".he then went outside with the rest of them.
They were outside talking to the officers for about 15mins.
Will stop there for my tea will be back to tell you what happen next.
I remain yours Vic Matcham - The sgt came back in told the lads outside to come in to, we were told our kit and the room was NOT up to the standard and we were all to do ex/drill after our days work,remember I had not done any drill in the army yet.
Iwas then put in a group of lads and was told I was to go around with them alday just to see what they do and then on Monday still with the same group I would start my schooling and music E.T.C.
Well we were told to put all our kit back in the lockers and march in our groups by the way all groups had Jr N.C.O. most of them were older and had been in the army sometime, most of them were O.K. because they at one time had been like us.
I must now tell you what happen that night {Friday} we had just got back to our hut from working all day, we went for our tea when we got back the cpl told us to get outside we were put in prs and marched to the drill square and we were drilled for over an hour it was hard for me because I did not know my left from my right and was turning the wrong way and did I get shouted at in the end I was told to do press ups for going the wrong way.
Well at lastwe got back to our room we just lied on the beds we all were done in none of us was talking.
We was on our beds when the N.C.O.came in the room he told us not to get up and went on to say that we all have had avery hard day and in the morning there was to be afull band practice in the band room.
Some of the lads in the hut was in the band but most were like me, he went on to say the rest of you would sit in with the band and we need not put boots on shoes were o.k.but must be in uniform and to take your army instrument with you mine was the Ef Clarinet after that the rest of the day would be yours but I was not to go out because it was my first weekend in the army.
And on Sunday morning we would have to march down to the church for the Sunday service again you must be turnout good and in uniform.
The cpl then went out of the room and some of us was talking some went to the T.V. room in the main block.
The lights went out at about 2230hrs, well I was asleep when the dooropen and a gang of the older boys rushed in they got me before I could get out of my bed I could not fight them off, they hit me and then picked me up went down to the washouse I was made to stand there with nothing on and they got fire buckits filled up with cold water and dip them over me this went on for some time they was all laughing and shouting and pushing me about then they toke me outside still with nothing on and made me run up and down the path and as I was doing this they were hiting me wheh I run by them.
Must stop there for arest will be back in one hour.
Vic Matcham - After that I was taken back inside and some of them held me and the others went to work on my kit and then they put my locker on my bed face down,got my boots which I had spend along time polishing them and they cut into them with a knife then still laughing and shouting went out of the room, I will tell you by this time all I DONE WAS SIT ON THE FLOOR AND YES I DID CRY and if it had not been for my mates I would have run away.
But they help me up and together we picked up my kit and the locker and put it all back the best we could.
Before I go on with my life story tonight I would just like to point out to you all that I do not write it down before I print it out all I do is sit here and think back over the the years and what happen so my words sometimes are not the right words and the spelling is not good but I do find at times to think of it all at the same time hard to do.
We left off on what happen on the Friday night.
Well on the Saturday mouning the cpl came round and got us out of bed at no time that day did he make it hard for me.
He did know what happen that night but did not say anything to me ,I was sore all over and in pain but I went with the lads to sit in with the full band.
ALso I will say that the band was good most of them was boys and their music was at a very high standard and for the first time in the army I sat there and enjoyed it.
Afterwards we went for our meal. Then I said to a mate of mine I must go for a bath I got my washing things together and was on my way to the main block when I saw one of the older lads who got me on the Friday night walking on his own down the back path to go out, I could not stop myself I let go of what I had in my hands and went after him he did not see me till it was to late I hit him as hard as I could he went down AND i WAS ON TOP OF HIM, but I did not see the others coming out of the back door next thing they were all over me but luck was on my side two n.c.o. were coming up the path and they did stop it before I got done in again.
Well I am going to move on now bullying was there all the time and other things which I will not talk about it was hard on all of us not just me.
On the Monday it was back to school for me after afew weeks I passed my 3rd and 2nd class in education.
The cpl who was my teacher on the clarinet was very good to, and with some very long hours practising with him and on my own I was playing with the full band but only in practice not out in concert yet.
I was doing O.K. and it came to the first time I could go home had along weekend Friday till Monday night had to be back by lights out Monday.
I went home on the steam train in my no1dress you could not put your own on and my family was waiting for me.I did have agood time but Monday came round and I must say I did not want to go back I had been beaten up afew times in the past and was not keen to go back to it,and if I had know then want was going to happen in the next two weeks I would have done a runner.
I got back in time for lights out but when I got to the hut the room was in the dark and it was so quiet not a sound nothing I did not want to go in but I had to, when I turned the lights on no one was there and then I SAW IT my bed had been taken apart some of it was missing as was my kit my locker had been broken into some of my kit was riped up some out of the window it was all in a mess then some of the other lads turned up they had been down in the games room or the t.v. room one of the Jr cpl came in and went and got the duty Sgt when he saw it all I must say now he acted at once got all the boys out from all the rooms and the main block to , he had us all standing outside in the square had the outside lights put on and was asking if anyone know who done it but no one said aword"Right"he said "no more T.V. and thge older boys could not go out at nightand there would be room and kit inspections each night and a roll call each hour for the next 7days and I had to do it as well.
The kit what was missing was replace by the army and a new bed.
Sorry was hoping to do more but that is it till nextweek end and again the next posting will not be a happy one and very sad.
I remain yours faithfully Vic Matcham - Vic, I just caught up on the latest instalment and I am feeling rather sad. It is quite distressing to read but i appreciate that you must tell it as it really was so........
A very gripping story! - well it appears Vic the majority of posters like your story
so whats your next story on?
k - only 1 pint vic!!
- I had made good friends with alot of the boys about my age and one of them we would go eveywhere together, well about two weeks after what happen that Sunday night we were all in bed when the older boys came in with their leader and he was a big lad had done all of his training as a boy and was waiting to join his regiment, he told us one of you have let the wholeside down by a poor performance on the drill square today, so we are going to hold in this room tonight a court hearing with a counsel for both sides Matcham you will act on behalf of your mate and on saying that they done no more then grab hold of him so he could not get away, he went on to say one of us older ones will act for the prosecution.
Well a table was put up with chairs around it, he then sat down and said I am the JUDGE.
I could not belive what was going on, anyway they read out the case for the prosecution and I could not do it by this time I was also very upset about it all.
But he was judged by the older boys and the decisionwas to take off his uniform and with nothing on he had to run around the room 3 times, but first eveyone had to get their towels out go down to the washouse put the towels in cold water then two boys had to roll up the wet towels to make them hard then all the boys had to stand down both sides of the room and hit him hard on the back with them when he run by if you did not join in you got the same done to you.
At the end of the room was this coke fire and it was very hot still and the chimney went up and out on to the roof, I must say I am finding it hard to carrie on with this posting at this time .] but I must.
He was runing around the room the floor was polished up he put his hand out to go around the fire but slip on the polish floor his hands went on to the hot chimmey and was burn bad and had to go to the hospital and he was kepe in.
I am going to have acup of tea now more later on.
Next letter will be how two boys lost their lives this was a very sad time for all of us not just me.
Vic Matcham - Last part today more at the weekend.
This is the one I am feeling upset about and have not done it yet.
Still can not bring myself found to tell you how my best mate at that time killed himself only to tell you he did do it and I know why, later on in my life story I will tell the whole story because I was there at the time but not now.
Well I am 17yrs old now and was in the full band and playing out at concerts and on the bandstands and doing alot of Carnival and processions like beating the retreat,regimental marching E.T.C. and this was all very good.
But back in the BKS the bullying went on and on and it was the same ones doing it all the time and then we herd that the leader was to get posted in 14days time and we all was so happy about it.
But it was not to last long I was in a room of some 20boys in the main block and the gang came in all together and were picking on some of the boys, beds going up lockers turned over some of the younger lads were taken out put in a bath of cold water and had other things done to them most of them were crying and calling for help, and it came to my turn like some I put up a fight and was not doing to bad geting hit but standing up for myself but in the end they got me at the time I had nothing on,and in the room was a long table, they put me on this table and held me down and hit me and done other things to it was very up seting.
It was a nightmare but it was stoped after a time and they all went out.
One of them had a big motorbike and because they were waiting to get posted they could go out till late at nights.
Well that night we were geting our beds back up and helping each other when we see them go off on the motorbike the leader of the gang was on the back.
Later on we went to bed at lights off, about 2430hrs the door open and the lights went on and the officer was there and a Sgt and Cpl, the Sgt he called us all together and said I have some sad news to tell you all.
The two men who went out on the motorbike tonight have had a cash they came off the bike going down a hill and the one on the back of the bike came off and hit his head on to a tree and is dead and the other one is in a bad way.
We all know it was wrong, but at that time a big cheer went up in the room,
we all had been at the hands of this bully and his gang for avery long time and just could not stop ourselfs at that time, but nextday we were not happy with ourselfs the way we acted.
Well he had a full army funeral and we all played in the band it was very sad.
Well that is it for tonight more at the weekend.
Vic Matcham - Only speed read a few snips Vic - you haven't met me yet....... must of been around the mid 60's if I recall correctly.
- Very interesting Vic. In those days you could ride around on motorcycles with no helmets at all...in fact I did it myself for years. Ah there was nothing like the long hair blowing in the wind. But it's amazing how we get acclimatised to changeing rules and regulations, couldnt imagine doing it now without a helmet. Would feel most weird.
- Vic, that was very upsetting to read as it must have been for you to write, the bully got his comeuppance in the end but it is awful that he had to pay with his life. Terrible times indeed.
- Well it is time to move on with my life story.
The bulling did die down after the funeral there was still some but it was soon stoped and things did get alot better for all of us, and I got on with my music training, but not only music we also done alot of sports as well but because I was in the full band by now I was not allowed to box in the ring but could do the training, but when I was at school I done alot of cross country runing UP AND DOWN HILLS ACROSS FIELDS e.t.c. when the army found out that I was good at it,I was put in the cross country team and now I was away playing in the full band and when I was not doing that I was runing for my unit and the armyat times at cross country runing and this was very good for me because I was never very long in the BKS.
Well we was coming up to Remembrance Sunday and because at that time there was alot of troops in Canterbury, Remembrance Sunday was a big day for the army, but the only band in Canterbury at that time was the army boys band but we were as good as any regimental band and we were also biger to.
Anyway aweek before Remembrance Sunday I was called for by the Bandmaster, so along I went to his office, I was told to go in and the Bandmaster was there with the C.O.
"RIGHT MATCHAM"said the Bandmaster"THE C.O. and myself have been thinking about Remembrance Sunday and we have come up with a good idea, and that is,because all the high ranking officers and the Mayor of Canterbury will be there to, we would like you to play a violin solo in the church with the band backing you, and the solo will be"ABIDE WITH ME"willthat be ok with you? "YES SIR IT WILL".
So all that week we was drilling with the troops well over 100or so of them and also I was rehearsing "Abide with me"with the band before performing in public at the church, it went very well and the last reheasal was on Saturday afternoon the C.O. and the Bandmaster and the R.S.M. and others were there and it did sound good.
After the rehearsal the C.O. and the Bandmaster came up and said to me "WELL DONE MATCHAM THAT WAS VERY GOOD."
Well next day we were all in our best uniforms and with the all the troops marching behind the band we marched down to the garrison church 100s of onlooks, when we all got to the churchthe band toke ou its place at the front of the church[Inside] with the choir,and the church was so full they were standing at the back all the officers and their familys the Mayor was there and the full council also with their family.
I was in the programme with a write up about me, and I must say I was feeling very good about it all.
Well last post was played E.T.C.and IT came to my turn to play "ABIDE WITH ME" I got up and toke up my position next to the Bandmaster I had a tune up with the band all ok, so there I was playing in front of this very full church, AND what happen next my E string brokeand it was a wire one to, Well it rolled up and then the impossibe happen it went up my nose and Blood was pouring out of my nose all over my violin and the music to there were tears in my eyes and I could not see,and then the Bandmaster turn to me and said "Keep playing they will gave you a medal for this Matcham".
But I could not, and the band played on anyway till the end.
And I had to go to the sick bay and have the string removed. ALL TRUE.
Well in my next letter on my life story will about geting to Kneller Hall and what a good place what was and still is
I remain yours faithfully Vic Matcham - could have been worse vic, might have been your g string.
- O.k it has been along time from the last posting on my life story.
My wife and myself wish you all avery happy New Year.
It is now on with my life story.
I had now done my boys time in the army and was waiting to take the Examination for KNELLER Hall or go to my Regimental band [Buffs].
AT this time I was playing in the full boys band and I must tell you about two of the concerts which we played at.
[1]It was the full marching band playing at a county fair it had been raining but had stoped.
So there we all are playing up and down this field and there was alot of folk looking at us to
I was marching behind the big bass drum with all the other woodwind instruments when the bass drummer put his foot into ahole, well down he went and the rest of us following him, the bandmaster and the drummajor and the rest of the band in front of us did not know what was going on behind them,at the end of the field they done about turn to come back and then they could see half the band trying to get to their feet and runing to catch up with the rest of the band.
Alot of children were there and they were all shouting and laughing at it all and then down came the rain again.
Once I was playing at the LEAS CLIFFE hall at Folkstone there was two army bands on the stage and there was not alot of room for all of us, well the hall was full up all seats sold it was a very big concert, I was one of the two Ef clarinet players we were siting down and the bandmaster came on the stage to conduct the bands, I WAS SITING on the very end of the band he turn round and said "Matcham move round some more so I can see all the band,I told him I was near the edge of the stage"DO WHAT I TELL YOU MATCHAM" so I moved I then was right on the edge, he brought his batonup to play the Queen everyone in the hall got up, and we did as well but as I got up my foot missed the edge of the stage and"YES" OFF THE STAGE I WENT it was a big drop and I landed at the feet of A Major siting in the front row, but I got back up waited till the end of playing of the Queen and went back on the stage nothing was said to me but I WAS IN PAIN THAT NIGHT.
About aweek after that I was on my own in the band room playing my violin.
By the way at this time my regiment was in Aden and having abad time of it with some of them geting killed, but they were coming back soon and I was waiting to join them.
Anyway back to that day I was playing on my own in the band room, and the door open and in came this bandmaster I had never seen him before, he stop me playing and said to me"You boy you are in the Buffs and waiting to join up with the regimental band when they get back">
"YES SIR"
"WHO IS THE BANDMASTER OF THE BUFFS BOY AND HIS NAME?
"I do not know sir"
"You are in the Buffs and you are telling me you do know who the bandmaster is" by this time he was shouting at me.
"I am the bandmaster of the Buffs can you not see it on my uniform and my name is SHARP [ he ended up as the head of the music in the army with the rank of Col, but more about that later].
"And I can see I am not going to like you, and you are very untidy so you had better get smarten up by the next time we meet."
And off he went.
The next time we met up was when the full boys band was playing in CANTERBURY and he was there after the concert he came up to all of us and said well done it was a good concert, he then called me over to one side and said "WELL MATCHAM YOU WILL NOT BE SEEING ME ANYMORE and for both of us that is agood thing so it is "GOODBYE".
"Can I aske where youare going sir"?
"Yes Matcham I am going to be the new bandmaster at KNELLER HALL and you will never pass the music examination to get in there in two weeks time"
And again off he went.
Well that is it for tonight I do hope you all like reading it, more later.
Yours faithfully Vic Matcham - Ooh! fascinating stuff there Vic, I wonder if your passed your exam to see your favourite bandmaster again. lol! I look forward to the next instalment.
- Well on we go, we left my life story last time with my new Bandmaster saying goodbye to me and telling me he would not be seeing me again because he was going to Kneller hall as its new Bandmaster and that I would never pass the music examination to get there and then off he went.
But unknow to him I had been studying some 16hrs a day 7days aweek to do just that,I must say it was very painstaking in that pursuit.
Well two weeks came and it was time to do the examination it was taken over two days and they tested my playing on the Violin and the Clarinet and also had to do a musical score I must say it was very hard and at the end I did not hold out alot about me geting a good mark
After the examination we were told we could go home for two weeks,we had now done all our training and was waiting to[1]Go to our regimenal band.[2]or go on to Kneller Hallif you had done well in the examination.
I could not wait to get home from the army it had not been good the past two years.
When I got home my brother had got his papers to go and do his National Service, but because he was away at collage he had it put back till he came back to Dover.
I did not tell my mum or dad about the bullying only about the music side of the army, and like me was hoping I had done well with the examination.
It was two very good weeks at home and I can tell you now like last time I was not looking foreward to going back, but I did.
When I got back to the Bks, most of the other lads were already there, one of my mates came up to me and said"Go and have alook at the notice in the day room it will tell you where you are going".
So I put my gear away and off I went to look at the notice,and looking down the list came up to my name and on it was Jr/ bandsman Vic Matcham to go to "KNELLER HALL"and I had very good marks to, I was very happy with this news +some of my mates were also coming with me.
Well that is all for now but please keep reading lots more to come .
I remain yours faithfully Vic Matcham - On we go.
We left with me waiting to go to the Royal Military School of Music Kneller Hall, but I was not due to be there till the 19.10.59 so I stayed at Canterbury for some weeks, but two weeks before I was due to go they send me home on leave for two weeks.
When I got home this time my brother had gone into the army to do his National Service, but he would only go into the Household Cavalry he could not do that as a N/S/man because the training takes two years,so what did he go and do "He signed on for 22yrs but could come out after six years.
T his had upset my dad because he had paid out for him to be at collage for 3yrs.
Anyway again I had a great time at home going out with my mates and visiting my old school[ASTOR SEC].
After the two weeks were up went back to Canterbury to get my kit and two of my mates as well got our steam train tickets to London and said goodbye and off we went carrying all our kit and that was hard to,when we got to London[on time to]we had to get to Twickenham we also got there by train.
Kneller Hall is right next to the Rugby Ground.
What a great place to be ,but anywhere had to be better then where we had been before.
Kneller Hall was so big from the outside.[Have alook on the Webb at it, just log in Kneller Hall and it will come up].
We got to the big gates and was met by a S/Bandmaster he gave us the plan layout of Kneller Hall with that was details where we were to go.
Kneller Hall do not only have musicians from Great Britain, but from all around the World.
You all go there first as a pupil for one year, you then go back to your own band for about 3years then you can take a very very hard music examination and IF you pass[most do not pass] you then go back to Kneller Hall as a Student Bandmaster after 3yrs there if you pass all the music examinations and there is alot of them[Again some do not pass]but IF you do then you pass out as a W.01 that is a Bandmaster and you have your own army or R.A.F. Band.
But it does not end there after along time time as a Bandmaster[most stay at that].But some go on to be a Director of Music and then you have one of the top army or the R.A.F. Bands like the Goldstream Guards,[We call them Staff BANDS].And that is about your lot you end up about the rank of Major which in music is very high,but my Bandmaster the one who did not like me done alot more better then that.He was the head of all army music in the land with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Sharpe not only was he the Bandmaster of Kneller hall when I was there but went on to be the Director of music of the Coldstream Guards after that he went back to Kneller hall as the Director of Music of the school and was no1 Director, not bad when yot think he joined up like me as aboy.
Well that has been two posting tonight on my life story, but there was a downside to all this for me at that time I WAS NOT WELL AND THAT WAS TO PLAY A VERY BIG PART IN MY LIFE LATER ON.
Again I remain yours faithfully Vic Matcham. [hope it all makes good reading]. - Very interesting as always Vic.
- Vic, your determination and true grit has to be admired, well done in qualifying for Kneller Hall, when you started what sort of response did you get from your original bandmaster who didn't seem to like you. Enjoyed reading your continuing life story as usual. But what's this I hear! you're leaving it at that! I'm avidly waiting the next instalment.
- I was by now just settling down at Kneller Hallit was agreat place to be at,you did not have to wear boots and you done very little drill and ONLY two Guards dutys the whole time you was there, it was MUSIC MUSIC all the time from 0830hrs to about 1900hrs each day and your music teachers were true professional all of them had been to University and we had to call them Professors we had two lessons a week with them on a one to one they all had their own music room your lessons were 1 hour long each time with them.
I had two lessons a week on my Clarinet and two with my Violin.
There was about 200 pupils and some 30 Student Bandmasters+The Bandmaster of the School who at this time was my old Banmaster and as you know he did not like me and did not think I had it in me to get to Kneller Hall, by the way at this time he still did NOT know I was there it was some time later till he found out.
And then there was the R.S.M.who was ex Coldstream Guards his name was MR Lowe so you did well to keep away from him.
And at the head and the Boss of Kneller Hall at that time was Lieutenant Colonel C, Mcbain of the Scots Guards and he was always on the malt Whisky a very hard man to get on with as you will find out later on.
When you all get there first because of the numbers they made up four bands each band had one or two Student Bandmasters and they were in charge of the band you was in.
Your working week was taken up with [1]Band practice.[2]Practising on your own,[3]Lessons with your professor, on top of that two times a month the four bands +all the Student Bandmasters would have to practice and play together as a full band because in the summer we put on outside concerts to the public up to about 2000 or3000 at one time +we was also making a L.P. SO YOU CAN SEE IT WAS ALL GO+you all all had music examinations and tests the whole time you was there.
So on we go, I had only been there afew weeks and I just had to go to the Doctors I was very unwell and both of my legs were in pain and my back,at first he put me on pain killers because I was only at Kneller Hall for one year only and if I went sick it would put me behind the rest with no time to make it up,But the pain did not go away and in the end I had some x-rays done and was in hospital for tests they did find something but would not tell me what it was.
Well I keep on asking if I could go back to Kneller Hall because of my music e.t.c. after two weeks they let me go back I had more pain killers they still did not tell me what was wrong with me.
Anyway more about that later.#
I got back and had to work hard at night times to make up for the time I was away'
Still my old Bandmaster did not know I was there,well it was Christmas time and home we all went for two weeks, and it was good to see all my family again, and at the same time my brotherwas home from the Guards, well we had been home about two days and the front door bell went and standing there was a young reporter of the Dover Express by the name of Mr T, Sutton[Yes it was him who we all know] the last time I saw him was way back when I nearly lost my life in the sea at the age of 11yrs that as been in my life story some time ago,anyway he had come up now to get the story of my brother and myself about our life in the army, well he done it and the week after that we were both in the paper under the heading Brothers doing well in the Army and it was agood write up.
Well that is all for now in the next one it will about the time I meet up with my old Bandmaster +the Big fire at the Band concert with the Royal Family there,[Yes it was me you will have fun reading about it.]
I remain yours faithfully Vic Matcham - You have an incredible memory Vic when it comes to remembering all the officers names.
I think perhaps your story should be turned into a book, so that future generations can understand some of the trials and tribulations people have endured over the years. - Vic, that was a very interesting read, I really enjoyed it, looking forward to the next instalment especially the Bandmaster reunion.
- Great stuff Vic.
- After Christmas at home and the new year,the year we are now in is 1960.
I returned to Kneller Hall I was to be there till the 5.9.1960 so time was moving on fast.
Anyway when I got back to Kneller hall like the rest of the lads I went to have alook to see what I was going to do on the first day back, and I found out I was on Guard duty that night, I did not mine that you only done two in the one year so best to get them out of the way.
Well that night I went to the guard room there was six of us an a officer commander who told us all what to do and where to go.[1] one on the main gate.[2]Two walking around the school.[3]and two walking around the outside of the homes of the officers.[4] one resting.
You was told to stop every one coming in or going out men or officers and aske them for their I.D.if they did not have it on them we was to take them to the guard room to see who they were.
Well myself and my mate was told to go around the streets where all the officers had their homes the street did have a gate on it but that was to stay open to midnight then we closed the gate and one of us was to stay there in the hut so to let in any officers coming home late with their wifes and then lock the gate again, well I was the one to stay there on the gate from midnight to 0200hrs in the morning .
I was siting in the hut for about 1hour and A car turned up to be let in , I look to see who it was and"YES""it was my old bandmaster Mr Sharp as you all know did not like me and said I would never make it to Kneller Hall.
This was the first time I had seen him from Canterbury, but he could not see who I was because I had my hat on and it was dark.
I said to him"Have you got any I.D. on you sir I can not let you pass the gate without it">
"I am the school bandmaster you must let me in ." His wife was also in the car and said the same"I am Mr Sharps wife and I would like to get home tonight">
Sorry about that but with out I.D. I CAN NOT LET YOU IN ".
I could see Mr Sharp was cross but he could not do a thing about it.
In the end I said "Sir if your wife would stay in the car I will take you around to the guard room and you can talk to the guard commander.
"I KNOW WHERE THE GUARD ROOM IS "he said.
"You stay with my wife and I WILL GO ALONG TO THE MAIN GATE and have words with the guard commander and I can tell you now youare for it in the morning.
"Sorry about that sir but my orders are my orders , and also sir I must tell you before you go if you come back with out I.D. please come back with the guard commander or I will still not let you in. He was not a happy man and off he went , he came back after about 20mins with the guard commander "O.K. BANDSMAN let Mr Sharp and his wife in the gate".
As he got into his car he turn to me and said " You have not heard the last of this".
After nhe had gone the officer said to me that I was right and it would be alright
.
So that was the first time we had come across each other at Kneller Hall but it was not the last time.
But next time he got his own back on me. - A great read as usual Vic, I look forward to the next instalment when your friendly bandmaster realises that it was your goodself that didn't let him in.
- Well it is on with my life story.
I have each four months a International Military Music Society Newsletter and the last one was December 2007and on the cover of that newsletter is my old bandmaster returning to Kneller Hall in 2007 which was the 150year anniversary of this great college of military music, it has been said that COL SHARP who we all know as my old bandmaster was the best bandmaster and military conductor the army have ever had over the whole 150years and in that photo on the cover it has Mr Sharp as conductor of the Royal Military Band Kneller Hall at the age I think of about 76years old he is a great man and I must say I do feel good that I was in the army at the same time he was, even if he did not think a lot of me.
Well by now we are well in to the last four months of my time at Kneller Hall , and I was not getting to bad I was getting better and better at both of my musical instruments but I was still not well with my back and both legs and in some pain most of the time. Anyway we must move on it mast have been about May 1960 when we were all told that rehearsing for the full band ready for the outside concerts are to begin each week so now we were all put into the one band .
Well it was the first outside rehearsal on the outside big bandstand we all had to march down to the band stand well because I was a EF Clarinet player I was right down the front of the bandstand and the bandmasters rostrum [Platform] where the bandmasters got up on to lead the band was just above where I was standing.
Well the rehearsal began with first some of the Student bandmasters learning how to conduct a very big band for the first time and some of them was not that good and what did not help them was Col Mcbain who was the top gun then at Kneller hall and I told you sometime ago he was a very big Malt Whisky drinker and a hard man to get on with was getting on to them all the time I must say it must have been hell for them I have seen him get on the rostrum and take the baton from a S/Bandmaster and push him off the rostrum and swear at them and us all the time.
Well after about two hrs of this we were told to go to tea and be back in 30mins, when we got back Col Mcbain was waiting on the Rostrum told us we were late back so we would not stop for dinner he then went on say
“Will you all clap yours hands for our New Bandmaster Mr T Sharp from the Buffs who will now take over for the next hour.
Mr Sharp got up on to the rostrum looked round said “Thank you all for that and I am looking forward at my time of being the Band master of Kneller Hall for the next 3years or so”
Mr Sharp looked down at his music got it already told us what it was so we got it out already to play, he then picked up the baton to conduct the band and “YES” this is what you all have been waiting for.] He look at me and this is what he said and I will never ,never, forget it “You bandsman on the EF Clarinet stand the one with the big ears take your hat off “No it can not be Matcham please tell me someone it is not MATCHAM.
“Yes sir it is me” I should not have said a word at that time because this is what came next”Matcham That voice it was you on the gate last week and you would not let me and my wife in because I did not have any I.D. on me,am I right about that?”
“Yes sir I must say you are right”
“ Well Matcham I hoped you like your first 8 months at Kneller Hall because you are not going to like the rest of the year”
Well that is all for tonight still to come the big fire.
I remain yours faithfully Vic Matcham
- I wonder what would have happened to you Vic if you hadn't followed protocol. After all the rules have to apply to everyone.
I am still waiting for the Vic Matcham V Frank Bruno story. I saw your message in the letters bit and thought "THIS IS IT"
I am really excited about hearing about that encounter.
Mandie x - Recognition at last Vic, even if it was in the negative as in being noted as the guard on the gate, but if you let the Bandmaster in without ID he would have probably come down on you like a ton of bricks, A No-Win situation I think. Ah Well, All's fair in love and war. lol!
- Great new entry Vic, keep them coming.
Michelle - I must say at this time Mr Sharp did not pick on me at anytime after our meeting up with each other.
Well summer was with us by now and we were about to start our outside concerts and I was looking forward to this.
The full band was well over 300men and the S/Bandmasters as well.[ no women, but they did have their own band but not at Kneller hall, men only in the 1950s and60s].
Even today the Kneller Bands must be the best of the best in the Military music in the world.
I was not in the same class as most of them but just about holding my own but it was hard.
Anyway there was about 10 or 12 concerts to do in the summer season some big some not so big.
At each big concert you would have one or two top conductors in the world of music as a guest conductor, and also you would have some V.I.P.S.as special guests of Kneller Hall.
At a concert It could be a General or Dule and their familys to, and they would all sit on a build up stage at the back so they got the best seats at the concerts.
AT the end of each concert it would end in one big number like the 1812 Overture or some very big band composition and this was always conducted by the Director of music of Kneller Hall and as you know that was at that time Lieutenant Colonel Mcbain of the Royal Scots Guards.
This was the best time for me, I did love playing at the concerts there was always a full house with about 2000 to 3000 there and the special guest of the night.
Well we was about halfway into the season of concerts when I was called to the R,S,.M OFFICE.I went there thinking what have I done to be called in by the R.S.M.
When I got there two other bandsman were also waiting outside, and like me did not know why they had been called for,[Well we was about to find out.]
We went into his office and was told to sit down he then went on to say"Well lads it is like this, our Special Guest at tonights concert is to be H.M. QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER also with her will be other members or the royal family."
After saying that he just looked at us for about one minute did not say a thing just sat at his desk looking over at us, and we were doing the same just looking at him,at last he went on "Tonight as you know we are going to end the concert with the Battle of Waterloo,and like the time we done the 1812 Overture we are going to have alot or fireworks going off from behind the main bandstand when the battle is going on ">Again he just looked at us for some time.
He then went on to say"This is where you come in,for the past two days we have had men in to lay out where the fireworks are to be put, they have a plan down on to paper and behind the bandstand they have wrote out and numberedwhere all the fireworks are to be placedthis morning ready for to night and also numbered the fireworks as well.
But they have a transport problem and will not make it here till later on and that will not be in time to put all the fireworks out, but they will be here by the time for the concert.
So you are going to lay out all the fireworks in the right places for tonight"MATCHAM it will be down to you to get this done by tonight so take the other bandsman with you.
I am now going to gave you the key to the store be very carefull and just put the fireworks down where the plans tell you just work to the numbers"DO not do anything that is not on the plan just follow it to the end and it will be O.K.do you understand all that?""YES SIR".
And off we went to the store got all the fireworks out on to the trolly and went down to the back of the bandstand and we was puting out the fireworks as per plan till we come to the rockets I looked at the plan looked again where we was to put them and I said to the lads with me"On the plan this is where we put the rockets but it can not be right they are to near the bandstand we need to move them right back." "NO you heard what the R,S,M, said put them how the plans tell you and do nothing more">
"They will not be in the right place if we put them down here so we going to put them down where I thinkthey should go"
The lads were not happy about that but done what I told them to do and that was put them back more from the bandstand.#
I put back the key and we went for our meal and got ready for the big concert that night.
Well that night was a sale out,
TH big band march down both sides of the bandstand when we all got up on to it ,and we was waiting for the royal family to turn up, as they got up on to their platform at the back we played GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.
It was a Great concert the very best you could have.
Well it came to the last number the Battle of Waterloo Col Mcbain was the conductor it was all going well TILL we got to the Battle part of it all the fireworks were going off [This is the part you all have been waiting for]
because I did not follow the plan I had put the Rockets far to back from the bandstand they should have gone over us but they did not they were landing ON THE BANDSTAND we were all trying to get out of the way and play at the same time and it could only happen to me, a rocket went into some trees at the side of the bandstand and they went up to and the smoke you could not see the music but we played on with the fire pumps at the back of the bandstand puting out the fire.
What a night for me but I was told later on the Queen Mother who did not know it was a fire turned to the R,S,M "That was a very good appearance of the battle the best they have been to">
That has taken me some time to write so see what happens to me next day
soon.
I remain yours faithfully Vic Matcham - Phew Vic, don't tell me, You got the rocket from the RSM lol! I was on the edge of my set reading that, I loved the comment from the Queen Mother.
- I was so much on the edge I lost the 'a' lol! Keep them coming Vic, looking forward to the next instalment.
- Now I AM FEELING ALOT BETTER MY LIFE STORY BACK ON AT THE WEEKEND.
vIC mATCHAM - I am not doing my life story at this time because of the comments of it being boring all I would like to know from the Boss of the Dover Forum would you like me to carrie on with it or stop doing it.
Vic Matcham - Yes it is the end no more of my life story, I am coming off the Internet at the end of May.
Thank you for your comments and letters.
I remain yours faithfully Vic Matcham