BILLY
RAYMOND
1995-6
The running of the theatre kept Billy fully occupied during 1995 and 1996. In a letter dated November 1996 Billy describes the shows going through: “The Best of Gilbert and Sullivan”, the comedy farce “Don’t Dress for Dinner”, “The Buddy Holly Show” on its third return visit, “Morning Melodies”, two local ballet schools, then Carols by Candlelight leading up to Christmas 1996. That, plus Christmas luncheons in the Theatre Foyer, seminars, smaller concerts etc. In the Music Loft and smaller seminars and meeting in the Garden Room.
At last he decided to return to the UK for a short visit, to include Brighton, London, Glasgow and Inverness. He was accompanied by John Parbs and Danny McCoy, first visiting Hong Kong before flying on to London. Billy arranged a dinner party at his Glasgow Hotel on 31 December and that was when we met once more. I recall that it snowed heavily that evening. Danny had never seen snow before and went outside wearing only light slacks and a t-shirt - he had to be warned about hypothermia! Here is my favourite photo of that happy evening:
At last he decided to return to the UK for a short visit, to include Brighton, London, Glasgow and Inverness. He was accompanied by John Parbs and Danny McCoy, first visiting Hong Kong before flying on to London. Billy arranged a dinner party at his Glasgow Hotel on 31 December and that was when we met once more. I recall that it snowed heavily that evening. Danny had never seen snow before and went outside wearing only light slacks and a t-shirt - he had to be warned about hypothermia! Here is my favourite photo of that happy evening:
Linda and Billy
Billy also treated the family and myself to a night at the Pavilion’s Pantomime, Cinderella, starring The Krankies (Jeanette and Ian Tough) and to a nice Chinese meal thereafter. Nothing quite like the atmosphere of the Glasgow panto - and The Krankies were excellent, of course!
