It was a mid-week gig in Pembroke town, an old-fashioned hall above or next to the only cinema around, I don't quite recall which. Anyway, it was smack right in the middle of the metropolis. At this time, Pete and I were taking apprenticeships in TV repair and car mechanics, respectively. We were both attending Swansea Tech. that day, so we put our heads together and thought it would be a good idea to bunk off from Tech. and drive leisurely to Pembroke. We could make a day of it, instead of the usual mad-dash run and last minute tune up, sound balance etc. Alwyne would pick up Ron and Mike in his car and arrive later, early evening.

The weather that day was sunny and warm, it was midsummer, so we filled our Bedford van (complete with fall-off sliding door) with petrol and struck out for Pembroke. The drive that day was more like going on holiday. We got there about three o'clock and started to unload the equipment as usual upstairs, gigs are very rarely on ground level. All was ready and sorted at about 4:30, including drum-kit nailed to the floor We had lots of time in hand before kick off at eight (first set). So we found a nice little pub opposite the dance hall and had a bite to eat. We were both famished after humping all the gear upstairs and, of course, the meal was washed down with a pint of Pembroke's best bitter. Pete and I were very relaxed having got everything ready for the night, so we had another pint, followed by a couple more. All of a sudden, it was 7:20, time to get over to the hall for a final check with the rest of the boys. We were both the worse for wear Alwyne, Ron and Mike had arrived and were tuning up. I don't think they knew what to make of us both, Pete couldn't stop laughing, nor could I. Tuning up was novel that night.

Somehow, Alwyne managed to get some strong coffees for us both, which helped. We were young and foolish, it was one of those one-off days. By the way, the audience that night was appreciative and very polite. After every number we played, a group of young men who were sitting together would all stand up and applaud and then sit down. They were German service-men off duty. The Panzer Tank Corps was stationed in Pembroke.

How fortunate for us that evening that the Germans were in town.