Graham works as a manager of one of Truro's well known clothes shops, and I was lucky enough to talk to him at work today, which I did in the shop in amongst a huge selection of suits and bowties. He was able to clear up a few interesting things - such as the fact that Reaction had worked with Roger Brokenshire on and off for the best part of a year before he finally became their singer.
But there was also a bit of confusion re whether Graham went up into Devon with the band in 1965 or 1966. It was most likely to be 1965 because he remembers Johnny Grose (Quale) being very nervous about having to sing in one of the massive halls in Torquay, and yet Rick Penrose has said he remembers playing with Graham in Devon, suggesting that it was 1966. Will need to try and resolve this issue, possibly by contacting other members of the Reaction that will remember...
Graham talked about rehearsing with the band in various places, most memorably in Malpas in Jim Craven's cottage after the entrance to the village and near the village hall. As well as lots of new insights about the group, Graham also has a photo of Reaction with Roger Taylor that has not been reproduced before. And, take my word for it, its a beauty!
UPDATE 25/7/10: Jim Craven has confirmed that the first Torquay and Exeter gigs were in '65...
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