Things have gone quite well for Beaky since he decided to return home from Spain in 2007. As the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist in Salisbury’s chart topping group ‘Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich’, he thought the band was finished in 1990 and left to live in Spain. “When I came home to Salisbury I wanted to play solo and I still remember that first gig at the Five Bells with fondness,” he said.

It wasn’t long before Beaky and drummer John Hatchman decided to reform the band. “Tich had retired but gave us his blessing as did our dearly departed bass player Dozy’s widow. Nigel Dixon took over on bass and his son Jolyn was recruited on guitar.” Nigel Dixon played for just over a year before deciding that the travelling was a bit too much – he was replaced by Paul Cornwell from Herman’s Hermits.

“I have to admit that gigs were hard to come by at first because venues are booked up for a year in advance. But now we are booked up all over Europe including France, Belgium and Germany – Europe still respects the 1960s and 1970s live music,” said Beaky.

Retaining the humour that he has always been known for, Beaky told me the story of when Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich appeared on Top of the Pops in the 1960s: “You could have the Beatles, The Bee Gees, The Stones, The Searchers all in the dressing room and everyone got on really well - Paul McCartney would bring the tea over for the bands!”

So who better than Beaky to MC their Christmas Bash at the Blackledge Theatre on Saturday, December 14? It looks like being a fantastic night with Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich being joined by The Casuals and local sixties band The Vinyl Beats. Special guests include original members Stan Poole and Tich Amey.

Tickets details – rob.dbmt@outlook.com – 01722 335665 or collect from The Wig and Quill, 1 New Street, Salisbury.