In Chris Salewicz's "Mick & Keith" he mentions the glimmers hitching to Devon for two weeks during August 1962. Apparently they played in a local pub, but no other info. Nothing at all on Nico's site. Does anybody know anything more?

From various other books which mention this episode, the story seems to be that Keith's parents went on holiday in Devon (possibly at an unidentified holiday camp) and Mick joined them there. Barbara Charone says that this was "the summer they were seventeen" (i.e. 1961) and they travelled "on the bus" - probably a long-distance coach if this is true - but hitching seems equally likely.

Summer 1961 can't be right as they didn't meet on Dartford Station until the autumn of that year. Christopher Sandford says it was a winter holiday (which makes the holiday camp idea more likely as it would be cheap in the off-season and have indoor things to do).

'During the holiday Mick and Keith played in a local pub 'cause Keith had a guitar with him. As soon as they started playing everyone stopped drinking and listened! Afterwards Keith said to me "I wish we had a manager".'
(Doris Richards as quoted by Barbara Charone)

There were lots of holiday camps in South Devon in the 60s - Seaton, Paignton, Brixham and so on. I'd love to know where this was and which pub - if it's still open it deserves a blue plaque or something!

Thanks for the extra references. I agree it must have been '62 because of the Dartford Station meeting not happening til October '61.

>> I agree it must have been '62 <<

i think what Green Lady is saying is that it could have been late 61;
if it was 62 it seems like it must have been early in the year, not august.

Ron Wud - I've missed reading your blogs - I bought 6 lots in V.C. where I met you and Laura - Happy Birthday from Missoula, MT. I'm still around even though Mick's long gone.