To celebrate 40 years of MUNGO JERRY and 'IN THE SUMMERTIME', we all gathered at THE PROCESSED PEA FOLK CLUB, Etton to raise a glass (or two) to our heroes. Our heroes on this occasion were original MUNGO JERRY double bass player MIKE COLE, and our old friend from THE DOG HOUSE SKIFFLE GROUP, on washboard, GARRY PULLEN.

Played over two nights in June, the 1st and 2nd to be precise, they were as ever very special events with Ray and the guys in great form, despite Ray suffering a burst blood vessel in his right eye which required a trip to the local hospital prior to the gig. Derek had arranged for the gig to be professionally filmed and a local freelance cameraman was on hand to record this very special gig. Highlights of the first night for me were, a tremendous version of 'PEACE IN THE COUNTRY', I couldn't remember hearing it live before (I'd told Derek), but probably have, and also Ray playing a snippet of 'WILD LOVE', a number I love especially in it's original form as 'ANGEL CHILD'.The night ended with several of us being interviewed about our thoughts on MUNGO JERRY and 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' in particular.

Night two, was a bit more 'lively' with some fans turning out as 'Ray-look-a-likes' complete with curly wigs, shades, kazoos and imitation guitars. Ray managed to get our new found friends up on stage to perform backing vocals on some numbers, but it has to be said, they didn't need much encouragement! Continuing this 'worrying trend', Ray also (after introducing him to the audience) dragged a reluctant RAY CLEGG, who was there with his daughter Christina, up on stage to join him on 'FEELS LIKE I'M IN LOVE', closely followed by ROB KAMPHUES who had popped over from Holland for the two days. Of course, I found this all very funny, especially when 'CLEGGY' passed me on his way to the stage 'begging' me to come too! It wasn't quite so funny (though it probably was to 'CLEGGY') when Ray did the same to me and MICKY ROSE for the full version of 'WILD LOVE/ANGEL CHILD'. Ray kept dragging me closer to the microphone, but had no such luck with Mick who if he had been any further away would have been in the adjoining bar. It was all good fun though and I must thank 'my former friend', GARRY PULLEN' for telling Ray that 'WILD LOVE' was my favourite MUNGO JERRY number (it's not quite my favourite) and getting me up there. Thanks Garry!!! I did ask Christina if she thought that her Dad and I should audition for the X-FACTOR - she said "Yes"!