In Have Your Say’s Nightbeat in February 1962, Peter Hepple wrote: “It seems to me that show business has never been as exciting as it is at the moment and it is due in part to the thriving pub activity in the suburbs. Shaking the dust of the West End off my feet last week visited the Pegasus in Green Lanes Stoke Newington, where the lounge has been converted by go-ahead young manager Ray Donn and his wife Pat into a hotbed of live talent, featuring eight sessions a week.”
This quote from the late Peter Hepple encouraged me to produce the annual The Best of Publand variety shows, featuring new talent found working the lounges. The show was presented annually from 1966-1982, concluding at the London Palladium, with proceeds going to the Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Fund. Peter Hepple by his interest and advice encouraged many light entertainment artistes of the period to continue with their early careers. Many of them made it and are still successfully performing today.
A dear friend who will be sadly missed. My sincere condolences to his dear wife Josie and family.
Ray Donn
Honorary Treasurer
Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Fund
Staines Road
Twickenham TW2
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