Following the AGM today, we enjoyed a fascinating musical journey through the life and career of Al Bowlly. Christopher Morris returned to Priory Hall following the success of his two previous talks: 'Strains of Nostalgia' and 'Keeping the Workers Happy'.

We learnt how this talented crooner and guitarist emerged in pre-war Britain, then toured the world and had phenomenal success as a recording artist. Born in January, 1898 in South Africa, Albert Alick Bowlly was the son of Greek and Lebanese parents. He was a lively character and played with a number of different dance bands. In total he recorded 1,230 tracks between 1927 and 1941. He is often referred to as 'the voice of the Thirties' and considered himself as leading a 'charmed life' but that was cut short in April, 1941 when he was killed by a German bomb.