The Ben Waters Band played at Athelhampton House, near Dorchester, Dorset, for Thomas Hardy School’s prom on Wednesday 7th July. The school’s final year students found the band in particularly full-on form, which stood us in good stead for the gig on Friday 9 th, when we played at Lulworth Castle in Dorset, sharing the bill with the Blues Band, fronted by erstwhile Manfred Mann vocalist and harp player and current BBC Radio 2 presenter Paul Jones. It was great event in a wonderful setting, in front of an audience of 1,500-odd appreciative punters. I think it’s fair to say that we more than held our own (missus) in comparison with one of Europe’s most famed blues acts.

Next Saturday, 17th July, the Ben Waters Band performs a picnic-in-the-park style event in the unique setting of The Pit, a natural amphitheatre in Crondall, near Farnham, Hampshire. Tickets are £12: details and bookings on 01252 793430. On Sunday 18th, Ben and band play somewhere in Swindon, a gig celebrating the works of the legendary, nay, iconic rock’n’roll poet and guitar guru Chuck Berry. More details if I get them in time!

As usual, the jam sessions continue at Finns, Westham Road, Weymouth, Dorset. If you want to play, contact me or just turn up before 9p.m. and book yourself a slot.