Singer’s masquerade ball farewell won’t stop band from Rockin’ on

This weekend will be the last chance to see six-piece rock band the Rockin’ Decades in its current line-up.

Lead singer Richard Ginn is stepping down after performing at Minster Working Men’s Club’s Masquerade Ball in aid of Demelza Hospice Care for Children. The part-time actor and former Southwark Cathedral chorister from Eastry has been with the band for four years.

He said: “We have played some memorable gigs including the Aviator Beer Festival, Sheppey Pirates Festival, Faversham Hop Festival and Newington School Fete. But it is time for me to move on.”

The line-up includes Sheppey builder Chris Jull on drums, who was with Tequila Showband; university business lecturer Tuan Yu, from Canterbury, on bass; retired builder ‘Da Do Ron’ Ron Green, from Swalecliffe, on guitar and vocals; with newest addition Steve ‘Hank’ Attwood, from Ashford, and John Nurden on guitar. The band has been going, with different line-ups, since it was thrown together by former music teacher Nick Davies in his Rock School for Wrinklies at Canterbury’s Simon Langton Grammar School for Girls in February 2007.

Its first incarnation was as The Wrinklies and featured Colin Dawson, from Westbere, whose two claims to fame were as a former manager of Margate’s Dreamland fun park and being The Who’s first singer when they were known as The Detours.

Tracks on Saturday, April 7, which also features Sheppey singer Tracey Louise Webster, are likely to include Blue Suede Shoes, The Wanderer, Time and Let’s Twist Again. Tickets cost £15 from the club in Union Road, next to Minster Abbey and include a buffet, or call 01795 872457.