Strictly Elvis UK Newsletter - No. 11

StrictlyElvisUK 1

Newsletter No. 11Spring 2014

Good Morning,Well to quote (or probably

misquote, it’s an awful long timesince I went to school!) fromDicken’s Great Expectations “whatlarks Pip”… and what larks indeed.Since our last Newsletter we’ve hadtwo superb events – the ElvisTwixmas Break in Harrogate andthe annual Birthday tour toMemphis, and both were great fun.

And the events for the lateSpring and Summer are now fillingfast - our foray down to Torquay forthe Elvis Spring Break will beanother winner - as I write this I believe the hotel only has 5rooms left so if you are interestedin joining us (go on, you deserveit!) then please don’t delay – and places for the That’s All Right(Mama) 60th Anniversary GrandSummer Ball are also selling well.On stage we have The Bobcats andDarren H leading the way inTorquay and the ever-popular Mark Keeley’s Good Rockin’ Tonightfor the Summer Ball, so top qualityentertainment all round.

And then we have the ElvisAnniversary Tour in August -unlike some operators this is‘Guaranteed to Go’ (as all ourholidays are) and this year wehave a choice of Tupelo andMemphis or Tupelo, Memphis,Palm Springs and Hollywood…with a pretty serious number ofElvis sights on both of these lovelyholidays. Great value too.

Speaking of which I doubt ifthere could ever be better valueanywhere than the ‘real’ ElvisFestival at the Vauxhall 5 StarHoliday Park in Great Yarmouth. If you thought last year’sprogramme was packed then thisyears is even more so. The best justgot better, and I’m delighted toannounce that we don’t just haveone, or even two, guests from the

USA - we have three! Joining us forthis fantastic event we’ll have Elvis’friend and aide Jerry Schilling,

Elvis’ karate instructor and trainingpartner Bill Wallace and the ladyacknowledged as being one ofthe finest ‘Elvis portrait artists’ inthe world - Betty Harper. And inaddition we have a brilliant line-up of entertainment headed bythe legendary Marty Wilde andthe Wildcats and including The Jets, Good Rockin’ Tonight,Colin Paul and the Persuaders,Whirlwind, the Paul HayesCollection plus many more. By the way, we at the Elvis TravelService/Strictly Elvis sometimes get a little bored by otherorganizations claiming to offermore to Elvis fans than we do. Well let this be a message tothem… go on then, and if youdon’t/can’t then stop claiming you do… you’re fooling no-one but yourselves.

The brochure many fans havebeen waiting for is enclosed withthis Newsletter - the Elvis’ 80thBirthday Tour to Memphis inJanuary, with the option ofheading on to Miami Beach forsome of that glorious Floridawarmth and sunshine. Advancebookings have been so great that

we knew that we’d need a thirdhotel option for Memphis so wecan now offer the Quality Inn inSouthaven (about 6 miles to thesouth of Graceland and close togreat shopping and restaurants)as well as the excellent HamptonInn - Beale Street in the heart of downtown Memphis and, of course, the ever-popularHeartbreak Hotel, we being theonly UK organization to do soover this Birthday period.

Please enjoy the read of thisNewsletter, and remember we’reElvis fans too so if you need moreinformation about anything we do (or are likely to do!) or justwant a chat, then give us a call on 01473 621 564 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

TCheers for nowB

David J. Wade

STOP PRESSAdvance Informationanother fabulous offer

Join us for a visit to see Priscillastarring in the Snow White andthe Seven Dwarfs pantomime atthe Opera House in Manchesteron Saturday 6th December 2014.

Details on the Diary pages.

Strictly Elvis Newsletter No11:Strictly Elvis SumNL.qxd 29/04/2014 17:02

Strictly Elvis UK - Elvis Travel ServiceUnit D, Bristol Court, Martlesham Heath Business Park,Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 3RY, UK. Telephine: 01473 621 564Email: [email protected] Website: www.strictlyelvis.net

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DIARY UPDATEElvis Spring Break in Torquay

Friday 16th to Monday 19th May 2014(see advertisement on opposite page)

There’s still time to sign up for a great weekend of funand Elvis at the Victoria Hotel in the delightful resort ofTorquay. This ever-popular Elvis Weekender features liveentertainment, all-Elvis Disco’s and lots more besides.Plus ample time to enjoy the fabulous facilities of thehotel and to explore Torquay and the beautifulsurrounding area. To book just call us on 01473 621 564

Film Fest Saturday 21st June 2014

As part of the ‘Calling The Tune Film Festival’organized by the Brunel University, Strictly Elvis UKhave been asked to co-ordinate a special Elvis FilmDay – featuring a big-screen showing of JailhouseRock and King Creole. With an Elvis Collectors fair andmore during the day, the event takes place at the OldVinyl Factory in Hayes, Middlesex (formerly EMIheadquarters - so a bit more Elvis history there!) and inthe evening we’ll have a Disco, with an All-Elvis halfand an Elvis ‘n’ Others section. Tickets are priced at just£3 for the films/day event or £8 for the combined Films+ evening Disco. Film Event commences at 3pm andends at 8pm. Evening Disco from 8pm until 11:30pm.Tickets from Strictly Elvis UK on 01473 621 564

That’s All Right Grand Summer Ball Saturday 5th July 2014

(see advertisement on page 7) Join us at the Mercure Grand Hotel in Leicester for the

Ball of the Year – to celebrate the day, exactly 60 yearsago that Elvis recorded That’s All Right (Mama), and a newera in music was born. There are still tickets available forwhat promises to be a fabulous occasion and we havean allocation of rooms at the hotel for those wishing tostay over and make a weekend of it. Don’t miss it… this will be really special. Call 01473 621 564 to book.

Elvis 37th Anniversary Tours to the USA Friday 8th to Monday 18th August 2014

for Tupelo and MemphisFriday 8th to Monday 25th August 2014

for Tupelo, Memphis, Palm Springs and Hollywood (more details on page 9)

Join the Elvis Travel Service for our now renownedannual pilgrimage to Tupelo and Memphis over theElvis Anniversary. Having been operating tours toMemphis and Tupelo since 1972 no-one can claimmore experience (and contacts) than us - and we usethis to make our Elvis holidays the very best there are.Our Tour Managers are genuine Elvis fans and theirsightseeing tours of Tupelo and Memphis areinformative and fascinating, giving you a uniqueinsight into Elvis’ life there.

There’s a choice of two great holidays and we stillhave places available on each with a choice of hotels inMemphis - the Heartbreak Hotel at Graceland or theHampton Inn - Beale Street in the heart of DowntownMemphis. The first holiday features Tupelo and Memphiswhereas the second travels on to see Elvis’ homes in thebeautiful desert resort of Palm Springs and inHollywood where, in each, you’d have ample time toexplore and enjoy the Californian sunshine. For moreinformation or to book phone us on 01473 621 564

Strictly Elvis UK is the Newsletter of Strictly Elvis UK andthe Elvis Travel Service – trading names of David Wade Ltd, anorganisation that has led the way in Elvis holidays and events forover 40 years. Founded in 1972 David Wade Ltd is registered withElvis Presley Enterprises Inc and works closely with them to promoteGraceland, the Heartbreak Hotel and Graceland’s Chapel in theWoods. The names ‘Elvis’, ‘Elvis Presley’, ‘Graceland’ and ‘HeartbreakHotel’ are registered to Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc with the USPTO.

Elvis Festival at Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth Saturday 6th to Saturday 13th September 2014

This is THE BIG ONE. If you haven’tattended our Elvis Festival before (or perhaps not for several years)then make sure you join us for thisone. Our annual Elvis Festival justkeeps getting bigger and withspecial guests from the USA

Jerry Schilling, Bill Wallace and Betty Harper joining us,plus a fabulous line-up of entertainment, superbaccommodation and facilities, the best just got evenbetter. Book soon tho’ as places are filling fast. Phone 01473 621 564 for a brochure.

Elvis Gospel Thanksgiving Weekend Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th November

Owing to the Christmas Panto Party Weekendfalling so close to Thanksgiving we have decided tomove the Gospel Weekend to the Spring of 2015.Further details to follow.

Strictly Elvis Christmas Panto Party Saturday 6th December

Join us in Manchester for Snow White and theSeven Dwarfs starring Priscilla Presley. Strictly Elvishave secured a minimum of 100 tickets for the5:00pm performance and these will be sold on a first come - first served basis using the form enclosedwith this Newsletter. Tickets are £25 each inclusive ofBooking Fees (normal price £27 plus booking fees).We are currently negotiating a special hotel deal andafter the Show we will have an all-Elvis Disco Party.The prices and arrangements for theaccommodation/disco will be advised to all who book their panto tickets and also be featured in the next Newsletter.

Sat ur day 6t h december


StrictlyElvisUK 3

THE VICTORIA

HOTEL TORQUAY

Friday 16th to Monday 19th

Call today on 01473 621 564 May 2014

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Elvis’ 80th Birthday Tours Sunday 4th to Monday 12th January

for the Memphis tour (inc. Tupelo day trip)Sunday 4th to Monday 19th January

for the Memphis and Miami Beach Tour Now this is a major event that every Elvis fan will want to be part of and our special

brochure with a choice of these two great holidaysis enclosed with this Newsletter. Regular travellers/readers will note that we’ve added an extra day toour usual Birthday Tour itinerary - now staying awhole week in order to better enjoy the Birthdaycelebration events - and, because of demand forplaces, we’ve added another hotel too. In additionto our regular hotels of the Heartbreak at Gracelandand the Hampton Inn - Beale Street in DowntownMemphis we’re also offering the less expensive (but still high standard) Quality Inn in Southaven, to the south of Graceland, close to restaurants andshops and connected to both Graceland andDowntown by our famous Shuttle Service. If you want the REAL Elvis experience of Memphisand Tupelo then make sure you book with the realElvis Travel Service. And after you’ve enjoyed Elvis’ Birthday Celebrations in Memphis & Tupelowhy not come with us as we head down to Miami Beach, to see the sights and to enjoy some of that glorious Florida sunshine?

ADVANCE INFORMATIONElvis Anniversary Tours 2015

August 2015Following last August’s amazing Elvis Holiday

that visited Tupelo, Memphis, Fort Chaffee, theLouisiana Hayride City of Shreveport, the StateCapital of Baton Rouge and the King Creole Cityof New Orleans, we have been inundated withrequests to repeat it – especially by fans whowere following our daily Blogs on Facebook. So we are. Full details will be in with the nextissue of the Newsletter but for now we are happyto confirm that we plan to depart the UK onSaturday 8th August for 3 nights in Tupelofollowed by 6 nights in Memphis. The Short Tourwill then return home whilst the Extended tourwill head for Fort Chaffee/Fort Smith (1 night),Shreveport (2 nights), Baton Rouge (1 night) andNew Orleans (4 nights) – finally arriving back intothe UK on Wednesday 26th August. And that isone heck of a tour. To guarantee your place justsend a £10 (refundable) holding deposit to theElvis Travel Service, Unit D Bristol Court,Martlesham Heath Business Park, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 3RY or call us on 01473 621 564.

Join us at the lovely Victoria Hotel, Torquay for a wonderful weekend of Elvis

At just £236 per person in a twin or double room that includes your accommodation, breakfast and dinner daily (and the food is superb!) and all your entertainment. Live music from The Bobcats & Darren H plus all-Elvis Disco’s, Video Vault, Elvis Marketplace and lots more besides. Still time to book. Don’t miss out.

80th


Since starting Strictly ElvisUK many fans have asked whywe chose the name - was it aspin-off from ‘Strictly ComeDancing’, named after theElvis EP from 1957, or what?Well it’s a simple answer really.

Whilst the organizationwas built on the strong foundationsand success of the Elvis TravelService which has been serving Elvis fans since 1972 we wanted tooffer far more than just holidays; we wanted to bring the Elviscommunity together as a family, to offer the various independent fan clubs a national ‘voice’ and toinvolve ourselves in events andconcerts - either running them or helping others.

And that was the crux of it - ithad to be Elvis. Not impersonators;and so when the name Strictly Elviswas suggested it hit home, because,quite simply, what we are and whatwe do is…. strictly Elvis. We’re surethat some impersonators are reallynice people and some may evenhave good voices but why oh whycan’t they be themselves, singsongs their own way and make it (ornot) in their own right withoutriding on the back of Elvis… whoreally was the greatest singer theworld has ever known.

And before anyone startsaccusing us of ETA-bashing let usstress that we don’t, and never

have. Nor do we criticize anyone forwatching and liking ETA’s. That’scompletely up to them. It’s justwhere Elvis is concerned there is,and only ever will be, one ElvisPresley. He never needed anyone tohelp sell his records, watch his films,visit his home or keep his legendalive. He still doesn’t. He’s biggerthan that. A helluva lot bigger!

The biggest eye-opener for uswas when we put ‘the real Elvis’back into the Porthcawl ‘Elvis’Contest for 3 years running. Manypeople attending the event weren’tElvis fans at all – but supporters ofthe impersonators who werecompeting there and when theycame into our Elvis Open House wecould see them looking around forETA’s and yet we had Elvis on thebig screen, Elvis music, Elvis guests,merchandise, memorabilia, and staffready to talk Elvis - which manyclearly (and sadly) had very littleinterest in at all. Most were there for ‘a bit of a laugh’ and to supporttheir particular ETA. Fortunately theElvis in Wales Fan Club had plentyof real Elvis fans to make the event

(and especially the All-ElvisVideo-Disco!) a phenomenalsuccess but we still had ETAfans turning up at the Discoand, on learning that therewas no ETA performing,walking away. Their loss, we had a Ball.

Neither (in spite of what theymight like to think) do we evercriticize other Elvis organizations.We are forced to defend ourselveson occasion in order to protect ourgood name but Strictly Elvis has notime for politics or silly squabbles.We’re quite happy to leave that toothers. We prefer to just get on with the job of running the biggest(and we think the best) Elvisorganization in the UK – andpossibly in Europe too - beingcontinually innovative ourselvesand trying to make sure that Elvisfans aren’t taken advantage of by others.

So, in short, that’s why we’recalled Strictly Elvis - ‘cos that’s whatwe are… strictly Elvis. On a StrictlyElvis/Elvis Travel Service event orholiday you won’t find a pretendElvis or a jumpsuit in sight. Insteadyou’ll find loads of very happy Elvisfans. Call us purists if you like butwe will stay that way, and by doingso we will do our bit to keep theElvis legend properly alive for thethousands of like-minded fans whofeel as we do about... ‘our man’.

THE CLUE’S IN THE NAME!

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Our Facebook Page for instance is constantly gaining new ‘friends’ who ‘like’

the reports and photo’s that we post. Indeed we had so many fans following

our daily reports from last year’s August tour to Tupelo, Memphis,

Shreveport and New Orleans that by the time we got back we had received

dozens of requsts to do it again… with people wanting to book there and then!

You too can follow us on Facebook by logging on and going to

The Elvis Presley Travel Service/Strictly Elvis

Or on Twitter at @ElvisTravel

Find us on Twitter at: and on Facebook at: @ElvisTravel The Elvis Presley Travel Service/Strictly Elvis

Anyone with a computer, tablet or smartphone can use this relatively new phenomenon. You don’t have to get involved but it’s great to watch what’s happening.


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Heard of them?

Probably not, we hadn’t either. They don’t advertise anywhere

but rely almost totally on ‘wordof mouth’ recommendations. It says something about howmany people recommend them that they are now one of the country’s most successful companies.

I think we’re all fed up to theteeth with the big utilitycompanies and their high prices(and even higher profits!) and thehassle of keeping track of bills forgas, electricity, phone etc and,worse if you now pay quarterly,having to find a huge ‘wedge’ of

money just when you can afford itthe least. And this is where UtilityWarehouse can help. Firstly theyco-ordinate your Utility Services,secondly they guarantee to becheaper than anyone else andthirdly, you pay for all of theservices together in one monthlypayment. Sounds good doesn’t it.We thought so too and signed upsome 4 years ago. And when itcomes to utility bills this was thebest thing we ever did.

And now you can do it too. If you have a computer (or accessto one) then just go online towww.strictlysaving.co.uk andlearn more about the super savingsavailable. Further details arecontained in an Information Sheetenclosed with this Newsletter.

If you haven’t online access thendon’t worry, just call for free on0800 131 3000 quoting ‘K23856 -Strictly Elvis and the super-efficient Utility Warehouse staffwill explain all about theirservices. And you choose whatyou sign up to - Electricity, Gas,Home Phone, Broadband, MobilePhone and Discount Cashcard.The more services you buythrough Utility WarehouseDiscount Club the more you saveand, because we at Strictly ElvisUK receive an introductory feefrom Utility Warehouse we canuse this to offset some of ourmailing costs - so we’ll never haveto ask you for a Subscription to bea member of the Strictly Elvis UKfamily. Everybody wins.

www.strictlysaving.co.uk

Every week we meet, or arecontacted by, old friends who overthe years had lost touch with us.

Many, such as two I met at arecent Birthday Party, hadtravelled with us in the 70’s andactually seen Elvis live yet hadsomehow lost contact with us and now had no idea that the Elvis Travel Service had regainedits independence and was nolonger working with the BritishFan Club but instead were part of the larger Strictly Elvisorganization.

Of course we are delighted tohave them back as part of theStrictly Elvis ‘family’ and we send outour brochures and Newsletters suchas this for free… no Subscriptionfees for you, no piles of paperworkfor us! If you have Elvis fan friendswho don’t receive a copy of ourNewsletter tell them to get in touchby phone on 01473 621 564, email to [email protected] by mail to the address below. Or better still, tell them you’ll do itfor them and help them enjoy theinformation and events that you do.

We all owe it to Elvis to helpkeep his legend alive and only byjoining together can we keep theElvis ‘movement’ active andprogressive. Strictly Elvis UK isdetermined to maintain Elvis’legacy… help us to do that, forhim, for you, and for Elvis fanseverywhere.

Strictly Elvis UK, Unit D Bristol Court, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 3RY. Web: www.strictlyelvis.net

TRYIN’ TO GET TO YOU BY DAVID WADE


60thAnniversaryGrand Summer Dinner & Ball

That’s All Right That’s All Right

Saturday 5th July 2014

THEELVISMAG

THEELVISMAG

THEELVISMAG

ORDER FORM Tickets £48 each or Tables of 10 for £420(Please send to: Strictly Elvis UK, Unit D Bristol Court, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Suffolk, IP5 3RY)

Please reserve me ……….... places/tables. That’s All Right 60 thAnniversaryThe guest names* are:- Grand Summer Dinner & Ball………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………

(* required simply for the place names/table plan - you can advise us of names at a later date if you wish)I enclose my cheque/s (made payable to Strictly Elvis UK) for full payment of £ …………… or request that you charge my Debit/Credit card for this amount.Card Number:

■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■Start Date: Expiry Date: Security Number:

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■■ (last 3 digits on reverse)

Name as shown on the Card: ……………………………………………………………If you have any dietary requests (vegetarian, vegan, allergies etc) please advise us on tel: 01473 621 564 We will mail you details of special rates for accommodation at the Mercure Leicester - The Grand Hotel & other hotels in the area

to be held at The Kings Hall

Mercure Leicester - The Grand Hotel

Granby Street, Leicesteron Saturday 5th July 2014

7:00pm ‘til MidnightMusic by Mark Keeley’s Good Rockin’ Tonight

plus an all-Elvis Disco with DJ Mark MonaghanComplimentary Gift Bag. Charity Auction and Raffle

No jeans, T shirts or trainers please - as posh frocks & swanky suits much preferred!

60thAnniversaryGrand Summer Dinner & Ball


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I can’t really recall any time in mylife when Elvis wasn’t a part of it andI wouldn’t want it any other way!

I was born in 1971 so was only 6 years old when Elvis passed away.I spent a lot of my early years inand out of hospital due to troublewith my left eye. Unfortunately myeye had to be removed when I was7 but I really don’t remember toomuch about this time. What I doremember is the great Elvis gifts I was given by family and friends.While listening and learning moreabout the incredible life and timesof Elvis, all I ever wanted to do wasone day get to Memphis and seeGraceland for myself.

My Wish Came True in March 1993when I went to Memphis. I canhardly describe the feeling of seeingGraceland and all of the displays forthe first time. To actually see theJungle Room, the Hall of Gold, theblack leather suit fromthe 68 Special, justblew my mind.

My next goal was tovisit Memphis for ElvisWeek. One of themost special parts ofElvis Week is theCandlelight Vigil heldon the night of the15th August. It is sohard to describe theemotion of thisincredible night as fansfrom all over the worldpay tribute to Elvis. I really wish every fan could be a partof this night even just once as it is anexperience you will never forget.

I have been lucky enough to beat Elvis Week for the 20th, 25th,30th and 35th Anniversaries. These Elvis Weeks featured theamazing Elvis In Concert experienceand that first show back in 1997was just the best night of my life. I can still remember the anticipationof the show as we headed for theMid South Coliseum - the samevenue Elvis had played in 1974,1975 and 1976. We didn’t reallyknow what was going to come butwhen that screen came down and

Elvis started CC Rider it received theloudest applause and screaming I have ever heard. The whole showwas just out of this world and to seethe TCB band backing Elvis was likejumping into a time machine.

The moment that stands out iswhen Lisa Marie came out with her special video performing withElvis on Don’t Cry Daddy. I felt so privileged to be a part of thismoment in time and just knowElvis would have been so proud.

I live in Geelong, about 50 milesfrom Melbourne in the State ofVictoria, Australia, and try to sharemy passion for Elvis whenever I can. I ran an Elvis radio show for over 20 years bringing themagic of Elvis to the airwaves.These days I present Elvis movienights 4 or 5 times a year andhighlight the incredible legacy Elvis left for us all to enjoy.

The Elvis Travel Service hasalways been great for my ventures to Memphis and I amlooking forward to joining themagain in August this year.

See you all there!!!

THE WISHES OF AUS BY GR AN T BAEN SCH

Grant at the Graceland gates

Grant with Lisa Marie

Come with us on the 2014 ElvisTravel Service tour to Tupelo &Memphis with the optionalextension to see Elvis’ homes inPalm Springs and Hollywood too!Our tours depart from the UK onFriday 8th August and will spendmost of the first 3 days in ‘thefriendliest place on Earth’ - Tupelo,Mississippi where Elvis was born.Time enough to visit the Birthplaceand explore this great Southern citybefore heading to Memphis,Tennessee - Elvis’ home from 13yrsold. Here we’ll enjoy Elvis Week,tour Graceland, attend the showsand events and explore the citythat Elvis so loved. No-one knowsElvis’ Memphis better than the ElvisTravel Service so you’ll be in great company.

Then, for those with more time tospare, we fly west to the Californiandesert resort of Palm Springs whereElvis had also lived for a few daysenjoying the sunshine and, in thecompany of Elvis’ former Head ofSecurity Dick Grob, we’ll see theElvis sights of Palm Springs – onetime playground to Hollywood’srichest and most famous includingFrank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe,Elizabeth Taylor and, of course,Elvis. Onward then to ‘Tinsel Town’itself to see where Elvis lived, filmedand recorded… and to see thesights and have some fun.

37Anniversary ToursAugust 2014

Elvisth

Still time to book…


StrictlyElvisUK 9

Prices start at £1798 for the 11day Tupelo & Memphis tour and£2878 for the 18 day Tupelo,Memphis, Palm Springs andHollywood tour - not cheap (highseason travel never is!) but whenyou consider that these prices areinclusive of your flights, airporttaxes, hotel accommodation, allbreakfasts, coach transfers,sightseeing tours and our famousShuttle Bus Service in Memphis,admission charges (including aPlatinum Pass for Graceland), somemeals/pool parties, the services ofan experienced Tour Manager, andlots more beside then you’llappreciate what great value it is.

For a brochurecontaining full details or if you haveany questions about the holiday,please call the Elvis Travel Serviceon 01473 621 564.

Strictly Elvis held another greatTwixmas breakthis time atthe fabulousCedar CourtHotel inpicturesqueHarrogate. It wasanother great way to fill those dull days betweenChristmas and New Year with a relaxedprogrammeof big screenfilm footage,ElvisMarketplace, All- Elvisdiscos andgreat live cabaret with Nick Pacey and Roustaboutall with the added bonus of nothaving to worry about cooking -or the washing up!

TWIXMAS BREAK TWIXMAS BREAK HARROGATE, YORKSHIRE

December 2013

January of this year a group of luckytravellers set off to take in the 79th Birthdaycelebrations in Memphis and Tupelo. Despite some very cold weather (the Graceland fountains even froze over)they had an awesome time beingpart of this special occasion. As always we included a full dayssightseeing tour of Memphis, a visit to Graceland and a chanceto be part of the events which takeplace duringthis specialoccasion suchas seeing themansion lit-up by theChristmasdecorations,then off to Tupelo for the day. We also had a few surprises up our sleevetoo... including an exclusive party at DolanDrive, former home of Vernon, where wewere joined by none other than Billy Stanley!

2014

Take in the magic of the ElvisBirthday celebrations in 2015

(brochure enclosed with this newsletter)

for the big 80th birthday yearand travel with the only

company who have operated a continuous programme of

Elvis Birthday tours The Elvis Travel Service


10 StrictlyElvisUK

Elvis and the radio have alwaysbeen closely linked. From the veryfirst playing of ‘That’s All RightMama’ on WHBQ , there’s alwaysbeen a close affinity. Here in the UKit was the radio that introducedmany to Elvis for the first time inthe 50’s. Older fans will remembertuning in to Radio Luxembourgand the ‘Pirates’ to get their fix ofElvis before the likes of Radio 1 andother commercial stations took off.This trend continued throughoutthe 60’s and 70’s even though theway (and when) we listenedchanged. More people now hadtelevisions (albeit many still black & white in those early days) and sohome entertainment veered moretowards the TV than the radio –although, as if to balance this,more people now had cars and sothe age of music-oriented ‘drivetime’ radio shows commenced. The 80’s were a bit of a slow time,but with the introduction of videorecorders into homes it was moreenjoyable to see film footage of theKing. And in the 90’s, 00’s andtoday - Elvis has once againbecome a staple of radioprogrammers with the likes ofRadio 2 featuring him heavily.

With technology rapidlyprogressing it’s now possible forElvis-only radio stations to exist in‘cyber space’. One of these stations,The Elvis Radio Show, is live everySunday night and is really worth alisten. Hosted by DJ Steve‘Bloomers’ Bloomfield, the show

has been on air sinceMay 2013 and Steve, a lifelong Elvis fan andDJ (and a member ofthe DJ team at theElvis Festival) plays a great selection oflive versions, homerecordings, alternatenumbers, one linersand many other tracksthat you wouldn’t getat Elvis discos,including a neat littlefeature called‘Uncovering Elvis’where he finds theoriginal version of asong that Elvis alsorecorded and gives alittle insight into itbefore playing themboth. There’s alwayssomething differenteach week and it’sgreat to sit back, relax with a glassof your favourite beverage whilstlistening to a great mix of Elvissongs.

Perfect! Although the show does the

‘hard work’ for you by choosingthe music, it is very interactive toowith its own Facebook page(www.facebook.com/theelvisradioshow) where listeners can requestsongs, make dedications and evenvote for the last song of the night.As well as the regular Sundayevening show from 5:30 - 7:30pmit also broadcasts special one-off

shows too such as at Christmas,Valentine’s Day, Elvis’ Birthday and even a pre Elvis Festival WarmUp and post Chill Out Sessions. And on occasion there’s also freeto enter competitions to win some great prizes too.

So do fire up your computer,tablet or smartphone each Sundayand give it a listen, it’s the perfectway to finish off the weekend! And we’re delighted to announcethat the ‘Elvis Radio Show’ will bebroadcasting live from VauxhallHoliday Park in September as partof the Elvis Festival.

MR SONGMAN BY NEIL CAMERON

The Elvis Radio Show is live on the internet every Sunday from 5:30 - 7:30pm at

httm://theelvisradioshow.caster.fm/

Shows can also be downloaded to be listened to at any other time.

For more details go towww.facebook.com/theelvisradioshow


StrictlyElvisUK11

Well they would if they had any -but that’s just about the only thingmissing from Graceland’s beautifulChapel in the Woods. Never seen it?Well you wouldn’t unless you’d beeninvited to a Wedding or Renewal ofVows there as it’s not part of anyGraceland Tour. This delightful littletraditional-styled wooden WeddingChapel is nestled in a glade of trees tothe left as you face the mansion,with access alongside Elvis PresleyEnterprises office building.

Fortunately on many of the ElvisTravel Service holidays there’s at leastone happy couple planning such anoccasion and with invitationsextending to many of their fellowtravellers literally hundreds of ourguests have now managed to visit thechapel. And what a treat. A wonderfulexperience but not perhaps aswonderful as for the lucky couple‘getting hitched’ or re-affirming theirlove for each other. After all, what onEarth could be better for Elvis fansbut to have the ceremony carried outat Graceland - to enjoy the serenityof this pretty chapel with friends inclose attendance and then to strollthrough the woodland garden to theGraceland mansion itself for thephoto’s to be taken in front of thisiconic setting.

First things first tho’ - andthere’s lots of photo’s to be takenas the Groom arrives or in theBride’s private dressing room.Friends tend to gather first in thegarden area before entering thechapel where in the receptionarea there are some murals ofGraceland and alovely stained glasswindow. TheMinister (yes, allorganized andofficial) invites the‘congregation’ to beseated in polishedwooden pews thathold about 50guests in all andthen we await thearrival of the Bride. With previously(and appropriate) chosen Elvis musicthe Ceremony commences andwhether it is a Wedding or a Renewalof Vows the sequence is similar, witha Reading, a Prayer, wise (and usuallyamusing) words from the Minister, therepeating of the Vows and a Blessing.And with Elvis singing in thebackground the ‘Bride and Groom’walk back down the aisle for photo’sin the Reception area or outside onthe white painted verandah. For thosethat wish it this is the point where a

glass ofpunch (orsomethingbubbly!)can beserved or somecake (low-fattening

of course!) can also be served.The lucky couple and up to 6

guests are then invited to walk up tothe mansion itself where the tourbuses are stopped (how about thatfor making them feel important!)whilst they have the porticoed frontof Graceland to themselves for aquite unique photo opportunity.

Over the past few years the ElvisTravel Service have helped numerouscouples book and arrange their ‘SpecialDay’ and here’s two ‘Wedding’ photo’sfor you to enjoy. God Bless ‘em all.

DING DONG THE BELLS ARE GOING TO CHIME!DING DONG THE BELLS ARE GOING TO CHIME!

The Chapel in the Woods at GracelandWe are also able toarrange for flowers,photographer,wedding cake, drinks,transportation, hotel,flights and anythingelse you might need to make the occasion perfect.

Would you like to get married or have your Wedding Vows renewed at Elvis’ Graceland?

For full details of costs of the Chapel hire

and availability please contact

Strictly Elvis UK on: 01473 621 564

or by email to:[email protected]


12 StrictlyElvisUK

WORKING ON THE BUILDING

Stuart Baxter – a fond memory.It is with extreme sorrow that we report the death of Stuart Baxter who,

with his wife Janet ran the Official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Northern Ireland. Stuart was a friend to all, a true professional and a lovely man who will

be missed by many. Stuart had a great singing voice and entertained usregularly over the years at the Party Events and Festivals.

The last time I heard him sing was a couple of years ago in Marlowes restaurant on Elvis Presley Boulevard when the resident singermade the ‘huge mistake’ of inviting Stuart to take the microphone.Needless to say Stuart showed how it should be done and stole the show.The look on the resident singer’s face was worth a thousand words. Good on you Stuart. Bet you’re dueting with Elvis now.

DJW.

One thing that never fails toamaze us about the wonderful Elvisworld that we’re all so lucky to bepart of, is that there are so manytalented people in it. One of whichis Alan Bee, an Elvis fan sinceseeing G.I. Blues when he was 10 years old (despite only going ashe thought it was a war film!) whofor the last 10 years, has producedsome amazing scale replicas ofsome very well known Elvisbuildings! Alan started this aftercatching the bug from his wifeMarge who ran a Dolls House Club.Alan was involved in making thehouses, furniture and scenes andthey even made a replicaCoronation Street.

When visiting Memphis in 2004,Alan and Marge looked for a replicaof Graceland - but all they couldfind were ornamental versions,which, as Alan says, were “small,roughly made and very expensive”.So on their return Alan decided toset about creating his own. To kickthings off he decided to start smallwith a replica of the Birthplace,which was amazingly constructedmostly out of garden trellis!

Alan then went ontobuild replicas of Graceland,Sun Studio (“The guitar onthe side is actually an oldcigarette lighter”) and thenthe Tupelo Hardware Store.He is now hard at work ona replica of Humes HighSchool, although as headmits the windows onthis particular model couldtake a while to make.

Each model is createdfrom scratch, there’re no kitsinvolved, and all the materialsare sourced from recycleditems such as wood off-cuts,paper, dowelling andmatchsticks. Alan is a painterand decorator by trade (duringconstruction of the Gracelandmodel he was asked if he wasbusy with work “Very busy”was Alan’s reply “I’m painting

the outside of Graceland!”) so themodels are built during eveningsand weekends and can take manyweeks to finish. Graceland thoughtook 6 months – it does howeverhave working lights inside and bluelights on the outside for Christmastime. Alan’s hard work hasn’t goneunnoticed as he’s won variousprizes at local craft fairs. It really isa labour of love and a fantastictribute to the iconic places whichform such a large part of the Elvisheritage.


StrictlyElvisUK13

During Elvis’ Birthday weekcelebrations this year the Circle GFoundation sent our very first floraldisplay to Graceland and we werethrilled that it was placed in a primeposition in the main grave plot.Hopefully this will be the start of aCircle G Foundation tradition.

We are currently running ourAmbassador Recruitment Drive andour team of Ambassadors is nowover 40. We have representation allover Europe, the USA and the UK;we have very active and involvedAmbassadors in South Africa andAustralia and very excitingly wenow have a Circle G Ambassador in

the Philippines, two in Brazil andcontacts in Japan. If any of you areinterested in becoming a Circle GAmbassador – please e-mail me [email protected] and I’llsend you the details - it’s fun, and isas involved as you want to make it.

We also have two very popularthreads currently running on ourwebsite and Facebook page. ‘A Date With Elvis’ gives YOU thechance to tell us which significantdates in Elvis’ life and career youwould like to see celebrated at theCircle G Ranch. It can be anything, a date from his personal life, hisrecording and concert career or his films. Secondly, if there issomething YOU would like to see orbe able to do at the ranch, our‘Ideas’ thread is collecting all yoursuggestions so that if things go toplan we can help make the Circle Ga very special experience foreveryone involved.

Finally - our most exciting news.In the last few weeks and monthsthe Circle G Foundation has beenworking closely with a group ofprofessionals in the US who shareour vision for the ranch and arededicated to making our dream areality. I have met with thesepeople and I am working with themon a daily basis; they have someamazing plans for the site and weare all dedicated to the sympathetic

and tasteful renovation of theproperty - working to ensure thatthe serenity and integrity of theranch is maintained.

There is an awful lot of hard workgoing on behind the scenes tomake this happen. The team in theUS and the Circle G Foundationbelieve that fan involvement is avital part of our plans. We wantfans from all over the world to beinvolved and fan inclusion is veryhigh on our priorities list.

This should be a destinationexperience like no other and insympathy with the desires of TheCircle G Foundation to preserve thisimportant piece of Elvis’ story andto continue Elvis’ charitable andhumanitarian legacy on the site.The Elvis Travel Service and StrictlyElvis UK have been wonderfulsupporters of the Circle GFoundation and we sincerely hopethat it won’t be too long beforewe’ll be able to welcome youofficially to The Circle G Ranch, tovisit, to stay, to enjoy!

Lesley Pilling

CIRCLE G. REPORTTHE CIRCLE G ADVENTUREGOES FROM STRENGTH TOSTRENGTH...BY LESLEY P ILL IN G

S o if y ou r ea l ly care about E lv is ’ legacyI f Y O U w ant t o p lay a par t in ach iev ing someth ing w onder fu l in h is name

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!YO U are a really important part of the C ircle G Adventure – so saddle up!

If you would like to add your name to our mailing list – just dr op us a line [email protected]

then you’ll be sur e to hear the news as and when it happens

This is a once in a lifetime oppor tunity to save a unique piece of Elvis’ stor y andin doing so establish a unique visitor experience and a place wher e Elvis’

charitable and humanitarian legacy can be recognized and continue

Please visit our website www.circlegfoundation.co.ukwher e you’ll find news on for thcoming events and pr ojects as they ar e released


Nottinghamshire Elvis in NottinghamshireAndy Cox, Phone: 07838 161784 Email: [email protected] Elvis Disco’s.

Northamptonshire Elvis in NorthantsMark & Bernie Herbert, 1 Woodside Green, Kings Heath,Northampton, NN5 7HU Phone: 01604 753 778Elvis Video-Disco, Saturday 19th July, 7:30pm untilmidnight at the Ex-Serviceman’s Club, 47 Sheep Street,Northampton, NN1 2NE.

Oxfordshire Elvis Presley Fan Club – OxfordJenny de Fraine, ‘Aloha’, 11 Meadow View RoadKennington, Oxford, OX1 4QU Phone: 01865 735 264Email: [email protected] monthly in members homes and social eventsthroughout the year.

Buckinghamshire Elvis NowLynne Brooker, 4 Taverners Green CloseWickford, Essex, SS12 9RQ Phone: 01268 763 952Email: [email protected]

Tyne & Wear Tyne & Wear Branch of the OEPFCJim Mann, 19 Tanfield Road, Wrekenton, GatesheadTyne & Wear, NE9 7AX Phone: 07936 518 319Email: [email protected]% Elvis Disco’s. Fridays 23rd May and 15th August - bothFREE Admission. New venue. Springbank Club, Condercum Rd,Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 8X.

BedfordshireBill Hyde, Phone: 07943 395 655Elvis Disco Saturdays 31st May and 28th June at St Joseph’sSocial Club, Gardenia Ave, Luton, LU3 2NS.

North Yorkshire The King at the CoastNeil & Cynthia Hardisty, 34 Main StreetEast Ayton, Scarborough, N. Yorks, YO13 9HLElvis events in North Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Memphis KingJune Clark (Club Secretary), 60 Northcote Drive, Leeds, LS11 6NHElvis Spring Fever Video-Disco. Friday 9th May at theYorkshire Rider Social Club, Saxton Gardens, Railway Street, Leeds, LS9 8HB.

BirminghamContact Mitch on: 07957 901 250Elvis TCB Discos. 100%Elvis Discos 17th May, 14th June,11th July. Brandhall Conservative Club, Rear of 122 Ashes Road, Oldbury, B69 4RBAdults £3 Under 16’s free. Doors open 7:30pm.

These pages are available for all Elvis Fan Clubs to publicise their events free of charge. To be included in the next issue

please forward contact details for the Fan Club together with details of any forthcoming events.

14 StrictlyElvisUK

ELVISaround

theUK

Working in association with to keep the legend alive.

THEELVISMAG

THEELVISMAG

THEELVISMAG

ENGLANDLondon Capital ElvisJohn Talbot, 106 Hawbeck Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 9UYPhone: 07715 968 259

Hertfordshire Capital Elvis/Herts BranchTony Dobb, 15 Princes Close, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 1JSPhone: 07715 968 259 Email: [email protected] Collectors Fair, Sunday 5th October The Portland Room,International Students Centre, 229 Gt. Portland St., LondonW1W 5PN. 11am - 4pm. Admission £2.50 Under 16’s.

Staffordshire Elvis ConfederatesDes Gould, 57 Broadway Street, Burton on Trent, Staffs, DE14 3NB Phone: 01283 539 371

Essex Elvis in Essex OrganisationMike Davis, 11 Branta Fields, Hoo, Rochester, Kent, ME3 9BFPhone: 07878 914 033Elvis Disco, Saturday 7th June from 7:30pm at The Compasses, 141 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1RY.

Cambridgeshire Elvis in CambridgeIan Gray, Kings College Cambridge, CB2 1STEmail: [email protected]

Lancashire Lancashire Branch of the OEPFCJohn Meller, 26 Derby Road, Accrington, BB5 1BP Phone: 07912 442 301 Email: [email protected](or Duncan Jeffrey on 07534 695 500) Regular Elvis Disco’s.

Lincolnshire Lincoln ElvisSue Toyne, 18 Capper Avenue, Hemswell Cliff,Gainsborough, Lincs, DN21 5XSPhone: 01427 668 805 Email: [email protected]


StrictlyElvisUK15

IRELANDIreland Elvis Social ClubJohn Kavanagh, 43 Bernard Curtis House,Bluebell, Dublin 12, IrelandHolding regular "Elvis Social Nights" and Major CharityExtravaganzas. For more details, contact John on:0035 38 720 25022, [email protected] For regular up-dates, tune to:"Elvis Memories" Radio Show, Dublin City FM 103.2fm.Sundays 6pm - 7pm. Tune in on-line: www.dublincityfm.ie

NORTHERN IRELAND Northern Ireland OEPFC of Northern IrelandJanet Baxter, 4 Inver Court, Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 1RSPhone: 07867 967 007 Email: [email protected] Disco and on the big screen. First Friday of every month8:00pm to midnight at the Cooke Rugby Club, MilltownRoad, Shaws Bridge, Belfast, BT8 7XP. Admission £5.

WALESWales Elvis in WalesCarol PughPhone: 07785 107 814 Email: [email protected] in style at the That’s All Right Summer Ball. We willbe providing transport from various points in Wales toLeicester and back. The cost will be £25 per person and ofcourse we’ll have Elvis all the way. For further details or tobook seats contact Carol Pugh.Advance informationWe are again running a Festival SpecialCoach from South Wales through theMidlands to Great Yarmouth for the 2014Elvis Festival at Vauxhall. So let us takeaway the travel stress with very competitive prices whichcould work out much cheaper than public transport ortaking your car… with Elvis all the way. The coach will havevarious pick-up points in South Wales and for fans in theMidlands will then travel via Worcester, Birmingham,Coventry, Kettering, Huntingdon and Cambridge to GreatYarmouth. If you’d like to be on board contact Carol byphone or email as above for more details.

Moving? Then please tell us. Every time we mailout a new Newsletter around 40 get sent back to us‘Return to Sender’ usually because the intendedrecipient has moved away without telling us…

and then they contact us a month or so later in apanic when they’ve realized what’s happened.

Try to remember and also remind any friends whomay be moving. We really don’t want them to miss out.

DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR FREE COPIESOF THE STRICTLY ELVIS NEWSLETTER

SCOTLANDGlasgow The Elvis TouchJane Boyce (Club Leader)23 Corpach Place, Easterhouse, Glasgow, G34 0DDPhone: 07851 388440 Email: [email protected] and Paul Downie (Secretary & DJ/PR)95 Gottries Road, Harbourside, Irvine, KA12 8QHPhone: 07947 659144 Email: [email protected] Fridays 30th May and 27th June at Bacchus, 80 Glassford Street, Glasgow, G1 1UR.£4 members, £5 non-members.Rock’n’Roll on Loch Lomond on Saturday 19th JulyCelebrate 60 years of Rock’n’Roll on The Elvis Touch’slegendary Loch Lomond Cruise… a fabulous evening ofElvis music as you cruise on this beautiful loch. There’s abuffet on board plus coach transportation from and backto central Glasgow included in the price of just £30. Fortickets contact Linda or Paul.

Falkirk Elvis CentralLesley Iannarelli, 4 Cleekim Drive, Edinburgh, EH15 3QPPhone: 07905 798 016 Email: [email protected] Party Night - 2nd Saturday each month at CamelonBowling Club, Main Street, Camelon. (next to Beefeater).

Edinburgh Edinburgh ElvisPaul Sayers, 9-4 West Pilton Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 4BXPhone: 07926 896151 Email: [email protected]

Aberdeen Elvis in AberdeenRichard Stables, 3 William Mackie Crescent,Stonehaven, Aberdeen, AB39 2PR Phone: 01569 760095 Email: [email protected]

Strathclyde Forever Elvis Fan ClubMargaret Colhoun, 77 MacArthur Wynd, CambuslangGlasgow, G72 7GB Phone: 07757 047 058

Find us on Twitter at: @ElvisTravel

and on Facebook at: Elvis Travel Service/Strictly Elvis


StrictlyELVIS UK

Our Elvis Guests from the USA…

Jerry Schilling (from Los Angeles)A friend of Elvis since 1954 who became amember of the Memphis Mafia - Elvis’‘inner circle’. Jerry was both aide andconfidante to Elvis and certainlyknew him better than most. Weare honoured to have him as ourguest at the 2014 Elvis Festival.

Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace(from West Palm Beach)Undefeated worldmiddleweight KarateChampion who wasone of Elvis’ KarateInstructors and whowas instrumental in thesetting up of Elvis’ TennesseeKarate Institute in Memphis.

Betty Harper (from Nashville)Acknowledged as one of thefinest Elvis artists in theworld Betty has regularexhibitions of her Elvis art atGraceland and all over the USA.

For full details contact us on 01473 621 564 or by email to: [email protected]

If you’re looking for Elvis then you came to the right place!

No Elvis event in the UK is bigger than our annual Elvis Festival and the biggest and best just got bigger andbetter! This amazing event, now in its 34th year, brings Elvis fans together to have fun and celebrate the life andlegacy of The King with an array of Elvis entertainment, activities, superb bands and special guests from the USA.

Join us at the Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth from Saturday 6th to Saturday 13th September for the UK’sbest Elvis holiday. There’s a great choice of superb accommodation in caravans, apartments and modern lodgesin this truly 5 Star Holiday Park that boasts some wonderful facilities including two entertainment lounges,restaurants, bars (including a great Sports Bar), an indoor pool and aqua-centre, crazy golf and lots more besides.

Prices depend on the number of people sharing and the type of accommodation chosen but start at just £110 per person for the whole week. What a bargain!

Our entertainment line-up includes ...

Saturday 6th - 13th September Vauxhall 5 Star Holiday Park

WITH UK STAR MARTY WILDE PLUS GUESTS FROM THE USA

Marty Wilde and the WildcatsThe Jets

Mark Keeley’s Good Rockin’ TonightWhirlwind

Colin Paul and the Persuaders

The Paul Hayes CollectionGlenn Darren and the Krew Kats plus many more

D O U B L E S T O P P R E S S 4th Guest just confirmedElvis’ cousin Wayne Mann will be returning to Vauxhall


Strictly Elvis UK Newsletter - No. 11

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Transcript of Strictly Elvis UK Newsletter - No. 11