04.07.26.
Alan Garfield RIP
At the Sons of the Desert convention in San Diego, Marcia Opal shared the devastating news that we've lost Alan Garfield. Alan was the second editor of the Intra-Tent Journal and he invited me to become the third. Here we are in 1984 at the 4th convention in England. Back in 1975, Alan (left) and I became comrades in arms, fighting against the big, bad NY tent in our attempts to launch the first Sons convention. They felt it was too early and shut us down, after over a year of arm-wrestling. Finally, three years later Alan got his convention, the first Sons convention in Chicago in 1978. He was a mentor, a big brother and a GREAT guy. I will miss him terribly.
Rick Greene on Facebook
2028 International Convention
The Blockheads Tent of Minnesota will host the 2028 International Convention with Grand Sheik Tracy Holzmann at the helm.
The Perry Winkle
The Perry Winkle 113 has arrived and, need we say it, it is super! All the usual attractions and a great deal of insight. Contact editor Roger Robinson to subscribe.
Convention donation
I finally managed to book an appointment yesterday with the manageress of my local BHF shop in Sidcup, Sally Todd to pass over the cheque for £1055.00 raised from 50% off the auction proceeds at the 44th UK convention at the beginning of May.
She and all the staff were absolutely thrilled with the amount raised and as you can see they gave me a lovely thank you letter for family, friends and Sons of the Desert to see. Once again to all those at the convention that either donated or bid on items and to all my Saps colleagues who helped on the day, thank you.
Ray Dempsey on Facebook
Them Thar Hill Tent of Carlisle
Unfortunately, our usual spot the Ex-Servicemen’s, which we’ve been going to for over 9 years, suddenly closed.
Our first meeting was back in March 2017 – time really flies when you’re having fun!
Luckily, we found a new, super welcoming place: Spencer Street Social Club Limited. We can start up again with free entry and keep our regular first Tuesday of the month schedule. We’ll be on the 2nd floor in a private room, all ages are welcome, and there’s a lift for easy access.
Our next meeting is July 7th. Address: Spencer Street Social Club Limited, CA1 1BA.
George Cullen
Eric & Ernie Tribute
You may recall that, when we were planning for the Norwich Convention, we had lined up an Eric & Ernie Tribute Act. Unfortunately, they had to cancel as they had an opportunity for cruise performances which clashed with our Convention date in May.
It was disappointing, but understandable. However, they will be performing for one night only at The Chelmsford Theatre on Monday 26th October 2026.
Grand Sheik Ray spotted this and mentioned this at a Saps meeting.
Tickets are priced at £33.00. We have nine people so far who have expressed an interest.
Roger Robinson
Come Clean Tent of Widnes
On the telly
Neil Brand was interviewed on Breakfast on BBC television in April.
…and finally
(if only!)
