Wrecks to ashes

The Guardian posted an article today announcing that Simon Dee, the UK's first chatshow host had died. He used to stay at Whitesands Bay Hotel, where I now live and I have great memories of playing with him and his son when I was in my teens, recovering treasure (as we saw it) from the wreck of the pilot paddle steamer 'Guiding Star' that could be seen at low tide at Whitesands. For my efforts of passing hammers and chisels to Simon and the wrecking crew, I was given an old brass valve, which adorned the fire place at Twr-y-Felin hotel until stolen by some weasel 25 years later.

I have fond memories of a great summer with Simon Dee and his son. Rest in peace.

Comments

[Roger Tavener]

Lovely memories of a lovely man. I'm sure some old TV execs are feeling slightly uncomfortable right now. Simon Dee was shabbily treated, although he never showed a trace of bitterness. I spoke to him last when he lived in Richmond and a bigger fall from grace is harder to imagine.
He had huge talent and was a really decent bloke. Vindictively they never let him back to the table and from being the highest earner in Brit showbiz depended largely on benefits.
Such a sad story.