Having attended many charity functions organised by this club, this weekend was to benefit Cine Magic, an organisation concentrating on film festivals for young people. . . With past experiences of organised events, I knew it could only be entertaining.

The weekend kicked off at 6.15pm with a cocktail reception with special attendance of two very special guest from the States. Former Jordanaire Mr Ray Walker, who was with Elvis from the beginning, and Mr Jerry Schilling, close friend and confident of Elvis Presley, whom regularly acted as his personal security. What better way to kick off the long bank holiday weekend to arrive on a welcoming sun soaked evening at the hotel, be handed a thirst drenching cocktail and follow through to the bar and be standing next to the great Mr Walker... Was this real? A reality pinch being highly appropriate. While coming to terms with that, Jerry Schilling could be seen in the background mingling with other patrons, this was just too much... With an informal meet and greet session I seized the opportunity to get photographed with our American guests. Ray, a true character! On introducing myself I was greeted with such a welcoming smile. While posing with him for a photograph, which we thought did not take, he then offered a second chance to retake. As we did this, a fellow acquaintance stepped in to frame. As I did want it with just Ray, he immediately released this and offered another chance of posing! A true gentleman. While others posed with him, I recall an unsuspecting individual received a startling kick up the rear end by Ray as he blocked the cameras lense.

Then it was time to greet Jerry Schilling. He was eager to inquire on each individuals name as they took their photographs. Such interest in individual fans being overwhelming. These guys were just so down to earth it was no wonder that they had remained close associates of Elvis, the fun times must have been just that!

The doors to the main function room opened sharply at 7pm where our seats were then taken. With regular DJ, Elvis tracks rocked the function room as the excitement intensified on learning of the imminent reappearance of Jerry and Ray for a questions and answers session. At 8 o clock, they appeared. With the room lit up with rupsious applause following their introduction. One women put her hand out to shake Ray Walker's hand, to which he kindly accepted, In true entertaining style, as he lifted her hand to kiss it, he decided to kiss his own us in hysterics. As the questions were invited, interviewers were requested to stand up and introduce themselves. Immediately Ray standing to introduce himself as Ray Walker from Memphis, and his question being "What were we all doing there?"

As the questions flowed, while I wanting to ask so much, time restricted one per person. I asking "If Elvis expressed an interest in Ireland or wanted to visit it?" Jerry replying that he did want so much to visit his fans around the world in recognition of them and coming to Europe and the far East. However, circumstances with the Colonel prevailed. Other interesting questions and tales revealed so much interesting facts. One inquiry on the Nixon meeting. Jerry Schilling recalling receiving a call from Elvis as he travelled in flight advising him of his trip to the White House. Wanting Jerry to meet him there and after booking in to a hotel under an alias, they visited the states mansion. Jerry's recollection of Elvis excitement as they approached the Oval Office door and Elvis mockingly pushing him first through it to meet the president. His initial surprise at it actually being Oval as it appears more angled in all photos.

Ray shared his 1960's recording session with Elvis where Elvis requested suggestions for some songs to record. Ray immediate suggestion of How Great Thou Art. While Elvis had not heard the song, on listening to the lyrics once, they set about recording it. After first take, they had it right. The moving recording imminent in that well known session. Another question was their views of the CBS 1977 Special. Ray advising that he had not seen Elvis for approximately four years previous... He recalled on seeing his arrival at the stage door stepping out of the limousine, he emotionally recalled his disbelief at how he had appeared. His nerves showing as he reaches scratching his eye with his little finger. In full recognition of Elvis' constant appreciation of his fans, Ray advised of Elvis' unselfishness in wanting to perform in that unhealthy state, wanting the fans who came to see him perform. Today it just would not happen. Ray sharing the views of myself in stating that Elvis' recording of How Great Thou Art in that special being his optimum performance of the song throughout his career. While the band had not rehearsed it, as he introduced it, they were equally surprised by his reprise in which he hit his vocal note higher then ever! His voice never failing him. Jerry however, shared a different opinion. He recalled seeing the special and at time while departed from Elvis managing the Beach Boys, decided to ring the Colonel outlining his anger of the Colonel's pressuring of Elvis in shows. The Colonel comparing them both as managers...

While I could have listened all night, Ray and Jerry then became available for an autographing session and another photo opportunity.

We were then treated to Kevin Doyle and the reappearance of Ray Walker for his performing with Kevin's thirteen piece orchestra. With Ray leading orchestration to How Great Thou, I watched thinking, if Elvis was still alive, coupled with the TCB Band, he would be still performing and sounding great! As the evening rapped up, Ray continued many outstanding performances including treats of Bridge Over Troubled Water, An American Trilogy and a number of solo tracks including Danny Boy. We even had a taste of his ministerial work as he directed us to participate in a gospel melody without music or instruments. The nights end could not escape where the DJ finished off the last half hour. It was certainly a night to remember.

Saturday night and Sunday night followed suit with more fantastic entertainment.

As an Elvis fan for the past thirteen years, I have been privileged to meet many Elvis associates, to include Charlie Hodge, Red West, Jerry Scheff, Glen Hardin, and Ronnie Tutt to name a few, this was another privilege. To meet two more was another highlight in my portfolio. The weekend was most certainly affording in the celebration of the anniversaries passing, forty years on. The organisation and entertainment a credit to its organiser. When Elvis set out the initial preparations in June 1968 for a then uncertain critical reception, forty years on to be still celebrated globally is acclamation to his musical talent. As the fans continue to emerge in new generations daily, its fair to conclude that the 1968 Comeback Special did just that... If he could have dreamt . .