Up and Down Like a Nun's Drawers: The Story of an Exmouth Boy

I must confess to having a vested interest here. Aged just 16, many moons ago, Gribbles recruited me to join a new band he had formed called Shotgun Express (originally Beckets Religion I seem to recall) as one of its vocalists. The fact that he makes no mention of this in his book is probably a reflection on my vocal talents! Let me therefore fill in this omission. This was an 8-10 piece soul band including a brass section. We toured the west country extensively and were, I believe, highly regarded during the bands existence of around two years. Like all good bands of this era we were of course ripped off by our management who said that all our hard earned gains had been taken up by expenses! "Rastards" (if you get my drift?). Despite this I thoroughly enjoyed Gribbles account of his life on the road and of course numerous registery offices along the way! It is not necessary to know the man to enjoy this book. Anyone from the 50's or 60's will relate to the times described and no doubt be taken back in their imagination. Gribbles and I met up for breakfast recently having not seen each other for 45 years. We had a good old reminisce and a great laugh. As we talked the years were swept away and the scenarios relived. Most of them, I'm sorry to say, unrepeatable to the uninitiated and sensitive. Gribbles was and still is, I'm delighted to say, a great guitarist. I am so pleased that our paths crossed so many years ago and provided me with so many fond memories. Please buy this book and once you have enjoyed it, write to Gribbles direct and demand that he pens a sequel devoted solely to Shotgun Express! Good to see you again my friend and keep on plucking. Nigel.

YES, I know Mike Beckett well, YES I am the 'Jimmy Ferris' mentioned in the book so YES, I am biased.My goodness I enjoyed reading this book. My normal record for reading a book is that it takes me two or three months to get through it. This (good sized) book took me two days, I couldn't put it down!If you know Mike, you'll need no encouragement to buy the book. If you are a gigging musician you'll find it interesting and funny and if you live in Exmouth or East Devon, you'll be interested in the life (to date), of one of your brightest and most talented local characters. I laughed out loud and had tears of joy and sorrow as I read it. I also know for a fact that this does not represent ALL the tales 'Gribbs' could (and should) tell! I look forward to the follow up book. Get on with it Gribbs, we're waiting!

Bought this as me and my husband were bought up in Exmouth and knew "Gribbles". My husband was pleased as he is the "Roadie" Mac who was mentioned. Good to read about all the people we knew and to know how "Gribbles" is getting on.Well written and interesting. Well done.Pat & Mac x

This is a really good book, I have read cover to cover and glad to have been able to, a real eye opener and well written.

From the moment the book arrived from Amazon I read it from cover to cover. So many memories, Hilarious, sad, irreplaceable. With Gribbs around, you just never new what would happen next. He's a case, but a lovable one.Geoff.

Good read bought a lot of memories back especially as I was best friends with author’s sisret in primary school

Brilliant book but not as brilliant as the man himself! Such a joy to read! Loved it!

It was written by a local person. Lovely reading about people my husband and I know. I bought it as a present.