We have been overwhelmed and humbled by the many kind wishes of support that have come in since the sad passing of our dear Ken.

Some Thank You’s:

Sincere thanks to everyone who has been in touch via the site, facebook, letter etc–your kind words have meant so much to us. Thank you to the nurses of Victoria Ward Bedford South Wing Hospital who’s compassion, dignity and understanding made our loss so much easier to bear. Thank you to the registrars and the undertakers and church, all similarly supportive and compassionate during the stressful aftermath process that has to be gone through. To our close friends who have been amazing – Marian, a rock for Janet and us within hours, Gary, Graeme, Terry, Dec, Max , Phil, Tom – the latter who matter of fact but no less compassionately said ‘’We are in our 50’s now its something we have to deal with’’. To Mick for his design services at short notice and all relations who have been in touch with support.

The funeral will take place a week on Friday – on Friday April 23rd at 12 midday at Shefford Methodist Church near Bedford.

Within all this, life has to go on somehow – though it is not easy. We take Sam back to Norwich UEA on Saturday, the parting of which will be even harder than usual – though Sam will be back of course at the end of next week for the funeral.  As for TBL, well its business as usual as much is can be.  Mick and I  will be powering on with the lay out for TBL 26 – in fact  I am more than determined to ensure that this issue is as good as it can possibly be  – in memory of Ken, and for Betty and our family moving forward. Ken may have associated a Zeppelin with being more of a threatening German airship rather than the Led variety, but along with Betty, he knew how important it was in our world here and was always interested in the magazines and the book progress. Only a few weeks back, they both excitedly told me how they knew the answer to a quiz question regarding Led Zep that had came up on the Saturday night Lottery quiz TV show.

He may have been from a different generation, but Ken knew and admired the passion that went in to it all and was always proud to show the books to friends and relations that called in. For many reasons TBL 26 has to be the very best effort I can offer.

 In between the personal traumas of the last two weeks, I did get the last part of the TBL 26 text jigsaw complete – zipping into London last Wednesday to interview legendary NME journalist Nick Kent. Nick was absolutely brilliant; conveying a real sense of what being on the inside of the world of Led Zeppelin at the peak of success was all about. His enthusiastic re-telling of what it was like to be right in there and his empathy and knowledge of the subject, made me want to come back and blast out some prime Zep. Upon reading his views, I think you will want to do the same. The first part of the interview will be in the new TBL – which due to current circumstances which I hope you will understand, is now planned for a mid to late May publication. I’ll keep you up to date with the progress. If you are reading this and haven’t subscribed – I’d advise you to do so now – TBL 26 is packed full of fascinating interviews and features – essential Zep reading guaranteed to take you closer to the music. I think it will be worth waiting for.

The next few days leading up to the funeral won’t be easy here – our emotions swing from deep sadness at our loss, to laughter and celebration of the times we had with Ken. He had a good and happy life though often tainted by ill health. We will revel in our precious memories over the next few days and far beyond. A light has gone out in our lives here but, in our minds and souls it shines ever bright and ever onward….and as the singer once sang

Everybody needs the light…….

 Thanks again for all your messages of support that mean so much to us…Dave, Janet, Sam, Adam, Betty.