Abstract | Sam Costa was entertained here as the guest at a luncheon party for him by
the Priory Biscuit company. After lunch was over I was introduced to him - he complemented me on the excellent menu and asked me to send a drink to the cook with his compliments. I withdrew, enjoyed the drink, and returned a little later conveying
the cook's thanks. He went as far as saying he would like to meet her as he
had enjoyed the rum omelette and considered it far superior to those demonstrated on
BBC Television. I kept the deception up by saying the cook had gone off duty.
He was a delightful personality, had a beautiful speaking voice not forgetting
Sam's Song which is now known as "the melody which lingered on". he confessed
to liking pretty music but at the same time was a devotee to the classical as well.
He was taken down to Bill Wyatt's shop to meet our local personality. Bill never
missing a clue in a flash said to Sam Coast "How's Stinker". At a much later date the
now famous pianist Semprini came to live here permanently on the Island. I mentioned
to him that Sam Costa had been entertained here when he was appearing at the
new Playhouse Theatre, now the ABC Cinema, in Colchester. He told me he was on the same bill but nobody asked him to celebrate his appearance there. Perhaps somebody should have, Semprini with his wonderful talent has been generous and kind since living in the district, interested himself in many charitable causes, and helped swell their deserving funds.
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