Andy Oakley
Andy Oakley was an entertainer at Pontin's Barton Hall Holiday Centre at Torquay, the flagship of Fred Pontin's holiday empire, before he became the Entertainments Manager.
It was at one of Pontin's Special Events, a Keyboard Music Festival, that Andy met Ian Griffin. They got together and developed a cabaret act at the Squires Retreat, a pub like building in the grounds of the holiday complex.
In the early 1990s Barton Hall was taken over by 3D Education and Adventure, who developed leisure breaks for youngsters, converting one of the entertainment buildings into a computer centre with around 50 computers. The cosy concert hall was converted into a gymnasium.
It was at that time that Andy decided to become self employed with his versatile comedy act and became in great demand at various hotels in Torbay using pre-recorded music for accompaniment to his versatile singing voice. For a while he was engaged on local radio and became a favourite DJ with the large listening audience. During the summer and Christmas seasons he starred in variety shows at the Babbacombe Theatre in Torbay.
Andy became such a lovable character with keyboard music enthusiasts that he was engaged as compare and presenter at the Keyboard Music Festivals with Martyn Leisure Holidays at their holiday centres at Lyme Bay, Sand Bay and Sherbourne. At all the venues Andy and Ian starred in a music and comedy routine that was so different to any other act. It was at the Lyme Bay Holiday Centre that both Andy and Ian were presented with awards for being the most popular entertainers on the British keyboard scene.
The introduction of comedy to keyboard music festivals became so attractive that Andy and another former Pontin's manager. Mick Brown, organised Keyboard Comedy Weekends at two hotels in Torquay, adding some other comedy acts to the impressive bill. Keyboard players were selected by Cled Griffin for their humour, including Jean Martyn who later appeared on ITV's Britain's Got Talent and was one of the finalists.
At the Keyboard Comedy Weekends Andy was always full of surprises including the time he brought his dog along with him to sing while he played the trumpet. It look a long time for Andy to get over the loss of his dog, a lovely black Labrador, who often kept him company on his car journeys.
Andy's and Ian's keyboard comedy act attracted the attention of Keyboard Societies all over the UK bringing a freshness to the music scene which was so different to anything ever seen on television. The keyboard clubs, who usually engage a sole player, enjoyed record crowds with a standing ovation at the end of the show.
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