JUST like the proverbial bad penny, here I am, back again to torment you.

I had a couple of bits of feedback following the piece on the bomber tragedy on the docks during the war…I'm grateful to Roy Jones, who rang to remind me that the airmen were buried in Pembroke Dock's Military Cemetery, and to Eddie Setterfield, who said that his uncle had been one of the firemen who'd helped to pull them out of the plane.

This week's column owes much to my Pill friend, Brian Phillips, who, as I mentioned last year, has been spending the early winter months building a miniature Rath outdoor pool, in memory of what was one of his, my, and many others, favourite Milford amenities.

Here's a photo to remind ourselves of its popularity, and also one of his model, now nearing completion.

As well as the pool, Brian and I also share a love of music and, knowing he is a member of the magical, local steel band, Samba Doc, I asked him how his involvement came about.

"I've been playing drums, on and off, since I was 15, when I started playing with some school friends. At a very young age, my first influence was Gene Krupa, followed by various, modern drummers. I've always loved a good beat, or rhythm…especially as I can't sing in tune!

“I saw Samba Doc at Milford Carnival, July 2013, and met the then band leader outside Tesco cashpoint. I was wearing my keep calm and play drums T-shirt...which they remarked upon. He spotted me later, on the Rath, taking photos, and directed the band's attention...I think the T-shirt was quite inspirational to them coming to the end of a hot, carnival parade.

“They were amazing, and I knew I wanted to be part of their infectious sound.

“I joined their starter course in the September, and, because of my drumming experience, was put on snare drum from the outset. I started playing with them the following season. My favourite gig is Milford Carnival, playing to my home crowd.

“It's a long, arduous parade, but I love it, the reception from the crowd is always fantastic.

“Since joining, we've played gigs outside of Pembs…in Swansea, Cardiff, Bath, and last year we led the famous Bridgewater night carnival. As a sideline to Samba, we've also been asked to play at Remembrance parades in Pembroke and Pem Dock, and for the last two years, myself and Huw, another member, have provided the marching beat with a bass drum and snare. It's become a regular gig which we are proud to do for free.

“Whilst performing, I've always been a bit ‘out there’ and have incorporated many costumes into our performances, and, as well as playing, I'm also involved with the creative side of things…head-dresses for Bath Carnival and lighting of our drums for night-time performances.

“Since joining Samba Doc we've done four weddings and a funeral (good film title?) and my debut gig was playing at a grudge rugby match at Nantgaredig. We were basically hired to put the visiting team off...mission accomplished!

“We had a spot on the Jonathan Davies S4C show, and also on the show was Nigel Owens, a star and a gentleman."

If ever there was a person ‘keeping busy’... it's Pill boy Brian Phillips, and I'm grateful for his great contribution to this week's column.

Here's a TRM teaser with Brian in mind.

What kind of band doesn't play music?

Before I skedaddle I want to wish Lee Day, the Merc's News Editor, good luck in his new post with Pem CC. Lee has always helped me to keep TRM going, and, for the last 20 years, has supported all my fundraising charity events.

And like me…he's also an ardent Liverpool fan!

Right, that's all for this week folks, all being well, see you next week.