Last month was a sad time with the loss of not one, but two great talents.
Firstly, Ponsonby muso Jonathan Besser, known to many simply as Bess. His friends told us, “Bess was an ebullient character, living life with a zest and crackle whether rambunctiously playing the piano, composing with an innate musicality and fervour, or guffawing over a bottle of red with his many friends and collaborators.”
He was dealing so graciously with the trials of motor neurone disease, but his passing last month was a merciful release from the ravages of this cruel condition. Rest in Peace dear Bess.
The second to pass was Billy Farnell of Shanghai Lil’s fame. Having spent 65 years as a full time piano player, this iconic performer died peacefully at home on Valentine’s Day.
Billy knew everyone including the infamous Madam Flora McKenzie, who lived for years in St Mary’s Bay. His evenings at Shanghai Lil’s were about giving people an occasion, a different night out, says his partner Russell, who went on to say, “I’ve been with Billy since the 1980s. He was a very fine musician himself and we are lucky he knows so many other great musicians.”
Billy was a good age at 93 and his music will live on forever. He was very proud to be on the December 2014 front cover of Ponsonby News with Jacinda.
Our front cover this issue features the team at CannaPlus+, the new medicinal cannabis clinic breaking barriers to improve Kiwis’ quality of life. They have just opened on Ponsonby Road opposite Bambina.
Helene Ravlich tells us she enjoyed exploring Westmoreland Street last month. Once a largely drab, industrial precinct in the heart of Grey Lynn, Westmoreland Street is now a thriving hub of boutique retail, wellness and dining establishments that locals love.
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Published 4 March 2022