WELCOME TO THE LATEST FREE SITE UPDATE

We are delighted to say that we now have some fabulous large fully colour printed shopping bags.

These are for sale on eBay although as with the T-Rexmas Cards and 2016 Wall Calendars, if you are a member, you can buy them at a discount in the Members Section.

And so on with the update.

MARC'S SHRINE
In the new issue of the Members Newsletter pdf, (pages 9 to 11) we have included photos of Marc's Shrine taken just a few days ago, along with a photo from October and one from September this year. Members can see from the two recent photos that sadly someone had been there and has removed all the bunches of silk flowers, flower garlands and boas from the Tree Cover and the Bronze. The lovely Wizards have also gone in the time between October and November. As always this is disappointing and the sort of costs needed to replace such things are shown in the Newsletter. We will be visiting again soon to clean, tidy, polish and to replace the bunches of silk flowers because it is always nice for these to be visible to drivers as they come along Queen's Ride because it reminds them of Marc.

TAG^TM IS NOW ON TWITTER

https://twitter.com/MarcBolanShrine

REXMAS IS COMING...
... So, if you are within reach of Worthing, why not book tickets (before they sell out for the Fantastic Night of Entertainment at Worthing Assembly Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm for a Glam Rock Christmas Party
Use This Link to book tickets. The Balcony Seats and spaces for wheelchairs are both nearly sold out already!

ONLINE COMPETITION in BASS & GUITAR MAGAZINE.
If you'd like to enter a competition to win a copy of the Unchained: Home Recordings & Studio Outtakes boxset Click the link below and answer their question. Closing date: 6/12/2015. Good Luck.
Click www.guitar-bass.net/comps/bolan/ to enter. The link will open in a new tab/window.

NEW BOOK:- THE SECULAR RELIGION OF FANDOM

This Academic Book has just been published and Marc is included along with Elvis, Ian Curtis, and other Rock Figures.

The Hardback is priced at a weighty £45.00.

We are running a competition for members to win a copy, however when we have completed our review, we will publish this on both our Members and Free sites.

THAT'S ALL FOR THIS UPDATE
KALMIYH
Written by Kevin Warner (TAG^TM Chairman), typed and html'ed by TAG^TM Secretary Fee Warner.

WELCOME TO THE LATEST UPDATE
There will be another update after Marc's Anniversary on the 16th September, 2015.

THAT'S ALL FOR THIS UPDATE
We will add a photo gallery and videos from Marc's shrine with our next update.
KALMIYH
Written by Kevin Warner (TAG^TM Chairman), typed and html'ed by TAG^TM Secretary Fee Warner.

THE END OF AN ERA
The era ended with the felling of the Bolan Tree. This proved to be not before time, as when we arrived we discovered that since our last visit in April, 2015 someone with a saw had returned and had a second attempt to fell the Bolan Tree themselves. This is an announcement that the End of an Era came on Monday 11th May, 2015 when the Bolan Tree was felled. TAG^TM Chairman Kevin Warner and Secretary Fee Warner were up at 6:00 am to get ready to get to Marc's Rock Shrine in time to meet up with the Tree Surgeons for the emotional work.

A SUMMARY FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT KNOW TAG^TM HISTORY
TAG^TM founder Fee Warner first visited the site just eight days after the fatal crash, which killed Marc Bolan and seriously injured his girlfriend Gloria Jones who was also the mother of his only child. In the past fans, wrongly blaming the tree of "killing Marc" plotted to fell the Bolan Tree, which at the time had twin trunks. The press reported the plans in the late 1970's/early 1980's. Due to the actions of a couple of these people who took an axe to the rear trunk, the council were forced to fell it in the early 1990's.

The removal of the healthy rear trunk was detrimental to the weaker trunk closest to the road, which took the impact of the chain link fence stripping its bark at the time of the accident as the Mini rose up onto the fence after its fatal collision with the steel reinforced concrete post. This damaged trunk had relied on its twin for support.

When it was announced in the national press in late 1998 and again in early 1999 that the Bolan Tree would have to be felled by 2002 Fee founded the T.Rex Action Group because that was what was needed - ACTION. This meant that the Bolan Tree did not need to be felled by 2002. TAG^TM arranged for the Bolan Tree to be 'topped' in 2011 so the tree would not get 'top heavy' and put too much strain on the remaining part of the tree base, supported in part my the calliper TAG^TM fitted in April 2000.

Once we had done that we were delighted to see new shoots coming from the top of the Bolan Tree in Spring 2012 and looked forward to the Tree surgeon popping along every five years or so, simply to shape the newly growing canopy into a nice 'tree shape'.

Sadly, our plans, hopes and dreams that the Bolan Tree was set for many more years of healthy, though controlled growth were dashed when just over 12 months ago person / persons unknown hollowed out the already partly hollow trunk of the Bolan Tree to ground level and poured poison into this hole. The poison was so toxic it not only killed the main tree itself, but also killed the side shoots, which had just started to develop spring buds. It is thought likely the poison was Diesel fuel.

TAG^TM opened a Face Book Group - The Bolan Tree Group so that people who donated could have a say and be 'kept in the loop' We thank the members of The Bolan Tree Group for their donations, which paid for the Tree Surgeon, Van Hire and the Tree Replacement.

PHOTO GALLERIES
We have added two photo Galleries of the work done and why it had to be done. Please follow the links to read information which has been added to many of the images.
1) The Tree Felling Gallery
2) Why the Bolan Tree needed to be felled

TRIBUTES ADDED
We have added a number of tributes to it already as you can see from the photos. If you would like us to add your own, please do take them with you when you visit along with some stout extra strong map pins, as drawing pins probably don't do the job.

SEND US YOUR TRIBUTES
If you cannot visit, please send your tribute, ideally laminated to
TAG,
PO BOX 5278,
HOVE,
BN52 9PQ.
If you let us know your email address we can email you a photo when your tribute has been added.

THE END OF AN ERA
Not only is this the End of an Era for the Bolan Tree, which has now been felled and removed from the site, but it means it is the End of an Era for the current TAG^TM Members. TAG^TM was formed by Fee Warner to take care of The Bolan Tree. That was our Mission Statement.
WRITTEN BY TAG^TM CHAIRMAN KEVIN WARNER

THAT'S IT FOR NOW
The Members Newsletter PDF will follow as soon as we have emotionally and physically recovered from the felling of the Bolan Tree and the organisational work which was behind the physical work at the shrine and sorting through the photographs and giving the details as seen in the two photo galleries listed above.

WELCOME TO THE LATEST FREE SITE UPDATE
The busy time for TAG^TM continues as we get ready to take the 'action' needed at Marc's Shrine with relation to The Bolan Tree.

RIP STEVE CURRIE WHO DIED ON THIS DAY IN 1981

The plaque above is on the top step at Marc Bolan's Rock Shrine.

MARC BOLAN'S SHRINE - 24th APRIL, 2015
We visited Marc's Shrine for our routine clean, polish and tidy last Friday. Here is the photo gallery of Marc's Shrine. We will add the videos when we have been able to edit them together :-)
View the Photo Gallery Here.
The Video of this visit will be included as soon as it has been tidied up, edited, etc as we usually do.

  

THAT'S ALL FOR THIS UPDATE
The next free site update will probably be in June and will include a photo gallery from Marc's shrine when we visit again during May. So until the next update,
KALMIYH
Written by Kevin Warner (TAG^TM Chairman), typed and html'ed by TAG^TM Secretary Fee Warner.

DON'T FORGET THAT THIS FRIDAY THE 1st MAY YOU NEED TO DO THE BELTANE WALK!

WELCOME TO THE LATEST FREE SITE UPDATE
On with the update ...

MARC BOLAN'S SHRINE - ABUSE
We visited the site on 7th February as a result of some disturbing photos and reports which we receiving on the 24th January, 2015, taken around a week earlier by Karen Jane Wright, who said "I took a few pics at the shrine last week, here's a few of the hundreds i took - it was my 50th birthday + 1 day - very moved. I'm so pleased you care for it and so sad when you look at the tree!" Many 'TANX' for the tip off. We are sorry you didn't see the site at its best. We also received photos from someone who visited on the 4th February, 2015.
View the Photo Gallery of Fan Visitor's Photos Here

MARC BOLAN'S SHRINE - SORTED OUT - AGAIN
There are two videos loaded into the 2015 Video Player. One before the work and one of the work being done including after we had finished.

We have also created A Photo Gallery with Before, During and After Photos.

MARC BOLAN'S SHRINE - VISITOR'S PHOTOS
We are including some photos taken by Vistors to Marc's Shrine. Some are from 2014, with others from early March which we thought you'd like to see. They are all either before or after the damage done which we rectified on our visit on the 7th February, 2015.View the Photo Gallery Here.

MARC'S SHRINE FROM TODAY 19th MARCH, 2015
The next Free Site update will include a Photo Gallery from latest our visit to Marc's Shrine today (19th March, 2015). But until the full photo gallery here are four smaller photos from today :-)

MARC AND JUNE'S WEDDING PHOTOS
We added a Gallery of photographs of Marc & June's Wedding. We have included two versions of their Marriage Certificate and a photo of Chelsea Old Town Hall, King's Road, London which was, in 1970 the active Town Hall where Registry Office marriages were held.

LIVE IN THE SHEFFIELD AREA? - SATURDAY 28th MARCH - SEE ROB BENSON LIVE
Bob has always supported TAG^TM, so it is wonderful to be able to give him a mention here.

A dream line-up of David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Kate Bush and Lou Reed are all on stage together in Sheffield for one amazing night.
Not the real thing, of course, but Cracked Actors is an evening devoted to the four stars at Queens Road Social Club.
Jennie Swift of Sheffield-based Black Box Productions said: "Cracked Actors is a tribute to four legends and icons, David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Kate Bush and Lou Reed. "We've chosen them because they've collaborated in the past together and also because they've had such an impact on culture, art, fashion and music."
Jennie is quick to point out that this isn't a typical tribute show, with acts attempting to emulate their idols, although a live band will perform some of their greatest hits, accompanied by dancers.
The performers include singer Rob Benson. He was asked by T-Rex conga player Mickey Finn to step into Marc Bolan's shoes following his death and continued with the band for 15 years.He is also known for replicating the voice of David Bowie and will be performing as both singers.
Drummer Bobby Arechiga has performed with David Bowie's Spiders from Mars bassist Trevor Bolder as well as Ronnie James Dio of Dio and Black Sabbath, John Parr, Strongheart and Sheffield's own Frank White.
BUY TICKETS HERE (Link will open in a new window/tab). £11.00 Each + Booking Fee.

MEANWHILE ... SATURDAY 4th APRIL, 2015 ... T-REX - THE MUSIC OF MARC & MICKEY

THE MARC BOLAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND FILM
On Sunday 8th February, just one day after we'd been at the shrine, to do the massive amount of work needed to put right all the damage and vandalisn done there, we once again headed off from Hove heading towards the Richmond/Barnes area, to go to Thames Ditton, just two miles from Hampton Court Palace. This fantastic Event was attended by Marc's older brother Harry Feld along with his lovely wife Sandy Feld, as well as Gloria Jones. Marc Arscott and Jed Dmochowski also attended.
Fee was delighted to be able to hand over the cheque to Gloria for the school raised from the sale of Marc Bolan Rose Bush sales in 2014. Next year the next cheque will be available for the School from the sale of this year's Marc Bolan Rose Bushes. We have added videos from The "Coffee House" Event organised by Deborah Reisman to the 2015 Video Player.
We are also delighted to include a PHOTO GALLERY from the "Coffee House" Event.
Click Here to Donate to the Marc Bolan School of Music and Film.
Donate £25 to receive a Limited Edition Mug of T-Shirt
Two wonderful Reviews of the night can be read here.
Photos above left: Hannah Weaver, Charlie Brooks (Actress), Claire Sharpe. Photos above right: Fee Warner, Gloria Jones, Deborah Reisman

SEPTEMBER 20th - 30th : THE BOLAN WALK, CARDIFF TO LONDON
Hannah and Claire (shown above) are undertaking a sponsored walk from Cardiff New Theatre, where their love of Marc Bolan was born, to Marc Bolan's Rock Shrine in Barnes, London. Plans are afoot for all kinds of happening along the 211 mile route and if you live along it (see the Bolan Walk website) and have an idea that might raise money or press attention, or want to join in all or part of the walk, please contact the school.
Please sponsor the girls! bolan-walk.weebly.com
Facebook
Twitter
As organising this sponsored walk are selling wristbands with all proceeds going to the Marc Bolan School of Music and Film in Sierra Leone.

THE MARC BOLAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND FILM - NOVEMBER : GALA BALL AND AUCTION
. The London Venue is TBC.
"A Gala Ball to celebrate the great strides forward the school will have taken through 2015. We have gathered together some amazing items for sale and will have an Auction gallery page available soon - items presently donated for auction include ZAK STARKEY FULL DRUM KIT (as played with OASIS and featured on one of their live DVDs), YOKO ONO signed photo, THE CLASH promo shot photographer Bob Gruen signed photo, MOTORHEAD signed Backstage Running Order sheet, ANNIE LEIBOVITZ signed poster, IRON MAIDEN merchandise and worn band t-shirts, MILLWALL FC signed ball, and paintings by Jennifer Crawford. If you have something that you would like to donate to the auction, please contact marcbolanschool@yahoo.co.uk"

WELCOME TO A NEW FREE SITE UPDATE
The next members update will be at the end of this month (January, 2015). The next Free Site update will probably be around the end of February, 2015.

The Official Marc Bolan Rose
We are delighted to give you details of how to buy your Official Marc Bolan Rose Bushes. They are now available from Keith Jones of C & K Jones Where people who Love Roses buy Roses to Love.
The Price is £12.50 per bare rooted Marc Bolan Rose Bush with UK P&P being just £4.25 for up to three Bare Rooted Roses.

If you are not green fingered, you can now also buy a pot grown Marc Bolan Rose Bush. The Price is £14.00 per Rose Bush. The P&P is more expensive at The Price is £11.00 because obviously the rose and pot are larger and very heavy.

GIFT CARD FACILITY
We are delighted that not only to C & K Jones offer Pot Grown Roses, they also offer the free-of-charge addition of a Gift Card Service for ALL Marc Bolan Rose Bushorders, so they will add a card with your message if the Rose Bush is a gift, for a friend or relative. How Cool is that? Many 'TANX' Keith.

HOW TO ORDER YOUR ROSE BUSHES
Until the C & K Jones web site is updated next month (February, 2015) to include online ordering facilities, please Email Keith at:- mick.jones@btconnect.com .
UK:- Please include your name, address and phone number so Keith can get in touch with you.
EUROPE:- Contact Keith by Email and let him know which country you are in.

MARC BOLAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC - FUND RAISING EVENT

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS VIA FACEBOOK

MARC BOLAN'S SCHOOL OF MUSIC - SIERRA LEONE
The country is in the news for Ebola at the moment. This situation means that there are now an increasing number of organs who have suffered trauma, in addition to the children rescued from the 'Blood Diamond Mines'. Gloria Jones lives in Sierra Leone and is the Key to this important School, for local children and those traumatised, when the best way to help them recover their own 'voices' is through a caring atmosphere and via making music.

As you know part of the sale of each of the Official Marc Bolan Roses Bushes* goes to the Marc Bolan School of Music as a key part of TAG^TM's help with the Marc Bolan School of Music. There is now a new fund raising initiative opened by Claire Sharpe & Hannah Weaver (seen in the photo on the left and below right) for people to donate in two ways. First, ... here are their words ....

"Hello! We're Claire Sharpe and Hannah Weaver, two friends who work together at the New Theatre in Cardiff, and we have a big project on the go to fundraise for the Marc Bolan School of Music in Sierra Leone. We discovered Marc in June when the musical toured to our theatre and between us, we saw it several times in only a couple of days. We fell in love with the man and his music immediately, and it didn't take very long at all before we'd scoured the internet and library for everything we could get our hands on. We went Bolan crazy quite literally overnight! It didn't take very long before we heard about the School of Music, and we knew straight away we wanted to help somehow. Claire has been a musician her entire life and recently graduated from Cardiff University with a Music Masters degree, and Hannah is currently studying Psychology with a particular interest in education, so both of us feel strongly about what a huge positive difference musical education can make to children's lives. The School is going to be an amazing, inspiring place and the most wonderful addition to Marc's legacy, and we're so excited to be part of it!

The main project we've got lined up is our Bolan Walk, a quite insane idea we cooked up together soon after learning about the school. In September 2015 we'll be walking 211 miles in ten days, from Cardiff to the Bolan Tree, and we're really hoping people will support and sponsor us at https://www.youcaring.com/bolanwalk because it's going to be a really painful challenge and though we're excited and determined to do it, we're a bit terrified!

We know we're only very new to Marc, but we've both come to really love and care about him ever so quickly. He's given us so much already, and in part, this is our way of saying thank you to him for that. More than anything though, we really believe that this school will do wonders for the children of Sierra Leone. It'll bring community spirit, new skills, and much, much needed joy and comfort to those who have very little and have been through real difficulties. We hope to help them gain skills and confidence that will equip them for a brighter future, and send a little Marc to the hearts of a whole new generation.

We have a website explaining more about the walk, the school and our other fundraising activities at http://bolan-walk.weebly.com" (Opens in a new window/tab)., and you can join our Facebook group – search 'Cardiff to London Bolan Walk' – and follow us on twitter @bolanwalk. We're incredibly grateful to everyone willing to sponsor us, buy a wristband, or even just help us spread the word. Thank you!"

BUY A WRIST BAND"We're also selling wristbands that read 'The Marc Bolan School of Music – KALMIYH' for £2 each plus minimal p&p depending how many you order. To buy one just contact us via our website, Facebook or twitter, detailed above. And when you've got yourself one, join our little campaign we're calling Keep a Little Marc on Your Arm – send us a photo of you wearing it, and we'll make a big gallery of you all!

MARC BOLAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC - NEW OFFICIAL WEB SITE

marcbolanschool.com.

THE BOLAN TREE

MEANWHILE ... .
We need to raise around £150.00 to go ahead with Option 2) All Donations over £10.00 will be entered into a Prize Draw for some Bolan-Tastic Goodies. All those who donate are invited to join The Bolan Tree Project Group on Face Book. Further funds are needed to paint the steps and do all the jobs, which only notice if they are NOT done.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, DO contact the various Marc Bolan tribute bands to ask if they will donate part of the income from just ONE performance to TAG^TM for the care of the Bolan Tree at this urgent and difficult time.
We are sure many people reading this will think that is not an unreasonable request.
We look forward to hearing positive responses from these bands, but think it would be most appropriate if the requests came from YOU, the fans. We hope one of more tribute bands step up to the Marc (pun intended) and donate just a part of their income from just one of their gigs!
Over to all of you genuine fans.

TREE SCULPTURE
Once the Tree is made safe and the cover is installed over the bottom of the trunk so there is somewhere for fans to continue to leave tributes. Then it is up to fans whether the funds become available to have the Trunk which is felled is carved or not and whether it is practical to return it to the site, given that people are still climbing the tree to tie things on it. This is foolish. Not only are they putting their own life at risk, they risk the tree falling onto cars, or cyclists on the busy Queen's Ride.

THAT'S ALL FOR THIS UPDATE
KALMIYH
Written by Kevin Warner (TAG^TM Chairman), typed and html'ed by TAG^TM Secretary Fee Warner.