Red Lion, Parkfield Road Wolverhampton 1962                    With Steve Brett at the Gaumont Cinema, Walsall 1963

1963:  more than 1000 children & parents packed the Gaumont Cinema inWalsall for the finals of "Search for a Singing  Star". Reg Watson senior ATV television producer was head of the panel of judges. He produced "Crossroads" and then went on to produce "Neighbours". Arthur won the senior section singing "Bad to Me" a hit for Billy J Kramer. The Congressmen were the backing group. As part of his prize he went to ATV televison studios to watch the filming of a pop programme called "For Teenagers Only". A year later aged 15 he joined the Congressmen as lead guitarist.

Reads: "Proof that there could be a trend in well groomed groups, George E Washington,resident of Dudley Hippodrome has his hair cut by Mr Jeavons local hairdresser. Mr Jeavons opened his premises on his day off especially for the boys. The Congressmen seem to find it amusing."

Foreground: Mr Jeavons and George E Washington.

Congressmen from left: Tony Tipper(drummer) Doug Perry(rhythm) Arthur Ray(lead) Doug Walker(bass)