Some even danced!
What a great afternoon out on Wednesday 29th May, with St Ives (Cambs) U3A, to the static boat Tereza Joanne on King George V dock in London to have lunch and listen to a Dixieland Jazz band.
After a safe journey, with Dew's coaches, we were greeted at the boat car park by Jill who made the meet and greet entertaining by describing the boat, the band and the food, to come, with such flying colours that we were amused by her descriptions but doubted it could all be that good. It was!! the band and the singer, Heather, were excellent. The chicken dinner, with superb gravy! matched Jill's description perfectly, all the staff were friendly and helpful which added to our experience.
Have you ever seen a green trumpet? Well we have and it was played by an excellent band leader. The music was so good in fact that several of our party got up and danced, at one stage someone, you know who you were, actually did a passable Charleston! I think the band enjoyed our applause and appreciation of their playing too, especially the drummer who milked the applause to great effect!
To sum up everyone enjoyed the afternoon and would like to thank our organisers Kathy & Ron for such a great time.
Norma Head
The performance ended with a stirring rendition of when "The Saints go marching in". The parading band were joined by a large number of members. It is not known how sober they were.
Colin Head
Our Day in Dixieland
A myriad ox-eye daisies along the verges escorted our coach trip to Woolwich at the end of May. We were really excited for our forthcoming experience of jazz aboard the Tereza-Joanne, permanently moored at Albert Island in King George V Dock.
After a bumpy ride through no-man's land she came into sight, a sleek white vessel which had previously been a working crane barge but was now a luxurious event venue.
We were welcomed by Jill who attended to all our needs during our visit. The view towards our left took in O2, Canary Wharf and The Gherkin; towards the right was the runway of London City Airport, but the aircraft did not disturb us at all. Seated at round tables, we were efficiently served lunch by students from the nearby College and after our main course of chicken, vegetables and 'astonishingly tasty gravy' the jazz started.
The band, The Storyville Steamers, struck up and sent feet tapping and smiles spreading. They were all good musicians in their own right but gelled together into an excellent group, led by the accomplished composer and performer Paul Higgs and his green trumpet. Then Heather Simmons, well known as a prolific jazz chanteuse, sang many of our old favourites from the 20s, 30s and 40s.
During the interval we were served delicious raspberry cheesecake, then treated to a second session of the Dixieland we all loved. Exuberance took over as Kathy started to dance and others soon followed.
It was a truly marvellous and enjoyable day out . . . thank you.
Steve Puttick
20 out of 10!
If I was to give this outing marks out of ten I would give it 20.
After a successful pick up we made our way to Beckton Triangle Retail Park, about 1hr down the M11, for a quick refreshment. After this welcome break, a short drive away and in no time at all we were boarding the Tereza Joanne.
Upon first glance you couldn't help but notice the upper deck, with relaxing comfy chairs, and amazing view, the quietness off the water was drawing you in. If you wanted to sip your glass of wine, while watching the aircraft drift in and out of London City Airport, then why not, its there for you to enjoy, relax and unwind.
But, if you wanted to sample a very delicious lunch of grass-fed chicken, creamy mash, green beans and gravy you could drink by the pint, then come inside and soak up the atmosphere and wonder hospitality. Our entertainment was a six piece Jazz band 'The Storyville Streamers' with classic music we all love, from Acker Bilk, Stranger on the Shore, The Rhythm of the Charleston, got us all up to dance, Tuxedo Junction and the sweet song ' Aint she Sweet' to name just a few.
With all this foot tapping, vintage music, we were then spoilt with a rather large helping of strawberry cheesecake, with cream, tea or coffee.
With much delight the music continued and ended with 'When The Saints Go Marching In' by Louis Armstrong. We would have been delighted to continue listening and dancing to the amazing band but all things must come to an end, and we departed the Tereza Joanne at 3.15pm but not before we took one last look at this amazing view before us. The skyscrapers of London, with Canary Wharf some in the distance.
I would like to thank the organisers of the trip who did an amazing job, also Dews Coaches for an immaculate coach and for getting us there and home again safely.
What a day! Joanne King
