Surgeons spirits high at canal side jazz spectacular

The sound of New Orleans came to the canal side in Rickmansworth on Sunday 31 August, when Phoenix Jazz brought their brand of music to boaters and visitors alike.

The six, all former plastic surgeons who formed after treating victims of the 1987 King's Cross underground fire, didn't even let their bad luck with some drizzly weather dampen their enthusiasm at Batchworth Lock!

Lead trombonist and former plastic surgeon Brian Morgan, of Stockers Farm Road in Rickmansworth, said: "We had a great couple of hours in the sunshine, very fortunate after it had rained all morning."

He added: "We're all canal boaters too, so we could also watch the boats go by through the lock. We got a real buzz from the afternoon and can't wait to be asked back to do it all again!"

Playing with Brian were sousaphone player Peter Thompson, horn player Ian Brameld, clarinettist Tony Winder, drummer Johnny Jackson and banjo player Roy Core. They busked after first getting together to raise funds for the King's Cross Fire appeal, but now they get to charity gigs all around the area and we hope they can join us at the 2009 Festival."

Canal side Carol Concert

It was a cold fresh December evening when a crowd of keen carol singers gathered around Batchworth Lock.

The carol concert was the initiative of Henry Kingsnorth of the Boaters Christian Fellowship, and was the first to be held in this area. Music to accompany the carol singers was performed by Denham and Hendon Brass Band, who played on magnificently - despite being frequently in darkness when the generator tripped out. When power was reinstated the Baptist Minister from Mill End Baptist Church gave a short address, whilst a collection was made for the BCF and Rickmansworth Waterways Trust, who were hosting the carol service with the permission of BW.

Both the Lock Centre and Annie's Kitchen were open to offer a brief respite from the bitter cold. Amongst the crowd were local boaters Paul and Lucy who told us, “we have been looking forward to the service all week. It was a fantastic evening and has helped put us in the Christmas spirit!"

Thanks go to all who organised, supported and attended this special event.

May 21st and 22nd 2011

Reserve the date in your diary now for the 2011 Rickmansworth Festival – refer to the Festival 2011 web page for Trade and Boat booking forms