More Shades-related memories

from The Southend Standard, 18 November 2005

How I wish I could be there at the reunion…

I am the Barbara who worked at the Capri and then the Jacobean and of course the fabulous nights at the Cricketers.  I now live in Western Australia, but still have connections with Southend through family and friends.

The days of the Capri, Jacobean and the Cricketers were amazing.

The Cricketers shows were born out of the success of the Capri, which was the mods’ café and had the highest sales of Coca-Cola in Essex.  All day, the Vespas were proudly parked outside.  Buying a coke or frothy coffee meant you could sit for hours and listen to the jukebox.

The success of our dances came initially from letting everyone in for nothing on a Friday night.  The Paramounts were our resident band and free admission became 6d, then 1/-, then 1/6d, etc until we charged 7/- for what was a great night out.

There was a strict dress code and a no swearing rule at the door.

We saw fabulous dancing and when The Paramounts eventually got discovered and went up to London, to become [sic] Procol Harem [sic], we had The Orioles who were just as great, with Mick Jupp pounding on the piano.

Fab days – so many stories, so many romances, so much great fashion.  We have to thank Dennis and all his staff for those days.

I really wish I could be there at the reunion on December 2.  Maybe I’ll use my frequent flyer miles and just show up!

BARBARA TAYLOR
Oz
barbaramtaylor@optusnet.com.au

PS: Anyone from the old days is welcome to get in touch.  I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks, John; and Jill, for the typing

More about the Paramounts