Jolly white Christmas in July for 21 Club
They put on a brilliant show with great 60’ and 70’s music encouraging even the shyest to get up and dance.
SPARKLING silver and white Christmas trees, angels and stars set the scene for 21 Club’s ‘white Christmas in July’ luncheon.
Members and guests were greeted with a welcoming glass of sherry generously sponsored by Gerry Gertzen of Orange River Cellars.
Traditional gammon and all the trimmings followed by a decadent ‘malva supreme’ with caramel and cream drew many compliments from the more than 80 members and guests.
Special guest was Graham Boyle, popular Durban-based singer and comedian who has performed all over South Africa and internationally. Born in Brakpan, he spent his formative years in Northern Rhodesia, attended Kitwe Boys High and began his professional music career in Durban at the Palmerston Hotel in 1966, age 19.
He was famous in his younger years as the lead vocalist for the band ‘The Gentle People’, who had a number one hit in SA, Spain and around the world with the song ‘Rain, rain, rain’. He also performed lead vocals for Good Morning South Africa, The Sounds Wild and Dan Hill. He toured SA with Rolf Harris, performed as a compère at the Kings Trust Concert in Swaziland with Joan Armatrading and Jonathan Butler. He performed comedy with the ever-popular Spider Mutch and Gary Bryden, appeared on the national TV programme, Comedy Showcase, releasing the album ‘Currie in the Cup’ for the then-Natal rugby team.
But Graham Boyle did not come alone. To the 21 Club’s great delight, he brought his Christmas gift for 21 Club, Ian ‘Spider’ Murch, to perform with him.
Spider was born in London and his family moved to South Africa in 1948. Well-known musician and comedian, The Lancers, Robbie and the Dynamo’s, Gene Rockwell and the Showmen are all part of Spider’s musical history. Spider is probably best remembered for the 20 years he and Gary Bryden wowed patrons of the Astra Hotel, the Sun International and Holiday Inn circuits.
For the last few years long-time friends Graham and Spider have been doing karaoke and comedy together.
They put on a brilliant show with great 60s and 70s music, encouraging even the shyest to get up and dance. Of course, the comedy in between kept everyone in stitches. The twisting competition was a hit – especially for those watching.
Their programme ended with the beautiful song ‘Durban’ which Graham wrote to celebrate out beautiful city.
Many thanks to Carole McPhail for her generosity in donating eight lovely Honey gifts for the lucky draw, one for each table. Thanks too to Hannelore Wagner. Her classic facial was won by a delighted Penny Saville.
It was great to see Lyn Lyle back, looking well and taking photographs of all the frivolity. New member, Colleen Watkins was welcomed to the club.
It is with great sadness that the club extends condolences to the family of dear Robbie O’Carroll who finally lost her battle with illness. Robbie will be remembered as a vibrant, lovely person who lived life to the full. She will be missed by all her friends at 21 Club.
The next luncheon will be held at noon for 12.30pm on Wednesday, 26 August at Lords and Legends conference room. The speaker will be Alan Symons and his topic is anger management and stress control. The theme is ‘It’s a jungle out there’ so don your animal prints or safari gear. This will also be a market day so if you want a table, notify Lyn or Golda as soon as possible.
Members are reminded that confirmation of intention to attend or not, and names of guests, must be received by Lyn on 082-572-1328 or on 031-903-4026 or Golda on 083-633-6338 or on 031-916-7001 no later than Friday, 21 August. Guests will be accommodated if there is room.
