The 'Celestials' was the generic term that the club used for its regular group, whatever its actual composition. I was the pianist in one such. We were a quartet (piano, guitar, double bass and drums) sometimes augmented by a trumpet.
My surname is 'Shearing' so, from time to time, the club would promote us as "'George' Shearing and the Celestials", being careful to put 'George' in quotes. Needless to say, we had to include Lullaby of Broadland in our repertoire. Although they did not know it, and I have only recently discovered this in my eighties, Sir George is a distant cousin. He was born in Battersea, me nearby in Lewisham. So maybe the quotes could almost have been omitted.
The leader, and true star, of our group was Peter Hunter who played a beautiful guitar--a Gibson no less--a wonderful instrument he exploited superbly.
Peter's brother, whose name I am ashamed to admit I have forgotten, was our excellent percussionist.
I have lost touch with Peter. The last time we met was a visit to him and his beautiful wife at their singular house on Eel Pie Island in the Thames near Twickenham. Peter had come from South Africa, and loved fast cars. In those days I did not drive, so Peter would pick me up in Whitstable, where we both lived, and drive us to the Marie Celeste Club, and so I am sorry to report that my recollection of where the club was is rather vague. I have a feeling that it was close to the shore, but whether to the East or West of Herne Bay I cannot recall. Sorry. Maybe if we could track Peter down we would learn more.
Ah, Brian. I have lost touch with all of you. I am so sad to admit that. Peter was indeed a wonderful guitarist and his brother, Robin Hunter, was my boyfriend at the time you were all playing at the Marie Celeste. It took some persuading for my parents to let me come with you! Was it here at this venue that you were the warm up act for The Searchers or was that on the Pier? I'll never forget their heels were higher than mine!! Sadly my marriage to Robin did not last long. Our wedding was 56 years ago tomorrow, so you are all in my thoughts today. Please get back to me with some of your memories of Whitstable. I miss visiting too. My parents both passed away in 2002. I have returned a few times but my memories growing up there linger on. Stay well, Brian. PS. I believe Peter may still be at Copper Beech on Eel Pie Island....but don't hold me to that.
Peter's brother, whose name I am ashamed to admit I have forgotten, was our excellent percussionist.
I have lost touch with Peter. The last time we met was a visit to him and his beautiful wife at their singular house on Eel Pie Island in the Thames near Twickenham. Peter had come from South Africa, and loved fast cars. In those days I did not drive, so Peter would pick me up in Whitstable, where we both lived, and drive us to the Marie Celeste Club, and so I am sorry to report that my recollection of where the club was is rather vague. I have a feeling that it was close to the shore, but whether to the East or West of Herne Bay I cannot recall. Sorry. Maybe if we could track Peter down we would learn more.