The Vortex party

14 March 2000

On the 14 March 2000, a 'secret' party was held at the club in the old premises in Stoke Newington to celebrate the achievements of the club - but more importantly, to pay respects to entrepreneur and long-time manager David Mossman, for his devoted services to the club over the previous 15 years.

The following item is based on a piece which appeared in the Vortex programme of that month.

A unique event, in the planning for four months, took place at The Vortex on the evening of Tuesday 14th March 2004.

A 'secret' party was held to celebrate the club and to make a gesture of thanks to David Mossman - entrepreneur and long-time manager of the club.

Many of the musicians who have played at The Vortex were invited with additional guests including friends, club members and press. At one stage, as the guest list grew alarmingly long, we became seriously worried at the prospect of so many people crammed together into the upper floor premises in Stoke Newington Church Street. If the floor had caved in, we would have wiped out an entire generation of jazz musicians in one fell blow!

Two major problems were key to the organisation of the evening. The first was to keep it secret and, second, to devise a plan to ensure that the guest of honour would turn up on the night!

An elaborate hoax was set up to book the evening as an 'official event' under the pretext of it being a party for 'Joyce' one of David's friends.

As far we we know the secret held until the last moment. The second problem proved more tricky. As the day approached members of the organising team were not only experiencing disturbed nights but were also becoming a manicurist's nightmare.

Predictably enough (at least to those who know him well), at the last minute David disappeared on one of his impromptu climbing trips. However, threatened with dire consequences if he failed to return, he promised to be back for the start of the evening.

We needn't have worried (but we did). As good as his word though, David made a grand entrance to a packed club at 8.45pm to be greeted by hoots and applause from a jovial (and slightly drunk) crowd.

Thanks to all those who contributed to this wonderful evening. We were delighted to welcome the Mossman family party -including David's 91 year-old father.

A special mention of thanks to Leslie for preparing the delicious food and the Vortex staff for dong a great job taking care of things. Much appreciation also to Billy Jenkins acting as MC and for facilitating in inimitable style the smooth proceedings on stage. (Also special mention must be made of his new, smart, corporate getting-down-to-business hair style.)

Thanks to thespian Paul Bradley for his very amusing 'David Mossman This is Your Life' speech and for presenting the bespoke souvenir Vortex waistcoat made by Cathy Ward.

Thanks too to all the musicians who played for nothing, including Stan Tracey, Norma Winstone, Nikki Iles and many others too numerous to mention in person.

Special gratitude to members Paul Marmot, Sue and Ian Tugwell and Pen and Bron, for all their kind words of appreciation.

Acknowledgements also to Kath Wilgress from Jazz on 3, who came microphone in hand to record live audience buzz for a forthcoming feature on the club - and to photographer Tom Benjamin for capturing the evening on camera.

An honourable mention is also due to Chris Parker for his warm-hearted enthusiasm over the years. And - shame on The Times for spiking his copy in favour of 'All Saints' - of all people!

Thanks to the cake makers who slaved to produce a magnificent and delicious cake - two feet long, one foot wide and four inches deep - topped with lighted candles forming the shape of the Vortex 'V'.

If anyone has been left out of the roll of honour - please accept our apologies. Likewise our regrets to anyone who may have inadvertently been left off the guest list.

This has indeed been a remarkable occasion - one in which we all feel honoured and proud to have been involved.

We are sure that David would want us all to extend his warmest regards to all involved for their wonderful support.

Thank you all for making the Vortex such an exceptional place.

Paul and Laurinda Young
Diane Magee
Tim and Kathy Ward
15th March 2000 (the morning after!)

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Programme

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Music

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How to find the club

The Vortex party

14 March 2000

History of The Vortex

FAQs

New music page

History of
The Vortex