Surgeons set for Batchworth Lock jazz extravaganza

A band of burns surgeons and nurses who got together to share their love of jazz perform again in Rickmansworth at the end of the month.

Phoenix Jazz, who formed after treating victims of the 1987 King’s Cross fire, bring their brand of mainstream and New Orleans jazz to Batchworth Lock on the canal for a free performance from 2pm on Sunday 31 August.

Lead trombonist and former plastic surgeon Brian Morgan, of Stockers Farm Road in Rickmansworth, explains how it all began.

He said: “At first we busked at the station after the disaster, but then the chance came to perform at other events – including the Rickmansworth Festival locally – and now we’re regularly getting to charity gigs all across the county”

These days two of the original members are still involved, Brian being one of them.  Thankfully all the current band appearing at Batchworth – including sousaphone player Peter Thompson and trumpeter Ian Bramfeld – are also canal boaters, the other part of the attraction for visitors.

“We’re playing in the background on the canal side, and there’ll be lots of colourful boats going by through the lock,” Brian continues. “We all really get a buzz from what we do, so we’re sure visitors will too. Now all we need is some sun!”

The event for all the family has been organised by local charity Rickmansworth Waterways Trust, for which Brian is also a trustee.  The trust’s shop will be open selling ice creams and taking donations, the proceeds supporting canal education work for local schools. 

Also open will be a canal side cafe, plus a miniature canal garden for children to learn all about how canals and locks work.  There will also be half hour canal trips and visits to the cabin of restored former working boat “Roger”.

Jazz at the Lock takes place from 2pm on Sunday 31 August at Batchworth Lock on the Grand Union Canal. For more details call 01923 778382 or check out www.rwt.org.uk.