As one of Frank Sinatra’s (and come to think of it Peter Bullock’s) greatest hits goes… “Chicago – It’s my kinda town… and it won’t let you down!” It certainly seemed that way on Saturday night at cheeky Johnny Charco’s Place, in downtown Chicago.
Due to enforcement of the prohibition ruling, drinks are in short supply but, downtown at Johnny Charco’s place, a stash of liquor has been kept under wraps… until now.
With razzmatazz and beautiful broads a plenty, the place came alive to the tunes of the twenties, the smell of gun smoke and the sound of mobsters settling their differences. It was a great turn out with an amazing amount of effort going into costumes and the like by all.
Special mention should go to the tailors of Giles Tebbitts and Tommo Woolrich – very sharp indeed lads! Taily for bringing his striped marquee in case we needed it; a certain Miss Alex Green who was both the first to arrive and the last to leave and, by our reckoning at least, drew more compliments than anyone else; Heather and Georgie for being prepared to be photographed with the greasy gringo that was Floody (you made his night!); Anton and Bridge for their dedication to the cause; B&Q for their help in kitting out Owen (the Gansta Rapper); Marie and Growler for turning up wearing the (Famous) Tonsley Totty tops; Sticky’s mates, who added a little class and, of course, the lovely “Untouchables” – interesting marketing ploy girls!
The party has served to provide suitable material to launch another Caption Competition too… with one very special prize to be won – get your pens out folks – Tonsley Events Caption Competition IV. Of course, we don’t have all the gossip but if you have any controversy or just plain idle banter, check out the Noticeboard and speak your mind.
Amongst the many people we would like to thank for their help are Mike Smith, who generously allowed us to hire the venue at a very “competitive” rate and his donation to the charity; Steve Ledek for his patience; the Cotton Club Trio for making it swing; the girls behind the bar who bravely put up with people asking them for a “Three’s up with Fat Sam”; Big Mikey for playing Johnny Charco (Inland Revenue letter, dollar bills and all) and let’s not forget the chap who supplies the nylon white ties and dodgy spats to the Clapham Junction fancy dress shop – no doubt October will prove to be a record month!
Finally thanks all for coming – at the time of going to press we are yet to close the accounts, but the night was a sell-out so you have raised a fair wodge for the Glanfield Children’s Group helping them fund holidays for disabled kids.
Next year it will be bigger, better and, true to Tonsley tradition, a tad different!
SW
And here’s a Tonsley first! Soundbite of the fantastic Cotton Club Trio recorded at the party.
