JERICHO ECHO ARTICLE

The year of the Reject

Activities of entertainment group

December 1984

The Jericho Rejects year began on the 17th of December 1983, when the Rejects got together with helpers to arrange a childrens Christmas Party in the School Hall. Entertainment was provided by Jim Wright and his film show, and the local Disco Dancers, Father Michael (alias Father Christmas) gave all the children a gift on leaving. Belated thanks to all who helped on the day.

The 14th January was the Rejects BIG DAY - the Clarendon Centre Hall had been booked for our Sing-a-long and Disco. Backstage the punch was flowing and spirits were high. The theme of the show was the months of the years. May, being a very popular month as the Rejects danced around the Maypole in their short skirts and pink knickers, our May Queen received her crown (a custard pie) to loud applause. We finished the night on December, a Christmas scene of three gnomes (3 large men) and one very bearded FAIRY.

In May its THE REJECTS ON PARADE, when the Rejects entered a float in the Lord Mayor's Parade, a lorry was kindly provided by R. deary's and although the day before the Parade was very wet all Rejects and faithful helpers were out to help decorate the lorry, the theme being 'High Tech'. We turned the lorry into our own space station, and we dressed as space people, aliens, a crescent moon, and a star. We left Jericho just after nine o'clock to join the Parade in St. Giles. All were in high spirits singing 'Wish Me ,Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye'. All agreed that it was a great experience. The atmosphere, the others competitors and the stewards were wonderful. Thanks goes to people that always help us but like to stay in the background. We sang our songs the length of the Parade, and all the way home. Thanks goes also to the Jericho people that came to see us. Doing it again next year?? You bet we are.

The 21st of October was the opening of the St. Barnabas Jericho centre, we hoped all that went had a good time, we tried to entertain with a few old songs, in a light-hearted way, the young Disco dancers did well, as did the Youth Club 'Body Popping Lads'. The Youth Club leaders put on a very funny play that was much appreciated. We are now in complete turmoil rehearsing for our next "production". And laughter is the . name of the game. Looking back on our year the funniest sight I have ever seen was on the 14th of January when looking down into our changing area I saw ladies, three in many arrays of dress, three men struggling into skin-tight constumes, and in the middle of all this one bearded fairy complete with a wand, dressed in white tights and a very well padded


This article appeared in Jericho Echo No 25, Dec 1984.