I have just come in.  I went to the ‘Sunday Seranade’a reggae dance in the Stonebridge Centre, West London populated by mature people.  A real hole-in-the-wall.  The music – reggae, perhaps an old soul record or two and tonight there was maybe five bursts of calypso/soca music.  Let me share with you - what is so great about the evening. 

The venue – a community hall nice ‘n’ simple.  The charge – £5.00 – for real! Bargain! Drinks cheap. The people - mum and dad’s age –  some mature men (something for the ladies) some nice brothers and pretty ladies.  The dress code well here goes I saw a couple of ladies in ’fur’ coats one probably coney eighties style and another bolero style over and what looked like a short ballroom gown and her gentleman had a beige suit and two toned shoes – do you get the look  – they looked great and danced really well together.  Another lady in a shimmery all in one looking fine dancing on her own all night definitely looking good – feelin’ great.  Another lady in a short cocktail dress perhaps nearly sixty years old nice legs and a good mover.  A few men in their light brown/cream/ beige suits and ties, a few dreads some young men in jeans and a few teenagers.  A mixed bag.  Remind you of anything? 

For me the scene is reminiscent of the family parties or dances I used to go to.  You-know when mum and dad BOTH used to PULL YOU to dance and you HAD TO so arms up and half dragged you learned to step to those old reggae tunes.  Mum and dad were proud – you were embarrassed.  I loved it - what a great place to be – friendly people and happy faces.

The evening is run by HAWKEYE and DADDY ERNIE - a great reggae DJ.  I spoke to Ernie afterwards he was looking fine he looked dapper and I noticed a tan.  He said he has just spent five days in Spain working at a BEENIE MAN concert.  Oh the life!  Ernie is such a nice guy – consistent always polite. 

I came home and sat down ad reflected on the great evening I had with my friends.  I danced and dancing helped shift me from the ‘funk’ I was in earlier this week it felt good and let the music move me.  I really enjoyed myself.  I went to the dance with my friend and her cousin who is returning ‘home’ to Jamaica on Wednesday.  I wish her all the best – I just met her but really loved her she was a great woman.

So having taken in the evening I stumble in to bed and look forward to having sweet dreams.  After all tomorrow is another day.

Lauretta x