Recalling those ‘spontaneous outbursts of revelry’
…by doing it again and again and…
I was at the First Tuesday informal meet-up in the Vestibule Bar in House 21 last month and had the privilege of meeting some new members. As ever in such situations the inevitable question is something like ‘what attracted you to Home House/what was your first experience?’.
I think I will never forget when I started my love affair. I had been at the House for a meeting and applied to join there and then. A rigorous selection process followed and a month later my now husband and I went to my first ‘Charity of the Year’ event organised by the inimitable Jessica Hatfield. We enjoyed a great show but what came afterwards was truly one of those moments in life that will never be forgotten.
Repairing to the Bison Bar – remember dear reader that House 21 didn’t exist then – we were joined by many of the artistes that Jessica had cajoled into performing for her charity. They were drawn from the casts of many top West End shows and slowly they were joined by friends until one lad stood up and without any backing, started to sing Fields of Gold. One by one the assembled group stood up to join in. Every one a star, singing just for us. Spontaneously.
It was such a special occasion and very emotional. Of course the revelry has never stopped; whether it’s Robin bursting into song at the bar or Corliss belting out a chorus on her way to the Gym, ‘moments’ have not stopped for me at the House. And the planned moments are the stuff of legend too; Chris Difford, my hero, singing the soundtrack of my youth in the Music Room or global icon Roger Daltrey singing for just a few dozen of us – legends.
But it is always the ‘spontaneous outbursts of revelry’; the House mantra, that will always remind me of how my love affair with this most unique club started. Whether it is the time that the late and much loved Boyzone’s Stephen Gately sang happy birthday to a friend who almost melted with joy or bumping in to mates like Tony, Rick along with Robin in the bar, having ‘popped in for one’ and leaving nearly a day later that makes HH my Home from Home.
By this time dear reader, the new members who asked me one simple question had probably glazed over but I don’t let them go! “Have I told you about the time that…” Tip for new members, never ever ask someone who loves the House what first attracted them, you too may never leave!
Dan Doherty – my first decade at Home House!
Dan has been a dedicated member since he joined the House. His natural flair to articulate little gems of history and take us on a delightful journey with him, is why he will be a key guest contributor to the Home House blog. If you want to know some of the reasons why we all call the House a home from home, then Dan is most definitely your man! We are certainly looking forward to reminiscing along with Dan. You can join him along with your fellow members at the first Tuesday (of the month) Social drinks held in the Vestibule bar, House 21, from 6.30pm…no RSVP required just come along!
Do you have your own memories about Home House that make it a special home from home for you? Or perhaps you have just joined and there is something in particular that stuck with you as it did with Dan? Please share them in the comments below.