In April 2007 WORC put on what was probably the biggest event in its’ short history. Film and television producer Paul Knight, who is a resident of the village and a keen member of WORC, generously sponsored his wife, Pepi Lemer and her group to perform at a WORC luncheon.

Wow! What a success it was. Those who attended were entertained to over three hours of the highest quality modern jazz, performed by a stunning line-up of professional musicians.

Pepi Lemer, jazz singer and internationally recognised voice coach to The Spice Girls, Graham Norton and Jennifer Saunders to name but a few, gave a spectacular performance with her Jazz fusion band Turning Point.

Pepi has also performed and recorded with Madonna, Phil Collins, Alan Price, The art of Noise and The Beatles. The members of her band included Paul Robinson on drums. Regarded as the UK’s No.1 jazz drummer, for 19 years he was accompanist to the legendary Nina Simone. He has worked with many international stars including Paul McCartney, The Pet Shop Boys and Van Morrison. He is currently performing with Ronnie Scott’s Big Band. Playing Bass was the highly acclaimed Jeff Clyne, one this country’s top jazz musicians he was an original member of Ronnie Scott’s House Band and has recorded with many of the most famous names from the world of jazz including Stan Tracey, Tubby Hayes, Ian Carr and Gordon Beck. On keyboards was Brian Mills, another regular performer at Ronnie Scott’s and accompanist to some of Europe’s top jazz vocalists including Marion Montgomery, Annie Ross, Selena Jones and Cleo Lane.

So there we go, an extraordinary line-up of talent which WORC was very privileged and proud to present and very much in line with our ambitions for the future in terms of entertainment. Pepi and her group will be coming back to play again in the future along with some other great entertainers, so watch this space!

Gerry Poulson

Rear Commodore