In the "Trawler"

The Trawler was an old pub even then --Then being 1964, The fixtures and fittings were robust out of necessity as it was subjected to vigourous treatment and the facilities were haphazard!
The bar accepted all known currencies as it was a thriving dockland environment and all nationalities passed through the ever open doors.
There were a few good "Waterholes" along the dock road with names that put todays attempts at quirkyness in the shade . There was the "Bramley moore" "Oily joes" "Dominic Reagans" "The Baltic fleet" "The seven steps" and "Fat Annies" To name but a few! All busy and all affordable. A pint was about 2/6--12.5 P
A visit to the toilet in the Trawler could be a chancy business as the flushing pipe from the overhead cistern was truncated halfway down and the water spurted out over the line of relieved patrons "Presenting arms" at the grimy slate. It was considered to be a fine prank to give the lever a tug as you departed to set the flushing mechanism in motion and sprint through the crowded bar pursued by several soaking sailors hell bent on revenge!!
The music was random and the cachophony was woeful until all the players latched on to the same tune and then the party started in earnest. I can honestly say that I have never heard anything so spontaneously good before or since even allowing for the rosy glow that time tends to impart!.
This sort of informal and impromptu session was not uncommon and players and singers from all walks of life were united in the commonallity of the event and the rich spirit of the musical comunity.