Thames View...The Beginning

When Thames View Estate was opened in 1954 one local resident, seeing his new home for the first time commented "it was like entering paradise."  Two weeks ago Musicians Sam Glazer and Adriano Adewale sat outside the post office on Farr Avenue and played rhythms and grooves from all over the world.  We spoke with local residents - some of whom described their passion for music: "I mean, what would life be without music?" said David, who was heading to the shops with his granddaughter. "I used to play guitar, I can play anything really."

I wonder if he knows the secret musical heritage of Thames View Estate?  In the 1960s pop band The Tremeloes, who rose to fame with their hits Twist & Shout and Do You Love Me?, used the community hall for rehearsals. Over the next six months Sam and I are planning to use the community hall, along with other spaces, to make music with anyone who wants to turn up.  We'll listen to people's stories, play, write and compose with as many residents as possible.

We're looking forward to getting to know people and to our live recording sessions will turn venues in the area into professional studios in which we can record the many different voices, the many different Tales From Thames View.