I learnt a big lesson in 2004 about making assumptions. It was in January or February of that year, that I heard an accordion player in the network of tunnels beneath Kings Cross Railway station. It was early Sunday morning, and I was on my way to play the organ for a Sunday service at Her Majesty’s Prison, Holloway. In the coming Sundays I would continue to hear this accordion, a mixture of Parisian waltz tunes, some Russian and Hungarian music. This guy was good. But in the coming weeks I never did see him. He was somewhere deeper in the subway network at Kings Cross Station.
However, I was resolved to locate where he was, just to meet him and see him. So, one week I traced the sound to an adjoining subway and there in the distance I could see him playing. A man in his 40’s or early 50’s. Not dressed particularly well, and with a shabby looking accordion. I stood there listening until he paused after a few tunes. And I believe I put a few coins into his hat which lay on the ground. Of course, this man was there to make a living. I believe any passer-by who appreciated fine music ,might toss a coin or two into the hat.
I drew near to him and complimented him on his playing. It really was exceptional. I asked him his name. He spoke to me in broken English and said his name was Chiriac but that I could call him George. People knew him as George. He told me he was from Rumania. I wondered whether he might be available for hire, for a private party or special occasion. I said to him I had an idea that I might hire him in June to play for a lady who would be celebrating her 80th birthday. And that I would get in touch with him nearer the time.
‘George’ sounded very keen. March and April passed and come the end of May I met George again in the subway network at Kings Cross. We exchanged phone numbers. This time, I explained that my brother and his wife were hosting a garden party for the wife’s mother. Family and friends would attend and there would be lots of grandchildren. I said I’d be happy to pay him £100 for an hour or so, perhaps extending to 90 minutes. Yes, George was up for it! I gave him my brother’s address and told him he'd need to get a tube to Morden underground station, the last stop south on the Northern line. I said to George that it would be a complete surprise. No one would know. Not even my brother and his wife.
That same morning I had earlier prepared three maps or diagrams, marked A B and C. Map ‘A’ showed the route from Morden underground station to the bus stop he would need. Map ‘B’ showed the route of the bus journey and where he should get off, and Map ‘C’ depicted the walking route from the bus stop to my brother’s house.
I put the maps into George’s hands, but he said “no, no, no, you meet me, you take me.” And so, I agreed to meet him at the entrance to Morden tube station, 4 p.m. Saturday 13th June 2004.
And still at this stage I was determined that it would be a complete surprise to everybody. However, I was beginning to have doubts as to whether this was a good idea or not. How would my brother’s wife react. After all it is rather a posh house, that they live in. She may not like the idea at all. And suppose the weather became downcast, even to rain? Then everyone would need to be in the house, including George! I had visions of him helping himself to silver spoons and any other ornaments he could get his hands on! I was beginning to have grave misgivings.
The day came. Saturday 13th of June. But the sky had turned grey and there was a real prospect of rain. My anxiety levels were getting high, but I went to meet him and got to the station about 3:45 p.m. But at 4 o’clock I began to feel very anxious. He hadn’t arrived. How long would I give him to wait. I was looking for an excuse to cancel the engagement! I decided to wait 5-10 minutes, no longer. Perhaps 8 minutes passed, and I made a decision. I phoned George on his mobile. There was no answer. I was pleased. I left a message to cancel the arrangement, citing the fact that he wasn’t there as planned. I felt relieved, a huge weight off my shoulders and my mind fixed on enjoying the party ahead. (Part 2 in a couple of days!)
Next instalment
People, 'Its Time To Stand Up For Ourselves'
