The Christening of liner Crystal Serenity by Dame Julie Andrews
 
My day began at 5.30.am I caught the train at 6.37 from Weymouth to Southampton,
not knowing what the day would bring.  To be truthful I did not expect a lot, because as Jean had said, it was a completely private affair,
invitation only.  I hailed a cab from the station and arrived at the docks at 8.00 am only to be told by security guard Roger Smith that Julie had arrived the night before and had spent the whole night on board the ship.

To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.  Roger introduced me to his wife Anita, who was also on security at the entrance to the marquee. They explained Julie had arrived the night before at about 5.00.  They said she was really lovely and spent a moment or two chatting before going on board ship.  Feeling rather sad at my missed opportunity I decided to go back into town and get a cup of coffee. Roger told me the ceremony would not take place until lunch time-ish.  I had my coffee then made my way back to the docks still feeling rather sad.  I stood on the side lines watching all the toffs arriving in their fancy cars and dressed in their fine clothes, thinking to myself what the hell! I was doing there at all.  With everyone inside Roger waved me over and pointed to the gangway where Julie, the ships officers, etc would make their way down
on their way to name the ship.  Around 12.40 Roger came over to the fence and told me he had just had word Julie was on her way.  Suddenly! there she was, walking right in front of me.  I thought Oh!  this my only chance, I
called out hi Jooles! with a cheery wave and smile, other people around did
not seem bothered about the lady at all.  Julie looked right at me, smiled, waved, and said hello there!  I was able to see and hear everything from my position.  I was so glad I had not been put off by thinking I would not be able to see anything.  While everyone was making their way on board ship for lunch I went back to Roger and Anita and told them I had called out to Jooles and that she had smiled, waved and said hi.  I went back into town for a drink, in my wildest dreams could not have guessed what was to follow. I arrived back at the dock around 3.00 had a chat with Anita, Roger, Peter and Clare.  While I had been in town most of the security staff had been racking their brains, thinking of a way to get my album signed, ( the Star! soundtrack).  Next thing I knew Clare and other people on duty inside the marquee had sought out the producers of the live link up that was going to take place between Julie and The Richard and Judy show.  They had explained
that I had travelled such a long way down just to see Julie, and was hoping to get my album signed.  They appeared and said they could not promise anything but they would try when they met Jooles to set up the interview.
After a most agonizing time, the producer and assistant returned, beaming big smiles, waving the signed album in the air.  There were hugs all around, I thanked them for taking the time to see me, they were as thrilled as I was, as well as Roger, Anita and their colleagues.  In the meantime Julie's driver had turned up along with the other driver's to collect Julie and her
gang for the trip back to London.  Clare had pointed me out to him, explaining that I had been round since 8.00 that morning.  He came over for a chat saying what a lovely lady Julie was.  I told him I had longed to meet Julie since 1976 when I had first seen her at the Palladium.   He told the security staff that he would keep an eye on me and let me say hello to Julie when she came off the Ship, I didn't know that at this point.  The time now was about 7.00 PM.  They didn't know when Julie would be coming out.  8 PM came, then 8.30.   At 9.00 he rang someone on board saying that he and the other drivers were hungry, did they know when she would be coming out.  The person on the other end said he would send something out for them to eat,
and that Miss Andrews would be out at about 10.00.  I said to John that since I had waited all day I may as well wait till 10.00.  He said I should. I knew there would never be another opportunity like this.  There was just me, and the four drivers waiting on the deserted docks.  I was thinking, my God, is it really going to happen.  At 9.50 the cars moved toward the
security cabin, I thought, oh no !!! I dare not go through there.  Well after they had positioned their vehicles John called out to me I went over and he said to stand by Julie's car.  Moments later.......there she was.  I could hardly believe my eyes.  Julie was giving instructions as to which pieces of luggage she wanted in her car, saying goodbye to friends.  Julie turned to put a little bag in her car as she stood up to say some more goodbyes I spoke. 
Miss Andrews. She smiled, I thanked her signing my album, she pointed saying to me, You're the one. We both laughed. I said I had waited 14 hours but it had been worth every second.  Julie thanked me for being so patient. I bowed a little bow, thanking her for all the pleasure her work had given me.  I then said may I kiss your hand mam. She raised her hand which I gently kissed.  I wished her a safe and pleasant journey, said goodbye to John thanking him.  I dashed along the dockside to catch my train.  As I was running along I was thinking to myself Julie will be passing by soon.  I saw three of the silver cars go by.......then I heard a car horn blaring.....at the window waving to me, was Julie Andrews. 

Tim