Clare Teal: Happy birthday and a jazz first for Sheffield Cathedral

It’s brilliant, he has absolutely no idea that a whole plethora of celebs and er… me are going to be there to celebrate this momentous milestone with him.

David Lewis Jacobs CBE was born in 1926 and rose to prominence as the presenter of the popular TV show, Juke Box Jury.

He also presented the BBC Radio 4 political show, Any Questions.

He provided the UK commentary for the Eurovision Song Contest before Sir Terry Wogan, and was one of the four original presenters of Top of the Pops when it started in 1964.

In short, he’s a total dude. For some years, he’s had a wonderful Radio 2 show that follows mine on Sunday evenings, called the David Jacobs Collection.

He’s a great storyteller and has some fantastic anecdotes of the mega stars and royalty he’s met during his career.

The producer of his show is Alan Boyd –they broke the mould when they made him. Barrowlands Boyd, as he’s known to the millions of listeners who used to tune in to Terry Wogan’s breakfast show, will no doubt be playing a tune or two on the piano.

I think I’m going to sing a couple of songs from High Society with Joe Stilgoe (son of Richard).

I’m having spring garden salad with Atlantic prawns for starters and herb crusted cod with crushed peas, broad beans and Suffolk bacon for main – it’s very exciting.

Speaking of cod and exciting, Friday found us in Southport at the Southport International Jazz Festival – it was a blast.

This Friday we’ll be playing at Sheffield Cathedral as part of their Summer Music and Arts Festival.

It’s a fascinating building some bits of which date back to the 13th century.

I’m very much looking forward to having a nosey round the Lantern Tower which looks stunning in photos.

Apparently, we will be the first jazz event the cathedral has hosted – no pressure then.