Monday, 17 August 2015

Music from Hazeldene



Music was my first love, and it will be my last........ Do you remember that piece? 

Well Haslingden had and probably still has its fair share of musicians over the years, from School Bands and Orchestras, Town Brass Bands, Town Orchestras, Accordian Bands, Banjo Bands, Concertina Bands, Dance Bands, Rock Bands, Folk Groups, Jazz Bands, Blues Bands etc etc  and lots of individuals who have all helped to make the town a much more richer and happier place to live over the years.

I can just about manage the mouth organ if I try very hard! but once of a day did try and get the hang of playing the cornet under the instruction of Mr. Jones at the Modern School, and I did try and get the hang of the violin from Misses Wilson, but no! young as I was I somehow did not have the patience and could not keep up with the commitment required and have regretted it ever since! Although at one time I do remember playing the Cornet in the Salvation Army Band at Accrington and we would march down Cannon Street every Sunday at 6pm and would play hymns beneath the clock on the front of Accrington Town Hall, before we marched back up to the Citadel on James Street, to yet play again to accompany the service hymns.  But I think the last time I picked up a cornet was probably around the 80s, I just about remember playing the "Coronation Street opening theme".

So lets see if we can list some of those great musicians here:
Music by Instrument

HYMNS, CAROLS, MARCHES and POPULAR MUSIC by Brass Bands 

 Haslingden Borough Band and Helmshore Prize Band 

 (Since 1972 both bands amalgamated and are now called "Haslingden and Helmshore Band" (To check their own website and check out their history etc "Click Here".


Borough Band Practice Room

I remember the Borough Band room, It was in Wells Street and you would regularly hear the band practising, it may even be still there today.  The Band would come round at Christmas and play carols close to your house whilst someone went around with a collection box. I also remember seeing the band on many a "walking day" parade back in the 50s,60s,70s and 80s.  I also remember the band playing in Worsley Park or under the Bandstand at Victoria Park.  Yes the Borough Band and the Helmshore Prize Band have played such a important part and still do within our local heritage. There are a couple of the lads whom I remember who have been with the band I'll bet for over 40 years.


Haslingden Borough Band (below)
 

Haslingden Borough Band - Cup Winners - Belle Vue, Manchester May 1932
(Click over photo to enlarge)



Some of the Haslingden Borough Band members  Click over to enlarge. 

 

Haslingden Borough Band


Looking further down at the Temperance Band photo I can recognize one or two from that photo within the above Haslingden Borough Band photo, so can now only presume that the "Borough" band took over from the "Temperance" band.

Helmshore Prize Band (below)


Below is a photo of the Helmshore Prize Band which has members who I remember from the School Band.

 

Helmshore Prize Band c1958 - 1959 (Photo: sent in by David Greenwood) 
Click over photo to enlarge



Helmshore Prize Band c1921 (Click over photo to enlarge)  Tor House I bet!

 

Helmshore Prize Band c1920 conductor: Richard Aspin (Click over photo to enlarge)


 


Helmshore Prize Band c1920 On their way to Irlam to enter their competition - Click over photo to enlarge



Helmshore Prize Band c1906


 


Programme Opening of Band Stand at Victoria Park (taken with permission from Chris Aspin's book entitled "Haslingden")
(Click over photo to enlarge)


Haslingden Temperance Band


Haslingden Temperance Band - probably the forerunners to our "Borough Band" (Click over photo to enlarge)

 

Showing a photo of the  "bandsman's" stall to try and help raise funds for the Temperance Band Bazaar c1912.
(Click over to enlarge)




Haslingden Borough Band passing the Old Grammar School on Bury Road
Click over to enlarge






Haslingden Modern School Brass Band (below)


 

Haslingden Secondary Modern School Band (it says c1950)


Haslingden Secondary Modern School Band around 1961/2 (Click over to enlarge)
Photo kindly shared by Barbara Molloy.
Includes: students Jones, Moorhouse, Rishton, Walsh and Big Les (on back row)
Teacher: Mr. Jones conducting.


MARCH, REVEILLE, LAST POST and POPULAR MUSIC - REGIMENTAL (Full Military Band)

Army Band - Band photo taken from outside of the Territorial Army Barracks which are situated to the South side of Woodcocks solicitors at the Junction with Hope Street. I don't know whether this was a visiting band or a band made up of Haslingden Musicians.


MARCH, REVEILLE, LAST POST - REGIMENTAL (Bugle and Drum - performed by Brigade)

St. James Church Lads Brigade  (Also you might want to check out the St. James Church Lads Brigade Blog which you can access by CLICKING HERE)


1920/1930s Church Lads Brigade marching past Lych Gate on Blackburn Road (photo: kindly sent in by Fizle 


Also lets not forget there were also the:- 
St. Mary's Catholic Boys Brigade and the
St. Thomas, Musbury Boy's Brigade



CLASSICAL and POPULAR MUSIC by Orchestra

Haslingden Modern School Orchestra (below) (21 piece)


Haslingden Modern School Orchestra (no date but presumed prior 1960)
Click over photo to enlarge


Haslingden Orchestral Society (below) (36 piece)


Haslingden Orchestral Society and Choir on their last concert  Conductor: Mr. Arthur Nuttall (Click over photo to enlarge)

This is a photo showing the last concert of the Haslingden Orchestral Society, taken at the Public Hall on November 14th 1934 when 120 performers took part.  The society was founded in 1885. Mr. Arthur Nuttall, conducted the orchestra from 1914 and up to and including this concert. Prior to this the conductor had been Mr. C. H. Heathcote (1902 to 1914).  On the night the orchestra played Rossini's overture The Barber of Seville, a selection from Patience (Sullivan), three dances from Nell Gwyn (German) and the tone poem Finlandia by Sibelius.  A note on the programme of the concert says, "By courtesy of the L.M.S. Railway Co., the 10.9pm from Haslingden to Manchester will not depart until 10.14"

Conductor Mr. C.H. Heathcote (1902 to 1914)


Mr. C. H. Heathcote - conductor 1902 to 1914

Mr. Heathcote, as well as being the Conductor was also the Headmaster at the St. James C of E School, and also he held the position of Deputy Organist at Haslingden Parish Church.

This is a photo of the Haslingden Orchestral Society when they played at Stoneyhurst College 1894
(Click over to enlarge)

Classical - Sextet

Sandham and Hough Classical Sextet
Photo: kindly contributed by Kathleen Carlton (nee Hollinrake).  The photo shows Kathleen's Grandad Mr. John Hough sat to the far left hand side.



The above photo is of the C.H. Law and His Orchestra - (Click over to enlarge)
Photo: Courtesy of the Belshaw Family
Back Row. R Haworth. C.H.Law, J Hurst.
Middle Row. J W Ashworth, O Pilkington, J Willan. T Fitton. H Tasker. N Riley. J Hough.
Seated. J W Hoyle. D Haworth. V Shields. J Scott. E Anderton. J Haworth. J Bridge.

Classical Music by Individual

Alan Rawsthorne (2nd May 1905 - 24th July 1971 - (Musician, Composer and Recording Artist)


Alan Rawsthorne's home at Syke Side
(click over to enlarge)
Alan Rawsthorne was a great composer with scores of music albums to his credit. Born in Deardengate House, Haslingden and later lived at Sykeside House (now the Sykeside Hotel and Restaurant.)

In 1925, Rawsthorne was finally able to enrol at the Royal Manchester College of Music, where his teachers included Frank Merrick for the piano and Carl Fuchs for the cello.  After graduating from the Royal Manchester College of Music around 1930, Rawsthorne spent the next couple of years pursuing his piano training with Egon Petri at Zakopane in Poland, and then briefly also in Berlin.

On his return to England in 1932, Rawsthorne took up a post as pianist and teacher at Dartington Hall in Devon, where he became composer-in-residence for the School of Dance and Mime.  In 1934, Rawsthorne left for London to try his fortune as a freelance composer.  His first real public success arrived four years later with a performance of his "Theme and Variations for Two Violins" at the 1938 International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM) Festival in London.  The next year, his large scale "Symphonic Studies" for orchestral was performed in Warsaw, again at the ISCM Festival.  The first in a line of completely assured orchestral scores, the "Symphonic Studies" which can be heard as a Concerto for Orchestra in all but name, rapidly helped Rawsthorne establish himself as a composer possessing a highly distinctive musical voice.

Just one of the many records he made
Other acclaimed works by Rawsthorne include a viola sonata (1937), two piano concertos (1939 and 1951), an oboe concerto (1947), two violin concertos (1948,1956), a concerto for string orchestra (1949) and the "Elegy" for guitar (1971), a piece written for and completed by Julian Bream after the composer's death.  Other works include a cello concerto, three acknowledged string quartets among other chamber works, and three symphonies.  Rawsthorne wrote a number of film scores; his best know work in this field was the music for the 1953 British War Film, "The Cruel Sea". To hear the music from The Cruel Sea click over this link (You Tube). 

(Family history):
Rawsthorne was a great grandson of Dr. Jonathan Bayley, the educationalist, Latin scholar and Swedenborgian minister distinguished by his philantropic work in Accrington and London.

He was married to Isabel Rawsthorne (nee Isabel Nicholas), an artist and model well known in the Parish and Soho art scenes.  Her contemporaries included Andre Derain, Alberto Glacometti, Pablo Piccaso and Francis Bacon.  Isabel Rawsthorne was the widow of composer Constant Lambert and stepmother to Kit Lambert, manager of the rock group The Who, who died in 1981.  Isabel died in 1992.  Alan Rawsthorne was her third husband; Sefton Delmer (the journalist and member of the Special Operations Executive during the Second World War) was her first husband.  Isabel was Alan Rawsthorne's second wife, his first wife being Jessie hinchcliffe, a violinist in the Philharmonia Orchestra.  Jessie did not remarry.

(Thanks to Wikipedia (Creative Commons Attributions-share a like License) for the above information on Alan Rawsthorne)


Alan Rawsthorne in April 1949 (Photo: BBC)


POLKA'S, WALTZES AND QUICKSTEPS (Big Band, Dance Bands, Quartets and Trios)

Every Saturday night there were dances in the Church schoolrooms.  One week it would be the Wesley on the corner of Hud Hey, another week it would be at the New Jerusalem on Union Street.  The dances were held on a rota with the different Churches.  Most of the time the local dance bands which were comprised usually of a trio or quartet, smartly dressed in their white shirts and dickie bow ties, black trousers and shoes and would play popular dance music which would include, Waltzes, Quicksteps and Polka's with favourite dances like the "Barn Dance" "Military Two Step" "Gay Gordons" etc.,  and besides dancing with your own partners, occasionally the dances would become progressive and your partner would move on and on and on whilst you received a new partner. Also they would have spot prizes etc.

We were only kids when all this was going on but it was great fun at the time. When I think back it could have been a little embarassing really, although at the time you never gave it much thought you just got on with it, let me try and explain.  Being small in size and stature at the age of 10 or 12, when the progressive dances came along, you would get a new partner each time and now and again you would get a mature in age and sometimes of hefty build lady and occasionally they could be well endowed and you would have a struggle to fit your arms around them which sometimes left your head in a most "precarious" position while they flung you about on the twirls!




Jack Taylor Band (3 or 4 piece), (Members included: Jack Taylor (piano) Arthur Frost , Roy Mason (Accordian)

Embassy Dance Band  

 

Embassy Dance Band (Click over to enlarge)

Photo: Kindly shared to us by Stephen Nuttall on 13th March 2017
Arthur Watson on violin, Jim Fletcher on Piano, Harold Broughton on Guitar, Bill Heap on Alto Sax, David Whittaker on Tenor Sax/Clarinet on far right, Gerald Hems on Drums - 


The alto sax player next to me is Bill Heap who lived on York Avenue down Helmshore and was also a founder member of the Band. He later left and was replaced by Alan Dutton from Crawshawbooth who was the Accountant and Company Secretary at J & E Transport at Bentgate. Next to him on tenor sax is
David Whittaker whos’ parents had a confectioners business on the corner of Blackburn Rd. and Station Brow on the same row as Dads shop.
Our pianist in the photo is Jim Fletcher from Grane Road who was with us for the greater life of the band but was not in the original band which came about somewhat accidentally out of Harold Broughton inviting myself with my piano accordion to a musical evening with him and Arthur at his home. I ended up purchasing an old drum kit off Harolds son (not being very good on the accordion) and we were approached by the Wesley to play for a dance when they  had been let down. We quickly grabbed the two sax players and David Carey who was the Top Church organist and a good, although mainly classical pianist and the EMBASSY was born and became quickly popular.
David later left us to accompany his wife on piano in her career as a solo singer but he sadly died very early in life. The band eventually ended up for some years as a trio with Jim, Harold and myself before finally disbanding after many very happy years due to my colleagues ill health and advancing years




Estelle Dance Band (3 piece) (Members included: Jim Frohock (piano), Clifford Nicholas (drums),  Jackie Hayton on Accordian.

Regency Dance Band (3 piece)

The Metronomes Dance Band  included Frank Jackson (drums), George Gillam on Piano.


The Metronomes Dance Band (Click Over to enlarge)
Photo: Kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford


The Blue Echo Dance Band includes Clarence Entwistle on trumpet and Frank Jackson on the drums



Blue Echo Dance Band (Click over to enlarge)
Photo: Kindly shared by Neil Jackson and John Bedford

The Rhythmatics (11 piece) (Members included Roy Mason, Harry Haworth, Harry T, Jack Taylor, Eva Kendal

Harry Burgess Band (7 piece) (photo below)  (Members included Harry Burgess on Trombone, Sam Stott on Trumpet (the short blonde in dark jumper) and John Ashman (ex bookie) on Tenor Sax

Bob Whatmough Band  (large Band) from Accrington, but played regular at the Public Hall on the Annual Balls.

The following bands also played in Haslingden, but dont know whether or not they originated from Haslingden or just visiting musicians:

Smiths Full Orchestra (1926),
R,. Wright's Syncopated Band (1920s?)


Harry Burgess Band

Hi Again, This is a picture of another [not so famous] Haslingden band...
HARRY BURGESS  and his band...that's Harry trombone, Sam Stott
trumpet [the short blond in the dark jumper]John Ashman tennor sax [he
had the betting shop last time I saw him when I on holiday in the 80's
] I can't remember the names of the others.. (I am sure that Sam did tell me that the small guy with the drumstick was a young Noel Smith)
     Anyway like a lot of young people of that time,not commited
enough,sold the trumpet and bought a greenhouse on an allotment on
Park Bottom,just opposite to Jubilee Rd [be about in the middle of
the motorway now  THANK FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK ON THE SITE..it gives an old
Flaxmoss Ruffian a lot of Happy memories..  Sam Stott
(Also check below under Individuals, Sam has also sent in a photo of him showing his mum's record)

(BY added:) Harry went on from this (having his own band) to joining the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra.  I used to do business years ago with Harry when he was with the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra and he would do the odd gig for me now and again with a 36 piece which sometimes would include the famous Brian Fitzgerald on piano plus lots of other top lads in the line up.  Although when I booked them out for the Parent/Teachers Association Dances or the Royal Ordnance Factories Christmas parties we had to call them either the New Dance Orchestra or the Northern Dance Orchestra. NO BBC had to be mentioned - tha nus! (Mums the Word and all that!) "Moonlighting" a No No! them days......




The Rhythmics Dance Band

A lovely but damaged photo of Haslingden's Rhythmics Dance Band from the WW2 period and also known as the "The Red Necks".  The band featured amongst others: Roy Mason on the accordian on the left, Harry Haworth, Harry T, Jack Taylor on piano and the lady was Eva Kendal.

The Alfrescos (Nov 1925)


The Alfresco's (Photo kindly sent in by Peter Fisher)

from Helmshore and featured: A. Place (Piano), J.H. Fielding (Sax), G. Fielding (Banjo and Drums), N. Jackson (violin)



JAZZ, BLUES AND FOLK MUSIC (Bands, Groups or Individuals)


Jazz Music:

Hazeldene Prize Jazzband (or Haslingden Prize Jazz Band)

This photo looks to me as though it was taken in Worsley Park, at the point where the Childrens play area is.  I wish I had a pound for the amount of times I have climbed that rockery at the back of the band.

(Contributors to Haslingden's Folk, Blues and Jazz included):

Blues Music:

Victor Brox Blues Band  Victor along with other well known session musicians forming his groups have performed in Haslingden on numerous occasions.  Michael Cain used to book Victor for the old Wine Bar on Lower Deardengate, also they have appeared at the Trades Club on several Occasions. I would regularly book Victor back in the sixties at various Blues Clubs and University gigs.  Victor was a special friend to the late Alexis Korner, and was the vocal and prominent member for years of the famous "Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation" amongst hundreds of guest appearances with the best in the genre. His band made regular appearances at the "Band On The Wall" in Manchester. Victor was described by the late Jimi Hendrix and also by Tina Turner, to be their best white British Blues Singer. These days I believe he lives in France, but still comes over on a regular basis to do local gigs.
If you fancy listening to a bit of Victor Brox why not check out his You Tube Page and select a track or two

Folk Music:

Folk Music was played  At one time on a weekly basis at the Farmers Glory Pub.

Oldham Tinkers  I do remember booking them in the Haslingden Cricket Club during the 1970s.

Houghton Weavers  I am told play at the I.D.L. Club on George Street.

Harry Boardman (R.I.P) - Folk singer from Middleton was a firm favourite throughout the North West folk scene and would do lots of locals gigs in and around our area. But perhaps of special interest would be that he chose the song "Billy Suets Song" which was written many years earlier by Haslingden's Major David Halstead, to be his track on the "Owdham Edge" folk compilation. The song has references to the Cribden and Top O'th Slate areas.

Dave Molloy (R.I.P) -   Folk singer and musician from Haslingden

Joan (his wife) has kindly sent me a short history from Dave's life. Dave took up singing and music after he had been made redundant from his main job after 40 years.  He was doing well but after only a few short years he contracted "Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis" which saw his lungs scar over and his last gig was done with his oxygen tank on stage. Most of the audience that night were fellow folkies and they applauded as if nothing was wrong.  But sadly over the next 12 months he became more and more poorly and died at his home on 21st February 2011.  It's great to know that members of his family including his Grandchildren are also following their Grandads footsteps loving music themselves.  Please click on the links below to hear some of Dave's fabulous music.




Dave Molloy (Musician) R.I.P
(Click over photo to enlarge)




POPULAR MUSIC of the Day (Accordian Bands, Banjo Band, Concertina Bands of the early 1900s)



The Accordian Serenaders (Click over to enlarge)
Kindly Shared with us by Stephen Nuttall on 14th March 2017
Arthur Watson on Violin


 

The Clarke Band (photo: sent in by Marie Ives and includes her relatives)

 

Haslingden Pace-Eggers Coming forward a bit in time to the 1960's, we had the Rawtenstall Concertina Band who actually made a record for Richard Branson on his very early formed Virgin Records. But at the time I was their agent and prior to this the band were actually called the Forresters Concertina Band, and consisted of about six concertina players and most of the lads came from Hall Carr in Rawtenstall, but they did one or two gigs around Haslingden at the time. Its so long ago I can't just remember their repertoire but think it was perhaps leaning to the Folk genre. The leader of the group (Lee Nicholson) went on to make several LPs in his own right and now lives somewhere South in Canterbury or thereabouts..

Banjo Band from Haslingden  Photo will be added from mid September (Thanks to Maria Ives)

RELIGIOUS AND POPULAR MUSIC BANDS  


Haslingden Banjo Band



A Haslngden "Banjo" Band - Name unknown  (Click over photo to enlarge)
Photo: Courtesy of Marie Ives

The Black Pudding Band (Haslingden Grane)

This article is from the Accrington Observer and Times of 1903. The churches mentioned in the article are from the Holden Wood and Hutch Bank areas of Haslingden.

“This band of local musicians, consisting of members of the choir from both the Primitive Methodists and the United Methodists (Salem) was formed in 1848 or 1850, the leader being Robert Brierley who played a clarinet. This instrument is defined in Collins’ Dictionary as a musical wind instrument of the reed kind; the leading instrument in a military band.

There were at least four more clarinet players – William Henry Rishton, John Rishton, Richard Barnes (Dicky Brush) and Ainsworth Elton. Two brothers Richard and Thomas Barnes, sons of a Hutch Bank farmer and known as Dicky o’ Dick’s and Thomas o’ Dicky’s played the curious instrument known as serpents or ‘black puddings’ because of their extraordinary shape and jet-black colour. Billy o’ Tets, whose real name I do not know, also played one of these instruments and the fourth was in the hands of a resident of Haslingden Grane, but I do not know his name.

Richard Hoyle, father of John Hoyle, played a French trumpet, a brass instrument with three flat keys about the size of a half-crown, whilst Robert Heap (Bob o’ Sol’s) played an ophicleide, a many-keyed instrument. John Rhebanks Green (father of John Singleton Green, late borough surveyor) played a bassoon, a reed instrument of wood, something like a chair leg (and this is what it is called).

These men were all enthusiastic musicians and we always thought it a great treat to listen to the band when playing for the Sunday school procession, or when they accompanied the congregation to the open-air camp meetings, which were so popular during the 60’s of the last century. I have listened to them at Christmas, when they are playing Christmas carols, when there was something most peculiarly sweet in these most curios instruments. They appeared to something indescribable but most pleasing in their wonderful music, which added a delicious charm which no brass band as ever yet approached. Perhaps it was only childish fancy, but I would like to obtain the opinion of others who remember them.

At the annual sermons and on other occasions at both chapels, the orchestra was augmented by at least three double bass instruments, in the capable hands of John Hoyle, John Collinge and Caleb Greenwood and a single bass fiddle was in the hands of James Warburton. Other instrumentalists I think took part in those most interesting musical treats. Even after the organ was put in the chapel, the band took part in the musical part of the service.


Thanks to Dave Middlehurst (Chorley) and John Simpson at Accrington Library. 

POPULAR MUSIC (Skiffle Groups, Rock Bands, Beat Groups 

Where did it all happen?  The 60's was a very special period when we were just leaving the 50's Rock and Roll era and entering the pop/rock era.  Rock Groups (has they were called those days (not rock bands as they are called today) were springing up all over the place and we had our fair share in Haslingden. The local groups would play the local Church Youth Clubs scattered about,  and one night a month at the Haslingden Youth Club held in the Modern School Hall, the local Workingmen's Clubs, The Co-op Hall off Higher Deardengate, the local pubs and even in Coffee Bars like the "Dearden Cave" (old Yorkshire Penny Bank) next to the library on Higher Deardengate, and there was also another coffee bar were I remember groups in Ratcliffe Street. Then there were the more dedicated venues for regular rock/pop groups at The Old Ambulance Hall on Lyndale Avenue on Thursdays nights, The Buccaneers (occasional) down the steep steps to the cellars of the Old Liberal Club at the bottom of Park Street, and probably the most well known would be The Public Hall on Regent Street who regularly featured our local town groups who would support well known chart groups including: Hermans Hermits, Manfred Mann, Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders, The Undertakers and lots lots more..

Who were the groups?  Well below I have racked my brains and come up with some I can remember and I am hoping that others may remember a group or two and let me know. So for now we have the:-


The Dynamites (late 1950s to 1980s), (Other previous or follow up names included: The Vidors, Jay Turner and the Dynamites, James Turner and the Dynamites, Jay Turner Four, Second Time Around -

In their early days I remember the band included Ralph Clark on Tea Box bass and Washboard, Also included Billy Kerr on vocals, also John Turner on drums together with "old players" Ronnie Green on Rhythm and Jack Tillotson on bass and Gerard Navan on lead guitar, later being joined by the late Noel Smith (Noel Trent) on drums. I can't remember the actual year when James joined the band but he was with them for quite a lengthy period.


 

Jay Turner and the Dynamites featuring L to R: Ronnie Green, the late Noel Smith (Noel Trent), the late James Turner, Jack Tillotson and Gerard Navan. (Photo: Paul Driver) Kindly sent in by Tony Winder



The Dynamites around 1963
Photo: thanks to Gerard Navan

 

James Turner and the Dynamites at the Re-Union at the Astoria organised by Tony Winder etc  (Click over to enlarge)
Photo: kindly contributed by Tony Winder


"The Dynamites" or "Second Time Around"

The photo is a rehearsal for the Dynamites re-union at the Astoria, an event organised for Charity by Tony Winder of Rawtenstall. What a superb band they were. Proud to have been associated with such great lads
Gerard Navan (lead), Noel Smith RIP (at the back on drums), James Turner (RIP) on vocals at the front, and Jack Tillotson on the right (plays bass) - don't know what had happened for Ronnie Green (Rhythm) to be missing from this photo.
Photo: Kindly shared to us by Peter Fisher.

Gerard tells us that the absence of Ronnie on the photo was because he turned up late that night and the photographer was in a hurry because he had another appointment, and so Ronnie who did eventually arrive missed out!!


Noel Smith (RIP) the drummer from the Dynamites had previously been with the group MARK DAY AND THE KNIGHTS who later became the NOSMO KINGS.  Also the singer of that group Peter Hibbert (RIP) who was the lead singer (eg Mark Day) with both bands also for a short period became the singer with the DYNAMITES but later James Turner took over as singer. 

Also whilst talking about Noel, I received communication from Sam Stott (ex pat from down under) to say that Noel at one time was the drummer with the Harry Burgess Band and also that he used to played the Tenor Horn with the Haslingden Modern School Band.  Here is a photo showing Noel and Peter when they were both with MARK DAY AND THE KNIGHTS and supporting Billy Fury at the Nelson Imperial Ballroom.



The Swinging Hangmen (1960s) (Other previous names included: The Matadors, The Hangmen)

This band included Michael Hogan (bass and vocals), John Entwistle (Lead, rhythm guitar and vocals), the late Harry Eastham (drums), later Harry left,  and new members were brought into the band including Dave Clarke on vocals and Terry Bannister on drums. The band practised at various times in the St. Mary's School, Unity Club, Bridge End etc. (If you want to check out their own blog then click here)


 

The Swinging Hangmen featuring L to R: John Entwistle, Michael Hogan and Harry Eastham (photo: John Entwistle)

The Vampires (1960s)


 

The Vampires from back in 1963
(Newspaper cutting kindly contributed by Jackie Ramsbottom)
This band included Vince Kent (Graham Paine) on vocals, Ken Shaw on lead guitar, Noel Haworth on bass guitar, Trevor Edwards on Rhythm, and the Late Melvyn Jenkinson on drums. 

Taken from a newspaper article in 1963 "The group was managed by Mr. Anthony C. Barnes who has widened the scope of its engagements to the North Lancashire district.

In the near future the Vampires are appearing with Johnny Kidd and the Pirates and Joe Brown and the Bruvvers both events being at the Nelson Imperial.  They have also been invited to an audition at the Burnley Locarno Ballroom."

********************

The Phantoms (1960s)  (Other names later: Maureen and the Phantoms)

I can remember Mick Smith from Carrs on the drums, and later his sister Jean Smith joined the group and the name was changed to Maureen and the Phantoms.  I can't recall the other members of the band at the moment. I did catch up with Mick and Jean who by the 70s had moved to Accrington and were part of the group called Maureen and the Finders - I did look after their diary during this period of which most of the work was in local workingmen's clubs. A very popular band.


The Medics (1960's)  from Rising Bridge and included  Melvin Yates, Jeff Kenyon, Brian Webster, Barry Moran. See photo of the group below


The Medics (photo: Brian Webster)

The Ospreys (1960s)  from Rising Bridge and included Billy Lang and Barry Moran.

Stephen Kay's Group from the 60s there was Stephen Kay's (K Steels) group with Master Stevenson etc etc (Cant think of their name to hand)

Five Of Clubs - Jack Hayton's Group. Also at one time there was the group "Solid Gold" which also featured Noel Smith and James Turner who regularly appeared at Haslingden Conservative Club and also at the Cricket Club.


Five of Clubs

from l to r: Barry Jackson (Drums), the late Raymond Haworth (Vocals), Marilyn Zebrowski (nee Heys) (Vocals), Gerrard Navin (lead guitar), Jack Lord (bass guitar) and John Hayton (keyboards)
Photo: kindly shared to us from the Garth Dawson Collection



Five of Clubs
Barry Jackson, Jack Lord, Raymond Haworth, John Hayton
Front: Gerard Navin, Marilyn Zebrowski
Photo: Sheila Norris - Thanks for kindly sharing with us


Solid Gold

feat John Hayton, Noel Smith and James Turner
Photo: 11th Sept 1994 with 1950 Crysler Windsor which was Marilyn Monroes
old MGM Studio company car
Photo: Sheila Norris, thank you for sharing with us all

(above) 3 Members of Haslingden punk band "The Grout"
photo kindly shared by Steve Duke Lord.
Chris Higginbotham on left and Steve Pacey on the right. 

Grout - Haslingdens Punk Band
Photo taken when recording their single at Cargo Studios, Rochdale. 
Photo: thanks to band member Paul Brougham

The Grout (1980s) - Punk Band  Recording artist - Private Label called "Urinating Vicar" - 100 original records made which cost to the band was £160.  They made their own labels and covers. They were only the 2nd band to cut a record at Cargo Studios, Rochdale (Jon Brierley).  The record has be re-issued by Detour Records a few years ago.  The 7" EP was called "Do It Yourself" and the tracks were: Cremation at Belson, Stiff Thing, Nothing to Do and Fast Cars.


If you want to hear any of The Grout's tracks you can go to the "Killed by Death Site" and you will see on the left hand side the tracks MP3, just click over the track you want to hear.

Members included: Chris Higginbotham (Chris Mass), Tony Whittaker (Tone Deaf), Steve Pacey (Steve Sinister), Ian Beharrel (Ian Stamatic) Paul Brougham (Paul Paint)

Sick Youth (1980s) etc - Punk Band  featured Steve Coyle, Steve "Duke" Lord, Steve Simpson and Adrian Barlow on drums.

The Knights of Agincourt  included Pete Elmer, Paul Gregory and Roy Gregory

The Valiants (1980s) Mod Band.

Members included Paul Brougham (guitar), Mark Morrison (Moz) lead vocal, Carl Flannigan (guitar), Kirk Fletcher (drums)
They played a infamous gig in the Park at Helmshore, also did many appearances at the Haslingden Public Hall, Helmshore British Legion and entered a talent competition at the Petrie Arms. 

The Valiants - Helmshore Mod Band from the 1980s


A photo of the Valiants at the Gig in the Park (Helmshore)
photo kindly shared by Paul Brougham

The Valiants cassette "On The Shore"
Photo: Kindly shared by Angela Nuttall

The Valiants
Photo thanks to Stephen Haworth


 Haslingden Rock Band "Contract Complete" got through to finals at Cats Whiskers, Burnley
Photo: Thanks to Andrew Mullaney


Winker's Group? (Can't think of their name to hand)

Church Lads Brigade Skiffle Group (Photo below)


Church Lads Brigade Skiffle Group featuring from L to R - Jack Pilling, Peter White, Brian Till (back), Roy Frohnapfel and David White. (Photo kindly sent in by: Myra Frohnapfel


Music and Song by Voice:

Hymns, Songs, (performed by Choir)


Haslingden Schools Festival Choir (below)







Haslingden Schools Festival Choir - June 1959) Click over photo to enlarge (photo kindly sent in by Jim Nuttall)
Above:   A event involving four different Haslingden schools and contained over 200 pupils




Haslingden Choir (below)

Haslingden Choir performing at St. Mary's, Rawtenstall. (Click over photo to enlarge)



The Original Haslingden Choir

Music and Song by individuals

Maggie Stott (The Singing Mill Girl)


Sam Stott with his Mother's Maggie Stott's record on REX records (see label below)
Maggie Stott (The Singing Mill Girl) - Record on the REX record label

The above is a photo of Sam proudly holding up his mums record which she made on the REX label, called "My Hero".  Maggie Stott was also known as "The Singing Mill Girl".


Advertisement for Maggie Stott

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Jim Ramsbottom, Hans Lindhubar  -  (Yodeller and Entertainer)

Lived on Dean Road at Flaxmoss and regularly did Summer Seasons at the Tivoli Pavillion theatre at Lytham St. Annes he was well known for his Yodelling and entertainer.

Also Jim had previously been a sewing machine mechanic and also had a number of minor roles in the likes of "Boys from the Black Stuff", when he played Ronny Renaldo but under his stage name of Hans Lindhuber.  He also did walk on roles in Coronation Street and Emmerdale soaps.

Sadly Jim met with a tragic death after a fatal fall on March 15th 2012



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Well known Haslingden Organist

The late David Carey RIP (Church Organist and Club Organist)
The late John Cryer RIP (Church Organist and Club Organist)
Alan ?  (Club Organist)
Jack Hayton (Organist in his own Groups)
David Greenwood (Aka Dave Ross) played with Helmshore Prize Band and later a Club Organist at one time providing accompaniment for "Roy Orbison" on a private party.

Well known Haslingden Pianist

Jimmy Hill - Haslingden WMC (1950/60s)

Other individuals awaiting information

Atarah Ben Tovim - Principle Flautist Liverpool Philharmonic. - Music School on Regent St. (Now living in France)
Ken Shaw - Progressive Rock Bands

Popular music played by Local Disc Jockeys (Disco's)

David Bates, Bill Wiltshire,  Paul Hatton (Rovin' D.J. Disco and Three Bare Feet Disco)


"Roving D.J. Disco Card
Nigel Bateson

Was resident D.J. at the Roebuck Hotel when the late Pat and David Dewhurst RIP had it


Old Roebuck - Eli's Palace advert (Click over to enlarge)
Shows Keith Gunton, Raymondo and D.J. Nigel 
Thanks to Nigel Bateson for kindly sharing with us


Duncan Berry

Was resident D.J. at the Commercial Hotel when John Merchant had it

Tom Riley

who for many years was second in command of the Church Lad's Brigade had a disco and was well known in the town playing at small functions.

Arthur and Vera Foster

Also did "Hospital Radio" and patient request for many years.

Keith Gunton (K.T. Disco)


(Click over photo to enlarge)
Keith on the decks from way back in 1972 along with Trevor Greenwood on the left. Keith's disco then was called the K.T. Disco.

"I remember ordering records in 'The Disc' Higher Deardengate in Haslingden and collecting them a couple of weeks after ordering them.Amazingly over 45 years have passed by and now I find myself still playing 'soul music' all around the country for 'Warner Leisure Hotels'
When 'The Disc ' was open I ordered Chuck Wood-Seven Days Too Long on Big-T Records and a UK re-issue of Doris Troy's -I'll Do Anything on the Toast label ...."

"I used to DJ in the Commercial Hotel when John Merchant had it and I also remember having a few pints in there before I caught the Fred Kirkhams coach across the road to go to the "Blackpool Mecca".


Keith with George McCrae "Rock You Baby" (absolute classic on Jay Boy!)





Dancing at the Tankards (old Victoria Inn Pub) to "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd with Keith Gunton on the decks. (Click over photo to enlarge)
"Why are everybody holding their heads?"
"It was part of the dance routine for that particular record, and was the third step of a 11 step routine"
(Photo: kindly sent in by Keith Gunton on 5th September 2015)


Neil Jackson, Andrew Smith and Chris Kirby (The Left Hand Rule)

Played at the Victoria Pub (Station Steps) and also at the Holden Arms

Card for the "Left Hand Rule" Disco

Andrew Riding (Soul City Road Show)

Andrew Riding took over the Disc record shop on Higher Deardengate and the name was changed to Soul City Records.  He also had his own disco which was called "Soul City Road Show".



Keith Wilkinson Disco

Peter Haworth's - (Disco parties)  The late Peter Haworth RIP and his wife Margaret would have the infamous cellar parties at their home on Grane Road and would put on some great disco music.

Here is a photo showing Peter on the left and Keith Gunton (with the wig) on the right.

Peter Haworth and Keith Gunton at the "infamous" cellar parties



14th September 2015 Information kindly sent in by David Middlehurst (Chorley) who is currently compiling a book on old Lancashire Bands. Here are one or two snippets on Haslingden and Rossendale Bands:


Rossendale bands
November 20th 1875 “BALL- On Saturday evening the members of the Spinners and Minders’ Association had a ball at the Public Hall, Regent Street, Haslingden which was well attended. The Popular Star Quadrille Band played for dancing”
On January 8th 1910 “Miss Almond of Rawtenstall held her annual juvenile ball in the Public hall, Rawtenstall.  Mr. Cryne’s Band played for dancing”.
On January 6th 1912 “On Friday evening a grand ball was held in the Assembly Rooms of Helmshore Liberal Club, when Moorhouse’s Orchestral Band provided the music”.
On January 4th 1913 “SOCIAL AT ST.JOHN’S RAWTENSTALL- There was a dance at St. John’s School on New Year’s Eve. Dancing was enjoyed to the strains of Mr. Smethurst’s Orchestral Band”.
On January 4th 1913 “The winders and Beamers employed at the Forrest Mill, Lumb held an enjoyable gathering at the Water Council School on Saturday. Mr. J. W. Dugdale’s Band played for dancing”.
On January 24th 1914 “In connection with the Irwell Springs Printing Company Football Club, a dance was held in the Assembly room of the Bacup Liberal Club on Saturday evening. Mr. H. Goodenhough’s Band (b. 1890) played for dancing”.
On January 31st 1914 “promoted by members of the Rawtenstall Tuesday Football Club, a most enjoyable whist drive and dance in the Assembly room of the Rawtenstall Liberal Club. Mr. T. N. Howarth’s Orchestral Band”.
On February 7th 1914 “R.A.O.B ANNIVERSARY- “On Wednesday, a tea and social was held in the Co-operative Hall, Haslingden. There was a piccolo solo by Mr. W. Heap and a selection by the concertina band under the conductorship of Mr. Brown. Mr. Harry Heap’s (born 1879) Band played for dancing”.
On February 21st 1914 “The annual tea and social in connection with the Haslingden Co-operative Society, took place on Wednesday evening in the Co-operative Hall. Dance music was supplied by Radcliffe’s Band”.
Robinson’s Band
January 2nd 1904 “In connection with the Bacup Primrose League, the annual dance was held in the assembly rooms on New Year’s Eve. The dance music was supplied by Mr. Robinson’s Band”.
On January 8th 1910 “On Tuesday evening the annual party in connection with the Bacup Co-operative Society employees, took place. The music was supplied by Mr. Robinson’s Band”.
On November 29th 1913 “A gathering of eighty people participated in a whist drive and dance, held in the Conservative Club, Rishton. Messrs. Robinson’s band played for dancing”.
On January 24th 1914 “The Stacksteads and District Junior Conservatives held a concert and dance in the assembly room of the Workman’s Club. The music was supplied by Mr. Robinson’s Band”.

ALSO DAVID HAS ADDED ON 15TH SEPTEMBER 2015:

Warburton’s Band (Rossendale)
On January 8th 1876 “On New Year’s Eve, a public ball took place in the Public-hall, Haslingden which was well attended. Warburton’s Quadrille Band played for the dancing, which was kept up till breakfast the next morning”. (Blackburn Standard)
On January 12th 1895, there is an advertisement for Thomas Warburton, who ran a music shop at 12, Regent Street Haslingden, specialising in Pianos and organs. Thomas was born in Haslingden in 1856 and at the age of 15, he was a ‘cotton weaver’. In 1901, he lived at the shop premises with his wife and six children. His eldest daughter Mary, was a music teacher at the age of 18. (Rossendale Free Press)
On January 2nd 1909 “The dressmaking students attending the dressmaking classes at Waterfoot Council School, held an enjoyable dance at Victoria Hall, Waterfoot. Mr. Warburton’s Band from Boothfield, supplied the music for dancing”.
January 8th 1910 “The Helmshore Liberal Club, held their annual dance on New Year’s Eve. The dance music was supplied by Messrs. Warburton and Coulton’s band”.
On January 15th 1910 “Last night, under the auspices of the Newchurch and District Conservative Association, a well-attended ball was held in the Victoria Hall. Warburton Brother’s Band played for dancing”.
On January 6th 1912 “DANCE AT BACUP LIBERAL CLUB - On Saturday Warburton’s Band played for dancing at the above club from 7-10 p.m. The band included their full orchestra from Cloughfold.
On January 13th 1912 “the annual Juvenile Ball in connection with the Conservative Club, Waterfoot took place last night. Mr. Herbert Warburton’s band played excellent dance music”.
On 21st February 1914 “A benefit dance in aid of Ernest Lea, who had been unable to follow employment for the last 18 months (through ill-health) was held in the Victoria Hall, Waterfoot. Messrs. Warburton’s Band played the music”.


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My thanks to: Chris Aspin, Keith Gunton, Peter Fisher, Fizle, Myra Frohnapfel, David Greenwood, Marie Ives, Dave Middlehurst (Chorley), Jacqueline Ramsbottom, Peter Shuttleworth, John Simpson, Sam Stott, Wikipedia (Common Attributions), Gareth Wolstenholme for help on this blog.


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YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT MY "60s WAS SOMETHING ELSE BLOG" which gives more information about the venues in and around HASLINGDEN with special emphasis on the Old ASTORIA down in Rawtenstall.  To check out the blog CLICK HERE.
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