CALL UP THE GROUPS 15

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A very different page-paying tribute to an Edwardian orchestra and two Southampton bandleaders who made their own marks. 'Popular' music has been around well before the 50s/60s explosion and this page looks back at a different age but serving the same purpose

Once again I am pleased to add the latest page full of mostly music memories based on my hometown of Southampton, thanks to the constant stream of visitors who land on this website by searching, surfing or recommendation. I am amazed how this original one page website has developed into a proverbial 'archive' of the local scene stretching back to the mid Fifties and Sixties when the new fangled rock n roll changed our lives forever. As before, I am sharing some of the e-mails plus the all important photos, images and more personal memories of those lucky enough to have been part of making music or just enjoying it as teen dance hall fans. If you, the reader, were not that lucky and maybe 'missed' the Swinging Sixties that followed the early days of popular music then maybe you just enjoy a glimpse into the past- much of it has shaped the present. 21st century music is very much different but most of it is influenced by the previous decades- sadly, it's all been 'done' before but there are no real stars of today who can compare with the big names of the past. Just listen to say 'Summertime Blues' by Eddie Cochran from 1958- recorded on very basic recording equipment that still sends a shudder down the spine or 'Whole Lotta Shaking Going On' by the incomparable Jerry Lee Lewis or any one of the early Elvis output. Take a look at any top twenty chart of the 60s and note how many of the hits are still around these days- they were prolific times and great names, unlike the modern crop of phoney X Factor wannabes, catapulted into overnight 'stardom' thanks to Messr Cowell & co. Plastic 'boybands' and 'girlbands' churned out from the same conveyor belts or charts full of DJ mixes featuring snarling ugly rappers just sums up what is represented by today's scene. The Sixties stars never had the massive hype, airbrushing, high tech videos or even auto-tuning software that can make any pretty girl or boy sound good!! Most of them came from ordinary backgrounds and often learnt their trade and performing live shows before 'making it' - as opposed to most modern teenagers who just 'want to be famous' with no apparent vestige of a thing called TALENT. The Brit Awards of the last few years have proved how shallow it all is and we haven't really had any decent major acts since Oasis (albeit a Beatles Tribute act with attitude)

The early major names were lucky to have great songwriters who tapped into the era, influenced by others but then shaping them to suit other styles. The late Fifties were incredible but who would have thought how things would change when the Beatles exploded onto the scene in '62 and leading the way for so many terrific new groups, singers and ever changing sidelines- linked to the fashion scene, the art world. movies and all manner of things. Whilst I have mainly focussed on the 'pop' group side, I start off this latest webpage by paying homage to one of Southampton's leading musicians. Not a nationally known name but a name that will stir fond memories of the dance bands that played all over the South during the Thirties, the War years and then cheering people up as they celebrated a 'new age' of freedom and an 'awakening' with better times ahead. A new optimism gradually crept in as Great Britain emerged from the terrible waste of lives during the 1939-1945 conflict. More employment and a need to spend spare money on a good night out in Southampton with its many pubs, clubs and dance halls, so now recalling a band leader, great musician and teacher, who inspired many a 'newcomer' as part of the band or as a pupil.

This new page starts off with a 100 year old Southampton link and paying another tribute to an amazing set of brave musicians ever known- not forgetting centuries of other musicians as part of our Armed Services- their own contribution to morale will also be remembered as they played their music in between fighting for our freedom.

April 15th 2012 marks a special day and centenary of the tragic sinking of the Titanic at 2-20 am some 450 miles South East of Halifax Nova Scotia. She struck an iceberg at 11-40pm on the 14th and the story is more than well documented but one of the most poignant stories has moved me since childhood as I grew up in Southampton. Many brave souls decided to seal their fate and stay on the stricken liner as only a third of the 2,200 managed to be saved by lifeboats- leaving some 1500 to drown or be overcome by the freezing ocean within a very short time. If you take a look at my Venues webpage, you will see references to the Titanic story including the incredible story of the engineers who kept the boilers working to provide electricity and general lighting as the doomed ship took on more water over a couple of hours before breaking in two and slipping beneath the cruel sea. The Marconi radio operators were frantically sending out Morse messages to any ships in the area, who might be able to steam towards the Titanic but were forced to abandon ship in the dying moments as the ship's power supply was damaged. Many of the crew decided to go down with the ship and made the ultimate sacrifice in order to save others-including Captain Smith- in contrast to the likes of his modern Italian counterpart who jumped ship (Costa Concordia) as a small hole ripped open the hull but led to several unfortunate deaths.............

Music plays an important part in peoples' lives and one of the most amazing facts of the Titanic story revolves around the ship's orchestra led by Wallace Hartley and his fellow seven musicians who had been playing at various times around the ship as she sailed from Southampton. They had played as trios and quartets to supply background music in the First Class Restaurant and other locations but as the ship slowly started to list heavily into the water Wallace Hartley had gathered them together to play soothing music as panic grew all around them. Many scared people were screaming as they fought their way to the lifeboat stations just after midnight. They chose a selection of upbeat ragtime numbers, waltzes etc in the First Class Restaurant before moving to the Grand Staircase by the Boat Deck before finally standing on the rear deck that was slowly rising in the air as the ship's bow started to be swamped by the icy sea. A few surviving witnesses spoke of hearing the orchestra playing their final notes in the shape of more calming music with hymns such as 'Abide By Me' and 'Nearer My God To Thee' whilst the mighty stern rose in the air as the main ship broke her back before sliding down beneath the waves. Only three of the musicians' bodies were recovered, including Wallace Hartley some two weeks after the sinking. He was found floating in his lifejacket still wearing his bandsman's tunic with his music box strapped to his body, hoping that he might have been saved by a passing lifeboat and would have probably kept on making music for many more years. He was brought back and buried with great ceremony in his hometown of Colne Lancashire and there are memorials to these brave musicians in the UK, Canada and the USA. In 2013, the violin that was strapped to his chest was discovered and put up for auction. This one can be found just across the road from the magnificent Engineers Memorial as above- in front of the Paris Smith Solicitors offices in Cumberland Place by Bedford Place/London Road and erected by the local Musicians Union and others in 1990. The original 1913 memorial was destroyed in WW2 when German bombers targeted the Civic Centre and old Library where it had stood for nearly thirty years after the tragedy. Not forgetting that most of the crew were local seamen and many lived in the deprived Chapel and Northam areas- practically every other household suffered a loss of their men or relatives etc.

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I had a very rare photograph sent to me by Mick Pink (ex Footprints) and added it to other webpages (Bob Pearce and Blog 2009) Taken in Southampton in 1932 and shows the very popular local Gil Hulme Dance Band with none other than Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong who was on a UK tour from July to November of that year It's also a special photo for Mick as it features his grandfather Harold Mumford who played piano in the band so the musical legacy lives on!

The lady might be Lilian Hardin, who was the second of Satchmo's four wives! The title and captions are taken from a 1950s Southampton Echo article and harks back to 1932 when Louis appeared in the town as part of his many UK tours and I have just been sent this Echo piece from Cole Mathieson of the Concorde Jazz Club so reproducing it here as well as quoting the actual text from the small print.

DAILY ECHO 1950s

"I treat my readers tonight to a nostalgic breath of Southampton's lush entertainment era - the 30's. Seated in the picture is the mighty trumpeter Satchmo - fabulous Louis Armstrong. And on his right is none other than Gil Hulme whose band has kept feet tapping in Southampton for many a year.

Occasion of the picture taken in 1932 was Armstrong's visit to Southampton, where he played at the old Hippodrome. Scene was the Crown Hotel which was opposite the Gaiety Cinema where Louis stayed. Mr Hulme's band was playing at the Casino where the Sportsdrome now stands. Also in the picture are Armstrong's wife and members of the Hulme band-Les Stickland, Jack Morley, Cyril Wellman and Harold Mumford.

The photo came out of Gil's 'Treasure Chest'. He remembered it when he saw that "Satchmo the Great" was playing at the Southampton Regent this week"

Just received this e-mail from a relative of Gil Hulme and a wonderful photograph- I wonder if anyone might recognise the year/venue? Looks like a cinema or theatre with the organ in front- a copy of sheet music for 'Tannhauser' read for the resident organist to play!

Hi David,

I read with interest your "Call up the groups" web page as I'm related to Gil Hulme. One of 10 children to Theophilus and Mary Frances, Gil was born in Etruria Stoke-on-Trent, the family moved to Sunderland for a short time before moving south, Theo worked on the construction of the A1 moving the family with him ending up in Southampton some time around 1904/5 where they settled. I only met him a few times but remember him and his brother John (my granddad) giggling like a couple of girls when they got together.

My mother (his niece) used to go to dances when he played, sometimes she was his hat check girl when it was busy, she told me the Americans were a nightmare when in port and at the end of the night would jump the counter and help themselves to coats and hats, sometimes not their own.

Others in the family were musical too including my granddad, he had a trio that played around the Southampton area. Another brother had a shop in The Avenue/London Road. He sold instruments amongst other things. Sadly that generation are long gone, the last sibling , Ellaline died 2007 aged 102. Its nice to see that not all are forgotten. I've (hopefully) attached a photo of Gil on stage, perhaps someone will know where it was taken.
Regards
Chris Griffiths

Chris Griffiths then followed up with this extensive mail with more information on Gil Hulme:

Hi David
I've been doing more research on the Hulme family and now have a little more info about Gil.
Born 9th Feb 1899. 3, Garibaldi St, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent. By 1901 the family were living in Sunderland then moved south stopping in Shipley, Yorks and south again ending up in Southampton. Gil married Nora Margaret Bacon 6th May 1935 in the Parish Church, St Denys, Southampton.
During the war his house was bombed and everything lost, just the clothes he stood up in and he went bankrupt in (I think) 1949/50. Tough times indeed but soon bounced back. Gil and Nora died within a month of each other early in 1980. he told my sister he missed Nora so much, a very sad end
The research on the Hulme family is at the moment concentrated on his grandfather Luke who it seems was a bit of a lad. A fascinating lot the Hulmes,
Something else of interest, it seems one of Gil's saxophones is still being played professionally and is much treasured so he sort of lives on.

Regards Griff

I also found this piece taken from a 1930 'Flight' magazine and lists the Gil Hulme Orchestra as part of the entertainment schedule:

FLIGHT, AUGUST 29, 1930

THE Hampshire Aeroplane Club.—The following programme

has been arranged for the Garden Party to

be held on August 31. Joy-riding all day at a nominal

fee of 5s. 3.30 p.m.—Exhibition of Dancing, by Miss D.

Clarke and Miss W. Maidens. 4.0 p.m.—Motor Novelty

Race. 6.0 p.m.—Ankle Competition. 6.30 p.m.—Motor

Treasure Hunt ; particulars may be obtained from the

Secretary. 7.0 p.m.—Aerobatic Display by Mr. W. H.

Dudley and Mr. H. A. March. 8.30 p.m.—Exhibition of

Dancing. 9.0 p.m. until midnight.—Dancing. Several side

shows will be arranged. The services of Gil Hulme and his

Band have been secured. Teas may be obtained between

4 and 6 p.m.

Within a short space of time after the latest Gil Hulme information appearing on my webpages, I had another link in the story in the shape of one of Gil Hulme's music pupils and whose uncle had played in local dance bands as well as being a good pal of Gil. Known as Deano The Saxman and carved out his own musical career, thanks to having one of the best teachers, whose unorthodox style often clashed with 'purists' i.e. stubborn music teachers who kept to their own agendas as can be seen below. Just click on Deanos' weblinks and learn all about his own profile in the music scene and having performed with many well known artistes in the field.

Hello David ....

I read with much interest your articles on Gil (Gilbert) Hulme . Gil was my music teacher from the ages of 10 to 16 this would have been 1973 to 1979 ..... many stories Gil told me as I was growing up in my music lessons learning Clarinet & Sax ..... The picture you have of Gil & his Orchestra on your site may well have been on taken on the Royal Pier in Southampton as Gil was a resident there for many years and he always talked about the pier and I assume that the organ was there also ... ?

Gil was also a performer at a place called the Bungalow Cafe restaurant at 157 Above Bar which used to be opposite Tyrell& Green until it was bombed out in the second world war .... The vacant space to the side of Solent (Music) University is where I believe it used to stand, just in front of the Southampton Guildhall, The cafe restaurant was the biggest & best restaurant at the time in Southampton & many prominent people (Artistes) visited it when they were performing in Southampton. I have many wonderful memories of Gil and his old stories & my (Sax Playing) Uncle Kenny Clarke from Southampton All Stars (Glenn Miller Band) and their healthy rivalry when they both had competing bands in the area at that time ....

Kind Regards ... Deano
www.DeanoTheSaxman.freeservers.com

www.myspace.com/DeanoTheSaxman

www.myspace.com/DeanoTheSaxman1

www.youtube.com/DeanoTheSaxman

Gil was a great friend to me during my school years, I was excluded from music at school because of my association with Gil as his teachings were against school teachings ??? David Leverton was the school clarinet teacher who objected to me being taught by Gil. I have played with many Southampton Artists in my time Including Chris Shakespeare, Bob Pearce, Rufus Stone and many more

Gils pic is pride of place in my music room along with the 20 odd collection of saxes & clarinets ... Gil always used to send me old picture post cards when I was ill and unable to attend the music lesson ... he always used to say he very much looked forward to my music lesson, but this was Gil with a very smooth silky tongue ... very much a ‘ladies man’ .... A great loss when his wife (Nora) died ...... Gil wasn't far behind her after that and I was in attendance at Gil’s funeral at North Stoneham Crematorium in 1980.... a lovely guy and well represented by the Musicians Union at the Ceremony .....Gil was very high up in the MU at the time (Secretary) I believe

He was greatly missed by me (the dad I always wanted) he was sadly missed by a lot of people ..... A great talent GONE ! Gil could be very blunt at time & cutting but a lovely guy & great teacher ..... He had an alternative fingering method for Clarinet which conflicted with school teachings ... Which caused me to be excluded from school lessons, I even had to take my Music O level privately because of this .

He was also a Mason and used to play at Chandlers Ford Masonic dances & lunches (St Boniface Hall) The picture of Gil and the old lady's picture in the background (left of pic) This was Gils mother .... next to the egg timer ....Hope any of the info has been of help .... Gil always said that I was his star pupil although with Gils silky tongue you never knew-ha ha.

I still have many of Gils's books which I cherish and visit on a regular basis... I studied Clarinet & Sax with Gil ... I still have my starter Boosey & Hawkes Clarinet & Starter sax - a (1957) Selmer MK VI Alto ...The pic of Gil was bought from the Echo when the article first came out in the news paper ..... We went to the Echo offices to buy a print which now has pride of place on my music room wall ... ;-)

I wonder if the sax that lives on is the same one (Conn) in the picture I sent ..... Gil was a brilliant teacher and eventually a great friend of my uncle who used to play in bands during Gil's time ... Sadly my uncle no longer lives and that side of my family has all but gone .... But they were great friends under the surface ... Hence me going to Gil for music lessons for 5 years ... I still have some of Gils stuff that I bought from him when I needed it ...... I hope his (Conn Alto sax) in the picture still lives on .... ? My parents & I were honoured to have attended some of Gil's dinner evenings that he used to throw every now & then for his (Star pupils) .. and after his after evening meal musical quizes .... ;-) Gil may be sadly gone ... But "Never" forgotten in my eyes ... ;-)

Reprinted from the Daily Echo Archive Wednesday 27 April 2005

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/archive/2005/04/27/Hampshire+Archive/5550974.Cafe_society_at_The_Bungalow/

Cafe society at The Bungalow THE Bungalow Caf was THE place to go in Southampton if you wanted to impress a new girlfriend, celebrate a special occasion or waltz and foxtrot the afternoon away. Flanked by Plummers and C&A, The Bungalow Caf at 157, Above Bar stood roughly opposite the former Tyrrell and Green shop and, despite its name, was, back in the 1930s the largest restaurant in Southampton. "Music and food for every occasion'' was Plummers proud motto and as leader of the city's caf society, the Bungalow featured well known local bands led by Harry Lawrence, Arthur Pickett, Gil Hulme and Sidney Payne. Even the famous Ivy Benson's Ladies' Band also made an appearance. The regular band was the Brunswick Six which, according to the caf's advertising, was " a wonderfully tuneful band which played the music you wish for, executing each selection with perfect understanding and rhythm.'' Billed as the caf with "the cherry atmosphere'' the Bungalow, that also boasted uniformed page-boys and wine waiters, could be re-arranged as a ballroom as well as a restaurant and also held whist drives and bridge sessions. Basket-weave chairs, marble columns, a soda fountain, the latest electric lighting and air-conditioning fans all added to the exclusive style.

"It was in the heart of the town's activities with a spacious car park opposite the rear entrance in the Marlands, the Bungalow offered unique facilities for motorists, parties, business people and those who appreciate a real restaurant service,'' said an advert in the 1930s.

"It was within two minutes of the Empire and Grand Theatres and less than five minutes from the Hippodrome Palace, the Picture House.''

The BBC regularly broadcast music from the Bungalow through a landline to its Bournemouth studios on Saturday afternoon.

Back in the 1930s customers of the Bungalow Caf paid two shillings (10p) for a four course lunch or 1s 6d (7p) for a tea dance and 4s 6d (22p) for a dinner dance.,

In May 1940 during the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk a large convoy of Hants and Dorset buses full of war-weary Belgian soldiers assembled in the Guildhall car park square. Soldiers on board the buses called out to passers-by to fill up their water bottles. A few months later, on November 30, German bombers brought waves of destruction to the city destroying forever Bungalow Caf but not the memories.

©dailyechosouthampton

Hi David,

I have just very much enjoyed reading all about Gil Hulme and Bert Osborne. I didn’t have the honour of knowing Bert Osborne, but saw his band play many times at I think, Southampton Guildhall. As a teenager and budding clarinettist and saxophonist I went most Wednesday and Saturday evenings to stand near the front and listen to the band. I think entrance was 2/6d on Wednesdays and 5/- on Saturdays. I seem to recall that Bert owned the Nursling and Rowhams Post Office.

Gil was a pal of my dad who ran Ashby Youth Club and he taught me clarinet from the age of 12 and then also sax lessons from the age of 14. He was an absolute inspiration. He was completely self-taught and always nagged me to ‘Follow the dots.’ (I only play by ear now, my first wife having thrown away all my music when we spilt up.) Often, my lessons ran over time and, when this happened, Nora would enter the room of their house at 8, Mordaunt Road and say, ‘Gilbert, Peter’s time is up.’ The pupil whose lesson followed mine was Mike Vickers, later of Manfred Mann and he would be waiting in the Hulme’s narrow hallway. Gil taught me to play alto, but along the way I have acquired two sopranos, another alto, two tenors, two more clarinets and, only last summer I treated myself to a baritone. I still have the B & H Regent clarinet and the Selmer Adolphe alto (circa 1920s, but completely overhauled by Jim Beckett when bought for me) back in the 60s. Both still play, but could do with being overhauled. I found an immaculate B &H Regent clarinet on Ebay a few years ago and snapped it up for £50!

Kind regards,

Pete Hole.

Once again, I am never ceased to be amazed at the number of people who discover these webpages - mostly dedicated to the 50s/60s groups, singers, DJs and related people, venues and much more. However, many of these same musicians came from a musical background and most likely having older relatives who played with the former dance bands that preceded the Rock n Roll years. These were mostly trained musicians who could and play the scores in front of them as well as being led by the likes of Gil Hulme, but were naturally 'miffed' by the new wave of pop groups- mostly self taught but motivated by the new enthusiasm of the Fifties. Even starting out as 'skiffle' groups on basic equipment but gradually learning their trade as they copied the latest American and British hit records, then improving all the time. Just a few years later, the Sixties kicked in and many of these 'raw' cover bands started to write their own songs, which then motivated others!

As a young lad in the Fifties, I often went to local dances with my family and just loved to stand by the stage to watch the bands play as well as interacting with each other- they really enjoyed themselves. The atmosphere was great as the dancers also enjoyed the music with hits of the day that they could also sing along with. I would watch and listen to each musician and how it all blended with the others, so guess this was the early beginnings of a lifetime in showbusiness.

Many Southampton dance goers will have probably met their future spouses at any of the local 'hops' throughout the Thirties onward, apart from the dark days of WW2. These well known bands were all part of the magic on a night out, as were our own singers, groups and DJs from the late Fifties on so maybe you have a connection?

Gil Hulme was one of the main bandleaders from the 1930s along with another well known name of Bert Osborne and I have just received this surprise e-mail that has now followed on with this slice of nostalgia as the clock turns back some 20 odd years before the Fifties music explosion tore up the rule book!

Hi David

During recent years I have been researching into the musical activities of Bert Osborne and his Bands.(from 1931 to 1963)

Bert Osborne was my Grandfather, so any small amount of detail concerning his music will be helpful to find(particularly photos). Whilst mainly based at Southampton the different Bands/Orchestras played throughout Hampshire. Perhaps you may have some info that I may not have discovered. - The only reference I found on your Website was from 1964.

I can send a List of his appearances that took place at the Royal Pier, if you would be interested. So far have found over 100 of these events with the earliest in 1932 and most recent 1960 - There may be more but not finished checking the last 3 years yet. Also I've got a list of the various places that were used for Dances/entertainments, with many of these locations in the Southampton area.
Please let me know if either of these lists would be useful.

Thank you for your help

Martin

Hi David

Had another look at your website - I was surprised to see quite a lot of info on Gil Hulme.

Just checked my database and I found that between 1934 and 1937 Gil Hulme + Bert Osborne Bands played on the same night at the following locations
:
1. Allen West Club - 2 times
2. Arcadian - 1 time
3. Royal Pier - 2 times
4. Southampton Guildhall - 1 time

Enclosing a file of some handwritten notes by Bert Osborne, of programmes from the early 1970's. As you will see Gil Hulme was involved in some of these shows - I do not know anything else about them - when where etc. so further info will be most welcome. As I said in the previous E Mail I am particularly looking for Bert Osborne Band/Orchestra photos. However there are some pictures of the Bert Osborne Band from within my family's collection.

Please find enclosed the following :

1. Two pictures from the 1940's which I think were taken at the Southampton Guildhall, possibly at the time of one of the Radio Broadcasts.
2. photo of some Band Members - probably taken for publicity.
3. Prog notes from the early 1970's
4. List of Old Dancehall locations
5. List of Royal Pier appearances only

My family collection has a number of other B.O.Band/Orchestra/Music associated Black and White photographs, but I'm sure there must be others out there somewhere - Copies of some colour slides would be good to find. Another very important item (for me anyway) is to locate a lost recording of

"9.20 Special" by the Bert Osborne Band in 1945

This record I believe to have been in the possession of Roy Collins during the 1970's Perhaps someone may know a relative of Roy Collins (member of the B O Band for over 25 years) that might have kept this item in their family collections. Hope you like the files enclosed

All the Best

Martin

Hi David,

Thanks for the reply. Thought I'd send another E Mail - This time with a few more questions that I would very much like to find out the answers

Does anyone know anything about the location of missing recordings by the Bandleader Bert Osborne (1906 - 1988) ?

In addition to the lost record mentioned in my last E Mail -

1. There were two soundtracks for Ace Cinemagazine Film Shorts made in 1937 (with Bert Osborne & his Band) - If the films don't exist, at least I would like to find out what music was played by the Band.

2. A recording of the Children's Hour Radio Broadcast from May 2nd 1953 - This featured Jill Kingston playing the Xylophone accompanied by Bert Osborne at the piano. Note : The BBC does not seem to have this.

3. Audio tapes recorded in the early 1970's by Bert Osborne - recorded at his home at Southampton and possibly other locations - These may have been copied from tapes that Bert lent to his friends etc. - Some reel to reel tapes survive but handwritten paperwork appears to suggest there might have been others (might be audio cassette tapes)

4. Are there any other sound recordings by any of the Bert Osborne Bands made between 1931 and 1963 ?

Since starting research into my Grandfather's Music days, there have been a number of finds that I simply cannot seem to get further info. I have reconstructed 2 Box Ads (see attached)

1. Peggy's advert from 29/06/1934 - Bert Osborne with a Hot Trio
2. Grosvenor House Park Lane, London on Oct 25th 1937 - Bert Osborne & his Band

Other than a brief mention in a news report that it was a successful appearance in London - I cannot find anything else about either of these items.

Also included with this E Mail are 3 mystery pictures that were among Bert's photos - unfortunately the original 70/80 year old prints are not that good quality - but that is all there is, unless someone else has copies.

I think the letter K may refer to The Kingsway Hall in Southampton. According to my Database, Bert Osborne Bands appeared at this location about 145 times between 1932 and 1935 + the following :

16. 11. 1932    Annual Dance - St Maurice Hall, Winchester - Bert Osborne & his Kingsway Band
03. 02. 1933    Select Dance - Allen West Social Club, Southampton - Bert Osborne & his Kingsway Band
27. 02. 1933    Dance - St Maurice Hall, Winchester - Bert Osborne and his Kingsway Band
17. 01. 1944    Novelty Dance - Kingsway Hall, Southampton    Bert Osborne and his Band

Perhaps someone recognises one of the Band Members in the photos, or has got copies of these pictures in their family album, that could provide further detail.

I hope you will find this info useful and that further discoveries may be made concerning at least some of the above items

All the Best

Martin

Bert Osborne was born Albert Victor Osborne in the District of Alverstoke in 1906.

He was the son of Charles J Osborne and Miriam Smith. Bert married Edith Rose Ellen Morris on the Isle of Wight during the 1930's. By this time Bert's musical career had been established, with regular appearances in Southampton and Winchester. During 1933 with his Band, he won 2 Melody Maker Dance Band contests, one at Reading and the other Portsmouth. Also in this year, the first of his two daughters were born.

In 1937 Bert and his Band became a resident for weekly Dances at the Southampton Guildhall, This continued throughout the War years with subsequent appearances during the 1940's to the 1960's, very often, being twice a week or more, with Bert retiring in December 1963. Also during this post war period, his different Bands played at many other locations throughout Hampshire.

From 1945, occasional "Live" BBC Radio Broadcasts were made by the Orchestra and Bands on the Light Programme, West Region Home Service and the General Overseas Service. There was even a Television Programme in November 1954. At the end of 1951 probably the largest Bert Osborne Orchestra was assembled for a 'Live' Radio Broadcast called " Dance With Disney" This show featured also The Moonshiners Vocal Group and Pearl Carr. 1953 saw the first of the Stage Band Shows produced as part of Andover Carnival Week

The Bert Osborne Band Show was held as part of the Carnival, each year at both Andover (to 1957) and Eastleigh (from 1955 - 1960).

Margaret Osborne, Bert's second Daughter played the Trumpet and subsequently joined her father's Guildhall Orchestra around 1956, however she soon moved on to become a member of the Dinah Dee All Girls Orchestra, and appeared with the Girls Band on the "Six Five Special" which was Broadcast on 14.06.1958.

It may not be that widely known but Bert composed not only original piano music, but also some Orchestra arrangements to accompany the piano. He was asked to write some original piano music for the Ethel M. Moore Production of "Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs" in 1956. The accompaniment for this was provided by pianists Mrs B Payne and Denis Stevens.

During the 1970's an audio tape recording was made where Bert said the following words : "Miss Ethel Moore lived and taught Ballet in Southampton, was in fact a National figure in that world, being the Adjudicator at many of the important Festivals up and down the country. She produced a memorable Ballet here, The Snow Queen - and I conducted the Orchestra for this and also was requested to write 3 of the themes"

After retiring from regular appearances at the Guildhall, Bert obtained a position of Postmaster at Rownhams Post Office. This continued for a few years and then he was briefly employed with the Ordnance Survey at Southampton. In addition to all the regular Dances that the Orchestras/Bands played, he also played piano at many private functions during a period of 30 years or more.

Bert was unable to take part in the Musical Reunions in Southampton during 1984 and he finally passed away in December 1988 after a short illness.

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Hello David

Thanks for sending on the reply about the 1977 Concert. - I wondered what those numbers referred to.

Please find enclosed a copy of the Programme that I received with the ticket. I did not send this before, as most of the info given was the same as the notes. I've no idea who did the fancy writing.

Both the ticket and this copy of the programme have only surfaced in the last few weeks - they were not available when I sent Bert's handwritten notes.

I don't think I have anything else about these Rownhams Village Hall concerts where Bert Osborne appeared as a guest artist, except there was another show when Bert played a selection called "Nostalgia at the Piano" This was at a Concert given by the Rownhams Women's Institute Choir in 1973. I have a copy of the programme, however this does not give any further detail about Bert's selection.

Hopefully, some other people will know of, or be able to provide more "new" forgotten about material/info/detail concerning my Grandfather Bert Osborne and his music days from the 1930's through to the 1980's.

I'm sure there's more stuff out there somewhere.

All the Best

Martin

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Peggy's advert from 29/06/1934 - Bert Osborne with a 'Hot Trio' ! Grosvenor House Park Lane, London on Oct 25th 1937

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07/04/1945 Saturday Night at the Palais (Home Service) - Bert Osborne and his Band

28/07/1945 Saturday Night at the Palais (Home Service) - Bert Osborne and his Band

22/09/1945 Saturday Night at the Palais (Light Programme) - Bert Osborne and his Band

24/11/1945 Saturday Night at the Palais (Light Programme) - Bert Osborne and his Band

12/01/1946 Saturday Night at the Palais (Light Programme) - Bert Osborne and his Band

01/06/1946 Saturday Night at the Palais (Light Programme) - Bert Osborne and his Band

24/08/1946 Saturday Night at the Palais (Light Programme) - Bert Osborne and his Band

05/12/1950 Dance Date - Bert Osborne & his Orchestra + Stanley Brehaut & his Hawaiians

14/12/1951 Dance With Disney (West of England Home Service) - Bert Osborne & his Music

02/05/1953 Children's Hour - Bert Osborne at the piano with Jill Kingston (Xylophone)

NK/NK/1953 Bert Osborne Sextet directed by Ronnie Horler (West of England Home Service)

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Name of 1930s/40s Dance Halls -Many of us later 60s bands played same venues!!

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26. 10. 1934 Non Stop Dance - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne + Gil Hulme Bands

05. 12. 1935 Supermarine Dinner & Dance event - The Pier (Dance), Bert Osborne & his Band

17. 07. 1936 Select Flannel Dance - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne & his Band

14. 10. 1936 Hill Billy Dance - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne & his Full Stage Band

19. 10. 1936 Carnival Dance - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne + Gil Hulme Full Bands

13. 01. 1937 Non Stop Novelty Night - Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne's County Club Six

12. 02. 1937 Non Stop Dance - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne + Chas Waygood Bands

09. 06. 1937 Guest Night No.2 - 'Grand Flannel Dance - Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne & his Full Stage Band

14. 07. 1937 Grand Mid-Summer Carnival Dance - Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne & his No.1 Band

12. 10. 1938 Grand Dance at The Royal Pier, Bert Osborne and His Full Stage Band

02. 11. 1938 Speedway Grand Dance - Royal Pier Pavillion, Bert Osborne and His Full Stage Band

23. 11. 1938 Co-Op Whist Drive & Dance - Royal Pier Pavillion, Bert Osborne and His Orchestra

26. 12. 1947 Grand Boxing Night Ball - Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne and his Full Broadcasting Band

08. 01. 1948 Grand New Year Dance - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne and his Broadcasting Band

03. 04. 1948 Grand Popular Dance - Royal Pier, Bert Osborne and his Full Broadcasting Band

19. 05. 1948 Novelty Dance at the Royal Pier - Bert Osborne and his Broadcasting Orchestra

06. 04. 1951 Carnival Ball - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne and his Broadcasting Band

25. 01. 1952 Annual Fancy Dress Ball - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne and his Orchestra

23. 01. 1953 Fancy Dress Theatre Ball - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne and his Orchestra

13. 02. 1953 Grand Dance - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne Band (dir. Ronnie Horler)

15. 01. 1954 Fancy Dress Theatre Ball - Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne and his Band

21. 01. 1955 Fancy Dress Theatre Ball - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne and his Orchestra

20. 01. 1956 Fancy Dress Theatre Ball - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne and his Orchestra

00. 00. 1958 Theatre Guild Annual Ball - Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne's Orchestra

19. 01. 1959 1959 Dance Band Parade - Royal Pier Pavilion, Bert Osborne and his Stage Band

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A list of appearances at the Merry Oak Drill Hall Margam Avenue Sholing! I went to many of these dances in the mid Fifties!

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Various members of the Bert Osborne Band (musicians- not featured vocalists)

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Hello David,

I'm hoping some of the following may help to locate more items and details of interest The programme enclosed is one of only two that seem to have survived. - the other year is 1960. Note - Very detailed report about this 1956 show - "LIVED UP TO ITS NAME" - Eastleigh Weekly News August 30th.

Perhaps somebody may know, or have a copy of the other programmes from 1955, 1959, Eastleigh Carnival Band Shows. I think there was probably an Eastleigh version in 1957 and 1958, but have not found anything so far with reference to these years.

Since starting my research, apart from the above, I've not discovered programme copies anywhere and there appears to be nothing that still exists from the Andover version of the Bert Osborne Band Show. However there are some adverts and very detailed News reports available but no separate programmes similar to the enclosed one for Eastleigh.

In October 1975 there was an entry to a Song Writers contest from Bert Osborne, the song recorded was "I Shall Be Around" and sung by Barry Johns - Presumably this is the same person as indicated at the 1956 Eastleigh Carnival.

All the Best

Martin

The following has nothing to do with the 1977 Concert but when you mentioned the big black numbers printed on music scores, I remembered that this type of number is on some of the oldest (1920's) printed music from Bert Osborne's Sheet Music collection. Also many of the post war sheets have pencil numbers written on the top left corner. Some of these tunes are from the 1950's and 1960's and were published at that time, as they were tunes/songs of the period. Apart from a few older sheets with the name Osborne Orchestras stamped on them, I don't think there is any reference to other Bands or Orchestras.

Over 20 years ago when I first saw (rescued) the collection , it was just piles of papers, all jumbled up, different sizes some published music, some handwritten. - Several years went by before I decided to sort through all this and list the contents. The published music is mainly piano versions, but some have additional orchestration parts. There are over 650 different titles listed from the 1930's onwards - most of these are on slightly smaller size pages than A4, there is also a large box of various other assorted published music, much of it bigger than A4 size.

Also, my Grandfather did have a file of handwritten tunes that he called his " Bill Luck Book" This usually only had just the basic notes of a tune/song with the chords written above.

Discovered among all these papers was one sheet of manuscript - a handwritten untitled single note tune written by

S. Light, Ludlow Road, Woolston, Southampton. - This is dated 18-12-59.

Does anyone know if this person was a member of a Band/Orchestra ?

If they were - Which Band ?

All the Best

Martin

Martin mailed this great photo of yet another Bert Osborne Orchestra and maybe someone out there can fill any gaps on the musicians, venue or even audience members who enjoyed listening or better still- dancing to the best sounds of the day. Very different to the current live music scene but having the same effect (without drugs!)

David

Another request for your assistance. Please find enclosed another picture of the Bert Osborne Band. This picture is one of two taken at this event,

I have no details of location or date other than it was probably between 1948 and 1952. However I do know most of the names of the Band.

From the left side of picture as follows

1. Bert Osborne - Piano
2. Spike Lee - Bass
3. Roy Collins - Trumpet
4. Doug Nickleson - Drums
5. Rupert Davies - Sax
6. Jack Goyne ? - Guitar
7. unknown - Sax

I would very much like to find out where this was and if possible the event /date, as there appears to be so few photos that have survived that show any of the Osborne Band/Orchestra dances. Unfortunately, due to the age of the photo, this may prove to be difficult. Perhaps someone will be able to recognise the interior, if the building was not changed or pulled down until the 1960's / 1970's. Any ideas ??

Thanks for your help

Martin

Yet another surprise following these latest images/info! Many will know of Rick Brown and twin brother Chris -'Burnsy' but I have just had this in from Kay Brown and discovered that the Brown family talent preceded them!

"Pete Brown elder brother of Burnsy and Rick Brown,1959 - a regular singer with the Bert Osborne Band at The Southampton Guildhall."

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Do you have information that may lead to the location of any Photographs/Colour Slides/Recordings/Advertising Materials/Films/Dance Programmes/Tickets etc. with a connection to

If you know any details or have memories of the 100's of Dance events by the Bands, throughout Hampshire UK - then please reply to Martin at the E Mail address below

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What an amazing collection of rare photos and information on the Bert Osborne Dance Band-please contact Martin if you have any more information or memories that link in with any this current profile d.b.martin28@btinternet.com

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Martin sent two video-clips and I have now uploaded them to my You Tube Channel (David St John/David The Limey) This is the first accompanying message:

Hello David,

I've created a short video - that you may be interested to see.A small selection of reconstructed Box ads, based upon the original content (see year/location list below). A few you have seen before but most - probably not

1926 Shanklin Pier

1926 Town Hall, Shanklin

1932 Kingsway Hall, Southampton

1934 Band advertising card 1

1934 Band advertising card 2

1934 Peggy's

1935 Clarence Pier, Southsea

1935 Kimbells Ballroom, Southsea

1937 Awdry Rooms, Winchester

1937 Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London

1937 Guildhall, Southampton - Annual Dance

1943 Angerstein Hall

1943 Chantry Hall, Southampton

1943 Osborne Orchestras present...

1945 Guildhall, Southampton - Broadcast

1946 South Parade Pavilion, Southsea - Broadcast

1949 Guildhall, Southampton

1950 Guildhall, Southampton - Broadcast

1950 Grosvenor Ballroom, Southampton

1950 Guildhall, Winchester

1951 Guildhall, Southampton - Rendezvous

1952 Guildhall, Southampton - Grand Dance

1952 Guildhall, Southampton - Preliminary notice

1955 Rock Gardens Pavilion, Southsea

1962 Band Show, Andover

1962 Crosfield Hall, Romsey

1963 Andover Guildhall

1963 Berts Benefit Night (4 ads)

YOU TUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/_d9NrXXogfw

N.B The music soundtrack is not the actual B.O. Band - it just accompanies the slide show

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Bert Osborne Bands/Orchestras appeared at the Southampton Guildhall more than 2,400 times. I wonder if there is a ticket for any of these dances that still

exists.? I've never seen one. A ticket (or any other item) with a connection to the Benefit Night event would be interesting to locate.

All the best

Martin

The second video incorporates a very rare BBC recording - live from Southampton's Guildhall in July 1945 plus some information. It provides a S great chances to hear the sound of his grandfather's band from 70 years ago!

November 2021: Martin kindly sent two new photos from his amazing collection - one of which is his own great double image spread. No caption needed as it is all there - Martin copied the text from the 1949 Echo report, but these photos have never been published before-so thanks again.

He also included this photo but no information so we are wondering if anybody might recognise another smart-looking dance band from the Hampshire area? The band leader (clarinet) looks very 'American' so it may have been one of the visiting dance bands to the area? If so - please get in touch via any e-mail link on this or other pages. One thing that stands out with all of these wonderful images is how smartly dressed they all were. Rather different these days.....

My daughter found your site whilst looking for any mention of the group I was in in the early 60s. The Top Liners was formed whilst worked for the Cunard Steamship Co., hence the name. I think we originally thought of "3's A Crowd".

I played drums and Trevor Bishop played bass and we were introduced to Lionel Yexley, I think, through the Music Shop in Shirley. The club at Six Dials was the Ca Jo Co, named after the owners Freddy Cass, Terry (?) Conroy both from Cunard and Peter Jones.

I well remember the night we found that beer and amps didn't mix! This was the only group I played in as I choose a career with British Gas, got married, had 2 children and retired (redundant!!) at 52, went on to lots of other things; retired last year and moved to Bournemouth near our children and grandchildren.

My thanks to Lionel for bring back some great memories - If I could turn back the clock....................

Regards

Robin Gardiner

Robin Gardiner- early 60s at the Blighmont T.A. Centre Millbrook Southampton ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

I am never ceased to be amazed how so many people manage to find my webpages, usually by simple searches that throw up names and places etc. This latest email popped up and filled more gaps in the Bert Osborne story as many musicians came and went across the decades. Copy of the fascinating information, telling part of the story of a great talent who sadly passed away a few years but at a great age.

Hi David

There was a Sax player (far right) in one of the photos of The Bert Osborne Orchestra (see 1st photo - 'Kingsway Hall 1930s’) on your 'Call Up The Groups 15’ web page who I immediately recognised as my Uncle, Jack (John) Foan. I assume he may in that unstable have been a jobbing musician which would have explained why he was not listed as a band member. Anyway, I sent a copy to his daughter Alison Smith and his wife Joanna who, being younger, is still around in Southampton. Both confirmed that is was him.

So I thought, with their permission, you may like a little insight into the life of Uncle Jack, being a born and bred Southampton musician. I don’t have his DOB but he was about 100 years old when he died about 5 years ago. He signed up as a boy soldier in the British Army and was eventually posted posted to India as an Army musician. At the outset of WW2 he was sent back to England and with the British Expeditionary Force ended up being rescued off the Dunkirk beaches; his experience and wounds affecting him badly for many years after. Having never given up music, he formed his own Jazz Band called 'The JF Orchestra/Band' (see 2nd photo - middle left Sax), and played all over England. He last played with The Marchwood Orchestra as lead Cellist before playing Cello with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in the 50’s and then becoming Musical Director at Southampton University. He was also a phenomenal Pianist. Sorry this account is a bit sketchy but Alison says her mum will dig out some more old photos and send me some CD home recordings of him play Cello and Piano if you are interest in seeing more.

Many thanks

Arun Baruah

That's all folks..for now. Please come back in the near future as I look forward to adding the next chapter - Groups 16 and sure that more surprises will come along.