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There has not been a Jazz Festival in Blackpool since 1992. Can you honestly believe that in July 1992, Britain’s biggest Jazz Festival was staged at The Winter Gardens in the Empress Ballroom Blackpool? The 12 day event featured the biggest names in Jazz and Blues at the time including Ray Charles, BB King, Nina Simone, Ronnie Scott and Roberta Flack plus a whole host of other great artists and musicians. Unfortunately this event proved to be an over ambitious risky ploy for the promoters, and was a massive financial flop. Last year, I had the pleasure of performing two songs at The London Jazz Festival staged at The Royal Festival Hall. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to lots of nice people from all over the UK and Europe. They asked about my northern accent and whereabouts I was from. I was proud to say I was born and raised in Blackpool. Equally I thought to myself my birth town would benefit from attracting a wider demographic. Hopefully eventsencouraging more arts and culture would meet the expectations of the modern visitor to help improve its image and boost its year round tourism economy. I am pleased to have organised and sponsored the Blackpool Jazz and Blues Festival 2015. Why Jazz? My first introduction to jazz (although I did not know it at the time) was at my primary school St Kentigerns in the 1970’s. As a child I adored the hymns played and sang at the school morning assembly. But oddly enough I was more interested when the late Mr Cohen played the piano, as opposed to the other teachers who played a bit ‘plinky-plonky’style in comparison to Mr Cohen. I learned years later that Mr Cohen was an accomplished jazz musician and looking back he was obviously augmenting the chords and harmonies of the hymns with jazz and gospel influences which fascinated me as a youngster. During the early 1980’s I became an altar boy at The Sacred Heart RC Church on Talbot Road. I can honestly say with confidence that my years serving, reading, playing the organ andsinging on the altar acted as an early grounding to my stage performing. The packed church congregation at the Sunday mass was my first sense of experiencing an auditorium styleaudience. From leaving school I went on to learn my craft as a cabaret performer inBlackpool and then trained at The London School Of Musical Theatre in the 1990’s.

Welcome to the Blackpool Jazz ‘N’ BluesFestival 2015

My parents the late Darrell and Kathleen made a number of sacrifices to raise six children with dignity and pride. They saved up and bought me an electric organ. Sadly my father as a Blackpool Corporation Tram Driver, suffered a horrific head-on tram collision caused due to a set of points which had been left incorrectly set by a previous tram crew. As a result of this terrible accident unfortunately my music lessons had to stop, and my parents suffered the profound financial hardship for many years due to injuries sustanied from the accident. In memory of my fathers legacy and to pay it forward, I very much hope to establish The Darrell Pierre Foundation in the foreseeable future to proudly sponsor children from less privileged backgrounds, with education, music and sports projects.This positive legacy is something that I’m sure both my parents today would be very proud of. For the sacrifices they made and the wonderful upbringing they offered their beloved children, I will be eternally grateful. I raise a glass to them and in their memory I proudly dedicate this festival to my mum and dad. See full tribute on pages 28 and 29. May I take this opportunity to offer my personal thanks to everyone involved with this festival, who have offered their time and talents, to make it happen. I hope you enjoy the programme of music and together we are able to raise as much money as possible for The Trinity Hospice in Blackpool.

Finally, may I wish you all good health and happiness. Best Regards,

Stephen PierreArtistic DirectorUtopia Music Associates Ltd

Darrell and Kathleen Pierre

Blackpool and The Fylde Coast has for many years promoted Jazz. The Blackpool Jazz Club was founded in 1954 above The Raikes Hall Pub. This became a notable destination venue and attracted musicians from all over the UK. Mr Johnny Dankworth became the President of the Blackpool Jazz Club. In its hey day the club attracted names such as Kenny Ball and his Jazz Men, Tubby Hayes, Roy Castle and Vic Ash to name just a few. The Blackpool Jazz Club finally folded circa 1990. Sadly many of the musicians who performed during the glory days of The Jazz Club have now passed on. We would like to pay a posthumous and respectful tribute to those musicians.

Posthumous Tributes

Eric Delaney: Drummer, Muliti Percussionist and Band Leader. Eric was a world class musician and showman. He enjoyed notable recording success, television and radio broadcasts, concert tours and was resident bandleader at The World Famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom throughout the 1980’s. I am pleased that our company Utopia Music Associates was in a position to proudly sponsor a commemorative plaque placed in The Tower Ballroom in his memory. The Plaque was unveiled by Mr Phil Kelsall MBE in February 2013. Phil Kelsall who has been the principle organist at The Tower Ballroom for 40 years has fond memories of working alongside the late and great Eric Delaney.

Charlie Barlow: Alto Sax Player and Band Leader. The Charles Barlow Band was resident at the Tower Ballroom throughout much of the golden era of ballroom dancing. His band alternating between the resident organist Reginald Dixon who played the famous Wurlitzer for 40 years.

Bill Tarmey: Singer & Actor. Bill was a great jazz singer who performed at several venues in Blackpool during his early career. His last performance singing in Blackpool was with the Andy Prior Big Band at North Pier in 1997. Bill never lost his roots and of course found national fame as the much loved character ‘Jack Duckworth’ in the ITV soap Coronation Street.

Teddy Corvo: Piano Player and Entertainer. Teddy was a fine piano player who held court nightly at the original basement Galleon Bar. Teddy had a wicked sense of humour and was very kind to visiting and aspiring young musicians.

Len France: Trumpet Player. Len played trumpet in many of the resorts hotel dance bands and was for many years the branch secretary and voice of the musicians union.

Colin Hadley: Piano Player, Arranger, Music Director. Colin had exceptional talent and his credits include BBC session work, Musical Theatre tours, arranger andkeyboard player for the Eric Delaney Band and MD for Joe Longthorne. His excellent sight reading ability and his versatile impro skills made him a very sought after musician. Colin sadly passed away from cancer at the young age of 44 in 2001.

A Sentimental Journey...

Peter Holden: Trombone Player. Peter played at all of the major Blackpool Theatre shows. He also played with The Jazz Knights for 30 years.

Ray Wilkes: Sax Player. Ray was considered a very fine player who had the experience of playing in New York in the 1950’s heydays of Jazz. He returned to The Fylde and was a notable figure at The Blackpool Jazz Club. He was also a very fine and respected tutor. Some of his former pupils include outstanding saxophonists Dan Forshaw and Russell Van Den Berg.

Ronnie Hancock: Trumpet Player. Ronnie played with just about every Jazz band you can think of throughout Blackpool and The Fylde. He was also a regular member of The Jazz Knights.

Colin Areety: Vocalist. Colin was the ‘singers-singer’ and was undoubtedly one of the finest cabaret acts of his generation. At heart Colin was a natural jazz singer, he had soul, and had the impressive vocal qualities of Al Jarreau, George Benson, Lou Rawls and Brook Benton all in one!

Jimmy Thompson: Sax Player. Jimmy played with just about every band you can think of. He was a great supporter of encouraging new talent. He was a regular member of The Eric Delaney Band.

Barry Ogden: Trumpet Player. Barry played for many years with The Charles Barlow Band at The Tower Ballroom. Barry is fondly remembered as a great raconteur and socialiser!

Tommy Melville: Sax Player. Tommy played with many local bands. He also ran his successful jazz night for many years at The Broad Oak Pub in Ashton Under Lyne with guest singer Bill Tarmey.

Roly Westwood: Piano Player. Roly was a fine musician and accompanist. He was a regular part of the original basement Galleon Bar pool of piano players.

Bill Davies: Blackpool Jazz Club organizer. Bill was passionate about The Jazz Club and worked tirelessly promoting the events with his supporters Alan Thompson and Pamela Hopkinson aka ‘Hoppy’.

Chris Masters: Guitarist. Chris was a notable well known figure in the area.

Vic Bullock: Vibes Player. Vic travelled from The East Lancs area to play inBlackpool.

Arthur Black: Multi Instrumentalist. Arthur was a band leader, he sang, played tenor saxophone, flute, piano, bass guitar and the ukulele. A lovely character.

Robin Grace: Piano Player. Robin was a highly rated piano player and played with the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra.

Cliff Walmsley: Guitarist. Cliff was a highly rated jazz and classical guitarist, his baton today has been passed on to the wonderful and humble Blackpool musician Chris Hodder.

Stan Barker: Piano Player. Stan Barker was a terrific player who played venues all over Lancashire with The Stan Barker Trio. He was an aficionado of the ‘Errol Garner’ style piano playing.

Tommy Jones: Band Leader, Musical Director and Arranger. Tommy Jones was the ultimate musician. He played piano, flute, clarinet and all saxophones equally to an exceptional standard. Tommy supplied session dance bands which played in both The Tower Ballroom and Empress Ballroom throughout the 1950’s and 60’s. He was also musical director for many of the shows presented at The Winter Gardens, Pavilion Theatre and Opera House. He also wrote music arrangements and scores for The Leeds City Variety Theatre. Tommy also encouraged young talent to play and practice. In the 1950’s he ran ‘The Rehearsal Band’ at The Viva Arms on Cookson Street, (Now The Hop Inn Pub) which allowed aspiring musicians the chance to play alongside other musicians to gain valuableexperience working in an ensemble. The legendary Piano player Frank Flynn who is now aged 73 recalls Tommy as his “guru” and remembers him as a talented and generous human being. Sadly Tommy died at the relatively young age of 58 but is remembered by his surviving musician colleagues as a “genius”. His daughter Lois Jones proudly went on to play principle flute at The Royal Opera House Covent Garden.

NB. With our research we apologise to the many names we have been unable to obtain who have graced The Blackpool and Fylde Jazz scene over the past 60 years or more. We would liketo raise a glass, remember them all and receive their harmonious musical blessing from ‘ The Blackpool Jazz Club Band In The Sky’.

Arthur Dakin: Drummer: Arthur played on many of the big shows in Blackpool. He was very much a ‘fixer’ arranging gigs and ‘deps’ for musicians etc. He went on tobecome the musical director for the late Lena Zavaroni.

Pete Turnbull: Double Bass player. Pete played with many of the local bands and also ran his own quartet.

Always remembered.

Always remembered.

Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday complimented The Great American Songbook so wonderfully. We would like to pay tribute to their 100th birthday aniversaries this year.

Guest Vocalists IncludeLynn Fox, Sara Cheston, Catherine Kerr, Kevin Hill Jnr, Charleigh Mitchell, Kelly Johnson, Lauren Hope, Rachel Ashley, Caz Heys Smith, Jack Northrop & Stephen Pierre.

Special GuestsJohnny O’Connor as Frank Sinatra and Anne Nolan Alan Reid (Piano-Musical Director), Viktar Hars (Bass), Ally Pickering (Guitar)Gabor Jonas (Sax), Dave Boraston (Trumpet), Frank El Jeff McFanha (Drums) Johnny O’Connor’s interpretation of Frank Sinatra is simply superb. Johnny hails from Yorkshire and has made Blackpool his home and is a popular vocalist, much in demand with corporate functions, cabaret and theatre engagements.

Anne Nolan: Anne had the pleasure of touring with Frank Sinatra in 1975 with The Nolan Sisters. This achievement was a testimony to recognise the talents of The Nolan Family. The Nolans recorded an impressive album of standards called ‘Tenderly’ in 1987 whichdemonstrated their versatile vocal skills of tight harmonies and the ability of singing acapella. The Nolans had the skill to produce this magic both in the studio and live on stage. A quality that is lacking with some of the successful chart artists of today. Anne is delighted to be making this guest appearance at The Blackpool Jazz and Blues Festival 2015 and fully supports the fund raising cause for Trinity Hospice. The Nolan Family havesuffered from the cruelty of cancer. She would like to remember her sister Bernie who sadly lost her battle from cancer in July 2013. R.I.P .

Anne Nolan Johnny O’Connoras Frank Sinatra

The Nolan Sisters on tourwith Frank Sinatra 1975

It was a cold wet evening in December 2013, I arrived at Preston train station to travel on the last train back to London. When I stepped off the train I heard this amazing collective sound of voices resonating throughout the Victorian Train Station, wonderful acoustics. It was the One Voice Community Gospel Choirperforming contemporary songs and Christmas Carols on the station concourse. I had about 30 minutes to wait for my connecting train to London as my train heading from Scotland was delayed. That was the finest half hour I have ever

experienced at a train station and that says a lot coming from someone who is a bit of a secret train spotter!The One Voice Community Gospel Choir started out in 1999 as a small community led arts project. The inspired leadership is from the Musical Director Tyndale Thomas MBE. The One Voice Community Gospel Choir takes contemporary gospel music to another level, with its unique blend of voices and harmonies. Their exciting journey has taken them to perform in the presence of Royalty. Their community spirit roots of fundraising are firmly in place. I am honoured that they are performing at The Blackpool Jazz and Blues Festival 2015.

Stephen Pierre July 2015

THE ONE VOICE COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR

ANGELA LEWIS BROWN AND HER BANDAngela Lewis Brown hails from Huddersfield. She is a power house dynamic vocalist.In her early career she started singing soul and dance music in nightclubs and has progressed in to a sought after blues singer.She will be releasing her debut blues album ‘Set Me Free’ out on 2nd October 2015.Accompanied by her hand picked backing band, Angela is looking forward to performing on Blackpool North Pier, a place she fondly remembers visiting as a child on family holidays.

You can learn more about her amazing talent and debut album by visiting:www.angelalewisbrownmusic.com

Frank and Janice FlynnAre celebrating their 50th year of marriage.Legendary Piano player Frank Flynn started playing publically at the very young age of 13. Together with his brother Raymond on bass and their pal Bill Punshon on drums they formed The Frank Flynn Trio. These cool teenagers would hop on and off old fashioned rear loading buses and trams with their instruments in the late 1950’s to perform at their gigs. 55 years ago Frank met the lovely Janice who also played piano, but he persuaded her to learn the bass as his brother was looking to progress on to having a ‘proper job.’ An attractive bass player was required who could also sing well. Janice fitted the bill.

Frank has played alongside just abouteveryone who has visited the Fylde Coast. The Frank Flynn Trio has played at all of the major hotels along The Fylde Coast during

the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. During the 1990’s their careers changed gear and both Janice & Frank performed at a large number of prestigious corporate events all over UK and destinations in Europe with their unique music and comedy show ‘Brahms and Liszt’. Frank and Janice are still busy today with The Frank Flynn Trio with Derek Sutcliffe on drums. Derek is a real old school blues man who has an impressive vocal range. 60 years ago Frank Flynn was the moderniser within the local jazz fraternity, he was the new kid on the block who had the ability to recognise change and input new ideas. He had the youthful vision to ‘jazz up’ pop tunes of the day which was a fresh approach to jazz. Frank has an amazing natural random skill of improvisation, he pushes the boundaries and is gifted with impeccable comic timing. Frank’s other regular line up includes the extremely talented guitarist ChrisHodder and the outstanding Dave Minshul on drums. They don’t rehearse... they do it live on the job and produce the incomparable CDF# sound.

Blackpool and The Fylde Coast still has a number musicians who played or remember The Blackpool Jazz Club (1954 to 1990). We would like to acknowledge them and also recognise the aspiring talent and cool ‘jazz cats’ paying it forward today.

Alan Riley: Sax Player. Alan is a living legend , who played Euphonium in the Army Band. He was a fixture with ‘The Fylde Coast Jazz Men’ founded in 1959, with his colleagues, Ronnie Stevens (Trumpet), Dave Lee (Clarinet & Alto Sax), Willie Barrow (Banjo & Guitar), Duncan Reed, (Bass) and Norman Wakefield (Drums). Alan Riley has played with several big bands, including the highly acclaimed BBC Northern Dance Orchestra. His credits include playing at both The Tower Ballroom and Empress Ballroom. He was a regular supporter of the now long gone Blackpool Jazz Club. Alan is a credit to the local jazz scene and deserves this recognition for his encouragement of keeping music live and being an inspiration to younger musicians. He is pleased to be playing at The Blackpool Jazz and Blues Festival 2015 as part of The Wyre Levee Stompers.

Bill Barrow: Sax Player. Bill has led several bands over the years around the Fylde Coast and performs today as The Bill Barrow Trio featuring the songstress Lynne Fox. Bill will be leading and forming part of The Wyre Levee Stompers at the festival. We are grateful to all the members of The Wyre Levee Stompers for performing at The Blackpool Jazz and BluesFestival 2015. Their contribution offers a great contrast of traditional Dixieland Style Jazz.

Greg Francis: Trumpet Player. Greg has led many big bands and produced shows at theatres all over the UK and Europe. Greg also has vast experience of Musical Theatre shows and together we have plans to produce a Musical Theatre festival entitled ‘Broadway to Blackpool’ in the foreseeable future. Greg’s interpretation of ‘The Chet Baker Songbook’ has added an extra classic vintage fine wine to the menu of The Blackpool Jazz and Blues Festival 2015.

Brian Leach aka ‘Shultz’: Drummer. Brian was a fixture at the original basement Galleon Bar for donkey’s years. During this residency he must have played along side a countless number of guest musicians visiting Blackpool during the heydays of the summer season shows in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s. If The Old Galleon Bar is ever mentioned, the name ‘Shultz’ is fondly remembered. Brian is excited about making a guest appearance at TheBlackpool Jazz and Blues Festival 2015 now aged 79.

Dougie Drake: Sax Player. Dougie made many guest appearances at The Blackpool Jazz Club. His contribution to the local jazz scene is well and truly recognised by the public and his peers.

MUSICIANS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Gabor Jonas: Sax Player. Gabor hails from Budapest, Hungary and has performed with a great host of musicians throughout Europe. He has been resident in Blackpool now for a decade and has firmly found a solid place amongst the local music scene.

Chris Hodder: Guitarist and Multi-Instrumentalist. Chris is a musicians-musician. Undoubtedly one of the most gifted musicians regularly playing in The North West today. He is a natural, that started playing piano form the age of four. Not only is he an luminary figure , he is most importantly a lovely person who teaches and supports fundraising events amongst his very busy weekly schedule. Chris will be performing in several line ups at The Blackpool Jazz and Blues Festival 2015. They include, The Alan Reid backing band, CDF# band, Elisha Blue and Guests, The Music Exchange Open Jam Sessions and The Monster Squad Acoustic alongside his music duo partner Luke Neptune. The Monster Squad produce an outstandingcontemporary sound and regularly play gigs at The Galleon Bar on Abingdon Street. Finally we would all like to wish Chris and Janet (his wife to be) a happy marriage when they ‘tie the knot’ next week on Sunday 9th August 2015.

Adam Soar: Sax & Clarinet. Adam now 24 is still the baby face of the local fraternity. Adam started playing clarinet at the age of 9, then progressed to learn Alto, Tenor, and Soprano and Baritone Saxophone from the age of 14. Adam is a passionate and versatile musician who has played in Musical Theatre productions, Big Bands, Jazz combo’s. He is a regular sax player with the popular Ska Band ‘Ska Face’. At The Blackpool Jazz and BluesFestival 2015, Adam has been invited to join the ‘Music Exchange Jam Sessions’ and also an integral part of ‘The Flat Earth Society’ a new Jazz, Funk Fusion Band.

Viktar Hars: Bass Player, Composer, Arranger. Viktar also hails from Budapest and is a great friend of local sax player Gabor Jonas. Viktar is an absolute ‘genius’ his composition scores are very impressive. If Picasso made music it would sound like Viktar. His credits include playing with bands, orchestras, and concerts all over Europe. He has played alongside the likes of international names such as Al Jarreau, George Benson, and Johnny Griffin to name just a few. A humble and generous man who was flown back specially from Hungary to be an integral part of The Blackpool Jazz and Blues Festival 2015.

Pete Donnelly: Sax Player and Composer. Pete Donnelly began playing Sax from the age of 9. He was raised in Reading, Berkshire but trained classical Saxophone at The Royal Northern College Of Music. Pete was a keen member of the RNCM big band and had the pleasure to play alongside the late Sir John Dankworth. His other credits include performing at The Royal Albert Hall in 2008. Pete’s composition work is impressive which has a modern jazz/classical crossover emotion in the writing. A talented and enthusiastic young man who is also a regular guest sax player with ‘The Galleonairs’.

Mike Taylor: Piano Player and Arranger. Mike is a gifted piano player and his style has been likened to Chic Corea. Mike has been playing piano from a very young age and trained at The Leeds College of Music. Mike is a versatile musician and has played with various line ups around Blackpool and The Fylde. A wonderful character who is helping to keep music live along the Fylde Coast. He is a regular guest piano player with ‘The Galleonairs’ line up.

Ally Pickering: Guitarist, Composer. Ally is a gifted young musician. He is still only 18 years of age and has tremendous talent. He is passionate about his music and has secured a place to study jazz and composition at the acclaimed Conservatorium of Amsterdam from September 2015. Ally was a founder member of ‘The Galleonairs’ band that was formed by chance one evening in March 2014. Over the past year he has progressed and adapted his skills to playing lead guitar or fitting comfortably into an ensemble environment . He has also mastered the art of being a good accompanist. Ally is also a promising contemporarycomposer and will be performing some of his original material from his debut alum ‘Leave Me Alone, I Know What I’m Doing’. The debut album is on sale at The Festival. His band is called ‘The Flat Earth Society’ and play contemporary Jazz, Funk, Fusion. This young band includes Adam Soar (Saxophone), Chris Carter (Drums), Steve Carter (Keyboards and Electronics Wizard) and Martin Booth (Bass). Ally Pickering has been a credit to ‘The Galleonairs’ we are all very proud of him and would like to wish him every success and prosperity studying in Amsterdam . He will always bewelcome to be a guest musician at The Galleon Bar in any capacity. Step forward and take a bow Ally Pickering. Special Thanks to all our visiting Musicians and Artists

Holly Roberts (Piano)Mervyn Africa (Piano)Dave Boraston (Trumpet)Elisha Blue (Vocals and Guitar)Tomi Saario (Vocals and Guitar)Kevin Hill Jnr (Vocalist)The Fogpocket (Fogs = Five Older Guys)Angela Lewis Brown & Her Band A big thank you once again to all the musicians and artists involved. Our motto is simple ‘Keep Music Live’ because musicians ‘Duet Better’

THE THREE PIERSBlackpool is the only seaside resort to have 3 functioning Piers.

North Pier: Was built in 1863. It has always been considered the favourite pier. It used to house a little fishing jetty at the end. This was destroyed by ferocious storms about 20 years ago. The sun lounge has always been a place of genteel relaxation. For decades the resident organist Raymond Wallbank tinkled the ivories and ‘the old dears’ adored him. The North Pier Theatre over the years has accommodated all the big names of Variety Entertainment. Cannon and Ball at the start of their long running TV fame in 1980 broke all box officerecords. The legendary comedy duo also switched on the Blackpool illuminations that year and the town was mobbed.

Central Pier: Was built in 1868. It was built in foresight due to the popularity of North Pier. Blackpool tourism was growing. The Central Pier had open air dancing and its own Central Pier Theatre, where Ken Dodd made his first Blackpool Stage appearance. The Central Pier had its own Dixieland Music Bar which suffered a horrendous fire in 1974.

In 1986 The Central Pier theatre was changed into a cabaret theatre layout. Maggie Mays Showbar was born and starred Linda Nolan who played the lead role of Maggie May for nine sell out summer seasons.

South Pier: Was built in 1893. Blackpool tourism continued to flourish and visitor numbers were increasing in the South Shore area. When built it was originally called The Victoria Pier and was always considered a little more up market than the North and Central Piers. It was renamed South Pier in 1930. The South Pier has suffered two fires in 1958 and in

1964. The Regal Theatre that was housed at the front of the pier was converted into the Beachcomber amusement arcade in 1963.

The Pier head theatre hosted sell out big name summer shows during the resorts post war heydays. The Pier head theatre was demolished in 1998 and replaced with fun fair rides.

THE TOWER BALLROOM

The Tower Ballroom Blackpool is one of the finest ballrooms in the world. Built between 1897-1898 to the designs of Frank Matcham who also designed Blackpool Grand Theatre.

The ballroom displays the gracious words above the stage ‘Bid me discourse, I will enchant thine ear’, from the poem Venus and Adonis by William Shakespeare.

In recent years The Tower Ballroom has been proudly featured on BBC TV’s Strictly Come Dancing. From 1930 to 1970 during the heydays of Ballroom Dancing the resident organist was Mr Reginald Dixon.

From 1977 to present the principle organist has been Mr Phil Kelsall MBE. Dance band orchestras have been varied over the years, most notably:The Charles Barlow BandThe Eric Delaney BandThe Mike James Big BandAndy Prior and The Night OwlsThe Kings Of SwingThe Tower Big Band led by Greg FrancisAndy Prior Big Band Tribute plaque for Eric Delaney

Mr Reginald Dixon

Proudly designed thisprogramme for the

Blackpool Jazz and BluesFestival 2015

Blackpool’s biggest FREE Music Festival, featuring 200 artists,in more than 25 venues over 4 days all across the Fylde Coast

Featuring all genres of music inc Rock, Jazz, Blues, Punk, Country,Folk, big bands, acoustic, choirs and poetry from all over Europe.

Further details at:-www.blackpoolmusicfestival.com

Blackpool MusicFestival 20151-4 October

My Mother and Father met 50 years ago in London, 1965. Their eyes met by chance at The Brompton Oratory Catholic Church in Knightsbridge whilst both attending midday mass during their lunch hour. My Dad waited outside the church and pretended to be reading the notice board, they chatted for a little while and he then plucked up the courage to invite her for a cup of tea. She said yes and the rest is history.

They courted for about 12 months, married in London and then moved to Blackpool in 1967.

Shortly after, my Mum was expecting her first child and my father then put his economic and constitutional affairs studies on hold. He took a job as a bus conductor at the former Blackpool Corporation Transport. He is remembered by retired work colleagues andpassengers as a polite inoffensive smartly dressed gentlemen. He was the first full time Afro Caribbean employee at BCT.

In the 1970’s as his family grew he became a full time tram driver and worked many hours to support his family of 6 children with dignity and pride. He retired at the relatively young age 54 in 1986 due to injuries sustained from the 1980 head-on tram collision. Sadly he carried the recognition, injuries and torment of that controversial crash to his grave. He sadly passed away in July 2009.

My Dad was born in Trinidad and moved to London in 1963. My Mum was born in Rochdale but moved to Blackpool as a toddler during the Second World War.

My Mum was raised in Blackpool left school, and became an office junior at the former Henthornes Builders Merchants on Talbot Road. She then trained as a nurse and became a full time Midwife at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. She took a sabbatical from nursing in 1964 and moved to London and worked as a secretary at an office in Knightsbridge. My Mum sadly passed away in 2005.

Their Christian values were taught to us from a young age. They did not have financial wealth but they were richer in many other ways. I proudly dedicate the Blackpool Jazz and Blues Festival 2015 in their loving memory. R.I.P.

Stephen Pierre

TRIBUTE TO MY MUM AND DAD

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