Memories are Made of This - Songs of the 1950s and 60s

Fond memories of the popular music of the 1950s and 60s were revived when, Kidderminster based, multi-instrumentalist Robert Barber entertained the Historical Society at their February meeting. The Friends’ Meeting House, Cowl Street, Evesham echoed to the strains of Dean Martin’s “Memories are made of This” and “When Wymperwills Call”, and George Formby’s “That’s My Baby”, “Bill Bailey”, and “Pack Up Your Troubles” with many others.

Robert described himself as a one-man band, but with modern technology. Using guitar, ukulele and banjo he continued with familiar songs and he brought the evening to a close with the Seekers “The Carnival is Over”. The displayed lyrics of “If I Were a Carpenter” introduced everyone to a new word in the English language “only-ness”!

Robert had started as a semi-professional musician in the 1960s playing in groups called Birds Nest, Scorpions and Reflections at many local gigs. He is proud of a family connection with, the hard working Almonry founder member, Tom Bayliss.

Chairman John Kyte welcomed everyone and explained that co-operation with the Church Conservation Trust was continuing with a view to arranging displays in St Lawrence Church. Members had recently visited the Worcester County Council, Hive, to see the Archaeology Department work and to discuss joint activities. Members who had shown a wish to get involved in the Society’s work would be contacted shortly.

A summer outings questionnaire was distributed and the result would be announced at the next meeting.

A “Tudor Evening” will be held at the Almonry Heritage Centre on Saturday May 10 between 6.30pm and 8.30pm in aid of the Great Big Almonry Fund Raising Project. Ticket at £5 may be purchased from the Almonry.

Members were also invited to support the Evesham Civic Society, on Tuesday March 18, at the St Ecgwin’s Club at 7.30pm, when Gillian White will be talking about the “Great Fire of Warwick”.

Society working evenings are held on Thursdays at the Almonry at 7.30 pm. Anyone interested in the history of Evesham and the Vale will be made most welcome.

“King Richard III – Murderer or Loyal Brother?” by Max Keen will be the subject for the next gathering on the last Thursday in March - 27th. There has been much interest, so it is best to come along early to secure a seat. Things start at 7.30 pm at the Friends’ Meeting House, Cowl Street, Evesham. All are welcome. A small charge, of £2, will be made for non-members. There is easy free parking nearby in the Swan Lane Car Park.

The Society is open to anyone with any kind of historical interest, or in dealing with artefacts in the Almonry Museum, or just being a social member. Membership details are available from the Secretary Rachel Knowles 01386 761 522 or rj.knowles@hotmail.co.uk

Bill Underwood

Vice President