Tamworth Bands History : 1976
Tamworth Herald - 01/10/76
Demis Roussos
08/10/76
Tamworth Arts Centre, Sunday Cinema Club
That’ll Be The Day/Stardust
08/10/76
Roger Brookes
Unicorn Folk Club
10/10/76
Double Disco
Nij Redfern/Barry John
Tamworth Football Club Social Club
10/10/76
Kidda
Dordon Working Mens Club
Tamworth Herald – 15/10/76
Record attendance figures are illustrating the success of Tamworth Arts Centre as it nears the end of its first year.
During the seven days up to Monday, a total of 1,500 people went into the Church Street centre for meetings, rehearsals, amateur theatre and film performances and the children’s Saturday Club art and crafts workshops.
Manager Mr. Dave Armour said: “This is nearly three per cent of the town’s population – compared with the national average of two per cent for audiences at arts centres.
“Over the last few weeks our figures have gone sky-high, indicating the way in which the centre has broken through and is making its way.”
Mr. Armour said that Tamworth Little Theatre’s production of “When We Are Married” had alone attracted 350 people over four nights – three of them full houses.
And nearly 100 had attended the first night of the new season of Sunday Cinema.
Tamworth Herald – 15/10/76
Be Bop Deluxe
16/10/76
Autumn Dance
Tamworth Cricket and Hockey Club
Kwil
Mike Clarke and His Music
Tower Ballroom, Drayton Manor
22/10/76
Tamworth Arts Centre, Sunday Cinema Club
Cabaret
Tamworth Herald – 22/10/76
Ringo Starr
29/10/76
Tamworth Arts Centre, Sunday Cinema Club
Lord of the Flies
Tamworth Herald – 29/10/76
Youth Theatre Venture
Tamworth Herald – 29/10/76
Wings, Hot Chocolate
Tamworth Herald – 05/11/76
Tamworth Arts Club drama group and their ‘Cat on the Fiddle’ made sweet music together at the weekend.
The comedy – which contained all the basic elements of a good farce – delighted a packed house at the town’s Arts Centre on Saturday night.
‘Cat on the Fiddle” was predictably corny…and good fun.
Producer Peggy Brotherhood can feel well satisfied with the farce, which succeeded in attracting two full-houses for two of the three showings.
05/11/76
Tamworth Arts Centre, Sunday Cinema Club
The French Connection
05/11/76
Jango
Unicorn Folk Club
05/11/76
Bullets and Sounds
Tamworth FC Social Club
Tamworth Herald – 05/11/76
Gary Wright by Peter Brown
07/11/76
Barry John and Nij Redfern
Tamworth FC Social Club
Tamworth Herald – 12/11/76
An application by Mr. Bryan Thomas Barnsley for the provisional grant of a justices on-licence to sell wine only at his Lower Gungate “Hamlets” restaurant to be made final was granted by the borough licensing committee on Tuesday.
12/11/76
Tamworth Arts Centre, Sunday Cinema Club
The Scars of Dracula
12/11/76
Bill Prince
Unicorn Folk Club
Tamworth Herald – 12/11/76
AC/DC
Tamworth Herald – 19/11/76
Tuesdays
Johnny Slade Roadshow
Flying Scotsman
19/11/76
Kwil
Glascote Working Mens Club
Tamworth Herald – 19/11/76
One of Tamworth’s biggest entertainment successes – both on and off the stage – celebrates its first anniversary this week.
It was just a year ago when the town arts centre opened to a first-night audience of civic heads and special guests.
And since that time its programme of exhibitions, theatre, music, films and a variety of children’s activities have made the building a big hit with the public.
Since the curtain went up on the arts centre, which is housed in the old Baptists Church and cost £67,000 it has not only provided good entertainment, but also established valuable links with the community.
During the first 12 months of its working life the building, with its 100-seat auditorium and three multi-purpose rooms, has gone a long way to achieving its aim of making the arts available to a wide range of people.
MANAGER
Arts centre manager, Mr. Dave Armour, says Tamworth people have become more aware of the building and are interested in what it has to offer.
“I think the public were a little confused and did not know what to make of the place to begin with.” He explains.
“But now they are making better use of the facilities, they have a chat and a drink in the coffee bar and many parents have got to know the centre by bringing their children to craft and drama workshops.
“We have managed to attract a number of professional theatre companies as well as catering for the local amateur drama and opera groups.
“I’m so pleased to say we have professional people such as artists and folk singers, who regularly come in,” adds Mr. Armour.
FACILITIES
The centre has an estimated 1,200 using its facilities – some for rehearsals and workshops, others for a cup of coffee and a bit to eat.
We are getting average audiences of 50 per cent capacity and all the signs are that these will increase.
“In recent weeks we have staged three sell-out performances with local groups and membership to our film club is expanding.”
But in spite of having numerous groups and art activities, Mr. Armour stresses the continuing need for new people with new ideas and new projects to pursue.
HELPER
His wife Pauline, is an enthusiastic helper who has set up the Saturday Club for children aged from six to 14 who can take part in improvised drama or craft and art work.
The club has a regular attendance of about 35 youngsters and a team of volunteers, including two teachers, keep them occupied.
An extension of the Saturday Club, but for elder teenagers takes place on Saturday mornings.
Youth theatres and music workshops are also proving to be popular events in the weekly calendar.
The arts centre also has its own drama group with the husband and wife team of Mr. And Mrs. Armour forming a small company with a few volunteers.
They are currently rehearsing “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe, which they hope to stage in December.
PROFESSIONAL
One area of the centre’s activity which could do with a boost is the support given to professional touring theatre groups.
One or two shows had to be cancelled early in the season because only five or six people turned up.
“We are trying to establish a closer liaison with the West Midlands Arts Association who can strengthen our links with other arts centres in the Midlands, says Mr. Armour.
“The advantage of this is that we can build up a touring circuit in the West Midlands for professional groups and we will be part of it.”
The Association already supports the centre by sponsoring many of the professional performances.
Despites its diverse range of interesting activities, Mr. Armour thinks not enough use is made of the Arts Centre during week days.
“I would like to see more being done for the elderly, perhaps an old age pensioners film club might prove popular.
“Also I would like to do something to occupy the time of unemployed school leavers. But whatever happens the schemes must be viable propositions.
“We have a lot going on at the arts centre, but we are always looking to the future and hope to build on the firm foundations laid over this past year.”
22/11/76
Barry John
Amington Band Room
26/11/76
Tamworth Arts Centre, Sunday Cinema Club
The Gambler
Tamworth Herald – 26/11/76
Tamworth councillors are pressing for £380 conversions in the town’s Arts Centre so that cooked meals can be provided without breaking food hygiene regulations.
Members of the Leisure Activities Committee heard that cooked food had been served in the coffee bar, although it was only intended for snacks.
Tamworth’s Recreation and Amenities Officer, Mr. Brian Moore, said the main advantage of the coffee bar was that it attracted people into the Arts Centre.
“There has been a big increase in the number of people using the Arts Centre and the coffee bar this autumn,” he said “The bar is a soft-sell that draws into the centre.”
The committee heard that catering would have to stop unless improvements were carried out.
Councillor Graham Talbot said that removing the eating facilities would be a retrograde step.
“Once people are in there they can see what a good place it is and what’s on.” he explained.
The committee was told that added ventilation and a sink were needed to bring the centre into line with the food hygiene regulations.
Tamworth Herald – 26/11/76
Linda Rondstadt, Syd Lawrence
Tamworth Herald – 03/12/76
Three young and adventurous actors took on Saturday shoppers in Tamworth’s Gungate Precinct with a short, baffling performance of the town’s first Live Sculpture.
The outcome, unhappily was predictable. The actors lost.
One passing spectator, told that the performance depicted “a relationship between three actors inhibited by string”, said: “Either they’re mad, I’m mad or you’re mad,”
Another claimed it was “Tamworth’s answer to the bionic man.”
Yet another: “I don’t know what they are doing. I am not stopping to find out.”
A TEST
After the performance, which involved the actors tying themselves together, walking around The Precinct and finally cutting the strings, 17-year-old Gavin Jones, a Stafford art student, who lives at 45, Shelley Road, Leyfields, confessed they had intended to test public reaction to an abnormal happening.
“Unfortunately, their reaction was a bit silly. They were more interested in their everyday shopping.”
Camden Dubray, aged 18, a member of Tamworth Playground Theatre, said: “We expected bewilderment and more curiosity”.
Mr. Dubray, who lives at 310, Main Road, Glascote, added: “We were disappointed, but we shall still stage similar performances in the future.”
The Live Sculpture was the idea of 17-year-old Double Day (Edward Dutkiewicz - Ed.), of 97 Sheepcote Lane, Amington who also studies art at Stafford.
Caption: Actors Gavin Jones, Double Day and Camden Dubray perform a Living Sculpture for Saturday shoppers at The Precinct in Tamworth.
03/12/76
Tamworth Arts Centre, Sunday Cinema Club
China Town
03/12/76
Korky
Unicorn Folk Club
Tamworth Herald – 03/12/76
If you don’t like rock music, talent or comedy then don’t read on
But you see, there’s this local band called LUCIFER who guarantee to please.
Talented they certainly are. And their music is adaptable – they prefer to play rock, but are exceptionally adept at playing all sorts of music. The comedy is definitely not part of their act…but once you’ve met them you’ll see how their humour will, without a doubt, carry them to the top.
Lucifer are a four piece unit, dedicated to playing good music and, formed only a month ago, the band is already becoming a firm favourite.
On Sunday, they played at Kingshurst’s Mountford Inn and the capacity audience just wouldn’t let them off the stage. They had to do a couple of encores and enjoyed every minute.
Lead singer Dave Garner, who lives at Wilnecote, has plenty of experience…and ti shows. He has a great voice and constantly maintains friendly contact with audiences.
Dave started singing when he was 16 and joined a band called R.I.P. which he stayed with for two years.
He then went professional and joined top Birmingham band Sweet Rain, before singing with Leicester outfit, The Decoys. They split after six months and Dave was involved with two or three bands before forming Lucifer with drummer Roy Cole.
Now, drummer Roy is something else. He’s been around as long as singer Dave – probably longer, and although he reckons Ringo Starr, just beat him to joining The Beatles, there’s probably some truth in the rumour that he’s certainly been playing as long as the “Fab Four”.
Roy is the band’s joker…but when it comes to his music, then it’s a different matter.
“We are all aiming to be the best rock band in the area,” he said.
“We have a good band and are improving all the time. There’s simply no point in being content to never improve. Lucifer’s aim is to give the kids value for money and we reckon we can succeed.”
Lead guitarist Mick Griffiths, who lives at Coton Green, is an essential ‘front man’, th the band, long with singer Dave.
Mick’s guitar playing is exceptional and is improving all the time and is a former member of Magnadaw and has done sessions for various artists.
Lucifer’s bass guitarist Kevin Osbourne is also a former member of Magnadaw. He has played numerous sessions for bands and has developed an original style of bass playing.
So there you have it, Lucifer are a talented band, and there is no need to take the “Herald” word for it, take the chance, go and see them and judge for yourself.
You have singer Dave and drummer Roy’s vast musical experience. He has played with such bands as The Vibrators, Bitch, Heavy Boots – and the freshness of guitarists Mick Griffiths and Kevin Osbourne making a band of definite promise.
And because Lucifer have only been formed a month, they have some dates available. If you are interested in booking them, call Bob Paterson at the “Herald” on Lichfield 52716 (evenings).
Certainly prospects look good for Lucifer. Not only do they play recognised rock, but they are also furiously writing their own songs.
Can’t be bad!
10/12/76
Tamworth Arts Centre, Sunday Cinema Club
The Mean Machine
10/12/76
Mayrid
Unicorn Folk Club
Tamworth Herald – 10/12/76
Rod Stewart, Loudon Wainwright
11/12/76
Folk Centre
Andy Dwyer
Tamworth Arts Centre
12/12/76
Kidda
Dordon Working Mens Club
Tamworth Herald – 17/12/76
Civic discord was the price of wedding day happiness for Tamworth Arts Centre manager Dave Armour and his bride.
For their reception took place in the Corporation owned centre – to the displeasure of two of the Borough Council’s chief officers.
Town Clerk Mr. Brian Leake and Borough Treasurer Mr. Peter Clarke didn’t like the idea. But Mr. Armour’s boss, Borough Recreation and Amenities Officer Mr. Brian Moore disagreed.
And Councillor Ron Cook chairman of the Leisure Activities Committee went against two top-level recommendations and decided that 30-year-old Mr. Armour could hire part of the town centre building for the reception.
DEFENDED
This week, Councillor Cook defended his action in approving the application only 11 days before the wedding.
He said “The Town Clerk’s department was of the opinion that the centre should not be used for something that was not compatible with the promotion of the arts.
“My view was that as the building was not booked for anything else, and Mr. Armour had tried to hire other venues, without success, there was nothing to be gained by refusing the request.”
PRICE
“It was very unlikely it would have been booked for anything else at that late stage.”
Councillor Cook said: “Mr. Armour had been charged at a higher rate than would have been paid for an arts function.
“In these very difficult financial times it would be unwise for the council to turn up its nose at any extra income.” He commented.
“If there are any similar applications for the use of the centre, they will receive the same consideration. But arts-orientated activities must always come first.”
Mr. Armour said: “The application was put to the chairman by Mr. Moore because he felt I should not be seen to be getting preferential treatment.”
He said he would not like to see the centre being used regularly for wedding receptions and for parties not connected with arts groups.
But, in this case a show which was to have bee held in the centre on the day of the wedding had been cancelled a month before, and most of the 80 guests at the reception were people who used the centre.
Mr. Armour added: “If there is a particularly deserving case in future, where people had definitely tried to find other accommodation, I would tend to think there should be no objection.”
17/12/76
Unicorn Folk Club
Christmas Party
Tamworth Herald – 17/12/76
Glen Cambell, Clifford T Ward
18/12/76
Barry John’s Christmas Disco
Amington Band Room
21/12/76
Tamworth Arts Centre, Sunday Cinema Club
Serpico
24/12/76
Convention
Birchmoor Working Mens Club
Tamworth Herald – 24/12/76
DJ Kippa wishes everybody a Great Christmas and a Soundful ‘77
24/12/76
Christmas Eve Party
Nij Redfern
Twycross Village Hall
Tamworth Herald – 24/12/76
27/12/76
Pentad
Elford Working Mens Club
31/12/76
Witchmaster
Grendon Working Mens Club
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