Happy memories of a popular band

FOLLOWING a letter to the Chronicle published on March 25, 2011 from Peter Clarke regarding the recent death of Bob Bickerdike who was a member of local band, the Ivel River Boys, Bob Watts who was also a band member contacted Memory Lane to reminisce about his old friend and the happy times they shared together.

Said Bob: “The memories came flooding back of the 1960s when I was privileged enough to become a member of the Ivel River Boys.”

Five of the six members were pupils at Sandye Place School. They were Brian Martin and Davie Curtis on guitar, John Little on drums, Bob Bickerdike on trumpet, and Richard Addision doubling on sax and clarinet. Bob Watts who comes from Biggleswade played the piano.

“I have to mention our manager and mentor Mr Jack Addission, Richard’s father, whose enthusiasm and drive made the band into the success it was” recalled Bob. “We had some wonderful times playing at many venues.”

These included The Mecca Ballroom in Stevenage which had a revolving stage. On one side would be the resident Denny Boyce Orchestra and when their session finished, the stage would rotate into the spotlight to reveal the boys ready to start theirs.

“I remember the time we played in an aircraft hangar alongside the then famous Monty Sunshine Jazz Band. Possibly our greatest achievement was appearing on television at the BBC studios in Bristol on the 6.25 show which was hosted by Jimmy Young. Happy days”