Wigan Album
norman whittaker on drums
6 CommentsPhoto: alan
Item #: 23243
Norman,(from Platt Bridge?) Had his own band in the late 50's/early 60's, called "The Skyrockets" I was on Trombone ;o)
He had a young daughter then, can't remember her name now tho'...
Art,the photo in the car is my uncle Norman and aunty Edie.I think I remember you as Arther, other members of the Skyrockets were Ronnie on tenner sax his twin brother Alan on alto sax,Eddie on piano and accordian also Eddie on trumpet and I think a friend of yours played trumpet as well, my names Harry and I was on Bass Norman on drums and Ray on vocals.We used to meet in the Gate cafe on Sunday mornings and have a bit of a crack!!
Going back about 56/7 years I've forgotten a few names, but wasn't it Gordon on trumpet (Surname "Bradshaw" or summat like that), my mate was Ted(Ricky)Allen. Not seen him for 50 years or so. I remember the twins, came from Pemberton I think. Brought 'some' memories back those pics: The "freeby" at Bickershaw club, we did t get some practice, Bolton House club, Ince Public Hall, & Hindley Public hall, above the old Co-Op, late dances. The very first audition when the Monaco was being changed from a cinema to Dance Hall, Sunday Morning, decorators & carpenters everywhere, wading thro' sawdust & shavings to get on stage....Them were the days..;o)
Youv'e got it art,it's all still there somewhere.Norman had a lifelong love of the drums and played the clubs till late in his life.He always loved to talk about band life and the things we got up to like his old clapped out Vauxhall 14 car,it looked like someone had painted with a tar brush and had NO BREAKS AT ALL,he said he stopped it with the gears and a GOOD bit of luck.After being shot at and bombed for six years in North Africa all through the war, he didn't let anything bother him and was happy to be alive and enjoyed living it.
Is Norman,Brendas dad
Yes Eileen,he was Brenda and Normas dad.