A FEW weeks ago, Richard Ainley asked Family History if we could connect his Derby-based father, Jack, with local dance band The Bluebirds.
Jack, the son of Herbert and Annie Ainley, moved to Derby in 2005 and died in 2009.
We’re a step nearer with input from Carlton Stockdale who became interested in Huddersfield ballroom dancing in 1936 when he was just 14.
“I was aware of most bands through the 1930s,” he said. “The stage shown in your photograph is that of the corner stage in the top floor canteen at David Brown Gears in Lockwood.
“The reference in your article was that Jack Ainley also locates his activity in Lockwood.
“Promotions were held in the canteen on evenings through the 1930s and up to the 1960s onwards.
“Lunchtime concerts were held during the 1939-45 war. After the war Saturday night dances were held there with a band on this stage.
“The Ambassadors played there for a long time. I played tenor sax in an Elland-based band called The Celebrities and could never get a booking there, but we did get the booking in 1961 for the sports club dance.
“The corner stage shown had by then been moved to a rectangular one in the centre of the end wall of the canteen.”
Richard Ainley’s grandfather, Herbert, is the trumpet player in the picture on the far right.
Carlton added: “I think the group was called the Bluebirds and must have been active in the 1920s or 1930s because my grandfather was born in 1900.
“He also used to play with Honley Band and Lockwood Band although I am not certain when.”
Any more clues out there? Contact Richard on theainleys@btinternet.com
