The band

Formed in 1974 from a chance meeting between Dave and Kath. Kath was singing Paul Simon's "The Boxer" to her own guitar accompaniment and, realising that she had a remarkable voice, Dave asked her to join himself and Jim, an old rock climbing buddy and musician of note, in forming a new group.

The unusual name was taken from the local dialect reference to an old fashioned sweet shop where the old lady owner, too afraid to open the door, would serve the children from a hatch window in the street. To gain her attention you had to knock on the window or “tick on t' winder” which became tickawinda locally and was adopted by the group.

From some pretty disastrous early forays, chiefly in the interval of Boarshurst Brass Band concerts, they progressed quickly to the folk clubs in and around the Oldham, Ashton-u-Lyne and Stalybridge areas, and in 1976 entered and were runners up in a local Tameside talent contest. Shortly afterwards they were offered the residency at the Rose & Crown in Stalybridge on Friday nights, followed by an additional residency on Sundays at St.Pauls in Hyde.

The final piece of the jigsaw was added in January 1977 when Alison joined the band, completing the fourth harmony and balancing the sound, opening up a whole new range of material and progressing the group to support bands like 'The Bushwackers' from Australia at The Free Trade Hall in Manchester, and Jake Thackeray at Poynton Folk Centre, where they also headlined.

In June 1979 Tickawinda were the winners of the North West heats of the 'Search for The Stars of the '80's' competition held at the Poynton Folk Centre in a performance described as 'Tickawonderful' in the Manchester Evening News, and appeared at the 14th Cambridge Folk Festival in July that year. Another brilliant performance on the day earned them the promise of a recording contract and many new fans.

However,eschewing this offer they decided to make their own record with the help of their good friend and emerging singer/songwriter, Clive Gregson, and in October 1979 laid down the tracks for 'Rosemary Lane' which was issued in November that year and topped the Folk Album chart in the HMV store in Manchester for some weeks after its release.

Further momentous gigs in and around the North West included the Fort Theatre, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, a live recording at the Fishermans Inn, Hollingworth Lake for Piccadilly Radio, and a live session for the same radio station. These performances culminated in a memorable appearance at Styal Mill,Wilmslow with the BBC's Brian Redhead and the Darius Ensemble from the Royal Northern College of Music, which very nearly resulted in a television deal and saw the band busier than ever.

Sadly the T.V. deal failed to materialise, and by this time the pressures of individual day jobs and domestic responsibilities forced them to make a decision about the future and all agreed to call it a day. It was a fantastic adventure that they were all proud to be a part of and which, through more highs than lows, they all enjoyed immensely.

Clive Gregson continued to pursue his solo career, and quickly emerged as one of the finest singer/songwriters of his generation. As a consequence of his success Tickawinda's album 'Rosemary Lane' became something of a collector's item, and it was decided to re-release the record as a CD in 2001.

The success of the new release prompted many requests for the band to reform and despite some logistical problems (Dave now lives in Berkshire), they managed to get together about once a month to practice, with a view to performing a few selected venues around their old haunts. In no time at all they all agreed that they had slipped seamlessly into their old routine, and were looking forward to their first gig in twenty five years.

Sadly they were forced to cancel this first appearance, due to be held at The Cross Keys, Uppermill, owing to Kath's sudden illness which, despite an extraordinarily brave fight, she succumbed to in July 2005. Fortunately we have the CD to remind us of her wonderful voice.

The Members

Dave - Vocals and Acoustic Guitar.

Dave is the original founder member of the group and the old man having recently celebrated(?) his .....eth birthday. Well, fairly recently! He can be persuaded to play his old Martin guitar provided its no more than four chords and three verses. Has been known to take a drink but only for medicinal purposes and as an aide to his memory. Semi-retired now lives in Berkshire and drives HGV's!

Jim - Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Mandola, once had piano lessons and sings too!

Jim is an old rock climbing buddy of Dave's who formed the original group with Dave and Kath. He can read music if pressed, although we never pressed! Jim also runs the folk clubs at the Cross Keys Uppermill and Stalybridge Station and can be heard from time to time singing for his supper alongside Bonz from Biggles Wartime Band around the North West.

Kath - Vocals.

Beautiful red haired lead singer of the group whose distinctive voice was probably responsible for its outstanding popularity. Sadly, shortly after the band had agreed to reform, was taken ill and, despite her extraordinarily brave fight, died in July 2005. She is sorely missed.

Ali - Vocals and music research!

Ali is the baby and only recently celebrated her ....eth birthday during which she managed to persuade Dave and Jim to accompany her in the rendition of a few old favorites for old time's sake!She brought her wonderful voice to complete the missing piece of the jigsaw and supply fantastic harmonies to Kath's lead. Also came up with a whole new repertoire of songs to broaden the groups appeal.

• info@tickawinda.co.uk