My grandparents..

People say that you inherit your music from your parents. I disagree. My dad’s mum and mum’s dad were musicians in various ways and I’d like to introuduce you to them now.

My dad’s mum went by the lovely name of Mercy Tapster and lived in Stourmouth near Ramsgate, Kent. As a girl She played the piano for the silent movies and on Sundays the harmonium in the tin chapel nearby. I have wonderful memories of her playing for hours, all off-by-heart, narrating the film and accompanying it - priceless. What a live wire she was!

(The lad on the horse and cart at the bottom of the piccies is my dad’s dad.)

Arthur Hamblin was my mum’s father and they lived in Ledbury Herefordshire. As well as being Postmaster and ref of the Ledbury Town Football Club, Grandad played the piano and ran a small dance band. Here is his band on New Year’s Eve 1922 in Ludlow Town Hall. Look - no music stands - all off-by-heart!!!!!