Growing Up In Dudley - Paul Darby
Paul Darby.. Dudley's own boy accordionist.
Paul tells us:
“From 1957 onwards, gigging!
Been on more stages than John Wayne. Remember the gig at Wellington, when I was eight. Alan Grahame, from Jerry Allen Trio, and Roy Edwards(from TVs Lunch Box) came on stage dancing whilst I played La Paloma.
At Dudley Grammar, I played in the school orchestra and in Dudley Youth Orchestra (1962-67).
At the Grammar School prize giving at the Town Hall 1963, guest of honour, Edward Boyle, Education Minister, remarked he had never seen an accordionist in an orchestra before.
1976.. Played open air concert to thousands in Dudley Market Place.
1980S, HTV Fred Wedlock Show...
Happy happy daze.. Hurrahs indeed..”