Can anyone remember the Crabtrees folk group?

By Laura Davis on Jun 30, 09 08:59 AM

HAS anyone out there got any memories or tape-recordings of the Crabtrees, one of the most popular folk groups on Merseyside during the 1960s?
If so please contact Derek Marsden who founded the group with the brother and sister, Hal and Joy Crabtree from Wallasey.

Sadly, Hal died a few years ago and Joy now lives in Southend.
But Derek, a retired teacher, and Joy are compiling a CD of Crabtrees' songs, which will be accompanied by a colourful booklet.

The Crabtrees performed in venues all over Merseyside and their act embraced traditonal, contemporary and humorous songs.

"I would particularly like to find recordings of us performing such songs as The Times They A-Changing, When The Ship Comes In, or my own solos such as Goodman, Schwerner and Chaney and Omie Wise. Also, we would love to hear again Joy's comedy songs, Giving Everything Away and She Was Poor But She Was Honest.

Derek already has 19 tracks for the compilation, but feels there must have been other recordings. In those days it was common for people to record their favourites - with or without permission.

"In order to present a complete picture, I would very much like to meet anybody who would be prepared to talk of their recollections about the individual members of the group or the group as a whole. Such memories will help to add greater substance to the work," says Derek.
"I would certainly welcome the opportunity to talk to performers who frequently worked with the group, in particular Dave Locke, who used to live in Heswall, and Tony Nugent, who came from Birkenhead."

Derek's contact number is 0151 526 1047.