Published at 11:34, Wednesday, 25 March 2009

Who can remember gigs at the Lofthouse Motel in Bothel?

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Alastair Duncan and John Fisher of www.fenderstrat.co.uk recalls the resident band there.

The Saddlers evolved from the Lofthouse Cowboys who, during the latter half of the 1960s were resident band six nights a week.

Personnel over the years included Chris Graham, Stan Watson, Dennis Blamire, Derek Tolson, Arnold Miller, Tex McEating, Mel Adams and Tony Renney.

In keeping with the Lofthouse's western theme and decor the band would dress western style and perform country and western songs.

In 1970 Chris Graham (vocals), Derek Tolson (bass), Dennis Blamire (rhythm guitar) and Tony Renney (lead guitar and fiddle) left the Lofthouse, renamed themselves The Saddlers and with the addition of drummer Colin Wright totally updated their image and material to a modern country music band.

These were the golden years of live entertainment in the clubs and theatres, and for the next five years the band were extremely busy all over northern England and Scotland.

The Saddlers never thought of turning professional, so midweek work (of which there was plenty back then) tended to be within the county while weekends usually brought trips to the north east, the Midlands or up into Scotland.

Whenever time off work could be taken, week-long tours were arranged to places as far north as Orkney and as far south as Lincolnshire.

But The Saddlers were never happier than when they were back playing the friendly clubs of their own west Cumberland.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk