Houghton Weavers

The Houghton Weavers are an English folk music band formed in 1975 in Westhoughton, in the borough of Bolton in Lancashire, England. The current three band members are David Littler (acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, banjo-ukulele, bouzouki, piano accordion and vocals), Steve Millington (bass guitar, keyboards, acoustic guitar, piano accordion and vocals) and Tony Berry (lead vocalist).

David Littler and Tony Berry are both founder members of the band, whilst Steve Millington joined in 1996.

Previous members are Norman Prince (1975 to 1999, acoustic guitar, 12 string guitar, bass guitar and vocals), John Oliver (1975 to 1976 vocals), Denis Littler (1976 to 1984 bass guitar and vocals) and Jeff Hill (1984 to 1996 and 1999 to 2007 bass Guitar, acoustic guitar, 12 string guitar, electric guitar and vocals) Whilst never officially a member of the 'Weavers, Alan Fawkes was a regular guest - "he couldn't stand the drop in pay" (dates unknown, woodwind instruments and vocals) They sing mainly English folk music, much of it in Lancashire dialect, and demonstrate an eclectic range of song subjects including "The Blackpool Belle", "Uncle Joe’s Mintballs" and "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs" (a biographical song about the painter L. S. Lowry). They are best known for their BBC T.V. show "Sit Thi Deawn" (a Lancashire colloquial corruption of "Sit You Down"; referring to the supposed hospitality of Lancashire people). The programme ran for six series or seven years and was a mixture of easy listening music and comedy for a local audience [http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/348640] . The group also starred in six of their own series for BBC Radio 2.

Notable Quotes

“Bolton’s Culture brings together these world wide diversities into a microcosm. The aim of the Town should be to bring these various differences together to promote understanding and harmony which will in turn give the future Town its own unique culture! The Houghton Weavers will continue to promote the musical culture of this area world wide”. - The Houghton Weavers [http://www.bolton-life.com/famousPeople.asp]

With 'folk' you either think of something like the Houghton Weavers, or proper folk. - Andy Kershaw [http://cobweb.businesscollaborator.com/hmhb/news/2002b.htm]

elected discography

*Howfen Wakes, 1976
*Gone Are The Days, 1977
*Sit Thi Deawn, 1978
*The Houghton Weavers In Concert, 1979
*Up Your Way, 1980
*Alive And Kicking, 1981
*In The Rare Ould Times, 1983
*Keep Folk Smiling, 1985
*It’s Good To See You, 1986
*Lancashire Lads, 1988
*When Granny Sang Me Songs, 1990
*The Keeper, 1992
*Work Of The Weavers, 1993
*Live At The City Varieties, Leeds, 1995
*The Best Of Houghton Weavers, 1995
*What A Wonderful World, 1996
*Lancashire Folk, 1997
*Glory Of Love, 1998
*On The Road, 1991
*Houghton Weavers Collection Volume 1, 2000
*Blackpool Belle Collection Volume 2, 2000
*Come Landlord, Collection Volume 3, 2001
*30th Anniversary Collection, 2004
*Howfen Wakes (Remastered), 2005
*Gone Are The Days (Remastered), 2005
*Sit Thi Deawn (Remastered), 2005
*Made In Howfen (DVD), 2005
*20 Folk Classics, 2007

External links

* [http://www.houghtonweavers.com Houghton Weavers' website]