"WHEN AH WERE A LAD" was written by Nicky Newsome (professional Comedian/Writer) in the late 70's and recorded by Nicky along with five other original songs and four tracks of live patter. It was a concept album about growing up in Bradford ,Yorkshire, where Nicky originates. He now lives and still works in Blackpool. it was released in '81 on the Court Jester Label at Park Lane Studios, and is registered with PRS and MCPS with Nicky's own publishing company Shellbell Music., if you search Nicky Newsome "When ah were a Lad" (its proper dialect title) you may find some of the original Vinyl albums offered on line. Tom 'O Connor was the first to use it and he changed the line Courdroy Breeches to Dolly Mixtures in his live show,"wooly Balaclava" was "leather Helmet with a neb on" and "big bed up in the back room" was "a great big bed up in the attic" Barnbrack copied tom's version and recorded it, as did Houghton Weavers, Frank Mc Caffrey and many others, who all seem to take for granted its a Traditional song, and are giving no credit of any kind to Nicky, something perhaps that needs sorting out.
Many Liverpool people know the song as it was played regularly by Billy Butler on Radio Merseyside in the 80's., and apparently several acts have seen fit to change the lyrics to suit themselves ad hoc. I wonder if they need permission of the writer to do this kind of thing, as it is then presented as their work. Anyone else got information or ideas?