The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #111465   Message #2348097
Posted By: Big Tim
24-May-08 - 09:43 AM
Thread Name: Old folk pub in Widnes?
Subject: RE: Old folk pub in Widnes?
Thanks Fred. It was my interest in Kellswater that got me started on this. I have been in touch with Gina and Jimmy's neice Rose in Ballymena (Jimmy's home town) and got lots of info but not the name of the pub! Gina couldn't remember either! I have written a piece on Kellswater and deposited it in Ballymena Library. By giving it to Sam Henry,Jimmy Carmichael saved that great song from extinction. He was born in 1903 and died in 1979. He gave about 30 songs to Sam Henry, the following of which were published in the 'Northern Constitution'.

20 Mar 1937 – Kellswater.
30 Oct 1937 - Farewell to Sweet Glenravel.
"Kindly supplied by Mr. Jim Carmichael...whose repertoire includes the choicest airs of Ulster."
20 Nov 1937 - The Hills of Tandragee.                             "Another song from the collection of James Carmichael...whose enthusiasm is saving many old songs and dance airs in his district from oblivion."
31 Dec 1938 - Love's Parting / Jamie and Mary.
11 Feb 1939 - Under the Shade of the Bonny Green Tree.
4 Mar 1939 - The Drum Major.
8 Apr 1939 – Kellswaterside. [An entirely different song from Kellswater]
22 Apr 1939 - You're Welcome as Flowers in May.
Below is an extract from my piece on Kellswater.

Kellswater was first broadcast on radio on 11 October 1937. In a letter to Jimmy Carmichael dated 5 October 1937, Sam Henry wrote,                                                   

'Dear Mr. Carmichael, I am broadcasting the song "Bonny Kellswater" on Monday 11th inst at 9 O' clock. I would like you to listen in'.

In another letter, dated 28 October 1937, Henry wrote,

'Dear Jim, I am going tomorrow (Friday) to Cushendall and I hope on my way back to spend an hour with you; round about 7 o'clock.
I have published "Farewell to Glenravel" in "Northern Constitution" – due tomorrow.
Thanking you for all you are doing in the cause of Ulster music'.