James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes

Subject: RE: James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes
From: GUEST,Frank Coady
Date: 29 Jul 08 - 07:24 AM

My wife & myself are just back from 2 weeks in Ballymena researching her family history, we think there could be a Carmichael connection. Her father is James Carmichael McDowell of James St Ballymena, & her grandparents where Robert John McDowell & Lavina Carmichael. Having spoken with my wifes father he remembers his dad taking him to visit the Carmichaels in Waring St. Would you know the names of James Carmichaels parents 7 any other relatives.

Kind regards

Frank

Subject: RE: James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes
From: GUEST,Ian Archibald
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 12:03 AM

Will do Tim.

Subject: RE: James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes
From: Big Tim
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 12:11 PM

Hi Ian,

Next time you talk to Rose, tell her that you were speaking on the web to the guy from Donegal with the Scottish accent who was rabbiting on about 'Kellswater'. She'll know who you mean!

Subject: RE: James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes
From: GUEST,Ian Archibald
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 08:42 AM

Hi Tim,
I have met Rose and her husband Sandy a number of times.They stayed at my mothers house the last time they where in England a few years ago.

I was visiting my Gran in Ballymoney last year and went to see Rose playing for the irish dancers in the town hall.

Excellent musician & a lovely lady.

Subject: RE: James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes
From: Big Tim
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 12:25 PM

Hi Ian,

No I didn't know James, unfortunately. I just happened across him becuase of my interest in the song 'Kellswater'. I have corresponded with and spoken on the phone to his niece Rose in Ballymena.

Subject: RE: James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes
From: GUEST,IAN ARCHIBALD
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 11:52 AM

HI TIM,
I WILL LEAVE IT A FEW MORE DAYS TO SEE WHAT INTEREST THIS THREAD BRINGS AND IF IT ALL GOES QUIET I WILL START ANOTHER THREAD WITH THE IRISH FIDDLER IN THE TITLE.DID YOU PERSONALLY KNOW JAMES CARMICHAEL?
MANY THANKS

Subject: RE: James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes
From: Big Tim
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 11:02 AM

James first went to England in 1951 to play at the Festival of Britain. He settled in Widnes a few years later.

Ian, it's a pity you didn't work 'Irish fiddler' into the title of the Thread. That might attract more attention.

Can a Joe clone change the title to something like 'Help: Irish fiddler James Carmichael'? Please!

Subject: RE: James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes
From: GUEST,Ian Archibald
Date: 17 Jul 08 - 01:58 PM

It appears that James & Bridie Carmichael where very popular figures in Widnes(Waterloo rd West Bank) in the 1950,60 & 70's.That is why I have started a new thread named after them for people to post any stories & tales about the wonderful couple.
Many thanks
Ian Archibald.(Grandson)

Subject: RE: James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes
From: Mr Happy
Date: 17 Jul 08 - 07:40 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widnes

Subject: RE: James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes
From: Big Tim
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 02:32 PM

James was from Ballymena, County Antrim, and supposedly a terrific Irish fiddler who would probably be far better known today if he had settled in 'Paddy in the Smoke' (London) or even Liverpool. For the geographically challenged, Widnes is very close to Liverpool.

James also gave the great Ulster song collector Sam Henry numerous songs and tunes, the best known being 'Kellswater', which Sam published in 1937.

Subject: RE: James & Bridie Carmichael,Widnes
From: GUEST,Ian Archibald
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 01:04 PM

James Carmichael married my Grandmother Bridie.My mother is Jane Archibald(nee Hughes) who is Bridies only daughter.Eddie Hughes my uncle, is the banjo player in irish folk group cream of the barley.My father Dave Archibald who played in irish bands Pipers Chair,Slipjig & Blarney stone passed away in 1992.

I can remember as a young boy sitting on my grandad Jims knee while he was playing the fiddle,my uncle Eddie playing the Banjo and my nan(bridie) singing along.

Unfortunately my nan passed away in June 2007 at the grand old age of 90.James and Bridie are once again reunited,up there somewhere having a good old sing song.

My mother is away on holiday at the moment but when she returns I will see if she has any old recordings and I will keep you posted.I will also try dig out some old photo's of grandad Jim in his playing days and upload them onto the internet.It would be great to hear more stories & tales.
many thanks.(e-mail [e-mail])