The Three Crows folk group

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Stalybridge Lad
Date: 26 Sep 15 - 05:34 AM

My parents were big fans of the Three Crows, my Mum worked at the Junction in Mottram around 1970 when it was run by Albert and Betty Jackson. My most abiding memory was when the Crows played a good couple of hours set at my Dad's retirement party at Stockport police station. The song that stands out in my mind is "Hattersley" - a humorous and catchy number about the forced relocation of "Auntie Ada" from the Manchester terraces to the fresh air and green spaces of Longdendale.

"Oh Hattersley, oh Hattersley, your spirit wild and free. Your heart is made of concrete, but you're paradise to me..."

Great song, great bunch of lads.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Big A
Date: 12 Feb 13 - 11:30 AM

A very moving service, hundreds - yes hundreds of people in the packed church......standing in the aisles and at the back............well there would be, wouldn't there...all to say a loving farewell to a smashing fella........

We will miss you so, dear dear Arthur........

XX

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,neil gardiner
Date: 12 Feb 13 - 06:15 AM

Sorry to hear the sad news re Arthur. The local music scene will be a sadder place.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Guest - Cath
Date: 08 Feb 13 - 09:02 AM

Goodnight and God Bless, sleep tight, all the best. We'll miss you Arthur x

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Big A
Date: 07 Feb 13 - 08:47 AM

So very very sad............

There will never be a nicer mon like thee

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Feb 13 - 04:19 PM

mike and ann

so sorry to hear this very sad news
Arthur will be sadly missed.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Alan Sellers
Date: 02 Feb 13 - 01:32 PM

It is with great sadness that I post this to inform you that Arthur passed away today. Singing duets with Franny in heaven now.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: Pilgrim
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 11:54 AM

To all the above folk who were asking about Three Crows cds, the 50th Anniversary Concert is available as a download on bandcamp. 31 tracks of the same old daft jokes and banter and Arthur delighting as he has done for the last fifty years. I reckon it's worth the fiver (which goes to charity anyway) but have a look and see what you reckon: http://thethreecrows.bandcamp.com/album/live-50th-anniversary-concert
happy New Year, Pilgrim xx

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Sam McGrady
Date: 03 Sep 12 - 06:11 AM

I've just finished converting two recordings of the Three Crows to MP3 and re-mastering them for the Bodhran player from the band I currently play with Run out the Guns. I was a member of the Oaklands Folk Group who took over the Hyde United residency I think it was around 1973 or 74 I later went on to play with Bullock Smithy the Stockport based folk band on bass originally and later, when we reformed after Trevor Cowdrey & Stan Gee passed away, on fiddle and mandolin. I remember the Three Crows well and particularly Fran who was very encouraging of the young man I was in those days. I'm saddened to learn of his passing. I also remember Tickawinda from the Rose and Crown days and of course the Pennines, Sunwheel et al. It's been a lovely hour or so reading these posts and nice to see so many people remember those golden years of the folk revival. We play a residency at the Station Pub on Warrington St Ashton if anyone is interested it's the last Saturday of every month and it's biker and folkie freindly. We're also gigging all over the Greater Manchester area and you can get details of venues and dates etc plus stream some of our stuff at www.runouttheguns.com

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Arthur of the three crows
Date: 30 Aug 12 - 12:57 PM

We are back in action again,next
concert 50th anniversary at the Jubilee Hall Dukinfield on 12th October for tickets e mail [e-mail]

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: Spot
Date: 20 May 12 - 03:05 PM

Hmmm...just reread the previous posts... I'm chronologically wrong..   A
GAIN!!   Sorry... still good times though...

Spot!!

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: Spot
Date: 20 May 12 - 03:02 PM

Hallo everybody...

I spent many a happy Saturday night at Ewen Fields Folk Club, many, many years ago.. The Pennine Folk then, were, Pete Astles, Chris Swann, Margaret Whitehead, Ken Campbell and, I think, Ken Clapton with another occasional lass, Diane I can't remember........ very very fond memories... prob 45 years ago...sheesh, where does it go??

Regards to all...Spot :-)

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,A Guest
Date: 20 May 12 - 10:01 AM

I remember the Crows music but not the group, I remember the Pennine folk, in fact so well that we returned to Ewen Fields club last year for our 40th Wedding anniversary and Chris sent along a couple of CD's of the Pennines music, he could not be there in person.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,julie
Date: 14 May 12 - 06:06 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3VUea6Ddl3Y

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Apr 12 - 12:32 PM

Anyone know if likelehood of 3 Crows performing during 2012. Last time we saw them was early 80's. I found a clip on Youtube of their [erformance at Heyrod. Only talking about them yesterday with my sister Annette who had struck up correspondence with Arthur Howard a number of years ago. She would like to contact him again and perhaps make a trip up from her home in Sutton Coldfield to see them perform again.

Chris Jenkins - cjenks31 at gmail.com

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Geoff Bannister
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 12:35 PM

I have an LP of the Three Crows - called 'Inn Song' Junction Inn, and it is signed by the group (Fran, Arthur, and John). It has 17 songs including The Oggy Song, Dirty Old Town, The Elephants Bottom etc. It was their second album released in 1975.Still good fun to isten too.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: C Stuart Cook
Date: 23 Nov 11 - 07:26 AM

The Junction eventually ended up as a the venue for another club. Robin and Eric of Roberi ran it until the Landlord thought he could get more from letting a line dancing club use the room. He did for a while and then the bubble burst and he ended up with an empty room.

It's now shut and has ended up being converted into housing/flats. The sad ending for many pubs nowadays.

I suspect that Jamie Knowles ran a music session there for a while but may be wrong on that due to fogginess of the brain.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Dave Gilmore
Date: 23 Nov 11 - 02:59 AM

Hi
I'm wondering if anyone has a C.D. copy of The Three Crows Live at the Tameside Thaetre. My Dad used to have a vinyl copy but he's lost it. He used to love that L.P. and it would make a great Xmas present for him If I could obtain another version. I live in Ashton and canbe contacted at "[e-mail]"
Thanks in advance.
Dave Gilmore

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: moecurlythanu
Date: 20 Nov 11 - 10:09 AM

Does anyone know how to purchase the Pennine Folk reunion DVD mentioned by Pennine Pete in the post dated 20 Sep 06 - 10:27 PM ? No info was given there, and I would love to get my hands on a copy, as I have both Pennines LPs. Anyone? Pete?

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Nov 11 - 05:52 AM

Hi,
we have the 3 Crows on at our Village Hall in Heyrod, Stalybridge on the 26th November 2011. Tickets are £10 includung a potato hash supper and can be obtained from me on 01613382003.
Bob Lear

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 28 Aug 11 - 07:10 AM

Hi Meg
The Pennines seem to have spread far and wide and I'm not sure who is still with us. Arthur lives in Bollington and, although he's not that well these days, he still runs a Friday night club at the Dog & Partridge in the village.
Ray

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Meg
Date: 27 Aug 11 - 08:44 PM

Long for the old 1970s folkies. Any going still? The Pennines? Arthur of Tony and Arthur. So many others local to Manchester. Can't get to grips with all this folk roots stuff that Mike Harding has got into. Remember him when he was pre Rochdale Cowboy.

Anybody know of any real old folk clubs still doing the good stuff?

Meg

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: Pilgrim
Date: 22 May 11 - 09:32 AM

Cheers for the plug for the Gun Inn Mike. Hope you had a good time on Thursday despite being 'round the corner. Any chance of a copy of those photos you took? Cheers, James

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Mike M
Date: 11 Apr 11 - 07:37 AM

Just to update evrybody The Roe Cross in Mottram is no longer a folk club as the new landlord dose not care about beer drinking folkies.so we have move to the GUN INN MOTTRAM, Arthur Howard sings there most thursdays , also monday nights at a brand new club in the Godley hall inn   right behind the Wall's sausage factory in Godley, Hyde

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Chris Ccole
Date: 11 Apr 11 - 06:44 AM

I was in a band called Gorton Tank (in a bizzare way, we stil exist because we never officially spilt up!) The Crows used to run a club in the pub on the A 57 in the pub at the lights in the middle of Mottram. We played there a couple of time. other groups in the Tameside area were Tickawinda, Leatheryead Broth and Tom Shepley's Band, fronted by Jamie Knowles.i think some, or all members of The Three Crows worked at Wall's sausage factory in Godley, Hyde!

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Peter F Allsopp
Date: 10 Apr 11 - 08:01 PM

Hi All

I have just stumbled accross this website again after posting a message about the Three Crows years ago .Just been working through all the replies and am fascinated that they are still performing.I spent a lot of my youth at the Buffet Bar in Stalybridge on a saturday evening....with the barmaid Dot and her alsatian who tended to bark during the performances. Dot would shout 'shut up' !!!

Any recent news of The Crows would be appreciated.

Still no copy cd's of their original music available ?
I too have a signed 'At the Junction' LP plus Tickawinda's LP

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Meg
Date: 04 Mar 11 - 05:53 PM

Hi all

Very old message, I appreciate, so a long shot.

Hyde United FC, was there every date. Even sung there with some group I was with at the time. Remember Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick visiting.

The Pennines were my stars. Loved everything they did. Saw them in 2009 in New Mills at a concert for Cancer Research in memory of Lynton Maconell's wife. They were as bloody good as they were in the 1960s.

Pete Bowler works in my local Tesco. Pete - when are you doing another reunion?

Well, you'll probably not read this, it's too old.

Meg

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,HazelB
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 02:52 PM

I used to go to Hyde Fol Club at Ewens Fields in the mid 1970s when it was run by Ad Hoc who used to do a marvellous song called "The Lancashire Lads" I think one of them was a medical student and they gave up the residency when he was taking exams.

Does anyone else remember them?

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: Spot
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 09:35 AM

Halloo everybody..

Particularly to previous poster Phil Holden... Did you by any chance go under the nickname of Neddy in the late 60's? In a certain establishment overseen by a Dr.Couzens? Not far from Stalybridge.. ;-)

Regards..Spot

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Phil Holden
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 10:56 AM

I used to live in Stalybridge and went to the Junctoion several times (I live in Dudley WM now). I have a record 'At the Junction', signed by the group, from 1973. On it is:
(1) Manchester Rambler, Kilroy, Three Score and Ten, Sally Brown, The Firest Time Ever, Stalybridge Song, Shoals of Herring, Dido, Bendigo
(2) Ashton Mashers, Streets of London,Rawtenstall Annual Fair, The Strangest Dream, Colmarts candy, German Clockwinder, Wild Mountain Thyme, Early In the Morning

I have just bought a record turntable that enables you to save the record on to a computer and from there you can save it on to a CD.

Its great to know the 'fan club' is still going.
Phil

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,An old Hurst Crosser
Date: 10 Nov 10 - 09:10 PM

I also have an LP of Inn songs from the Junction, signed by the team, and would love to have it put on CD but how do I do It???   as an Ashton Masher coming on 60 and currently in S Aust..I,m not very savvy on doin things like that

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 12:07 PM

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Alan Sellers
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 12:20 PM

The Crows will be appearing once again at St Charles, Hadfield on Friday 25th February when Arthur comes back from his holidays in Australia. If there is anyone desperate enough to hear him before then, he may be found at The Roe Cross in Mottram on thursdays 11th November and 25th November until he leaves for Oz on 8th December.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: No 1 Crow
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 02:46 PM

23//2010
Very surprised that people still remember the three crows!
Yes, we are doing the odd concert. The next one being 9th Oct 2010 at Hope Congregational Hall in Denton. The lady to contact is Judith on 0161 320 9527.
John and I have been joined by Alan Sellars, who plays anything with strings attached!!
For more info, contact me, Arthur, on [e-mail]
Good health and keep singing, Arthur.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Steve
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 06:58 AM

Just in the process of recording the 'Inn Songs' album (signed by all three) on to my iTunes cos it is years since I heard the album, and loved it.

Like others I am sorry to hear of Frans passing.

Used to love Wednesday nights at the Junction, travelled from Rossendale .... drank too much and then drove home .... oh how bad were we in those heady days !!!

Once recorded on to iTunes I can cut CDs or email tracks anywhere. Happy to oblige if that is OK with any one else, specially the remaining members and family of Fran.

If anybody knows where they are playing next then please tell.

Cheers
Steve
steve (at) pppix.com

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,mark Healey
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 03:46 PM

HI every one
i used to watch the crows in the old days and still have a tape recording of the guys i moved to new zealand in the late 80s and one of the treasures i took with me was the three crows tape i can remember a show at two trees school many years ago and i think it was frank came on stage wearing a gas mask bloody funny it was
any way id like to get my hands on some cds if possible can any one help email me at [e-mail]

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 09 - 07:20 AM

does anybody know where and when they are next playing ?????

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Ruth
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 12:06 PM

I know them very well. Arthur Howard has been quite ill lately and sadly Fran died some years ago,but they're still doing their thing. Arthur lives in Dukinfield now and you could find out his next gig by visiting St Peter's RC church in Stalybridge where Arthur attends regularly. Don't want to give out personal numbers online.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Alan Sellers
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 10:16 AM

The Crows' next gig is Friday 13th November at St Charles' in Hadfield Glossop.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Helen Silvers bristol Ex lancahire lass
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 03:54 PM

Hi I am an old follower of the 3 crows during the 1970s i went to the Junction on many occasions. I have 3 of their albums but have not seen them for over 25 years. Very sad to hear of frans passing.

Where are they playing again?

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Lynne Lawton
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 07:17 AM

Hi Phil, am a huge fan of 'the crows' and have seen them many times. Really interested in purchasing copies of your CDs as I have never seen any of 'the crows' in CD format. If you could perhaps email me if you get the chance at [e-mail]. Would really appreciate that.

Many Thanks, look forward to hearing from you.

Lynne

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Ian Barber
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 06:43 AM

Three Crows at the Junction. What nights they were! Every Wednesday in the aerly 70's we used to travel up from Glossop for a night of good beer (Robbies of course)n song. Nostaglia probably tints the reality but memories recall an evening of gentle innocent pleasures. Many a time we'd end up 'walking' back to Glossop having spent our bus fair on a final drink. Somewhere in the attic I have 2 or 3 of the recordings made live in the Junction. When I get back home I must search them out and then find something to play them on.
So, for old times sake lets hear one more rendition of '3 Ashton Mashers'
Ian Barber
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 08:50 AM

Saw the 3 crows two nights ago at Stamford (Stalybridge) Golf Club. Excellent night.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Tommy
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 05:30 PM

I have just found a tape I bought about 18 years ago The Three Crows Still Going what great memories of watching them live. I saw them twice and they sound as good live as on tape. Very sorry to hear of Franny's passing, he and the other crows brought so much enjoyment to so many if only we could all say that.
If anyone knows when and where they will next be performing that would be great.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: Rollitas
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 11:38 AM

Just found this thread!

I have been tryng to get the the three crows music on cd for as long as I can remember (Way too long) Used to have a tape but it went the way of most tapes and was detroyed by a hungry tape player.


Happy to make a donation can any one help?

thanks

Dont know how to post private messages

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Alan Sellers
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 03:37 PM

Can confirm that Glossop Cricket Club on Friday 10th July is the Crows' next booking.

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Donna Roberts
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 03:09 PM

To anyone who wants a 3 Crows update. They are still going as The Crows but sometimes as The 3 Crows still! I'm happy to say one of the group, John, is a friend of mine. Fran did die a few years ago which, of course, affected the remaining 2 Crows, but - they are still together and have other musicians/singers for concerts.

They are due to sing at Belper, Derbyshire on July 4th and also in Glossop on (I think) July 10th

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Nic Sykes
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 07:42 PM

I'm a scout leader with 1st Hazel Grove Scout Group. For many years The Three Crows performed for us every year. These nights for always long awaited and we where never disapointed. It was so sad to here of Frannys untimley death. What a great man. I think we where the last performance Franny ever did(Marple Squash Club?) We all so miss the Crows very much not just because of the fundraising(always a sell out) but because of such a great night out. I've stumbled by chance on this web site and didn't know they where back playing. Whould love to hear them again and even better for them to come over to Sunny Hazel Grove to play for Scout Group and all the peaople who so miss them. Can any help me get in contact again. Thanks Nic   [e-mail]

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Old Crone
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 05:10 AM

does anybody know were & when they are appearing next?

Subject: RE: The Three Crows folk group
From: GUEST,Alan Sellers (A poor substitute for Franny)
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 11:31 AM

In response to the post saying that you will hear Arthur and I each thursday at The White House, Stalybridge, you should know that Arthur will be leaving for Australia on Monday for eight weeks or so. Poor lad needs some sunshine. On behalf of the Three Crows I would like to thank our sponsors Ralgex, Lem-sip and Anusol for making it possible for us to appear at St Charles' Hadfield last night.