Info: Derek and Dorothy Elliott

Subject: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 02:08 PM

Does anyone have any info on Derek, Dorothy or Nadine Elliott. I'm aware of 3 vinyl LPs they made in the mid 70d (Leader / Tradition labels) but would love some background on them.

Any help appreciated

Thanks
LL

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Leadfingers
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 02:42 PM

I know they are The Elliots of Birtley and are (were) fine traditional singers. Havent seen em for years and years .

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 02:45 PM

Derek & Dorothy are living in Whitby and still singing. Daughter Nadine was also singing with them a year or so ago when I saw them, but I'm not sure where she lives. Derek hosts a folk club in Whitby (on a Sunday night, I think), in the Tap & Spile. They are a really nice couple and smashing singers.

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 03:08 PM

Derek and Dorothy used to (maybe still do?) run a shop in Whitby called The Enamel Workshop.

The Elliots of Birtley were Pat & Pete, weren't they?

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: gnomad
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 03:20 PM

Yes CR, still running the enamel workshop at Churh Street, Whitby.

And Yes, guest, Derek does host the Sunday evening sessions at the Tap & Spile in Whitby (where you are also likely to meet a select band of catters, except in August when then place is just heaving and select goes out of the window, to be replaced by discerning).

They had a new CD out about a year ago called Ship to Shore which might interest LL, who started the thread. Don't have details to hand, but I can check at the weekend if nobody posts them in between.

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 03:34 PM

Many thanks all for the info. I'm off over to Whitby in a couple of weeks, so I will call in. I know the Tap and Spile too. Not a bad pint as I recall. Think I saw a young outfit called Banoffee when I was in there last year (or perhaps it was a different pub!!). Not bad at all either
Lancaster Maritime festival this weekend. chance to see the great Cyril Tawney at last

Cheers all
LL

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Little Robyn
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 03:37 PM

So was the late Jack Elliott of Birtley their father? A fine Geordie singer also recorded by the Leaders.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 04:02 PM

The two sets of Elliotts are not to be confused. Jack Elliott of Birtley,who died in 1966 was father to Pete (who died in 2000)also father of Len, John and Doreen(Henderson)the latter two are still involved in running The Birtley Folk Club, Co Durham in R.A.O.B. club every Wednesday. Pat Elliott has been in and out of hospital over the last six months or so due to an operation on her foot. When she is fit she too is at Birtley Club.

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Sonnet
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 04:10 PM

Derek and Dorothy moved from Barnsley to Whitby.

Jay

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Willa
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 06:12 PM

LL
Make your way to the Enamel Workshop in Church Street if you want to meet up with the Elliots.The last time I heard them (Whitby last year) they were singing Waterson songs and making a fine job of it.

Banoffee are still regulars at the Tap and Spile on Tuesdays, I think.

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 04:12 AM

I think it's probably unfair to say Derek and Dorothy sing 'Waterson'songs; Derek and Dorothy moved from Barnsley to Whitby just after the miner's strike, Derek replaced all the miner's teeth as they had time on their hands (made false ones)!
Dorothy and Nadine started the Enamel W/s, Nadine is I believe still with Chris Parkinson and other Daughter Melody also lives there
Derek had a stroke a number of years ago, but has made excellent progress, he still comperes also at Fylde FF, his great mate is Alan Bell who says tried to kill, him with friendly fire!in the war
D&D started Barnsley FC which is still going on Mondays, now in the Shaw Inn ~ I'm Chairman, they were excellent original researchers and arrangers in their own right, and I'm sure tried hard to pursue harmony in 'the style' of the Waterson's and made an excellent job of it in true living tradition style
Ray Padgett

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 04:19 AM

Saw them in the 70s in Chester - with Nadine ( who was very young then, about 14, so songs about virgins all got a smirk). If my memory serves Derek was playing a Suzuki guitar, nice balanced sound. Very fine arrangements with sparing guitar parts. Bought one album, still play it.    Now sing several songs I "collected" from it, myself. Did not know of other albums. Where can I get them??

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,McGrath of Altcar
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 04:59 AM

Nobody else has mentioned Yorkshire Relish here so I shall. Derek was, and no doubt still is, a fine singer and an entertaining sort of bloke. I remember him doing a song about a tailor loosing his trousers.

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: red max
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 05:22 AM

Yes, I remember YR's version of the Tailor's Breeches being the funniest I ever heard, especially the bit about raising your hat

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 07:19 AM

I don't think derek ever played guitar!
Yes "if you think your self a gentleman why don't you raise you're hat" I was present when Derek first that song in Martin Carthy's presence some years ago and Martin nearly died laughing!
I believe Martin has recorded this one recently

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 10:10 AM

I first heard Derek & Dorothy in the 60s when they were frequent guests all over the country. In the late 70s I can remember them and Dave Burland running an excellent folk festival at Barnsley. Derek asked myself and the lady I was with at the time (she now edits Folk London and does accounting for the EFDSS), if we could think of anything to liven up the Saturday evening concert. The aformentioned lady offered to streak and at about 9pm ran all round the room and across the stage twice, in a state of complete nudity, to the special delight of the late Fred Jordan.

It was great to meet up with them at one of their Whitby Festival sessions last year. When I asked Linda what she thought we should sing she suggested "We are two Jolly Fishermen" - I had to point out that it wouldn't be very tactful as I'd pinched it from them 30 years earlier - they (the whole family) finished the session with it !

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 10:34 AM

Regarding their albums, none of their three 1970s albums have been re-issued on CD. The first from 1972 was made for Trailer / Leader, the next 2 albums, one called Yoskshire Relish, the other called Old Family Business (recorded under the name of Yorkshire Relish) were both on the defunct Tradition label. Paul Adams aquired the rights to the label a few years back and has slowly been issuing selected tracks. Maybe he has a plan to put something out soon. I hope so

LL

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 10:37 AM

I pinched, whoops, sorry, researched the Tailors Britches off the Yorkshire Relish album many years ago. It still gets wheeled out occasionaly - New Year at least:-)

In the shop the shop there are pictures of both Derek and Dorothy with assorted famous people - Bill Maynard for one. It might still get a chuckle, or might be wearing a bit thin, if you ask "Who's that bloke up there? The one with Derek..."

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: radriano
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 02:32 PM

Derek and Dorothy Elliott are fine singers indeed. I have their first album and the first Yorkshire Relish album as LPs. Would dearly love to get my hands on any other recordings they have made. The first YR album mentions Nadine but I've not yet heard the trio.

When I first moved to San Francisco my singing partner (at that time) and I did "The Old Cock Crows" at the first San Francisco Folk Music Club event we attended.

Other favorite Derek & Dorothy Elliott songs I've sung are "The Hounds are Out", "Go From My Window", "Wassail Song" (the Christmas wassail song), and one of my very favorite ballads, "Robber Bridegroom."

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Willa
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 02:47 PM

Padgett
I meant the Waterson's ref literally, not as a comparison. They sang 'Some Old Salty', one of Lal's songs, plus others I've heard the Waterson's sing. Melody was singing with them. I'd not heard them before and thoroughly enjoyed their singing and harmonies.

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,Folkmonster
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 09:44 PM

More information at here at href="http://www.folkmonster.net">my site

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 03:55 AM

I rember the steaker, back in the 70's at one of the Barnsley Festivals in the Civic Hall (since unfortunately moth balled - the civic I mean!) but plans are afoot!!)
I am Chairman of the weekly Barnsley club which ows its existance to D& D Elliot
Ray Padgett

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: MC Fat
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 05:18 AM

Ah Doric and Derethy. I still remember Yorkshire Relish singing at Wath Folk Club about 20 years ago. It was spine chillingly close harmony singing the sort that you only get when it's a family thing

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 05:41 AM

As in Freres Everly? Or Dransfield even?

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: MC Fat
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 05:45 AM

or in my opinion the best The Louvin Brothers

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 05:45 AM

'Twas me, Guest on someone else's computer. Who else mentions the Dransfields at every possible opportunity?

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Tyke
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 08:34 AM

You can find a photo of Deric here Members of Coblers Monday enjoy a break from Filming with Dereck Elliot

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: oldsalty
Date: 11 May 04 - 04:56 PM

HELLO,Dorothy and derek say cheers for all the great threads. if you require any details of latest recordings,call in at the enamel workshop church st whitby see you all at whitby 2004 byeeee!melody

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 11 May 04 - 09:35 PM

Strange coincidence

I was brought up in Barnsley, attended a folk club at the King George - never heard the song about the tailor losing his britches there - but I did hear it on the radio sung by Martin Carthy and just had to sing it myself - curtesy of the cassette recorder inbuilt in the radio as my memory is not good enough now to get a song at one hearing, it used to be but tempus forget.

I also have old cock crows, the hounds are out, go from my window my love - I wonder how many of the Elliots songs have wafted their way into my repertoire, and how, as I don't have their records - is there some sort of supernatural link between the people of an area and their songs so that no matter how far they wander the songs leak into their lives, and stick?

Anne

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 12 May 04 - 04:04 AM

You'll remember Keith Border, Tom Owen, Jim Potter, Betty and Dave, Bob Musgrave and Sandra,perhaps?

Where are you know Anne and where do you sing?

Ray Padgett

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 12 May 04 - 10:58 PM

I am in Poole Dorset now, and once in a while I get to the local Sunday night folk Club, there is Wimborne Folk festival and Sidmouth is not too far.

I have always had a yen to get to a folk club when I get home to Barnsley - which is not often, but none of the family are interested either singing or listening so I never even found out if there was still a folk club in the area.

I don't remember the names, too long ago, though I still remember the room upstairs in the King George and singing Three Score and Ten. I got some tablets for the memory - damned if I can remember what I did with them though.

Anne

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 13 May 04 - 04:32 AM

Jimmy Potter sang Three Score and Ten

Mon Club now at the Shaw Inn, Racecommon Rd/Shaw street, every Monday, owes existence to D&D Elliot
When is Wimborne FF?
Ray Padgett

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 13 May 04 - 06:02 AM

Good to hear the old Barnsley names! I cut my teeth at The Room At The Top in the Civic Centre in the 60s. Happy days!

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 07 Jun 04 - 06:18 AM

Well I thought you might like to know Jim Potter has started up again, I was with him at Wath Folk Club last night, Sunday and he has a new anglo concertina
He's been going to Barnsley FC for last 2 weeks and has rekindled his friendships with the Grove in Leeds and the Topic in Bradford and Brian Senior. Jim was a member of the Cropper lads with Bob Spray and Rennie Pickles, now sadly no longer with us ~ back in the late 60s

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,Kathy Dent
Date: 03 Jul 12 - 05:45 PM

I lost my early LPs of Derek and Dorothy Elliott (my ex-husband got custody of them in an administrative cock-up!) Does anybody have the words of Tally-ho the Hounds as I only have vague memories of it and would love to start singing it.
Kathy

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 04 Jul 12 - 05:09 AM

Here is Doctor Mack no more enjoy the burden of song
I will tell you the life the priest enjoys his condition through sir,
He laughs and winks at them that drinks to them not bound sir,
He takes his glass and lets it pass and Tally O the hounds sir

It is every day he can afford to dine on roast and boiled sir,
And then as great as any Lord he will drink his favourite toast, sir
It is his delight to drink all night his care in punch to drown sir
And in the morn to join the horns and Tally O the hounds sir

It happened on St. Herod's day as he was going to mass sir
He heard the music of the horn & saw the beagles pass sir
His book he shut his flock forsook and threw aside his gown sir
Mounted his horse to hunt the fox and tally O the hounds sir

It is every day we go to mass the priest puts on his boots, sir
And if the fox should pass this way he'll follow in pursuit sir
So swift he leaps o'er hedge & ditch to him there is bound sir
And if he can will lead the van and tally O the hounds sir

It was once he had a pair to wed as the fox passed in view, sir
The surplice he drew o'er his head and bid the pair adieu sir,
They both did pray that he might stay for they were not half bound sir,
He swore that night to bed they might and tally O the hounds sir

The priest was never wrong for he had neither friend or harm sir
Both night and morn the sprightly horn it would his senses charm sir
He never robbed or poor distrest his praise I will renown sir
I thought it no crime at any time to tally O the hounds sir

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: r.padgett
Date: 04 Jul 12 - 10:04 AM

Above is a Hunting song which appears in a song book sold for the benefit of Holme Valley Beagles Hunt 1948

Derek use to travel to Holmfirth for barn dances and would sing some local songs there too.

D & D still in Whitby nowadays of course

Ray

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Brian Peters
Date: 04 Jul 12 - 10:30 AM

They were the first act I ever saw in a folk club - and they made me want to come back for more!

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 04 Jul 12 - 10:50 AM

ITV3 has been showing reruns of the Heartbeat series (set in Goathland, Whitby and surrounding North Yorkshire moors), and I caught a glimpse of Derek as an extra in a couple of episodes...

Hope to bump into them (and Melody) at this year's Whitby Folk Week.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,Don Wise
Date: 04 Jul 12 - 11:51 AM

DOCTOR MACK (corrected for internal rhymes etc.)

Here Doctor Mack no more enjoys the burden of my song,sir.
I'll tell you the life a priest enjoys, his constitution strong,sir.
He laughs and winks at them that drinks and them that are not bound,sir,
He takes his glass and lets it pass to tally-ho the hounds,sir.

It's every day he can afford to dine on boil and roast,sir
And then as great as any lord he'll drink his favourite toast,sir
It's his delight to drink all night, his cares in punch to drown,sir
ASnd in the morn to join the horn and tally-ho the hounds,sir

It happened upüon St.Herods day as he was going to mass,sir
He heard the music of the horns and saw the beagles pass,sir
He shut his book, his flock forsook,he threw away his gown,sir
Mounted his horse to hunt the fox and tally-ho the hounds,sir

Now every day he goes to mass, the priest puts on his boots,sir
And if a fox that way should pass he'll follow in pursuit,sir
He nimbly leaps o'er hedge and ditch,to him there are no bounds,sir
And if he can he'll lead the van and tally-ho the hounds,sir

It happened he had a pair to wed,bold Reynard passed in view,sir
He drew the surplice o'er his head and bade the pair adieu,sir
They both did pray that he might stay for they were not half bound,sir
So he said that night to bed they might,and tally-ho the hounds,sir

This priest I'll vow he ne'er did wrong, he'd neither friend nor harm,sir
The spritely horn both night and morn his senses did him charm,sir
He never robbed nor poor distressed,his praise I will renown,sir
He thought no crime at any time to tally-ho the hounds,sir

(My god, the texts that slumber,long-forgotten, in the dark recesses of memory! If I bother to dig out the written text I'll probably find one or two minor differences in the last verse.)

Don

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: GUEST,Don Wise
Date: 04 Jul 12 - 02:04 PM

I've found my written text for Dr.Mack/The Holmfirth Hunting Song, which I copied from a book in the C# House library ca. 40years ago. There are a few changes:

1. Here Dr. Mack........
   .....................
   It's his delight to drink all night, his cares in punch to
   drown,sir
   And in the morn to join the horn and tally-ho the hounds,sir

2. It's every day........
   ......................
   He laughs and winks at those that drinks and those that are not    bound,sir
   He takes his glass and lets it pass to tally-ho the hounds,sir

3.It happened upon.........
He heard the music of the horn and saw bold Reynard pass,sir

4.It's every time he goes to mass, the priest puts on his boots,sir
........

6.This priest he had an honest heart,he'd neither friend nor harm,sir
The sprightly horn......
He ne'er oppressed nor poor distressed,his praise I will renown,sir
He thinks no crime at any time......

Derek & Dorothy E........Barnsley Festival......"down Memory Lane"

Don

Subject: RE: Derek and Dothy Elliott
From: r.padgett
Date: 04 Jul 12 - 02:20 PM

It was of course the harmonies which they created as a duo which was special and the King George upstairs room was brilliant for their practice and folk club!

They researched and practiced their repertoire and had a great following until moving to Whitby

Ray

ps Barnskey folk club still meets on Mondays, D & Ds club night and we have 50th anniversary on Sep 28th 2012 in the Trades Concert room (club venue now) but in lounge usually

Subject: RE: Derek and Dorothy Elliott
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Aug 14 - 09:27 AM

I was fortunate enough to find an LP by the Elliotts at a vinyl fair. Although I didn't know them(sorry!)I bought it on the strength of the Tradition label and their choice of songs. Totally brilliant; best singing I've heard in a long time - if you read this guys I must say I take my hat off to you. This is stunningly good stuff- your harmony work is second to none. Many thanx.
Speedwell.

Subject: RE: Derek and Dorothy Elliott
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 Aug 14 - 05:34 PM

Like. Was it the one with Nadine adding a third voice?

Subject: RE: Derek and Dorothy Elliott
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 03:00 PM

Yes indeed! What a fine album.

Subject: RE: Derek and Dorothy Elliott
From: GUEST,squeezeboxhp
Date: 08 Aug 14 - 07:47 AM

Derek also danced with Barnsley longsword and on occasions Dorothy played the music in melodeon.

Subject: RE: Info: Derek and Dorothy Elliott
From: GUEST,Bradfordian sans cookie
Date: 03 Sep 17 - 06:32 PM

Popped in to see Derek and Dorothy today (02/09/17)in their cosy Whitby cottage. They don't perform these days but are very contented and taking things easy,and in good spirits, though Derek has memory issues.
Their business "enammel workshop" was wound down about 4 years ago, the shop now is a Whitby Jet shop. They are happy to receive visitors for short spells and their music still continues to appeal to folkies both old and new.

bradfordian

Subject: RE: Info: Derek and Dorothy Elliott
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 05 Sep 17 - 03:04 AM

Thanks Bradfordian for the info - I have happy memories of hearing them sing at the Herga club and C# House in the 1970s and in the Plough in Whitby folk week until it became a music-free zone....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Info: Derek and Dorothy Elliott
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Sep 17 - 06:34 AM

I saw them (with daughter Nadine) in Chester back in the 70s and was so impressed I bought the vinyl album which I still cherish.

Subject: RE: Info: Derek and Dorothy Elliott
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 05 Sep 17 - 08:28 PM

I think this is a nearer set of lyrics to the original in the Holme Valley Beagles Book.

It's probably what I sang in the far distant past.

Doctor Mack
Here Doctor Mack no more enjoys the burden of my song sir
I'll tell you the life the priest enjoyed his constitution strong sir,
He laughed and winked at those that drinks to those that were not bound sir,
He raised his glass and let it pass and Tally O the hounds sir

Ch And Tally Ho And Tally Ho and tally ho the hounds sir
Last line of verse

It's every day he could afford to dine on boil and roast sir,
And then as great as any Lord to drink his favourite toast, sir
Twas his delight to drink all night his cares in punch to drown sir
And in the morn to greet the horn and Tally O the hounds sir

It happened on St. Herod's day as he was going to mass sir
He heard the music of the hounds & saw bold Reynard pass sir
He shut his book his flock forsook and threw aside his gown sir
He mounted his horse to hunt the fox and tally O the hounds sir

It's every day he went to mass the priest put on his boots, sir
And if the fox that way should pass he'd follow in pursuit sir
He nimbly leapt o'er hedge & ditch to him there were no bounds sir
And if he could he'd lead the van and tally O the hounds sir

Once he had a pair to wed as the fox came full in view, sir
The drew his surplice o'er his head and bid the pair adieu sir,
They both did pray that he might stay for they were not full bound sir,
He said that night to bed they might and tally O the hounds sir

The priest he had an honest heart he'd neither hurt nor harm sir
The sprightly horn both night and morn his senses did him charm sir
He ne'er oppressed nor poor distressed his praise I will renown sir
He thought it no crime at any time to tally O the hounds sir