Reporter: Tony Sheldon
Date online: 12/06/2008

It is four months since Jim Wilkes’ trumpet fell silent, and the Rossendale players organised by Len and Mary Taylor at their quaint New Millennium Theatre in Waterfoot did Jim proud with this special celebration of his life.

Set out in theatre club style, a packed house enjoyed the music of Jim’s fine musicians with Roger Wimpenny on trumpet and vocals.

This little theatre even has a ‘circle’ or should I say “A Shelf”, and is really a delightful venue to enjoy musical and theatrical entertainment. A special table had been reserved for Jim’s wife Dot and family and the memories must have been both melancholy and serene.

Two long sets interspersed with pie and peas, was preceded by a screen presentation of Jim’s musical performances.

After the intro, Jim’s band composition “We May Be Old” was sung by Wimpenny with the odd visible tear amongst the tables. The front line of Wimpenny, Terry Arnold on trombone and the multi talented reedsman Paul Broomhead led the way with “Bugle Boy March” - one of Jims favourites. A superb “Tin Roof Blues”, “Linger A While” one more of Jim’s delights, Arnolds vocal with “Indiana”, guitar and banjo maestro Brian Herbert singing “Dixie”, bass guitarist Jeff Kitson’s dead pan version of “I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire” and to finish the set “How We Danced At The Mardi Gras” – terrific!

With devotees suitably refreshed, seated and attentive, we were off with “Maryland, My Maryland” and the seasonal “Jingle Bells”, “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and Arnold telling us “Santa Claus is coming to Town”

“Washington and Lee Swing” was sung with Jim’s alternative words – ‘Life is brief so live it’ another of Jim’s choices “Love songs of the Nile” and drummer Howard Maud letting his drums and voice explain “I’ve got Rhythm”.

Kitson had to be “Just a Gigolo” and Herbert had to “Inebriate” with “Little Ole Wine, Drinker Me”. Wimpennys’ very popular vocal “You Meet the Nicest People in Your Dreams” had everyone smiling and Broomhead’s flying clarinet in “St Phillip Street Breakdown” had the crowd in raptures.

It was nearing the end and a special dedication number of “In My Mother’s Eyes” was followed by the outro “Goin Home” with the screen background showing features of Jim’s Life.

The ‘people’ wanted more, and the band came back for “White Christmas” and Jim’s family could now reflect over the festival of all the happiness Jim brought into the world with his music and humour. Thanks Jim!

Jim Wilkes Memorial Concert
New Millenium Theatre