Brian's memories of the Jenny days; Can you name folk club faces?

Byline: HAZEL ETTIENNE

IT was a musical institution in Huddersfield.

The Singing Jenny folk club attracted acts of all standards and built-up a huge following in the years it ran at the former Builders Club in the town.

And now, there is a chance for people to relive their "Jenny" days.

Some of the extensive collection of photographs taken by the late Brian Lawton are going on display.

Friends of the former Fartown postman, who was a well-known figure in the jazz scene in Huddersfield during the 1960s and 1970s, are hosting the event next week.

Mike Field, owner of The Sportsman pub at St John's Road and the Examiner's former jazz correspondent Laurie Stead, of Grange Moor, have organised the event.

Mike said: "Brian was someone who you saw wherever you went in Huddersfield.

"He was a postman for many years and before that a cobbler, I think.

"He took photographs of anything and everything and after his tragic death in 2005, we discovered hundreds of photographs, much of it on 35mm film, along with pictures and memorabilia.

"Some of the most valuable stuff went to auction in London, but much of what is left features unknown people from the jazz scene and elsewhere.

"The thing with Brian is there are pictures of his Auntie Nellie next to some of Lord Olivier."

Many of the photographs were taken at the Singing Jenny, which opened in 1964 at the former Builders Exchange Club off Byram Street.

Brian ran the Thursday night folk club, Singing Jenny, in the Builders.

Laurie added: "He always took his camera and his autograph book, and he filled 400 books. We don't know how many photos he accumulated, but it runs into the thousands.

"Many of the names and pictures he collected have no reference points - no dates, places, names - because Brian wasn't the tidiest of people," Laurie added.

The Singing Jenny featured many well-known names, including Mike Harding, Planxty and The Fureys.

But organisers turned down Paul Simon - he turned up and demanded pounds 25 to play.

The open evenings are being held on Monday from 7pm to 9pm at The Sportsman and on Saturday October 3, from 2pm to 4pm. Friends, colleagues and anyone who has an interest in the Huddersfield music, jazz and folk scene is invited to come along.

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* MEMORIES: David Charlesworth (left) and Mike Field browse through the old Singing Jenny folk club photos. Do you recognise anyone from below? (PC230909Cspor tsmans)