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Page 26

The programme finished with a song by John Brookes.

  • John (“Jack”) Brookes (1882-1966) lived in North Littleton and worked as a carter on a farm.  His contribution was to sing ‘In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree’ to end to programme.  In an article entitled “Thirsty Work Part 4:  the Cotswolds – singing from North Littleton and Ebrington”, by Katie Howson, Jack Brookes is mentioned.  It indicates that, three months after ‘The Vale of Evesham’ was broadcast, Jack was one of the singers in a programme called ‘Thirsty Work’.  It was described in The Radio Times as:  “An evening of country and popular songs recorded in a Worcestershire inn by the BBC Mobile Recording Unit. Produced by Maurice Brown. The singers are: Charles Gardiner, George Norledge, Harry Gisboume, Bill Norledge, Wilson Ballard, Frank Norledge, Dick Emms, Sidney Gisboume*, Jack Brookes and other regulars of The Ivy, North Dittleton [sic].”

* Incidentally, it was Sidney Gisbourne to whom ‘The Vale of Evesham’ script was sent.