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

Always popular visitors to Castleton. The Jim Wilkes Stompers drew their usual large crowd who were royally entertained by a selection of favourite numbers which set the hands clapping and the feet tapping. Even the appalling weather couldn't dampent eh enthusiasm with the band, as usual, playing out of their skins.

Led by Jim on trumpet, vocals and quirky humour, Paul Broomhead had his clarinet and saxes bounding in all directions with the more staid trombonist Terry Butcher sliding up and down with gusto.

Wilkes had heads turning with 'I Want A Little Girl', 'Chimes Blues' had the refters ringing and a superb version of 'Bobby Shaftoe' brought back memories of the early days of the Chris Barber band.

Bunny Berigans 'I Can't Get Starter' got well and truly finished and 'Baby Won't You Please Come Home' brought plenty of willing takers!

Ably supported by a rhythm section headed by the multi-talented Brian Herbert on banjo, guitar and vocals. The Wilkes ensemble certainly deserved their standing ovation ad the final notes faded in the cold night air.

The Jim Wilkes Stompers
October 2002