- Peter Telford
A musician whose 30 year career began when he was growing up in Harrogate is appealing for help as he puts together a book about the town’s musical heritage.
Peter Telford wants to hear people’s stories and memories of the Harrogate music scene between 1970 to 2009 for his second book, Music in Harrogate & District from 1970 to 2009.
His first publication, Take a Little Trip Back, filled a gap in Harrogate’s history and offered an insight into a time when the town was home to a thriving music scene. It offered a snapshot of life in the town in the Seventies and Eighties told by those who were there.
The latest book will be written in a similar style but Peter hopes it will have a wider scope.
“I intend to use minimal editing, because readers seemed to enjoy the warts and all approach of the first book, so I’m not looking for great prose, just something that will spark readers’ memories,” he said.
“The book will focus on playing in and watching bands and will feature memories of venues, pubs, clubs and rehearsal rooms through the decades.”
Peter would like to hear from people who have either performed in bands or enjoyed watching them in North Yorkshire over the past 40 years.
“I’m interested in the names of bands people played in, where they rehearsed and the venues they performed in. Quirky details like how old they were when they got their first musical instrument and where they bought it from would be great too and views and reviews from those who went along to watch live music will be very welcome.”
The book will also include a CD of performances and Peter would like to hear from anyone who has an old recording.
“Whether it is an old rough tape recording from The Harrogate Arms or a pristine digital masterpiece, we have the technology and all will be considered,” he said.
Publication is scheduled for February 2012 and anyone with information to share, in the form of memories, anecdotes, photos or recordings, is invited to contact Peter by email at eadgpete@yahoo.co.uk
Peter’s first book, Take a Little Trip Back, is available via his website www.we-can-get-there.ukpeople.com.
