Northamptonshire's 'lost' history of jazz brought back to life by Rushden man

After being written 46 years ago, the book has finally been published and will be a lasting legacy to its author and his love of jazz
Richard Lewis with the original book (right) and the new version (left)Richard Lewis with the original book (right) and the new version (left)
Richard Lewis with the original book (right) and the new version (left)

A book charting the history of jazz in Northamptonshire from 1947 to 1972 has come to light after being hidden for more than 40 years.

Squires, Spires And All That Jazz was written by Eric Barrett, a past mayor and businessman of Higham Ferrers, in 1973.

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Eric was also a jazz fan and trumpet player who played with the Jack Lantsbery Band at the Green Dragon in Higham Ferrers.

Eric BarrettEric Barrett
Eric Barrett

He died aged just 48 in 1978, but before his death he had compiled a history of the county's jazz scene, featuring more than 20 jazz venues in Northamptonshire as well as the names and members of all the bands.

The original copy, typed in what is now faded blue ink, would have taken a lot of time and effort to pull together without the technology of today.

It remained with Eric's widow Jane until five years ago when it was given to Richard Perkins at his garage in Higham Ferrers.

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He then gave it to Richard Lewis who decided he would 'do something with it.'

Richard said: "Everyone I have spoken to about it has been really helpful to point me on the right road.

"I have kept the front page and have put in an extra introduction."

Richard is delighted to finally be able to bring Eric's labour of love to life 46 years after it was written.

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But also admitted his sadness at the book telling of the demise of jazz and numerous county pubs.

He said: "It's an interesting, albeit sad read.

"It's how traditional jazz has died out and is a really sad tale about what's happened in the pubs."

Richard has had help with the book, including from Clive Wood, Richard Gell and Eric Fowell.

Kay Collins of Rushden History Society has also played a huge part in bringing the book to life, helping Richard with scanning of the original pages, extracting the information and then reformatting it with the near same page layouts as produced by Eric.

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The result is a 100-page book including more than 120 pictures and press cuttings, many of which were from the Evening Telegraph.

Numerous county pubs are mentioned in the book, including The Nag's Head in Wollaston, The Mulso Arms in Finedon, The Peacock in Wellingborough, The Fox & Hounds in Kettering and Corby's Open Hearth.

A number of extra pages have been added detailing the book's eventual route to publication as well as a brief biography and pictures of Eric.

Richard has already sold more than 100 copies of the book and all profits will go to the British Heart Foundation in memory of Eric.

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Richard will present the profits to the Rushden branch of British Heart Foundation and is hoping that Eric's daughter Victoria will be able to join them for the presentation.

The book is £5 and available from PW House in Rushden High Street or Higham Newsagents.

Copies are also available by contacting Richard Lewis on 07960 950821 or r_lewis6@sky.com