JOHN ROSTILL'S WASHBOARD

[Arpeggio]

Whilst I was reasearching John's life story ' career (culminating with my little book "Funny Old World" in 1989) I was indeed very fortunate to meet his mother, Elsie, many, many times between 1985 and 1997. She was a lovely, lovely lady. In 1992 her large house (& garden) in Mitcham (where she had lived alone for over 10 years or more) was becoming too much for her. She decided to sell the house and move to a much smaller property in Sussex where she could be near her daughters. Shortly before her move she invited me to go and see her once again (I only saw her three more times after she left London - but we still corresponded regularly).

She wanted me to have some of John's personal effects (I was very touched by her generosity) - including some which would have otherwise been thrown away! One was a very large and heavy amplifier which John had built himself and used with both the Terry Young Six and the Interns. I had to rescue this piece of musical history!! It 'lived' in my garage for a while and then Colin Pryce - Jones took custody of it for a few years. A severe lack of space for both of us became a serious problem. Eventually I got to know the members of the splendid Legend quite well. Chris Jarvis I knew to be a fine bassist and a genuine devotee of John Rostill - who better to have the amplifier? I freely and gladly donated it to a delighted Chris quite a few years ago now.

Backing onto the Rostill's garden in Mitcham was some land formerly belonging to the local church which also included a dilapidated scout hut (sadly this was subsequently demolished and the land sold for re - development). Elsie informed me that John (who was an excllent chorister in his younger days) 'stayed on' with the Church Youth Group because they had skiffle groups. His washboard (which he used before he progressed to acoustic guitar and then string bass / bass guitar) was still in a shed in her garden (where John & his chums would sometimes rehearse). She passed it on to me. She told me that he used it on his very first paid gig (15 shillings!!!) late in 1957 - he was 15 years old at the time. Well....in 2007 I appeared in public at the very first performance of the Triumphs (RGM / Joe Meek group) at Newent in October. 50 years on from when John made his debut. As the Triumphs performed "The Coalman's Lament" and "Putting On The Style" - I used John's washboard onstage. Thus .....after a 50 year lay off...it has since been used in 2007 / 2008 / 2009 and 2010. It's next appearance will be at the Ace Cafe in February of next year. Naturally, it's only a washboard....but I'm always thinking of John when I do my best to play it in concert.

Rob

[Hank2k]

What a wonderful story. Nice to hear some of his stuff is still in use. Do you speak with johns son at all? I used to email him quite regularly a few years back but my pc crashed and lost his address. Would love to contact him again.

[Fenderman]

I wonder if that shed is still in the garden? It should be preserved as a piece of musical history!

[RayL]

Well....in 2007 I appeared in public at the very first performance of the Triumphs (RGM / Joe Meek group) at Newent in October. 50 years on from when John made his debut. As the Triumphs performed "The Coalman's Lament" and "Putting On The Style" - I used John's washboard onstage.
Rob

. . . . and here's a pic from that performance with the washboard in action!

rob with washboard.JPG

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Ray

[Arpeggio]

Thanks everyone.

Hank2k - I would imagine that the large shed in a Mitcham garden is still there - but, of course, the last time I saw it was back in 1992.

Fenderman - I have never had any contact with Paul Rostill. I did speak to Margaret on the telephone twice (1986 / 87) - but she then made it clear that she didn't wish to be contacted again. I did send her a copy of the book - but never heard from her again.

Ray - many thanks for posting the 'Rostill Washboard' photograph.

The washboard (along with the splendid Triumphs - with Ray on lead / rhythm / vocals) will make its next appearance at the Ace Cafe on Saturday February 5th. Admission is free. The Triumphs do a few instrumentals (Telstar / Night Of The Vampire / Green Jeans / Wipeout etc) - plus, we may be joined by Packabeat Malcolm Lenny (Evening In Paris, The Traitors, Packabeat, Gypsy Beat etc). Maybe see some of you there on Joe Meek Night at the Ace?

Bests.....Rob