Arno’s Artistes

» ARNO’S Artistes

Just a few more of the famous names (well, famous at the time!) who appeared at the Arno’s Court County Club:

Danny Williams whose Moon River was a Number One hit in 1961.

Singer-songwriter Paddy Roberts, who wrote Softly, Softly, a number one for Ruby Murray in 1955.

Comedy cousins double act, Hope and Keen.

Comedian Tommy Trinder, famous for his catch phrase “You lucky people”.

Denis Spicer, TV ventriloquist, who died in a car crash in 1964 aged 29.

Jazz guitarist and bandleader Malcolm Mitchell.

Irish easy listening TV star Val Doonican.

Teddy Boy rock ‘n’ roller Wee Willie Harris, who never made the UK singles charts, but was often seen on TVs 6.5 Special and who was known as “Britain’s wild man of rock ‘n’ roll”.

Actor Jon Pertwee who was in radio sitcom The Navy Lark for 18 years from 1959 and also » Teenage singing sensation Helen Shapiro, one of the numerous celebrities to perform at the club at one time or another (Mirrorpix)

found fame as the third Doctor Who in 1970.

Pensford’s own Acker Bilk, whose 1962 clarinet solo hit Stranger On The Shore is still fondly remembered.

Helen Shapiro, who as a 14-year-old in 1961 shot to fame with Walkin’ Back To Happiness.

Scottish actress and impressionist Janet Brown appeared in 1963, and was to find fame later for her TV impressions of Margaret Thatcher.

1950s crooner, Dickie Valentine appeared in 1968, three years before his death in a car crash aged 41.