Marauders memories in Elizabeth’s book

THE remarkable story of a pop group that put North Staffordshire on the music map during the swinging Sixties is told in a new book launched this month.

The book, Bry Martin and The Marauders, tells how Brown Edge school friends Brian Oakes and Ken Sherratt went from playing in local pubs, clubs and village halls to performing alongside some of the biggest names of the pop scene.

“The Marauders built up a big following locally in the Sixties,” explained author, local historian Elizabeth Lawton.

She said: “Many people have happy memories of the Marauders when they started off with gigs across North Staffordshire at venues like Brown Edge Workingmen’s Club, Leek Town Hall and The Queen’s Hall in Burslem.

“But that was only the beginning. Soon they were touring nationally and appearing on the same bill as the likes of the Rolling Stones, Wayne Fontana and Billy J Kramer. They even played at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. They were the only North Staffordshire group to have a record in the charts in the Sixties - people were calling them the Potteries answer to the Beatles.”

Brian Oakes went on to forge a high profile solo career as a guitarist and stand-up comedian, using the stage name Les Bryan and sharing the playbill with stars such as Cliff Richard and Roy Orbison. On his retirement he returned to live in Brown Edge.

“It has been such a pleasure to meet up with Brian, who played lead guitar, and Ken Sherratt, who was bass guitarist. It was a privilege to record their memories of their years in music and the entertainment business,” said Elizabeth, who has written a series of books about Brown Edge village history.

Bry Martin and The Marauders, priced at £7.99, will be launched at a special event at Brown Edge Village Hall on Sunday, April 24 from 4pm to 6pm.

Elizabeth Lawton will be signing copies of the book and original Marauders Brian and Ken will be present to share their memories.