Montgomerie Collection

Were you at primary school in Dundee’s Hilltown area in June 1952? Do you remember a schoolteacher called William Montgomerie coming along with a big tape recorder to record the songs you sang and games you played in the playground? If so, the Friends of Wighton would like to hear from you.

Tomorrow, January 6, at 1.15pm, as part of

their Lunchtime Recital series, The Friends will present an online illustrated talk on the influential Montgomerie Collection by the folklorist and singer Dr Margaret Bennett. She is shortly to publish a CD of the songs, accompanied by a book with the lyrics making them fully available for the first time outside of academic circles.

Only four of the children were named – Charles Allardyce, David Husband, Ruth Husband and Moira Macdonald – but many more were involved. Dr Bennett would love to hear the memories of the project from anyone who took part. Contact secretary@ friendsofwighton.com or www.facebook. com/friends-of-wighton-159312720767367

Bill Montgomerie was brought up in Glasgow but spent most of his working life teaching English in schools and colleges in Dundee. His wife, and collecting partner, Norah Shargool, was an artist from London and they met when she came to Dundee to work for DC Thomson.

In addition to the collection of street songs, they collected from farm workers

and fishermen in Angus but, although the Montgomerie Collection is internationally respected and studied, it, and its creators, need to be better known in its birthplace.