Amazing response

“The weekend quiz featured an item about Sunday shows in the Caird Hall. In 1953 local talent from Tayside created an astonishing record for the venue,” writes Fraser Elder.

“In a show to aid the Arbroath Lifeboat Disaster Fund, more than 100 entertainers volunteered their services. In an amazing response 3,000 packed the hall. A further 500 had to be turned away when doors were closed.

“Folk are sure to recognise the names from that night. The Courier reported: ‘From the six-foot members of the Dundee Police Pipe Band and the RNVR Band to a tiny dancer called Mary Lynch and 11-year-old accordionist John Huband, followed by tap dancing, straight singing and impersonations, the audience was given true variety in its widest sense.’

“Jimmy Shand headlined the show with the Glenburn Dancers, Newport’s David Findlay and the Olympians Scottish Country Dance Band. Among the vocalists were Dennis Clancy, Dick Horsburgh, John Nicoll, Doris Gilfeather, the Singing Mitchells, Duntrune’s David Hilton and an American exchange teacher from Carnoustie Dr Ernest Ranucci.

“Tap dancing medleys came from Wilma Dingwall’s School of Dancing along with Miss Duncanson’s group. Willie Underwood and Francis Kelly specialised in impressions of American singers Frankie Laine and Al Jolson and comedy came from Perth’s Pete Murray. Tommy McLeod and Mac Macpherson played their part with harmonicas along with pianist Annie Pendrich.

“Dundee councillor A.G. Hossack presided and compere was Milne Morrison. The show’s accompanist was Cathie McCabe.

“The ensemble was later to donate their services in the hall again following the River Tay disaster with the loss of lives involving the dredger vessel Islandmagee.”

John and Jane Reid of Dundee. See more on right.