TIGERS SKIFFLE TRIO/GROUP, THE

Lead Vocals, Guitar: Peter Croft

WBoard: David Topple

TCBass: Barry Topple am

Drums: Ken Proctor

“We were between 10 and 12 years old and all lived on Hall Pond Way in Felixstowe,” said Croft. “We were just children, so please don’t make the assumption this was a serious endeavour,” he adds. Despite this the band were reviewed favourably in the IES when they appeared in the opening heat of the East Anglian Amateur Skiffle competition at The St Matthew’s Bath’s Hall, Ipswich on 4 February 1958. The band did not make the final but Croft remembers the competition. “The night was broadcast on the radio and recordings were made of each group. I still have the 78 r.p.m. record of our numbers, Ain't It A Shame To Play Skiffle On Sunday and Gamblin' Man, both taken from our hero of the time, Lonnie Donegan. Our age meant we were regarded as a novelty act at the contest. We were certainly the youngest performers and were unable to compete with the professional bands with which we shared the evening.” The group also had some success playing The Freda Hall Talent Show held during the summer at the Felixtowe Pier Pavilion. Later the band were joined by David Topple’s brother on Tea Chest Bass. Croft went on to form The Peter Croft Blues Band with Paul Gill in [month required] 1967. PC

"I can remember that night at The Baths Hall, Pete, Ken and myself travelled up to Ipswich on Ken's dad's motorbike and sidecar with all the gear. We also did a spot at the Spa Pavilion summer show. Happy memories. Sadly l have lost my copy of the record we made at the Baths Hall. Ken now lives in Australia." DT 22/09/2020

Mediography:

Albert gets the E. Anglian skiffle groups going IES 05/02/58

Discography:

10” 78rpm Acetate Aint It A Shame To Play Skiffle On A Sunday b/w Gamblin’ Man

(recorded and broadcast for the radio - details unconfirmed)