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Jack Moore RIP December 2021
In 1984, Jack Moore and
Keith Simkin watched and enjoyed traditional jazz played by the
Riverside Jazz Band at The Wagoners, Burnley. Jack got himself a
trombone and together with Keith on banjo, began to practise at
each others homes. Eventually they found other enthusiasts
willing to play drums, clarinet, bass and trumpet. Before long
they had regular practice sessions every Sunday morning at The
Pendle Forest Sports Club in Fence near Burnley. One day a
singer, Gloria joined in and the Forest Jazz Band was formed.
They wanted to name the band after The Pendle Forest, but as
there was already a Pendle Jazzmen, they settled on the name
The Forest Jazz Band. It was, however,
to be another two years before they plucked up courage to play
in public at Jimmy Nelson's Sports Club in Nelson and the
performance went down so well that soon the band were playing at
one or two pubs in the area. Regular weekly performances began
at The Crown at Colne and then various other venues in what is
affectionately known as the County of Louisiancashire.
I had been friends with
Jack Moore since we were at Sunday School, 75+ years ago, then
Grammar School and Sunday School Cricket team. Incidentally, in
one season in the Sunday School League Jack finished with an
average of over 80 and this was as an opening batsman! He was
also a useful bowler and first-class slip fielder. Later he was
lured into the Lancashire League for a short spell before
finding a home with a team in another league where he continued
to achieve considerable success. It was some time
later that his interest in playing trombone came to the fore
when both he and I visited the Waggoners in Burnley on Tuesday
evenings to see the Riverside Jazzmen. I had just purchased a
drum kit for my son (and myself!) and I was helping out with the
local Schools' Youth orchestra and re-discovering my jazz
drumming skills which I had utilised whilst at college. Both
Jack and I were invited to sit in for the odd number so that was
how we got re-acquainted with the local scene. Later, Jack
helped to start the Forest Jazz Band and I became a founder
member of the Pendle Jazzmen. As a trombone player, Jack was
much in demand as a "dep.", his skills and commitment being
recognised throughout the area as he constantly practised in his
"shed" behind his property in the village of Trawden. - Colin
Mason 08/05/22 - A farewell charity jazz event with
the Forest Jazz Band took place today
remembering John Brunton, Jack Moore & Tom Culbert, and a
collection took place all in aid of Pendleside Hospice in memory
of John Brunton. Photographs here -
Fred Burnett
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