MELBORN MEMORIES

It is now over two years since the “Melborn Hotel” on White Abbey Road in Bradford closed its welcoming doors for the final time. It had been the home of the Topic Folk Club (the oldest Folk Club in the world) for over eleven years. The jam sessions organised by Denny on a Sunday, will always be fondly remembered by both the musicians who played, and the music-lovers who attended. Regular performers on the Sunday tea-time were members of ZICO and Chantel McGregor. Looking through the gig-lists for June to Sept of 2003 show the full range of music and talent, who performed there.

Monday was Brother Eamon’s informal session, Wednesday hosted the Jazz sessions with The Topic Folk Club being the hosts on Thursday. Artists to appear there during that 3 month period included, Cosmic Debris, Avalon, Brendan Crocker, Roger Sutcliffe, Juke Joint, Jed’s Blues Band, Buzzard, Tom Napper & Tom Bliss, Bad Habit, Smokin’ The Swarm, Milestone, Roy Harris, James O’Hara Band, Paul Middleton, Last Orders, Sandy Howarth & Andy May, Midnight Train, Garry Whitfield, Kinda Blue and Somebodys Brother.

Kendra’s Birthday in early August and Sean’s Birthday bash later that month also kept the close-knit pub in good spirits.

Great memories of a unique pub and its musical clientele.