Sailmakers on Radio 2
29 October
1976
22.05
Barn Dance
in Radio 2 Ballroom
THE GREENSI.EEVES BAND led by DENNIS DARKE With DICK WITT and THE SAILMAKERS
Introduced by Pat Nelson from Stoke Gabriel. Devon Producer BRIAN PATTEN BBC Bristol
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A Gosport folk singer and instrumentalist, John Evans, has made a handsome lute of mediaeval pattern which can claim to have strongly nautical connections.
The arm is of teak from discarded floorboards at Haslar Naval Hospital.
The wood is probably 200 years old, and in appearance and
texture, has that special quality which makes a fine musical instrument.
The body of the lute has been fashioned from the mahogany transom of an old boat.
All of which is appropriate when one considers that John formerly worked Haslar Hospital in the naval medical service, and that he and his wife Rozanne are founder members `of an entertaining musical trio, The Sailmakers.
It is in this role that they are rapidly making a new career, following- John's decision to leave the Navy after 12 years' service. They Started Out as amateur music maker's, but are securing professional engagements at night clubs, workingmen's clubs and other centres where folk music, and a dash of the old time musichall - are, appreciated.
"We are. not in the least bit 'way-out' in our choice of music," said John. "I believe people find it refreshing to see an act that we hope, has style and variety without being eccentric.”
John and Rozanne live with their two children, Samantha and Johnny at Bury Hall Lane, Gosport.
The third “Sailmaker” who recently joined the group is Robert Teagle, of Lester Avenue, Bedhampton.
John Evans was happy in the Navy, and in addition to his nursing duties at
Haslar he also served as an instructor in the submarine escape training tank at HMS. Dolphin, and with Royal Marines,
But music and musical instruments were always a deep interest, and Rozanne`s comment is "It was a case of joining him or losing him to music.”
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