Remember ‘The Greenwoods’?

THANKS to Ballymena man Jack Robinson for dropping in this photographic blast from the past.

‘Back in the day’, Jack, from Camphill Park, was one third of popular group, ‘The Greenwoods’.

Jack, who was lead singer, is pictured here with fellow members Seamus Carey (organ) and Ken Doey (lead guitar and vocals) who were both from Cloughmills.

The threesome, who always sported matching green blazers, played all over the province most nights each week and will be remembered by many for their regular appearances at such local venues as The Pheasant (Glenravel), the Hawthorn Inn and Blue Lagoon (Portglenone) and The Sheddings (Carnalbanagh).

When this photograph was taken they had just been given news of their ‘big break’ into television - an appearance on a new Tommy James series, “Teatime with Tommy” - a programme which showcased provincial talent and which became very popular with TV audiences.

“That really was our big break although we also did radio,” said Jack, now 76.

“I remember us once going to the Cloonavin Hotel in Coleraine to do an afternoon ‘workers’ playtime’ show for the radio with Gene Fitzpatrick introducing the local talents.

“It was a busy time - we played all over,” said Jack who was also for many years a member of the Seven Towers Male Voice Choir.

Despite their hectic night-time schedule, all three had day jobs too.

Jack, who worked in Gallahers in the group’s heyday, says he has “happy memories” of The Greenwoods and would like to get in contact with Ken and Seamus.

“It’s been a long, long time since we’ve spoken or seen each other - I wouldn’t mind getting in touch again,” he said.