Will Atkinson

[Roger Trobridge <gopher@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Will Atkinson, the finest exponent of traditional harmonica in Engand, died
peacefully at the age of 95 on Wednesday morning, 30th July, 2003, in the
presence of his family.

Will was a sheperd and farmworker who lived all of his life near Alnwich,
in the North East of England. He was featured on some of the " Voice Of The
People" field recordings issued on the Topic Label. He also appeared at
folk festivals, particularly in the Border area. He had close contacts with
the Scottish traditional moothie players. Another bridge to the past has
gone.

Will started out on the melodeon, moved to a chromatic accordion, and then
onto the diatonic tremolo mouth organ. Throughout his life he was part of
the traditional music scene in Northumberland, and he played with local
'dance' bands, including the "Cheviot Ranters".

He did not read music but he had a very large repertoire of tradtional
tunes. Fortunately there are a few friends who have learned many of them
and will keep the tradition alive.

I have added an mp3 of Wilf playing "Will Atkinson's March" by Jimmy
Lindsay, on the Nationa Harmonica League web site
http://harmonica.co.uk

Roger Trobridge

Chairman NHL