Last updated January 31, 2012, 4:50 pm GMT
"Nullum magnum ingenium sine mixtura dementiae fuit"
The Howlers in full throat
Littleham Howlers, so called because of their regular meetings around the time of the full moon at their local pub where they are united by their love of beer and song. They were launched upon an unsuspecting world at Littleham Village Hall as part of the Littleham Arts & Music Festival in May 2009.
Since that momentous event they did their utmost to avoid a repetition of the experience but alas failed and only a month or so later were to be found in a field in Weare Giffard, a neighbouring parish, giving throat to a few old favourites at the Vicar's Birthday Party.
Since then they joined George Michael (Ides) and Basil's Blues Band at a further benefit concert, once again at Littleham Village Hall, on 20th February 2010.
They have also entertained at Abbottsham Village Hall (a neighbouring Parish) and recently Littleham Howlers entertained the regulars and their guests at a "Rite of Spring" celebration together with the Tarka Morris at the Crealock Arms on May 4th 2010.
At all these events they were received with rapturous ovations and numerous offers, which frankly are too libelous to reprint here. Sufficient to say, none of them will be giving up their day job.
Their busy schedule has continued throughout the winter of 2010 and 2011 with several performances for private commissions and no less than five Grand Howls celebrating the Birthdays of members. These occasions are generally discrete and whilst members of the public are never turned away, the celebration is by invitation only. There is normally a solemn dedication by the Dogfather (leader) following which a hound's tooth is presented to the Howler whose birthday it is. This tooth is then expected to be worn with pride, hung around the neck on a leather thong, at all official Howler events. By this mechanism, the length of service rendered by a Howler can be determined. A 'one toother' can claim to have served for at least one year but less than two. A 'two toother' claims to have served for at least two years but less than three and so on. This charming part of the Howler liturgy is wound up with a performance (the Howl) specifically for the birthday Howler when songs and melodies of significance are performed. It is often an emotional event that is rarely witnessed.
On February 12th 2011 they performed two sets at the Village Hall in Littleham at the Chinese New Year of the rabbit celebrations. As is often the case when the Howler's perform the public adulation was humbling; several of the group were quite overcome by their reception. Or was it the barrel of Clearwater Brewery's Winter's Ale placed conveniently near the stage for their comfort that caused it?
On 23rd June 2011, as part of The Littleham Art & Music Festival, the Howlers were top of the bill at the Musical Concert in St Swithun's Parish Church in Littleham. Here they took part in a "Flash Mob" who surprised the crowd with their dramatic performance of "Down To The River To Pray". In this enterprise they were most generously supported by a large accomplished choir drawn from the local community with an age range of nearly 70 years. Led by Amy Wisenfeld, the members of the choir sequentially emerged from the crowd thus swelling the sound until they joined with the Howlers in a tumultuous crescendo. The "Flash Mob" then quietly drifted back into the crowd leaving the Howlers to continue what turned out to be a triumphant performance.
There are a number of other private functions in their diary including several Weddings and Birthdays. One such wedding was that of Andrew and Beth. Their wedding reception was held in the Village Hall on Saturday 30th July 2011. A most joyous occasion to which the Howlers were delighted to be invited and as usual in their inimitable manner, created music, laughter and occasionally mayhem.
The Howlers at Beth's Wedding 30/07/11 (click on the image to see more pictures)
Now we are into 2012 and the Howlers have another busy schedule - details to come - but they will be lubricating their vocal cords, usually on Mondays, at their lair in the Crealock Arms in Littleham. Should you be there on such an occasion and be lucky enough to hear the howls from their rehearsals. Do stop them and show your appreciation; a pint in a dog bowl will be acceptable although being house trained, they might appreciate a glass.
Littleham Howlers - Line Up 2012
Littleham Howlers™©® were established earlier this century, since when many great artists have been pleased to join their line up, 2012 is no exception. Their countless fans will not be disappointed as this year the line up is promising another season of questionable delights.
Cowpat
Graham Coles - tenor
(three toother)Beer drinker, Gardener, Morris Dancer, Gastronaut and sometime Vet. Seen here with the £6 pint, Paris, 2009.
Was disconcerted to find, after enjoying a pork dish in China, that it was in fact dog.
Important tip: there is no crackling on dog.
Big H
David Hogan - bass
(three toother)Beer drinker, Deluded Sailor, Aged Geek, Sustainer of Land Rover's Parts Department, erstwhile Aggravator of Students and occasionally lucid.
Was arrested at Athens Airport after attempting to pass through security checks via the women's entrance whilst on a flight from Singapore with the Bluebell Girls.
Important tip: to be a Bluebell Girl you must be female and over 6 foot in height.
Wolfie
Wilf Smith - tenor
(two toother)Real Ale Connoisseur, Retired Womaniser. Hobbies - as indicated by photo - likes wearing dresses! Has a reputation of being "A Grumpy Old Man", but has no idea where that rumour comes from!
Important tip: When in Egypt do your best to blend in with the natives!
The Dogfather
Andrew Levick - The Dogfather
tenor - leader
occasional guitar
(three toother)Well known for all the reasons that could be described as well...different ! Brought up in nearby Buckland Brewer (born in Banbury) locally educated and trained in auctioneering and estate agency for far too long. A recent survey showed a lack of thatch and a hint of dry rot in the ageing structure.
Important tip: Keep smiling!
Gnasher
Iain Mackenzie - guitar - background harmony
(one toother)Taught the guitar by Jimi Hendrix and toured extensively with Eric Clapton in the seventies but found the rock and roll lifestyle too limiting when he found he could better express his artistic creativity and feed the craving for public adulation by being a dentist.
Important Tip. Don't try to use flock wallpaper as a waistcoat.
Scrunchie
Andrew Tregoning - baritone
(three toother)Seen here as a student (thirteenth row from front 27th from left). Illustrious churchwarden of this parish and self styled DJ laureate. Retired teacher (no child in the Great Torrington catchment area can forget him). Lately learned to ride a bicycle (no pedestrian is safe from him).
Important tip: hanging by your feet from the battlements is not the recommended procedure for removing polypody from the Church tower buttresses.
Scottie
Pete Scott - guitar - tenor (occasional falsetto)
(two toother)Having been sacked from his position as musical arranger for the LSO ( they wouldn't keep in time!) he spent many years in hospitals trying to see in the dark. Decided to go for the outdoor life and ventured to the south pole in search of his late grandfather. He failed to find him, but was arrested for trying to shoot a polar bear, despite pleading self-defence.
Important tip: if you want to keep your hair, never argue with a polar bear.
Old 49er
Dave Peterson - Master of Ceremonies
(musically inept)David (Rubber Legs) Peterson. A.K.A. The Old 49er. Supporter Alglais Growing Apples (SAGA) Cider Connoisseur.
Expert in navel operations (useful, as one never knows when one might need one).
Important tip: if you want to keep your hair, get a hat like mine.
His Grace The Duke of Littleham
Graham Stewart Reed
(one toother)Tenor or Baritone (maybe both). Joined the Littleham Howlers in January 2011 thus increasing the average age of the group in one foul swoop. Part of at least four family generations in the beer/pub industry (now sadly retired) but still knows what his right arm is for.
Important tip: Says he is game for almost anything, so form an orderly queue.
The Littleham Howler's maxim - "Nullum magnum ingenium sine mixtura dementiae fuit" - "There has not been any great talent without an element of madness" - is attributed to: Seneca (Lucius Annaeus Seneca - often known simply as Seneca, or Seneca the Younger. c. 4 BC – 65 AD. He was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, dramatist, and in one work humorist, of the Silver Age of Latin literature. He was tutor and advisor to emperor Nero.
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