DAVIDW 1,696 Posted September 21, 2016 Report Share Posted September 21, 2016 Happened on this whilst perusing the South West news archives . Piccolo Jim in this pic had walked (presumably) from Notts to Plymouth in 1923 to see County play Plymouth in a cup tie . He entertained the crowd with numerous tunes . He had walked to other matches in various parts of the country supporting Forest and Notts and as his placard says he supposedly walked 2000 miles looking for work . Be good to know his real name . There was also a "Piccolo Jim" in Hampshire in the mid 30s , whether it was the same chap , not sure . His name was Harry Newland . Here he is again in February 1922 . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DAVIDW 1,696 Posted August 5, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 Just revisited this story , (well it's the start of the football season !). Found some more tales that confirm Piccolo Jim's real name was Harry Newland . In 1939 he was fined for begging at the Empire theatre queue . Only in that story , his nickname was "Piccolo Pete" . His address was given as Burgess Rd . After the fine he vowed to give up playing his piccolo . During his trial he claimed to be the "champion recruiting sergeant of Great Britain" in WW1. In 1949 he had turned to poetry and had sent a poem about President Roosevelt and received a thank you note from the First Lady. His address then was given as 1, Durham Cres. Think he qualifies as a Nottingham "character" . 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cliff Ton 10,505 Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 Something about Nottingham eccentrics and music. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nonnaB 4,903 Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 Luv 'em. Especially the older ones they always seemed to be so happy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
catfan 14,793 Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 Saw this the other day, not in Nottingham but a street performer anyway. I give you "Tappy" the tap dancing robot. ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
catfan 14,793 Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 Or what about a Caribbean flavoured street performer ! This chap plans to visit Nottingham this year, on his midlands tour. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MargieH 7,614 Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 #6. Catfan, now that definitely would do my back in ! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
catfan 14,793 Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 Mine too ! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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