The Houghton Weavers

The Houghton Weavers, a Lancashire-based folk ensemble, assembled in 1975. Founding members comprised vocalist Tony Berry (born Anthony Berry on 15 January 1950 in Bolton), Norman Prince (born Norman Anthony Prince on 26 April 1946 in Eccles, Manchester) on vocals and guitar, David Littler (born David George Littler on 13 March 1949 in Westhoughton) handling vocals, banjo, guitar and ukulele, and vocalist John Oliver from Appley Bridge, Wigan. They held residencies at multiple venues across the north west of England until Oliver exited within the first year. Bassist and vocalist Denis Littler from Westhoughton filled the vacancy, remaining until February 1984, when Jeff Hill (born Jeffrey Martin Hill on 14 September 1958 in Warrington) joined on vocals, bass and guitar.

A 1977 appearance on the BBC series We’ll Call You resulted in their own program, Sit Thi Deawn, which debuted the following January. Radio exposure has produced five BBC Radio 2 series, the latest of which began taping in early 1992. Pantomime success prompted the annual Christmas Cracker Tour, which schedules twenty shows across twenty-four nights each December. Keep Folk Smiling appeared to celebrate the group’s tenth anniversary. Their considerable regional following has not translated into wider national recognition.