As Tony assembles tunes for his mother’s 90th birthday party, the musical spectre of Tommy Croker (‘TC’) has raised its head. We remember this one-time stalwart of the Borsetshire dinner-dance scene.
We first heard of Tommy Croker and his traditional dance band back in 1991. Tommy was a big favourite of Peggy’s second husband Jack Woolley (now deceased). So close was the relationship between the artiste and his frequent patron, that the band played free of charge at Jack and Peggy's wedding.
Jack would never hear a word against the brilliantined Tommy. But the band’s style, which harked back to the 1940s, was not to everyone’s taste. In September 1995, Caroline and Guy Pemberton were a little perturbed to find that Jack had booked Tommy Croker for their wedding party. Although the band played very well and got everyone up to dance, Peggy wasn't sure they were the ideal choice.
Junior takes the baton
However, Peggy knew they were perfect for Jack's 80th in June 1999 – although by now Tommy’s son Tommy Junior had taken over.
Under this new management, the revitalised band did well. They played for the Ambridge Cricket Club ‘Top Hat and Tails’ dance in July 2002, which featured a star turn on the dance floor from Mike and Betty Tucker.
In November 2004, it was Peggy’s turn to reach 80. Tommy’s trio provided the musical accompaniment this time. By 2006, we heard that although Tommy Croker senior was in an old people's home he was still as bright as a button.
Nothing much else was heard of the band in Ambridge until November 2010, when ‘TCB’ played for a Young Farmers dance. The initials were generally understood to stand for Taking Care of Business. But the sax player leading the band was... the grandson of Tommy Croker! So TCB also stood for the Tommy Croker Band. Still getting those feet tapping...
Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter, and a drummer – although he’s never played in any incarnation of the Tommy Croker Band.
Learn more about Tony, Peggy, Caroline and Mike – and the actors who play them – in our Who’s Who.
