Audlem and District History Society

Audlem District History Society

Review of a talk by Ian Jones on Thursday 20th April 2023 @ The Scout and Guide Hall, Audlem.

Subject: "A Minstrel in Staffordshire – Wilmot Martin"

Charles Cavill welcomed all and introduced Ian who explained his relationhip to his mother's ancester, WilmotMartin (b:1875), and explained the family link to Audlem Mill.

Photos of Wilmot dressed in his Scottish 'garb'and others dating back to 1905 were shown including a family group photo taken on Windmill Drive land.

Wilmot left school at 12 and from his family's farm in Uttoxeter later started to provide free picnics and concertsfor local children and, by 1913/14, had upgraded the farm cart to a charabanc to take them to Blackpool where,or the first time, they saw Harry Lauder.

Wilmot was smitten not only by Harry's singing but also by hisScottish dress, thereafter performing as the Staffordshire Harry Lauder who, happily, was very flattered. Thepair become very close throughout their lives and Ian had a photo of them both side by side, dressed identically.

By 1915 Wilmot had upgraded his transport again to a Ford car and continued to perform concerts further afielduntil the late 1950's raising considerable funds for charity which was recognised by being awarded his MBE byGeorge VI in 1949 also his Golden Wedding anniversary.

Martin's Way, Hixon is a local tribute to Wilmot's who died in 1963.

Ian was given a resounding round of applause by a very appreciative full house.

Our next meeting is on Thursday, May 18th when Pauline Griffiths(a Society member) will give a talk on the History of Liverpool Docks.