Sam Sweeney’s Fiddle: Made In The Great War at The Witham, Barnard Castle

SIX years ago, Sam Sweeney, fiddle player with Bellowhead, bought a violin. Inside it was dated 1915 plus the name Richard S Howard. Research revealed it had been made by a music hall performer from Leeds called Richard Spencer Howard. When he was conscripted to fight in the First World War his violin had been left unfinished after it’s maker was killed in the conflict.

The pieces lay in an manila envelope for nine decades until reaching the hands of luthier Roger Claridge. More than 90 years after Richard began working on the fiddle it was finished.

To mark the ongoing 100th anniversary of the First World War, Sam has worked with storyteller Hugh Lupton, Bellowhead band mate Paul Sartin and concertina player Rob Harbron to create a music, spoken word and film performance based on this story, featuring Howard’s fiddle

Sam travelled to Belgium to visit Private Howard’s grave where he played in memory of the amateur instrument maker. In response to the whole experience and uncovering of the story Sam says: ‘Working on this show has completely changed the way that I see the First World War. By looking at it through the story of one man, I have begun to understand so much more about war and its impact on people."

* Made in the Great War visits The Witham on Sunday, September 13, 7.30pm. Tickets: £16. Box Office: thewitham.org.uk or 01833- 631107.

Viv Hardwick