Those Were The Days
A programme of old time dance music which ran from 1943 until 1976. Harry Davidson and his Orchestra provided the music and the studio audience were invited to dance to the Boston Two-step, The Palais Glide, The Veleta and The Empress Tango, and countless other dances.

The various old-time dance societies were well represented in the studio audience, thus ensuring a high standard of performance - rather important, as the sound of people falling over each other, followed by expletives would not have been desirable on the air!  

Complete with a master of ceremonies, this delightful programme of light music really evoked the charm of an earlier age. Harry Davidson continued as M.D. until declining health forced his retirement in 1966.  He died early in 1967 by which time the music was in the hands of Sidney Davey and his Orchestra. Sidney had held the position of pianist, chief arranger and deputy conductor of Harry Davidson's orchestra for many years and was the obvious successor. The programme ended with Sidney's retirement in 1976.

There were other radio programmes featuring old -time dance music during this period, noteably 'Time for Old Time' with Sidney Bowman  and his orchestra and 'Take Your Partners'  featuring the Sydney Thompson Old-time orchestra and, from 1976, the Bryan Smith orchestra was a popular ingredient of 'Radio Two Ballroom'.

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Text by Brian Reynolds : e-mail brian@mastersofmelody.co.uk