Ivor Hyde

Generations of ceilidh and barn dance enthusiasts, dance clubs and concerts have enjoyed his music, and an incalculable number of musicians from all over the country have beaten a path to his door when their instruments needed attention

An era has ended with Ivor’s death at the age of 94. As long as I can remember, Ivor has been playing and repairing accordions, melodeons and concertinas, and was an exceptional craftsman and musician, the button accordion being his speciality. Generations of ceilidh and barn dance enthusiasts, dance clubs and concerts have enjoyed his music, and an incalculable number of musicians from all over the country have beaten a path to his door when their instruments needed attention.

A quiet and unassuming man, Ivor was notorious for undercharging for his repair work, and it was lethal to tell him you weren’t in a hurry for your instrument. But if you were in a rush, then Ivor would set to and sort everything out quickly and efficiently. He was a great supporter of his village community, and would often rope in one or two of his better known customers to headline village fund raising concerts.

He also made a very respectable cider in the barn beyond his workshop, and was always very good company.

John Waltham