Set in the grounds of Appuldurcombe House, Wroxall, Isle of Wight

Acker Bilk
Acker was born in a country village in Somerset named Pensford; he was christened Bernard Stanley Bilk. However the Christian names were short-lived and he was soon nicknamed “Acker”, a Somerset name which means “mate” or “friend”, and an apt sobriquet for the leader of the Paramount Jazz Band whose wicked sense of humour
and friendliness warms him to all.

When Acker was young he was taught to play the piano but did not like the time spent practising when all his friends were out playing football - or poaching! In his childhood Acker lost two of his front teeth in school punch-up, and half a finger in a sledging accident, and this he claims is the reason for his instantly recognisable style of clarinet playing.

Before becoming a musician, Acker worked in the Bristol Wills Tobacco factory for £1.4s per week, dabbling in a little boxing on the side, as well as marrying his childhood sweetheart, Jean. Acker started playing clarinet in 1948 when he was in the Royal Engineers in the Canal zone, where he borrowed a military clarinet and started
copying records. He was sent to the glasshouse for sleeping on guard duty, which gave him hours to practise whilst in a cell awaiting court martial.

Demobbed, Acker formed his first band in Bristol then came to London as a clarinet player with Ken Colyer’s Band, but hated London and returned to Bristol to form the Bristol Paramount Jazz Band. Eventually, in May 1951, he returned to London, and lived in Plaistow until the band got their first big break – six weeks playing in the new Orleans Bier Bar in Dusseldorf - this disciplined Acker and the band musically, and prepared them for the big time ahead.

The duration of Acker’s success story is quite an achievement when one recalls that “Stranger on the Shore” was a hit in 1961, and was the first ever record to be number one simultaneously in Britain and the United States of America. Before that we had “Summer-Set” and 15 years later he was in the charts again with “Aria”. Albums such as “The One For Me”, “Sheer Magic” and “Evergreen” have gained him chart success all over the world.

These days Acker varies his recordings, working with his own band as well as, String Orchestras where his outstanding melodic grace comes to the fore. 2001 saw Acker record for Decca with John Dankworth, Humphrey Lyttelton, Kenny Ball and Don Lusher - the album, entitled ‘Jazz Legends’, was released earlier this year. Also in 2001 Acker recorded with Van Morrison – and Acker’s number ‘Evening Shadows’ was released on Van’s CD ‘Down the Road’ in May.

Acker is constantly asked to guest with other Artistes and Bands, but feels his loyalties lie with his Paramount Jazz Band. He also gets many offers of tours in Australia and New Zealand, where is popularity is great, however Acker is not a fan of long flights, although about four years ago he did tour South Africa and New Orleans.

After touring the world for 50 years, and having seen it wonders, it is typical of Acker that he and Jean have built a bungalow in Pensford overlooking his beloved Somerset countryside. His other house in Potters Bar is now his daughter’s, but he has kept a small part of it so he has a base when touring. Jenny was the inspiration for ‘Stranger on the Shore’ , which was originally entitled ‘Jenny’ – it was re-titled when it was used as a theme tune for a TV series. Acker also has a son, Pete, who is also musician and runs a recording studio.

Acker’s lifestyle is touring, recording and also indulging in his other love: painting. We have tried to talk him into an exhibition, but he says he is not good enough. He also loves walking in the countryside – but just in case you thought he was no longer a funloving guy, he still enjoys a glass of good wine.

Between October 1999 and April 2000, Acker’s enthusiasm for painting helped him though a tough time. Acker was diagnosed with throat cancer, and had to undergo radiotherapy. At times his throat was so sore it was almost impossible to eat, but he recovered thanks to his will power, and first class medical treatment.

Although Acker will always be remembered for the Bowler Hat and waistcoat, he is also a dedicated and serious musician. From Acker: - “I still can’t believe I actually get paid for doing what I love most in the world”.

2001 saw Acker honoured with an MBE for his services to the music industry (well we deserved we feel, if a little overdue!)

This great master of the Clarinet has to be heard to be believed – his style us unique.

The Castle Jazz Band
The band was established in 1985 and its present personnel have been together since 1994. Highly experienced, it is a seven-piece unit consisting of cornet, trombone, clarinet/saxes, banjo, bass guitar, rhythm guitar and drums.

Lively and entertaining, the band has played at all the Island's major Sailing Clubs, at wedding receptions and private parties, at many local public houses and was priveliged to support Acker Bilk and his Band, George Melley and his Footwarmers, Humphrey Lyttleton's Band and Terry Lightoot's Band at previous events, and is looking forward to supporting Acker Bilk again this year.

Appuldurcombe House

Situated on the South of the Island, just 2 miles from the coast at both Ventnor and Shanklin. Approach is along a half mile private drive from the road. Click for a location map.

Once the grandest and most striking house on the Isle of Wight, Appuldurcombe's 18th century baroque elegance is still notable today in the partly restored building. Admire the delightful east front and stroll peaceful through 'Capability' Brown's idyllic ornamental 11 acres of grounds.

We can offer accommodation, if required, in our very individual and picturesque stone holiday cottages, set within the 300 acre Appuldurcombe Estate, with wonderful views across the surrounding countryside. We also have an Owl and Falconry Centre offering flying displays daily with birds of prey from around the world.