Charles Thompson was born in 1910 to Emma and James Thompson.
1931
C. Thompson (trombone) appears in the 1931 West Australian Symphony Orchestra program. Twenty years later the name of Charles Thompson reappears. Charlie, who married violinist Denise Dingwall, was a professional photographer with a studio in the prestigious London Court. He took many portraits for the A.B.C. publicity department. During the war years and beyond, Charles played in the Melbourne based Bob Gibson Dance Band.
Harrison, Marcia, West Australian Symphony Orchestra Celebrating 75 Years, (WASO Holdings Pty Ltd, 2003). P.36.
1932
The West Subiaco Scout Hall was prettily decorated for the coming-of age celebration of Mr. Charles Court, the well-known cornetist and the function, which proved thoroughly enjoyable, was largely attended. During supper the customary toasts were given with musical honours. Mr. A. J. McLaren, in a happy and sincere manner, proposed the principal toast, and was supported by Mr. W. Halvorsen, while that of the parents was suitably attended to by Messrs. J. Dennison and R. C. Bradbury. Mr. W. Court handed Mr. Chas Court a huge key, which was attached to a large chain. Those who contributed to the evening’s pleasure were Mr. Bert Harding, trick cyclist, Miss Sylvia George and Mr. C. Thompson, while Mr. Court played cornet solos. Mr. Tom Bennett was M.C. and Mr. Fred Nice accompanist.
Sunday Times Sunday 9 October 1932 page 2
1933
A pleasant and informal party to Miss Maud Dingwall, on the eve of her departure for Europe, took place at the Repertory Club on Friday afternoon. The music room was gay with Michaelmas & daisies, zinnias, and carnations. Miss Dingwall, who received the heartiest good wishes from her many friends, wore a graceful gown of figured crepe de chine in tones of petunia and gold on a black background, and a little black hat, finished by a plaited brim. Among those present were: — … Charles The Shakespeare Club held a well-attended meeting last Thursday evening. Misses Molly Malone, Ethel Treadgold, and Denise Dingwall and Mr. Glen Lilley contributed towards the entertainment and Mr. Charles Thompson was responsible for an amusing presentation of scenes from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ The president (Mr. John Le Tessier) wished Miss Maude Dingwall, who is shortly sailing for Europe bon voyage and happiness in her new sphere of life. On behalf of the members, the secretary (Miss Laurel Berryman) presented Miss Dingwall with a bouquet. Miss Dingwall gave a charming little speech in response, and stated that her term of office and membership in the club had been a very happy one. She added that she was delighted to see present the founder of the club, Miss Freda Treadgold (now Mrs. Seddon Vincent, of Kellerberrin).
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Tuesday 11 April 1933, page 5
LOCAL BAND HONOURED – Engagements in Eastern States.
For the first time in broadcasting history a West Australian band has been engaged through the Australian Broadcasting Commission to give performances over the air in the Eastern States. Ron Moyle and his ‘Westralians,’ a combination of local performers, will leave for Adelaide by the Great Western express on Saturday, night, and will be absent for about six weeks. The ‘Westralians’ will be heard over the air from 5CL, Adelaide, on December 21 and 22, and from South Australia they will go to Melbourne, where they will broadcast from 3LO-between January 6 and 27. It is possible that the band will; also visit Sydney. Ron Moyle himself is well-known to listeners in Western Australia, having been connected with broadcasting in this State for many years. His band, which is composed of the following players, was heard from 6WF during last dancing season: — Ron Moyle, A.T.C.L. (pianist); Bob Gibson, L.A.B. (alto saxophone, clarinet and violin) ; George Caro, A.T.C.L. (tenor saxophone, clarinet and violin); Allan Gough, A.T.CJj. (alto saxophone, clarinet and violin); Viv. Nylander (trumpet and trombone); Kem. Fimmel (trumpet); Charles Thompson (trombone and trumpet), Wally Hadley (banjo, flute and guitar); Cliff Adam (guitar, tap dancer and vocalist); Eddy Roberts (drums and vocalist); and Tom Bennett (bass). The band will give a final concert at the Ambassadors Theatre on Friday night.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Wednesday 13 December 1933, page
1949 – Perth
Jack Harrison augmented his swing band according to the requirements of functions, sometimes up to ten players, such as the April 22nd 1949 University of Western Australia Graduation Ball at Winthrop Hall. Players were issued with a cheque on 5th May 1949 and were paid 3 pound 2 and 6 for the gig. Players paid were: Norm Wrightson (saxophone), George Kirkby (saxophone), Jack Pope (trumpet), George Franklin (trumpet), Charles Thompson (trombone), Bill Hendrie (guitar), Roy Coates (bass), Ray Harrison (drums), Jill Harrison (piano) and Jack was the tenth band member.
GRADUATION BALL
8.30pm – 2am
April 22 1949 Winthrop Hall, University
In Aid of World Student relief
ADMISSION Double Ticket 24/7 (inc tax.)
Jack Harrison’s Ten Piece Orchestra – bookings at Nicholsons
AROUND PERTH – WITH HARRY BLUCK – Ball Season Starts Rolling in Perth – Heavy Bookings as Biz Booms
The annual outcrop of balls generally makes its presence felt about this time of the year and already some of the earliest have taken place. This season promises to be a busier one than previously and some large-sized bands should be seen on the various stands. Already, youthful Jack Harrison has made a good start by fronting a 10 piece outfit at the University Graduation Ball, and from all accounts the ultimate sound of the band justified the Harrison judgement in selecting good players as his support. Jack Harrison has blossomed out with a 10 piece band, with which he played at the Perth University Graduation Ball.
Music Maker and Dance Band News May 1949
5 MAY 1949
JACK HARRISON Cheques to:
Norm Wrightson Grad Ball £3/2/6
Kirkby Grad Ball £3/2/6
Pope Grad Ball £3/2/6
Franklin Grad Ball £3/2/6
Thompson Grad Ball £3/2/6
Hendrie Grad Ball £3/2/6
Coates Grad Ball £3/2/6
Ray Harrison Grad Ball £3/2/6
Jill Harrison Grad Ball £3/2/6
Piano stylist and master of improvisation, Henry Cochran surprised me when he said he commenced his career in the dance band profession as a percussionist in the days of 1927 when he played drums for Jack Niece’s outfit at the much spoken of Gliders Dance at Roberts-rd, Sublaco. During the early days of the depression, Henry recalls organising an 18-piece band which played at a small hall somewhere in the vicinity of Cannington. That evening, the band which included Charlie Thompson and many other leading musicians, were not paid according to rates, but received a white shirt and bow tie each ‘Things were tough those days,’ said Henry. During the middle 30’s, Henry was resident pianist at the Adelphi during the day; solo pianist at the Carlton Cafe and led a trio at the Adelphi Lounge during the evening hours. Afternoon dance sessions at the Carlton listed prominent musicians such as Cec Mitchell and George Watson of Eastern States fame, Sammy Sharp, Charlie Thompson and others.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 14 May 1949, page 13
4 JULY 1949
JACK HARRISON
Cheque to: Jack Pope Womens College £5/3
Colin Youlden Womens College £2/11/8
Bill Kirkham Womens College £2/11/8
Charlie Thompson Womens College £2/11/8
George Franklin Womens College £2/11/8
Bill Hendrie Womens College £2/11/8
Roy Coates Womens College £2/11/8
1951
1952
DINGWALL-THOMPSON: The engagement is announced between Denise Mary, youngest
daughter of Mrs. and the late Mr. D. Dingwall, of 32 Alexander road, East Fremantle, and
Charles Andrew, youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. of 7 Violet-street. Perth.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 26 April 1952, page 13
Right: This is Billie Dingwall christened Denise Mary – who says that friends weren’t as surprised as they should have been when she and fellow musician Charles Thompson announced their engagement. They play – she, the violin and he, the trombone – in the Perth Symphony Orchestra. In her spare time, Billie pours her personality into radio plays.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), Thursday 8 May 1952, page 35
Wednesday 28th May 1952
Jazz At The Capitol
Lena Horne. Spike Jones. Mills Brothers. Harry Eddison. Lester Young. Ella
Fitzgerald. Ray Brown . . .
They’re just a few big names of modern music in the long list of acquaintances claimed by Ron Stanton, now in Perth. Ron, a Sydneysider, is a genuine young man of music. American tours have given him an intimate knowledge of techniques over there — and he’s bringing them to Perth.
Particularly impressed with the annual festival Jazz at the Philharmonic, he has formed a “leaders group” in Perth for Jazz at the Capitol. Group includes Harry Bluck, Sammy Sharp, Cliff Adams, Bill Kirkham, John Mowson, Charlie Thompson and Ron Stanton himself.
Program— at the Capitol on Wednesday night— will also include the “name bands” of Perth, Chung Doo, Stanton’s sextet and Jack Harrison’s quartette.
Mirror Saturday 24 May 1952 page 8
1965
Charles Thompson died in 1975 aged 65.