Christopher Charles Mitchell

Published on 04/05/2018

With sadness and in celebration of a great man, Christopher Charles Mitchell who passed 06 May 2017. Many know that Christopher Mitchell (nee Arbuckle) originated from New Malden. He became a printer after schooling, conscripted into Royal Air Force National Service, where he joined a military band playing Tuba, and formed a skiffle group. After the RAF, he returned to the Print world joining a band 'Southside Stompers' who were mainly clerks from The Law Society. An offer from new band, 'Charley Gall Jazzmen' led Chris to leave the Print trade to become a professional musician, playing over all the UK and Europe. Due to shortage of work, Chris joined a German band, 'The Leathertown Jazzmen' touring the Uk, whose banjo player was leaving. Spending 3 years touring Europe until the bands management became 'The Piccadilly Six' based in Zurich. Life changed, family life prevented travelling, so he returned to the Print trade. He kept his music interest alive leading to the grounding of his own band, 'Hambone Kelly's Jazzmen' playing in/around Z At this time, The Harlem Ramblers were reforming and, with GSellenarth from The Piccadilly Six, was asked to join in 1969 which resulted in over 40 years with this band. With The Harlem Ramblers, Chris travelled to USA, Bali, Germany, Mauritius, Majorca and Switerland plus cruise liners where the band gained international reputation. I was honoured to see Chris & The Harlem Ramblers play in Majorca and Zurich on several occasions. Chris was a great family man becoming godfather to my youngest son and was delighted to officiate as 'Dad' delivering stunning family speeches at my daughter's wedding at Nonsuch Mansion House Cheam.

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