Harrison, John George “Jack”

Clog dancer from Shiremoor, Northumberland, originally from Flimby, Cumberland.  Born c1881 died 1954.  He left Flimby in about 1900.

His pupils included:

John George Harrison – son
Rene Harrison – daughter
Madge Harrison – daughter
Robbie Harrison – nephew
Ronnie Irving
Cissie Moreau – from South Shields
Elsie Willis – daughter
June Willis – granddaughter
Robert Willis – grandson
Jessie Welsh – originally from Scotland and living there in 1986

He taught steps in hornpipe, ragtime and waltz rhythms.  Full details of the steps he taught can be found on the Elsie Willis page. He performed both with his nephew and his daughter, although he may more commonly have played for performance on piano or banjo (he played the latter for practices and also played the fiddle).  He had a dancing mat made from wooden laths tied together and measuring about 4ft x 6ft,  and a pedestal.

He entered a competition at Durham on an unknown occasion.

Information from Robbie Harrison on 5/2/1983 and Elsie Willis on 8/10/1986.