A Tuneful reunion

Old friends from Goldings were able to sing along when international folk singer, Johnny Silvo (Rastus Woods to his Goldings pals) performed at the Sun Hotel, Hitchin, Hertfordshire last October as part of his yearly UK tour. Johnny now lives in Norway with his wife and son. Johnny Silvo sends his best wishes to all Old Boys. Left to right in the photo: Johnny Silvo, John Leach, John Hunt, Jimmy James and his wife, Joan and Alec 'Wiz' Willson The original photo was taken by Johnny Leech.

In 2007 Rasta's Woods was still doing his yearly tour, sadly John Hunt and Jimmy James have passed away While Alec 'Wiz' Willison spends the summer in the UK and the winter months in South Africa.

In The 1964 Spring edition of The Goldonian, the editorial covered the Hertford Branch of the National Graphical Society Dinner and Dance at which Johnny Silvo was performing it read:

Apart from dancing there were folk songs by John Silvo. That name may not be familiar to many, but 'John' Woods (ex‑ School Captain, Drum‑Major and Sheet‑metal worker), I am sure is, so please read 'Woods' for 'Silvo', which is John's professional name. 

John was booked for two 10 - minute sessions, and was encored for twenty and twenty‑five minutes! Need one say more? Just John and his guitar (no microphone) and 150 people were under his spell. Yes, we all felt proud to know John. No one at Goldings had taught him to sing and play, or to speak with such polished diction, but it is nice to think that as well as continuing his trade, which Mr. de' Boeck had so ably taught him, someone must have influenced John that there is more in life than just doing one's job! Well done John, you won a lot of friends that night.

A booking web site Perrotts Folly spoke of John:

Johnny Silvo is arguably the most talented all-round entertainer on the Folk Scene and one might even be tempted to say one of the finest in any form of British entertainment today. It is hard to imagine anyone with a more tremendous voice, a voice superb in volume, clarity and tone. It is a voice you will never forget! In addition he is an exceptionally fine guitarist, and, for good measure, he intersperses his songs with light hearted humour and chat. If you ask him Johnny will tell you that he simply loves making people happy and from the moment he steps on stage he is in full control and the happiness just comes bubbling out.

Johnny's wide musical interests and experience are reflected in his massive and varied repertoire, ranging from Jazz and Blues through Folk to Country and Soul. In his early days, after his National Service, Johnny played and sang in Skiffle Groups, and then Jazz Bands for a period of about three years, performing with many top artistes such as Monty Sunshine, Dick Charlesworth and Bruce Turner. When the Trad boom collapsed he switched to working solo in restaurants and night clubs. Later, as the Folk revival gathered steam, he moved over and started performing in Folk Clubs.

He was rewarded with a constant supply of work, both as a solo artist and with another fine performer, Dave Moses. Over the years since, he has been in constant demand for work in the Folk Clubs and Cabaret, both at home and abroad. He has also made over 1,000 television and radio appearances.

Click Here for Johnny's Tour Dates around the UK

For bookings and more details contact Perrotts Folly

Johnny Silvo, a long time resident of Norway, along with Norwegians Arvid Lone and Hans Graasvold have got together and formed a group named The Life of Reily.

The band members have been friends for more than 20 years, all pursuing their individual careers, but frequently crossing paths when they have sat down singing, playing and having a good time. So when on stage performing they are living The Life of Reily. John over the years has been rewarded with appearances in hundreds of TV and radio programmes one of which was as a frequent presenter of the cult BBC Playschool.