Spotlight: 006 Whistle Notes 1997-1998

Whistory

In the winter of 1997 came the start of four volumes of a remarkable undertaking in whistle literature and research called, Whistle Notes. Sad to say, it lasted just those four issues. Years ahead of its time, each was loaded with fifteen pages of articles and pictures from The Call & Whistle Association. You might consider by comparison that the first book by Gilchrist & Topman was written in the year 1998, called Collecting Police Whistles and Similar Types.

What kind of growth did Whistle Notes experience?

Swelling to fifty members in a short time, it drew on collections and research from its membership for pictures and backgrounds and history. It was spearheaded by Jim Fitch, and yet it must have been a real community effort. Jim still collects and has initiated a Facebook page for whistle and call collectors which currently has over 500 members. Thank you, Jim, for graciously granting us permission to reprint at The Whistle Gallery all four copies for all to read and be able to reference. If you have never seen these, then you are in for a real treat.

What direction for Whistle Notes will be encouraged?

So for this Spotlight we invite you to spend some time reading and rereading through the many topics in Whistle Notes (includes whistles AND their kinfolk).

Our many thanks to Jim Fitch and all those who put their heart into their articles. A legacy and addition to the worldwide fund of whistle knowledge.

Conclusions

Whistle Notes was ahead of its time. It did reveal the growing interest in whistles (and bird calls). Although the greatest growth would be in the UK, due to police whistles, it covered a wide array of the study of calls.

It would run a relatively short duration but would set the pace for others such as Dundee, Topman & Gilchrist, TWG and others.

whistle notes, jim fitch