Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor'

Photograph by DAVID HANNAH

Parents:

• Birth*: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was born on 21 January 1949 at Maternity Hospital, Dundee, Scotland, ; extract from register of births states Robert Carson; 1949, January 21, 4h 25m am; Maternity Hospital Dundee; Father : Bruno Carson (formerly Kowalewski) Pig Breeder, Usual Residence 10 Campbell Street, Dundee; Mother : Margaret Ness McGregor Carson, ms Dickson; Marriage : 1947, December 13th, Lochee, Dundee; Informant : Bruno Carson, father; Signed : 1949, February 4th, Dundee; Registrar : R Howden.^1,2
  
• He was the son of Brunon Kowalewski electrician and Margaret Ness McGregor Dickson hotelier.
• (Deceased) Death*: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' died on 22 July 2021 at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , at age 72 after a short battle with COVID.³
• Obituary: The obituary of Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was was published on 19 August 2021 at Dundee, Angus, Scotland, . The Computer Doctor has been taken by COVID
  Bob Carson, who traded in Dundee for the last 30 years as The Computer Doctor, passed away peacefully, with his family around him, on July 22^nd 2021, after a short battle with COVID.
  Born in 1949, his early upbringing was in Lochee & Dryburgh. He attended Ancrum Road Primary and Rockwell Secondary Schools, followed by Harris Academy. He served his apprenticeship with ‘The Cash’ (NCR) in the sixties when the company was gearing up for the computer era and worked on the ‘Century Line’ of the first integrated circuit computers.
  In his teens, Bob met his future wife, Pat, at the ‘Old’ Ice Rink on the Kingsway where they spent many a happy Saturday afternoon skating to the ‘top-ten hits’ of the week. ‘Tube’ skates were the order of the day for the boys and Bob made himself known to Pat by skid stopping beside her and showering her with ice chips and snow. The speed interval was their favourite at the rink and it’s no surprise that Bob’s children also skate (ice, in-line, skate-board) and his grandson spends his weekends playing Ice Hockey.
  A well-respected drummer with various Dundee bands of the 1960s and early ‘70s, he initially learned from his great-uncle Johnny Paterson, who was the drummer at the Hubara (Craigtay Hotel). But dance-band drumming was not quite what Bob aspired to. Ultimately, he was with the Rock Band Jynx when the boys turned professional in the late 60s, performing all over Scotland and the UK with their versions of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, Cream, Rolling Stones and Hendrix. He has been described as putting the ‘heavy’ into rock, with custom-made drum sticks fashioned from ½ inch dowelling and legendary 10-15 minute drum solos in the style of Ginger Baker. One of the last gigs played by Jynx was at Camperdown Park on 18^th July 1971, the boys having travelled up from Birmingham especially to play one of the first open-air concerts in their home town.
  As the band was breaking up, he was recruited by a small East London company who came to Dundee to find an NCR-trained person for the job of maintaining and servicing NCR accounting machines. He spent the next 20 years in London working for various computer companies, including Rediffusion (in the House of Lords), Telex & Memorex, as ‘specialist tech support’ for the huge main-frame computers of the era in the London & South East area and latterly on his own account building and servicing PCs.
  In the early 1980s he was particularly excited by the launch of the first popular ‘personal computer’, Acorn’s BBC B that was introduced into many schools across the country. Bob designed and engineered one of the first external disk operating systems for this computer and within months of setting up his first business enterprise to market it, was competing with the likes of Alan Sugar who was marketing his Amstrad and Sinclair with his ZX Spectrum.
  By the early 90s, and once back home in Dundee, he turned his expertise and knowledge to building bespoke machines for businesses and individuals and offering PC repair, refurbishment and maintenance; making many friends in the process.
  Bob is survived by his wife Pat, his son Iain and daughter Sam, grandchildren Mathew, Kathryn, Natasha, Bethany and Tiffany, his mother Margaret, sisters Maria and Margot and brother Paul. The family is devastated at his early and swift demise and he will be sorely missed. The funeral will be at Dundee Crematorium on Monday 9^th August at 1.30pm to which all friends and relatives are invited. Live streaming via this link https://obitus.com, user name pabi6252, password 677054.⁴
  

  Photograph by DAVID HANNAH

  

  

• Newspaper Article*: He and Margaret Ness McGregor Dickson hotelier were mentioned in a newspaper article Margaret aged 18, pregnant with Bob and serving at the dockers canteen on 4 September 1948 at Docks, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .¹
  
• Newspaper Article*: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was mentioned in a newspaper article KOWALEWSKI - At DRI on Jan 21 1949, to Mr and Mrs Kowalewski (nee Margaret Dickson), 10 Campbell Street - a son (Both Well) on 22 January 1949 at Dundee Royal Infirmary, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .⁵
  
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in February 1949 at Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , along with Mary Keith Paterson Johnston hotelier, Margaret Ness McGregor Dickson hotelier and Brunon Kowalewski electrician Robert Carson's christening.¹
  

  
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in March 1949 at Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , along with Brunon Kowalewski electrician and Margaret Ness McGregor Dickson hotelier Robert Carson in the pram.¹
  

  
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in July 1949 at Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .¹
  
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in December 1949 at Campbell Street, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , along with Brunon Kowalewski electrician and Margaret Ness McGregor Dickson hotelier Bobby's first Christmas.¹
  

  
• Photograph*: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in 1952 at Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .¹
  
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in 1953 at Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .¹
  
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in 1953 at Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .¹
  
• (Resident) Address: As of before 7 July 1954, Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was living with Brunon Kowalewski electrician and Margaret Ness McGregor Dickson hotelier at at 17 Napier Place, Dryburgh, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .⁶
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in 1955 at Angus, Scotland, , along with Alexander Young Dickson jute mill oiler and Annie McKenna Boag.¹
  
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in 1956 at Angus, Scotland, , along with Margaret Ness McGregor Dickson hotelier Carson family.¹
  
• (Witness) Christening: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' witnessed the christening of Thomas Slammon in March 1962 at Craigmount Road, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, ; Thomas Slammon Christening.⁷
  

  Sandra Dickson holding baby Thomas Slammon with Frank Murphy

  

  Thomas Slammon Christening
  Back row - Bob(by) Carson, Daniel Docherty
  Middle Row - Rosemary Docherty, Margot Carson holding Thomas Slammon, Mari Carson holding her brother Paul
  Front - Frank Reilly, John Docherty, Thomas Inglis, Phillip Reilly
• (Resident) Address: As of 1964, Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was living with Brunon Kowalewski electrician and Margaret Ness McGregor Dickson hotelier at at 6 Norwood Crescent, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .⁶
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Invercarse Hotel, Perth Road, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , in 1968.^8,1
  

  

  
• Misc*: Between 1969 and 1971 Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was the drummer with various Dundee bands. Bob had been playing drums for some time, initially under the guidance of his great-uncle Johnny Paterson, who was the drummer at the Hubara in Dundee. But dance-band drumming was not quite what Bob aspired to (see articles about Jynx.)¹
  

  Bass drum skin from Bob's drum kit c1969

  

  Charcoal drawing by a street artist in Chester during a tour of English venues c1970
• (Witness) Event-Misc: He was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Town Hall, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, , in May 1969.⁹
  
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they had a publicity photo taken at Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , in May 1969.^8,1
  
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they had a publicity photo taken at Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , in September 1969.⁸
  
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Maud, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 9 January 1970.⁹
  

  
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 10 January 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, , on 11 January 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at MacDuff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 17 January 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 23 January 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Aberdeen University, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 24 January 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Banff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 6 February 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at MacDuff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 7 February 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Menzieshill, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , on 20 February 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Banchory, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 21 February 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Aberdeen University, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 27 February 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at MacDuff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 28 February 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they had a publicity photo taken at Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , in March 1970.⁸
  
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Strathclyde University, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, , on 6 March 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 7 March 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they went to the Nice concert at Caird Hall, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , on 14 March 1970.⁹
  
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at St Joseph's Halls, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , on 15 March 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 20 March 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 21 March 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Menzieshill, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , on 2 April 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Maud, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 3 April 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Thurso, Caithness, Scotland, , on 4 April 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at audition at Casablanca Club, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, , on 9 April 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 10 April 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 11 April 1970.⁹
  

  
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 12 April 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Strathclyde University, Maryland, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, , on 17 April 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Pretorcher, Aberdeen University, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 24 April 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, , on 25 April 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, , on 2 May 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Gretna Green, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, , on 8 May 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at HMS Condor, Arbroath, Angus, Scotland, , on 10 May 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at US Naval Base, Dunoon, Argyleshire, Scotland, , on 23 May 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 29 May 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Grange, Scotland, , on 30 May 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Lossiemouth, Morayshire, Scotland, , on 31 May 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Hubara, Broughty Ferry Road, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , in June 1970.⁹
  
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at US Naval Base, Edzell, Angus, Scotland, , on 13 June 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Thurso, Caithness, Scotland, , on 19 June 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Thurso, Caithness, Scotland, , on 20 June 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Fordoun, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , on 26 June 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Castle Douglas, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, , on 27 June 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at Carlisle, Cumbria, England, , on 28 June 1970.⁹
• (Witness) Newspaper Article: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' and Edward Quinn was mentioned in a newspaper article about the band Jynx in July 1970. In Transplant magazine: Would we possibly have a mention of Dundee's Jynx? They are fanntastic. - Pat, Aberdeen. *see East Coast, page 29, Pat.
  East Coast feature: Do Jynx really exists? Becasue it looks as if we've got a real mystery group among us.
  After singing their praises in this column last month, I decided to investigate the group in detail. A phone call to their agency, and it was fixed up for the group to be present at their offices one afternoon.
  Come the time, with a 50-mile rail journey behind me and my photographer, and what do we find? No group; the agency office locked up, and not a soul in town who'd ever heard of Jynx.
  And to cap it all, a four-hour wait until the next train home ... to think I actually LIKE this job!¹⁰
  
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they played at The New International Club, 127 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, , in July 1970 The New International Club, 127 Princes Street, Edinburgh. tel 031-226 4660. Nash News. Within the last few weeks Groups from different parts of Scotland have been invited to play at the New International Club, 127 Princes Street, Edinburgh.
  It's part of a campaign to discover new talent.
  Several Groups have shown good qualities. Noted this month, has been, the Sudden Life from Dundee.
  Two Main Halls in the "Nash" are being used for the most popular kind of music, therefore a minor hall will be in operation to test the demand of other types of other entertainement. Just n ow the choice has been for Country and Western which is becoming popular again.
  The Nashville Three will have a try - Best of Luck.
  Just now amongsth the Edinburgh Groups, the Rockin' Chair are increasing their popularity for their good wuality of music.
  Forthcoming engagements at the "Nash" for the first time are:
  Beggars Opera
  Colour Blind
  Ceremony
  Jynx
  Copper Plate Movement
  Staircase
  Suede
  Small World
  of course!
  Mike Riley married on 27th June - that combination should make the charts!⁹
  
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was a member of the band Jynx when they won a competition at British Legion Hall, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, , in August 1970 Courier & Advertiser August 1970 reports: First Fraserburgh pop festival a smash hit. Organisers of Fraserburgh's first Pop Festival yesterday praised the young people pf the town for making a the week-long event a great sucess, with a total of £400 being raised for local youth organisations. Four groups competed for the festival's £100 prize at the British Legion Hall on Saturday night, when more than 700 people attended.
  And it was a Dundee outfit, The Jynx, who carried of the honours - and the cheque - with a resounding performance.
  Overwhelmed.
  After their winning session, leader and bass guitarist Eddie Quinn said: "We are overwhelmed. The Standard in the festival was tremendously high, but we are grateful to have the local teenagers right behind us."
  The three other finalists were Aberdeen groups Twighlight Zone and The Royal Teens and Fraserburgh combo Exhibit A.
  Yesterday the energetic Mr George Skinner, a British Legion entertainments official who ran the festival single-handed, paid tribute to the youth of the town.
  Fantastic.
  "This festival has been a fantastic success and it was great to see the youngsters turning up to support it.
  "We had big crowds on each of the four heat nights and of course the final night was unbelievable."
  Mr Skinner has now called upon the town council and all ocal organisations to get their heads together to plan a real bumper summer programme for next year - the idea being mainly to celebrate the jubilee of the British Legion.
  To Discuss Plans.
  "I hope to meet Provost Alex Noble soon to discuss plans for arranging a meeting of all voluntary bodies in the town. We have proved that, properly run, events in Fraserburgh can be very worthwhile," he said.
  Provost Noble was at Saturday night's dance to receive the £400 cheque, which will be divided between the 20 local youth groups who contributed towards the prize money.
  Caption for the photograph: SINGER Fred Houston receives the £100 cheque on behalf of the Jynx from Mr James Sinclair after the group won the town's first pop festival on Saturday night. Looking on are (left to right) Dave Paterson, Eddie Quinn and Bob Carson.
  
  Evening Telegraph (Aug 1970) reports: Dundee Band Wins £100. JYNX, a Dundee beat band, have won a competition at Fraserburgh - after overcoming a jinx of a different kind.
  The group have been beset by van troubles recently.
  Their own vehicle in presently lying "in dock" at Newcastle.
  They borrowed a van from some friends for the trip to Fraserburgh British Legion Club but got no farther than Brechin where a tyre punctured.
  They telephoned ahead and asked to be put on last of the four beat bands competeing.
  They eventually reached Fraserburgh at 9.45pm.
  The other bands had each played 45 minutes. But after only 25 minutes playing Jynx were told they had won.
  The Jynx line-up is Dave Paterson (organ), Eddie Quinn (bass), Fred Houston (vocals) and Bob Carson (drums).
  Professional.
  They have just turned professional.
  Dave was an upholster, Eddie a civil servant, Bob and electronic engineer and Fred a ladies' hairdresser - and a s Eddie said as he surveyed the band's flowing locks - "that's quite handy."
  Their prize at the festival was £100.
  The week-end realised £400 for charity.
  
  Transplant Magazine (Sept 1970) also reports: East Coast feature: As if doing a feature on them in this month's magazine wasn't enough JYNX are really proving to me they do exist.
  They won a beat group contest in Fraserburgh by the skin of their teeth, timewise that is, for they ended up 20 points ahead of their nearest rivals!
  Because of the late arrival of their new van they didn't get to the hall where the contest was until 9.45. And they were supposed to be there at six!
  Anyway, they stepped on the stage and when they stepped off again they were £100 richer.
  They follow this up with a ten-day tour of Wales and a five-day tour of the Midlands.
  Who said they didn't exist?^11,12,13
  

  

  

  

  
• (Witness) Newspaper Article: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' and Edward Quinn was mentioned in a newspaper article about the band Jynx in September 1970. In Transplant magazine: Jynx — welcomed by a squad of Roman soldiers!
  The uniform expression of the experienced pop musician in a strange town is a bored, disinterested look that comes from having lost long ago the naive enthusiasm to explore immediately every new place he comes to.
  Jynx are no exception — they're the type you recognise a mile off, without the at-home feel of the resident yet disdaining to look like tourists.
  And as with most creative musicians, the face is misleading. Eddie, Dave, Fred and Bob are an intelligent, wide-awake, aware foursome, friendly — and with a limitless fund of tales of group life.
  Like the time they played Aberdeen, and arrived in town to find the inhabitants roving about in every conceivable costume under the sun — “there were squads of Roman soldiers marching down the street!”
  It turned out they were booked to play a fancy-dress ball in an old church, which itself was done up in painted pews and a disco in the pulpit.
  Or the occasion when the long-haired group drove into a tiny town to be met by a main street full of fierce looking skinheads. They began to unload their gear at the club door and were immediately surrounded by a circle of bovver boys. The group got ready to fight their way out . . . and found the skinheads had only come to help them carry their heavy amps.
  Vocalist Fred recalls a date at a working men's club in the North of England. Worried about the older customers’ reaction to their music, Eddie informed the manager Jynx were a harmony soul group.
  After playing three soul numbers—all they knew—it got too much for them and they reverted to their usual heavy rock sound. The workers loved it, and demanded their return the next week.
  Just what is Jynx's music? Heavy, Deep Purple—Rare Bird—Atomic Rooster material mostly, with a number of originals by bassist Eddie Quinn.
  (The main influences on Eddie's song-writing are, according to drummer Bob Carson, the rest of the group. “In other words, if he writes something rotten, we do him!”)
  A move away from the usual group format is Jynx's line-up of organ, base, drums and vocal. Note the missing lead guitarist.
  "We've had two," explains Eddie, "but they didn't last long. Then we had the offer of another, but he didn't fit as a person.
  "And that's important. We've been together for three years now and we know each other. And once you're sound internally you're sound externally. Anyway, I can play lead if we need it."
  Fully professional, Jynx share the preference of many Scots groups for English audiences. They point out that in the South, you'll get encouragement as you play, even if you're having a bad night.
  In Scotland, they feel, you can do as well as anyone else, but all you'll hear is polite applause at the end. You only know if you've been liked if somebody comes up afterwards and tells you so.
  A definite pointer to the state of the Scottish scene is, in their opinion, the power of the promoters.
  In particular, those who run clubs and also manage groups—Jynx had one notable set-to once when they played a club, were liked, and were inundated with requests to return.
  To their disgust and that of the local music-lovers, the manager flatly refused to book them again, in spite of the demand. The future of his own groups came before pleasing the customers.
  As an East Coast group—from Dundee—Jynx find Glasgow especially hard to penetrate.
  But if they're unsuccessful in the "closed shop" of the big Western city, they've certainly made up for it elsewhere.
  Tours organised by their agents have taken the boys all over the English scene, an important market for any ambitious groups.
  As a result they've already had one offer of a recording break, which they turned down—because they didn't trust the man who made the offer!
  It's not many groups who'll turn down a recording offer, whatever the reason.
  That decision showed a feet-on-the-ground refusal to allow any stars in their eyes. But they needn't regret their decision too much.
  As they possess just as much talent as they do sense, it will be very surprising it we don't hear of more approaches to this group in the near future.
  All it needs is the right, honest offer, and who knows ... .¹⁴
  

  Transplant Magazine, Sept 1970

  
• (Witness) Newspaper Article: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' and Edward Quinn were mentioned in a newspaper article about the band Jynx on 7 November 1970. The People's Journal: HAVE THE JYNX SHAKEN OFF THAT GREMLIN ?
  BEFORE the camera it was immediately made clear that the four lads who call themselves Jynx didn't favour the cheesy grin or the formal pose.
  “We don't,” said organ player Dave Paterson, “want to be taken for part of the teeny-bopper scene.”
  Which is as good a way as any of saying that Jynx, as professional entertainers, take themselves and their music seriously.
  Jynx consists of a quartet of Dundonians—Dave, from Downfield; Bob Carson, from Blackness Road; Fred Houston, Whitfield; and Eddie Quinn, Charleston.
  “But,” says Eddie, “we're probably better known in the North-East than in our native city.”
  Winners of a contest for groups in Fraserburgh this Summer which meant £100 as well as kudos, the boys ambitious. Ambitious enough to have taken the full-time professional step.
  On the last day of this month comes what they feel could be a big break for them—an appearance at Chester's Quaint Ways Club, jumping-off ground for such as the renowned Fleetwood Mac.
  * No copying
  For those who haven't heard them, Eddie describes Jynx’s style as akin to Deep Purple or Atomic Rooster. But Jynx want to be Jynx—not a copy of anybody.
  Eddie, self-taught, plays bass guitar and writes material for he group. Dave plays organ, Bob's the drummer and Fred the vocalist.
  They've been getting around. Their big van has taken them down south and recently they did 13 dates on a 10-day tour of Wales.
  “Tough? Yes, but great experience,” says Eddie. This progressive quartet also have hopes of a B.B.C. audition, and obviously won't be happy to let the grass grow under their feet.
  They hope the unhappy spell that gave them their name is long past.
  “It was a period when everything seemed to be going wrong,” recalls Eddie. “We were looking for a name at the time and one day, feeling exasperated after something else had gone awry, I said: ‘I don't know! There must be a jinx on this group!’ “
  So Jynx it was. With the difference in spelling adding a bit of theatrical flavour.
  Eddie, who lives at 15 Duncarse Place, hasn't regretted leaving the security of a Civil Service job for a less predictable career in music.
  “We're quite pleased with the way things are going so far,” he says.
  The Chester appearance could help confirm his and the other boys’ wisdom in taking the big step.
  Meantime the hard work of rehearsal on a quiet farm just outside town will go on. The boys don't bank on short-cuts to the top.¹⁵
  
• (Witness) Event-Misc: Cutting from the Dundee Courier newspaper on Monday 19th July 1971 reads : Dundee pop festival attract 5000. Dundee's first pop festival came into being yesterday with the clashing of cymbals, the rolling of drums and the twang of guitars.
  Perhaps it wasn't quite on the scale of Woodstock or the Isle of Wight, but it still attracted thousands of the young and not so young to Camperdown Park yesterday.
  They sat in the brilliant sunshine while five hours of non-stop pop reverbrated from a tage at the south end of the park.
  There were close on 5000 teenagers around the stage by mid-afternoon.
  The concert was organised by 21-year-old Danny Blair, Salton Crescent, Whitfield.
  Five local groups, singers and a mobile disco performed during the afternoon.
  Dundee's entertainments officer Mr Colin Reed, speaking of its success, held out hopes for similar events.¹⁶
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
• Occupation: In January 1972 at Eastwood Road, Goodmayes, London, England, , Robert was Computer Field Engineer with Clonbeg; Bob was recruited by this firm who came to Dundee in Dec 1971 to find NCR trained engineers. Others in the firm were
  Bill Cannings, MD
  Don, Manager & Chief Engineer
  Ernie, refurbished the older accounting machines
  Ned (Southend), Field Engineer
  Kenny Cannings, Bill's brother and general factotum
  Tony, Accountant
  Susan Alley, Admin.¹⁷
• Occupation*: In January 1972 at Eastwood Road, Goodmayes, London, England, , Robert was Computer Field Engineer.¹⁷
• (Recipient) Letter for web: On 6 July 1972 Robert received a letter from Joan Russell Taylor at Ruadhchre, Longforgan, Perthshire, Scotland, ; Longforgan 308; Dear Pat & Bobby, Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers. It was such a delightful gesture, we do appreciate your thoughtfulness. We both thoroughly enjoyed the wedding & again wish you both all happiness in the future. Yours, Joan Prain.
• Occupation: Between 1973 and 1974 at House of Lords, Westminster, London, England, , Robert was employed by Rediffusion to maintain the computers for the 'Annunciator System' that was cable TVs that were installed in the House of Lords (and later in the Commons) for displaying information about what was happening in the Lords that day.
  
  Information found on an FOI request from 2013 gives this:
  1. The history of the Annunciator: when it was first implemented, by who, how it has evolved, what is the estimated cost of building and maintaining it
  
  The first annunciator unit in the House of Commons was mounted in the new smoking room in 1894. The Exchange Telegraph Company Limited were the installation contractors. Over the following 73 years a total of 46 annunciators had been introduced. These were mechanical devices which carouselled a ticker tape carrying information relating to events in either chamber. The text based annunciator feed was migrated on to the TV service in 1968.
  The electronic version of the “Annunciator” began in the House of Commons around 1968 as a black & white, single channel service, and was extended to the House of Lords in around 1972. It became a multi-channel colour service around 1989, and has since been improved and extended with channels providing TV & radio, news, Hansard teletext and live cover of the Houses. It was last modified in 2012 in response to the national digital switchover, and now transmits to over 2,200 screens on the Parliamentary Estate and some channels are broadcast to 20 Government departments.
  
  The Annunciator Services (TV System) cost £230k per annum to maintain. This covers the maintenance of some 2200 TV sets and associated distribution systems and the provision of technical staff at all times when either House is sitting. Figures are not available for the cost of starting up the annunciator (text service). The annunciator system and support costs are £11k per annum.
  
  2. What is the technical structure of the system: what are its components (servers, clients, displays) and how they are interconnected
  
  The “annunciator” service consists of two services in Parliament: the text based feed on the TV screens and also the television monitors and distribution system (TV system) on the Parliamentary estate. The service is broadcast over a private network and is displayed on standard TV screens. The annunciator text feed is a video feed generated by servers running a database holding information on the business of Parliament and updated by operators to show the current speaker and other information on the business of the House.
  
  3. What sort of procedure is in place to update the system: how many people concur to entering the information and by what means
  
  The House of Commons annunciator system is updated by annunciator staff who upload pre-prepared templates of procedural business and publish Members names as they stand to speak. There are 3 staff who output information relating to the Commons chamber and Westminster Hall across the week. They will cross refer to colleagues in Parliament where necessary to confirm details before publishing.
  
  4. If the Annunciator is internally maintained, or if it's procured from an external supplier; in this case, who is this supplier and what kind contract is in place, together with financial details
  
  The Annunciator (text service) is procured from Softel against a support and maintenance contract the annual cost of which is £11k. The Annunciator (TV System) contract is currently held by Chubb Systems Ltd. The contract to supply the Parliamentary television feed is currently open for tender.
  
  We have concluded information regarding the Annunciator (TV System) contract is exempt under section 43(2) of the FOI Act in that the House of Commons considers that the disclosure of this information would be prejudicial to the House’s commercial interests.
  
  etc.^17,18
  
• Occupation: Between 1975 and 1985 at Telex / Memorex, London, England, , Robert was employed as a field engineer by Telex to maintain the IBM plug-compatible peripherals marketed by them. Telex were taken over / bought out by the much bigger Memorex, but the work continued to be much the same.¹⁷
  

  This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. Found at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IBM_System_360_tape_drives.jpg Erik Pitti from San Diego, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons [Feb 2022]
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in July 1976 at West Country, England, , on holiday in the West Country.¹
  
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in 1978 at Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , along with Brunon Kowalewski electrician.¹
  
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in September 1980 at Murraygate, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , along with Brunon Kowalewski electrician.¹
  
• Property Purchase*: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' and Brunon Kowalewski electrician purchased a property at at 2 Gillburn Road, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , in 1990.¹⁹
  

  This aerial view captured May 2018

  Photograph by Pat
• (Informant) Death: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' registered the death of Brunon Kowalewski electrician on 26 May 1992 at Roxburghe House, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .²⁰
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in 1999 at Gillburn Road, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .¹
  
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken on 16 June 2000 at Craigtay Hotel, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , for Margaret's Birthday.¹
  
• Photograph: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' is in this photograph taken in March 2004 at Craigtay Hotel, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , for Sam's birthday.¹
  

Education

• Education*: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was educated between 1954 and 1959 at Ancrum Road Primary School, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .
• Education: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was educated between 1959 and 1963 at Rockwell Junior Secondary School, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .
• Education: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' was educated between 1963 and 1964 at Harris Academy, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .²¹
• Education: He was educated between 1965 and 1969 at National Cash Register, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , as apprentice working on NCR 400 and 315 electro-mechanical accounting machines; then on the NCR 'Century' line of computer manufacture - the first electronic machines.²¹

Notes

• (Witness) Note for Web: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' and Edward Quinn was mentioned with the band Jynx circa 1968. In a climate of Ginger Baker, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, the Who, Jimi Hendrix, etc 'the JYNX' was born. The Jynx line-up was Bob on drums, Graeme 'Gus' Angus on lead guitar (for a time) followed by Dave Paterson on Hammond organ, Eddie Quinn on bass and Fred/Greig Houston leading at the front with vocals. Depending on their audience, Jynx performed an eclectic mix of music ranging from the emerging hard rock/heavy metal for the students at Aberdeen and Strathclyde University Unions and the US Navy at RAF Edzell to a much more ‘commercial’ mix including songs such as ‘Sixteen Tons’ and ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’ for the Working Men’s Clubs of North-East England.⁸
• (Witness) Note for Web: Robert Carson 'the Computer Doctor' and Edward Quinn was with the band Jynx in 1970. Sheet music of song "Sympathy" by Rare Bird - one of the numbers covered by Jynx.⁹