It turns out that "Oddball" was a local pop band from the 1960s, in which Farnhill lad Ken Webb was the drummer. It's not clear that the band really "happened", as the graffiti suggested they would, and no one has been able to tell us of any gigs they performed. It sounds as if they were just a bunch of local wannabes.

The graffiti probably dates from the late '60s, perhaps 1969 and, without pointing the finger too much, it seems that Ken and his band-mates were the likely perpetrators.

The appearance of the graffiti may have caused some consternation to Ken's father. Norris Webb was a special constable who was well known in the village. He ran beetle drives in the rooms under the chapel on Saturday nights, and also performed magic tricks (rather badly, or so it is said). The family lived at 57 Main Street and 11 Staincliffe Street. 

 
Posted: 31/10/2020;
with thanks to Paul Beswick and Richard Law