ID: ML2016_008_L81

TitleMemory Lane - Mersea bands
AbstractOn Saturday 6th July, Wendy and I went along to Fen Farm, East Mersea to a Concert given by the Colchester Community Band themed 'Colchester Community Band goes pop'. The concert was in Ralph's tractor shed a fine new building built by Ralph Lord to house his fine collection of vintage tractors. There were at least a dozen tractors arranged around the perimeter of the building leaving ample room for the band and the audience. I understand there are other tractors in various sheds around the farm.

I always enjoy watching musicians playing the various instruments and have to confess I do get rather emotional as it brings back memories of watching my dad playing his trombone (which I still have) in the British Legion Brass band on Sunday afternoons at what were called Brotherhood Meetings. I know my friend Sid Sherwood also used to go along to watch his dad Alf playing his cornet - which Sid still has. I wonder if any more of the instruments still survive. I believe the Mersea Sea Cadets had the bass drum.

The picture shows the Mersea British Legion Band playing on the school field. The occasion is believed to be a royal event in the 1930s, maybe the Coronation of King George VI. The bass drummer is Bert 'Socks' Wright. From left seated Herbert Burgess cornet and Alec Green? cornet next to him. From the right of the picture Les Green, trombone, Mr Puxley, french horn, Bert Chapman in dark jacket, next to him looks like Will Chapman trumpet. Arthur Tredget in dark trilby and Ernie Dixon left of him.

The concert at Fen Farm was to raise money for the Pink Ladies Tractor Road Run (Cancer Research).

Article published in Mersea Life August 2016 page Local 81.

PublishedAugust 2016
SourceMersea Museum
IDML2016_008_L81