Band Photographs 1953

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After the Second World War, the two main bands in the city amalgamated to for the St Albans City and British Legion Band. Players from each got together to form a viable banding force in the city and some members from the British Legion band, including George Peck and George Wright remained in the City band until the mid-1970’s.

By the 1950’s the band wore these rather fetching ex-Police uniforms with the addition of gold braid to add some interest to the dark cloth.

Back Row – Left to Right – Buddy Allan, ?, George Peck, Roy Hall, Charlie Horsley, Nelson Morris, Fred Knight.

Lower Back Row – Left to Right – George Darby, Freddie Day, ‘Pop’ Longland, Jimmy Johnson.

Middle Row – Left to Right – Bill Day, Eric Cramphorn, Mr Halsey the Bandroom Caretaker, Archie Macdonald, Derek Brett, Alan Webster, Jean ? ex-Army, Alf Martin, Bert Golby, Ted Stacey, Len Smith.

Front Row – Left to Right – Les Smith, Sammy Edwards, Dave Macdonald, Ted Longland (Conductor), Eddie Ewings, Harry Johnson, Bob Ewer, Joe Smith.

The second picture reveals the full ‘Dixon of Dock Green’ horror of these uniforms, especially the one worn by Ted Longland in the centre of the picture!
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‘Evening All…!’