Have you knowledge of a Bandmaster from the past?

[TJ]

I am trying to piece together my Grandfather's past and am wondering if any one left who might remember him, or knows the history of the Bands with which he was connected. His name is Joseph Barnett Yorke and he died in the early 60s.

We know he was born in Kettering and by the age of 9 he had joined his 6 brothers in the Kettering Rifle Band. By the age of 20 he was appointed conductor of the Irthlingbough Town Band.

In the early 1920's he moved to South Wales and took charge of the Blaina Lascaster and Pontypool Bands

In 1928 he moved to Yeovil to become Band Master / Professional Conductor of the Yeovil Town Band and later in his career The Sidmouth - Glastonbury - Bridgewater - and the Wincanton Bands With the Wincanton Band he won its section of the Brass Band Competition.

As well as a Band Master and Conductor he was an Adjudicator, but we have no details. [Can anyone help]

Away from the bands, he led his own Variety Orchestra which broadcast on a number of occasions, was a music teacher and in semi retirement he started the Yeovil Youth Orchestra.

I would be very grateful if anyone could fill in some blanks or put me touch with someone who can, or even point me in the direction of any record that might exist.

[Highams]

There are good pics of Kettering & Blaina Bands here;

http://www.harrogate.co.uk/harrogate-band/indexinf.htm

Click on the vintage brass band pictures section.

Good luck,
www.euph9.freeserve.co.uk

[TJ]

Thanks, Highams, will follow this up. It looks as though its a site at which I could spend some interest time.