This is a Friday fornightly winter concert in Canada Rd concert hall as it was about 1957 or 58 before the extensive building works which (1) extended the platform or stage, (2) changed the backdrop seen here with Memorial Silver Trumpets displayed, and (3) erected the balcony at the far end over the old “blasting boxes”, two cabooshes where unfortunate student conductors were analyzed –usually demoralised!- by Fred (alias Lt Col F Vivian Dunn CVO).
The players I recognise are, from top left- horn Bert Farlow, trumpets Roy Nash, Terry Freestone & Ray Alberry, trombones- Dave Spencer,?,?, tuba-PD Smith,
basses – ?, Derek Hall, Alan Warby, cello – Ron Kempton
2nd row – flute-Trevor Wye, bassoon- Ken Booth, viola- Len Bramidge. I can only make out the first desk of fiddles who are Leader Bert Turner who had recently taken over from S/B/Mr Don Guthrie who is on his left. At the Blüthner grand piano is National Serviceman David Oliver.
Any choral support needed was usually provided by the local Deal & Walmer Handelian Society under Dr James Hall OBE, the surgeon of the Walmer lifeboat for many years; however this is not them, perhaps Betteshanger Colliery Miners as it is male-voices. ~ Terry Freestone.