Other Recollections of Lockerley Band Lockerley Band's Beginnings An old drum from the bandroom bore the words "Lockerley Band Established 1880," serving as a nostalgic reminder of its long-standing history. David Moody (the Elder) David Moody, affectionately known as "the elder," was a cornerstone of Lockerley Band. He lived across from the King’s Arms in Lockerley and visited the bandroom daily to examine the music. A true multi-instrumentalist, he played all the instruments in the band, favoring the cornet and the E flat bass. During World War I, David served in an army band stationed in the UK, playing music during long marches of eight miles in the morning and another eight miles in the afternoon—a task he much preferred to cooking duties. Later, he became a market gardener near Carter’s Clay and worked at the Dean ammunition dump during World War II. David’s legacy in the band continued through his son, also named David, who became a member as well. Conductors and Contest Memories A. Halestrap: Guest conductor for the contest on 13th July 1946. D. Judd: Guest conductor for the contest on 16th June 1962, hailing from Shaftesbury Town Band. Judd, a farmer from Sixpenny Handley, brought a rustic charm to the occasion. The Bandroom and Squatters' Rights At one point, before John Wilkins became bandmaster, the vicarage—where the bandroom was located—was set to be sold, and the band was given just one month’s notice to vacate. David Moody (the elder) was the bandmaster at the time. Although the band had always performed for the village fete free of charge and paid no rent, Joyce (likely a band member or supporter) argued they had squatters’ rights after occupying the space for over 25 years. Ultimately, the church transferred the room to the Parish Council with the agreement that the band could continue using it rent-free. A Costume Mishap At a concert held at Lockerley Memorial Hall in the late 1970s, the band decided to incorporate costumes. John Wilkins, determined to add flair, chose a Turkish outfit. Ignoring his wife Mary’s advice on the impracticality of his choice, John crafted the outfit himself using sheer red material and a homemade fez. When the stage lights illuminated the flimsy costume during his entrance, the audience erupted in laughter—it revealed far more than intended! A Tragic Passing and Memorable Moments Ernie Sillence, a relative of Charlie Sillence, passed away in the bandroom while playing The Acrobat by Greenwood on the trombone, under John Wilkins' direction. Later, Charlie Sillence, a solo cornet player, suffered a stroke in the 1980s.