Tower and Town, April 2015

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Family News

Two sets of first time great grandparents!

Norma and Laurie Dobie are thrilled with their first great-grandson, born in September to Jess and Luke who live in Loddiswell in Devon. Laurie is one of the seven Dobie brothers who started to meet up in their mother, Vera’s, house each Sunday morning many years ago to catch up with family news and have continued the tradition since Mrs Dobie died.

Jean and David Jones have a great grand-daughter Hermina-Rose born November 9th to Kieron Jones and his partner, Samara.

Kieron’s father, Kevin Jones, Lynette and family now live in Brisbane, Australia. They moved there when Kevin left the British army after serving 23 years and joined the Australian army. He was a student at St Mary’s, St Peter’s and St. John’s. His son, Luke, is currently in the Australian Judo team

Bernice Lee died peacefully on January 31st. Born in 1929 she was christened, confirmed and married (1953) in the Parish Church in Shepton Mallet. She played hockey, tennis and skittles and rang hand bells, including a live performance on radio ‘In Town Tonight’ in July 1950. When Don was transferred to Lloyd’s bank in Marlborough in 1965 she and their sons, Richard and Andrew, came to live in their new bungalow in Poulton Crescent. She helped Joan Cowley with her Music and Movement for toddlers, played bowls and crib and was a Welcomer at St Mary’s Church. Recently she has been cared for by Don and, since August, in Coombe End. She was proud of her family especially their grandchildren Jessica, Joshua and Emily. They gave thanks for a wonderful life in St. Mary’s Church.

I asked Tony Jackson about Marlborough Big Band. He says it is a community band for all ages and is linked to On Track Music Services Ltd, a registered charity, helping disadvantaged young people become involved in music. The charity aims to help with provision of instruments, music and tuition. It was started just over two years ago by Mick Allport, a local jazz saxophonist. The Band meets for re- hearsals every Friday evening at The Bear, playing a range of music mainly swing and jazz from 1930's on. Members’ ages range from 14 upwards, the only qualifica- tion being able to read music and play a musical instrument to at least grade 3 level. There are no stars, just a group of like-minded musicians who enjoy playing music and having fun. Performances to date: Marlborough Jazz Festival x 2, Jazz Festival church service, Charity Concert at St Peters Church for On Track Music Services, Burbage Best Kept Village presentation, Vanessa's Lafaye's Book launch and other church services. The Band is always looking for trumpets and trombones which seem to be in short supply.