A member of a Bradford school band which had a moment of glory almost 60 years ago when it performed at the Royal Albert Hall in front of Royalty is trying to trace his fellow band members.

Joe Burnall, who emigrated to Australia in 1966, was part of Bierley Council School percussion band which played at the National Festival on May 6, 1938, for Queen Elizabeth, now the Queen Mother.

The event was the Schools' Music Festival of England and Bierley School was the only one which provided a complete band to play at the concert with a number of percussionists from schools across the country, the London Symphony Orchestra and a 1,000-strong choir.

Mr Burnell, who lives in South Australia after service in the Army, RAF and Bradford Police, was leafing through some old photographs at his home when he came across one of the band which evoked memories of the event.

He remembers the side drummers were called Frank Pagett and Eric Finch and the bass drummer was Geoffrey Mountain. The tambourine player was Geoffrey Nolson and other members were Leslie West and Donald Firth.

He is now hoping to contact any band members who still live in the Bradford district.

Mr Burnell said: "I must not have been interested in girls at that stage of my life as I cannot remember any of their names.

"I have visited Bradford three times since 1991 but have not met any of the pupils shown in the photograph, though it is doubtful if I would have known them had I walked past them."

Mr Burnell said that on the way to London for the concert, the school stopped overnight in Birmingham and Worcester where they gave performances accompanied by pupils from local schools.

Anyone who wants to get in touch with him should write to: 20/43 Jarvis Road, Elizabeth Vale, South Australia 5112.

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