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Lydney cinema musicians.

Lydney Cinema Musicians

James Belcher

John wrote (Nov 2006): "My grandfather James W Belcher was the patriarch of a musical family. By profession he was a stonemason, but music was his first love. He played the saxophone, flute, trumpet, violin, harp and anything else that he could get hold of. He was the Bandmaster of the Two Bridges Brass Band for many years; played the Last Post at military funerals as an army private in the area during the 1st World War; led the Lydney Picture House orchestra during the days of silent movies; had his own family dance band called the "Paragon D" Orchestra with his sons Harold, Jack, Ivor and daughter Ethel all members. On top of all this he taught the flute and other instruments to local people.
The picture of the cinema staff includes Ivor Belcher (far left) on the left with the violin, James Belcher in the centre back with the flute and Harold Belcher on the right with the double bass. Ethel also played the piano at the cinema.

The picture of James with his sax was taken at Springfield Rd, Lydney in the early 1940s".

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