Longwell Green Orchestra

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The musical group became known as a Brotherhood Orchestra, one of many in the Bristol area. The president of the Brotherhood was for many years William Garland. His son, Leslie, played the ‘cello in the group for 66 years having been taught by Alf Lovell. In those days many individuals were keen to learn an instrument and join the Brotherhood Orchestra as there were few distractions and no television.

Thursday night has always been rehearsal night and originally this took place in The Hut, a corrugated building situated near where the Post Office now stands. It was an ex army hut brought from Salisbury Plain and was used by the YMCA, as a doctor’s surgery, a library, for parties and, of course, a rehearsal room for the Orchestra. It was cold and draughty in Winter and boiling hot in Summer but nothing stopped the keenness of the musicians to make music.

When a Memorial Hall was built to remember those who had died in the war many of the musicians were involved in this venture both practically and with money. This has all been extended and is now a thriving Community Centre where the Orchestra has rehearsed since soon after it was built.

The Orchestra have always been happy to perform wherever and whenever asked and over the years they have entertained at supper clubs; played for the over 60’s, the disabled or for the blind; performed at hospitals; played background music for fetes and fairs as well as given many concerts. It has a varied social side and in recent years they have travelled further afield to combine a holiday with performing concerts in France.

The first conductor was William Shirley who was a violin teacher. He was a jolly individual who smoked all the while he both conducted and played the violin. In its long history four other conductors have been very important to the orchestra: each of them a talented musician in his own right and devoting a considerable time and effort to its success. The first of these, Cliff Powlesland, played and taught the violin and he conducted for 50 years with gentle good humour. Robert Lavis, an excellent trumpeter and composer, directed it for 8 years, introducing both new music and new ways which helped to consolidate and improve what had gone before. Colin Exley, having played trombone in the orchestra and with a vast amount of musical experience, conducted for about 5 years with much good humour and encouragement. His novel ideas and methods put new life into the Orchestra and were greeted with enthusiasm by members, even when some of his ideas went awry, e.g. when members were sea sick while playing in rough seas on a paddle steamer! Paul Sidney took the helm early in the 21st century, ably directing the orchestra with gentle encouragement and continued in the tradition of the orchestra where good humour and a relaxed manner ensured the best was achieved from the players.

In spite of the disbanding of many music groups this one still thrives with a current membership of around 40. Its success is ensured by its members sharing a love of music-making together with the feeling of friendship and informality.

A book was published in 1996 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Orchestra and this book is still obtainable. It contains not only stories and amusing anecdotes of the Orchestra over the years but photos and stories of Longwell Green village too.

If you play a musical instrument, (even if you have not played for some years), you will find a warm welcome in the congenial atmosphere of this orchestra.