As with most Lympstone groups, Lympstone Band has had its ups and downs, however, the situation of 1958 had proved critical.

The following report is taken from the Exmouth Journal of May 3 1958. “Last Post, sounded this week for the Lympstone Village Silver Band, which was flourishing a year ago when it gave concerts in Exmouth and other places, now has only two or three members.

“A winding-up meeting was held in the Church School on Thursday evening, when uniforms and instruments were handed in.

“The passing of the band was reported to the Parish Council on Monday, when tribute was paid to the memory of the late Mr George Norton, who had made the band one of his life interests .

“Mr Pidsley, chairman of the council said “his place will be hard to fill”. Dr Gordon Flint said the band had been “dying rapidly” and had now “died”.

“Some months ago, the numbers had been reduced to such the band was unable to go on, but decided to hold out in the hope that something would happen.

“Dr Flint pointed out that the council were trustees for the band and the uniforms and instruments were of considerable value.

“There was now no question of the band providing the storage of the instruments and the council would have to provide not only for that, but maintenance of the uniforms.

“There was �28 in the bank, but he didn’t know what was to happen to the money.

“Mr Crawshaw said he felt it would be wrong to sell the equipment quickly, while there was a possibility of someone coming along and making an effort to resuscitate the band.

“If the instruments were sold, they would have to start from rock bottom”. The council, after further discussion, decided not to sell for a couple of years”.

Today, the Lympstone South West Telecoms Band, based in the former Methodist Church in Lympstone, has gone on to achieve great things and is second to none (I may be a little biased there), but it’s a shame that, back in 1958, they didn’t know the band’s future was going to reach such heights.

The photo is of Furry Day 2002, with the band leading the dancers through the village.

? Lympstone History Society’s winter programme starts on Wednesday, October 19, with “A Trip Down Memory Lane” showing slides taken by Miss Ursula Perry, mainly in the 1980s, of Lympstone and its characters. This will be held in the Methodist Church, starting 7.30pm, admission �3.

Lympstone History society was formed in 2007 and aims to research and record Lympstone’s local and family histories for members and

the future. We have a programme of events throughout the year from winter talks to a summer visit. These events are open to members and non members

alike. Life membership is �10, with over 60s �5. Contact Angela Coles, chairman, at LympstoneHistorysociety@hotmail.co.uk